VALEDICTORY.

Matamata Record, Volume II, Issue 71, 28 February 1918, Page 2

VALEDICTORY.

Mr Robertson. At Messrs Stewart & Co.'s tea rooms on Wednesday evening last about fifty suppliers and employees of the " Glaxo " factory, and business men assembled at a "farewell" function tendered to Mr Robertson, who was leaving Matamata next day to extend his firm's operations at Bunnythorpe. A sumptuous repast was provided, and a most enjoyable function resulted. Mr I. McNair occupied the chair. The following toasts were honored : —"The King" (chairman), " Army and Navy " (Messrs G. H. Malcolm and G. G. Bell), " Our Guest" (Mr McNair), " The new manager, Mr B. Barnes " (Messrs E. C. Banks and J. F. Vosper), " The Chairman " (Mr A. G. Yardley). In proposing the toast of "Our Guest," the chairman said he could not say too much for him. In the case of any grievance he always found him ready to do his best for suppliers, and at the same time conserving the interest of his employers. The committee also had found him a good man to work with. He hoped that his successor would be as good as Mr Robertson had been. In presenting Mr Robertson with a fountain pen, Mr McNair said he had borne all the pioneering work, and after completing it, unfortunately had been transferred to another place. The suppliers at Matamata recognised the good work he had done, and consequently recognised his worth. However, they were not too selfish, and recognised that a man had to study his own interests. The Matamata settlers wished him every prosperity. Mr Robertson, in responding, spoke of the excellent support that had been given him by the Matamata suppliers, and said that in all his experience he had not met more loyal dairy farmers. He hoped that on any occasion his friends from Matamata visited Palmerston they would call upon him, and he would assure them of a hearty welcome. Mr Kennedy, in speaking to the toast, said he had personally known Mr Robertson for a number of years and always found him a gentleman. He was always sympathetic to employees and the employees were sorry to lose him. However, in appointing Mr Barnes they felt that the gap had been filled to'the best of the firm's ability, and they hoped that the good work done by Mr Robertson would be carried on by the new manager. He had much pleasure in presenting Mr Robertson with a valuable leather travelling bag subscribed for by the employees. In thanking the employees Mr Robertson paid tribute to the assistance rendered him by the staff, mentioning particularly Messrs Kennedy and Mitchell. He hoped that the same loyal assistance would be given Mr Barnes, his successor. Mr J. F. Vosper said he had formed a high opinion of Mr Robertson, and wished that Mr Barnes would be as good. He trusted that Mr Barnes would attain that respect from the suppliers and employees that Mr Robertson had got at the commencement. The appointment of a poor manager would possibly have spelt failure, but happily they had secured a good man and the result was felt right throughout the district. Mr Barnes said he would endeavor to work faithfully in all directions. He trusted that by dealing squarely by the suppliers at Matamata he would receive similar treatment from them. If the work was harmonious it would be certain that the Matamata Glaxo factory would continue well to the fore. Mr E. C. Banks spoke of the respect earned by Mr Robertson ; and also of what he considered the excellent prospects for Glaxo. The product, he said, was becoming more perfect, and thus would continue to attain good prices. Musical and instrumental items were rendered during the evening by Messrs P. C. Ingham, P. Randall, W. Darby, Vallilly and lA. G. Yardley. The accompaniments were played by Mr Ingham.