FARMERS’ CO-OP. SOCIETY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 15 January 1926, Page 5

FARMERS’ CO-OP. SOCIETY.

' SOCIAL AND PRESENTATION. MR. A. K. FYSON HONOURED. There was a large gathering last evening of the staff and directors of the Farmers’ Co-op. Society at a complimentary social tendered by the staff to Air. A. K. Fyson, who is relinquishing the position of Hawera manager to take up the duties, previously carried out by Mr. T. J. Salmon, as secretary of the Molls, Meremere, Melrose, and Araratn dairy factory companies. Mr. Fyson was also made a presentation by tlie staff. Mr. Alex Hunter (chairman of directors) presided. Air. Fyson’s record is that ho ..joined the staff in .1918, v-as appointed subaccountant in 1919, accountant in 1920, internal auditor in 1921, and Hawera manager in 1924. The speeches made by the chairman and other directors, general manager and various members of the staff amply testified to the fact that Air. Fyson had been a valued member of the* staff and had rendered conscientious and capable service in each of the important positions he had held. Emphasis was made and gratification expressed upon the point that Air. Fyson, in taking up his new duties, w-as still maintaining his connection with co-operative effort, and that he would remain a neighbour of and always be regarded, as a friend by those who had been associated with him in the service of the Farmers ’ Co-op.

The toast list was a long one whieh, with an excellent musical and elocutionary programme and the social spirit in evidence, led to the proceedings being extended to a late hour.

The toast of the guest of the evening was proposed by the chairman, who was supported in liis complimentary references to Air. Fyson by the general manager (Air. AY. A*. Hewitt), Messrs. J. G. Nichol (Stratford manager). Adlain (Waver ley manager), Barnard (Eltham), Charters (Kaponga), Parfftt (Inglewood), C. Ferguson (manager motor department) and F. E. Clarke (accountant), while in the course of remarks connected with other toasts Afiss Corry (head office) and Alessrs. W. F. Belton and Elias. Dickie (directors) and Air. C. G. Trotter (assistant general, manager) took opportunity to refer to the good services rendered the society by Air. Fyson, his helpfulness towards other members of the staff, and the general esteem in whieh he was Judd by all doing business with the society. ' All the speakers congratulated Mr. Fyson upon the important position lie had been selected to fill, and wished him every success in the future. A handsome silver entree dish Was handed Mr. Fyson' by Air. L. Church, junior member of the staff, and his health was drunk with enthusiasm.

In his reply, Air. Fyson expressed his sincere thanks to all who had attended to give him such a splendid send off and for the many kind remarks made regarding himself. He also had to thank the staff for the very handsome present, though such was not required to remind him of his friends in the society and happy times he had spent while in the service. He took opportunity as one who had heen associated more closely with the directors than the great majority .of the staff, to assure the staff that the board was sympathetic in its attitude to the staff and had every inclination to treat it as generously as circumstances would allow. In common with some other of the speakers, he spoke of the anxieties attached to the troublous years which had been weathered, and prophesied that by a maintenance of the spirit of loyalty, there would be better times and continued progress for 'the society in the future.

Further items on the toast list were “The King,’’ proposed by- the chairman; “Farmers’ Co-op. Society,” proposed by Mr. Hewitt (general manager) and responded to by Air. AY F. Belton (director); “The Directors,” proposed by Air. Trotter and responded to by Air. Cltas. Dickie; “The Ladies,” proposed by Mr. F. J. AlcCalman and responded to by Aliss Corry; “The Press, proposed by Air. Noel Lewis and responded to by Mr. Bond; “The Performers,” proposed by the chairman and responded to by Air. Nicholson; “The Caterer,” proposed by Mr. Dickie and responded to by Mr Ollerenshaw: a.id “The Chairman,” proposed by Mr. Clarke.

A very happy gathering broke up at lafter singing '“Auld Lang Syne.”