THE TOWN'S PROGRESS.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 November 1921, Page 6

THE TOWN'S PROGRESS.

THE N.Z. INSURANCE BUILDINGS. AN EXAMPLE TO OTHERS. THEIR OPENING CELEBRATED. The opening of the up-to-date fourstoreyed building erected by the New Zealand Insurance Company in Devon Street, New Plymouth, was marked by a pleasant little gathering yesterday morning, when, at the invitation of the company, a number of business men inspected the premises. The party afterwards adjourned to a room on the fourth floor, where a short toast list was honored, ami some felicitous speeches were made concerning this era of progress in the company’s history, and the splendid improvement effected in business premises. After the loyal toast was honored, “The New Zealand Insurance Company” was proposed by Mr. H. C. Akers (Phoenix Co.), who remarked that those who had inspected the building would agree that it was a credit to the town. The company, which was a New Zealand concern, was making great headway, and would compare very favorably with many of the older British concerns. He regretted that Mr. Paton (the former manager) was not present, as he was an old friend, but they were pleased to welcome 'Mr. Thomson, and trusted that he would have a successful experience in the new building. DISTRICT’S BRIGHT FUTURE. On behalf of the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, the chairman (Mr. T.. C. List) extended congratulations to the company on their enterprise and the prudence displayed in the erection of such very fine premises. New Plymouth, he said, could do with other buildings of the same type. It would be a good thing for New Plymouth if more insurance companies, and even banks, followed the good example set by the New Zealand Company. The. New Zealand Insurance Company always did things exceedingly well, as instanced by their fine buildings in Auckland and in other parts of the Dominion. They deserved the thanks and congratulations of the commercial community for putting up such a fine place. They had shown great faith in the town, and with good reason. He believed that to-day New Plymouth was one of the most solid and prosperous parts of the Dominion, and it had a future greater perhaps than any other provincial town in New Zealand. At anyrate, this was his own private opinion, and the factors which were making for its prosperity and development were the splendid fertii'ty o e the soil in the district, the harbor, which was coming into its own, bringing greater trade, and the hydro-electric works, all making for the expansion and development of the town and district. The manager for the company (Mr. D H. Thomson) said he had been thirtyfour years with the company, and better employers he did not think there could be. He had recently come from Oamhru. a place much smaller than New Plymouth, and had found a very sociable spirit existing among the insurance companies’ representatives in New Plymouth. He had been much impressed with Taranaki and the district generally. Personally his experiences in New Plymouth so far had been very pleasant. They were honored last week by a visit from His Excellency the Gover-nor-General, who attended a meeting of the Savings Bank, and he expressed a wish to see over the oflices. After being shown over the buildings His Excellency remarked on their splendid appointments. Mr. W. C. Weston proposed the health of the architect, Mr. T. 11. Bates, and the contractors, Messrs. Julian and Sons (coupled with the name of Mr. F. Whittaker), both of whom briefly responded. OTHER BUILDINGS PROJECTED. Mr.'Bates remarked that on receiving instruct ions from the company’s general manager to prepare plans he was told not to forget that it was to be a New Zealand Insurance Company building. Everything was to be up-to-date, and no expense was to be spared. lie remarked that during construction the relations between himself and the contractors were such as to make his work very pleasant. ‘ Other Insurance Companies” was proposed by Mr. F. Newbold (of the State Office), who said that the handsome buildings erected by the New Zealand

Company had given rise to the opinion that ‘‘there must be something in insurance.” The hope had been expressed that other companies would follow suit, ft was perhaps only right that the premier colonial office should set the example, and Mr. Newbold said that, while the State Department would probably never oust the company, the Government intended to put up new buildings in New Plymouth, and he hoped they would be a credit to the town. Replying to the toast, Mr. K. G Archer said that when he came to New Plymouth about a year ago he found a very fine feeling among the underwriters; it was most friendly, and probably was not equalled elsewhere in New Zealand. Mr. A. Goldwater (Norwich Union Co.) also responded, and on behalf of the life insurance companies, Mr. C. Denny Brown (A.M.P. Society) congratulated the company, on its new premises, and wished them every prosperity. The toast of “The Banks” was proposed by Mr. C. 11. Weston, who humorously remarked that the gathering could receive the toast with very much outward enthusiasm whatever their ideas on the subject were. Really, however, he thought that, in view of the strenuous ' times the Dominion experienced, the community ought to be very grateful for the way in which the banks-of the country had tackled the position. Replies were made by Mr. W. Brodie (Bank of New Zealand) and Mr. A. W. V.’ebster (Bank of New South Wales). Speaking on the subject of new buildings, both forecasted that their respective institutions would be erecting new premises in New Plymouth before long. NECESSITY FOR A THEATRE. The toast of “Old Identities” was proposed by Mr. Brodie, who coupled with 1 it the names of Messrs. Hugh Baily, E. i F. Blundell, A. W. Webster, C. >S. Foote, ! ami A. Goldwater. The responses referred to the growth : of the town, and expressed confidence in 1 its future. The toast of “The Press” was proposed i by Mr. Webster, and replies were made ' by Messrs. W, C. Weston and T. C. List. ! The latter referred to the necessity for townsmen endeavoring to supply buildings of a public utility nature. For instance, there was nothing keeping the town back to-day so much as the lack

of suitable accommodation. Jf a building wore erected on a suitable positioft near the beach it would fill a great want. Though they could not expect the institution to pay directly, at first, it would amply reward townspeople indirectly! Another need in the town was a theai ■. but. private people could not Ibe expected to put up such a building, as they were not payable propositions. A theatre was a necessary adjunct to the growth of the town, and would have to be provided in the near future, either as a .municipal undertaking or through a public company. The town also lacked a reef’eation centre for its young men, and a gymnasium where they could spend the evenings was a project which should also be kept in view.