Cf-jA R L&TQA/ >1 lengthy career closes She observes that at the time when Nethery served as Crown attorney, there were approximately two divorce sittings a year. Today, there are matrimonial sittings in almost every month of the year - an indication of the escalating divorce rate. The Crown's duties have changed over the years and now, many more statistical reports are required for submission to the Attorney General's office. In the early days of Charlton's career, most of the charges heard in court were of a less serious nature than in present times. Recently, two murder charges have been handled through the Crown's office. A former member of Picton town council, Charlton enjoys dealing with the public and says she has never regretted her choice of careers. "If you are going to be a secretary, I think being a legal secretary is the most interesting." As she prepares to retire next week she says the decision to leave her job was one of the most difficult she has ever made. "I was wondering how Mr. Sheehy would accept it and I am so happy today to say that we are still 'the best of friends, and what a great way to Wave. I know anytime I am fowntown and need to talk to the ^rown, I will always be able to get an appointment." Although she is reluctant to leave her post, Charlton looks forward to spending time at home, with her husband, Richard, and the couple's Golden Labrador Retriever, Maurice. She also expects to travel and to work in her garden, in her free time. A chance question from a customer decades ago when she was a young hardware store clerk started Margaret Charlton on a new career. Now she's calling it quits-after three decades at her desk as legal secretary. It was a period during which she served two Prince Edward County Crown attorneys. She expects to use free time in interests that include travel and gardening. (Staff photo) «