MARINE ENGINEERS

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 72, 22 September 1930, Page 4

MARINE ENGINEERS

FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY

The fiftieth anuiversar.v of the New Zealand Institute of Marine Engineers was marked by a smoke concert, which was held in the Institute Hall on Saturday evening. The president, Mr. P. Mackenzie, Was in the chair, and amongst those present were Sir John Luke, the Hon. W. Earnshaw, and Messrs. A. AY. AVheelcr, A. O. Mitchell, G. C. Godfrey, J. Breeze (Chief Inspector of Machinery), AY. Lodder, J. Dunlop, R. Gillies, T. AY. Martin (of the Harbour Board staff), J. Darling, W. M'Kinnon (Chief Examiner of Machinery), and Colonel Falla.

Mr. Mackenzie said that the institute was founded at Melbourne in .1880. Brandies were formed at Sydney. Auckland, Dunedin, and Wellington. The iirst president o£ the Wellington branch was Mr. William Clark, o£ the s.s. Jane Douglas. As an example of the growth of the institute, Mr. Mackenzie said that the income for the Wellington branch for the first year was £30 8s od; this year it was £1950, The Dunedin branch was closed in 1897, and its members were transferred to other branches. After a conference Ii eld in Australia, it was decided to give the institute in New Zealand home rule, as Now Zealand maritime interests did not entit-ety coincide with Australian interests, Mr. Maokenzio traced the institute's growth, stating that the membership at Wellington was 705, and at Auckland 345. A message was read from Mr. C. J. M'Pherson, lately chief engineer on the Tahiti, expressing appreciation of the institute's welcome to the ship's engineers. .Mr. W. «T. Galloway, in proposing the toast of "The Engineering Industry," stressed the Value of a strong mercantile marine to the Empire in time of both peace and war. He was perturbed at the fact that New Zealand goods were being carried from New Zealand in vessels flying foreign flags. Freights might be a little higher on British vessels, but what would that matter in time of war? Mr. Gallon way said that aB a past-president he could appeal to ths institute to support the movement for the training of apprentices in the way of the sea, and in the furtherance of 'British trndo interests. The toast was replied to by Mr. A. 0. Mitchell, who referred to the changes from steam to the internal combustion engine, making conditions not so favourable for engineers. He referred to the importance of facilities being available for the training, of engineers, a.nd of the great skill now retjuired by engineers. Mention wus made of the prominent part taken by Sir Johii| Luke and tho Hon. Mr. Earnshaw in the early days of the engineering industry. Mr. A. Basire proposed the toast of "Our Guests." He spoke on tlie changes in the construction of engines. He referred to the part the Union Steam Ship Company took in the furtheruuee of trade, and also to the work of Sir James Mills, who, lie said, had early realised the capabilities of New Zealand coastal trade. Mr." A. W. Wheeler, in reply, described a meeting of engineers he bad recently attended at the Guildhall, London, at which the Prince of Wales had presided. Mr. M'Kinnon also spoke, referring to the dignity of the engineer's profession. Mr. W. Sommerville, in proposing the toast-of the "Merchant Service Guild," expressed regret that the "white wings had left the sea and with them much of the sea's romance. Captain Nicholson replied. Other toasts honoured were: "The Institute," proposed by Mr. G. C. Godfrey, and replied to by the Hon.- YV. Hanishaw: and "Absent Friend!?,"' proposal by Mr. T. Martin. Musical items iverc contributo;! by the. Lyric Four.