SHIPPING MANAGER RETIRES.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20488, 5 March 1932, Page 21

SHIPPING MANAGER RETIRES.

PRESENTATION TO MR S. K. SLEIGH. A pleasing function took placo in the Board loom of the Union Steam Ship Company's Dunedin office, this week, when the staff assembled to make a, presentation to Mr S. K. Sleigh on the occasion of his retirement from the position of local manager. In presenting Mr Sleigh with a travelling bag, lloslyn rug, and gold watch on behalf of the Dunedin and Port Chalmers staffs of the company, Mr G. F. Booth, local traffic manager referred to Mr Sleigh's long and successful career in the service of the Union Company. ' Starting ag a junior clerk, Mr Sloigh had occupied various positions until he became general traffic manager in the head office at Dunedin. He was later appointed branch manager of the Christchurch office, and from this position he was transfered back to Dunedin as branch manager and secretary to the company. His services had extended to nearly half a century. Mr Booth referred to the very happy relations which had existed at all times between the staff and Mr Sleigh, and, while they regretted that the time had come for hia retirement.from active service, they were very pleased to know that he was taking such a step while he had health and strength, and hoj)ed that ho would bo long spared to enjoy a well-earned respite from business cares. An opportunity was taken to extend a welcome to the new manager of the Dunedin office, Mr J. H. Gilbert, who, until rocently, wns manager of the company's Timaru branch. Mr Gilbert spoke in eulogistic terms of Mi* Sleigh, and stated that he had been on his staff for some years. Mr Sleigh, in reply, referred to his long association with the company and' staff. He had seen the company grow from small beginnings, when ships of the old Tarnwera and Wairarapa type were employed in the intercolonial service, until the present day, when vessels of a palatial type were engaged in the - same service. He referred to many of the men who had served the company and passed on. He felt that the time was opportune for him to step aside and let the young men have their opportunities.