PRESENTATIONS TO MR. W. A. SHIELDS.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXVIII, Issue 37, 13 September 1900, Page 27

PRESENTATIONS TO MR. W. A. SHIELDS.

Some business men are very happy in their relations with the general public, but at the same time can never win the esteem and confidence of their employees. A notable exception to men of this class is Mr. W. A. Shields, who for eight years had been manager for the well-known Massey-Harris Company, at their head office in Dunedin, and who left on Sunday for Melbourne to take up the management of the Victorian branch of the company's business. On Thursday morning a pleasant gathering of the office staff and other employees took place when Mr. Shields was presented with an address, congratulating him on his promotion and expressing regret at Lid departure, and a. purse of sovereigns. Mrs. Shields was the recipient of a beautiful gold ring, and the children were not forgotten for they received suitable presents also. The chair was occupied by Mr. Cook, solicitor to the company, who said he had been asked by the employees of this flourishing company to make the presentation and express their regret at the departure of the manager, Mr. W. A. Shields, who had charge for so many years. Many of the employees had been connected with the company from the start, and they recognised that its success waa mainly due to the energy and perseverance of the manager, and they hoped that a similar measure of success would crown his efforts in his new sphere. They were pleased that Mr. Shields' efforts had been appreciated by the company, and that he had received well merited promotion. Besides his responsible duties in connection with the business he had during his residence in Dunedin taken a prominent part in many public matters, and the successful send-off of the Fourth Contingent for the Transvaal was in no small degree due to his efforts. He could assure Mr. Shields that the tact, mastery of details, and business acumen shown by him on that occasion would have obtained for him a responsible appointment in this Colony if he stood in need of such. In conclusion he desired to say that Mr. Shields would carry with him the best wishes of the staff and employees generally, who hoped that he might yet be appointed to the higkest position in the services of the company.

The address, which was in book form, and beautifully illuminated by Mr. Hawcridge, was then read by Mr. Honey, Mr. Shields' successor.

Mr. Honey supplemented the addresß by saying that the staff had some diffiouity in selecting a suitable article to accompany it, but after consideration they decided to present a purse of sovereigns, with which Mr Shields could purchase whatever he thought fit.

Mr. Shields, in the course of a brief reply, expressed his sincere thanks for the address and presentations. He was deeply moved by the expressions of kindly feelings in the address towards himself and his family. He would not admit that the success of the business was due solely to himself, it waa owing in a great measure to the loyalty and energy of the staff, and he took the opportunity of thanking one and all for their co-operation, and for the manner in which they assisted him throughout. He could assure them that he would never forget the Dunedin staff, and the cordiality and good feelings which had always marked their relationship would be treasured by him (applause).

Messrs. Lnwry. Magnus, and Cornell also testified to the high esteem in which Mr. Shields was held, and the meeting concluded with eheer.s for Mr. and Mrs. Shields and family.

On the barne afternoon a number of leading citizens met at the Grand Hotel for the purpose of expressing their appreciation of Mr. Shields' services in connection with the Patriotic movements. A letter was received f ioui the Mayor expressing regret at not being able to attend. In the course of his letter his Worship said, 'As & shrewd business man, a loyal and patriotic citizen, Mr. Shields' departure from Dunedin will leave a blank not easily filled, and one would very much regret the loss bun for the satisfaction that hi» employers, who know him best in business, have unmistakably shown their appreciation of his worth by his transference to a more important position in a larger centre.' The Hon. J. G. Ward, Postmaster-General, wrote : ' I desire to express my regret that so energetic and valuable a citizen is leaving our Colony. I join with the others in congratulating him upon the recognition of hi» services by the important company to which he belongs, and I trust that his future may be one of succesa to himself and happiness to his family in the colony to which he is proceeding.'

After a few preliminary remarks from the chairman of the meeting Mr. Shields was presented with a sterling silver service oa behalf of the citizens of Dunedin. Mr. T. W. Kempthorne, on behalf of the Organising Committee formed in connection with the despatch of contingents and nurses to South Africa, presented Mr. Shields with an address, beautifully engrossed on vellum. Speeches were made by Messrs. A. Todd and James Mills, who spoke very highly of Mr. Shields' energy, resource, and business capacity, and while congratulating him on his promotion, regretted his departure from Dunedin.

Mr. Shields, in replying, said he could not find words to express what he would like to say regarding the kindness he had met with from the people of Dunedin. He thanked them most heartily for the present and the address — especially the address, which waa a> splendid thing for a man at his time of life to receive, and he would always look back with pleasure to the time he spent in Dunedin.

At the last meeting of the South Dunedin Catholic Literary Institute advantage was taken of the opportunity to present Mr. W. A. Shields, one of the vice-presidents, with a nicely mounted walking-stick and povereign case, both suitably inscribed, in recognition of the great interest he had taken in the society since ita start. The Rev. Father Coffey, who presided, made the presentation in his usual happy style. Captain Blaney also bore testimony to the good work done by Mr. Shields in connection with the society and other matters. Mr. Shields, in thanking the members for their presents, hoped they would strive earnestly to increase the usefulness of the Institute.

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