FIRM’S ANNIVERSARY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 164, 11 June 1940, Page 10

FIRM’S ANNIVERSARY.

CHILD BROS’ SOCIAL GATHERING

To mark 21 years of creditable proprogress, Messrs Child Bros, one of the city’s foremost firms of carriers and fuel merchants, on Saturday evening entertained members of their staff at a dinner followed by a dance at the P.D.C. tearooms. In the course of speeches in reminiscent vein remarkable changes that had. come up to this coming-of-age milestone were revealed. It was in May, 1919, that Mr E. G. Child launched his business and took his first job, trading as Child Bros, with his two sons, Messrs AV. J, and E. W. H. Child, the last-named only returning from the war in December of that year. In July of 1919 the carrying business of Mr S. Bamberry, of McGiffert Street, was acquired, there being at this time several horse-drawn lorries and one motor-lorry. The horses were disposed of in 1925, giving away to the march of time, and the motor fleet made its appearance, gradually increasing to 21 vehicles. Dealing in coal and firewood, which had commenced in 1921, was also being developed, various privately-owned yards having been acquired. Further expansion was denoted by the establishment 9f the metal-crushing depot and plant in Albert Street, probably the only privately-owned one of the type in the environs of the city. Taking over the business of the New Zealand Express Company, Child Bros, moved their head offices to George Street, from where the business, "its 21 motor-trucks and its staff of 31 are all directed.

On Saturday evening proceedings were marked with the utmost good fellowship which is typical of the relationship that has existed through all the .years between the firm and staff. An indication of this was provided by the fact that all were present to join in the jubilation and most of the company remained for the dance.

Between sixty and seventy sat down to a bountiful repast, the tables in square formation being unanimously approved. The “father” of the gathering was Mr E. ,G. Child, who will shortly be able to boast of four score years, and for whom it is claimed that he is “the only carrier known to have retired.” Mr A. S. Trevithick, secretary of the company, was in the chair and was supported by Messrs AAL J. and E. AV. H. Child. On arrival the guests were welcomed by Mr and Mrs AA r . J. Child, the latter in a frock of vintage and teal shot taffeta and grey fur evening coat, and Mr and Mrs E. AV. H. Child, the latter in black satin with black evening coat relieved with white fur. Miss Myra Child wore blue lace and a black coatee; Mrs Trevithick wore a frock of tomato cloque and fur coat, and Mrs AA’agstaffe, scarlet flat crepo. There was a short toast list, Mr AA r . J. Child proposing that of “The King,” after which the toast of “The Firm” was entrusted to the chairman.’ Having travelled most of the distance with the,firm in its record of progress, Mr Trevithick could recall many amusing incidents traversing the changes that had come about. Mr E. AA r . Child replied to the toast on behalf of the firm and next proposed the toa-st o y f “The Staff,” paying a tribute to their loyal co-operation and to the fact that all worked together as one. The reply was in the bands pf Mr N. C. Corr.v, who was ably supported bv Mr C. McLeavev, the sneakers reciprocating the kindly. remarks and testifying io the esteem in whicu the heads of the firm were held.'

At this stage a surprise was sprung on H. A. Wagstaffe and his wife when Mrs E. W. Child asked tlieir acceptance of a silver cake dish in appreciation of the fact 'that Mr Wagr, staffe ha.d l>een with the firm since its inauguration 21 years ago. Mr Wagstaffe feelingly returned thanks, and musical honours were accorded. Mr and Mrs Trevithick were the next to be surprised when Mr W. J. Child presented them with a silver savoury dish to mark the completion of Mr Trevithick’s 19 years in the service of the firm. Mr Trevithick made suitable reply, which was the signal for further musical honours, all the toasts being heartily honoured. • . At 8.30 the room was cleared for dancing, which continued until "the midnight hour under the direction of Mr W. J. Child, music being provided a professional orchestra. Mr Child, senr., danced with the best of them, never missing a' number. A savoury supper was served and a feature was the handsome birthday cake surmounted by its 21 cnndles and by, its symbol of service—the motor-lorry in the familiar colours of yellow and scarlet. Mr Child, serin, lit the/candles the grandchildren Myra and Bernard blowing them out; and Mrs E. W. Child cut the cake. , -. j The nrincinal item was the recital of the Child Bros, “saga.” written and presented bv Mrs Creighton, who later presented Mrs \V. J. Child with a bouquet as a small token from her friends present, shoulder sprays being also’ handed to Mrs E. M. Child and Miss Myra Child. K delightful evening concluded with "Auld Lang Syne” and the National Antliemi