VALEDICTORY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 95, 17 December 1912, Page 5

VALEDICTORY.

BUYERS’ PRESENTATION TO MR. F. AY. WEBSTER. Prior to Air Newton King’s monthly wool, hide, and skin sales at the stores in Cloton Road this morning, the buyers, numbering a full score or so, took an opportunity of bidding farewell to Air E. W. Webster, on his relinquishing the managership of Air Newton King’s Stratford business. There were present, in addition, a number of wool vendors, members oi .'Mr Newton King’s staff, and a large circle of friends. I lie proceedings were of a most cordial nature, and on all sides was expressed the general regret felt at Air Webster’s departure, coupled with the hope that his new venture might prove a profitable ail'd successful one.

Air A. McDonald, of Napier, well known as the representative of Messrs Aiichaelis, Hallenstein, and Earquhar, Dunedin, the principal speaker, said that in transferring the scenes of his labours, Air Webster was leaving behind him a host of good friends. Speaking personally, lie had known Air W ebster for several years, and their acquaintance had been of a most happy nature. He trusted that the New bear would bring to Air Webster a rush of health and happiness, and hoped that the lime would come when he (Air AVebster) would return to the old firm and again preside over their gatherings. (Applause.) Continuing, Mr AlcDomild referred to Air Webster’s conspicuous ability and his strict impartiality, and then, on behalf of the hnj’crs, presented him with a ease of pipes, tobacco pouch, and a silver match box, in recognition ol the cordial relations which had always existed between Air Webster and the buyers. (Applause.) /Amid cheers, and the singing ol “For He’s a Jollj- Good Fellow,” the health of the departing manager w:i« drunk with enthusiasm.

Mr A. Christensen, Alayor of Patea, addressed a few words, endorsing the remarks of his confrere. Mr AVebster, ho said, was a wonderfully good business man, and he had a splendid stall behind him. Both buyers and sellers got from the firm fair treatment, and this he attributed, amidst applause, to the careful and skilful handling of an excellent staff by Mr Webster. “Beyond dispute,” concluded Patea’:; chief citizen, “Air AVebster is a good man, and on behalf of the buyers i wish him every success.” (Applause.) Air Christensen also, on behalf of the buyers, welcomed Air Abraham, the new manager, and while stating that it would take a very good man to .ill Air Webster’s place, expressed the ’pinion that Air Abraham would “fill the bill.”

It was some time before the applaus

had sufficiently subsided to allow Mr Webster to reply, and, when he did commence to speak, it was very diffi- . nit to realise that the speaker, whose words came slowly and with difficulty, was the same “Bill” AVebster, whose ready wit and lightning repartee had delighted hundreds of bnj’ers, and enlivened many a sale. Air Webster pleaded that he was not accustomed t; public speaking, and confessed that Inhad been fairly “caught in a trap.” He thanked.the buyers for the present, and the previous Speakers for their kind remarks. Ho felt very proud, indeed, to think his efforts had been so appreciated by men with such i large and varied experience. He had always tried to do his best, and be reminded those present that he bad received very able assistance from Ids staff. Air Beira (applause), his right hand man, who had been with him for fourteen years, Mr Ashton (more applause), the best man for the job in Now Zealand (hear, hear), had proved that his judgment in thorn had not been misplaced. He had had a good staff, and with them most of the firm’s success lay. In conclusion, Air Webster said be had much pleasure in introducing to them Air Abraham, hoping that the same good fellowship would bo extended to Air Abnbam as it bad always been extended to him. (Applause). Mr Webster added that lie had been with Mr Newton King for 25 years, and they had parted yesterday as they had started—on good terms. (Applause). Air Abraham, in a neat speech, remarked that he would undoubtedly have a “hard row to hoe,” following in the footsteps of Air AVebster. As ho would not be auctioneering, as Mr Webster had done, be would not come into such close contact with the buyers, but be would lie always pleased to welcome them and have a chat with them. (Applause.) The sale then proceeded, and Air Webster commenced “bis firm] flutter” so far as this sale at least is concerned, with his accustomed vigor. AWstei day Air Abraham formally took over die managership. XMAS SUITS AT THE MELBOURNE

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