PRESENTATION TO MR. J. J. CONNOR.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume IV, Issue 211, 20 April 1877, Page 13

PRESENTATION TO MR. J. J. CONNOR.

Ok Saturday evening last the staff of the firm of Mills, Dick, and Co. met at the Globe Hotel, Princes-street South, at the invitation of Mr. J. J. Connor, overseer of the press department, who is sever, ing a connection with the office of 15 years' standing. A cold col* lation was provided by Mr. Harris, to which between 40 and 50 guests did ample justice. After supper, John Dick, Esq., was called to the chair, the vice-chair being occupied by Mr. Connor. Mr. Connor, in addressing his guests, said it was with great reluctance that he had decided to retire from the service of Mills, Dick, and <"0., for he had spent thd happiest and best part of his life in that employ. However, what he was doing, he believed, was for his own benefit. He had a great respect for the old customs of the trade; therefore, he had invited them to have a parting glass. The Vice-Chairman, in giving the first toast — " Success to the firm of Mills, Dick, and Co." — gave an amusing account of his first connection with Mr. Dick. Some 15 years ago, he said, after recovering from the gold fever, he arrived in Duuedin regularly hard-up, and more like a navvy than a printer. He was suspiciously viewed from head to foot, but he pressed so hard for a job that he was taken on, and had been with Mr. Dick over since. By his employer he had always been treated with the greatest kindness, and he had tried to the best of his ability to do his duty. He then passed a high eulogium on Mr. Dick as an employer, and the toast was drunk with acclamation. Mr. Bayliss then favored the company with a song, after which Mr Dick rose and proposed the " Health and Prosperity of Mr. Connor." Ho said he did not look on the employe as a slave who wanted to be driven to his duty. He looked upon it in a business way, and expected a quid pro auo for what he gave. If a man wanted watching, the sooner he was rid of him the better. He was very sorry Mr. Connor was leaving his employ ; but he sincerely wished him success in his new undertaking. He has great pleasure in presenting Mr. Connor with this small mark of esteem from himself and fellow workmen, and wished him long life, health, and prosperity. He then handed to Mr. Connor a beautiful iced water- ju * and salver, and also informed him he would be presented with a written address for framing. The toast was drunk with musical honors. After the toasts of " Mr. Reid," " Mr. Woodifield," and " Mr. Terry " were given and suitably responded to, and a few son andrecititions sjiven, a most enjoyable evening was brought to a close by " Auld Lin* Syne " and the National Anthem.