A FAREWELL DINNER.

Auckland Star, Volume XXX, Issue 76, 1 April 1899, Page 2

A FAREWELL DINNER.

' Mr Wm. Paterson (of Paterson and Co.), bus proprietors, tendered a dinuer to his employees, by way of farewell, on his retirement from business in Auckland, last evening. The dinner took place in the upper floor of his late establishment, Chancerystreef. A capital dinner was served by Mr Thos. McEwan; Mr J. C. Colbeck occupied the chair, and was supported by Mr Wm. Paterson and Mr F. Andrew, sen. Among1 others present were Messrs T. Paterson (Ngaruawahia), Jas'. Martin, J. Carrie," and Inspector Turner.

The Chairman said thai Mr Paterson was severing his connection with his busiiicss in Auckland, aod desired to bid i'«ue\vell to .his friends and eraployeos. He had commenced in a \rry filial; way in Auckland a quarter of a century ago, but by Scottish in^ dustry and business capacity had built up one of the largest businesses in Jfew Zealand. Mr Paterson had been fortunate in having a good set of employees, who did their duty to their master.

Mr Wm. Paterson proposed • the toast of 'The Employees.1 Man>- of the men had been some years in his service, and some had spent the best part of their lives in it. He did not think of their relation with him sjmply as master and servants. They bad dene their duty to him, and done it well The firm had carried 2000 passengers a day, or 720,000 a year, and he thought that was a good record. There had been but one serious accident, and that was through a woman catching hold of the driver's rekts. Suburban property had been increased in value through Paterson's btiscs. for a radius of five miles round Auckland, and residents got improved communication.

Mr C. Partington and Arthur Keenan, on behalf of the employees, responded to the toast. Mr A. Jowitt presented Mr Paterson, on behalf of the employees, v-itlx a handsome marble clock,, oemiug the following inscription:—'Presented to Mr W. Paterson, for "AuM-Lang Syne," by his employees, on his retirement from business in Auckland.'

Mr Charles Partington^ then presented,, on behalf of the Mount Eosk.ll employees, a handsome tea-set, of A.') pieces, to Mrs Paterson. Mr Paterson returned th%nks for coth presents

Mr W. Paterson proposed the toast, of 'The new firm—Messrs AarJ.vw. Sons, and Co.' He was sure his iate employees would give the new fh-ni a loyal and hearty support as they had done to him. They would find the new firm good men to work for, •

Mr F. Andrew, sen., said the new firm would prove as good masters as Mi' Paterson had been. They wished the men to do their duty to the fuiri, and, in turn, would not forget their obligations to the workers. He f«lt the longer he kept a man in his. employ the greater was the credit to himself and the man. The Chairman, as one of the members of the new firm, also responded. The health of Mr J. Came (Mr Paterson's representative at the North Shore) was also honoured. Pianoforte solos, songs, recitations, ftc, were contributed by Messrs E. Bevan, Burcell, T. Lindsay., ;ty. Jones,, Christmas, -Low, Turner, and A. Jowitt. Mr Purcell officiated as ■pianist.- ■"-■■ - ■-■ - -■• ■ :-'--' .';•"'" " "'"