FAREWELLING AN ENGINEER

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6678, 28 November 1908, Page 11

FAREWELLING AN ENGINEER

A WORD ABOUT DESTRUCTORS. Mr T. C. Ormiston-Chant, who came from England as supervising engineer during the erection of the City Council’s new destructor, is leaving this city. A valedictory function in his honour was held yesterday morning at the Commercial Travellers’ Club. Mr 11. C. Towsloy, who was in tho chair, pointed out the importance of tho work which Mr Ormiston-Chant had finished in Wellington. That gentleman having completed his task ho was returning to England, but it was hoped he would again come to Now Zealand to renew tho many friendships he had made. It might be, that although Mr Ormiston-Chant had taught Now Zealanders much about destructors, he himself would carry away some useful knowledge. No doubt if young New Zealand engineers went Home they would receive that kindness and consideration ho hoped New Zealanders extended to engineers from the Old Country. (Applause.) The toast of the guest’s health was then drunk.

3lr J. P. Luke, 31. P., said ho spoke ns a City Councillor and as an engineer, and in either capacity he could highly comraond tho admirable work done by ' 3lr Ormiston-Chant. That gentleman had come to New Zealand as a stranger. He would carry away with him tho real friendship of those with whom ho had been associated. Sir Luke mentioned tho valuable preliminary work in connection with tho destructor performed by tho former city engineer, Mr Rounthwaito, and his successor, Mr Morton. A reference to the social qualities of Mrs Ormiston-Chant was greeted with applause. 3lr Ormiston-Chant was then presented with the gold badge of the New Zealand Marino Engineers’ Institute, Mr Hislop (secretary) mentioning that tho badge was always presented publicly and only to engineers of distinction.

In replying, Mr Ormiston-Chant spoko in warm terms of the kindness extended to him by men of his projfession in New Zealand. Ho hoped (to return to tho Dominion in the autumn, and so again see his very good friends. The old destructor was ,au experiment, and a very good one. It had consumed 7000 tons of garbage, .which might otherwise have been (spread on vacant land or dumped in itho soa, much to tho city’s detriment. Ills erection and utility was a tribute jto tho enterprise of the City Council. |Ho' was glad the new plant was aliroady a dividend-paying concern, and >«aid there would bo no expense entailed in connection with it. for some time to come. He thanked tho Council, tho City Engineer, the Town Clerk, and tho many other officials who lhad helped him and made his work land stay pleasant. He was highly (honoured at the distinction the Marino .Engineers had conferred on him. Tho chairman proposed tho health {of Mr A. H. Hislop, whoso work for 'the profession of winch ho was a distinguished member could not bo over|estimated. Mr Hislop, in reply, said that any work that he had been able to do was po near his heart that it had been a {real pleasure.