VALEDICTORY FUNCTION

Chronicle (Levin), 9 October 1947, Page 6

VALEDICTORY FUNCTION

mr. g. w. wilson honoured A large and representative gathering was held in the Council Chambers on Tuesday evening to "hiri farPTOPll tn Mr. G. W. Wilson,

district nianager of the Public Trust Office, Levin, for the #ast 22 years, who has been transferred to Christchurch. The Mayor, Mr. H. B. Burdekm, presided and in opening the proceedings said that a very wide circle in the community was represented by those present, despite the fact that it had been found difficult to arrange the function otherwise than at an inconvenient hour. The large attendance and numerous apologies tended to indicate the goodwill felt for Mr. Wilson and the gratiflcation felt in his promotion. He was aware of the standing Mr. Wilson had gained in the community, and felt it was right that the opportunity should be taken to express good wishes to him and his family for their future in Christchurch. Mr. F. H. Hudson tspoke of the long and worthy service Mr. Wilson had perf ormed .as district manager of the Public Trust Office almost since its inception in Levin. He' had earned for himself the reputation of being a very conscientious and thorough officer, and having regard to the nature of his duties had dealt with the matters entrusted to the Public Trust Office in a manner which had given confidence to its clients. The office 'had grown from very small beginnings to become orie of the most important institutions in the town. In the knowledge of the speaker, Mr. Wilson had rendered very capable service during the period when the Home Guard had been in operation, and had displayed a degree of capability which had reflected considerable credit on him. He would carry with him the esteem and good wishes of a wide . circle of friends and associates. Speaking on behalf of the farming community, Messrs. H. Denton and A. M. Colquhoun endorsed the good wishes already expressed. Professor P. P. Wilson referred to the good qualities of Mr. Wilson as a neighbour and friend, and expressed the opinion that in his removal to Christchurch both Mr. Wilson and his family would find advantages which would be helpful to them in many ways. Representing the legal fraternity, Mr. J. Todd said that their relationships with the Public Trust nffir.p had been most cordial. Mr.

Wilson had been helpful and C9- I operative and this had helped in j facilitating the work of the pro- 1 fession. j Mr. J. H. Mungavin, speaking for , the stock firms and particularly in his capacity as a property valuer, commended Mr. Wilson on the steadfast regard he had shown for j the estates entrusted to his care, | this having always been foremost 1 in his considerations. j Although only a recent arrival in | the town, the postmaster, Mr. L. A. j Whitham said ' he wished to acknowledge the co-operation and assistance- which had been features of Mr. Wilson's relationships with his department. The Mayor then called 011 Mr. Wilson to accept a cheque from members of the' gathering and those unable to be present as a token of their esteem. Mr. Wilson, on rising to acknowl-

edge the good wishes and kindly gift, said that on the one hand he found it a pleasant experience to be associated with such a large and friendly gathering, but on the othei his roots, in a residential sense, had grown so deep in the life of the .community that he had a considerable sense of regret in leaving the surroundings in which he had learnt to esteem himself foTtunate to have been placed. During the long period of his residence he had observed Levin grow steadily to a very attractive town, and in this respect he recognised the very wise i administration of those " charged ! with its affairs throughout the ; years. While he was moving to ! Christchurch, he would nevertheUess regard Levin in the nature of his home town and hoped some day ! to be fortunate enough to return as | a citizen.