Former Chairman Of Kaitieke Dairy Company Retires

Taranaki Daily News, 29 October 1945, Page 6

Former Chairman Of Kaitieke Dairy Company Retires

Tributes paid to Mr. W. Fursdon's fine service Mr. W. Fursdon, Owhango, until recently chairman of directors of the Kaitieke Co-operative Dairy Company Ltd., was farewelled by members of the company's directorate and staff at Taumarunui on Saturday night. He is leaving tht King Country shortly to live in retirement at Nihotupu, Auckland. Mr. Fursdon had been an open-minded chairman, said Mr. W. J. Kelland. His name had always been synonymous with the word co-operation. ' . A former director, Mr. J. A. Goodsir, eulogised Mr. Fursdon for his work for the dairy industry. Endorsing Mr. Goodsir's remarks, Mr. J. Allen ■ referred to Mr. Fursdon's activity. Probably no man had done more for servicemen overseas, he said. He was also instrumental in seeing that the Owhango district gained its patriotic quotas. The district would suffer a great loss in Mr. Fursdon's departure, said Mr. W. O'Donnell. He was a keen worker for many organisations. Mr. W. W. Barbour traced Mr. Fursdon's activities in public life over a number of years. describing him as "a tough fighter." Mr. H. Grattan declared that Mr. Fursdon set the pace for the district. Development of Company.

The work done by Mr. Fursdon for the company was reviewed by the secretary, Mr. W. A. N. Campbell. He reviewed the development of the company, reading the first balance-sheet, which was presented in 1913. For the year ending on June 14 of that year the company produced 23,0781b. of butter, compared with 1,402,2401b, for the year ending March 31, 1945. Mr. Fursdon, he said, was appointed chairman of directors in 1939 and held office until 1941. He was again appointed chariman in 1943, retaining the position until this year, when he did not seek re-election. Reference to the thorough knowledge Mr. Fursdon had of butter manufacturing was made by the manager, Mr. A. D. Olsen. His remarks were endorsed by Mr. A. Whinch, a member of the staff. The present chairman of directors, Mr. D. W. Wood. spoke of the qualities displayed by Mr. Fursdon, adding that he would find it difficult to fill his position as chairman. Tributes were also paid by Messrs. R. Morris and C. J. Brown. Recalling the early days of the company, Mr. Fursdon referred to the time when suppliers did not favour joining a co-operative concern. "I believed," he said, "that the co-operative basis is the only means whereby service to both farmers and citizens can be satisfactorily achieved." He had earnestly endeavoured to - ensure that the factory staff was satisfied. Owhango residents farewelled Mr. Fursdon, who is also chairman of Kaitieke County Council, and Mrs. Fursdon. Presentations of a fire screen, fireside set and a smoker's stand were made by Mr. S. Milligan.