Presentation to Mr Abraham.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 30 November 1912, Page 2

Presentation to Mr Abraham.

IXT KIUiSTI N(l I' i:\crn ON AT LKA'LY. A very pleasant function took place last evening in the Druids' Hall, Levin, when two presentations uere made to Air If. 10. Abraham, who i,s leaving to take up the position of manager of MV Xewton Kind's Stratford Itu.siness. Durinpc the. past four year.s Mr Abraham lias been manager at Levin for the linn of Messrs Abraham and AVilliams. and under him the local branch has prospered to a striking decree, the fortnightly sales now bciujT n«u;;ir<lcd ins the largest and most successful on the coast. Mr Abraham has always shown the, utmost courtesy to those with whom ho has bad business relations, .iml the , speakers at last evening's function took the opportunity of emphasising; this fact, of connratuliatino- him upon the success which has attended his efforts while at Levin, and of u-isli-!n»- him and Mrs Abraham every prosperity in the future. Over MH'onty persons were present, and the fiatherinff was a thoroughly representative one. Mr John Davies occupied the chair, and m:id letters of apology for absence, including one from Mr B. U. Gardener (Mayor of Levin). :ill wishing Mr Abraham success in his new sphere.

The Chairman who was cordially received, said that ho was very gratified io have that opportunity of expressing liis opinion with regard to the guest. Mr IT .E. Abraham came to T.i>viu to take up the position of manager at t\ difficult period in flic firm's history. But l>v liis judgment and tact Mr Abraham gathered the business together, and to-day Messrs Abraham and AVilliifiins had no belter branch than tliflt at Levin . (Loud applause). Theiv was not. lie was satisfied, any man in the whole disIriel wlio could oxpross one word of disapproval fit what Mr Abraham had done- (applause) -«nd speaking from a long nnd varied experience lie roill<l honestly say that lie regarded their guest as one of the most honourable and successful of business men, (Cheers). Ho hnd lniilt. u]> a business second to none, and now he was aliout to leave them

he Sloped not for good—to take up ;i very important position for Mr Xowron King. The. toast was enthusiastically drunk. Major Hurlinson described MY Abr.ilmni :ir that straight-forward man upon whom the commercial community could always depend. He w,ns a man of unquestionable ability, integrity and courtesy. Keen at business, be had been very helpful in many social ways, and in this be had been enthusiastically supported by Mrs Abraham Ccheer.s).

Mr Voter Bartholomew remarked flint Mr Abraham was a very capable, courteous business man. ami ho bad been largely concerned in building up the present successful branch at Levin.

Mr W. G. Adkin reminded tlioso present that Mr Abralia.ni came k> T-oviii four years a .art, and said that !i« thought- tlint was liis first von("iivo into a vory responsible position. They jill wondered at the tinii! how ho would acquit himself. Rut they lifid not Ion(j fo waif- for lie snon displayed exceptional business,talent u'liicli they all appreciated. He was snro Mr Abraham, in his new sphci-p. would still fnrtlior develop great business powers.

Mr W. Howell and Mr Leydon .added tJifMV testimony, and on behalf of tho ITeatherlea Golf Club, Dr. On vies wished Mr and Mrs Abiahnm every prosperity in their new home. The chairman then presented Mr Abraham with a solid silver Uviy, suitably inscribed, from the inhabitants of ll'orowhenna, as a slight token of their kindly feelings towards liini. Mr 11. E. Abraham, who was received with loud applause, replied. Speaking with emotion, he said that ho felt very keenly the kind things that had been add about him that evening, and he hardly knew how to express his thanks for the splendid present ho had just received. Ho did not mind confessing that when ho took over the charge of the Levin branch ho did so with consid-

enable trepidation, more especially as he was taking the placo of a good man. Since he had been there everyone had been very good to him, and by the results of tho business ho thought he hud mado a success of the work. His whole interest had boon wrapped up in the firm's welfare, but- the position he was going to was ci .specially good one, and he felt, under the circumstances, that ho was wise in accepting it. It was a. groat wrench to him to leave his friends and after the very kind things that had boon said about him that evening ho felt the severance mil the more anilely. One of tho main points in such a business as their , s was to have a good staff, and in that respect- ho had boon specially fortunate. (Cheers). Mr Jamioson had pretty woll boon his right hand man. Ho Wins woll and favourably known to mast of them, and in every department ho Ww'is a very valuable man. (Cliocrs). Of Mr Simpson he could spoak in the highest tonus, and ho congratulated himself that ho (tho speaker) was partly responsible for his introduction to the firm. (Cheers). Of Mr Hichtor ho had tho highest regard. More latterly ho had had oxceptionally responsible duties to perform, and bo bad discharged them in a highly creditable manner. Ho was a thoroughly good num. (Applause). Aspocial word was duo to Mr Walter Rydor. Ho (the speaker) and bis staff and Mr Rydor had been thrown together in many ways, and ho could honestly say ho was (in tho host acceptation of tho Avoid) <a "white" man, and one of tho truest in Levin. (Loud cheers). Mr Abraham concluded by saying tli-at he was .sure they would all join with him in giving a very hearty welcome to Mr Nicholson, his successor. (Loud applause).

Mr W. G. Adkin proposed the toast of the firm of Abraham and Williams, an<l in doing so snid thnt one thing thnt struck him was the rearkable judgment which the firm showed in its selection of a staff. He eulogised Mr Porritt (the auctioneer) and said thnt. apart from his ability, he was one of the most level tempered men lie had ever met. (Loud applause).

Mr I{. ,S. Abraham responded, and sa<l that the Levin branch had made rapid strides in business, especially during the last four years, when his son had had charge. In support of this he quoted figures, showing that the earning power of the capital employed at "Levin was X'l Os Id, against 1-js for the next best branch. The turn over at Levin of cattle in 11)03 was 10,375, sheep 32.931. Last year (1912) the turn over was cattle 13,401:, sheep 78,782. Mr Abraham spoke highly of the whole of the Levin staff, ami in regard to Mr Nicholson said that when h( had had a little experience with them he would carry on the firm's Levin business as successfully as his son had done. (Applause). Mr John Davios also responded, and spoke- of the firm's indehtnoss to its clients in a critical period four years ago. A presentation was also made to Mr Abraham from the staff, and i this is reported in another column. Among other toasts given was that of the "rival firms'' proposed by Major iSurlinson, who spoke of the healthy rivalry that existed between them, and referred in kindly terms to the agents, Messrs Kingdon and Cowie, both of whom suitably responded. Songs (sentimental ami humorous) were given at intervals, music being provided by Mr J. Middloton and Mr J. W. If ay field) nml a recherche supper provided. Altogether the function wnx a very pleasant one. and the various arrangements in connection with it were admirably conceived.