TESTIMONIAL TO MR J.H. SMITH.
The Cornwall Chronicle (Launceston, Tas. : 1835 - 1880) Saturday 10 May 1879 p 2 Article
TESTIMONIAL TO MR J.H. SMTIH.
last evening the employee of Messrs
Smith & Poole showed a very pleasing
regard for Mr J.H. Smith in presenting
him with a testimonial previous to his
departure for England.
The several assistants of both sexes
met in the show room at 6.30pm, and
Mr Moynahan was then voted to the
chair. He regretted that that office was
filled by one so unworthy as himseIf, but
lated that no one could be so willing as
he was to perform its pleasant duties. Mr
Smith was about to leave for England,
and the ladies at the establishment had
Happily proposed a happy 'idea, and that
was to give their employer a testimonal of their esteem and regard before he left
them for a while. This testimonial consisted of an album with the portraits of all
connected with the establishment, and
views of Tasmania. He might state that
there never had been exhibited, to his
knowledge, such unanimity of opinion
amongst all as to presenting Mr Smith
with a suitable testimonial of their regard.
The only difference existed as to how
they were to do him the greatest honor
He then called upon his venerable friend.
Mr Walklate, to read the address.
The address, which was signed by all
the assistants, was beautifully illuminated
and engraved by Mr James Steer, and
was to the effect that the employes of the
firm of Messrs Smith & Poole desired, on
the occasion of Mr James Hood Smith
leaving Launceston to proceed to England, to express the deep sense of their
obligation to Mr Smith for the kind,
courteous, gentlemanly manner which
he had at all times evinced towards them,
both in business and private connections.
and in wishing him a safe and pleasant
voyage, united in the hope that he would
return with renewed health and strength.
The accompanying album (a truly magni
ficent one), containrd some views of the
beautiful island, his chosen home, and the
portraits of his employes, who respectfully
begged Mr Smith's acceptance of the
same. Mr Walklate then handed Mr
Smith the album, fervently insisting that
providence would guide, keep, and bring
Mr Smith back to Launceston. (General
applause.)
Mr Smith in response, said that he was
quite taken by surprise, and had hardly
words to express the sense of honour
done him. He was not worthy to be
held in such esteem. He felt he was
leaving his business whith a good and
efficient staff, who would devote all their
energies towards its promotion. Mr
Poole wanted help and support, and
these he was sure he would receive. ' He
was pleased that his employes held him
in suchesteem, and hoped that the trip
home would do him good, and that he
would return in a twelve months with a
new lease of life for twenty-five more years
He would reiterate that he was proud of
the honor that bad been done him. So
proud that he could hardly speak his
thanks. (Applause.)
Mr Poole also expressed the pleasur
he felt in the expression of regard in his
fellow partner which hed emanated from.
their employes. He was sure Mr Smith
would always keep the address and
handsome album with its contents In
pleasant remembrance, and show, it to his
friends at home with proud feeling.
Mr Moynahan then said he was pleased
that their humble efforts hat been
received so well. It was the first act of
the kind ever placed on record, and all
belonging to the establishment were
present except one, and he was ill One
of their number had passed away, let
them respect his memory.
Mr Smith then paid a high compliment
to the memory of the late Mr Marsh, who
had always done his duty, having in view
the promoting the best interests of the
firm he represented.
Champagne wss then ordered in, and
the health of Mr Smith, Mr Moynahan
(the oldest employee of the establishment),
Mr Walklate and others were drunk
and responded to.
The proceedings then terminated.