North Melbourne Advertiser (Vic. : 1873 - 1894)(about) |
Previous issue
Saturday 25 June 1887
Next issue
Send to:
|
2 corrections, most recently by kenny - Show corrections
MESSERS FERGUFON AND URIE'S DINNER TO THEIR EMPLOYES. On Wednesday evening about 40 gentlo. men sat down to a dinner given by tie above firm to their employes. The table was laid out in Mr. Straker's well-known style. The Jubilee time lent an addi tional eclat to the proceedings which passed off capitally and the guests of Mr. Urio heartily enjoyed the firm's kindness and hospitality. Previous to dinner being served some time was spent inspecting two large framed groups of photographs of the principals of the firm, the employes portraits being grouped round those of Messers Ferguson and Urie. One of these handsome gifts it appears was for presentation to tlhe former gentleman and the other to the latter, while every employo was prevented with a smaller duplicate in remembrance of the festive occassion. We should add that among the photo graphs were those of the Co'line street offices, the Curzon street works, and the Yarra Bank store. Mr. Urie took the chair about 8 p.m., being supported by Cr. J. Wilson (Mayor of Flemington and Kensington) and Cr.R. Barrett while the vice chairs were occupied by Messers Ferguson jun., and Mr. A. Young. After dinner the usual loyal toasts were proposed and honoured, the chairman when proposing that of the Queen, made some very suitable remarks on the Jubilee festivities and pointing out the benefits to those living under hler Majesty's sway. Mr. J. Scott sang 'Bonnio Hills of Scotland' and Mr. Downy 'Our Jack's Come Home To Day.' Cr. Barrett in proposing the Parlia ment of Victoria, said the present Legis-. lature would compare very favourably with any of its predecessors. The natives of the colony were pushing their way to the fore and taking the place of the ' lime pucer's,'and were possessed of th~a majority of voting power. The highest otlices with the exception of the position of Governor, were open to colonials. When the old stock died away tihe natives would have the destinies of this great colony com mitted to their hands. (Applause.) Mr. Lillis played a flute solo, and Mr. Troom sang, Red white, and blue. Mr. Auld in responding for the Parlia ment said that although not a member of that important body, le quite endorsed all Cr. Barrett had said. Positions in honour of this land were open to all who lad the ability and perseverance to win honour and fame. Mr. Gentles gave witlh effect ' The Maid of the Mill,' while Mr. R. King con tributed ' White Wings,' and Mr. it. Car berry, 'Ben Bolt.' Mr. Alexander Young then said lie had on behalf of the employes to present Mr. Urie with a photograph of the employes. It would be seen from the gathering that evening what a cordial relationship ex isted between the principals of the firm and their employes, and he believed that feeling would be maintained and strength ened. (Applanse.) He had much pleasure in making the presentation. Mr. Urie, who was received with rounds of cheering said he felt very much flattered by what had been said, and he could nssore the employees that they could not have made Mr. Ferguson and himself a more suitable present. He saw some faces in the frame who had been a long time in the firm, and it was most pleasing to him to see how much the employes enjoyed these reunions. He did not like changing hands (hear, hear,) but liked to have the old friends and faces about him. The picture would always be valued by him because it was the outcome of a generous feeling, and which would awaken cherished recollections. In a newspaper report lately lie saw something about a councillor having 'a den' and he would assure them this picture would be care fully hung up in his den. (Applause.) Mr. Ferguson Junr., said that on behalf of Iris father, who was unable to be pre. sent, he begged to thank them all most leartily for theis kindness. He was sure the photograph would be valued by the family. Mr. Urie sang ' Nelly Bly,' followed Mr Hall with 'Cameron Men.' Mr. Lording in Iris usually effective style sang 'Romany Lass.' The chairman then announced that the duplicates of the photographs' would ihe handed round to the employes, and our representative was also very courteously asked to accept of one. Messrs P. Brennan and H. Hill then sang a comic song each, and after Mr Carberry rendering 'Mary of Argyle,' the toast of the 'Firm' was proposed by Mr. Young, and responded to in a very happy style by Mr. Urie, who pointed out how the firm had progressed during past years. He could not understand people emigrating to America instead of to a country like Victoria' Mr. Scott proposed Ithe municipalities Cr. Wilson in responding noticed how the growth of Flemington and Kensington had developed. It was a young but model borough. Cr. Barrett in an interestitg speech referred to the progress and prosperity of the northern suburb. After which the toasts of the Press, and the ladies were proposed. A few more songs were sung and the company hroke up towards the small hours, a very enjoyable evening having been spent.