MASSEY-HARRIS DAY

W.G Somerville’s Annual Implement Delivery

[People's Press, 13 June 1899]

             Friday last was Agricultural implement day for Welland. Three carloads of the world-renowned Massey-Harris farm machinery, consisting of binders, reapers, mowers and rakes sent to W.G. Somerville, were delivered to the purchasers. This was Mr. Somerville’s 20^th anniversary in the implant business here, and his continued and most gratifying success in the face of the most severe competition speaks louder than words not only of the merit of the articles dealt in, but as well of the fair, square and honorable dealing of the company.

             Besides the Massey-Harris shipment, there was a carload of the Canada Carriage Co’s carriages and buggies, and a separate shipment of Rain wagons, all consigned to Mr. Somerville.

             All Friday forenoon the farmers filed into town and loaded up their purchases, with which they were evidently well satisfied. They then proceeded to the Welland house to dinner on the invitation of the Massey-Harris Co. and their agent, after which they drew up in columns on North Main st., filling the wide thoroughfare from the iron bridge to West Main st. Facing them on the east side was Mr. Somerville’s warerooms and offices, which had been tastefully decorated with flags and bunting for the occasion. In this position Mr. Morden, the artist, took a “shot” at them from his camera located on the bridge, securing a handsome and comprehensive picture of an industrial exhibit of which Mr. Somerville and the companies interested may well be proud. In the foreground stood the representatives of the companies, including Jas. Henning, general agent at Hamilton of the Massey-Harris Co. who had general charge of the delivery; Robert Armitage, general agent, W. J. Wells, bicycle representative, James L. Henning of Hamilton branch and Herbert Baker-all Massey-Harris people; also John Bain, manager of the Rain Wagon works, D. McEwen of the Canada Carriage Co. and W.G. Somerville and Charles Trimble, respectively the Welland  and Dunnville agents for the firms mentioned. Mrs. and Miss Somerville were also included in the picture.

             A procession was then formed and paraded the principal streets, headed by Mr. Somerville. The wagons were labeled:

“PATRONIZE HOME INDUSTRY” AND “MASSEY-HARRIS”

attracting the attention and admiration of all. In passing the Mansion house, each occupant of a rig was handed a cigar by Landlord Ramey. There were nearly fifty wagons in the procession besides which a number of dignitaries were invited to take part in the function.

             Mr. Somerville did a little business outside the delivery the same day, the carriage an extremely handsome two-seated surrey, going to Mr. W. Augustine of Humberstone, who intends to do a hack business at Port Colborne and vicinity.

             Score another success for the Massey-Harris Co., and their genial local representative, Mr. Somerville—- long live he.

Event: 10 June 1899