MESSRS BOOTH & CO.'S ANNUAL XMAS DINNER.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 5, Issue 1568, 27 December 1883, Page 2

MESSRS BOOTH & CO.'S ANNUAL XMAS DINNER.

The members of the firm of Messrs W, Booth and Co. and Mr Stevens, in accordance with what is now getting to be an established custom, entertained their. employees at dinner on Xmas Eve. The Town Hall, Carterton, was nicely decoratod, and the dinner, which had been provided by Mr A, L. White, of Carterton, was first class; about 120 men and women sitting down to it, After the visitors had dono eating and drinking, Mr W. Booth got up, and in the name of tho two firms, expressed his pleasure and gratification at seeing so mauy present. In the course of his speech he oxpressed it hope that before next Xmas the majority of the single men would be married. He fancied that out in New Zealand the young mon were too selfish to obtain anyone to share their sorrows and joys. Referring to the timber trade he said that if tho depression in the South Island continued much longer he feared it would affect tho North Island, so unless there was a good harvest this year there would be still further stagnation throughout the whole colony. Mr Booth concluded by wishing all present a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Mr Stevens, who was the next speaker, endorsed Mr Booth's sentiments with regard to welcoming their employees, and stated that ho started business in Carterton with a staff of four hands, and now was employing over thirty, men. Mr Birrell having briefly returned thanks on bohalr' of the employees the proceedings then terminated, After tho dinner the hall was up cleared for dancing, which was kept until Xmas morning.'Mrs Beauchamp kindly officiating at tho piano.