I take this action because there could not be a better opportunity presenting itself than at this centennial gathering of such a large contingent of citizens from all parts of New Zealand.

    The man I salute is a modest person - one whom I know could have been the recipient of New Year or Birthday Honours, but whose humility prevented any probable bestowal.

    He has just finished replying to the main toast - the Dispatch Foundry - of which he has been Chairman of Directors for nearly 50 years. In that reply he preserved his humility by not giving the faintest hint about his own qualities which played such an important part in the success of this Dominion-famed institution.

    Mr John William Hannan has built up a record of service that is without parallel on the Coast. His work as a legal adviser is known to most Judges, Magistrates and Lawyers in the land. His special knowledge in mining and licensing law is legend. His association with enterprises such as gold, timber, brewery, newspaper and foundry is so wide as to be accepted as ordinary matter of fact.

    In local body work his long service as Chairman of the Grey Hospital Board, and the Grey County Council have broken all records.

    In sport, as well as being a member of the N.Z. Racing Conference, his loyalty in hard times to local racing and trotting clubs often helped to steer those sports bodies from imminent financial rocks to smooth water.

    Probably Mr Jack Hannan's greatest characteristics are those unknown to most people - his kindness and his generosity have quietly helped a multitude of people in all walks of life - irrespective of race, colour or creed. His sound counsel has assuaged the sorrows and wounds of so many - for so many years.

    But this unassuming Number One citizen of the Coast has been just one of a tandem team.

    Behind the scenes in his hospitable home has been over many decades a fine lady of culture and many talents - his wife Mrs Hannan.

    There is no question that her understanding, her tolerance, and her patience have proved she has been the sheet anchor of her husband's career, and she too can thus claim the maximum service devoted to the welfare of the district and the people they both love.