P. & T. ASSOCIATION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 June 1940, Page 7

P. & T. ASSOCIATION

WAIRARAPA SECTION JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS. HELD IN MASTERTON LAST NIGHT. The annual re-union and golden jubilee of the Wairarapa section of the New Zealand P. and T. Employees’ Association was held in the Social Hall. Municipal Buildings, last night. The function took the form of a social evening for members and their wives and friends. Tn the absence of the chairman (Mr S. Moore), Mr J. G. Blake presided over a large attendance. Apologies for absence were received from the Prime Minister, Mr P. Fraser, the Postmaster-General. the Hon P. C. Webb, the Director-General. Mr T. G. Young. Mr A. P. Bennett (an old mem ber), Mr C. B. Bauckham (a retired Postmaster), the Mayor, Mr T. Jordan, the Dominion president of the P. and T Employees’ Association, Mr C. Falconer, A. Kilgour, and W. H. King (Masterton, absent on leave). Among those present were Messrs J. Robertson, B. Roberts, M.’sP., P. N. Cryer (representing the Director-Gen-eral, Wellington), M. M. W. Cummins (servicemen's representative on the P. and T. Promotions’ Board, Wellington). M. M. Simpson (Postmaster, Masterton), and Mesdames Robertson and Simpson. The following toast list was honoured: “The King"—Mr J. G. Blake; “The Association and old members” (Mr M. M. Simpson—Mr M. M. W. Cummins)' “The P. and T. Department” (Mr W White—Mr P. N. Cryer); “Parliament” (Mr G. R. Sykes—Messrs J. Robertson and B. Roberts); “The Ladies” (Mr A. Wiltshire—Mr I. I. McGregor).

In proposing the toast of the P. and T. Association and its old members, Mi Simpson stated that he had been t member of the Association since 1900. Referring to the jubilee, he said tha, 50 years was a long time in anticipation but was not so long in retrospect. The association had a membership of over 10,000. Mr Simpson paid a tribute to the foundation members of the association, whom, he stated, had done wonderful work for the benefit of their associates.

“The association, with its social activities, a death benefit fund, a monthly publication and an investment society and the facilities it affords for the exchange of views and ideas on matters of common interest to officers of the Department has built up an impressive record,” stated Mr Simpson. Referring to the merger of the Senior Officers' Guild with the association, Mr Simpson stated that the position was a source of satisfaction. The negotiations had been handled in an amicable and satisfactory way, resulting in the merger at such an opportune time as the celebration of the association’s jubilee. Mr Cummins, in reply, detailed the celebrations being held throughout the Dominion this week, and made the presentation of a jubilee medal to the deputy-chairman, who accepted it on behalf of the chairman. The deputy-Mayor, Mr W. White made reference to the courtesy and consideration shown by officers in their various capacities. “One thousand and eighty-five on the staff had enlisted to date,” stated Mr Cryer. Of these 332 were overseas, 121 in camp, 231 were waiting to be called up, 126 were in the Air Force, 62 were in the Navy, and 50 were on home defence. The enlistments represented ten per cent of the peace time staff. In addition 400 men would be released tc enter the Territorial camps. Mr Cryer stated that the Department was doing its best to fill the vacancies with women. The P. and T. Employees had contributed between £5.000 and £6.000 to the Post Office Patriotic Fund. Dealing with the services of the Department, Mr Cryer stated that 661 tons of mail had been sent from New Zealand to the troops overseas since January The average was now 7.1 tons of mail a week, representing about 20,000 letters. 30,000 papers and 2,000 parcels. Mr Sykes urged his listeners to take no heed of “Dame Rumour,” which, he stated, was so busy at the present time He considered that scaremongers should be punished. “The P. and T. organisation is a service and that ideal of service permeates the department from top to bottom, stated Mr Robertson. “I am glad to say that ninety-five per cent of the business discussed at the secret session could have been discussed in open session and broadcast,” observed Mr Robertson. The speaker described how the former Postmaster and nov Minister of Defence. Mr F. Jones, was cheered after reading a statement fol 21 hours on the development of the defences. “It would have made all prouc who could have heard it, added M' Robertson. “Dame Rumour has twe sides, the other which lulls people intc a false sense of security. When we aretold 'don't worry’ all -the time, remember that wc are facing the gravest peri. 1 we have ever faced, but we are •' people who can stand the truth and stand up to it.” In commenting on tin defences of New Zealand, Mr Robeitson stated that the Dominion would finish a year ahead of any other par of the Empire in the Empire Air train-, ing scheme. t Mr Ben Robert endorsed Mr Robertson’s remarks. . Following the re-union an enjoyable dance was held, the music being supplied by Jack Barnes's Rhythm Boys. Messrs Pickering and Burke were M.’sC.