Sociable Farewell

A very large crowd of police officers, their wives, and invited guests honoured the retirements of Senior Sergeant Jack Lahmert and Constable Keith Pritchard at a very enjoyable dinner and dance arranged by the Police Social Club in the Archery Club Hall. Both men have contributed long service to the Police Department and were suitably honoured with one each of the new police plaques. Certificates Of Service, and personal gifts.

Senior Sergeant Lahmert has been with the department for nearly 38 years. He recruited in Dunedin, trained at Trentham, and then returned to Dunedin where he served for 19 years. After three years with the Tongan Police he returned to Auckland for 2½ years, after which he was posted to Gisborne as Offieer-in-Charge. Two years ago he took over the position as police prosecutor, the position from which he retired. Constable Pritchard is Gisborne born and bred but didn't join the police department until 1943. He was transferred to Auckland Central after joining here and also worked at Ellerslie, Devonport and the Auckland Wharf. He then spent seven years at Onehunga and after another year on police launch work he returned to Gisborne. He in turn served at Patutahi, and then Kaiti until that station closed down. Over recent years Constable Pritchard has been court orderly, the position from which he retired.

Superintendent J. McGuire, commander of the Gisborne Police District (who made the presentations), Senior Sergeant and Mrs Lahmert, and Constable and Mrs Pritchard.

Also present at the function were members of the Pritchard family, son Kevin (left) and his wife Juliann, and daughter Mrs Jill Dorward of Hastings. Among others present at the dinner were