FACTORY MANAGER RETIRES

Chronicle (Levin), 21 April 1947, Page 2

FACTORY MANAGER RETIRES

^ — MR. GEORGE SHARP HONOURED After 25 years' faithful service, Mi'. George Sharp, who has- been manager of the Rahui factory at Otaki, has resigned, and- on Friday night he was entertai'ned at the Anglican Hall, when a large number of suppliers, with their wives and others assembled to make recognition of his work. After da'ncing, supper and a comniunity sing had provided pleasant entertainment, Mr. Walter Taylor, chairman of the Rahui Committee, outlined the purpose of the function. He said ihat it was with mixed feelings that they were losing the services of Mr. Sharp. There was not the slightest doubt but that he had done a wonderful job at the factory, and had brought credit not only to himself but to the suppliers. Now, in his retirement he would have the best wishes of all. Mr.' Sharp, during his term, had granted no special priVileges, but had treated all alike. He had • gone about his duties in the right way, and had a pleasant and courteous manner. Mr. Sharp had not come as a stranger to the factory. He had in fact been educated at the Otaki School, and was well-known to many when he was appointed manager. Mr. Shafp's help had been greatly appreciated by all connected with the factory, and all had a good word for him. Mr. Taylor made brief mention of a former manager, Mr. Percy Bennett, and regretted that Mr. Patterson, one of the heads of the corporation, had resigned on account of illhealth. Mr. Taylor, after further eulogistic reference to Mr. Sharp, amidst applause, asked his acceptance of a cheque from the suppliers. Mr. D. Murphy, on behalf of the staff, also paid high tribute to the capabilities and popularity of Mr. Sharp. He had -been with Mr. Sharp at the factory. for many years, and a better manager no oue could wish for. There had never been a cross word, Mr. Sharp had always been courteous and helpful. Mr. Murphy made pleasing reference to. Mrs. Sharp, who had proved a friend to the staff. It was with pleasure that he asked Mr. and Mrs. Sharp to accept a present from the staff and from the workers in Wellington. Mr. Murphy handed to Mr. Sharp a beautiful chromium-plated din:ner wagon. Mr. Benseman, who had arrived from Wellington espccially to take part in the function, referred to the splendid co-operation of Mr. Sharp, . backed up by the efforts of Mrs. Sharp, and stated that the feeling between the head office, the staff and suppliers had been most cordial. Up to the present a successor had not been appointed. Amidst applause, he handed a letter of thanks and congratulation to Mr. Sharp on behalf of the head body. He wished Mr. and Mrs. Sharp all success and enjoyment in the days to come, and hoped they would live long and enjoy the best of health and ' happiness. All had known the good work Mr. Sharp had done as factory manager, and he was thanked for the success achieved. He was commended for his honourable service, while the corporation had never had a man of such outstanding straightforwardness as Mr. Sharp. (Applause). The department wished him every happiness in his retirement, and trusted that bothl he and Mrs. Sharp would long be spared to enjoy the blessings of life. Mr. R. W. Jenkins also paid tribute to the excellent services of Mr. Sharp, stating that .he had been associated with him for some years and knew his worth as manager of the factory. Mr. Sharp, he added, would be hard to replace. He had always been easy to approach, being courteous and obliging. He wished both Mr. and Mrs. Sharp the best of health, and trusted that they would continue to reside in Otaki. Mr. Jenkins added that it was pleasing to see the members of Mr. and Mrs. Sharp's family present to participate in the gathering. The Mayor, Mr. C. F. Atmore, on behalf of the ratepayers of Otaki, hearfcily endorsed the remarks made, stating that he had pleasure in doihg so. He considered the corporation had been extremely " fortunate in possessing such a capable manager as Mr. Sharp. He was efficient and pleasant to work with. He also referred to the high esteem in which Mrs. Sharp was held. On behalf of the residents of Otaki, Mr. Atmore expressed his wish that Mr. and Mrs. Sharp would enjoy many years of happiness, and that they would always retain happy recollections of his association with the corporation. At this stage apologies were tendered on behalf of Messrs. F. J. Ryder, Walter Jepson and Major Seal. ' Mr. - Sharp, on rising to reply, was warmly applauded, while ."For He's a Jolly Good Fellow" was lustily rendered. Mr. Sharp said it. was difficult to reply and to express his thanks adequately. Ilowever, he would like to say that his term at the factory had been a most pleasant one, and that he appreciated the help • always

accorded him. He thanked the staff, the suppliers and members of the corporation in Wellington. He was gratefpl to them for the courtesy he had received at all ' times. The assistance had been c'ully appreciated. Mr. Taylor expressed thanks to all who had assisted to make the function so 'enjoyable. During the evening Mrs. Taylor presented a lovely bouquet to Mrs. Sharp. Able assistance was giyen by Messrs. Bain and Elliott.