MUTUAL APPRECIATION

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 9, Issue 541, 18 June 1920, Page 2

MUTUAL APPRECIATION

MR. WM. ROULSTON AND STAFF.

Fine testimonies of mutual appreciation of employer and employees were given at the Oddfellows' Hall on Wednesday night, when the late staff of Mr. Wm. Roulston tendered him and Mrs. Roulston a leave-tak-ing social and presentations, and Mi Roulston in turn presented each member of his late staff with annual bonuses, totalling approximately 4600, also references. Thirty-six beautiful enlarged photographs of the staff are also to be presented to each member later on, as a further mark of Mr. Roulston's appreciation. Just prior to supper Mr. J. G. Russell, late managing-accountant for Mr. Roulston, and present Pukekohe branch manager of Mr. Roulston's successors (The Farmers' Union Trading Company, Ltd), presented, on behalf of the late staft, to Mr. Roulston a handsome silver epergne, and to Mrs. Roulston a beautiful silver cake dish. In presenting the gifts Mr. Russell spoke of Mr. Roulston's business ability and integrity, underlying which was a very strong quality of humanity. (Applause.) He had been described as being exacting in his demands of service, requiring loyalty and efficiency, especially in detail. In this he was acting on the only lines on which a modern successful business coufd be built up, and the business training thus received would be invaluable to any employee who took the lessons to heart and acted on them throughout his or her life. He wished Mr. Roulston every happiness in the future, particularly the enjoyment of that rest and recreation which he had so justly earned, for no one in his employ had worked harder or more consistently that Mr. Roulston himself. (Prolonged applause.) Romance of Business Life.

In reply, Mr. Roulston expressed, on behalf of Mrs. Roulston and himself, his deep sense of gratitude for the very fine expressions of goodwill and appreciation just tendered. He had been 27 years in business in Pukekohe, and prior to coming to New Zealand was in business in Melbourne. He started in Pukekohe in a small way, Mr. John Sanderson and ne being partners in a small general store, having at that time no employees (except a girifewho assisted occasionally), though' he had over thirty of a staff before he disposed of his recent business. (Applause.) Within twelve months he acquired the store on his own account, and he had to thank his able and conscientious staff for the very great assistance they had been to him in building the business up to its present magnitude. His successors were fortunate indeed in having such a staff to carry on the business with, and he wished the Trading Company every su-.'cess, believing that its activities would be for the benefit of l'ukekohe and district. It was true that he was exacting in his business methods, but without a proper system and attention to detail success was not possible. Furthermore, he ventured to say that his insistence on loyalty and the highest pitch of efficiency did no harm, but much good, to every employee. (A,pplause.) In recognition of the services of his employees, he had, some twelve months ago, decided on instituting a profit-sharing system, which was now so widely recognised in the commercial world abroad, and he would have pleasure in handing to each employee his or her bonus for the paSjf year, together with references. ' Ability Triumphant.

Very warm references were made by Mr. Roulston to his late manag-ing-accountant. Mr. Russell, he said, had started in his employ in a very minor position, and by sheer ability and persistence had risen to his ore-

sent position. (Applause.) His example was one that others might follow with advantage, he having risen, within eight years, from one of the lowest to the highest position on the staff. Kindly reference was made to Mr. Morrow. There were some, who had been in the guest's employ for 10 and 20 years, but Mr. Morrow had been in the service of the family for 45 years. (Loud applause.) Needless | to say, such a faithful retainer's loyal services were greatly appreciated. Mr. Roulston resumed his seat amid sustained applause and musical honours, after which each member of his late staff had the pleasant experience of receiving the bonuses and re- j ferences, Mr. Roulston making appropriate remarks to each in turn. The dance passed off very congenially, an appetising supper being provided by the ladies, and good music dispensed by Misses Fitness (piano), M. Wood (violin), and Messrs. J. Russell and Gordon Fitness (violins), extras being played by Misses Perkins and Myrtle Ulake. Mr. J. Brown acted as M.C. Songs were acceptably rendered by Miss Freda Lewis and Messrs. Jack Brown, E. L. Carnow, and J. O'Malley.