TRIBUTE PAID

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 53, Issue 32420, 19 April 1944, Page 5

TRIBUTE PAID

LATE MR F. H. CLAXTON VALLEY POWER BOARD EARLY DEVELOPMENT DAYS A tribute to the late Mr F. H. Claxton of Thames, a former chairman of the Thames Valley Electric Power Board' was paid at the last meeting of the board members expressing sympathy with the relatives in their loss and admiration of Mr Claxton’s administrative ability. The chairman, Mr J. Price, said that the late Mr Claxton had been the second chairman of the Thames Valley Electric Powei* Board and had been associated with the board for a lengthy term. Unfortunately, of recent months his health had been anything but good. In the early days of the development of the board, Mr Claxton had guided affairs with great ability. He expressed deepest sympathy with the relatives in their loss.

Mr J. H. Pohlen said that he had been associated with the late Mr Claxton on the board for a considerable period. Mr Claxton had been a man appreciated by all who sat with him on the board. He had been a man with a fine personality and had had a great grasp of the board’s business

Mr W. C. Kennedy endorsed the remarks of the previous speaker, adding that Mr Claxton had rendered wonderful public service during his lifetime.

Mr H. R. Bush also expressed sympathy with the relatives in their loss. Mr Claxton, he said, had proved to

be an excellent man in public affairs, associating himself with all public matters worthwhile.

Mr H. M. Corbett said he had also been associated with Mr Claxton on the board. In his opinion the present sound* position of the board was largely due to the capable guidance given the board by Mr Claxton in its early days. The chief engineer, Mr >N. G. McLeod, endorsed the remarks of the previous speakers, saying that he had been closely associated with Mr Claxton in the development of the board. No man could have done more for the board. Mr P. R. Hawke associated himself with the remarks of the other speakers. Mr Claxton had, he agreed, been a very capable chairman. The manager, Mr R. Sprague, spoke on behalf of the staff, expressing their deepest sympathy with the relatives in their loss. He spoke of the assistance Mr Claxton had given to the board in its early life, especially in financial matters. He referred to the fine character of Mr Claxton and the pleasant manner he had when dealing with all the staff. Mr J. F. Mayn also paid a high tribute to the late Mr Claxton. He referred to the ability displayed by Mr Claxton in the initial stages and development of the board.

The meeting stood in silence as a mark of respect.