PATERSON AND CO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 11026, 1 April 1899, Page 3

PATERSON AND CO.

"FAREWELL" TO CITY EMPLOYEES. Last night Mr. Win. Paterson (of Paterson and Co.), tendered a dinner to his city employees, by way of farewell, on Iris retirement from business in Auckland. The dinner took plact in tire upper floor of his late establishment, Chancery-street. There were about 100 guests, and, unfortunately, a number ot the men bad to be away on duty to keep certain time-tables, but as many were present as could be got together. Mr. Thos. McEwin was caterer, and fulfilled his duties satisfactorily. Mr. J, C. Colbeck occupied the chair, and was supported by the host of the evening (Mr. Win Paterson), on his right, and Mr. F. Andrew, sen., on his left. Among others on either hand were Messrs. Thos. Paterson (Ngaruawahia), Martin, 'bus proprietor (Parnell), J. Carrie (representing l'aterton and Co., at North Shore), and

Inspector Turner. The Chairman said that Mr. Wm. Paterson was severing his connection with his business in Auckland, and desired to bid farewell to his friends and employees. He had commenced in a very small way in Auckland a quarter of a century ago, but by Scottish industry and business capacity had built up one ot the largest businesses in New Zealand. Mr. Paterson had been fortunate in having a good set of employees, who did their duty t< their master. On behalf of the guests he thanked Mr. Paterson foi bringing them together, and for asking him to preside. He would now ask of them to partake of the bountiful repast Mr. Paterson bad provided. The dinner over, Mr. Wm. Paterson proposed the toast of "The Employees." Many of the men had been some years in his service, and some bad spent the best part of their lives in it. He did not think of then relation with him simply as master and servants. They had done,their duty U him, and done it well. The firm had carried 2000 passengers a day, or 72,000 a year, and he thought that was a good record. There had been but one serious accident, and that was through a woman catching hold of the driver's reins. Suburban property had been increased in value through Paterson's 'buses, for a radius of five miles round Auckland, and residents got improved communication. Hi was now going t bid good-bye to most of them, but he thanked them ■fo. the, service they had rendered to him and his firm. Mr. C. Partington and Arthur Keenan, on behalf of the employees, responded to

the toast, and stated Mr. Paterson enjoyed the esteem of all the men. They wished him long life and prosperity, as also his family. Mr. J. Carrie (North Shore), proposed " The Guests," coupled with the names of Messrs. T. Paterson and J. Page. Mr. Thos. Paterson said he was longer connected with the firm than any of them. He spoke in terms of eulogy of the hearty willingness of the men to do their duty to the firm, at any time, and under any circumstances. Mr. Page looked back Upon his connection with Mr. Paterson as a very happy one, for many a good turn he had done him. Mr. Martin (Parnell) also responded. He found in daily life Mr. l'aterson's word was his bond ; indeed, he would rather have his word than some men's written agreement. Mr. A. Jowitt, in an extremely felicitous speech, presented Mr. Paterson, on behalf of the employees, with a handsome marble clock, bearing the following inscription: — " Presented to Mr. W. Paterson, for ' Auld Lang Syne,' by his employees, on his retirement from business in Auckland." He said he was one of the best employers in Auckland—just, kind, and considerate to his employees, and especially to those who might meet with an accident or a misfortune. Mr. W. Paterson, in acknowledging the gift, said it took him by surprise, and he could say no more than to thank them for their souvenir, and for their goodwill towards him and his. Mr. Charles Partington then presented, on behalf of the Mount Roskill employees, a handsome tea-set, of 40 pieces, to Mrs. Paterson. The town employees had not been much brought into contact with her, but the Mount Roskill men had received many kindnesses at her hands, and she extended hospitality at all times. Mr. Paterson accepted the gift on behalf of his wife, and thanked the donors. Their gift would be greatly valued by her. The health of Mr. Paterson, his wife, and family, was then enthusiastically drunk, with musical honours.

Mr. W. Paterson then proposed the toast of "The new firm—Messrs. Andrew, Sons, and Co." He was sure his late employees would give the new firm a loyal and hearty support, as they had done to him, and, that being so, he had no fear for the future. They would find the new firm good men to work for. The toast was heartily honoured, Mr. F. Andrew, sen., said the new firm would prove as good masters as Mr. Paterson had been. They wished the men to do their duty to the firm, and, in turn, would not forget their obligations to tho workers. He felt the longer lie kept a man in his employ the greater was the credit to himself and the man. In his business relations with Mi. Paterson be found that his word was his bond, and the men would find that in that respect the new firm was just like the old. The Chairman (Mr. J. C. Colbeek) also responded. As one of the members of the new firm, while taking part in the management, lie would probably not come much in contact with the men but some of them lie knew already, and if he could do any of them a good turn he would always be happy to do it when in his power. He believed the new firm, with the hearty support of their men, had a prosperous career in store for them. Messrs. W. Kearsley and Sadgrove made a few kindly remarks with regard to Mr. Paterson's family, and the pleasant relations of the employees with them. The health' of Mr. J. Carrie (Mr. Paterson's representative at the North Shore) was then honoured, and acknowledged by that gentleman, and the toast of "The Press" concluded the list.

Pianoforte solus, songs, and recitations were contributed by Messrs. E. Bevan, Purcell, T. Lindsay, W. Jones, Christmas, Turner, and A. Jowitt. Mr. Pureed officiated as pianist. Mr. Low (a former employee) gave a clever exhibition of acrobatic and athletic feats. A vote of thanks to the chairman, and the singing of "Auld Lang Syne," brought a very pleasant function to a close. A number of the men then warmly shook hands with Mr. Paterson, and bade him good-bye.