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.
[Illustration: 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.