MR. G. ALLPORT'S RETIREMENT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 233, 26 June 1919, Page 3

MR. G. ALLPORT'S RETIREMENT

A SERVICE TRIBUTE. The impending retirement of Mr. George Allport, president of tho Public Service Association, is widely .regretted, and the association's journal publishes a neat tribute from the Olago section. The writer says;—

So frequently it happens that succom is accompanied by loss, and at the moment when it would appear the endeavours of tho association .will result in better all-round conditions, the resignation of' Air. Allport is heralded. Doiibtiless in a short timo a formal farewell will eventuate in Wellington, and thesenior vice-president will offer remarks on behalf of the l'ublic Servants throughout New Zealand, but apart from this wo in O.tago offer our own farewell. Those of us who have niet Mr. Allport at conferences and elsewhero have already' spoken of his tact, and courtesy, but other qualities than these have been' evident. He lias been dauntless in Die face of apparent injustice, defiant when lesser men would have crumpled up, and at all times as loyal to the Service as a. chieftnin to hie clan. Wo have, hwi some members drop the association when they reach power in the Service, .'and if this is the prevailing sin in our ranks, then our president has como through with clean hands. If others have dropped ne when remaining seemed dangerous, Mr. Allport is not to bo counted lu their number. Of this we are convinced that what he has put into the association compared with what he has taken out, is as a huge mountain to a tiny ant-hill. Eegret his departure though wo may, our united wish is for his future prosperity. Longfellow's words in hie beautiful poem "Autumn" are recalled: Olty what a glory doth this world put on, Tor him who, with a fervent heart, goes forth, Under, the bright and glorious sky, and looks On duties well performed and days well spent.