LONG SERVICE WITH ONE FROM

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23347, 2 November 1945, Page 4

LONG SERVICE WITH ONE FROM

Mr J. A. Miller Honoured

Mr J. A. Millar, who is retiring from the position of manager of the painting and decorating department of Craigie, Smith and Smith, Ltd., after 57 years of service with the firm, was entertained yesterday afternoon by representatives of the painting and allied trades.

The manager for Craigie, Smith and Smith, Ltd., Mr J. A. Sligo, spoke of the excellent qualities of Mr Millar and the esteem in which he was held by all members of the trade. During the long years he was with the firm there had never been any friction, and he had proved himself a conscientious and loyal worker.

On behalf of the architects of Timaru, Mr P. W. Rule referred to the long standing of the firm in the town and to the fact that they could always rely on a job being well done if they knew that Mr Millar was in charge. Fie wished Mr Millar good luck and long years of happy retirement. For" the painters, Mr W. W. Best paid a tribute to the work of Mr Millar. The speaker said he knew' he was an excellent “boss.” for he had w’orked for him for 20 years. That he was a good trainer of apprentices was shown by the fact that most of the boys trained by him were now running their own businesses in various parts of New Zealand. On behalf of the local builders, Mr J. Hunt said that those who knew Mr Mill'ir best liked him the most, and he was recognised by’ them ail as a first-class tradesman.

Mr G. Hadlee, for the plumbing trade, said that he had known Mr Millar for 40 years and he had always found him honest and stalwart. Other speakers were Messrs V. H. Panton, W. Lewis, R. Shillito, R. Prosser, W. Flett. M. B. Richards. G. Hutton, and B. C. Wilson. In acknowledging the gift of a sum of money from members of the local painting and allied trades, Mr Millar said he deeply appreciated the remarks made by the various speakers. When he started as a boy he had no idea that he would stay so long with the company. Painting used to be looked upon as th? Cinderella of the trades and it was difficult to get apprentices for it. Now a change was coming, and he was pleased to say that the trade was being held in greater respect. "I have been complimented for my patience and tact. Well. 90 per cent, of my customers are women, and you need a lot of those qualities when dealing with them," remarked Mr Millar