GEAR COMPANY. THE ANNUAL MEETING.

Evening Post, Volume LXXII, Issue 149, 21 December 1906, Page 3

GEAR COMPANY. THE ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual meeting of the shareholders of the Gear Company was held last night, Mr. W. H. Millward (managing director) presiding. In moving the adoption of the annual report and balanc-s-sheet (a precis of which has N already been published), tho chairman said :—"lt: — "It is with great pleasure that the directors again present to you the accounts for the year -ended 30th November. The figures in the balancesheet are normal, and do not call for any detailed explanation. The liquid assets at this period arc always large owing to the 'small quantity of unrealised stock at date. As foreshadowed at the last meeting the numbers of animals dealt with during the year showed a substantial increas-s, and I anticipate a further improvement in the course of the season upon which we have just entered. The markets have displayed the usual variations, but on the whole they have been above the average. Particularly is thi£ the cas* with wool, which during the last eighteen months has reached figures not experienced since the company began fellmongering. It is hoped that such a happy state of affaire will long continue, but it must be borne in mind that there is little ropm for further advance, while several factors may operate in the contrary direction. The tariff war between the shipping lines considerably benefited exporters, as did the attempted soap combine, but as both have now ceased, normal conditions will shortly reign. Your products have been well reported upon in all quarters, both as to grading and get-up, as they should be in view of the exceedingly great care exercised in their preparation. The Chicago disclosures were a prominent feature of the period under Teview, and, while I am hopeful that with the efforts made by the Government Departments, and freezing companies generally, colonial manufactures may ultimately benefit, the result to date, so far as Great Britain is concerned, is a complete cessation of the demand for tinned goods oil any kind. Even when they are again sought for, the laTge stocks now in hand at that end will tajce 6ome time to realise. In the colonies our trade has been well maintained, as most consumers are aware of the stringent system of inspection, and the scrupulously cleanly methods adopted, in your works at least. In the slaughterhouse buildings there is no absorbent material employed in the construction, iron and concrete being practically the only two. There is also ample lavatory accommodation in each department, and hot and cold water baths are on the point of completion at the main woTks and the manure establishment. So far' as the company's customers are concerned they have nothing to fear, and they are cordially invited to make surprise visits when they feel so inclined. Before concluding I desire to again express the appreciation by the directors of the zealous services rendered by the head office and London staffs, the heads of the various departments, and the individual employees, all of whom have worked with loyal interest and intelligence." The motion was seconded by Mr. H. Beauchamp, and carried without discussion. It was resolved to pay an interim dividend of 4 per cent, for the half-year and a bonus of 2 per cent. Messrs. J- Gear and J. R. Blair, the retiring directors, were re-elected without opposition. Mr. Blair returned thanks on behalf of himself and Mr, Gear. Mean*. D. T. Stuart and R. T. Badham were TO-appointed auditors, at the same remuneration as previously. The meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman and staff.