The fifth annual meeting of the shareholders of Messrs C.G Elrick & Co (Limited) comb and vulcanite manufacturers, Forbes Street, was held yesterday within the Tea Room, Café Buildings, Shiprow. Mr. J. H. Dewar of Pitmurchie, chairman of the company, presided, and there was a good attendance of the directors and shareholders. Mr John Craigen, Solicitor, Secretary of the company, having read the notice calling the meeting, the chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance sheet, which had been printed and circulated among the shareholders, stated that in his opinion these were as satisfactory as could possibly have been expected, considering the position the company was in a few years ago;  and he thought the shareholders might congratulate themselves upon this position which the company had now obtained. 

He stated that the company was now in good standing with its bankers, and that its financial position was  such as enabled the directors to purchase goods for stock and they buy in the best possible market. He also called attention to the fact that upwards of £400 had been spent in the renewal and improvement of machinery during the year, which had been paid out of revenue, that additional machinery was that present being obtained, so that the whole works and machinery would be in the best working order;  and that the company would be able to turn out goods second to none in the trade. He said that he had never known a more indefatigable Board of Directors, and that the present satisfactory position was due in a great measure to their care and attention. He mentioned that a larger dividend than 5% would have been declared, but the directors thought it advisable to restrict it to that amount in the meantime.

The dividend warrants he said, would be payable tomorrow. Judging from the present position of matters, he looked forward to a prosperous and successful future for the company. Mr John Barclay, commission agent, seconded the adoption of the report, which was unanimously agreed to. Shoremaster Moorer, in moving the re-election of Mr Dewar as director, expressed his pleasure at the very satisfactory balance which laid before the shareholders and complimented the directors on the results achieved by them. Mr. J. C. Flockhart, Devenha Cottage, seconded and the motion was unanimously adopted. Mr J.C Stuart made some remarks in explanation of the improved financial position of the company – Baillie Pyper moved the re-election of Mr John Gray, C.A. as auditor. Mr James Mitchell, Regent Quay, seconded, and the motion was agreed to. Baillie Pyper expressed the thanks of the directors to the joint managers, Messrs Scott and Sutherland, and also to Mr Werlang, whose attention to the Company’s affairs had especially contributed to its success. He also moved a vote of thanks to the chairman for his service during the year. Mr Duff of Annefield seconded, and the motion was heartily agreed to.

Source : The Daily Free Press, Friday 6th February, 1885