A VALUED SERVANT.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 3 December 1924, Page 6

A VALUED SERVANT.

FAREWELL TO AIR- GRAINGER

COAIPANIES’ TRIBUTE

Eulogistic reference to the work of Mi-. E. W. Grainger, late manager of the West Coast Refrigerating Company and the South Taranaki Shipping Company, was made at a farewell dinner tendered to that gentleman at the Central Hotel, Patea, yesterday. The guests, who numbered about a score, were present at the invitation of the chairmen of the respective companies, and the chairman of the South faranaki Shipping Company, Mr. J. B. Murdoch, presided. After the usual loyal toast had been honoured, the toast of the Dairy Industry was proposed by Mr. J. R. Corrigan, M.P. The speaker referied to the phenomenal growth of the industry, and said that this year’s pro-

Juction looked like exceeding that of hist year, which ran into the sum of £18,000,000. Up to date, prod aim ; ii Taranaki had increased 8 per cent, on last year’s figures. Although Mr. Grainger had left Taranaki he was not severing his connection with the dairying industry, as he wa.s going to he of greater service to the dairymen by reason of the fact that he would he vatching the producers’ interests in connection with the loading and storing on vessels of dairy produce. Mr. A. Pearce, in responding, said that New Zealand farmers could pride themselves on the fact that they were second to Denmark in the carrying into effect of co-operative methods. The Control Board had been set up, and the result had been an immediate reduction in shipping charges and inI surance, and if the hoard never did anything .more it had done enough to establish its worth to the country. The toast of the two companies whose interests Mr? Grainger had been managing was proposed by Mr.' A. T. Christensen. The speaker said that the" grading works in particular had been of great assistance to the dairymen of the district. Mr. A. C. Pease, chairman of the South Taranaki Refrigerating Company, and Air. W. H. Bennett, founder of the Patea and South Taranaki Shipping Companies, responded. Air. Bennett said he had been closely associated with Air. Grainger since lie came Lo Patea, and he could testify as to his ability and integrity. The toast of the guest was proposed by Air. 3. B. Alurdoeli, who at the same, time introduced Mr. Grainger’s successor, Air. A. H, Hodge, and the companies’ secretary, Mi’. Jenkins. Mr. Alurdoch said that the position Air. Grainger had taken up with the Control Board and the shipping companies involved the important question of handling of the producers’ produce. He was satisfied that a great amount of the losses had. been occasioned by the shipping companies and their ships. Dairy produce was a most perishable article, and lie was sure that Air. Grainger, with his knowledge of cool storage and the handling of shipments of butter and cheese, was going to he of great service to the dairying industry Further improvements in the quality of New Zealand produce could be effected by better handling. As a small token of the respect in which Air. Grainger was held by the two companies, Air. Alurdoch presented the guest with two cheques. Air. Grainger returned thanks for the complimentary remarks and the presentation. He said lie had. been man-

ager for the two companies for a number of years, and it had only been after careful consideration that lie had determined to make the change. Continuing, Air. Grainger said he had just returned from a trip from the Bluff to Auckland, and during his journey he couicl'aiot help being impressed by the wonderful fertility of the country. It had made him realise more than ever the great possibilities of the dairy industry, and it had also brought to his notice the fact that up to the present only the surface had been scratched. Proceeding, the speaker referred to the excellence of the present grading system, Avliich enabled buyers to buy

on a grade and not be disappointed. He also referred to the progress made in the handling of dairy produce, stating that back in 1904 "cheese was carried as general cargo. Air. Grainger said he was. sorry that Captain Johnson' had not been able to be present. He, however, was pleased to se e Air. Christensen again, and he said that Patea was to be congratulated on having such a citizen as Air. Christensen.

In conclusion, the speaker touched on the better policy of concentrating the loading of boats at the main ports. At such places as Wellington there were greater facilities, and loading operations could be carried out quicker and better. The time was coming when New Zealand’s market would be flooded with produce from other countries, and then-it would be on quality that the New Zealand article would have to sell.

This concluded the speeches and the function later adjourned.