FAREWELL PRESENTATION

Chronicle (Levin), 23 March 1946, Page 2

FAREWELL PRESENTATION

MR. PATTERSON HONOURED TRIBUTES TO HIS WORK Rahui suppliers congregated yesterday afternoon at the factory for the purpose of saying farewell to Mr. Patterson, the retiring superintendent, and at the same time make presentations on account of his popularity and unfailing service since his early connection with the factory. Under the shade of the trees, and on a lawn that did credit to the employees, all assembled. Mr. Benseman, the general manager of the City Milk Corporation, extended a welcome to all present. The gathering, he said, had been arranged to tell Mr. Patterson what they all thought of him, and after mentioning the fact that a similar gathering had been held in Wellington some time ago to show appreciation of faithful services by employees, stated that all fully recognised the amount of good woxk Mr. Patterson had done. It was the desire of those present to show appreciation of his fine services. Mr. Patterson was a person who would be greatly missed, and it was hoped that Mr. Bain would proye a worthy successor. He had received, tuition at Massey College, and had® proved a brilliant young man. All would look forward to his work. After further testimony to Mr. Patterson's excellent work, Mr. Benseman related some interesting and amusing anecdotes, and then mentioned that this would be Mr. Patterson's last official visit to Otaki. He hoped, however, that he would make frequent visits. (Applause) . The Mayor (Mr. C. F. Atmore) extended a warm welcome to all the v visitors, particularly to those who had come from Wellington and from the cricket match, Wellington against Australia, 011 the Basin Reserve, where nearly all good Wellingtonians were congregated. The Wellington City Milk Department's modern factory. at Otaki was a valuable asset to the district. Despite the fact that' it was not a ratepayer, the borough supplied water to the factory at very moderate charges although the factory had its own pumping water supply. What the milk department did with the Otaki pure water it was unnecessary to consider at that moment. Mr. Patterson had taken a prominent part in the development of the factbry; He had a fairly extensive knowledge of the "milk: industry. He had served the department faithfully and well over a long period of years, and had well earned a rest. The speaker joined with all present in wishing Mr. Patterson 'many long years of happy retiremeht. (Applause) . Mr. Walter Taylor said that all interested in the factory fully realised the good Work done by Mr. Patterson, and' 'they had met to -show appreciation of his services, and to congratulate him on the success of his work. Mr.' Patterson felt that the time had arrived to retire, and suppliers who had been colinectecf with his work recognised his ability and his worth, and there was no doubt but that he had the best wishes of all. All could look back with pleasure to the good work that he had accomplished, and at the same time recognise the help he had been to suppliers. He had edueated many by visiting the sheds of suppliers and giving advice; he had not looked for foults, but he had made visits with the intention of imparting useful information. He had realised that first grade products were necessary, and it was satisfactory to know that less than one per cent. of the milk had been graded as seconds. Mr. Patterson's services had been valuable to all concerned. It was pleasing to know that stippliers had done well, and gained credit for their milk. The suppliers realised that they were getting a fair deal,. while it was .gratifying to know that suppliers were doing their best to produce the best of milk. All had, he said, appreciatcd the help given by Mr. Patterson, and were grateful for him for watching their interests. It was now that the suppliers wished to show appreciation by presenting to him a sum of money. Mr. Taylor expressed the hope that Mr. Patterson's health would improve — all all knew of the anxiety and the hard work done by him during his 25 years' service — and that Mr. Patterson would frequently visit Otaki. A welcome was extended to Mr. Bain, Mr. Patterson's successor, and as Mr. Patterson had laid a good foundation no doubt this would be a help to him. Mr. Taylor assured Mr. Bain that suppliers would give him every assistance. Mr. Taylor then made a presentation amidst applause. Mr. George Sharp, manager, stated that words were inadequate to express the feelings of all concerned, but he desired to extend warm appreciation of the good work Mr. Patterson had done. He had been with the company for the past 24 years, while it was worthy of note that Mr. Dave Mur.ph-y and Mr. Major Seal had also given long service. . It was 24 years since he, the speaker, had arrived in Otaki,. at a time when the supply was small. He. had seen it grow till it had reached its present large output. Mr. Patterson had had a great responsibility, and his health had hdt beeii of the best. He hoped this would improve. Mr. Sharp then extended a weioome to Mr, Bain,

Amidst applause Mr. Sharp handed 'to Mr. Patterson a silver tray. Mr. Bain expressed thanks for the welcome that had been accorded him, adding that he felt it' a privilege to be present. It was gratifying to see the appreciation accorded to Mr. Patterson for his work. He stated he knew of Mr. Patterson's knowledge, and of his loyalty, while with the co-operation of suppliers he (the speaker) would give of his best. (Applause) . Mr. Patterson stated that it was a difficult matter to express his feelings, and to show appreciation o'f the many kind things said. He appreciated the good' wishes and the presentation. It made one feel that his years of service had not been in vain, and he felt amply repaid for all that he had done. He had a connection with Rahui suppliers for many years, and had derived much pleasure from their associations. He Stated that he had always done- his best for all concerned, both for his employers and producers. He fully realised the importance of the Rahui factory, and stated that without Rahui suppliers the Wellington City Milk Department would not have proved a success. . He was grateful to know that he had the .co-operation ' , pf , . suppliers, • ar^d backed up by'a loyai staff— a staff that he was proud to be asociated with. Now, he said, eame the break of association, but this was made easier by the knowledge that he had given of his best, and had been given the help of suppliers. The farmers, he reiterated, had done well, and deserved every credit. They had carried'on in the face of adversities, and had impraved the quality of their milk, bringing it to a high standard. Many difficult problems had been overcome by the co-operation of the suppliers with • the department, and he hoped that this would continue. Mr. Benseman had only been on the council' for a few years, but he knew the import--ance of matters in general. He asked that suppliers co-operate with him, and if so this would be an advantage to alL He assured suppliers that under the new manager they would be given an honest deal. He alsq - asked that co-operation be extended to Mr. Bain, who had been associafed with farmers all his life. '] Mr. R. W. Jenkins expressed pleasure at being connected with a man of Mr. Patterson's calibre, and regretted that he was severing his connection with the factory. He| regretted also that Mr. Patterson's , health was indifferent, and trusted he' would reap a beneflt by his retirement." Personally, he had been .connected with Mr, Patterson for 26 years, and added that he had always found him honest and upright. He appreciated all that he had done. acknowledging his help and ability. Mr. Patterson, he said, had been responsible for much good work, and thanks were due to him for his knowledge in the milk business. He, himself, had resigned after 26 years of service, and therefore knew of the wrench that Mr. Patterson would feel. It was his desire to see the Rahui factory still grow. (Applause.) . Mr. Walter Jepsen said credit was due to the milk department for such an able staff, and in selectillg Mr. Sharp he considered they had made a wise choice. In the appointment of Mr. Patterson all .had derived benefit, and it was pleasing to see the co-operation of all concerned. Mr. Patterson, besides being capable, had always been approachable, and this made the duty of suppliers an easy one. Mr. Patterson had proved practicable, a man to be reckoned with, and if there had been a difference of opinion il had always been met 'With a smile. Mr. Patterson had not only work'ec for his employers, but he had always watched the interests of suppliers •and had a happy knack of getting •the best out of his staff. All recognised that they were losing a buS) and valuable man, and he trusted that Mr. Bain would be successful (Applause) . , Mr. Dave Murphy, as one of the staff, extended thanks to Mr. Patterson for various consideration' and' help given. Personally, he had been at the factory for some -twent? years, Mr. Patterson being the superintendent. In all -those years ' he knew that. Mr. Patterson had

received the best from his staff > always proving a good friend. All appreciated his help. In conclusion, Mr. Murphy expressed. a hope that Mr. Patterson would be restored to good health. (Applause). - Major Seal, in endorsing the remarks, stated that he had been at the factory for a number of years, and had found Mr. Patterson a great help and a good friend. He regretted that he was leaving, aiid trusted that he would be restored to good health. He thanked him for his help and advice. (Applause) . Mr. Walter Taylor paid a tribute to the staff, stating that the factory was fortunate in having such a capable body of men. He, with others, appreciated the fine work of -Mr.. Sharp and the staff in general. (Applaus*) . Mr. Bensemen also paid a tribute to the staff, knowing them to be good workers 'and loyal. He hoped that the Rahui -factory would continue to grow in size, and to be even further iniproved. In his travels, both in New Zealand and Australia, he had never seen any place to .equal it. (Applause) . Mr. Patterson stated that he appreciated the further remarks made, and referred to Mr. Jenkins as one of the pioneer members, one who had been a hard- fighter but always out for a square deal. In making reference to Mr. Jepsen, he knew that this supplier had a part to play but had always endeavoured to give of his best, He had done good work and was. conscientious. In dealing with the 'staff Mr. P'atterson stated that he could not wtSh for a more loyal staff — never on one pccasion had they failed him. They had worked well and willingly, and had been the means of - making his work easier. He paid tribute to the good work of Mr. Sharp, who had always been a loyal and good worker. (Applause). Afternoon tea was dispensed and enjoyed. .