HARBOUR BOARD ENGINEER.

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 April 1911, Page 5

HARBOUR BOARD ENGINEER.

MB J. D. GILLIES APPOINTED. Mr Felix Campbell, Chairman of the Greymouth Harbour Boax'd, x’eceived the following telegram last night from the Hon. J .A. Millar, Minister of Marine;— “Mr J .D. Gillies, of Greymouth, has been appointed engineer to the Greymouth Harbour Board.” Speaking to a “Star” reporter this morning, Mr Campbell said that the position carried with it a salary of £4OO a ve.ar, and the successful candidate would be requix-ed to devote the whole of his time to the Board’s service. He (Mr Campbell) was calling a meeting of the Executive at once to receive the telegram, and to officially notify Mr Gillies of his appointment, and ask him when he coxxld take office.

“In my opinion,” said Mr Campbell, “the Board has secured the services of an excellent man.” This opinion was confirmed by several other members of the Board, who were spoken to in reference to the matter. The Executive at their meeting confirmed the appointment. They wrote, notifying Mr Gillies of the fact, and asked him when he could take up his position. Mr J. D. Gillies, who is a native of Dunedin, is the third son of the late Mr Justice Gillies. He received his education at the Auckland College and Grammar School, and served his apprenticeship as an engineer with Messrs Eras'" and Tennel, The Phoenix Foundry, Auckland. He then joined the Public Works Department as a cadet, and remained in the Government service for twelve years. He was under Mr Blackett, engineer-in-chief, and served as assistant engineer principally in railway construction works m the North Island. During this period he was assistant engineer in the Manawatn Gorge works. After leaving _ the Government service he went into private practice on the West He was engineer to the Coal Creek Railway Comoanv, whose property is now the State Mine, and constructed the railway to Point Elizabeth and the railway bridge to CobdAn. Since then most of his work :■> connection with various mining operali

In addition to his hivh qualifications as an engineer, Mr Gillies takes a keen interest in all matters of.local import. He is a prominent member of the local Golf Club. During the day Mr Gillies has received many congratulations, and on all sides the Government’s choice of an engineer for the important position has found commendation. _ . Mr Gillies takes up his position within a fortnight.