A POPULAR OFFICER

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 208, 28 May 1921, Page 8

A POPULAR OFFICER

SAYS GOOD-BYE TO HIS STAFF

MR. A. J. C; TALBOT RECEIVES PRESENTATION

Mora than two hundred telegraph officers assembled in the operating room of the Chief Telegraph Office yesterday to hid farewell to Mr. A. J. Talbot, who is retiring on superannuation from the post of Superintendent of Telegraphs, Wellington. In presenting Mr. Talbot with n purse of sovereigns, subscribed by the staff, Mr. H. I. Bonnett, senior supervisor, said: “Tho gathering horo to-day ie a memorable one, for wo have met to bid you good-byo and God-speed. It was felt that wo could not let you, go without making it clear how very much we have appreciated all you have done for us during tho timo you have been stationed at Wellington as superintendent. AVo fully realise that you have ever been ready to help us out ox a difficulty, always . willing to assist an officer _ in trouble, and at all times keenly solicitous for tho welfare of your staff. I can say without fear of contradiction that there is no telegraph staff throughout New Zealand to-day more contented with its working conditions than that ox the Chief Telegraph Office, Wellington. Tho harmonious relationship which exists among all ranks speaks eloquently of your many good qualities. For forty years you have served tho Department faithfully and well. Ao an operator, it is a. recognised fact you had few equals, proving vourself one of the very best ■all-round' officers in the service. As an executive and finally a controlling officer you havo proved yourself no less worthy. "Speaking from' a selfish point of view, T am extremely sorry that you are leaving the service. I have had the honour observing under you for six years, and I can conscientiously say I have never worked under a better ox- more capable controlling officer. In conclusion, I desire to hand you this purse of sovereigns on behalf of all present. and—l may also sav—on behalf of others who are not present, but who have at one time served under vou, and have voluntarily sent along their portion. _ We trust that when you and your family have finally settled down to what we sincerely hope will prove to be many years of health and happiness, the contents of this purse will provide a. memento which will tend to remind you of the good fellowship and high esteem you have engendered during the forty years you have passed in the telegraph service.” Mr. Coira testified to the cordial relations which had always existed between ■ Mr. Talbot and ths staff. Tho staff, he said, had recognised that Mr. Talbot, was always ready to hear any grievance, or fancied grievance, that it might have. Mr Talbot had done all in his power to improve the working conditions, and had at heart the interests of those under film The staff regretted that Mr. lalhot was going, and it wished him every D. 0. Bates. Government Meteorologist, as one who had had much to do with Mr. Talhot and his Department, said that he was pleased to have tho opportunity of saying how willing Mr. Talbot had always bean to render assistance of any kind. He was sorry that Mr. Talbot, would no longer bo attached to tho service, and he trusted that the retiring superintendent had -long and happy years before him. ■ -Mr. Talbot thanked the speakers for what they had said. They had attributed to'him many good T lali^ es ’ said and while he did not think that he had merited all the compliments, lie 1-iiew that he had always done his best. .Hi- motto had been that a contented staff wa«t conducive ix> good work m tho office He would fool very keenly the change that he was making, and ho would miss manv familiar faces. Some of his friends had expressed surprise at his determination to retire, but he had always intended to leave the service after forty vea-s in it so that voungor officers might have an opportunity of occupying higher positions. It was owing to the cheerful co-operation of the staff and the executive Hint he had been able to run things smoothly. Without the assistance given him, smooth running would not have .been possible. He bode all present good- ' bye. and thanked them most heartily for their gift. Cheers? were given for Mr. Talbot ana his family.