C. W. Veysey Always Pushed the Work—Never Let It Push Him

General Manager of Winnipeg Wholesale Developed Himself So Consistently With H. B. C. at Vancouver That He Was Called to Fill a Big Man's Shoes

By A. BROCK, Associate Editor

The career of Mr. C. W. Veysey, Manager H.B.C. Wholesale, Winnipeg, furnishes an excellent example of the Company's appreciation of, and reward for, faithful service and ability to apply one's business acumen in the Company's interests.

C. W. VEYSEY, Esq.

General Manager, Wholesale Department

A Nova Scotian Who Early Came West

Born in the little town of North Sidney, Nova Scotia, of English parentage, Mr. Veysey was privileged to spend the first years of his life in that country and community which produced so many of the leading business men now in the West.

When he was thirteen his parents decided to move to British Columbia. They arrived in Vancouver in October, 1888.

A few years spent at the west end and Central Schools, Vancouver, brought Mr. Veysey to that stage where he decided that it was about time he was learning to paddle his own canoe.

Began Business Life in B.C. Refinery

The B.C. Sugar Refinery was the scene of his first labors, given in exchange for what at that time seemed the magnificent remuneration of $12 per month, with the promised reward of an increase to $15 in three months, providing the service he rendered was satisfactory to his employer.

It is interesting to recall that the Company's present general manager at Vancouver, Mr. H. T. Lockyer, was at that time also connected with the B.C. Refinery in the capacity of accountant; and Mr. Veysey was fortunate in forming a friendship in those days which later proved to be a source of great help when the experience and assistance of an "older head" were needed to straighten out, ofttimes, the rough business road he had to travel.

Joined H.B.C. Service in 1896

A period of five years, however, completed Mr. Veysey's connection with the refinery. During this time Mr. Lockyer had entered the H.B.C. service as accountant and perhaps in view of the association begun at the refinery it was not strange that an opportunity should shortly present itself enabling Mr. Veysey also to join the Company's service. On 1st November, 1896, he commenced his duties in the Vancouver office.

Mr. E. J. Cuchinay was the Company's accountant at Vancouver at that time, but on account of ill health was being transferred to one of the Company's steamers as purser. Consequently, his position at Vancouver had to be filled.

Mr. Lockyer Got Him a New Job

Feeling, as Shakespeare says, that there is a "tide in the affairs of men," Mr. Veysey decided to approach Mr. Lockyer (who by this time had attained the position of general manager) and ascertain if he could not be allowed to show his ability for the position. Mr. Lockyer informed him that he had already wired Commissioner Chipman, recommending his appointment and showed him the wire. Mr. Veysey experienced anxious days while awaiting the reply from Winnipeg; but eventually word was received approving the appointment.

Mr. Lockyer Gave Him Lesson in Self-Reliance

Perhaps a little incident that occurred soon after Mr. Veysey's appointment will be appreciated by a great many of the present aspiring accountants of the Company. The time of the month had arrived when the famous "Form 20" had to be compiled and with the help of Mr. Lockyer this task was successfully accomplished. The next month, however, the young accountant found not a little difficulty in completing this form unassisted. He thought of Mr. Lockyer's kindly assistance the previous month and again approached the general manager for help; but much to Mr. Veysey's surprise, he was met with the reply, "Why, Charlie, I showed you how to do that last month. Go back and do it." And back he went, and what is more important, he did it. Mr. Veysey often remarks that that was one of the best turns Mr. Lockyer ever did him.

Handled Big Business During Yukon Rush

Mr. Veysey has many pleasant reminiscences of the days of the Yukon rush and what it meant to Vancouver. H.B.C. business was so great at that time that it meant working every night until midnight for five months. Mr. Lockyer will also remember this strenuous time, as he bore his share with the rest. Midnight would often come and find him still on the job.

Promoted to Assistant Managership

Promotion again was the order of the day, and Mr. Veysey was made assistant general manager at Vancouver. In 1908, however, he was approached by Messrs. Kelly Douglas and Company to join their firm as credit office manager, which position he filled until 1913, when he was asked by the Hudson's Bay Company to go to Winnipeg in the capacity of general manager of the Depot and Wholesale Branch, which had been rendered vacant by the death of that valued servant of the Company, Mr. G. W. Cochrane.

Became Wholesale General Manager

Mr. Veysey arrived in Winnipeg in July, 1913, and immediately applied himself diligently to the task of building up a wholesale business which should be second to none in the West. It was by no means an easy task, but perseverance eventually prevailed and H.B.C. Winnipeg Wholesale has registered great gains. Since Mr. Veysey's appointment at Winnipeg, wholesale branches of the Company have been established at Saskatoon and Regina, Saskatchewan, under his management. The H.B.C. candy factory, at Winnipeg, owes its inception to his efforts for expansion of the Company's business.

Serves Fur Trade and Stores Efficiently

One of his greatest ambitions has been to operate the depot so efficiently that the service given both to the fur trade posts and retail stores would be as near perfect as it was possible to make it. The Company's many district managers and store managers all over Canada acknowledge and appreciate the efforts which have been put forward in this direction by Mr. Veysey's organization.

Amongst the staff it may be said without fear of contradiction no man could be held in higher esteem than Mr. Veysey. Exacting, but human, he is and always ready to lend a helping hand. Having climbed up from the foot of the ladder himself he believes in employees' earning every step of their advancement, but he is always prepared to recognize and reward merit where demonstrated.

Mr. Veysey Always Active in Sports

In the world of sport, Mr. Veysey is an ardent devotee of the ancient and honourable game of golf, and many predict that some day the Burbidge cup will be seen reposing in his office. Mr. Veysey also takes a wholesome interest in curling. His enthusiasm and ability as a "skip" usually helps place his rink "on top of the league" at the wholesale.