GAS COMPANY EMPLOYEES’ DINNER.

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 5851, 31 December 1879, Page 2

GAS COMPANY EMPLOYEES’ DINNER.

One of those pleasant little social reunions, which serve to make the good feeling existent between employers and employees, took place at the Foresters’ Hall, yesterday evening, namely, the annual dinner of the Wellington Gas Company's employees. About forty of the employees sat down to an excellent repast, which had been prepared by Mr, C. F. Worth, and which was done ample justice to by all. Mr. Krull, chairman of the board of directors, occupied the chair—Mr. George, manager of the Company, occupying a seat on his right, and Mr. George Hunter, a director, on his left. The vice-chair was occupied by Mr. Wallace, foreman of the works. The room was decimated with ferns and flowers, and presented a very nice appearance. The repast having been concluded, The Chairman called upon the company to charge their glasses. The request having been complied with, Mr. Krull proposed the “ Health of Her Most Gracious Majesty,” which was drunk with musical honors. The “ Frince of Wales and the rest of the Royal Family" having been similarly honored. The Chairman proposed the “Health of His Excellency the Governor,” and in doing so referred to the interest which Hr Hercules takes in all manly British sports. Drunk with all honors. The Chairman notified receipt of an apology , from Mr, K. Pearce, who was unable to attend in consequence of a prior engagement. Mr. Levin. M.H.R, forwarded a similar apology. Mr. Krull also apologised for the absence ot Air. S. Browne, who was detained through the death ot a relative, and for Mr. A. P. Stuart, who was himself suffering from illness. Mr. Birch proposed the health of the directors, and said that nothing gave them more pleasure than to see two or three of the directors present upon the occasion. He referred to the fact that some time since the directors were unable to keep pace with the demand for gas, but they had shown themselves equal to the occasion, and now there were ample means for supplying the city with gas for many years to come. The toast was drunk with musical honors. Mr. Krull responded on behalf et the directors, He referred to the fact that it was 10 years ago since the company had been formed, with the moderate capital of £IO,OOO. During that time the value of the stock had increased ten-fold, being now worth £IOO,OOO. Very much credit was due to Mr. George, the manager, for the manner in which he worked in the interests of the company. The men also had all done their duty, and he hoped the directors had all given the men as much satisfaction as the latter had the directors. He hoped these gatherings would long continue, as they were an evidence of that harmony which should always exist between employers and employees. Labor and capital must go hand in hand together, or there wonlil be no success. Mr. Geo. Hunter proposed “ Our Entertainer?,” doing 50 sa *d ft had frfven him great pleasure to be with them. Ho agreed with the chairman that such meetings were attended with benefit to all. Referring to local enterprise, he said they were all interested in a local industry which did not require any assistance of an artificial character, all that was wanted to ensure success being “ a largo supply, and large demand.” They were now able to supply this city with gfts for a number of years to come. The company was much indebted to Mr. George for the position it had attained, and as a proof of the excellent nature of the works lie might state that some gentlemen bad been sent to Wellington to examine them, with a 'dew of starting similar ones elsewhere. Speaking of competition, Mr. Hunter did not think it was desirable here at pn sent, for it would be impossible to carry ou two such companies and pay good wages and good dividends as they were doing now. In the present company everything had gone on pleasantly between master and men from first to last, and he hoped that state of things would long continue. The toast having been drunk with musical honors. ISTr. Wallace, vice-chairman, responded in a brief speech. “ The Manager," was the next toast, briefly proposed by one of the company. Drunk with all honors. Mr. George replied in appropriate terms. He referred to Mr. Sam Brown, who was unavoidably absent, but who was represented by his foreman, and in very complimentary language he proposed Mr. Brown’s health. Mr. Sinnott briefly replied. The remaining toasts were “The I’ress,” proposed by Mr. Kecll, and responded to by Mr. Handle? (New Zealand Times), and Mr. King (Evening Post); and the carterer, by one of the company, responded to by Mr. Worth. During the evening the proceedings were enlivened by songs, recitations, &c., a very enjoyable time being spent.