GISBORNE GAS WORKS.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 213, 19 August 1884, Page 2

GISBORNE GAS WORKS.

INAUGURAL CEREMONY. A large number of gentlemen, at the invitation of the directors of the Gas Company, assembled at the Albion Club Hotel last evening, to celebrate the successful inauguration of the new gas works. His Worship the Mayor occupied the chair, supported by his Worship the R.M. (James Booth, Esq.,) and Mr. A. Graham. Messrs. W. Adair, and W. Maude acted as croupiers supported by Mr. F. J. Piesse, (the energetic secretary of the Company), and Mr. A. Hawley (the resident working manager.) Having done ample justice to the very excellent viands provided by host Wilson, which comprised all the delicacies of the season served up in a recherche manner.

His Worship the Mayor proposed “ The Queen and the Royal Family.” which was rapturously responded to. Mr. Adair proposed “ the House of Representatives and local governing bodies.” Mr. Adair hoped all the members of the House were as honest and good at heart as our own member. The Parliament just elected was superior to its predecessor. The East Coast had never been better represented, and we could rely on the assistance of Sir George Grey and Mr. Ormond. He hoped the resolutions passed on Thursday would be reechoed by the House, and we should get our harbor and railway. Population would then flow in and success would be assured. The local governing bodies were a very efficient lot of men, and the ratepayers might be well satisfied with the choice they had made. The Harbnr Board were to be congratulated for

the way they had dealt with the foreshore. He hoped the County Council would continue to work in harmony with the other local bodies for our mutual benefit.

Mr. Gannon responded. The Borough Council had endeavored to work harmoniously, and as a result the Harbor Bill had every chance of becoming a success. He hoped the local bodies would carry out their functions as they had done in the past. Putting all private political feelings aside, New Zealand had as fine a Parliament as there was in the world. Sir Julius Vogel, Major Atkinson, Sir George Grey, Mr. Ormond, and a host of others, had made their mark. Whatever the upshot of the present situation was, they might rest assured that a powerful Government would be formed. The Colony had every chance of dropping off its gloomy aspect, and taking up a brighter view of things. (Applause.) Mr. Townley followed. The occasion which called them together was one of great importance. If any one had ventured to say a few years ago that they would have met for such a purpose that night they would have been laughed at. Gisborne occupied a very peculiar position.

Mr. Joyce also replied, and caused much laughter by his remarks. Mr. Maude proposed “ The town of Gisborne and its trade.” He was satisfied that the toast was a very important one. Gisborne was bound to be a thriving place. He doubted if there was another town in New Zealand where the main street was twelve miles long and a chain and a-half wide, which

would be lengthened by six miles as soon as the bridge was finished. The fact of every other man being a lawyer Was a guarantee that trade was in a thriving state. The toast was drunk with enthusiasm.

Mr. A. Graham responded. Ho knew of no place where the buildings were a greater credit to it. _ Tile members of the local bodies were deserving of all praise, commodities were as cheap as they were anywhere else, and he hoped all the expectations they had of the place would be realised.

Dr. Pollen proposed the “ Magistracy and the Civil Service.” He thought the present R.M. was a fitting successor to the late Mr. Price. The Civil Service was a credit to the country. He did not approve of the election cry anent cutting down thp service. The toast was drunk with unanimity. His Worship the Magistrate replied. Mr. D. Johnston followed. The public should be satisfied with the Civil Servants they had in Gisborne. They had plenty to do, and were not too well paid. He wished the company every success. His Worship the Resident Magistrate returned thanks for the toast. He then proposed the toast of the evening, " The Gas Company and its Directors.” He gave some very amusing experiences of the early days (32 years ago). They could see what unity had done in the shipping companies, freezing companies, and other bodies, which had been brought about by the unity of energetic men. He thought if the merchants arranged for a light draught steamer to work the coast the trade of Gisborne could be greatly increased. (Applause.) The Gas Company had set a good example, which should be followed up. The toast was disposed of enthusiastically. Captain Porter responded. He pointed out the difficulties that had been experienced in starting the company, which had been promoted in the interests of the public. The company and its directors deserved all the credit the public could give them. Captain Porter then proposed “ The officers of the Company.” The principle of these ware Mr. F. J. Piesse, Mr. Atkinson, and Mr. Hawley. Mr. Piessehadbeen unwearied inhiseffortsfor years to bring the company on (applause). His reward had been a little pay, a great deal of abuse, and no thanks. He was deserving of very great praise (applause). Mr. Atkinson had taken the matter up heartily, and showed his zeal by taking a large number of shares. In a very unassuming manner he had done much for the company. Mr. Hawley had done everything he could to meet the requirements of consumers, and to oblige all who had to do any business with him. The toast was drunk with musical honors and applause.

Mr. F. J. Piesse was extremely obliged for the toast. He had done all in his power to make the Company a success. He had had the sympathy and assistance of the directors for which he was thankful. He thought the present was a great event. The conception of the Company was due to Captain Porter who suggested it in 1878. The number of shares taken up at the present time was 1,750. There was little doubt about the Company paying. (Applause). To Mr. Atkinson every praise was due, and also to Mr. Hawley, who had carried out the works in a most efficient manner. (Applause). He replied on behalf of Mr. Hawley, who had left to look after the Company’s interests. Mr. A. Graham proposed The sheepfarmers and country settlers.” We depended greatly on them for much success. The quality of the land and the climate were all that could be desired and there was plenty of it. With secure titles the benefits of the country districts would be largely increased. The toast was drunk in a hearty manner. Mr. Craig (Manager of the N.Z.L. & M.A. Co.) thought the depression had touched the bottom, and they might now look forward to better times. The advance in the price of wool, reported to-day, meant a vast difference to the country settlers. He thought it would not pay to grow wheat for export, but barley and hops could be successfully produced. The culture of tobacco was one which would bring profit to us all. He had much pleasure in being present at the meeting, and thought the directors and secretary deserved very great credit. He hoped they would aim more at facilitating the provision of gas than large dividends, which would certainly follow in due course.

Song, Mr. Ratcliffe—“ The Gallants of England.”

Mr. Jas. Snyder Brown proposed 11 The Press.” He thought about seventy-five per cent of the gentlemen present had had some connection with the press, and about as many had regretted it. He had after forty years connection left the press, within a few weeks, and he now felt himself a respectable member of society. Although the papers were only a penny he was told that many of them didn’t pay it. For a penny they got all the news of the world, and he thought at present the local press was very well represented. The toast was responded to by Mr. Galvin, of the Herald, and our representative. Song, Mr. J. R. Scott, “ Turn off the gas at the meter.”

Mr. Adair proposed “ The Chairman," who had on all occasions been foremost in furthering any public work. The toast was disposed of with three times three and musical honors, and was suitably responded to. Dr. Pollen proposed “ The ladies,” coupled with the name of Mr. A. W. Croft. After the usual honors had been accorded, Mr. Croft replied in a very amusing strain. The Chairman proposed “ The host and hostess.” Mr. 8. M. Wilson was one of the most energetic of the directors, and had done a great deal to promote the success of the company. The drinking of this toast concluded the proceedings.