William Neish Bain (1842-1934) of Kyle and Bain, Hong Kong Ice Works, Eastpoint, Hong Kong, China
1934 Obituary [1]
WILLIAM NEISH BAIN was one of the Institution's oldest members, his election dating back to 1880. He was for many years consulting engineer in Glasgow to the Hong Kong Ice Company.
Mr. Bain was born in Partick, Glasgow, in 1842 and served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Mitchell and Wallace, Camlachie Foundry, Glasgow. During the latter part of his apprenticeship he assisted Dr. A. C. Kirk in connexion with the installation of the Addiewell Oil Works, where he afterwards became assistant manager.
He was later employed at the Cranstonhill Engine Works, again under Dr. Kirk, whom he assisted in experiments with dry and moist air refrigerating machines.
In 1873 he went to Hong Kong, where he entered into partnership with Mr. Kyle for the manufacture of ice and ice-making machinery; the firm was first known as Messsrs. Kyle and Bain, later becoming the Hong Kong Ice Company. Between 1873 and 1880 Mr. Bain brought out several improvements in refrigerating machinery.
He returned to Glasgow in 1885, when he took up his position as consulting engineer to the company, and retired in 1913.
His death occurred in Glasgow on 23rd November 1934, in his ninety-third year.