MR R. S. GALBRAITH’S RETIREMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 20 July 1929, Page 3

MR R. S. GALBRAITH’S RETIREMENT

AN OFFICIAL FAREWELL. LONG RECORD OF SERVICE. DTJaEDIN, July l.i. On the occasion of Jus retirement li'oni Oie- position of Commissioner 01 Crow'll ’Lands and ’Chief surveyor for Otago, after 46 years’ service in the .jjUuKts Department, Air R. S. Gaicbj’aitli was met by the members of the Land Board and the sratf of the Lands and Survey Department, and accorded an official farewell. 'Jhe Deputy-Com-missioner (Air John Macdonald) presided.

CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS

The 'Chairman said they had assembled that afternoon to bid an official farewell to.their esteemed friend, Air Galbraith, who had retired from his position after most conscientious service to liis department over the very long period of 46 years. Mr Galbraith had assumed control of the department’s activities in this district about six years ago and straight away gained the confidence and goodwill of His staff. The early favourable imperssion soon deepened into a feeling of sincere regard which, as time went on, ripened to the point almost of affection. His unfailing courtesy, kindly consideration, readiness to forgive, where possible, the little mistakes thin are made in a large office, together with his fairness and firmness, all combined to produce the feeling that it .was not only a privilege but an honour to serve under such a chief. The consequence was that he got the best it was possible to get from his staff. Whenever an animated discussion showed a difference of opinion at the board table from which a tense position might arise the kindly smile and the witty remark of Air Galbraith invariably restored the situation to one of reasonableness. Air Galbraith was a man of the highest principles, and of high ideals No one in that assembly had ever heard an angry expression escape his lips. ,No one had ever heard an unkind, harsh or disparaging word from him aoout any mortal. He was modest, gentle,, dignified and firm. He always considered, others before himself. They all felt 'a sinnere fegret at 'the severance of the official tie. Befbre he (the speaker) had made Air Galbraith’s • acquaintance a former associate of both on learning that Mr Galbraith was about to become their chief, remarked that they were coming under the control of one of nature’s gentlemen. He thought they might leave it at that.

Mr Macdonald then presented Mi' Galbraith with a beautiful chiming clock, suitably inscribed, and a solid silver cigarette, case bearing the recipient’s initials. The Board members and the staff also joined in complimentary references.

MR GALBRAITH’S REPLY. Air Galbraith, on rising to reply, was greeted with loud applause. It was, he said, almost exactly 46 years ago that he had joinfed the public service as a survey cadet. He was then a hwl, 16 years of age, just left school. He recalled the first pay he ever earned—£4 3s 4d as his month’s salary. He had, of course, hand’ed very many and larger sums per month since that time, but not one that gave him the tin-ill of pleasure of that cherished pay. So proud was he of himself, so reckless indeed, that he believed he ’spent the 3s 4d before bringing the £4 heme. He joined the Department in Auckland, where he spent the first 29 years of his official life, graduating from survey cadet to assistant surveyor, then to district surveyor, and later on to inspector of surveys. In 1912 lie went to Invercargill as chief draughtsman, and remained there five years, where he was promoted to a similar position in Wellington. Less than two years later he went to Hokitika as commissioner and chief surveyor. In July, 1922, he went back to Invercargill to take charge there, and in the years following he. came to Dunedin. He had had a very happy time in ilie department. For one thing he had always enjoyed excellent health, and could not recollect ever having to make application for .sick leave. Those in authority over him had always treated him witli great kindness. This encouraged him to do his very best, and when he came into a position of authority lie had endeavoured to treat his subordinates as lie had been treated hv his superior officers. The result, he was pleased to say, had been most satisfactory, for, whatever measure of success ho had achieved, a great deal of the credit was due to the loyal cooperation and splendid assistance of his subordinate officers. The early survey work had fascinated him. He felt there was something really good in measuring, plotting, and mapping land that would become.the homes of future settlers!.' The administrative work had always interested him, for lie recognised the groat importance to the State and to the people of the future that was involved in the proper administration of the Lands Department. He had seen the struggles of the settlers, and he felt it to-be his plain dntv to help them as much as he could within the limits of his powers and with due regard to the interests of the general taxpayer. To the members of the Land Board lie extended his grateful thanks for their loyal co-op-eration and free expression of individual opinion. He valued their opinions very highly, and trusted he had been

as ready to consider them as they had been to consider the official viewpoint as put forward by himself. About eigtli months ago lie had received unofficial word of his impending retirement. At first it gave him something of a jolt v but be soon got over that, and began to look forward to the time of bis :co I ease from office. He appreciated tile kind offer made to him, but lelt that lie could not accept it. He agreed wi h the 40-60 principal laid down by the Public service and 60 years of age. He had exceeded both—one by six years, the other by two years, h lien he was in the field, the surveyors, although far apart, used to foregather occasionally, and when separating used to give a. toast couched in the beautiful words of flic l Maori language. He would conclude by giving them a free translation—“ Very good health and great kindness to each of you for ever.” The proceedings terminated with the singing of “For lie’s a jolly good follow.”