HOKITIKA GAS CO.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 May 1936, Page 4

HOKITIKA GAS CO.

annual meeting 1 WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 The 62nd annual general meeting of the Hokitika Gas Coy Ltd., was neld at the Company’s office. Stafford Street, at 5 p.m. yesterday. Mr D. J. Evans, Chairman of Directors, presided. Before proceeding with the business, those present stood as a mark of respect to tne memory of tiie late. Mr W. it. Williams, who was connectecU intimately with the Company for over 30 years. The Secretary reported with proxies produced tnere was a quorum present.

The previous annual meeting proceedings were read and confirmed. The Chairman moved the adoption of y the statement of accounts for the yearp and the reception of t-he directors! 1 report as follows : "The accounts, it is pleasing to record, maintain an, increase* in revenue, indicating a larger consumpion. The Vv orks Manager reports the plant in good order, and equal to the growing re-' quirements. It is evident with the increased return, the service rendered is appreciated, and the stability of the Company is being built up. The satisfactory running of the plant is evidence of the attention of the staff, who under Mr G. Heinz’s direction, been responsible for the smooth work-’w ing of the service tq.Jhe public. The loan debt has been reduced by, i!10U, and the annual meeting will be recommended ■'to pay a dividend of 3s ; on each. £6 share at the customary time next month. The Directors desire to y" appreciate the loyal-co-operation of the staff, clerical and working, over - the year, which maintained the position : of the Company. One Director, Mr D. J. Evans, retires by rotation, but is eligible for re-election. The retiring auditor, Mr R. Wild, A.P.A., N.Z, is eligible also for re-election.

As this report was about to be prepared the community received the sad news of the death’of W. E. Williams, Esq., J.P., a co-director, and one of the chief figures of the town. Mr Williams joined the Directorate in a»O3, and was Chairman of Directors from. 1913 to 1922, when owing to his health, , he desired to be relieved of executive office. He remained in office as a Director up to the time of his . lamented demise, and was a most'acceptable colleague. His obsequies recently testified to the wide esteem in which he was held, and the respect held for him by the general public. It is not necessary to say more, beyond recording the fact ./hat his services to the Company were most valuable. Always so approachable, so fair and equitable in all matter's, - the Company had in him one whom all admired and trusted. "With his passing a personality is lost which was a guide and inspiration to all who were privileged to be associated with him. To the bereaved relations, the deepest sympathy fias been expressed, and in that sad duty to a noble character, your Directors on behalf 'of the ! Shareholders as a whole desire to. join most sincerely.” i ' r ; --. . The Chairman in moving the motion stated the Company had a normal year. The ga s mane was a slight increase, and the revenue was above that Jof the previous year. The work had passed off without special incident, and | the Company’s plant was in satisfactory order. Good service had been rendered • j by the staff which dealt promptly with any complaints, and the relations between consumers and suppliers had run , smoothly. It was • proposed this year to make a slight reduction } in the dividend rate in order to maintain a sound financial position. They might 1 have more difficult times ahead in the | immediate future, and it was as well | to be prepared. . In other respects the prospects were good.. The town was expanding and the support given encouraged them to be as progressive as they could. Mr W. Wilson seconded the motion-for the adoption bf the report and balance Mieet, which was carried. It was agfeed to fix the dividend at 3 S on each £6 share, making 5s '6d for the year. The dividend will.be payable lon June. 12 . ■ , , / .;

Mr D. J. Evans retiring director was re-elected unopposed, and Mr 8., : Wild > was reappointed auditor at tho usual

On the .motion of Mr 1 Shannon it was resolved to continue the 'number, of directors at four for the present. .

In passing a vote of thanks to the staff, Dr Teicljelmann and Mr Preston joined in the congratulatory remarks for the loyal services rended. Mr Sweney, Secretary, who has been 20 years with the Company, and Mr G. Heinz, Works Manager, who has had 15 years service with the Company acknowledged, the complimentary vote. Mr Heinz stated the plant was in good running order, and no heavy expenditure was in sight! A complimentary vote to the Chairman terminated the meeting.