AU REVOIR

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXIII, Issue 11768, 15 October 1932, Page 5

AU REVOIR

FAREWELL TO AIR. G, ANDERSON. BUSINESSMEN GATHER. MANY STRIKING TRIBUTES. * Striking tributes to the popularity of Air. George Anderson, a prominent figure in Gisborne business circles for th e past 18 years, was provided yesterdav, when his many friends gathered to bid him farewell on the eve of his \ departure from the district-. For the last seven years AH’. Anderson has been with Messrs Ross and Glondinning, but he is now severing Iris connection with the firm iu order to take up farming in the Auckland district. Representatives of all wholesalers and retailers ol' Gisborne were present at yesterday’s gathering and the presentation of a smokers’ outfit was made to tlie guest of honor a s a token of the great esteem in which he is held locally.

In making the presentation. Air. A. E. Pyatfc pointed out that they had gathered together for a sad purpose, to hid farewell to an old friend of many years’ standing. AD'. Anderson had always proved a real friend, both to his competitors and others, and was a real pal whom all deeply regretted losing. For many years he was associated with the Kaiapoi Woollen Coy., and latterly was with Ross and Glondinning, to both of which firms he proved a very able servant indeed. By his departure the f'O'ms feel they are losing a very good worker in this district. “We have ah respetod him,” added AH'. Pyatt, ‘‘and in the 20 years of my acquaintance with him I. hav t . never known him tell a lie or say anything critical about another man. He has done his best and lias proved an outstanding figure in the community.”

Air. E. T. Dodd roll endorsed the remarks of the previous speaker a ud pointed out that, so far as retailers went, they were always pleased to sec George walk into the shop (applause). He was always welcome and was never a nuisance, while his relationship with Ins cueiits and competitors was always of the best. Air. Doddrel) recalled bidding farewell to Air. Anderson when he left for tile front and added:'''He was one of tlie best representatives any Jinn coukl be possessed of. and J know I. voice Llie sincere wish of everyone iu the trade when I wish lam the best- ot luck and a lung and prosperous life in bis new sphere.”

Air. ,K. 11. l.Tiblips staled that it -ave him the greatest pleasure to support and endorse the sentiments expressed. lie had known AH'. Anderson for the past 13 years aud their business association had given the speaker a real insight into the sterling character of the guest of honor. “1 say, from my own experience.” proceeded Alt'. Phillips, “and in doing so 1 know 1 am speaking on behalf of everyone in the trade who has come iu contact with Air. Anderson, that during tlios c . 13 years he lias never left behind an atmosphere or suspicion of unpleasantness. He bar, .never created an unhappy atmosphere, but only a very happy one. I am voicing the sentiments of all. .1. know, when 1 wish him every happiness iu his new associations and that, as the years roll by, he can look back on the time when be left the trade with no misgivings whatsoever.''

In the course of a humorous Put very feeling response. Mr. Anderson stated that he felt very “'ljucked” at the sentiments expressed. When he went away to his farm lie would regret very much leaving so many great friends behind him. “I claim you all us my friends," he added, “and if I. have stood on your toes at any time I have not done so intentionally. .[ thank you all very much indeed, especially those who spoke, and I will always carry many pleasant recollections of my local friends and associations.”

The gathering closed with the singing of “For He's .a. Jolly Good Fellow” and three hearty cheers for the guest of honor. Mr. Anderson leaves Gisborne for his now home on Monday or Tuesday of next week.