JOHN G. KAY PARK.

Auckland Star, Volume LIII, Issue 83, 10 April 1922, Page 5

JOHN G. KAY PARK.

OPEXIXG CEREMOXY. The topmost point in Birkenhead was yesterday christened the John G. Kay Park, and officially opened by the Mayor, Mr. J. W. Court, who also unveiled a marble memorial tablet, the inscription on which in raised letters read: "John G. Kay Park, so named in memory of one who for twenty-seven years wa s a member of the council and one yeaT Mayor of this borough.'"' Mr. Court mentioned that the late Mr. John Green Kay was born in Bolton, Lancashire, 72 years ago. was a patternmaker, came to Xew Zealand in ISBS, was employed at Chelsea in 18S6. but from 18S7 was a farmer and orchardist at Birkdale. Almost immediately on settling in the district, he became a member of the then Birkenhead Road Board. Mr. Kay was continuously a councillor from the inception of the borough in 188S till May, 1911, when he was installed as Mayor. The records (continued Mr. Court) demonstrated, his term to have been a most important year in the history of the borough. In June, 191-1. Mr. Kay, on the advice of the engineer, secured for reservoir purposes the aTea on which those assembled stood (which would henceforth bear his name), taking the risk whether the council would leave it on his hands. The council approved, and they were fortunate to have such a superb site. Important contracts in regard to the water supply were made, and it was agreed to increase the storage capacity from '100,001* to half a million gallon?. There were plso important road works in progress!, involving compensation cases. Considerable thought and time were given to amalgamation proposals with Xorth~te. The negotiations with the Harbour Board for Hinemoa Park were completed. In addition to his activities as Mayor and councillor. Mr. Kay was strenuously engaged in other public and semi-public work, his ability for leadership securing for him the positions of chairman of the Birkdaie vS'chool Committee and president of the Birkdale Fruitgrower*' Association. Mr. Court emphasised that it was not primarily length of service that the council considered in thus publicly and permanently honouring the memory of an ex-Mayor. ""We show our esteem to-day."' he concluded, "for one noted for his strict integrity, for his interest in the welfare cf others, for an absence of self interest 5 ." Mr. R. F. Kay suitably responded, thanking the council for thus honouring the name of his father, and the Mayor for the kind words spoken. His mother and sister wished to be associated in nU grateful expression-. He was proud t'> be the son of one who was able and willing for so long to give his services for the public weal.