THIRTY-ONE YEARS’ SERVICE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17345, 18 July 1924, Page 7

THIRTY-ONE YEARS’ SERVICE.

MR E. W. RELPH RETIRES. COMPLIMENTARY DINNER. After thirtv-ono years’ service with the New Zealand Farmers’ Co-opera-tive Association of Canterbury, Ltd.. Mr E. AY . Relph has decided to retire. Last night, the managerial staff, the branch managers and the departmental managers tendered a dinner to Mr Relph in order to mark the occasion Mr W. T. Esson presided. During the evening, it was stated that Mr Relph bo gan liis connection with the firm m 1893, this being the third year of the existence of the North Canterbury Farmers’ Co-opera, tive, which was founded in May, 1890,, the promoters of tiie company pur chasing the general store of Messrs AV. J. Crowthers and Co., situated next to the Junction Hotel, Rangiora. The paid up capital in July, 1891, was £1544, the net profits for that year being £lB4. The following two years’ operations were not very encouraging, the net profits being £260 and £37 respectively, and the paid up capital at the end of that period was £2028. change of administration of affairs was brought r-bout, Mr Relph taking charge, and in July, 1893, the premises and sections upon which Mr John Anderson had conducted a business as seed merchant, were purchased from the Colonial Bank for £l2oo—the company’s first store as a result being opened on April 1, 1894. The grain and produce connection grew and in December, 1894, grain stores were purchased from Mr Nicholls, and in 1898 an auctioneering business, was commenced, the late Mr A: £. Clarkson being the first auctioneer. In 1898 a branch store was opened at Amberley, but the volume of business did not warrant same and it was closed shortly after. In December, 1899, premises were opened in High Stieet, Rangiora, on the site of the present buildings. In December, 1901, the Ha warden branch store was opened, and in January, 1902, the firm took over the auctioneering business of the la-tc Mr W. Buss. In May, 1904, the Oxford branch was opened, and in 1905, tho f-rm acquired the ohi established auctioneering business of Ingram and Co. at OxfordOn March 31. 1908, an amalgamation with the New Zealand Farmers* Co-operative Association was effected ( the latter having commenced business in September, 1881. forty-three years ago), and Mr Relph became the general manager of the amalgamated concerns in 1908. Mr Relph continued to be general manager until October, 1920, when he took over the position of superintendent, from which position he is now retiring. During the evening, the following toasts were honoured :—“ The King ” , “ Our Guest,” proposed by Messrs AA’. T. Esson and T. J. Hunter, replied to by Mr Relph; “New Zealand Farmers’ Co-operative Association,” Mr Relph, Mr Esson and branch managers. Community singing was carried on during the evening and songs were given by Messrs D. Bishop and E. AA . Bartlett, aad ' a recitation was given by Mr G. H. Bartlett. Mr H. Herdman was accompanist.