FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1650, 6 January 1914, Page 6

FOR FAITHFUL SERVICE

» MR. LOMAS ENTERTAINED. "work of the labour department. Mr. John Lomas, who is retiring on superannuation from the position of Secretary for Labour, ivas entertained by tho Head Office of tho Labour Department at Godber's Rooms, Cuba Street, yesterday afternoon, when tho opportunity wns taken to make a presentation to Mr. and Mrs. Lomas from the members of tho Labour Department.

Tho Hon. H.. I).' Bell presided in tho absence of tho Minister of Labour (the Hon. W. F. Massey). It was almost hoped, he said, that Mr. Massoy would have been present, but ho had not sufficiently recovered to be out. Ho had, however, sent a letter on behalf of the Government, expressing appreciation of the valuable services rendered by Mr. Lomas. Their official relations during the past two years had been of a gratifying nature, and tho Prime Minister was pleased to observe the good work done by Mr. Lomas as permanent head of the Department. Ho regretted that through indisposition he could not attend the Gathering, but hoped Mr. Lomas would be long spared to enjoy a well-earned rest. (Applause.) Continuing, Mr. Bell said it was difficult i'or him to express appreciation of a Department officer on the spur of the moment. Tlio Government could only judge such a Department as was presided over by Mr. Lomas by the result. Tlio Department started some 22. or 23 years ago with one or two employees? of whom Mr. Trcgear was the first, and Mr. Lomas joined soon after. It had grown till now there were over 200 employees. It was started by way of an experiment, and. ho thought Mr. Lomas would have no regret in tlio future when ho looked back on his long years of public service, and remembered it was all spent in the Department of Labour. It was not the privilege of many members to live and grow in one branch of the Public Service. They were all sorry to loso Mr. Lomas. They would remember that the present Government had had more to do with Mr. Lomas than any other, because during their term Mr. Lomas had been head of the Department. If they remembered how .little the Parliamentary head of the Department had to do with the administration, and how practically all details vrcsted with the official head of tho Department,' they would understand, how much moro was tho Governmentof the country due to tho diligence and care of Public Servants than to those nominally at the head. Fortunately men liko Mr. Lomas learnt to keep their temper, learnt patience, and eventually learnt to get their own way, and he (the sneaker) thought this a good thing fo/the country, for it meant continuity of Government. Otherwise the changing Governments would mean a break in tho continuity of the Government of tho country, and this would not be for tho country's good. Continuing, Mr. Bell said ho know a great deal of the details of the Department of which Mr. Lomas had been the head, but he knew it must bo extremely difficult to, keep tho peace so judiciously as the Labour Department had done, for on one side, he would not say which, they were brought into touch with a good few troublesome persons., Mr. Lomas had worthily uphold tho position of a public servant, and on behalf of the Government he wished to extend to Mr. Lomas and his wife tho hope that for many years to come they would live to enjoy their rest, and that Mr. Lomas would long look back with pride and pleasure upon an honourable'public service. (Applause.)

Mr. Bell, on behalf of the Minister of Labour,, and the members of tho Labour Department, • then made the presentation to Mr. and Mrs. Lomas of.a roll-top desk, and two Morris chairs." Mr. F. W. Rowley, who succeeds Mr. Lomas, had great pleasure in seconding tho expression of sympathy shown by tho presentation. He hoped the presentation would long serve to remind the recipients of years of valuable work.

Mr. E. Trcgcaj said Mr. Lomas must look back' with pleasure on his career. He (the speaker), as former head of the Department, _ had long watched Mr. Lqmas's work, and no man had had a more faithful servant. "When Mr. Lom'as retired, ho left surrounded with all tho love and pride that could be expressed from any Department. Ho hoped the days of his summer would be as bright as ho deserved, and no man deserved a brighter retirement. - While saying good-bye to those leaving, they should also extend a wolcome to those succeeding to tho work. They wished Mr. and Mrs. Rowley long life "and prosperity. Those who had Iwon at the head of tho Department liked to know that .'they were not being' replaced by strangers. It was a great pleasure to him to say "God speed" to Mr. Lomas, and to welcome Mr. Rowlev. ' • '

In reply, Mr. Lomas thanked the Hon. Minister for tho kind words uttered by him, and for tho message from tho Prime Minister. He thanked all others for their kind expression of sympathy, and for their kindness to him and Mrs. Lomas, not only on this, but on every occasion. • Ho welcomed Mr. Rowley to the position. He did not think there was a more capabls or worthy officer in the Department. Ho also congratulated Mr. Hagger on his promotion, and thanked Mr. Tregcnr, Ins past chief, and all members of the Department,.'for the many kindnesses expressed to him.