LAND OFFICE Retail Store Notes Recent Changes Among Store's Department Heads Changes never seem to come singly, for since the first appearance of The Beaver no less than five important executive appointments have been made in the store; and another is scheduled for the very near future. Mr. Chasey, the new buyer for the men's clothing departments, and Miss M. Doherty, the new buyer for the hosiery and gloves, are now firmly established on their feet and are making noteworthy progress. We now welcome to our ranks three more recent arrivals: Mr. Pallett is another Easterner who has heard the call of the West. Mr. Pallett succeeds Mr. Jenkins as buyer of the trimmings and ribbons. He was previously with the T. Eaton Company for several years. Mr. Pallett is very favorably impressed with the City of Edmonton and predicts a great future for the store. Mr. Secord is the new buyer of the ladies' ready-to-wear, and successor to Mr. Woodman. Mr. Secord was previously with the Robert Simpson Co., of Toronto, nine years buyer of the ladies' ready-to-wear and fur department. Since coming to the store, Mr. Secord has won the esteem of the entire staff and we predict a rosy future for the department under his supervision. Mr. J. McLeod has succeeded Mr. McKee as buyer of the cigar and candy departments. Mr. McLeod was recently floor manager on the second floor and was previously manager of the grocery department, Hudson's Bay Company, Retail, Vernon, B.C. Hail to Our New Assistant "Chief" This new appointment was effective on December 13th, 1920. Besides holding the position of assistant manager, Mr. McKenzie will also act in the capacity of merchandise manager, thereby relieving Mr. F. F. Harker of a big burden. Mr. Harker has for the past twelve months acted in the dual capacity of manager of the store as well as merchandise manager. Mr. G. M. McKenzie was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, serving his ap Upon returning to Canada he accepted a position with the R. J. Tooke Company as general manager of the retail stores in Montreal. His recent appointment as assistant manager of the Edmonton store will fill a long felt want. Mrs. Lewis recently rejoined the staff after an absence of two years. She is in charge of the lace and neckwear department. We are glad to welcome her back. Miss Law is also an old member of the staff who has recently come back to the store. During her absence she was with the Company's store at Calgary. She is resuming her duties here in the ribbon department. Miss McAdam, who has been in the Company's service for the past seven years, has left us for the coast. Miss McAdam was a very popular member of the staff and we regret exceedingly to lose her. Mr. Howey, of the men's furnishings department, is an expert hockey player. We have no doubt he will be a valuable acquisition to the store's team. Mr. C. Stapells, house furnishings buyer, and Mr. Hewes are very busy these days supervising the draperies and furnishings for the palatial new Empire theatre. We have heard that a certain young lady on the third floor has lost her heart and is going to sign a life contract in the very near future. The A. and A. A. Concert Reveals Real Artists Another of those very enjoyable concerts which are staged periodically through the winter months by the Amusement and Athletic Association, was held in the "Hudsonia" dining room on Thursday evening, December 2nd, at which about 150 members and their friends were present. The association was again fortunate in hearing Mr. R. L. Bateman, who rendered "She Is Far from the Land" and, in response to a hearty encore, "For You Alone" was all that could be desired. Miss Kate Hamilton sang "Bird Songs" in which her beautiful voice was heard to very great advantage. Mrs. Roy Carbert sang Tosti's "Good Bye," and as an encore, "Angus MacDonald." Mr. Bert Crockett sang "There's Life in the Old Dog Yet," which was very much appreciated, he being vociferously encored. All the other artists are members of the staff and their songs were all rendered in admirable style. One exceptionally pleasing number was the duet, "Tenor and Baritone," Mr. T. A. Crockett's tenor and Mr. Digney's baritone voices blending in perfect harmony. Miss Edna Southen and Miss K. Riddle were two excellent sopranos, whilst Miss W. E. Crowther's sweet contralto voice has never been heard to greater advantage. Mr. T. A. Crockett and Mr. George Saunders have fine tenor voices, whilst Mr. G. Robert's deep bass was used with effect in "Out on the Deep." Mr. C. Digney was splendid in "Captain Mack" and later his rendering of "My Old Shako" was perfect. Miss Moore acted as accompanist throughout and in addition gave a duet in company, with her sister. One cannot speak too highly of Miss Moore's assistance, as she is always ready and willing to help in any way that will add to the enjoyment of the staff, whether it be as accompanist or soloist. Mr. P. A. Stone, president of the Amusement and Athletic Association, acted as chairman. Community Singing is Getting Results Community singing for the staff, which was inaugurated at the Edmonton store, November 1st, 1920, is reported to be an unqualified success. The staff arrive at 8.45 a.m. and sing usually two songs before 8.55 a.m. bell sounds, when the covers are removed preparatory to the day's business. The initiative was taken by the Amusement and Athletic Association. The fact that it is still retaining the original interest proves that the all-important co-operation has been obtained; hence the success. Whilst it is impossible yet to gauge the full extent of the benefits derived from community singing, it may be said that the early morning "grouch" is dissipated, and that alone makes it worth while, as it leaves the staff in a happier frame of mind. This cannot but conduce to the betterment of the service afforded to customers. From community singing to a trained choir is but a step, since even the untrained singer gradually falls into and holds the time and rhythm of the piece being sung, so that from an untrained band of voices a perfectly functioning choir is created. This is the aim of the Edmonton Amusement and Athletic Association, and with a continuance of the staff's co-operation that end will be attained. The Ad. Man's Destiny
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