FLAXMILLERS' BANQUET.

Shannon News, 31 October 1924, Page 3

FLAXMILLERS' BANQUET.

FAREWELL TO MILL, MANAGER Alter filling.the position of manager to the Miranui Mill of the A. and L. Seifert Flaxdressing Company for five years, Mr-H. T. Greedy has retired in order to enjoy a well-earned rest, his • health not having been oi the best of late. In order to show their appreciation Qf his services, the emloyees gathered at Miranui on Thursday evening last at a banquet, and tendered him an enthusiastic farewell, at the. same time presenting him with a tangible expression of their esteem. Mr W. A. Lankshear presided over an attendance of about 150. .

The evening was pleasantly spent, i>nd during the- proceedings musical and vocal items were, contributed to brighten t.lie function. Following the loyal toast, Mr H. W. Priest, who represented the company In the unavoidable absence ol Mr A. Seifert, made a very interesting speech, in the course of which he explained that he had been .called upon to make a presentation to the late manager on behalf of. the staff of the mill. Prior to his leaving, it was desired that Mr Greedy. should be presented with some expression of >the regard in which lie was held by his subordinates, and of the good leeling which had always existed in the operations of the works. The speaker proceeded to refer to the assistance which had been rendered by Mr Greedy in matters pertaining to j the general welfare of the small community of Miranui, having manifested a keen and lively interest in the social as well as the more serious activities of the place—particularly m regard to the annual ball. Miss Greedy had represented the flax industry at a recent queen carnival at Shannon, and had been defeated by the narrow margin of three votes.

"1 have been closely associated with Mr Greedy during the time lie has been amongst us," . contined the speaker, "and have always found him a man of sterling qualities. It has been a pleasure to work with him, and it is with genuine-regret that we look forward •to his departure. As our manager he has always been popular with everyone, and this lias no doubt gone a long way with the smooth running ol Miranui,"

Mr priest then 'presented Mr Greedy with a solid leather suitcase, mounted and inscribed, and also a travelling rug, and extended to both the guest and his wife the hearty good wishes of the mill hands and the company for future, hapin-ess. A presentation of a fountain pen was also made on behalf, oi the children of Mr and Mrs A. Steer, reference being made to the assistance which Mr and Mr s Greedy had given the children. The health of the guest was honoured enthusiastically, after which Mr Greedy responded. During his whole Hie, lie said, he had worked upon the maxim: "Do unto others as you would that they do unto you.' He had spent 2& years in the flaxmil Ling trade, and prior to his elevation to the position of manager, had worked' in many mills. During the five years he had been at Miranui ne had 'found almost perfect- harmony between the workers and, the company, and it was upon that pleasing period of his career that lie would look when he viewed the presents that had been given him. ;fo Mr and Mrs Steer he also tendered thanks. It was Pleasing to think that the troublous times through which the industry had had to pass on account oi the yellow leaf disease were row nearly ended, and that the flax industry was -gradually recovering its lormer states in the matter of proauction. He personally had had something to do. with the work ol organising an effort to save what* was left oi the industry, inasmuch as he iiad written to the millers concerned and urged action. The speaker eulogised the work accomplished by Mr Alfred Seifert in the matter ol testing, and complimented him upon his enterprise. Messrs Lankshear and G. Hemmington also spoke of the regret, that was felt at the departure of Mr Greedy. < During the evening musical end vocal items were contributed by the iollowing: Messrs H, A. Pedder, G. Hemmington, A. McDonald, J. N. McGregor and D. Cameron. Toasts were honoured as follows: "A. and L.. Seifert Flaxdressing Company, ''Ltd.," proposed by Mr W. Baird arid responded to by Mr Priest; "Ladies," proposed by Mr G. "W. Haycock, and responded to by Mr V. Croon.