Greymouth

New Zealand Tablet, 10 April 1913, Page 19

Greymouth

A pleasant little function took place last evening at the Municipal Gas Works (says the Greymouth Evening Star of April 2), when Mr. G. Heinz, on behalf of the staff, presented Mr. James Kennedy, the Manager, with a handsome travelling bag and rug. In making the presentation, Mr. Heinz said it had leaked out that Mr Kennedy had that day completed 25 years service as gas manager at Greymouth, and they had resolved.not to allow such an occasion to pass without showing, in their own small way, their high appreciation of Mr. Kennedy's many sterling qualities, his high sense of justice and fair play. His thorough and practical knowledge of his business, which was well known far beyond Greymouth, enabled him to carry on the works in all the departments with a quietness and smoothness that was a revelation to anyone, who, like himself, had worked at various places. He proposed long life and happiness to Mr. and Mrs. Kennedy, not forgetting the family, who were a credit to their parents. Messrs. W. Prendergast, T. Furlong, F. McGirr, and J. Evans then spoke in high terms of Mr. Kennedy. The former remarking that Mr. Kennedy was extremely watchful

of the borough's interests and expected fair value for wages paid. Mr. Kennedy, who on rising to respond, was heartily cheered, thanked the staff for their appreciative remarks, and for the kind thought that prompted them to present him with such useful presents. It was true that he had that day completed* 25 years as manager, having come here from Invercargill to take charge of the local works under appointment to the old Greymouth Gas Company, in April, 1888. During that lengthy period, he had witnessed many changes in Greymouth. All the directors of the Company from whom he had received Irs original appointment had passed away. His predictions as to the value of the concern had been amply demonstrated. Not only had the charges for gas been reduced from 10s to. 5a lOd and meter rents been abolished, but thousands of pounds had been handed over to the borough funds to relieve the rates. The works had been rebuilt and not a vestige of the old plant in use when the borough took over the works could now be found all had been demolished and a plant capable of producing 50,000,000 feet per annum was now installed in the place of the old 5,000,000 ft plant. The works, which stood on the borough book at £28,000 were now worth £50,000. Under borough control the * make ' of gas had increased from 7,000,000 feet to 35,000,000 feet, and the consumers had risen from 350 to 1000. Mr. Kennedy, in concluding, said that the former gas company had implicitly trusted him, as also had the various Mayors and councillors who had held office. He had done his utmost for the borough and would continue to do so. At the same time he recognised that workmen had their rights, which should be respected. At the present time when there was so much friction and trouble with managers and men their kindly remarks and useful presents were highly appreciated by him. Napier Great preparations have been made for ,the triennial meeting of the H.A.C.B. Society, which opens here on the 9th inst. A banquet is to be given in honor of the delegates on Wednesday evening. They are also to be entertained in other ways. Their stay here is to be made a memorable one. Given fine weather wo expect a great gatheringin fact it will be a redletter day in Napier among the Catholic community.