VALEDICTORY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXV, Issue 10713, 30 June 1913, Page 5

VALEDICTORY.

A PLEASING FUNCTION. On Saturday afterndon, the Masterton office of Messrs' 5 Dalgety and Co., Ltd., was the scene of a, pleasant function, when the memßers of the staff assembled together to make a double "send-off" to the manager, Mr J. B. Moodie, who is leaving for Wellington, and the auctioneer, Mr J. B. Thomson, who ha B been appointed to the position of manager of the Dannevirke sub-branch. There was a large attendance of the staff, representatives being present fro~n all of the firm's branches in the district. Mr Moodie, on behalf of those present, .said .that they felt that they could not let Mr Thomson depairt from their midst without showing in some degree the high esteem in which he wag held by fellow members on the staff. During his 18 -nonths 1 stay in Masterton, they hod learned to appreciate his many sterling qualities, and they were all very pleased to know that his transfer meant promotion. The speaker handed Mr Thomson a handsome pair of binoculars, and in doing so wished him every future success. Several other s spoke in similar terms, and the recipient suitably acknowledged the presentation.

Mr W. Coulter, as the officer longest associated with Mr Moodie's regime, made reference to the departure of that gentleman. Whilst they all regretted his severance from Masterton, they were glad to know of his appointment to a responsible position in the Wellington office.. Mr Moodie had been the first and only manager of the Mastertoi},' branch, having taken up his. duties here some eight years ago. The business in those days was transacted with a staff of four, and to-day the staff numbered twenty-five, and branches had been established in every part of the Wairarapa and the Forty-Mile Bush. This was the best evidence of the development of the business under the management of Mr Moodie. In addition, they had a modernly-equipped, new brick office, of which they were all justly proud. Mr Moodie would ever be remembered by the staff for ihis many sterling qualities, and his courtesy and consideration at all times. Mr Coulter, on behalf of the staff, then asked Mr Moodie to accept for himself and his wile a Dutch hall clock, and for himself a, case of pipes. Other members of the staff added their appreciation of their departing manager, and Mr Moodie, in a neat speech, thanked, the staff for their kindness in making the presentation.