Foy`s News Service of the Month: vol. 3, no. 3 (April, 1961)

Library Digitised Collections
Author/s:
Foy & Gibson
Title:
Foy & Gibson newsletters
Date:
1947-1967 (incomplete)
Persistent Link:
http://hdl.handle.net/11343/21262
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Foys News Service v.3 no.3 Apr. 1961
Circulated for
FOYS
Melbourne
Foys stores at . . .
CITY, PRAHRAN,
COLLINGWOOD
CENTRAL
PUBLISHED AT GIBSONIA HOUSE,
226 SWANSTON STREET, MELBOURNE
Foy-Bilsons, Colac
Brights, Geelong
Myers, Bendigo
Bowrings, Mildura
Partons, Dandenong
Morsheads, Ballarat
Foys, Chadstone
APRIL, 1961
VOL. 3, No. 3
EDITORIAL
An unusual diminution of news from the various Stores gives us
an opportunity of propagating a Cause that should appeal to all
readers of "News Service", and, indeed, to the whole Australian
community.
That Cause is the National Heart Campaign. We are conscious
of the fact that a number of references have already been made in
these columns to the Campaign — we are also conscious that repetition can bring home a message that only passing reference might
cause to be overlooked!
The great organization of which we are all members is taking
more than a casual interest in the Campaign. In a positive manner,
might we point out that our parent Company ( Cox Bros. Australia
Ltd.) has donated £3000 to the funds of the Foundation, and that
£1000 of this munificent amount is specifically "ear-marked" for the
Victorian quota. May we point out that the Managing Director of
Foys ( Mr. J. N. Watt) is the Chairman of that important group in
the Campaign's all-embracing organization known as the Retail Trades
Section.
Company interest, and personal activity, inevitably prompts the
question, "Why is such interest being taken in this nation-wide
Campaign?" The reply to this question is embodied in a circular
letter to all Section Chairmen, and we take the liberty of quoting
extensively from that document:—
"Dr. Paul White, M.D., a leading world authority on heart
disease, and personal physician to the former President of the United
States, has declared that 'Australians are riddled with coronary heart
disease, hypertension, and strokes too early in life'. Statistics prove
this alarming statement to be true. They show that( 1 ) Heart and allied diseases are now causing more than 53
per cent. of all deaths in Australia,
(2 ) For every 100 persons who died of coronary heart disease
in 1950, 150 persons died in 1959,
( 3) Heart disease is hitting hard at the vital 40-60 years age
group, when men and women are at the most important
phase of their lives,
(4 ) Australia needs to do much more to aid the rehabilitation
of heart patients, and
(5 ) It is essential that we should retain our best medical researchers at home in Australia."
Every strata of Society has given, and is giving, its support to the
Campaign. Leading public men of all Parties, business magnates,
trade Union leaders, the Clergy, sportsmen, the professions, industry
and commerce, housewives, "the man in the street" have manifested
more than a passing enthusiasm, and this enthusiasm MUST be
translated into terms of hard cash if the Appeal is to be successful
and the national target of £1,500,000 is to be realized. Victoria's
quota of this huge sum is £500,000 — a sum that seems astronomical, but which can be achieved if ALL people realize the importance of the aim, and determine that they, PERSONALLY, will do
their utmost to aid a worthy Cause.
A previous issue of "News Service" gave brief details as to how
the realized sum will be spent. To reiterate:
70 per cent. on research,
15 per cent. on rehabilitation, and
15 per cent. on education.
Every possible phase of heart disease will be thoroughly investigated,
and it is reasonable to assume that subsequent conclusions — with
proved treatment — must mean a vast improvement on the present
position. From your own knowledge, you must know that successful treatment followed intensive research into such former "killers" as
tuberculosis, paralysis, diptheria, scarlet fever. Research is grappling
with the scourge of cancer at the moment; so, too, can adequate
funds permit the brains of the medical world grapple with the
greatest "killer" of all — Heart Disease!
You will NOT be asked to help beyond your means, or beyond
your capacity In the financial sense, whatever you can contribute
( either by direct giving, or by deductions from salary spread over
an acceptable period ) will be gratefully received. In the personal
sphere, you may be able to give your services for a stretch of duty
that will embrace such national matters as "Operation Heartbeat" —
a "door-knock" canvass that is to take place on Sunday, May 28,
1961. By either of these means — or by giving other types of support to the Heart Campaign—
You help your Nation,
You help yourself, and
You aid a Cause worthy of assistance.
REMEMBER THE SLOGAN OF THE CAMPAIGN —
"GIVING MAKES THE HEART BEAT LONGER".
PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH
The long history of Foy & Gibson is liberally studded with the
names, and careers, of sturdy souls who have given, or are giving,
yeoman service to the organization of which they are essential human
parts. These people are of both sexes, and their respective positions
cover a complete range from the highest rank to the humblest. All
play some part in the colorful story, and the "contribution to greatness" reflects credit upon themselves, and advantage to the Company, their efforts help to foster. The story of this month's PERSONALITY is a simple one. Although it is not spectacular — nor does
it seek to be — it is the human story of a very fine and respected
lady, whose service record is excellent, and whose personal qualities
have endeared her to the many with whom she has come in contact
over the years of her employment. It is the wholesome story of
MISS LILLIE HAYMES, IN CHARGE, CASH OFFICE, CITY STORE.
Miss Haymes was born at Port Fairy, Victoria, and was one of a
large family long resident in that small country town, where her
father carried on a lucrative profession as a watchmaker and
jeweller.
Although our history is not that of Miss Hayrnes' father, it is
interesting to record some details of the life of our PERSONALITY's
parent. He was an English watchmaker employed as a skilled
craftsman by the famous English Watch Company of that distant
day. In the early '80's of last century, the Melbourne firm of Gaunt
& Company — still located in Bourke Street, Melbourne — decided
to expand its prosperous business by embarking on the manufacture of chronometers. There were certain trade secrets known only
to English jewellers and watchmakers — secrets that were zealously
guarded and not disclosed without the most rigorous examination
of the applicant's credentials. Apparently, the reputation of Gaunts
was a sufficient guarantee, for the English firm agreed to make the
services of Mr. Haymes available to his Australian 'confreres for a
period of one year.
Our PERSONALITY's father duly came to Melbourne as the
concluding decade of last century was ushered in. It was an entirely
different Melbourne to the City we know, and love, so well. It was
an "up-and-coming" metropolis of gas-lit streets, of horse-drawn carriages, of ladies and gentlemen in the sedate garb of yester-year,
and the pace was more leisurely than in this frantic Age.
The contract between Gaunts and the young Englishman was for
one year. This period was duly accomplished to the mutual satisfaction of both parties, and on its completion, Mr. Haymes decided
to set up business for himself in the new land he'd come to like
so well.
But — Fate intervened! A particularly virulent epidemic of
typhoid fever struck Melbourne, and Mr. Haymes decided to transfer
his intention to what was then the thriving Western District port
of Belfast ( subsequently re-named Port Fairy ). There he settled,
and nearly four years later, was joined by his young wife.
In such an environment, Miss Haymes was born. She and the
other members of her large family ( all of whom are still living )
was educated at the local State School receiving the prescribed
PAGE TWO
FOYS NEWS SERVICE OF THE MONTH
training of that day, and acquiring the Merit Certificate in the
process.
The activities of the country port diminished greatly with the
passing of the years, and business reasons compelled the removal
of the Haymes family to the Melbourne suburb of Newmarket. The
juxtaposition of the new location to the great Flemington Racecourse
saw an accession of patronage from Melbourne sportsmen for the
famous Haymes hand-made chronometers, and our PERSONALITY
recalls her father's proud boast that "his watches had accurately
timed the working gallops of many Melbourne Cup and racing
classics winners."
Miss Haymes' first employment was with the now-defunct firm
of Craig Williamsons, of Elizabeth Street. As her later career substantiated, her duties consisted of clerical work, Burroughs machine
calculations and — essentially — the reception of cash! Most transactions at that stage were in the now-departed sovereigns, halfsovereigns, half-crowns and other coins of the Realm. Hours of
duty were: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Fridays, and
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays. Commencing salary was 10/- per week,
with advancement to 15/- after two years of service.
Our PERSONALITY later advanced to Cashier, and, finally, she
ceased duty to assume the domestic responsibilities of marriage to
Mr. John Gillanders.
Foys had built their new City emporium during this period,
and, in 1939, Mr. Stan Moore, then General Manager, persuaded
Miss Haymes to accept a position as Cashier of the Tuberoom with
Miss Langdon as officer-in-charge. Later our PERSONALITY was
transferred to the Cash Office, then on the Fourth Floor, and capably
managed by Mr. Bob Alexander. Miss Langdon's subsequent resignation on her marriage meant a reversion to the Tuberoom as
Officer-in-Charge.
During the regime of Mr. Tom Pettigrew as General Manager,
Cash Office and Tuberoom duties were amalgamated as one Department in their present location on the lower Ground Floor, and the
capable lady took charge of both activities. She has remained there
ever since, and it is no exaggeration to state that the Company is
indeed fortunate in having a lady of such calibre doing a job that
entails so much responsibility, or is so vital to the smooth conduct
of the accounting system.
In private life, Miss Haymes — or to give her the proper title of
Mrs. Gillanders — lives with her husband at Caroline Street, South
Yarra. They have a married daughter ( Mrs. John Davis ), and a
grand-daughter. Mr. Gillanders' health is not of the best as the
result of six years of war service with the Ordnance Field Park in
the Middle East, Java and Darwin, and much of our PERSONALITY's leisure time is devoted to her ailing husband. Whatever
residue remains is spent gardening, reading, and with occasional
visits to the Theatre and to the Ballet.
This is the very full life of a very charming person. Miss
Haymes has a modern outlook on all matters, and reflects by that
same outlook a disposition that is a pleasure to all of her colleagues,
her many friends, and the public whom she has served so well in
the years of her employment. Our sincere thanks to her, and our
best wishes to her respected husband for a marked improvement in
health.
ENG.A. E ENT
Sincere congratulations are conveyed to the following staff members, whose engagements have been recently announced:—
Miss Coral Mathers, Office, Myers, Bendigo, to Mr. Neil Plim.
Miss Judy Green, Cosmetics, Myers, Bendigo, to Mr. Kevin
McLoughlan.
Miss Sandia Miller, Hosiery Department, Morsheads, Ballarat,
to Mr. Gordon Bentley.
Mr. Desmond Feary, Menswear, Morsheads, Ballarat, to Miss
Patricia Werner.
Miss Betty Marshall, Office, Partons, Dandenong, to Mr. Ivan
Burman.
Every good wish for future happiness, health, and prosperity
to the following people who recently celebrated their weddings:—
Miss Marlene Beckwith, formerly of Ladies' Underwear, Collingwood, to Mr. Barry Woodman.
Miss Marian Smith, Gloves, Bright & Hitchcocks, to Mr. John
Kelynack.
Miss Bev. Baldwin, Myers, Bendigo, to Mr. Ron Barby.
Miss Zenda Anderson, Myers, Bendigo, to Mr. Ken Taylor.
APRIL, 1961
Mr. J. R. (`Bill") Browning, Manager, Chadstone, to Miss
Dianne Evans.
Miss Francis Peddle to Mr. Dan Johnstone, Carpet Department,
Chadstone.
Miss Moore, Cards Department, City Store ; to Mr. Donald
West.
Mr. L. Hardingham, Manager, Toy Department ; City Store, to
Miss Nancy Young.
"News Service" extends its best wishes to the following staff
members, who were recently blessed with additions to their respective families:—
Mr. and Mrs. S. Stark — a daughter ( Lisa Liann ) Mr. Stark is
Manager, Electrical Department, Bright & Hitchcocks.
Mr. and Mrs. Max Taylor — twins (Rodney and Gary ). The
elated father is Manager, Furniture Department, Bright &
Hitchcocks.
Mr. and Mrs. Terence Elliot — a daughter ( Michelle Bernadette). The proud mother would be better known to staff
as Miss Thelma Sargeant, Fashion Controller's Office, City
Store.
STORE NEWS
CITY
Although it is somewhat belated, we take advantage of the opportunity to express thanks to the 12 staff members who constituted
two "flying squads" for the recent door-knock operation of "Red
Cross Calling". To the gentlemen who volunteered for this service it is fitting to state that the great success of the Operation was
the best repayment that could be proffered.
And — whilst on the subject of Public Service — we invite the
attention of our readers to the Editorial. As will be noted therein,
the forthcoming Heart Campaign gives a further opportunity to
public-spirited employees to assist in a very worthy Cause.
As a general rule, "Service" does not publish farewell messages
from former members of the Company, who have ceased duty. Because of the specific request, and because of the sentiments expressed, however, we publish a letter received from Mr. Clem
Rowe, Hosiery buyer, City Store.
"The Editor,
News Service.
Would you please say 'Good-bye' to my friends at Foys City
Store, and at Collingwood, Prahran, Chadstone, Brights of Geelong,
Myers of Bendigo, Bowrings of Mildura, etc., for me in your wonderful staff paper. I am leaving the Company with a sad heart,
as everybody from the Directors down to the youngest junior have
been friendly, and kind to me, during the period of nearly three
years that I have been with the organization. My own staff has been
most loyal and with a wonderful capacity for work. Any success
I may have had must assuredly include them.
Kindest regards,
Clem Rowe."
Many thanks for the sentiments, Mr. Rowe, and all the best to
you in the future.
Apropos of Mr. Rowe's resignation, we offer a hearty welcome
to his successor — Mr. F. Stennett. "News Service" expresses the
sincere hope that this gentleman will find his new position congenial,
rewarding, and very happy.
Mrs. M. Berry, formerly of Cosmetics, has also asked "News
Service" to convey her warm appreciation to all staff for the many
messages of goodwill, floral gifts and visits received by her during
her recent illness.
It will be an interesting exercise for amateur sleuths to discover the name of the staff member, whose recent exertions at a
seaside resort were summarily, and violently terminated. The gentleman concerned volunteered to clear some scrub at the rear of the
holiday home at which he, and his family, were sojourning. Wielding a mattock with remarkable vigor, our friend had the misfortune
to decapitate a bull-ants' nest. The first intimation of this Homeric
feat was noted when several score indignant ants fastened themselves to his unprotected legs. The result — many painful nips, and
a job of clearing STILL to be done!
All staff are glad to see Miss Gillard, Ladies' Knitwear, back
at duty after her recent illness. "News Service" expresses the
thoughts of all when it assures the lady of the hope that her obvious
recovery is permanent in every way.
APRIL, 1961
FOYS NEWS SERVICE OF THE MONTH
During its history, "News Service" has frequently referred to
the fortunate staff members who have had the dramatic joy of
sharing, or winning, first prize in the famous Tattersalls sweeps.
Only last month, we referred to Messrs. Meyers and Kidd, of Collingwood, who shared First prize in a recent consultation. In a vicarious
way, we've done it again! Mrs. Lowe, mother of Miss Lowe,
Farren-Price Department, was successful in securing the coveted
major prize in the next consultation to that won by our Collingwood
friends. The coincidence of these successes prompted Mr. Tipping,
of the "Black and White" column of the Melbourne "Herald", to
write a special paragraph on the sequence of well-deserved wins.
Senior members of the Company will regret to learn that Mr.
Dick Wright, a former well-known officer of the Display Department,
is an inmate of Prince Henry's Hospital at the present time. Mr.
Wright would appreciate a visit from any of his former colleagues.
A recent Roof Top function was that held late in March, when
representatives of British Nylon Spinners ( Australia ) Ltd. addressed
an appreciative audience on the subject, "Let's Clear the Confusion
on Synthetics". A good attendance was present, and many illuminating facts were capably presented. Buffet Tea preceded the function.
The ranks of Supervisors have been unavoidably depleted
during the month. Miss Baird, Supervisor, Corset Salon, has been
absent on account of her mother's illness, while Mr. McClusky,
Supervisor, Hardware Group, suffered a recurrence of a former
illness. We're pleased to state, however, that both have since
returned to duty; Mrs. Baird having recovered very satisfactorily,
and Mr. McCluskey having thrown off the effects of his indisposition.
Whilst on the subject of illness, all staff are sorry to learn that
Mrs. Lewis, of Millinery, is absent on sick leave at the present time.
The hope is expressed that this popular lady will speedily recover
from her present malady.
Genuinely overheard on the escalator:
First lady to second lady: "Wot's all this credit squeeze. I've
bloomin' well had it for years! By the time I squeeze me toes into
Myrtle's shoes, and meself into me girdle ( the speaker was a very
buxom wench), and the housekeepin' out of me old man on a
Thursdee, there's not much left to be squeezed at any other day
in the flamin' week."
PRAHRAN
Newcomers welcomed during the month were Mrs. Chaundy
( Haberdashery) and Mr. Ken Clarke ( Self Service ). To these two
estimable people, and to our old friend, Mr. "Bob" Alexander, from
the City Store, Prahran gives a hearty welcome.
On the recent marriage of Miss Leonie Simpson ( Maids' Wear )
to Mr. Ken Brown, the young lady was the recipient of a dinner set,
and a suitably-dressed broom ( the equipment in the latter case
being that of a bride ), by the Acting Store Manager ( Mr. Bruce
Perkins). All staff wish the popular Leonie every good wish for the
future.
Another marriage recently was that of Miss June Dalton ( Jewellery ) to Mr. Tony Bithman, and our good wishes also go to this
young lady.
We are sorry to report that Mr. T. Weir, husband of Mrs. Weir
( Hardware ), was recently admitted to Heidelberg Hospital with a
fractured hip. All staff at Prahran convey their best wishes to the
unfortunate gentleman for a speedy and permanent recovery.
The family of the popular Harry Watson ( Mercery ) was recently blessed by the arrival of the first grandchild — Jeffrey David.
Mother and child are very well, whilst Grandpa is a very happy,
and proud, man.
All readers will be pleased to learn that Mrs. Garlick, wife of
Mr. Garlick ( Furniture ), has made a good recovery from her recent
operation. That the improvement may continue until good health
is finally restored is the wish of all at Prahran.
COLLINGWOOD
To Melbourneites experiencing the first chilly onslaught of
Winter, the news that Miss C. Johns, of Ladies' Underwear Department, is having a fine holiday on a Barrier Reef cruise, must evoke
some feelings of envy. However, all at Collingwood hope that this
popular lady has the holiday that will be productive of all good
things.
Another Social Club has been formed at Collingwood. It is
PAGE THREE
the Travellers' Social Club, and the first function of the new body —
a Barbecue and Dance at the home of Mrs. Bickley, Blackburn —
was a huge success. The arrangements for the evening were the
work of an energetic Committee, and all the prospects are for more
"get-togethers" of a similar nature.
A newcomer to the service of the Store is Miss Margaret Porter,
who has commenced duty in the Wools Department. To the welcome already given, "News Service" adds its quota.
With the opening the 1961 Football Season, signs of marked
activity are being shown by enthusiasts in the organization. All these
signs point to another good season for the team bearing the proud
name of Foy & Gibsons. Quite a number of games have already
been arranged, and fixtures include the following:23/4/1961 — Against "Truth and Sportsman" Newspapers at
Albert Park.
30/4/1961 — Against National Shipping Line.
7/5/1961 — Against Menzies Hotel.
Preliminary arrangements are well in hand for later games
against Ansett-A.N.A., General Motors-Holdens, and ABV Channel 2.
The Club confidently expects a repetition of the support of last year.
"News Service" wishes the team every success, and will gladly give
adequate coverage to results of matches as they are forwarded to the
Editorial Office.
A number of office staff severed their connection with the
Company recently, and the esteem in which each one was held was
expressed in subsequent gifts. Mrs. Lynette Edwards, Travellers'
Section, received a silver tray; Miss Beverley Grant, Cycle-Billing,
napery parcel and sweet spoons, whilst Miss Sonia Jensen ( who
returns to her native Holland), of the Invoice Office, a set of cutlery.
To all of these ladies, our best wishes for the future.
COLAC
Two noteworthy newcomers to Colac Store have been appropriately welcomed. They are—
Mr. John Siggers, who comes from the City Store to assume
management of the Soft Furnishings Department, and
Miss Felicity Paine, who has commenced duty in the Underwear Department. Felicity is the daughter of the popular
Uly Paine, of Ladies" Shoes.
To both estimable people, "News Service" conveys its good
wishes for the future.
The Store has good reason to be gratified by the splendid response to the Good Friday Appeal over local Radio Station 3CS.
Staff contributed £,139, and Management donated £.100 to the
Colac Community Chest — the main beneficiary of the Chest being
the local Hospital. The staff portion of the handsome total was
raised by voluntary deductions from the weekly pay-envelopes, and
every contributor was animated by a laudable desire to help great
Causes urgently requiring assistance.
Now that the Cricket Season 1960-1961 has finished, may we
offer our sincere congratulations to two staff members — Des and
Tom Lloyd — for the parts they played in securing the premiership
Pennant for Colac A. Both performed excellently during the season,
and Des capped his consistent efforts with a fine 70 runs in the
final match.
And — whilst on the subject of Sport — the local team is looking forward to a successful season in the Hampden League. Good
recruits are available together with many stalwarts of last year's
side. Further impetus to the keen interest already shown, has been
given by the appointment of Mr. John Beckwith (former Captain
of the famous Melbourne team ) as Coach. John's outstanding
record as a great footballer, coupled with his fine personality, assure
Colac of a mighty season in this year of Grace.
Mr. Fred Slater has returned from long-service leave, and all
are delighted to see this popular officer back at his accustomed place
in the Grocery Department.
GEELONG
Readers will remember the paragraph in last month's issue of
"News Service" regarding the highly-successful barbecue at Port
Roadknight organized by the Social Co .mmittee. Inspired by this
event, a similar function was held at a bushland rendezvous near
Meredith, in mid-March. Thirteen car-loads of picnickers participated, a Treasure Hunt was conducted ( and was won by Miss
Jeanette Virgona, Mantles Department), and an excellent day was
had by all who attended.
It may not be generally known, bet Brights has the distinction
of numbering amongst its staff one of the best riflemen in the State.
APRIL, 1961
FOYS NEWS SERVICE OF THE MONTH
PAGE FOUR
and certainly an outstanding performer for the Geelong Rifle Club.
The person concerned is Mr. Bill Stretton, Senior Caretaker, who
crowned 51 years of consistent effort with a recent outstanding performance. For three weeks in succession, the respected "Bill" won
top rifle honors over distances up to 1000 yards. A remarkable effort
from a sturdy, and talented, veteran.
Newcomers welcomed to Store service during the month were—
Miss Maree Bloxham, Office,
Mrs. Harvey, Gloves,
Mrs. Shaw, Schoolwear,
Mr. Ernie Cole, Hardware, and
Mr. Wayne Clifford, Despatch.
Although the men's B1 table tennis team has recorded one win,
a patch of "outs" resulted in two later defeats. The team is optimistic, however, for future contests, and is proud of the individual
performances of such stalwarts as Mr. Bill Walsh, Men's Hats, and
Mr. Harry Budge, Ladies' Shoes. Here's hoping that the happy
anticipations are realized.
All staff join in saying a regretful "Farewell" to David Lovelace,
formerly of the Men's Store, who has gone to reside at Hayman
Island permanently. David certainly knows how' to pick the right
location for his future activities.
Mr. R. MacKinnon signalized his commencement in the new
role of Display Manager by an outstanding presentation to accompany the 1961 Autumn showing. The display evoked the praise of
all who saw it, and is a happy augury for future success from the
new Display Chief.
BENDIGO
Hearty congratulations are in order for Mr. Maurice Read,
who has been appointed as Manager, Dress Materials Department.
Similar felicitations are also due to Mrs. E. Cavagna on her elevation
to the position of Manager, Babywear Department. Mrs. Cavagna
succeeds Mrs. M. Pitt, who resigned during the month. All staff
wish the two appointees all of the best in their responsible positions.
Two young ladies on the staff recently celebrated the attainment
of their majorities. They were Miss Judy Gerrand, Leroy Department, and Miss Bev. Kennedy, Workroom. To both of these newlyfledged adults, we convey our good wishes for bright and happy
futures.
All of the items from Bendigo are couched in complimentary
terms. To complete a trio of such happy notices we offer our
printed appreciation to Mr. Leo Hogan, of Hardware. Leo is a
cyclist of distinction, and recent successes include the one mile
Easter Wheel Race, and the Bendigo Cycling Club's Championship
for 1961. Excellent performances from a good athlete and popular
staff member.
Mrs. J. Wuttke, formerly of the Crockery Department, retired
during the month, and all will wish this estimable lady every happiness and good health in the quiet domesticity of her home.
BALLARAT
During the month, quite a good percentage of the staff attended
a series of lectures given by Mr. Gordon Higgins, of the Australian
Wool Bureau. The lectures were most interesting, and, as a result
of them, many of the staff are assiduously studying this nationallyimportant , subject with a view to acquiring a Wool Proficiency Diploma. Our congratulations to the lecturer, and our good wishes to
the students.
All staff were delighted to note the return to duty of Miss E.
McPhail, after her absence on sick leave. The wish has been universally expressed that the lady's recovery to health is permanent
and effective.
A prominent member of the Advertising Department acquired
more than a small share of fame recently. The person concerned is
Miss Aldyth Angwin, who has been, and is, a successful author of
short stories for adults and for children over a number of years.
The recent fame, however, is traceable to the fact that Miss Angwin's
story, "Gabsy — the Little White Kitten", was published simultaneously in Australia, Britain and the U.S.A. — a distinction never
previously achieved by any woman author from Ballarat.
Miss Angwin is a member of the Ballarat Scribblers' Club, and
as the title of her latest book shows, she found inspiration for the
"Gabsy" stories in the antics of a kitten belonging to a friend. The
publishing houses that have arranged the simultaneous release of the
publication are Rigbys of Adelaide, Harraps of London, and Franklin
Watts of New York.
Felicitations to a distinguished member of our Ballarat staff.
DANDENONG
Staff were delighted to welcome Mrs. Harris back to duty after
her recent short illness. This popular lady seems to have entirely
recovered from her indisposition.
Mr. Green, the Store Manager, has also returned to duty after
a short holiday of one week. Although the holiday was only a
brief one, it fulfilled a useful purpose in giving our leading Dandenong executive a well-deserved rest — a rest for which the gentleman undoubtedly shows the benefit.
CHADSTONE
Prior to his departure for Adelaide, Mr. Browning, Store Manager, was the recipient of a beautiful crystal decanter from the staff.
As will be noted from the Marriages column, the gift was to mark
the gentleman's marr.jage to Miss Dianne Evans on Easter Saturday.
It does not require confirmation to state that the presentation wa s
accompanied by sincere good wishes by the staff to a popular officer
and his charming bride.
Mr. and Mrs. Browning selected Hayman Island as the venue
for their honeymoon.
MILDURA
It will be conceded that staff from Bowrings select "wide fields
and distant places" for their eagerly-awaited annual holidays. To
demonstrate the truth of this old saw, let us quote the places selected
by recently-returned staff as the venue for holidays: Mrs. J. Challon,
Office ( Surfers' Paradise), Mrs. C. Grainger, Showroom ( Sydney ),
Mrs. M. Pedler, Children's Wear ( Snowy Mountains and Canberra ),
Mr. T. De Jong ( Adelaide and Barossa Valley).
Four newcomers to Store service have been appropriately welcomed. They are—
Mrs. U. Lawler, Crockery,
Miss Y. Xouris, Office,
Mr. B. Micheel, Floor Coverings, and
Mr. P. Passini, Floor Coverings.
All staff join in conveying their commiserations to a number
of fellow-employees, who are ill at the moment. The absentees
are Mrs. 0. Husyar, Dress Materials ( in Mildura Base Hospital ),
Miss R. Lanigan, Office ( appendicitis operation ), and Mr. M. Henderson ( also appendicitis operation ). To these three good people,
the sincere hope is expressed that each will have a speedy, and permanent, recovery.
A successful Mannequin Parade was recently conducted in conjunction with our Wentworth Store, and personal talent from Mildura helped considerably in what was conceded to be an outstanding success. The compere was Mr. P. Pike, of Mildura, whilst a
most successful mannequin was our own Carol Gogoll, of Haberdashery. The Parade materially assisted the funds of the Wentworth District Hospital.
Mr. Ken Ninnis is acting as Store Manager during the absence
of Mr. Browning, and is assured of the complete support of all
members of the Chadstone staff.
The Social Club are anticipating a very successful function
when the forthcoming Fancy Dress Ball takes place. There arc
rumours that some of the costumes being planned by the prospective
revellers will achieve unique heights of originality and workmanship.
Amongst personnel recently appointed to Chadstone, we instance
Mr. Ron Sutton, formerly of City Store, and Mr. O'Brien, who is in
charge of the A.N.Z. Bank branch. To both — a hearty welcome.
OBITUARY
Our heartfelt sympathy goes to the relatives, and
friends, of those whose deaths we record hereunder:—
Mrs. C. Rhodes, sister-in-law of
Sweets, Colac.
M. Rhodes,
Mr. J. Oxley, formerly of Gfocery Despatch, Bowrings, Mildura.
Mrs. Dulfer, sister of Mr. R. Sarah, Boys' Store,
Morsheads, Ballarat.
\ tr. Brimacombe, father of Miss S. Brimacombe,
Workroom, Morsheads, Ballarat.