Awards and Presentations at Waihi

Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 32, September 1988

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Waihi's Mayor, Mr. Owen Morgan, received, two awards for outstanding service and contribution to the community at separate ceremonies late in 1987.

The first was a Paul Harris Fellowship - the highest award that can be given to members of the Rotary movement. Paul Harris was the founder of the Rotary Organisation and a local Rotarian, Mr. Fred Saunders, said that the honour had only been bestowed once before on a Waihi Rotary Club member.

Mr. Morgan was a Charter member of the club and had been associated with it for about 14 years with only a small break to dedicate to his family.

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The other presentation was an award from the Waihi Borough Council for his 30 years of service.

In making the presentation of a pair of cuff-links, Deputy Mayor, Mr. Ken Watters, said that Waihi was fortunate in having a man who had such an interest in people and the community. Mr. Morgan had joined the council in 1950 and was now in his fourth term as Mayor of the Borough, with only two short breaks.

In replying to the unexpected presentation, Mr. Morgan paid tribute to his wife, Rosemary, stating that he could not have achieved the 30 years service without her.

His two short absences from the council had been due to family commitments.

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The N.Z. Red Cross Society's badge for outstanding service was awarded to Mrs. Jocelyn Wilson late in 1987 and was presented to her by the Mayor of Waihi, Mr. Owen Morgan.

Mrs. Wilson's involvement in Red Cross covered 35 years and she was chief organiser for the Meals on Wheels service for 25 years including two years of recess. She was largely responsible for bringing the branch out of recess and maintaining the present programme, becoming president in 1982.