55 YEARS WITH FIRM

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31016, 23 March 1966, Page 16

55 YEARS WITH FIRM

Mr J. K. Sanford will take his place behind the counter of the Para Rubber Company, Ltd., on Friday for the last time—after 55 years’ service with the firm.

He is only retiring, he says, ' because he does not now enjoy the best of health. Mr Sanford began employment with the Para Rubber ‘ Company as a message boy in 1911, when the business was i run on the opposite comer of ; Cashel and Manchester streets to its present position. The late Mr G. W. Skellerup, the founder of the firm, was the managing director. “I used to cycle round the Christchurch markets putting the firm’s advertising cards on all the vehicles," Mr Sanford recalled. Mr Sanford turned to salesmanship as a career. But with

the smaller population in Christchurch 50 years ago, competition for business was brisk—especially selling bicycle tyres. ’“The lowest price was 2s lOd. and for a tube. Is 9d,’’ he said. During the First World War when staff was scarce, Mr Sanford worked at the firm’s branches opened in Hamilton and in Hawera. Between the wars, and before Saturday closing, Mr Sanford sold gumboots, car tyres, and waterproof coats to farmers from stands at the country shows. A vehicle would be loaded with stock from the company’s Christchurch shop early on a Saturday morning and would set out for a country show. The full round of shows would be covered—and Mr Sanford says he made many friends among farmer clients over the years. After his retirement, Mr Sanford will continue to live in Christchurch at his home in Kenwyn avenue. St. Albans, where he has resided for the last 15 years.