PRESENTATION TO MR JAMES MUIR.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 5478, 9 February 1885, Page 2

PRESENTATION TO MR JAMES MUIR.

The workmeh of the New Zealand Sugar Co. took occasion on Saturday afternoon to testify in the orthodox fashion their respect and esteem for the working manager, Mr James Muir, under whose direction tho whole of tho Company's works were erected, nnd who now leaves for the Richmond River, New South Wales, under engagement to the Colonial Sugar Refining Company of Sydney. In preparation for the event tho men had prettily decorated with flags, tho basement floor of the Refinery, besides sotting out a long bench to servo as a festive board. It had been arranged that the feelings of the employes towards their genial and skilful master should find expression in a suitable presentation, which should also afford opportunity for tho deliverance of a few complimentary remarks. The men assembled in full strength, and Mr Kinnara, chief sugar boiler of the Company, took tho chair, with tho guest of the occasion sn his right hand. In his opening address, tho Chairman said that they had met there for the purpose of doing honour to Mr Muir, who had so worthily earned it at their and the Company's hands. The great work which had been successfully carried out under his supervision, viz., the erection of the Sugar Works, was a fitting monument of his abilities, and o\ eryone of them, but more particularly the old hands, must feel proud at the knowledge that they had had a share in the work. The Chairman then called upon Mr Miller to perform the task which he had been requested by the employe's to undertake. Mr Miller in a few and appropriate remarks presented to Mr Muir, on behalf of the workmen of tho Sugar Works, a handsome tea and coffee service, as well as a jam jar for Mrs Muir. The} parted from Mr Muir as from a dear and valued friend, wishing him and his abundant happiness and prosperity in the coming years. Mr Muir in a very neat speech feelingly acknowledged the presentation, and the kindly motives which were expressed in it. On the proposition of Mr Miller, the health of Mr Muir and family was toasted in flowing bumpers, and Mr Muir briefly responded. The company then drank "Prosperity to the New Zealand Sugar Company," as well as the healths of the new manager, Mr Miller, the Customs officer, Mr Judd, and the visitors. Messrs Miller and Judd replied for themselves, and Mr Gray for the visitors. The remainder of the afternoon was given over to conviviality, a number of the workmen contributing songs and recitations. With the singing of " Auld Lang Syne " the proceedinga at length drew to a close. On Thursday last the staff of the town office presented Mr and Mrs Muir with a piece of plate. We understand that Mr Muir leaves with his wife and family for Bydney this week. He is a man of exceptional skill as a mechanical engineer, and for practical knowledge of sugar refineries no man on this side of the Line can challenge competition with him. -Above and beyond all this he has the happy faoulty of endearing himself to those under his charge, even to the humblest rank, without deflecting by an inch from the strict course of a master's duties. His departure hence must be a loss to the Company.