MARINE ENGINEERS

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 123, 21 November 1932, Page 4

MARINE ENGINEERS

ANNUAL SMOKE SOCIAL

TRIBUTES TO INDUSTRY

A convivial evening was spent by members of the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Institute of Marine and tower Engineers on Saturday, when the animal smoke social was held iv the Institute Hall. The function also served ais ai welcome to Mr. A. C. Dickie, retiring president of the institute and president of the Auckland branch, and Mr. D. a. Sturrock, secretary of the Auckland branch, who are attending the annual tbalemice at present being held in Wellington. An apology for absence was received from the Mayor (Mr. T. C 4. Hislop). Mr- P. McKenzie, newly-elected presi- ?.. ™,v wgaaiaition and president .ot the Wellington branch, presided -Alter extending a welcome to thbse present, Mr. McKenzie 6aid he hoped that tne conference in which they were engaged wonld have good results for the institute as a whole, and would bind firmer the ties of the two branches. During the year, which had been one of deep depression in the engineering trade, they i nf eavourecl to help the members who had been unemployed, and although they had not done as much as they would have hked to do, they had, through the levy imposed on members, been able to keep quite a large number financial on the books. It was hoped that the coming year ivould be much brighter and happier for all.

Referring to the financial position o£ the institute, Mr. McKenzie said that although contributions had decreased they had managed to "come out square." The final instalment on the mortgage of the building was paid last November. "When things brighten up we hope to further consolidate the position, und to do all in our power to raise the status of engineers and to help our members throughout the Dominion," he said. As a token of respect for the members and associates of the institute who had died during the year, those present stood in silence for a few moments.

IMPORTANCE OF ENGINEERING. In responding to the toast of "The Engineering Industry," proposed by Captain G. Knowles, president of the Merchant Service Guild, Mr. "G. Laing commented on the great progress made in engineering during the last thirty-two years. _ The industry was one of the oldest in the world, he said, and was essential to the progress of civilisation. The engineer wag the unrewarded pioneer of civilisation, but without him the world would go back to a state of Savagery. Mr. B. W. Millier, of the Marine Department, who proposed the toast of "The Institute," spoke of the valuable work the organisation was doing for engineers, and the engineering industry in general.

In responding, Mr. Dickie said that in spite of the difficult times the institute was maintaining a high standard and could boast a membership of over 1000. He urged all members to be proud of the organisation, ard to take more interest in its affairs. Although the institute had two branches, he wanted them to look upon it aa one organisation and to work together for its betterment.

Mr. Sturrocki and Mr. W. Sommerville, secretary of' the Wellington branch, also responded to this toust. Mr. Sommerville said that the only way for the institute to maintain a high standard was f6r its members to adhere to tho principles on which it was founded.

Speaking about the industry in general,, Mr. Sommerville said it had been stated that tho engineer was a magician of the modern world, but it was questionable whether he had been rewarded for the service he had rendered. The advent of refrigeration had been one of the main factors in the progress of New Zealand, for it allowed the country to transport its products to England in such a manner as to be fit for human consumption. The advantages of refrigeration were also reflected in the cool storage system. Those responsible for the employment of engineers should see that they were adequately rewarded. : ■•■■'•■

, The toast of "The Mercantile Marino" Was proposed by Mr. D. McLaren, chairnVan of the council o£ the institute, arid responded to by Captain Knowles and Captain F. A. Macindoe. 'The toasts were interspersed with musical items, community singing, and stories, the majority of which had for a central figure the dour Scots engineer.