CONCESSIONS TO STAFF

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 272, 13 August 1919, Page 7

CONCESSIONS TO STAFF

ANNOUNCEMENT BY MESSRS. VEITCH AND ALLAJN.'

The firm of Messrs. Veitch and Allan entertained their staif of about 150 to a social and dance in St.- Peter's schoolroom on Monday evening. The hall was tastefully decorated for tne occasion with flags, bunting, greenew", etc. The evening's enjoyment commenced with a progressive euchre tournament; which-provided the keenest interest and pleasure till 9.30, and supper was then announced. 'Mr. W. Allan, towards the end of supper, .proposed the toast of "The King," which was duly honoured, the gathering singing the National Anthem. Addressing tho gathering, Mr. Allan took occasion to refer with pleasure to their meeting together at a "Peace" social, an occasion of marking their joy and thankfulness for the ending of the great war which had brought victory to the Allies and peace to the world, a peace which he fervently honed the youngest of thoso present would never see disturbed by another war. Mr. Allan then spoke of the happy relationship which had always existed between the firm and their staff, a fact shown by tho length of service attained by many. After referring at length to the firm's desire to do their utmost to further the welfare of the staff and to promote good' feeling and understanding between employers and (employees, he said ho would leavo what remained to be said by his partner, Mr. Leuchars.

Mr. Leucltfirs, after fully endorsing Mr. Allan's remarks about the relationship existing between the firm and tho staff, said he thought he had something practical to put before them. Mr. Allan and he had given the matter a good deal of consideration and ho had now pleasure in making the. following announcement: (1) Prom Monday next the closing hour on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday would be 5.30 p.m.! Friday, for a time at any rate, would'he the Into night, but as soon as opportunity offered they would he pleased to close at 5.30 on that night also. (2) From now on, that is at tho annual holiday period, a fortnight's holiday on full, pay would bo wanted io all. employees—workrooms included. (3) Payment for overtime to heads of departments and a continuance of the last few years' bonus arrangement. (-1) A certain sum "would be set -aside each year as a prize or prizes Io be given to Ihose offering the best suggestions for improvem'enfnf the business. Suggestions would be welcome and free to all—junior and senior alike. (5) The present existing privileges enjoyed by tho staff to conThe announcement was greeted with prolonged applause. _ Mr Mmao. whose services with tho firm have'extended over a period of 21 years, replied oh behalf of the staff After con"ratulating Mr. and Mrs. Allan on Hie snfo Teturn of theV two pop* from the war Mr. Almao referred to the nrnctical inlo'vesf e'wavs shown by Ihe firm for tl,ni> '"--"IT. pcnnrinllv ; n cases of sickness He trusted a lime of continued iw-wri 1 '- was i" store for the firm, cm! he felt, sure the employees would do lh"ir utmost. Dancinr. musical items, etc.. were t'-en p"-;aged in.- Mnrb ered't ; s due to Mr. Mmao. shop manager, and his work'"" for the smoothness with which tho function was carried out.

(Tho cable news in this issue accredited to tho London "Times" has appeared in that journal, but only where expressly stated la such uewe the editorial opinion ol tho "Times.")