An Interesting Function.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXII, Issue XIII, 26 March 1904, Page 21

An Interesting Function.

MESSRS SARGOOD, SuN AND EWEN’S EXCURSION. The fact was stated in Saturday’s “Star” that the senior partner of the well-known firm of Messrs Sargood, Son and Ewen entertained the staff at a water excursion on the p.s. Wakatere, and also made the important announcement that Mr Thomas Finlayson, who had been connected with the firm for 33 years, had been now admitted as a partner. Shortly after the Wakatere left the wharf luncheon was served in the saloon. When Waiheke was reached, about 3 o’clock, an interesting programme of sports was gone through, and the prizes were subsequently handed to the winners by Mrs Hugh Campbell.

Mr Sargood addressed the employees, stating that was the first occasion on which he had the pleasure of meeting the Auckland staff en masse. Mr Sargood referred to the fact that a similar outing arranged for last year had to be postponed owing to the death of Sir Frederick Sargood. which, being followed soon afterwards by the death of Mr Ewen, in London, changed the position of the speaker from junior partner to sole director of tho affairs of this large firm. After consulting his brother, Mr William Sargood, who then joined the firm, they naturally looked for advice and support from their old and tried servants, and in this connection 'he had an announcement to make which he felt sure would give pleasure to every person present, namely, that Mr Thomas Finlayson, so well known to them as the manager for 20 years of the Auckland warehouse, had consented to become a member of the firm.

The popularity of the new partner was amply demonstrated by the enthusiastic cheering which followed this announcement.

Mr Sargood. in conclusion, shook hands with Mr Finlayson, and welcomed him as a partner to the firm ot Messrs Sargood, Son and Ewen, and at the same time asked, the employees to continue their loyal support in the future, as in the past.

Mr Thos. Finlayson was received with applause, and in acknowledging the ovation, tendered his hearty thanks to Mr Sargood for the tribute he had pa*’' him, and further expressed his den? of gratitude to the late members of the

firm, from whom, he said, kindly advice and encouragement had ever been forthcoming. Mr Finlayson stated that he entered the firm’s employ 35 years ago. and he thought it would be an incentive to every lad present to remember that he started with the firm iust as they were doing, and to do their work with a will, resting assured that their future was largely in their own hands, Messrs Sargood, Son and Ewen having for many years been quick to recognise good service and to promote their employees’ interests. Air Sargood expressed regret that Airs Finlayson was not present to see and hear the demonstration of popularity and affection tendered to her husband by the men who knew him best.

Mr Hugh Campbell congratulated Mr Finlayson on behalf of the mercantile community of the city, aud assured Mr Sargood that the appointment would be a very popular one in business circles. The journey back to town commenced at six p.m., tea being served immediately on embarkation. A capital musical programme and dancing on deck mode the trip so enjoyable that an extension was made round the upper waters of the harbour, the steamer arriving at nine p.m.