Guard escorts 82-year-old from Age Concern meeting

An 82-year-old World War 2 veteran was escorted from an Age Concern meeting by a security guard following a dispute over the sacking of a field officer.

Ian Thompson, who walks with the aid of a stick, was escorted out of the meeting by the guard after he began questioning the sacking of Terry Farrell, the Marlborough Express reported.

Mr Thompson said he was resigning from the organisation to protest at the dismissal of Mr Farrell, but laughed off the incident afterwards.

"It's the first time in my life I've been escorted from a meeting," Mr Thompson - who had been questioning chairman Geoff Powell - said. "Sorry, but I just had to laugh. It was funny because it was so over the top."

Mr Farrell, 59, received a letter last Friday terminating his $800 a month job as field officer after six years.

Mr Farrell said was concerned at the treatment of Mr Thompson at the meeting this week as he was an "honest, straight-up guy".

He plans to take his dismissal to the Employment Court.

- NZPA