SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY

Evening Star, Issue 20058, 26 December 1928, Page 13

SIXTIETH ANNIVERSARY

DUNEDIN COMPANY CELEBRATES On the occasion of the sixtieth anniversary of the founding of the company Messrs M'Leod entertained their employees at a social evening at the Savoy'. Over a hundred employees were present, the manager (Mr James Hogg) presiding. The loyal toast having been honoured, a letter was read from the chairman of directors (Mr C. W. Kattray) expressing his regret at not being able to bo present owing to his absence in ’Wellington. An apology was also received from the mayor (the Hon. W. 13. Taverner). The toast, “The Company,” was proposed by Mr 1C Brent, who traced the formation of the concern and eugolised the excellent way_ in which business had been carried on. The company, he said, had a good name amongst all those who had had dealings with it. In reply to the toast Mr Hogg gave a brief historical sketch of the progress of the company since its inception. He said that the present business in Cumberland street was commenced in 1868 by Messrs William M'Leod and Allan S. M'Leocl. The business was floated into a limited company in ISS3, and had continued its existence and progress up till to-day. Like many other Otago businesses, the company was the first to establish the manufacture of soap in New Zealand. Mr Hogg paid a special tribute to the past and present duties of the company, and made special reference to the sound position to which Mr George Todd brought the company during his fifteen years in the management. He expressed regret that tho chairman (Mr Charles Kattray) was not able to be with them to speak to the staff, and ho passed off the thanks of tho directors for the continued loyalty and willing co-operation of the whole stafl. He stated that the bonns_ was paid mainly to encourage production, and to give all employees a share in the results. Lesser production meant dearer commodities, less sales, and unemployment. Their increased production had meant everything to the city, as it allowed the company to sell on a liner margin during a period of keen competition. He referred to the future prospect of tho business from the point of view of both tho company and the employees, stressing the necessity for co-operative effort, and asking lor a continuance of loyal service ot every member of tho firm. Mr J. Sutliorland-Koss said that the sixtieth anniversary of any mamilactnring concern was an event ol some moment, lie congratulated the firm on possessing a manager of the ability of Air Hogg. Air Koss, who remarked that the firm of solicitors now carrying on the business of the company was the same linn that floated it, congratulated Messrs M'Leod Bros, on tho success attained, and wished the* company every success in tho liitnrc. The toast, ‘The Solicitors and Auditors,’ was proposed by Air J. Boardman, accountant, who referred to tho fact that the present solicitors had held office since the inception of tho company. With regard to the auditors, ho said that three men had held the position for varying terms, the longest being that of Mr G. M. Maclean, tho present auditor, who had held the office for twenty-five years. Air Boardman referred to the friendly relations existing between tho staff and Air Maclean, and thanked him on their behalf. Air Alacloau returned thanks, also Air Brent on behalf ot tho solicitors. On behalf of tho present employees Mr Cecil Tucker proposed the toast of the 'Older Employees,’ coupled with the names of Messrs W. Williams, E. Sunderland, and W. Beal. He referred to tho fact that there wore many members of the firm who had been in its employ for over twenty years. The response to the toast was made by Alessrs Sunderland, Williams, and Beal. Air Sunderland referred to the many members of tho staff who had passed away, and made particular reference to Air George Nicholson, accountant, who gave his life at tho war. He stressed the loyalty _ shown to the company, this being evidenced by the number of employees with long service. Mr Williams, who has been with Alessrs M'Leod Brothers for about 48 years, briefly replied. Musical and other items wore rendered during the evening by Messrs Alan Young, Keg. Richards, C. Grace, AT. Stokes, J. Buchanan, and F. ’Death. Thanks were expressed to the direct ors for the pleasant evening tendered to the employees, who also gave voice to their regard for the manager (Air Hogg), tho toast of whose health was honoured enthusiastically.