VALEDICTORY

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 13 January 1925, Page 2

VALEDICTORY

POPULAR RIVERDALE DAIRY FACTORY MANAGER. MR W. CRAWFORD. (From Our Own Correspondent.) Last Friday night the Riverdale packing room was crowded to its utmost, many not being able to get inside, the function being a farewell and presentation to Mr and Mrs W. Crawford, the popular manager of the Riverdale Dairy Factory, who has been appointed to an important position on the staff of the Government. Dairy Division. Friends from all parts of the district were present, as well as all suppliers and directors of the Riverdale Dairy Company. Mr Crawford is an esteemed manager, who has held the important position as manager for the last seven and a half years. A splendid programme had been arranged by Mr F. Willcocks, assisted by Mr V. Baird. The floor was in capital order, and first-class music was supplied by Mrs L. Mudford (piano) and Mr J. A. G. Cosgrove (cornet), extras being played by Mrs F. 'Willcocks. Messrs F. Willcocks and V. Baird capably carried out the duties of AI.C.s. During the evening the fol-' lowing contributed vocal items: Mrs Milverton, Misses Stenbaek, C. Vine, Messrs T. Coleman, J. Borrie, J. A. G. Cosgrove, H. Steffert; recitations by Master S. Baird and Mr Hottentott. A capital supper was provided and dispensed by the ladies’ committee. During the evening Mr J. S. McKay, chairman of directors of the Riverdale Dairy Company, was asked on behalf of the suppliers of the company to make a presentation to Mr W. Crawford on their behalf; also to Mrs Crawford and to Master Crawford. In doing so, Mr McKay said it is indeed with deep regret the company was losing their popular and esteemed manager, who has been appointed to an important position in the Government Dairy Department. He had been with the company for 6even and a half years, and had faithfully carried out his duties as manager. Mr W. Crawford was recognised as one of the leading managers of dairy companies in Taranaki. No doubt the sound financial position of the company was in no small way attributable to Mr Crawford’s efforts. He was a man of great tact and judgment with the suppliers, and had the happy knack of pleasing them'all. The number of suppliers was 65, and they were indeed very sorry to lose him as manager, and were determined to show their appreciation of his valuable services in a tangible way bv having this farewell and presentation. Mrs Crawford during her residence at Riverdale had always been to the front in all social functions, giving her valuable qssistance, and was most popular with all. Her services at these functions would be deeply missed. The speaker concluded by saying that the directors and suppliers regretted Mr Crawford’s departure, but heartily congratulated him on his promotion, and wished Mr and Mrs Crawford all prosperity and happiness in their new home.

Mr W. J. McDonald, manager of the Kaupokonui Dairy Company, said that it was with mixed feelings that he was present to say good-bye to his friend. As a brother manager he always found Afr Crawford a most conscientious - man in all dealings in connection with dairy companies, also a man he was always pleased to converse with on dairy matters. He knew his business thoroughly, and there was no doubt the company was losing a good manager. “I am sorry to lose him in the ranks of managers, and wish him and Airs Crawford health and prosperity wherever they go,” the speaker concluded. Air Thrush spoke on behalf of the suppliers. *He said the suppliers were indeed very sorry to lose Air Crawford. As manager he was most conscientious and tactful, and a man of great judgment. He was very considerate to the suppliers, a man that- all the suppliers could get on with. If at any time he had to speak to any supplier in regard to milk he always did so in a gentlemanly way, which all suppliers appreciated. He congratulated the guest on his promotion, and also referred to the loss Riverdale would sustain in Airs Crawford’s departure. She always had done her utmost to assist all local functions, a work which was much appreciated. He wished Air and Airs W. Crawford and Master Crawford health and every happiness in their new home.

Mr V. Baird, speaking on behalf of the employees of the Riverdale Dairy Company, said they were indeed very sorry to lose Mr Crawford. As a boss he was most considerate, and always studied the employees as well as the company. He was a man that an employee would always get on with. He knew when a man was doing his best, and always gave credit when it was due. In voicing the opinion of his mates, as well as his own, he said they were indeed sorry at Mr Crawford’s departure, and wished him and Mrs CMwford and family every happiness, health and prosperity. Mr Lees, secretary of the Joll Dairy Company, said he was very pleased to have the privilege of saying a few words in reference to the guest of the evening, Mr W. Crawford. He had known him since he was a boy. He was brought up by very fine parents, to which, no doubt, he owed his success. The guest was previously with the Joll Company. He always had a special knowledge of all duties in connection with the dairy company, and had a happy knack of imparting his knowledge to- his employees. Mr Crawford was one of the foremost dairy managers in New Zealand, and the Dairy Department was to be congratulated in obtaining the services of Mr Crawford. He congratulated the guest on his promotion, and wished him and Mrs Crawford every success and happiness. Mr "Wilson, Dairy Inspector, endorsed what the previous speakers had stated. He was sorry Mr and Mrs Crawford were going away from Riverdale. He would miss them very much. He was always made very welcome by the guests at their home when on a tour of inspection, but was very pleased indeed that Mr Crawford was joining the- department, and wished him every success in his new sphere of labour.

The chairman (Mr J. S. McKay) then presented on behalf of tli© suppliers Mr Crawford with a beautiful gold watch, suitably inscribed; Mrs Crawford with a solid silver rose bowl; Master Crawford with a wristlet watch. All present joined in singing “For they are jolly good fellows.” Mrs Crawford was also presented with a beautiful bouquet by Miss Washer. Mr Crawford, on rising to reply on behalf of his wife and self, was received with loud applause. He heartily

thanked the chairman and previous speakers for their kind utterances in reference to his wife and self. He went on to say: “I cannot find words to express my grateful thanks and feelings to the suppliers for their beautiful presents and the farewell given to us this evening. We appreciate them, also the good feeling accompanying them. We take this farewell and presentation as a great compliment, also to see such a large attendance.” He added that the presents would always act as a souvenir to remind them of their many friepds at Riverdale; their kindness and good wishes they would never forget. He was indeed sorry to sever his connection with the Riverdale Dairy Company. He had at all times been shown great consideration by the directors and suppliers, for which he thanked them. Also, he appreciated very much Mr V. Baird’s remarks in reference to the employees. Mrs Crawford was also very sorry to leave Riverdale and her many friends. He thanked all for their good wishes re his appointment to the Dairy Division. The function broke up in the wee hours of the morning. It was the largest attendance of any function held at Riverdale.