VALEDICTORY

Hokitika Guardian, 1 April 1930, Page 4

VALEDICTORY

AIR AV. T. MORPETH fade welled.

The staff of .the Lands and Survey Department and other officers connected with the Government Buildings at Hokitika met last evening to bid farewell to Mr W. T. Morpeth, Commissioner of Crown Lands and Chief Surveyor for Westland, on the eve of his retirement from the Department after a creditable record of over 44 years service.

Mr T. Cagney (Chief Draughtsman) made a presentation of a set of entree dishes on behalf of those present and in doing so referred to the amicable relations that had always existed between Air Alorpotli and the staff during his seven and a half years stay in Hokitika, and also to his work-in land settlement and roading, in Westland and particularly in the southern portion of the district. Reference was feelingly made to the tragedy that caused the loss of a son, which had probably caused an earlier retirement than otherwise would have been the case. He wished Airs Alorpeth a speedy return to good health and to both were extended best wishes for their future in their new home in New Plymouth. Air C. S. Neville (Inspector of Stock) ou behalf of the other Departments expressed his appreciation of the courtesy extended by Air Alorpetk to the officers of the other Government Departments and congratulated Mr Morpeth on his retirement while still comparatively young and wished Air and Airs Morpeth many happy years in retirement. AT.r Morpeth feelingly replied thanking the officers for their hearty cooperation in the work of the office. Ho felt he was leaving quite a family of friends. He also related some of his early experiences with, the Department, and concluded by thanking them for their present which he would always treasure, and for their very kindly references to Mrs Alorpetii and himself which lie deeply appreciated.

' In connection with the. retirement | of Mr \V. T. 'Morpeth, Commissioner I of Crown Lands, Mr J. Tb Thompson, I Tudor Secretary of Lands, forwarded J the following telegram to Air Morpeth ' yesterday: — j * “On the occasion of your severing J your connection with the Department on well earned superannuation, I desire to convey to von the regards of j myself and the Head Office staff, and appreciation of the long and faithful 1 service which you have given to the I Department.”