A POPULAR MANAGER

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11305, 2 September 1922, Page 3

A POPULAR MANAGER

MR T. FORSYTH FARBWFJLLEdJ. FUNCTION AT TE ARO HOUSE. There was a reunion of old associates at Te Aro House Company's premises on Thursday evening, when members of the staff, both past and present, gathered to farewell Mr T. Forsyth, who is terminating his connection with the firm after a period of service extending over twenty-five years. Mr Brewer made a few introductory remarks, and called Upon Mr Lawrence, Mr Bern as ooni, and Mr Bonner, three employees whose years of eervioe totalled' seventy-two yean. Mr Lawrence, on behalf of these gentlemen and the entire staff, then made a presentation of a handsome oak escritoire to Mr Forsyth. In a happy and. appropriate apeech. he drew attention to the close association that existed at all times between Mr Forsyth and the staff, and to the fatherly way in which one and all looked up to him. Mr Forsyth, by his independence of outlook and personal endeavour, had always maintained and strengthened the business and the Interest of the company. Mr Bonner, in supporting these remarks, said he had no hesitation in saying that Mr Forsyth's popularity, both with his staff and outside, was proverbial. He thanked Mr Forsyth for his great interest in his staff. His everready help and sympathy in their difficulties, both business and domestic, had endeared him to all who had the privilege of working with him for the last twenty-five years. . 'While wishing Mr Foreyth every success in his new venture, hp- Said that if at any time, as the writing appeared on the wall, he ycould be persuaded to stand for Parliamentary or Mayoral honours, he would hare the backing of his old staff to a man. Mr Bernasconi supported his colleagues' remarks. Mr Forsyth, in his acknowledgment of the presenilation, recalled tho early days of his connection with Te Aro House,. when the hours of work and circumstances generally compared by no means favourably with those of the preseht day. He had, lie hoped, been instrumental in helping to .bring about several improvements! in the retail trade, including Saturday closing. Mr Forsyth also referred to the early association with that then, popular man, Mr W, H. Smith, the pioneer manager of the Te Aro House Drapery Company. While regretting the severance of old and present associates, he hoped that he would not lose touch with his old colleagues, and he smilingly thanked them for their promised: support, should he in future make a deep adventure in public affairs. Miss Rogers then asked Mrs Forsyth to aocept a small gift of jewellery ae a memento of the occasion. Many of the old members of the staff took the opportunity of thanking Mr Forsyth for his consideration arid kindness while they were under hl9 regime. The proceedings closed with musical honours and hearty cheers for Mr and Mrs Forsyth.