A POPULAR TOWNSMAN

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLIV, Issue 10066, 12 March 1924, Page 6

A POPULAR TOWNSMAN

MR W. C. BRYDON HONOURED.

Mr W. C. Brydon, who is shortly to leave Ashburton to' take up the position of manager of the Christchurch branch of the National Mortgage and Agency Company, was given a very enthusiastic send-off last night. -"The supper room of the Theatre Royal, in wmch the function was held, was occupied by t two well-laid tables and about i3O people, many of whom journeyed from a distance. .Mr F. W ; Seldon occupied the chair, in the absence of the Mayor (Mr It. Galbraith). Mr Brydon has been manager of the Ashburton branch of the National Mortgage for the past years. The function took the form of a smoke concert, and various toasts were honoured. The chairman, during the course oi the proceedings, spoke of the business integrity of the guest of the evening. He had worked hard in his capacity of manager of the local branch, and had been able to give little time to publicaffairs. However, he had g proved himself a friend to all. The chairman voiced the regret of the residents of the county at losing one whom they could ill-afford to spare, and on their behalf asked Mr Brydon to accept the present of a set of crockeryware for himself', Mrs Brydon, and family. V Other speakers also testified to Mr Brydcu’s good qualities. Mr T. E. Upton dwelt upon the tactful nature of the guest of the evening. He had come shortly after the beginning ol the slump, and had had his hands full to cope with the increased work. He had always done his business in a manner fair to both the firm and clients. That Mr Brydon was leaving to better himself was the cheerful reflection of Mr J. M. Hampton (Kinds), who wished him and family every success. • Mr T. H. Hunter, of the New Zealand Fanners’ Co-operative voiced the sorrow that a great number of friends felt at the guest’s departure. T-lis dealings with other auctioneering firms had been fair and above board. The Greenstrect farmers’ point of view was dwelt upon by Mr F. J. Evans, who complimented Mr Brydon on the business sagacity he had displayed in keeping the spending powers of his '■•Bents within safe limits. Mr A. A. McDonald., of Messrs Wright, Stephenson and Co., voiced his appreciation of Mr Brydon’s business integrity. ns did also Messrs L. M. Esnagne (Dalgety’s). D. McDonald (Matson and Co ), and E. A. O’Malley (Pyne, Gould,

and Guinness). On behalf of the legal fraternity, i Messrs R. Kennedy and A. Iv. North (spoke feelingly of the cordial relations I which had existed between Mr Brydon i and their firms. * | The good wishes of the' staff of the j National Mortgage and Agency ComI nany were expressed bv Mr .T. Smith. I "iiftioneer, who “put it” to Mr Brydon l not to forget the men he left behind, [especially when there was any promotion in the air. (Laughter.) Mr BrytEon’s Response. *

Mr Brydon, responding to the many felicitous remarks, thanked those present for their kind words and present. The farmers were in for a better time, now that prices for wool and lambs were so satisfactory. Money was becoming easier, too. He had done what he could as a member of the Trotting Club, but, judging from accounts in the Press, one had to have a great deal of experience to be in a club of that sort. (A voice: “ Look Out !”) During the evening toasts were honoured as follow: —“The King,” “Agricultural and Pastoral .Pursuits” (proposed by Mr A. A. McDonald and responded to by Messrs G. Miller and H. Hanrahan), “Banking and Legal Interests” (Mr L. .Espagne, responses by Messrs Jackson* and A.IC. North), “Mr Brydon’s Successor” (Mr Hunter, ■.• espouse Mr G. E. Glen). “The Performers” (chairman), “The Ladies (Mr V. Cullen—Messrs Glen and I'. Curtis), and “The Chairman.” A programme of musical and elocutionary items were interspersed with the speeches, and was as follows: Songs," Messrs D. McMillan, E. Naylor, T. E. Upton (“John Peel”), E. de G. Robilliard, and A. Todd (monologue); recitation, Mr C. Branigan. At the instigation of Mr L. M. Espagne. Great Chief of the Ashburton Savage Club, a characteristic farewell was accorded Mr Brydon, who was a member of the local hapu. Bowling Club’s Tribute.

Yesterday afternoon several principals of the Ashburton Bowling Club, on behalf of the mepibers, invaded Mr Brydon’s office, and presented him with a case of pipes. Mr F. Robilliard, a vicepresident of the club, in making the presentation, referred to Mr Brydon s long and keen association with the club, and wished him every success in his new sphere. Mr Brydon suitably replied.