Sir James Wattie was recognised this week with the naming of Sir James Wattie Place, a fitting monument some would argue is long overdue.
"We'll do something about this Harold", were the words spoken to Hastings accountant Harold Carr in 1934 when James was told about Auckland-based Whittome, Stevenson & Co.'s plans to import jam pulp from Australia. In the midst of the Great Depression, James and Harold walked the streets of Hastings and Napier asking for money from businessmen to create, what would become a New Zealand household name - J Wattie Canneries Limited.
Over the years I have interviewed many people who had at one time worked with Sir James - and more than half of them were moved to tears when they recalled his generosity and support to them (and this applied to all workers, not just his senior management team). Sir James's common touch earned him great respect amongst employees, and he would be a frequent sight in the staff cafeteria chatting to his employees over a 'cuppa', and often the topic of conversation would be a great love of his life - race horses.
We need more Sir James Wattie's.Michael Fowler will be holding a talk "Sibling Rivalry: The Growing Pains of Hastings and Napier 1879-1935" at 7.30pm, 3 November, 2011 at the Havelock North Community Centre. Tickets from Poppies Bookstore Havelock North.
