DEATH OF MR. W. M. HANNAY

Evening Post, Volume CIII, Issue 71, 25 March 1922, Page 6

DEATH OF MR. W. M. HANNAY

Very general regret will be expressed at the death of Mr. William Mowat Hannay, ex-Eailway Commissioner and General Manager of the late WellingtonManawatu Railway Company, which took place at the Davis-streef Hospital this morning at the age of 73 years. The late Mr. Hannay, who was well known as a man of sterling character and an able manager of men, was born in Glasgow in 1849, and after receiving his education, entered the service of one of the big Glasgow railway companies, where he, gained an all-round railway experience. He came to New Zealand in 1875,, and at once joined the railway service, being appointed as district manager of South Canterbury. He was not long in the service before his exceptional ability and extensive knowledge ; were recognised, and he was soon promoted to the office of assistant general manager • at Wellington. Subsequently he became one of the Railway Commissioners. In 1894, when the Government decided, to, change the system of railway management,. Mr.. Hannay's services were not continued; although CaJbi: net recognised his abilities as a railway manager. On the resignation of Mr. James Wallace as general manager of the Wellington-Manawaf.ii Railway Company, the directors appointed Mr. Hannay to the position, which he continued to hold with conspicuous ability until the line was bought by the Government and the company was wound up. Mr. Hannay thereafter retired into private life, but continued to be associated with the local mercantile and business community, being a director of various companies, including the Commercial Union Insurance . Company, the Victoria Laundry, the Metropolitan Building Society, and the Automatic Bakeries. He was for many years an elder of- the Kent-terrace Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed a wide circle of friends and acquaintances by whom his fine personality was much admired. Five weeks ago ho underwent an operation and gradually sank until he expired this morning. He leaves a widow and two sons and three daughters to mourn their loss. The sons are Mr. A. Hannay (managing director of Manson and Barr, Palmerston North), and Mr. K. B. Hannay (of Dalgety and Co., WellinKton). The daughters are Mrs. F. C. Widdop (Wellington), Mrs. Dr. Forrest (Palmerston North); and Miss J. Hannay (Wellington). . _ ,