FIFTY-TWO YEARS’ SERVICE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 215, 11 September 1945, Page 4

FIFTY-TWO YEARS’ SERVICE

GATHERING IN HONOUR OF MR. A. B. GILMOUR PRESENTATION MADE. Warm tributes to the service given the linn of Hallenstein Bros, by the retiring manager of the Wanganui branch, Mr. A. B. Gilmour, over a period of more than 50 years, was paid last n-.ght when Mr. Gilmour was the guest of honour at a farewell gathering, held in Dustin’s Rooms by the Wanganui Drapers, Clothiers, and Boot Retailers' Association. Mr. O. Warnock presided. Presenting Mr. Gilmour with a fireside chair, Mr. G. P. Williamson, who deputised for Mr. A. J. Weekes, said it was fitting that night that they should honour Mr. Glniour, who was going into well earned and honoured retirement. The speaker extolled Mr. Gilmour’s loyalty and co-operation to the association to which they belonged. Two outstandin characteristics possessed by their friend was his warmth of humanity and his charity of thought. Mr Wiliamson wished him a long and happy retirement. Supporting Mr. Williamson, Mr. A. C. Seivewright said Mr. Gilmour had been associated with the firm of Hallenstein’s for 52 years, and he had seen the full distance out, which was no mean achievement. Mr. Gilmour was highly esteemed as a citizen and business man. His work for the association down the years had resulted in its present, sound position. In reply, Mr. Gilmour thanked the speakers for their expressions of goodwill and for their gift. He had been a resident of Wanganui since 1918, and in that time he had made many friends, added Mr. Gilmour. He appealed to all to give their full support to the association. He had joined the firm of Hallenstein Bros, in 1893, in Dunedin and his association with it had been most, pleasant. In the early days the going was hard, but the training received was sound and thorough. Whatever he had done for the association in the city had been a pleasant task. Opportunity was taken to congratulate Mr. A. *J. Hansen, who is succeeding Mr. Gilmour in Wanganui as manager. Mr. Hansen has been on the staff of the Wanganui branch of Hallenstein’s for a long period. During the gathering items were given by Mrs. O. Warnock, Mrs. Seivewright, Mr. G. P. Williamson, • Misses Crothers, Christiansen and Cowan and Mr. Owen.

A bouquet was presented to Mr Gilmour’s daughter. /A toast, “The Hardware Trade,” was proposed by Mr. Gilmour and responded to by Mr. McFarlane. The accompaniments were played by Mr. F. Stokes.