51 YEARS WITH FIRM

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30447, 22 May 1964, Page 14

51 YEARS WITH FIRM

Function For Mr W. F. Stark

Mr W. F. Stark, manager of the Christchurch branch of Hallenstein Bros., Ltd., was guest of honour at a function yesterday to commemorate his long association with the firm. Mr F. M. Halsted, the managing director, came from Dunedin to congratulate Mr Stark on his 51 years’ service. He said Mr Stark had begun as “sweeper-out” in the warehouse in Dunedin in 1913, and was transferred to

the Invercargill and Auckland branches being put in charge of the clothing department in . Christchurch in 1924. Mr Stark was made temporary branch manager in 1926, and had held the position ever since. “I don’t know whether he’s been in a temporary capacity all this time,” said Mr Halsted with a laugh. “Our records are not too clear on that.” He said Mr Stark was president of the Retailers’ Association during the war, and was one of the association’s few life members. He was also president of the New Brighton Trotting Club. Mr R. H. Ballantyne, Dominion president of the Retailers’ Federation, called Mr Stark a gallant and gentlemanly competitor who was greatly respected in the retail clothing trade in Christchurch.

Mr Stark plans to retire- at the end of March next year.

Smoke Bombs.—East German border guards yesterday hurled 20 smoke bombs at a West German camera team as it was filming border fortifications.—Berlin, May 21.