LONG BUSINESS CAREER ENDED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22662, 12 June 1948, Page 6

LONG BUSINESS CAREER ENDED

The retirement of Mr. F. Von Kettle from the employment of Messrs. Williams and Kettle, Limited, was the occasion of a happy gathering at the firm’s head office in Napier last week, when the management and staff joined in conveying to Mr Kettle their best wishes and expressions of goodwill.

Mr. E. S. Burkitt. general manager of the company, in making a presentation to Mr and Mrs Kettle, remarKeu that he felt sure he was voicing the sentiments of all that they had come together with very mixed feelings, first of all not only with a degree of sadness that they were officially breaking a link in the chain of long and happy association through the retirement of Mr. Kettle, but also with a degree ot pleasure in that they could now express to him just how much he was thought of by them, of their great affection for him. and also have the opportunity of handing to him a token of their great regard and esteem 45 Years With Company

Continuing, Mr. Burkitt remarked that Mr. Kettle commenced with the company 45 years ago as a junior clerk in the head office and during this long period he had served not only his company well but also the district in which it operates The numerous clients of the company would miss his periodical visits, when by the charm of his personality he endeared himseu to all

By his integrity and generosity in a very wide sense he had gained and held the respect of his fellow men. which was one of the big things in life. In wishing Mr. Kettle contmneu gov-u health and all happiness in his retirement from business life, Mr. Burkitt stated that he was pleased to be able to say that Mr. Kettle will continue on the board of directors of the company. The presentation comprised a handsome set of crystal ware, and an easy chair.

Replying in a .very happy vein. Mr Kettle recalled some very amusing experiences in the earlv days of the district. and spoke of his pride in not only his long connection with the company but also his happy association with the whole staff, and stated that he would treasure their gifts and the warmth of spirit which prompted them tn ihc evening the executive officers of the company tendered a dinner to Mr. Kettle, at which his co-directors were present.