SANITARY INSTRUCTOR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 December 1939, Page 9

SANITARY INSTRUCTOR

* MR RUSSELL’S RETIREMENT. SOCIAL IN HIS HONOUR. A most enjoyable time was spent in the Foresters' Hall last night when the plumbers of Masterton tendered Mr T. ■ A. Russell, Borough health inspector i and recehtly instructor at the Waira- : rapa College, a social, Mr Russell having relinquished the latter position. An energetic committee had the arrangements in hand, and were chiefly responsible for the success of the gathering. Prior to the commencement of the proceedings-, and at the request of Mr H. Joyce, those present stood in silence for a minute as a mark of respect to the late Mr D. A. Pickering, formerlyi Masterton’s oldest plumber. Mr F. Pickering, who presided, spoke in glowing terms of the outstanding services rendered to the community by Mr Russell, in his capacity as plumbing and sanitation instructor at the Wairarapa College, and formerly at the Masterton Technical School. Prior tc the arrival, some 19 years ago, of Mr Russell there were a large number of unqualified men in Masterton. At the present time there was one. Among the apologies read by the chairman were the following from old pupils: Messrs J. W. Swinn, Inspector of Health, Pahiatua; W. L. Olliver (Taumarunui); D. Hopkins (Hamilton); T. McCord (Tauranga); and J. and S. Stalker (Hutt). The chairman referred in feeling terms to the absence, through illness of the organiser of the social, Mr W. Harrington. It was decided that a letter of sympathy be sent to Mr Harrington. Speaking on behalf of the Masterton Plumbers, Mr* F. Petersen made mention of the excellent manner in which Mr Russel] had carried out his duties. He had filled the position as instructor with distinction. Mr Russell had sent out 40 registered men, 7 master plumbers and 5 inspectors—an achievement which spoke for itself. The next'instructor would have something to live up to. He had much pleasure on behalf of those present in handing to Mr Russell an illuminated address, beautifully flamed, and to Mrs Russell a handsome Westminster chiming clock. In acknowledging the presentations, Mr Russell gave a most interesting survey of plumbing from 300 B.C. to the present day. He also stated that he was fortunate in having the right material to work on. On behalf of Mrs Russell and himself he expressed thanks for the kindly remarks made and for the beautiful gifts. Mr R. Nutall, secretary of the Masterton Plumbers’ Union, and a member of the Apprenticeship Committee, expressed the appreciation of the journeymen of the high standard Mr Russell had set. Mr S. Dean, also spoke on behalf of the apprenticed plumbers. Messrs Trueman (Health Inspector), J. McGregor (Borough Traffic and Sanitary Inspector), A. J. Drew, H. H. Hollow (Instructors Wairarapa College), and H. Norman, all spoke of the esteem in which Mr Russell was held in Masterton and outside centres.

A much appreciated musical programme was provided as follows:— Vocal solos, Messrs O .Hemingsen, A. j. Drew, W. Ball, Pat Hancock; harmonic solo, Mr F. H. McNab. Mr C. Mills presided at the piano. The singing of Auld Lang Syne brought a very happy gathering to a close.