HALF A CENTURY IN BUSINESS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 244, 13 July 1939, Page 10

HALF A CENTURY IN BUSINESS

Well-known Draper Retires

MANAGER OF WELLINGTON FIRM

After more than half a century in the drapery business, Mr. AV. Simm, manager of the D.1.C., Limited, Wellington, has announced his retirement, lie’has been manager of tlie firm for tlie past 27 years. . . Mr Si Dim bvc’Jiu his business training with’the late Mr. Janies Smith, a t Te Aro House, some 58 years ago. In IbJi, when the Te Aro Hou. j Drapery Co., Ltd., came into existence, he was appointed assistant manager, holding that, position till his resignation to take up an appointment as manager of Blythe’s, Ltd., Napier. After being "■;th that business fo some years, he was appointed manager of the D.1.C., Wellington, and in the subsequent 27 years has played a prominent part in bringing that company to its present position as one of the leading drapery businesses in the Dominion.

Mr. Simm is recognized as one of the leaders of the drapery trade. When, j, years ago, the New Zealand Federation of Drapers, Clothiers, and Boot Retailers was formed, he was appointed chairman and later president, which position he still occupies. As major. Mr Simm commanded the Fifth Wellington (Territorial) Regiment during tlie war years. He was long a member of tbe Wellington Rowing Club, and represented that club in championship events. He is a keen member of the Karori Bowling Club.

Mr. Simm has taken a big interest in the affairs of Karori, and was president of its progressive association for some years. He is a prominent member of the Karori Horticultural Society, and was a successful prize-win-ner in dahlias, in which he specializes, at its last show. Horticulture will largely occupy his leisure at his home in Fancourt Street. He has also displayed considerable dramatic talent in amateur theatricals, and was president of the Wellington Repertory Society. At a recent meeting of heads of departments and buyers, he expressed his appreciation of the loyalty of his staff. He said he had always felt that he held the goodwill of the directors of the company, who had treated him generously. He had endeavoured to promote a feeling of comradeship and mutual endeavour in the building, so carrying out one of the traditions of the firm. That he had been able to do so had contributed to tlie happiness of his own life.