SMITH AND CAUGHEY'S SOCIAL

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 103, 30 April 1920, Page 6

SMITH AND CAUGHEY'S SOCIAL

A very enjoyable and interesting social was 'held last evening in the ■Society of Arts Hall, with the double object of formally welcoming home the returned soldiers of the staff and farewelling Alessis. A. C. Caughey and Wni. Astley. who are leaving by .-fche Niagara on a holiday tour. Several hundred of the company's employees were present, an,l the hall bore a gay and' festive appearance. Mr. J. Marsden Caughey occupied the chair, and as a preliminary to the proceedings asked Ihe guests to stand in silence for a. moment as a tribute to their "nnreturning , 'brave." An enjoyable entertainment of vocal and instrumental items was given by the members of the staff. The Chairman feelinsly mentioned the devotion cf the soldier members and welcomed back those who were present. In all 02 had served in all branches of the service and in nil theatres of the 'War. cvi i n in the air au'd on the grey Xorth 'Sea. Of these, seven had made the supreme sacrifice. The eompanv desired to express collectively what hail been said individually from time to time and to assiirc the members of the staff who 'had served their King and Country, that their cervices were appreciated at their true -worth and were tlie pleasure and pride of the direvtors ami the staff as a whole. He then referred to the forthcoming departure of Mr. A. C. Caugbey, who, with Mre. Caughey and younger members of the family and accompanied by Mr. Wm. Astloy" and his two sisters, were taking a well-earned' rest and holiday in the Old 'Country.

Mr. Caujrhev was presented with a handsome leather suit case. Mr. Hugh Oausrhev supported the Cha-irman's remarks, and on behalf of the directors presented Mr. Astley with a. SenZealand -travelling riipr- M!es=rs. S. Barry, J. Shine, J. Finlason, and R. iLord, expressed the pleasure of the ofiV.'e staff, huyere, superintendent? and staff respectively. Both recipients ouiiablv responded.

Mr. J. W. Ricketts replied for the returned men. He said that one thing they m\:eh appreciated was their regular receipt of Xmas parcels. No man was ever forgotten and frequent 1 " parcels reached them each year. Then on returning each had received a much valued letter of appreciation with a substantial cheque from the company, and his own or a better position to those w ; ho desired to take up their old ea"lin<r. He was pleased to say that all who availed themselves of thi 3 kind consideration, had shown that they could settle down promptly and be ac good business men as they were before leaving. Mr. Congalton also supported these remarks. An enjoyable supper waa provided and a. pleasant hour i-pent.