GAS WORKS MANAGER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 2380, 17 January 1922, Page 3

GAS WORKS MANAGER.

J. H. DOWNES APPOINTED.

A special meeting of the Borough • Council was held last night jior the purpose of appointing a gasyworks There were present: — The Mayor (Mr John Chrystall), and Crs. Whibley, Coley, Martin, Rand, Thompson, Walker, Bryant, Ross and Smith. Twenty-three applications were received for the position. Correspondence was read from Mr A. C. Kennerley, asking the CoW--, uneil to rescind.its motion in order ‘ to allow'him to take up his duties at Carterton this week, as he had obtained the services of a suitable substitute to carry on until his sue-' cessor was appointed. On the motion of Crs. Ross and Rand, it was decided that Carterton be communicated with, with a request that Mr Kennerley be allowed to remain in his present position for a fortnight, and failing this request being acceded to, Mr Kennerley be relieved from his present position if satisfactory arrangement? can be made to fill the position. L, The applications for the position were carefully scrutinised, and on of the Mayor, seconded by Cr. Bryant, Mr J. H. Downes was appointed. It was resolved that the meeting to be held on January 23rd be deferred till February 13th.. The new manager will take up his duties im about a fortnight’s time. Mr Downes is a married man with ♦ two children. He learnt his trade in Birmingham under his father, who was a gas engineer. Since coming to New Zealand Mr Downes was assistant to Mr J. Gusoll at the Thames works. Since 1917 he was manager of the Rangiora gas works, which position he relinquished a few months ago to take up a position in Auckland.