Waikiekie Lime Again In Production

Northern Advocate, 28 August 1947, Page 2

Waikiekie Lime Again In Production

“The new works constitute a monument, being' the most up to date in the Southern Hemisphere and capable of turning out large quantities ol highgrade lime. We can now promise shareholders prompt deliveries ol their orders.”

This was stated by the chairman ol the Waikiekie Lime Company (Mr G. S. B. Morrison) at the annual meeting ol the company last night. Because ol power restrictions the works were unable to reach full capacity ,Mr Morrison added. The payment of a 5 per cent dividend on both ordinary and preference shares, which would require £524 18/-, was agreed to. The death ol Mr E. Yates, for a number of years a director of the company, was recorded with regret. Many tributes were paid to a man who had assisted the company in difficult times. A loss of £1649/9/9 was shown lor the year ended May 31. 1947. This was attributed to the fact that new works, replacing those desroyed by fire in 1944. had been in production only, from the end of January to May. The chairman presided over shareholders representing 3285 shares, besides proxies lor a further 415 shares. CAN DOUBLE CAPACITY Directors made their bi-annual inspection of the works yesterday afternoon. They found that plenty ol good quality lime "-as being produced, the work being unaffected by the wet weather. Although a break in the machinery, which occurred at the end of February, had held up production for six weeks, 4227 tons of lime had been produced from the end of January, when production commenced, to May, the end of the production year. It was expected that the new works would turn out about 30,000 tons of lime for the ensuing year. As soon as the demand warrants it a second unit will be installed, the works then being capable of producing 60,000 tons of lime annually. Orders for Waikiekie lime had been received from Waikato farmers, unable to obtain immediate delivery from South Auckland plants. CHAIRMAN RE-ELECTED Previously secretary to the company for 20 years Mr C. P. Butler, the only nominee for the vacancy caused by the death of Mr E. Yates, was duly elected. Welcoming Mr Butler to the directorate, the chairman presented him with a certificate for 25 shares in recognition of his services. All the directors spoke in welcoming Mr Butler. Mr G. S. B. Morrison, who retired by rotation, was re-elected to the directorate.

It was decided to grant a bonus to the engineer, Mr W. W. Ashby, in appreciation of his special efforts in putting the works back into production after the fire. Mention was made of Mr Ashby's magnificent work and vision.

A marked increase in discount to wholesalers of Waikiekie lime was decided upon.

Mr G. S. B. Morrison was re-elected chairman of directors, and with Mr C. V. Stringer was re-elected to the works committee.

Mr F. L. Gunn was re-appointed auditor, and Mr F. J. P.hilpott was re-elected secretary.