Annual Convention

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31502, 17 October 1967, Page 13

Annual Convention

More than 50 young grocery shop assistants gathered in Christchurch last week-end for the Four Square organisation’s annual convention. Each year about 400 assistants attend these conventions throughout New Zealand.

The assistants come together to be examined in their practical knowledge of the grocery trade and to see for themselves how far they have advanced towards their goal of owning their own Four Square store—the award attained annually by several young men who have satisfactorily completed the questions set for them during the year and the tests held at the convention. The conference in Christchurch began on Saturday and ended

yesterday evening. Testing began on Saturday and continued until Sunday night when the prospective winners were interviewed by the Four Square directors, and examined on all phases of the retail trade. The organisation believes that all award winners must be of the highest standard and character. Yesterday the grocery assistants visited factories and stores, and the convention concluded in the evening with the

announcement of the award winners.

Nothing is left to chance by the Four Square organisation when it selects men for its many New Zealand stores. Prospective young shop assistants are taught and tested in all the latest techniques, and are schooled in all the necessary skills of the trade. There is an excellent training scheme for the young persons who choose to learn the grocery trade in Four Square stores, and at conventions like that which has just ended in Christchurch young grocers take part in practical training and undergo an extensive series of tests.