A POPULAR MANAGER.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11948, 6 March 1917, Page 2

A POPULAR MANAGER.

RETIREMENT OF MR E. C. BROWN FROM DQ.O. FAREWELL PRESENTATIONS For thirty-three years Mr E. 0. Brown has guided the destinies of the D.I.C. in Christchurch, and his retirement from active duty last week was the occasion of a demonstration of the respect and affection which he has won frojn those who have been associated with him in business. At a farewell function held in the Art Gallery on Saturday night, Mr E. I. HallensteJn (chairman of the directors of the D.I.C). who had specially journeyed from Dunedin to be present, presided over a gathering of some 250 persons, which included practically every member of the Christchurch staff. . Messrs De Beer and P. L. Hallenstem (directors), and the Dunedin and "Wellington managers. Messrs CVoiv and Simm, were also present,. An excellent programme, provided entirely by members of the? Christchurch staff, was given, and was interspersed with the valedictory speeches. The chairman briefly .outlined the history of the D.I.C, Christchurch, from 'its establishment in ISS4 with Mr Brown as its first manager, lie attributed its rise to {lie prominent position it now occupies to Mr Brown's unsparing energy, business ability and unswerving probity. His announcement that the guest of the evening had retired with the sincere appreciation of his loyal service, which they had. recognised in a way which would relieve him of financial anxiety for the rest of hi.s life, was warmly received by the meeting. Mr Jlallenstein eoneluded by presenting Mr Brown with a solid silver suite, appropriately inscribed, comprising library clock, inkstand and pair of vases, a parting gift from the, directors. On behalf of the Christchurch staff, Mr F. Turner, who has also been associated with the D.I.C. from its inception in thi* city, road a. eulogistic address. A tangible token, of the employees' esteem and regard took the form of an oak library table and chair, and an upholstered settee. A further presentation of an upholstered armchair was made by Mr Crow on behalf of his Wellington colleague and himself, and both testified to the cordial relations which had always provailed between the branches of the ixr.c.

Many other speeches during the evening testified to the hold Mr Brown had acquired on the affections of those with whom he had been associated.

Mr Brown received a great ovation on rising to reply. He referred to the happiness or his business career in C-hristchureh, and attributed any success he had achieved to the ever sympathetic help of his wife. He ended an interesting speech by some homely advice to his old. associates, and was Avar mi v cheered on sitting down. During the evening many letters and telegrams were received from former employees and others, wishing ihe retiring manager a long and happy life in his retirement.

Refreshments were provided by Miss Coombes, whose efforts were greatly appreciated.

Mr 0. C. Cox, the new manager, who present, was introduced to' the staff' and officers, and was warmly rerervived.

The singing of the National Anthem concluded a very cordial gathering.