VALEDICTORY

Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1930, Page 3

VALEDICTORY

MR T. R. SAYWELL.

Mr T. Tt. Saywell, District Public Trustee for the Greymouth District is retiring on superannuation after a service of 35 years in the Public Trust Office. Mr Saywell is a native of Nelson and a Nelson College Old Boy, being a vice president of the Nelson College Old Boys’ Association. Shortly alter leaving College he joined the teaching profession and was appointed first Assistant Master at the Thorndon School, Wellington. He joined the

Public Trust Office in 1895 and was

District Manager in Wanganui for 12 years, Assistant District Public Trustee in Dunedin for one year and has occupied his present position since 1920. He has also been Supervisor and Chairman of the District Rural Intermediate Credit Board since its inception.

On Monday evening says the Grey “Star”, Mr Saywell was met by the Office staff and presented with a suit case and attache case as a mark of the esteem in which he was held.

Mr. A. Bell, District Public Trustee said he had to thank Mr Saywell for hie? Inn Vila nßKistnnpA in int.mrl iirinor

him to all phases of the work as well as to the general public. The Office regretted losing the services of Mr Say well and had recognised the value of them in a tangible way by granting him six month’s’ leave on full pay which is double the usual allowance. He hoped Mr Saywell would live many years to enjoy the rest which he had so well earned during his long service. A civil* servant usually looked forward to his retirement, but he supposed that, when the time arrived, as it had for Mr Saywell, it was with regret that the ties formed during the period of service were severed. In conclusion Mr Bell said he hoped he would do nothing to lower the high standard set by Mr Saywell. Mr Carmine, District Accountant, on behalf of the members of the staff, thanked Mr Saywell for the assistance he had rendered them at all times in the performance of their duties. He had personally derived great benefit from his association with Mr Saywel who was a shining example to them all. His keen sense of justice, his punctuality and his devotion to his work were qualities all should emulate. Mr Saywell preached by his example, and his life was a model one to follow. They all felt they were losing a good chief and a good friend and they were all sorry he was retiring. However, they were pleased that lie was leaving in full possession of his mental 'and physical faculties and hoped that lie has many years of useful work ahead of him. They trust: ed he would now be able to devote himself to activities he was debarred froip during his official career. He had endeared himself to many of the office clients as well as the general puMe and .was always anxious .to help. or advise anyone who called -on him He had broad views on life and this helped him to see both sides to every problem and to be absolutely impartial. He was in every sense a gentleman with whom it was a pleasure to work. On behal'ff of the staff he had much pleasure in presenting Mr Saywell with a memento which he hoped would prove useful to him. He was pleased Mr Saywell intended to reside on the Coast and he wished both Mr and Mrs Saywell many happy and prosperous years together. Mr Saywell replying said he had occupied his present position for over teii years, and it was difficult for him to express his feelings under the circumstances. He paid a tribute to the loyalty and co-operation of the staff, two members of which, Miss Troy, and Mr Carmine, had been with him for ten years and nine years respectively. He had to thank the Public Trustee, Mr J. W. MacDonald, and the Head Office staff for their assistance and consideration which helped to lighten the load on his shoulders. He had had the'satisfaction of seeing the business grow until to-day it had more than doubled itself. That showed that the general public had also appreciated his efforts and those oT the staff, and it was the mixed feelings that he was leaving; first of pleasure that results proved he had been successful in his official life and secondly of regret at leaving, the office, a capable and efficient staff with whom it was a pleasure to work, and also the large number of office clients with whom he had been in contact and to whom he was bidding farewell as far as his official capacity was concerned. He thanked the staff for the kindness shown tp him and hoped they would all make rapid progress in their work. He was very pleased with their useful present which he accepted as a token of their esteem and regard and which he hoped to put to good use. He intended residing on the Coast for some time, but wherever he went, he would never forget the kindness and consideration shown to him during his official life by the staff, the office clients and the general public.