NEW FELLMONGERY

Southland Times, Issue 17756, 6 September 1917, Page 5

NEW FELLMONGERY

AUSPICIOUS OPENING YESTERDAY. The new fellmongery of Messrs Kingsland Bros. & Anderson, at Waikiwi, was given the initial ‘“push off” yesterday, when a large number of guests, including many Invercargill business men, were present. At a brief banquet in a large marquee on the premises a few toasts were drunk and, after the loyal toast, some interesting speeches were heard, both from the members of the firm and some of the guests. To Mr R. A. Anderson fell the honour of proposing the toast of the firm of Kingsland Bros. & Anderson, and in doing so he briefly outlined a little of the early activities of the firm since they started business many years ago at Waikiwi. He read an apology from Mr Denny, who was unfortunately unable to be present. Mr Anderson said that he had known the Kingsland family for over 40 years, and could say that they had the greatest asset of all—integrity. -He stated that he bad had ample evidence of this during his long acquaintance . with them, and had even heard the same opinion of them expressed in far away London. He had much pleasure in proposing their health. ■ Mr T. D. Kingsland, responding on behalf of the firm, thanked the guests for the hearty manner in which they had drunk the toast, and said the firm very highly appreciated their acceptance,-in: such large numbers, of the invitation to be present. He briefly traversed the history of the firm from its inception, when it was founded by Mr J. Kingsland, senr., in 1862. He mentioned also the founding of the boot business in Tay street, and stated that ail the output of the fellmongery is now absorbed by the boot business. The plant is now, if not so extensive as other plants in New Zealand, at least quite as up-to-date, and is assuredly the most complete and modern in Southland. In connection with the installation of the plant, be said that much credit was due to those employed in fitting it up, and he wished to specially mention Mr E. Mudie, the engineer; Messrs Armour Johnston, Ltd., the makers of some of the machinery; Andersons, Ltd., of Christchurch, makers of the wool scourer; and the builders, Messrs McKay and Tannock. He called upon Mr Gilkison to propose the toast of the Army and Navy, which was responded to by Mr J. T. Prain. Mr J. Kingsland, sear., in a lengthy speech, proposed the toast of the visitors, to which Mr J. T. F. Mitchell responded. Mr Jones, managing director of the Southland Butchers’ By-Products Co., also spoke, and the pleasant little gathering terminated with the singing of Auld Lang Syne and the National Anthem.