POPULAR MINE MANAGER

Southland Times, Issue 23553, 6 July 1938, Page 15

POPULAR MINE MANAGER

Social Evening For Mr G. Gilbert

DEPARTURE FROM OHAI REGRETTED

The work done by Mr G. Gilbert, manager of the Linton coal mine, in the interests of the Ohai district was praised by many speakers at a social evening held in his honour before his departure from the district. Mr Gilbert has been succeeded by Mr J. Hughes, formerly inspector of mines for Otago and Southland. The function was very successful and the guest of honour received presentations from the Ohai Domain Board, the Ohai Cricket Club, the Ohai Quoits Club and from the officials of the Linton mine. There was a big attendance. The chairman (Mr J. Lewis) said that Mr Gilbert during his eight years at Ohai had been a keen and enthusiastic member of various sports bodies and had done valuable work as a member and as chairman of the Domain Board. He also had the distinction of being the father of Mr G. Gilbert, the former All Black, who was at present in England. The toast to “Our Guest” was proposed by Mr E. W. Hunt, who referred to Mr Gilbert’s work on the Domain Board. The guest of honour, he said, had been a most enthusiastic member of several sports clubs and had always been willing to give assistance to anyone requiring it. Both as a citizen and as a sportsman he had . done splendid work in Ohai and his departure would be a distinct loss to the district.

Mr W. J. A. McGregor presented Mr Gilbert with an eight-day clock on behalf of the Domain Board, and wished him every success in the future. On behalf of the Quoits Club, Mr R. Reid presented the guest with a Rolls shaving outfit; and Mr C. Mills, on behalf of the Ohai Cricket Club, presented Mr Gilbert with a fountain pen. Mr T. McNeilage, in presenting the guest with a pocket wallet on behalf of the Linton mine officials, expressed their regret at losing Mr Gilbert’s services.

In his reply, Mr Gilbert said he had found the miners in the Ohai district to be as good a body of men as any in New Zealand, and he sincerely hoped the present trouble would be settled amicably.