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Volume 1.—Wellington Provincial District
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The word “cyclopedia”—a circle of knowledge—has been adopted by the compilers as the name of this work, it being in their opinion the most suitable to express succinctly the character of the publication, of which this is the first issue. In dealing with the Colony of New Zealand, historically, professionally, commercially, and industrially, giving facts and figures, it was essential that numerous biographical notices should be collated. The proprietors found at an early stage of their labours that it was impossible, even had they so desired, to give any conception of the foundation of the various settlements—many of which have now become important boroughs and towns—without making some reference to the pioneers or their descendants. Most of the founders having passed away, it was not practicable, except in a few instances, to obtain data on which to base notices of the earlier New Zealand settlers, with some reference to the struggles and difficulties with which they had to contend. The names of many of them, however, will be recognised among those of the members, past and present, of the Houses of Legislature and of the various local governing bodies—appropriately mentioned in these pages.
To gather such a mass of information of places, institutions, people, and things, it has been necessary for the representatives of the Cyclopedia Of New Zealand to travel many thousands of miles by railway, steamer, coach, buggy, or horseback, afoot, and on the epoch-making cycle. And they have not confined their attentions to the more closely occupied parts of the district merely, where the roads are good, and journeying pleasant and easy, but have traversed bush tracks, swam rivers, and visited the back blocks, where pioneering is still in progress. In all their wanderings they have been received with the utmost courtesy, and in completing the first volume of the Cyclopedia Of New Zealand, the publishers desire to place on record their appreciation of the kindly consideration with which their representatives have been almost uniformly received in all parts of the Wellington Provincial District, of which Volume I. treats. Particularly is this true of the more distant settlers, who have repeatedly made our agents welcome at their homesteads, where they have often received royal hospitality, and again and again have been sheltered from wind and storm.
Without the aid of their numerous patrons the Company would have been unable to have completed the herculean task, already accomplished, of compiling, printing, and publishing a volume of over 1500 pages—in fact, the very success of the work has entirely contributed to prolong its preparation. When the promoters commenced their labours they had no idea of the developments that awaited their enterprise, which has already extended to fully eight times the size originally intended, nor could they have imagined that their efforts to place on record plain facts regarding the settlement and progress of the Colony would have been heartily welcomed by all classes of the community, in all parts of the Provincial District, in the manner evidenced by the following pages.
As a considerable portion of the work is composed of biography, it may be remembered that the compilers have recognised the advisability of representing the various subjects of notice as they individually appeared to themselves and to their friends, in their best and happiest moments, rather than as they might have appeared to their enemies, at their worst. Without laying themselves open to a charge of egotism, the publishers think they may fairly claim that the Cyclopedia Of New Zealand is unique in itself, that it supplies information which will be increasingly valued as time rolls along, and that it will take its place with other standard works of reference.
Not a few of those who were numbered with the subscribers to the Cyclopedia have joined “the great majority” since revising the proofs of articles which find a place in these pages. In many instances the biographical sketches appearing herein are the last, if not the only, authentic notices that have found their way into print respecting the gentlemen to whom reference is made.
The aim and desire of the compilers has been to pourtray the rise, development, and progress of the various settlements, through its public-spirited citizens, who have borne the burden and heat of the day, with the result that local institutions have been inaugurated and established on all hands, to the manifest advantage of the general body of Colonists. As far as they possibly could, the proprietors have endeavoured to amass concise information respecting the leading councils, boards, and committees, which are doing the work of the rate-payers in most cases without remuneration, and in the majority of instances in a most self-denying manner.
Nearly the whole of the first 200 pages of this volume are really Colonial in their character, treating as they do of the early settlement of Port Nicholson, and of the system of representative government which obtains in the Colony, with interesting personal notices of each
The interests of the commercial, industrial, and professional classes, who are located in the centres of population, are closely bound up with those of the agriculturalists and pastoralists, who live at places more or less remote. In fact, the interests of the entire population are one, and, as there is no such thing as absolute independence, it would ill-become the compilers of a great national work, by their neglect, to be-little those who are engaged in any industry or commercial pursuit, no matter whether large or small, and for the same reason the professions have likewise been allotted due space in these pages, the desire being to afford to every firm the opportunity of securing a suitable place in the work. In cases, therefore, where the particulars recorded herein appear meagre, readers are asked to acquit the publishers of blame, as in most instances the parties interested have, for reasons best known to themselves, either neglected or declined to supply the particulars, or have supplied such information as obviously could not be accepted for publication.
The proprietors desire to thank all those who have rendered invaluable assistance either by supplying information or literary contributions, and particularly those who have loaned valuable photographs of places and persons for the purpose of reproduction. It may fairly be claimed for the Cyclopedia Of New Zealand that it is the most voluminously illustrated work ever published in the Colony.
The value of the Cyclopedia Of New Zealand is not confined to Colonists themselves, but it will be found most suitable as a presentation volume for friends across the sea. To the British, Continental, and Colonial merchant, manufacturer, or shipper, it will afford valuable information concerning New Zealand firms, while tourists and travellers will find much to interest them, and many hints as to the best way to spend the holiday period devoted to the Colony.
In conclusion, it may be well to state that this volume is but the first of a set of six; the remaining five volumes will deal with the other Provincial Districts of the Colony, and the proprietors are making the most complete arrangements to produce the work with greatly accelerated dispatch.
The Cyclopedia Company, Limited.
It is not proposed to give in this work an exhaustive general description of the Colony. Current literature has done much in that line, while its rise and progress have been carefully traced and graphically sketched in a most interesting work entitled “Brett's Early History of New Zealand.” The aim of the cyclopedia is to give to New Zealanders themselves a clearer idea of their own country in detail, and to afford information not otherwise obtainable, and which, it is hoped, will be of use to the intending emigrants of all parts of the world. The provincial districts will be dealt with generally, and the various component parts of those districts and communities will be described in detail in the fullest degree possible, and to an extent never before attempted. A few facts, however, relative to the Colony generally, may with advantage be given here for the convenience of readers who may not have access to other sources of knowledge on this subject.
New Zealanders look upon their Colony as consisting of two islands, which are called “North” and “South.” The third, Stewart Island, is occasionally heard of, but as the total population is only about 200, it is not at present an important factor. It is sometimes called “South Island,” and then “Middle Island” has to be used for its more important neighbour. The other islands politically known as belonging to New Zealand are the Chatham, Auckland, Campbell, Antipodes, Bounty and Kermadec Islands. The Chatham Islands are the most important group, their total area being little less than a quarter of a million acres. Of this, the main island monopolizes about 222,500 acres. The population of Chatham Islands is about 300, or fifty per cent. greater than that of Stewart Island, though the area of the latter is double that of the Chatham Islands. The latitude of the Chatham Islands is about the same as that of Lyttelton, and the climate, therefore, is better suited to the tastes of New Zealanders. The distance from the mainland is about 500 miles east.
Of the two main islands of New Zealand, the South is considerably the larger, its area being about 37,000,000 acres, while that of the North Island is about a fourth less. The counties are much smaller in the North, for their number is forty-six, while the South Island is divided into only thirty-two. The population at the last census was greater in the South Island in about the same proportion as the area; but the increase has been markedly in favour of the North, and it is expected that the census of 1896 will show the figures materially altered in that direction. The total area of the Colony, including all the islands, is 104,421 square miles, and the total population is about 700,000, or, including the Maoris, nearly three-quarters of a million. If the population of New Zealand were multiplied by forty, it would still be less dense than in the Old Country to-day; and there are those who assert fearlessly that, with proper management, the British Isles could support their teeming millions comfortably without the importation of any food stuffs. Be that as it may, it is abundantly evident that no Britisher need starve if only those who have the power to prevent it could see just how to use that power.
To tourists, New Zealand presents many attractions. Its scenery is wonderfully charming and varied, and its climate is exceptionally healthy. Its mountains are lofty, yet fairly accessible, while its volcanoes, hot lakes, and medicinal waters are renowned throughout the world.
New Zealand appears but a small place on the map of the world, and, of course, it is insignificant in size when compared with the vast Australian Continent, but it is nearly as large as the British Isles, and is destined to be a great factor in the world's progress. There are no droughts or other natural disadvantages, and the people are free and intelligent. They are ruled by a Governor, an Executive Council of responsible Ministers, presided over by His Excellency, a Legislative Council, and a House of Representatives. The aboriginal natives are represented in the Upper Chamber by two Maori members, and in the Lower House they have four members, besides a representative in the Ministry. Men and women of both races are allowed to register and vote for the election of members of the Lower House, but the Legislative Councillors are appointed by the Governor-in-Council on the advice of his Ministers. Since the end of 1891, the appointments to the Council are for seven years, but the previously-appointed members hold office for life. There are forty-five members of the Upper House. Each is, of course, expected to be above all local considerations; but they are nevertheless chosen from the provincial districts
The House of Representatives now has a roll of seventy-four members, a reduction of twenty-one from ninety-five having been decided upon in 1887, and acted upon in 1890. The North Island returns thirty, the South Island forty, and the Maoris four. Though this is on the bases of population and area, it would be manifestly unfair to the North Island if there were any noticeable jealousy between the two; but in practice it is not found disastrous, as almost the only “feeling” in the House is that of “party,” which runs fairly high, and in the main over-rules all local considerations. Some agitation in favour of non-party government is occasionally heard, the House of Representatives having passed experimental resolutions on the subject, but it is not likely that so drastic a reform will move rapidly. The members of the Lower House receive £20 per month, throughout the year, and actual travelling expenses, as in the case of Legislative Councillors. A fine of £2 per day is levied for avoidable absence over the limit of five sitting days.
On the whole, and when compared with that of other countries, it must be conceded that the legislation of New Zealand is advanced and progressive, and it is more than likely that the next few years will see great changes. There is a growing tendency on the part of the State to assume active supervision, if not direct control, in many departments which, until quite recently, were supposed to be altogether beyond the scope of State functions. State loans to farmers is a departure that marks an epoch in New Zealand's history. It is the thin end of a mighty wedge.
In the enfranchisement of the women, New Zealand has practically led the world; and this reform came about more rapidly, and at the last more suddenly than its votaries had dared to hope, or its opponents had prepared themselves for. Everyone knew it was coming, but none knew how or when, and the time and manner of its advent should be a warning to those who dread the reforms which are likely to follow it as a natural sequence. There were many who boldly declared that the women of New Zealand were opposed to the reform, and
Articles and pictures of His Excellency the Governor, the Premier, and other responsible advisers will be found further on in these pages; and the members of both Houses of Parliament will be referred to in connection with the districts where they live or which they represent.
In concluding these introductory remarks, the compilers of the Cyclopedia of New zealand respectfully invite the co-operation of all classes, that they may be enabled to do justice to the immense work they have in hand. So far their efforts have been crowned with unexampled success. A continuance of the like generous support will assuredly result in a faithful portrayal to the world of this grand Colony of New Zealand.
New Zealand is one of the best favoured countries in the world. In the very centre of the South Temperate Zone covering a latitudinal stretch of nearly thirteen degrees, its extremes of heat and cold moderated by its four thousand miles of seaboard, it is questionable whether any other portion of the earth's surface is by nature so suited to the needs of the emigrating population of the Old World. The wonderful fertility of its soil, the beauty of its scenery, the political and social liberty of its people, the improved physique of each succeeding generation, and the millions of acres of uncultivated, yet cultivable, land—all speak for New Zealand a resplendent future. When its Government—already the most progressive, if not the farthest advanced, in the world—solves for ever the unemployed difficulty, by settling the idle men on the idle land, New Zealand will progress with the “leaps and bounds” that have long been talked about, but not yet seen.
Meanwhile, however, it is not advisable that those who have only their labour to bring with them should come in great numbers to this “Britain of the South.” The compilers of the Cyclopedia wish it were otherwise; they ardently wish that they might honestly advise all those thrown out of employment at the Antipodes to try their future in this fair land, relying upon their labour being in demand on arrival. It is true, as will be apparent in these pages, that thousands of now prosperous colonists have begun life in New Zealand with neither money nor special knowledge; and the same thing may still be done by men and women who have a natural aptitude for “getting on in the world;” but, for those who are dependent upon others for employment and guidance, New Zealand cannot be said to offer superior attractions. Nor is it true that employers of labour in a general sense represent the class which New Zealand can welcome with open arms, for there are proportionatelly too many of them already. It cannot be too plainly understood that the only class who need have no hesitation in coming to these shores are those who can bring with them the means of purchasing or taking up land, and are not afraid of hard work. The climate is excellent and the soil rich; and families with moderate desires can grow almost everything they need, while the produce they are able to sell returns them a good interest on capital invested, and fair wages in exchange for their labour. All the time their land is steadily rising in value. Reasonably speaking, there is no limit to the number of this class of immigrants who might come to New Zealand, and do well.
If it were not for the extraordinary fertility of the soil, the country population would be quite unequal to the support of so many and such large towns. Even old and well-settled townspeople are now going into the country,
The proprietors of The Cyclopedia Of New Zealand will at all times be glad to answer questions from intending immigrants as to their chances of succeeding, or as to the best parts of the Colony for their selection. They have necessarily a very minute acquaintance with the subject, and the very greatest care will be taken to state the case with absolute fairness.
Office of The Cyclopedia Of New Zealand,
Customhouse Quay, Wellington, New Zealand.
In the year 1839, when the New Zealand Company had begun in earnest to colonize these islands, the Government of the Mother Country thought it was time to look after her own interests, and, with this object, despatched Captain William Hobson, of the Royal Navy, under orders to sail to New Zealand via Sydney, where he would receive further instructions from Sir George Gipps, the then Governor of New South Wales. Prior to this date, the British Government had been represented by agents who were designated “British Residents.” The principal of these, Mr. James Busby, had been sent over from Sydney seven years before by Sir Richard Bourke, at that time Governor of New South Wales, with the authority of Great Britain's last male monarch. Matters of importance moved slowly in this hemisphere in those days. Though Mr. Busby's authority was signed by the principal Secretary of State on the 14th of June, 1832, it was not until the 17th of May, 1833, that Mr. Busby made his official landing from His Majesty's ship “Imogene,” and read that authority to the natives and white population of the Bay of Islands. The British Resident had been in the bay nearly a fortnight, but the weather was not such as seemed to befit so important an occasion. There was a great stir among the natives and missionaries who joined forces in providing for the feast. The Bay of Islands was at that time undoubtedly the proper place for the newly-appointed British Resident to take up his abode. It was the head quarters of the missionaries, and by far the greater portion of the traders were collected there.
The population, however, did not grow rapidly, for in 1840 when Captain Hobson, the Lieutenant-Governor, arrived, there were but 300 white folks at Kororareka, the principal settlement in the bay. On the 29th of January Captain Hobson arrived, and the next day he declared that New South Wales had been empowered to annex New Zealand as a part
Whatever may have been the motives which caused Captain Hobson to fix on Auckland as the site for the Capital, and however great may be considered the mistake he thus committed, it must be acknowledged that it possesses exceptional advantages as a site for the northern town. It is quite likely that the jealousy which still exists between Auckland and Wellington had its origin in the bosom of the Lieutenant-Governor before he finally decided the selection; but if that be so, his opposition to Wellington probably rested on a very imperfect knowledge of the country and on the exaggerated reports of the rapacious land-grabbing propensities of Wellington's founders. Nothing is surer than that Captain Hobson was anxious to do what he believed to be in the best interests of the whole, and, considering the various sections whom he was in a manner bound to conciliate, if possible, it is by no means certain that he acted unwisely in fixing upon Auckland. Being himself in very delicate health, he would the more readily believe in the superiority of the Auckland climate and the surprising beauty of that part of the country must have had a great effect on a gentleman of such marked taste and refinement. The fact that Captain Hobson's choice stood for a quarter-of-a-century showed that it was a fairly wise one. During that quarter-century the South Island had progressed to an importance certainly never contemplated by Captain Hobson, and the removal of the Seat of Government to some more central place was a natural result of that progress. Had the earthquakes been as slight in those early days as in the present, Wellington might have been the Capital long before; but considering that it held that proud position within ten years of the heavy earthquakes of 1855, the superior attractions of Wellington were not long neglected by Her Majesty's Government.
It was about six months after Captain Hobson's tour of inspection that he announced his intention of removing to Auckland. This he did in the latter end of 1840; but it was not until January, 1841, that the Lieutenant-Governor himself arrived to take up his residence on the site of the present Auckland Government House; and on the 3rd of May following, the Queen's Proclamation was read, declaring New Zealand an independent Colony and Captain Hobson the Governor of it.
Thus the Government at length found a “seat.” A Legislative Council was nominated by the Governor, consisting of himself, his Colonial Secretary (Mr. Willoughby Shortland), the Colonial Treasurer (Mr. George Cooper), and the Attorney-General (Mr. Francis Fisher), with Mr. G. S. Haswell, and two other Justices of the Peace. Evidently the Queen's Birthday was not an institution at the Antipodes in the early years of Her Majesty's reign, for the Legislative Council of seven members held its first meeting on the 24th of May, 1841. Mr. James Coates, father of the present general manager of the National Bank at Wellington, was appointed clerk to this newly-created Council, and all the requisite Government Offices were filled up.
As may well be imagined, the selection of Auckland as a site for the Capital was not very graciously submitted to by the settlers at Wellington. The many advantages of Port Nicholson had been very carefully pointed out to Captain Hobson, who knew very well that the promoters of the New Zealand Company in London quite expected that their principal settlement would be chosen as the Capital. Instructions were sent out to Colonel Wakefield that all possible assistance was to be accorded the Lieutenant-Governor, including the granting of a suitable piece of ground for Government House and Offices.
In June, 1840, the Acting-Colonial Secretary, Mr. Willoughby Shortland, visited Port Nicholson under a wrong impression concerning the loyalty of the settlers there—an impression that was speedily removed. The settlers, led by Colonel Wakefield, took this opportunity of sending an address to Lieutenant-Governor Hobson, setting forth, among other matters, that in laying out the town of Wellington the wants of Government had been anticipated as far as possible by the setting apart of valuable sections of land for Government House and Offices, the founders of Wellington being assured that sooner or later their town must become the seat of Government. Colonel Wakefield seconded these measures by a personal visit to Captain Hobson at the Bay of Islands in July of the same year, but he returned with the tidings that though he had been received by the Lieutenant-Governor most courteously, His Excellency had decided against Wellington and had settled upon Auckland as being in a more central position and one better adapted for internal communication. This, of course, caused much disappointment, but it was borne with fair tranquility until the following February, when advantage was taken of some trifling occurrences as a ground for petitioning the Queen for Captain Hobson's removal from the Lieutenant-Governorship. This petition charged Captain Hobson with sins of which he knew nothing, and a counter petition got up in Sydney, praying for his continuance in office,
The Government of the infant Colony being definitely located at Auckland, it was not long before that town grew to a position of some importance. Land-speculators cropped up from all parts of the civilized world. Governor Hobson appears to have had a horror of land-grabbers. To prevent the land falling into the hands of a few, he had the sales well advertised, and the town lots put up at auction averaged but little over a quarter-of-an-acre. At the first sale in April, 1841, upwards of forty acres was disposed of at an average of nearly £140 per quarter-acre. Within six months of that date a sale of suburban and small farm lots took place, but the prices realized were exceedingly low as compared with those given for the town lots, which in many instances were contiguous. By the middle of the following year (1842) the population of Auckland was estimated at 2000; that of the whole Colony, excluding Auckland, was under 9000; and of this number the New Zealand Company's settlements at Wellington, Nelson, and Taranaki claimed 5000, 2000, and 800
The difficulties of the New Zealand Government were very far from dying with Governor Hobson. For a little more than a year the office was filled by Lieutenant Shortland, the Colonial Secretary, and during that gentleman's administration occurred the lamentable collision with the natives, for ever to be known as the Wairau Massacre. The Cook Strait Settlements felt keenly their distance from the Capital, exaggerated, as it most certainly was, by the primitive means of communication. Governor Hobson had been charged with indecision and neglect, and it was not likely that an acting-governor would in these respects, give greater satisfaction. But when, at the end of 1843, Captain Fitzroy arrived, it was hoped, if not very confidently, that he would be able to afford the settlements at Wellington and Nelson the military protection of which, since the quarrel at Wairau, they felt such pressing need.
Governors in those days were all but autocrats. The benefits of a constitution and representative government were not conferred on the Colony till 1852. Even then, the Executive was not responsible to Parliament. That privilege was accorded four years later, in Governor Browne's time. It was not surprising, therefore, that the colonists were most anxious in their enquiries as to the character and sympathies of Captain Fitzroy, seeing that their destinies might almost be said to be in his hands.
They were not suffered to remain there long however, for within two years Governor Fitzroy was recalled by the Home Government. His two years' tenure of office marked an epoch in his career which would ever be remembered by him above all else. He was disliked by the colonists on account of his sympathy with the Maoris, and with the Maoris themselves he was much less popular than Governor Hobson. The war with Hone Heke—
Meanwhile, the population of the Seat of Government was steadily growing, and must have been between 4000 and 5000 when Governor Grey arrived.
Though this, the third governor, has often been blamed for being too lenient towards the Maoris, he was certainly much more prompt and decisive than his predecessor. Governor Fitzroy's mild treatment of the chiefs Te Rauparaha and Rangihaeata, who were mainly concerned in the shedding of British blood at Wairau, caused much uneasiness to the settlers at Port Nicholson, as these chiefs had their strongholds at Porirua, Waikanae, Mana, and other places in the neighbourhood of Wellington; and it was supposed that such leniency would have the effect of emboldening them for the accomplishment of further mischief. This was to some extent born out by fact, and the July following Captain Grey's appointment, found Te Rauparaha a prisoner in the hands of the new Governor, surprised and taken by him at the head of 130 men. The effect of this decisive action was most salutary. Not only was a troublesome chief rendered harmless, but the respect for the new Governor was greatly strengthened among both races. Te Rauparaha was soon pardoned and released, but did not long survive, and gave no further trouble.
Governor Grey was sent here to relieve his less-experienced predecessor because the Home Government had conceived a very high opinion of his abilities in the management of aboriginal races. He had been successful in South Australia, and for this and his prompt action in New Zealand he was made a Knight Commander of the Bath. It was for the same reason, too, that in 1853 after eight successful years in the Colony—Sir George was appointed Governor of Cape Colony, and High Commissioner of South Africa, where the natives were at that time turbulent.
When Governor Browne replaced Governor Grey, great things were in turn expected of him. The Maori difficulty was far from settled, and it was the general opinion that the new governor would effect a rapid settlement. But in 1861, after Governor Browne had administered the affairs of the Colony for six years, Sir George Grey was asked to return to
Even after the Colony had been granted a constitution and the right of self-control by responsible Government, the early Governors had by no means joyous times. The writer can well remember the wife of a Presbyterian minister saying in 1863 that Sir George Grey ought to be hanged, and she would gladly “make one to pull the rope.” When a Governor like Sir George Grey, who had so often himself taken the field and in many ways had so thoroughly earned the country's gratitude, was spoken of in that way, one can hardly be surprised at the treatment his predecessors received.
It was during Sir George Grey's second term that the seat of Government was removed; and it is interesting to note that the resolutions affirming the desirability of removing to some more central place were carried after many attempts, mainly through the
This removal was of course a great blow to Auckland. Despite the trouble with the natives, that part of the Colony had, under Government patronage, made fairly rapid strides. Sir George Grey had shown his love for the North by the purchase of the beautiful island of Kawau. As far as Aucklanders could see there seemed to be no adequate reason for the change. Beautiful Auckland was in their eyes the only place fitted for the seat of Government. The town was of course largely supported by Government money, and the sudden withdrawal of this expenditure was very keenly felt. The war was still far from settled, and its operations were nearer Auckland than any other large town—largely in the Auckland province, in fact. This, of course, helped to turn the tide of immigration away from Auckland, and it is impossible to say how seriously the ex-capital would have been affected by all these untoward circumstances had not the discovery of gold at the Thames come in most opportunely as a compensating influence. From that time to the present Auckland has been more subject to “ups and downs” than any other part of the Colony. It is a fine town still—much larger than Wellington, and every day being made more beautiful.
In 1863, when it was decided to remove the seat of Government to some more central place, Wellington was not specially mentioned. The resolution said “some suitable locality in Cook Strait;” and it was agreed to leave the selection of the site to three Commissioners to be appointed respectively by the Governors of New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania, who unanimously decided in favour of Wellington. The change must have been decidedly unpleasant for the officials and others who were bound to follow the Government: from the wide streets and roomy allotments of Auckland to the narrow and crowded thoroughfares of Wellington. But great and important changes have been made in the Capital since its selection—now over thirty years ago. A very handsome and commodious Government House was soon erected. The Parliamentary Buildings may be similarly described. Land has been reclaimed on which wider streets have been laid out and immense piles of Governmental and other buildings erected. Suburbs have been
The abolition of Provincial Government in 1876, and the consequent centralization of all Government expenditure, was of still further benefit to Wellington. The tendency of the age, too, in the extension of the functions of Government has the same effect. No better example of this need be given than the department of Government Insurance, which keeps a staff of about fifty officials at the seat of Government. The Public Trust, Agriculture, Labour, and other more recently added departments all help to increase the size and importance of Wellington. No part of the Colony can advance without sending its quota of increased wealth to Wellington. It only remains for the civic authorities to remember that their city is the seat of Government in a prosperous Colony and to act accordingly, and Wellington will soon take its proper place in the list of capital cities.
There can be no doubt that the residence at Wellington of so many Government officials has a marked influence on the habits and character of the people. To say that this influence is wholly beneficial would be to depart slightly from the truth. There must be, of course, a few civil servants where example is baneful; but on the main, the opposite is the case. The large majority of Government officials, especially those who have risen to high positions in the service, are men who have sprung from good families, have been well educated, have married suitably, and are in a most creditable way training up their families to be of great use in the country. The beneficial effects of such an admixture in the population of the Capital can hardly be over-estimated; and now that so many of the banks and principal insurance companies have discovered that their head quarters must be at the Capital, it is easy to see that this elevating influence will be largely augmented. The effect politically is to stay agitation and otherwise to tend towards conservatism—a quality not altogether to be despised in these days of rapid changes.
New Zealand is well advanced in its system of government; and as the smallness of the population and other characteristics of colonial life necessarily bring the people into constant intercourse with their rulers and representatives, the Colony is exceptionally situated for taking the van in all matters of political reform. Not only are the legislators mixed up with the people, but they are the people. Only a few of them can afford to give up all their time to legislating. Even some of the Ministers are actively engaged in mercantile pursuits for a small portion of the year; and several members of the Legislative Council have been specially selected from the ranks of labour, and return to their callings during the recess. In a colony where a man is a fledgling in a mutual improvement society one year and a member of Parliament the next, the legislation must accord more closely with the ideas of the people than that of older countries, where those in whose interests reforms are most needed seldom see and never converse with a representative of the people. In form and principle the machinery of government is much the same as that of the parent land, making due allowance for the difference in scale.
The Governor is appointed by the Queen, the Colony having no voice whatever, directly or indirectly, in the selection. New Zealand has, however, been exceedingly fortunate, her Governors, with hardly an exception, having been gentlemen who, well understanding their duties, have performed them in a thoroughly satisfactory manner. Since the passing of the New Zealand Constitution Act in 1852, the functions of the Governor have gradually moderated from those of an autocrat to those of a social and nominally political leader of the Colony. The salary attached to the office is £5000 per annum, and is, of course, provided by the Colony. For many years the remuneration was £7500, but it was reduced to its present sum by an Act passed in the session of 1887, which came into operation on the arrival of His Excellency the Earl of Onslow on the 2nd of May, 1889.
The members of the Executive Council are appointed by the Governor, and may be removed at his pleasure, but His Excellency is expected to act, as nearly as may be, in accordance with the wishes of the people as expressed by the forms and usages generally understood as party tactics. The Premier holds considerable power, as he may at any time place in His Excellency's hands the resignation of himself and party. They are chosen from both Houses, but mainly from the elected body. About a score of portfolios are divided among six Ministers, and two are “without portfolio.” The Premier's salary is £1000, and his ministerial colleagues receive £800 per annum each.
The present is the twenty-seventh Ministry since the establishment of responsible government in 1856, the average life of Ministries in New Zealand being, therefore, about a year and a half. The longest term enjoyed by any Ministry was a little over five years, the Stafford Ministry taking office on the 2nd of June, 1856, and retiring on the 12th of July, 1861. Responsible Government was but twenty-six days old when this, the third Ministry, came into power, the two preceding administrations having each lived thirteen days. But even these were not the shortest lived, for there have been two of twelve days each, and one of six. Seventy-eight honourable gentlemen have, for shorter or longer periods held appointments on the Executive Council since the 7th of May, 1856.
A slight variation in the methods of Party Government has more than once been proposed in the shape of an Act to provide for the election of the Executive Council; and there is a strong probability that this will rank among the reforms which must follow the complete enfranchisement of the adult population which now obtains in this Colony.
“Members of the Legislative Council hold their seats under writs of summons from the Governor. Till the year 1891 the appointments were for life; but in September of that year an Act was passed making such appointments after that time tenable for seven years only, though Councillors may be re-appointed. In either case seats may be vacated by resignation or extended absence. Two members of the Council are aboriginal native chiefs.”
“The members of the House of Representatives are elected for three years from the time of each general election; but at any time the dissolution of Parliament by the Governor may necessitate such general election. Four of the members are representatives of Native constituencies. An Act was passed in 1887 which provided that, on the termination of the then General Assembly, the number of members to be thereafter elected to the House of Representatives should be seventy-four in all, of whom four were to be elected, under the provisions of the Maori Representation Acts, as representatives of Maori electors only. For the purposes of European representation the Colony is divided into sixty-two electoral districts, four of which — the Cities of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin—return each three members, and all the other electorates one each. Members of the House of Representatives are chosen by the votes of the inhabitants in every electoral district appointed for that purpose.”
The electors, who directly choose the Lower House, and indirectly appoint the Upper Chamber, are in New Zealand the all-powerful rulers. Adult suffrage is in full swing, and the secrets of the ballot-box are inviolable. In voting-power the servant girl, therefore, is equal to her millionaire master, for “no person is entitled to be registered on more than one electoral roll within the Colony, whatever the number or nature of the qualifications he or she may possess, or whatever they may be. Women are not qualified for election to the House of Representatives or for appointment to the Legislative Council.”
The “freehold” qualification consists in the possession of a freehold valued at or over £25, for at least six months prior to registration; and the “residential” qualification is by virtue of a twelve-months' residence in the Colony, and a three-months' residence in the particular district for which registration is claimed.
Commercial travellers, seamen, and shearers actually employed as such, are allowed to take out “electors' rights,” which enable them to exercise their votes though absent from their districts on the day of election.
Another important change made by “The Electoral Act of 1893” is the striking off the Roll of the name of every elector who has failed to record his or her vote at the preceding election, thus necessitating the re-registration of all electors who may be desirous of voting at the next election, but who, through absence, forgetfulness, or design, neglected to vote at the last.
Government House, Wellington, is built on one of the most favoured sites in the City. The location is immediately between the Houses of Parliament, where the laws are made, and the Government Buildings, where they are administered. The grounds have an area of about six-and-a-half acres in an irregular pentagonal shape, enclosed by Molesworth, Sydney, Museum, and Bowen Streets, with Thorndon Quay on the front facing the sea. The House itself is a two-story edifice in the Italian style, 165 feet in length, and slightly less in depth, the top of the tower being eighty feet above the ground level. The magnificent view of the City and its surroundings to be obtained at this elevation is a surprise and delight to those who have had the privilege of contemplating the variety of aspects which the waters of Port Nicholson assume with the changes of light and breeze. Wellington Harbour is seldom alike for half - an - hour at a time, but it is always worth contemplating; sometimes placid as a mirror, with the shadow of an occasional cloud sweeping over it, and often angry and turbulent, it is the ideal of a training-ground for a nation whose destiny it is to rule the waves. From the tower of Government House the most unobservant spectator intuitively feels that the noble harbour before him is a great factor in the future destinies of the Colony. The illustrations give an idea of the contrast of Government House in the early days as compared with the building of to-day. Government House up till 1868 was a very unpretentious affair, and only remarkable from other humble buildings of those days by the flagstaff and the two guns in front. Originally erected for and occupied by Colonel Wakefield, of the New Zealand Company, it became the first Government House on the removal of the Administration of the Colony to Wellington. Previous to 1865 the seat of Government was at Auckland, and in those days, when the means of travelling were meagre in the extreme, many efforts were made to remove the headquarters of the Colony to some more central position by members of the Legislature, who lost much valuable time in travelling to and fro; and it must be remembered that there was no telegraph system in those days. In November, 1863, Mr. Alfred Domett succeeded in carrying resolutions to the effect that it had become necessary that the seat of Government should be transferred to some suitable locality in
Hansard reports of debates in Parliament of those days. The present building was completed in 1871, and contains two spacious drawing rooms, which open out into each other, a dining-room, a ballroom forty-three feet by twenty-eight feet, a billiard-room and conservatory, together with a full suite of offices for the Governor and his staff, and the Executive Council.
There are upwards of twenty bedrooms, and the servants' quarters are commodious, and arranged with all the conveniences modern ideas of comfort suggest. Ventilation has had due attention paid to it through-out, and gas and electricity are both laid on. The stables are situated at the south-west corner of the grounds, and are built with loose-boxes ten feet square, brick floored, and with every convenience for feed, water, etc., for ten horses. There are two coachhouses, in which are kept five carriages, and adjoining are the cottages for the accommodation of the grooms and gardeners. The out-of-door staff consists of two coachmen, and three gardeners. There is also a lodge at the main entrance, where a bombardier and three privates of the Permanent Artillery are constantly on duty, one being always on guard, and the squad being relieved at 9 a.m. every morning; there are also three of the same force always in attendance at Government House itself, one attending at the door, and the other two acting as messengers. The domestic servants consist of four employed in the kitchen, three housemaids, one schoolroom maid, two ladies' maids, one butler, and a man and boy for odd jobs. The laundry is occupied by one of the permanent force who is employed on duty at the House. The cost of the establishment to the Colony varies considerably. During one year, when the illness of one of Lord Onslow's children was attributed to diptheria, caused by insufficient drainage, the drains were all re-laid, and the cost of maintenance was £4025 for that year. In other years it has been as low as £486. For the year 1888—9 the official records give the total cost of the Vice-regal establishment as: Governor's salary, £5000; cost of establishment, £2440; maintenance of House and grounds, £1520; total, £8837. In 1891–2 the figures are as follows: Salary, £5000; House and grounds, £1614; total, £6614. The following have been the occupants of Government House since its erection:—Sir George Ferguson Bowen, to the 19th of
Following are short accounts of His Excellency Lord Glasgow, Viscount Kelburne and His Excellency's staff, including those who held appointments on the occasion of the Governor's assumption of office in June, 1892, and illustrated with portraits of each:—
G.C.M.G, Governor in and over the Colony of New Zealand and its Dependencies, comes of a very old Scotch family. He traces his descent back to one Alan, who was “Dominus de Kelburn” in the reign of William the Lion of Scotland in 1214. Although this ancient family had belonged to the gentry of Scotland for many centuries, it was not ennobled till 1699. At that time David Boyle was a member of the Convention Parliament for Bute, and in recognition of his services, as one of the commissioners for effecting the union with England, was raised to the rank of Earl in the Peerage of Scotland. In 1733 he was succeeded by his eldest son, the second Earl, and the title remained in this family until 1890, when the present Earl, the seventh from the creation of the peerage, succeeded to the honours of the elder branch of the house. Previously to this, His Excellency was David Boyle, of Shewalton, Ayrshire, and fourth in descent from the second Earl. From 1815 to 1890 the holder of the title possessed a seat in the House of Lords by the title of Baron Ross, of Hawkhead. This privilege, however, lapsed with the extinction of the elder branch in 1890. Before assuming the important functions which he now so ably discharges, His Excellency had seen much of the world. Born on the 31st of May, 1833, he entered the Royal Navy at the age of 12, and served till he reached commander's rank. In the Russian War he served in the White Sea, and in the war with China in 1857 he again saw active service. While engaged in the subject of war, it may be mentioned that the present Earl is not the first of his family to distinguish himself in the service of the State. During his career in the Navy he naturally abstained from taking much part in politics. Nor did he after his retirement from active service seek parliamentary honours. In 1873 he married the eldest daughter of Sir Edward Hunter-Blair, Bart., of Blairquhan, Ayrshire, by whom he has a family of five sons and three daughters. For many years after his marriage his life was spent in taking his part in county business. This has rendered him eminently fitted to discharge his functions as Governor of New Zealand, where he soon showed he was fully capable of understanding the duties of his office. When the resignation of Lord Onslow was announced, there was much speculation in the Colony as to his successor. The names of many notable candidates for the governorship were suggested, but when it was known that Lord Glasgow had been chosen by the Imperial Government, general surprise was expressed, as that gentleman was little known in English politics. That the choice, however, was a wise one has been abundantly proved by subsequent events. Before leaving for New Zealand, Lord Glasgow had formed a high opinion of the Colony from the reports he had heard at Home, and on his arrival his expectations were more than realised. He sailed from London with his family and suite in the early part of 1892, and landed in Sydney, en route for New Zealand. An offer having been made by the Premier to convey his Lordship from Sydney to Wellington, the Government steamer “Hinemoa” was despatched to Sydney for the purpose. Before his arrival in Wellington, arrangements were made for his reception. A public holiday was declared by the Mayor, and the citizens presented themselves in force to meet their new Governor. It is estimated that upwards of 20,000 people assembled on the wharf and along the quays to welcome him. On landing from the steamer he was escorted through Jervois Quay to Cuba Street, and thence back to Government House by way of Manners Street, Willis Street, and Lambton Quay. These streets were decorated from end to end with bunting, and every available spot on the balconies and at the windows was filled with spectators eager to obtain a glimpse of their Governor. Lord Glasgow was much pleased with the welcome of the citizens, and the citizens have had every reason to be pleased with him since his arrival. His functions, which are chiefly social, have been discharged in a way that has given satisfaction to all, and the wish of the people of New Zealand is that his days may be long in the land to which he has come. The Countess of Glasgow, as already mentioned, was married in 1873, and is of an old Ayrshire family.
the Governor's eldest son, was born on the 18th June, 1874. After a two years' course as naval cadet in H.M.S. Britannia, he joined the Navy in 1889 as midshipman, and was promoted to the rank of sub-lieutenant in July, 1894.
His Excellency's Staff, on assuming office in 1892, were:—Colonel P. Boyle, late of the Grenadier Guards, Private Secretary, Captain R. S. Hunter-Blair, Gordon Highlanders, A.D.C.; and Lieutenant E. F. Clayton, Scots Guards, A.D.C.
is a first cousin of His Excellency, being the elder son of the late Admiral Boyle, of Sundrum, Ayrshire. He served in the Grenadier Guards, and was Military Secretary to General Sir John Michel, who was Commander-in-Chief of the Forces in Ireland, after which he retired from the service. Colonel Boyle vacated his appointment as Private Secretary in March, 1894.
sixth son of Sir E. Hunter-Blair, and brother to the Countess of Glasgow, was born on the 18th of November, 1861. Educated at Windlesham and Fettes College, he joined the Gordon Highlanders as Sub-Lieutenant in 1881, served in the Egyptian War of 1882, and was promoted to the rank of Captain in 1891. He resigned his appointment as A.D.C. in January, 1894, and is now Adjutant, 3rd Battalion Gordon Highlanders. Captain Hunter-Blair was married in New Zealand in 1893 to Emily, daughter of the late Robert Heaton Rhodes, Esq., of Elmwood, Christchurch.
Aide de-Camp to His Excellency the Governor, the Earl of Glasgow, is the son of Mr. N. G. Clayton, of Chesters, Northumberland. Born on the 21st of August, 1864, near Newcastle, and educated at the famous old school of Harrow, Lieutenant Clayton entered the Imperial Army (Scots' Guards) as second lieutenant, in the month of May. He was seconded for service on His Excellency's staff on the 9th of April, 1892, and arrived in the capital per s.s. “Rotorua,” on the 1st of June, 1892, having sailed from London per s.s. “Austral,” to Sydney
Private Secretary to His Excellency, vice Colonel Boyle, was born in India on the 30th of November, 1852, and is the only surviving son of the late Sir Walter Elliot, K.C.S.I., of Wolfelee, Roxburghshire, Scotland. His mother was Maria Dorothea, elder sister of Sir E. Hunter-Blair, Bart. Major Elliot was educated at Windlesham and Harrow, and joined the Army as Lieutenant, 82nd Regiment, in 1874. He became Captain in 1884, was transferred to the 40th, now South Lancashire Regiment, in 1888, and was promoted to the rank of Major in 1894. Major Elliot was appointed in January, and took up his duties in the Vice-Regal Household on the 1st of March, 1894.
was educated at Harrow and at Cambridge. He joined the 20th Hussars in 1874, and retired in 1893. He married, in 1883, Helen Constance, third daughter of Sir E. Hunter-Blair. He was appointed extra A.D.C. to His Excellency the Governor from October, 1893, to October, 1894.
Extra Aide-de-Camp to His Excellency the Governor, is the eldest son of the late Rev. W. C. Campbell-Preston, of Valley-field, Fifeshire, Scotland. Here Captain Preston was born on the 17th of June, 1865. Educated at Eton, and at Christchurch, Oxford, he joined his regiment, the third Battalion Royal Highlanders, in 1884, as lieutenant. Five years later he was promoted to the rank of captain. In 1891 Captain Preston was appointed by the India Office Equerry to His Highness Kumar Shir Chattra Singhji, of Rajpipla, during the visit of that potentate to England. On the twenty-fifth of July, 1894, the subject of this notice was seconded for service on the Vice-regal staff. He accompanied the Countess of Glasgow on her return journey to New Zealand by the Canadian-Pacific route, arriving in Wellington on the 17th of September, 1894. He is a Justice of the Peace for the Counties of Perth, Fife, and Argyle.
who was gazetted temporarily as Assistant Private Secretary on the Governor's staff in May, 1895, comes of a noble family. He is the eldest son of Lord Medway, and grandson of the Earl of Cranbrook. Born on the 18th of December in the year 1878, he was educated at Eton and at Christchurch, Oxford. He is a Justice of the Peace for the County of Kent, England.
All who are in a position to speak from a knowledge of the facts, have no hesitancy in asserting that, even in these days of peace, and responsibility of Ministries, a colonial Governor well earns all that he gets. If he be in any sense a luxury, he is a well-appreciated and decidedly inexpensive one. But, however opinions may divide on that point to-day, there can be no question that in the earlier times the position of Governor in New Zealand was one of extreme difficulty. Looking down the list of names and reflecting upon the varied characteristics of the gentlemen who compose that list, it must be acknowledged that in the main the Queen has treated her young colony exceedingly well. Probably all the former Governors deserve to be kindly remembered, and it is a fact that all save one (who certainly did not stay long enough to be liked), are kindly remembered; but there are two whose memory should ever be especially dear to New Zealanders. One of these died in harness in 1842; and the other, though he took office in the Colony just half a century ago, is still in the land of the living. No slight is cast upon the memory of the other illustrious officers in pointing out that it is the duty of the colonists to raise statues of Governors Hobson and Grey. The former because he was the Colony's first Governor, and sacrificed his life to duty as surely as any hero in battle; and the latter for the reasons that will be found sketched in detail below. The pictures given are the best obtainable, and will serve to call up pleasant memories of the past. It may not be out of place here to remark that there is abundant evidence that the people of New Zealand most sincerely hope it will be a very long time before Lord Glasgow's name can be added to the list of “Former Governors.”
R.N., the first Governor of New Zealand, administered the affairs of the Colony from January, 1840, to September, 1842. Although the term of office was short, his duties were by no means light. Nowadays the greater part of the time of our Governors is spent in the discharge of social functions. But it was not so fifty years ago. Those were stormy times: feeling between the Maoris and the Europeans ran high, and Captain Hobson met with more opposition, perhaps, than any of his successors. Moreover, his highly sensitive nature made him feel very keenly the arrows of criticism, and it is generally believed that it was the cares of office that brought him to an early grave. Governors in those days needed strong, militant qualities, and in these respects he was deficient. When Captain Hobson arrived in the Colony in 1840 he declared Russell the Capital, but in the following year the seat of Government was removed to Auckland, where he remained till his death. Among the records of Captain Hobson's governorship, the most memorable is the Treaty of Waitangi. In February, 1840, he summoned the Maori chiefs to meet at Waitangi, and laid before them the famous document, which now bears the name of the place of meeting. This treaty was intended to serve as the basis of all subsequent dealings with the Maoris. It consists of three clauses: By the first the Maoris ceded to the Queen all the rights and powers of sovereignty over the whole territory of New Zealand; by the second the Queen guaranteed to the chiefs and to their tribes all territorial rights, subject, however, to the exclusive right of pre-emption on the part of the Crown to such land as they might dispose of and alienate; by the third the Queen was bound to extend to the Maoris her protection, and to give them all the rights and privileges of British subjects. The treaty was signed by more than five hundred Maoris, and by virtue of it New Zealand became British territory. But with the signing of the treaty, Captain Hobson's real
who was Colonial Secretary during the governorship of Captain Hobson, assumed the administration of affairs upon the death of his chief, pending the appointment of a new Governor. As there was no steam or cable service between New Zealand and England in those days, it was fully fifteen months before the new Governor, in the person of Captain Fitzroy, arrived to take the place rendered vacant by the death of Captain Hobson. In the meantime, from September, 1842, to December, 1843, Lieutenant Shortland administered the government of the Colony. With the exception of the Wairau Massacre, little of importance took place during his term of office. But this massacre was attended with such horror that it spread alarm throughout the whole Colony. It arose in a disagreement between the agent of the New Zealand Land Company at Nelson, and two Maori chiefs, Te Rauparaha and Rangi-haeata. The Maoris claimed the ownership of a block of land in Cloudy Bay, and in vindication of their claim set fire to the hut of the men engaged in surveying it. A complaint being made by the surveyor to the Company, the agent obtained a warrant, and, with a force of about fifty men, proceeded to arrest the two chiefs for their offence. While the English were crossing the river, using a canoe as a bridge, a gun went off accidentally, though it hurt no one. By this misfortune the Maoris were thoroughly roused, and prepared for action. The English, who were largely outnumbered by their opponents, saw that it would be futile to stand their ground. Some accordingly turned and fled. But the Maoris quickly followed in pursuit. Captain Wakefield called on his party to surrender. In the excitement a chance ball struck Rangihaeata's wife, and to avenge this he murdered all the prisoners. Lieutenant Shortland was in no way to blame for this; but it was considered by the settlers that he, as Acting-Governor, should have treated Te Rauparaha and Rangihaeata as murderers, and not as successful warriors. For full details of this massacre and the correspondence between the Acting-Governor and the Nelson Settlers, see Brett's Early History of New Zealand, p. 647.
P.N., arrived at Auckland in December, 1843, and immediately entered upon the work of government. No sooner had he landed than the Maoris presented petitions laying before him their grievances. In the first place, they complained that they were not allowed to sell their lands, and in the second they complained of the high price of tobacco. As native races always acquire the vices of civilisation before the virtues, the Maoris even in those days were large consumers of tobacco, and found the tax very oppressive. But the Governor had more pressing business to deal with than the duty on tobacco. The remembrance of the Wairau massacre was still fresh in the minds of the European settlers, and one of the Governor's first acts was to proceed to Nelson to inquire into the tragedy at Wairau. Accompanied by about twelve followers, he met Te Rauparaha and Rangihaeata, in the presence of five hundred other Maoris. Te Rauparaha, on behalf of his people, addressed the Governor, and endeavoured to justify their conduct by declaring that the English were the aggressors. The Governor tried to impress upon them that they had committed a grave offence by killing the English, who had surrendered. In doing this Te Rauparaha asserted that they had only followed the custom of their ancestors, and had violated no Maori law. The Governor then informed them that as the English were the first to open hostilities, he would not avenge their death. Another dispute soon arose, which kept the Governor's hands full. About this time Mr. Spain was sent from England as a commissioner to enquire into the land claims of the New Zealand Company. As the decisions of that gentleman did not give satisfaction to the Maoris, they were resisted by Te Rauparaha and many others, who endeavoured to override them with violence and bloodshed. Nor were the native troubles confined to the southern part of the Colony. In the Bay of Islands open hostilities broke out, where Hone Heke took the field at the head of a powerful force, and succeeded in capturing Kororareka. Great difficulties now surrounded the Governor. Everywhere the Natives were filled with discontent, and showed antagonism towards the European settlers. Nor had the Governor either men or money to prevent a rebellion. Moreover, his position was rendered more harassing by the division among the English themselves. The opposition of the New Zealand Company was open and declared. With little claim in law or justice, the Company took possession of large blocks of Native land. This resulted in many long and bloody encounters between the two races. At length, however, relief came to the Governor, in the shape of troops and money, and he was then able to exercise a firmer hand in dealing with the many troubles that surrounded him, but before he had time to do so he was suddenly superseded by Captain (now Sir) George Grey.
has been more closely connected and identified with this Colony than any other governor; indeed, he may safely be called the most prominent figure in New Zealand's history. His career as governor began on the 18th of November, 1845, and continued till the 31st of December, 1853, re-opening on the 3rd of October, 1861, and closing finally on the 5th of February, 1868, even the shorter of these terms being longer than that of any other governor. Sir George was born at Lisbon on the 14th of April, 1812. He was the son of Colonel Grey, who fell at Badajos, three days before his son was born. The loss of his father in battle, however, did not deter the boy from taking to a soldier's life. As soon as he was old enough, he went to Sandhurst Military College, and here he was so successful that he gained a lieutenancy in the 83rd Regiment of Foot when but little beyond his majority. At the age of eighteen he was gazeited ensign, and from that time until he left for Australia he was quartered in Glasgow and Dublin,
in both of which cities he saw so much poverty and consequent suffering that he determined to in some way devote his life to the improvement of the conditions under which the wretched poor were doomed to live. In 1887 he was appointed by His Majesty's Government to explore the north west of Australia, Lord Glenelg's despatch stating that Lieutenant Grey was in charge of the party. Before he had left England, however, and when his commission had been signed nine days, William IV., whom he had served throughout that monarch's short reign, died. The King he had served at Home; but he was destined to serve his Queen abroad. His real public life, therefore, may be said to have been contemporaneous with that of his Sovereign. After a by no means eventful voyage to the Cape of Good Hope in H.M.S. “Beagle,” a schooner named the “Lynher,” 140 tons, was fitted out and loaded with livestock, plants, vegetables, fruits, etc., and the work of exploring was entered upon in earnest, The “Lynher” left the Cape on the 12th of October with a party of twelve, exclusive of the ship's company. They landed at Hanover Bay on the 3rd of December, and some idea of the heat and exhaustion which they had to endure may be inferred from the fate of three of the dogs, who died during the first day. Here the chief of the party very nearly lost his life, as the following extract from the “Life and Times of Sir George Grey” will show:—“After staggering over rocks that seemed like ruined mountains for a whole day and a great part of the night, the men came to a halt on the sea beach. Grey and Corporal Coles followed the coast for some distance further but were stopped by an arm of the sea about 500 yards wide. It was necessary for the sake of the party that this should be crossed, as the ship was to meet them further down the coast. The tide was ebbing out to sea with tremendous swiftness. At this place, the difference between high and low tide is thirty-eight feet, and many portions of comparatively high land are completely submerged at high tide. Coles was unfit to attempt the swimming of the stream. The presence of hostile tribes on the opposite shore made it an extremely dangerous undertaking. But the lives of all the party were in peril, and Grey plunged into the current, at first holding his pistol above the water with one hand, but was soon obliged to use both hands in making his way against the rushing water, which would have carried him out to sea. He reached the other side exhausted, naked, and wounded from clambering over the sharp rocks. He heard the shouts of the savages as they answered each other from every side. Taking refuge from the natives in a cave, he was overcome with exhaustion and fell asleep. Finally, he was awakened and taken off towards morning by a boat's crew who were searching for him.” To recount all the narrow escapes of the explorer and his party would need the space of a volume. A month or so after the occurrences above related Lieutenant Grey and two of his party were attacked by a tribe of natives, the account of which is both interesting and amusing. On the first occurrence the discharge of a gun into the air was sufficient, but in a few weeks a second encounter was forced upon them when only three Englishmen—Lieutenant Grey, Corporal Coles and another were surprised by a large party. Desiring to avoid the shedding of blood Grey again fired over their heads, but his humanity was repaid by a shower of spears, three of them striking him, and one lodging in his hip. For a moment he fell prostrate, but rising as if by a superhuman effort he took a rifle from his corporal and shot the leader of the tribe, whose fall was the signal for a general panic among the blacks, and the complete victory of the explorers. But the leader was badly wounded, and on the way back to camp strained his wounded hip so severely that he fell, and was unable to rise and continue. Coles went on to the encampment, and within an hour the party returned with tents and stores. Short as that time was the wounded explorer believed he would be dead before the return of his friends, so great was his loss of blood. He was in momentary expectation of being attacked and was obliged to sit up, supported by a small tree, his finger on the trigger of his gun, his eyes and ears ever on the alert, that he might defend the life which he believed was ebbing away with his blood. The whole party becoming more or less exhausted, and the stores running out, Lieutenant Grey decided to return to Perth. Of this first exploration his biographers say:— “The earliest information of the existence of mountains such as the Stephen Range and Mount Lyell, of rivers such as the Glenelg, of fertile districts and stony deserts in North Western Australia, was given to the world by Lieutenant Grey. The facts he observed and published in connection with the nature of the soil; the character of the rivers, the peculiarities of the climate; the various forms of animal and vegetable life; the language, customs and achievements of the natives—all these were of vivid interest at the time, and of enduring value as reliable contributions to the sum of human knowledge.”
Te Kuwana (the Governor) was as the voice of God. To hear was to obey.” Though Sir George Grey's second rule in New Zealand was less brilliant than his first, he was extremely popular, and achieved much good. When at last he was withdrawn in 1868, the people of both races felt that they were losing a friend, and in many and various ways they exhibited their sorrow. It was the fourth time he had been called upon to part from those whom he loved and had wisely ruled, and without exception each was a hard parting for both sides. The petitions from the Maoris to the Queen for Sir George Grey's continuance or return, like those of the poor Kaffirs were numerous and pathetic; and it must have been very gratifying to Her Majesty to receive such unmistakeable evidence of the popularity of her representative. Indeed Sir George had the satisfaction of knowing that such was the case both from the lips and pen of his Monarch. There were abundant grounds for believing that Her Majesty had no share in the dislike exhibited by some of her badly-informed ministers towards one who was much too clever and great to suit their poor ideas of what a colonial governor of a disturbed colony should be. On his return to England in 1868 Sir George became interested in Home politics, and in March, 1870, he announced himself as a liberal though independent candidate for the Newark seat in the House of Commons. It was a bye-election; but Mr. Gladstone was not at that time in need of an independent member and intimated to Sir George that his weight would be thrown into the scale of an opponent, Sir Henry Storks. As there was a third candidate—a conservative—Sir George and his liberal opponent both withdrew by arrangement, and another liberal was put up and returned. Soon after this Sir George left England and on arrival at Auckland repaired to his island home at Kawau. Thousands have visited him there from Auckland, and all have been courteously received. For three years he lived there in quiet retirement, and his best friends must ever regret that he was urged to re-enter public life in any form. The death, however, of the superintendent of the province, Mr. John Williamson, not long before the abolition of the provinces was to take place, provided the opportunity; and to save the trouble and expense of an election, Sir George was invited to stand, it being rightly judged that none would dare to oppose him. This condescension led to a further, and Sir George was returned to Parliament. Of course, he soon became Premier, but his politics were too far advanced for his day, and after a two-years' term of office, he was relegated to the cold shades of opposition. This was in 1879, and from that time his following gradually decreased until 1890, when owing to illness he retired. In 1893 he was again elected; but as he returned to England before the session of 1894, he never sat in the new parliament; and during the session of 1895 he cabled his resignation. Colonials generally were delighted with the tidings that Her Majesty had been pleased to add the name of Sir George Grey to the list of her Privy Councillors—an honour certainly well merited. At the time of writing it is expected that Sir George, in his eighty-fourth year, will again return to this Colony. Should he be deterred from carrying out this intention by infirmity, it will be a matter of sincere regret throughout the Colony, but more particularly in Auckland where the popularity of Sir George Grey can never wane. Nor should it, for Sir George has ever been Auckland's best friend. His magnificent gift of some twelve thousand rare and in some cases priceless volumes must ever remain in the minds of Aucklanders, calling for their life-long gratitude. Many of the volumes and letters would be valued most highly, even in the British Museum; and, in fact, Sir George was importuned on that very point, but he preferred to bestow his wonderful collection on the people of New Zealand, through those of his favourite city. This gift was made in 1887. A quarter-of-a-century earlier he similarly favoured the Cape Colony, the gift to the library there being considered in many respects even superior. It is stated that some of the Auckland rarities would be eagerly purchased in the Old World if offered at £500 per volume. These works, in a multitude of cases, represent presents to Sir George in acknowledgment of favours received in the shape of contributions to science. It would be unfair to close this sketch without reference to Sir George Grey's high scholarly attainments. Considering the wonderful activity in administration demanded from him throughout his early and middle life; it is amazing that he was able to accomplish so much in the way of close, persevering study. In recognition of this the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge bestowed upon him their highest honours. These ceremonies as described by his biographers are most interesting. The causes of freedom and education have ever been dear to Sir George's heart. See “Life and Times of Sir George Grey, by William Lee Rees and Lily Rees” for a fund of valuable and interesting information regarding unquestionably the greatest man who has in and way shaped the destinies of this Colony.
C.B., who was Superintendent of Auckland in 1854, was administrator of the Government from the 3rd of January, 1854, to the 6th of September, 1855. When Captain Grey retired from the Colony in that year, Colonel Wynyard assumed his duties and acted as administrator until the arrival of a new Governor. In May, 1854, the House of Representatives assembled, and after considerable debate, determined to ask the Acting-Governor to establish a system of responsible Government. Although the House was almost unanimous, Colonel Wynyard refused to accede to its demand, and prorogued Parliament for a fortnight. At the end of August the House again met, and was again prorogued. The House remained firm in its claim for the substance of power, and would not
K.C.M.G., succeeded to the governorship of New Zealand in September, 1855, Born in 1807, he entered the Army while a boy, and soon rose in the service. At one time he was Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands, and for a while Colonial Secretary. When hostilities broke out with Afghanistan in 1836, he was sent to the front, where he commanded the 41st Regiment. His courage and ability were so conspicuous throughout the campaign that he received unstinted praise in the despatches of the General. He was raised to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel, and made a Companion of the Bath. When the war was over, he returned to England, and in 1851 was appointed Governor of St. Helena. From St. Helena he was promoted to New Zealand to take up the governorship rendered vacant by the retirement of Captain Grey. His administration in New Zealand was characterised with vigour and ability. When the war broke out with the Maoris in 1861, he took prompt steps to repress it, and to check what was then known as the King movement. In the same year he retired from the governorship of New Zealand to take up that of Tasmania. In 1869 he was decorated with the Order of K.C.M.G., and in the same year retired from Tasmania. His next appointment was that of Governor of the Bermudas, which he received in 1870 and held for two years. During his residence in New Zealand he endeared himself to the settlers in the Colony, and even the Maoris, whom he was often compelled to oppose, could not withhold their respect.
G.C.M.G., succeeded Sir George Grey in the governorship of New Zealand in February, 1868. Born in Ireland in 1821, he received his primary education at the Charterhouse. From this he proceeded to Trinity College, Oxford, where he graduated B.A. in 1844. Leaving college a ripe scholar, he was appointed president of the University at Corfu in 1847, a position he continued to hold until 1851. From 1854 to 1859 he discharged the duties of Chief Secretary to the Government of the Ionian Islands. In the last-mentioned year he was promoted to the position of Governor-in-Chief of Queensland. Here he distinguished himself with conspicuous ability, and after a service of seven or eight years, was selected by the Imperial Government to succeed Sir George Grey as Governor of New Zealand. He arrived in Wellington in 1868, and entered upon the duties of his office. In 1873 he was appointed Governor of Victoria, where he succeeded Lord Canterbury. This position he held until 1878, in which year he became Governor of Mauritius. Notwithstanding the arduous political duties that necessarily devolved upon him, he always found time for literary pursuits, and is the author of several well-known books. Among these may be mentioned “A Handbook for Travellers in Greece,” and “Ithaca in 1850,” the latter of which went through three editions in a few years, and was translated into Greek in 1859. His devotion to the cause of Education is well known, and he has perpetuated his name in the Colony in this respect by establishing a prize fund in the New Zealand University. The “Bowen Prize” is awarded for the best essay on a subject connected with English history, or the history, institutions, and destiny of the British colonies, and is eagerly competed for by the undergraduates of the University.
M.A., as Chief Justice of New Zealand, acted as Administrator of the Government of the Colony from the 21st of March, to the 14th of June, 1873, that being the time between the departure of Sir George Bowen, and the arrival of his successor Sir James Fergusson. The subject of this notice was the seventh son of William Arney, of the Close, Salisbury. Born in 1806, and educated at Winchester, and at Brasennose College, Oxford, he gained his B.A. degree in 1829, and his M.A. the following year
Bart., P.C., was Governor of New Zealand from June, 1873, to December, 1874. Born in Edinburgh in 1832, he received his education at Rugby School, and succeeded to the title on the death of his father in 1849. Having determined to follow a military life, he entered the Grenadier Guards, and, rising rapidly in his profession, obtained a captaincy in 1854. Dissatisfied, however, with military life, he retired from the Army in the following year, to seek honours in the House of Commons. He sat for Ayr in the Conservative interest from 1854 to 1857, and again from 1859 to 1868. From June, 1866, to July, 1867, he held the office of Under-Secretary for India, and in the following year that of Under-Secretary for the Home Department. In 1868 he was appointed Governor of South Australia. At the same time he became a member of the Privy Council. In 1873 he was promoted to the governorship of New Zealand. This position he did not long occupy, however, as he resigned in the following year. In 1880 he was appointed Governor of Bombay. During the short time that Sir James was in the Colony, he made himself well acquainted with the country in all its phases. He travelled frequently into the interior, although in those days it was a matter of some difficulty, and the native troubles were barely over. In this way he gained much valuable information, and, in the opinion of many, it was unfortunate that Governor Fergusson did not remain longer in his position. He was well liked by all classes, and is remembered with kindly feelings.
P.C., was Governor of New Zealand from 1874 to 1879. When a young man, he entered the Army, and was lieutenant of the Scots Fusilier Guards in 1838. From this position he was promoted in 1841 to that of major of the North York Militia. In 1814 he became Deputy-Lieutenant of Yorkshire. From 1847 to 1851 he represented Scarborough in the House of Commons, and again in 1852. In 1851 he became a member of the Privy Council. Two years later he received the appointment of Treasurer of the Queen's Household, and continued to discharge the functions of that office until 1858. In the last-mentioned year he accepted the governorship of Nova Scotia, resigning in 1863. In 1871 he was appointed Governor of Queensland. From that colony he was promoted to New Zealand in 1874. He retained this office until 1879, when he was appointed Governor of Victoria.
Chief Justice of the Colony of New Zealand, whose career is referred to under the heading “Legal,” holds a dormant commission empowering him to act as Governor in event of the death or absence of his Excellency from New Zealand. His Honour the Chief Justice has been called upon several times to administer the Government. The first occasion was from the 21st of February to the 27th of March, 1879; again on the departure of Sir Hercules Robinson, G.C.M.G., from the 9th of September to the 29th of November, 1880; and after Sir Arthur Gordon left on the 24th of June, 1882, until the 20th of the following January; in 1889, between the terms of Sir W. Jervois and the Earl of Onslow from 23rd of March to the 2nd of May. The
G.C.M.G., was born in 1824, and educated at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst. After leaving college he entered the Army, but soon retired, and joined the Civil Service in Ireland. In 1854 he was appointed President of Montserrat, and Lieutenant-Governor of St. Christopher in the following year. In 1859 he was promoted to the Governorship of Hong Kong, where he succeeded Sir John Bowring. In the same year the honour of knighthood was conferred upon him. Six years later the Governorship of Ceylon became vacant, and he was appointed to fill that position. In 1872 he became Governor of New South Wales. During the next few years disturbances arose in Fiji, and in 1874 Sir Hercules proceeded thither to enquire into the affairs of the islands. As the result of his negotiations the islands were annexed to the British Empire. In recognition of his services in these negotiations he was created a Knight of the Grand Cross of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. In 1879 he succeeded the Marquis of Normanby as Governor of New Zealand, and in the following year became Governor of the Cape of Good Hope Sir Hercules was popular, though his reign was short.
G.C.M.G., who succeeded Sir Hercules Robinson, was Governor of New Zealand from November, 1880, to June 1882. He is the youngest son of the Earl of Aberdeen, and was born in 1829. From 1854 to 1857 he represented Beverley in the House of Commons. During the time his father was Premier he acted as his private secretary. In 1861 he was appointed Governor of New Brunswick, Governor of Trinidad in 1866, and Governor of Mauritius in 1870. It was also in this year that the dignity of knighthood was conferred upon him. Five years later the Fiji Islands were created a separate Colony, and Sir Arthur Gordon was appointed the first Governor and Commander-in-Chief. In connection with this he also received the appointment of Consul-General, and High Commissioner of the Western Pacific. From Fiji he was promoted to the Governorship of New Zealand in 1880. In 1882 he resigned, and in the following year was appointed Governor of Ceylon.
R.E., G.C.M.G., C.B., was Governor of New Zealand from the 20th of January, 1883, to the 22nd of March, 1889. Born in the Isle of Wight in 1821, he devoted himself in his youth to the profession of arms. In 1839 he entered the Royal Engineers, and two years later was sent to the Cape of Good Hope, where he was engaged for about seven years in several capacities. When the trouble with Boers broke out in 1842 he joined the expedition against them. For the next three years he was employed as military engineer in the construction of roads, bridges, and stations. A few years later, when the war with the Kaffirs was in progress he made a survey, and prepared a map of Kaffraria. Some time after this he returned to England and received a military appointment at Woolwich and Chatham. In 1854 he was promoted to the rank of major, and two years later was appointed Assistant Inspector-General of Fortifications. In 1861 he received a lieutenant-colonelcy, and in 1863 went to Canada to examine the fortifications. In the following year he again visited Canada to make
G.C.M.G., was Governor and Commander-in-Chief of New Zealand from 2nd of May, 1889, to 24th of February, 1892. Lord Onslow was born in 1853. He is the son of George Augustus Cranley, who was grandson of the second earl and nephew of the third earl. He was educated at Eton, and at Exeter College, Oxford. On the death of his grand-uncle on the 24th of October, 1870, he succeeded as fourth Earl of Onslow. Before his appointment as Governor of New Zealand, His Lordship had considerable experience in official circles in London. In 1880 he became one of the Lords-in-Waiting upon Her Majesty the Queen, and again in 1886 and 1887 he filled the same high position. He became Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Colonies in February of the latter year, and at the Colonial Conference held in the same year he acted as Vice-President. Lord Onslow was elected one of the delegates to represent the United Kingdom at the International Conference on the Sugar Bounties. In the month of February, 1888, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Trade. During his brief stay in New Zealand as Governor, the Earl of Onslow exerted himself to become thoroughly acquainted with the Colony. His Lordship was diligent in collecting rare birds, which he sent to the London Zoological Gardens. In 1875 he was married to the Hon. Florence Coulston, daughter of the third Lord Gardner. The Countess of Onslow shared equal popularity with His Lordship while in New Zealand, and they have reason to remember the Colony, a son having been born to them while in the Empire City. His Excellency and Lady Onslow have proved that they desired to remember New Zealand, and their sojourn in the Britain of the South by selecting a Maori name for their colonial-born son. The name chosen, Huia, belongs to the Ngatihuia, an ancient and powerful North Island tribe, and the incident was accepted as a great compliment from the Governor and his lady. After the christening the infant was “presented to the tribe whose name he had taken,” and the hereditary young chief of Ngatihuia was permitted to give the Maori salute of nose-rubbing to the interesting child. Many were the expressions of good will on the part of the leading chiefs who eagerly took part in this ceremonial, which took place in Otaki. Lord Onslow replied with his usual good taste, and at the close the young Huia received a goodly array of handsome presents. His Excellency and the Countess left the Colony on the 24th of February, 1892. Lord Onslow was created K.C.M.G. in 1887, and G.C.M.G. two years later.
Though the present Ministry, with the Hon. R. J. Seddon as Premier, has been in power only since the 1st of May, 1893, it is really more than two years older than those figures represent. The Government headed by the late Hon. John Ballance was practically the same. It may be said, therefore, that the Administration of to-day has been favoured with the confidence of the country for nearly five years. Never in the history of the Colony's parliamentary life has the Opposition been numerically so weak. In a House of seventy-four members, nearly three score of them are pledged to support the men and measures of the present Government. That the Opposition is individually strong there can be little doubt; and of its usefulness there can be less doubt; but of its hopes of a majority nothing can be said. The Government, while claiming to administer the affairs of the Colony in a manner that in the end will be best for all classes, looks mainly to Labour for its support, and is, therefore, determined that the interests of Labour shall be paramount. However distasteful this may be to the classes who have hitherto ruled, there is nothing surer than that the Working Man means to have his innings. He has found men of considerable force of character and great courage, who are prepared to advance his interests; and the only alternative for those who object to the working man's choice of leaders is to provide him with better if they can. Both parties at present in the House may be called Liberal; the Conservatives have vanished from the political arena, never to return. The Opposition is more forcibly directed against the methods than the objects of the party in power. A party pledged to provide remunerative employment for every one willing to work, and the means of comfortable subsistence for the very few who are incapable of rendering any kind of service in return, might have a chance of ousting the present Government; but nothing less radical than that can hope to succeed. The thin end of the wedge of this reform has already been driven, in the shape of State farms. This principle, carried in the direction of its legitimate conclusion, must soon find work for every man, until every acre of land is made the most of, or until the physical needs of the whole world are provided for. If once the principle of “work for every one” be practically acknowledged in this country, there will be no need for further inducement for immigration. And to the present Government must be given the credit of having initiated this very desirable reform.
Premier of New Zealand, Minister of Public Works, etc., was born at Eccleston, near St. Helens, Lancashire, on the 22nd of June, 1845. His father was headmaster of the Eccleston Hill Grammar Scool for a quarter of a century. The Seddon is one of the oldest families in Lancashire, the members being mostly farmers. His mother's maiden name was Lindsay, and she came from the beautiful little town of Annan, in Dumfrieshire. Her family were also farmers, and this probably accounts for the sympathy that the Premier has ever evinced towards the agriculturists of New Zealand. After receiving a fair education, young Seddon was apprenticed to the engineering firm of Daglish and Co., St. Helens, serving his time, and, before reaching his eighteenth year, he was employed as engineer in the Vauxhall Foundry, Liverpool. At this time glowing accounts of the goldfields of Victoria reached the Old Country, and in 1863, having obtained a Board of Trade certificate, Mr. Seddon bade good-bye to home and kindred and left for Victoria, arriving there a stranger in a strange land with neither friend nor relative to bid him welcome, and he had little else besides a good head, square shoulders, and a determination to make his way in the world. A few days after arrival he received an engagement at his profession in Melbourne, but did not stay there long, as the goldfields at Bendigo proved too tempting. The engagement was thrown up in order to try his luck at the diggings. Like many another new chum, however, he found to his cost that nuggets were not to be picked up in the streets, as he had been led to believe, and he returned to Melbourne, with more experience if lighter in pocket, though nothing daunted. Immediately after, he found employment at the Victorian Locomotive Works at Williamstown. Here he remained until the West Coast goldfields of New Zealand began to excite attention, and then the gold fever once
is the daughter of the late Captain John Stuart Spotswood, land and shipowner of Williamstown, Victoria. He was one of the early pioneers of the Colony, and the land upor which a large portion of the town of Williamstown is built formerly belonged to him, as also the land upon which stands the township
née Seddon, Phœbe Alicia, Louisa J., Mary Stuart, Elizabeth May, Richard John, Thomas Edward, John Stuart Spotswood, and Ruby Jessie. Amongst the miners and residents of the West Coast the name of Mrs. Seddon is revered, and, although ofttimes Mr. Seddon, as all public men are, has been adversely criticised, yet none would dream of breathing a syllable adverse to his good lady. In fact, on several occasions, when political feeling has run very high at elections, many of the diggers refrained from voting against Mr. Seddon because they saw his rejection would be a reflection on his good wife, and cause her pain. As an evidence of the good feeling which is felt towards Mr. and Mrs. Seddon and their family on the West Coast, the townships of Greymouth, Kumara, Hokitika, and Ross, and the surrounding districts vied each with the others in giving some substantial and lasting token of their good wishes on the occasion of the departure of the Premier, Mrs. Seddon, and family, to take up their residence at Wellington. Mrs. Seddon is not one of “the New Woman” kind. She is retiring, and has devoted herself almost exclusively to her family, and to assisting her husband in his arduous duties. She has taken an active interest in Church and Benevolent matters, but in matters political her answer has ever been, “I am quite satisfied to leave politics and public affairs to my husband.”
K.C.M.G., M.L.C., Colonial Secretary and Attorney-General, has had a much more varied experience than colonials generally think. To most he is known only as Colonial Secretary; but before coming to New Zealand he had been in many lands, and though he may not have suffered “most disastrous chances by flood and field,” yet the story of his life will be of interest to the reader. Born in County Cork, Ireland, he received his early education at the well-known Mansion House of that county. He was afterwards sent to Paris, where he remained until he entered the University of Louvaine, in Belgium. While studying at this institution, he was commissioned by Count Carlo MacDonald, private chaplain to the Pope, to conduct recruits from Ostend to Vienna for the Irish Papal Brigade. Joining the army of General Lamoricieye, who was attempting to crush the Piedmontese in their attack on the states of the Church, Mr. Buckley experienced the vicissitudes of camp life. At the storming of Ancona he was taken prisoner. His captivity, however, was short and soon after his release he returned to Lonvaine to complete his studies, and then went home to Ireland. But the conditions of life in Cork did not satisfy him, and he accordingly determined to seek his fortune in a new land. Queensland was chosen as the scene of action, and not long after his return from Louvaine he sailed for that colony. On landing he was confronted with the wilderness of Australia, and for a time shared the common lot of settlers. Finding, however, that their conditions were too severe, he turned his attention to the profession of the law. This he found a more congenial life, and soon attained distinction in the “dusty purlieus of the Court.” For some years he was associated in his profession with Mr. Lilley, who afterwards became Chief Justice of Queensland. But it was not in Queensland that Mr. Buckley attained the highest honours. Relinquishing practice in Brisbane, he sailed for New Zealand, and soon after his arrival entered into partnership with the late Hon. Robert Hart, in Wellington. He was not long in New Zealand before he entered the Provincial Council, in which he rose to the rank of Provincial Solicitor. This office he held until the abolition of the provinces. In 1878 he was called to the Legislative Council, and six years later became Colonial Secretary in the Stout-Vogel Government, and leader of the Upper House. This position he held until the retirement
of his party in 1887. On the return of the Liberals to power in 1891 he took office as Colonial Secretary and Attorney-General in the Ballance Government, which office he still holds. At the distribution of birthday honours in 1892 he received the title of K.C.M.G. Sir Patrick Buckley has always taken great interest in volunteer matters, and for six years was captain of the D Battery of Wellington. He is at present senior partner in the firm of Buckley, Stafford and Treadwell, full particulars of which are given elsewhere in the Cyclopedia.
Minister for Education and for Labour, is recognised as the most finished speaker and ready debater in the Government Party. But he did not achieve this position without long and severe training, as the following narrative will show. He is the son of the late Hon. William Reeves, M.L.C., Minister for Public Works in the Fox-Vogel Government of 1872, and was born in Lyttelton in 1857. At the early age of ten he won a scholarship worth £40 a-year, which entitled him to tuition in Christ's College and Grammar School. Here he studied for several years, and won the scholarship a second time. In 1873 he was successful in winning the Somes Scholarship, and in the following year won two University scholarships, securing first honours in
Lyttelton Times, and quickly rose to the position of leader-writer. Soon after this he became editor of the Canterbury Times, and in 1889 rose to the position of editor of the Lyttelton Times. But Mr. Reeves's labours at this time were by no means confined to mere journalism. On the contrary, he has made several contributions to the literature of the Colony. His best-known works are “Colonial Couplets,” “In Double Harness,” and “Pharos.” In the two former of these Mr. Reeves shared the labours of authorship with Mr. G. P. Williams. In passing it may be mentioned that these two publications met with a success hitherto unknown in the history of
New Zealand literature. Printers know full well that nearly all the books published here are paid for out of their own pockets. Such, however, was not the case with Mr. Reeves's poems. Both these books are now out of print. “Pharos” is a brief historical outline of Communism and Socialism from the time of Plato to the present day. Mr. Reeves, as is well known, is a student of Socialism, and “Pharos” prepares the ground for the study of this subject. In 1885 Mr. Reeves married Miss Magdelen Robison, daughter of Mr. W. S. Robison, for a quarter of a century manager of the Bank of New South Wales in Christchurch. Before narrating Mr. Reeves's political career, it may be mentioned here that during his younger days he was a well-known athlete in Christchurch. He represented Canterbury in seven or eight cricket matches with foreign teams and the other provinces, and in one or two football matches. But he abandoned these pastimes to seek honours elsewhere than in the Olympian dust. His first appearance in Parliament was in 1887, when he was elected for St. Albans, defeating Mr. Garrick by a large majority. When the Liberals returned to power in 1890, Mr. Reeves accepted the portfolio of Education. It will thus be seen that he rose to the rank of Minister after having served the short parliamentary apprenticeship of three years. As Minister for Education, his chief works were revising and modernising the public school syllabus, and the code of the native schools, and passing a new School Attendance Bill. Under his direction the “working” average basis of the capitation pay was restored. The Educational Institute, too, owes much to him, for he was the first to recognise it, and to consult it on educational matters. He has also endeavoured to improve the means of education in the State schools by preparing a national geographical and historical reader. A few years ago, when the Labour Department was established. Mr. Reeves took the portfolio of Labour, and has been instrumental in placing
Minister for Railways and Mines, is the eldest son of the late
Mr. Jerome Cadman, who was well-known to Aucklanders as a prominent member of the Provincial Council. The subject of this notice was born in Sydney, New South Wales, in 1847, and was an infant when his parents crossed over to Auckland. Educated at the parish schools of St. Paul's and St. Matthew's, and at Wesley College, Auckland, he was apprenticed to Mr. E. I. Matthews, with
whom he served his full term to the carpentering trade. When Mr. Cadman was about twenty-one he went to settle in Coromandel, where he entered into the sawmilling business, in which he did well for many years. Mr. Calman first entered politics as a member of the Tiki Highway Board at Coromandel. Here he speedily rose to the position of chairman, which he held for some years. On the coming into operation of the “Counties Act” Mr. Cadman was one of the first members of the Coromandel County Council, to the chair of which body he was at once elected. He held this position for ten years, and did a good deal to further the progress of the district. At the end of 1881 Mr. Cadman was first returned to Parliament as member of Coromandel; three years later, and again in 1887, he was re-elected for the same constituency. In 1890 the honourable gentleman was elected for the Thames electorate — which now included the main portion of the old Coromandel electorate — after a severe fight. In 1893 Mr. W. L. Rees attacked Mr. Cadman on the floor of the House stating that he had used his position as Native Minister to further his own private interests in connection with the purchase of some native lands in Hawkes Bay. The subject of this notice challenged Mr. Rees to resign his seat and contest a constituency, so that the electors might express their opinion on the charges made against him, and his conduct as a Minister. Mr. Cadman gave his adversary the choice of battle-ground; expressing himself willing to meet Mr. Rees either at the Thames or in Auckland City, the latters own constituency—Mr. Rees accepted the challenge and chose his own constituency. Both gentlemen resigned on the 20th of July, 1893, and the City of Auckland became the scene of a fierce struggle between the two politicians, the result being a victory for Mr. Cadman by one of the largest majorities, 750, ever gained before the advent of the fair sex to the New Zealand polling-booths. At the general election of 1893 Mr. Cadman successfully wooed the electors of the Waikato, for which district he still sits. It may be remarked that in the honourable gentleman's political career he has never on any occasion
au fait, with matters effecting that industry. The portfolio of Railways was conferred on Mr. Cadman in January, 1895. A fact not generally known is that this was in accordance with a wish expressed by his late chief (Hon. Mr. Ballance) some time before his death. The honourable gentleman has probably held more portfolios than any of his colleagues. In 1876 he was married to Miss Bell, daughter of Mr. Joseph Bell, J.P., of Whangarei. Mrs. Cadman died in April, 1892, leaving one son and one daughter.
Minister of Lands and Immigration, Minister of Agriculture and Commissioner of Forests, has had much experience of colonial life, having been in New Zealand for thirty-five years. As his name implies, he is a native of Scotland, and was born on the estate of Ardross, Rosshire, in 1838. After leaving school he worked for some time on his father's farm, thus gaining large experience in agricultural and pastoral pursuits. When quite a young man, however, he determined to leave Scotland, and to seek his fortune in another country. New Zealand was chosen as the scene of action, whither he sailed in 1860. On his arrival in Otago he followed the same life as that to which he had been accustomed in Scotland, and found employment on Puketapu Station, near Palmerston South. Here he put such industry and ability into his work that he soon rose to the position of manager of the station. Dissatisfied, however, with working for an employer, he determined to begin farming on his own account. With this end in view, he took up a section in Shag Valley, where he settled down to the life of a farmer. But as the quiet pursuits of the country did not give scope to his energies, he resolved to enter public life. The position he first filled, that of clerk and treasurer to the Bushey Road Board, was humble, but it was good training for the discharge of higher functions. About the same time he became secretary to the local school committee. In 1868 he contested with Mr. Geo. McLean the seat for Waikouaiti, in the Provincial Council. Although unsuccessful at this election, the labour was not lost, for he was thus brought prominently before the people as an aspirant to public honours. In 1871 he was elected a member of the Provincial Council—a position which he held until the abolition of the provinces in 1876. About the same time he was appointed a Justice of the Peace. Some years later he was elected a member of the Waikouaiti County Council, and was appointed Property Tax assessor for the same district. In 1882 he was successful in getting the Waihemo County created, and was elected first chairman of the new council. In 1881 he was elected a member of the House of Representatives for the first time, and two years later he secured a seat on the Otago Education Board, which position he held for nine years. Mr. McKenzie occupied for many years a seat on the Otago Land Board. The first constituency represented by the honourable gentleman was Moeraki, but he has sat for several electorates since then. His first appointment in the House was that of whip in the Stout-Vogel Government of 1884–87. Retiring by nature, he did not come prominently before the public until after the general election of 1890, when Mr. Ballance offered him the portfolios he now holds. Since Mr. McKenzie's term of office, much advanced land legislation has passed through the House. It is well known that the tendency of this legislation is in the direction of land nationalisation. The quantity of land which may now be taken up by one person is defined by law, and no one is allowed to retain possession of his section unless the improvements required by the Act are made in the manner stipulated. These stringent measures are necessary to check the spirit of speculation, which is so rampant in the Colony, and if Mr. McKenzie succeeds in his purpose, he will effect a reform of no mean kind. At the last general election the honourable gentleman was elected for the Waihemo Constituency, defeating Mr Scobie McKenzie by over 300 votes.
(née Annie Munro), is the daughter of Mr. John Munro, a tenant farmer on the Novar Estate, Glenglass, Rosshire, Scotland. Here the subject of this notice was born and brought up. On the 23rd of May, 1860, she cast in her lot at the hymenial altar with Mr. (now the Hon. John) McKenzie, and on that selfsame day the brave young girl left her native heath with her juvenile consort, to seek their fortunes in far away New Zealand. The pluck and self-reliance shown by Mr. and Mrs. McKenzie on their wedding day has not been unrewarded. Fortune has favoured them, and together they have risen to a high position in the Colony. The New Zealand Graphic of September the 17th, 1891, says, speaking of Mrs. McKenzie and her children: “Their family consists of two
Colonial Treasurer and Postmaster-General, has risen to a conspicuous place in the politics of New Zealand in a very short time. Eight years ago he was quite unknown to Parliament, and at the present time he is attracting more attention than any other man in the Ministry. The story of his life is the record of continual advancement from early youth. Born in Victoria, he came when a child to New Zealand with his parents. Having received an elementary education, he entered the Postal Department at the age of thirteen. But he did not remain long here. Determined to find by experience what he was best fitted for before giving his mind seriously to anything, he relinquished the Postal Department, and found employment in a merchant's office. This, however, did not satisfy him, and when twenty he entered the Railway Department. Upon reaching his majority, he determined to begin business on his own account. That this step was well-chosen is abundantly proved by subsequent results. The line of business he selected was the grain trade, in which he made rapid progress, and soon became a large exporter. Nor were his operations confined to New Zealand. On the contrary, his success at home induced him to extend his business beyond the Colony, and he consequently established agencies throughout Australia. So rapidly had his business grown that it is now one of the largest concerns in New Zealand. Few men have met with so marked success in the commercial world in so short a time. Yet, notwithstanding the demands made upon him by his business, Mr. Ward has from the first taken an intelligent interest in public affairs. When only twenty-one years old he was elected a member of the Campbelltown Borough Council, and afterwards occupied the position of Mayor for five years. For many years he was a member of the Bluff Harbour Board, and was chairman during four years of his term of office. He has also long been a member of the Invercargill Chamber of Commerce. In 1887 he entered Parliament, but did not attract much attention in the House during the first few years. He was elected unopposed in 1890, and when the late Mr. Ballance came into power with the return of the Liberals, Mr. Ward accepted the office of Postmaster-General. It will thus be seen that he had served only three years in Parliament when he rose to the position of Cabinet Minister. As Postmaster-General, Mr. Ward has discharged his duties well, and is very popular among the employees of the department under his control. As mentioned above, he was for several years a cadet in the Post-office, and consequently the postal staff claim kinship with him on this ground. On the redistribution of portfolios, necessitated by the death of Mr. Ballance in 1893, Mr. Ward accepted the Treasurership. During the first session of his office, no deviation was made from the policy of his predecessor. But in the recess of 1893–94 he took time to consider the whole question of the finances of the Colony. The result of his deliberations was
member of the Ministry without portfolio, and Maori member of the Executive Council, was born on the 20th of August, 1857, at Te Wairoa, in the province of Hawkes Bay. His birthplace is writ large in the annals of New Zealand History, as it was, during the Maori War, the base of the military operations on the East Coast. Mr. Carroll is a son of Mr. Joseph Carroll, a very old settler in the Wairoa, who married Tapuke, a chieftainess of high rank in the Ngatikahungunu tribe. After receiving a very slight education at one of the native schools in the district, Mr. Carroll, who was then about eight years old, was sent to a European school at Napier. Here he remained only two years, retiring from the pursuit of knowledge to take to an outdoor life on his father's station. Two years later we find young Carroll, although but a boy in years a man in pluck, fighting with a native expedition sent out under the command of Mr. F. E. Hamlin, in pursuit of the notorious Te Kooti. This gallant company was on the warpath for five months, and had three engagements with Te Kooti's party. During that time they captured 150 prisoners of war; compelled the Hauhaus to conclude terms of peace, and swear allegiance to the Queen. Mr. Carroll, who then could hardly have been fourteen years of age, was specially mentioned in despatches, the Government awarding him the New Zealand Medal, and a bonus of £50 for the services he had rendered. Soon after this he was appointed as a cadet in the office of Mr. Commissioner Locke at Napier. While so engaged he attracted the attention of Sir Donald McLean, who gave him a more responsible position in the native office at Wellington. After a year's service he was again promoted, being made native interpreter to Judge Rogan of the Native Land Court. In 1879 Mr. Carroll was appointed interpreter to the House of Representatives; in this capacity he gained a very high reputation as an able an eloquent speaker. This was the turning point of his career. In 1883 he resigned this office and contested the Eastern Maori Electorate with Mr. Wi Pere, but having only two weeks in which to contest the seat, Mr. Carroll was defeated by twenty-three votes. After the election
Sir Maurice O'Rorke, who was then Speaker of the House, pressed Mr. Carroll to take up his old post, but he declined, preferring to enter into private business. In 1886 he once more entered the
M.L.C., member of the Executive Council without portfolio comes of an old family which emigrated from England to the North of Ireland about the year 1620. The hon. gentleman was born in London in 1822, and was educated at the Belfast Royal Academical Institution, the great public school of the North of Ireland, under his uncle, Henry Montgomery, LL.D., who was head English master. On leaving school the subject of this notice chose a seafaring life, and threw himself into his duties with such zest that before he was nineteen he was entrusted with the command of a vessel trading to the Mediterranean. Mr. Montgomery spent thirteen years of his early life at sea, but decided to visit Australia, owing to impressions produced by reading the late Dr. Lang's book “Australia Felix.” In 1860 he crossed over to New Zealand, and settled in Canterbury, where for many years he engaged in mercantile pursuits. The future politician was returned as a member of the first road board—the Heathcote—in 1864, and was elected to the chairmanship. A year later he was successful in gaining a seat in the Canterbury Provincial Council for Heathcote constituency, which he represented continuously till 1870. In the Council he soon rose to prominence, becoming Provincial Treasurer in 1868, under Mr. Rolleston's superintendency and retaining the position till 1870, when he retired for a time from politics. In 1872 he again offered himself for a seat in the Council, and was re-elected without opposition, becoming president of the Provincial Executive Council, which position he held for about eighteen months. It was not long before Mr. Montgomery offered himself for a seat in the General Assembly, to which he was elected in 1874 as member for Akaroa, which he represented for nearly fourteen years continuously. In 1877 the honourable gentleman declined the Colonial Treasurership because he disagreed with Sir George Grey's manipulation of the Canterbury land fund as colonial revenue. When the late Sir H. A. (then Major) Atkinson became Premier, Mr. Montgomery became leader of the Opposition. On the formation of the Stout-Vogel Administration in 1884, he accepted office in that Government as Colonial Secretary and Minister of Education. Mr. Montgomery has ever been an advocate of manhood suffrage, triennial Parliaments, and representation on a population basis, and has voted consistently with his opinions. He has long taken an active interest in local institutions in Canterbury. As long ago as 1867 he was chairman of the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce. He sat as a member of the Canterbury Board of Education in 1866; a year after joining he was elected chairman, and he continued to hold a seat till the board ceased to exist in 1875. Two years after this the honourable gentleman was elected a member of the Board of Education of Canterbury under the Education Act of that year, and still retains the position. In 1873 he was appointed a Governor of Canterbury College by the Provincial Council; three years subsequently he became chairman of the Board of Governors, which office he held till 1885. In 1865 Mr. Montgomery was married to Miss Jane Todhunter, daughter of John Todhunter, Esq., of London. He has two sons—William Hugh and John. The eldest son is a member of the House of Representatives for the Ellesmere District.
The principle of State officials going in and out of office with their political parties, which has been followed to such a disgraceful extent in America, and discreditably at least in Victoria and other colonies, has found no abiding-place in this country. To say that the Civil Service is in no way concerned in the changes of rulers would be untrue. There are always some delicate matters to be adjudged, and to a limited number of individuals it must be a matter of importance by whom these points are to be settled. To the Private Secretaries it is, of course, a matter of some concern. To the credit of all parties, however, it must be said that even to these gentlemen hardship seldom results from political changes. That the same individuals are not retained as Private Secretaries must go without saying; but most of them are drafted from the departments on loan, as it were, and may return to their respective branches of the Service when as Private Secretaries they are no longer needed. The Secretary to the Executive Council has, during his term of office, seen three changes of Government. Though “men may come and men may go,” he, like Tennyson's brook, goes “on for ever.”
J.P., Clerk to the Executive Council, and Secretary to the Premier and Cabinet, is an old public servant. Born in 1827 at Cape Colony, he removed in 1834, with his parents, to Tasmania, where he was educated. In 1840, he was appointed clerk in the Controller-General's office in the Imperial Convict Service, remaining for twelve years. In 1852, Mr. Willis had some experience on the Victorian diggings, and afterwards entered the service of that colony as superintendent of the convict hulk, which position he held for two years. Mr. Willis came to New Zealand in 1861, and at once entered the Otago Provincial Government service in the office of the Provincial Secretary. Subsequently he was appointed Under-Secretary and also Resident Magistrate and Goldfields Warden, residing in Dunedin. In 1878 he joined the General Government service, in the Land Tax Department, and three years later, when the business was concentrated in the Empire City, he was transferred to Wellington. Mr. Willis was promoted to the position of Secretary to the Cabinet in 1885. He is an unattached member of the Masonic fraternity, having been a member of the Otago Kilwinning Lodge. In 1871 he was married to Miss Nicholson, daughter of the late Rev. Mr. Nicholson, an early settler in Nelson and Marlborough. Mr. Willis's family consists of seven daughters and five sons.
Private Secretary to the Premier, and Chief Clerk in the Mines Department, is the eldest son of the Rev. Thomas Hamer, now living in quiet retirement in Wellington, but for a great many years well and popularly known as a Congregational minister in Auckland. Here the subject under notice was born in 1855, and here, too, he was educated, at the Auckland Wesley College, under the headmastership
Assistant Private Secretary and Shorthand and Typewriter to the Premier, was born in Auckland in 1872, and was educated in his native city. On leaving school he entered the Auckland Star office, and, after going through the usual routine, joined its literary staff—a good position for one so young. Early in 1894 Mr. Gray joined the Civil Service in the capacity above mentioned.
Confidential Shorthand Writer to the Premier, is the youngest son of the late Henry John Andrews, who in the early days was Coroner for the City of Auckland, and doctor of the Provincial Hospital. The subject of this notice was born at Plymouth, Devonshire, on the 26th June, 1848, and his family came to New Zealand in 1849. He is therefore almost a native of this Colony. He was educated at the Church of England Grammar School, having received a scholarship from the late Bishop Selwyn, afterwards Bishop of Lichfield. On completing his education in 1865, he entered the Customs service, where he remained until 1870, having gone through the several branches of the department. When the San Francisco mail service was started, he left the Customs and took a trip to the Sandwich Islands, where he remained some months visiting the different islands of the Hawaiian Group. In October, 1871, he left for Starbuck Island in the schooner “Sea Breeze,” which was wrecked on the island after loading guano. The brig “Moa,” Captain Robertson, brought the shipwrecked crew on to Melbourne, whence Mr. Andrews left for Greymouth, on the West Coast of New Zealand. He was for seven years on the gold diggings in Okarito, and was one of the first batch of diggers which arrived at the Haast rush in 1873. He came to the Kumara in 1877, where he was employed for some time by the Hon. Mr. Seddon. He then left and worked at Donnelly's Creek, Ross, for a short time. Not being fortunate, he decided to give up the gold diggings, and left the West Coast for Dunedin, Otago, where he joined the telegraph service. This he left the in 1888, and came to Wellington, where he joined the Public Works Department as an extra clerk. Mr. Andrews now determined to devote himself to the study of shorthand. In 1892 he accompanied the Earl of Onslow, Governor of New Zealand, and the Hon. Mr. Seddon, Minister for Public Works, as
verbatim note of all the native meetings, which forms the subject of a Parliamentary paper. Mr. Andrews is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a Master Mason. His mother Ledge is “Pacific” No. 1229. E.C. He has not affiliated.
Private Secretary to the Hon. Sir P. A. Buckley, K.C.M.G. (Colonial Secretary), Deputy Clerk of Writs of the House of Representatives, and Chief Clerk in the Colonial Secretary's Department, has for many years been an officer of the General Government. He is a painstaking and capable official.
Private Secretary to the Hon. the Minister of Education, is a native of Lawrence, Otago, and was educated at the Lawrence District High School. He is an undergraduate of the New Zealand University, and after matriculating, kept two years' terms at the Otago University. Mr. Crow holds the Education Department's certificate for shorthand, having passed the examination four years ago at the maximum test of 150 words a minute. In 1877 he entered the Civil Service in the Post-office at Lawrence. Four years later he was transferred to the Dunedin Telegraph office, where for twelve years, with the exception of three sessions spent in the operating room of the Wellington Telegraph Office, he filled the position of telegraphist. Leaving Dunedin in June, 1893, he became assistant private secretary to the Hon. J. G. Ward, and remained with the Colonial Treasurer continuously from December of that year till his departure for England in January, 1895. After the session of 1893, Mr. Crow was for three months shorthand writer and typewriter in the Secretary's branch of the General Post-office. As a cyclist he was a frequent prize-winner, both on the road and on the track, and for a year held the position of secretary of the Dunedin Cycling Club. Mr. Crow has achieved distinction as a swimmer, having been thrice second in New Zealand Championships, twice in Christchurch at 100 yards, and once at Ashburton at a quarter mile, in addition to holding the championship of Otago for several years.
Expert Shorthand Writer to the Justice Department, and Private Secretary to the Minister of Railways, is a son of Mr. B. Wilson, of the Government Printing Office. Born at the Thames, in 1870, he was educated at Wellington College. Mr. Wilson began to learn shorthand before leaving college and became proficient. On leaving college he entered the office of Messrs. Buckley, Stafford and Tread-well, solicitors, leaving there to join the Government service in February, 1893, as expert shorthand writer in the Justice Department, which position he still holds. While with Messrs. Buckley and Co., Mr. Wilson passed the barristers' general knowledge examination. The subject of this notice has taken great interest in cricket, in which sport he is an all-round player. He is a member of the Wellington Cricket Club, and represented Wellington in the match against Hawkes Bay in 1892, when his team was successful.
son of the Hon. John McKenzie, Minister of Lands, for whom he acts as Private Secretary, was born in Shag Valley, near Palmerston South, in 1871. He was educated at the Palmerston South High School, and turned his attention to farming pursuits on leaving. For about five years Mr. McKenzie had good experience, chiefly among sheep. He entered the Public Service as Private Secretary to the Hon. the Minister of Lands in 1894.
Shorthand Writer to the Hon. the Minister of Lands, was born in Dunedin, New Zealand, and received his education in that city. On the completion of his studies he became attached to the staff of the Dunedin Evening Herald, on which journal he received his journalistic training, and made his
first acquaintance with the public. Later on Mr. Mewhinney was one of the founders of the Globe, and filled the responsible position of chief reporter on that newspaper for a number of years, and during that time took an active part in the various social questions of the day. Mr. Mewhinney was a member of the New Zealand Institute of Journalists, and for some time had a seat on the committee of the Dunedin branch of the Institute. After eight years as a member of the Fourth Estate he resigned and entered the Government Service. In 1893 he entered the Lands and Survey Department in Wellington as Shorthand Writer, and afterwards joined the Hon. the Minister of Lands in the same capacity.
Secretary to the Colonial Treasurer, was born in Wiltshire in 1865. Educated at the local Grammar School, he commenced to practice shorthand at the age of fifteen. His first experience was in London, where he was in several
Brighton Daily Gazette, the Middlesex County Times, and other papers, for a period of about seven years in all. In 1886 Mr. Hyde married Miss Louisa Rebecca Coombes, of Kent; his family consists of two daughters. Mr. and Mrs. Hyde decided to emigrate to New Zealand in 1889, and arrived per s.s. “Ruapehu” during the same year. Mr. Hyde found employment on the Evening Press, and subsequently established himself as a professional shorthand and typewriter, and he was occasionally employed by the Government. He first entered the Government Service as private secretary to the Public Trustee, and shorthand writer to the office. In June, 1893, he was transferred to the position he now holds. On the return of the Hon. Mr. Ward from England Mr. Hyde met his chief at Fiji.
Private Secretary to the Hon. J. Carroll, is a son of the late Hon. Vincent Pyke, well-known in Australia and New Zealand as a politician and author of note. The subject of this notice was born in Sandhurst, Victoria, in 1859, and came to Otago with his father when but four or five years of age. He was educated chiefly at the Lawrence High School, afterwards joining the New Zealand Civil Service, wherein he served for several years. In 1891 he resigned and joined the Fourth Estate, taking over the Dunstan Times newspaper, in Central Otago, which he conducted for some years. On taking over the paper it was soon seen that Mr. Pyke possessed in a marked degree those gifts for which his father had been noted as a journalist. Under his editorship the paper quickly came to the front rank among country newspapers in Otago, and was largely quoted owing to the vigour and brilliancy of its articles. In 1894, when the Tuapeka constituency became vacant, owing to the death of his father, Mr. Pyke was solicited to stand for the vacant seat, and was promised large support if he did so; but thinking he could afford to wait, he declined to accede to the request. As it was, he threw his influence and abilities into the contest in support of the Government candidate, and it was largely due to his efforts in the upper end of the electorate that the present member was enabled to come in at the head of the poll. While in the district Mr. Pyke exercised his energies and abilities in the support of everything having for its object the advancement of Central Otago. Amongst other things, he started the Vincent Horticultural Society, which has been the means of drawing the attention of the New Zealand public to the exceptional capabilities of the climate and soil of that county for the cultivation of fruit. Mr. Pyke, wishing to have a larger field for his energies,
gave up the paper in 1895, and in February of that year he left the district. Before leaving he was presented with a purse of sovereigns, and at the time of the presentation several speakers alluded in eulogistic terms to the able manner in which he had conducted the Dunstan Times, and to the public services he had rendered to the district.
The Executive Council was called into existence by Captain Hobson on the 3rd of May, 1841, the birthday of New Zealand as an independent Colony. For the first thirteen years it consisted of the Colonial Secretary, the Attorney-General, and the Colonial Treasurer; and these offices had each but two occupants during the first fifteen years. On the setting up of a Legislative Chamber, however, in 1854, the Executive Council was numerically strengthened for about two months by the addition of several members of the newly-formed House of Representatives; but from the 2nd of September, 1854, till the establishment of responsible government on the 7th of May, 1856, the three officers mentioned again constituted, with the Governor, the Executive Council, notwithstanding that only one of them, the Attorney-General, was a member of the General Assembly. The following were the members of the Executive between the dates above mentioned.
was appointed Colonial Secretary by Governor Hobson on the 3rd of May, 1841. On the death of his chief, on the 10th of September, 1842, he as Chief Executive Officer, administered the Government until the arrival of Governor Fitzroy on the 26th of December, 1843. On the 31st of the same month, Lieutenant Shortland resigned his office as Colonial Secretary, and his seat on the Executive was filled by the appointment of Dr. Sinclair. Governor Hobson spoke in the highest terms of Colonial Secretary Shortland. He came to the Colony in January, 1840, with Captain Hobson, having been appointed by Governor Gipps, of New South Wales, to the office of Police Magistrate, at a salary of £300 per annum. Shortland Crescent in Auckland was named in his honour. Further particulars of Lieutenant Shortland's career are given under the heading “Ex-Governors.”
the first Attorney-General of the Colony, was appointed to that office and a seat on the Executive Council on the 3rd of May, 1841; but he retained the position about three months only, being succeeded by Mr. William Swainson on the 10th of August following.
who came to the Colony in 1840 with Captain Hobson, in the capacity of Collector of Customs and Treasurer, at a salary of £600 per annum, was, on the 3rd of May, 1841, appointed Colonial Treasurer and Collector of Customs, his salary being at that time reduced to £500, with an increase of £10 per year until a maximum of £600 should be reached. On the 9th of the following May Mr. Cooper resigned, and his office was filled by Mr. Alexander Shepherd.
replaced Mr. Francis Fisher, the first Attorney-General, on the 10th of August, 1841, and held the position until the establishment of responsible Government on the 7th of May, 1856. He, therefore, enjoyed the distinction of an Executive Councillor for a longer period than anyone else in the history of the Colony.
succeeded Mr Cooper, the first Colonial Treasurer, on the 9th of May, 1842, and held the office until the 7th of May, 1856. Born in Aberdeen he was the first Colonial Treasurer appointed from England, and came to the Colony from London per ship “New York Packet,” arriving in Wellington early in 1842. It may be interesting in these days of rapid communication to note that Mr. Shepherd was detained a whole month in Wellington awaiting a vessel to carry him to the seat of Government at Auckland. In 1856 he retired from the service on a pension, which however he only enjoyed for three years. He died in Auckland in 1859. The Auckland New Zealander of the 23rd of July, 1859, says:—“In our obituary of this day we have to record the death, after two days' illness of Mr. Alexander Shepherd, who filled the office of Colonial Treasurer up to the date of the establishment of Responsible Government in New Zealand. Though a Government official, the deceased ever pursued an independent course in the Legislature in support of what he believed to be right, and both before and since his retirement from public life took a warm interest in the advancement of the Province of Auckland. In connection with the Savings Bank and other local institutions. Mr. Shepherd rendered valuable services to our community, services none the less efficient for the quiet and unassuming manner in which they were performed. He was an old servant of the Crown before coming to New Zealand. The immediate cause of his death was, we believe, disease of the heart, symptoms of which disease had manifested themselves a year or so
was appointed Colonial Secretary by Governor Fitzroy on the 6th of January, 1844, the office having been vacated by the resignation of Lieutenant Shortland on the 31st of December, 1843. In connection with the two last-mentioned members of the Executive, Mr. Sinclair held the appointment until the establishment of responsible Government in 1856.
M.L.C., held a seat on the Executive Council, “without portfolio,” from the 30th of June to the 11th of July, 1854. See “Ex Speakers of the House of Representatives” and “Ex-Ministers.”
M.L.C., held a seat on the Executive Council “without portfolio” from the 14th of July to the 2nd of August, 1854. See “Ex-Speakers of the Legislative Council.”
M.H.R., held a seat on the Executive Council “without portfolio” from the 31st of August to the end of September, 1854.
M.H.R., held a seat on the Executive Council, without portfolio, from the 31st of August to the 2nd of September, 1854. See “New Zealand Company.”
M.H.R., held a seat on the Executive Council, without portfolio, from the 31st of August to the 2nd of September, 1854. See “Ex-members of the House of Representatives.”
M.H.R., held a seat on the Executive Council, without portfolio, from the 31st of August to the 2nd of September, 1854. See “Ex-Ministers.”
Although since the establishment of Responsible Government in the Colony, there have been twenty-six Ministries—excluding the Seddon Administration, which is now in Power—there have been only fourteen Premiers. Of these, eight held office only during the lives of single Ministries, three were twice called upon to occupy the position of Prime Minister, and the remaining three gentlemen held the office respectively during three, four, and five Governments. Sir Edward William Stafford, C.M.G., though occupying the Prime Minister's place in but three Cabinets, was in office for little short of nine years, the exact time being eight years, ten months, and twenty-one days. The Hon. Sir Harry Albert Atkinson, K.C.M.G., was the gentleman who became Premier five times, but the total period of office as such was but five years, three months, and twenty-six days. In point of time Sir William For came next, having held the reins as head of the Government of the Colony for four years, four months, and twenty-one days in all, during the continuance of the four Ministries in which he held this high office. The Hon. Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G., the Hon. Sir Julius Vogel, K.C.M.G., and the late Hon. Sir Frederick Whitaker were each Premier of the Colony twice, the total periods of office being respectively about three years and two months, two years and ten months, and two years and a-half. Of those who became Prime Minister on one occasion only, the Hon. Sir John Hall, K.C.M.G., held office for over two and a-half years, the late Hon. John Ballance for over two and a quarter years, and the Right Hon. Sir George Grey, K.C.B., P.C., for nearly two years. The other five gentlemen retained the Premiership for shorter periods.
Premier from the 7th May, 1856, to the 20th May, 1856, was conspicuous in colonial politics for many years. During his parliamentary career he belonged to several Ministries, and was associated with Stafford, Weld, Richmond, Whitaker, and Tancred. He came to New Zealand with the Canterbury settlers in 1853, and for some time managed the business of the Association in the Colony. When the Provincial Government of Canterbury absorbed the functions of the Association, Mr. Sewell, who wound up the affairs of the Association, was instrumental in securing the large educational endowments for which Canterbury is now so well known. In 1854, when the first representative Parliament assembled in Auckland, Mr. Sewell represented Christchurch, and held office as Solicitor-General, under the Premiership of Mr. J. E. FitzGerald, in the first Ministry formed in New Zealand. Some time after this he became Premier himself, but soon resigned rather than yield his demand for responsible government, which demand the Governor would not allow. In addition to his political works, Mr. Sewell was well known for his legal acquirements and his literary tastes. He died in England in 1879.
K.C.M.G., who was Premier of New Zealand four times, was born in England in 1812, and educated at Wadham College, Oxford, where he graduated M.A. in his twenty-seventh year. He was admitted at the Inner Temple in 1842, but did not long practice his profession, for in the same year he sailed for Wellington, New Zealand. In 1843 he received from the New Zealand Company the appointment of Resident Agent at Nelson, and continued to discharge the duties of this office until 1848, when he became Attorney-General of the Southern Province. On the death of Colonel Wakefield he rose to the position of Principal Agent of the Company, and controlled all its affairs in the southern districts of the Colony. In this capacity he soon showed such political wisdom and administrative power that on the passing of the new Constitution Act in 1853 he was elected a member of the first Parliament convened in the Colony. In 1856 he became Premier, but his Ministry lasted only a few days, and was succeeded by that of Mr. Stafford. Serious trouble with the Maoris in Taranaki was imminent in 1861, and the Stafford Government was defeated on the native question: Mr. Fox then formed a Ministry, which lasted until the middle of the following year. In 1863 he became Colonial Secretary in the Whitaker-Fox Ministry, but in the following year his Government resigned, owing to a disagreement with the Governor, Sir George Grey, relative to the management of the Waikato war, and the confiscation of the lands of the rebel natives. In 1869 he was again at the head of the Government. The following year, which marks the initiation of the Public Works policy, he included Sir Julius Vogel in his Ministry. In 1872 his Government resigned. Sir William was Premier of the Colony for the fourth and last time from the 3rd of March to the 8th of April, 1873. Being now well advanced in years, he allowed the active work of Parliament to fall into the hands of younger men. In 1880 he was appointed to the West Coast Commission to enquire into the native land titles, and to settle questions relative to the confiscation of Maori lands. His recommendations on this vexed question were regarded by Europeans and Maoris alike as eminently satisfactory,
G.C.M.G., one of New Zealand's first and ablest statesmen, was born in Edinburgh in 1820. After completing his education at Trinity College, Dublin, he sailed for New Zealand, and landed in Nelson in 1843. About the time of the Wairau Massacre, he received an appointment from the New Zealand Company, and soon displayed much ability in managing the affairs of the Company in Nelson. On the establishment of representative institutions in 1853 he was elected Superintendent of the Province of Nelson. Nor was it long before he showed his fitness for this position. One of his first and most important acts was the appointment of a commissioner to enquire into the condition of education. The recommendations of this commissioner were submitted to the Provincial Council of Nelson and passed into law. The lead thus given to the organization of education was soon followed by the other provinces, and this Act became the basis of the national system now in force throughout the Colony. In the same year Mr. Stafford introduced his ordinance creating road boards, the provisions of which were found so beneficial that road boards soon became general throughout the Colony. In 1856, when responsible Government was established in New Zealand, Mr. Stafford resigned provincial in order to assume colonial functions. He became Premier in the first Parliament that assembled after the passing of the Constitution Act, and held office until 1861. Among his colleagues at that time were Mr. Richmond, Mr. Whitaker, and Mr. Weld. The labours of the first Government were necessarily great, but they were performed faithfully and well. The loans of the preceding Governors were funded, and the debt owing to the New Zealand Company was provided for. The Customs revenue was apportioned between the Colony and the provinces, and the land revenue left to the provinces for public works. So ably did he administer the affairs of the Colony that although he had to provide for the needs of a population scattered over a large area, he added nothing to the public burdens. With a view to establishing a steam service between New Zealand and England he went Home in 1859, and would have succeeded had not the British Government resigned when on the eve of acceding to his proposal. On his return to the Colony he found that his Government had got into difficulties with the Maoris in Taranaki. In 1861 his Ministry was defeated in the House of Representatives by a majority of one, and he resigned. He again became Premier in 1865, continuing to hold office until 1869, and was Premier for the third time in 1872. Since retiring from colonial politics Sir Edward has for many years resided in England.
C.M.G., Premier from the 6th of August, 1862, to the 30th of October, 1863, came to New Zealand in 1842. He soon rose to eminence in State affairs, for, when the new Constitution was framed in 1848, he was appointed Colonial Secretary for the Province of New Munster (as the South Island was then called). In 1851 he became Civil Secretary for the whole of New Zealand. Subsequently he resigned these offices, and took up the duties of Commissioner of Crown Lands and Resident Magistrate for Hawkes Bay. A few years later he was elected for Nelson in the House of Representatives. In 1862, when the affairs of the Colony were in a critical condition, he rose to the position of Premier, which he held for about two years. On the resignation of his Government he accepted the position of Secretary for Crown Lands. In 1865 he was appointed Registrar-General of Lands, and a few years afterwards he also undertook the administration of confiscated lands. In 1871 he retired from the service of the State and returned Home, dying in
K.C.M.G., M.L.C., was prominent in the political life of the Colony from its infancy until the present decade. Born in 1812 in Bampton, Oxfordshire, England, he studied for the legal profession, and was admitted to the bar in 1839. In the same year he left England for New Zealand, and, early in 1840, landed at Kororareka, Bay of Islands, then the seat of Government for the Colony. When Auckland was chosen for the Capital in 1841, Mr. Whitaker removed to that city and remained a resident there until his death. In the following year he was appointed County Judge, a position which he held for two years, when that branch of the judicature was abolished. In 1845 he was appointed senior member of the Legislative Council, and sat in the last council of Governor Fitzroy, and in the first of Governor Grey. When the insurrection of the natives in the North broke out he served in the New Zealand Militia, holding a major's commission, and was on military duty in Auckland when the Maoris threatened to annihilate the European settlers. On the passing of the New Zealand Constitution Act in 1852, he again came prominently before the public. He was elected a member of the Provincial Council, and sat in several sessions. Throughout the superintendency of General Wynyard he was Provincial Law Adviser, and a member of the Provincial Executive. In 1853 he received a seat in the Legislative Council, and in the following year attended the first session of the General Assembly. He became Attorney-General in 1855, and in the same year was appointed speaker of the Legislative Council. The latter position, however, he soon resigned to accept the Attorney-Generalship in the Bell-Sewell Ministry. This ministry lasted less than a fortnight, and the succeeding one, with Mr. Fox as Premier, was likewise ejected in the same space of time. In consequence of these rapid changes, Mr. Whitaker soon became Attorney-General again—this time in the Stafford Ministry—which position he continued to hold until his colleagues were defeated, in 1861, on the question of Native affairs. He then resigned his seat in the Legislative Council, and commenced practice in Auckland in partnership with Mr. Thomas Russell. On the formation of the Fox Ministry, in 1863, he accepted the portfolios of Premier and Attorney-General, with a seat in the Legislative Council. At the end of the following year this ministry resigned, owing to a disagreement with the Governor, Sir George Grey, relative to the conduct of the Waikato War, and the treatment of the land of the hostile Maoris. Mr. Whitaker now retired from the Legislative Council. In the following year he was elected Superintendent of Auckland, and returned to the House of Representatives as member for Parnell. In 1867 he retired from the Superintendency, and also from the General Assembly. For several years he engaged actively in the mining, timber, and pastoral industries, but returned to the political arena in 1876. On the resignation of Sir Julius Vogel he accepted the portfolio of Attorney-General in the Atkinson Ministry, and held this position (with the exception of a few months when he was Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Telegraphs) until his government resigned in the following year. Soon afterwards he accepted the Attorney-Generalship in the Hall Ministry, with a seat in the Legislative Council, and when Sir John Hall was compelled to resign on account of ill-health, Mr. Whitaker rose to the head of the Government, in which position he continued until 1883. In the
G.C.M.G., Premier from the 24th of November, 1864, to the 16th of October, 1865, came to the Colony in 1844, and occupied a seat in the first New Zealand Parliament, which assembled in Auckland in 1854. He became a member of the Executive Council in the same year, and Minister for Native Affairs in 1860. Four years later he rose to the position of Premier, and inaugurated a policy of self-reliance. Having determined to put the military forces on a better footing, he sent Home for troops, and his decision was viewed with favour by the Imperial Parliament. In 1869, he was appointed Governor of Western Australia. From this office he was promoted in 1874 to the Governorship of Tasmania, and in 1880 to that of the Straits Settlements. The latter position he held until 1887, when he retired from the colonial service on a pension. He died in England on the 20th of July, 1891.
who was Premier from the 11th of October, 1872, to the 3rd of March, 1873, came to the Colony in 1869. Soon after his arrival he was elected a member of the Legislative Council, and occupied a seat in that Chamber up to the time of his resignation on the 20th of June, 1890. Before coming to New Zealand Mr. Waterhouse had held office in South Australia. He was one of the members of the first elective Assembly in that colony. Subsequently he rose to the position of Chief Secretary, and afterwards to that of Premier. He has recently resided in Devonshire, England.
K.C.M.G., was born in London on the 24th of February, 1835, and educated at the London University School. His father was Albert Leopold Vogel, whose wife was the eldest daughter of Alexander Isaac, of Hatcham Grove, Surrey, and Wolsingham Park, Durham. After a short training in a mercantile house, the subject of this sketch emigrated in his 18th year to Victoria, when the goldfields held out attractions for the adventurous. After the usual ups and downs, incidental to life in those days, he became editor of the Maryborough and Dunnoly Advertiser, and launched out into other journalistic enterprises. In 1861, after an unsuccessful effort to gain a seat in the Victorian Parliament, he came to New Zealand when the Otago diggings were at their height, and purchased a half share in the Otago Witness, and started the first daily paper in the colony—The Otago Daily Times,—and, as editor of both, he wielded a powerful pen for many years. He soon took a leading part in the politics of the province, and in 1866 was the head of the Provincial Government, retaining that responsible position until 1869. He first became a member of the House of Representatives in 1863, and soon showed signs of that innate power which afterwards placed him at the head of the statesmen of his day. He first took office with Sir William Fox in 1869, as Colonial Treasurer, and during that administration he also held the portfolios of Commissioner of Stamps, Postmaster-General, Commissioner of Customs, and Electric Telegraph Commissioner. As soon as the Fox-Vogel Government assumed the reins of power, it was determined to alter the aggressive operations against the natives, and endeavour to settle the difficulty by a broad and peaceful policy of immigration and public works. But this could not be undertaken without opposition from various quarters. The people of the Middle Island complained bitterly of the cost of the Maori Wars; the Provincial Councils looked jealously at the propositions which threatened their powers and functions. When he expounded his immigration and public works scheme on the 28th of June, 1870, the colony was aghast at the boldness and magnificence of the proposals, but he was a leader with a vigour of mind and an intuitive knowledge of men and figures, excelling in debating power, lucid, logical and, above all, plausible, and he set his case before Parliament in so clear and convincing a manner that he disarmed opposition, and his policy was accepted by both Houses. His scheme, in its original form, although considered sensational, and altogether beyond the means of the colony at the time has, in the light of later days and riper judgment, met with general approval, but he had to bow to local demands and vary the original comprehensive and colonial character of it to suit provincial demands. The idea embodied in the policy of 1870, was that a sum of ten millions should be spent over a period of ten years on railways, roads, telegraphs, and immigration, the last named with a view of providing suitable labour to carry on the works, the immigrants thus obtaining employment as soon as they landed in the colony, and then as the waste lands were rendered accessible by their labours, they could take up sections and become producers. He did not propose to borrow ten millions in cash, for the colony was not in a position to ask for such a sum. He argued that the expenditure of one million per annum could be arranged partly by loan, partly by guarantee, and partly by payment in land, and he hoped by the time the ten years had elapsed that a trunk-line would be established through each Island. At that time, the only railway of any consequence in the colony was the line from Lyttelton to Christchurch, and thence to Rangiora north and Rakaia south, about 60 miles altogether, and it was expensively constructed on the broad guage system. The Canterbury Plains offered special advantages for railway building, and the enormous local revenues of that province, with its land regulations of £2 per acre, irrespective of locality or quality, and the high price of wheat gave an enormous impetus to
quid pro quo, and Dr. Featherston and Mr. (now Sir) Francis D. Bell went Home as commissioners to state the case, and they succeeded in persuading the Home Government to guarantee a loan of one million for immigration and public works, the expenditure to be spread over a period of five years. Although that guarantee cost England nothing, it was of infinite service to the colony at the time. The greater Loan Bill passed both Houses, but in a different form from the original proposals, for there were provincialists and goldfields members, whose constituents would not benefit by railway construction, to be won over, and finally, after some considerable opposition and a great deal of criticism, power was granted to borrow four millions, to be expended as follows:—On railways, £2,000,000; on immigration, £1,000,000; North Island roads, £400,000; purchase of lands in the North Island, £300,000; water-races on goldfields, £300,000; telegraph extension, £600,000; and unappropriated, £40,000. Shortly after the rising of Parliament, Mr. Vogel went to England with a view of forwarding the interests of the Colony, and he succeeded in arranging matters in connection with the loans to be raised. He entered into negotiations with the postal authorities of Great Britain and the United States, and succeeded in initiating the San Francisco mail service, and was instrumental in obtaining the passage of an Act to enable the Colonies to enter into arrangements for reciprocal duties with each other, and he consulted with the Admiralty on the question of Colonial defence, the outcome of his efforts being that Colonel (afterwards Sir) W. F. D. Jervois drew up a scheme for the defence of the chief colonial ports. One matter he failed to impress the Imperial Government with the importance of—the annexation by the British Government of the Samoa group. Had those islands been taken over at that time, much bloodshed among the contending tribes and friction between England, Germany, and the United States would have been prevented. Their importance, and the general desire of the inhabitants to be subject to the British Crown is becoming more manifest year by year, but what would have been a mere matter of form in 1871, would now be a subject for the diplomatists of four great powers to deliberate on. Mr. Vogel returned to New Zealand in 1871, and devoted all his energies to the elaboration of the policy he had introduced. New Zealand began, to use his own words, to advance by “leaps and bounds.” There was a constant stream of immigrants pouring in, not only of those brought out free, but people with resources, who were attracted by the many advantages this colony offered, which were admirably set forth in a hand-book prepared by Mr. Vogel himself. At this period, his capacity for work and his fertility of resource showed at their best. He grasped all the details of the various departments he was the Ministerial head of, and, without meddling with officials, he introduced better and more systematic methods into the working of the Civil Service. On the 10th of September, 1872, the Fox-Vogel Government suffered a defeat, and the Stafford Government assumed power, but it, in turn, was out on the 11th of October, and Mr. Vogel formed a Cabinet, with Mr. Waterhouse as Premier, and himself as Treasurer and Postmaster-General. Parliament having risen, he went in January, 1873, to Sydney, to attend the Intercolonial Conference, the chief business of which was to settle the European mail service. During his absence Mr. Waterhouse resigned (the 3rd of March, 1873), on the ground that he had not sufficient influence in the Ministry, and Mr. Fox accepted the temporary Premiership until Mr. Vogel returned, on the 8th of April, when the latter assumed the position in addition to his other offices. He also became Telegraph Commissioner and Minister for Immigration later on. Among the most important and lasting monuments to his genius during this term were the Acts establishing the Government Life Assurance and the Public Trust Office. Had he
done nothing else than brought into existence these two departments, his name would have lived as a statesman and a benefactor to the Colony. His fertile mind also conceived a project to form an incorporated company to exploit the unclaimed Pacific Islands, and to open up a trade with and exercise governing powers over them. It failed to attract capitalists, and fell through. In those days there were great opportunities in the Colony itself for investors, and the Pacific Islands were too distant and too little known. The session of 1874 was a stormy one. The provincial institutions had, up till this time done good work, each of them carving out its own destiny in its
M.D., M.L.C., who was one of the earliest settlers in Auckland has been a prominent member of the Legislative Council for over forty years. On the creation of the Provincial Councils under the Constitution Act of 1852, Dr. Pollen became a member of the Auckland Provincial Council, and continued to hold a seat for very many years. He was first called to the Legislative Council on the 20th of July, 1861. At this time all appointments to the Upper Chamber were subject to confirmation by Her Majesty. The appointment of the honourable gentleman was duly made under the Queen's sign manual, and was announced in the London Gazette of April, 1862. In December, 1867, Dr. Pollen resigned his seat, and was re-called in January, 1868. In 1871 he was disqualified, but in May, 1873, he was appointed for the third time. The honourable gentleman has been a minister of the Crown in no less than five Ministries. He first joined the Stafford Government in June, 1868, and held office as a member of the Executive Council for over a year. In 1873 he joined the Vogel Ministry as a member of the Executive Council, and shortly afterwards took the portfolio of Colonial Secretary. Two years later the Pollen Administration came into office, and Dr. Pollen became Premier and Colonial Treasurer, the dual position being filled by him till February, 1876. In the Vogel Government which succeeded Dr. Pollen continued to hold the Colonial Secretaryship until the 1st of September in that year, when the Atkinson Ministry came into power. He was then invited to take the same portfolio in the new Administration, and continued Colonial Secretary in that and in the reconstituted Ministry till the resignation of that Government in 1877. He had thus held the same portfolio during five consecutive administrations—a circumstance in itself unique in the annals of Government in New Zealand. In the re-constituted Atkinson Ministry, Dr. Pollen took the duties of Native Minister, which he performed from December, 1876, to October, 1877. The honourable gentleman has proved himself a skilful administrator in difficult times. A clever writer and speaker, possessed of sound common sense, he was ever a safe political adviser. He still takes his place in the councils of the nation, and renders a cheerful service in the Upper House of the General Assembly of the Colony. By profession he is a physician and surgeon, but it is many years since he retired from practice.
K.C.M.G., M.L.C., was one of the foremost politicians in New Zealand for a period of about thirty years. During this time, he held office in ten different Ministries, in five of which he was Premier of the Colony. Born at Hurworth a village in the north of England, in 1831, he was brought up in Kent, whither his family removed soon after his birth. He came to New Zealand in 1831, and settled in Taranaki, where he lived at the time of the Maori War. In those troublous times he came to the front, raised a band of volunteers, whom he led, and proved to be more effective than the regular troops. At Waireka, in March, 1860, Captain Atkinson and his men distinguished themselves greatly; he took part in the capture of several pas at Kaitaki, and was present at the battles of Mahœtahi and Matarekoriko. For his services he was thanked by the Government and promoted to the rank of Major. In 1863 Major Atkinson entered the House of Representatives, and in November of the following year joined the Weld Ministry as Minister for Colonial Defence. In October, 1865, his Government was defeated,
K.C.B., P.C., whose career is referred to at length under the heading “Former Governors,” was Premier of the Colony from the 15th of October, 1877 till the 8th of October, 1879. On the defeat of the Atkinson Government Sir George was entrusted with the duty of forming a Cabinet in which he was successful. During his Premiership the right honourable gentleman held for longer or shorter periods the portfolios of Colonial Secretary, Commissioner of Customs, Commissioner of Stamps and Colonial Treasurer. His Government was defeated, and resigned on the 8th of October, 1879, and was succeeded by the Hall Administration.
K.C.M.G., Colonial Secretary in the Fox Ministry of 1856, member of the Stafford Government from 1866 to 1869, of the Waterhouse Ministry from 1872 to 1873, and of the Atkinson Administration, 1876, and Premier of the Colony from 1879 to 1882, was born in Hull, Yorkshire, in 1824. He landed at Lyttelton in 1852 from the “Samarang,” the last of the Canterbury Association's ships. Four years later he was appointed Resident Magistrate at Lyttelton and Commissioner of Police, and soon afterwards Resident Magistrate at Christchurch. Mr. Hall was a member of the Provincial Council of Canterbury during nearly the whole period of its existence, and was for a considerable time a member of the Provincial Government. He has always taken an active part in local governing bodies, and has represented several Canterbury constituencies in the House of Representatives. When Mr. Fox became Premier in 1856 he included, as already stated Mr. Hall in his Ministry as Colonial Secretary. In 1862 he was nominated to the Legislative Council, but resigned four years later to contest the seat in the House of Representatives for Heathcote. In the new Parliament Mr. Stafford returned to power, and Mr. Hall accepted the portfolios of Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Telegraphs. During the absence of Mr. Fitzherbert in 1868 he acted as Colonial Treasurer, and in 1872 accepted a seat in the Legislative Council in order to represent the Fox-Vogel Government there. This year saw rapid changes of Government. The Fox-Vogel Government was defeated by the Stafford Government, which in turn was defeated by the Waterhouse Government. Mr. Hall joined the last-mentioned Ministry, but resigned in the following year owing to ill-health. In 1876 he again resigned his seat in the Council, and was elected for Selwyn in the House of Representatives. Having defeated Sir George Grey in 1879, he became Premier, and continued in this office until
K.C.M.G., M.H.R. has been a member of three ministries. He first took office in the government formed by Sir George Grey, K.C.B., taking the portfolio of Attorney-General on the 13th of March, 1878. About four months later he became Minister of Lands and Immigration. These three offices he held till the 25th of June, 1879 when he resigned. Sir Robert did not accept office again till the defeat of the third Atkinson Administration on the 16th of August, 1884. Assisted by Sir Julius Vogel, K.C.M.G., the honourable gentleman then formed the first Stout-Vogel Ministry in which he was Premier and Attorney-General during the twelve days of its life. The succeeding Ministry formed by the Hon. Sir. H. A. Atkinson only lasted six days when the second Stout-Vogel Government came into power. Sir Robert became Premier and Attorney-General and held these offices from the 3rd of September, 1884, till the 8th of October, 1887. Early in January, 1885, he also accepted the portfolio of Education which he held during the rest of the life of his Cabinet. His career is referred to at length under the heading “Members for Wellington City.”
Premier from January, 1891, to April, 1893, was prominent in political life for more than twenty years. Although not one of the oldest colonists he nevertheless did much to shape the fortunes of New Zealand, and his influence will long be felt. He was a native of Ireland, and was born in Glenavy, Antrim, in 1839. After having received an elementary education at a National school, he was apprenticed to the ironmongery trade. When nineteen years old he removed to Birmingham, then the heart of the Liberal movement in politics. Here he availed himself of the opportunities for self-culture by joining evening classes and identifying himself with debating societies. It was here, too,
that he had his first experience in connection with newspapers. Warm controversies were then raging, and Mr. Ballance contributed many articles to the local press. The knowledge and experience thus gained stood him in good stead in after life, and enabled him to turn his hand to journalism when he arrived in the Colony. He remained in Birmingham about eight years, but thinking that the colonies offered more scope for his energies, he sailed for New Zealand, via Melbourne, in 1866. On reaching Wanganui he carried on business for some time as a jeweller, but, as there was little demand for jewellery in those days, he relinquished this and started the Wanganui Chronicle. Here he found congenial work, and soon became known as a powerful writer. Nor did he confine himself to journalism. On the contrary, he identified himself from the first with all public movements. When the trouble with Titokowaru arose in 1868, Mr. Ballance was instrumental in forming the Wanganui Cavalry for the defence of the district.
New Zealand has every reason to be proud of her public men. The long list of ex-Ministers contains names of many who would have been a credit to any country. Some few wasters there may have been, but in the main the affairs of New Zealand have been administered by conscientious, able men. In the matter of ancestry, and perhaps even from an educational standpoint, there has been a gradual decline in quality; but that is necessarily the immediate result of a wider distribution of electoral privileges. New Zealand to-day does not pretend to be otherwise governed than by a working man's Ministry. Practically, that has been the case for some years. It is hardly to be expected therefore, that the same class of representatives would suit constituencies so greatly altered. Considering, however, that the labouring classes are so greatly in the ascendant in political power, it must be acknowledged that their influence has been most moderately used. Nothing approaching rapid changes has been made. Throughout the whole history of responsible government in the Colony there has been a steady tendency in the direction of what is known as Liberalism—so much so that the Liberalism of one decade has been the Conservatism of the next; and though the rate of progress has been accelerated during the last few years, it may fairly be said that the working man has never been without friends in the Executive. Probably within the next few years the Ministers will be elected by the General Assembly, in which case the legislation will be taken up more actively by Parliament, and what are called policy measures will be unknown. Ministers will then be individually more responsible to Parliament, and less responsible to each other, which would have the effect of bringing out the best administrative abilities in each. Mistakes have been made in the past, and will be made in the future; the working-man as a governing power is serving an apprenticeship, but there is every reason to believe that he means well, and that he is rapidly learning his business. In the meantime, let all classes remember with gratitude the names of those who have so nobly worked to bring New Zealand to her present position of political freedom.
K.C.M.G., C.B., was a member of the first Ministry, and acted as Colonial Treasurer from the 7th till the 20th of May, 1856. In the Domett Government he was Minister for Native Affairs from August, 1862, till the end of October, 1863, and for a short time held the Treasurership, and was Commissioner of Customs. The honourable gentleman was a member of the Executive Council in the third Fox Ministry from July, 1869, to August, 1871, but held no portfolio. A full account of Sir Dillon Bell's career is given under the head of “Ex Speakers of the House of Representatives.”
M.L.C., was a member of three ministries. As one of the four gentlemen who composed the first government—Bell-Sewell—he sat as a member of the Executive Council without portfolio, from the 18th of April to the 20th of May, 1856. In the first Stafford Government which he joined in August, 1858 as a member of the Executive Council, he became Secretary for Crown Lands in the same month, and within three months also accepted the portfolio of Postmaster-General, which offices he held till July 1861 when the Ministry vacated the Treasury Benches. From August 1862, to February 1863, he was again a member of the Executive Council as one of the Domett Administration. The honourable gentleman was a son of Sir Thomas Tancred of Boroughbridge, York, where he was born in 1825. Educated at Rugby, he entered the Austrian Army, serving in Hungary and in Italy. In 1851 he migrated to Canterbury, and two years later was elected to the first Provincial Council. In the following year he was appointed to the Legislative Council in which he occupied a seat for sixteen years. Mr. Tancred became Speaker of the Canterbury Provincial Council in 1866, and retained the office till the abolition of the provinces. He took a deep interest in educational matters; was a member of the Canterbury Board of Education, a governor of Christ's College, Christchurch, and of the Canterbury College. The honourable gentleman was the first
was a member of the first Fox Ministry, which held office, in 1856, for but fourteen days, from the 20th of May to the 2nd of June of that year. Mr. Brown held the portfolio of Colonial Treasurer. His name does not again appear on the records showing the names of the various Ministers.
who, for very many years has been a leading merchant in Auckland, was one of the five gentlemen who composed the first Fox Ministry. This Government held the reins of office for a brief period of fourteen days (the 20th of May to the 2nd of June), in the year 1856, and Captain Daldy held office as a member of the Executive Council without portfolio. Born at Rainham, Essex, in 1816, he went to sea, rising to the position of captain; he brought out the schooner Shamrock, eighty-five tons, to New Zealand, in 1841. On the voyage the vessel touched at Tahiti, at a time when there was trouble with the French. Captain Daldy was arrested as a political prisoner, and tried on the Bench by a black judge and jury—a circumstance that caused a good deal of correspondence between the Government of the day. It is worthy of note that the day on which Captain Daldy arrived with his schooner in Auckland, the 1st of July, 1841, was that on which the first Custom House was opened. After trading between Auckland and Sydney, in 1845 the subject of this sketch sailed for England, in the barque Bellina, which was the first vessel to load a cargo of merchandise for export to the Old Country. In 1849 he settled in Auckland, founding the firm Coombes and Daldy, general merchants and shipping agents. Captain Daldy took an active part in provincial politics in Auckland in the early days. In the fifties he was returned to the House of Representatives, and became a Minister of the Crown, as above described. During the Native troubles he commanded a company of volunteers. In local affairs he took a leading part, and held many offices, including the Chairmanship of the Auckland Harbour Board, which he held for seven years. At one time he was captain of the Volunteer Fire Brigade. In 1865 he went to England as Government Agent, and during the twelve months that he remained in London he sent out 1000 emigrants to New Zealand.
M.L.C., was a Minister of the Crown for thirteen days in the second New Zealand Ministry, which was the first Government formed by Mr. (afterwards Sir) William Fox. This was in the year 1856, the Ministry holding office from the 20th of May to the 2nd of June. The honourable gentleman left New Zealand about the year 1857, and has been dead some years.
better known as Mr. Justice Richmond, was a member of the third Government, the first Stafford Administration which held possession of the treasury benches for over five years. He was appointed Colonial Secretary on the 2nd of June, 1856, and filled the office until the beginning of November when he became Colonial Treasurer, which high office he held until the 25th of February, 1859. About the end of August, 1858, he became Minister of Native Affairs, retaining this portfolio till November, 1860. From the 1st of January till the 25th of February, 1859, Mr Richmond was Commissioner of Customs, an office which he again held together with the Colonial Treasurership from the 26th of April, 1859, to the 12th of July, 1861. He was appointed a member of the Executive Council on the 25th of February, 1859, and continued till his Ministry was defeated by Sir William Fox on July 12th, 1861. Full particulars of Judge Richmond's career will be found under heading “Legal.”
M.R.C.S., one of the first Stafford Ministry, being a member of the Executive Council without portfolio from the 2nd of June to the 24th of November, 1856, was born in 1817, and is the only son of John Campbell, M.D., of Edinburgh, and a grandson of Sir John Campbell, Bart., of Abernchill and Kilbryde. Educated at Edinburgh University, where he took his degree, he entered the service of the East India Company, but resigned his position and came to Sydney in 1839. A year later he came to New Zealand, and purchased from the Maoris Motu Korea, an island in the Hauraki Gulf, now known as Brown's Island, where he settled. After Auckland had been selected as the capital of the Colony, Dr. Campbell removed thither and founded the firm of Brown, Campbell and Co. This was in the same year, 1840. He took a trip to England in 1848, and returned about two years after. In 1855 Dr. Campbell was elected Superintendent of the Provincial Council of Auckland, which office he held for one year. About this time he was returned to the House of Representatives for Auckland, and it was during the year 1856 that he took office for a short time in the Stafford Government. Resigning his position in both General and Provincial Governments, he went to England, and did not return till 1859. He was soon after elected for Parnell, which he represented in the House of Representatives till 1861, when he left the Colony for an extended visit to England. Ten years later Dr. Campbell
was for twenty-five years foremost in the political life of Wellington. He was elected to fill the important office of Superintendent of the Province on its foundation, and to this high position he was regularly re-elected annually for eighteen years. An ardent Provincialist, he advocated that each Province should exercise absolute self-government within its own territory, and that the General Government should interfere as little as possible. Dr. Featherston was a man of great intelligence and ability, and though possessing a strong liking for power his constant aim was to use it for the good of the body politic. He was one of the earliest settlers in Port Nicholson, and for years before the establishment of responsible government advocated in the press and on the platform the great cause of constitutional freedom. He was elected a member of the House of Representatives in the first Parliament as member for Wanganui, which he represented till 1871, and was a Minister in the second and third Fox Governments, as Colonial Secretary from the 12th of July to the 2nd of August, 1861, and as a member of the Executive Council without portfolio from November, 1869, to March, 1871. Dr. Featherston is said to have been possessed of a powerful magnetic influence. He was ever faithful to his party, but apt to be somewhat extreme at times. In 1872 he left the Colony and went to London, where he took up the duties of Agent-General for the Colony. Four years afterwards he died much regretted.
well-known as a prominent politician in Auckland sat as a member of three consecutive ministries during the “sixties.” He was Colonial Treasurer and Commissioner of Customs in the second Fox Ministry from July, 1861 to August, 1862, in the Domett Ministry which followed from August, 1862, to October, 1863, and in the succeeding Whitaker-Fox Government till November, 1864, holding the same portfolios throughout. The subject of this paragraph was born in 1821 and educated at the Merchant Tailor's School, London. He was brought up as an architect and came to the Colony in 1844. During the northern native troubles he held the commission of lieutenant in the Volunteer Artillery, and took part in the unsuccessful attack on Heke's Pa, Ohinewai, on the 1st of July, 1845, and was mentioned in Colonel Despard's despatch describing that abortive effort. Returning to Auckland Mr. Wood practised as an architect and surveyor. In 1848 he was appointed Government Inspector of Roads, and he afterwards became Deputy Surveyor-General till 1856. He was returned to Parliament in 1861 for Parnell, and three years later as Colonial Treasurer he went to London to float a loan of one million in which he was successful. In 1865 he resigned his position for Parnell; five years later, however, he was again returned for the same constituency. Mr. Wood was opposed to Sir Julius Vogel's great borrowing scheme, and used his influence against it without success. In 1878 he again resigned his seat and went on a trip to England returning the following year when he was elected for Waitemata. Mr. Wood was a good debater, a capable administrator, and possessed more than the average of ability. Gisborne, in his “Rulers and Statesmen of New Zealand,” says “his speeches on great occasions were though at times a little too theatrical in style, admirable specimens of pungent humour, logical force and attractive eloquence.”
M.L.C., was a Member of three Cabinets. As Minister for Native affairs, he sat in the second Fox Government, from July to December, 1861, when he resigned his portfolio. On the formation of the Domett Ministry in August, 1862, the honourable gentleman was allotted the portfolio of Postmaster-General, and Secretary for Crown Lands, and was appointed a member of the Executive Council. Mr. Mantell resigned the two portfolios after holding the offices for about fourteen days, but continued a member of the Executive till his resignation on the 25th November, 1863. He joined the Weld Government on the 16th December, 1864, as Minister for Native affairs, and early in April the following year was allotted the portfolio of Native Secretary, both of which offices he retained till the 27th July, 1865 when he resigned. The honourable gentleman continued a member of the Legislative Council, and was present in his place in Parliament two days prior to his death on the 7th of September, 1895. Full particulars of Mr. Mantell's career will be found under the heading “Late Legislative Councillors.”
who was a member without portfolio of the Executive Council in the Fox Ministry, which guided the Colony's affairs from the 12th of July to the beginning of August, 1861, was for many years a prominent figure in the City of Auckland. In 1845, with Mr. W. C. Wilson, he founded the
New Zealander newspaper, which for twenty years was a power in the political life of the Colony. Mr. Williamson was three times elected Superintendent of the Province of Auckland. A man of broad and liberal views, he was returned to the House of Representatives for an Auckland constituency, and continued a member till his death in 1875. Mr. Williamson took part in establishing the institutions of the Colony; he was one of the founders of the Bank of New Zealand.
was one of the members of the second Fox Ministry which survived from the 12th of July, 1861, to the 6th of August, 1862. He was a member of the Executive Council without portfolio, and does not appear as holding office in any other Ministry.
Postmaster-General and Secretary for Crown Lands in the second Fox Ministry, August, 1861, to August, 1862, and Postmaster-General in the Domett Government from its formation to October, 1863, was a young politician of great promise. He was the son of the Hon. and Rev. Henry Ward, Rector of Kilhirchy, County Down, Ireland, and grandson of the Hon. Edward Ward. Born in 1833, and educated at Castletown, Isle of Man, and at Trinity College, Dublin, he was one of the pioneers of Canterbury, where he arrived in 1852. Three years later he was elected to the Provincial Council for Akaroa, and in 1858 he was returned to the House of Representatives for Lyttelton and shortly afterwards to the Canterbury Provincial Council for the same port. He became part proprietor of the Lyttelton Times in 1856, and was an able contributor to its columns. A pleasant, fluent and forcible speaker, possessed of great energy and perseverance, he soon took a leading position in the House of Representatives. To Mr. Ward New Zealand is mainly indebted for the establishment of the first mail service between England and the Colony via Panama. On the completion of the railway connecting the eastern with the western shores of the United States of America, he advocated the establishment of the San Francisco route in preference to the other line, but unfortunately did not live to see his suggestion carried into practice. He died a few years after entering political life, and thus a promising political career was brought to a close.
widely known as Mr. Justice Gillies, was a member of three ministries. In 1862 he became Attorney-General on the formation of the Domett Government, but retired from office in fifteen days. In the following year he took the portfolio of Postmaster-General in the Whitaker-Fox Administration which position he held for over a year and was also Secretary for Crown Lands for a short time. During the third Stafford Ministry which survived but a month and a day in 1872 he held the position of Colonial Treasurer. Judge Gillies came to the Colony in 1852, and settled in Otago where he practised the profession of which he was so distinguished a member. He entered Parliament in 1860, and was not long before he joined the Government of the day as a Minister. In 1865 he removed to Auckland and four years later was elected Superintendent of the Province which office he filled till 1873. As a puisne judge for the last few years of his life he was patient and painstaking, and clear and incisive in his deliverances. He founded two science scholarships at the Auckland University College. His death occurred in 1889.
C.M.G., was a member of two consecutive ministries in the early “sixties.” He first sat as a member of the Executive Council in the Domett Government from the 6th August, 1862, to the 30th of October, 1863, and from the 22nd of July in the latter year he was Minister for Colonial Defence. In the Whitaker-Fox Administration that succeeded he took the portfolio he was holding previously, and retained the office till the resignation of his Government on the 24th of November, 1864. Mr. Russell was born in 1830 at Cork, Ireland, and when nine years old came with his parents to the Bay of Islands. After studying the law he was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court, and entered into partnership in Auckland with Mr. (afterwards Sir) Frederick Whitaker under the style of Whitaker and Russell. Mr. Russell took a prominent part in the foundation of the Bank of New Zealand, the New Zealand Insurance Company, the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, and the New Zealand Land Mortgage Company. He has been largely interested in mining on the Thames goldfield and in pastoral properties in the Waikato district. He was created a C.M.G. in 1877. For many years past he has resided in England.
K.C.M.G., was a Minister of the Crown in three governments—as Colonial Treasurer during the whole period of the Weld Administration, November, 1864 to October, 1865, and for a portion of the time also as Commissioner of Customs. In the second Stafford Ministry that succeeded, he was Colonial Treasurer till the resignation of that Government on the 28th of June, 1869, and was Commissioner of Stamp Duties from the 6th of May, 1867, onwards. The third Fox Ministry followed, but was defeated on the 10th of September, 1872, and the third Stafford Government took office, the position of Secretary for Crown Lands and Immigration being allotted to Sir William. This Government was ousted in about a month. Further particulars of Sir William's career will be found under the headings of “Ex Speakers of the Legislative Council,” and “Ex-Speakers of the House of Representatives.”
Kt., M.L.C., occupied a seat in two Ministries. In the Weld Administration of 1864–5, he was Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Customs, and was a member of the Executive Council, without portfolio, in the second Stafford Ministry, from August, 1866, to May, 1868. Born in Bengal in 1810, and educated at Addiscombe College, he entered the service of the East India Company, and returned to his native land in 1851. A year later he visited New Zealand for the first time, and subsequently published an account of his trip in a volume entitled “A Summer's Excursion.” After this, Major Richardson went to England, and returning to Otago in 1856, settled in the Molyneux District. Before entering Parliament, Major Richardson held the office of Superintendent of the Province of Otago during the exciting times of the goldfields rush, and had earned the respect and gratitude of the public. In 1869, having been called to the Legislative Council, he was elected to the Speaker's Chair and served for nearly eleven years. He was knighted by Her Majesty in recognition of his distinguished services. He was an able, earnest man, who acted conscientiously and without fear or favor, and at his death all political parties joined in lamenting his loss.
M.L.C., was a Member of two Ministries—as Colonial Secretary from June to October, 1865 in the Weld Government, and held office as Commissioner of Customs and Stamp Duties for nearly three years in the second Stafford Administration, 1865 to 1869. He is a civil engineer by profession, and came out in the early days to the Colony with his brother, Mr. H. R. Richmond. The brothers took
Wellington Independent, and as editor of the Nelson Examiner. He was
a strong opponent of Sir Julius Vogel's borrowing policy, and as such contested both the Wellington and Nelson seats in the year 1870, but failed to secure election at either place. In 1873 he visited England again, for the education of his family, and remained there till 1881, when he returned to New Zealand. In 1881 he again contested the Nelson electorate without success. In 1883 Mr. Richmond was called to the Legislative Council in which he occupied a seat till 1890, when he resigned owing to failing health. Although well known as a politician and journalist, to many the name of J. C. Richmond is better known as an artist, his water-colour paintings being greatly admired.
C.M.G., joined the Weld Cabinet as Minister for Native Affairs on the 12th of August, 1865, and held office till the defeat of that Government on the 16th of October of the same year. See “Audit Department.”
M.L.C., took office in the second Stafford Ministry as a member of the Executive Council without portfolio in the middle of October, 1865. On the 31st of October in the same year he became Minister for Colonial Defence, and continued in office till the 28th of June, 1869. Colonel Haultain was born in 1817 at Stony Stratford, England, and went through a course of military training at Sandhurst. Entering the army in 1834 he served for ten years in India, being at Ferozepore and Maharajpore in 1842 and 1843. Colonel Haultain was staff-officer of Pensioners for New Zealand, and had charge of the 8th Division of New Zealand Fencibles. Retiring from the army in 1856 he settled at Mangere, and three years later was returned to the House of Representatives. In the following year he was employed by the Government to organise the New Zealand Militia with the rank of lieutenant-colonel of the first battalion. During the Waikato War he commanded the 2nd Waikato Regiment, and was present at the taking of Orakau. He afterwards had charge of the 4th Waikato Regiment, but resigned in 1865. He was soon after elected member for Franklin, but retired in 1869. At the time when Te Kooti and Titokowaru were making trouble Colonel Haultain personally conducted the Whakamarama campaign. In 1872 he was appointed to pay Imperial Pensions and became Trust Commissioner under the Native Lands Fraud Prevention Act. Colonel Haultain took an interest in educational matters, being a governor of St. John's College and of the Auckland College. In 1885 he went to Sydney as the representative from New Zealand to welcome back the Soudan contingent.
M.L.C. was one of the second Stafford Ministry as a member of the Executive Council and Minister for Native Affairs from October 1865 to August 1866. The honourable gentleman is the descendant of a Scotch family. He chose a military life and rose to the position of lieutenant-colonel in the 58th Regiment. He took part with his regiment in the Maori War, and after deciding to settle in the Colony purchased land in the Hawkes Bay district, where he resided for some years. In 1858 he was called to the Legislative Council in the deliberations of which body he took part for several years. The honourable gentleman, who is the father of Captain W. R. Russell, leader of the opposition in the present House of Representatives, left the Colony about twenty years ago, and has since resided in Devonshire, England.
M.L.C., joined the second Stafford Government in October, 1865 as a member of the Executive Council without portfolio, and in May of the following year was allotted the portfolio of Postmaster-General, which he held till the 24th of August, 1866 when he resigned his offices. Mr. Paterson first entered the Legislature in the House of Representatives as member for Dunedin. He was called to the Legislative Council on the 17th of June, 1869, and for about fifteen years exercised the functions of his office. The honourable gentleman vacated his seat in the year 1884, and died within a year or two of that time.
M.L.C., was a member of the Executive Council in the Stafford Ministry, from May, 1866, to April, 1867. The honourable gentleman was one of the early settlers who came to Wellington with the Nicholson contingent. He founded the large mercantile house known as Johnston and Co., in the early forties, and continued to take an active part till 1878, when he retired, leaving the business in the hands of his two sons—
became a member of the Stafford Ministry in 1866. He was first appointed to the Executive Council without portfolio in the middle of May. A month later he accepted the position of Colonial Treasurer, and continued in office till the 24th of August of the same year. Mr. Jollie was one of the early settlers of Nelson Province, and died several years ago.
M.L.C., J.P., joined the Stafford Government in September, 1867, as a member of the Executive Council without portfolio. Exactly a month afterwards he became Solicitor-General, and retained the portfolio till the middle of May, 1868. Born in 1825 at Deddington, Oxfordshire Mr. Harris chose the law as his profession. In 1850 he came to the Colony, settling in Otago, where for nine years he practised as a barrister and solicitor. He was appointed district judge and resident magistrate in 1859; the former position he retained till the office was abolished in 1862; the latter office he held till 1864. In the Provincial Council of Otago he represented Port Chalmers from 1853 to 1859. In 1862 Mr. Harris was elected Deputy-Superintendent of Otago, and a year later he became Superintendent. From 1859 to 1868 he served as a member of the Legislative Council. He was very active in promoting the first New Zealand Exhibition, held in 1865, and of this he was president. From the year 1867 he was a member of the Senate of the Otago University. The honourable gentleman died on the 24th of July, 1886.
K.C.M.G., was a member of eight Ministries. In the third Fox Ministry, which took office in June, 1869, he first took office as Native Minister and Minister for Colonial Defence, which he retained till that Government resigned in September, 1872. On the accession of the Waterhouse administration he became Native Minister for the second time and retained the position till compelled to retire on December 7th, 1876, owing to ill-health. He served throughout the Waterhouse, fourth Fox, first Vogel, Pollen, second Vogel and first Atkinson administrations, and in the reconstituted Atkinson Ministry he was obliged to relinquish office after three months for reasons already stated. Sir Donald was born in Scotland in 1820. At the age of seventeen he landed in Sydney and two years after reached New Zealand. Having gained a good knowledge of Maori, he was appointed Protector of Aborigines in Taranaki. Governor Grey instructed the subject of this notice in 1847 to inspect the land at Waitara which Commissioner Spain had declared was the property of the Government. In 1850 he became Resident Magistrate for a native district. Subsequently he was appointed Chief Commissioner of Land Purchase, and in 1856 he became Native Secretary previous to the establishment of constitutional government. The Weld Ministry of 1865 charged Mr McLean with the duty of restoring order among the hostile natives of the East Coast. As Native Minister Sir Donald held office continuously for a period of eight years and a half, with the exception of one month and a day, during which the Stafford Government held office in 1872. He was most successful in the performance of his responsible and difficult duties, and succeeded in making peace with the King party in the Waikato. Sir Donald McLean was the first Superintendent of Hawke's Bay. In 1874 he was created a K.C.M.G. by Her Majesty the Queen. He died in January 1877.
M.L.C., was a member of the third Fox Ministry, as Colonial Secretary, having been first appointed a member of the Executive Council. He held office from July, 1869, till September, 1872. In the Grey Government he held the portfolios of Mines and Immigration, from July to October, 1879, and for fourteen days he was also Minister of Lands. Mr. Gisborne is a descendant of a Derbyshire family. Coming to New Zealand about the year 1848, he became Commissioner of Crown Lands, a position which he occupied till 1853, when he was promoted to the post of Under-Secretary, which he held till 1869. In the following year he was appointed Commissioner of New Zealand Government Insurance, an office which he retained for five years. Mr. Gisborne was a member of the Legislative Council in the sixties, and in 1877 he was elected a member of the House of Representatives while in London. In 1886 he was appointed a member of the New Zealand Commission for the Colonial and Indian Exhibition.
M.L.C., who was one of the third Fox Ministry, first as a member of the Executive Council without portfolio from the 27th of November, 1871, and on the sixth of the succeeding month as Resident Minister for the Middle Island till the defeat of this government on the 10th of September, 1872, was born at Clapham, near London. In early life he was put to banking as a profession, but after a few years he became a stockbroker. Coming to New Zealand he tried farming on the Canterbury Plains, and eventually settled in Christchurch where he became editor and chief proprietor of the Lyttelton Times. Mr. Reeves was prominent in provincial politics for many years. Entering the
M.L.C., was a member of four Ministries,—as Minister of Public Works in the Fox Ministry for nine months ending the 10th of September, 1872, and again in the Waterhouse Administration in the same year for a few days; as Secretary for Crown Lands and Minister for Immigration in the short-lived Atkinson Government of 1876, and in the re-constituted ministry that followed he was Postmaster-General, and Commissioner of Telegraphs for a short time, but took his old portfolio of Public Works, which he held till the resignation of that Government on the 13th of October, 1877. Born in 1832 at Wallingford, Berks, England, Mr. Ormond was educated at various places in the Old Land, and came to New Zealand at sixteen years of age per ship “Ralph Burnell.” In 1849 he became private secretary to Mr. E. J. Eyre, the Lieutenant-Governor of New Munster, as the South Island was at that time called—a position which he held for some two years. Soon after, he settled in Hawkes Bay, when that district was included in the Province of Wellington. On the passing of the New Provinces Act in 1858, Hawkes Bay was constituted a separate province, and Mr. Ormond warmly espoused its cause. He held the office of Superintendent for some years, and with the late Sir Donald McLean made its interests a special study up to the abolition of the Provinces in 1876. Mr. Ormond also acted as Government Agent, having charge of the East Coast district up to East Cape on the one side, and as far as Taupo on the other. Throughout the trying time when Te Kooti threatened the inhabitants of Hawkes Bay, East Coast, and Taupo, Mr. Ormond directed operations, and was specially thanked for his services in the Governor's speech to Parliament. He describes this period as “the most troublous time I ever had in my life.” Sir Donald McLean, then Native Minister, was his friend and associate. With the exception of one Parliament, the subject of this notice has continuously held a seat in the Legislative halls of the Colony since 1861, when he was first returned to Parliament as member for Clive. After representing this constituency for many years, the honourable gentleman was called to the Upper House in 1891, and has been most regular in his attendance since his appointment. He was married in 1859 to Miss Richardson, in Hawkes Bay, and his family consists of two daughters and three sons, who are all settled in that fertile part of New Zealand.
M.L.C., took office in the Third Fox Ministry as a member of the Executive Council without portfolio. He retained this position from the 29th of July till the 10th of September, 1872, when the Cabinet resigned. The honourable gentleman is now the Speaker of the Legislative Council, and further particulars of his career are given under the heading “Legislative Council.”
was Minister for Public Works in the third Stafford Government, September to October, 1872, and again held office in the re-constructed Atkinson Ministry from January to October, 1877. Mr. Reid was one of the earliest settlers in Otago. In the days of Provincial Governments he was ever a prominent member of the Executive. In 1865 he was returned to the House of Representatives, and for some years he was to the fore in colonial politics. Since 1878 he has been out of Parliament, and has devoted his great energy and ability to mercantile pursuits. Mr. Reid is the senior partner in the firm of Donald Reid and Co., grain brokers and stock and station agents, Dunedin, his partner being his son-in-law, the Hon. Thomas Fergus, whose career is referred to elsewhere.
was one of the six gentlemen who composed the third Stafford Ministry, which lasted for one month and a day. He held the offices of Commissioner of Customs and Stamp Duties, Postmaster-General, and Telegraph Commissioner from the 10th of September till the 11th of October, 1872. Born in London in 1821, Mr. Curtis came to Nelson in 1853. For many years he was a member of the Nelson Provincial Council, and in 1867 he was elected Superintendent of the Province, which position he held till 1876. Mr. Curtis was elected a member of the House of Representatives in 1867, and held a seat in the House till 1878. He held the offices of Resident Magistrate, Warden, and Coroner in the Nelson District for a number of years. He was a Governor of Nelson College, a fellow of the University of New Zealand, and a member of its Senate from 1870 to 1888.
M.L.C. was Minister of Justice and Commissioner of Stamps in the Waterhouse-Fox and Vogel Governments, which were successively in power between the 11th of October, 1872, and the 6th of July, 1875. For a short time also he was Commissioner of Customs in the first of the three ministries. The honourable gentleman was born in Edinburgh in 1809. Educated at the Edinburgh High School and Edinburgh University he was admitted a writer in Peebles, and became Procurator Fiscal of the county for many years. He arrived in Dunedin in 1863 to take the position of general manager of the Bank of Otago. Six years after he was elected to the Provincial Council and became provincial solicitor with a seat on the Executive. Mr. Bathgate
C.M.G. M.L.C., who was born in London in 1831, was educated at the City of London School. He was brought up to the profession of a civil engineer on the London and South Western Railway, and as mechanical engineer on the Great Southern and Western Railway of Ireland. Mr. Richardson came out to the colonies in 1852, arriving in Melbourne, where he at once entered the service of the Victorian Government as engineer of the roads and bridges department. In 1865 he retired from the Government service, and commenced business on his own account as a contractor. In this capacity he carried out many large and important works very successfully, several railways having been constructed in Australia under his superintendence. Subsequently Mr. Richardson joined the first volunteer corps raised in Victoria, and rose from the ranks to the position of captain of the Horse Artillery. In 1861 he left Victoria, and entered into an engagement to carry out some important railway contracts in New Zealand. In partnership with Mr. George Holmes, he constructed the Lyttelton and Christchurch Railway, including the celebrated Moorhouse tunnel. Mr. Richardson was, in 1870, elected a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council, for Lyttelton, and remained a member till the abolition of the provinces in 1876. In 1871 he was returned as a member of the House of Representatives for Christchurch city. In October, 1872, Mr. Richardson occupied a seat in the Ministry, and held the portfolio of Public Works, which he retained during the administration of the Waterhouse, Fox, Vogel, Pollen, and Atkinson Governments; all of which Ministries reigned successively from 1872 to 1877. Mr. Richardson was then compelled by ill-health, brought on by overwork, to relinquish office. In recognition of his services to the Colony in the carrying out of the Public Works Policy of Sir Julius Vogel, he was created a C.M.G. in 1879. The honourable gentleman was again appointed a Minister of the Crown under the Stout Vogel Government, and held the portfolio of Public Works from September, 1884, to October, 1887. He remained a member of the House of Representatives until 1890. Since that time, Mr. Richardson has not sought re-election. He has been a member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers in England since 1862.
Knt. Bach., held portfolios in three successive Governments. In October, 1872, he joined the Waterhouse Ministry as Secretary for Crown Lands and Minister for Immigration. On the resignation of the Hon. G. M. Waterhouse, as Premier, Mr. (afterwards Sir) William Fox, succeeded to the office, taking also the Colonial Secretaryship, and Sir Maurice retained his offices. Rather more than a month later the Hon. (afterwards Sir) Julius Vogel became Premier, Mr. Fox having resigned. In this Government, which is known as the first Vogel Ministry, the subject of this notice continued for some time to hold the same portfolios, and on the fourth of March, 1874, became Commissioner of Stamps. He resigned the office of Minister for Immigration on the 11th of October, 1873, but retained the Commissionership of Stamps and the Secretaryship for Crown Lands till the 13th of August, 1874, when he retired from the Ministry. For many years Sir Maurice has been Speaker of the House of Representatives, a position which he still holds. Full particulars of his career are given under the heading “House of Representatives.”
M.L.C., held a portfolio in four successive Governments. He was Commissioner of Customs in the Waterhouse Ministry from the 26th of October, 1872, in the Fox Ministry from the 3rd of March to the 8th of April, 1873, and again in the Vogel Ministry from the 8th of April, 1873, to the 6th of July, 1875; Colonial Secretary in the same Ministry from the 14th of April to the 4th July, 1873, and Commissioner of Customs again in the Pollen Ministry from the 6th of July, 1875, to the 15th of February, 1876. He joined the Stout-Vogel Ministry without portfolio on the 3rd of September, 1884, holding this position till the 3rd of January, 1885, and also from the 3rd of June, 1886, to the 8th of October, 1887. He was a member of the Executive Council in both these instances. He is the youngest son of the late Mr. Thomas Reynolds, merchant, of Spain, Portugal, and London, who, along with his son and other members of the family, settled in Otago in 1851, and died from injuries received when his house was destroyed by fire a few years later. Born in Chatham, Kent, on the 1st of May, 1822, the subject of this notice went with his father and family to Spain and Portugal, and resided there for thirteen years. He entered early into mercantile life in connection with his father's firm, Thomas Reynolds and Son. Returning to Britain from Spain and Portugal, he took charge of his father's branch of the business in London at the age of twenty, and managed it for nine years. In 1848, while thus engaged, he carried on an agency business in the same office on his own account, and continued in both
Otago Daily Times and Witness Company, of the Dunedin Board of the South British Fire and Marine Insurance Company, and of the Mutual Life Assurance Society of Victoria. He is a director of the Colonial Bank of New Zealand, Messrs. Neill and Co., Limited, the Westport Coal Company, Limited, and the Perpetual Trustees Executors and Agency Company of New Zealand, Limited. In 1856 Mr. Reynolds was married to Miss Rachael Selina, daughter of Mr. William Pinkerton, Runholder, of South Australia and Otago, and has four sons and five daughters. Mr. Leslie Hunter Reynolds, the eldest, was under Sir John Coode, marine engineer, and afterwards served under Messrs. Livesey in South America. Mr. Eardley Culley Reynolds—second son—is a member of the firm of Park, Reynolds and Co., auctioneers, Dunedin. The two younger, Messrs. William Eric and Alick Gillespie are partners in the firm of W. E. Reynolds and Co., wool, grain, and seed merchants, Dunedin. Mr. Reynold's eldest daughter is married to Mr. George L. Denniston merchant, Dunedin.
was a member of the Executive Council in four successive Ministries. He was appointed at the time when the Waterhouse Government on the suggestion of the late Sir Donald McLean, K.C.M.G., Native Minister, decided to give the Maori people some voice in the government of the Colony. Appointed on the 4th of November, 1872, he continued during the Fox, Vogel, and Pollen Administrations, which in turn succeeded the Cabinet of which he was first a member. He is a North Island chief, and represented the Northern Maori Constituency from 1871 to 1875. Wiremu Parata was appointed about the same time, and held office during the continuance of the same governments.
became a member of the Waterhouse Ministry in December, 1872, and continued to hold a seat in the Executive Council without portfolio till the resignation of the Pollen Government in February, 1876. He was thus a member of four successive administrations, viz:—the Waterhouse, Fox, Vogel, and Pollen. Wiremu Katene and Wiremu Parata were appointed at the instigation of the late Sir Donald McLean K.C.M.G., who was anxious that the natives should have a voice in the government of New Zealand. The subject of this notice was elected member for the Western Native Constituency in the House of Representatives. A half-caste by birth, his mother being a Ngatiawa chieftainess of very high rank, he adopted the maori name Te Kakakura. He has long engaged in sheep farming at Kapiti Island, and at Waikanae, where he lives in English style. As a speaker in his native language Parata has considerable abilities. On offering himself for re-election he was defeated by Hoani Nahe.
M.L.C., of Middleton, near Christchurch, was Minister of Justice and Commissioner of Stamps from the 16th of December, 1874, to the 6th of July, 1875, in the Vogel Government; from the 6th of July 1875 to the 15th of February 1876 in the Pollen Ministry; from the 15th of February to the 1st of September, 1876, in the 2nd Vogel Ministry, and from that date till the 13th of October 1877 in the Atkinson Governments. Mr. Bowen, was born at Milford, County Mayo, Ireland, in 1830. He is the eldest son of Mr. Charles Bowen, who was the third son of Mr. Christopher Bowen of Milford. Mr. Charles Bowen was one of the founders of Canterbury, and from 1855 to 1864 occupied the Speaker's chair in the Provincial Council. Returning to England in the latter year he died at Hastings in 1871. The subject of this notice was educated
Lyttelton Times, of which paper he and Mr. Crosbie Ward were joint owners for a few years. The honourable gentleman co-operated with Mr. Moorhouse and the Provincial Government in inaugurating the first New Zealand railway, and urged on the construction of the Moorhouse Tunnel, a huge undertaking in those early days. Resigning in 1859 he returned to England. Two years later he published, in Vacation Tourists, edited by Mr. F. Galton, a description of an expedition in the Peruvian Andes to the seats of the old Inca civilization. In 1862 Mr. Bowen came back to the
Colony and was appointed Resident Magistrate at Christchurch in 1864, which position he held for ten years. When Mr. Moorhouse was about to retire from the Superintendency of the Province in 1868 Mr. Bowen was urged by the leaders of both political parties to stand for the office of Superintendent, to which he would doubtless have been elected without opposition, but he declined. In 1874 the honourable gentleman became Minister of Justice in the Vogel Ministry and was called to the Upper House. Almost immediately afterwards he resigned his seat to contest the Kaiapoi electorate, which had fallen vacant; in this he was successful. In the debates of 1875-1876 on the abolition of the provinces he took an active part, and has expressed himself decidedly opposed to the system of Party Government in New Zealand. Mr. Bowen is the author of the Education Act of 1877 which he successfully piloted through the House, and thus a national system of primary education was for the first time established in the Colony. While holding the portfolio of Justice he strove to secure an improvement in prison management and introduced the “mark” system into the gaols of New Zealand. In the same year Mr. Bowen retired with his colleagues on the defeat of the Whitaker-Atkinson Ministry. He continued member for Kaiapoi during three successive Parliaments and did not seek re-election in 1881, being about to pay a visit to the “Old Land.” He has shown great interest in the management of educational institutions, and sat as a chairman of the Canterbury Education Board, and as president of the Collegiate Union which was affiliated to the New Zealand University as precursor of Canterbury College for the years 1872-1874. He was one of the first members of the Board of Governors of Canterbury College, but resigned his seat and at the same time his membership of the Board of Education, owing to his frequent absence from home. He is a member of the Senate of the New Zealand University; and was called to the Legislative Council for the second time in 1890. Mr. Bowen was married in 1861 to Georgina Elizabeth, daughter of the Rev. D. Markham, Canon of Windsor. His family numbers seven—four sons and three daughters. The eldest son, Mr. Charles D. Bowen, is a magistrate and collector in Perak, Strait's Settlements. The Rev. George H. C. Bowen, B. A. (Cambridge), second son, is senior curate at Sutton-Coldfield, Warwickshire; Mr. Lambert Bowen is in the Railway Engineers' Department in Western Australia; the youngest, Mr. Gerald M. Bowen is in the Colony. Mr. Bowen's eldest daughter is married to Mr. R. J. Scott, C. E., Professor of Engineering at Canterbury College.
M.L.C., was Commissioner of Customs in the Vogel Ministry, from the 3rd of July to the 1st of September, 1876; Commissioner of Telegraphs and Customs and Postmaster-General from the latter date to the 13th of September, 1876, in the Atkinson Government; Commissioner of Customs in the re-constructed Ministry till the 13th of October, 1877, and Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Telegraphs to the same date from the 12th of January, 1877; and Commissioner of Trade and Customs in the Atkinson Administration, from the 28th of August, 1884, to the 3rd of September, 1884. The honourable gentleman, who is the son of Mr. James McLean and Jane (Proctor) his wife, was born on the 10th of September, 1834, at Elgin, Scotland. At seventeen years of age he emigrated to the colonies, and was employed in Australia by the Colonial Bank of Australia, and afterwards by the Oriental Bank Corporation. Having gained large experience in this service, he crossed over to Otago, New Zealand, in 1862 to take the position of manager of the Dunedin branch of the Bank of New Zealand. Some years later the subject of this notice entered the political arena in the Provincial Council, in which he became Provincial Treasurer. He was largely engaged in commercial pursuits, and has been prominent in connection with many large colonial institutions up to the present time. In 1871 Mr. McLean was returned to the House of Representatives as member for Waikouaiti, which electorate he represented for ten years. At the end of this term he was called to the Legislative Council. The honourable gentleman was married on the 10th of March, 1867, to Miss Isabel, daughter of the Hon. Matthew Holmes, M.L.C., of Otago, but now residing in Wellington. His family consists of one son and five daughters. Mr. McLean has long been closely associated with the Colonial Bank of New Zealand and the Union Steam Shipping Company of New Zealand, Limited, and of both he has held the position of Chairman of Directors since their foundation. In 1890 he took a leading part in the great maritime struggle, and in the promotion of its settlement.
occupied a seat in the reconstituted Atkinson Ministry without portfolio, and was a member of the Executive Council, representing the Native race from November, 1876 till the accession of Sir George Grey to the Treasury Benches in October, 1877. He is a half-caste by birth, but does not speak English. He represented the Northern Maori Electorate in the sixth Parliament, being succeeded by Wiremu Katene. Hori lives at Mangaamuka, near Hokianga.
C.M.G., held the portfolios of Colonial Treasurer, Minister for Public Works and Railways, and Commissioner of Stamps in the Grey Government from early in October, 1877, until nearly the commencement of the session of 1878, and subsequently he held the portfolios of Minister of Mines and Minister of Marine in the Stout-Vogel Government from the beginning of January, 1885, until the middle of October, 1887. Mr. Larnach was born in 1838 at Castle Forbes, Hunter's River, New South Wales, the estate of his grandfather, Major Mudie, who arrived in New South Wales with his family in 1821 under the auspices and arrangements made with the Imperial authorities by his cousin, Sir Charles Forbes, that he should have free cabin passages for himself, his four daughters and servants, the right to select 4000 acres of picked agricultural land as a freehold on his arrival in the Colony, and be supplied with twenty head of cattle and six horses, with rations for his family and twenty men for six months from the time of selecting his land grant. His father, John Larnach, of “Rosemount,” Hunter's River, who was one of the earliest pioneers, arrived in the colony of New South Wales by the ship “Andromeda” in 1822 in his nineteenth year as a cadet to Major Innes, a large land-owner and squatter. He afterwards became a large freeholder, squatter, and agriculturist, the owner of extensive sheep, cattle, and horse stations in New South Wales, on the “Namoi” and “Peel Rivers,” and “Borah Creek,' Liverpool Plains, and also in the McIntyre Country, for many miles on both sides of the McIntyre River, respectively known as “Tulcumbah” and “Callandoon” Stations. The honourable gentleman was educated at the Rev. Irvine Heatherington's High School, Singleton, Patrick's Plains, Mr. T. W. Robinson, from the High School, Edinburgh, who afterwards became principal, being second master, and at the Sydney College. The materials for the erection of the capacious schools, Presbyterian church, and manse at Singleton, built of bricks, were the gift of Mr. Larnach, senr. The subject of this notice had the opportunity and took it, as a lad, of visiting the first goldfield discovered in Australia by Hargreaves, near to Bathurst, and of working on the “Turon River” as a juvenile digger for four months. Subsequently having gained large experience in agricultural and pastoral pursuits, he turned his attention to commerce and banking, particularly the latter, to which he devoted himself exclusively for twenty-five years, commencing at the initial step of the profession. During 1866 and part of 1867, Mr. Larnach took a well-earned holiday with his family and travelled from Melbourne, Victoria, through England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the Continent of Europe, and it was shortly after his return to Melbourne that proposals were made to him from London such as ultimately led to his settling in New Zealand towards the end of 1867. He arrived at Dunedin in September, 1867, under a long term engagement with the London directors of the Bank of Otago, to take the chief colonial management of its business connections throughout New Zealand and Australia. He was successful in his efforts, and continued in that position until about 1874, when the business, under an agreement made in London, was merged in the National Bank of New Zealand. After remaining a few months in the service of the new bank to arrange its business, Mr. Larnach purchased a half interest in an extensive mercantile firm, but took little part in the active management of it. In 1875 he was induced to give his attention to politics for the first time, contesting the seat for the Peninsula with Mr. Stout (now the Hon. Sir Robert), who was successful, though only by a narrow majority of eleven votes. A year later, however, he was returned to represent the City of Dunedin, with Messrs. Stout and Macandrew as colleagues against several other candidates. During the session of 1877 Mr. Larnach, as the mover of a vote of No-Confidence in the Whitaker-Atkinson Ministry, became famous. His motion was successful. The Government resigned, and the Marquis of Normanby, then Governor, sent for the honourable gentleman and entrusted him with the duty of forming a new Ministry, the result being that an administration was formed, known as the Grey Government—Sir George Grey being Premier, Sir George Whitmore, Colonial Secretary; Hon. Mr. Larnach, Colonial Treasurer, Minister of Public Works and Railways, and Minister of Stamps; Hon. Mr. Sheehan, Native Minister and Minister of Justice; Hon. Mr. Macandrew, Minister of Lands and Immigration; Hon. Mr. Fisher, Postmaster-General and Minister of Customs; Hon. Mr. Ballance joining later as Colonial Treasurer, and the Hon. Mr. Stout, on Mr. Larnach's resignation, became Attorney-General and Minister of Lands and Immigration. The leading policy in Mr. Larnach's Financial Statement delivered by him in November, 1877, was the proposal to colonialize the Land Funds of the provinces, which was done. Early in the following year, at the request of his colleagues, Mr. Larnach went
was a member of two governments; in the Grey Ministry he was Secretary for Crown Lands, and Minister of Immigration from the formation of that Cabinet in October, 1877, till July, 1878, and took the portfolio of Public Works in March of the latter year, retaining the position till the defeat of that government in October, 1879. In the Stout-Vogel combination of 1881, he was Minister of Lands, Mines, and Immigration, for the twelve days during which that Ministry occupied the Treasury Benches. Mr. Macandrew was born in 1829, in Aberdeen. He went as a youth to London, where he got an insight into mercantile life. He became much interested in the scheme for settling members of the Free Church of Scotland in Otago, and decided to emigrate to the Colony. In 1850 he bought an iron schooner, and with his family set sail for New Zealand. Settling in Dunedin, Mr. Macandrew proved himself an enterprising colonist, and introduced the first steamer, carrying general merchandise. In 1853 he entered the political arena as a member of the first Provincial Council of Otago for Dunedin City. In 1854 he was elected to the House of Representatives for the same place, and from this time till his death, in 1887, he continued a member of the House, either for Dunedin or Port Chalmers. In 1860 Mr. Macandrew was elected Superintendent of the Province of Otago, and served four terms. He was appointed by Acting-Governor Wynyard a member of the Executive Council without portfolio, and held the position in common with some other members of the House of Representatives for three days. Mr. Macandrew was the originator of the Panama and Californian mail services, and, it may be said, of the steam communication of the Colony. At the time of his death, 24th February, 1887, he was considered the father of the House of Representatives.
succeeded Sir Donald McLean, K.C.M.G., as Native Minister on the accession of Sir George Grey's Ministry, in 1877. He likewise accepted the portfolio of Justice, and retained office till the defeat of the Cabinet, on the 8th of October, 1879. Born in Auckland, In 1844, Mr. Sheehan studied law in the Northern City, and was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in 1869. In the following year he entered political life as a member of the Auckland Provincial Council. He made such rapid progress as a politician that in 1870 he became a member of the Provincial Executive. Two years later he was returned to the House of Representatives, and had the honour of being the first Native born member of the New Zealand Legislature. Having learned the Maori language, he acquired considerable influence with the Natives, and was selected by Sir George Grey, K.C.B., to take the portfolio of Native Minister and Justice in his Government. General regret was experienced on the 13th of June, 1886, when it became known that one so promising and talented had passed away when but in his prime.
was a member of the Grey Government during its tenure of office. He accepted the portfolio of Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Telegraphs, which he retained from October, 1877 to the same month in 1879, when the ministry sustained defeat, and were replaced by the Hall Administration.
K.C.M.G., M.L.C., was Colonial Secretary in the Grey Ministry from the 18th of October, 1877, to the 8th of October, 1879, and a member of the Executive in the Stout-Vogel Government from the 18th to the 28th of August, 1884. He was born at Malta in 1829, received his education at the Edinburgh Academy, and entered the Army as ensign on the 23rd of January, 1847, in the 62nd Foot. On the 21st of May, 1850, he was promoted to a lieutenancy, became captain on the 7th of July, 1854, and brevet-major on the 6th of June, 1856. At the Staff College he was successful in graduating head of the batch of officers in the examination of the year 1860. Sir George Whitmore first saw active service in 1847, during the latter part of the Kaffir war of 1846-7. He was present at the defeat of the Boers at the action of Boem Plaats in 1848. He was with the second division in the Kaffir war of 1850-53, and took part in nearly every engagement, including the storming of the Iron Mountain. From March to November, 1851, he was in command of Sir Harry Smith's escort, and was frequently engaged as staff-officer with the various columns on patrol. As major of brigade he served with the division from November, 1851, and also of the cavalry in the expedition under Sir George Cathcart, which ended in the battle of Berea. The gallant gentleman on two occasions had his horse killed under him, and was repeatedly thanked in brigade and division orders, as well as in the general orders and despatches of his superior officers. He also served as aide-de-camp to Sir H. Storks, K.C.B., at the hospitals of Sungrua and Scutari, and with the 62nd at Sebastopol. Joining the cavalry of the Turkish Contingent he served with it in the Crimea and at Kertch. In 1861 he came to New Zealand as Military Secretary to Sir Duncan Cameron, but the following year he was allured to the life of a settler and retired from the army, making the province of Hawke's Bay his head-quarters. In 1863 he was appointed to the command of the Hawke's Bay Militia and Volunteers, and three years later when the Hau Haus threatened destruction to the settlement of Napier, Colonel Whitmore successfully led two hundred Militia and Volunteers at Omaranui where the rebels were “cut off or captured to a man.” Two years after this he commanded an expedition against Te Kooti, driving that arch rebel into hiding. About the end of 1868 Te Kooti having fortified himself at Ngatapa—a wooded mountain 2500 feet above sea level, said to be the strongest post in the
sat in the interests of the Maori people as a Minister, without portfolio in the Grey Administration, being a member of the Executive Council from November, 1877 till October, 1879. He went out of office with his colleagues on the defeat of the Cabinet by the Hon. (afterwards Sir) John Hall. He represented the Western Maori Electorate for one Parliament, being defeated on his seeking re-election. Hoani died some two years ago.
was a member of the Grey Ministry as a member of the Executive Council without portfolio from November, 1878 to October, 1879. He was appointed a member of the Legislative Council in November, 1877. Ha resigned his seat in the Council during 1893, and went to England. Latest advices from London state that he is dying from cancer.
M.L.C., was a member of the Grey Cabinet without portfolio, and held a seat on the Executive Council from the 17th of April, 1879, till the 15th of July in the same year. The hon. gentleman's career is more fully referred to under heading “Ex-Speakers of the Legislative Council.”
M.A., held office in the Grey Government as a Minister of Lands and a member of the Executive Council for about three months in 1879. He was born in Scotland, and educated at Edinburgh University where he graduated M.A. Coming to New Zealand in 1859 he settled in Clutha, where in 1864 he was returned to the Provincial Council of Otago in which he held a seat till the abolition of that form of government in 1876. Mr. Thomson was a strong opponent of and presided over a demonstration held to protest against the extinction of the Councils. About this time he was returned to the House for the Clutha Electorate and sat for that constituency till 1887 when he resigned. Three years after this Mr. Thomson was elected for Bruce by a two-to-one majority. In 1881 as the mover of the resolution which caused the defeat of the first Stout-Vogel Government he was entrusted with the task of forming a new ministry, in which, however, he did not succeed. At the general election of 1893 Mr. Thomson did not offer himself for re-election.
sat in three successive Governments—the Hall, Whitaker, and third Atkinson Ministries—in which he held the portfolios of Lands, Immigration and Mines, and was continuously a Minister of the Crown from the 8th of October, 1879, to the 6th of August, 1884. He was also for a time Native Minister, and held the offices of Minister of Education and Justice in the Hall Administration. The hon. gentleman was born in 1831. He is a son of the late Rev. George Rolleston, M.A., who was for over fifty years rector of Maltby near Doncaster, Yorkshire. His brother Mr. George Rolleston, F.R.S., was a well-known Professor of Physiology in Oxford, The hon. gentleman was born in 1831 and educated at Rossall School, Lancashire, under the late Dr. Woolley, and subsequently at Emanuel College, Cambridge. Entering his college course in 1851, he took a foundation scholarship the next year, and three years after he graduated with honours in classics. Coming to New Zealand in 1858 Mr. Rolleston settled near Lake Coleridge. In 1863 he was appointed a member of the Education Committee which framed the Education system of the Province of Canterbury, and afterwards sat as a member of the Canterbury Education Board. Mr. Rolleston was elected to the Provincial Council and became Provincial Secretary in 1864. Four years later he was raised to the Superintendent and filled the office for eight years. Under the Colonial Government he became Under-Secretary for Native Affairs and Inspector of Native Schools. In 1868 he was returned to the House of Representatives for the Avon constituency, which he represented continuously till 1884, when he was elected for Geraldine. The hon. gentleman continued a member of the House till the general election of 1893, when he was defeated. On the retirement of the Hon. John Bryce in 1891 Mr. Rolleston was unanimously elected leader of the Opposition.
M.L.C., was a member, of three successive ministries. In the Hall Government he held the portfolio of Public Works from the 8th of October, 1879, to the 31st of May, 1881, and became a member of the Executive Council on the 18th of October of that year. This latter position he held in the Whitaker administration, which succeeded, and during the continuance of the Atkinson ministry he was Postmaster-General and Electric Telegraph Commissioner. The honourable gentleman, who is a son of Mr. Robert Oliver, of Penzance, Cornwall, England, and Ellen (Fox) his wife, was born on the 21st of February, 1830. Having decided to make New Zealand his home, Mr. Oliver settled in Otago, where he was elected to a seat in the House of Representatives. He was called to the Legislative Council on the 10th of November, 1881. Mr. Oliver was married, first at Penzance, to Miss Ellen, daughter of Mr. William Purchase, on the 18th of June, 1858, and secondly at the same place to Miss Louise d'Este, daughter of Mr. J. S. Courtenay, of Albert House, and sister of the Right Hon. Leonard H. Courtenay, Chairman of Committees of the House of Commons.
sat in three successive ministries as Minister of Native Affairs and Defence. In the Hall Government from October, 1879 till January, 1881, he was Native Minister, and from October, 1881 to April, 1882, he held both portfolios. In the Whitaker Ministry which succeeded he was Minister for Native Affairs; and during the life of the third Atkinson Government, September, 1883 to August, 1884, held the dual position. Arriving in the Colony in 1840 as a child, he was brought up in New Zealand. During the Maori War he took an active part, becoming lieutenant of Yeomanry Cavalry Volunteers, and was present at the Hauhau advance on Wanganui. Mr. G. W. Rusden in his book “History of New Zealand,” said that “Mr. Bryce when in charge of this troop of cavalry dashed upon native women and children ‘ !cutting them down gleefully and with ease.’” Mr. Bryce went to England and instituted a libel action in which he was completely successful, £5000 damages being awarded, the judge remarking that the charge against Mr. Bryce was completely baseless. The subject of this notice entered Parliament in 1871 as member for Wanganui. At the time of the Parihaka trouble, when Te Whiti resisted the march of settlement Mr. Bryce was a member of the Hall Government and advocated firm action, but as his colleagues disagreed with him he resigned his seat in the Cabinet. Re-joining the Ministry about nine months later he led the historic expedition of Armed Constabulary and Volunteers, and occupied Parihaka on the 5th of November, 1881. Both Te Whiti and his principal attendant, Tohu, were arrested, as also a murderer named Hiroki who was subsequently executed. This bold stroke together with legislation afterwards introduced by the honourable gentleman was the means of breaking down Te Whiti's “mana,” and settling what at one time threatened to be a serious disturbance. In 1890 Mr. Bryce was re-elected for Wanganui and became leader of the Opposition when the Ballance Ministry was in power, but resigned his seat in the House in consequence of “a vote of censure having been passed upon certain expressions used by him in debate reflecting on the conduct of the Premier.” It is but just to aid that Mr. Bryce did not consider the words used improper. As a straightforward politician, Mr. Bryce gained general respect.
succeeded Hoani Nahi as the representative of the native race in the Cabinet. He sat in the Hall Ministry without portfolio, being a member of the Executive Council, and held office for but twenty-one days in the month of October, 1879. Henare was elected for the Eastern Maori Electorate, and first sat in the early session of 1879. At the last general (1893) election he again contested the seat, but was defeated.
sat in three successive Ministries, in which he held besides others, the portfolios of Colonial Secretary and Minister for Education. He was a member of the Hall Government from March, 1880, to April, 1882, and held the portfolio of Justice for about a year. In the Whitaker Government that succeeded, he had the position of Minister for Justice for six months, and was Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Telegraphs for nearly twelve months. Throughout the third Atkinson Ministry he was a member of the Cabinet, holding the two offices first named. Born in Edinburgh in 1823, Mr Dick gained commercial experience in London. After spending seven years in St. Helena, he came to New Zealand in 1857. Two years later he entered the political arena as a member of the Otago Provincial Council, to which he was returned unopposed. The hon. gentleman soon became a member of the Executive. At the general election of 1860 and 1863 he was returned at the head of the poll. In 1862 he was appointed Provincial Secretary, and three years after became Superintendent of the Province, which office he held for two years. Mr Dick was returned to the House of Representatives in 1861 and again in 1862. He was elected for Port Chalmers in 1866, but resigned the seat after the first session. He was again elected in 1879, this time for Dunedin, which he represented till 1884 when he was defeated, as also in 1887. The hon. gentleman has not since entered Parliament.
was Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Telegraphs in the Hall Ministry from the 9th of March, 1881, to the 21st of April, 1882; Minister for Public Works, Postmaster-General, and Commissioner of Telegraphs in the Whitaker Government from the latter date to the 11th of October, 1882; Minister for Public Works in the Atkinson Administration from the 25th of September, 1883, to the 23rd of November, 1883, and a member of the Executive Council in the same from its formation till the 4th of June, 1881. The subject of this notice is the eldest son of the late Hon. John Johnston, M.L.C., who is referred to elsewhere as a late minister of the Crown. Born in London in 1839, Mr. Walter Johnston came out to the Colony with his parents about the year 1841, per ship “Prince of Wales.” He was educated partly in the Colony and partly in France, at L'Ecole Centrale. Brought up to mercantile life in his father's firm, Messrs. Johnston and Co., merchants, of which he and his brother, the Hon. C. J. Johnston, M.L.C., are the present members, he has long been closely associated with the trade of the Empire City. Mr. Johnston entered political life in 1871, as member for the Manawatu electorate, which he represented continuously till 1884, after which he did not seek re-election. Since retiring from polities, the honourable gentleman has taken several trips to England. He has been prominent on the directorate of public corporations, for some time acting as a director of the Equitable Assurance Society of the United States, but resigned on his leaving for England some years ago. When the head office of the Bank of New Zealand was removed from London to Wellington, Mr. Johnston was elected a director of that large Colonial Institution, which office he still holds. In 1868 he was married to Miss Goring, daughter of Mr. Foster Goring, who was for several years clerk to the Executive Council. His family numbers seven, of whom four are daughters, the eldest being married to Mr. Percy Baldwin, solicitor, of Wellington. For further particulars of the honourable gentleman's career see “Bank of New Zealand” and “Wellington Merchants.”
better known as His Honour Mr. Justice Connolly, Puisne Judge, held office in two ministries. He was allotted the portfolio of Justice in the Whitaker Government in 1882, and, on the resignation of the Premier, the Hon. (afterwards Sir) F. Whitaker accepted the same office in the Atkinson Ministry which was formed in September, 1883, and became Attorney General, which offices he held till the Cabinet was defeated in August of the following year. His Honour is the son of Dr. John Connolly of Hanwell, Middlesex, an eminent authority on insanity. Born in 1822 he entered the Inner Temple as a student of law in 1849, and was called to the bar on the 30th of January, 1852. After practising his profession for some thirteen years in the “Old Land,” he came to New Zealand in 1865 and settled in Picton. From 1867 till the abolition of the provinces in 1876 he represented Picton in the Marlborough Provincial Council. In December, 1881, he was returned to the House of Representatives for Picton and again in July, 1884. His Honour was elevated to the Supreme Court Bench in August, 1889.
Member of the House of Representatives for Eden, was a Minister of the Crown in three Governments—he held the portfolio of Public Works in the Atkinson Ministries, from the 23rd of November, 1883, to the 16th of August, 1884; from the 28th of August, 1884, to the 3rd of September, 1884, and from the 8th of October, 1887, to 17th of October, 1889; and was also Minister of Native Affairs from the 8th of October, 1887, to the 24th of January, 1891, Postmaster-General and Electric Telegraph Commissioner from the 17th of October, 1889, to the 24th of January, 1891. He is a son of the late Mr. Alexander Mitchelson, Warehouseman, who arrived in the Kaipara in January, 1840, per ship “Hannah Watson,” Mr. (afterwards Sir) Frederick Whitaker being a fellow passenger. Born in 1846 in the Northern Capital, the subject of this sketch was educated at St. Matthew's Parish School, and at Mr. Paterson's private school. He served his time as a carpenter in Auckland, and entered into business on his own account in 1870. Mr. Mitchelson is the founder of the firms of Mitchelson and Co., Kauri Gum and General Merchants, and Varnish Manufacturers, Auckland, and Mitchelson Bros., Sawmillers and General Merchants, Dargaville. In October, 1881, he was returned to the House as member for the electorate of Marsden, and three years afterwards he was re-elected unopposed for the same constituency. In 1887 Mr. Mitchelson, after arranging with Mr. R. Thompson to stand for Marsden, went to the Eden District with the intention of crossing swords with the Hon. J. A. Tole, Minister for Justice in the Stout-Vogel Administration, who, however, sought another electorate, where he was defeated by Mr. E. Withy. Mr. Mitchelson has since been twice re-elected for this district, which he still represents. The honourable gentleman claims to be a Liberal in politics, although not a supporter of the party now in power, he being one of the leading men in Her Majesty's Opposition. During the late Sir H. A. Atkinson's term of office as Premier, Mr. Mitchelson had frequently, owing to his chief's illness, to occupy the position of Acting Treasurer and leader of the House. The subject of this notice was for a short period a member of the Auckland Waste Lands Board. He was one of the first members of the Hobson County Council, of which he remained a member for many years till leaving the district. The honourable
M.L.C., was a Minister of the Crown in the short-lived Stout-Vogel Government as Commissioner of Trade and Customs from the 19th of August, 1884, and as Minister of the Marine Department from the following day. The Ministry resigned on the 28th of the same month, having held office for twelve days in all. Captain Morris was born in Tasmania in 1840. After leaving school he joined the marines and travelled in various parts of the world. At the age of thirty he came to New Zealand per ship “Countess of Kintore” and settled in Auckland. He first entered political life as a member of the Auckland Provincial Council about 1872. Four years later he was elected to the House of Representatives for the East Coast. At the general election of 1879 he was defeated, but was again returned for the same constituency in 1882 and 1884. Shortly afterwards he resigned his seat and was called to the Legislative Council, of which body he is still a member.
was a Minister of the Crown for six days as Colonial Secretary in the fourth Atkinson Government—the shortest on record in the Colony. He is the fifth son of the late Felix Wakefield, and nephew of Edward Gibbon Wakefield, the well-known colonizer and founder of South Australia, and New Zealand. Born in Launceston, Tasmania, in 1845, he accompanied his parents to England, and was brought to New Zealand in 1851. Part of his boyhood was spent under the care of an uncle in Wellington. In 1855 he went to London where he was educated at King's College, and in 1863 returned to the Colony, and joined the staff of the Nelson Examiner. Two years after he entered the Civil Service as clerk, and in 1866 was appointed Private Secretary to the Premier, Sir E. W. Stafford. Subsequently he became Confidential Secretary to the Cabinet, a position which he held for four years. For a few years he was well-known as a part proprietor and editor of the Evening Press, Wellington. He performed the duties of editor with distinguished ability, but managed to run the paper into two libel actions, the expenses of which were ruinously heavy. Mr. Wakefield entered Parliament in 1875 as member for Geraldine, and was re-elected for the same constituency in 1879. He was defeated at the elections of 1881, and two years later on contesting the Inangahua seat. In May, 1884, he wooed the electors of Selwyn successfully, and in the month of July following was returned unopposed. He is a fluent speaker, and a gifted lecturer. His knowledge of literature is wide and comprehensive, and his style as a writer clear and smooth. In all points he is a characteristic member of a gifted family. Mr. Wakefield is well-known as the author of a book, treating of the Colony's progress for the last fifty years. He has left New Zealand, and for some time has been in America.
was a Minister of the Colony for the six days during which the fourth Atkinson Ministry held the reins of office. He held the portfolios of Lands and Immigration from the 28th of August to the 3rd of September, 1884. Mr. Hursthouse was a member of the House of Representatives for Motueka. At the last general election he contested the City of Nelson, but was defeated by Mr. J. Graham, the present member.
M.H.R., was a member of the fourth and fifth Atkinson Governments. He first took office as a Minister of the Crown on the 28th of August, 1884, as Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Telegraphs. This Cabinet was defeated and went out of office in six days. In October, 1887, the last Atkinson Ministry was formed, and on the 17th of October, 1889, Captain Russell joined the Ministry, the portfolios of Colonial Secretary, Minister of Defence and Minister of Justice being allotted to him. With his colleagues he resigned on the 24th of January, 1891 to make room for the Ballance Ministry who succeeded to the Government benches. Further particulars of Captain Russell's career will be found under the heading “House of Representatives,” in which he is the recognised leader of Her Majesty's Opposition.
was Minister of Justice in the Stout-Vogel Ministry and held office during the whole of that Administration from September, 1884, to October, 1887. Mr. Tole is a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court, well known in Auckland where he has practised his profession for many years. He was a member of the House of Representatives for an Auckland Constituency for several years, but was defeated at the general election of 1887 at the same time that his colleague Sir Robert Stout lost his seat in Dunedin. The Ministry of which he was a member went out of office on the 8th of October, 1887, being succeeded by the fifth Atkinson Government.
was born on the 8th of April, 1850, at Kirknewton, Midlothian, and is a son of Mr. John Hislop, LL.D., Edin., and F.R.S., Edin., who was the first secretary for Education in New Zealand, and took an active part in the inauguration of the splendid educational system which is
who held the several portfolios of Justice, Defence, Public Works, and Mines in the Atkinson Government, 1887-91, was born in Ayrshire, Scotland. His father, after whom he was named, came out to Melbourne in the early sixties with his family, per ship “Esmeralda.” Educated partly in Melbourne and partly at the University of Otago, the subject of this notice, who had arrived in New Zealand in 1869,
who was Minister of Education and Commissioner of Trade and Customs in the Atkinson Government from 8th of October, 1887, to 8th April, 1889, was born in Dublin, though of Scotch parentage, in 1843. At the early age of nine years the subject of this notice found work in a printing office in Gough Square, Fetter Lane, London. Five years later he accompanied his father and mother to Melbourne, Victoria, where Mr. Fisher, senr., became one of a co-partnery of twenty compositors who bought the Age from its originators, two Wesleyan brothers, said to be named Clarkson. This co-partnery engaged as their editor a great gaunt Scotchman, Mr. Ebenezer Syme, a Congregational Minister, and a man of commanding intellect; he in reality founded the Melbourne Age. He died of consumption, but before his death he induced David Syme, his brother, who was then a successful builder in Melbourne, to take over the Age from the co-partnery. Ebenezer Syme died, and David Syme became possessed of a gold mine. Mr. George Fisher at that date was employed on the Age as reader boy. For some time he prosecuted his duties with satisfaction, but one day he attempted to improve some copy by inserting a political opinion; hence arose a remonstrance on the part of the proof-reader, which resulted in a change. Mr. Fisher determined to become a compositor, so that he might set up his own ideas. He was therefore apprenticed to Messrs. Fergusson and Moore, with whom he remained till 1863, when the gold-fever seized him and he crossed over to the Otago diggings. After a brief experience he settled down to newspaper work in Invercargill. About 1865 Mr. Fisher removed to Dunedin, where the late Hon. W. Reeves engaged him for the staff of the Lyttelton Times.
He worked on this paper in Christchurch till 1869, when, with other printers, he went out on strike; this he proved to be a bad business, as many others have done since that time. No office would employ him, and it was therefore necessary to move on somewhere. Mr. Fisher visited Hokitika for a short time, but soon came on to Wellington, and was fortunate in getting work at the Government Printing Office. This he retained till about 1872, when he joined the Independent as reporter. He now worked hard to become an expert at shorthand, and eventually succeeded in gaining a place on the New Zealand Hansard staff, for which he had long been working. For eleven years he held this appointment and displayed real abilities in the performance of his duties. Having obtained permission, he contested the Thorndon Ward for a seat in the City Council, and was successful. His friends and admirers presented him with an address and also a silver service in recognition of this victory. After four years as a councillor of the City of Wellington Mr. Fisher was elected to the Mayoral Chair, and so well did he manage affairs that he was re-elected for four years successively after the close of his first year of office, this being the longest consecutive mayoralty in the history of Wellington. In 1884 Mr. Fisher first entered Parliament as the representative of South Wellington, and three years later he was returned for Wellington East. At the general election of 1890 Mr. Fisher was returned at the top of the poll for Wellington City, but the next turn of the wheel of fortune was adverse, and the first election under the female franchise saw him defeated. There is no doubt that Mr. Fisher will again be heard of, and probably the election of 1896 will result more favourably to him than the last one. Mr. Fisher was married on 1st of August, 1866, to Mias Laura Emma, daughter of Mr. James H. Tompkins, of Christchurch, and has six
who was Minister of Lands and Immigration from the 8th of October, 1887, to the 24th of January, 1891, Minister of Mines from the 8th of October, 1887, to the 17th of October, 1889, and Minister of Agriculture from the 17th of October, 1889, to the 24th of January, 1891, in the Atkinson Government, was born in 1837 in Cheltenham, England, where he was educated. In 1851, at the early age of fourteen, he arrived in New Zealand by the “Dominion,” one of the second four ships despatched to Lyttelton, and forthwith went to Otago. He joined the Government service in Dunedin in 1860 as a cadet in the Survey Office, and speedily qualified as a surveyor. The honourable gentleman remained in the Civil Service for a quarter of a century as one of the district surveyors of Southland. Mr. Richardson took an active part in local government, first as a member of road boards, and afterwards as a councillor and chairman of the Southland County, and retained his connection with that body till he became a Minister of the Crown. During his political career Mr. Richardson represented the constituency of Mataura, for which he was first elected member of the House of Representatives in 1884. He was re-elected in 1887 and 1890, but at the general election of 1893 he was defeated. The honourable gentleman retired from the Civil Service in 1885, and entered into private practice as a surveyor. He is now a managing director of the firm of Messrs. Richardson, Reardon and Co., Limited, of Wellington. In 1865 Mr. Richardson was married to Miss White, daughter of the late Mr. T. J. White, merchant, of Invercargill. His family numbers five—three daughters and two sons.
M.L.C, who was a Minister in the Atkinson Administration, being a member of the Executive Council from 8th of October, 1887 to 24th of January, 1891, is the youngest son of the late Rev. W. E. Stevens, rector of Salford, Oxfordshire, England. Born on the 18th of October, 1837, and educated at Marlborough College and at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, he came to New Zealand in September, 1858 per ship “Zealandia” to Lyttelton. He is and has been for many years a member of the firm of Harman and Stevens, well known in Christchurch. Mr.
Stevens has been prominent in New Zealand political life since the year 1863 when he became a member of the Executive of the Canterbury province during Mr. Bealey's superintendency. He retired three years later on the election of the late Mr. W. S. Moorhouse to that office and offered himself as a candidate for the Selwyn Electorate in the House of Representatives to which he was returned without opposition. At the following general election Mr. Stevens contested the same seat as a Freetrader and opponent of the grain duty, but was defeated though only by a single vote. In 1876 he stood for Christchurch City, and was returned at the head of the poll, his colleagues being the Hon. E. Richardson and Mr. Moorhouse. On the election following the dissolution granted to Sir George Grey's government in 1879 the subject of this notice was again elected for the City of the Plains. The parliament then elected was the last in which the honourable gentleman sat as a member of the Lower House, and at its close he accepted a seat in the Legislative Council, being appointed on the 7th of March, 1882. In the deliberations of this branch of the Legislature he has taken part up to the present time. New Zealand is indebted to Mr. Stevens for originating the Public Trust Act under the authority of which the State becomes responsible through the Public Trustee for the due administration of intestate and other estates and the realization and distribution of
New Zealand enjoys representative Government in the widest sense of the words. In no country in the world are the ideals of Democracy so practically focussed into a constitution which embodies the expression of a “Government of the people, for the people, and by the people.” But the liberties and privileges people of the Colony now enjoy were not granted to the early colonists for many years after its settlement. In common with all dependencies of the British Crown, New Zealand owes its constitution mainly to Edward Gibbon Wakefield. He possessed a genius for systematic colonisation, which first exhibited itself in 1838, when, as secretary to Lord Durham, a scheme of Government was drawn up for Canada, then in a discontented and backward condition, and the crux of this scheme was to put the Government as much as possible in the hands of the colonists themselves, giving them the power to both make and execute the laws. Lord Durham was an able man, and the difficulties to be surmounted in Canada required high ability to overcome them, and it rested with him and Mr. Wakefield to make or mar the country by the constitution they framed for it. Lord Durham's mission made Canada, and it gave Gibbon Wakefield a further insight into the science of building colonies. He may be said to have been the parent of systematic colonisation, and was the real founder of New Zealand, though he did not visit it himself until 1852. In the struggles for representative institutions in the Imperial Parliament, and with the Colonial Office, Mr. Gibbon Wakefield contributed to its success more than anyone else.
The Imperial Government, finding that the New Zealand Company had entered upon a vigorous colonising policy, was compelled to find some machinery for governing the new colony, and the machinery employed was of the despotic form invariably used by the Colonial Office in these days—a Governor and a Council of three officials. These were Captain William Hobson, R.N., Governor; Mr. George Cooper, Collector of Customs and Treasurer; Felton Matthews, Acting Surveyor-General; and Willoughby Shortland, Police Magistrate. Two other clerks, a sergeant, and four troopers accompanied the Administration, and on the 30th of January, 1840, the Governor hoisted the British flag at Kororareka, read his commission as Governor, and New Zealand became a Colony. This form of Government lasted, under Governor Hobson, Lieutenant Shortland as Administrator after his death, and Governor Fitzroy, until 1845, when the latter was recalled in disgrace for incapacity for government. His greatest fault appears to have been in starting a State Bank and issuing “Assignats,” or State notes for sums as low as 2s. each, and declaring them a legal tender. In the light of the advanced thought of the present day this cause of disgrace might be excused on the ground that he was perhaps half-a-century before his time. His offence and recall opened up in the Imperial Parliament the whole question of representative institutions in the colonies, and Sir Robert Peel, then Prime Minister, said, “I am strongly inclined to think that representative Government is suited for the condition of the people.” A long debate took place, with the result that the Colonial Office despotism was doomed, and that every British colony would have that self-government for which New Zealand, through her colonists here and her friends at Home, had fought the advance battle and had gained the victory. Previous to this debate in the House of Commons in 1845, no other colony except Canada had raised its voice for representative Government.
Captain Grey followed Captain Fitzroy. Naval men had been tried as administrators, and now an experiment was to be made with a military officer; but Captain Grey had already surmounted some difficulties in South Australia, and he was empowered to establish Representative Government. Consequently, he was warmly welcomed;
ultra vires, and it was cancelled and things went on as before.
During 1849 the colonists went systematically to work petitioning the Imperial Parliament for representative institutions to be granted to them without further delay, but Governor Grey had the ear of the Colonial Office, and matters went on in the old way for a few years longer. The Canterbury Province in the meantime was making rapid strides, and there were members of the House of Commons who had interests there, and they took up the question, and finally, in 1851, Sir William Fox went Home, and, in conjunction with Gibbon Wakefield, Lord Lyttelton, and other prominent statesmen interested in the colonies, the question of Representative Government, through their efforts, came before English statesmen. Many months went by; Lord John Russell's Ministry resigned and Lord Derby took office, and Sir John Pakington became Secretary for the Colonies. He introduced a Bill to give New Zealand a constitution. Sir William Fox and Mr. Gibbon Wakefield interviewed all the leading men of the House, and the Bill finally passed on the 16th of July, 1852. Its receipt in the Colony was notified just six months afterwards, on the 17th of January, 1853, by the Governor, six weeks after he received it. When the fact was made known, every town, village, and settlement in the Colony celebrated the glad news by public rejoicings. The people had so long felt degraded at having no voice in the Government they lived under or the levying of the taxation they had to pay, that they had almost lost all hopes of ever possessing the rights which are inborn in every Briton. But Governor Grey did not at once give the people the privileges the Imperial Parliament had conceded. He received the Constitution Act on the 17th of January, but he did not issue the writs for the election of members of the General Assembly until the 7th of July, 1853, and after the elections were over he did not call the representatives together, and when he left the Colony in December, a year after the proclamation of the Act, there had been no meeting of the Assembly.
The first General Assembly was called together at Auckland on the 24th of May, and consisted of nineteen members of the Legislative Council, and thirty-seven members of the House of Representatives. Mr. W. T. L. Travers had been elected for two seats, Waimea and Nelson, and resigned the latter, which Mr. Cantley filled. Chief Justice Martin administered the oaths, and members raised an objection to his opening Parliament under delegated powers, and the House proceeded with the preliminary routine work of framing standing orders and regulations. Mr. W. Swainson had been appointed Speaker of the Council by the Governor, and Mr. (Sir) Charles Clifford was elected Speaker of the House of Representatives. The first debate in both Houses then took place, and it was on the question as to whether the business should be opened with prayer by a clergyman. Objections were raised that such a course would lead to the Assembly being turned into a conventicle, and finally it was resolved “That it is fit and proper that the first act of the House of Representatives should be a public acknowledgment of the Divine Being, and a public supplication for his favour on its future labours.” A similar motion was carried in the Council, and this pious resolution was the first to be introduced and agreed to by the representatives of the people. Three days later, on the 27th of May, Lieutenant-Colonel Wynyard, Administrator of the Government, opened Parliament in person. He went very fully into the difficulties Parliament would have before it owing to the isolated nature of the settlements, no facilities for inter-communication, planted as they had been by different founders on different systems
Hansard. Every member of either House was requested to furnish the editor of Hansard with corrected reports of his speeches. Files of newspapers were procured, and their reports of the speeches carefully collated, and those which appeared to be most correct were selected. Some speeches were recorded with remarkable fulness and accuracy, but many great speeches in the House and most of those in the Council were wholly lost or very brief notices of them given in Hansard. Some members whose speeches were dreary beyoud belief and almost unintelligible as delivered in Parliament contrive to figure with rounded periods and flowing oratory, while Sir William Fitzherbert, with his powers of illustration and sarcasm, Mr. Sewell, who spoke much and often, and Sir William Fox, who delivered his pungent home thrusts at railway speed, have very scant notices in early Hansards.
The first Ministry consisted of Mr. A. Shepherd, Colonial Treasurer, and Mr. A. Sinclair, Colonial Secretary, neither of whom were members of the Assembly, and the Hon. Wm. Swainson, M.L.C., Attorney-General; and Messrs. J. E. FitzGerald, H. Sewell, F. A. Weld, T. H. Bartley, all without portfolios, Mr. F. D. Bell joining them about a fortnight later. With these appointments the General Assembly of the Colony of New Zealand may be said to have been launched on its career.
Parliament House, Wellington is one of the most extensive wooden structures in the world, and its situation is admirably chosen, being on the rising ground enclosed by Sydney, Molesworth and Hill Streets, at the Thorndon or north end of the City. The buildings are exclusively used by the Legislature, and were erected in 1873 from plans prepared by the colonial architect, Mr. Clayton. Previous to this the General Government Buildings were inadequate for the requirements of the time, and a number of departments had their offices within the buildings. During the session of 1870 Mr. Gisborne, then Colonial Secretary and Leader of the Legislative Assembly, made a statement to the effect that it was necessary for the Legislature to put its house in order. It had been reported that the roof of the buildings was in such a precarious condition that an earthquake or a gale of wind might bring it down. Mr. (afterwards Sir W.) Fox gave similar information in the Lower House and a joint committee of both Houses was appointed to report upon any alterations or new elections which might be thought necessary for the accommodation of the Government and the Assembly. At that time the present departmental buildings had no existence, and the whole of the General Government staff was accommodated either in Parliament Buildings or in rented offices in the neighbourhood. This was so inconvenient as well as costly that arrangements were made about the same time to erect special buildings for the permanent occupation of the departments. No definite action was taken until 1872 when Sir James Hector and Mr. Clayton both reported on the ravages made by dry rot in the roof, and recommended the immediate re-construction of the buildings as soon as the session of that year terminated. Plans were prepared and the work proceeded with, and in the following year the General Assembly was held in the present buildings. The contract price of the re-construction was £5218 for the House of Representatives, and £6230 for the Legislative Council, and there have been considerable sums expended annually since then. Recently, in the recess of 1893-1894 extensive alterations were made. The Legislative Council furniture was removed, the grounds re-arranged, a thorough system of ventilation established by means of fans driven by electric motors, and special appliances laid on to purify, heat, and distribute air throughout the building. To provide for this a chamber had to be excavated under the buildings, and the necessary
bon mot which has provoked a hearty laugh among the members is lost to the reporters, much to the chagrin of the author of the joke. The Hansard reporters are also provided with accommodation in this gallery, but are partitioned off from the newspaper reporters. The Hansard staff is a very efficient one, and its annual cost is about £2400, and the printing of the debates another £2700. The gallery on the west side of the Chamber—the Speaker's gallery—can only be reached by a ticket to be obtained from the Speaker, each member being entitled to apply for one. Opposite the reporters' is the ladies' gallery. This is a favourite resort of the grand dames of the Empire City, and is almost always filled, some of the habituès providing themselves with needlework or knitting to fill up the time during a dull debate and laying it aside when matters became interesting, and it has been remarked since Women's Suffrage became the law of the land, how often members turn their faces to the ladies' gallery and their backs to the Speaker as soon as they have delivered themselves of the necessary and preliminary “Sir,” which introduces a speech. The strangers' gallery occupies the fourth side and is open to the public. It is usually well filled, and the countenances of its occupants show how deep an interest the general public feel in the legislation going on year by year for their welfare. Sir George Grey notified to the people of New Zealand on 17th of January, 1853, that he had received the Constitution Act from Her Majesty, and that the Colony for the future had the privilege of governing itself, and the first parliament met on the 27th of May, 1854. Since then the cost of the Legislature has been a constantly increasing one, as the following quinquennial comparisons will show:—1860-1861, £8479; 1865-1866, £13,288; 1870-1871, £19,600; 1875-1876, £31,632; 1880-1881, £38,493; 1885-1886, £46,627.
The annual cost of the permanent staff of the Legislative Council for salaries is £3270 which includes the Speaker, £600; Chairman of Committees, £420; Clerk to the Council, £600; five other officials, extra assistance during the session, reporting and incidental expenses absorb the balance. In the House of Representatives the cost is about £8000. The general expenses common to both Houses is about £2000. The librarian's department averages £1400 which sum includes the purchase of new books and periodicals. The members of the Upper House receive £150 per annum, and of the popular chamber, £240, the total cost in this respect being upwards of £26,000. The grounds surrounding Parliament House and the drives are well laid out and maintained with commendable neatness, and at night are lit by a powerful electric arc light in the centre of the lawn. During session time only members are allowed access to those portions of the House not specially set apart for the public, but during the recess the buildings may be visited and inspected on an order from the proper authorities.
The Legislative Council of the General Assembly is analogous in its powers and functions to the House of Lords in the British Legislature. It is the second of the three estates; the Governor representing the First Estate or Royalty, and the House of Representatives being a copy of the House of Commons or Third Estate. In the early days of Representative Government in New Zealand, after the granting of the Constitution Act by the Imperial Government in 1852, the Council was nominated by the Governor. This Act provided that the General Assembly should consist of not less than ten members, appointed for life, five to form a quorum. As a matter of fact fifteen Councillors were appointed, and as Auckland was then the seat of Government, and the means of travelling were of the scantiest in those days, the Governor nominated seven Auckland merchants and landholders out of the fifteen to the first Council. Auckland was then more distant from the Southern provinces, as far as facilities for travelling Mere concerned, than Western Australia is now. An effort was made by an enterprising English firm about 1854 to introduce steam navigation in the Colony, and a steamer about 800 tons, the Nelson, was sent out for Messrs. A. Fell and Co., of Nelson, to experiment with. A few months' experience convinced this firm that the high price of coal and the limited number of travellers precluded any possibility of even so small a steamer, with the whole of the coastal trade of the Colony, paying her way, and she was sent back to England, and members in those days had to take their chance of a trading schooner or a brig to get to their legislative duties and back home again. Instances occurred where the shortest route from Lyttelton to Auckland or other ports was by taking a passage by a regular trader to Sydney, and there finding a vessel for the desired port. Therefore, the geographical position of Auckland, and its consequent power owing to the seat of Government being there, was detrimental to the well-being of the rest of the Colony, and was very frequently alluded to as analogous to the Imperial Parliament holding its sessions at the Orkney Isles before steam navigation or railways were invented. This being so, the Auckland members of the Upper House were always in a majority. As time went on and Responsible Government asserted its powers and privileges year by year, the appointments to the Council still remained nominally with the Governor, but became really the patronage of the Ministry, which departure was strictly in keeping with the spirit of the Constitution Act. There has never been any fixed rule as to the qualifications of members or of their number, but previous to 1891 there was a sort of unwritten law in force which followed the lines adopted by the British Legislature, and the appointees to the Council were invariably selected from colonists who either represented property, or had sat in the House of Representatives for several sessions and qualified themselves for the elevation, or had rendered good service to the State; but, generally speaking, it was the landed interest which was first considered, and each provincial district was, as far as circumstances and eligibility of persons would permit, represented fairly. After the Amendment Act of 1891 these conditions were qualified considerably, and a number of gentlemen were called to the Upper House chiefly on the grounds that the Labour legislation then being introduced in the Popular Chamber would be inoperative unless assisted by a strong party of sympathisers in the Upper House. Considerable friction arose between Lord Onslow and the Government of Sir H. Atkinson as to how far his powers of veto could prevail in refusing to call several members to the House at once, and the matter, after due deliberation by the Secretary for the Colonies, resulted in acknowledging the right of the colonies to act in accordance with its own opinions as to what was best for it, and although the Governor has still a power of veto in this matter, the will of the people, as expressed by the Government of the day, is supreme.
The functions of the Legislative Assembly are, as stated above, based on the lines of the House of Lords. The Council can originate or reject Bills or propose amendments, except in the case of Money Bills. The extent of its privileges is considerable, but hardly admits of legal definition. Its powers in dealing with what are commonly called Money Bills is one of the most important and difficult of constitutional questions, and leads to frequent disputes between the two Houses of Parliament, not only in New Zealand, but in all other colonies enjoying Constitutional Government. The disputes generally arise from the vagueness of the definition of what a Money Bill is. Frequently Policy Bills which embody the intentions of the Representative Chamber with respect to money matters have been so amended as to trench upon what the Popular Chamber considered to be its exclusive rights and privileges. By constitutional law and practice it is held to be the right of the representatives of the people to impose taxes and provide the supply. But as many Bills of a general character involving questions of general public policy of a highly important and often novel character containing money clauses frequently come before the Upper Chamber for consideration, it has been maintained that it would take away the usefulness of the Council if it could not duly consider and amend its provisions. The relations between the two Houses are therefore constantly liable to dispute between them, but these disputes have never, as yet, led to a deadlock such as has been experienced in other colonies with disastrous results. Differences of opinion between the two branches have always been settled by the appointment of “managers” from both Houses to discuss and compromise the differences, and a good feeling has consequently always been maintained. Members receive an honorarium of £150 per annum, and by the Act of 1891 the appointments are for seven years instead of life. During the session the ordinary sitting days are from Tuesday till Friday, but towards the end of the session the sittings are guided by the exigencies of time. The present number of members is forty-five, the Speaker being the Hon. Henry John Miller.
M.L.C., Speaker of the Legislative Council, is the second son of the late Rev. Sir Thomas Miller, Bart., of Hampshire, England. Born at Froyle, Alton, Hants, in 1830, and educated at Eton, the honourable gentleman came out to Otago, in 1860, per “City of Sydney,” from Sydney. Since settling in New Zealand, Mr. Miller has been largely interested in pastoral pursuits in the Oamaru district. He has also taken a considerable interest in the coal-mining industry, being a shareholder in the Westport Coal Company, one of the most extensive West Coast mines. He has long been a director, and is now chairman of the Company. The subject of this notice first entered the political arena in the days of Provincial Governments. He represented Oamaru in the Otago Provincial Council, and for about two years held office in the Provincial Executive as secretary for Public Works. He was called to the Legislative Council by the Weld Ministry on the 8th of July, 1865. The honourable gentleman held office as a member of the Fox-Vogel Government, with a seat in the Executive Council in the year 1872. He was elected speaker of the Council on the 8th of July, 1892, as successor of the late Hon. Sir H. A. Atkinson, K.C.M.G. Mr. Miller was married on December the 15th, 1864, to Miss7908 Jessie, daughter of the late Mr. John Orbell, Hawkesbury, Waikouaiti, and has five sons and one daughter living. The two elder sons are engaged in sheep-farming in the Wellington Provincial district.
M.L.C., Chairman of Committees of the Legislative Council, comes of an old Scotch family settled in County Down, Ireland, whose sons have been prominent in the Imperial Service. His father, a lieutenant in the 23rd Fusiliers, was a Waterloo veteran, and afterwards became Commissioner of Crown Lands at New Brunswick, and his grandfather, a captain of the 51st Foot, was present at the Battle of Minden. The honourable gentleman was born in Canada, New Brunswick, on the 22nd of February, 1827, and was sent to Woolwich to receive a military education. At the age of eighteen he entered the British Army as an ensign in the 24th Foot, and went with his regiment to India, where
Clerk of Parliaments, Clerk of the Legislative Council, and Examiner of Standing Orders on Private Bills, has for thirty years been an officer in the Parliamentary Buildings. Born at Trolly Hall, Buckingham, Mr. Stowe was educated partly at Iffley, near Oxford, and later at the celebrated Rugby School, when Dr. Goulburn was headmaster. Coming to the Colony in 1858, per ship “Lady Alice,” to Nelson, he had some years' experience of station life under Mr. A. P. Seymour, of the Wairau. In 1863 he was appointed secretary to Mr. Thomas Carter, then Superintendent of the Province of Marlborough, and afterwards acted under Mr. Seymour when that gentleman was raised to the Superintendeney. Mr. Stowe was clerk to the Provincial Council of Marlborough in 1864. A year later he was appointed clerk of the Legislative Council, a position which he has filled from that time. On the retirement of Major Campbell, in 1889, Mr. Stowe was appointed clerk of Parliaments, and the position of examiner of Standing Orders on Private Bills was conferred in 1888. Mr. Stowe has filled many other offices during his career. In the days of Provincial Councils he was returning officer for some of the the Wairau districts, and in 1894 he held the important position of Secretary to the first Postal Conference held in New Zealand. Though occupied with his important public duties, Mr. Stowe has invented a very ingenious machine, which is known as “Stowe's Patent Calculating Machine.” This was exhibited at the Melbourne Exhibition of 1881, and received honourable mention. There is reason to believe that the totalisator and
Clerk-Assistant to the Legislative Council, whose father was a member of an old-established firm of London solicitors, was born on the 30th of November, 1846, at Champion Hill, Surrey, and was educated at Temple Grove, East Sheen, and at Blackheath Proprietary School. In 1868 he sailed for Melbourne in the “True Briton,” intending to return shortly to the Old Land. Having crossed over to New Zealand on the way back, after visiting Tasmania, he decided to remain in the Colony. On the 11th of March, 1871, Mr. Bothamley was appointed clerk to the Flax Commissioners, and in the same year obtained employment in the Legislative Council Office. He steadily rose in the service, and on the 1st of September, 1878, was appointed to his present position. Mr. Bothamley was acting-clerk of the Legislative Council in the session of 1886, during the absence of Mr. L. Stowe, and received a unanimous vote of the Council in commendation of his services. In 1876 Mr. Bothamley was secretary to the Philadelphia Exhibition Commission, and went to America in charge of the exhibits. He has sub-edited the transactions of the New Zealand Institute since the publication of the third volume in 1871. He also sub-edited the journals of the Christchurch meeting of the Australasian Association for the Advancement of Science, in 1891, which were edited by Sir J. Hector. Mr. Bothamley, who is an ardent canoeist and photographer, is a member of the Royal Canoe Club the Tainui Canoe Club (of which he is mate), and of other clubs and societies. In 1876 Mr. Bothamley married Elizabeth, daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Poulton, of Leavesden, in Essex, and has five sons and one daughter.
Second Clerk Assistant to the Legislative Council, was born in 1841. His father, the late Mr. John Moore, came out with his family to New Zealand in 1853, per ship “Constantine,” and settled at Waikaraka, on the East Coast, as a sheepfarmer. Mr. Moore joined the Legislative Department in 1874, when he was first employed as an extra clerk to the House of Representatives. After an experience of a year he was selected by Major Campbell, clerk of the Parliaments, to take the duties of reader, and in 1876 he became clerk of Bills and Papers, and Record Clerk. He was appointed second clerk assistant to the Legislative Council by the late Sir John L.C. Richardson in 1878.
Interpreter to the Legislative Council, is the eldest son of Bishop Hadfield, of Marton. Born at the mission station at Otaki in 1853, the subject of this notice had opportunities of acquiring a thorough knowledge of the Maori language from his earliest days. At the age of sixteen he entered the Union Bank of Australia at Napier as clerk, and remained for ten years in the service of that bank. In 1879 he was appointed interpreter to the House of Representatives, which position he retained till 1883, when he was transferred to the same position in the Legislative Council. In the years 1880 to 1882 Mr. Hadfield acted under Sir Dillon Bell and Sir W. Fox, as interpreter to the West Coast Royal Commission, which did such splendid service in settling native disputes in the Egmont and Wanganui District. Mr. Hadfield is also interested in sheepfarming. In January 1895, he was married to Miss Bessie, daughter of the Rev. H. E. Tuckey, of Wellington.
Chief Messenger of the Legislative Council, was born in North Germany in the year 1848. He was educated in the “Vaterland,” and learned the handicraft of a blacksmith. With two sisters and seven friends he embarked on board the “Halcione,” Captain Bishop, for Wellington, arriving in the month of August, 1870. Mr. Poll conducted an hotel in Greytown, Wairarapa, for something like a year, and afterwards returned to Wellington, where he started for himself as blacksmith in the Royal Stables, shoeing all the horses used by Messrs. Brogden and Sons, who were at that time forming the railway line to the Lower Hutt. Unfortunately Mr. Poll had to give up business for a time on account of ill health, but after recovering he bought a coach and started to drive between Karori and Wellington. He was unfortunate, however, in meeting with an accident—by which he sustained a crushed ankle—which caused him eighteen months' cessation from work. On recovering sufficiently, in 1876, he secured an appointment as messenger in the House of Representatives, under the late Sir William Fitzherbert, which he retained for two years. When Sir William was appointed to the Legislative Council, in 1879, Mr. Poll was transferred to the service of that august assembly, in which he has remained, and risen to the position of chief messenger. Prior to his appointment to the chief messengership in 1893, Mr. Poll had for many years acted as custodian of the Parliamentary Buildings in the absence of Mr. Letham on his annual holiday. Mr. Poll continued as messenger when Sir Harry Atkinson was speaker, and in June, 1892, when that distinguished politician was stricken down, he died in Mr. Poll's arms in the speaker's room at the Legislative Council.
Since the formation of the General Assembly in 1854, six gentlemen have passed into the list of Ex-Speakers. Three of them occupied the chair for a total of nearly thirty-five years, the other three averaging but little over a year each. The present Speaker has held the honour upwards of three years. Only one of the Speakers of the Upper House had occupied a similar position in the House of Representatives—that one being the Hon. Sir William Fitzherbert, K.C.M.G., who retired from the Speakership of the Lower House on the 13th of June, 1879, and on the following day was elected Speaker of the higher body. Sir William's combined term extended from 1876 to 1891.
was the first Speaker of the Legislative Council. He was elected on the 16th of May, 1854, and retired on the 8th of August, 1856. Mr. Swainson was born in Lancashire, England. A barrister of the Middle Temple, he was nominated in 1841 by Lord John Russell to succeed Mr. Francis Fisher, the first Attorney General of New Zealand, which position he held until the establishment of Responsible Government in 1856, Immediately after his appointment he sailed for the Colony, and was a fellow-passenger with Chief Justice (Sir William) Martin. As a member of the Executive Council, he, at the beginning of his career, inaugurated many useful reforms, and laid the foundations of many of the best institutions of to-day. The honourable gentleman, associated with the good Bishop Selwyn, greatly assisted the establishment of the Episcopal Church in this country. In 1866, in recognition of his valuable services to the Church, he was appointed to the high office of Chancellor of the Diocese of Auckland, and held the appointment continuously until his death in 1884. In the year succeeding his appointment to the Speakership, Mr. Swainson, while holding the post of Attorney-General, visited England and delivered lectures on “New Zealand as a Field for Colonization.” His love of the Colony is also well evidenced in his literary works, which bear the titles “Auckland the Capital of New Zealand,” “New Zealand and its Colonization,” and “New Zealand and the War.” Since his retirement from the Attorney-Generalship in 1856, Mr. Swainson figures but once as an Executive Councillor—namely, from April to July in the year 1879, during which short period he was a member of the Grey Government without portfolio.
K.C.M.G., M.L.C., succeeded the Hon. Mr. Swainson on the 8th of August, 1855, as speaker of the Legislative Council, and held the office till the 12th of May, 1856. The honourable gentleman was a member of the first ministry which was formed in May, 1856; he sat in several governments, and became Premier of the Colony in April, 1882. Full particulars of Sir Frederick's career will be found under the heading “Past Premiers.”
M.L.C., became Speaker of the Legislative Council on the 12th of May, 1856. He was the third Speaker and held the position till the 1st of July, 1858. Further particulars of the honourable gentleman are given under the heading “Members of the Executive Council prior to the establishment of Responsible Government.”
Kt., M.L.C., was speaker of the Legislative Council from the first of July, 1868 to the 14th of June, 1879. Sir John held office as a minister of the Crown between the years 1864 and 1869 in the Weld and Stafford Governments. Further particulars of his career will be found under the heading “Ex Ministers.”
K.C.M.G., M.L.C., was elected to the Speaker's Chair of the Legislative Council on the 14th of June, 1879, and was from time to time re-elected speaker till the 23rd of January, 1891. Sir William had been speaker of the House of Representatives for three years before his election to the chair of the Council, and was a member of several Ministries. The subject of this notice was born in 1810. His father was the Rev. Samuel Fitzherbert, of Buckshire House, Dorset. Educated at Queen's College, Cambridge, where he graduated, B.A. 1832 and M.A. 1836, he was elected a Fellow of the College. After studying medicine he became a Fellow of the Boyal College of Physicians, and practised for some time in Hanover Square, London. Arriving in the Colony in 1842 he was placed at the head of the colonial magistracy in the following year. Sir William joined in the agitation of the early days with the object of securing responsible government. He first sat in the House of Representatives for Wellington in 1856, and afterwards represented the Hutt. In 1871 he was elected Superintendent of the Province of Wellington. After the close of the Maori War the Imperial Government made a demand for one-million-and-a-quarter of money to recoup the expenses incurred in putting down the native rebellion. Sir William Fitzherbert, who was at that time Colonial Treasurer admitted that half-a-million was due, but repudiated the balance entirely. The amount due was fully paid, and Sir William was sent to England to arrange the matter. Personally he protested against the claim and stood out firmly against it. After many interviews with the Duke of Buckingham and other officials, the Imperial Government waived their claim and Sir William was jubilant. After his return he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1876. Three years later he was raised to the Legislative Council, and continued a member till his death in 1891. Sir William was made C.M.G. in 1872 and K.C.M.G. in 1877. He visited England in 1887 to represent New Zealand at the Colonial Conference. In 1890 he was elected a delegate to the Federation Conference, but died in 1891 before the assembly met. Further particulars of his career will be found elsewhere, under the headings “Ex Ministers,” and “Ex Speakers of the House of Representatives.”
K.C.M.G., M.L.C., was Speaker of the Legislative Council from the 23rd of January, 1891, till his death on the 28th of June, 1892. The honourable gentleman's career is referred to at length as a Past Premier of the Colony. His birthplace there stated as “Hurworth” should read “Cheshire,” the date of his arrival “1853” instead of “1831,” and the date of his election to Parliament “1861,” and not “1863.” On coming to New Zealand Major Atkinson was a fellow passenger of the late Mr. Justice Richmond. In 1863 his band of volunteers became known as the Taranaki Bushrangers, their work then being to scour the country round New Plymouth, especially the bush, and keep it clear from wandering and marauding parties of the Maoris who had infested the country and done great havoc in 1860-1861. On joining the Weld Ministry in 1864, the policy pursued was the well-known “self-reliant policy,” involving on the one hand the assumption by the Colony of the full control of native affairs, and on the other the withdrawal of the British troops. In the session of 1875 when Sir Harry was Colonial Treasurer an important change was made in the Constitution of the Colony by the abolition of Provincial Governments and Legislatures. During Sir Harry's last term of office as Premier of New Zealand (1887-1891) he did the last though not the least important of his services to New Zealand in inducing Parliament to adopt a policy of serious retrenchment and of living within its means.
The House of Representatives of the Colony is a copy of the British House of Commons. At present it consists of seventy-four members—seventy European and four Maori representatives. By Proclamation dated the 5th of March, 1853, the number was fixed by Sir George
As regards the functions of the House of Representatives, they are of a wide and all-embracing character. It is the indisputable right and privilege of the representatives of the people that all grants and subsidies or parliamentary aids begin in their House and are first bestowed by them, although their grants are not effectual to all intents and purposes until they have the assent of the other branch of the Legislature. The general reason given for this exclusive privilege is that the supplies are raised from the body of the people, and therefore it is proper they should tax themselves through their representatives, a reason which would be unanswerable if they did only tax themselves. The act of the majority of the House binds the whole, and this majority is declared by votes openly and publicly given. The Speaker never votes unless the votes are equal, when he has a casting vote. The course of procedure in legislation is as follows:—A Bill originating in the House is brought in on a motion to obtain leave for that purpose. The Bill is then read a first time, and ordered to be printed, and, after a convenient interval, read a second time; at that stage, if successfully
Speaker of the House of Representatives, occupies a unique position in colonial politics. He is justly considered one of the best Speakers New Zealand has ever had, and his long tenure of office is proof of the esteem in which he is held. But his fame is by no means confined to this Colony. On the contrary, it is a well-known fact that the Parliaments of the Australian Continent look with envy and admiration to New Zealand's Speaker, and think that if their chairs were as ably filled the scenes that sometimes have occurred in their Legislative Assemblies might have been prevented. Although prominent in political life for so many years, Sir Maurice is not a native of the Colony. He was born at Moylough, in the county of Galway, Ireland, and received his primary education at Dr. Smyth's school, near Dublin, from which he passed with an exhibition to Trinity College. During his residence there he distinguished himself as an honourman in classics and graduated B.A. in 1852. The gold fever was now at its height in Great Britain, but that was not the moving cause of Mr. O'Rorke emigrating to Australia. His thoughts were turned thither from his having had an uncle, Henry Dennis, settled as a squatter in the Darling Downs, in the early forties, but who was lost in the wreck of the “Sovereign,” near Moreton Bay, in 1847. Immediately after the completion of his University course, he sailed for Melbourne. Arriving in Victoria in the palmy days of the goldfields, he found the acquisition of a station in Victoria beyond his means, and with the view of taking up a run in the interior, pushed into New South Wales. In Sydney, at the age of twenty-three, he was offered the charge of a school in that city at a salary of £300 a-year, but, although having a strong leaning for the promotion of education, he decided in favour of trying his hand at station life, and spent some time with the late C. N. Bagot, who was also a Galway man. Bagot was a great overlander, and had stations on the Murrumbidgee and Lachlan, and Mr. O'Rorke got initiated into the life of an overlander by taking stock from the Lachlan to Bendigo, and subsequently took mobs of horses on his own account from New South Wales to Melbourne. On one occasion he disposed of his horses at Beechworth, and took up a party of diggers to the Buckland River, a tributary of the Ovens, and was so far successful that he and his mates, in a fortnight, divided amongst them their gold, which realized £1400. Dissatisfied, however, with his prospects of obtaining land in Australia, the land being locked up in the hands of the squatters, he determined to try his fortune in New Zealand, and sailed for Auckland in 1854. Not long after his arrival he settled down to farming in Papakura, but removed to Onehunga in the following year. Farming in those days, as in these, was not in every
the Speaker's Secretary, belongs to an old political family, being a son of the late Hon. Patrick Dignan, M.L.C., of Auckland, who for nearly half a century took a prominent part in almost every political movement at the northern capital. Mr. James Dignan was born at Auckland in 1850, and in common with the other members of his father's family was educated under the private tutorship of the late Mr. R. J. O's Sullivan, who was afterwards for many years the popular inspector of schools in the Auckland district. On completing his education Mr. Dignan secured an appointment in the Crown Lands Office, Auckland, but after two years of Civil Service he resigned and took to farming at Point Chevalier, on the outskirts of Auckland. While thus engaged he was for many years secretary to the Newton Road Board, and also for a long time occupied the chair of the Point Chevalier Road Board. Mr. Dignan had further experience as a member of the Eden County Council to which he was elected unopposed through the withdrawal of Mr. A. K. Taylor. Making a change in his farming career Mr. Dignan became an employée of the Estates Company and held the position for about four years. Throughout his life he has taken an active intersst in politics of all kinds. In the later seventies he was a member of the Central Committee which existed for the purpose of increasing the following of Sir George Grey in the House of Representatives. Mr. Dignan has held his present position of secretary to Sir Maurice O'Rorke since the Speaker's election in 1893. He was not quite new to the position, having been clerk to Sir Maurice when that gentleman was Speaker of the Auckland Provincial Council.
Chairman of Committees of the House of Representatives, is the member for the Grey Electoral District. He was born in 1846 in Calcutta, and arrived at Lyttelton by the ship “Tory,” in August, 1852. His father, the late Mr. Frank Guinness, who died in 1892, was warden at Collingwood, and afterwards Resident Magistrate at Ashburton. The member for Grey attended the Christchurch College and Grammar School when the Venerable Dean Jacobs was headmaster. On leaving school he chose the law for his profession, and was articled in Christchurch to Mr. Edward Harston, who afterwards sold his business to Messrs. Garrick and Cowlishaw, and Mr. Guinness completed his articles with that firm. At the age of twenty-one Mr. Guinness was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court, and some years later was appointed a notary public. Almost immediately after admission he left for the West Coast, where he settled in Greymouth and commenced the practice of his profession, founding the well known firm of Guinness and Warner, which afterwards became Guinness and Kitchingham. Mr. J. E. Warner, who studied law with the subject of this notice, became a partner in the business in 1876. Mr. H. W. Kitchingham, who succeeded Mr. Warner in the firm in 1894, was also articled to Mr. Guinness. The Chairman of Committees first entered the political arena as a member of the Westland Provincial Council in 1872; he remained in the Council until the abolition of Provincial Governments in 1876. On the establishment of the Grey County Council, Mr. Guinness was elected as one of the first members, and became chairman of that body, a position which he held for eight years. In 1881 he was returned to the House as member for the Grey Electoral District, which he has continuously represented to the present time. On the resignation of Mr. W. L. Rees as Chairman of Committees, in 1893, Mr. Guinness was appointed to the office, and has been since re-elected without opposition. As a member of Greymouth Friendly Societies, he is attached to the Oddfellows', Foresters', and Druids' Lodges, but his important public duties have precluded his acceptance of office. Mr. Guinness was married, in 1875, to Miss Westbrook, daughter of Mr. James Westbrook, of Launceston.
the Leader of the Opposition, is the member for the Hawkes Bay constituency. Born at Sandhurst, Berkshire, England, on the 12th of November, 1838, the future politician visited New Zealand in the forties with his father, who belonged to the 58th Regiment. Returning to England in 1848, Captain Russell was educated at the
Clerk of the House of Representatives, has for thirty-three years been a prominent officer in the Parliamentary Buildings. He was born in London, being the eldest son of George Friend, Esq., for many years Accountant-General for India, first in the East India Company's service, and afterwards in the Imperial service. His earlier education was received at a private school at Leatherhead, near Dorking, in Surrey, and afterwards at King's College in the University of London, where he remained for three years and took high honours. Although entered at Trinity College, Cambridge, he did not long continue his university career, but left England in August, 1853, taking passage to New Zealand by the “Hamilla Mitchell,” and arriving in New Zealand shortly before the termination of the first governorship of Sir George Grey, to whom he brought letters of introduction. In the following year Mr. Friend joined the Government service in the department of Dr. Knight, the Auditor-General. After four years he was promoted to a position under the Commissioner for Land Purchase, Sir Donald McLean, in whose department he worked till 1863. In this year Mr. Friend was appointed Clerk-Assistant to the House of Representatives, which position he retained till 1889, when he was promoted to that of Clerk of the House. Mr. Friend is the principal executive officer of the House, having full charge till the Speaker is elected. It is his duty to keep all the records and publish the journals of this branch of the Legislature. Mr. Friend lives at Karori. He married Miss Hynes, of Auckland, in 1865, and has one daughter.
Clerk Assistant to the House of Representatives, is a New Zealander, born at Richmond, Nelson, in 1846, and is the eldest son of Francis Otterson, one of the original Nelson proprietors. He was educated at Father Garin's Catholic School, and afterwards at Nelson College, holding during his last two years at that establishment a Foundation Scholarship for general knowledge, and the Stafford Scholarship for modern history of £30 and £20 per annum respectively. On leaving school, Mr. Otterson was for two years in a merchant's office, and subsequently he spent some two or three years on sheep and cattle stations in Nelson and Auckland Provincial Districts. After an experience of about twelve months on the Thames and Coromandel goldfields, he was appointed extra clerk to the House in 1870. Two years later Mr. Otterson was appointed reader, and in October, 1875, he was made second clerk-assistant. This position he occupied till 1889, when his present position was conferred. Mr. Otterson is an amateur artist of some ability; he has executed a painting of the late Sir William Fitzherbert, for many years Speaker of the Legislative Council, which occupies a prominent position in the Chamber; and in the Free Public Library there is a painting of Sir Maurice O'Rorke, the Speaker of the Lower House, which is also from the brush of Mr. Otterson. As a sheep-farmer Mr. Otterson had a run in Marlborough for about ten years, which he disposed of in 1883. He was married in 1875 to Octavia, daughter of the late Rev. H. Hanson Turton, of Auckland. His family includes two daughters and five sons.
Second Clerk Assistant of the House of Representatives, is a popular and hard-working officer of the House. He has long been prominent as the honorary secretary of the Wellington Acclimatization Society, and has recently been elected to the position of chairman. Further particulars of this gentleman will be found in connection with the reference to this useful society.
Reader and Clerk of Bills and Papers to the House of Representatives, was born in Ireland in 1843. Arriving in Victoria when a lad of twelve, he crossed to Otago in 1869, after spending several years in Australia. In the Colony he joined the “fourth estate,” and was connected with the Otago Guardian and afterwards founded the Sunday Advertiser. In 1881 he was elected as member for Dunedin Central in the House of Representatives and held the seat for three years. He is best known as the author of several poetical works such as “Musings in Maoriland,” “The Land of the Maori and the Moa,” etc.
Interpreter to the House of Representatives, is a son of the Rev. Mr. Grace of the Church Missionary Society. He was born and educated in the Colony. From his early days he was thrown largely among the Maoris, and it is not surprising that he should have learned their language, and thus qualified for the important office he holds. Mr. Grace has been an officer of the House for many years.
Sergeant-at-Arms of the House of Representatives, is well known as a military officer, civil servant and politician. Born in 1827 in Inverness, Scotland, and educated at the Royal Academy in his native town, and at the Edinburgh University, he was articled to a solicitor in Inverness Completing his articles in 1848, he served for two years in the offices of Messrs. Christie and Pagan, of Cupar, Fife, and was admitted as a solicitor in 1851. About this time Colonel Fraser was married to Miss Elizabeth Horsbrough, daughter of the last Hereditary sheriff-clerk
is the Clerk of Writs to the House of Representatives. See “Colonial Secretary's Department,” Mr. Pollen holding the office of Under-Secretary in that department.
is the Deputy Clerk of Writs to the House of Representatives. In addition he holds the offices of Chief Clerk in the Colonial Secretary's Department, and private secretary to the Hon. Sir P. A. Buckley. He thus holds three distinct offices, which is proof of the confidence which is placed in him as an official.
B.A., Assistant-Librarian of the General Assembly Library, was born at Lewisham, Kentish suburb of London. He came to the Colony with his parents in 1867, and received his education, at the Auckland University College. Deciding to follow a scholastic occupation, Mr. James qualified as a teacher, and for a few years acted in this capacity in various parts of the Colony. In 1886 he was successful in gaining the degree of B.A. at the New Zealand University. Mr. James is also an undergraduate of the University of London. He was appointed to a position in the General Assembly Library in 1889, and came to Wellington to take up his duties. A year later he was appointed assistant-librarian, and has since had entire charge of this fine library, which contains some 37,000 volumes. As a chessplayer, Mr. James is a prominent member of the Wellington club. He was selected to play in four interprovincial telegraph matches, and was successful in winning his game in three of these. While a resident of Auckland he belonged to the local club, and carried off second prize in one of the tournaments.
the Chief Hansard Reporter, has held that important position for nearly twenty years; in fact, it was he who organised the staff. Mr. Barron was born on the 20th of August, 1834, in Waterford, Ireland, and comes of an old aristocratic family referred to at length in Burke's Peerage and Burke's Colonial Gentry, Vol. II. He was educated in his native country and on the Continent, and held the position of interpreter during the Crimean War, afterwards joining the service of the P. and O. Company as purser. In 1864 he came to Auckland via Melbourne, and found employment there on the editorial staff of the New Zealander, his duties embracing those of reporter, sub-editor, and editor. Coming to Wellington soon after the seat of Government was removed, he accepted a position offered by Messrs. E. and J. Bull, as editor of their paper, the New Zealand Advertiser. This was in 1866, and a year later Mr. Barron was asked to organise a Hansard staff. The work in those days was exceedingly heavy, and for many years the position of Chief Hansard Reporter was most trying. It was not until Mr. Barron's health was beginning to fail that he was allowed a staff large enough to admit of the work being performed without serious discomfort. The Chief Reporter is exceedingly popular, not only with the members of his staff, but with all whose duties bring them into his pleasant company. Mr. Barron was married in 1861 to Miss A. J. Curtiss, daughter of Mr. W. B.
Senior Reporter on the Hansard staff, came out from the Home press under three years' engagement as chief of the Lyttelton Times reporting staff. Mr. Grey was also on the staff of the first penny morning paper published in New Zealand, the Auckland New Zealander. Up to the time of the investment of Paris by the Prussian armies, he was a contributor to La Patrie, and for several years was Australasian correspondent of the New York Dramatic News. He was dramatic critic for the New Zealand Sun, and also acted in the same capacity for the Lyttelton Times, under the nom de plume of “Playgoer.” In the early eighties Mr. Grey wrote a series of special articles for the Wellington Evening Post under the heading of “The New Zealander in Australia,” and in 1883 he wrote some pictures of travel for the Christchurch Press. Mr. Grey has also been on the Parliamentary and literary staffs of the Melbourne Argus, Age and Leader, and for these influential journals was sent on numerous important journalistic
missions to several parts of Australia and Tasmania. Amongst other things, he contributed a number of life sketches of the then most prominent New Zealand public men to the columns of The Leader, for which he was not only handsomely remunerated, but received the special thanks and commendation of that most famous of Australasian journalists, Mr. David Syme. Many years ago Mr. Grey translated for the Lyttelton Times from a Paris periodical a long and interesting narrative concerning three men who had been cast away on the Auckland Islands and underwent an enforced captivity of nineteen months in that lonely and inhospitable region. In 1879, Mr. Grey brought out a book entitled “His Island Home,” (illustrated by Mr. Gibbs), which went through two editions. Both on the paternal and maternal side, Mr. Grey comes from families which have long been associated with journalism in Dublin, Belfast, London, the United States and India.
of the Hansard staff, was born in 1853 at Madeley, in Shropshire, and came with his father's family to Auckland in 1863 per ship “Ulcoates.” Mr. Spragg was educated at the Western Academy under the Rev. P. Mason, M.A., and being studiously inclined, made the most of the opportunities afforded in those days for self-culture. He began his literary career in the old Evening News office, Auckland, and in two years did so well at shorthand and in reporting generally that he was offered a position on the literary staff of the New Zealand Herald. That he early made a name for himself as a shorthand reporter is evidenced by the fact that in the days of Provincialism he was told off to report the late Mr. John Williamson, the then superintendent of the Auckland Province. In 1875 Mr. Spragg left Auckland to take the position of chief reporter on the staff of the Dunedin Guardian, which, some two or three years later, was purchased by and incorporated into the Otago Daily Times. He then became chief reporter to the latter paper, which important position he now holds during the recess. Mr. Spragg joined the Hansard staff early in 1884, and is therefore one of the senior members. He is a well-read man, a capable thinker, and a credit to his profession. Those who knew his late father's devotion to temperance principles will not be surprised to know that Mr. Spragg is a life-long abstainer. He is advanced in all his opinions, and a popular pressman. He is a member of the Journalistic Institute, and was a delegate on the General Committee. In 1889 Mr. Spragg was married to Miss Fenwick, daughter of the late Mr. John Fenwick, and sister of Mr. George Fenwick, the managing director and editor of the Otage Daily Times, and of Mr. William Fenwick, the editor of the Otago Witness. Their family numbers four, of whom three are boys.
of the Hansard staff, was born in Belfast, Ireland, and arrived with his parents in Auckland in 1864. Before he was thirteen years of age he had entered the office of the New Zealand Herald, and, having shown some expertness in the reading of manuscript, soon attained to the position of assistant reader, and in his eighteenth year became junior reporter. At the beginning of 1878 he left the Herald to accept a situation as reporter on the Dunedin Evening Age, which was then being edited by Mr. A. W. Hogg, now M.H.R. for Masterton, and, after working for thirteen months on that paper hs was offered and accepted the position of chief reporter of the Auckland Star. In the beginning of 1888 Mr. Geddis wrote for that monumental work “The Picturesque Atlas of Australasia” nearly the whole of the letterpress devoted to New Zealand, his share embracing a history of the Maori wars from Heke's war onward and also the whole of the descriptive account of the Colony. In June, 1888, a vacancy having taken place on the Hansard staff, Mr. Geddis was selected by the Reporting and Debates Committee from a number of candidates to fill the vacant position, and accordingly severed his long connection with the Star. During the recess of 1889 he visited the South Sea islands and embodied his impressions in a series of articles entitled “The Summer Isles of Eden,” which he contributed to the New Zealand Herald. In the recess of 1891 he was employed as secretary and shorthand writer to the Native Land Laws Commission.
Hansard Reporter, was born at Sunbury, in Middlesex, in 1855, and was educated at Repton in Derbyshire, and at St. Andrew's University in Scotland. In 1874 he went to Australia per ship “Benmore,” landing in Sydney. Coming to New Zealand in 1878, Mr. Leslie has always been more or less intimately connected with the press; but being a clever caricaturist and an artist, his time has been divided between literary and artistic
New Zealand Times, and he has held important positions on other newspapers of the Colony. In 1879 Mr. Leslie was married at Dunedin to Camilla, daughter of the late Karl Ulkjar, officer in the Danish army.
Member of the Hansard Staff, is a son of Mr. William Berry, editor of the New Zealand Herald (Auckland). Born in Edinburgh, the subject of this notice was brought to the Colony when very young, and received his education at the Thames. He served his time to the printing trade at the office of the Thames Advertiser. Subsequently Mr. Berry removed to Auckland, where he was employed on the New Zealand Herald. While living in the fair Northern City he studied
and became proficient in shorthand. He afterwards acted as reporter on the Star and Herald newspapers. While filling the latter appointment, Mr. Berry came down to Wellington to report during the sittings of the House. He was appointed a Committee reporter, and on the 13th May, 1886, he was appointed a member of the Hansard Staff. Mr. Berry married a daughter of Mr. Kinsella, an old Hansard reporter.
member of the Hansard staff, is a son of the late Mr. G. R. Russell, of Wellington, and therefore brother to Mr. G. W. Russell, M.H.R. for Riecarton, and to Mr. T. G. Russell, solicitor, of Christchurch. Born in the capital of New Zealand, he received his education at the public schools and at Wellington College. By diligent application to his studies, Mr. Russell was successful, in the days when there were no scholarships, in securing a special prize as “dux,” which consisted of handsomely-bound copies of Shakespeare's works. After leaving college he entered the Education Department, under Dr. Hislop, and remained there ten years. During this time Mr. Russell was diligently employing his spare time, especially in the evenings, in the study of Pitman's system of shorthand, and he soon became an expert shorthand reporter, although entirely self-taught. Mr. Russell left the
Education Department in 1891 to become Private Secretary to the Hon. J. G. Ward. While occupying this position, he accompanied his chief, then Postmaster-General, to the Postal Conferences held in Sydney and Brisbane two years in succession. In June, 1893, Mr. Russell was promoted to the Hansard staff, in virtue of his abilities as an accomplished shorthand reporter. He has served on four Royal Commissions as secretary and reporter, the last and most important being the Tariff Commission of 1895. In social matters, Mr. Russell is a member of the Wellington Operatic Society. He is also a member of the choir of St. Peter's Church.
of the Hansard staff, eldest son of Mr. R. B. Gore, Curator of the Colonial Museum, was born in Dunedin in 1864. Educated at Wellington College he entered the Crown Lands office as cadet in 1879. In 1887 Mr. Gore became private secretary to the Hon. G. F. Richardson, minister of lands, and continued in that capacity to various members of the cabinet till 1893, when he joined the Hansard staff. He has also acted as secretary to several royal commissions. In his school days he studied art, and has since devoted a good deal of time to painting in water colours and oils. He holds a seat on the council of the Wellington Fine Arts Academy. In athletics Mr. Gore has long been a member of the Wellington Cricket Club. He played for the local senior cup, and was one of the team that won the trophy for three successive years. In tennis Mr. Gore gained the championship for Thorndon, Wellington, in 1893.
Custodian of the Parliamentary Buildings, and Caterer for the General Assembly, has for nearly a quarter of a century been prominent in the haunts frequented by New Zealand legislators. A native of the city of Glasgow, where he first saw the light in 1830, Mr. Letham was
Chief Messenger of the House of Representatives, was born in Dublin. Mr. Cosgrave was brought up to the stationery business in London, where for six years he was employed in the establishment of Messrs. ‘Ackerman and Co., wholesale and retail stationers and artists' colourmen. For the last five years before leaving for New Zealand, Mr. Cosgrave filled the important position of ledger-keeper in the Tower of London Prior to leaving England he married Miss Burke. Mr. and Mrs. Cosgrave came to the Colony per barque “Gleaner,” about the year 1863. On arrival Mr. Cosgrave took the first work offered, although that was the uncongenial occupation of a navvy. It was not long before he was appointed an officer of the House of Representatives, and the position of chief messenger was shortly after conferred upon him. This position Mr. Cosgrave has filled for fully thirty years, winning the confidence of members and officials. Mr. Cosgrave's family consists of two children, one daughter and one son.
Five gentlemen, exclusive page of Sir G. M. O'Rorke, K.C.M.G., have occupied the position of Speaker of the House. The first was Sir C. Clifford, Bart., who held office for seven years. For eleven years afterwards Sir D. Monro, Kt. Bach., occupied the chair. Sir F. D. Bell, K.C.M.G., C.B., succeeded him, remaining in office four years. The only other occupants of this high position were Sir W. Fitzherbert, K.C.M.G., and Major the Hon. W. J. Steward. The present popular Speaker has held office for a longer period than any of his predecessors.
Bart. first Speaker of the House of Representatives, was originally elected on the 26th of May, 1854, at the opening of the first session of the first parliament. Again on the 15th of April, 1856, he was elected for the second parliament and continued to hold the office until the 3rd of June, 1861. Sir Charles is the son of George Lambert Clifford, grandson of the Hon. Thomas Clifford, and great grandson of Lord Clifford of Chudleigh. Born at Mt. Vernon, Liverpool, in 1813, and educated at Stonyhurst, he came out to Wellington with the early Port Nicholson settlers in 1843. While on a visit to England in 1850 he took a prominent part in the agitation for the grant of Constitutional Government to New Zealand. On the passing of the Constitution Act he returned to the Colony, and was elected to the first House of Representatives, of which he became speaker. Sir Charles engaged in pastoral pursuits in the Colony, and finally returned to England. In 1858 he was made a Knight Batchelor, and in 1887 he was created a Baronet of Flaxbourne, Marlborough.
Kt. Bach. M.D., the second speaker of the House of Representatives was born in Edinburgh in 1813. Educated at Edinburgh Academy, and at the Edinburgh University he obtained his degree in 1836. He also studied at the Medical Schools in Paris, Berlin and Vienna, and came to the Colony as one of the early settlers in Nelson under the New Zealand Company. Dr. Monro took a prominent part in the agitation for constitutional government. In 1849 he became a Legislative Councillor of the Province of New Munster, Middle or South Island. He gained a seat in the first New Zealand Parliament in 1854, and succeeded Sir Charles Clifford, Bart., as speaker on the 3rd of June, 1861. Five years later he was re-elected to the chair of the house, and the same year received the honour of Knighthood from the Queen. Sir David was unseated in 1871 as the result of the first election petition presented in New Zealand. He died on the 17th of February, 1877.
K.C.M.G., C.B., who was Speaker of the House of Representatives from the 14th of August, 1871, to the 21st of October, 1875, is One of the most widely-known men in the Colony. Like other settlers of the early days, he was for many years associated with the New Zealand Company. He joined the service of this Company in England in 1839, filling the position of assistant-secretary, and for some time that of chief secretary in the London Office. Soon after the Wairau massacre he came to the Colony, and was employed in various capacities by the Company. In Auckland he negotiated the purchase of land, and at Nelson was engaged in settling many important disputes regarding land. While in the latter town he was chairman of the Association of landowners who reformed the system of settlement and adjusted the differences between the Company and its purchasers. Some time after this he was employed in a similar capacity in the Wellington Province, and was also engaged to negotiate with the natives for the purchase of land. In 1847 he took up his residence in New Plymouth, succeeding Mr. J. T. Wicksteed as agent for the Company in that town. In the following year he
K.C.M.G., was speaker of the House of Representatives from the 15th of June, 1876, until the 13th of June, 1879, when he vacated the chair, being elevated to the position of Speaker of the Legislative Council on the following day. Reference is made elsewhere to Sir William as an ex-Minister of the Crown, and as an ex-Speaker of the other branch of the Legislature.
Speaker of the House of Representatives from the 23rd of January, 1891, to the 8th of November, 1893, was born at Reading, in Berkshire, in 1841, and was educated at King Edward VI. Grammar School, Ludlow, Shropshire, and at Dr. Benham's Commercial School, Gloucester. His father, Mr. William Steward, was well known in the former town as a leading citizen. Early in 1862 the embryo Speaker decided to leave the Old World, and elected to come to Lyttelton per ship “Mersey,” Captain Duncan Smith, in preference to joining the Nonconformists' contingent then about to leave for Albertland, Auckland. This decision was somewhat remarkable, inasmuch as he came from an old Nonconformist family, two of his maternal uncles, the Revs. John and Edward Jukes being ministers of the Congregational Church. On arrival in Christchurch, Major Steward, who was accredited to Mr. C. W. Turner, then manager of the Bank of Australasia, finding that that gentleman, with a partner, had just purchased the business in that city of Messrs. Peacock and Co., accepted employment under the new firm. Later on he entered into business on his own account, in partnership with Messrs. Axup and Bell, building the well-known Leamington House. But this kind of life had little in it to interest the coming politician, who soon turned his attention to journalism, becoming proprietor of the North Otago Times. In 1871 Major Steward first entered Parliament as member for Waitaki, which electorate then included the town of Oamaru. During the currency of the fifth Parliament he succeeded in securing additional representation for his district, but at the next general election (1875) he was defeated, the winning candidates being the Hons. Messrs. Hislop and Shrimski. Advantage was taken of Major Steward's freedom from parliamentary duties, and he was elected Mayor of Oamaru for the years 1876-7-8. In 1879 he removed to Waimate, and purchased the Waimate Times. During the same year he was elected for Waimate, and has represented that district under its two names of Waimate and Waitaki continuously since that date. The Major's political career has been
ipso facto an elector. It was computed that this Act nearly doubled the number of the electors of the Colony at a stroke. It has, however, since been repealed and superseded by a wider franchise. In 1867, under the nom de plume of “Justice Aubrey,” Major Steward published a volume of poems entitled “Carmina Varia;” and most important occasions since that date have been celebrated by a poem from the Major's pen. His career as a volunteer began in the Old Country, where he was sergeant of the tenth company of the 48th Regiment of Volunteers (Shropshire), under Captain Sir Charles Rouse Boughton. In this country he has taken great interest in the volunteer movement, being mainly instrumental in the formation of the Oamaru Rifles, the Oamaru High School Cadets, the Hampden Rifles, the Otepopo Rifles, and the Oamaru North School Cadets; and for over five years he commanded the North Otago district, and is now the senior Major on the Army List of the Colony. In 1873 Major Steward was married to Miss Hannah Whitefoord, granddaughter of Colonel Whilefoord, and great-granddaughter of Sir Adam Whitefoord, of Blaiquhan, Ayshire Scotland by whom he has a daughter and two sons.
The Civil Service of the Colony is a credit to all who have in any way contributed to its advancement. In their search for the information given under this head, the compilers of the Cyclopedia have been afforded exceptional opportunities of judging of the Service as a whole, and of the principal officers individually, and they unhesitatingly give it as their opinion that New Zealand has every right to be proud of her civil servants. In most cases the men on whom the greatest responsibilities rest have had long and varied experience. It has been the aim of the compilers to give as far as possible the official history of these officers so that the taxpayers may know something of the men to whom so much of the Colony's business is entrusted. Quite a number of them have been recognised by the various scientific bodies of Europe, and not a few have contributed important additions to the world's stock of knowledge. There is a common impression abroad among the inexperienced that the civil servants of the Colony are an overpaid, underworked body of men. A more stupid blunder could hardly be made. It is true that in the majority of cases they have comfortable, even cosy quarters, and some of the underlings may be said to have easy times. But in the matter of comfortable and healthy accommodation the Government is but setting an example, the following of which by private employers must sooner or later be enforced. Drones there are in every hive, and it is unreasonable to suppose that the Civil Service is entirely without officers who are mean enough to draw unearned salaries. This must, however, be a very small number, and out of all proportion to those who have more work and responsibility than is good for them. In the matter of salaries it is within the mark to say that most of the highly-paid officials are men who had they devoted their talents to private pursuits would have been remunerated at double or treble the rates.
In 1871 an Act of Parliament was passed abolishing the pension system. In the opinion of many advanced thinkers this was distinctly a retrograde step, and one which should be retraced with the least possible delay. In their opinion the pension is simply a portion of a man's salary retained by his employers and invested for his future benefit so that when the time may arrive for him to retire it shall be beyond his power to say “If my place be filled by a younger man an old servant will be left penniless.” The principle certainly seems sound. If a salary and pension be together too great a return for services rendered, the salary rather than the pension should be reduced.
From the following pages there may be omitted pictures or sketches of officers whose importance entitles them to prominence in a work like this. It must be distinctly understood that the proprietors are in no way blamable for any such omissions. They may occur from the impossibility to obtain photographs and particulars from absence, illness, or other cause, but in no case from an unwillingness on the part of the compilers to give the fullest information.
Within the last few years several new departments of State have been added to the list, and there is every indication of a steady increase indefinitely prolonged. The astonishing success of the Postal, Telegraphic, Railway, Insurance and Trust Departments, and the certain success of the recently-added “Advances” department, must awaken the public to an admission of the fact that the limit of State management is not likely to be reached hurriedly. The people are already asking why sea and ocean carrying of passengers and goods might not as advantageously be undertaken by the State as the carriage of letters and small parcels or as the carriage of passengers and goods overland. If Government life insurance be a success, why not fire and marine? If Government advance be well and helpful to farmers, why not to manufacturers so that less of their produce be taken for interest and more left for labour? If country lands be good
Like all other departments, the Agent-General's began in a humble and unpretentious way. Mr. John Morrison, a London merchant who had clients and a considerable interest in the young Colony undertook the duties of New Zealand Government Agency, and for many years he performed the duties satisfactorily for the Colony and without remuneration, except for costs out of pocket, at an office in No. 3 Adelaide Place, King William Street, London. The total expenditure including salaries of clerks, rent, etc., did not amount to £600 per annum, although Mr. Morrison made arrangements for a large number of considerable contracts for the Colony during the many years he was its London agent, and frequently made advances of funds on behalf of the Colony, having full faith that the irregular mails in the fifties and sixties would sooner or later recoup him for his temporary accommodation. As the Colony grew and the native wars of 1869 rendered it imperative that it should be represented in London by a gentleman with a more intimate knowledge of its then condition and necessities, Dr. I. E. Featherston went Home as joint commissioner in that year with Mr. Dillon Bell to arrange for assistance from the Imperial Government to carry on war operations. This visit led first of all to the guarantee of one million by the British Government for defence purposes and public works to assist in quelling the native troubles. In the following year the great public works scheme rendered it imperative that an agent-general should be appointed to reside in London, who, by his knowledge of the Colony, his social standing and his ability would be in a position to confer and arrange matters with the Imperial Government, with the representatives of other States and colonies, with financial institutions and other associations or individuals
K.C.M.G., K.G.S., Agent-General for the Colony in London, is the eldest son of Mr. W. Hawkshaw Perceval, of Rangiora. Sir Westby was born in Tasmania in 1854, and educated at Christ's College Grammar School, Christchurch, and at Stonyhurst. He matriculated at the London University in 1875, and entering the Middle Temple the same year, was called to the English bar in 1878. Returning to the Colony, he entered on the practice of his profession in Christchurch. In 1887 Sir Westby was elected member of the House of Representatives for Christchurch City, and was re-elected at the general election of December, 1890. In the following year he was appointed Chairman of Committees, which position he resigned on accepting the office he now holds. He left New Zealand to take up his duties in the Metropolis in October, 1891. Sir Westby has justified the selection made on his appointment. He has been indefatigable in bringing the Colony prominently before the British public, and has always acted in the best interests of New Zealand. In 1892 he was appointed to represent the Colony on the Board of Governors of the Imperial Institute. His Holiness the Pope has conferred on Sir Westby the title of Knight Commander of St. Gregory. In 1894 Her Majesty the Queen recognised the subject of this notice by creating him a K.C.M.G. Sir Westby was married in 1880 to Jessie, youngest daughter of the late Hon. J. Johnston, M.L.C., of Wellington.
This was in former days by far the most important department of the Government of the Colony, but from time to time the work has been distributed among the others, and the most important now under the control of the Colonial Secretary are the Audit, Registrar-General's, and Printing Offices. There are also the Agent-General'a Office in London, the New Zealand Institute, the Electoral Department, the control of the matters relating to the Executive, the Imperial Institute, the General Assembly Library, the granting of permits to use the totalisator, and other minor departments which are administered by the Colonial Secretary, and the work is done by the Under-Secretary and four clerks, at an annual cost of £1585. Provision is also made in the vote for the secretary to the Cabinet, who is also clerk to the Executive Council (£500), a shorthand and typewriter (£150), and seven private secretaries to Ministers, who receive £25 each as salaries under this head, but are otherwise recompensed in the particular departments they are attached to. The cost of the various messengers, office-keepers, watchmen, etc., of all the public buildings in the Colony—thirty-seven in all—are provided for by this department, the total under this head being £4091. The Electoral Department has fourteen permanent registrars, and these, and the printing of rolls, etc., cost £1600 per annum in years when the general election does not take place. There is also an annual expenditure of from £16,000 to £20,000 for miscellaneous services such as the administration of the Public Health Act, sundry small pensions, cost of licensing elections, aids to acclimatisation societies, the salary (£500) of the British Resident at Raratonga, grants in aid of fire brigades, etc.
K.C.M.G., Colonial Secretary, who has charge of this Department, is referred to on page 43.
Under-Secretary of the Colonial Secretary's Department, and Clerk of Writs of the House of Representatives, is a son of the Hon. Dr. Pollen, M.L.C., formerly a Premier of the Colony. Mr. Pollen has long been known as an efficient officer of the General Government.
is the Chief Clerk in the Colonial Secretary's department. He also holds the offices of Deputy Clerk of Writs to the House of Representatives and Private Secretary to the Hon. Sir P. A. Buckley, Colonial Secretary and Attorney-General. During the sittings of Parliament Mr. Govett is fully occupied in attendance on his chief.
Clerks—R. F. Lynch, J. F. Andrews, L. W. Loveday.
The Comptroller's Act came into operation in 1865, and provided that all public moneys shall pass into the public account, and thence, by the Comptroller's orders, to the Treasury; and that the Colonial Treasurer shall return into the public account all the unexpended balances at the end of the financial year. Mr. C. Knight, an old public servant, whose first connection with the Public Service dated back to 1845, was appointed Auditor, and in 1866 Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald received the appointment of Comptroller-General, and both reported unfavourably of the system then in vogue of keeping the Treasury accounts. In 1872 Mr. Fitzgerald was appointed Commissioner of Audit, in addition to being Controller-General, and the appointment was for life, thus placing him beyond the influence of party or politics. In 1876 the following resolution was agreed to by the House of Representatives, on the recommendation of the Public Accounts Committee, “That the Commissioners of Audit furnish to Parliament within ten days after the close of each financial year, a
C.M.G., Comptroller and Auditor-General, is one of the early colonists who still remain among us. Although it is now a considerable time since he retired from active political life, it must not be forgotten that he held for many years important offices in the provincial and general Governments. Born in Bath, Somersetshire, he received his elementary education at various schools in that city, and then passed to Christ's College, Cambridge. Upon leaving the University he obtained employment in the British Museum as an assistant-keeper in the Department of Antiquities, and afterwards as under-secretary of the Museum. The latter position he held until the office was abolished in 1850. At this time schemes for colonising New Zealand were afloat in England, and Mr. Fitzgerald entered heartily into the work. He joined the Canterbury Association for the settlement of Canterbury. He acted as immigration agent for the first four ships, in one of which, the “Charlotte Jane,” he sailed for Port Cooper (now Lyttelton), and was the first to land there, in December, 1850. Soon after his arrival he was appointed Inspector of Police and Immigration Agent in Lyttelton, and held this office for two years. Upon the passing of the new Constitution Act he was elected the first Superintendent of the province of Canterbury, a position he continued to hold until 1857. In this year he went to England as agent for the province of Canterbury, and resided in London until 1860. He then returned to the Colony, and for some time engaged in farming near Lake Ellesmere. When the act constituting the General Assembly of New Zealand was passed, Mr. Fitzgerald occupied a seat in the first Parliament, and had the honour of being the first premier of the Colony. But although his ministry had the support and confidence of Parliament, it soon resigned, owing to a disagreement with the Acting-Governor, General Wynyard, with regard to the attitude taken by the permanent officers of the Executive under the old Constitution. The nature and extent of the functions of Parliament were not then clearly defined, but Mr. Fitzgerald took a firm stand, and demanded the right to deal with all matters affecting the Colony, and his resignation was a protest against the attempt to govern the Colony with irresponsible members in the Executive Council. In 1864 he joined Mr. Weld's Government, as Minister for Native Affairs. No better man could have been chosen for this position, for Mr. Fitzgerald took up enthusiastically the cause of the Maoris, and did all in his power to redeem them from the evil consequences of their contact with civilisation. But long before this he had shown his interest in their cause, and in 1862 delivered a memorable speech in Parliament on the whole question of native affairs, proposing for the first time the admission of natives into Parliament. On the retirement of the Weld Government, in 1867, Mr. Fitzgerald entered the Civil Service as Comptroller-General, to which office was soon added that of Auditor-General. It will thus be seen that he has held high office in the State for nearly thirty years. Nor has he at any time confined himself to his official duties. On the contrary, he has always taken a warm interest in literary and scientific work. He ie president of the Citizens' Institute, and a member of the Union Debating Society, and has, in connection with these societies, delivered several lectures. Before leaving Home, in 1850, he married Miss Draper, daughter of Mr. George Draper, of London, and has had thirteen children. Among these are: Mrs. Levin,
widow of the late Mr. W. H. Levin; Mrs. Brandon, of Palmerston North; Mr. Fitzgerald, of the firm of Clere, Fitzgerald and Richmond, architects, the Rev. Otho Fitzgerald, of St. Mark's Church, Wellington; and the Rev. Lyttelton Fitzgerald, of St. Mark's Church, Auckland. In the early days Mr. Fitzgerald was connected with the press of the Colony, and brought with him from England the plant and staff of the Lyttelton Times. He edited this journal for two years after his arrival, and some time after his return from England, in 1860, he established the Press Newspaper, and edited it till his acceptance of permanent office. Mr. Fitzgerald's appointment as Comptroller and Auditor-General is for life, or until he may elect to retire—a circumstance of very great advantage to the Colony, he being consequently independent of all political influence.
Assistant Controller and Auditor, is one of the oldest and most valued Civil Servants in the Colony, having been in the Public Service continuously since the 1st of March, 1860, when he was appointed as secretary to the Treasury and secretary to the Commissioners of Sinking Funds. His long
Clerks—L. C. Roskruge, W. Dodd, H. S. Pollen, W. G. Holdsworth, E. J. A. Stevenson, C. M. Georgeson, A. W. Eames, B. A. Meek.
Cadet—J. H. Fowler.
Extra Clerks—D. C. Innes, J. Swift, A. E. Bybles, J. Ward, A. A. Bethune, W. H. Carlyle.
Audit Travelling Inspectors—P. P. Webb, A. H. Maclean, J. King, W. R. Holmes, E. T. Greville, G. H. I. Easton, C. P. Johnston, J. T. Dumbell.
To the Registrar-General and his assistants are entrusted the onerous duties of keeping the statistics of the Colony. These duties include the compilation and proper arrangement of all the imports, exports, and products, the vital statistics year by year, and the arrangement of them in tabular form. The annual Blue Book is a compilation containing a complete record of the year's statistics, and is divided into three parts, the first being a record of the succession of Governors and Administrators since the foundation of the Colony; the second being devoted to the population and vital statistics, giving in tabular form the increases and decreases of each provincial district, and comparative tables; the immigration and emigration to and from each port monthly, the nationality and particulars of the nationalisation of foreign subjects; the vital statistics and proportions of births, marriages, and deaths to the living population; the causes of death; the records of the various hospitals; the relative number of births, marriages, and deaths in the various boroughs of the Colony; the accommodation and relief given by the benevolent, orphan, and lunatic asylums and industrial schools. Next comes the comparative tables of the meteorology of the Colony, with very full tables of observations in all places where observations are taken. Part III of the Blue Book is devoted to the Trade and Interchange of the Colony, and is very complete. The value of the shipping trade is set out in a very clear way, the imports and exports of the Colony, whence derived or whither sent, their value and the particulars of all classes of goods being given in so clear a manner that the quantity and value of articles may be turned up with the utmost ease. The Customs and Excise Revenue, with its fluctuations for fourteen years, is also very complete. There is a table of the average rate of wages for all classes of artisans, agricultural and pastoral labourers, servants, and others in each Provincial District; another table showing the average prices of live stock, produce, and provisions, and finally the statistics of the Post and Telegraph Department, showing the number of letters, newspapers, books, post-cards, telegrams, etc., handled by this department, with the revenue derived from the same, and the volume finishes with a complete history of the progress of our telegraphic system from June, 1866, when we had thirteen stations with 1390 miles of wire, until December, 1894, when the figures stood at 691 stations with 14,647 miles of wire. The mass of figures in the 246 closely-printed pages of the Blue Book speak eloquently of the care, precision, and patience exercised in its preparation. The figures are condensed, and the facts placed in a very readable and handy form in the Year Book, which is also prepared by the Registrar General and his staff. This was first published in 1892, and immediately became so popular that it has not only been continued, but enlarged, and gives very full and explicit information regarding statistics and all matters of interest, contributed articles on agriculture, forestry, labour, mining, mineral springs and their properties, and a mass of information regarding the lands of the Colony, with maps, forming altogether a complete vade mecum, useful alike to the business man, the farmer, or the miner, and especially so to the new arrival in search of information. The staff consists of thirteen officials, four of whom are District Registrars of Births, etc., and Vaccination Inspectors at the four chief Cities, who are salaried; the Registrars in the smaller centres of population being recompensed by fees only. The annual cost of the department in ordinary years is £3365, and in years when the agricultural statistics and census are taken £20,000 extra, and the contingencies, including the Year Book, amount to £360.
the Registrar-General and Statistical Officer, was born in Liverpool, England, in 1845, and educated the e by the celebrated Dr. Ihne. In 1859 he passed the Oxford middle class examination for juniors, find shortly afterwards left for Auckland per ship “Red Jacket” with Mr. (afterwards Sir) John Gorst. His first situation was with Bishop Selwyn, who employed him on printing works for the Melanesian mission. In 1862 Mr. Gorst was appointed Civil Commissioner for the Waikato, and sent up to Te Awamutu. His duties included the management of an industrial school for the education of Maori youths, by influencing whom, and in various other ways, it was proposed to introduce into Waikato the thin end of the wedge of civilization, and gradually to destroy the effect of what was known as the “King Movement.” Sir George Grey, speaking at Ngaruawahia, and pointing to the king flagstaff, had declared that he would not cut it down, but would dig round it till it fell of itself. The Te Awamutu
Hokioi—the name of a Maori mythological bird of great ferocity. It was part of Mr. Gorst's method to direct attention to the evils of the King Movement, and an opposition newspaper was therefore started named the Pihoihoi—Maori for the insignificant though destructive little sparrow. Mr. Gorst employed his young friend Von Dadelszen in the capacities of printer and publisher. The Commissioner and his factotum were personally very popular with the Kingites. The school was doing good work; but the little upstart Pihoihoi was more than a match for the Hokioi. That a “sparrow” should be set up to fight the gigantic and terrible “hokioi” was in itself an insult; but when it began to win in the contest, and to decry what the Maoris esteemed, they could stand it no more. Returning one evening to his head-quarters, Mr. Gorst found his printing-office seized, and his staff prisoners. The natives stated they had no wish to kill their pakeha friends; but that they were determined no further issues of the Pihoihoi should make their appearance, the best plan of preventing this being to seize the type and appliances, and to drive the Civil Commissioner out of the King Country. Mr. Gorst declined resolutely to be expelled, saying that he had been sent there by the Governor and he would stay until recalled by the same authority,—“the Governor will not allow me to be made food for your patu.” It is possible that taking this course saved the lives of the Commissioner and his men. One of their number was allowed to ride to Auckland with despatches and a message from the Maoris that unless the pakehas were withdrawn within the time mentioned “the bottles would all be broken,” the word “bottles” being delicately used instead of “heads.” Communication with Auckland was a matter of difficulty in those days of no roads and devious tracks, and if it required but little bravery on the part of the messenger to ride away with the despatches, some pluck was needed for the return journey, with only the assurance of a disaffected tribe that all the “bottles” but his own would not be broken before he should arrive. The Maoris were, however, true to their promise. The Commissioner and his company were allowed to get clear of the King Country; but no sooner were they away than the war with the Waikatos began. That this good work among the Natives should have been so suddenly cut off was most unfortunate. The objects of its founders were to civilise the rising generation, and train the young men to useful arts. “The prosecution of these objects,” said Sir Dillon Bell, in his memorandum to Sir George Grey, “was confided to a man (Gorst) who, to a real interest in the Native people, united peculiar abilities for the task; willingly relinquishing the advantages which private fortune gave him in a country where wealth is so easily accumulated, and content, a Master of Arts of Cambridge University, to live in the bush, almost without society, and without books, for the sake of laying the foundation for a few poor Native boys of a school that should replace the indolence and dirt of a ‘pa’ by the industry, discipline, and comfort of a civilised home. The boys who came to the school were fed and clothed in the most liberal manner; they were provided with separate sleeping places, and with many other conveniences which were for the first time known in Native schools; no limit was placed on the discretion of the Commissioner in this matter; and even those Native chiefs who suppressed the school were loud in the praises of the mode in which it had been conducted. Besides the ordinary instruction in reading, writing, arithmetic, and English, each boy worked for six hours daily at some industrial pursuit, under European superintendence. At the time when the school was suppressed, the following trades were in full operation:— Farming, printing, carpentering, shoemaking, tailoring, and blacksmiths' work. The last three trades were carried on for the benefit of the neighbourhood. At the breaking up of the establishment, there were orders for fifty pairs of boots, at which the shoemaker and three Native boys were working, all of which would have been paid for by European and Native neighbours; both the tailor and the blacksmith had as much work as could be got through. The Awamutu establishment was a ready market for the surplus produce of Kihikihi and Rangiawhia Natives. Twenty-two Native boys were under instruction, and several applications for admission had been refused until the new
buildings which were being erected increased the accommodation.
The extent to which discipline and esprit de corps had been established amongst them may be estimated by the fact that, from the day of the outrage until the school was finally broken up, a period of four weeks, not a single boy had deserted, and that all with the exception of one Ngatimaniapoto, expressed their desire to go to Auckland, or to any other place to which the school might be removed.” Mr. Von Dadelszen, though so young, took a very active part in this Native school. His name occurs frequently in the despatches. It seems very probable that had the Pihoihoi not been published, the good work of Mr. Gorst and his coadjutors would not have been brought to such an abrupt conclusion. On returning to Auckland, Mr. Von Dadelszen lived at Sir George Grey's island home, the Kawau, for about three months with other refugees. After this he joined the post-office at Auckland as clerk, remaining in this service till September, 1864, when he entered the Registrar-General's Department. In 1880 Mr. Von Dadelszen was promoted to the Chief Clerkship, and four years later he was appointed Deputy-Registrar-General. In February, 1890, he was selected by the Government as delegate to the Conference of Australasian Statisticians held at Hobart in March of that year to consider questions in
Chief Clerk, Registrar-General's Department, was born in 1851, at Claydon, Suffolk, England, and educated at Harlow College, Essex. When a boy he entered as midshipman on board a Blackwall clipper trading to the East Indies. This was in 1867, and for nearly ten years thereafter he followed the sea, obtaining his certificate as master in 1876. He came to the Colony in the “Queen of the West,” in 1877. In the year 1879 he joined the Civil Service as assistant in the weather office at Wellington, and was transferred, in 1880, to the Registrar-General's Department where, after twelve years' service, he rose to the chief clerkship.
Clerks—W. C. Sproule, E. H. Machattie, S. Coffey.
Cadet—W. W. Cook.
Up till 1864 all the Government printing was done in private offices, and the system was found so costly and inconvenient that a Commission was appointed in 1862 which reported in favour of a printing establishment being created in connection with Government, and an order was sent Home for a plant, which arrived in Auckland in June, 1864, and a staff of eight men and two boys was engaged, and the printing of the Gazette, departmental forms, and some of the Parliamentary papers was undertaken. The cost of the original plant was the modest sum of £844, and as this was found inadequate for the work, it was soon supplemented by further additions obtained from Sydney, and the press and type used by Mr. Gorst (now Sir J. E. Gorst) in printing the Pihoihoi, at Te Awamutu, was also added. On the removal of the department to Wellington, the work increased very rapidly, and large additions were made to the plant and a printing machine, driven by steam power, placed it on a much better footing. In 1868 the Printing Office was sufficiently equipped to print the whole of the Bills before Parliament that session, a portion of that work having always been done previously by private printing establishments. By that year the regular staff had increased to thirty, and fifteen extra compositors were employed for Hansard. The value of the work done that year was £11,455. The important work of printing the duties stamps was commenced in 1886, and has been continued ever since. The department carried on its work in a wooden building on the site opposite the present Printing Office until 1888, and part of the old structure is still used by the lithographic staff. The total number of persons employed by the department during the session is 276. The monthly average of the permanent staff, in 1894, was 201, as follows:—The Government Printer, superintendent overseer, seven clerks, seven overseers, four readers, 116 compositors (October, 1895), twelve bookbinders and finishers, seven machinists and pressmen, three stamp printers, two engineers and stokers, one stereotyper and electroplater, one forewoman in the girl's room, where there are twenty-eight employed as folders, sewers, and machine workers, and an average of forty-five apprentices, machine boys, errand boys, reader boys, perforators, and gummers.
The building to accomodate the staff is a three-storey brick structure, with no great pretentions to architecture as it now stands, but when the new four-storey wing, now having the foundation laid, is erected on the Lambton Quay frontage, it will be a noble looking pile. The present building is 120 feet in length along Bunny Street, and 115 feet facing Lambton Quay, by a height of fifty feet. On the ground floor are the public office, the publisher's room, three offices for the clerical staff, two paper warehouses, one each cutter's, wetter's, and machine room, the covered entrance and court yard, and the engine room containing two thirty-five h.p. engines and one seventy h.p. The latter is for driving a large dynamo, which will develop enough electricity to light the present and projected building; one of the thirty-five h.p. engines is used for driving the present dynamo, which has been found insufficient for the demand made upon it. The other thirty-five h.p. engine drives all the presses, etc., in the building, there being no less than sixteen printing machines in use. On the first floor are three spacious, well-lighted rooms for the compositors and jobbers, a lavatory and lunch room, and a paper store room. On the second floor is the girls' room, a very roomy and convenient one, where all the binding is done, with lavatory and lunch room attached, the finisher's room, accommodation for the stereotyper and electroplater, and it is here the railway ticket printing is done, and there is a separate lavatory and lunch room for the men employed on this floor. In a detached building to the north of the main building is the office of the stamp printer, also an engineer's workshop. These will be attached to the contemplated new building, which will have a frontage of 132 feet to Lambton Quay, by thirty-six feet to Bunny Street, and will afford accommodation for the lithographic and photographic branches as well as room for the patent office.
Of the work done by the department its quality is of the highest class in the art of typography and bookbinding.
the Government Printer, Stationery Stores Manager, and Controller of Stamp Printing, was born in Boston, Lincolnshire, England—a town of which he is proud, and not without cause, for though not even yet very large, it is of historic importance, with its fine old church, whose tower is nearly 300 feet high. It is said that there was a time when Boston was supposed to have a larger trade than London. This will give some idea of its antiquity; and of late years a good deal has been done in the direction of restoring its lost trade. Mr. Costall's father was a master saddler and harness-maker, but he evidently preferred the “Fourth Estate,” as evidenced by his apprenticing three of his sons to the printing, and all with the same master, which certainly speaks well for all parties. Mr. Costall's employer was Mr. John Noble, of Boston, who little thought that he was training and teaching the future Government Printer of New Zealand. Mr. James Costall, who until 1892, was overseer of the Government Printing Office, was the eldest of the three, and he also gave a very good account of himself, and was a credit to his master. It was evidently an all-round establishment, for Mr. Noble is described as a bookseller, bookbinder, stationer, and printer; and the Government Printer has given ample evidence of his thorough acquaintance with all the departments, even to the two branches of printing known in the trade as “case” and “press” work. Even before the completion of his term, young Costall was entrusted by his master with a good deal of departmental management. At the conclusion of his apprenticeship in 1860, he was engaged for a large establishment at York, being none other than the well-known bookselling firm of Sampson and Son. Among other duties in connection with the firm were those of inspecting the bookstalls of the North-Eastern Railway. In April, 1862, Mr. Costall arrived in Dunedin per ship “Akbar,” and come on to Wellington without delay. The shipping of Wellington was very small in those days, and yet things happened then that are never heard of now. On the very day Mr. Costall arrived a barque and a brig were wrecked in the harbour. For the first six months of his colonial life, the Government Printer had a “frame” on the Wellington Independent—that is to say that he worked on that newspaper as a compositor. He then removed to Nelson, and continuing as a “comp.,” he was employed there for seven years, on the Nelson Examiner, the Colonist, and the Nelson Evening Mail. While in this last situation he was promoted to the work known to the trade as “making-up”—a branch of the business where quickness, precision, and nerve are valuable qualities. In 1869 Mr. Costall returned to Wellington, and joined the “composing” staff of the Government Printing Office, when that department was in its infancy. A year or so later he was appointed the first clerk in the office, the then Government Printer, Mr. George Didsbury, having up to that time done the clerical work himself. In 1837 the printing and stationery departments were amalgamated, and Mr. Costall was appointed chief clerk and accountant. This was evidently a good move, for not only were expenses reduced, but within three years the revenue of the department increased by fifty per cent., and many other economies were introduced, resulting in much more than the mere saving of salaries effected by the amalgamation. Long before this additional branch was handed over to Mr. Costall's care, he had shown himself ever on the alert to advance the interests of the department. The binding branch, which has assumed such large proportions, was inaugurated in consequence of Mr. Costall, in the earlier years of his connection with the establishment, making an experiment which practically demonstrated that very large savings might be effected by the Government doing its own binding, instead of giving out that work to the trade, as had been the custom up to that time. Mr. Costall has been thoroughly attentive to his duties all through; and, on the death of Mr. Didsbury in July, 1893, his energy and abilities were recognised by the Government, and rewarded by his appointment as Government Printer. Socially, Mr. Costall has been as active and energetic as in all his business capacities. For nearly a quarter of a century he was the main spring of the church known as the “Bethel,” taking both the services, as well as the oversight of the school on Sundays, besides all the usual week-day meetings, including the Band of Hope. He was a member of the Committee of Management of the Sunday School Union, and was for many years in active cooperation with the Young Men's Christian Association. During the last few years he has been relieved of a good many of his duties, which would doubtless have been too heavy for him since his appointment to the very onerous position of Government Printer.
Superintending Overseer of the Government Printing Office, served his apprenticeship with Blackwood and Sons, of Perthshire, Scotland. Afterwards Mr. Burns went to New York, and for seven years worked in the American Bible Societies' works in that city. Coming to New Zealand in 1863 per ship “Cairngoram,” he was for a short time in the New Zealander office and subsequently in the New Zealand Herald, and was appointed to the Government Printing Office in 1866 as a compositor. After a few months the subject of this notice was promoted to the position of foreman, and in the course of his duties he has had charge of the Hansard printing. In 1892 he was made superintending overseer.
Chief Clerk and Accountant of the Government Printing Office, has been employed for nearly twenty years in this Department. He is a New Zealander by birth, and received his education in the public schools of Nelson, his native place. In 1877 he entered the Government Printing Office as a cadet in the accountant's branch. He was speedily advanced to the position of clerk, and steadily rose in the service until he was appointed computer. For some time, while Mr. Costall was chief clerk and accountant, Mr. Allen was next in rank, and on that gentleman's elevation to the post of Government Printer, in 1893, he was promoted to the vacant position. Mr. Allen is a painstaking officer; and though still a young man, has gained large experience in connection with the workings of this splendid colonial institution. He is a chess player, and belongs to the Wellington Club; he has played in various interprovincial matches with success.
one of the Overseers of the Government Printing Office was born in 1845 in Guernsey, Channel Islands, and came to the Colony in 1865. Almost immediately upon his arrival he obtained employment as a compositor in the Government Printing Office, and was during the next few years promoted to the position of third overseer. Through the retirement of Mr. James Costall, Mr. Gamble was raised to his present position some few years ago.
The Overseer of No. 2 Hansard Room of the Government Printing Office, was born and educated in Ireland, where he also learned his business. In 1864 he came to Auckland, New Zealand, per ship “Jumna,” and at once joined the staff of the Southern Cross newspaper, remaining till 1869. In the latter year Mr. Wilson accepted an appointment on the Thames Advertiser, in which office he worked for five years. Removing to Wellington, in 1874, he found employment in the Government Printing Office as a compositor, and has steadily advanced in the service till attaining his present appointment, which he received in 1891. Mr. Wilson was married in Ireland, in 1862, to Miss Dunn, and has six children, three daughters and three sons.
Overseer of the Bookbinding branch of the Government Printing Office, was born in 1845, in London, where he was educated at the ordinary schools. He was apprenticed, in 1858, in “the little village of London,” to Mr. Haggis, Cursitor Street, completing his term seven years later. Until 1874, Mr. Franklin found employment at his trade in various shops in his native city. In the last year he came to Wellington, per ship “Conflict.” On arrival he found employment at Mr. Burrett's establishment, where he was employed continuously, with the exception of a short time at Messrs. Lyon and Blair's, till joining the Government Printing Office, in December 1875, as finisher. Mr. Franklin's ability was speedily recognised, he being appointed overseer in August, 1877, less than two years after entering the service. Mr. Franklin is a prominent member of the Forward Movement.
Sub-Overseer of the Binding Department of the Government Printing Office, was born and educated in London. He was apprenticed to Messrs. Waterlow and Sons in his native city, and completed his term of seven years in 1875. In this year Mr. Broad came out to New Zealand per ship “Otaki” and landed in Lyttleton. He lived for a year in Canterbury, and was variously employed, when he was attracted to the West Coast by the Kumara diggings. Subsequently arriving in Wellington,
Overseer of the Jobbing Department, who was born in Wellington in 1842, is a son of one of the early Port Nicholson settlers. The subject of this notice was educated at the Church of England School, conducted by the late Mr. W. H. Holmes. Apprenticed to Mr. T. W. McKenzie, he completed his term in 1862, after which he paid a visit to the Otago diggings. On his return he became overseer of the Independent office. In 1867 he entered the Government Printing Office as compositor and jobbing hand. He has steadily advanced in the service, and was promoted in 1892 to the position he now holds. Mr. Tattle is a member of the Antipodean Lodge, A.O.F., M.U. For ten years he has been a member of school committees, first of Te Aro and since of Clyde Quay committee. In 1867 Mr. Tattle was married to Miss Tyler, daughter of Mr. William Tyler. His family numbers eleven—seven sons and four daughters. Mrs. Tattle is a prominent member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union, of which she has twice been president. The eldest son is an athlete and has won three gold and three silver medals for swimming, besides bringing over several prizes from Sydney.
Stamp Printer at the Government Printing Office Stamp Branch, has been employed for thirty years in the service of the State. He was born and educated in Campsie, near Glasgow, where he worked in his early days at the calico printing trade. Afterwards migrating to Glasgow, he served his apprenticeship as pressman letterpress printer, and was afterwards employed by such well-known firms as Messrs. Blackie,
Electrotyper Stereotyper, Ticket Printer, and Rubber Stamp Maker at the Government Printing Office, was born in Liverpool, England, and came out to the colonies with his parents in 1853, landing in Melbourne. Here he was educated, and apprenticed to the well-known firm of Sands and MacDougall, with whom he completed his term in 1870.
During the same year he arrived in Wellington, having received an appointment as electrotyper and stereotyper to the Government Printing Office. Mr. Kirk has had charge of this branch of the office since its foundation, the ticket-printing being added in 1875, and the rubber stamp department in 1882. Mr. Kirk lives at Petone, and was a member of the Town Board during the whole term of its existence, and four years chairman of the Board. He also served three years on the school committee, two years as secretary, and one year as chairman. As a footballer, he represented Wellington in a match against Nelson, and as a chessplayer he took part in the contest, Wellington Club v. Christchurch Club. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being attached to the Ulster Lodge, Petone, in which he has been Senior Deacon, and now holds the office of Junior Warden. In Church work Mr. Kirk is an active member of the Wesleyan body. For years he was secretary of the Thorndon Wesleyan Sunday School, and has been superintendent of the Petone Wesleyan Sunday School. He has been a trustee of both the Thorndon and Petone Wesleyan Churches since their erection, and is now secretary to the Petone Church Trustees. In 1871 Mr. Kirk was married to Miss Leslie, of South Melbourne, and has three daughters and two sons.
Clerk and Computer—B. K. Manley
Clerk—F. Barraul, J. W. Hall, R. Watts, A. Stace, A. Williams.
Cadet—R. A. Gray
Night Foreman - J. F. Rogers
Readers—J. W. Henley, W. Fuller, M. F. Marks, H. S. Mountier.
Forewoman Binding Branch—Miss Marsden.
Engineer—T. R. Barrer.
The Colonial Treasurer's Department, dealing as it does with the whole of the finance of the Colony, is the most important in the Service. The public revenue is derived from Customs and excise, succession and stamp duties, land and income-tax, the post and telegraph services, territorial revenue, including the rents, tithes, and fees for mining, rents of pastoral runs, income from deferred payment land sales, cash sales of land, registration fees, and miscellaneous items. The revenue is also supplemented by direct loans, Treasury bills, debentures, and sinking funds set free, and the total estimate for the current year ending the 31st of March, 1896, is £4,977,548 2s. 4d., which includes a balance brought forward from the previous year of £290,238 6s. 5d., a truly astonishing amount to be raised by a population of 720,000 souls. The revenue of the Colony is classed broadly under three heads, (1) ordinary revenue or taxes, (2) territorial revenue, and (3) proceeds of loans or debentures. In the first class is, however, included the railway revenue, which cannot be properly called a tax, although it is placed under the heading of ordinary revenue. The financial year ends on the 31st of March, and the Treasurer makes his annual statement to Parliament as soon after its meeting as possible, showing the income, expenditure, and national indebtedness, and this is called the Budget. This is the all-important statement of the session, and is always looked for, listened to and read with the greatest interest by members of the House and the general public. In the Budget is also set forth a résume of the operations in the department for the year, the fluctuations of commerce, the progress of the Colony, and a forecast of the revenue, with proposals for alteration in taxation for the ensuing year. Upon the results of these and the maintenance of the credit of the State, with due regard to the ability of the taxpayers to meet his wants, the reputation of the Treasurer as a financier depends. The position of the Treasurer is the most responsible and onerous in the Cabinet, requiring tact, energy, a thorough knowledge of finance, felicity of description in dealing with figures, and good debating power to meet attack. The brightest intellects on the roll of New Zealand statesmen have held the position in the various Ministries since the establishment of Responsible Government. Mr. (Sir) Francis D. Bell was the first Treasurer in 1856, but by the time the year closed Mr. Chas. Brown, Mr. (Sir) E. W. Stafford, and Mr. C. W. (Judge) Richmond all held the position. Then followed Reader Wood, Dillon Bell again, these two changing places twice afterwards, followed by Messrs. Wm. Fitzherbert, E. W. Stafford, Fitzherbert, Vogel, T. B. Gillies, Vogel in three successive Ministries from 1872 to 1875, then Major Atkinson, Vogel, Atkinson, Sir George Grey, Mr. Larnach in the same Ministry; Major Atkinson again in the three successive administrations of Sir John Hall, Mr. Whitaker, and Major Atkinson himself. Sir Julius Vogel followed in the Stout-Vogel Government; then Major Atkinson again in the Government which lasted for six days, when the Stout-Vogel Government again came in, with Sir Julius as a matter of course at the head of the Treasury for the last time, followed by Sir H. Atkinson, also in his last Ministry, for nearly three and a half years, retiring on the 24th of January, 1891, to give place to Mr. Ballance, and when that true statesman died on the 27th of April, 1893, his place was filled by the present holder of the portfolio, the Hon. J. G. Ward, who took office on the 1st of May following. Under his Administration very extensive conversions of our loans, with a view of reducing the amount of interest have been effected; a new departure has been taken in borrowing money with a view of assisting farmers and others under the Advances to
Colonial Treasurer, who presides over this Department, is referred to at length on page 47.
Secretary, to the Treasury, Receiver-General, Paymaster-General, Begistrar of New Zealand Consols, and member of the Government Advances to Settlers Board, was born in London in 1840. Mr. Heywood was educated in London and in Germany; he came to the Colony at the end of 1859 per ship “Steadfast,” landing in Lyttelton. On arrival he entered the office of his brother, Mr. J. M. Heywood, merchant, and subsequently joined the Bank of New South Wales as accountant at Christchurch, under Mr. C. W. Turner, afterwards opening the Lyttelton branch. For ten years he was an officer of the bank at Dunedin, Invercargill, Kaiapoi (agent for three years), and Wanganui. He joined the Government service as clerk of the session of 1871, and passed on to the Public Works Department, and was afterwards appointed accountant to the Resident Minister for the Middle Island at Christchurch. Mr. Heywood was subsequently transferred to the Treasury in Wellington as a senior clerk. He was appointed accountant to the Treasury in 1878, and attained his present position in 1890, on the retirement of Mr. J. C. Gavin, the present Assistant-controller and Auditor. As a member of the Masonic fraternity, Mr. Heywood was one of the founders of the Kaiapoi Lodge, and held the position of Grand Organist of the Canterbury Grand Lodge. He has taken much interest in sports of various kinds. He is a member of the Thorndon Bowling Club. In 1865 he was married to Miss Cuff, daughter of Mr. John Cuff, an old settler, who was a member of the House of Representatives for the Akaroa district in the second Parliament. His family consists of four sons and three daughters.
Accountant to the Treasury, Deputy Registrar of Inscribed Consols and Secretary to the Government Officers Guarantee Board, has been an officer in the Government service for over thirty years. His father, the late Captain Collins, N.Z.M., was formerly in the Imperial Army, and served through the Crimean War, and in India and New Zealand. Mr. Collins was born in Ireland, and educated in his native land, in India, and in New Zealand. In 1861 he landed in New Plymouth with his parents from the steamer “Prince Arthur” from Bombay. Here at the age of fifteen he entered the Government service as a clerk in the Militia and Volunteer Office. After a short time Mr. Collins was promoted to a clerkship in the Stores Department, and when but nineteen years old was appointed sergeant-major on the Volunteer Staff, which position he held till 1877. In this year he was promoted to the Store Audit Department in Wellington, and in 1878 was transferred to the Treasury. In the following year, he was appointed Clerk in charge of the Paymaster-Generals' Branch, and in 1885 to the office of Clerk in charge of the Revenue and Pay branches combined, and five years later he became Accountant to the Treasury. Mr. Collins has for nearly a quarter-of-a-century been a prominent
Cashier to the Treasury, was born in Wellington, and educated at Mr. J. H. Brann's school. Mr. Chittey's father, the late Mr. John Chittey, was for about eighteen years an officer of the Customs; his mother, a sister of Mr. Holmes, of the Land Office, came to New Zealand in 1841 per ship “Clifton;” The subject of this notice entered the Civil Service as a cadet in the Treasury in February, 1878. Three years later he was appointed clerk; about 1883 he became assistant cashier, which position he held till 1893, when he was promoted to the office he now occupies. Mr. Chittey has taken an active part in the volunteer movement, having been a member of the Wellington Navals for five years. In 1886 he was married to Miss Annie Randell, sister of Miss Randell so well known in musical circles. Mr. Chittey's family consists of three daughters.
Corresponding Clerk to the Treasury, is a son of Captain Francis H. Blundell, who served for many years in India, where he married a daughter of the late Major General Kennedy. Born in 1846, in Bath, Somersetshire, the subject of this notice came out to the Colony with his parents per ship “Maori,” arriving on Christmas Day in 1851 at Nelson, where Captain Blundell settled on a farm at Waimea West. There Mr Blundell was brought up with a thorough practical knowledge of farming, for which he had a strong liking. It was his earnest desire to gain his livelihood in this manner, but it was willed otherwise, as after passing through Nelson College, he was placed in the Union Bank of Australia, subsequently joining the Bank of New Zealand. While in the service of the latter, he met with two adventures. One day he was showing to a friend a self-cocking revolver which belonged to him, when the former, levelling the revolver in front of him, and thoughtlessly pressing the trigger, discharged the piece, and Mr. Blundell, who had turned his head for a moment, suddenly facing round received the bullet in the centre of his throat. The wound was at first thought to be fatal, but it eventually healed up and the bullet was supposed to have glanced off. Some months after, however, when Mr. Blundell was suffering from an affection of the throat, the bullet came out through his mouth during a violent fit of coughing. The ball had lodged in his throat, slightly projecting into the gullet, which had festered, and thus allowed it to come through. The other adventure befell him in Westland in 1866, when he was instrumental in preventing one of the agents of the bank from being robbed of the
Private Secretary and Shorthand Writer to the Colonial Treasurer—F. Hyde.
Clerks—C. Meacham, R, B. Vincent, W. E. Cooper, J. Driscoll, J. R. Duncan, E. L. Mowbray, A. O. Gibbes, T. H. Burnett, J. Radcliffe, J. Holmes, H. N. W. Church, J. Emanuel Smith, A. J. Morgan, T. J. Davis, F. H. Tuckey. H. Hawthorne.
Cadets—W. Wilson, F. Davies, W. P. Hayes, G. A. Fraser
The Friendly Societies' Registry Office is under the control of the Colonial Treasurer, the staff consisting of the Registrar and Actuary, Mr. Edmund Mason, the revising barrister (who is also assistant law officer), and a clerk; there are extra expenses incurred in the office for the cost of valuations, returns, etc. All friendly societies are bound by law to furnish the registrar with a statement showing a list of their branches, made up to the end of the year, setting forth the place in which each is established, the date of its establishment, the number of members, the total assets of the branch, the amount of the sick and funeral funds, and of the management fund, and the surplus or deficiency per member in each branch. District accounts have also to be furnished giving particulars of the numerical progress, mortality and sickness during the year. Another table has to be supplied showing the receipts and disbursements of the sick and funeral funds, and a comparative statement of the balances year by year; this information has also to be supplied with respect to the receipts and expenditure of the medical and management funds. Another annual statement has also to be furnished showing how the funds of each district are disposed of—how much respectively in investments at interest, in land and buildings, in cash not bearing interest, and in furniture, regalia, etc. Lastly, a statement has to be made out giving the particulars of where and how the funds are placed, and the interest being earned; and from this it appears that the total number of members of friendly societies in the Colony on the 31st. of December, 1894, was 29,768, with a total worth of £530,586 19s. 11d., of which sum £383,599 was invested at interest, chiefly on mortgages of freehold property. Besides the friendly societies, the trades unions are also registered in this department, there being thirty-nine on the list. The annual report published by the Registrar is a valuable guide to societies, showing members, as it does, the financial aspect of each branch of the society they belong to, and giving much information regarding the working of and laws relating to cognate societies in other countries. It is by the strict system of compulsory annual returns that members are secured from loss by mismanagement or dishonesty, and without State control such as exists in the Registrar's Department it would be impossible for friendly societies to be so useful or popular as they are. The total cost of this department to the Colony is £1120 per annum.
B.A., Registrar and Actuary for Friendly Societies, Registrar of Trade Unions, Registrar under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, and Registrar of Copyrights, is a Cornishman by birth. He was educated at Christ's College, Cambridge, where he graduated, taking his B.A. degree in 1860. After a residence of nearly twenty years in England, the subject of this notice came out to the colonies by a steamer of the
Revising Barrister for Friendly Societies and Trades Unions is more fully described under “Crown Law Office.”
of the Friendly Societies' Registry Office, Treasury Department, was born in London, Middlesex, and educated at a private school in St. Albans, Hertfordshire. He was placed with a firm (T. and T. Gates, Bát à d'or, et Fabricants, de Baudruche Anglaise,) in Aldersgate Street, City, but Russian designs with regard to Constantinople indicating metal more attractive to his youthful ideas, he, at the instance of Mr. Sydney Herbert entered the Imperial Service during the Crimean War, being attached to the Army Medical Department. He acquired a knowledge of important details, and was specially commended for “general aptitude and perseverance” in the report on the Medical Staff Corps examinations at Fort Pitt, and then formed one of Lord Elgin's expedition to China, accompanying part of the 90th Perthshire Light Infantry, Captain (now Lord) Wolseley having a company therein, but was wrecked in H.M. s.s. “Transit” in the Straits of Sunda. Eventually reaching Singapore the force was diverted by Lord Elgin to the Bengal Presidency, consequent on the Indian Mutiny. Mr. Benzoni was subsequently employed in China in ordnance details for the bombardment of Canton and in other gunboat duties on the Canton River. He was afterwards attached to the Royal
Engineers, and was present at the destruction of the forts at Taku, in the Gulf of Pi-tchi-li, and the Pei-ho river. Returning to England he obtained special authority to study in the General Surgery at Aldershot, and later performed the duties of compounder of medicines etc., with the Royal Artillery staff. He volunteered and proceeded to British North America when the Guards and Rifle Brigade were despatched to Canada owing to the United States sloop-of-war “San Jacinto” having taken the Confederate States Commissioners (Messrs. Mason and Slidell) from the English mail steamer “Trent.” Arriving Home he was detailed for the Royal Victoria Hospital, Netley, and attached to the consumption branch of the Military Purveyor's Department. On volunteering again at the War Office for active service, he was, on the recommendation of the Military Purveyor-in-Chief, sent to New Zealand and served with Lieut.-General Cameron's force in the Waikato campaign. Although it was intimated to Mr. Benzoni that he would receive substantial staff-preferment if he remained in the Imperial Service, he, on the departure of the troops for England, followed mining and journalistic pursuits in Auckland until 1870, when he was appointed Field Quarter-Master with charge of field commissariat in the expedition against Te Kooti in the Patatere district. He then accepted an appointment in the Store Department under Colonel Goring; was transferred in 1873 to the Public Works and Goldfields Departments as chief clerk, promoted assistant under-secretary in March, 1879; and was acting under-secretary for eighteen months. He was retrenched in 1885 when the department was re-constructed under a professional head. His subsequent appointment as the Clerk of the Friendly Societies' Registry Office, under section 3 of “The Civil Service Reform Act, Amendment Act, 1887,” and more recently as Deputy-Registrar of Friendly Societies under the statute of 1892, leaves this officer's services, during an eventful career, up to date. See “Wellington Ex-Councillors.”
With a view of assisting the industries of the Colony, this department was instituted in 1894. It was believed that a very large export trade in timber was possible, and likely to be profitable between New Zealand and the Mother Country, more particularly for woods suitable for street-paving, carriage-building, furniture-making, etc. Seeing that Great Britain imports timber to the value of eighteen millions sterling annually, it was believed that New Zealand timbers would, if better known, find a market there. An expert was therefore set to London to push the trade there, and a few trial shipments—of kauri from Auckland, and white pine, rimu, and birch from the West Coast—were despatched. These shipments, it is hoped, will give such returns as will establish a regular trade. The difficulties and cost of transit from our forests to a port of shipment are the chief obstacles in the way. In other directions, endeavours are being made to open up markets in Canada, China, Japan, and other Eastern ports for various products which can be exchanged profitably with them, such as wool, butter, cheese, preserved fruits, etc.
The department is as yet in its infancy, and its annual cost is £925.
is the Minister in charge.
Officer-in-Charge of the department of Industries and Commerce, was born in London, and educated at King's School, Sherborne, in Dorsetshire. After leaving school he chose the army as a profession, purchasing a commission in the 18th Hussars. This he held for about three years, and then decided to come out to the colonies, embarking on board the good ship “Bombay,” in 1866, for Lyttelton. At this time Sir George Grey was Governor of New Zealand, and Mr. Smith accepted an appointment as assistant private secretary on the governor's staff. He remained in this position until the termination of Sir George Grey's governorship, and was subsequently with Sir George Bowen as assistant secretary and extra A.D.C. At this time Sir Julius Vogel was in power, and offered Mr. Smith an appointment in the Colonial Secretary's office, which was accepted, and he has been in connection with the general government departments in various capacities ever since. Mr. Smith was lieutenant in the first body of artillery formed in Wellington. While in the 18th Hussars, he resided in India. Mr. Smith was married in 1877 to the eldest daughter of Mr. Henry Howorth, of Dunedin, and has one son (now being educated at St. Patrick's College), and one daughter.
This department had its origin in 1878 when Mr. Ballance was the Colonial Treasurer in the Grey Administration. It proved very unpopular, and there were a large number of defaulters against whom proceedings were taken. In the following year Major (Sir Harry) Atkinson repealed it and introduced in its place the Property-Tax Bill. He argued that the condition of the Colony having necessitated extra taxation a large portion should fall on property. The chief question to settle was what description of property should bear the burden, and whether the taxation should fall on capital or income. He argued that a property tax on the whole of a man's possessions would be less inquisitorial than one on income and more easily assessed and levied. These views were adopted after much opposition, and a duty of one penny in the pound was thereupon levied on all property with an expenditure of £500. The opponents of the system never ceased their efforts to substitute a land and income tax for it, but were unsuccessful until the session of 1891 when Mr. Ballance carried the graduated Land and Income Tax which remained in force up till 1893 when an Amendment Act was passed. The revenue collected in that year amounted to £370,079. Revaluations of properties are expected to reduce this income by about £20,000. The tax is collected in two half-yearly instalments and for the sake of convenience to country residents it may be paid to any postmaster. The Land Tax is framed with a view of placing the burdens on those most capable of bearing them and by comparison with the Property tax the number of taxpayers decreased from 8611, while those under the Land Tax were 4760. Each landholder is entitled to a deduction in the assessment of his land to the value of all the improvements on his property up to £3000; a landholder may also deduct from the value of his land the amount of money owing by him which is secured by a duly registered mortgage. By allowing the land owner this privilege, the mortgage is assessed for the amount and the whole value of the land (subject to the deductions and exemptions allowed by the law) is assessed for Land Tax. The same principle applies to land and mortgages held by companies, except in the cases of mortgages held by banks, their profits from such sources being assessed under the Income Tax. In addition to the ordinary Land Tax, the graduated tax is levied; this tax does not operate on owners the value of whose land, less the improvements thereon, does not exceed £5000. The graduated tax then takes effect at 1/8 of a penny in the pound, rising by eighths until it reaches a maximum of twopence on estates worth £210,000 or over. The income from the Land Tax is, in round numbers £230,000, and from the graduated tax £70,000.
The provisions of the Income Tax exempt many
The Land and Income Tax is administered by the Commissioner of Taxes, Mr. J. McGowan (q.v.) who is not, in the exercise of his statutory duties, subject to the ministerial head of the department. The assessments for Income Tax, and all matters connected with it are entirely confidential, but the land assessment is necessarily public, and in the administration of the department the two branches are kept distinct as far as is possible. The number of officers employed in the department is twenty-one whose aggregate salaries are £4970. There are considerable expenses for extra clerical assistance, expenses of revision of assessments and other expenses incurring an outlay of about £5479. Triennial valuations were made up till 1891, in which year the cost was £33,000; this cost has now been saved by a system under which values are readjusted when necessary, and local bodies prepare their own rolls instead of having them supplied by the Commissioner, as was the case when the Act first came into operation. The last general assessment of the Colony showed a land value of £57,441,115 in the North and £64,783,914 in the South Island, or a total of £122,225,029 for the Colony; the wealthiest County being Selwyn with a value of £7,021,548, and the wealthiest borough Wellington valued at £5,865,778.
Commissioner of Taxes, and Member of the Public Trust, Government Insurance, Land Purchase, Advances to Settlers, Post and Telegraph Appeal, and other Boards was born in 1849, in the Orkney Islands, and is a son of the late Rev. William Stewart McGowan, who was for forty-two years a minister in connection with the United Presbyterian Church of Scotland, and laboured for thirty years in Orkney, and for twelve in New Zealand, passing away at the ripe old age of seventy-one. The gentleman under notice arrived in the Colony in 1865, per ship “James Lister,” and after about two years in the bush in the neighbourhood of Wainui-o-mata, entered the Government service. His education had been gained at a variety of places, including the Wigtown and Aberdeen Grammar Schools. A fairly full account of Mr. McGowan's career appears in the Katipo of April the 1st, 1895, written and inserted on the occasion of his being elected to the honourable position of Chairman of the Post and Telegraph Appeal Board. From this article, which is carefully written, it is evident that Mr. McGowan has risen to the high offices he holds by sterling merit in the equally important directions of character and ability. Some twelve years ago, Mr. McGowan was expecting to leave the Colony, and though circumstances transpired which kept him here, his intended removal called forth several expressions of opinion from his then superiors in
office. These opinions, coming from such well known authorities as the late Sir Harry Atkinson, the late Sir William Fitzherbert, Mr. Batkin, for many years Secretary to the Treasury, and afterwards Assistant Controller and Auditor-General, and Mr. J. C. Gavin, the present Assistant Controller and Auditor-General, are of great value; and they are uniformly expressive of the highest encomiums. Entering the service in 1867, Mr. McGowan's “exceptional ability and untiring industry carried him, in the course of six years, into the position of first clerk in the Paymaster General's branch of the Treasury.” His services were secured for the Property Tax Department at its initiation, in 1880. He was selected by Sir Harry Atkinson for the chief clerkship, and ten years later, when Mr. Sperry died, and Mr. Crombie was raised to the Commissionership, Mr. McGowan was appointed Deputy Commissioner. In June, 1894, Mr. Crombie followed his late chief, and Mr. McGowan became Commissioner of Taxes, the appointment being made by the present
the Deputy-Commissioner of Taxes, is a son of the late Alexander le Grand Campbell, an old colonist, who came out from Perthshire in the year 1842, and settled in the district of Nelson. The Deputy-Commissioner was born in the Nelson district, and was educated at the Nelson College. He entered the Service in 1874, as a clerk in the Public Works Department, and was subsequently transferred to the Justice Department, and in 1879 became a clerk in the Tax Department soon after its inauguration. On the death of Mr. Sperry in 1890, who was then Commissioner of Taxes, Mr. Campbell became Chief Clerk, and when Mr. Crombie, who succeeded Mr. Sperry, followed his chief into the “Silent Land,” the Chief Clerk was promoted to the post of Deputy-Commissioner. Mr. Campbell has thus served the Colony for twenty-one years, during which time he has had varied experience in several departments of the Civil Service, rising step by step until he has reached his present position. For many years Mr. Campbell was well known as an athlete, and took a prominent part in yachting, rowing, and football contests. He still continues to take an interest in athletics, and is at present one of the vice-presidents of the New Zealand Rugby Union, and a member of the New Zealand Rowing Association. As a member of the Star Boating Club, he took part in a great many races as number three; and as an amateur yachtsman he has been connected with various yachts in Port Nicholson. Mr. Campbell joined the volunteers about the time when the defence works were started as a junior lieutenant in the Naval Artillery, and on the retirement of Captain Duncan, he was promoted to the position of captain of the company, which position he still holds.
Chief Clerk Land and Income Tax Department, is the eldest son of the late Benjamin Walmsley, formerly a captain in H.M. 56th Regiment, and for many years Chief Postmaster and Sheriff of Nelson. The family—an old Lancashire one—arrived in Nelson from the Mother Country by the ship “Larkins” at the end of 1849. The subject of this sketch was born in Drogheda, Ireland, in 1843, and has had a long official experience in bank and Government employ, having entered the postal service at Nelson in 1859, and being transferred to the Post-office, Dunedin, in 1861, at the commencement of the rush to the Otago goldfields. He left the Postal Service the same year, and joined the Bank of New Zealand, which had just opened their branch in Dunedin. For nearly two years he was in the Bank's service on the early goldfields, and in 1862 was transferred to
the Nelson branch, where, in 1864, he was appointed accountant. On the discovery of the West Coast goldfields he was, at the end of 1864, sent to report as to its prospects as an alluvial field. The outlook being excellent, Mr. Walmsley was instructed to open a branch at Hokitika. The materials for a building were shipped from Nelson, and in December, 1864, the first bank was opened under his charge. In February, 1865, Mr. Walmsley was robbed at the Waimea diggings of upwards of £1000 in gold dust and notes, the property of the Bank, the treasure having been taken from a store, where it had been left for safety. For this loss he was suspended, but after an enquiry had been held into the circumstances, he was reinstated. He resigned from the Bank of New Zealand employ in May, 1865, and entered the service of the Bank of New South Wales in June of the same
Expert Commercial Accountant to the Land and Income Tax Department, has had a large professional experience. Born on the 18th of July, 1856 at St. Helens, Lancashire, he commenced his mercantile career with the notable firm of Messrs. Pilkington Bros., glass manufacturers and colliery proprietors of St. Helens, in the stained glass and ornamental window department, which is a huge concern. After about three years he became shipping clerk to the Widnes Alkali Company, Limited, about twenty miles from Liverpool up the river Mersey, opposite to Runcorn in Cheshire; here he served about three-and-a-half years. He was then appointed by Messrs. Wigg Bros. and Steele of Runcorn, Cheshire, to the charge of Hargreave's patent direct process for the manufacture of sulphate of soda, where he remained about a year-and-a-half. After this Mr. Heyes took charge of the same process at the chemical works of Messrs. Boyd, Son and Co., Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin, together with the management of the office and correspondence for the firm. He soon rose to the position of general manager, and continued over seven years in the same concern. Coming out to Auckland in 1882 per ship “Glenlora,” Mr. Heyes first obtained the appointment as accountant to Mr. John Leck, draper, Auckland. Subsequently he went to Gisborne as accountant to Messrs. Parnell and Boylan, merchants, and afterwards became supervisor in the realization of the estate for the trustees. In 1887 the subject of this notice was appointed accountant in the Auckland office of Messrs. Sargood, Son and Ewen, and after holding the position for about two years he left to take the supervision of the estate of Messrs. E. and A. Isaac, importers and wholesale merchants, Auckland, for the bank; subsequently in bankruptcy he realized the estate for the official assignee. For the next five years Mr. Heyes was in the service of the Kauri Timber Company, Limited, in Auckland, first as accountant, and afterwards as local secretary and assistant general manager. This company, with its great kauri forests and vast operations, afforded opportunities for the display of special qualifications as an accountant. With twenty branches and numerous departments, including mining, shipping, and store business, innumerable accounts and voluminous statistics were needed to keep the whole under review for the efficient management of so large a concern. In the presentation of the periodical financial statements, setting forth in a lucid manner the details of the revenue, expenditure, and properties, Mr. Heyes' services were evidently highly appreciated, this being unreservedly attested by the encomiums of all concerned in the administration of the company. Leaving in December, 1893, he joined the Land and Income Tax Department as expert commercial accountant. Mr. Heyes was married in 1879 to Miss F. A. E. Moore, daughter of Joseph William Moore, Esq., St. Albans, Blackrock, Dublin.
Clerks—G. Maxwell, H. Nancarrow, A. J. McGowan, J. P. Dugdale, J. M. King, D. R. Purdie, A. F. Oswin, G. W. Jänisch, J. Stevenson, C. V. Kreeft, J. W. Black, H. H. Seed, D. G. Clark, T. Oswin, J. R. Smyth, H. L. Wiggins.
Cadets—W. J. Organ, R. Hepworth, J. J. Hunt, C. de R. Andrews, M. J. Crombie, Jas. Ferguson.
The Departments under the control of the Minister of Justice are the Chief Office, which includes the Patent Office, the Crown Law Office, the Supreme Court, the Bankruptcy, District, Stipendiary Magistrates, Wardens, Native Land, and Validation of Native Titles Courts, the conduct of criminal prosecutions, the control of coroners and management of prisons, and all other matters connected with the dispensation of law and justice in the Colony. The annual charges of the department, inclusive of the Patent Office, are £2085 for nine officers. Besides these, there are the general expenses of the department, such as the cost of criminal prosecutions, fees to Crown
Minister of Justice, is referred to on pages 43 and 44.
J.P., Under Secretary for Justice, and Registrar of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks, was born in London in 1838, and was educated at Dr. White's Private School, Notting Hill, London. In 1860 Mr. Haselden came to the Colony per ship “Mermaid,” landing in Auckland. He had previously been for nearly seven years in the employ of the famous London bookselling firm, known throughout the world as W. H. Smith and Son. After a trial of farming in the North of Auckland, Mr. Haselden, in January, 1862, took charge of a school under the Provincial Government at Hakaru, on the East Coast of the Auckland province. About the middle of the same year he changed in favour of a similar school at Turanga, about twenty miles south of the then capital. But here the conditions of Maori matters became alarming, and in July, 1863, Mr. Haselden deemed it advisable to fly with his wife and child. The house they so suddenly vacated was sacked very shortly afterwards, and two boys belonging to neighbouring homesteads were shot dead by the Maoris. Mr. Haselden then entered the Government Service as clerk in the office of the Deputy Adjutant General of Militia and Volunteers (Colonel Balneavis), and in February, 1865, when all the Government offices were removed to the new capital, Mr. Haselden was transferred to the office of the Attorney-General in Wellington — the title being afterwards changed to Department of Justice. In this department Mr. Haselden gradually rose, and on the retirement of Mr. R. G. Fountain, in February, 1882, he was appointed Under-Secretary. The position of Registrar of Patents, etc., was conferred upon him when that department was created in 1867.
For twenty-seven years the subject of this notice was Superintendent of the Sunday school now held in the Gospel Hall, Herbert Street—a position which he resigned only last year, 1894. In July, 1860, almost immediately before leaving England, Mr. Haselden was married at Folkestone, Kent, to Miss Tiffen, and their family now numbers five, three sons and two daughters.
the Chief Clerk in the Department of Justice, and Deputy Registrar of Patents, is the youngest son of the late Mr. John Waldegrave, a well-known early colonist who settled at Palmerston North. Mr. Frank Waldegrave was born and educated in Wellington, and entered the service of the State in 1874 as a cadet in the Colonial Secretary's Office. He has been private secretary to several Ministers, and was transferred to the Justice Department in 1881, rising to the position of chief clerk in 1889, and being subsequently appointed Deputy Registrar of Patents.
Translator, Justice Department, was born at the Bay of Islands in 1844, and educated at his native place, and at the Church of England Grammar School, Auckland, under Dr. Kinder. His father, the Rev. C. P. Davies, who had been trained as a medical man, and became a missionary after arrival in the Colony was at different times stationed at Tauranga and at Opotiki. At the latter place he was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Volkner, who, it will be remembered, was most cruelly murdered by the Maoris. Mr. Davies joined the Government service in 1872, in Wellington, as an interpreter. He had previously acted in this capacity for years in the Bay of Islands, and was licensed by the Government as an interpreter. Upon the promotion of Mr. T. E. Young to the position of judge of the Native Land Court, Mr. Davies became translator. When Sir Donald Maclean was Native Minister, Mr. Davies frequently accompanied him on his journeys in a confidential capacity. Mr. Davies has shown interest in local affairs as a member of the Karori School Committee, in the deliberations of which he has taken part for several years. As a chess player he was one of the original members of the Wellington Chess Club, and was selected to play in interprovincial matches. He is now a member of the Karori Chess Club. In 1881, Mr. Davies married Miss R. A. Godfrey, daughter of the late Rev. D. R. Godfrey, rector of Stow Bedon, Norfolk, and has three sons and three daughters.
Clerks—C. B. Jordan, B. M. Wilson, C. E. Matthews, H. R. L. Hirter.
The Crown Law officers are the advisers of the Government on all legal matters. The Attorney-General is usually a member of the Ministry, and generally acts as leader of the Upper House. In this department all Government Bills are drafted. The Solicitor General, Mr. W. S. Reid, is considered to be the best authority on constitutional law in the Colony since the death of Sir Frederick Whitaker, and he has more than once been offered and refused a seat on the Supreme Court. All departments are advised on legal points, and the time of the Solicitor-General is very fully occupied. Dr. Fitchett,
K.C.M.G., the Attorney-General, is chief of this branch of the Public Service (see page 43).
Solicitor-General, is the Chief Legal Adviser of the Government, and its principal law officer. He is considered by the highest legal authorities to be the best constitutional lawyer in the Colony since the death of Sir Frederick Whitaker. He has more than once been offered and refused a Supreme Court judgeship, but his health, apart from other considerations, has led him to decline the honour.
Assistant Crown Law Officer and Revising Barrister of Friendly Societies, was born in the Falkland Islands. His father, Captain Reid, who belonged to the 45th Regiment, was sent out as Staff-officer of Pensions in 1852 to Tasmania, where the subject of this sketch was educated. In 1869 he came to New Zealand, landing in Hokitika, where he was articled to Messrs. Buller and Reid. He completed his articles with Messrs. Travers and Ollivier in Wellington in 1879, when he was admitted a barrister and solicitor. Mr. Reid practised his profession on the West Coast and at Timaru till 1882, when he was appointed to the office he now holds. He has been a hardworking member of the Wellington Acclimatization Society, of which he was treasurer for ten years. In the Horticultural Society he occupied the position of Chairman of Committee for some years. He was one of the promoters of the local Scenery Preservation Society, of which he is vice-president. Mr. Reid is an unattached member of the Masonic brotherhood, having joined the Timaru Lodge, E.C. He was married in 1887, and has one daughter and two sons.
Parliamentary Draughtsman and Assistant Crown Law Officer, was born in 1851 at Grantham, Lincolnshire, England. He was educated at the Victorian and New Zealand Universities, and gained in Dunedin the Bowen prize in 1876, a senior scholarship in Latin in 1878, and in Greek in the following year. In 1879 Dr. Fitchett took his B.A. degree, and in 1880 that of M.A. with first-class honours in political science, and also the LL.B. degree. He was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court in 1881, and started practice in Dunedin, where he was afterwards joined by Mr. Thornton in the firm of Fitchett and Thornton. Dr. Fitchett continued a member of this firm till 1894, when he was appointed to the office he now holds. He gained his LL.D. degree in 1887. In the same year he was elected Member of the House of Representatives in the Liberal interest for Dunedin Central. While in Parliament Dr. Fitchett was whip of his Party. He did not seek re-election after the expiry of his term. Dr. Fitchett was elected to the Senate of the New Zealand University in 1883, and has taken part in the deliberations of that body to the present day. In 1890 he visited London, where he married Miss Lena Valerie Blain. He has one son.
Clerk—E. Y. Redward.
The duties of the Patent Office are performed by the officials attached to the Department of Justice, the Under-Secretary being the registrar of patents, designs and trades marks. There is a valuable and useful library in connection with this Department which is at present somewhat inconveniently provided for in the museum, where the want of room is so severely felt that many cases of British specifications are, for this reason, unpacked, and difficulties may, it is feared, result from the non-publication in the Colony of important inventions. Accommodation will, however, be provided in the additions now being made to the Government Printing Office for the Library and models. The number of complete applications received for patents for the year ending 31st of December, 1894, was 278 New Zealand and 166 foreign, and 251 New Zealand and sixty-one foreign provisional specifications were also lodged. Three-hundred-and-fifty-three applications were made for registration of trade marks, and 272 were registered, and fifteen designs were also registered, the income for fees being £2447, while the expenditure of the Department is only £536; leaving a surplus of £1941. The work done in this Department shows a steady annual increase, as in the years 1861 to 1864 there were only twenty-one applications made, and these rose by 1870 to 787, and the numbers for the successive years showed the following increases:—1891, 818; 1892, 906; 1893, 951; 1894, 1118. The Department issues a fortnightly supplement to the Government Gazette, which gives much valuable information relative to the various applications made to the office.
Any person desiring to register a trade mark or to apply for letters patent may obtain the necessary forms gratis on application at the office where the staff will courteously give inventors or applicants any information in its power. A patent may be granted to one or more persons providing one is the actual inventor, or to the assignee or authorized agent of the inventor. Every application must be accompanied by a specification, either provisional or complete, and a fee of 10s. If a provisional specification only is lodged, a complete one must be sent in within nine months, and copies of drawings, if any, are required with a further fee of 10s. The acceptance of the complete specification is gazetted, and any person may within two months oppose it, stating the grounds of his objection. The Registrar may then fix a day for hearing, and after hearing evidence, may decide the case and make such orders for costs as he may think fit. The applicant is allowed a further period of fifteen months in which to pay a fee of £2, and the patent is then issued. The term of a patent is fourteen years, subject to a payment of five pounds within four years, and ten
Registrar of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks—C. J. A. Haselden, J.P. (See Justice Department.)
Deputy Registrar—F. Waldegrave. (See Justice Department).
Clerks—J. C. Lewis, F. J. Stewart.
The Supreme Courts of the Colony are presided over by the Chief Justice and four puisne judges, one each being stationed at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. Sittings are held for the trial of criminal and civil cases at Auckland, Gisborne, New Plymouth, Napier, Wellington, and Wanganui in the North Island; and at Blenheim, Nelson, Hokitika, Christchurch, Timaru, Oamaru, Dunedin, and Invercargill in the Middle Island. The judges are appointed for life, and by the Act of 1858 it was provided that the commissions of the judges then in force should continue during good behaviour; but that it should be lawful for the Governor, upon an address being presented by both Houses of the Assembly, to remove any judge from his office and revoke his commission; or suspend any judge from office, which suspension, unless revoked, shall continue in force till the end of next session of the General Assembly, and no longer. This provision has never been put into effect in the Colony. Provision is also made by which the Governor may appoint a judge for a temporary purpose, and this has been done on several occasions in the Colony. The Court of Appeal, which sits at Wellington twice a year, is usually composed of the Chief Justice and two puisne judges. Judges of the Supreme Court are entitled to superannuation allowances on resignation, after having reached the age of sixty years, in proportion to length of service, varying from one-fourth of the annual salary after ten years' service to two-thirds after thirty-five years. The appointment of a judge is not valid unless the payment of his salary is previously secured by statute. This point was settled, after much litigation, by a decision of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, in the case where Mr. W. B. Edwards had been appointed a judge of the Supreme Court by the Atkinson Government in 1890, and when the Ballance Government came into power in the following year, the appointment was disputed as ultra vires, on the ground that Parliament had not been asked to grant the salary. In addition to civil and criminal business, the Supreme Court deals with bankruptcy cases, and there is an Official Assignee, each with his staff, at the four chief cities, and deputy assignees in the minor towns. The annual charges in the Supreme Court are—for the judges under the civil list, £7700; for the officers of the Supreme Court, expenses of Circuit Courts and Courts of Appeal, £6210; for the Bankruptcy Court, £5682; total, £19,592. The total number of officers of the Supreme Court of the Colony, exclusive of the judges, is twenty-eight; and of the Bankruptcy Court, eleven (exclusive of deputy assignees, who are paid by fees out of the estates, except in cases where there are no assets.)
B.A., is the second son of the late Mr. Michael Prendergast, Q.C., by his marriage with Miss Caroline, sister of the late Mr. George Dawe, R.A. Sir James was born in 1828, and was educated at St. Paul's School and at Queen's College, Cambridge, where he took his B.A. degree in 1849. He entered and studied at the Middle Temple, London, in May, 1849, and was called to the bar in April, 1856. Having practised for a time as special pleader in England, he came to Otago, New Zealand, per ship “Chili,” in 1862, and was admitted to the New Zealand bar in that year. In 1863 he was appointed Crown Prosecutor at Dunedin, and Provincial Solicitor for the Province of Otago. In 1865 Sir James was appointed to the Legislative Council, and Non-Political Solicitor-General, and later in the same year Non-Political Attorney-General, which latter office he filled till 1875. On the 1st of April of that year he was appointed Chief Justice of New Zealand. Several times during the absence of the Governor, Sir James has administered the government of the Colony. He was created a Knight Batchelor in November, 1881.
Puisne Judges —Auckland, E. T. Connolly; Christchurch, J. E. Denniston; Dunedin, J. S. Williams.
Auckland, H. C. Brewer; New Plymouth, W. Stuart; Wanganui, C. C. Kettle; Napier, A. Turnbull; Gisborne, W. A. Barton; Wellington, D. G. A. Cooper; Nelson. H. W. Robinson; Blenheim, J. Allan; Christchurch, A. R. Bloxam; Hokitika, A. H. King; Dunedin, C. McK. Gordon; Invercargill, F. G. Morgan.
Auckland, H. C. Brewer; Taranaki—W. G. P. O'Callaghan; Hawkes Bay, A. Turnbull; Poverty Bay, W. A. Barton; Wellington, D. G. A. Cooper; Wairarapa, T. Hutchison; Wanganui and Rangitikei—A.D. Thomson; Nelson—W. Heaps; Westland North, A. Greenfield; Central Westland, H. Lucas; Marlborough, J. B. Stoney; Canterbury, A. R. Bloxam; Timaru, C. A. Wray; Westland, A. H. King. Otago—C. McK. Gordon; Southland, W. Martin.
Auckland, Hon. J. A. Tole; New Plymouth, A. Standish; Gisborne, J. W. Nolan; Napier, A. J. Cotterill; Wellington, H. Gully; Wanganui, S. T. Fitzherbert; Nelson, C. Y. Fell; Blenheim, K. McCallum; Christchurch, T. W. Stringer; Timaru, J. W. White; Dunedin, B. C. Haggitt; Invercargill, T. M. Macdonald; Oamaru, A. G. Creagh.
Auckland, J. Lawson, J.P.; Wellington, J. Ashcroft, J.P.; Christchurch, G. L. Greenwood; Dunedin, C. C. Graham, J. P.
District Courts were established by an Act of 1858 for the administration of civil and criminal business. It provided that the Governor should have power to appoint any fit and proper person being a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court to be a district judge, who might be appointed to have jurisdiction over two or more districts; and who might practice as a barrister of the Supreme Court. The Court had jurisdiction up to £100 in civil cases, but could not deal with actions in which the title to real estate was in question, or of libel, slander, seduction, or breach of promise. Suitors in the District Court may demand a jury to try the action, which may be reduced to four in number by challenge; but in criminal cases the full number of twelve is necessary. Under the Amended Act of 1888 jurisdiction was extended in civil cases to £200, and in cases where a jury is empanelled the judge may accept a three-fourths verdict. The District Court hold sessions for dealing with bankruptcy, civil and criminal cases in minor towns which the Supreme Court judges do not visit. In some instances the District Judge also acts as resident magistrate.
Wairarapa, Wanganui; New Plymouth, Hawera, and Palmerston North—C. C. Kettle
Nelson—H. W. Robinson.
Ashburton, Timaru, Oamaru, Queenstown, Naseby, Lawrence, Invercargill, Hokitika, Greymouth, Westport, and Reefton—C. D. R. Ward.
New Plymouth, A. Standish; Hawera, E. L. Barton; Wanganui and Palmerston North, S. T. Fitzherbert; Westport and Reefton, C. E. Harden; Hokitika, J. Park; Greymouth, M. Hannan; Timaru, J. W. White; Oamaru, A. G, Creagh; Nelson, C. Y. Fell; Queenstown, Wesley Turton; Invercargill, T. M. Macdonald.
Under the Magistrates' Court Act of 1893, the term Resident Magistrate was altered to Stipendiary Magistrate. Every magistrate is, by virtue of his office, a Justice of the Peace and a Coroner, and has all the powers, functions, and discretions exercised by two Justices of the Peace. The jurisdiction of Stipendiary Magistrates is classed into “ordinary,” “extended,” and “special.” Ordinary jurisdiction includes breaches of contract, debt, or the recovery of any demand not exceeding £100, and, where the parties agree, by writing signed by them or their solicitors, that, whatever the subject matter, but not in excess of £200 (provided the case be otherwise within the jurisdiction) the Court shall have jurisdiction; and the granting of a writ of arrest for holding to bail any person about to quit the Colony leaving a claim unsettled. Extended jurisdiction includes the following cases:—Breach of contract, recovery of debts and enforcement of claims not exceeding two hundred pounds; and, where the parties agree, up to £500. “Special” jurisdiction includes the recovery of compensation not exceeding two hundred pounds for false imprisonment, illegal arrest,
Auckland, H. W. Northcroft; Pokeno, Waikato, etc., T. Jackson; Onehunga, etc., R. S. Bush; Russell, etc., J. S. Clendon; Tauranga, etc., J. M. Roberts; Thames, etc; H. E. Kenny; Gisborne, etc., J. Booth; New Plymouth, etc., W. Stuart; Hawera, etc., H. W. Brabant; Wanganui, etc., C. C. Kettle; Palmerston North, etc., R. L. Stanford; Wellington, etc., J. C. Martin; Wairarapa, etc., T. Hutchison; Napier, etc., A. Turnbull; Nelson, etc., H. W. Robinson, Wilson Heaps; Westport, Collingwood, etc., A. Greenfield; Blenheim, etc., J. Allen; Christchurch, etc., R. Beetham; Kaiapoi, etc., H. W. Bishop; Timaru, etc., C. A. Wray; Greymouth, etc., H. A. Stratford; Hokitika, etc., D. Macfarlane; Dunedin, etc., E. H. Carew; Oamaru, etc., J. Keddell; Milton, etc., R. S. Hawkins; Queenstown, etc., S. E. McCarthy; Naseby, S. M. Dalgleish; Invercargill, etc., J. W. Poynton; Chatham Islands, F. J. W. Gascoyne.
New Plymouth, W. G. P. O'Callaghan; Hawera, A. Trimble; Wanganui, A. D. Thomson; Palmerston North, W. Matravers; Masterton, F. H. Ibbetson; Nelson, C. H. Webb-Bowen; Hokitika, C. A. Barton; Greymouth, B. Harper; Westport, E. C. Kelling: Reefton, H. Lucas; Timaru, T. Howley; Ashburton, J. R. Colyer; Oamaru, W. G. Filleul; Invercargill, W. Martin; Queenstown. H. N. Firth; Lawrence, H. J. Abel; Naseby, E. Rawson.
Thames, E, W. Porritt; Coromandel, T. M. Lawlor; Te Aroha, J. Jordan; Whangarei, B. Sheehan; Havelock and Cullensville (Marlborough), J. M. Hickson; Nelson, C. H. Webb-Bowen; Motueka, H. E. Gilbert; Collingwood, S. J, Dew; Westport, E. C. Kelling; Charleston, John Bird; Reefton, H. Lucas; Greymouth, B. Harper; Kumara, J. McEnnis; Hokitika, C. A. Barton; Naseby, etc., E. Rawson; Wyndham, D. Bogue; Clyde, Blacks, and Alexandra, F. T. D. Jeffrey; Cromwell, J. Fleming: Queenstown and Arrowtown—H. N. Firth; Lawrence, H. J. Abel; Riverton, A. M. Eyes.
Auckland, F. J, Burgess; Tauranga, J. Thomson; Gisborne, W. A. Barton; Hamilton, T. Kirk; Napier, A. S. B. Foster; Hastings, P. Skerrett; Marton, etc., F. M. Deighton; Wellington, W. P. James; Blenheim, J. B. Stoney; Christchurch, W. G. Walker; Lyttelton, W. Shanaghan; Kaiapoi, M. Lynskey; Dunedin, W. Somerville.
At any place where a sitting of the Magistrate's Court has been appointed, two or more Justices of the Peace may hold a sitting, and may hear and determine charges of offences against the Police Offences Act, or actions for debt where the amount claimed does not exceed twenty pounds. Justices of the Peace are appointed by the Governor, and the office is a purely honorary one, and in the larger centres they are called upon frequently to perform the duties of Magistrates by rota.
From the earliest days of the settlement of the Colony, and since the Treaty of Waitangi was signed on the 29th of January, 1840, the Native Lands Department has been surrounded by complicated questions, involving the necessity of fresh legislation every year. The native title to land is itself a complicated one to begin with, and in the early dealings with the tribes the titles were often incomplete, and endless litigation and legislation has resulted. It would be impossible in a work of this nature to give even an outline of the various methods which have from time to time been attempted to validate native titles and do justice to both races, but as far as has been practicable, the State has endeavoured to preserve the rights of the native owners. All titles are now settled by the Native Land Court, which is presided over by the Chief Judge, who is also judge of the Validation Court and Registrar-General of Land. There are also nine judges, registrars, clerks, interpreters—31 in all, besides whom assessors and extra clerks, and travelling expenses and allowances, also the Validation Court, established in 1893 with a judge and two clerks; the total cost of administration being £16,681 per annum.
Chief Judge of the Native Lands Court and Registrar-General of Lands, who is a son of the late Dr. Edward Davy, of Malmsbury, Victoria, has been a prominent public servant for over a quarter of a century. Born in 1836 in Devonshire, England, where he was also educated, Mr. Davy early became dissatisfied with life in the Old Land. Embarking on board
Judge of the Native Land Court, was born in Edinburgh on the 11th of May, 1833. Leaving Scotland at the age of five years he was educated at Norfolk House Academy, Southsea. In 1845 the subject of this sketch accompanied his uncle, the late Mr. James Mackay to New Zealand, landing in Nelson. For the first nineteen years of his life in the Colony, Mr. A. Mackay was engaged in agricultural and pastoral pursuits. During this time, however, he had studied the Maori language, in which he became proficient. In August, 1864, he was appointed a Resident Magistrate under the Resident Magistrates' Court Act, 1858, and at the same time he became Commissioner of Native Reserves for the South Island. Subsequently Mr. Mackay was appointed Civil Commissioner for the South Island Native District. After filling these offices for some years he was transferred to Wellington in 1882, and received the appointment as Commissioner of Native Reserves for the Colony and Trust Commissioner under “The Native Land Frauds Prevention Act, 1881.” In addition to other duties Mr. Mackay has frequently held the position of Royal Commissioner for investigating Native and other matters. He also compiled a work for the Government in 1870 comprising two volumes on South Island Native Affairs, to which is attached an interesting introductory chapter divided under three heads; the first portion being devoted to the early history of the Colony of New Zealand from the date of its discovery up to the promulgation of the Constitution Act in 1853. It was intended by the Government that a new edition of the introductory part of the work should be prepared, and instructions were given in December, 1870 to that effect on a motion made in the Legislative Council, but press of work precluded the possibility of doing so. In May, 1884, Judge Mackay was raised to the Bench of the Native Land Court. He was married in May, 1863, to Miss H. S. Gibbs, daughter of Mr. William Gibbs, J.P. of Totaranui, Nelson, who was M.H.R. for Collingwood for many years. His family consists of two daughters and four sons. Judge Mackay's eldest daughter is married to Dr. Roberts of Nelson. The eldest son travels with his father and holds the position of Clerk to the Native Land Court.
Judge of the Native Land Court, has had a long military experience in various parts of the world. Born on the 17th of March, 1838, at Glenflesk, near the town of Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland, he enlisted as a soldier in 1854, and served during the Crimean War, in the Mediterranean, at Aden, and in India. Arriving at Taranaki with his regiment per ship “Star Queen,” early in 1861, he served in the Imperial Army under Generals Cameron and Chute, and was present at the engagements at Nukumaru and Kakaramea, and at the captures of Otapawa pa and Ketemarae pa. Mr. Scannell left the Army in July, 1866, and in the succeeding month joined the colonial expeditionary force under Colonel McDonnell, at Hawera, and took part in various actions till the Maoris sued for peace about the end of the same year. He afterwards remained in garrison till the establishment of the Armed Constabulary, which he joined in November, 1867, being the first man to be enrolled. The subject of this sketch had been promoted to the position of District Sergeant-Major, and retained that rank under the new establishment. In the following year Sergeant-Major Scannell served in the campaign against Titokowaru, and was promoted to the rank of Sub-Inspector, having command of No. 2 division. In 1869 the gallant gentleman led his company to the Urewera Country in pursuit of the arch-rebel Te Kooti, and was present in several engagements, fortunately escaping personal injury. Soon afterwards Te Kooti's men dispersed, and Sub-Inspector Scannell and his division were appointed to Taupo. In July, 1870, he was promoted to the rank of Second-Class Inspector, and in December of the following year to that of First-Class and Major in the New Zealand Militia. Major Scannell was appointed Resident Magistrate of Taupo in July, 1872, and continued to hold this position, as well as military officer commanding the district, till May, 1876, when he was transferred to Tauranga. Two years later he was re-transferred to Taupo, where he remained till 1888. In December, 1885, Major Scannell became a Judge of the Native Land Court, his connection with the R.M. Court and the military ceasing on the abolition of the Armed Constabulary in 1888. He was married in July, 1873, to Miss Ruth, daughter of Mr. W. Northcroft, of New Plymouth.
Judge of the Native Land Court, Wanganui District, comes of an old Norfolk family. His father, the late Rev. Robert Ward, was a missionary who came to New Zealand in the ship “Raymond,” arriving at New Plymouth in August, 1844. Judge Ward was born in the cathedral city of Norwich on the 6th of September, 1840. Six years after reaching the Colony the family removed to Auckland. Educated at the late Mr. John Gorrie's Grammar School and at Wesley College when the Rev. W. H. Fletcher was Principal, the subject of this sketch still enjoys pleasant recollections of that time. At the commencement of the native troubles on the West Coast about the end of 1859, the Rev. Mr. Ward having returned to Taranaki, leaving his son in Auckland, the latter became so anxious to be near his family that he secured a passage in the s s. “Airedale,” which carried some of the 65th and Colonel Gould and staff to New Plymouth. During the war Judge Ward lived in the Taranaki District, remaining till 1868 when he removed to Wellington and secured employment in the Native Office. Shortly afterwards he was removed to the Justice Department and was subsequently made Registrar of Marriages, etc., for the Rangitikei District. Not long after this Judge Ward received the appointment of Native Agent for the Rangitikei and Manawatu Districts, and took up his residence in Marton. In 1876 he was promoted to the position of Resident Magistrate for the same districts, and five years later the care of the Wanganui District was added to his duties. Judge Ward was then appointed Government Native Agent at Wanganui, and took up his quarters there. In May, 1886, he became a Judge in the Native Land Court, but contrived to perform his magisterial duties. Two years after he was appointed Resident Magistrate for Napier District, and held a monthly court at Woodville. Since early in 1889 Judge Ward has performed Native Land Court work exclusively in his district which extends from the Mokau to the Rangitikei Rivers. In March, 1863, he was married to Miss Eleanor Wakefield of New Plymouth, and has four sons and five daughters. Soon after locating in Marton, then called Tutaenui, Mr. and Mrs. Ward formed a very successful harmonic society. For
Judge of the Native Lands Court, was born in 1848 in Mangonui, and Educated at the Auckland Grammar School, under the Rev. Dr. Kinder. After leaving school he qualified as a surveyor, but abandoned the profession and went into flax-dressing on a large scale for about three years. Subsequently he had two years' experience on the Thames goldfield. In 1878 Mr. Butler, who had acquired a knowledge of the Maori language, was appointed Government agent in the Wairarapa, but preferring the more exciting life of the Capital, he accepted a position as interpreter to the Native Office in Wellington. It was not long before he was offered the position of Private Secretary to the Native Minister, the Hon. J. Bryce. He retained this office for several years, acting successively under the Hon. W. Rolleston and the late Hon. J. Ballance. In 1885 Mr. Butler was appointed Land Purchase Officer at Wanganui, and while engaged on the West Coast, was successful in acquiring over a million acres for the Crown. In 1893 he was promoted to the important office of Judge of the Native Land Court, which he still holds.
Judge of the Native Land Court is the only son of the late Rev. Samuel Edger, B.A. Born in 1854 at Kimbolton, Huntingdonshire, the subject of this notice accompanied his parents to the Colony in 1862 per ship “Matilda Wattenbach,” the first vessel conveying settlers to the Non-conformist settlement at Albertland, Auckland. He was educated chiefly under his father's roof, and till 1879 was in the country (Port Albert) engaged in farming pursuits. In the latter year Mr. Edger joined the Native Land Court Department as clerk, and soon rose to the position of senior clerk. During the time he was in Auckland as clerk he studied the law, and in 1889 was admitted a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. On the retirement of Mr. Hammond in 1891 as Registrar, Mr. Edger was appointed to the vacant position, which he filled for two years. He was then transferred to Wellington, where he succeeded Mr. William Bridson as Registrar. In 1894 Mr. Edger was raised to the judgeship. He is an enthusiastic musician, and while in Auckland was prominent in the Auckland Choral Society, and for many years was secretary of the Orchestral Society. For three years Mr. Edger was organist and choirmaster of All Saints' Church, Ponsonby. Since coming to Wellington he has taken part in musical matters. His instrument is the violoncello. In 1885 Mr. Edger was married to Miss Langsford, daughter of Mr. C. Langsford, tailor, of Auckland.
Judge of the Native Land Court is a son of the late Mr. Gilbert Mair, one of the earliest settlers of the Bay of Islands where he became a merchant, and was one of the first Justices of the Peace appointed by Governor Hobson. Born at Wahapu, Bay of Islands in November, 1832, and educated at the Waimate Mission School kept by the Rev. R. Taylor, and at St. John's College, Auckland, Major Mair afterwards followed farming pursuits at Whangarei, and subsequently spent several years at the Australian goldfields. Returning to his native land he entered the public service at the commencement of the Waikato War in 1863. Being a good Maori scholar, Major Mair was appointed interpreter to Colonel Nixon of the Colonial Defence Force (cavalry). He served throughout the Waikato, Tauranga, and East Coast campaigns, and in the expedition to the Uriwera Country, and was gazetted Major in the New Zealand Militia in 1866. Gudgeon in his “Defenders of New Zealand” says “Major Mair has been under fire upon more than thirty different occasions, and took an active part in the following engagements:— Paterangi, Rangiaohia, Haerini, Orakau, in the Waikato campaign; Te-Awa-a-te-Atau, Te Teko and Whakatene in the East Coast campaign; Waimana, Omarnteangi, Hukanui, Ruatahuna, and Tatahoata in the Uriwera campaign; yet he never received any special reward for his military services. In fact, it may be said that amongst the leading spirits of the war he and his brother Captain Gilbert Mair are the only officers who did not get a portion of the confiscated lands they had fought so hard to obtain for the Colony.” At the celebrated capture of Te-Teko Major Mair was in command. In 1864 he was appointed Resident Magistrate for Taupo District, and was subsequently transferred to Opotiki. Appointed as Government Agent and Resident Magistrate for Waikato in 1871 by Sir Donald McLean, he sought to cultivate the friendship of the king natives, then living in sullen isolation. In his negotiations with the Maori King, Major Mair was entirely successful. At Alexandra he met Tawhiao who laid down his gun and motioned to his followers, eighty in number to do the same, remarking “There should be no more trouble; it means peace.” This led to the king coming out of his retirement and visiting Auckland. Major Mair was appointed Judge of the Native Land Court in 1882, and held the first sitting of the court in the so-called King Country. Judge Mair was married in 1872 to Miss Janie Cathcart, daughter of Mr. Alexander Black of Queensland, and has one daughter and two sons.
Judge of the Native Land Court, was born at Conde, department of Calvados, France, on the 21st of
W. E. Gudgeon, L. O'Brien, H. W. Brabant (see “Legal,” Wanganui).
is Registrar of the Native Land Court for the Wellington District, which includes the whole Colony south of New Plymouth on the West Coast and of Hawkes Bay on the East Coast. Born on the 23rd of December, 1844, in London, and educated at various private schools in Greenwich, Jersey, Wolverhampton, and London, he entered the office of Messrs. Robert Roxburgh and Co., Marine Insurance Brokers, of 6 Austin Friars, E.C., and Lloyds, and was afterwards employed by a cousin in the bookselling, stationery, and printing business at Wolverhampton. Mr. Johnson arrived in Auckland per ship “Devonshire,” on the 7th of February, 1863 (being the memorable day on which H.M.S. “Orpheus” was wrecked on the Manukau bar), and has had a varied experience in the Colony. Immediately after arrival he went to Coromandel, where he was engaged in storekeeping, mining, and battery work and was one of thirty left on the Driving Creek during the Maori troubles. In September, 1864, Mr. Johnson removed to Auckland, under engagement as town traveller to Mr. Wilkie, aerated water manufacturer. In February, 1866, he joined Mr. Edward Wood as local partner in starting a store at Ohinemuri, and was the first white resident on the block which is now the site of the flourishing township of Paeroa. Here he passed through exciting times, as there was then a very large native population, consisting principally of Waikato and East Coast rebel refugees. On one occassion he was counselled to bury his money for safe custody, which he did, the spot being now part of the main road. From 1869 to 1871 Mr. Johnson had a further goldfields experience on the Thames, after which he returned to Paeroa, where he entered into partnership with Mr. Peter Austin for a time in the old original store. He obtained his first license as a native interpreter in April, 1872. On the opening of the Ohinemuri goldfield on the 3rd of March, 1875, Mr. Johnson was one of the party who pegged out the Golden Knob claim at Karangahake (now part of the celebrated Woodstock Mine), of which he had been the first prospector. He subsequently started a bookselling and stationery business in Paeroa, with which he combined an agency for Mr. G. Denby, chemist and druggist, of the Thames. For a number of years, Mr. Johnson acted as “Own Correspondent” in the Ohinemuri district for Thames and Auckland papers, and was specially engaged by the New Zealand Herald to assist Mr. Berry (the editor), in reporting the great meeting between Sir George Grey and Tawhiao at Te Kopua, near Alexandra, Waikato. As the result of that engagement in June, 1879, he joined the Civil Service as clerk and interpreter in the Native Office, Wellington. In January, 1885, he was transferred to Rotorua as Government agent for the thermal springs district, and chairman of the Rotorua Town Board. Here he had charge of the Sanatorium and of native affairs generally. Mr. Johnson was successful in completely reorganising the Sanatorium, and putting it into a proper workable condition, for which he received the thanks of the late Hon. J. Ballance. While holding this position the Tarawera eruption occurred, and the subject of this notice was the third man to arrive at Wairoa on the fateful morning of the 10th of June, 1886, where he assisted in the rescue of Mrs. Haszard. In 1888 he was one of the victims of the great retrenchments, and
J. W. Browne, Auckland; J. Brooking, Gisborne.
R. S. Bush, J. Booth, A. Turnbull, J. S. Clendon, T. Jackson, C. C. Kettle, J. M. Roberts, W. Stuart, H. W. Bishop, E. H. Carew, F. J. W. Gascoyne, H. E. Kenny.
Government Native Agent, Otorohanga — G. T. Wilkinson.
Judge — G. E. Barton.
Registrar and Clerk — R. C. Sim.
Auckland, T. M. Philson, E. Baker; Akaroa, G. H. Saxton; Collingwood, E. Davidson; Coromandel, A. R. H. Swindley; Foxton, E. S. Thynne; Hamilton, W. N. Searancke; Hawera, C. E. Major; Hokitika, R. W. Wade; Mahurangi, M. Angrove; Marton, A. Simpson; Nelson, O. Curtis, W. Gibbs, and L. G. Boor; Ohinemuri, J. N. E. Kenny; Opotiki, S. Bates; Otahuhu, S. Luke; Otaki, W. H. Simcox; Palmerston North, J. Linton; Port Albert, J. Shepherd; Pahi, W. W. Ariell; Queenstown, L. Hotop; Raglan, W. H. Wallis; Southbridge, R. B. Willis; Tauranga, A. C. H. Tovey; Te Awamutu, T. Gresham; Te Kopuru, T. Webb; Thames, C. Haselden, A. Bruce; Waimate, E. M. Williams; Waipawa, S. Johnson; Wellington, J. Ashcroft; Whangarei, J. Bell; Woodville, E. J. Gothard.
The Judges, Registrars, and Sheriffs of the Supreme Court, District Court Judges, Crown Solicitors, Crown Prosecutors, Stipendiary Magistrates, and clerks and other officers of the Magistrates' Courts will be referred to in the pages of the Cyclopedia under the heading “Legal,” under the towns in which they reside.
The prisons, like the police, were under the control of the Provinces until abolition took effect. The inconvenience of the system led to a Royal Commission being set up in 1867 consisting of Judges Johnston and Richmond and two members of the Legislature, and they visited and reported on all the gaols in the Colony, making numerous recommendations, most of which have since been carried into effect. In those days long-sentenced criminals, runaway sailors, persons awaiting trial, and short-sentenced police court offenders were all kept in the same gaol and subject to the same conditions. The treatment of prisoners varied considerably in the various provinces. The Commissioners reported that in some instances the quantity of food was inadequate, in others the criminals had considerable latitude. In Lyttelton and Nelson gaols each prisoner was allowed two sticks of tobacco a week. In Wellington, first-class prisoners only were permitted to smoke; while in Dunedin and Auckland smoking was strictly prohibited. On the Abolition of Provinces the smaller gaols were done away with or used for short-sentence cases only. In 1880 Captain Hume formerly of the 19th Highlanders, who had considerable experience of the modern system of prison management in England was engaged as Inspector of Prisons in the Colony, and under him all the gaols have been brought under a uniform system of discipline, which, while it is strict, is by no means harsh. The routine work of each gaol commences at 5.30 in summer and 6.30 in winter, and each prisoner has to wash and dress himself, make up his hammock and sweep out his cell. The prisoners are then mustered and each has his breakfast served in his cell. Half-an-hour later they are mustered again, searched and marched to work and have an hour for dinner, returning at 5, when they are again searched and bathe in turns. Another search and they are locked up at 5.30., make up their beds at 7.30, and lights are put out and strict silence ordered at 8 p.m. The gaols are frequently visited by the Visiting Justices who hear complaints, and in cases where prisoners commit breaches of
N.Z.M., Commissioner of Police and Inspector of Prisons, is an officer who has had great experience under many skies. Born in the City of Dublin in 1840, and educated at Cheltenham College, Gloucestershire, he entered the Imperial Army in 1859 in the 79th Highlanders as an ensign. He accompanied his regiment to India, where he served till 1871, and then returned to England, obtaining the rank of Captain in 1874. For three years in the “Old Land” Captain Hume carried out his duties as an officer of the Army. In 1874 he was appointed Deputy-Governor of Millbank Prison, London, and here he gained his first experience of the management of Prisons. After twelve months the subject of this notice was transferred to Dartmoor Prison in the same capacity, where he remained for three years. He was of afterwards Deputy-Governor of Portland Prison for a like period, and at the close of this term he was promoted to be Governor of Wormwood Scrub Prison, London. It was while holding this position that Captain Hume accepted the appointment of Inspector of Prisons for New Zealand, he being selected by Sir Julius Vogel, who was then Agent-General for the Colony. Coming to Wellington by the s.s. “Durham” in 1880, Captain Hume took up his duties as Inspector of Prisons; in 1888 he became Lieutenant-Colonel in the New Zealand Militia, and was appointed Inspector of Volunteers, which position he held till 1890, when he was promoted to be Commissioner of Police and Under-Secretary for Defence, the duties of which latter office Colonel Hume performed till 1895. In 1864 Colonel Hume was married to Miss Macintire, daughter of the Deputy Inspector-General of Hospitals at Murray, in the Punjaub. His family consists of seven sons—the eldest is a lieutenant in the Permanent Artillery in Auckland, the next two are in the employ of the Union S.S. Company, the fourth is an engineer on the s.s. “Rimutaka,” the fifth is in the Bank of Australasia, the sixth is in the Alliance Insurance Company, and the youngest is still at school. One of Colonel Hume's sons was successful in saving a life from drowning, for which gallant act he received the Humane Society's Medal. The sons are all well known in Wellington as associated with the Star Boating Club, and the winners of many trophies for athletic exercises.
Clerk of the Prisons Department, was born near Sunderland, Durham, England. Mr. Richardson came out to New Zealand per s.s. “Durham” about 1880, and, joining the Prison Department about the end of 1886, has filled the position to the present time.
Auckland, G. S. Reston; Dunedin, S. C. Phillips; Hokitika, B. L. O'Brien; Invercargill, J. H. Bratby; Lyttelton, M. M. Cleary; Napier, F. E. Severne; New Plymouth, E. Rickerby; Wanganui, R. T. N. Beasley; Wellington, P. S, Garvey; Nelson, T. B. Pointon.
This department is a development, of recent times and was created in the belief that it would, to a great extent, dispose of the unemployed difficulty, and be the means of bringing together the capitalist and labouring classes. It cannot be said to have proved a pronounced success, and although it is the means of distributing a considerable amount of information regarding the current rate of wages
Minister of Labour, is described on pages 43–5.
J.P., F.R.G.S., F.R. Hist. S., F.I. Inst., F.P.S., M.A.I., Secretary of the Labour Department and Chief Inspector of Factories, is one of the most widely known men in the Civil Service. The discharge of his duties now takes him to all parts of the Colony; but even before assuming his present functions he was well known over most of the North Island. Mr. Tregear is the representative of one of the most ancient and distinguished families of Cornwall. He was educated in London, where he was also trained as a civil engineer. For some years he practised his profession in that city; but, dissatisfied with the uneventful life of the Old Country, he determined to emigrate to the colonies in order to find more scope for his restless spirit. Arriving in Auckland in 1863, he soon turned his attention to surveying, and was first employed in Mahurangi, a district north of Auckland. He remained there several years, became goldfields and mining surveyor at the Thames and Coromandel, and then took military service at Tauranga. Here he experienced all the vicissitudes of the war, and was under fire in many engagements with the Maoris. At the conclusion of this campaign he accepted an offer to survey land near the King Country. As the relations between the Maoris and the Europeans were at that time strained, the work was attended with great danger, and any Englishman venturing among the natives carried his life in his hand. But the knowledge gained in the previous campaign proved invaluable to him, and enabled him to understand how to deal with them. It was here that Mr. Tregear extended considerably his acquaintance with the Maori language, in which he is now so proficient. For many months together he did not see any Englishman outside of his own party, and he took the opportunity of familiarising himself with the manners and customs of the Maoris. Hostilities between the races were now imminent, and Mr. Tregear, on account of his knowledge of the district and its inhabitants, was
placed at the head of the Waikato Native Contingent. The bold front shown intimidated the rebels, and the work consisted chiefly in maintaining order and in making roads along the frontier from Alexandra to Orakau. He held the rank of Sub-inspector Armed Constabulary for about eighteen months, when he retired for a short time from the public service, and established, on his own account, a sawmill between Raglan and Rangiriri for the supply of railway sleepers. About 1875 he abandoned this to accept the position of Government surveyor in Taranaki. A year or two later he received an appointment in Patea, where he remained three or four years. Here he acted as engineer for several road boards and two towns, and was carrying on a flourishing business, when the Te Whiti outbreak brought confusion into the district. In 1880 he received the appointment of surveyor to the Royal Commission on Native Reserves, and from that time until 1891 he was employed in various Government works. When the Department of Labour was established in the last-mentioned year, Mr. Tregear was chosen for the position of Secretary, and was given charge of the Department. His duties in this office are to find work for the unemployed, and to remedy the congested state of the labour market in the cities by finding employment in the country, as well as to carry out the labour laws (such as truck, workmen's wages, conciliation and arbitration, etc.), generally. This department is now so prominently before the public that is not necessary to give further particulars here. From the foregoing narrative it might be inferred that Mr. Tregear's life was too busy to allow him to engage in any literary work. Such, however, is not the case. In 1881 he published the now famous dictionary of the Maori language, which is regarded by scholars as the best work on the subject. He is the author of a book entitled “Fairy Tales of New Zealand and the South Seas,” a work of great merit, and a valuable addition to the literature of the Colony. He is also the author of “Southern Parables,” “The
Westminster Review and Longman's Magazine. Since his residence in Wellington, Mr. Tregear has identified himself with the various literary, scientific, and other societies. He is a member of the council and ex-president of the Wellington Philosophical Society, member of the Union Debating Club, and of the Citizen's Institute. In connection with the last-mentioned society he has recently delivered several lectures. He was one of the promoters of the newly-formed Scenery Preservation Society, of which he is chairman of committees, and takes a warm interest in its work. In 1880 Mr. Tregear married the third daughter of Mr. Hamar Arden, of Taranaki, and his family consists of one daughter.
Chief Clerk of the Labour Department, has had a large and varied experience of colonial life. Born in 1857 at Dunse, Berwick, Scotland, he received his education in the ancient and beautiful city at Edinburgh. As a lad Mr. Mackay went to sea, and made several voyages between the “Old Land” and New Zealand, serving part of his apprenticeship in P. Henderson and Co.'s Albion line of sailing ships. In 1875 he left the ship “Timaru” in Port Chalmers, and striking up country, eventually found his way to Invercargill, where he worked for some time, also being employed at the Mataura Paper Mill, cutting the first water race. In 1876 he went Home from the Bluff in the ship “Waimea,” and came back in the same ship to Wellington. He proceeded up country and was engaged in all sorts of work, among others that of waggon-driving over the Rimutaka before the line was opened to the Wairarapa. In 1884 he took a trip Home in the ship “Lady Jocelyn,” when she took the first cargo of frozen meat from the North Island of New Zealand to England. Returning at the latter end of the same year he entered the service of the Wellington Harbour Board, in which he remained for some years. On the formation of the Labour Department in 1891 Mr. Mackay was appointed to assist Mr. Tregear in organizing the work. During the illness of his chief he had charge of the department, and succeeded in assisting in its rapid development. The State farm at Levin is largely under Mr. Mackay's control. His large and varied experience of colonial life has peculiarly fitted him for the position he now occupies. As a member of the Masonic fraternity, he belongs to the New Zealand Pacific Lodge, N.Z.C., holding at present the office of Junior Warden. Mr. Mackay is a prominent member of the Druids' Order, and holds the office of District Grand President, in the District Grand Lodge, which has just been formed, Mr. Mackay being one of the principal movers in the movement which led to the separation from Victoria, thereby gaining control over the local funds and also having the management of their own affairs. He is also a member of Court Robin Hood, A.O.F. He takes a great interest in anything pertaining to Friendly Societies. In 1885 Mr. Mackay was married in Greytown to Miss Georgina Davidson, who came to Tasmania from Edinburgh with Bishop Sandford. His family consists of three daughters and one son.
Record Clerk—V. L. Willeston. Cadet— F. W. T. Rowley.
Inspector of Factories. See above.
Inspector of Factories for the North and Middle Islands of the Colony of New Zealand, is a son of the late J. P. Shanaghan, who came to the Colony in the early forties as Drum Major in the 58th Regiment, and served in Hone Heke's war at the Bay of Islands, and afterwards throughout the Waikato campaign. Born in the Northern City in 1847, Mr. James Shanaghan went with his parents to Australia when but five years old, and there he was educated, returning to New Zealand in 1864 to settle in the Waikato. On the Thames being declared a goldfield, he was on the field within four days of its opening, and took part in the labour of the pioneer prospectors. In 1868 Mr. Shanaghan joined the A. C. force, under Major Von Tempsky, and was beside that gallant officer when he fell in battle, being the last to see him alive. During the engagement the subject of this notice was shot in both hands, and received a slight scalp wound, which together rendered him unfit for further service. Returning to the Thames in 1869, he entered the Provincial Government Service in the Survey Department, where he remained till 1874. In this year Mr. Shanaghan accepted an appointment under the Public Works Department at the Thames, and was soon entrusted with the management of the water-race, of which he had charge for over six years. In February, 1883, he was appointed Inspector of Works by the Auckland City Council, which position he retained for about nine years, when he took up his duties as Inspector of Factories. Mr. Shanaghsn was married in 1876 to Miss Twamley, daughter of Mr. George Twamley, of Onehunga, and has six daughters and two sons.
Christchurch, J. Lomas; Auckland, H. Ferguson; Dunedin, H. Maxwell; and 137 local Inspectors.
Officer in Charge of the Women's Branch of the Labour Department, is a daughter of Mr. Henry Scott, settler, of Pahiatua, and was born in January, 1869, in the North of Ireland. Arriving in Lyttelton per ship “Halcione,” in 1881, her education was gained chiefly in the Colony. On leaving school, Miss Scott went to learn the work of a tailoress in Christchurch, and for some years followed this calling. For many years she has been connected with various trade organisations, and soon became a prominent member. Miss Scott assisted in developing the Christchurch Tailoresses' Union, and for a number of years she filled the important office of secretary of the society. She was largely instrumental in organizing several societies in connection with women's work, and ultimately as representative of the Tailoresses' Union, became vice-president of the Canterbury Trades Council. Miss Scott was appointed to the position she now holds on the 1st of April, 1895. The Labour Department has already done a great deal to improve the lot of the workers in New Zealand, and there can be no doubt that the appointment of a lady to give special attention to the needs of the women workers is a move in the right direction.
The Public Works Department has of late years become insignificant in comparison with its former importance. The great bulk of the moneys raised by loan was distributed throughout the Colony by it; the railways, roads, public building, lighthouses, harbour works and defences, telegraph lines, water-races on goldfields, were all designed and carried out under the supervision of the engineer-in-chief and his army of deputies, and in the early days of the public works policy the important Department of Immigration was also controlled under this head. Altogether, up to March, 1895, the expenditure out of the Public Works Fund amounted to the vast sum of £29,647,175, but the expenditure for the year 1894–1895 dwindled down to less than £360,000. Changes are contemplated by which the control over the construction of roads now held by the Lands Department shall be transferred to the Public Works Department, and the railway construction branch shall be vested in the Railway Department. During the last four years the most of the work in the Colony has been done under the co-operative system, an average of 840 men having been employed. It is claimed by the authorities that the wages earned and the work done has been satisfactory to both employers and employed; but this statement has been questioned by competent authorities who assert that better work is done for less money under the contract system. It is undeniable that, in works where a large amount of labour is necessary, the chief requisite is organising ability. This cannot be looked for in a gang of co-operative workers, and the frequent complaints indicate that the system is not a perfect one, and it is obvious that as the nature of the work is so various, ranging from mere shifting of earth a few yards, to the building of bridges across dangerous rivers, the need of men of ability becomes more evident; and this is proved by the fact that such works are still let by tender to contractors. The salaries and expenses of the Department, which consists of twenty-two officers, is £8600 per annum.
Minister for Public Works, is in charge. His career is given at length on pages 40–3.
Under-Secretary for Public Works and Railways, was born in London, and received his education at Brighton, at the Arnold House School. He was brought up to a mercantile life, and gained some experience in his father's business in London. He came out to the Colony with his father, arriving in Wellington in 1871, per ship “Celaeno.” Mr. Blow, senior, then started a leather manufacturing business in Wellington, which he conducted for some time, the subject of this notice assisting him therein. Later on he accepted an appointment with Mr. W. J. Gandy, of Wellington, and remained in his office for some time. In July, 1873, he entered the accountant's office in the Public Works Department, a position for which his previous experience had eminently fitted him. Mr. Blow has
Engineer-in-Chief and Marine Engineer for the Colony, was born in 1830 in New Brunswick, where his father, Mr. James R. Hales, was a ship builder and owner. Educated in his father's house, the subject of this notice studied for his profession in Liverpool, England, and in 1853 sailed for the colonies. For three years he was engaged in contracting and general business in Melbourne, and in 1856 he crossed the Tasman Sea and landed in Wellington, The first six years of life in New Zealand was spent as a builder and contractor for road and bridge works. Mr. Hales first entered the public service under the Provincial Government in 1861 as assistant engineer of roads in the Wanganui and Rangitikei districts. After about a year he was transferred to Wellington to take charge of the wharf and Harbour Works, and to this was afterwards added the care of the roads in the district. In the year 1864 Mr. Hales was again sent to Wanganui, his duty on this occasion being to take charge of the construction of the North Road, which was being pushed forward to facilitate the settlement of the country. He continued to direct this work till 1866, when the Maori war temporarily put an end to the construction. The same year the subject of this notice was re-transferred to Wellington and placed in charge of the district for the Provincial Government, and at the same time he became acting engineer for Wellington under the General Government, continuing both services till 1868, when he left the Provincial Government employ. In 1869 Mr. Hales left Wellington to put up the lighthouse at Farewell Spit, after completing which he had charge of the construction of the Wanganui Bridge. Remaining in Wanganui he continued in charge of roads and works generally till 1875, when once more he was transferred to the Empire City. On the establishment of the Public Works Department, in 1871, Mr. Hales became an officer, and has continued in this branch of the Civil Service up to the present time. On his removal in 1875, Mr. Hales took charge of all works in the Wellington District. The Wellington-Masterton line of Railway was then in course of construction, and Mr. Hales saw the work completed; at about that time five miles of the Wellington-Manawatu Railway was constructed by the Government and subsequently abandoned. In 1881 he went to Auckland as district engineer and remained for ten years. When Mr. Blair, the late Engineer-in-Chief was taken ill, in 1891. Mr. Hales was recalled from Anckland, placed in charge and appointed acting engineer-in-chief. A year after he became Engineer-in-Chief, and some six or eight months later still he was appointed Marine Engineer for the Colony. Mr Hales married, in 1869, Miss Wilkinson, daughter of Mr. D. N. Wilkinson, horticulturalist, of Wellington. His family numbers six sons; the eldest is in the working Railways Department, the second is at Hawera in the Bank of New Zealand, the next is in the office of
M.A., M. Inst. C.E., Resident Engineer, Public Works Department, was born in Glasgow in 1852. Arriving in Port Chalmers in 1860, per ship “Stormcloud,” Mr. Hay was educated at the Otago University. He graduated in Dunedin and gained the degree of B.A. in 1877, and that of M.A. with first-class honours in mathematics and mathematical physics in the year following. Mr. Hay entered the Public Works Department, Dunedin, in January, 1875, as a cadet. Four years later he was promoted to the position of assistant engineer, an office which he held for five years in the Edinburgh of New Zealand. In 1879 Mr. Hay was married to Miss Mary Clarke, daughter of Mr. Peter Clarke, of Clinton, Otago. His family consists of one daughter and four sons. Having done good service in the Dunedin office of the Public Works Department and a good deal of work in the field. Mr. Hay was transferred to Wellington in 1884, and two years later he was promoted to be Resident Engineer. Mr. Hay is a member of the Otago branch of the New Zealand Institute, and was elected a member of the Institution of Civil Engineers in 1891.
the Chief Clerk of the Public Works Department, is an officer of long and varied experience. He was born at Oban, in Argyllshire, Scotland, and was educated there and at the High School, Glasgow. Mr. McArthur acquired a practical knowledge of surveying in the Old Land, with the view of pursuing that profession in New Zealand. On arriving in the Colony, however, in 1861, he went to the Gabriel's Gully goldfield in Otago, where he worked as a miner for about six months, when he accepted an appointment as assistant surveyor. Subsequently he was appointed district surveyor on the survey staff of the Southland Provincial Government, under the late Mr. Theophilus Heale. He remained in this position until about 1870, when he met with an accident which disabled him from the further practice of his profession in the field. In 1872 he entered the Land Transfer Department as chief clerk and draughtsman at Invercargill, and was transferred to the Public Works Department, Dunedin, as office engineer, in 1875. In 1884 he was removed to the office of the same department in Auckland, whence (in 1889) he was transferred to the head office in Wellington, where he was shortly afterwards promoted to the position he now holds. Mr. McArthur married Miss Ellen Bird, daughter of Mr. A. Bird, builder, Caversham, Otago.
Accountant in the Public Works Department, was born at Wellington in 1856. Educated at Thorndon Public School under Mr. Mowbray, and at Mr. Brann's Commercial School on the Terrace, Mr. Clapham became clerk in the Treasury in 1872. After six years' experience in the Service, he was transferred to the Public Works Department as a clerk. He has gradually risen step by step till gaining the Senior Clerkship, from which he was promoted to be accountant in 1890. Mr. Clapham married Miss Curtis, daughter of Mr. H. Curtis, of Molesworth Street.
the Record Clerk in the Public Works Department, was born in Jersey in 1851, and educated there at St. James' Collegiate School. He is a son of the late Mr. George Henry Millais, of Jersey, and first cousin to Sir John Everett Millais, Bart., the celebrated artist. Mr. Millais came to the Colony in 1873, in the ship “Countess of Kintore,” landing in Auckland, and entering the Bank of New Zealand as a clerk. After four years in the Bank, he tried farming for a few months, but relinquished that in time to join the Government service before the end of 1879. The next six years he spent in Dunedin in the Public Works Department under the late
Land Purchase Officer—H. Thompson.
Clerks—W. D. Dumbell, L. F. Tegnér, H. R. Rae, J. Williams, N. Jacobs, W. E. A. Butler, E. Horneman, F. E. Banks.
Chief Draughtsman—W. G. Rutherford.
Architectural Draughtsman—J. Campbell.
Draughtsmen—T. Perham, E. Jackson, W. Withers, W. G. Swan, J. H. Price, P. N. Hunt.
Resident Engineer of the Public Works Department, is a son of Judge Wilson, of the Native Lands Court. Although born in France, Mr. Wilson was brought up in the Colony, receiving his education at the Auckland College and Grammar School. At the age of eighteen he entered the Public Works Department as a cadet, serving for some time under Mr. C. Y. O'Connor, now Engineer-in-Chief in Western Australia. Since joining the department, in 1875, Mr. Wilson has been in its service continually with the exception of twelve months (1891), during which period he was engineer to the Westport Harbour Board. Five years after joining the staff he was appointed assistant engineer on the West Coast of the South Island. This position he held for a long time, his principal experience being on harbour works, and in the construction of railways, roads, bridges, buildings, and water races. In May, 1893, he received his present appointment. Mr. Wilson was married in 1883 to Miss Mary Falla, daughter of Mr. George Falla, who was the first chairman of the Buller County Council. His family consists of four daughters. Mr. Wilson is an Assoc. M. Inst. C.E., London.
All steamers engaged in trading in the Colony, whether in foreign, Home trade, or river and extended river service, are examined twice a year by the engineer surveyors of the Marine Department, and survey certificates granted them. There were 212 steamers engaged in the respective trades in 1894, of an aggregate registered tonnage of 37,128 and 9630 nominal horse-power. The inspectors also examine and grant certificates to marine engineers. All engines on land are also periodically examined and reported on, and certificates granted; the inspectors also have authority to order that all exposed or dangerous parts of machinery shall be safely fenced off, and in mines where the motive-power for haulage or ventilation is frequently water or air, the machinery has to be examined and certified to by an inspector. Owing to the faithful manner in which the Act is administered, accidents are very rare in the Colony. The number of boilers inspected and for which certificates were issued in 1894 was 2750. It is interesting to note that of 159 new boilers which were put to work during that year, seventy-eight were imported and eighty-one made in the Colony. Under the Act of 1893 it is imperative that all drivers of locomotives and traction-engines shall hold certificates. The Department is virtually self-supporting, as the fees collected during 1894 amounted to £3820, while the total expense of the Department was £4100.
Chief Inspector of Machinery, Principal Engineer Surveyor of Steamers, and Examiner of Engineers for New Zealand, was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, where he was educated. Mr. Mowatt was apprenticed to the engineering trade for five years with Messrs. Munro and Co., of Arbroath, completing his term in 1869. Afterwards he visited Barrow-in-Furness, Belfast, and Glasgow, gaining considerable experience. Arriving in Port Chalmers, in 1872, per ship “Janet Court,” Mr. Mowatt found employment at the Otago Foundry, rising to the position of foreman of works. After some eighteen months he entered the service of the Union Steamship Company, acting as chief engineer on various steamers for eleven years. In 1881, Mr. Mowatt was sent to Scotland to supervise the construction of the ill-fated s.s. “Wairarapa,” in which he returned to the Colony, and of which he was an officer till leaving the Company's employ in 1884. For over a year Mr. Mowatt had charge of the Belfast Freezing Works, Canterbury. He joined the Government service in January, 1886, as Inspector of Machinery, on the retirement of the late Mr. Nancarrow, and in June, 1892, was promoted to the office of Chief Inspector. It is worthy of remark that, notwithstanding the great increase in the use of machinery in New Zealand, there has been no explosion for the past ten years. Mr. Mowatt is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has for some years been attached to the Port Chalmers Marine Lodge, E.C. In 1881, Mr. Mowatt married Miss Potter, daughter of Mr. George Potter, of Nelson, and has three daughters and four sons.
Inspector of Machinery and Engineer Surveyor of steamers, Wellington, was born at Largamore, Argyleshire, Scotland; but when six years old went to England with his father, Dr. McGregor, who was appointed medical surgeon to the South Hetton Colliery Company, Durham. Here he was educated and served his time as an engineer. On the completion of his apprenticeship (1860) he went to sea, embarking at Liverpool per ship “Lightening.” Arrived in Victoria he joined the engineering staff of the s.s. “Blackbird.” He soon after found employment in the Williamstown Railway Workshops, where he was a shopmate of the present Premier, the Hon. R. J. Seddon. Soon afterwards Mr. McGregor went to the diggings, where he obtained a situation as engineer with an important mining company at Dalesford, known as the “Royal Standard.” Leaving the diggings he took a position as an engineer on the s.s. “Lady Darling,” and later on was transferred to the engineering staff of the s.s. “Tararua.” In 1868 Mr. McGregor made his home in New Zealand. For several years he was engineer on the s.s. “Moa” at Lyttelton, and was subsequently foreman of the Otago Foundry at Dunedin. In 1875 he joined, the Government Service as Inspector of Machinery under the late Mr. Nancarrow. Mr. McGregor had a wide range of experience both by land and sea before he was selected for the position of Inspector of Machinery, and he has been an inspector for twenty years. He is at the present time in the Old Country enjoying a well earned holiday, where doubtless he will make himself acquainted with whatever may be of use to him in his particular line. Mr. McGregor was married at Hartepool in 1860 to Miss Stark, daughter of Mr. Anthony Stark of Durham, and of their nine children five daughters and two sons survive. The eldest son is an engineer on the s.s, “Talune,” and his brother is serving his time with Messrs. Luke and Co., Limited. Of the daughters, four are married : to Mr. John Luke, of the firm of Luke and Co., Limited; Mr. Robinson, engineer on the s.s. “Mahinapua,” Mr. Garratt of Dunedin, who until lately was well known as a chemist in Wellington; and Mr. Chas Aitkin, a traveller for Messrs. John Dmhie and Co., Limited.
Inspector of Machinery, Engineer Surveyor, and Examiner of Engineers, was born in 1847, in Norfolk, where he was educated. He was apprenticed at Duke's Palace Ironworks, Norwich, completing his term in 1866. In the same year he arrived in Wellington per ship “Weymouth,” which brought the first cable for Cook Straits. For about two years Mr. Carman worked at Mr. C. Seagar's Foundry, and in 1868 was appointed second engineer on the s.s. “Ladybird.” After a short time he took a similar position on the s.s. “Wellington,” which he left to enter into business with Mr. William Seagar, under the style of Seagar and Carman. In order to accept the position of engineer for the celebrated Caledonian mine, Mr. Carman retired from the firm within a year. He occupied this position all the time of the great finds, retiring at the end of three years. For some years subsequently Mr. Carman acted as engineer on various coastal steamers; he was second engineer for two years on the ill-fated s.s. “Taranaki,” and for a short time on the s.s. “Kennedy,” chief engineer for five years on the s.s, “Manawatu,” for nine years on the s.s. “Grafton,” and for short periods on the s.s. “Wallace” and s.s. “Mahinapua.” Mr. Carman is the inventor and patentee of the “Smoke consuming bridge,” which he tried with success on the s.s. “Mahinapua.” He has held his appointment as inspector of machinery since 1893. Mr. Carman belongs to the Masonic craft, being affiliated with the Phoenix Lodge, E.C., Westport. He was married in 1869 to Miss Annie Kinniburgh, daughter of the late Mr. David Kinniburgh, of Wellington, and has two daughters and six sons. His eldest son is third engineer on board the Union Company's s.s. “Taupo.”
Clerk—R. P. Milne. Cadet—B. Anderson.
The first New Zealand railway, which was laid down 1860, was a length of about eleven miles from Nelson to the Dun Mountain for the conveyance of chrome ore to the port. The venture proved a failure. The real work of railway building commenced with piercing the mountain range dividing Lyttelton Harbour from the Canterbury Plains by a tunnel a mile-and-a-half in length. This great work was undertaken by the late Mr. George Holmes and the Hon. E. Richardson, C.M.G., and it was completed on the 1st of December, 1867, the line from the Heathcote River to Christchurch having been completed four years previously. This line was constructed on the 5ft. 3in. gauge, but was assimilated in 1876 to the standard gauge of 3ft. 6in., which has been adopted on all the New Zealand lines. Up to 1870 there were only forty-six miles of railway open. In that year, Sir Julius Vogel (q.v.) promulgated his great public works policy, and construction went on rapidly, with the result that there were on the 31st of March, 1894, 762 miles 48 chains in the North Island, and 1225 miles 31 chains in the South Island, authorized, constructed and surveyed; the total mileage open for traffic being 1993, costing £15,352,613, the average cost being £7703 per mile. The railways last year returned a profit of £2 14s. 6d. per cent on the capital cost, and the percentage of expenditure to revenue was 63-62. In addition to the mileage mentioned above there are 175 miles of private lines open for traffic, the most important of which is the Wellington-Manawatu Company's line, which possesses eighty-four miles, the Midland Railway with eighty-seven miles in two branches from Stillwater to Reefton, and towards Canterbury respectively, and the Kaitangata Company's line of four miles. The Wellington-Manawatu line cost £771,684, being at the rate of £9187 per mile, which includes the entire equipment of rolling stock, buildings, etc. The total number of men employed on the Government lines is over 4500. There are workshops at all the chief centres, at which for many years the building of rolling stock and repairs of locomotives has been successfully carried on. Nearly all the stations are connected by telegraph or telephone, and at many of them the combined duties of post and telegraph office are carried on. The lines being all practically single track, there is no need of elaborate precautions for signalling. The average cost of maintenance is about £140 per annum. There are nearly 300 locomotives in use on the Government lines, ranging from light shunting engines of eleven tons weight up to the large goods of the English and American type of fifty-four tons in weight. Several locomotives in use were built in the Colony, specially designed for heavy grades. Passenger fares are generally at the rate of 2 1/2d. per mile first-class, and 1 2/3d. second-class; the return fares being calculated at one-third increase on these rates; but for suburban and local traffic the fares are much lower, and excursion and tourist traffic is encouraged by greatly reduced fares during certain seasons. Taken all through, the New Zealand Railways have been constructed and maintained on a most economical basis. All parts are kept up to a standard of safety and efficiency, and the numerous wooden bridges, of which there are nearly 600 in the North Island alone, are, as they show signs of decay, being renewed with more lasting material, and in some cases done away with altogether. In the early days the lines were mostly laid out with iron rails weighing thirty and forty pounds to the yard. These are gradually being replaced by steel rails varying from forty to fifty-three pounds, and at the rate this change is being made, it will not be long before the whole of the railways are renewed with more durable materials, except in the cases of a few unimportant branch lines.
Minister for Railways, is in charge of this branch of the Public Service. The honourable gentleman's career is given on pages 45-6.
Under Secretary of Railways, is referred to at length, under heading “Public Works Department.”
General Manager of the New Zealand Railways, comes of a very old Irish family. Previously to the time of the Commonwealth the Ronaynes owned a large portion of the south of Ireland, but when Cromwell crossed over in his memorable expedition to settle the difficulty in that island, he confiscated a large, portion of the family estates. Mr. Ronayne was born in Youghal, County Cork in 1849, where he received his elementary education. While yet a youth he removed to Wakefield, Yorkshire, completing his education and gaining high honours in mathematics. After leaving college his first employment was with Messrs. Smith, Knight and Co., contractors for the railway between Wakefield and Doncaster. When this undertaking was finished, he entered as an apprentice the Inchicore Works in Dublin, in connection with the great Southern and Western Railway of Ireland. Here he passed through the various grades, and on leaving received excellent testimonials. His next employment was in Manchester, where he worked for Messrs. Sharp, Stewart and Co., in the Atlas Locomotive Works. This was his last engagement in England. He had now become master of his profession, and, hearing glowing reports of this Colony, he resolved to sail for New Zealand. Arriving in Wellington in 1875, he interviewed the late Mr. Blackett for employment, but was unsuccessful. Soon after this, however,
Assistant General Manager of New Zealand Railways, belongs to a family well known in the Colony. Born in London on the 22nd of January, 1853, he returned to England after some three years in this Colony, and was educated at the Islington Proprietary School, on leaving which he entered the service of the Great Western Railway Company. Commencing at the lowest rung in the ladder, Mr. Hudson steadily worked his way upwards till he was appointed to the position of stationmaster. After ten years in this Company's employ, he returned to the Colony about the end of 1879, and early in the following year entered the New Zealand Railways as relieving officer. At Wanganui he was subsequently chosen for the position of Chief Clerk in the office of the Commissioner for North Island Railways. When Mr. Maxwell joined the service in 1880, Mr. Hudson was associated with him in the work of reorganisation, and on the completion of this duty was for some time chief auditor. In 1884 he was appointed Traffic Manager of the Auckland section of New Zealand Railways, a position which he held for eleven years. As a Mason he was attached to Lodge Remuera, 1710, E.C., and on leaving to take up his duties as Assistant General Manager of New Zealand Railways had just completed his year of office as Worshipful Master. Mr. Hudson was also a steward of the Auckland District Grand Lodge.
Chief Clerk of New Zealand Railways, was born in York, England. He entered the service of the North Eastern Railway Company, in whose employ he continued for eight years, passing through various branches to the office of the General Passenger Superintendent of the line. In 1879 Mr. Waite arrived in Port Lyttelton. Within two years he joined the Railway Department as clerk in the Traffic Department. For some time Mr. Waite was chief clerk to the Railway Commissioners and on the Government resuming control of the Railways on the 1st of January, 1895, he was appointed to his present post.
Clerks—R. W. McVilly, J. S. Palmer, C. Isherwood, E. J. Andrews, L. C. E. Hamann, J. E. Widdop, W. H. Gifford, W. S. W. McGowan, H. D. Dansey.
Audit Inspectors — C. Wallnutt, D. Munro, C. L. Russell.
Accountant for New Zealand Railways, who for nearly thirty years has been in the Civil Service of the Colony, hails from Forfarshire, Scotland, where he was educated. Born in 1839, Mr. Fife entered official life on leaving school in the Scottish North Eastern Railway. He speedily rose in the service of the Company, with whom he remained for upwards of twelve years, attaining the position of assistant manager. Mr. Fife left Scotland shortly after the amalgamation of the Scottish North Eastern Railway with the Caledonian Railway in 1866, coming to Lyttelton, New Zealand, per ship “Mermaid.” For some time after reaching the Colony he was employed as a schoolteacher in the Christchurch Academy in Christchurch. In 1868 an opportunity of utilizing the knowledge gained in Scotland was presented, and on the 1st of May Mr. Fife entered upon the duties of cashier and paymaster for the Canterbury Railways. In five years his services were recognised by promotion to the position of Railway Accountant, which he has held for upwards of twenty years. With Dr. Prins, Mr. J. S. Williams (now Mr. Justice Williams), the late Rev. C. Fraser, Dr. Turnbull, and others, he took a leading part in promoting the establishment of the present Free Public Library and reading-room in Christchurch. He was honorary secretary of the Literary Institute for six years. This Society had considerable
Clerks—H. Davidson, G. G. Wilson, M. C. Rowe, J. H. Davies, S. P. Curtis, J. McLean, E. Davy, A. Morris, R. Allen, V. Janisch, E. P. Brogan, W. B. Fisher, J. Firth, E. J. Fleming, E. R. Nicholson, R. J. Loe, F. W. Lash, A. H. Hunt, W. Bourke, W. H. Hales, W. E. Ahern.
Stores Manager of New Zealand Railways, was born at Cowbridge, South Wales. He was educated in his native town, and at Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. For nine years Mr. Felton gained experience on the Rustchuck and Varna Railway, in Bulgaria, rising to the position of stores manager. Desirous of settling in this Colony, he came to Wellington per ship “Commissary,” about the end of 1875. For a short time after arrival Mr. Felton lived in Auckland. In 1876 he joined the Railway Service, at Nelson, in the Traffic Department, but was soon promoted to the position of travelling clerk. After eighteen months Mr. Felton was transferred to the Stores Department in Oamaru, subsequently to Christchurch, and later on to Wellington. His present appointment was conferred on him in April, 1895. In 1877, Mr. Felton was married to Miss Cooke, daughter of Major T. W. Cooke, of Nelson, late of H.M. Madras Army. His family consists of one daughter and three sons.
Clerks — A. M. Heaton, R. E. Mackay, J. Webster, J. E. Hasloch, S. Alpe, H. W. Barbor, R. H. Stephens, E. J. Maguiness.
M. Inst. C.E., Chief Engineer for Working Railways for New Zealand, is an old and experienced officer, having been in the Civil Service for about thirty years. Born in 1841 in London, he was educated in his native city and in Devonshire. He came out to Melbourne in 1864 per ship “True Briton,” and, crossing the Tasman Sea, landed in Nelson in the same year. Almost immediately on his arrival, Mr. Lowe entered the public service in the Survey Department at Nelson, where he soon rose to the position of District Surveyor and Engineer. In 1869 he was appointed Resident Magistrate and Warden of the Nelson South West Goldfields, but resigned in the following year and left on an extended trip to
A.M. Inst. C.E., Assistant Engineer for Working Railways, was born at Boston, U.S., and educated in Edinburgh. He entered the North British Railway in 1876, as pupil in the Engineer's Department, and after four years' experience became assistant engineer, a position which he held till deciding to emigrate. Arriving in Auckland per ship “Aorangi” in 1884, he joined the Railway Department as Assistant Engineer of Working Railways. In 1883, Mr. MacLean was transferred to Nelson as District Manager, and four years later he returned to Auckland as Resident Engineer. He was appointed to the position he now holds in 1894.
Land Officer— E. G. H. Mainwaring.
Chief Draughtsman—G. A. Troup.
Draughtsmen—J. A. Henderson, J. Besant, C. T. Jeffreys, F. C. Widdop.
Clerks—W. P. Hicks, G. McCartney, W. S. Ridler, J. T. Ford, W. A. Mirams, H. Jessup, H. W. Rowden.
Locomotive Superintendent—T. F. Rotheram.
Locomotive Engineer—H. H. Jackson.
Clerks—R. Triggs, W. H. Butterworth, C. Loveday, F. T. Murison, P. A. Buck, W. B. Sinclair, J. Rumgay.
Chief Draughtsman—G. A. Pearson.
Draughtsman—R. Pye-Smith, E. E. Gillon.
A Glance at the statistics of New Zealand will at once indicate the popularity of the Post and Telegraph Department. Beginning very modestly some fifty-four years ago with an annual letter circulation of some 2000 letters and a revenue of less than £100 per annum, the Post-office is able to show as the result of its operations for 1894, letters circulated 53,168,336; post-cards, 2,546,713; books, 13,582,985; newspapers, 19,271,590, The average number of letters posted by each person in the Colony has risen in the same period from one, or less than one, to 38£02 per annum, the present average being among the three or four of the highest in the world. An indication of the marked progress of the department can readily be seen from the following table :—Letters posted and delivered—1853, 119,039; 1863, 3,405,380; 1873, 7,915,985; 1883, 33,588,408; 1893, 52,085,449. Newspapers posted and delivered—1853, 177,583; 1863, 3,397,669; 1873, 5,269,195; 1883, 13,030,563; 1893, 19,556,030. The corresponding figures giving the average number of letters despatched for each person in the Colony show in a curious fashion that the progress of the Post-office is independent, or, at all events, largely in excess of the increase of population. Thus we find that in 1853 the number of letters despatched for each inhabitant was 2·31; in 1863 the number was 10·45; in 1873, 12·48; in 1883, 29·25; and in 1893, 38·93. In 1894, it was slightly less. This result is largely due to the repeated reductions in the rates of postage which have taken place. Beginning with a postage of 1s. for a single letter from the Bay of Islands to Hokianga, a distance of a little more than 100 miles, the rates for half-ounce letters have gradually fallen to 1d. for town deliveries, and 2d. for delivery in any other part of the Colony. The postage on letters of the same weight to Australia has been reduced from 6d. to 2d., and for the United Kingdom and other countries to 2 1/2d., from rates varying from 1s. to 3s. In addition to reductions in the rates of postage, the New Zealand Post-office prides itself upon its almost unique facilities in the way of providing post-offices, there being open in 1894, 1353 post-offices, or one for every 507 of population. There is also a very liberal system of letter-carriers' deliveries, and an extensive system of inland mail services performed by railways, coach, and coastal steamers. Communication between the neighbouring colonies and New Zealand is maintained by non-subsidised steamers two and three times a week, and the Colony subsidises monthly mail services to and from Fiji and other South Sea Islands.
The ocean mail services of the Colony are of much interest, New Zealand having led the way in establishing mail routes to England by way of the Pacific Ocean. In 1866 the Panama service was established, the very unsatisfactory manner in which the Colony was being served by the Suez route forcing her to look for a more direct and independent service with the Mother Country. It is interesting to look back and find how far-seeing the Colony has been in the matter of ocean mail services. New Zealand, comparatively isolated as she is, while looking for quick routes for her mails, was shrewd enough to grant
A very important branch of the service is the transmission of small amounts of money through the Post-office. This business shows a substantial increase for many years past. The value of money-orders issued rose from £465,405 in 1880, to £776,783 in 1894.
The postal note system, introduced in 1886, has been extremely popular, the figures for the first year being £83,389 notes issued for £34,980, and in 1894, £310,360 notes issued for £112,003, an increase of £77,023. Postal notes in New Zealand have now no limit of currency, and are accepted as legal tender by the State. At the end of 1894 the notes ranged from 1s. to £1, and a £5 note was issued in June, 1895.
Every town and all villages of importance have money-order and postal-note offices.
The success of the Post-Office Savings Bank in New Zealand has been little short of phenomenal. Harking back to 1880, the people are found to have had at their credit in the Post-office Savings Bank, £903,766. In 1883 this had increased by more than half-a-million; in 1892 nearly £700,000 more was in the bank; in 1893 the people added to this over five hundred thousand pounds, and at the close of 1894 the Post-Office had in its hands £3,340,880, as against considerably less than a million in 1880. This is the largest sum in any Australasian post-office savings bank. This splendid result has not been obtained by an abnormal number of large deposits, but simply as the result of a proportionately large number of depositors, the average being one of the best in the world. The average amount to the credit of each depositor is £26 8s. 6d. In New Zealand there is one Post-office Savings Bank depositor to every five and a-half persons.
The telegraph service, which was amalgamated with the Post-office in 1881, made its first report for the year ended the 30th of June, 1866, when it was able to show that 699 miles of line, earning a revenue of £5562, were in existence. The tariff at the time varied according to distance, as high as 10d. a word being charged between some points. In 1869 a uniform rate of 2s. 6d. for ten words was established, and this rate was reduced to 1s. for the first ten words from the 1st of April, 1870. Recently the tariff has been further reduced, and is now 1s. for the first eighteen words. An interesting feature of the tariff is the provision for “delayed” telegrams, which are forwarded at half the ordinary rates; the conditions being that transmission is delayed until the wires are clear of other work, and that delivery is to be made by first post, instead of being effected by messenger. On the other hand “urgent” telegrams, which are given precedence, may be sent for double the ordinary rates. The press is liberally treated by the Department, the tariff being by far the lowest in the world, viz., 6d. for every 100 words for messages lodged between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m.
The progress of the telegraphs year by year shows a substantial increase. In 1873 the number of miles of line had increased to 2356, and the revenue to £39,680, In 1883 the miles of line were 4074, and the revenue £93,822; and in 1894 the miles of line had increased to 5961, and the revenue to £110,012. The number of messages was :—in 1873, £568,860; in 1883, 1,599,400; and in 1894, 2,033,800.
While the number of telegrams dealt with has not increased in anything like the same proportion as the letter circulation, it will be found that New Zealanders make a very large use of the wires. The number of messages per head of population is 3£13 per annum, a very high average as compared with other countries. One of the leading features in maintaining a large volume of telegraph business is the fact that the telephone is freely utilized to connect small country places which could not possibly otherwise be placed in touch with the rest of the world. From the fact of the telephone attendants requiring no special education, telephone offices can, like post-offices, be established at stores, schools etc., at a minimum cost to the Department. New Zealand, it may be remarked, is almost singular in the development of the telegraph system by means of utilizing telephones in this way.
A very extensive system of Telephone Exchanges is also in operation in every city of consequence. The Government wisely reserved to itself a monopoly of the use of the telephone, as in the case of the telegraphs, with the result that it has been able to reduce the tariff to £5 per annum (instruments provided) for ordinary connection with a telephone exchange. This charge is one of the
New Zealand is connected with Australia, and through Australia with the rest of the world by duplicate telegraph cable between Wakapuaka, near Nelson, and La Perouse, New South Wales.
A department giving facilities which enable every man, woman and child to post forty letters and send three telegrams in a year, and which numbers one out of every six as a savings-bank depositor, must necessarily be regarded as a popular one, but the post-office is brought into still closer touch with the people by the services it renders for other departments. Gold-miners may obtain licenses at many offices, and the Mines Department is otherwise assisted in the collection of goldfields revenue. Customs duties are collected on account of the parcel post, while Customs work is overtaken at one or two post-offices; game licenses are issued to sportsmen; policy-holders in the Government Life Insurance Department pay their premiums at a large number of post-offices; nearly the whole of the Land and Income Tax is collected at post-offices; the whole of the live stock fees, and fees for the inspection of machinery are paid to the post-office; the Public Trust Office is largely assisted in its work by collections of over £100,000 annually, and payments of a like amount. Many postmasters are registrars of births, deaths, and marriages. In some cases fees are collected on account of Hospital and Charitable Aid, and under the Licensing Act, etc. Anyone wishing to obtain a patent can also obtain the necessary forms and information at any of the money-order offices. Lastly, for the Treasury, the Post-Office paid to claimants £381,307 in 1894, and the Department is largely utilized for the receipt and payment of money on account of the Advances to Settlers Office, and investment in New Zealand consols. All this necessarily swells the volume of money which passes in and out of post-offices. The total collections and payments made during 1893 amounted to no less than eleven millions sterling. In 1892 they were under ten millions. In considering the work done for other departments it should be stated that the facilities offered by the Post-Office with its large number of branches in remote districts not only admit of great saving in the cost of collection of revenue, but offer a maximum convenience to the public, and the machinery of the Department is capable of being much further utilized, especially as regards the receipt of revenue and payments of public money.
Postmaster-General and Commissioner of Electric Telegraphs, is referred to at length on page 47.
the Secretary of the Post and Telegraph Department, is a well-known New Zealand official, having been in the Colony for over forty years. He was born in Aberdeen, in 1844, and arrived with his parents at New Plymouth, New Zealand, in October, 1852 per ship “Simla.” Here his education, begun in the Old Land, was completed at private schools. He there joined the Taranaki News office in 1858, and subsequently removing to Nelson, served in the Nelson Examiner office, where he remained until the beginning of 1864. He entered the Government service on the 1st of February, 1864, as junior clerk in the chief post-office, Dunedin; was appointed clerk in the dead letter office, General Post-office, Wellington, the following year, and mail agent on the Panama line in 1866, and continued in that position until the termination of the service in 1868. He filled a similar position between this Colony and Melbourne until the San Francisco service was inaugurated in 1870, when he was appointed clerk in the Secretary's branch of the General Post-office, and on the 20th of May, 1872, received the appointment of chief clerk of the General Post-office. He was promoted to the position of Secretary of the Postal Department on the 1st of May, 1874, and on the amalgamation of the post and
Assistant Secretary and Inspector New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department, who has been a Post Office official for over thirty years, was born in Penrith, Cumberland, in 1848. Educated at Hackthorpe Grammar School, Mr. Rose entered the Imperial Post Office on leaving school in 1864. His first position was that of a clerk in the Liverpool Post Office. After an experience of ten years in the Department, during which he steadily advanced in the service, Mr. Rose was selected in England by Sir John Hall on behalf of the New Zealand Government to fill the position of Inspector of New Zealand Post Offices, The subject of this notice arrived in the Colony in March, 1874, to take up his duties as above. Arriving in Lyttelton per ship “Dilharree,” he at once came on to the Empire City, and has filled the position to the time of writing, the office of assistant-secretary having been subsequently conferred. Mr. Rose was married in England in 1873, and has a family of two daughters.
A.I.E.E., Superintendent of Electric Lines, has been connected with New Zealand telegraphs for over thirty years. Born in 1844 at West Kilbride, Ayrshire, Scotland, and educated principally in Paisley. Mr. Logan received his early training in telegraphy in Glasgow, where he rose to the position of night-clerk in charge. In 1864 he came to New Zealand per ship “City of Dunedin,” arriving in Port Chalmers. He was employed on the construction of the line between Christchurch and Dunedin and entered the Dunedin Telegraph Office when it was opened on the 26th of May, 1865. In September of the same year he accepted an appointment under the Provincial Council of Otago to continue the line to Queenstown. On completion, Mr. Logan was in charge of this section till December, 1869, when the General Government took over all lines. He then became an officer of the Government, with the rank of Inspector for the District of Otago, which office he held till 1st of January, 1894. During the quarter of a century spent in Otago, Mr. Logan had practically constructed all the linen in that provincial district. On the retirement of Dr. Lemon he was promoted to the position of Superintendent of Electric Lines in Wellington.
Controller of Money-orders and Savings-banks, and Accountant of the Post-office and Telegraph Department, is a brother of Mr. William Gray, the Secretary and Superintendent. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1846, he came to the Colony per ship “Simla” in 1853, landing in New Plymouth with his father, the late Mr. William Gray, who was for many years a prominent officer in the General Post-office. Mr. Gray was educated partly in Taranaki, but chiefly in Nelson, and joined the Telegraph Department in Wellington as a clearing-room clerk in 1867. Steadily rising in the service, Mr. Gray had attained the position of chief clerk in the accountant's department in the year 1880, when the post-office and telegraph departments were amalgamated. At this time he was promoted to the position of second clerk in the accountant's branch of the combined departments, and after some three years succeeded to the post of senior clerk. In 1891, on the appointment of Mr. J. K. Warburton to the position of Public Trustee, Mr. Gray was appointed to his present position. In private life he has but one hobby, that of gardening. He is a member of the
Chief Clerk of the General Post-office, was born in 1860 in Dunedin, where he was educated at the State schools and privately. After leaving school Mr. Robertson entered the Post-office in his native city as a cadet, and was trained in the service by Mr. Archibald Barr, of Dunedin (under whom many of the senior officers have graduated), rising to the grade of clerk some five or six years later. In 1881 he left Dunedin, and for a short time acted as mail agent on board the San Francisco mail boats. Mr. Robertson was then appointed to Wellington, holding the position of senior money-order clerk for two years, after which he held a similar position in the Auckland Post-office for upwards of nine years. In December, 1892, Mr. Robertson was promoted to the post of Chief Clerk in the General Post Office. In literature and art Mr. Robertson takes considerable interest. He holds the position of Chairman of the Committee of the Literary and Social Club attached to the General Post-office, and while in Auckland was a member of the Art Club. He is preparing a history of the New Zealand Post-office at the time of writing.
Senior Clerk of the Accountant's Branch in the General Post-office, was born in Dublin in 1853. He was educated at Bective College, and subsequently had three years' experience in the Imperial Service in the Accountant's branch of the General Post-office in Dublin. Arriving in Lyttelton in September, 1874, per ship “Carisbrook Castle,” Mr. Morris joined the Civil Service in Christchurch as a clerk in the money order department. Five years later he was promoted to the position of money order clerk at Wellington, and in 1882 was transferred to Christchurch in the same position. After two years hs was re-transferred to Wellington, filling the same office till 1891, when he became senior clerk in the Accountant's Branch. As a member of the Masonic fraternity, Mr. Morris is connected with Lodge Waterloo, E.C. He married, in 1876, Miss Mountfort, daughter of Mr. B. W. Mountfort, architect, Christchurch. His family consists of five daughters and two sons.
was born at Kirchdorf, Switzerland, in 1855, and after passing the commercial curriculum at Baden College, from which institution he holds first-class certificates in French, Italian, English, and Mathematics, and a second-class in German literature, he was indentured to a French commercial firm. On completing his term Mr. Senn accepted a position on the Swiss North-Eastern Railway, and on conclusion of a course of training in the several traffic branches, he was appointed goods agent at Turgi, the junction of the Zürich-Basel and Zürich-Berne lines. In 1875 he was induced to leave for New Zealand, and arriving in Wellington in January, 1876, by the “Shakespeare,” he obtained a position as clerk on the local post-office staff in May following. After varied service in the different divisions of the head and local offices, Mr. Senn was, in July, 1877, appointed to the inspector's branch, in which he has occupied the position of senior clerk since 1890. He was selected for trips as mail agent on the San Francisco line in 1878, 1887, and 1893, the latter being the occasion of the first Postal Union counting of this Colony for the adjustment of triennial transit charges. Mr. Senn has acted as translator and foreign correspondent to the department since his appointment. In 1881 he was married to Emily Sophia, only daughter of Mr. Thomas Mills, merchant, Wellington. His family numbers four—one daughter and three sons.
the Second Clerk in the General Post-office, Wellington, was born in Melbourne on the 16th of June, 1860. He came to the Colony in 1867, and was educated at the Bishop's School, Nelson. In 1879, he matriculated in the New Zealand University. Mr. Waters entered the Postal Department as a cadet on the 1st of February, 1874, and for the first four years had experience in several towns of the Middle Island. In 1878, he was transferred to the General Post-office, where he still remains. Mr. Waters is a baritone singer of repute. He is known as a teacher of singing and voice-production, and there are few in Wellington who have not been delighted with his rendering of “Why Do the Nations,” “It is Enough,” “Honour and Arms.” “Largo al Factotum,” “To Anthea,” “The Yeoman's Wedding,” “Carissima,” etc. He began his musical career as a choir-boy at six years of age, and has been more or less intimately connected with choirs and choral societies ever since. For twelve years ending 1891 he was a bass soloist at St. Paul's, and was afterwards choirmaster of St. Mark's, Wellington. He was a member of the original Harmonic Club and the Harmonic Society, and took a principal part in the first New Zealand Musical Festival. His repertory includes “Samson,” “Elijah,” “Messiah,” “The Golden Legend,” “Acis and Galatea,' “May Queen,” etc., etc. In 1885, Mr. Waters was married to Miss Agnes Dyer, second daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Dyer, the Resident Secretary of the Australian Mutual Provident Society, and their family consists of two boys.
Storekeeper, Post Office and Telegraph Stores Department, has spent nearly thirty-five years in the Colony. Born on the 13th of April, 1842, at Tay Port, Fifeshire, Scotland, and educated at the local school, he served an apprenticeship in the barque “Bolivar,” of Dundee. For some years Mr. Black was at sea, his vessel trading mostly between the Clyde and the West Coast of Africa. He afterwards joined the ship “Robert Henderson,” under Captain P. Logan, and made three voyages in this vessel respectively to the Bluff, to Otago, and to China. In September, 1861, having formed a very favourable impression of the Colony he decided to settle in New Zealand, and for the first three years he had the usual experience on the goldfields of Otago. Mr. Black joined the General Government Telegraph Construction Party in October, 1864, in Dunedin, under the late Mr. Alfred Sheath, electrical engineer, and Mr. H. F. Smith, who is now chief mechanician to the department in Wellington. On the completion of the line from Dunedin to Nelson in March, 1866, he was appointed lineman in charge of various sections in the Middle Island, which position he held for four years. After this, Mr. Black was transferred to the North Island, and placed in charge of the construction work then proceeding. Two years later, after he had completed the line from Wanganui to Hawera, Patea, and Opunake he became postmaster and telegraphist at Hawera, which appointment he resigned after filling the office for several years. His next work was to construct the line from Hawera to New Plymouth inland of Mount Egmont, and when this work was finished he was reappointed postmaster and officer-in-charge, being stationed at Opunake. In 1877 Mr. Black was entrusted with the charge of the construction party in Westland, and was afterwards relieving officer for a short time. He was appointed to the position he now holds in 1878.
Assistant Storekeeper of the Post and Telegraph Office Stores Department, was born in Lyttelton, where his father, the late Mr. Thomas Mann, was a Government officer. Educated at St. Michael and All Angels' Grammar School in Christchurch, he entered the Public Service in Wellington as a cadet in the Telegraph Department in 1879. Two years later he was promoted to the position of Assistant Storekeeper. Mr. Mann has taken an active interest in athletics—when in Christchurch
Sub-inspectors of Post-offices—D. Cumming, C. J. A. Tipping.
Clerks—H. Plimmer, J. C. Williamson, W. Crow, W. Beswick, G. Cenci, L. Ledger, V. J. Brogan, W. Callaghan, G. W. Moorhouse, W. Chegwidden, H. S. B. Miller, H. Huggins, G. V. Hudson, F. Perrin, H. D. Grocott, J. Brennan, H. Cornwall, R. J. Thompson, R. E. Fayes, D. A. Jenkins, E. Fitzsimons, H. N. McLeod, J. C. Redmond, C. B. Harton, W. J. Drake, R. F. Smith, J. D. Avery, J. G. Roache, J. Coyle, F. W. Faber, W. H. Carter, J. J. Murray, P. Tyrrell, A. T. Markmann, E. Bermingham, C. Bermingham, S. Brock, W. Menzies, F. Menzies, E. Harris, B. Kenny, V. Johnston, M. A. McLeod.
Electrician—W. C. Smythe.
Mechanician—H. F. Smith. Assistant—A. W. Macandrew.
Cadets—C. Nicholls, A. G. Fabian.
The Customs duties being the chief source of revenue of the Colony, and the Tariff being of a complicated character and abounding in anomalies, the department is one in which the officers have to be ever on the alert to check smuggling and the evasion of duties by false entries. New Zealand has great advantages in its extensive seaboard and numerous harbours, but this advantage adds greatly to the expense of the Customs Department; for while New South Wales and Victoria can collect all their dues at the ports of Sydney and Melbourne, New Zealand has to maintain staffs at no less than sixteen ports of entry, and there are also thirteen officers-in-charge or coast-waiters at less important ports. The New Zealand Tariff is, moreover, of so complicated a nature that there is considerable conflict at times between the importers on the one side and the Customs officials on the other as to the interpretation of it; and with a view of protecting the revenue and having some definite ruling power in this respect, Mr. G. V. Shannon is employed as Customs expert to interpret the meaning of the Act, and decide upon the duties leviable on disputed items. It cannot be claimed that the present system is popular, for while the consumers are taxed to the utmost, the Protectionists are by no means satisfied with the benefits they claim they have a right to expect. But so far as the administration of the Customs is concerned there is no fault to be found. The officers perform their duties loyally as the law directs, and the performance of them often leads to arduous searches for suspected private stills in secluded districts, which only too frequently are rewarded with failure. In the same department the trade of the Colony is fostered by endeavours to promote new industries and reciprocity with other colonies. Any endeavours in this direction have not as yet been rewarded with any success worthy of notice, but hopes are entertained of a profitable exchange of products with other colonies, and foreign markets which will be of advantage to the Colony.
Commissioner of Trade and Customs, is referred to on page 47.
Secretary and Inspector of Customs, Secretary for Marine and ex-officio Chief Inspector of Distilleries, has been an officer of Customs for nearly thirty-five years. Mr. Glasgow's father, the Rev. A. D. Glasgow, of the Irish Presbyterian Church, was a missionary in India, where the subject of this notice was born. He was educated in Ireland, and came to New Zealand per ship “Derwent Water,” in 1861. In the same year he joined the Government service as a clerk in the customs. In 1872 Mr. Glasgow was appointed to take charge of the New Zealand Distillery Company, in Dunedin, on behalf of the Government. After three years he was appointed landing waiter in the same city, and afterwards filled the same office in Invercargill. In 1880 Mr. Glasgow was for a short time acting landing surveyor in Auckland, and was promoted to be chief clerk at the head office, Wellington. For the year ending June 30th, 1888, he held the office of Secretary and Inspector of Customs, and afterwards was Collector of Customs, at Wellington, till May 1st, 1892, when he was permanently appointed to the offices he now
Chief Clerk in the Customs Department, was born in 1838, in Surrey, England. He was educated at King's College, London, and learned the business of a brewer with his father's firm in “the world's metropolis.” Coming to New Zealand in 1864, per ship “Charlotte Jane,” to Bluff Harbour, he became a teacher under Government and had charge of the Waimea West School, and subsequently, of Westport, one of the largest schools in Nelson province. Mr. T. R. Fleming, M.A., LL.B., now Inspector of Schools, was one of Mr. Larchin's pupils at Westport, and it was then that he gained his first scholarship; the school proved its efficiency by gaining the provincial reading prize. Retiring in 1878, Mr. Larchin joined the Customs at Westport as writer, and in the following year was transferred to the head office in Wellington. Mr. Larchin was appointed in 1880 to take charge of the beer duty work as an expert, for which his early training well qualified him. He was appointed chief clerk by Sir Julius Vogel in 1887. Mr. Larchin is a member of the Masonic fraternity, E.C. Joining Mr. Egmont Lodge in 1869, he afterwards transferred to the Phoenix Lodge, Westport, of which he was W.M. He is now a member of the Wellington Lodge, 1521, of which he is a “P.M.,” and has held the position of Past District Grand Senior Warden. In his earlier years Mr. Larchin was fond of cricket, rowing, and boxing, and still takes great interest in these pastimes. Mr. Larchin was married in 1870 to Marie Louise Pheney, neé Donnini, and has two children, one daughter and one son. The son is a second officer in the service of the New Zealand Shipping Company.
Clerks, Customs— H. J. Marsh, G. Craig.
Audit—H. W. Brewer, H. Crowther (writer). Cadet—G. Sinclair.
The Marine Department is under the control of the Commissioner of Trades and Customs, and its functions are wide and important. The many lighthouses which mark the headlands and dangers of the sea board of the Colony; the collection of the light dues to assist in their up-keep; the erection of beacons and the supervision of harbours; the erection and maintenance of wharves and jetties where no harbour boards exist, and the control of the ports where such bodies are established, are among the more important of the responsibilities of the Department. But there are many other matters which come under its jurisdiction. The sea fisheries is a constantly growing industry, and it is the Department's duty to see that this is properly conserved and that immature fish are not taken and sold. Oyster culture and the preservation of natural beds is a matter which deserves and is receiving due attention. On the southern coast and the adjacent islands the seal fishery, although of little value, is, so far as possible, supervised; coastal surveys are reported on as changes occur; records are kept and tabulated of wrecks and casualties on the coast; the steamships trading to and in the Colony are inspected and reported on regularly, and where considered necessary recommendations are made with a view to safety and convenience for the public. For the benefit of mariners applicants for certificates as masters or mates are also held under regulations similar to those issued by the Imperial Board of Trade. This privilege is largely taken advantage of, no less than seventy-two having passed in 1894. Another important and praiseworthy function of the Department is the relief of distressed sailors and the maintenance of depôts for wrecked mariners on the Auckland, Campbell, Snares, and other outlying islands, to provide necessaries in case of wreck. It is only too often that these islands prove death traps for homeward bound ships, and without some such provision fearful hardships and probable starvation would be the result. The Government steamer “Hinemoa” makes periodical visits to replenish or inspect these depôts, and report on wreckage from time to time. This is but a brief description of what the Marine Department controls, and as an indication of the tonnage so small a population is able to keep employed, the following figures show the importance of the shipping interests: in foreign trade, twenty-two steamers; Home trade, sixty-two; river and extended trade, 128; total 212 steamers engaged in the trade of the Colony. No other country in the world can claim such a fleet in proportion to its population, and it is conceded by travellers that our steam service is not to be surpassed except in the very high-class lines between Great Britain and the United States. New Zealand has a great maritime future before it, and has up to the present taken the lead over all other colonies in this respect, and will undoubtedly keep it.
The insular character of the Colony with its enormous length of sea-board and numerous capes and headlands, renders it necessary for safe navigation that the coast should be well lighted, and considering the age and resources of the Colony this has been remarkably well done, particularly as regards the approach to Wellington Harbour. A vessel coming from the westward first picks up the light on Farewell Spit at the entrance to Cook Strait, that is hardly lost sight of before the new and powerful light on Stephens' Island is sighted, then “The
via the North Cape is also thoroughly lighted. Altogether there are twenty-seven lighthouses on the coast which cost the Colony £167,651, and the annual cost of maintenance for wages, oil and stores is £12,456. Another lighthouse is about to be erected on Cape Palliser, the chief headland between Napier and Wellington, and one on Cape Kidnappers, near Napier. The Government steamer “Hinemoa” acts as tender to the lighthouses, and the attendants at the more lonely stations, such as “The Brothers,” are allowed holidays to relieve the awful monotony of their lives. With a view of further security to vessels in foggy weather, the Department has the question of establishing fog signals on some of the stations.
Minister of Marine. (See page 47).
Secretary for Marine. (See page 162).
Chief Clerk of the Marine Department, was born in Nelson, where he was educated at the Bishop's School. At the beginning of 1875 Mr. Allport entered the Marine Department of the Civil Service as a cadet, rising shortly afterwards to the position of clerk. About the middle of 1888 he became chief clerk in the office. He is a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. Mr. Allport is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being attached to the Wellington Lodge, E.C., of which he has occupied the chair as “Worshipful Master.” He was for many years a prominent member of the Union Debating Society. Mr. Allport was married in 1881 to Miss James, sister of Mr. W. P. James, Clerk of the Magistrate's Court, Wellington, and has one daughter.
Nautical Adviser, Inspector and Surveyor of Shipping, and Chief Examiner of Masters and Mates (Marine Department), was born at Dunfanaghy, County Donegal, Ireland, on the 7th of March, 1850. He is third son of the Rev. William Allman, M.D., D.D., Rector of Kilmacrenan, and before attaining the age of twelve was sent on board Her Majesty's training ship “Conway,” at Liverpool, to learn seamanship, navigation, nautical astronomy, and the ordinary rudiments of education. Captain Allman stayed there for nearly three years, and about the end of 1864 was apprenticed to Messrs. Smith, Fleming and Co., of Leadenhall Street, London, for four years. He was employed by this firm for about twelve years, during which he qualified as second officer in 1869, as chief officer in 1871, and as master in 1876. When his employers sold their ships, Captain Allman entered the service of Messrs. McMeckan, Blackwood and Co., of Melbourne, with whom he remained till their fleet was purchased by the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand in 1879. At this time he entered the service of the last-named Company as mate of the s.s. “Arawata.” In March, 1882, Captain Allman was appointed master of the “Beautiful Star,” and since that year has successively commanded the steamers “Southern Cross,” “Omapere,” “Penguin,” “Ringarooma,” “Taupo,” “Cairntoul,” “Tekapo,” and “Rotomahana.” While in Sydney in 1891, the subject of this notice took
Clerk of the Marine Department, was born at Gibraltar in 1849, and is the son of Sergeant-Major Grix, of the 56th Regiment of Foot. He was educated partly at the Regimental School and partly at private schools. Mr. Grix came to New Zealand per ship “Ocean Mail,” in 1873, and was for some two or three years a sergeant in the Armed Constabulary. In July, 1878, he entered the Government Service as a clerk in the Lands Department at Dunedin, some three years later was transferred to the Colonial Secretary's Office at Wellington, and before the end of 1881 was duly installed in the Marine Department. The son of a soldier, Mr. Grix had made a successful study of drill and soldierly exercises generally. For some time he held the position of quartermaster-sergeant in the D Battery of Artillery Volunteers, and is still a member of that corps. In 1883 Mr. Grix was married to Miss Johns, daughter of the late Mr. F. G. Johns, of Wellington, and their family consists of a boy and a girl.
Commander R.N., Examiner of Masters and Mates, and Weather Reporter, has served the Colony for over twenty years. Born in Campdentown, London, in 1839, he entered the navy in 1853 as a cadet. During the following eighteen years Captain Edwin rose successively in the service to the rank of lieutenant and commander. He was in active service at the Black Sea, and was present at the bombardment of Odessa and Sebastopol. At the time of the Maori trouble Captain Edwin was on board H. M. S. Elk, which was stationed in the Pacific Ocean. In 1871 he left the Navy on retired pay, joining the Government Service as examiner of masters and mates. Three years later he was appointed Weather Reporter. Captain Edwin is in daily telegraphic communication with officers of the marine department in various parts of the Colony, and issues forecasts for the benefit of the shipping. In 1871, Captain Edwin married Miss Bridgens, of Wellington.
J.P., master of the Government steamer “Hinemoa,” is a son of a Devonshire farmer. After some years of sea-service, he came out to the colonies, crossing over to New Zealand in 1860. In 1864 Captain Fairchild joined the Government service as master of the s.s. “Sturt,” which vessel he commanded for five years. For seven years subsequently he had charge of the s.s. “Luna,” and in 1876 assumed command of the s.s. “Hinemoa,” 540 tons gross register, 281 tons net register. During the long period in which Captain Fairchild has had command of the Government steamers, he has visited the numerous lighthouses and buoys of the New Zealand coast, affecting repairs where necessary, and carrying Government cargo.
The revenue from the Stamp Department is a considerable item in the income of the Colony, being upwards of £677,235 per annum, which sum includes the receipts from the Postal and Telegraph Department. Registration fees provide another £50,000 in round numbers, The Department is under the control of an officer who combines the duties of Secretary to the Department, Controller of Legacy Duties, Deputy Commissioner of Stamps, and Registrar of Joint Stock Companies, with a staff of twenty-one other officials, stationed in the chief cities in the Colonies. There are also ten District Land Registrars who are, in most cases, Deputy-Commissioners of Stamps, and through them all the business connected with the transfers, mortgages, Crown grants, applications or other processes connected with land are transacted. All deeds have to be registered in this Department, and during the year ending the 31st of March, 1895, 10,321 were so dealt with, the fees in the same amounting to £10,886. From the official returns of this office, it is shown that the total amount of money secured by mortgage under the Land Transfer Acts in the Colony on the 31st of March, 1895, was over thirty
Commissioner of Stamp Duties, is in charge (see page 44).
Secretary and Deputy Commissioner of Stamps, Registrar of Joint Stock Companies, Secretary for Lands and Deeds, etc., was born at sea in the Irish Channel in 1844. His father, Captain John Annesley Hickson, who belonged to County Kerry, Ireland, was an officer of the 73rd Regiment, and in 1848 brought out a company of pensioners per ship “Ann,” Captain Walker, to Auckland, and, settling at Otahuhu, he remained until his death in 1858. Mr. Hickson was educated chiefly by his father, but completed his education at the Auckland Wesley College. On the death of his father, Mr. Hickson removed to Otago, where, until the age of twenty-one, he was engaged in sheepfarming. In 1865 he entered the service of the General Government as a clerk and interpreter in the Native Department, having learned the Maori language when a boy. For some nine months Mr. Hickson was stationed at Maketu, in the Bay of Plenty, when he was transferred from the Native Department to that of the Treasury at Auckland, and was afterwards employed at the Compensation Court in the Waikato. On the creation of the Stamp Department in 1867, he was appointed to a clerkship in that department at Napier. Two years later he was transferred to Wellington, where he rose in 1874 to the position of chief clerk and accountant, and in 1890 to his present important office. Socially, as officially, Mr. Hickson has always been active and popular. For over a quarter of a century he has been a prominent member of St. Paul's Choir, and for a good part of that time was a leading tenor soloist. He has also taken active interest in the Harmonic and other musical societies of Wellington. In his younger days he was enthusiastic in yachting, boating, and similar pastimes. Two of Mr. Hickson's sons are well known in Wellington banking, insurance, boating and football circles, having risen to positions of importance in those branches.
Accountant and Chief Clerk in the Stamp Department, Assistant Registrar of Joint Stock Companies, Registrar of Building Societies and Industrial and Provident Societies, is a son of Dr. Williams, of Oamaru. Born in Otago, Mr. Williams was educated privately in that Provincial district. He entered the public service in 1879 as clerk in the Lands and Deeds Registry Department in Invercargill. Subsequently he was transferred to Dunedin, and after some time he was appointed Deputy Registrar of Deeds in Invercargill. Mr. Williams was next removed to Nelson as Deputy Commissioner of Stamps and Registrar of Deeds. In 1892 he was appointed to the offices which he now fills.
Custodian and Issuer of Stamps, is a grandson of the late Mr. William Shore, of Sale, near Manchester, England. He was born in the colony of Victoria, and was taken Home by his father in 1863, and educated at the Altrincham Grammar School, near Manchester. He arrived in Wellington by the ship “St. Leonard's” in 1875, and after seven years' experience in the Colony with Messrs. Thynne, Linton
Chief Stamper of the Stamp Department, has for over a quarter of a century been employed, in this important branch of the public service. His father, the late Mr. Charles Howe, was one of the old settlers who arrived in Port Nicholson in the early forties. The subject of this notice was born in Wellington in 1851, and received his education in Williamstown, Victoria, whither his parents had removed. Returning to the Colony, Mr. Howe entered the government service in 1868, as assistant to the chief stamper (imprest work), and early in the following year, when only some six or seven months in the office, was promoted to the responsible post which he still holds.
Record and Receiving Clerk—J. P. Murphy.
Clerk—J. Murray.
Registrar-General of Lands and Deeds, is described as Chief Judge of the Native Land Court.
Secretary of Lands and Deeds, and Registrar of Joint Stock Companies, is referred to as Secretary for Stamps.
Education at the public schools of the Colony is free, secular, and compulsory, and this liberality on the part of the State costs the Colony over £420,000 per annum. The system is most complete, the organisation admirable, and the results satisfactory. Every child in the Colony is enabled, at no cost whatever to its parents, to have sufficient education for all the ordinary requirements of life, except in very isolated districts where the population is too scattered for even an aided school; but every endeavour is made to give facilities for education to those in the most remote districts. The subjects of instruction in the primary schools are reading, writing, arithmetic, English grammar and composition, geography, history, elementary science and drawing, object lessons, vocal music, and (in the case of girls) sewing and needlework, and the principles of domestic economy. Provision is also made for the instruction in military drill of all boys in the schools. There were 137,000 children attending the primary schools in 1894: of these 56,963 were in the North Island, and 70,037 in the South. Periodical inspections are made of all schools, and every pupil examined and reported on, and a pupil passing through all the standards is equipped with knowledge sufficient for any ordinary walk in life. But State aid does not cease at the sixth standard, for provision is made by the Department to the extent of £7000 per annum for scholarships for State school pupils, and those who succeed in gaining them receive free tuition and other advantages at the secondary schools and colleges, and the children of the poorest may, by this system, pass through all stages up to a University examination, and instruction and graduation in the highest branches of technical education are brought within the reach of any colonist in New Zealand who desires to avail himself of them. So popular and largely appreciated are these advantages that no less than 976 candidates presented themselves in 1894 in the Faculties or Arts, Science, Medicine, Law, and Music, and for admission to the legal profession. Altogether, the number of graduates of the University admitted after examination is 462. Provision has recently been made for a curriculum in agriculture, and students who successfully complete a course in mechanical, civil, and mining engineering, or in agriculture, may now be admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Science in any of these professional branches. With a view of extending these advantages as widely as possible, the Senate of the University has endeavoured to meet the needs of those who are debarred from the privilege of regular attendance at a college, and with this view provision has been made whereby students may obtain University certificates of proficiency in any subject which they desire to take up for examination without attending college lectures.
The State also makes special provision for the education of Native children, and there are about seventy Native schools, at which 2800 children are taught. These schools have a special organising inspector, and by their aid the aboriginal population is brought to appreciate and recognise the benefits of civilisation. There are also industrial schools, in which neglected children are maintained and taught. There are three of these in the Colony—at Auckland, Burnham, near Christchurch, and Caversham, where the children all learn some trade, and when old enough are
Besides all these educational establishments supported by the State, there are many private schools in the Colony, chief among which are those supported by the Roman Catholics, who have erected and maintain in a state of high efficiency no less than 110 schools and colleges, among which St. Patrick's, in Wellington, holds a high place among the colleges of the Colony, and is largely patronized by Catholics and others from all parts of New Zealand. There are over 10,000 pupils attending the Roman Catholic schools, which are not in any way assisted by the State, but which have the option of being examined by the Government inspectors. Taken altogether, the educational system of the Colony is probably the freest and most liberal in the world, and one which the people may well feel proud of. The Department first became a State department in January, 1878, when the late Mr. John Ballance held his first portfolio as Minister of Education.
Minister of Education (administering also native schools, industrial schools, and the institution for deaf mutes), has charge of this large and important department. (See page 44).
B.A., Secretary for Education and Inspector-General of Schools, has long been a prominent figure in the life of the Colony. Born in Brighton, England, he was educated at the Puget School, in his native town, and subsequently at Hackney College, London, taking his degree in London University in 1862. Mr. Habens studied for the Congregational ministry in London, and was ordained in 1863. Coming to New Zealand, per ship “Canterbury,” in January, 1864, the reverend gentleman was for nearly fifteen years minister of Trinity Church, Christchurch. During his ministry that handsome structure was erected. In 1878 Mr. Habens came to Wellington to fill the important office of Inspector-General of Schools, to which was added the position of Secretary for Education on the retirement of Dr. Hislop in 1886. On accepting the position in 1878, Mr. Habens took part in the organisation of the entire system, as the department was absolutely new. Up to this time no uniform plan of working was in existence, but each local authority made its own regulations. The Inspector-General had to devise the standards, which have proved very suitable. In respect of teachers, he found nine different systems of certificates, and it was necessary to make a general system of classification. Regulations were also issued permitting the various Education Boards to make rules in respect of pupil-teachers, subject to the approval of the Minister. Mr. Habens devised and prepared the registers, which are in daily use in the schools. Since accepting the appointment, now nearly twenty years ago, the reverend gentleman has devoted his life to the work of the department, though he still occasionally ministers of the spiritual needs of the church of his choice. Mr. Habens is a Fellow of the New Zealand University, and he was a member of the Royal Commission on higher and secondary education, and acted as secretary. This Commission sat on 144 days, between January, 1879, and April, 1880, and its report fills a volume of some 700 pages. In 1883–4 Mr. Habens was granted leave of absence for a trip to England. At present (1895), he is president of the Public Service Association. Mr. Habens was married in 1863 to Miss Annie Mellish, daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Mellish, of Brighton, England.
Bart., Chief Clerk in the Education Department, was born in Colchester, England, in November, 1850. He is the first son of the late Sir Samuel Osborne-Gibbes, Bart., being the third baronet since the creation in 1774. Coming to New Zealand in 1860, he was educated mostly in Auckland at St. John's College. Sir Edward joined the Government service at Wellington in 1871 as a clerk in the newly formed Public Works Department. Soon after he was transferred to the Immigration Department, and from that, in 1877, to the Education Department on the passing of the Act. He has held the office of chief clerk since that time. He is a Mason, being attached to Lodge Aorangi, No. 2300, E.C., and has held office as a Deputy District Grand Master. He takes a general interest in cricket, football, rowing, etc., and was one of the first members of the Star Boating Club in the early days. Sir Edward was married in 1879 to Sara, daughter of Mr. John Mitchell, captain of New Zealand Militia, and has one son and two daughters.
Clerks—F. K. de Castro, H. B. Kirk, M.A., R. H. Pope, F. L. Severne, E. C. Banks, F. D. Thomson.
Inspector of Native Schools, hails from Jersey, where he was born in 1837. He was educated chiefly in his native island, but left for Australia at the age of fifteen, per ship “Castle Eden.” Landing in Port Philip, Mr. Pope pursued his studies, working without assistance, and at length gained a first-class honours certificate from the Victorian Board of Education. He commenced to teach in Ballarat in 1858, and had five years experience there. In 1863 he came over to New Zealand, arriving at Port Chalmers, and entered the Dunedin High School as junior-master. During the interregnum which occurred on the retirement of the Rev. Frank C. Simmonds, Mr. Pope was acting headmaster for nine months. He afterwards became teacher of English, French, Science, etc., and continued on the staff till 1872. In the year 1873 he accepted the position of principal master at the Girls' High School, Dunedin, retaining it till 1876. Mr. Pope then accepted an appointment to the headmastership of the Ballarat College, filling the position for a short time, when he was incapacitated through illness. His appointment as Inspector of Native Schools dates from 1880. Mr. Pope has been well known as a careful student of astronomy for many years. Literary in his tastes, Mr. Pope was closely connected with the press of the Colony, as a leader and occasional writer, from 1870 to 1878; he is also the author of the “The State,” an elementary treatise on Political Economy, and several native school books, the most important of which is “Health for the Maori.” The subject of this notice was married in 1862 to Miss H. G. Rattray, daughter of the late Mr. Robert Rattray, of Ballarat. His family consists of two daughters and eight sons, of whom three are working in the public service.
M.A., Assistant Inspector of Native Schools, is the second surviving son of Professor Kirk, and was born at Coventry, England. Educated at Auckland College and Grammar School and the Wellington College, Mr. Kirk gained his B.A. degree in 1882, and in the succeeding year took his M.A. with first class honours in zoology and botany. Before joining the Civil Service he acted for some time as tutor, and assisted candidates for various examinations. Mr. Kirk entered the service of the State in 1879 as special clerk in the office of the Inspector-General of Schools. In 1885 he was appointed Assistant Inspector, in addition to the office already held. Mr. Kirk is a member of the Wellington Philosophical Society, to which he has contributed several papers, chiefly relating to the anatomy of sponges and of other invertebrate animals. He is a great student, and has added to the known facts on these subjects. Mr. Kirk was married at Dunedin, in 1885, to Miss La Monte of that city. His family consists of two daughters.
The care of the insane in the Colony is under the Inspectorship of Dr. Duncan McGregor, who is also Inspector of Hospitals. The proportion of lunatics shows a continuous increase, which is accounted for by the inclusion of all persons who are congenitally deficient in mind, and a large number of aged people who are merely suffering from senile decay. There are seven public asylums in the Colony, at Auckland, Porirua, Wellington, Nelson, Hokitika, Christchurch, and Seacliff, in which there were, on the 31st of December, 1894, a total of 2168 patients, of whom 528 were provided for in Wellington. It may be noted that the native-born colonists bear a very
M.A., M.B., C.M., Edinburgh University, has held the position of Inspector of Asylums and Hospitals for the Colony since 1886. Dr. MacGregor was born in Perthshire, Scotland, and was educated in arts at Aberdeen, and in medicine at Edinburgh. While studying at Aberdeen, he gained a scholarship in classic and philosophy, open to graduates of two years' standing, and subsequently won, in Glasgow, the Ferguson Scholarship for Mental Science, open to the whole of the Scotch Universities. Dr. MacGregor gained his M.A. degree in 1867, and three years later his medical diplomas. In 1871 he came out to New Zealand, per ship “Wild Deer,” from Greenock to Port Chalmers under appointment to the Otago University as Professor of Mental Science, a position which he held till accepting his present office. In 1873 he became Inspector of Lunatic Asylums for Otago Provincial District. As Medical Officer of the Otago Lunatic Asylum—the largest in New Zealand—Dr. MacGregor served from 1876 to 1882. In 1886 he took charge of the Hospitals and Asylums of the Colony under the new Act of 1885, and has been in charge to the present time. In 1870 Dr. MacGregor was married to Miss Johnston, daughter of Mr. John Johnston, of the firm of Kay and Johnston, Lamp Manufacturers, of Edinburgh. Dr. MacGregor's family consists of four daughters and one son.
Assistant Inspector of Hospitals, Asylums, and Charitable Aid for the Colony, was born in Edinburgh, and is the daughter of au Argyleshire landed proprietor. From her early days she took interest in the well-being of the labouring classes, having had the opportunity of listening to the addresses of the celebrated Joseph Arch. Before leaving England for the colonies, Mrs. Neill gained considerable experience in hospital work. She had the management of a large institution in Manchester, and in London she also engaged in the same work. In both these large cities she was engaged in the consideration of social and sanitary questions, and in the winter of 1885–6 she worked among the poor at Battersea. After this Mrs. Neill decided to visit Australia, and spent several years in Queensland, where she engaged in journalistic pursuits, on the staff of the Brisbane Daily Telegraph, and other papers for some time. Her ability soon attracted the notice of the Government, who
Journal of Labour. In March, 1894, Mrs. Neill was gazetted Inspector of Factories, and thus became the first woman inspector in New Zealand. About six months later she was appointed an official visitor to the Mount View and Porirua Lunatic Asylums. Mrs. Neill was appointed in May, 1895, Assistant Inspector of Hospitals, Asylums, and Charitable Aid; she is the first woman to occupy such a position in the British Dominions. Her appointment has been fully justified, and there is little doubt that the example will be copied in this respect as it has already been in the matter of the Female Franchise.
Clerk and Accountant of the Lunacy and Charitable Department, was born on the 11th of August, 1852, at Douglas, Isle of Man. Arriving in the Colony with his parents in December, 1863, he was educated at St. Michael's Church of England School, and at Christ's College, Christchurch. At the latter institution he gained the Buller and Reay scholarships. In March, 1872, he passed both the Junior and Senior Civil Service examinations, being second on the list in the Junior and fourth in the Senior. Mr. Souter entered the Postal Department at the same time, and remained for several years, when he resigned to accept a more remunerative engagement in a business house. In January, 1890, he re-entered the Government service as a clerk in the Lunacy and Charitable Department, and on the promotion of the head clerk to the chief clerkship in the Colonial Secretary's Office, was appointed to fill his place. In 1877 Mr. Souter was married to Miss Hughes, daughter of the late Mr. Robert Hughes, of Christchurch—one of the early settlers in Canterbury. His family numbers eight, four sons and four daughters.
New Zealand is one of the wealthiest countries in the world with respect to its treasures of minerals hidden away by nature in its enclosing rocks—gold, silver, copper, and coal being the principal, and they are distributed in a fairly impartial manner throughout the Colony from north to south. Goldmining holds the pride of place, the total value of the exports of this one metal alone having been the vast sum of £50,188,838 since the industry first started in 1857. The first field of any importance was at Collingwood in 1857, and on this field some £90,000 worth of gold was obtained by the crudest processes during that year and the following one, and the district has held a population of miners ever since. Recently some very large operations have been undertaken there to work extensive drifts by the latest improved methods of hydraulic sluicing, the capital for the work being chiefly provided by Wellington speculators. In addition to this there have been quartz reefs worked, but with no great profit to the investors. It was in 1861, however, that the rush to Otago brought goldmining to a front place in the industries of the Colony. The great rush to Otago was followed in 1864 by a minor, but still important one to Wakamarina, and that was soon overshadowed by the West Coast excitement in the same and following years. The Auckland quartz reefs, in 1868, came into prominence, and in one year, 1871, produced gold to the value of £1,188,708, the export of the Colony for a period of twelve years, from 1862 to 1874, averaging over two millions sterling per annum. Nor did this represent the whole production, for the export duty of 2s. 6d. per ounce then leviable on gold sent out of the Colony tempted many miners who had made their piles to carry their gold away with them without passing it first through the Customs, for it was not only the half-crown per ounce that was saved by this, but the extra price obtainable for gold at the Australian mints or in England. From 1874 onwards there was a gradual and steady decrease in the output up till 1890, when the export fell to £773,438, but the following year it rose to £1,007,488, owing chiefly to the success of dredges in Otago and Reefton quartz workings. Since then there has again been a decrease. The characteristics of gold-mining are now altogether different from those in the good days of the sixties. Then a stout heart and brawny muscles were the chief requisites for a man to brave the dangers of flooded rivers and the toil of carrying tools and provisions through unexplored country, with a fair chance of finding an easily-worked creek or terrace where few appliances for extracting the precious metal were required. All those creeks and terraces have, since then, been turned over and over again, and Chinamen have, as a rule, completed the work left by the Europeans, and extracted the last grain to be separated by the action of water. The bulk of the gold now obtained in the Colony is by processes involving the expenditure of large capital; chiefly in alluvial work, extensive water-races and reservoirs, and dredges, and in quartz-reefing, batteries, engines, water-races, and underground works in which an enormous expenditure frequently is made in the belief that the discovery of golden lode is probable. The difficulty in saving gold from
There is a vast extent of coal measures in the Colony, the most important being on the West Coast of the Middle Island. These were discovered by Sir Julius Von Haast in 1860; first at the Brunner Mine, on the Grey River, and subsequently at Mount Rochfort, where the Westport Company's mine is now located, and which exports over 200,000 tons per annum. The Grey field was the first to be worked, and was opened in 1864. The gold-rush to the Coast in that and subsequent years gave it a great impetus; and the quality of the bituminous coals of the West Coast, and their excellent steam and gas-making properties, are now known all over the world. The output is increasing annually from Westport, but there is a temporary falling-off from Greymouth, owing to faults being met with in the old mines; but new ones are being developed, and it is expected that in the course of a few years there will be a large export trade to the West Coast of America and to Asia. These West Coast mines give employment to a large number of miners; and a large portion of the coasting-fleet of the U.S.S. Co. is engaged in the trade. At Mokihinui, twenty-two miles north of Westport, there are also two mines at work, and these include all the bituminous coal-mines of any note in the Colony. There is also pitch coal at Kawakawa, in the Auckland district, and extensive fields of brown coal at Kaitangata and other parts of Otago, at the Nightcaps (Southland), and others in the Malvern Hills in Canterbury; and at Mokau, north of New Plymouth; besides less important fields in other parts of the Colony. The total output for the year 1894 was 719,546 tons from 148 mines, and 1899 men were then employed in the industry, which is a steadily-growing one.
Silver is found, associated with gold, in the quartz reefs in the Auckland district, but it is not mined for its own sake anywhere in the Colony, and the export only reaches some £6000 per annum. Antimony was at one time an important item in our exports, the value in 1890 being over £11,000: but the low price ruling for this metal in Europe caused the company to discontinue working at Endeavour Inlet, near Picton. Mr. Seagar, of Wellington, has invented a new process of smelting, by which he hopes to produce star antimony from the crude ore at a price which will prove remunerative. Manganese and other minerals are also exported to a limited extent. Kauri gum, although a vegetable product, is classed under the head of minerals, and it is entirely confined to the Auckland district, where many hundreds of men find employment, and the production averages something over 8000 tons per annum, the export value in 1894 being £404,567.
Under-Secretary for Mines, was born in Auckland in 1843. His father Mr. G. Eliot Eliott, joined the Public Service in Auckland in 1840 Mr. Huntly Elliott was first appointed clerk in the Colonial Secretary's Department at Auckland under the Stafford Government, in October 1858, Mr. (afterwards the Hon.) W. Gisborne, being the under Secretary of the department. Mr. Eliott remained in the Colonia Secretary's Office until the inauguration of the Public Works Policy in November, 1870. On the creation of the new department, Mr. Eliot became chief clerk therein. He was subsequently appointed Immigration Officer for Wellington district, and in 1877 was appointed Under-Secretary for the Lands and Immigration Department, the administration of the Mines Department being subsequently added to Mr. Eliott's duties. At present Mr. Eliott holds the appointment of Under-Secretary for Mines.
Assoc. M. Inst. C.E., M.A. Inst. M.E., F.G.S., etc., Inspecting Engineer of the Mines Department, was born in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, in 1831. He was educated at King's College, Aberdeen, and qualified as an engineer at Greenock. In 1851 he went out to India, where he engaged in professional work, and three years later arrived in Victoria, and engaged in mining. Hearing of prosperity in New Zealand, Mr. Gordon crossed the Tasman Sea, and landed in Port Chalmers in 1861. Until 1865 he was in business on the Otago goldfields as a general storekeeper. When the West Coast rush was at its height, he accepted an appointment as engineer and mine manager, and for six years acted for mining companies. Early in 1874, Mr. Gordon entered the Civil Service as Inspector of Works under the Public Works Department in Westland. During the following year he became Assistant-Engineer on the Coast, and in the course of his duties superintended the construction of the Nelson Creek water-race, laid out the line of railway from Stillwater to Nelson Creek, now part of the Midland Railway Company's line, and for some time afterwards had charge of the Greymouth Harbour works. About 1882 he was transferred to the Mines Department in Wellington as Inspecting Engineer. In Masonry Mr. Gordon is a member of Lodge Waterloo, N.Z.C.; he has been through all the chairs, and in 1871, with Messrs. Lazar and Shepherd, opened the first Royal Arch Chapter on the West Coast. In 1873 the subject of this notice was married to Miss Mary Sinclair, daughter of Mr. Robert Sinclair, of Edinburgh. His family consists of four daughters and a son.
Chief Clerk, is described on page 51.
Government Analyst under the Mines Department, and Colonial Analyst under the Adulteration Act, is descended from an old French family named Forteseu, who, just before the massacre of Saint Bartholomew, fled from their native land, owing to religious persecution, and took refuge under the “flag of the brave and the free.” Mr. Skey was born in London in 1835, his father, a lawyer in Temple Chambers, dying in the following year. Educated at public schools and private schools in the country, he chose the life of an agriculturalist, which he followed for some years. His career was greatly influenced by close intercourse with one of his guardians, a man of high scientific attainments, and having abundance of means and leisure. He early developed a taste for the science of chemistry, and erected a rustic laboratory of slabs and thatch on the farm where he was placed as a cadet. Here he studied some standard works, and with a little apparatus commenced to try his hand at testing artificial manures, and did other analytical work for the farmers among whom he lived. On attaining his majority, Mr. Skey inherited a legacy, and commenced to search for a homestead, but not being satisfied, farm rents then being very high, he became assistant manager on a farm for two years. At this time La Placès method of extracting spirits from beetroot was being tried in France, and the English Government having permitted the establishment of a limited number of distilleries, Mr. Skey and his employer started a small still to test the process. The preliminary trial being satisfactory, they obtained a permit and erected a complete plant, but after three years' hard work the scheme proved a failure, resulting in heavy loss, and was abandoned. In 1860, with his brother, Mr. Henry Skey, of Dunedin, he came out to New Zealand. For the first two years Mr. Skey had a varied experience, first at bush-falling and afterwards at gold-mining. He was a short time at the famous Gabriel's Gully, but abandoned a digger's life, and returned to Dunedin to seek an appointment. In 1862, after submitting to an examination by Mr. F. Woods, F.C.S., he was appointed laboratory assistant to Dr. (now Sir James) Hector, then Provincial Geologist. Mr. Skey had now entered on the line that has proved to be his life work. Studying carefully under Mr. Woods, a teacher of English reputation, who was in charge of the laboratory, he advanced rapidly in the knowledge of analytical chemistry, and on his superior officer's retirement was placed in charge. The whole staff was removed to Wellington in 1865, and Mr. Skey was appointed analyst for the Colonial Geological Survey Department, a position which he retained till 1893, when, with his brother officers, he was transferred to the Department of Mines. As an author, Mr. Skey has written
Chemical News, and many standard works. He has also composed some very original poems, which he contemplates issuing in book form at an early date. It may be remarked that some of Mr. Skey's rhymes have already been published under the title of “The Pirate Chief, and other Poems.”
Government Geologist, has been in the Colony thirty-three years. Born in the Glenkens district of Kirkcudbrightshire, Galloway, he received the rudiments of education at the parish school of his native place. He came to New Zealand in 1863, and landed at the Bluff per ship “Helenslee.” Till the middle of 1864 he followed the occupation of gold-miner in Otago, and thence came to Marlborough to the Whakamarina rush in April, 1864, but shortly returned to Otago, and subsequently visited New South Wales and Queensland, in which latter country he travelled to the limits of the settled districts, still following the occupation of a gold-miner. In 1866 he returned to New Zealand, and for the next four years was engaged exploring and prospecting the south-west part of the MacKenzie Country, on the borders of Canterbury and Otago. There he conducted explorations alone and at all seasons of the year, thus earning the sobriquet of “the wild man of the MacKenzie Country.” Mr. McKay claims to be the first man who refrigerated meat io New Zealand, having in this manner preserved for long periods both mutton and game in the ice of the glaciers of the Southern Alps. In 1868 he first became acquainted with Dr. (afterwards Sir) Julius Von Haast, and contributed to the enrichment of the exhibits in the Canterbury Museum, then being founded by Von Haast. In 1870 he was engaged prospecting for coal at the Ashley Gorge, Canterbury, where he again came into contact with Von Haast, who, at this time, engaged him as his assistant in prosecuting certain geological surveys he had then in hand at the instance of the General Government. After exploring the central mountain region of Canterbury and the Shag Point coal-field in north-eastern Otago, the expedition returned to Christchurch, and during the following winter Mr. McKay explored and made large collections from the saurian beds of the middle Waipara district, North Canterbury. The valuable results thus obtained were added to the collections in the Canterbury Museum. During 1872 Mr. McKay also explored and excavated in the “Moa Bone Cave,” near Sumner, Canterbury, and acquired considerable notoriety in connection with the dispute that subsequently arose between Dr. Haast and the governors of the New Zealand Institute, re the rights of publication of the results in that cave. The Canterbury Institute referred the matter for decision to the Royal Society (England), but the result, as it never was published, appears to have confirmed the decision of the New Zealand Institute. During the latter part of 1872 Dr. (now Sir James) Hector was in Christchurch, and noting the additions to the museum collections of the fossil saurians from the Waipara, he engaged Mr. McKay to make a collection at Amuri Bluff, of similar remains for the geological survey. This work he finished by March, 1873, and brought to Wellington a very large collection of rare and valuable fossils that now constitute one of the chief attractions in the Colonial Museum. In the end of 1873 he made a geological survey of the southern part of Otago, and in the early part of 1874 of part of the goldfields of the West Coast of the South Island, and the same year also accompanied Dr. Hector to the east coast of Auckland Province, and examined the couutry from Gisborne to the mouth of the Waipawa River. Mr. McKay was now appointed a permanent officer of the Geological Department, and during the past twenty-two years has made fully 100 distinct surveys, and published full and elaborate reports on the different districts
Clerks—T. S. M. Cowie, H. E. Radcliffe.
Draughtsman—C. H. Pierard.
Board of Examiners under “The Coal Mines Act, 1891”—The Director of the Geological Survey of New Zealand, the Surveyor-General, the Inspecting Engineer of Mines, W. M. Mowatt (Chief Inspector of Machinery, Wellington), James Bishop, of Brunnerton, Thomas Brown, of Denniston, and William Shore, of Kaitangata.
Board of Examiners under “The Mining Act, 1891”—The Director of the Geological Survey of New Zealand, the Surveyor-General, the Inspecting Engineer of Mines, W. M. Mowatt (Chief Inspector of Machinery, Wellington), Thomas Dunlop, of Thames, Patrick Quirk Caples, and George Casley, of Reefton.
The Director of the Geological Survey of New Zealand, is chairman of both Boards.
Thomas Hutchinson Hamer, Chief Clerk, Mines Department, is Secretary of both Boards.
This scientific branch of the Mines Department has done an enormous amount of useful work in the Colony. Under the able supervision of Sir James Hector, geological surveys have been made of nearly every district in New Zealand and voluminous illustrated reports published in the Transactions of the Philosophical Institute, showing cross sections of the stratification and nature of the rocks, which are invaluable to the prospector for minerals. The geology of New Zealand possesses so much variety that the explorations of Sir James Hector, S. H. Cox, and A. McKay, which have been recorded, are of great value. The Wellington Museum is under the control of this department, and contains a magnificent collection of geological specimens from all parts of the world, and in the same building the Government Analyst, Mr. William Skey, has his quarters. Mr. Skey's researches have gained him a world-wide reputation, and his investigations into the causes of the loss of gold, and discoveries in that direction, are quoted in the best modern works on Metallurgy. The Astronomical and Meteorological observatories are taken and recorded by this department, and the warnings of approaching storms are of the utmost value to miners.
Minister of Mines, is in charge.
K.C.M.G., M.D., F.R.S., the Director, is referred to at length on the following page.
is the Curator and Meteorological Observer. (See New Zealand Institute.)
Astronomical Observer at the Colonial Observatory, was born in Glasgow in 1858. With his parents he came to New Zealand per ship “Whirlwind,” landing in Auckland in 1860. Educated at the Auckland College and Grammar School, he removed to Wellington, and entered the service of Messrs. W. and G. Turnbull and Co., with whom he remained for many years. In the year 1885 he joined the staff of Messrs. Levin and Co. For many years Mr. King has studied astronomy, and undertakes the observations at the Colonial Observatory, from which the time in New Zealand is regulated.
established under an Act of the General Assembly of New Zealand intituled “The New Zealand Institute Act, 1867.” Board of Governors (ex officio), His Excellency the Governor and the Hon. the Colonial Secretary; nominated — Mr. W. T. L. Travers, F.L.S., Sir James Hector, K.C.M.G., M.D., F.R.S., Messrs. W.M. Maskell, Thomas Mason, E. Tregear, F.R.G.S.; elected — Messrs. James McKerrow, F.R.A.S., S. Percy Smith, F.R.G.S., Major-General Schaw, C.B., R.E. manager, Sir James Hector; honorary treasurer, Mr. W. T. L. Travers, F.L.S.; secretary, Mr. R. B. Gore. The first scientific society in New Zealand was founded in 1851, the first president being Sir George Grey, K.C.B., D.C.L. It was named “The New Zealand Society,” and was located in Wellington. Nine years later another society was established in Christchurch, as the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury, the first president being Mr. Julius Haast (afterwards Sir Julius von Haast, K.C.M.G., Ph.D.). The Institute commenced with four branch societies in 1869, and only 258 members, but there are now eight societies affiliated, and the number of members increased to 1327 in 1881, but has since fallen off to about 950, each of whom pays a guinea a year, which may be considered as a voluntary tax for an educational purpose. The names of the affiliated societies are the Wellington Philosophical Society and the Auckland Institute, both incorporated on the 10th of June, 1868; the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury, established on the 22nd of October, 1868; the Otago Institute, founded on the 18th of October, 1869; the Westland Institute, organised on the 21st of December, 1874; the Hawke's Bay Philosophical Institute, incorporated on the 31st of March, 1875; the Southland Institute, established on the 21st of July, 1880; the Nelson Philosophical Society, formed on the 20th of December, 1883. Each member of the scientific societies affiliated to the New Zealand Institute receives a share of the parliamentary grant in the form of an annual volume of the transactions for the year of all the various societies. The presentation of this volume is regarded as a substantial equivalent for the subscriptions, and the fund which is created by local subscriptions is applied locally towards the maintenance of public museums in the different centres of population. The average size of the annual volume of Transactions and Proceedings is 640 pages and about forty plates. The funds at the disposal of the Board of Governors of the Institute have consisted only of the annual grant by Parliament of £500, an annual contribution from the Wellington Philosophical Society as all equivalent for rent of the library-room and the use of the lecture-hall, and a small sum arising from the sale of volumes. Nearly the whole of the funds are spent in the printing of the volume of Transactions.
M.D., K.C.M.G., F.R.S., Chancellor of the New Zealand University, Director of the Geological Survey and Observatories in New Zealand, Manager of the New Zealand Institute and Chairman of the Boards of Examiners under the “Coal Miners Act” of 1891, and “The Mining Act” of 1891, has for many years been foremost in scientific research in the Colony. His father, who was an Edinburgh lawyer and “Writer to the Signet,” of repute as a conveyancer and reader of black letter deeds, used to translate and read old manuscript to Sir Walter Scott, on which were founded some of the Waverley romances. Born in that lovely city on the 16th of March, 1834, Dr. Hector was trained at the Edinburgh Academy and High School until he was fourteen. Entering his father's office for some time, he was subsequently articled to the eminent actuary, Mr. James Watson, with whom he continued for three years, but during this time he attended university and art classes. In 1852 he matriculated at the Edinburgh University as a student of medicine, which at that time afforded the only avenue for scientific study, for which he had shown a decided bent from an early age, especially in the direction of chemistry and natural history. During his course of training, geology claimed the largest share of his time, his holidays being devoted to long walking expeditions in search of geological and botanical specimens. This led to his being called on to give an account of the geological and physical features of the ground gone over by the students in their excursions, to the Botanical Society, of which Professor Balfour was the chief. Dr. Hector soon became noted as “a leader and authority on geological matters among the students,” having previously to his University course attended the lectures on mechanics, mineralogy, geology, and palaeontology of Professors Lee, Macadam, Rose, and Page. In 1856, having completed his course of medical studies, he gained his M.D. degree, passing both his major examinations in one year. For a short time after taking his degree, Dr. Hector acted as an assistant to Sir James Simpson. But it was not in the practice of the profession that the subject of this notice was destined to employ his time. He was selected, on the recommendation of his University, as surgeon and geologist to an expedition to explore the territory extending from Canada, west of Lake Superior, in British North America, which was ordered in March, 1857, by the House of Commons. Sir Roderick Murchison the Director-General of the Geological Survey of Great Britain, appointed and instructed Dr. Hector, and four years was the period occupied by these explorations, including the time spent in preparing full reports of the results, which form a Parliamentary Blue Book, illustrated with maps and sections. The leader of the expedition was Captain Palliser, but the principal portion of the scientific work was performed by Dr. Hector, who, accompanied by only two men, went arduous journeys on foot with snow shoes and dogs, so as to gain full information regarding the country. His explorations extended in the summer to the Rocky Mountains, where he discovered five passes, one of which, named the “Kicking Horse Pass,” after an accident which nearly cost him his life, is now the route of the great Trans-continental Canadian Railway. The country explored, which was previously untrodden save by Indians, is now settled and traversed by roads and railways. Before returning to England, Dr. Hector examined and reported on the coal mines of Vancouver Island, and visited the goldfields of British Columbia and California and some of the mines of Northern Mexico. Returning to England, via Panama and the West Indies, he had the pleasure of laying before the different scientific societies the results of his explorations. In 1861 the Royal Geographical Society awarded the expedition the gold medal for its geographical discoveries, and in 1891 Sir J. Hector was personally awarded the Founder's gold medal of the society, which is
the greatest distinction that can be gained for geographical research. In 1861 Sir K. Murchison made two offers of employment to Dr. Hector to Kashmir and New Zealand, but recommended him to accept the latter as geologist to the Provincial Government of Otago. Arriving in Dunedin in 1861, the first three years of his work were occupied in the exploration of all parts of the Otago province, including the mountain regions and West Coast Sounds, and the results are recorded in maps and reports embracing every branch of scientific research. When the Dunedin Exhibition of 1865 was projected, Dr. Hector was appointed Commissioner, and in its interests he made a rapid tour throughout the whole Colony. Under his skilful direction the Exhibition was a brilliant success. Early in 1865 the Colonial Government engaged Dr. Hector as Director of the Geological Survey for the whole Colony, and he at once proceeded to survey the country, aided by a small staff of assistants. In 1866 he issued his first annual report, which has been repeated regularly up to the present date. These reports have dealt with every subject that bears on the development of the natural resources of the Colony. To Dr. Hector is also due the management of the New Zealand Institute, which dates from 1868, since which time he has performed as a labour of love the onerous work of its management and the editing of the copious volumes of transactions, which appear each year with unfailing regularity. In 1870 Dr. Hector was a witness before the Joint Committees of both Houses of the Legislature on the
F.L.S. Hon. Treasurer, is described under “Ex-Members of the House of Representatives.”
Curator of the Colonial Museum, and Secretary to the Geological Survey Department, to the New Zealand Institute, and Meteorological Observer and Statist, has for over thirty years been a public servant of the Colony. He is a descendant from an Irish family, being the third son of the late Colonel Henry Ross Gore, C.B., and was born in Plymouth, England, in 1840. Educated partly in Ireland, and afterwards at King's College, London, Mr. Gore passed the Civil Service examinations and joined the war office, where he had three years experience. In 1862, having decided to come to the colonies, he landed in Auckland per ship “Black Eagle.” After a short time in the northern capital, Mr. Gore went to Christchurch, and thence to Dunedin, where he joined Sir James (then Doctor) Hector in the Geological Survey Department, with which he has been connected as secretary from its inception. In 1864 Mr. Gore was married in Dunedin to a daughter of Mr. John Murphy, of County Clare, Ireland. His family numbers eight, four daughters and four sons. His eldest daughter is married to Mr. Thomas Walter, son of the late Mr. Walter of the London Times. Mr. Gore's sons are well known, the eldest, Mr. H. M. Gore, is on the Hansard staff, Messrs. A. H. and R. Gore are in the Australian Mutual Provident Society, and the youngest is employed in the office of the Commissioner of Crown Lands, Wellington.
The Defence Force of the Colony is under the command of “Colonel F. J. Fox,” an officer of the Royal Artillery, who was selected by the Imperial Government a few years ago to act as military adviser to the Government. He has considerably improved the efficiency of the various scattered forces throughout the Colony, and improved the armament and defence works at the chief ports, although much remains to be done before the defence of the Colony may be brought into a state of effectiveness, should an emergency arise. The Permanent Force consists of 144 permanent artillery, Wellington being the depôt of the Force. Recruits are trained here and then drafted to other batteries to fill vacancies caused chiefly by the transfer of gunners to the Police Force. There were thirty-six men so transferred last year, and this has to a certain extent led to inefficiently trained men being sent to man fortifications at other ports where training cannot be so well carried out. On the other hand about 100 policemen have been put through a course of gunnery, and they have proved very capable. The Permanent Torpedo Corps, consisting of sixty-four officers and men, has also its headquarters in Wellington, more than half the force being stationed there. They have the care of the torpedo boats, steam launches, and submarine mining stores, and volunteer submarine miners are instructed by them. It is by this latter means of resistance to an enemy that the commandant trusts most in case of hostilities, and all instruction work is carried out and dummy mines laid for practice. The Torpedo Corps is also engaged when required in removing obstructions from harbours in the Colony.
The Volunteer Forces include three cavalry and ten mounted rifle corps, numbering 740 officers and men, eight corps of naval artillery volunteers which are affiliated to the defence works, and their work in artillery and submarine practice is considerable and of great value. These companies are highly eulogized by the commandant, especially the Wellington Navals. There are nine companies of naval artillery, numbering 616 of all ranks, which are trained as infantry companies. Of field artillery there are nine batteries with 529 men and thirty-three guns, the volunteers being described as efficient, but the guns and material in most cases useless. There is one battery of garrison artillery at Lyttelton with fifty-four men and officers; and two companies of engineers at Christchurch and Dunedin, 147 all told; and there are forty-three companies of infantry, with a total strength of 2460 distributed throughout the Colony. There are also thirty-seven cadet companies formed from the pupils of the colleges and high schools, numbering 1942. Camps of instruction are held at Easter with marked benefit to the
Minister of Defence, is referred to under the heading “The Ministry.”
Military adviser to the government was born in 1857, in County Westmeath, Ireland. He was educated at the Royal Military Academy at Woolwich, entering the Imperial Army as lieutenant in the Royal Artillery in February, 1876. In the following year he went to Burmah, and served in India till the end of 1880, and throughout the Afghan War, in which he acted as staff officer of artillery. After this he returned to England, but was soon sent to South Africa, where he served in the Boer War of 1881. On arriving in the Old Country at the end of that year he was appointed adjutant of artillery at Dover, in 1883 to the Horse Artillery, and the following year as Aide-do-Camp to the General Officer commanding the South Eastern District. In December, 1884 the gallant gentleman was promoted to the rank of Captain. In the beginning of 1885 he proceeded to Egypt, and served as Captain of a Mountain Battery in the Egyptian Campaign of that year. Colonel Fox was appointed staff officer to the Inspector General of Artillery in 1886, which position he retained till 1889. In this year be became Aide-de-eamp to the General Officer commanding the North Western District, and subsequently to the General Officer in command of the Thames District. This position he held till 1892, when he came to the Colony as commandant, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the Imperial Service, and as Colonel of New Zealand Militia. In February, 1895 Colonel Fox was married to the second daughter of Captain Russell, of Flaxmere, Hawkes Bay. Colonel Fox has served in every branch of the Royal Artillery, and when on the Staff of the Inspector General had the opportunity of visiting and inspecting the greatest part of the defences of the Empire.
Bart., Under-Secretary for Defence, was born in Devonshire, England, in 1845. He is the third son of the late Sir Robert Douglas, Bart., who was five years Governor of Jersey, and for a similar period Lieutenant-Governor of the Cape of Good Hope. Sir Arthur, the fifth and present baronet, was educated in England, at Harrow and at Stubbington House, Hampshire. He entered the Navy in 1858 as a cadet, speedily rising to the position of lieutenant. In 1873, he was appointed to the office of instructor to the Naval Artillery Volunteers in Liverpool, and this post he held till deciding to come to New Zealand at the end of 1876. The following year he arrived in Wellington per ship “Ocean Mail.” During the Russian War scare of 1885 he was employed as Naval Staff Officer, and in 1887 he was appointed to the positions of secretary to the Council of Military Education, and staff officer of Artillery to the Colony, with the rank of major. These offices he held till 1891, when he went to Lyttelton as officer commanding the Permanent Militia, and in June, 1895, was promoted to his present position. Sir Arthur was married in 1871 to Mary Caroline, youngest daughter of the Rev. William Foster, M.A., of Stubbington, and has had four daughters, of whom three survive. He resides at Wellington.
Inspector of Submarine Mining, is a native of Scotland, having been born in the City of Glasgow on the 7th of January, 1844. He joined the Royal Engineers at Chatham in 1867. He came to New Zealand under engagement to the Government as specialist in submarine mining in 1886, with the rank of lieutenant, and surveyed and fitted the submarine mining station at Auckland. Eleven months later he was promoted to be captain and inspector o submarine mining. Captain Falconer has since inspected the submarine defence and stations of the Colony, fitted up the submarine mining station at Wellington, and taken charge of these defences. He has also the control of all the electric lighting and signalling at the various submarine mining stations. The total strength of the submarine mining corps consists of sixty-four men, thirty of whom are located at the principal station, Shelly Bay. Captain Falconer has seen in all some twenty-nine years' service. He has in his possession the bronze and silver medals and the thanks on vellum, and the parchment certificate of the Royal Humane Society of England, and claims to be the only man in the British Army who holds these honours from that Society. The captain has in all saved nine lives. His picture appeared in the Graphic Christmas Number of 1879.
Chief Clerk in the Defence Department, was born in Milnthorp, Westmoreland, England. He was educated at various schools in London and at Marechall College. In 1879 Mr. Royle came to Dunedin, New Zealand from Adelaide, where he had arrived about the end of 1878. He joined the Civil Service during his first year in the Colony as clerk in the Defence Department, and has continued an officer of that branch of the public service to the present time. In 1889 Mr. Royle was advanced to the position of first clerk, and at the beginning of 1895
Clerk—T. F. Grey.
Auckland—Lieut.-Colonel Forster Yelverton Goring, N.Z.M.
Lieut. John Grant, N.Z. Vols.
Wellington—Lieut.-Colonel Stuart Newall, N.Z.M.
Nelson—V.D. Lieut.-Colonel Albert Pitt, N.Z. Militia. Adjutant—William Still Littlejohn (Captain Nelson College Cadets).
Canterbury—Lieut.-Colonel Henry Gordon, N.Z. Militia, late H.M. 44th F.
Otago—Lieut.-Colonel William Holden Webb, N.Z, Militia, late H.M. 109th F.
Garrison Artillery—Major Forster Yelverton Goring, Major William Bazire Messenger, Captain Henry Charles Morrison, Captain John Coleman, Lieutenant John Edward Hume
Torpedo Corps—Captain John Falconer, Captain William Tynan Powell.
Quartermaster (Permanent Militia) — Captain Sam Cosgrave Anderson.
Surgeon (Permanent Militia, Wellington)—John Teare, M.B.
Surgeon (Permanent Militia, Auckland)—John Wilkins.
Hon. Surgeon (Permanent Militia)—Patrick Joseph O'Neill O'Carroll.
Hon. Chaplain (Lyttelton Detach. P.M.)—The Rev. Edward Eliot Chambers.
Hon. Chaplain (Wellington Detach. P.M.)—The Rev. William Campbell Waters, M.A.
Under the regime of the provinces each district had its own system, and there was no co-operation for the detection of crime between one province and another. Indeed, rather the opposite was the case, as was very clearly demonstrated on the occasion of the Maungatapu murders by the Burgess gang in 1866. These men had for some months resided in Westland and were well known to the police as dangerous characters and they were warned to leave Greymouth. Dobson, the surveyor, had been murdered, but the crime did not come to light for some weeks afterwards. Just across the Grey River from the town of Greymouth, and not a quarter of a mile distant was the town of Cobden, the headquarters of the Nelson Provincial Government on the goldfields, where were a resident magistrate, jail, and staff of police. It was the custom in those days for the constables on one side of the river to warn bad characters to clear out for the other side; and as the cost of conveyance of prisoners to Nelson or Lyttelton in those days was considerable, many a scoundrel went free because no proper system of surveillance existed. This question of the control of the police had a considerable effect on the abolition of the provinces, and since the force has been managed systematically, a criminal has a poor chance of an extended career or of escape. The total strength of the Police Force is 487, of all ranks, as follows :—seven inspectors, fifty-one sergeants, 416 constables and thirteen detectives. There are thirteen different ranks among these. Besides the Police Force proper there are thirteen district and nine native constables. Vacancies in the Force have for some time been filled from the Permanent Militia, and the system has been found to work satisfactorily; and a number of the police themselves go through a fortnight's training every year in gunnery in the different centres, and by this arrangement there are now 131 men in the Force who are qualified as trained gunners. It is claimed that they will, in case of need, form a useful auxiliary force to augment the Permanent Artillery. Colonel Hume, Commissioner of Police, finds from experience that the number of grades (thirteen) in the service is objectionable, and advocates four ranks only, inspectors, sergeants, constables and detectives, with increase of pay according to good conduct and long service. Besides doing the duties of police, the Force is made use of in various other directions—as clerks of Court and bailiffs in country districts, dog tax collectors, clerks of licensing benches, inspectors of weights and measures, etc. In most of these cases there are small emoluments in addition to the ordinary pay as constables of the peace. The Commissioner keeps an eye over the workings of the department throughout the Colony; then inspectors under him divide the Colony between them; the four chief cities have each a sergeant-major who has a sergeant in charge of each beat. The members of the rank and file are expected to be on duty every day in the year, and are paid for seven days a week, but are allowed twelve days holiday per annum. Uniforms are found by the men themselves. The salaries of inspectors range from £300 to £400, with £50 house allowance; detectives, 9s. 6d. to 12s. 6d. per day; sergeant-majors, 10s. 6d.; sergeants, 8s. 6d. to 9s. 6d.; constables, 7s. to 8s,; new recruits from the militia, 6s. 6d. The mounted men are supplied with horses and fodder, and attend to the ordinary police duty of the country. It is part of every policeman's duty to make himself acquainted with the Criminal laws, and in the ordinary offences the Police act as Crown Prosecutors, often showing conspicuous ability.
The City of Wellington has the following force stationed within its limits: City, one inspector, one sergeant-major, two sergeants, thirty-three constables, two detectives, and
Commissioner of the New Zealand Police Force, is referred to at length on page 144.
Clerk in the Police Department of the Public Service, was born in Tinby, Wales, and educated at Clapham, London. He arrived in Sydney, New South Wales, in 1862, and a year later joined the recruits for the Waikato war. Mr. Evans served right through the campaign in the second Waikato Regiment, and received a grant of land as a military settler at Alexandra, Waikato. In 1867 he went to the Thames, but left during the ensuing year to join the A.C. force in Hamilton. Soon after he joined Major Von Tempsky's troop and went to the West Coast, where he was wounded in the groin during an attack on the escort by the Maoris. The bullet was never extracted, but Mr. Evans recovered after three months, and about the end of 1869 he was discharged on a pension. In 1872 he rejoined the force as a constable, but resigned about two years after and went to Melbourne, where he remained a year. On his return he found employment on the railways in the South Island till 1876, when he again joined the force, from which he was transferred as clerk to the Police Department in 1881. In 1872 Mr. Evans was married to Miss Payne, daughter of Mr. William Payne, of Hobart, and has two daughters and four sons.
Clerk—John Tasker.
The Crown Lands of the Colony are administered under the authority of “The Land Act, 1892.” By its provisions land may be selected under three different tenures, the choice being left to the would-be settler. These are (1) for cash, in which case one-fourth of the purchase money is paid down at once and the balance within thirty days; but the title is not issued until certain improvements have been made on the land; (2) lease with a purchasing clause, at five per cent-rental on the value of the land; the lease being for twenty-five years with the right to purchase at any time after, the first ten years; (3) lease in perpetuity at a rental of four per cent on the capital value. Under this latter system there is a fixity of tenure practically equal to freehold, and which carries with it the power of sale, sub-lease, mortgage or disposition by will. As all lands held under lease from the Crown are subject to the Land Tax, periodical revaluations are considered unnecessary, as the Crown reaps the benefit of the unearned increment through the operation of the Land Tax; but the improvements made on the soil by the tenant in cultivation, draining, clearing, etc., are secured to him. This system is advantageous to the settler for the reason that capital is not necessary to obtain the right to lands, and whatever money he may be possessed of can be used for development of the holding, purchase of stock, erection of buildings, etc. Lands are classified as follows :—(1) town and village lands, the upset prices of which are respectively not less than £20 and £3 per acre; such lands are sold by auction; (2) suburban lands, the upset price of which may not be less than £2 per acre, and are also sold by auction; (3) rural lands which may be disposed of at not less than 1 per acre for first class, and five shillings per acre for second class; such lands may be sold or leased by auction, or sold and leased on application. The Land Act limits the area which may be acquired to 640 acres of first class, and 2000 acres of second class land, inclusive of what land the selector may already hold. Another provision for settling the people on the land is the Small Farm Association system by which not less than twelve individuals who have associated themselves together for mutual help may select a block of land, the extreme limit any one person may hold being 320 acres. The land is held on lease in perpetuity, and is subject to conditions of residence and improvement. A number of these settlements have been formed, but in several the selections have been heavily handicapped by being chosen in localities too far distant from markets and with no approach by roads, causing much hardship, and in some cases abandonment, through the inability of the settler to obtain employment in the neighbourhood, and the difficulty of transporting stores. This has happened more particularly in the forest-covered portions of the Wellington and Taranaki districts. Since the date of the Act coming into force on the 1st of November, up to the 31st of March, 1895, the following figures give the number of selections and acreage:—(1) selected for cash 1542; area, 110,570 acres; (2) occupation with right of purchase, 1060; area, 236,270 acres; (3) lease in perpetuity, 8224; area, 684,086 acres; the latter including the special settlements, the principal part of which latter class has been taken up in the Wellington district.
The village settlement scheme which was introduced with a view of providing work for the unemployed, and settling them on the forest lands which they were set to clear, burn
Small grazing runs not exceeding 5000 acres of first class or 20,000 acres of second class pastoral land are leased for terms of twenty-one years at 2 1/2 per cent. rental on the value of the land. These leases entitle the holder to grazing rights and to the cultivation of any part of the holding, but the runs are subject to the mining laws, and they are mostly situated in the Otago and Canterbury districts. Pastoral runs are let also on twenty-one years' lease. None may be of a greater extent than will carry 20,000 sheep or 4000 cattle. Tenants on this class of land are not entitled to the soil, timber or minerals; they must prevent the spread of gorse, broom or briar, and have to destroy the rabbits which infest it under very strict provisions.
The Survey Department is under the control of the Lands Department, and the construction and maintenance of main roads and roads to give access to Crown lands are also associated with it. In each provincial district there are stationed a chief surveyor, who is also Commissioner of Crown Lands, and a staff of district surveyors, draughtsmen, and other officers, the total number in the Colony being 245. The field work done is of a laborious nature, especially in the winter season, when survey work in the forest-clad districts, and often at high altitudes, frequently breaks up the constitutions of the hardiest. The survey staff carry out the work of major and minor triangulation, topographical surveys, rural and suburban section surveys, town sections, surveys for the Native Land Court, surveys of mining leases, and miscellaneous surveys and inspection. In addition to this, roads are surveyed at workable gradients, no less than 542 miles of this work having been laid out in the year ending March, 1895. The average cost of surveying rural and suburban sections is about fifteen penee per acre, but mining leases cost 6s. 6d. per acre, the country in which they are located being generally in rough country, and the sections of limited size, Notwithstanding the large staff there is always a considerable amount of back work to pull up in the department, but considerable progress has been made in the past few years in the trigonometrical work, but some districts, especially in the Nelson and Marlborough districts have not been operated on. A considerable amount of exploration work has been done among the Southern Alps of recent years. The road work done by the department has been of a very extensive character, as may be judged from the fact that in the last years' work no less than 653 miles of settlements roads were constructed by the department in the Wellington district alone, besides numerous bridges and culverts and extensive drainage operations.
The work done for the Survey Department in the lithoprinting office is very extensive, and printing is also done there for fourteen departments in all. In the preparation of new maps and the correcting of the old ones, the printing of land sale poster maps, standard drawings of bridges and culverts, sections of road formation, complex political maps of the Colony; the printing of somewhat elaborate guide books for advertising the Colony, statistical maps, illustrations for the New Zealand Institute and other artistic works, the litho staff is kept busy, as may be judged from the fact that no less than 334 stones were used in this description of work. Some very high-class work is being turned out by the photo-lithographic process at a small cost, and as soon as the staff is accommodated in more suitable quarters in the addition now being built to the Government Printing Office, the quality of the work will, under more favourable conditions, be greatly improved.
Minister of Lands and Immigration is in charge of this large and important department. The honourable gentleman's career is described at length on page 46.
F.R.G.S., Surveyor-General, and Secretary for Crown Lands, who has been a prominent officer in the Civil Service of the Colony for forty years, was born in Beccles, Suffolk, in 1840. His father, the late Mr. John Stephenson Smith, Commissioner of Crown Lands in Taranaki, came to New Zealand with his family per ship “Pekin” in 1849, landing in New Plymouth. The subject of this notice was educated partly in England, and partly in New Zealand. He entered the public service in 1855 in New Plymouth as a cadet, and made such progress that in four years he was appointed district surveyor in the Kaipara, Auckland. For the first twenty years Mr. Smith was actively engaged in the field, and was employed on surveys in almost every part of the North Island. During the native troubles he had many thrilling adventures, as for several years nearly all surveys had to be made under arms, the surveyors running a great risk of losing their lives. In 1877 Mr. Smith was appointed chief surveyor for the provincial district of Auckland, and retained the position till 1889, when he was promoted to the office of Surveyor-General and Secretary for Crown Lands on the appointment of his predecessor, Mr. James McKerrow, to the Chief Commissionership of Railways. In addition to these important offices Mr. Smith is chairman of the Board of Land Purchase Commissioners, under the Land far Settlement Act, and is a member of the Public Trust Office Board, the Government Life Insurance Board, and the Native Reserves Board. Mr. Smith devotes most of his spare time to literary and scientific pursuits. He has long been deeply interested in Polynesian matters, and was largely instrumental in establishing the Polynesian Society, for preserving the traditions, history, and literature of the Islands. Mr. Smith and Mr. Edward Tregear are joint secretaries of the Society. Mr. Smith is a governor of the New Zealand Institute, an honorary member of the Auckland Institute, corresponding member of the Royal Geographical Society of Queensland, and of the Historical Society of Honolulu. In 1880 he was made a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Mr. Smith married Miss Mary Anne, daughter of Mr. W. M. Crompton, of New Plymouth, in 1863. His family consists of a daughter and four sons.
Under Secretary for Crown Lands, and Superintending Surveyor, has been a public servant for nearly thirty-five years. He was born in Moray, in the North of Scotland, where also he was educated at private schools. After a few years spent in the west of Scotland and north of Ireland, Mr. Barron decided to depart for New Zealand in 1861. Arriving in Port Chalmers per ship “Pladda,” he entered the Civil Service in August of that year, under the late Mr. Arthur, afterwards Chief Surveyor of Otago. Having qualified as a surveyor in the usual way, Mr. Barron passed the necessary examination before Mr. J. T. Thomson, late Surveyor-General of New Zealand. In Otago the subject of this sketch served the Provincial Government of Otago in the Survey Department, Land Department, and Public Works Department. Shortly before the abolition of the provinces, Mr. Barron, while acting as an assistant engineer in the Public Works Department of Otago, was selected by the late Mr. Thomson as his first assistant in the organization, of a General Survey Department for the Colony. Since this time he has had the charge of the head office and the general administration of the department. In 1891 he was gazetted Under-Secretary of Crown Lands, in addition to his other office.
Chief Draftsman of the Lands and Survey Department, and officer in charge of the Lithographic Branch, was born in Dunedin. Having been educated at the Dunedin High School, Mr. Flanagan first entered the Civil Service in 1871 as a cadet in the Dunedin Survey Office. After eighteen months' training in the office, he
Journal. Mr. Flanagan took great interest in the Wellington Athenaeum, acting for four years as a vice-president and as a member of the committee. He is one of the directors of the Thorndon Bowling Club. In the Union Debating Society and the Citizens' Institute also Mr. Flanagan has taken an active part, assisting in the formation and occupying a seat on the council of the latter. In 1879 he married Miss Blacklock, daughter of the late Mr. James Blacklock, one of the proprietors of Hirst's tannery, and has one son and one daughter.
Chief Clerk of the Land and Survey Department, hails from London, where he was born and his earlier education was received. He came out to the colonies in 1864, landing in Sydney, and after receiving further education, was put to the soft goods trade in the establishment of Messrs. David Jones and Co. Mr. Short was subsequently in Messrs. Farmer and Co.'s emporium, but at the end of some four years his health failed, and he was compelled to take an extended sea voyage. He sailed for China and Japan, and for several years traded as super-cargo in the China Seas, afterwards living in Japan, and visiting Vladivostock, in Russian Siberia. His health having greatly improved, Mr. Short returned to New South Wales, and crossed over to Wellington, arriving in December, 1874. Entering the Civil Service almost immediately as clerk in the Public Works Department, after about six years he retired to take up the position of bookkeeper to Messrs. Duthie and Co. In 1882 Mr. Short re-entered the Government service, at an advanced salary, in the Public Works Department, and eight years later was transferred to the Land and Survey Department as clerk. Mr. Short was appointed Chief Clerk in 1892. His tastes are musical, and he occupies the post of organist at Trinity Wesleyan Church, Newtown. Mr. Short was married in 1877 to Miss Elizabeth Sarah Leighton, daughter of Mr. John Leighton, of Nottingham, and has three daughters and six sons.
Chief Accountant of the Lands and Survey Department, is a son of the Rev. Canon Knowles, of Christchurch. He was born at Lyttelton on the 25th of April, 1859, and educated partly at Dalcroy House School, Lyttelton, and partly as Christ's College, Christchurch. While at the former school in 1870 he won a Government scholarship. Mr. Knowles entered the Civil Service in May, 1875, as a cadet in the Government Life Insurance Department, in Wellington. Five years later he joined the Land Tax Department as clerk, which position he held till February, 1893, the Department during that period merging into the Property Tax Department, and subsequently into the present Land and Income Tax Department. At this time Mr. Knowles was promoted to the position of Chief Accountant of Lands and Survey, which is one of the largest and most important departments. Mr. Knowles has for many years been an enthusiastic collector of New Zealand stamps. He founded the Philatelic Society of New Zealand, and still acts as a member of its committee.
Auditor of Land Revenue for New Zealand, who had a good deal to do with the suppression of dummyism in Taranaki, is a son of Captain John Smith, late of H.M. 41st Foot, an old Crimean veteran, who holds a medal of the French Legion of Honour. Mr. Smith was born in Malta, and educated at the private school of the Rev. J. B. Smith, Sizar and Moderator of Trinity College, Dublin. Arriving in New Zealand in 1872, he passed the Civil Service examination and joined the Treasury as a cadet. Having developed considerable ability, Mr. Smith was transferred to the Audit Office in 1879. Subsequently he was appointed an audit inspector, and for many years performed arduous duties in auditing the Government accounts and those of local bodies in various parts of the Colony. The districts which were under his charge at various times were Marlborough, Nelson, Wellington, Taranaki, Auckland City, and the North of Auckland. It is well known that while on the West Coast, North Island, Mr. Smith was successful in detecting many irregularities, causing large sums to be disgorged, and he was instrumental in bringing many defaulters to punishment. He also discovered that frauds were being perpetrated through certain land offices by means of fraudulent scrip. In consequence of these and other discoveries, the Legislature constituted the Department of Audit of Land Revenue by special Act as a branch of the Lands Department, and the control of this branch was given to Mr. Smith in recognition of his services. The usefulness of this section of the Civil Service is becoming more apparent as time progresses, the officers being experts in their special work. Mr. Smith was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and belonged to the Wellington Lodge No, 1521, E.C., of which he was elected W.M. for two years successively. He has also been a member of the District Grand Lodge. In boating Mr. Smith has been prominent for some twenty years; he was one of the founders of the Star Boating Club, and for several years rowed the stroke oar in both the inrigged and outrigged races. Mr. Smith was
Superintendent or Settlement for the Colony, was born in Cornwall, and educated at the Royal Naval School, Greenwich. He came out to Lyttelton in 1853 per ship “John Taylor,” and for some time after arrival was engaged on a sheep station. In 1863 Mr. March was appointed clerk in the Immigration Department at Christchurch; in 1868 he was appointed Assistant Immigration officer; in December, 1869, he received the appointment of Immigration Officer, and nine years after he entered the service be was promoted to the position of Chief Immigration Officer for the Middle Island. He continued in this office till it was abolished, when be became Chief Immigration Officer for Canterbury, which post he held till immigration was suspended. The appointment to the charge of village settlements in the Canterbury district was now conferred upon him, and he satisfactorily performed his duties till his promotion in 1891 to the position now held. Mr. March compiles an annual report on village settlements, which is most interesting and instructive. In April, 1895, the subject of this notice received instructions to visit the Australian colonies and report on the village settlements and labour colonies in New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia. His report was laid before Parliament in August, 1895 and contained very interesting and useful information.
Foreman, Lithographic Printer, and Photo-lithographer, Land and Survey Department, was born and educated in Edinburgh, where also he learned his business. He served an apprenticeship of seven years with the well-known firm Messrs. W. and A. K. Johnston, of 4 St. Andrew's Square, lithographic printers and geographers to the Queen. After remaining two years longer as a journeyman, he went to Messrs. McFarlane and Erakin to improve his knowledge of the chalk printing. Remaining about a year owing to dull trade he left this firm and entered the establishment of Mr. Mitchell, lithographic printer, in Princes Street, and afterwards accepted an engagement for Messrs. Bellfield and Wakefield, of the Timaru Herald, and came to the Colony per ship “Soukar,” landing In 1876. As the firm did not fulfil their contract he soon went to Dunedin, where he entered the lithographic department of David Henderson, Princes Street. In April, 1877, Mr. Ross entered the Government Service in the lithographic department of the Lands and Survey Branch, and for ten years retained the position of officer-in-charge. In 1887 he was transferred to Wellington to the photographic department, of which he took charge. He was appointed to the position he now holds in 1888. Mr. Ross is a member of the Royal Dunedin Lodge, I.O.O.F., M.U. He is a member of the Wellington Caledonian Society, of which he is one of the vice-presidents. He is fond of cricket and football, and while in Dunedin belonged to one of the local clubs. He was one of the first forty members of tile Thorndon Bowling Club, and is still an enthusiastic member. The subject o this notice has been able to effect many improvements in the management of his department in photolithography. The work produced by the department under his practical direction is much admired.
Bookkeeper —P. C. Wilson.
Clerks— F. T. O'Neill, F. Samuel, J. B. Redward, A. A. S. Danby, J. P. Kennedy, E. F. Hawthorne.
Chief Land Purchase Officer, was born in 1841 in Newry, County Down, Ireland, and was educated at the Model School of that town. He was a telegraph Operator in Ireland from 1855 to 1858. In the latter year he enlisted in the 2nd Battalion of the 14th Regiment, then in course of formation, and came with his company to Auckland in 1860 per troopship “Robert Lowe.” He served through the Waikato and West Coast campaigns, for which he received the New Zealand War Medal. In 1869 Mr. Sheridan left the Army, and three years later entered as accountant in the Land Purchase Department on its revival by the late Sir Donald McLean. On the death of Mr. Lewis, Under-Secretary of the Native Department, in 1890, he was appointed Chief Land Purchase Officer. Mr. Sheridan was married in 1869, and has five sons and five daughters.
F.R.A.S., Purchase Inspector, though better known under his late title of Chief Commissioner of New Zealand Railways, has been connected with the Public Service of the Colony for over thirty-five years. His history is a record of gradual advancement from a comparatively humble position to several of the highest offices of trust and responsibility in the Colony. Born in Kilmarnock, Scotland, in 1834, he received his education at the academies of his own town and at the University of Glasgow. While yet a young man he determined to seek his fortune in New Zealand, and landed in Dunedin in 1859. Shortly after his arrival he received an appointment in the Survey Department. His abilities as a surveyor soon manifested themselves, for in 1861 he was selected from the staff for the very difficult and responsible task of surveying the interior, mountainous portions of the province of Otago. This work, embracing 8000 square miles of lakes and rugged country, was completed in two years, and Mr. McKerrow had the satisfaction of knowing that his work received the entire approval of the Government, and was acknowledged by Sir Roderick Murchison, president
New Zealand, with its magnificent climate and great range of latitude extending from 34 degrees to 47 degrees south, offers the agriculturist advantages not possessed by any other country in the world. For the most part the soil is extremely fertile, and the area operated on is increased every year by the clearing of the forests. There are millions of acres yet unoccupied, waiting for the hand of the settler to render it capable of carrying large herds of dairy stock or sheep, or to be converted into orchards in the North Island, where the dairying industry has, within the past few years, grown marvellously, and promises to attain a much greater importance year by year. The Government of the Colony has done much to foster the various branches of agriculture in appointing dairy instructors to lecture and advise farmers in the best methods of modern butter and cheese making, and the choice of the most suitable machinery. The Stock Department has veterinary surgeons on its staff, who are available when an outbreak of disease is reported in stock, and fruit experts, whose duty it is to advise on the most suitable fruits to grow in different localities, and the best means of eradicating insect pests, and the numerous descriptions of blight which attack orchards. This department also controls the State expenditure for keeping down the rabbit pest, and of inspection of stock. Of these latter, there are thirty-six in the Colony, whose duty it is to see that sheep are dipped at the proper seasons, and to report on the proper observance of the Act. With a view of keeping down the rabbit nuisance, there are thirty-six rabbit agents, mostly in the Southern districts of the Colony, to see that the provisions of the Act are carried out. The Government also employs a number of men to keep the pest down on Crown lands, and assists in the maintenance of rabbit-proof fences, the total cost to the Colony for keeping the nuisance in check being over £15,000 a year. The State also gives assistance in providing cool storage for dairy produce. In February of each year agricultural statistics are taken, which are very complete. Full information on all matters connected with this department will be found in the very excellent year-book compiled by the Registrar-General.
is in charge.
Secretary for Agriculture and Chief Inspector of Stock, was born in Perthshire, Scotland. Educated partly at Perth and partly at Cargill, Mr. Ritchie entered and was for some time in the employ of his uncle's firm, Messrs. Douglas Watt and Co., of Dundee, who were in the Baltic and Calcutta trade. In 1877 he decided to seek his fortune in New Zealand, and embarked for the Colony per ship “Halcione.” In the rearing and management of stock and farming generally, Mr. Ritchie has had an extended experience, having been brought up on a farm in the Old Country, and for fourteen years he held the position of manager of the Mount Royal Station at Palmerston South, the property of his uncle, Mr. John Douglas. Mr. Ritchie joined the Government Service in 1891 as Chief Inspector of Stock, and a year later he was appointed Secretary for Agriculture. The departments which he supervises are most important, and it is satisfactory that the Government has appointed qualified experts to foster and encourage the staple industry of the Colony. In 1892 ha married Miss McKerrow, daughter of Mr. James McKerrow, late Chief Commissioner of Railways.
Chief Clerk of the Department of Agriculture, was born in India, and was sent to England to be educated. Mr. Evatt came to New Zealand in 1878, per ship “Chili,” to Port Chalmers. Entering the Government Service in Christchurch as clerk in the Department of Agriculture, he was two years later transferred to the Head Office, and in 1889 rose to the position of Chief Clerk. In 1876 Mr. Evatt was married to Miss Carter, daughter of Mr. Charles Carter, of Christchurch, and has two daughters and two sons. He is a member of the Wellington Lodge of Freemasons, No. 1521, E.C.
F.R.M.S., F.L.S etc., Lond., Government Biologist, Department of Agriculture, was born in Coventry, England. He is a son of Professor Kirk, and was educated principally at St. James' School, and Auckland College. He entered the Geological Survey Department in 1874 as assistant to Sir James Hector, and remained on the staff for seventeen years, during which time he contributed numerous scientific papers on Biological subjects to the Transactions of the New Zealand Institute, Annuals and Magazines of Natural History, Nature, Science Gossip, the French Journal of Conchology, the Royal Society of S.A., and other periodicals. Mr. Kirk was elected a member of the New Zealand Institute in 1878, of the Geological Society of Australasia in 1887, a Fellow of the Royal Microscopic Society of London in 1889, and in 1890 on the nomination of Sir Walter Buller, Dr. Gunther, Sir Joseph Hooker and Professor Flower, he was received as a Fellow of the Linnaean Society of London. He joined the Department of Agriculture on its establishment in 1892, and takes charge of the zoological and botanical portions of the work of this useful branch of the public service. Through his numerous “leaflets for farmers,” and “leaflets for gardeners and fruitgrowers,” his name has become very familar to New Zealand settlers, supplying them as he does, with useful information in a form most suitable to their requirements, i.e, brief and free from technicalities. Mr. Kirk was married in 1883 to Miss Callcott, grand-daughter of the late Mr. Jonas Woodward, and has one son.
M.R.C.V.S., Government Veterinary Surgeon, Department of Agriculture, was selected in London with Mr. Charlton, M.R.C.V.S., now of Christchurch, out of a large number of candidates for the position he now holds. Born in Forfarshire, Scotland, and educated at Arbroath and
Full information concerning this prominent department of the General Government and the officers in charge will be found under the heading “Insurance.”
Commissioner—J. H. Richardson.
Assistant Commissioner—D. M. Luckie.
Actuary—Morris Fox.
Secretary—W. B. Hudson.
Chid Medical Officer—T. Cahill, M.D.
Accountant—G. W. Barltrop.
Assistant Actuary—G. Leslie.
Chief Clerk—R. C. Niven.
Office Examiner—G. A. Kennedy.
Clerks—J. C. Young, J. W. Kinniburgh, D. J. McG. McKenzie, W. S. Smith, R. V. Blacklock, A. H. Hamerton, F. B. Bolt, G. G. Schwartz, C. E. Galwey, P. Muter, H. Spackman, T. L. Barker, A. L. B. Jordan, R. T. Smith, J. A. Thomson, F. K. Kelling, H. S. Manning, A. de Castro, F. M. Leckie, C. W. Palmer, J. B. Young, A. Avery, R. P. Hood, G. C. Fache, S. P. Hawthorne, W. H. Woon. Chief Messenger—W. Archer.
will be described together with the officers in charge under the heading “Financial Institutions.”
Public Trust Office.
Public Trustee—J. K. Warburton
Solicitor—F. J. Wilson.
Chief Clerk and Deputy Public Trustee—A. A. K. Duncan.
Accountant—T. S. Ronaldson
Clerk in charge of Wills, Trusts, &c.—T. Stephens.
Examiner—M. C. Barnett
Clerks—M. Townsend, P. Fair, P. Hervey, E. C. Reeves, J. McLellan, T. D. Kendall, W. A. Fordham, H. Oswin, A. Purdie, G. A. Smyth, A. J. Cress, E. G. Hyde, M. E. Harrap, S. Dimant, J. Skerrett, E. A. Smythe, J. Allen, W. Barr, E. O. Hales, C. Morris, S. W. Smyth, J. B. Jack, K. Brown.
Messenger—H. Redmond.
Advances To Settlers Office.
Superintendent—J. K. Warburton
Chief Valuer for Wellington, is referred to elsewhere in the Cyclopedia under the heading “Wellington Auctioneers.”
Clerks—H. Lamb, E. McFadden, W. Waddell, T. C. Somers, H. O'Rorke, E. Holloway, J. T. Bolt, W. Gilmore, S. Saunders, W. Reid, L. A. Treadwell, W. Garrett, H. Masters, C. A. Goldsmith.
Chief Messenger and Housekeeper of the Government Buildings, was born at Williamstown, Victoria, in which colony he was educated. In the early “seventies” he visited New Zealand, and had some experience on the West Coast goldfields, but soon returned to Australia, settling in Ballarat. For thirteen years Captain Hennah was connected with the Ballarat City Fire Brigade as captain and superintendent. During his residence in the district the subject of this notice was associated with the volunteer movement, and was raised to the rank of captain and adjutant of the Third Battalion Victorian Regiment, on the 28th of October, 1887. On leaving Victoria to settle in Wellington on the 24th of October, 1893, he was the recipient of an elegantly illuminated address couched in the following language:—“Dear Sir, We, the undersigned, on behalf of the citizens of Ballarat, have great pleasure in presenting you with the accompanying souvenir on the eve of your departure from this city, where you have identified yourself with our public institutions. As captain and superintendent of the Ballarat City Fire Brigade for the past thirteen years, you have exercised your authority for the best interests of a purely voluntary and unselfish organization which has earned for itself the gratitude of every enlightened citizen of this community. As captain and adjutant of the Third Battalion Victorian Regiment, you have, by your genuine and gentlemanly conduct, both to your fellow officers and subordinates, established a precedent which will be emulated by your successor, and which will go far to raise the status of an honourable and patriotic organisation. If any further proof
Assistant Housekeeper—Jesse Huett.
Messengers—Thomas Malley, Michael O'Connor, Julius Holz, Louis Mueller, James Sandbrook, William Burkett Goldsmith, Matthew West, Andrew Eyre Sampson, William White, George Wm. Stuart, James Joseph O'Galligan, Alfred Pennifold, George Ford, Thomas Redmond, Charles Henry Burgess, Maurice Sullivan, Wm. Hunter, Wm. Gore, George Asplin, Henry Mason, S. Townsend, Maurice Cashion.
Nightwatchmen—Owen Naughton, James Longton, James Madigan.
Chief Clerk in the Accountant's Department of New Zealand Railways, was born in 1853 in Montrose, Scotland, and was educated at Dundee and Edinburgh. On leaving school Mr. Davidson entered the service of the Scottish North Eastern Railway at Arbroath, where he remained till after that Company amalgamated with the Caledonian Railway, in whose serve he Continued for several years. Subsequently he removed to South Wales under engagement to the Llanelly Railway and Dock Company, and after some time he was transferred to London on his Company becoming merged in the Great Western Railway of England. Mr. Davidson gained considerable experience in Railway management during his service in the Old Country, first at stations and afterwards in the Accountant's office at Paddington Station. Dissatisfied, however, with life in England, he embarked on the ship “May Queen,” for Port Chalmers, where he landed on the 1st of January, 1877. Immediately on arrival in the Colony, Mr. Davidson found congenial employment as Stationmaster at Waihao, Canterbury, from which he was transferred to the Accountant's office, Christchurch, being appointed chief clerk in 1878. On the amalgamation of the offices of the North and Middle Islands in December, 1880, he was promoted to Wellington. For many years Mr. Davidson has been a prominent member of the Presbyterian Church, as superintendent of St. James' Sunday school, Newtown, and as an elder. He was married in January, 1878, to Miss Taylor, daughter of Mr. David Taylor, of Arbroath, Scotland, and has four daughters and two sons. (For other officers of this Department see pp. 152-155.)
Clerk of Titles of the Lands and Survey Department, is a son of the late Rev. J. Samuel, D.D., LL.D., who for twenty-five years was a missionary in India, and who was head of the Church of England mission in India, Persia, and Arabia. Born in Jersey in 1848, Mr. F. Samuel landed in New Plymouth at the age of five, per ship “Joseph Fletcher.” He was educated in Taranaki, and in September, 1873, entered the Civil Service as Clerk of Titles, in Wellington, which position he still holds. Mr. Samuel was married in 1883 to Miss Eva Harding, daughter of Mr. Frederick Harding, one of the Chief District Surveyors of Melbourne, and has one son. Mr. Samuel is a brother of Mr. O. Samuel, solicitor, of New Plymouth, and lately M.H.R. for that constituency. (For other officers of this Department see pp. 180–86.)
Settlement in New Zealand was begun almost simultaneously in several parts. This was probably not a wise way for civilization to attack a country possessed by numerous savage tribes, and it is more than probable that the massacres and bloodshed which marked the first thirty years of systematic colonization would have been entirely avoided if the newcomers had acted upon the adage—which must, even then, have been an adage—” Union is strength.” In the opinion of many, decentralization—which is nowhere so perfect as in New Zealand—is still a very great drawback to the Colony. This, however, is debatable, and therefore unsuited to the pages of a Cyclopedia.
The settlements soon became provinces, and though provincial government has been abolished for nearly twenty years, the old provinces have been retained as provincial districts, though it is not clear that any necessity for such distinction exists, or that any benefits are derived therefrom, except the convenience of departmental land management. The county divisions and electoral boundaries are entirely independent of each other and of the provincial boundaries. The old provincial clannishness still exists, however, and it is interesting in statistical matters to compare figures relating to the several parts of the Colony as originally distinguished.
Wellington claims the honour due to the first-born, and dates its foundation from the 22nd of January, 1840; but Auckland held her by the heel, and, like the original supplanter, wrested from the elder her birthright, though she kept the mess of pottage for herself. Auckland, with the assistance of Governor Hobson, declared herself the capital, and maintained the position for a quarter of a century. As a site for the capital, Auckland lacked but one thing—accessibility—but that one thing was fatal, a fact amply proved by the manner in which the change was made. Speaking of the seat of Government, the Official Year-book
The Colony is now divided into nine provincial districts, namely :—Auckland (25,746 square miles), Taranaki (3,308), Hawkes Bay (4,410), Wellington (10,312), Marlborough (4,753), Nelson (10,269), Westland (4,641), Canterbury (14,040), and Otago (25,487). The population is about equally dense in Wellington and Canterbury, where there are ten inhabitants to every square mile of territory. Taranaki and Hawkes Bav come next with seven to each square mile; Otago follows with six-and-a-half; then Auckland with five-and-a-half; Westland and Nelson with nearly four; and Marlborough with three. Nothing further need be said to show that this fair Colony is most sparsely populated.
The Provincial District of Wellington, of which this volume of the Cyclopedia treats, comprises some of the central and the whole of the southern portion of the North Island. The boundary line which separates it from Taranaki extends from the mouth of the Patea River in a north-easterly direction to Pipiriki, and thence follows the Wanganui River as far north as the thirty-ninth parallel of latitude. The line dividing the district from Auckland follows this parallel to the Hawkes Bay line, which strikes a fairly direct course south to the Ruahine Range and the Manawatu Gorge, following the Manawatu River for a short distance, and thence extending to the East Coast at a point near
Although the district does not contain the highest mountains in New Zealand, it has a considerable area of mountainous country, among which is included the largest active volcano in the Colony—Mount Ruapehu. The volcanic belt, of which this mountain is the most southern vent, extends to White Island in the Bay of Plenty. The principal mountain ranges in the district are the Kaweka, Kaimanawa, Ruahine, Tararua, and Rimutaka, all more or less connected. The Kaweka attains an altitude of 5,700 feet, and is situated on the eastern boundary to the north of the Ngaruroro River. The Ruahine, which varies from 3000 feet to 6000 feet in height, extends from Ngaruroro to the Manawatu Gorge. South of the Gorge the range is known as the Tararua. It extends to the shores of Cook Strait, dividing into two main ranges some forty miles north of Wellington City, the western range retaining the name of Tararua, the other being called the Rimutaka. Both ranges average about 3000 feet in height, the highest point being attained at Mitre Peak in the Tararua Range, which is 5154 feet high. The Kaimanawa, an offshoot from the main Ruahine, is situated near the northern boundary, and rises 4500 feet above the sea level. Further to the westward, and separated by a large valley, where flow the Wangaehu and Waikato Rivers, is the volcanic chain of mountains which includes Ruapehu, 9008 feet high, and the cluster of volcanoes known generally by the name of Tongariro, the principal cone of which is Ngauruhoe, 7515 feet. Several of the vents are in a state of activity, and it is unsafe to approach near the lips of the craters. Mount Ruapehu, famous on account of the lake at its summit, has recently burst into eruption. The lake is now one of boiling lava, and it is anticipated that this will overflow down the steep sides of this mighty mountain, destroying all the vegetation in its course.! Fortunately, there are no farms, or, indeed, any signs of cultivation for many miles round; nor is it likely that the overflow will be so rapid as to destroy life.
The provincial district, though not possessing such vast plains as are found in the South Island, includes a very large area of undulating lands, besides some not inconsiderable plains. On each side of the Tararua Range there is a fine stretch of level country. To the eastward lies the plain known as the Wairarapa, which is some forty-seven miles long by an average width of nine miles, and includes a large area of rich alluvial land.
Other considerable portions are stony, and though unsuited for agriculture, are grassed, and thus made valuable as pastoral lands, especially in the rainy seasons. Westward of the Ruahine and Tararua Ranges lies a magnificent block which extends from Paikakariki, thirty miles from Wellington, to a little beyond the Rangitikei River. In fact, fairly level land may be said to line the coast as far as New Plymouth. Although very narrow at its southern end, this plain (for though somewhat broken, it may fairly be called a plain)
The Wellington provincial district is rich in rivers, but cannot boast of possessing the largest in the Colony. This is found in the South Island, and is known as the Clutha; but the second largest, the Waikato, though belonging to the Auckland provincial district, takes its rise at the base of Mount Ruapehu within the boundaries of the Wellington district. The largest river in the province is the Wanganui, which is sometimes called the “Rhine of New Zealand.” It is over 110 miles in length, and is navigable for river steamers for sixty miles. The Rangitikei, the second in importance, flows a distance of over 100 miles before reaching the coast, while the Manawatu, which has formed the celebrated gorge of that name, pours into the Tasman Sea a volume of water estimated at 642,593 cubic feet per minute. Smaller rivers include the Waitotara, the Wangaehu, the Turakina, the Ohau, and the Otaki on the West Coast, the Hutt (Heretaunga) which flows into Port Nicholson, the Ruamahanga, which, after flowing through the Wairarapa Valley and lakes, falls into Palliser Bay, and the Pahaoa, the Aohanga and the Akitio on the East Coast. There is but one lake of any importance in the district, namely, the Wairarapa, about twelve miles long by four miles broad, and situated at the southern end of the valley, whose name it bears. The northern line of the district is not far south of Lake Taupo and the small lake Roto Aira, the most southerly of the lakes included in what is known as the Hot Lakes District, is just within the boundaries.
This part of the Colony is notable for its splendid and extensive forests, over one half of the land being still under bush. The Waimarino Forest has an area of three-quarters of a million acres. It is fairly level and densely covered with excellent timber, mostly totara, maire, matal, and rimu. Being far in the interior, however, this valuable timber will
The statutes in force afford opportunity for the fullest possible measure of local self-government. Provision has been made for creating local governing bodies whenever the inhabitants of a prescribed area so desire; and, on the other hand, if the ratepayers should wish to be relieved of self-government, they may have their district merged in the county of which they form a part. The provincial district is divided into counties, each with its elective council. Of these there are twelve, namely, Waitotara, Wanganui, Rangitikei, Oroua, Kiwitea, Pohangina, Manawatu, Horowhenua, Pahiatua, Wairarapa North, Waiarapa South, and Hutt. Besides these, portions of the Patea, Taupo West, Taupo East,
The Wellington and the Wanganui Harbour Boards are the governing bodies which control the two principal ports, the members being elected, nominated, or ex-officio. The port of Foxton is under the management of the Marine Board which appoints the harbour-master.
The Licensing Districts are co-extensive with the Electoral Districts and the electoral rolls are available for the purposes of the triennial elections of committees and for local option polls, which are also taken every third year shortly after the committees are elected. The nearest resident Stipendiary Magistrate sits as chairman ex-officio of the several Licensing Committees.
Capital provision is made for the care of the sick, and for the relief of those who may suffer injury. The hospitals of Wellington, Wanganui, Palmerston North, and Masterton are managed by the Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards of the respective districts,
Law and Justice are administered by the Supreme, District, and Magistrate's Courts. The Supreme Court is presided over by the Chief Justice and one puisne judge, who reside in
Wellington, but go on circuit periodically, sittings being held in Wellington and Wanganui. The Court of Appeal is held in Wellington invariably. Registrars of the Supreme Court are located in Wanganui and Wairarapa, as well as in Wellington, so as to facilitate proceedings. The District Court sits in the Wairarapa, Wanganui and Palmerston North, and is presided over by a District Court Judge. These courts have jurisdiction in all proceedings in bankruptcy, the estates being administered by an official assignee resident in Wellington,
There are two prisons in the Wellington provincial district, viz., those of Wellington and Wanganui. A new prison, which is a monument testifying to the industry of the prisoners by whom it is being built, has been partially completed at Mount Cook, Wellington. It is a conspicuous, if not a handsome, structure, and may be seen from most parts of the Capital City. It is said, however that a much better use could be made of such a noble site, and it is possible that in the near future some alterations may be made whereby the site can be utilised for University purposes.
Her Majesty's Customs are collected at the Customhouse in Wellington and Wanganui, where resident collectors are in charge A Government officer is in charge at the port of Foxton, assisted by a harbour-master. The Stamp Department is administered by Deputy Commissioners resident in Wellington and Wanganui. A Commissioner of Crown Lands, assisted by competent officials, controls the Land and Survey Department. There is a Waste Lands Board for the Wellington Land District, which is co-extensive with the provincial district. The Commissioner is Chairman of this Board, the members being representative men possessing local knowledge, selected from various parts of the district. All deeds for the conveyance of land within the provincial district may be registered at the Land Transfer and Deeds Registry Office in Wellington, where a Registrar is in charge.
The Military and Naval Forces consist of the Permanent Militia and the auxiliary forces of volunteers. A battery of the Artillery and a Torpedo Corps constitute the former, and take charge of all guns and ammunition, torpedo-boats and steam-launches. There are a considerable number of volunteer companies, such as cavalry, mounted rifles, naval artillery, field artillery, engineer, rifle and cadet corps, formed in the district, and these constitute the auxiliary forces.
There were at the beginning of the session, 1895, eight members of the Legislative Council resident within the provincial district, viz., the Honourables Sir Patrick Buckley, K.C.M.G., Colonial Secretary; Dr. Morgan S. Grace, C.M.G, Messrs Mathew Holmes, Charles John Johnston, Walter Baldock Durant Mantell, Robert Pharazyn, Edward Richardson, C.M.G., and John Rigg. Since then, however, the number has decreased to six, owing to the death of the Hon. W. B. D. Mantell, which occurred on the 7th of September, 1895, and the resignation of the Hon Sir P. A. Buckley, to take up the duties of Puisne Judge for the District of Wellington. Ten members are returned to the House of Representatives from the provincial district, representing eight electorates, each of which returns one member, save the City, which sends three representatives. The sitting members are as follows:—The Hon. Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G., and Messrs. F. H. D. Bell and John Duthie (Wellington City), Dr. A. K. Newman (Wellington Suburbs,) Messrs. J. G. Wilson (Otaki), F. Pirani (Palmerston North), J. Stevens (Rangitikei), A. D. Willis (Wanganui), W. C. Buchanan (Wairarapa), and A. W. Hogg (Masterton).
Splendid facilities exist for travelling within the provincial district. No less than 329 miles of railways are completed and in working order. Of this total, 245 miles were constructed by the Government, and eighty-four miles by an enterprising company formed in the Empire City and known as the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company. Most of the more important boroughs are connected by the railway system. The others are served by mail coaches, pending the construction of the road for the iron horse. The highest altitude attained on the railway is at the Summit Station on the Wairarapa line, 1144 feet above the sea level.
No better test of the progress of the district can be applied than a comparison of the census returns extending over a considerable period. In the month of February, 1871, the total population of the provincial district, exclusive of Maoris, was 24,001. At the last census in April, 1891, this had increased to 97,725, being upwards of 400 per cent, increase in the period. Of these, 95,410 were British; 58,125 being born in New Zealand, 20,810 in England, 5,425 in Scotland, 5,703 in Ireland, and 2,516 in Australia. The aliens numbered only 2,315, including 308 Chinese. Halfcastes included in the total, numbered 261. At each succeeding census period from 1871 to 1891 there has been a considerable increase in the population of the district. The period 1874 to 1878 exhibited the largest addition, the gain being 21,279, or 71.43 per cent, of increase for the period. During the last period, 20,189 were added, or 26.04 per cent, on the previous return. Even at this rate of progress the population should be doubled in about sixteen years. It may be remarked here that the estimated population of the provincial district as made up to December 31st, 1893, was 105,684. The proportion of females to each 100 males in 1871 was 82£10, and in 1891 it had increased to 86£59. The Maori population of the district at last census was 3,957, of which 2,186 were males, and 1,776 females. Every county of the district has some representatives of the native race resident within its borders, the largest numbers being in the Wanganui and Horowhenua coun
The usual variety of creeds is found within the provincial district in common with the rest of the Colony and other parts of the Queen's dominions. Under the heading of the “Religions of the People,” the Blue Book issued by the Government shows in April, 1891, 44,315 returned as members of the Church of England, 14,469 Presbyterians, 12,260 Roman Catholics, 9973 Wesleyan Methodists, 2237 Lutherans, 1739 Baptists, and 1468 Salvationists, other denominations number less than a 1000 each, while 2801 objected to state to what denomination they belonged.
The children are well looked after in the matter of education. There are two Education Boards, viz., Wellington and Wanganui, which control some 150 schools in various parts of the district. These schools are supported by the Government under an effective system of National Education, which is free, secular, and compulsory. Besides these there are a great many excellent denominational and private schools which are all largely attended. Secondary education is provided by the Colleges, Collegiate and Girls' High Schools, managed by experienced Boards of Governors. At the Technical Schools of Wellington and Wanganui, drawing, painting, modelling, carving, plumbing and other useful arts are taught.
A good evidence of the progress of settlement in the Colony is furnished by the return of the number of persons holding property over an acre in extent, either freehold or rented. In February, 1893, the number in New Zealand was 42,768, which had increased to 46,647 in the same month of 1895, and of this number over 7,000 were in Wellington District, representing a total of some three-and-a-half millions of acres. The number of acres under crop, exclusive of land under grasses, for the same year, was 58,983. Of lands sown down in grass, which had not been previously ploughed, there were 1,684,119 acres, an increase of nearly 35,000 acres on the previous year. Besides this large total, over 224,000 acres of grassed land had previously been broken up. The area in turnips and rape was 23,115 acres; and in potatoes, 2713 acres. In wheat, oats, and barley there were
The increase in the number of horses, cattle, and sheep affords striking evidence of the progress of the district. In 1858 there were 3199 horses, while in 1891 the total was 30,542, thus showing an increase of nearly ten-fold in thirty-three years. Comparing the returns of cattle for the same years, the figures are 35,799 and 152,724 respectively, showing a substantial advance. Satisfactory as these results are, they appear almost insignificant when compared with the totals of sheep. These increased from 155,994 in the year 1858 to 3,062,966 in 1891, an advance of almost twenty-fold.
The progress made in the settlement of the country could not be regarded as satisfactory
In both imports and exports the Provincial District of Wellington compare favourably with the other districts. During the decade of 1884–1893, there was first a general falling off in the imports of the Colony for five years, but since 1888 there has been a fairly steady recovery. Auckland began the decade with £2,035,071, but fell in 1889 to £1,395,287, recovering in 1893 to £1,512,654. Canterbury began with £1,378,108, fell to £1,247,683 in 1891, and advanced to £1,379,733. Otago began with £2,373,796, fell to £1,706,296 in 1888, recovering to £1,860,733 in 1892, and falling of to £1,756,429 the following year. Wellington began the decade with £1,343,756, sinking to £1,082,660 in 1888, but advancing to £1,770,480 in 1893. As Marlborough, Nelson, and Westland have fallen off from £319,673 in 1884 to £213,695 in 1893 it is probable that Wellington has been importing in bulk and supplying these smaller provinces from goods that have passed through the Customhouse at the Capital. During the same period the total population of these three provinces has increased about twenty per cent., and their exports have increased by eighteen hundred per cent., so it is plain that there can have been no reduction in consumption to account for the reduced imports. It is probable that Wellington had credit during the earlier years of the decade for a large share of the exports of these western provinces.
In the exports for the same period, there has been a fairly general increase, Otago being the only exception. Auckland has increased by about forty per cent., Wellington by about thirty per cent., and Canterbury by about twenty per cent. In amount Canterbury heads the list with £2,403,906; Otago follows with £2,173,995; then Auckland with £1,485,741; and then Wellington with £1,342,792. Hawkes Bay, with £801,530,
The total exports for 1893 amounted to £8,985,364, and the total imports to £6,911,515, which shows that there was not much borrowing being done, though the interest on previous loans was painfully apparent in the increased exports. There can be no doubt, however, that the borrowed millions, though not all very wisely spent, have helped to make exporting possible, so that though there is no visible return for the extra two millions of exports, it cannot fairly be said to be “a loss on the year's trade,” as the political economists are always ready to term it. It may be mentioned here that while the quantity of wool exported in 1884 was increased in 1893 by almost thirty-five per cent., the value in the latter year was only about twenty-five per cent, greater, showing a heavy loss to the Colony by the reduction in price.
The Wellington Provincial District furnishes a great variety of scenery. Tourists may choose between the ascent of the snowy glacial steeps of Mounts Ruapehu and Tongariro, which will each reward the enterprise by a view of the crater of an active volcano, and the more comfortable if less exciting drive over the Murimotu Plains to Pipiriki on the Wanganui River, passing through one of the grandest of virgin forests, which the axe of the bushman has not further desecrated than by clearing the track. The upper reaches of the Wanganui, above Pipiriki, afford scope for canoe excursions of the most exhiliarting description. The river runs through several gorges which are shut in by precipitous cliffs, and through these the river rushes in wild tumult. Skilful native oarsmen marvellously manipulate the tiny skiffs over these boiling rapids, and the daring tourist has time to breathe freely while passing over the quiet stretches of water which are found between. From Pipiriki to Wanganui the journey is accomplished by first-rate paddle steamers, from the decks of which the beauties of this fine river may be seen in perfect safety. In the more easily accessible parts of the district there are several notable drives, among which may be named the Manawatu Gorge and the Forty-mile Bush. The former was perhaps the more famous for its charming scenery, now, alas, marred by the construction of the railway line connecting the western and eastern parts of the island.
The Wellington Provincial District was originally called a province, and the Government was by an elected Superintendent and Provincial Council. The first Superintendent, Dr. Isaac Earle Featherston, filled the office with conspicuous ability from the year 1854 till 1871. He was succeeded by Mr. (since Sir William) Fitzherbert, K.C.M.G., who retained the position till 1876, when the provincial form of government was abolished by Act of the General Assembly. The first Speaker of the Provincial Council was Mr. (afterwards Sir Charles) Clifford, Bart., who held office during the years 1853 to 1857 inclusive. In the session of 1858, Mr. Alfred Ludham was Speaker; in the following year, Mr. George Hart succeeded, and retained the honour during the sessions of 1859 and 1860; and Mr. Charles William Schultze occupied the distinguished position from 1861 to 1865 inclusive. The last Speaker was Mr. William Waring Taylor who took office in 1865, and was re-appointed every year till the termination of the provincial system.
Though the provincial governmental bodies have been swept away now nearly twenty years, it is but reasonable that a Cyclopedia of New Zealand should make at least some mention of the old provincial institutions which were at one time so popular; and it is meet also that some special reference be given to the gentlemen who occupied the then important position of Superintendent of the Province.
The “Constitution” is supposed to date from 1852, but the first elections under it did not take place until the next year, and it was 1854 before any of the elected bodies were assembled. The Constitution had suffered in its construction by a good deal of patchwork. Apparently minor, but really great, alterations had been made, and the consequent amendments, which would have made the whole a perfect scheme, were overlooked; and so it happened that when the true test of working was applied a great many anomalies were discovered; and these anomalies had the effect of greatly increasing the importance and powers of the Provincial Council and the Superintendents, and of hampering the General Assembly and the Governor.
The Superintendent and his Council were each elected for a maximum period of four years; but the Governor was supposed to have the power under the Constitution of dissolving the Council at any time; of vetoing any of its enactments, of disallowing the election of the Superintendent at any time within three months of his return, or of removing the Superintendent from office on a prayer from a majority of the Council. But in actual practice these were difficult of accomplishment. The Superintendent alone had the power of convening the Council; so, by delaying the session until three months after his election, the Superintendent rendered nugatory much of the Governor's power concerning himself. Then, in the case of an Act of the Provincial Council being disallowed by the Governor or the General Assembly, whatever had been done under that Act prior to the disallowance could not be interfered with. In one case the Wellington Provincial Council passed an Act empowering the raising of a loan of £25,000, and the money was actually raised before Parliament met to repeal the Act.
Then, instead of naming the directions in which the Councils might legislate, the Constitution named those in which the Councils might not interfere with the prerogative of the Higher Chambers, and as these prohibited subjects were limited in number to thirteen, the Councils were not slow to take action in a variety of ways which were really intended should be ultra vires. The thirteen subjects the making of laws in relation to which was reserved for the General Assembly were :—Customs, Post-office, shipping dues, lighthouses, weights and measures, currency, bankruptcy, Courts of Judicature, marriage, Crown lands and native land, criminal law, and the law relating to inheritance. Outside of these there was, of course, a very wide range, and the results were most unfortunate. The real work which it was intended should be accomplished by the Provincial Council was neglected, and the time was nearly all taken up in legislation upon matters which by everything but the letter of the Constitution were most certainly intended to be dealt with by the General Assembly. Each province had its Executive; and even in one of the smallest Councils, where the whole membership was under ten, changes of “ministry” used to take place, and the time of the Council was taken up with “no-confidence” debates and all the formalities which are by many considered rather stupid even in the Parliament of to-day. The effect of all this was that without blame being attachable to anyone, both the Councils and the Superintendents presiding over them became of very much greater importance than they could possibly have been had their duties been confined to matters entirely beneath the scope of the General Assembly. It must soon have
Only old colonists know how important these were. There is no man in the Colony now who occupies the same position that the Superintendents formerly occupied. Young New Zealand cannot realize it. It was a much-coveted post of honour and responsibility. Before the Superintendent could be elected a roll had to be prepared of the names of all those in the whole province qualified to vote. Excitement was at a high pitch for several weeks prior to the election. Newspapers were started and run in the interests of the candidates. Electioneering touters spread themselves throughout the provinces, and spent money freely, at the expense of candidates and their parties. Every district was deeply interested: the return of one candidate instead of another might make all the difference between a district gaining a school and being left four years longer without one; the construction of roads and bridges similarly hung in the balance. Candidates were severely catechised on all such questions as taxation, education, charitable aid, temperance, and many others, which were uppermost at that time. On the day of election the excitement of the past three months culminated in drunkenness and fighting at nearly every one of the scores of polling-booths. In the days of open voting, handbills were circulated every half-hour during the day of election, giving the “state of the poll,” with just so much exactness as might be compelled by the conscience of the party issuing them. When the “ballot” came into operation, these bulletins were continued fictitiously, and many unthinkingly believed them to be authentic. In cases where there were more than two candidates, this election dodge had a considerable effect: a voter, believing his candidate to be hopelessly behind, would then vote for his second favorite, in the hope of keeping out a hated rival. When the voting was open, many of the lower class of electors would refrain from entering the booth until late in the day—waiting for a rise in the value of the “article” they had to sell, and taking good care to be well regaled in the meantime by both sides. Personation was very common, and by no means always detected. If the result of the election was very close, there was just a hope for the second candidate that sufficient forgeries would be detected to turn the scale, unless, indeed, he himself belonged to the party most given to personation. This hope, and the fact that the results at some of the most distant parts could not be known immediately, would often keep up the excitement for several days, to the great advantage of the newspapers and the publicans, all of whom made a good harvest out of a Superintendency election. It was an event which even the children of those days can remember.
During the twenty-three years of Provincial Government, Wellington had but two Superintendents—Dr. Featherston, for the first eighteen years, and Mr. (afterwards Sir William) Fitzherbert. Whether Dr. Featherston would have retained the office throughout the whole period, had he not retired to accept the Agent-Generalship, is too hard to say; but it is significant that the gentleman who alone succeeded him was of the same party—was, in fact, the very man who, eighteen years before, read the address petitioning Dr. Featherston to accept nomination. In other parts of the Colony such unanimity by no means prevailed.
the first Superintendent of the Province of Wellington, was born in Newcastle on-Tyne in 1813. Being at an early age threatened with consumption, he more than once visited Greece and other parts of southern Europé in the hope of eradicating the tendency. In 1842, when twenty-nine years of age, with a view still further to build up his constitution, Dr. Featherston came out to New Zealand as surgeon of the “Olympus.” Dr. and Mrs. Featherston were exceedingly popular with the passengers. Many of the Doctor's warmest supporters were fellow passengers who had learned to love and respect him during the voyage. On arrival in Wellington, Dr. Featherston found the people of the embryo capital engaged in a struggle with the New Zealand Company, and he espoused their cause with such satisfactory results that he was presented with
Spectator (London) said:—” There was but one man, by universal admission, who was known to combine all the qualities
which were needed for the Superintendent of that province, and that man was Dr. Featherston. The following was the remarkable language in which Mr. Fitzherbert, who has himself since become a New Zealand statesman of the highest standing and celebrity, spoke in presenting to Dr. Featherston a requisition to become Superintendent: ‘If the characteristic of the office of Superintendent should consist in his being a counterpoise to the Governor-in-Chief, a man to stand in the gap between the colonists and the Imperial ruler, a ready and transparent channel for the transmission of the wishes and wants of the settlers in unpolluted purity, then, indeed, it behoves them to examine minutely into the qualifications of the man before they elect him. Honesty, ability, and rigid inflexibility of purpose combined, truth and high courage, become indispensable qualities, if that view of the office of Superintendent be correct. Nor ought these qualities to be taken on credit. A man is wanted on whom the settlers know—not think—they can rely. In fact, a tried man, I am far from detracting from the merits of my fellow-colonists; many probably possess all these qualities, but we have not yet proved it in any one man in the province except Dr. Featherston.” Referring to him generally the same authority says:—” Dr. Featherston's power over the natives, and the gallantry which was part of the spell, were put to a severe test in the course of the war, when he persuaded a native force to serve with the British force. They made it a condition that they should be led by him, and by him accordingly they were led, with a courage which gained him not only the New Zealand Cross, but the kind of admiration from his commanding officer which even the most cordial and generous of commanding officers rarely express.” As Superintendent of Wellington and member of Parliament, Dr. Featherston was his own contemporary. He represented Wanganui in the first Parliament, and sat for that constituency during the sessions of 1854 and 1855. In 1856 he stood for Wellington and was triumphantly returned. From that date he continuously represented Wellington until 1871, when he resigned to accept the appointment of Agent-General in London. Prior to this he had been sent on several occasions to Australia and England on special missions, and he was considered eminently successful in them all. When, therefore, it became necessary for the Colony to be represented in London, Dr. Featherston's fitness for that position was acknowledged in all quarters. This appointment he held until June of 1876, his death occurring on the 19th of that month. Even bad news travelled slowly in those days. It was not until the 13th of the following month that the news of Dr. Featherston's death reached Wellington. Parliament was in session, and there was a warm discussion in full swing, Mr. (now Sir Robert) Stout's Licensing Bill being before the House. The Premier (the Hon. Sir Julius Vogel), in making the announcement, spoke in the highest terms of the many and noble services rendered the Colony by Dr. Featherston. Sir Robert Stout expressed the great regret he felt at hearing the sad news, and willingly consented to the postponement of his bill in order that the House might adjourn. Sir Julius then moved the adjournment “as a mark of respect to the memory of a gentleman who had occupied distinguished positions in New Zealand, and who had had so much to do with the early history of the Colony.” The New Zealand Times, referring to the Doctor's selection for the position of Agent-General, said:—“Since Dr. Featherston's appointment in 1871 to the office of Agent-General, he has invariably justified the wisdom of the choice then made, by the rare ability he has shown in the discharge of the responsible, onerous, and delicate tasks that have been entrusted to him. His character as a gentleman, and his value as a negotiator, were admitted in the highest circles at Home, and procured for him the offer on one, if not on two occasions, of the honour of knight. hood—an offer he did not see fit to accept. The honour he most coveted was the decoration of the New Zealand Cross, and although delay occurred in granting it to him, it is satisfactory to know that a few months since his wishes were gratified.” Such was the man whom the province of Wellington honoured, and delighted in honouring, with the highest position within its gift, six times in succession, spreading over a period of eighteen years; and the parliamentary constituencies of Wanganui and Wellington together for the same period honoured him with the highest office in their power to bestow upon him. Such a record is unique in the history of the Colony.
K.C.M.G., M.L.C., who succeeded Dr. Featherston as Superintendent of Wellington, and who held the office until the abolition of the provinces in 1876, is referred to on page
The City of Wellington occupies the shores of the western arm of Port Nicholson, admittedly the best harbour in New Zealand—the best, but very far from the prettiest. In the quality of beauty, Auckland harbour is vastly superior, being, in fact, unapproached by any in the Australasian Colonies, save that of Sydney. Still, notwithstanding the forbidding frown of its dark circlet of almost bare hills, the harbour of the Capital is justly an object of complacent pride. On a fine, clear day in winter—a blessing not very uncommon even in breezy Wellington—the visitor is moved to no mean measure of praise. At the narrow but perfectly safe entrance, the lighthouse and the signal-station show the only signs of civilisation. For aught else that can be seen, Wellington might still be the wild waste of a hundred years ago. Even the pilot-station needs to be pointed out as it is passed, and here a moderately keen eye can discover the first sign of cultivation. The passage through which the harbour is entered is less than a mile in width, and about two miles long; and at the innermost point stand the frowning forts—” our sure defence.” The harbour itself is about eight miles from east to west, by a varying width of three to four miles, the area being about twenty thousand acres. There is good anchorage throughout, the depth of water varying from six to fourteen fathoms.
Safely past the forts, the stranger seeks his vessel's bridge, or some point of vantage, and finds a great deal to attract his attention, and call forth exclamations of admiration and surprise. Straight ahead is Petone, where the first settlers laid out (but soon abandoned) the town of Britannia in 1840; on the right is the pretty Hutt Valley, bounded by the snow-clad mountains of the Rimutake Range, and on the left the Capital is in full view. The forests of masts and funnels at the wharves, with the tall hydraulic cranes — some standing like sentinels, others ooiselessly and swiftly elevating huge loads of merchandise—give to the place an appearance of prosperity not to be seen elsewhere in New Zealand: for Wellington, having the only central position of great importance in the Colony, is the main transhipping port—a fact which is daily becoming more widely known and more fully recognised.
Among the prominent buildings which never fail to attract the eye of the stranger entering Wellington by land or sea are the Government Insurance Offices, a handsome red brick pile of three lofty stories; the General Post
The stranger, on landing, soon discovers that no very commendable foresight was displayed in the laying out of Wellington. The streets are straight and rectilineal where the natural configuration of the land first settled upon would admit of that arrangement; but they are much too narrow, the majority of them being only about fifty feet wide. Fortunately, the blocks in Te Aro are large enough to admit of chain-wide streets being run through them. In some places this has been done with admirable effect. The good example should be followed without unnecessary delay. Wellington might be made one of the prettiest of New Zealand towns, but to accomplish that desirable end, very great alteration would be needed. In many parts these alterations are in progress, Of late years very much better taste has been displayed in the architecture of houses, churches, schools, and in fact all kinds of buildings, The use of bricks or other rigid materials is not only encouraged, but enforced in some parts of the city.
One very serious drawback to the appearance of Wellington must certainly exist for many years to come, if not throughout centuries, and that is the irregularity of Lambton Quay, its oldest and still principal retail business thoroughfare. To have made Lambton Quay perfectly straight throughout its entire length would certainly have been a work of much difficulty fifty years ago, but the smallest measure of forethought would have revealed the desirability of laying it out in such manner that as time should pass it might be made semi-circular.
eliptical, semi-decagonal, or at any rate some shape for which the English language provides a word. Even the term “irregular” but faintly describes the bungles in the surveying of this important business street. In some places it is objectionably narrow, in others exceptionally
The area of Wellington City is 1350 acres. It is bounded by the harbour on the east, and the town belt on its other sides, if, indeed, it can be said to have sides, as the broken nature of the land made its survey a matter of considerable difficulty. The streets are narrow, partly from the same cause, and partly through the greed of the early settlers, who, according to the published statement of ex-Councillor McKenzie, insisted on receiving full acre grants, though they were told that to provide for their claims on that scale, sufficient land could only be found by robbing the streets of a much-needed portion of their width. Had the founders, as Mr. McKenzie suggests, been satisfied with half-acre grants, Wellington might now have had streets commensurate with her importance, besides some very valuable city reserves. That the early settlers worked hard and risked everything is undoubted; but it is to be deplored that they could not see the unwisdom of thus detracting from the value of their own property. The city contains 30 miles of streets, equal to about 150 acres. A simple calculation will show that a very small deduction from each acre would have provided sufficient land for chain-wide streets. Of the total area of the city, about 100 acres of it is represented by land reclaimed from the harbour. Inside the limits agreed upon by the Council and Harbour Board, a considerable area is still available for reclamation, and will be filled in probably within the next few years. The streets on the newly-reclaimed land are wide and shapely, and many of the finest build ings, including the Public Library and offices of the Education Board, are on these parts.
The population of Wellington has increased rapidly of late years, but it cannot be said even now that it is very large. Unlike the other chief towns of the Colony, the city boundaries include almost the whole population. In Auckland, for instance, the boroughs of Parnell, Newton, and Newmarket are, for population purposes, excluded from the calculation, though they are as much a part of the city, unofficially speaking, as Thorndon, Te Aro, and Newtown are of Wellington. In fact, the separation effected by the College reserve, the
The alliterative and therefore catching phrase, “Windy Wellington,” without being a decided misnomer, is apt to convey too strong an impression regarding the climate of the Capital. Despite the fact that the Wairarapa train has been twice blown off the line, it is not true that Wellington City is visited by heavier winds than the other centres of the Colony. That there are more windy days is undeniable; but the force of the gales, like that of the earthquakes, is diminished considerably as compared with former times. When the Corporation rises to a sense of its privileges, and sees the wisdom of paving the streets, and sweeping them clean every morning—so as to minimise the dust nuisance—there will be few objectors to the healthy breezes of Wellington.
The rainfall of the city is by no means extraordinary, and there are very few muggy, misty days. Heavy rain is unusual, though occasionally some of the neglected, lowlying parts are flooded for a fewhours. For the past thirty years the average rainfall at Wellington was thirty-eight inches, as compared with forty-two at Auckland, thirty-six at Napier, fifty-nine at Taranaki, sixty at Nelson, twenty-five at Christchurch, one hundred and twenty at Hokitika, thirty-six at Dunedin, and forty-six at Invercargill. At Wellington the rainfall is very evenly divided between the four seasons, thirty-nine per cent. of it falling during winter, twenty-four per cent. during spring, the same per centage during summer, and twenty-two per cent. during autumn. On an average for the years 1890–93 rain fell in Wellington on about 175 days during the year. For the same period of four years, the average at Auckland was 176 days; at Te Aroha, 138; at Rotorua, 157; at Lincoln, near Christchurch, 110; and at Dunedin, 162.
Hot winds are absolutely unknown, and the frosts of winter are exceedingly slight. The temperature of Wellington in the height of summer averages about sixty-five degrees, and in the depth of winter about forty-eight degrees; but it occasionally rises as high as eighty-two, and sinks as low as thirty-four degrees. There are however, very few days during the year either oppressively hot or unpleasantly cold. Occasionally the heat of summer is invaded by a few really cold days, and the changes are sometimes unpleasantly sudden; but as a whole, the climate of Wellington is a rare one even in New Zealand, which is saying a great deal for it. With better attention to back-yard and street cleanliness, and with the improved drainage now being secured, Wellington should be one of the healthiest cities in the world. Up to the present, however, Wellington cannot be said to have compared favourably with the other large towns of the Colony in the matter of mortality. In the vital statistics of the Government Year - book, Wellington frequently figures highest in the death - rates, but it is very rarely the lowest. It is, however, a long way below all the other colonies, some of them being nearly double.
A large majority of the buildings throughout the city are of wood or wood and iron. Until within the last twenty years it was not deemed desirable to build with bricks or similar materials in consequence of the earthquakes, which in those days gave some alarm.
There can be no doubt that the earthehakes of fifty years ago very much retarded the settlement and solid progress of Wellington. In 1848, and again in 1855, this part of New Zealand was visited by very heavy shakes. In the latter year, the whole of the Te Aro flat—then a wild
Under these circumstances, it is perhaps hardly fair to blame the founders of Wellington for putting up their temporary buildings with little regard to the future. But when the importance of Wellington was recognised by its selection as the Capital, and the municipality was formed, the same power which decided that the new buildings in the heart of the town should be built of brick or other permanent materials, should also have had them so erected that the streets might have been widened and straightened without interfering with the permanent structures. Even now something might be done in that direction. In many places old, tumbling-down buildings occupy land which, at any cost, should be secured for street improvement purposes. Any mention of them would be invidious; but they are observable enough. Even during the last few years most important opportunities have been neglected. Instances might be cited of splendid brick buildings facing each other across a street less than thirty feet wide. It seems incredible that the land on which these solid and handsome obstructions stand was in the open market but a few years ago, with nothing permanent upon any of its frontages. The buildings of the city have, as a whole, been vastly improved, and Wellington will soon present a much more solid appearance.
The very large sums borrowed for—which the city has spent and is spending on—waterworks, reclamation, drainage, street formation, and other useful and needful undertakings, make such heavy demands for interest that a very large proportion of the City's income is sent away to the British moneylenders. In this way the Corporation coffers are kept unpleasantly low. Councillors and ratepayers are therefore agreed that there is at present very little money available for luxuries. “There's a good time coming,” however. The income of the Corporation in both rates and rents is increasing rapidly, and the citizens are hopeful that in a few years' time important additions to the fine buildings of Wellington will be made in the completion of the Library and the erection of a splendid Town Hall. The present Municipal Offices, considering
The streets of Wellington are lighted by electricity, mainly by incandescent lamps, but there are three or four are lights of great power. The ordinary street lamps number about six hundred, which may very fairly be said to light the city exceedingly well. The motive-power for the street - lamps is water, which is supplied by the City Council. The private lighting is undertaken by the New Zealand Electrical Syndicate, and special steam machinery is used for the purpose. Many houses and business places are provided with electric light, and it is not uncommon for the shops in the principal streets to have their windows brilliantly lighted, though not open for the transaction of business. The gasworks of Wellington are very creditable, and with the “incandescent” burners, the struggle for supremacy in brilliance and cheapness is not altogether one-sided.
The water-supply of the Empire City is exceptionally good. It is obtained from the Wainui-o-mata stream—about nineteen miles away, where the quantity is practically unlimited—and conducted to the city in thirty-inch iron pipes. The dam is about 350 feet above the lowest levels of the city, which gives a good working pressure for the water machinery so largely used by small manufacturers.
The drainage of Wellington has always been unsatisfactory, and the cleansing of the streets would be considered dangerously insufficient in any less healthy climate. An extensive drainage scheme has, however, been inaugurated recently, a loan of £165,000 having been raised to carry it out. This should have a most beneficial effect, and do much to reduce the possibilities of disease. A good start has been made with the work, and it is progressing with fair rapidity. Further particulars of the scheme are given under the heading “Wellington Corporation.”
The beauty spots of the Capital are “few and far between.” Praiseworthy attempts are occasionally made to do something in the way of proving the injustice of the accusation so commonly brought against Wellington of being the ugliest—in fact, the only ugly—city in the Colony; but these attempts are almost invariably received with icy coldness. Wellingtonians smile, and complacently rely upon their central position, safe harbour, and healthy and fairly enjoyable climate. But, however truthfully the charge of ugliness may be hurled at Wellington as a city, it must be admitted that there is at least one really pretty part. The Botanical Gardens have attractions all their own as far as similar reserves in New Zealand are concerned. Several are much larger, such as Hagley Park, Christchurch, and the Domain in Auckland; and, for the general purposes of public recreation grounds these and many others are doubtless much superior; but there is a wildness about the Wellington Botanical Gardens not possessed by any other recreation reserve in the Colony. By many it is deplored that this reserve includes no flat land suitable for cricket, football, and similar exciting and noising sports; but therein lies one of its chief charms. There are the Basin Reserve and Newtown Park for noisy games and the gathering of excited crowds; and, fortunately for those who prefer a quiet walk with a friend, these places are at the other end of the City. The Botanical Gardens reserve is not suited to the rushing, thoughtless, multitude; but for the overwrought man of business, who likes to admire Nature in all her rugged beauty, or for the poet or preacher who wishes to catch an “inspiration from the fountain pure,” the Wellington Botanical Gardens are eminently suited. Some of the quietest spots are within ten minutes' walk of the Post-office, and may be reached without an appreciable climb. Ascending by one of the many paths, all more or less easy, the visitor soon gets a charming view of the harbour and city, while his immediate surroundings are in most pleasurable contrast to everything to be seen outside. Retiring from the prominent view-points to one of the score or so of little nooks and glens, he might imagine civilisation to be a hundred miles removed, unless he should wander into those portions which have been set apart for flowers and acclimatised shrubs. Though many
The “Town Belt,” which circumscribes the City in an irregular, if not erratic, line, is planted with trees at several points, and this not only adds to the appearance of the Capital, but also provides pleasant spots for recreative purposes. The Newtown Park forms a considerable portion of this belt, and about twenty thousand trees have been planted in this part alone. Near the principal entrance there is a flat area of about eight acres, used for football, cricket, and other games; and round about is a natural amphitheatre large enough to accommodate as spectators the whole population of the district. Many parts of the Town Belt are in no very creditable condition. The improvement of these, and the formation of at any rate a bridle-track to connect the portions already planted, on the plan suggested by Councillor Tatum, are works of urgency which might fittingly receive the immediate consideration of the Reserves Committee of the City Council.
“Basin Reserve” is the name given many years ago to what is the principal cricket-ground of the City. There is no resemblance to a basin about it, nor does it seem as if there could ever have been any; but old residents can remember when it was a large waterhole. The earthquakes of 1855 raised it a few feet, and in common with the swamp above and below, it has been drained and converted into valuable and dry land. The area of the reserve is ten acres, about half of it being turfed, and the remainder grassed and planted. There is a very large “Grand Stand, a band pavilion, and an elaborately pillared and domed drinking fountain.
Other recreation grounds are being agitated for, and will probably be secured in the near future. The Thorndon end of the City is certainly deficient in this respect, and the repeated, if not continuous, efforts of Councillor Anderson deserve to be rewarded with abundant success.
The Esplanade at Thorndon situate between the sea and the Wellington and Manawatu railway station, forms another good breathing-space, and, like the Botanical Gardens, it is not adequately appreciated. Parts of it have at various times been planted with trees by the citizens, led by the energetic Mr. Woodward, who, to his infinite credit, has managed to infuse into the otherwise careless Wellinglouians a mild enthusiasm which has occasionally lasted several hours. In 1891, at Mr. Woodward's suggestion, a day was set apart for the planting of trees in the reserve, and the first shrub was planted by the Mayoress of that time. Since then “Arbor Day” has been an institution in a quiet way, and the Thorndon Esplanade has been greatly beautified in that way. Many prominent citizens have each contributed a seat bearing the name of the donor; and a very fine Band Rotunda has been erected, with shields bearing the names of those at whose expense and through whose efforts the rotunda was provided. The trees have not grown rapidly, but in a very few years the Thorndon Esplanade will be a favourite place of public resort. The trams run within a few yards of it—an advantage which
Among the beauty spots of Wellington, the grounds of the Parliamentary Buildings deserve a passing mention. Since the advent to office of the present Premier, the Hon. R. J. Seddon, these grounds have been wonderfully improved. A very pretty iron palisade surmounts a low concrete wall, in place of the forbidding corrugated - iron barricade to which Wellingtonians had grown so contentedly accustomed; and the old, half-dead trees have been cleared away to make room for shapely flower-beds, which are already very attractive. With such an example to emulate as that set by Auckland in those wonderfully beautiful flower-gardens on the site of the old “Barracks,” it is surprising that Wellington should be content to follow at so great a distance. A row of plane trees along Waterloo and Jervois Quays, after the style of Taupo Quay, Wanganui, would be very effective, and these streets, being comparatively new, are wide enough to allow of such adornment.
It must not be supposed that nothing at all has been done in the way of beautifying the Wellington streets by tree-planting. There is a pretty evergreen corner at the junction of Featherston Street and Lambton Quay, known as the Union Bank Corner, and exactly opposite the Bank of New South Wales. There are two evergreen enclosures in Courtenay Place, and the fine three-chain avenue leading from there to the Basin Eeserve is planted with a double row of evergreens, and fenced off from vehicular traffic in its central portion. An asphalt path in the centre runs throughout its entire length—about a third of a mile. Fitzherbert Terrace also contains a fine avenue of trees.
In the matter of private gardens, to which the public are conditionally admitted, Wellington is by no means
McNab's Gardens have been an institution for a quarter-of-a-century, and an exceedingly popular place of public resort. They were laid out originally for a gentleman's country seat, and neither trouble nor expense was spared in the endeavour to make them the moat complete in the neighbourhood. They are situate at the Lower Hutt, about a mile from the railway station, on the road to Lowry Bay and Wainui-o-mata. The train farea are two shillings first class, and sixteenpence second elasa; but on occasions of Sunday school and other largepicnics, considerable reductions are made. At the gardens all conveniences are provided for cricket, tennis, rounders, bowling, and other games, while monkeys, squirrels, birds, etc., afford endless amusement for children of all ages. Quite recently most extensive alterations have been made to the house, to cope with the growing demand for permanent and temporary quarters in these beautiful gardens. As will be seen in the accompanying illustration, a number of nikau palms and other native trees have been preserved to increase-the variety, and thus add attractiveness to the acclimatised and cultivated charms of the pKce. McNab's Gardens are well sheltered, and there are several hot-houses for flowers and fruits which do not grow to perfection in the open air.
The Karori Pleasure grounds are the property of Mr. W. H. Young, and here, too, is accommodation for both visitors and permanent boarders. The gardens have a beauty all their own, and have been wonderfully improved and popularised during the last three or four years. They are within easy walking distance of the City, though delicate ladies and gentlemen who are not fond of climbing hills should patronise the coach, at a cost of ninepence each way. The road is picturesque, and attains a considerable altitude. Mr. Young's gardens occupy a delightful nook some five hundred yards from the road, though of course driving parties may take their vehicles all the way. The grounds are fairly extensive, and include a really charming variety. There are tennis and other lawns, goldfish ponds, and a pretty little lake provided with a boat. There is abundant shade, and many other attractions are provided. The flowers and shrubs at the Karori Pleasure Grounds are very beautiful, and as at McNab's, all kinds of refreshments may be had.
Mr. Higgenbotham's Kilbirnie Tea Gardens overlook Evans Bay, and though much newer than the others mentioned, a very enjoyable holiday may be spent there. Almost every weeksees some improvement, and the convenience of tram communication is much appreciated. The distance from the New-town terminus is about four hundred yards.
The Roseneath Gardens in Oriental Bay are the property of Mr. Wilkinson. Admission is free, and fruit and flowers are obtainable at moderate rates. Mr. Wilkinson's grapes and hot-house roses find much favour.
Harbour excursions are by no means so common as they might and should be. It is true that there are not many good landing-places, nor are there many really attractive bays in the harbour. There has been a good wharf at Lowry Bay for many years, and the bay, with its bush surroundings and gravel beach, is exceedingly pretty; but the conveniences of getting there have been very meagre.
Day's Bay is less popular than Lowry Bay because it is further from the City by road, and because, until quite recently, it has been in the hands of those who were
Most enjoyable harbour excursions by moonlight are occasionally provided by the various steamship companies.
Excursions by rail are most popular as a mode of public holiday-keeping in Wellington, and the patronage is fairly evenly divided between the two lines. For short distances the Manawatu has decided advantages. The scenery is grand and wild, as may be imagined from the fact that seven tunnels occur in the first seven miles. The bush is reached from the first station (Crofton, three miles), and at the second (Khandallah, five miles) an altitude of about 500 feet is attained. At thirteen miles from the City the Porirua Harbour is reached, and the train skirts the harbour for six or eight miles, stopping at Plimmerton—a favourite seaside resort, where Mr. John
The main beauty-spots of the Wairarapa line are much further from the City than those of the Manawatu, though the intervening scenery is by no means uninteresting. For the first eight miles the train skirts the harbour, and even old residents who have travelled this way scores of times, are moved to renewed admiration of the graceful contrast from the rugged and precipitous hills on the left, to the placid waters of Port Nicholson on the right. At Petone the I train leaves the harbour, and therefore this station is a favourite stopping-place for picnic parties. There are numerous paddocks for amusements, a good beach for strollers, and excellent walks up the bush-gullies for waterfall-hunters. Still more popular, however, is the Lower Hutt (nine miles from the City), where the river, and McNab's and other gardens are the principal attractions. At Cudby's stables, quite close to the station, horses and all kinds of vehicles may be hired. Lowry Bay, Day's Bay, and even Wainui, are within easy driving distance. A most enjoyable day may be spent by taking the train to the Lower Hutt, and from thence driving through the beautiful Hutt Valley and the pretty farming district of Taita, to the Upper Hutt and Kaitoke. Belmont, the first station beyond the Lower Hutt, claims its share of excursionists; but the majority of those who remain in the train at Belmont are bent on seeing the famous Rimutaka Incline, or, more properly, “decline” from the Wellington end. This is indeed a remarkable and most expensive piece of railway engineering, and not a few are of opinion that a more useful, if less picturesque, route might have been selected. The scenery through which this part of the line runs, should be seen by every
So numerous are the curves that passengers are bewildered in their attempts to distinguish between the points covered and those to be almost immediately gained. From “The Summit,” the descent towards Featherston is very steep, and it is for the first few miles of this that the centre rail is laid. The actual distance is 2 5/8 miles; but, on account of the great cost of working this part, it is counted for the purposes of traffic tariff at eight miles. The centre rail stands about nine inches above the sleepers, and it is about six inches wide. It is gripped by horizontal wheels on both sides, magnificent and specially-constructed engines being set apart for use on this section. The north and South trains pass each other at “The Summit,” so that the extra work may be done both ways consecutively. The train from Featherston makes the ascent between Cross Creek and “The Summit” in from forty to fifty minutes; but the descending train, itself very slow, covers the distance in about half that time. Excursionists are tempted over “the Rimutaka” by the wonders, natural and artificial, which are to be seen there. Emerging from the ravines and bush-clad hills, the Wairarapa Main is reached at Featherston, with a good view of the Lake as the train approaches.
The Wairarapa Lake cannot fairly be called pretty. The approaches are marshy, and very little has been done to improve them. Black swans and the wild fowl are to be found there in great numbers, and sportsmen are loud in their praises of shooting expeditions in that locality. As time goes on, doubtless the Wairarapa Lake will become a favourite place for excursionists, but a great expenditure of capital in wharves and steamers will be needed. The lake is twelve miles by four, about half as large again as the Wellington Harbour.
Strarngers passing through Wellington with a whole day to spare may see a good deal of the country in that time by rail. Over the Rimutaka ranges, to Featherston and back, will admit of a six hours' stay. If the journey be continued to Grey town, the time there will be nearly five hours; if to Carterton, four and a-half hours; if to Masterton, nearly three hours and a-half; and if to Eketahuna, the present terminus (ninety-four miles from Wellington), one hour.
On the West Coast lines, the possibilities for one day's travel are greatly extended, for the morning train starts nearly an hour earlier, and the night train arrives more than two hours later. At Paikakariki, a stay of twelve
Continuing from Palmerston on the Wanganui line, nearly four hours may be spent at Feilding; an hour-and-a-half at Marton, and fifty minutes at Turakina. On certain days about two hours may be spent in Foxton; but for this, as, indeed, all train matters, the Government Penny Time-table should be consulted, as changes are occasionally made even on the well-established lines.
These particulars are given to show what may be done in one day; but there are so many beautiful places with in easy distances of Wellington, that a much longer stay should be made if possible. A week suffices comfortably for the Wanganui River trip, which, as far as Pipiriki, may be taken even by semi-invalids.
Short sea-trips from Wellington may be very conveniently made. The beautiful Picton and Pelorus Sounds provide almost endless enjoyment for canoeists, and these places and Nelson are in constant communication with Wellington, whilo special excursion trips are provided on almost every public holiday. Occasionally, large fishing-parties are made up, and steamers are chartered for a few days' run into the Sounds. These are very enjoyable, but of course they are not common. Visitors may, however, go through the Sounds in the ordinary course of travel if they so wish it, and certainly such beautiful scenery should not be missed on any account.
Riding and driving are daily becoming more favourite methods of spending a few hours in the Empire City. As will be seen by reference to the paragraphs descriptive of the livery-stables of Wellington, there is a good supply of horses and vehicles of every kind, and the drives are not so limited in number as they are frequently declared to be. A visitor, with an hour or two to spare, may spend the time very enjoyably in riding or driving round Oriental Bay, past the patent slip, through Kilbirnie, and thence by the Queen's Drive to Island Bay,
Walking has always been a favourite exercise for the strong and healthy of Wellington; and, indeed, most reasonably so, for the conditions which conduce to the full enjoyment of a good walk are uniformly abundant. The air is bracing, the hills are accessible, the scenery is rugged and grand, and the views from the hill - tops are delightful. Space cannot be spared to describe all the enjoyable walks in and around the City. They are numerous and splendid. It is within the truth to say that not two in every hundred of the inhabitants of Wellington are acquainted with an appreciable number of them. Most of them are too hard for ladies; but for men with an average strength of lungs, limbs, and boots, there is practically no limit to the variety of walks over the hills and among the dales near Wellington. “Round the Rocks,” as the way to Oriental Bay and Roseneath is called, is decidedly the most popular promenade in the City. On a fine Sunday, hundreds of couples and small parties are to be met there. Saturday afternoons are spent round there by walking, cycling, fishing, and boating parties. There are several boat-houses where good boats may be hired at the very cheap rate of eighteenpence for the first hour and a shilling per additional hour. The harbour is at almost any time perfectly safe for pulling-boats; but when sails are used by inexperienced parties, the very utmost care is needed, as very sudden puffs are occasionally met with in all parts of the harbour. It is never absolutely safe to tie the sheet of a small sailing boat. Scores have been drowned in the Wellington harbour through that act of folly.
The tides rise and fall but slightly—only some four or five feet and for this there are two reasons: (1) the entrance is very narrow compared with the area of the harbour; and (2) the difference in time, nearly three hours, between high tide on the East Coast and on the West, tends to preserve a mean tide in the Straits, and therefore in Port Nicholson. This is an important advantage in all wharfage arrangements. As will be seen by reference to the separate article on the Harbour, and the Board controlling it, the largest sea-going vessels may be comfortably berthed with a depth of thirty feet or more of water at low tide.
The wharfage accommodation of Wellington is better than anywhere else in the Colony. For the past eleven years the offices of engineer, secretary, and treasurer to the Harbour Board have been filled by Mr. William Ferguson, M.A., B.E., M.Inst.C.E., M.I.Mech.E., a gentleman fully alive to the importance of his position. The people of Wellington have good reason to be proud of Mr. Ferguson. Though he combines in his own person engineer, secretary, and treasurer, his duties in all departments are thoroughly attended to. No sooner does the necessity for improved
The railway communication with the Capital City is not yet by any means complete, though vast improvements have been effected in this respect during the past ten years. The Government line, which starts at Te Aro—about half-a-mile south of the wharf, and runs over the Rimutaka mountains, and through the Wairarapa Valley, on the way to Napier, is completed as far as Eketahuna, a distance of ninety-four miles; and on the West Coast the private line of the Wellington and Manawatu Company connects with the Foxton-New Plymouth line at Long-burn, a junction about four miles south of Palmerston. By this route; Wellington is in unbroken communication with Foxton, Wanganui, and New Plymouth on the West Coast, and with Napier on the East (by way of the Manawatu Gorge). When the twenty-seven miles of railway between Eketahuna and Woodville, now in course of construction, is complete, there will be a choice of routes between Wellington and Woodville.
Wellington is possessed of three railway stations—none of them imposing, but all fairly commodious. The Te Aro station, which is the southern extremity of the Government line, was erected in 1893, when the mile of line running through the town from the Wellington station was made and opened. Like the others, this station is of wood and iron; but, unlike the others, it is large enough for all probable requirements for many years to come. The Wellington station is about half-a-mile north of the wharf, and about two minutes' walk from the Government Buildings. The “Manawatu station,” as it is generally called, is at the extreme north of the City, and therefore much too far away for a permanent station; but when the anticipations of the people are realised by the Government's purchase of the Manawatu line, doubtless these two will be abolished and Wellington will be favoured with a station in some measure comparable with her importance as the natural outlet of a vast and fertile district. This cutting up of the City's railway business into three stations is productive of a good deal of confusion. Strangers frequently find themselves at the wrong platform; and old residents who only occasionally use the train make awkward mistakes sometimes. A central station at the foot of the wharf is among the conveniences hoped for by the very sanguine. A
The tram service of the Capital is an important feature of civic development. When compared with those of the other large centres, it is thrown into somewhat deep shade, but it meets present requirements. There is a ten minutes' service each way, and a shilling's worth of tickets will entitle the purchaser to eight rides for the whole or any portion of the three-and-a-half miles of city through which the trams run.
There is also a bus service which covers exactly the same ground, and whose principal function is to keep down the prices.
The cabs of Wellington make a fairly creditable display, and, always excepting those of Christchurch, will compare . favourably with any in the Colony.
Coaches and drags run to Island Bay and Karori, and occasionally to Kilbirnie.
Wellington has for several years had the name of being the most progressive city in the Colony. Doubtless there is some measure of justice in the term, but it may, nevertheless, be very misleading. It is true that as a centre for large who lesale businesses, no colonial firm of importance can afford to overlook the claims of Wellington. Its unique position in relation to the whole Colony, as the key to the West Coast of both Islands by sea, and both coasts of the North Island by rail, must give to the Capital an ever-increasing advantage. Then there are certain inherent benefits from the simple fact that it is the capital. The large manufacturing firms of Great Britain well know the prestige that follows the establishment of a London “house,” even if it be but ten feet square, and all the business be transacted by a junior clerk. And, in a much smaller degree, the same influence is at work in New Zealand. The strides made in this direction lately are most noticeable, and it will not be long before the large wholesale houses will recognise that they may as well be out of New Zealand as out of Wellington. The banks and insurance companies have struggled hard to keep their headquarters in other parts of the Colony, but the struggle is over, and a great victory has been scored by the Capital. The whole of the banks have now their head offices at the Empire City, and the insurance companies which are holding back will soon discover the error. Wonderful advances are being made by companies whose quarters have been carried to the Capital by this flowing tide. Nothing but a return of the earthquakes can stop Wellington's advance as the commercial, as well as the political, head of the Colony; and though earthquake forces are most erratic in their operations, and though half a century is but a moment of time to them, there is no evidence that Wellington now stands in greater jeopardy in this matter of earthquakes than does any other part of the Colony.
But notwithstanding that Wellington undoubtedly possesses exceptional facilities forextensive commercial enterprises, it is by no means a “happy hunting-ground” for retail business firms. There are eight or ten really fine retail establishments, which are none too large for the business that commonly and constantly comes in their way; but
Cyclopedia have exceptional opportunities of gaining information on these points, and in portraying the Colony they accept it as a duty to record the results of then investigations, whatever they may be.
The reason why Wellington is a good place for wholesale, and a bad place for retail trade, is one and the same—that the smaller towns are admirably situated for supplying their own districts; and the country people are wonderfu lly loyal to their towns. Wellington has no market-day like Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin. The shopkeepers of Wellington depend almost entirely on the local trade—only a few of the very
The outlook for Wellington is bright. The country is being opened up every day, and the trade of the port must go on increasing. Already nearly six hundred miles of railways find their natural outlet in Wellington; and the completion of the central line to Auckland will be of immense advantage to both the terminal cities. The people in the main are honest, hardworking, and fairly enterprising—not given to “booming,” but well calculated to maintain an even course towards prosperity. The public sentiment is healthy and progressive. Education—moral and intellectual—is daily lessening the vices of the people, The women of Wellington will take care that the Empire City shall be represented in Parliament by men of the best stamp. Whether candidates be intended for the Government benches or the cold shades of Opposition will make little difference to the women. The side that wins favour with them will be the side that puts the best men in the field. Wellington has always been fairly particular on this point. Henceforward the Capital will be fastidious, That it will go on growing, both in importance and size, all agree; but how she is to extend is, to many, a difficulty. Her reclamations are rapidly being covered with warehouses, and her everlasting hills are being climbed higher and higher by the builders of private houses. Already many of the streets on the Te Aro flat and other parts are shamefully crowded with the dwellings of the poor, many of which are quite unfit for human habitation. The configuration of Wellington is certainly not favourable to easy extension; but, doubtless, as the demand for mercantile premises increases, the supply must come from those parts in the midst of the City now used for residential purposes, and the private houses must be removed to the suburbs. Fortunately, the manufacturing township of Petone relieves the Capital in the matter of factories; and the Lower Hutt is daily becoming a more popular residential suburb. The next decade must see a wonderful improvement in the City of Wellington.
The preceding pages having been exclusively devoted to a description of Wellington as it is to-day, with its nineteenth century civilization in full swing, it is necessary that some effort be made to depict its birth and early development; and thus to give those who are accustomed to it in its present condition some idea of the many privileges they enjoy which were entirely beyond the reach of the founders and early settlers. To form any conception of the trials and difficulties undergone by the earliest arrivals, it will be necessary in imagination to strip the present Wellington of its wharves and shipping; its made streets and comfortable houses; its electric light, gas, and even kerosene lamps; its telephones, telegraphs, letter carriers and regular mails; its cabs, coaches, trams and railways; its Government and police; its warehouses, shops and newspapers, and its peaceable, law-abiding population. In the place of all these it will be needful to put uncultivated land, impenetrable bush and savage native tribes. That is the Wellington of 1840, as seen and remembered by Mr. Thomas McKenzie and a few others who still live to tell the tale.
Wellington was founded by an association of private individuals known as the New Zealand Company. The principal promoter was Mr. Edward Gibbon Wakefield, who, on the formation and registration of the company on the 2nd of May, 1839, was elected managing director The capital was £400,000 in 4000 shares of £100 each, the deposit being ten pounds per share. The Earl of Durham was the governor of the company, and Mr. Joseph Somes (whose name is perpetuated as that of the only island in the Wellington Harbour) was the deputy-governor. This was not the first company formed for the colonization of New Zealand. A similar attempt had been made in 1825, but the Maoris savagely objected and the project was abandoned. Mr. Wakefield's company met with a good deal of opposition from the British Government, for New Zealand was at that time a foreign country; but the promoters were bent on success and could brook no delay. Within a fortnight the “Tory” had left the Old Land for the New, the expedition being in charge of Colonel William Wakefield, a brother of the managing director and uncle of Mr. Edward Wakefield, until recently well known in Wellington as a proprietor in conjunction with Mr. W. F. Roydhouse, of the (now defunct) Evening Press. Colonel Wakefield had instructions to buy land in wholesale quantities, and he accomplished that object most fully.
The “Tory” was a ship of 400 tons, and carried eight guns, besides large quantitities of small arms. The passengers, officers and sailors made up the number to thirty-five, the passengers consisting of Colonel William Wakefield, Mr. Edward Jerningham Wakefield (son of the managing director), Dr. Diffenback (the company's naturalist), Mr. Charles Heaphy (the draughtsman), Dr. Dorset (father of Mr. Dorset of the Education Board), and a few assistants in the steerage. By the 16th of August, the “Tory” was off Cape Farewell after a passage of ninety-six days from Plymouth. In those days landing had to be effected with great caution, and for the next five weeks the time was spent in visiting whaling stations, exploring the straits and acquiring the services of an additional interpreter. On the 20th of September the “Tory” reached the Wellington Harbour, or Port Nicholson, as it was then known, having been so named in honour of an early Sydney harbour-master. Having entered the port, Colonel Wakefield lost no time in opening up negotiations with the natives for by the 25th of the same month he had purchased the harbour and surrounding lands, the “consideration” being some gewgaws and firearms. The wisdom of providing the munitions of war for savages who were almost certain to become enemies may well be doubted; but if it was madness at all there appears to have been a good deal of method in it. Whether the gallant colonel
While Colonel Wakefield and his brave companions—for they really were brave—were engaged in this “colonizing work” other vessels chartered by this enterprising company were on their way. Their passengers could of course hear nothing whatever of the fate of the pioneer ship, which might have gone to the bottom, or, having weathered the “perils of the deep,” might have fallen into the hands of the natives, as many a ship had done before. On they came, however, one vessel after another, the venturesome strangers not knowing that their advance agent had been able to purchase enough land for them to pitch their tents on arrival. The “Tory” had become disabled at Kaipara, on the west coast, and Colonel Wakefield managed to travel overland to the Bay of Islands and induce the missionaries there to give him a passage back to his newly-acquired port. On his return he found that the “Cuba”—the survey vessel of the company—had arrived on the 3rd of January, about a fortnight before; but he was in good time to board the first real passenger ship—the “Aurora”—at the Wellington Heads on the 20th. The delight of these pioneers to learn of the unqualified success of the colonel's mission—that the natives had sold their land, and though possessed of war implements, were in reality most friendly in their attitude towards the new comers—may be very
They Bought “the joy upon the shore, To tell their voyage perils o'er.”
On the 22nd of January, 1840, the “Aurora” was brought into Port Nicholson Harbour, thus instituting a red letter day on which the birthday of Wellington has since been celebrated annually. It is observed as a close public holiday and is called “Anniversary Day”; but beyond that very little is done to commemorate the event. The provincial regatta is held on that day, and at the banquet in the evening complimentary remarks are made about the pioneers, and the survivors are toasted; but nothing like a gathering of the two races is ever thought of; and the “Aurora's” passengers are now so nearly passed away that the old enthusiasm has died out.
The “Aurora” was a vessel of 550 tons, commanded by Captain Heale, and she brought about 150 passengers. Entering the harbour on Wednesday, the remainder of the week was occupied by the founders in getting themselves and their belongings on shore, and in running up temporary huts and houses. The Rev. James Buller, father of Sir Walter Buller, was visiting Port Nicholson at the time as a missionary, and advantage was taken of his presence by holding a service on the deck of the “Aurora” on the Sunday morning.
On the following Wednesday the “Oriental” arrived. This vessel left London three days before the “Aurora”; but fortunately for Wellington the “Aurora” was for those days a smart ship. Auckland dates its anniversary from the 29th of January, or two days before the “Oriental” arrived. To the “Aurora,” therefore, Wellington Province owes the credit of being just a week older than that of Auckland. It was not a flying passage by any means, for it occupied 124 days. The “Oriental,” however, took 136 days. She was a vessel of 500 tons, in command of Captain Wilson.
Almost immediately after the “Tory “left London, the British Government awakened to the necessity of preventing an irresponsible company from buying up all the land of New Zealand, and with this object Captain Hobson, R.N., was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of New Zealand, or rather so much of it as might be acquired by Her Majesty in sovereignty. Captain Hobson left England, per H.M.S. “Druid,” three months after Colonel Wakefield, and called at Sydney to receive further instructions from Sir George Gipps, the Governor of New South Wales. On the 29th of January, Captain Hobson arrived at the Bay of Islands, and lost no time in proclaiming that the boundaries of the Colony of New South Wales had been extended to include New Zealand, and that he had been appointed Lieutenant-Governor of the annexed territory. From that time to the present, Auckland has claimed that this action of Lieutenant-Governor Hobson constituted the foundation of the Colony, and that the systematic settling of Port Nicholson was merely an event in development, similar in its nature to several others that had happened many years before, such as the landing of the missionaries, or the proclamation of Captain Cook. This seems a very reasonable claim, but the founders of Wellington reply that, inasmuch as it was their active efforts at colonization which forced the British Government to declare a protectorate over the country, it is fair that the New Zealand Company should be acknowledged
as the founders of New Zealand, and that the birthday of the Colony should date from the 22nd of January, 1840, the day on which the first immigrant ship arrived in Port Nicholson. Aucklanders certainly have the advantage of officialism on their side, but if the Colony was born when it was officially declared, rather than when the first batch of true colonists arrived, the landing of Captain Hobson has a very small claim for consideration. New Zealand was not then declared a Colony, but a dependency of New South Wales. As a Colony, New Zealand had no official standing until the 3rd of May, 1841, on which day it was
But though Captain Hobson had so expressly declared the annexation of New Zealand, the Wellington, or Port' Nicholson settlers had no great relish for being governed in that way. They viewed with some alarm the passing of a Bill by the New South Wales Legislature nullifying all titles to land in New Zealand except such as might be allowed by the Queen's representative; and, generally, they considered themselves equal to the management of their own affairs. A committee of colonists had been formed in London; and, after arrival, this was quickly transformed into a Council of Colonists. Taxes were levied, magistrates appointed, and the rights of government quietly usurped. The Lieutenant-Governor having heard of this at his seat in the Bay of Islands, anticipated some trouble; and sent his Colonial Secretary, Mr. Willoughby Shortland, with thirty troopers and five constables, to Wellington to issue a proclamation declaring the sovereignty of the Queen, and calling upon the illegally-appointed officials to withdraw ana submit themselves to the proper authorities. This was quite a serious affair, in the opinion of the Lieutenant-Governor, who had conceived a greatly exaggerated notion of what he was pleased to term the “high treason” of the Port Nicholson settlers. To His Excellency's surprise and delight, the usurpers received his Secretary and soldiers with effusive expressions of loyalty, explaining that theirs was an interim Government, prepared to hand over the reins to any duly-qualified “driver “who might make his appearance.
This was immediately followed by a recommendation to Captain Hobson that he should at once make Wellington the seat of Government, as from its central position it must sooner or later become the capital of the Colony, In obedience to instructions from the head office in London, a suitable site for Government House and offices had been selected by the New Zealand Company; and one of their cargo-ships—the “Platina” —brought out the Governor's house, with a request to Colonel Wakefield that he would send it to any part of the Colony which
When Auckland was chosen for the capital its population numbered two—Messrs. Brown and Campbell,—and at the same time Wellington had a population of about 1500. Auckland was quite unknown to the settlers at Port Nicholson, to whom under these circumstances some measure of sympathy in their disappointment was certainly due. Before the British Flag was hoisted in Auckland, Wellington had been surveyed and cut up into 1100 town sections of an acre each; and almost every street which now appears on the city plan, was laid off and named, excepting those, of course, on the land since reclaimed. Mr. John Thompson, the solicitor, has in his possession a plan of Wellington dated the 14th of August, 1840, printed for the New Zealand Company by Messrs. Smith, Elder and Co., of London. The survey would in all probability be completed by the date which the plan bears, as the surveying party started for Taranaki about a fortnight later; but the printing must have been postponed awhile, for the township bore the name of Britannia for some three months after that date. The plan shows the whole of these 1100 acres, each section branded with an additional number indicating the order of choice allotted to the selector by ballot in England. These numbers are very interesting as showing the opinions of the early settlers as to the probable whereabouts of the future town. The “public wharf” is marked off at the bottom of Taranaki Street, therefore, as might reasonably be expected, the acres chosen by the first and second selectors were those extending along Taranaki Street from the foreshore to Manners Street. These are, of course, valuable to-day, but the removal of the wharf must have been a serious blow to the owners. The third choice was more fortunate
About five acres are reserved for Government House in the spot where that establishment now stands, and Mount Cook is reserved for “public buildings,”—alas! that it should ever have been used for a gaol. Both the Roman Catholic Burial Ground and the General Cemetery are marked off and named; but the Botanical Gardens appear as “hilly country covered with timber.” All the hills were bush-clad. The founders of Wellington having satisfied themselves with their 1100 acres, determined that no encroachments should thenceforward be made. They certainly guarded most jealously what reserves their greed had allowed them to make All this was done by August, 1840, and might on first consideration be looked upon as so much accomplished and all in readiness for the Seat of Government. But it was hardly to be wondered at that Governor Hobson preferred to “cut up” a site for himself where he could have ample reserves and chain-wide streets, and so much land that he could sell a few choice bits of it for upwards of £25,000 in a few months.
The surveying of Wellington must have been most promptly attended to, for though accomplished within seven months after the arrival of the first passenger ship, it was not the first town laid off on the shores of Port Nicholson. Without a due consideration of the prevailing winds and the sheltering hills, the first settlers disembarked on the Petone beach, where a township had been laid off by Captain Smith and his staff, who had come out in the “Cuba” for the purpose of surveying the Company's town. It was there that the Union Bank of Australia first opened its doors in these parts, and when, a few months later, the change was made to the present site, the safe was floated over on a raft. To Dr. Evans is ascribed the credit of
Before the end of the following year (1841), the population had increased a good deal, and the people had begun to spread themselves about the district for the cultivation of the land. Farming and grazing operations were in full swing at Karori, Lyell's Bay, the Lower Hutt, Porirua and other places, and very good results were being obtained.
The second anniversary of the Colony's foundation was celebrated at Wellington on the 22nd of January, 1842. For a great many years the regatta has been the onlj anniversary sports indulged in, but on this occasion a decidedly mixed programme was gone through, including sailing and rowing matches, a hurdle horse-race, “rural sports, consisting of jumping in sacks, climbing a greasy pole, catching a soap-tailed pig, etc.; a mile foot race, a rifle match, and ' in order to meet the wants of the public,' a ball at Barrett's Hotel, and another at the Exchange Boom, Te Aro.”
Two days later the first horticultural exhibition was held in Wellington under the auspices of a duly formed society. The following extract regarding it, from “Bretts' Early History of New Zealand,” will be interesting both now and in days to come:—“At the first exhibition of the Wellington Horticultural Society, held at the Exchange on the 24th
Towards the end of 1842, Wellington; set up a corporation, with Mr. George Hunter, senr., as mayor, and about a dozen aldermen. It was a short lived form of local government, and would probably have had a much shorter life if the communication with the Home Government had been more rapid. That august body, for reasons not clearly remembered if clearly stated, added “another injustice to Wellington” by refusing to allow the ordinance of Governor Hobson, which created the Wellington Corporation. In December, 1848, when Governor Hobson had been in his grave upwards of fifteen months, the corporation put its house in order and passed peacefully away. As further particulars of this early blossom are given under the heading “Corporation of Wellington,” it need only be mentioned here that Wellington dodged along for twenty years without even a town board. The Provincial Council performed many of the functions of civic institutions in its earlier days.
Wellington always had its newspaper. The New Zealand Gazette was published first in London in September, 1839; and on the Petone beach in April, 1840. The third issue was struck off in an office twenty feet square, brought out ready made by Mr. Samuel Bevans, who also brought out the plant and appliances. Issue number twenty, dated the 22nd of August, 1840, explained the change in its name as follows:—“Britannia, the name given to the town of the New Zealand Company's first and principal settlement by Colonel Wakefield, has been approved by His Excellency, Captain Hobson. It is a good name, because till now unappropriated by any town, and therefore distinctive in its character; and further, in being agreeably associated in the minds of all Britons with their fatherland. The town lands having been allotted, we couple with it the name of that able paper which has so long and successfully advocated the principles upon which this settlement has been founded, and add the united terms in our title. Henceforward this paper will bear the name of the New Zealand Gazette and Britannia Spectator.” This
Though the settlers of Port Nicholson were a most law-abiding people, as they are to this day, considerable annoyance was occasioned by the burglarious depredations of a low class of men who had come over at various times from Tasmania and New South Wales. Over fifty years ago Mr. Pharazyn's store was robbed, and so much law-breaking occurred that the gaol was full to overflowing, and a dozen or so of criminals were transported to Van Diemen's Land, as Tasmania was then called. The gaol was merely a large raupo hut, but the more desperate characters were anchored with leg irons. Their hands were free, however, and they were allowed to hobble aboui the gaol. One day Mr. John Plimmer happened to be in that direction and noticed a whaleboat being drawn up on the beach and left there by its occupants. Half a dozen of the convicts with their leg irons on went apparently to examine the boat, and before he could give the alarm had pushed her off and hobbled in. There was an exciting chase, but the convicts won, as they quickly got round the heads where the smaller boats could not follow them. Though a large reward was offered for their re-capture nothing was heard of them for a week, “when,” says Mr. Plimmer, “the people were startled by some canoes coming round the heads full of Maoris, and we rushed to the beach to learn what so unexpected a visit meant. We soon found out that the Maoris had caught the prisoners and had brought them tied together, hands and feet, like pigs, in the bottom of the canoes. Their little craft had been wrecked in Palliser Bay, and the Maoris, hearing of the reward, lost no time in obtaining it. Very daring robberies had been committed by them, and probably some murders, as many lives were lost which could not be traced to the Maoris.”
These occurrences were unpleasant, but to no very great extent retarded the progress of settlement. The Wairau Massacre did something in that direction; but as that will be specially dealt with in the volume devoted to that part of the Colony it is unnecessary to dilate upon that here. The massacre was undoubtedly the result of rashness in the matters of surveying and preparing to occupy a large tract of land, the sale of which was disputed by the native owners. The whole country was kept in a state of uneasiness by the same land-grabbing propensities. Thus a severe shock was given to the influx of population, and Wellingtonians did then much as people do now—they blamed the Government for all the ills that happened. The Wairau Massacre was followed in about three weeks by a rather severe earthquake at Wanganui, which had a further depressing effect, all the more so because the “Auckland Government” could not be held responsible for it. By the end of that year (1848) the population in and around Wellington was a little over 5000, and it went
Shipbuilding and other industries sprang up, and in many ways Wellington kept the lead it had taken. Sheep-farming was begun by Mr. (afterwards Sir) Charles Clifford and several others; and notwithstanding many and great privations, the embryo capital was making its way.
Mr. John Plimmer, who arrived in 1841 and still lives in the Empire City, where he is frequently called the “Father of Wellington,” wrote some very interesting letters to the New Zealand Mail some four years ago, in which he described the condition of things at and for several years after his arrival. He was one of 280 passengers who came out in a ship of 650 tons (the “Gertrude,”) the passage being as pleasant as could be expected “under the circumstances.” As over a dozen ships with nearly 2000 passengers had come out to Wellington before the “Gertrude,” it was but natural that the “new-chum” should expect to see something like a town, but the removal from Petone was then in progress, and Mr. Plimmer says “there was no house in view but Colonel William Wakefield's, on the site where Government House now stands.” Sir Francis Dillon Bell, the immigration receiving agent of the New Zealand Company, he describes as “a pleasant, fresh-looking young man of about twenty,” who went on board and pointed out Kaiwarra as the place at which they and their goods were to be landed. The place prepared for the reception of the immigrants “was a large raupo shed of Maori architecture, in which as many of the married couples as there was accommodation for were located.” In the evening, about half a dozen Maoris entered unannounced, and unclothed with the exception of mats, and this “seriously discomposed the women and raised the ire of the men, as they squatted round the fire as composedly as if they had been well dressed and invited guests of the evening.” After describing the difficulties of getting himself a house on the Te Aro flat, Mr. Plimmer mentions an incident which will serve to show the conditions under which the founders had to live and labour with the Maoris. He says:—“About three weeks after our arrival, I had a new feature of life among the Maoris. I had felled a large tree, some three feet in diameter, with a beautiful head of foliage. The tree in falling had struck the bush fence of a Maori garden, and I went to see if it had done any damage. But while I was stooping down, a Maori chief name Emori had crept up the other side without my hearing him, and as I raised my head he struck at me with all his might. But by good luck I turned and saw the tomahawk, and ducked my head so that he missed it, but not so my hat. As I had my little boy with me, I feared if I ran he might kill the child, so I made up mind to fight him, and ran to the butt of the tree to get my axe, and then back along the bole to meet my foe. But, lo! he seemed paralyzed. In striking with all his might, my hat offering very little resistance his foot had slipped, and he had trapped himself among the branches and was perfectly at my mercy. I shall never forget the hideous look of his tattooed face, which had turned a nasty dark yellow, and as I swayed the large felling axe over his head he shrank back in the bushes till I thought the fright had killed him. Just at this moment Motoraha, the head chief, appeared on the scene with more than 100 of the Maoris, and I thought my time had come. But when they saw the position the chief was in they could not control their mirth, and the old chief held out his hand to me, saying, ‘Kapai [very good] kapai the pakeha! Me very hungry; homai a hereni’ [give me a shilling]. I gave him half a crown, and was very glad thus to get out of the scrape.”
Lambton Quay, now the most fashionable business street in the City, was originally the high water mark, hence its unshapely form. It has now two streets in front of it, with most of the finest buildings. Of this part, which is still called “The Beach,” Mr. Plimmer says:—“The first time I came up “The Beach,” I overtook a poor woman carrying a bed. There was a heavy wash on the beach which prevented her passing with her load, so I carried her bed on my back through the water, she following in the best way she could; but we both got very wet…Te Aro flat was covered with fern and flax, except that portion of it extending from Couitenay Place to the Basin Reserve, which was one impassable bog. On the beach at Te Aro were two or three large pahs inhabited by several hundreds of Maoris.”
Not very long after Mr. Plimmer's arrival the many hardships of the pioneers were greatly aggravated by a most destructive fire. Speaking of this he says:—“One stormy night, a strong ‘nor-wester’ blowing, the houses on the beach caught fire, and not only were the fragile buildings destroyed, but most of the stores and furniture contained in them. I, with many others, hastened to the beach, hoping to save something from the devouring element, but when I came down to Clay Point [FitzGerald's corner], the whole was one mass of fire from where Barrett's Hotel now stands to Woodward Street; and the wind brought the flames round the point with such heat
The earthquakes of 1848 and 1855 did much to retard the progress of Wellington. That of 1848 was less severe, but the principal reason why it did less damage was that there were very few brick buildings. Mr. Plimmer, who had done exceedingly well in lime-burning, had built a brick house to encourage the business, and had let it for Government offices. Although the building was damaged to the extent of nearly £2000, and was at the time crowded with clerks, they all managed, by means of two sets of stairs, to get out unharmed. Other and smaller places were similarly damaged; and Mr. Plimmer, being the principal builder at that time, repaired the majority of them, but only in wood, as bricks were considered dangerous. Most of the chimneys had been thrown down, and great damage was done to all kinds of glassware and other brittle articles. Of the shake in 1848, Mr. Plimmer says:—“It was too severe for us to do anything while it lasted. I had several shelves of books and glass in my sitting-room when the quake commenced, and my wife was sitting with her back to these shelves with a young baby on her lap. She was unable to rise, but bent over the child, and was painfully pelted with books, glass and china, and though I was not three yards away I could not move or do anything to protect her from the shower of projectiles… After this, as people did not like to live in brick or clay houses, the real age of wooden houses commenced, but after a while they began to build brick stores as a protection against fire, insurance being very high on wooden risks. Therefore, when the second large and disastrous earthquake occurred in 1855, it did immense damage, as most of the buildings were either demolished or so shaken as to be untenable.”
Mr. Plimmer's experiences of the earthquakes of 1855 were more thrilling and exciting than even those referred to above; and as they give a good idea of the confusion and alarm resulting from these very severe shakes, Mr. Plimmer's description will be read with interest. He says:—“There were three distinct heavy shakes, linked together, in a manner, by a continuous quivering. The first, which occurred on Monday, was the lightest, and did little damage; but the second, on Tuesday, was much heavier, and many chimneys fell, and the large brick stores were much damaged—especially those with heavy slate roofs—by breaking the bond of the brickwork and splitting at the angles. This was the case with a large bonded store owned by Captain Rhodes. Asked if I thought I could do anything to save it from falling. I thought I might clamp it together with rods and plates. I immediately got some prepared, and put some bricklayers to make ready the walls by making holes through them, and I then ascended a long ladder—or, rather, two spliced— to see if all was clear to pass the rods through just below the eaves. I had caught hold of the slates, and was leaning over to see if all was clear, when the third and
The upheaval sent the water from the harbour into all the stores along the beach, doing a great deal of damage. What wonder that some of those who were in Wellington in those exciting days were anxious to get away, and that thousands who purposed to come were able to change their minds on the point. Since 1855, however, less damage has been done in Wellington by earthquakes than in several other parts of the Colony, though until quite recently slight shocks were more common at the Capital than elsewhere. In 1881 there was a smart shock, which stopped many of the pendulum clocks and rang all the bells of the town, but not one of the thousands of chimneys suffered at all. There is, of course, a “glorious uncertainty” about earthquakes; but there are no reasons for supposing that Wellington is in greater danger than any other part of the world.
It was a long time, however, before the results of the earthquake of 1855 had so far faded from the thoughts of the people as to admit of any attempts at building in brick. Ten years later when the General Government removed to Wellington, Government House and the Houses of Parliament were erected in wood; and eleven years later still, when the abolition of the provinces and the consequent centralization of all government functions took place, the new Government Buildings were erected in wood, though a few brick buildings had been ventured by that time. It is impossible to estimate the deterrent effects caused by the dread of earthquakes. Scores of fine buildings have been run up in wood which would otherwise have been in brick, and scores of the brick structures are of three stories which would otherwise have been five or six. Even now the architects cannot convince their clients that the risk is inappreciably increased with the increased height. This is a very great drawback to a city whose land is so scarce and consequently so valuable. A few four-story buildings and one or two of five stories may be seen, but the majority of the brick buildings even now being erected are two and three stories high.
Other items of interest concerning the early times in Wellington are given in various articles, and need not be repeated here. Suffice it to say that the Wellingtonians of to-day are deeply indebted to the pioneers and early settlers, who were, on the whole, brave, loyal, and capable. That there are so few monumental expressions of this debt is to be regretted.
Under the heading “Old Wellington,” a good deal of information is given regarding this remarkable company, and little of importance is left to be added here. “Brett's Early History of New Zealand,” p. 473, may be profitably referred to by those desirous of acquainting themselves more minutely with the doings of the company. Excellent pictures of the founders and some of the others connected with it are given in the same work.
The company was formed in 1839, the founder, Mr. Edward Gibbon Wakefield, had already made himself notorious, if not famous, in connection with an attempt to colonize South Australia, referred to in an article on “Sir George Grey,” p. 32, of this volume. Mr. Wakefield was a man of great ability and no small influence; but his past fame and then present objects were more likely to encourage enthusiasm in the breasts of adventurous intending colonists than to inspire the confidence of the British Government. Thus it happened that there was less difficulty in floating the company than in obtaining its charter. Looking back dispassionately upon the history of this company, it would appear that the Home Government acted in that half-hearted manner so common with governments and often so disastrous in its effects upon those chiefly concerned. Though the charter was at first refused, it was done in such a way as to leave the promoters with a lively hope of success in the near future; and this encouraged them to begin colonization in defiance of the opposition of the Colonial Office. The Wakefields were evidently able in some way to bring pressure enough to bear on the Ministry to obtain a charter; but before that was granted, it was deemed advisable by the British Government to take steps which practically meant entering into competition instead of co-operation with the company whose rights it had been asked to recognize. Nothing seems more reasonable than that the Government, when approached, should either have immediately undertaken the colonizing of New Zealand on its own account—assisted by any private company which might place itself under its jurisdiction—or it should have allowed the new company a fair opportunity of accomplishing the objects for which the charter had been asked. Having been granted a charter, and having been tacitly allowed to raise and spend a great deal of money, the New Zealand Company had a right to insist that any interference on the part of the British Government should be of the kind that would be helpful to the company. The granting of the charter in the end (1841) was a serious blunder—a weak yielding to pressure—that was in itself discreditable to any civilized government; but the methods adopted of trying to right that wrong, if less stupid, were more dishonest.
That Colonel Wakefield and his company made the wisest choice in selecting Wellington for the centre of their operations, has been amply proved by subsequent events; and it is exceedingly likely that the same choice would have been made by Captain Hobson, but for the prior rights of the New Zealand Company. Thus decentralization was begun at a time when co-operation was most needed. It is quite possible that had the British Government and the New Zealand Company worked together from the first, much, if not all the bloodshed might have been spared. The grabbing of the land for speculative purposes was the real cause of all the trouble, and the consequent spreading about of the people laid them open to attack from all sides. Thus it happened that partly through the avarice of its leaders, and partly through the action of the Home Government in first helping and then thwarting the New Zealand Company, Colonel Wakefield and his brave party were unable to give so good an account of themselves as they anticipated or as was expected of them. Both time and money were wasted in the bandying of recriminations between the promoters
The result of all this was prejudicial in every way, nor did its effects close with the life of the company. Whatever faults there may have been, and whatever mistakes may have been made, it must be conceded that the New Zealand Company brought this country under the notice of Englishmen in such a way as to induce the very best class of colonists to turn their faces hitherward. The high position which this Colony has for fifty years maintained in the matter of her public men is largely due to the influence exerted by the brave, intelligent, well-bred and free immigrants introduced by the New Zealand Company. Unfortunately, very few of them now remain, and hardly any of them are represented by their sons in the Parliament of to-day. A good many of them returned to the Old World to end their days there; but even these left behind them names which will be long remembered.
Wellington was the principal settlement; but the Nelson and New Plymouth districts were also in the first instance settled by the New Zealand Company. In 1846 Mr. E. G. Wakefield ceased to be the managing director, and in 1852, according to Mr. Thomas Archer, F.R.H.S., the “company ceded all its ‘rights’ to the Crown for £270,000.” Thus ended the career of one of the most notable colonization companies the world has ever seen
the first Managing Director of the New Zealand Company, was the eldest son of Mr. Edward Wakefield, Bunham Hall, Essex. He was born in 1796, and was educated for the bar. It is a matter of history that when thirty years of age, Mr. Wakefield came prominently into notice by his abduction of the young heiress, Miss Ellen Turner, daughter of the High Sheriff of Cheshire. Their marriage, which had been solemnised at Gretna Green, was dissolved by special Act of Parliament, and the rash bridegroom was sentenced to imprisonment for three years. Mr. Wakefield was a man of genius, with too much pluck to be altogether cast down by even so serious a mistake and its due punishment. He wielded most successfully “the pen of a ready writer,” and colonisation was his pet theme. The settlement of the Colonies of South Australia and New Zealand was certainly accelerated by his efforts, but there will probably always be differences of opinion as to the benefits his schemes conferred on these colonies. He had worked hard in pushing ahead the Colony for over twelve years before he himself acted on the advice which he had so consistently given others. In 1852 he landed in New Zealand, first settling in Canterbury, but shertly afterwards removing to Wellington. He was elected to represent the Hutt District in the first Parliament, in 1854. Speaking of this Parliament in his “New Zealand and its Colonisation,” (1859) the Hon. W. Swainson wrote: “Among the members returned to the House of Representatives on the occasion of the first general election, there were several experienced, energetic and able men. Conspicuous among them was Mr. Edward Gibbon Wakefield. Possessing acknowledged ability, the chief promoter of the colonisation of New Zealand, the founder of the modern school of colonial politicians, a man who has been justly described as ‘one of the shrewdest of mankind,’ Mr. Wakefield naturally filled a large space in the small colonial Parliament.” Mr. Wakefield took a leading part in the agitation for responsible Government, but he was, perhaps, too brilliant to be trusted by a Parliament almost all the members of which individually felt themselves his intellectual inferiors. On the 10th of May, 1862, Mr. Edward Gibbon Wakefield died, at Wellington, in all probability somewhat disappointed with the results of his life's work, great as they certainly were.
was a brother of Mr. E. G. Wakefield, and was educated for the Diplomatic Service. He, however, entered the Army, and was for a time in the British Auxiliary Force in Spain. The part he took in founding New Zealand on the plans of his illustrious brother is pretty fully described in the preceding article on “Old Wellington.” The Colonel was married in 1826 to Miss Emily Elizabeth, daughter of Sir John Shelley Sidney, of Penhurst Place, and sister of the first Lord de Lisle and Dudley. His only daughter married Mr. (afterwards Sir Edward) Stafford, referred to on page 58 hereof. Colonel Wakefield died in Wellington in 1848.
R.N., was aother brother of the founder, who cast in his fortunes with the New Zealand Company. He was the agent of the Company at Nelson, where he was succeeded by Mr. (afterwards Sir William) Fox. Captain Wakefield was very popular with the early settlers, and his murder by the chief Rangihaeata, on the occasion of the Wairan Massacre, on the 17th of June, 1843, was very deeply and very generally deplored. His brothers, Mr. Felix Wakefield and Mr. Daniel Wakefield, though they came to New Zealand, were less intimately connected with the Company.
frequently mentioned in “Old Wellington,” was the only son of Mr. Edward Gibbon Wakefield. After assisting his uncle, Colonel Wakefield, in the founding of Wellington, New Plymouth, and Nelson, he returned to England in 1844 While in New Zealand on the first occasion he occupied important appointments for one so young. He was a magistrate; and though he was rebuked, if not insulted, by Governor Fitzroy, all the authorities mentioning the circumstances declare such rebuke to have been entirely unwarranted. On his return to the Colony, Mr. Wakefield [Teddy Wakefield, as he was familiarly called to distinguish him from his numerous relations, so many of whom were prominent in New Zealand at that time] was elected as a representative of Canterbury in the first House of Representatives in 1854, and he was during that same year appointed to the Executive Council (see page 56). He was a young man of great promise, but, unfortunately for himself and his friends, he neglected to make the most of his opportunities, and formed habits which doubtless did much to bring his illustrious career to an early finish. In 1876 he again represented Christchurch, but died in that city during that year, leaving a widow, a sister of Mr. Rowe, about that time well known as the proprietor of the Denbigh Hotel, Feilding. As early as 1848 Mr. Wakefield wrote and compiled The Handbook for New Zealand (London: John ‘N. West Parker, Strand), under the nom de plume “A Late Magistrate of the Colony,” and three years before that he handed to the press his Adventures in New Zealand. Mr. Wakefield was the author of several other works in connection with the Colony. His early death, and the causes which so undoubtedly led to it, were very deeply regretted by a large number of colonists.
Of the six members of the Upper House who reside in the Empire City, one, the Hon. Mathew Holmes, belongs strictly to the Provincial District of Otago, of which he is a representative. He resides in Wellington for personal reasons. The honourable gentleman was called to the Council nearly thirty years ago, at the same time as the late Hon. W. B. D. Mantell, Only four members now occupying seats in the Chamber were nominated prior to Mr. Holmes. The Hon. Dr. Grace, C.M.G., was appointed in 1870, and the other four members were appointed respectively in 1885, 1891, 1892, and 1893. The Hon. Sir P. A. Buckley, K.C.M.G., who was appointed in 1878, has now retired, having accepted the position of Puisne Judge for Wellington, vice the late Judge C. W. Richmond.
M.L.C., was born in the North of Ireland in 1817. He was sent first to a mercantile business at fourteen years of age, and at this he remained until his twentieth year, when, in search of a wider field for his energies, he left for Victoria, then known as Port Philip. There he was engaged in business for fifteen years, being among the earliest shippers of wool from that colony to England. While in Australia he married the youngest daughter of Mr. Allan McLean, of Strathallan. In the year 1854 he left Victoria for Scotland, where he resided for five years with his family. The young Colony of New Zealand then attracted the attention of himself and four or five of his friends, and finally they selected the Province of Otago as their field of operations. He went about the business of colonization in a determined, independent, and able manner. It was evident from the first that Mr. Holmes meant business, and intended to succeed in his enterprise. Before setting out for the Colony, he chartered the ship “Cheviot,” 1000 tons, to come out to Port Chalmers, The vessel carried a very large number of horses, cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry, which had been selected by Mr. Holmes to stock an extensive farm. Among the cargo with which the ship was loaded was a large quantity of seeds, fodder, builders' ironmongery, furniture, general merchandise, and farm implements. Everything necessary to stock and work a large estate was put on board. The “Cheviot” had a goodly number of passengers, who were mostly skilled farm servants and overseers engaged by Mr. Holmes to work for him in New Zealand. After despatching his vessel, the subject of this sketch left Scotland, arriving in this Colony six weeks before her. When the “Cheviot” anchored in Port Chalmers harbour in 1854 there was no whart nor any convenience for landing cattle. The animals were driven into the sea, and swam ashore. The manner in which several of the horses leaped from the deck of the vessel into the water in order to gain terra firma is graphically described by the honourable gentleman. Mr. Holmes has done a good deal to assist in settling the lands of the Otago and Southland districts. He is still a large landed proprietor, holding the Castle Rock Estate (50,000 acres), the Manapouri Estate (10,700
acres), besides Government leasehold, and the Awa Moa and Allday Bay Estates (of about 4700 acres.) As a breeder of cattle, sheep, and horses, the name of Mathew Holmes has been prominent ever since
M.D., M.L.C., C.M.G., Count of the Holy Roman Empire, was born in Clonmel, County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1837. He is a son of James Grace, Esq., of Sheffield, Queen's County, Ireland, and was educated at Stoneyhurst, England. Dr. Grace studied for his profession at Dublin, at Paris, and at Edinburgh, obtaining a degree in medicine in the year 1858. He entered the army in the following year as staff-assistant surgeon, April, 1859. Served during the New Zealand war of 1860 under General Pratt in Taranaki, and General Cameron in Waikato, Wanganui, and Taranaki districts (Medal and Cross, Michael and George). Appointed principal medical officer, New Zealand Forces, 1865; M.L.C., 1870: Count of the Holy Roman Empire, 1890. In the year 1866, Dr. Grace took up his abode in Wellington, and at once commenced the practice of his profession. In 1870 he received the following letter from Sir William Fox, the then Premier of the Colony: — “Government Office, Welling ton, 31st of March, 1870. My Dear Sir, — The Government contemplate adding the names of several gentlemen to the Legislative Council, and it is the unanimous desire of the Ministry that yours should be one of them. Will you oblige me by letting me know whether it will be agreeable to you that this should be done. Believe me, yours very truly (signed), William Fox.—M. S. Grace, Esq., M.D.” The appointment so graciously offered by the Premier was accepted by Dr. Grace. He has always been remarkable in the Council for his independent views and occasional caustic wit and fiery eloquence. Dr. Grace has ever been prominent in connection with some of the most important institutions of the Colony, and for the last twenty-five years has been on the New Zealand Board of that splendid colonial institution, the Australian Mutual Provident Society. For ten years of this period he has occupied the position of chairman with distinguished ability. He has been untiring in his efforts to promote the wellbeing of this Society, and at the general meeting of the members in Sydney, New South Wales, in 1892, when the general credit of New Zealand was bitterly attacked, he was able to make the following reply: “The honourable gentleman says the finances of New Zealand have reached the bed-rock. Sir, it is so. We in New Zealand have touched the bed-rock, and there in our economy and industry we have struck gold. I am proud to say that of the million of your money we have invested in New Zealand we have never lost five pounds (£5), and have never once foreclosed on a mortgage, and when I add that I have been a local director from the opening of the branch, you will at once understand how proud I feel of my stewardship.” In 1866 Dr. Grace married the eldest daughter of the Hon. John Johnston, M.L.C., of Wellington, New Zealand, and has nine children, of whom the eldest daughter married Mr. C. P. White, C.E., in the services of the Prince of Morvi, Kattiawar Peninsula, Bombay, and the eldest son, Dr. John Johnston Grace is an F.R.C.S.
M.L.C., F.R.G.S., J.P., was born in London in 1833. He is the eldest son of Mr. C. J. Pharazyn, who has been a prominent colonist in New Zealand for over half a century, having arrived in Wellington in 1841 per barque “Jane.” The Hon. Mr. Pharazyn was educated at private schools and at St. John's College, Auckland, under Bishop Selwyn. For some years he was engaged in pastoral pursuits in Hawkes Bay, where he was one of the earliest runholders, taking also an active part in local matters. In 1860 Mr. Pharazyn went to England, and travelled on the Continent of Europe, returning to New Zealand in 1863. Becoming known by contributions to the press in favour of the Colony having full control of native as of European affairs, he was in 1865 elected, on the retirement of the late Sir W. Fox, to the House of Representatives as member for Rangitikei. He was also returned as a member of the Wellington Provincial Council. For some years he was a member of the Provincial Executive, and at the time (1876) when the provinces were abolished, held the offices of Provincial Secretary and Treasurer. The hon. gentleman was Commissioner of Confiscated Lands under the Fox Administration; he administered the lands on the West Coast of the North Island, retiring with the thanks of the Government for his zeal and ability when, in 1873, the office was abolished for political reasons. Mr. Pharazyn is the owner of the well-known property “Marahau,” over 5000 acres in extent, in the Waitotara County, through which the Wanganui-New Plymouth Railway passes. While improving this fine estate he resided in Wanganui for some years, and found time to serve the public in various capacities. He was for several years chairman
M.L.C., the third son of the late Hon. John Johnston, was born in Wellington in the year 1845. His education commenced in Wellington, and was continued at the Catholic College of St. Mary, in Derbyshire, England, and concluded at Kensington College. Returning to New Zealand in 1864, Mr. Johnston entered the mercantile house of Johnston and Co., of which his father was the founder. Shortly after this he married Miss Alice Featherston, daughter of the late Dr. Featherston, the first superintendent of Wellington, who died in London, where he ably represented the Colony as its first agent-general. For many years Mr. Johnston has been prominent as a public man. He was first returned to Parliament in 1882 as member for Te Aro, Wellington, and at the following general election was re-elected for the same constituency. He resigned his seat in the House of Representatives before the expiry of his second term, and took a trip to Europe. Since returning, Mr. Johnston has rendered valuable assistance to his native city in many ways. It was fitting that a son of one of the founders of the Colony should hold the chief magistracy of Wellington during 1890, the jubilee year of the city and Colony. Mr. Johnston had this honour, and served the ratepayers with conspicuous ability while he held the Mayoralty. In the year 1891 he was appointed to the Legislative Council, his name being included in the last contingent who were made members for life. The Hon. Mr. Johnston has always taken a lively interest in the volunteer movement, and on the formation of the Wellington Naval Brigade was appointed captain. He now holds the rank of Captain-Commandant on the active reserve. In connection with national institutions and industries, the honourable gentleman occupies the important position of deputy-chairman of the New Zealand Board of the Australian Mutual Provident Society, and that of chairman of the Wellington Woollen Company, besides other minor directorships. Mr. Johnston has the honour of representing two of the European powers, holding the position of Consul for Belgium and for Holland. He is a brother of the Hon. Walter Johnston, and a partner with him in the firm of Messrs. Johnston and Co., Merchants, Wellington. Reference to the commercial career of these gentlemen will be found under the head of Wellington merchants.
C.M.G., M.L.C., who occupied a seat as Minister of the Crown in eight ministries, was called to the Legislative Council on the 15th of October, 1892. According to an Act passed on the 17th of September, 1891, all appointments to the Council after that date were to be tenable for seven years only, and therefore Mr. Richardson was appointed for a seven years' term. Full particulars of the honourable gentleman's career will be found on page 73.
M.L.C., is probably the youngest member of the Legislative Council. Born in 1858 at St. Kilda. Melbourne, he came with his parents to Port Chalmers at the age of five years. He was educated at private schools in Otago, at St. Mary's School, Wellington, and by private tutors. Mr. Rigg was apprenticed for six years at the Government Printing Office, and on completion of his term worked at his trade as a compositor in New Zealand, and for two years in Australia. In 1880 he was elected a member of the Board of Management of the Wellington Typographical Society, which he had joined two years previously. In 1881 Mr. Rigg was elected “father of the piece chapel” of the Government Printing Office. Shortly after this he was appointed secretary of a committee of representatives which was set up for the purpose of presenting a petition to Parliament against the teaching of trades in gaol. The petition contained signatures from all parts of the Colony, and was over sixty feet in length. As a member of the Executive Council of the New Zealand Typographical Association, and later as secretary of the Wellington branch of the same union, Mr. Rigg showed great energy and ability. He was appointed a member of the committee of trade representatives for restricting boy labour, and as such was one of the Trades Union Committee which after wards became the Wellington Trades Council. Mr. Rigg was sent as sole representative of New Zealand to the Intercolonial Typographical Congress held in Melbourne in 1888. From this year till 1891 he represented his society on the Australasian Typographical Union. He attended a conference of master printers in Dunedin as a delegate in the same year, and in 1892 was a delegate to the Conference of Trade Councils held in the same town. The honourable gentleman was appointed a member of the Legislative Council on the 15th of October, 1892, at which time he was president of the Trades Council, president of the Typographical Society, and president of the Tailoresses' Union, Mr. Rigg holds strong opinions on many subjects: he is an advocate of State Socialism or Collectivism, and of an inconvertible paper currency. Since being called to the Upper House he has devoted much time to the study of these and similar questions. At the Wellington Citizens' Institute he has delivered lectures on “Money” and “Paper Money,” and before the unionists of Wellington he lectured on the London County Council and its methods of local government.
The roll of late members of the Legislative Council for Wellington contains but twelve names. Among these, however, are several who stood in the front rank in the Government of the Colony. Three of them—the Hon. Sir H. A. Atkinson, and the Hons. A. Domett and H. Sewell—were Premiers of New Zealand, the last named gentleman being the first to occupy that office. Three others—the Hon. Sir W. Fitzherbert, and the Hons. J. Johnston and W. B. D. Mantell—were Ministers of the Crown. The Hon. Sir W. Fitzherbert was speaker of the House of Representatives and afterwards of the Legislative Council, and the Hon. Sir H. A. Atkinson at the time of his death was occupying the office of Speaker of the Council. The other gentlemen, though not attaining political distinction, were prominent citizens, and closely connected with the trade and commerce of Wellington.
M.L.C., was called to the Council in 1853, but resigned his seat three years later. He held the position of Resident Magistrate in Wellington for many years, and died on the 6th of June, 1866. A handsome brass plate to his memory placed in St. Paul's Church, Wellington, says he was an upright judge and a kind Christian man. His name was affixed to the burgess roll of the Borough of Wellington for the year 1843, where he is described as an architect resident in Hawkstone Street.
K.C.M.G., M.L.C., was called to the Upper House of the Legislature in 1858, and continued a prominent member of the Chamber till his death in January, 1891. (See pages 69 and 100).
M.L.C., was appointed a member of the Legislative Council in 1858 and occupied a seat till his death on the 16th of November, 1887. The honourable gentleman is referred to as a Minister of the Crown on pages 70–71.
M.L.C., was first called to the Council on the 6th of August, 1861. He held office till the 22nd of May, when he resigned his seat. The honourable gentleman was re-called on the 13th of June, 1870, and again resigned on the 3rd of July, 1874. Mr. Sewell is referred to on page 57 as an Ex-Premier of the Colony.
M.L.C., was appointed to the Upper House in July, 1862. His seat was vacated in 1879 in consequence of his being absent in England for more than two sessions. Mr. Stokes was one of the early Port Nicholson settlers. In 1844 he was the proprietor of the New Zealand Spectator and Cook Strait Guardian, one of the earliest newspapers in the Colony, He afterwards had a run in Hawkes Bay. Mr. Stokes died in England some years ago. He was a brother of the late Mr Stokes who bequeathed substantial legacies to the Napier Hospital.
C.M.G., M.L.C., was called to the Legislative Council on the 19th of June, 1866, and held office as a member till the year 1874, when his seat was vacated. The honourable gentleman's career is given on pages 58 and 59.
M.L.C., F.G.S., son of the late Dr. Gideon Algernon Mantell, the distinguished geologist, was born at Lewes, in Sussex, in 1820. Mr. Mantell was intended for the medical profession, but did not complete the eurriculum. He came out to the Colony by the ship “Oriental,” arriving in Port Nicholson in Jannary, 1840. After a few months residence in Wanganui he was, in January, 1841, appointed postmaster and clerk to the Bench in Wellington, holding the former position for three years. He then went to Taranaki, and, having heard from his friend, Mr. Charles Nairn, of the existence of Moa bones at Waingongoro he went there, and found great quantities in the ovens in which the old Maoris had cooked them. Mr. Mantell also discovered there fragments of the eggs of the bird. For a short time after this Mr. Mantell was employed as superintendent on the military roads in the Porirua district. In August, 1848, he was appointed commissioner for extinguishing native claims in the Middle Island. His duty was to set aside reserves for the Maoris, and to reconcile them to the sale of lands partly purchased by Mr. Kemp on behalf of the Government, and for which some of them had already signed a deed. A year later Mr. Mantell was appointed to the duty of extinguishing native titles on Banks Peninsula. In 1851, at the suggestion of Sir George Grey, Mr. Mantell, who had been appointed one of the local commissioners of the great Exhibition, assisted in the formation of the New Zealand Society for scientific purposes, and became its secretary. About the end of 1851 he was appointed Crown Lands Commissioner for the Southern district of New Munster, and at the same time held the offices of commissioner of Land Claims, commissioner under the New Zealand Company's Land Claimants Ordinance, and commissioner for the extinguishment of native claims. In 1852 he made a further collection of fossil remains, and sent a splendid shipment
M.L.C., who was for nearly forty years a prominent colonist and politician, was born at Epworth, Lincolnshire, on the 8th of May, 1807. Epworth is a very small place, and principally remarkable on account of its being the birth-place of John Waslev. The population to-day is about two thousand. No wonder that his native town with its slow growth was much too quiet and settled for a man of enterprise, such as the subject of this notice proved himself to be. In the year 1839 Mr. Rhodes came to this Colony, being here before the first of the New Zealand Company's settlers. From that time until his death on the 11th of February, 1878, he was one of the most active colonists Wellington could boast of. As a capitalist he was successful to an extraordinary degree. The Hon. William Barnard Rhodes was the eldest son of Mr. William Rhodes, a Yorkshire man who is said to have been descended from one of the officers who took part in the defence of Pontefract Castle, the last of the royal fortresses to yield to Cromwell, who starved out the inmates, and destroyed the place. The honourable gentleman entered the East India Company's service when very young, and remained at sea till twenty-six years of age, when he took up land in Australia, and soon stocked it with sheep and cattle. After a short time he became anxious to explore New Zealand, and leaving a manager in charge of his property, he took charge of a whaling expedition, of which he was the chief proprietor. The venture proved to be a profitable investment, and Mr. Rhodes was able to visit the various harbours of the Colony. About two years were spent in this way, and large investments were made by him in land in various parts of both islands, including those in and around Timaru and on Banks Peninsula, which Mr. Rhodes stocked with sheep and cattle from Australia. He established and equipped stations at suitable places on his numerous holdings, placing them under the control of capable and trustworthy managers. He then induced his brothers to come to New Zealand, and admitted two of them into partnership with him in his southern properties. Mr. Robert Heaton Rhodes joined him just before the arrival of the first four ships with the Canterbury pilgrims, and Mr. George Rhodes a year or two previously. As Mr. Rhodes' brothers were like himself, energetic clever men, and excellent colonists, they became very successful and wealthy. Their
Axholm Gazette, in discussing, the banquet made pleasant reference to the long and honourable connection of the Rhodes family with that ancient and historic “Isle of Axholm,” as it is called from its being cut off by the river Trent from the county (Lincolnshire), of which it is nevertheless a part, Epworth being its market town. Although the Hon. Mr. Rhodes left no son to perpetuate his name, it is not likely to be forgotten. In the Church of England cemetery a substantial tombstone is erected to his memory. Mrs. Rhodes presented the hour bell (the largest bell that had been cast in the Southern Hemisphere at that time) of the clock
M.L.C., was born in the Strand, London, on the 28th of December, 1814, and was educated at the University College, London. He studied the law and was a member of the Law Debating Society, which, during his time, included Lord Macaulay, Whiteside, the celebrated Chancellor of Ireland, and other notable men. He arrived in Wellington on the 10th of August, 1843, and at once commenced practice as a lawyer in parthership with another English barrister, Mr. Holroyd, afterwards a New South Wales judge. Later on he became partner with Mr. (afterwards Sir Richard) Hanson, Chief Justice of South Australia. In 1859 he revisited England, and on his return was appointed District Judge for Wellington and Napier, which office he resigned, and resumed practice as a barrister in 1861. He was joined in 1866 by Mr. (Sir Patrick) Buckley, and that firm existed until 1878, when the senior partner retired. Among other celebrated trials he took part in that of the Manugatapu murderers at Nelson, in 1866, when three of the murderers were found guilty and executed. Mr. Hart sat in the first Parliament as member for Wellington, in 1854, and became a member of the Legislative Council in 1872, and filled the seat with dignity and merit, so long as his health enabled him to attend to his duties. He acted as Revising Barrister for Friendly Societies, and for electoral purposes; became Law Officer for the Government in the absence of the Attorney-General and was offered, but declined, a seat on the Suprem Court bench. He married, in 1867, a sister of the late Sir Donald McLean, and died full of years and honours on the 16th of September, 1894, aged eighty years, and the Legislative Council, then in session, adjourned its business for the day in order to allow members to pay their last respects to their late colleague.
M.L.C., was born in 1822 at Maghera, near Dublin, and came to New Zealand per ship “Lady Nugent” in 1841. He was a self-made man, having raised himself by untiring energy and perseverance from the bottom of the ladder. Commencing as a pick and shovel hand he worked on till he was able to become a contractor, and ultimately he established himself in business as a storekeeper. His first shop was situated on the site now occupied by the Bank Hotel. For some time prior to this he was at Petre (Wanganui) when the militia were stationed there. Subsequently Mr. Martin became an auctioneer, and conducted a prosperous business for many years. As a speculator and investor in landed property he was uniformly successful. In his early life his parents intended the subject of this sketch for an ecclesiastical position, but his tastes did not lie in that direction. He was able to do a good deal to assist in the settlement of the Colony. With Mr. Plimmer, of Wellington, and Mr. Henderson, of Auckland, he founded the, “Circular Saw” line of steamers. Their boats, the “Wellington,” “Airedale,” “Taranaki,” “Phoebe,” “Aorere” and others were at length sold to the Union Steam Ship Company, and formed a nucleus of the present fine business. The honourable gentleman was called to the Legislative Council in 1878, and remained a member till the 17th of May, 1892, when he died after a very short illness. He did not weary his brother councillors by the length and frequency of his addresses; in fact, his reticence earned for him the designation of “the silent member.” Mr. Martin was married and brought up a large family of ten sons and daughters, of whom Dr. Albert Martin and Mrs. R. O'Connor reside in Wellington.
M.L.C., was born at London in the year 1810. He was educated for the law, and came to Wellington in December, 1840, per ship “London”—one of the New Zealand Company's chartered vessels. He at once commenced the practice of his profession, and soon gained the confidence of the public. When the Constitutional Association was formed, with the object of obtaining representative institutions for the Colony, Mr. Brandon was found among its most active members. His first public position of importance was that of Provincial Councillor for the Porirua district; and when Dr. Featherston was elected Superintendent in 1853, Mr. Brandon joined his Executive as Provincial Solicitor, retaining that position throughout the whole of Dr. Featherston's superintendeney—some eighteen years. His seat as a representative for Porirua he continued to occupy until the abolition of the provinces in 1876. For the last eighteen years of his time Mr. Brandon sat continuously in the House of Representatives for the Wellington Country District, and he continued that representation until 1881, winning at every election. In 1881, however, he did not seck re-election, and two years later his services to the country were acknowledged by a call to the Upper House. In the early days Mr. Brandon was Crown Prosecutor for a good many years. His unimpeachable integrity was universally admitted, and that, in conjunction with his well-known kindness of disposition, gained him many and substantial friends. During his legal career, Mr. Brandon admitted partners to his business. The first was Mr. Moore, who was afterwards Acting Chief Justice during the absence of Sir George Arney; and the other was Mr. W. H. Quick, still well known and in practice in Wellington.
Of the four gentlemen who represent the Wellington City and suburbs in the House of Representatives, the Hon. Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G., stands out first and foremost as a politician. He has had a long career as a statesman, and was twice Premier of the Colony, and had previously held office as a Minister of the Crown. Sir Robert himself is a force to be reckoned with in the House; his colleagues, Messrs. Bell and Duthie and Dr. Newman (who represents Wellington suburbs) all occupy seats on the Opposition Benches, and may be said to be prominent members of Her Majesty's Opposition.
K.C.M.G., the senior member for the City of Wellington, is one of New Zealand's illustrious colonists; and the story of his life shows how, in his case, at any rate, success and distinction have been no gifts from fickle fortune, but the just rewards of honest study, untiring industry, and determination to achieve the highest possible excellence in his every undertaking. A very interesting sketch of Sir Robert's life up to the beginning of 1885, appeared in that year's March number of a Melbonine magazine entitled Once a Month of which the following is in part a condensation. The subject of this article was born at Lerwick, in the Shetland Isles, of which it is the county town. His father was a merchant and landed proprietor, and the future knight was sent to the best school in the island, and one which ranked high among the academies of northern Scotland. That the boy knew how to learn was evidenced by the fact that at the age of thirteen he was installed as a pupil teacher; and that he soon learned how to teach is shown by the fact that at the age of sixteen he had passed all his examinations with such credit to himself that he was “one of a very few specially mentioned in the Privy Council Reports.” Two years later, when his term as teacher was completed, he determined to seek a wider field for his energies, and at the age of eighteen left his island home, and, by way of Scotland and England, came to New Zealand. This was in 1863, when New Zealand was famous for two things—the wars of the north, and the gold-rushes of the south; and Mr. Stout chose the latter. Landing in Dunedin early in 1864, he at first thought of adopting the profession of land surveyor, for which a general study of mathematics and special aptitude for that science well fitted him. He had passed examinations in surveying before leaving, No opening offering in that line, however, he secured an appointment as second master of the Dunedin Grammar School; and was soon transferred to a similar position in the North Dunedin District School. Here he continued till 1867, when he decided to study for the law. Though but twenty years old he had already gained a high reputation as a master, and his influence outside the school was of no ordinary kind. He had already been chiefly instrumental in founding the Otago Schoolmasters' Association, which has since developed into the Otago Institute. After three years careful study of the law, Mr. Stout was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, and in 1871 he began his illustrious career as a lawyer. To New Zealanders it is quite unnecessary to say anything of Sir Robert Stout's success in this respect; that is well known throughout the length and breadth of the Colony. Even when his professional duties were mainly in the south, his presence in Wellington at the Court of Appeal was as regular as the sittings of that exalted court. In the Supreme Court he gained laurels in his first criminal case; and he soon became noted as a sound lawyer, and as a successful pleader, particularly effective in addressing juries. The first session of the University of Otago was held the year of Sir Robert's admission to the bar; and he continued his studies thereat. Attending the course of lectures in mental and moral science, he gained first prize for essays on these subjects, and stood first in the political economy class of the next session. During the three sessions following (1873, 1874 and 1875), he was law-lecturer in the University, but resigned the position on becoming a member of the House of Representatives in 1875. This, however, was by no means his first appearance as a politician. In 1872 he was elected to a seat on the Provincial Council, and in the following year became Provincial Solicitor in the Executive of which Mr Donald Reid was the head. Three years after his election to the House of Representatives, Mr. Stout was invited by Sir George Grey to accept the position of Attorney-General, which he filled with credit to his party and to the complete satisfaction of the country till June of the following year, when he was compelled to resign owing to the serious illness of his partner, Mr. Sievwright. Beginning his political career as a Liberal of the most advanced type, Sir Robert has seen no need to change his views. Many of his so-called fads of twenty years ago have long since passed into law. Few men have had a greater influence upon the legislation of his time. In 1877, as a member of the House of Representatives, he was on the Waste Lands Committee and had charge of the Land Act of that year in its passage through the House. No mean compliment was paid him, therefore, by the Atkinson Ministry in 1882 in appointing him a member of the Land Board of Otago. While on that board Sir Robert proved his usefulness by his energetic and faithful exposure of “dummyism.” His views on the land question are most liberal; but probably the name of Sir Robert Stout is most
B.A., the second member representing Wellington City in the present Parliament, is the eldest son of the Hon. Sir Francis Dillon Bell, K.C.M.G., C.B., the late Agent-General for the Colony. Born in Nelson in 1851, Mr. Bell was educated at the Dunedin High School, completing his scholastic career at St. John's College, Cambridge, and gaining his University degree in 1872. The following year he was called to the bar of the Middle Temple, and, returning to the Colony, was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. In 1874 he joined Mr. C. B. Izard, under the style of Izard and Bell, in what was at that time a well established business. Mr. Bell was not long in making a name for himself as an able lawyer. The Council of Law Reporting, now a flourishing society, was unknown in those days, and the “Reports of Cases,” by Messrs. Olliver, Bell, and Fitzgerald were found exceedingly useful. The formation of the Council referred to was promoted mainly by Mr. Bell and his friend, the late Mr. W. Fitzgerald, the positions of treasurer and editor being most capably filled by these gentlemen respectively. After a most successful career of nearly twenty years, the firm of Izard and Bell was dissolved, Mr. Izard retiring from practice, and Mr. Bell becoming the senior partner in the leading firm of Bell, Gully and Izard, referred to elsewhere in these columns. In 1878 Mr. Bell was married to Miss Caroline Robinson, daughter of the late Hon. W. Robinson, of Cheviot. Their summer residence is at Lowry Bay, one of the prettiest parts in the county, and many are those who have enjoyed the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Bell at their country home. Mr. Bell has done a great deal in the interests of the city he so ably represents. For the years 1891–92 and 1892–93 he occupied the mayoral chair. Returned to initiate a scheme for the much-needed drainage of the city, Mr. Bell devoted both skill and energy to the best interests of the ratepayers. Overcoming numerous other difficulties he secured the passage through Parliament of a special Act empowering the city to raise a loan for the carrying out of his design; and had the satisfaction of knowing that the scheme was fairly launched before vacating the civic chair. Citizens of all classes have reason to be thankful for the successful inauguration of this much-needed drainage reform, the benefits of which will be increasingly manifest as the years roll by. In the formation of companies and syndicates for the carrying out of works of value to the City and Colony, Mr. Bell has taken a fairly active part. He is chairman of the Hutt Park Railway Company, and a director of the Gear Meat Company. He has long been prominent in fostering the recreations of the people, and no man is more popular in athletic circles, a fact well evidenced by the high offices he holds. He is president of the Cricketers' Association, the Rugby Union, the Amateur Athletic and other Associations, besides numerous clubs of all kinds, including the Wellington Racing Club. He is a trustee of the Star Boating Club, and takes a great interest in its welfare. Mr. Bell's foreign appointments include a directorship on the New Zealand Board of the Equitable Life Assurance Association of the United States, and the Danish Vice-Consulship. In Masonry Mr. Bell has attained the very high position of Worshipful Grand Master, the highest office of the New Zealand Constitution, to which honourable post he was elected early in 1885. At the general election in 1890, Mr. Bell first sought parliamentary honours. Though late in starting, he ran a good race, losing the position by only some 150 votes. In January, 1892, he contested a bye-election, but was defeated by Mr. William
became a Member of Parliament in 1890, when he was elected to the House of Representatives for the City of Wellington, being less than fifty votes behind Mr. George Fisher, who was on that occasion returned as the head of the poll, and nearly three hundred ahead of Mr. T. Kennedy Macdonald, who scored third place. Three years later Mr. Duthie was re-elected by a majority clnearly a thousand votes over Mr. Macdonald, who headed a long list of unsuccessful candidates, the other winning candidates being Sir Robert Stout and Mr. H. D. Bell, who occupied first and second places respectively. This was the first election under the Female Franchise Act. Few if any politicians are more generally respected than Mr. Duthie. Of course, a large number fail to see with him, eye to eye, on all points; but very many of them are nevertheless glad to repose in him their confidence, having the utmost faith in his integrity, sound financial ability, and influence in the House. Men of Mr. Duthie's class are scarce in the present Parliamene, and will become scarcer under the system of government by party. They are needed there, however. The Opposition being numerically weak, it is of the utmost importance that they be individually strong. Mr. Duthie and his colleagues have arduous duties to perform, and it is a matter of satisfaction that they are equal to their performance. The subject of this sketch was born in Kintore, Aberdeen, and educated at the Aberdeen Grammar School. There, too, he was apprenticed to the ironmongery with Messrs. Glegg and Thompson. Having completed his term, Mr. Duthie was for some years travelling in Scotland and Ireland for a Sheffield house. Coming to New Zealand in November, 1863, per ship “Helvellyn,” he landed in Auckland, and for some time acted as traveller for Messrs. Cruickshank, Smart and Co., ironmongers. About 1866 Mr. Dutbie removed to New Plymouth and started in business; about two years later extending the operations to Wanganni, where he opened a branch and conducted a growing trade for many years. In 1879 he came to Wellington, and started the large business (now John Duthie and Co., Limited), which is described at length elsewhere in the Cyclopedia, Until 1887 or 1888, Mr. Duthie retained an interest in the Wanganui business which he then disposed of to his partner, Mr. James Thain (now James Thain and Co., referred to under Wanganui ironmongers). The subject of this notice has always been ready to give his time and business capacity for the benefit of the public. While a resident of Wanganui, he was at one time chairman of the Harbour
Member of the House of Representatives for Wellington Suburbs, was born in India in 1849. His father, the late Captain Alfred Newman, was for some years in the East India Company's service and came to New Zealand, accompanied by his family, in 1853, settling in Hawkes Bay. Dr. Newman was educated at private schools in Auckland and Hawkes Bay, and in 1863 went to England, completing his course in Bath. After leaving school the subject of this sketch studied medicine at Guy's Hospital, London, for several years, afterwards becoming house physician. Here, about the year 1874, he gained the degrees M.R.C.S., Eng., and L.R.C.P., London. Subsequently he had a period of study at the Aberdeen University, taking his degrees of M.B. and C.M. Early in 1875 Dr. Newman returned to the colony, but did not enter on the private practice of his profession. Subsequently turning his attention to commercial pursuits, he was for some five years a member of the firm of Messrs Zohrab, Newman and Co, general merchants. Dr. Newman is a shareholder in the Gear Meat Preserving Company, Limited, and for the last nine years has occupied a seat on the board of directors. For about four years Dr. Newman sat for Thorndon Ward in the Wellington City Council. There can be no doubt, however, that he has found his appropriate place as a member of the Colonial Legislature. Since his first election for Thorndon in 1884, Dr. Newman has been a prominent figure in the House. An untiring advocate of temperance reform, he is often a thorn in the sides of those who wish to delay the march of progress in this direction. He was a consistent supporter of women's rights in respect of the franchise. In his place in the House Dr. Newman proposed the establishment of a National Park to include Ruapehu and Tongariro, and this has been done, 63,000 acres having been set aside for the purpose. He is a warm advocate of the central route for the North Island Trunk Railway, having ridden over the proposed line to Auckland. Dr. Newman has always been a supporter of technical education. For fourteen years he his been a member of the Wellington Education Board, for some time he sat as one of the College governors, and is now a member of the new University Senate for the Wellington district. His tastes are journalistic, and be does a good deal of writing for the press of the Colony. Dr. Newman was re-elected for Thorndon in 1884 and 1887. Three years later he was returned for the Hutt, which electorate is now merged into the Wellington Suburbs, for which he was elected in 1893. To Dr. Newman is largely due the credit of establishing the Wellington Agricultural and Pastoral Society, of which he was president for one year. In 1879 Dr. Newman married Miss Octavia, youngest daughter of the late Dr. Isaac Earl Featherstone, the first Superintendent of Wellington. Mrs. Newman who takes great interest in the benevolent institutions of the City, was mainly instrumental in founding the Convalescent Home in Oriental Bay. She is president of the Home, which is free of debt and doing good work. Dr. and Mrs. Newman have only one child, a boy of nine years.
Among those who have represented the City of Wellington in the House of Representatives, the Hon, Sir C. Clifford, Bart., may be named as having been the first Speaker; the Hon. Sir W. Fitzherbert as having occupied the Chair of both Chambers successively; Dr. Isaac Earl Featherston as having been a Minister of the Crown and for eighteen years Supermtendent of the Province; and Mr. W. T. L. Travers as a member of the Executive Council before the establishment of responsible Government. Among the others will be found the names of prominent lawyers and merchants.
Bart., represented the City of Wellington in the House of Representatives from 1854 to 1860. Particulars of his career will be found under the heading “Ex-Speakers of the House of Representatives.”
was returned as a member of the first House of Representatives in 1854. Further particulars of his career will be found under the heading “Late members of the Legislative Council.”
sat as a member of the first Parliament, to which he was elected in the year 1854.
sat for the City of Wellington in the second, third, and fourth Parliaments. He was returned to the first Parliament for the Wanganui and Rangitikei district. Thus he held a seat from his first election in 1854 till the close of the session of 1870. (See Ex-Ministers).
K.C.M.G., was a member of the House of Representatives for twenty-two years. He first sat for the City of Wellington in 1856, and two years later was returned for the Hutt electorate, which he represented till the 13th of June, 1879. He then resigned and was called to the Upper Chamber. (See Ex-Speakers of the Legislative Council and Ex-Speakers of the House of Representatives).
was returned for the City of Wellington in 1861, and sat during the third and fourth Parliaments, continuing a member till the year 1870.
who died in Wellington on the 15th of May, 1875, at the age of fifty-five years was the son of Lieutenant-Colonel Borlase, who commanded a dragoon regiment in India, and was born there, but was sent to England at an early age, and was educated as a solicitor. Mr. Borlase arrived in Wellington in the ship “Victory,” in 1848, bringing some capital with him; and in 1850 settled in the Wairarapa, then an almost unknown country. He was elected to the Provincial Council in 1857, and became provincial solicitor, holding that position till his death. He stood for the super intendency of Wellington in 1865 but was defeated by Dr. Featherston. Mr. Borlase was elected to the House of Representatives in the following year, and in 1873 and 1874 was mayor He was a man of exceptionally amiable temper, and was never known to say an unkind word to any one.
represented Wellington City in the House of Representatives from 1871 to 1879. He was the first mayor of Wellington. (See Ex-Mayors).
who is referred to at length as Consul for Sweden and Norway, was a member of the House of Representatives for Wellington City in the fifth Parliament from 1871 to the end of 1875.
F.L.S., who was for a short time a member of the Executive Council of the Colony during the first parliament, and for some years a member of the House of Representatives, was born on the 9th of January, 1819, at Castle View, near Newcastle, County Limerick, Ireland. Educated in France, at the College of St. Servan, he entered the British Legion of Spain as Lieutenant in the 2nd Regiment of Lancers, in which he served during the Carlist War, 1835–38. After studying law in England, Mr. Travers was admitted in 1844 in London, and practised at Chipping-Campden, and afterwards at Evesham, Gloucestershire, till emigrating to New Zealand in 1849. Arriving in Nelson per ship “Kelso,” he was at once admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Colony. For some time the subject of this notice was judge of the District Court at Nelson, but resigned the position and resumed the practice of his profession in that city. In 1854 he was returned to the first General Assembly as member for Nelson, which he represented during the two sessions of that year and the sessions of 1855. Mr. Travers was elected a member of the second Parliament in the year 1856 for the Waimea District, and continued a member till 1858, when he resigned, Two years later, Mr. Travers left Nelson for Canterbury, where he lived till 1868, and was for several years a member of the General
who occupies the position of Judge of the Validation Court, dealing with the validation of titles to Native Lands, the partition of land and the settlement of disputes between Native litigants and the succession to titles, and informalities in dealing with all matters concerning titles to Native Lands, was appointed to this responsible position on the passing of the Validation. Act in 1892; he being endowed with all the powers of a Supreme Court Judge in these matters. For some years previous to this appointment, Judge Barton was one of the ordinary judges of the Native Land Court. The most remarkable event in his career happened while practising as a barrister in the City of Wellington, On the 30th of January, 1878, while pleading in a case before the Chief Justice, he was on an argument as to costs, found guilty of contempt of court, and fined £50, which he declined to pay. On the Court resuming next morning, it was stated from the bench, on which both the Chief Justice and Judge Richmond were sitting, that by some curious oversight the proceeding of the Court had been illegal. On the same day, while acting as counsel for Mr. E. T. Gillon, he characterised its judgment as being unintelligible, and proceeded to argue with the bench; he was four times ordered to sit down and hold his tongue, but continued to remonstrate, and was then sentenced to one month's imprisonment in Wellington goal. While incarcerated there an election for Parliament was held, and Mr. Barton, Colonel Pearce, and Mr. W. Hutchison were candidates. The election took place on the 19th of February, and Mr. Barton was returned. When the result was known a vast concourse of people went up to the gaol and cheered the new member, who appeared at a window, but was not allowed to speak. Mr. Barton was at that time a pronounced democrat, and is now recognised as a gentleman of culture, with high abilities, well read and with a large knowledge of the world. He is eminently fitted for his present high station, which requires a man of firm resolves to resist the influences brought to bear on matters where native land titles are in question.
sat as a member of the House of Representatives from 1879 to 1884. In the seventh Parliament, 1879 to 1881, he represented the City of Wellington; and in the eighth, 1882 to 1884, the constituency of Wellington South.
who was a member of the House of Representatives from his election in 1879 till his resignation on the 24th of March, 1884, though hardly remembered as a politician, was a citizen of whom it would be difficult, if not impossible, to speak in terms of too high praise. Two years have passed since his sudden death threw all Wellington into deep and prolonged mourning, but two decades will make but little headway in effacing from the memory of true Wellingtoniaus the kindly face and kindlier deeds of “Willie Levin,” as he was affectionately and respectfully called in the common conversation of the townspeople. Not forgetting the gloom cast over the city by the passing away of such great men as Sir Harry Atkinson, the Hon. John Ballance, Mr. Justice Richmond, and others, it is safe to say that no man has ever been so generally mourned by all classes of the people of Wellington, as was Mr. W. H. Levin. Born and brought up in the city, he was in touch with the whole community. He lived then as he lives still, in the hearts of the people. Mr. Levin was born on the 7th of August, 1845, and received his earlier education at the school of the late Mr. Edward Toomtah, of Wellington. His father was at this time one of Wellington's prominent merchants, founding the firm of Messrs. Levin and Co., as early as 1852, in company with Mr. C. J. Pharazyn. In 1868, Mr. Levin, senior, retired, and his son, who had by that time exhibited unusual business capacity, was admitted to a partnership, the firm then consisting of himself, Mr. C. J. Pharazyn, and Mr. (now the Honourable) Walter Johnston. The success of the founders was continued until 1878, when the partnership ceased by effluxion of time. Mr. Pharazyn retired, Mr. Johnston joined his father and brother in the well-known firm of Messrs. Johnston and Co., and Mr. Levin continued the old business in Grey and Panama Streets. The firm's trade, which had always been vast, went on growing with the town; and in 1889, to meet the demands of the wonderfully increased business, a fresh partnership was arranged. Colonel Pearce, who had for many years conducted the large and flourishing business of Messrs. Edward Pearce and Co., joined the firm, bringing with him his vast mercantile connection, and Mr. John Duncan, who had had a large British and Indian experience, was also admitted to a partnership. Notwithstanding the innumerable acts of liberality for which Mr. Levin was so well known and so justly popular, his wealth increased with phenomenal rapidity. His firm enjoyed the highest reputation among all classes, and the wealth that was pouring into it was begrudged by none. Socially as commercially, Mr. Levin occupied the fore-rank. By his marriage, with Miss Fitzgerald, the eldest daughter of Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald, C.M.G., the Controller and Auditor-General, he added to his already illustrious connections and relations, among whom may be mentioned Mrs. George Beetham (his only sister), Sir Francis Dillon Bell, K.C.M.G., C.B., etc. (who married his mother's sister), Mr. H. D. Bell, M.H.R., and the Rev. E. Bell, of London (cousins). The first public demonstration of Mr. Levin's popularity was on the occasion of his election to the House of Representatives. He had no political career to help him: he was no flowery rhetorician, or a plausible promiser of all good but impossible advantages; but he
New Zealand Mail were occupied in the description of the sad event. Letters of condolence poured in from everywhere. The City Council called meetings of the public to consider the question of a memorial, with the result that Mr. Levin's memory is to be perpetuated by the establishment of a cottage home for friendless little ones, to be called the Levin Home for Friendless Children. The portrait given herewith will be recognised by
represented Te Aro constituency in the House of Representatives from 1882 to 1886. (See Wellington members of the Legislative Council).
sat as a member of the House of Representatives in the ninth, tenth, and eleventh Parliaments—for nine years in all. He was first returned for Wellington South in 1884, and at the next general election, held in 1887, was elected for Wellington East. In January, 1891, he was again sent to the House, this time for the City of Wellington. In 1895 Mr. Fisher was elected Mayor of Wellington, and is therefore referred to in that capacity. (See Ex-Ministers).
was a member of the House of Representatives during the session of 1887 for the electorate of Te Aro. His career is given as a councillor of the City of Wellington.
who represented the constituency of Wellington South and Suburbs in the tenth Parliament from 1887 to 1890 was born in Brighton, England, in 1829. He was educated at King's College, London, and at Magdalen College, Cambridge, where he obtained a scholarship He took his degree in mathematical honours in 1854, and was first senior optime. About two years later, after studying. at Lincoln's Inn, he was called to the Bar, and at once entered on the practice of his profession in the Chancery Division. Mr. Izard arrived in Auckland in the month of May, 1860 per ship “Avalanche,” the Waikato War having just commenced. He did not stay long in the north, preferring Wellington for its central position. He arrived on the Prince of Wales' Birthday, 1860. On arrival, Mr. Izard founded the widely-known legal business—now Bell, Gully and Izard. In 1868 he admitted Mr. William Pharazyn, brother to the Hon. R. Pharazyn, to his firm, but this gentleman died four years later. Three years after this Mr. H. D. Bell, now one of the members for Wellington, joined Mr. Izard under the style of “Izard and Bell,” a firm that was very prominent in Wellington for many years. In 1876 he had a well-merited trip to England to see his friends and recruit his health. Returning to New Zealand Mr. Izard threw himself into his business with renewed earnestness and worked very hard for several years. He was most successful in the practice of his profession and amassed a competency, retiring from the firm in 1887, chiefly owing to failing eyesight. While in business Mr. Izard declined public life owing to the pressure of his legal duties. Since his retirement he has become a director of the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company, in which he is a considerable shareholder. He is a governor of the Wellington College and Girls' High School. In the House of Represen tatives Mr. Izard acted consistently as a strong freetrader, and, though he was a supporter of the Atkinson Government, he voted against Sir Harry's protectionist proposals. Mr. Izard was married in 1859 to Miss Hayward, of Sussex, England, and has five sons and two daughters. The eldest son, Mr. C. H. Izard, is a member of the firm of Bell, Gully and Izard. Mr. H. S. Izard is a solicitor practising in the Wairs rapa. Another son is in the Bank of New South Wales, and the two youngest are in England. The Misses Izard live at their father's beautiful residence in Hobson Street.
Member of the House of Representatives from 1884 to 1890, was born in 1853 in Edinburgh, and was educated on the Continent—principally in France, Spain, and Italy—by private tutors. On his return to Edinburgh, he began to study the law for the Scotch bar, but he was advised to discontinue and leave the Old World for a climate more suitable to his then delicate health. Following that advice, he came to Lyttelton per ship “Himalaya,” en route for Wellington. The traffic between the two ports was limited in those days, and this fact was brought home to Mr. Menteath most forcibly, for he had to wait ten days to get a steamer for Wellington. It seems incredible that the communication between Lyttelton and the capital has been multiplied by twenty in about as many years. It was one boat a fortnight then; now frequently there are two and sometimes three boats per day, and very few days without any. Mr. Menteath's letters and credentials were such that he had no difficulty in securing suitable employment on arrival. The National Bank was at that time on the point of opening a branch at Blenheim, and Mr. Menteath was appointed to that office. He subsequently had the management of several branches on the West Coast. In 1880, his health being now greatly improved, he resigned, his position in the Bank, and went Home to resume his law studies. On the 18th of April, 1883, he was called to the Bar of the Middle Temple, and soon after he returned to the Colony, and established himself at Greymouth and Reefton as a barrister and solicitor. Mr. Menteath began his political career in 1884, when he was elected to the House of Representatives for Inangahua by a small majority over Mr. Richard Reeves. Almost immediately after this, additional public duties were cast upon him by his election to the Inangahua County Council. In 1886 he had to resign this position in consequence of his removal to Wellington; and in the following year, when
was returned to the eleventh Parliament as one of the representatives of the City of Wellington. He resigned his seat in 1892, and was succeeded by Mr. William McLean. Further particulars of Mr. Macdonald will be found under “Wellington Auctioneers,” and under “Advances to Settlers Office,” as he is Chief Valuer for Wellington.
for many years well and favourably known throughout the West Coast District as a mining manager, and more recently in Wellington in the same line, and as the popular secretary of the Empire Loan Company, was elected to the House of Representatives for Wellington City in January, 1892, in the place of Mr. T. Kennedy Macdonald, resigned. Mr. McLean was fortunate in having the full strength of the Government support in his favour, and he managed to beat a no less formidable opponent than Mr. H. D. Bell—at present an M.H.R. for Wellington City—by a majority of 153 votes. Mr. McLean stood for re-election in 1893, but was defeated. During his term of membership he was a consistent supporter of the Government, and a good working-man' member.
Twelve of the foreign powers are represented by resident agents in the Colony of New Zealand, and of these the Netherlands, France, Sweden and Norway, and Portugal have appointed Consuls in the capital City, with Vice-Consuls or Consular Agents in other cities. Belgium has Consuls in Wellington, Christchurch, and Auckland; the interests of Italy are conserved by six Consular Agents residing respectively in the four chief cities, and at Hokitika and Greymouth. The German Empire has secured the services of four Consuls, who severally live in Auckland, Wanganui, Christchurch, and Dunedin, and a Vice-Consul who resides in the Empire City. There is a Danish Consul at Christchurch and another at Auckland, Vice-Consuls being located at Wellington and Dunedin. The United States Government retains the services of Consul and Vice-Consul at Auckland while Consular Agents reside in Christchurch, Russell, Wanganni, Wellington, and Dunedin. Chili has a Consular Agent at Dunedin under the direction of a Consul-General at Sydney. The Hawaiian Islands are represented by Consuls at Auckland and Dunedin, and a Spanish Vice-Consul resides in Christchurch.
M.L.C., is Consul for Belgium and the Netherlands. The honourable gentleman's career is given at length on page
Consular Agent for Italy, is referred to as an ex-Minister of New Zealand on page 84.
Consul for France, with jurisdiction all over New Zealand and her dependencies, was born at the Castle of Abbans in 1851. Count d'Abbans was educated in France, where he studied for the legal profession. Becoming a barrister-at-law. During the Franco-German war of 1870, he was a volunteer in a regiment of Zuaves. Count d'Abbans has had an extended experience in official positions in various parts of the world. He commenced his career as attaché to the French Embassy at Berlin, and afterwards was at St. Petersburgh in' a similar capacity, Subsequently the Count was Acting Consul at Singapore for three years, Vice-Consul at Aden for one year, and Acting-Consul at San Francisco for two years. In 1885 he came to New Zealand as Vice-Consul, and resided in Wellington till 1889, when he returned to Europe. Count d'abbans was next sent as Vice-Consul (afterwards becoming Consul) on behalf of his Government to Zurich, in Switzerland, remaining till 1892, when he went as Consul to Falmouth, England. During 1893 the Count was Consul at Mons, in Belgium. He returned to New Zealand on the 16th of March, 1824, and is the first Consul sent by a European Power to reside in the Colony. He appoints Consular agents to represent his Government in the leading cities. At Auckland Mr. Thomas Russell is acting since the death of Mr. D. B. Cruickshank. The Hon. E. W. Parker, son of the Earl of Macclesfield, is the Christchurch representative, and Mr. P. C. Neill in Dunedin. Count d'Abbans is a Knight Commander of two French Orders. He married, in 1883, Ida Marie, Countess de Pulligny, and has two boys and two girls. His children were born in four different countries, viz., America, Switzerland, New Zealand, and Belgium.
the Wellington Vice-Consul for Germany, was born and educated in Bremen. Early in life he turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, being for four years in a merchant's office in his native town. Afterwards removing to London, Mr. Castendyk had a further experience of nearly five years in the “World's Metropolis.” Coming out to the colonies by a Dutch steamer as far as Sydney, he arossed over to Auckland in 1878 by the s.s. “Rotorua.” Mr. Castendyk speedily made his way to the Empire City, where for three years he acted as bookkeeper to Messrs. Joseph Nathan and Co., and subsequently as salesman for Messrs. Krull and Co. He afterwards joined Mr. Eberhard Foeke in taking over a portion of Messrs. Krull and Co.'s business, under the style of Castendyk and Focke. Mr. Castendyk has held the important position of ViceConsul for Germany since his appointment in the month of October, 1884. On the death of Mr. Toxward, Mr. Castendyk had charge of the Danish Vice-Consulate, which he held for about three years, till the appointment of Mr. H. D. Bell, the present Vice-Consul.
Consul for Sweden and Norway, has held this important destinction since 1874. His Vice-Consuls are Mr. G. V. Johansen, Auckland, and Mr. Frank Graham. Christchurch. Mr. Pearce came to the Colony in 1861, under conditions which at once found for him a place in the van of commerce. Since then he has ever been one of Wellington's foremost men. For over a quarter of a century he was in business as a merchant on his own account, conducting a very large import and export trade in conjunction with one of the principal shipping agencies of the port. In 1889, Mr. Pearce and Messrs. Levin and Co., seeing the many advantages to be gained by amalgamation, joined their forces, and made one vast business. The partners were Mr. W. H. Levin, Mr. Edward Pearce, and Mr. John Duncan. By the death of Mr. W. H. Levin, in 1893, Mr. Pearce became senior partner, and his eldest son, Mr. Arthur Pearce, has since been admitted to the firm. A notice of this commercial house appears in this volume under “Wellington Merchants.” Mr. Pearce has at all times given ready and able assistance to enterprises and movements which have been inaugurated with the object of advancing the Colony generally, and Wellington particularly. In the old provincial days he was a member of the Provincial Executive during Dr. Featherston's Administration, and, in 1870 he was elected to represent the City in Parliament, which honourable position he retained for some seven or eight years. When the Harbour Board was called into existence, Mr. Pearce was one of its first members. As member, and sometimes chairman, of the Harbour Board, Mr. Pearce has exerted an influence upon the mercantile growth of Wellington, the benefits of which it would be difficult to over-estimate. In the Chamber of Commerce, too, the effect of his quiet, gentle-manly bearing has been powerful. So long ago as 1866, Mr. Pearce was President of the Chamber, and he has been a prominent member ever since. For many years he was the local director of the National Bank, and he has been chairman of the New Zealand directors of the National Mutual Life Assurance Association ever since that flourishing institution implanted itself in the Colony, now some fifteen years or more. Among a large number of other directorships may be mentioned the Wellington Patent Slip Company, the Wellington Gas Company, and the Wellington Trust Loan and Investment Company, of the whole of which companies he has been chairman for many years. Mr. Pearce is also the New Zealand director of the Colonists' Land Association of Feilding—referred to in the Feilding section of this volume. Mr. Pearce has visited the Old World some six or seven times. He was in England when the sudden death of his
M.H.R., the Consul for Denmark, is referred to at length as one of the members for Wellington City (pages 260–261).
Consul for Portugal, has held this office since September, 1890, his vice-consuls being Mr. Henry Rees George, of Auckland, and Mr. Edmund Quick, of Dunedin. Mr. Duncan has had extensive mercantile experience, having left his native town, Aberdeen, as a young man to go out to Ceylon, where he spent twenty years in commercial pursuits; his head quarters being at Colombo. Some fifteen years ago, Mr. Duncan came to the Colony, and soon found scope for his energy and business capacity as partner of the late Mr. W. H. Levin, whose business even then was very extensive, making Mr. Duncan's assistance very acceptable. He still remains a partner in this firm, of which Mr. Edward Pearce is the senior, and Mr. Arthur Pearce, the junior partner. Hitherto Mr. Duncan has held himself aloof both from civic and colonial politics, but has held the position of chairman of the Chamber of Commerce for the years 1890–1891. As a volunteer, however, he has yielded to outside pressure, and for eight years commanded the Wellington Naval Artillery. The picture given herewith is taken in the uniform of the above corps. He has taken much interest in the welfare of the corps, and has proved himself both a popular and efficient commander.
who has acted as American Consul since the death of Mr. W. H. Levin, in 1893, was born in Dublin, Ireland. He was educated at Clongoes Wood College, and Queen's University, Dublin. In 1881 Dr. Cahill gained his degree of L.R.C.S.A., and the following year those of M.D. and M.Ch. Dr. Cahill came to the Colony in 1884, by way of Melbourne, and settled in Wellington. He has taken considerable interest in volunteering matters, and has been associated with the movement since taking up his abode in the capital, now occupying the position of honorary surgeon to the Wellington Guards. Dr. Cahill is also honorary surgeon to the Wellington Hospital, and chief medical officer of the New Zealand Government Insurance Department.
Wellington's founders had great hopes from the first that their town would be chosen for the Capital. Lieutenant-Governor Hobson had scarcely left the shores of England when Colonel William Wakefield had purchased all the lands surrounding Port Nicholson; and before the Lieutenant-Governor had moved his staff from the Bay of Islands to Auckland, Wellington was laid out, its streets all named, and eleven hundred town acres allotted to as many purchasers of country lands.
Local Government was brought out by the colonists themselves, for they all signed a “Constitution,” vesting the power of government in a Council; and on the 2nd of March, 1840, the first meeting of the Council was held, and steps were taken to secure the co-operation of the Maori chiefs for the ratification of the Constitution. These steps were thoroughly successful, and Local Government was soon in full swing, with assumed powers necessarily far beyond those of the present City Council.
The Constitution, so called, gave the Council power: (1) To muster and drill the colonists; (2) to punish offenders against the laws of England in accordance with English customs; (3) to settle disputes; (4) to appoint Colonel Wakefield president of everything, and Mr. Samuel Revans the first secretary to the Council; (5) to make rules, appoint officers, and hold meetings; (6) to appoint Dr. G. S. Evans, barrister-at-law, the first umpire to proside at all criminal proceedings, and, assisted by seven assesors, decide on the guilt or innocence of the accused; (7) to enforce the punishment awarded, with certain restrictions by the umpire; (8) to compel the attendance of witnesses, etc; (9) to appoint a committee of appeal for final decision; (10) to make rules by the committee and umpire for their government as might be deemed fit; (11) to direct the choice of assessors; (12) to call out the armed inhabitants and make rules for their government; (13) to place Colonel Wakefield in the highest (minority in directing the armed inhabitants; and (14) to make regulations for preserving the peace of the settlement, and to levy such rates and duties as might be necessary to defray all expenses attending the management of the affairs of the Colony and the administration of justice. Opportunity was made when gaining the concurrence of the chiefs for an extension of the powers above mentioned. The Council was to be elected annually, but the president was to hold office for five years. The “Officers of the Colony” were:—“George Samuel Evans, Esq., D.C.L., umpire; Samuel Evans Esq., secretary; Major Richard Baker, magistrate; Mr. Henry Cole and Mr. James Smith, constables.”
Major Baker was not slow to act in his capacity of judge, and he had indiscretion enough to extend beyond his jurisdiction. Under the circumstances surrounding his appointment, he might fairly have been expected to judge all matters connected with those who had signed the so-called Constitution; but when he issued a summons against the captain of a British ship, and committed him to a month's imprisonment for treating that summons with contempt, he was most clearly going beyond all reasonable bounds. This really happened, and Captain Pearson was illegally detained, sent on board the ship “Tory,” and placed in the custody of Captain Chaffers, there being at that time no gaol at all at Port Nicholson. The so-called prisoner dared Captain Chaffers to interfere with his freedom, and Captain Pearson's boat came alongside and took him to his own ship. Lieutenant-Governor Hobson was at the Bay of Islands at this time, so the annoyed captain sailed for that port, and laid the whole matter before the Lieutenant-Governor. Captain Hobson unhesitatingly characterized these whole proceedings as “acts of high treason.”
That Captain Hobson looked upon all this in a much too serious light is exceedingly probable. On his sending Lieutenant Willonghby Shortland, with thirty armed troopers and a few constables, to issue proclamations and call upon the officials “holding authority under the usurped Government” to at once retire, he discovered that the founders of Wellington, instead of being a band of lawless intruders, were in reality British colonists of a high type, whose conduct appeared iniquitous simply because it was not realised that they had initiated their so-called Government before it was known that the Queen's authority was really to be established in New Zealand; and having begun in the above-mentioned manner, they considered themselves quite right in continuing until such times as it might suit the Lieutenant-Governor to take official cognizance of the existence of the Port Nicholson settlement. Lieutenant Shortland was loyally received, and he was able, a few days after he arrived, to report to Captain Hobson that “Her Majesty's Government” was fully established.
But as the machinery of Government left behind by Lieutenant Shortland seemed very poor and inefficient, the people of Wellington, after vain'y trying to secure for their town the location of the Government, agitated for some better means of governing themselves; and the efforts of Captain Hobson to satisfy this appeal culminated on the 4th of August, 1842, when he made a proclamation declaring Wellington a borough, and that the first Council would be elected by those who, before the 31st of August, 1842, should register valid claims to vote at such elections. Thus Wellington became the first municipality in the Colony; and on the 3rd of October, 1842, the first election took place. Mr. George Hunter, probably by virtue of heading the poll, was chosen Mayor, 273 votes being recorded in his favour, and the other eleven aldermen were:—W. Lyon, 237 votes; W. Fitzherbert, 220; John Wade, 212; George Scott, 196; Francis A. Molesworth, 182; Dr. Dorset, 176; R. Waite, 164; W. Guyton,
Burgess Roll For The Borough Of Wellington For The Year 1843.
William Guyton was evidently the second Mayor of Wellington as it is recorded that in the exercise of his authority in that office he called a meeting of Aldermen for the final settlement of the Corporation affairs on the 4th of December, 1843, exactly sixteen months from the publication of the proclamation forming the borough, which had been an illegal body all the time; but it took the Home Government sixteen months to disallow the ordinance creating the borough, and to get that very considerate decision conveyed to its destination. Thus ended the first era in Wellington municipal history. Probably some reason was given by the Home authorities for the disallowance, but the act has survived the reason, and it seems now that it was an arbitrary course, justified neither by the necessities of the time nor the succeeding results. If ever there could be any need for the protecting care of the “City Fathers,” surely it existed in the infancy of the borough; and yet this check had such an effect that for twenty years no attempt was made to place the town in charge of a distinctly municipal body. And the other principal towns of the Colony seem to have been similarly kept back.
In the history of the Wellington Corporation a blank of twenty years appears, during which time the affairs of the town were looked after or neglected by the Provincial Government. In 1863, however, when the population had slowly increased to about six thousand, the town was divided into three Wards, and a Town Board was elected, the Commissioners of which were appointed presumably by the Provincial Council. The following are the names of the Commissioners and the Wards in whose interests they were appointed to act:—Thorndon Ward, Messrs. W. Allen, C. B. Borlase, and George Hart; Lambton Ward, Messrs. J. Plimmer, George Moore, and L. Levy; Te Aro Ward, Messrs. John Martin, W. Hickson and J. H. Horner. Mr. W. Allen was appointed Chairman; Mr. W. Bannister, Clerk; and Mr. R. M. Street, Surveyor.
The rateable value of the property in the town in 1863 was about £28,225, of which more than half was located in Te Aro Ward. To-day the rateable value of Lambton Ward alone is five times as much as the whole town a little over thirty years ago; and that of the whole city is more than twelve times as much now as then. The Town Board existed for seven years, and did useful work. Several of those who were members, and interested themselves in its work, afterwards took a more prominent part in public concerns, but many of them have now gone to “the undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveller returns.” Besides those mentioned above, the following gentlemen were members of the Town Board:—Messrs. Edward Pearce, W. Allen, J. Dransfield, W. Bragg, Joseph Burne, S. S. Jacka, C. J. Pharazyn, J. Plimmer, J. H. Wallace, R. Collins, W. Bishop, E. W. Mills, M. Quinn, R. Pharazyn, G. Aicken, R. H. Carpenter, George Hunter, J. B. Wallace, and Captain Sharp, the four first-named composing the list of chairmen.
Though the Act of Parliament making provision for the institution of Municipal Corporations in the Colony was passed in 1867, it was not until three years later that Wellington had a Council elected under its authority. On the last Wednesday of September, 1870, this Council met, with Mr. Joe Dransfield as Mayor, and Messrs. C. B. Borlase, R. H. Carpenter, W. Miller, E. W. Mills, Lewis Moss, J. Plimmer, M. Quin, and D. Rainie as Councillors. The population at this time was about 8000. The Corporation revenue for the first year was £4716, and the expenditure some £24 greater. Ten years later the revenue was nearly ten times as much and the expenditure over twenty times as much, there being some fat loans for street improvements allocated and spent about this time (1881). In 1891 the revenue had increased to £57,270, and last year it amounted to £69,655 9s. 1d, while the annual value of rateable property was £340,785, and increasing at the rate of about five per cent. per annum. Next year the increase will probably be greater, as building operations are being actively carried out in the most valuable parts of the City, and upon land which, until quite recently, was not rateable, being still in the hands of the Corporation. From 200 to 250 houses are being annually added within the City boundaries.
The town as originally surveyed was composed of 1100 sections of an acre each, interlaced with about thirty miles of streets and roads, which probably occupy 150 acres. To this area of 1250 acres, made up of sections and streets, must be added 1100 acres of town belt and other reserves, making the total area for the original town as laid off and selected in 1840, 2350 acres.
Reclamation soon added to the importance of the business parts; but it was a long time before the area was much increased in this way. The first reclamation was that surrounding Mr. Plimmer's “Noah's Ark,” and it extended to Hunter Street. The second went as far north as the edge of Panama Street, as is shown by an excellent early picture of this part given under “Old Wellington.” The third was still larger, and included Panama, Brandon, Johnston and Waring-Taylor Streets; and some smaller portions near St. George's Hall (now Messrs. Kirkcaldie and Stains's carpet
In 1882 a foreshore reclamation was undertaken by Mr. Peter McGrath its extent being twenty-three acres, and the contract price was £34,955. Mr. McGrath failed, and the contract was re-let to Messrs. O'Malley and P. pperill at £44,107; this firm also failed and the work was dropped for a time. Three years later Mr. Joseph Saunders reclaimed about six acres near the railway wharf at a cost of £9670. In 1886 the same contractor undertook the reclamation of about ten acres of the Te Aro foreshore at a cost of £14,192, and in 1888 the last contract was let to Mr. Allen Maguire, the area being about seventeen acres and the contract price £40,128. There is still a considerable area within the boundary line agreed upon by the Council and Harbour Board, but it is probable that some time will elapse before this work will be put in hand, as all the requirements of the Te Aro railway are satisfied, and there is at present more room for erection of buildings than is needed.
Besides the above-mentioned additions to the City's area, several reclamations were undertaken by the Provincial and General Governments. In all probability an area of a little over a hundred acres has been added to the City by reclaiming the shallow parts of the harbour. Including reserves the City may be said to cover about 2500 acres.
The water supplies of the City are from two opposite sources, and were, of course, secured at different dates. That commonly known as the Karori supply, taps the Kaiwarra stream at a distance of two miles south from the General Post-office, and at an elevation of 460 feet above the lowest level of the City. The reservoir covers an area of about twelve acres, and its holding capacity is 98,000,000 gallons. When this reservoir was constructed it was deemed advisable to lead the water some thirty chains to a distributing basin in Polhill Gully, by means of pipes through a tunnel. The elevation of this concrete basin is 310 feet, and its capacity is 500,000 gallons. From thence the water was led into the city by ten-inch, eight-inch, seven-inch, and five-inch mains, and distributed through the various streets by means of smaller pipes. This supply was obtained in 1877, and for a few years it was fairly efficient. As the consumption of the city increased, however, and the higher levels began to be utilised for residential purposes, the supply failed deplorably. It had cost the City £80,000, and yet the fact had to be faced that the volume of the Kaiwarra stream was quite inadequate to the requirements.
In 1881 Mr. George Fisher was first elected to the chair of the Council, and to him is largely due the credit of securing the second or Wainui-o-mata supply. This is sixteen or seventeen miles away, in a north-easterly direction. The reservoir is at an altitude of 395 feet, its area about eight acres, and its capacity 75,000,000 gallons. Only a portion of this quantity can, however, be drawn off, as the discharge is only some six feet below the level of the overflow, the remaining twenty-five feet of the depth being provided for the purposes of a settling-pond. The volume of the Wainui-o-mata river has never been known to fall below three millions of gallons per day, so it was confidently supposed that this second supply would be equal to all demands for many years; and the Karori supply was reserved for use in cases where the bursting of a pipe or other contingency necessitated the shutting off of the main supply. The water from the Wainui reservoir is led through a concrete-covered race more than a mile long into a concrete well about sixty feet deep, and thence to the city by pipes of thirty inches in diameter, reducing, after a few miles, to twenty-four inches, and then, on the City boundary, to twenty-one inches.
For a few years this supply really was sufficient; but as building on the higher levels became more general, complaints were made about the continuous absence of pressure and occasional absence of even the power to flow in these parts. The trouble did not arise because the elevation of the Wainui reservoir was insufficient, but because the capacity of the pipes connecting therewith was too small to meet the demands made upon them. Even on Sundays, when the water-engines were standing, there was little improvement. For the time being, and for some years past, the difficulty has been surmounted by cutting off the distributing basin and connecting the city mains direct with the Karori reservoir. The mains are fed principally from Wainui; but the Karori water is allowed to flow in at the opposite end of the city to make up the deficiency between the capacity of the Wainui pipes and the demands of the City for water. If the demand were to cease entirely for a few hours there would be a pressure at the low levels of 171 pounds to the square inch from the Wainui service; and if this were cut off and connection allowed only with the Karori reserve, there would be a pressure of a fraction under 200 pounds. Yet the demand is so great that the full strength of the Wainui service needs to be aided very largely by the Karori reserve to maintain a pressure of 120 pounds at the Engineer's room (upstairs) of the Corporation offices. That is the pressure aimed at, as it is sufficient to force the water to the higher levels at present utilized, namely, about 300 feet above sea level. Should higher levels be utilized, or the consumption at present levels be largely increased, the full strength of both services will be insufficient. When that time arrives, as assuredly it will, larger or additional pipes will be needed to convey an increased supply from Wainui; and to prepare for the increased consumption larger reservoirs further up the stream would be needed. When that is done it will be a convenient time for the provision of filter beds.
On the whole, the supply must be considered excellent, and it is fortunate that in case of a temporary break-down of either service, the other can be utilised to fill up the gap.
The streets of Wellington were lighted by gas for the first time on the 22nd of April, 1871. When the question of lighting the City by electricity was being agitated in 1886, there were 240 gas lamps which were lighted on moonless nights only, and then not later than twelve o'clock. The cost to the Council for this limited convenience was something over £1600 per annum. The negotiations with the Gulcher Company resulted in the supplying of about 480 lamps, to be lighted from dark to daylight, and with a much less stringent definition of moonlight nights. And for this really wonderful advance the increased cost to the Council was represented by an advance in price of £150 per annum, and the use of water which would otherwise have been adding to the Wainui overflow. The number of lamps is now one-fourth greater (600) and the cost (£2100) has advanced one-fifth only. As time goes on, and more lamps are needed, doubtless even this very moderate cost of £3 10s. per lamp will be still further reduced. At the time of writing, however, new arrangements are being entered into which will increase the cost by £1 per lamp. About seventy new lamps are being added and the cost per lamp would, therefore, be reduced a trifle, if the water power supplied by the Council were continued; but it has been decided to cease the supply, and for the additional income of £1 per lamp the Gulcher Company will provide steam power. Even at £4 10s. per lamp per annum the light is much cheaper than gas, and some parts of the City are lighted beyond anything that would be attempted with gas lamps. The majority are twenty candle power incandescent lamps, though some are as high as fifty candle power, and there are a few are lights of great brilliance. There are still some dark places in the City, but on the whole, it must be admitted that the lighting is exceedingly good.
The matter of improved drainage has agitated the publie mind in Wellington for many years past. One system after another has been recommended and discussed, and yet the system of no system has been systematically adhered to for a generation. The election, however, of Mr. H. D. Bell, M.H.R., to the civic chair in 1891 practically settled the question. Two years previously Mr. H. P. Higginson, M. Inst. C.E., had read a paper before the Wellington Philosophical Society setting forth the advantages of the Schone system. A commission set up by the Council consisting of Mr. Ferguson (Engineer of the Wellington Harbour Board) and Mr. Cuthbert (Engineer Christchurch Drainage Board), had warmly recommended the same system; and it was well known that Mr. Bell was determined to have all difficulties surmounted, and Wellington cleared for all time from the stigma of being the worst drained city in the Colony. There were, of course, some ratepayers who seemed to be more concerned in the reduction of the municipal rates than the death rates, but Mr. Bell was triumphantly returned, and he unsparingly devoted time, money, and much ability, general and professional, to the furtherance of the drainage scheme. To carry it out in a satisfactory manner a loan of £165,000 was needed, and the first step to obtain it was necessarily the authority of the ratepayers. In favour of the loan 2290 votes were polled, against 347 recorded in favour of filth; but this small number, aided by those who refrained from voting, or were through absence unable to vote, carried the day; and the authority to raise the loan was denied, by virtue of a clause in the “Municipal Corporations Act” which declares that an absolute majority of ratepayers whose names are on the roll must record their votes in favour of a loan before it can be legally raised. This stupidly cautions condition was the means of considerable delay; but Mr. Bell is not the man to be easily turned aside from a definite purpose. With all possible speed he led the Council in the promotion of a special Act entitled the “City of Wellington Sanitation Act,” which became law in 1892. This empowered the ratepayers to authorise a loan for the special purpose of drainage by a bare majority of the votes actually recorded, and the poll under the new Act resulted in 2355 votes being recorded in favour of the loan, and 660 against it. The loan was promptly raised and on the following terms and conditions:—Interest four and a half per cent. per annum, payable half-yearly; currency of loan, forty years; Sinking Fund, one per cent. per annum (£1650).
The next question of importance was to secure the services of a thoroughly capable engineer, so that the best possible use might be made of the money to be spent. The choice fell upon Mr. R. L. Mestayer, whose application was backed by credentials of the highest order, and a practical knowledge of the particular system from many years of experience in England and in the neighbouring colonies.
The old drains are being retained to convey the surface and flood water to the harbour, which has hitherto been the receptacle for the whole, and special sets of pipes and drains are being constructed for the conduct of sewage proper. These are being arranged in compact districts, each with its separate discharging station, the discharge converging into a common main leading to the general outfall. Wherever possible the sewage will be intercepted at levels sufficiently high to admit of its being conducted by gravitation, but where necessary pumping stations will be provided, and in such manner as to minimise the pumping operations. The greatest care is being taken to have the new work so thoroughly done as to preclude all danger to health, and the arrangement will admit of the drainage from any possibly infected part being out off from connection with other districts. The discharge culvert will run through a tunnel nearly a mile long, piercing the hill on the east of the town and thence by way of Kilbirnie to Cook Strait, at a point known as Fishermen's Bay, immediately to the east of Lyell Bay, and about five miles from the centre of the City, and in this bay the final discharge of the sewage is to be made. It is confidently expected that this important work will, when completed, place Wellington in the very fore rank of healthy cities. Already it is well advanced. At the time of writing (October, 1895) the expenditure already incurred amounts to £50,000, and it is expected that the amount borrowed will be sufficient to carry out all the purposes for which it was raised.
The refuse of the City is collected in carts and conveyed to the Corporation yards on the Te Aro foreshore, where it is emptied into the “destructor” and burnt. The system is satisfactory, except in the less populous parts, where the days of removal are necessarily further apart, leaving the possibility of harmful results through the rubbish lying too long awaiting removal. The “destructor” is of the kind known as Fryer's Patent, and cost the Council some £4500. Its fires are never extinguished, and it does its work well. Provision was made for the addition of a “Fume Cremator,” but it has not been considered necessary to incur the expense of fitting it up.
Necessities and luxuries must be paid for even by Corporations. No community enjoying the privileges provided by the City Fathers for the inhabitants of Wellington, could reasonably expect to escape the burden of fairly heavy rates. They are based on the City Valuer's estimate of the annual rental, which is probably about twenty per cent. less than the true gross annual rental, that is to say, that a house which, under ordinary circumstances, lets for £100 a year, is valued at about £80. The total of the six rates amounts to a fraction under 3s. 3d. for a house whose ratable value exceeds £12 10s., but does not exceed £300. Above and below these valuations slight variations occur in the water rate.
Rate No. 1 is a general rate for the general purposes of the borough, of 1s. 3d. in the pound.
No. 2 is an “annual recurring special” rate of 6d. in the pound, for payment of interest on the City Improvements Loan of £100,000, a loan raised in 1879 for the purpose of street formation and other similarly permanent works. As this rate produces over 8 1/2 per cent. on the whole sum borrowed, and as £8000 of the loan still remains at interest, though allocated for future expenditure in certain streets, a not inconsiderable sinking fund is accumulating for the extinction of this item.
No. 3 is a water rate and varies as follows:—On all lands and, buildings used as dwelling houses to which water is supplied, where the annual value does not exceed £12 10s., a minimum of ten shillings; exceeding £12 10s. but not exceeding £300, 4 1/2 per cent, on annual value; exceeding £300, 4 per cent. On lands and buildings within the borough, and within one hundred yards of the nearest main, to which water might be but is not supplied, only half the above scale is charged, while on all buildings supplied with water used as stores and warehouses or for any purpose other than dwelling houses, a uniform rate of 2 1/4 per cent. is charged.
No. 4, is a hospital rate of 3 1/2d. in the pound, to meet the contributions payable by the Council to the Wellington Hospital Board and the Wellington and Wairarapa Charitable Aid Board.
No. 5 is a library rate of one penny in the pound, and it produces upwards of £1400 per annum.
No. 6 is the sanitation special rate of 2 1/2d. in the pound at present, but the Act under which it is struck provides for a shilling rate for
The total borrowing of the Council amounts to £637,324 17s., and is made as follows:—
No. 1. Consolidation loan of £200,000 at six per cent. repayable in 1907, and for which no provision by way of sinking fund is being made. This loan was raised in 1877, and includes £80,000 for the Karori water-supply, the water-supply account being charged two-fifths of the interest and charges, the other three-fifths being provided from the general account.
No. 2. City Improvements loan of £100,000 at six per cent., borrowed in 1879, repayable in 1914, 1919, 1924, and 1929 (£25,000 at each period). This loan was raised as its name implies for the improvement of the City, but the title is somewhat misleading, the money being mainly used for street formation. It was allocated to the different Wards and the different streets in the same when the loan was raised, but it has been said that a part of it was at first rather carelessly spent. A little over £8000 remains unexpended, the complete formation of some of the streets not yet being of urgent necessity. As the sixpenny special rate, securing the interest of this loan, provides more than sufficient for the whole sum, the interest accruing upon the unexpended portion is allowed to augment the general account, probably on the ground that the general rate suffers through the non-expenditure of the money, as such expenditure would, of course, increase the valuation of the properties in these localities. The sinking fund in the hands of the Sinking Fund Commissioners for the repayment of this loan stood at £11,304 15s. on the 31st March, 1895, the increase during the preceding year being £2370 10s. 5d. There is a further sum of £25,000 represented as additional sinking fund for this loan, but it appears as having been lent by the Sinking Fund Commissioners to the Council on the security of a portion of the Te Aro Reclamation, and without interest, the Te Aro Reclamation evidently being considered to that extent a City improvement. From the sinking fund of this loan a sum of £324 17s. has been lent to the Council on the security of the sections of land held by the Council in the Mangahao district, interest being charged at the rate of six per cent. The total sinking fund against this loan is £36,629 12s.
No. 3. The Wainui-o-Mata Waterworks loan of £130,000 at six per cent. per annum, raised in 1880 and repayable in 1929. Nothing in the way of sinking fund is being attempted for this loan, but the water rates are ample for all requirements of interest and working expenses, including considerable extension every year.
No. 4. Loan for Waterworks and Te Aro Reclamation Account, £9500 at six per cent., raised in 1887 and repayable on the 31st of December, 1896.
No. 5. Loan for Cemetry, £7500 at five per cent., borrowed in 1890 and repayable 1900 or 1907 at the option of the Corporation.
No. 6. Loan for Sanitation, £165,000 at four and a half per cent., raised 1893, repayable 1933. Already a sum equal to one per cent. has been placed in the hands of the Sinking Fund Commissioners, and invested at four and a half per cent. interest. At the end of the financial year (March, 1895) £109,264 3s. 10d. was still available for expenditure, the rate of expenditure for the previous year being a little under £2000 per month. The reduction in the rate of interest on this loan marks the rise in the British Investor's estimate of the value of the Empire City's securities. A difference of one and a half per cent. is significant.
The total liabilities of the Corporation, including all the loans mentioned above, were set down on the 31st of March, 1895, at £707,209 10s. 5d., and the assets at £1,022,151 13s. 1d. A sum equal to all the loans is represented by land at a low valuation, a great proportion of it being in the very heart of the town. A still more valuable security for the loans, however, exists in the Corporations' power to levy rates upon an annual value of £350,000—an annual value annually increasing. Ratepayers have every right to expect that, as the loans become repayable, a very great saving will be made by reductions in the rates of interest. Even four and a half per cent. is too high for such splendid security. But if that rate was the rule instead of the exception, a saving of nearly £7000 per year would be effected. The Wellington Corporation has reason to be proud of its financial position, and it remains for it to make the most of that fact in its future loan negotiations.
The burgess rolls of the City contain the names of 3529 ratepayers who are allowed to vote, at all elections except the Mayoral elections, in proportion to their valuations in each Ward on the following scale:—Under £50 (annual rental valuation), one vote; £50 but under £100, two votes; £100 but under £150, three votes; £150 but under £350, four votes; £350 and upwards, five votes. On that scale a maximum number of votes might be cast of 1125 in Thorndon Ward by 595 ratepayers, 2241 in Lambton Ward by 819 ratepayers, 2051 in Te Aro Ward by 1351 ratepayers, and 1806 in Cook Ward by 1268 ratepayers, making a total of 7223 votes in the hands of 4033 voters, the difference between this last total and the real number of ratepayers being owing to the fact that a property holder may be on the roll of each of the four Wards. Of 2308 having no more than one vote in any Ward, Thorndon contains 287; Lambton, 197; Te Aro and Cook, 912 each. Of 913 having two votes, Thorndon has 179; Lambton, 218; Te Aro, 281; Cook, 235. Of 299 having three votes, Thorndon has 54; Lambton, 112; Te Aro, 67; Cook, 66. Of 373 having four votes, Thorndon has 57; Lambton, 188; Te Aro, 79; Cook, 49. Of 140 having five votes, Thorndon has 18; Lambton, 104; Te Aro, 12; Cook, 6. No ratepayer has the maximum number of votes in all the four Wards. Mr. James Hutchen, of the firm of Messrs. Stewart and Co., timber merchants, has the largest number, with a total of sixteen votes. Doubtless, there are many whose properties pay sufficient rates to entitle them to the full number of votes in each Ward; but the rates are paid by tenants.
Women have equal privileges with the men, but, so far, no woman has sought municipal distinction in Wellington.
was returned to this high office for the fifth time on the 27th of November, 1895. There was a keen contest for the office, Mr. C. M. Luke, the retiring mayor, being Mr. Fisher's opponent. The poll was the largest in the history of mayoral elections in the City of Wellington, 2176 votes having been recorded, of which 1250 were polled for the successful, and 926 for the unsuccessful candidate. Mr. Fisher was thus returned by a substantial majority of 324 votes. His Worship's career is referred to at length as an ex-Minister of the Crown on page 84.
a representative of Te Aro Ward, was born in Newcastle-on-Tyne, and came to the Colony with his parents, per ship “Phœbe,” in 1843. Some few
J.P., is much better known in other connections than that which the above title implies. The office of councillor is one of the latest duties discharged by Mr. Fraser in connection with civic roles. He was elected in 1888, and has held a seat continuously till the present day. But it is chiefly with respect to other work that the present sketch must deal. Mr. Fraser is the central figure of the Temperance Movement in Wellington, a position which he has won by consistent adherence to the principles of abstinence for more than a quarter of a century. He was born in London in 1833 just after the passing of the Reform Bill, and, as if inspired by this coincidence, reform has been the motto of his life. In early childhood he was removed to Edinburgh, where he received the home training that moulded his subsequent career. Watson's Hospital School was the scene of his early studies, and on leaving for London in 1847 he received a highly favourable testimonial from the headmaster. No sooner had Mr. Fraser reached the city of his birth than he engaged in Sunday school work, and although only fifteen years old, soon won the esteem of scholars and teachers alike. On leaving for New Zealand he received many tokens of high regard from his class in the Sunday school. There were several Temperance societies in Wellington when Mr. Fraser disembarked from the good ship “Wild Duck” in 1864, and he at once identified himself with these. Nor was he long in coming to the front rank. The offices he held in connection with the Temperance movement are too numerous to particularise here, but a few of the most important are given. He is District Secretary to the Independent Order of Rechabites, President of the Wellington Gospel Temperance Society and City Mission, Vice-President of the New Zealand Alliance, and Past Chief Templar of I.O.G.T. But Mr. Fraser's energies are by no means confined to Temperance work. On the contrary, the other offices he holds are so numerous that it would require much more space than this sketch admits to give an adequate conception of his functions. He is
who sits for Lambton Ward in the City Council, Wellington, was born in Liverpool, England. At the age of two years he left the Old Country to come to Australia, as his mother had determined to settle in New South Wales, his father being dead. Here Mr. Harris was educated at private schools, at Windsor, and when he was old enough to go to business, he was put to the drapery trade in Sydney. After gaining considerable experience in this business, he started off on his own account, trading in vari
one of the members representing Lambton Ward in the City Council of Wellington, has been closely and prominently identified with the Empire City for a great many years. Born in the State of New York, close to where the city of Rochester now stands, he passed his childhood and youth in America, whither his parents had migrated from England. His education was carried on mainly by private tutors, he being unable to attend an ordinary school in consequence of his almost total blindness, a legacy left him by a very severe attack of measles. At thirteen, his sight being somewhat stronger, he was put to sea as a midshipman, in the hope that constant sea travelling would be beneficial to his health generally, and his eyes in particular. In this capacity he visited China, India, Japan, and many other places, and in the matters of health and sight the most sanguine hopes of his parents were fully realized. In 1858 Councillor Willeston came to Wellington, having previously had some experience on the goldfields of California and Australia. Almost immediately on arrival in the Empire City (which was not the empire city then, but a very small struggling town), Mr. Willeston entered into business on Lambton Quay, where for upwards of thirty years he was so well known and respected as a wholesale and retail tobacconist. In 1889 he sold his business as a going concern to Mr. E. C. Batkin, who is referred to elsewhere in the Cyclopedia. Councillor Willeston has been ever ready to help on every good work, and having no business matters to engage his attention, he has the time to devote to the public interests, and this he does without grudge or stint. He is a trustee—
New Zealand Times. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson are now comfortably settled in the Orange Free State, South Africa.
one of the representatives of Thorndon Ward in the Wellington City Council, was born at Finchley, Middlesex, some eight miles from London, where he received the usual instruction in the three R.'s. At the age of fourteen he was put to work at the fancy goods trade in Lombard Street, London, this being as long ago as 1845. Councillor Anderson continued at the trade till 1856, when he came out to the colonies per ship “Indian Queen,” Black Ball liner, arriving in the Empire City, which place he has never left since, except on one occasion when he made a short trip Home, which occupied no more than five months out of the thirty nine years he has spent in New Zealand. During thirty-two of those years, Councillor Anderson has been employed by Messrs. Levin and Co. He has represented Thorndon Ward in the City Council for six years. and is a member of the Finance and Sanitation Committees, and also of the Committee for Reserves and Private Streets. He is an ardent supporter of recreation grounds, and believes in the beautifying of the City by planting trees and laying off breathing spaces for the benefit of the public. Councillor Anderson assisted very materially in closing the town public cemetery. He resides at No. 9 Bolton Street, Wellington Terrace.
was born in Leamington, Warwickshire, and left England when very young, arriving in Australia in 1856. He was educated in Melbourne, and learned the business of a soft goods warehouseman at Messrs. Sargood and Company's establishment in that City. In 1866 Mr. Harcourt came to Wellington, under engagement to Messrs. A. P. Stuart and Co., and acted in the capacity of manager of the warehouse for a period of seven years. He was then admitted into partnership in the business, and in 1879, when the partnership expired, Mr. Harcourt purchased Mr. Stuart's interest, and carried on the business under the style of Harcourt and Co., Importers and Warehousemen, one of the largest businesses at that time in Wellington. In 1888 Messrs. Harcourt and Co. sold both stock and goodwill to Messrs. Sargood, Son and Ewen, and Mr. Harcourt transferred his attention and energy to an entirely new line of business, establishing
Cyclopedia. Councillor Harcourt has occupied many important positions, both public and semi-public, in the city. He has been a member af the Chamber of Commerce for over a quarter of a century, and was one of a sub-committee appointed by the Chamber to assist in the formation of the first Harbour Board in the Empire City. As a member of the council of the Chamber, Mr. Harcourt has done good service with respect to the commercial interests of Wellington, and was elected in 1884 to the presidency of the Chamber. He was a member of the Executive Committee of the Wellington Exhibition in 1885, and was Commissioner for the Melbourne Exhibition in 1888. He has held office as a councillor since 1889, the present being his third term. He is a member of the Finance Committee. Councillor Harcourt is steward of the Wellington Racing Club, Chairman of Directors in New Zealand of the Commercial Union Assurance Company, and of the Colonial Mutual Life Insurance Association of Australasia.
one of the members representing Te Aro Ward, was born in Wellington, and is the son of Mr. W. P. Barber, formerly of Wellington, but now living in retirement at the Upper Hutt. Mr. Barber, senior, came to the Colony in the fifties, per ship “Oliver Laing,” and in 1863 started the dyeing and cleaning business in Cuba Street, now being so successfully carried on by his sons, of whom Councillor Barber is the senior. As a councillor, Mr. Barber is attentive to the business of the city, and popular with his fellow members. He holds seats in the Fire Brigade and Private Streets Committees. He was first elected a member of the council in September' 1891, and is now serving his second term. For the past seven years he has been a director of the Wellington Woollen Company, in which position his technical knowledge is very valuable, and for the past four years he has been chairman of directors of the Wellington Opera House Company. As an Oddfellow, too, Councillor Barber has taken a prominent position, being a Past Grand of the Southern Cross Lodge, American Order.
who represents the Te Aro Ward in the Wellington City Council was born at Eastham, Essex, England. His father died when he was but two years old, and he was removed to London to the care of his grandfather, who had him educated at Dr. Yates' High School, Peckham. He was subsequently sent to the Elizabethan Grammar School, London, for a period of two years, and on leaving was articled to Messrs. Downs and Co. with the intention of qualifying as an architect. On completing his term, however, he did not remain to put his knowledge into practice, but came to the colonies, arriving in Port Chalmers per ship “Waipa,” Captain Gohm, 1879. Councillor Tatum speedily came on to Wellington and started a commission agency business under the title of Charles T. Tatum and Co. On the dissolution of this firm, Mr. Tatum joined Mr. A. J. McTavish in the firm McTavish, Tatum and Co., and was closely associated with that business during the years 1884 to 1888 inclusive. Councillor Tatum was captain of the Wellington Rifles for about eighteen months or two years, passing his examination in the Military School for the rank of captain with an average of over ninety per cent, of marks. After retiring from the firm of McTavish, Tatum and Co., Councillor Tatum removed to Wanganui, where he resided for about two years. He had always had a great liking for horses, and has owned and bred a number of thoroughbreds. Since his return to Wellington, he has occasionally practised as an architect. He was first elected to the Council for Cook Ward for the balance of an unexpired term. Councillor Tatum is a strong believer in the necessity for the establishment of a bridle track round the Town Belt, which might afterwards be widened into a carriage drive, and considers that more attention should be given to planting and improving the City Reserves and Town Belt. He is also an advocate of city fresh water baths, and thinks that they could be advantageously constructed at the south-west corner of the Basin Reserve, where they would be available for athletics as well as the general public. He also suggests that, with a view to completing the asphalt footpaths, the Council should reduce the cost of ashphalting to say one half the usual price, which would induce people to have the work done, and so render the footpaths much more convenient than they are at present.
is one of the representatives of the Thorndon Ward in the Wellington City Council. He was born in Wellington, and received his education at Christ's College, Christchurch. He was articled to Messrs. McDonald and Russell, solicitors, Invercargill, and completed his articles in 1880, being admitted a barrister and solicitor in the same year. Councillor Tanner was for very many years interested in the volunteer movement. He started as an artillery cadet in Invercargill, and worked his way through different corps to the post of lieutenant of artillery. He fills a great many social offices, and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being counected with the Waterloo Lodge, and is an ex-member of the Court Sir George Grey, A.O.F. Mr. Tanner has taken a keen interest in sports and aquaties for many years. Councillor Tanner has also taken great interest in politics, but does not believe in party politics being introduced into the deliberations of the “city fathers,” contending that the business of the city should be conducted-purely on commercial principles, and he objects, too, to the representatives of the various wards competing against each other for the districts they represent, considering that they should strive to secure the good of the city as a whole, Councillor Tanner, in 1889, married Miss Ann Kebbell, daughter of the late Dr. Kebbell, of Wellington.
who is one of the representatives of Cook Ward in the Wellington City Council, was born in Tipperary, Ireland, in 1856. He received his education chiefly at the Irish National schools. Mr. Devine came to New Zealand per sailing ship, arriving in Wellington in 1876. He was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in 1883, being just a year before the completion of his articles, which he served to Sir Patrick Buckley. In 1884 he practised his profession on his own account, and shortly after
one of the representatives of Thorndon Ward in the City Council, is a son of Mr. Judah Myers, and was born at Nelson in 1869. He was educated at the State Schools at Motueka, and Thorndon, Wellington, and is an enthusiastic believer in the national system of education. Brought up to mercantile life in his father's firm, Councillor Myers early displayed ability of no mean order. In mutual improvement societies he has for years taken a keen interest, and owes a good deal to the educational advantages such institutions afford. He was the energetic secretary of the Wellington Debating Society for two years, and at the competition carried off the gold medal as a debater. He is now vice-president of this society. Councillor Myers, who is twenty-five years old, is the youngest member that has been returned to the Wellington Council. He was elected in September, 1894, against four other candidates, and polled nearly as many votes as the whole of his opponents. He is a member of the Market, Public Baths, Electric Lighting, and Public Works Committees. In his place at the Council, Councillor Myers advocated and succeeded in carrying a fair wage clause in connection with all municipal contracts. He is moving to replace the Volunteer corps with a permanent fire brigade, who would reside at the central station, on the Melbourne method, under which the Insurance Companies, City Council, and Government, bear the cost in equal proportions, Councillor Myers has now before the Council proposals for the erection of a fish market, and also for the establishment of public abbatoirs, making provision for the proper inspection and marking of meat intended for human food. He maintains that he has a scheme by which abbatoirs can be established and inspection provided at a trifling (if any) cost to the ratepayers. Councillor Myers has given these matters a good deal of time and attention, and it is to be hoped that his efforts will be carried to a successful issue. He has just been appointed to represent the Corporation on the United Charitable Aid Board of the Wellington-Wairarapa districts. Councillor Myers believes in every kind of reform, providing the rates are not increased. He is decidedly advanced in his political opinions, and is becoming more of a radical every day. He has a considerable future before him, and no doubt he will make his mark as a politician. Mr. Myers takes interest in all questions affecting the people. At the meeting to establish an Insurer's Protection Association, he was elected a member of the committee. Councillor Myers is a member of the United Hunt Club, and for two years was hon. secretary, and is still one of the stewards. On his retirement from the secretaryship the members presented him a handsome silver mounted dressing case. When he undertook the office, the club was £500 in debt, and the members were afraid that it was hopeless to prolong the life of the club, but in the two years the whole debt had
who represents Cook Ward, was born at Sheffield in 1848. He commenced the battle of life at the early age of eight, when he was put to work in a cutlers' shop. He was subsequently apprenticed to the grinding trade, and served a term of about seven years. Mr. Higginbottom afterwards worked at his trade till sailing for the colonies in 1883 by the “Cephalonia” for Melbourne, when he came to Wellington by the ill-fated “Wairarapa.” On arrival Mr. Higginbottom established the cutlery business, which he has since conducted in Willis Street. He entered the arena of local politics in 1894, when he unsuccessfully contested Cook Ward with Mr. F. H. Fraser, who defeated him by ninety-two votes. At the election of 1895 he was successful in his contest against Mr. F. Penty, winning by a majority of 159. Mr. Higginbottom is a member of the Electric Light, Public Baths, and Private Streets Committees. Before coming to New Zealand he was married to Miss Gilling, of Worksop—a niece of the late Mr. W. Tustin, of Wellington. His family consists of three sons and two daughters.
Town Clerk and Treasurer of the Wellington City Council, was born in Suffolk. England, Educated at the local Grammar School, he commenced his business life in the office of a leading merchant, in whose service he rapidly rose, and for some years before leaving the Old Country held the responsible position of managing clerk. Mr. Page married in England, and deciding to come to New Zealand for family reasons, embarked on the good ship “Langstone,” for Wellington, in 1876. Arriving early in the following year, he at once found congenial employment as clerk and accountant on the staff of the City Council at a salary of £200 per annum. On the 1st of December following, Mr. Page was appointed city treasurer, with a substantial advance in his remuneration. On the 25th of March, 1886, Mr. Page was appointed assistant Town Clerk, which office he fulfilled in addition to performing the onerous duties of city treasurer, and at the same time his salary was advanced to £400 per annum. Three years later Mr. Page was appointed, town clerk and city treasurer, and since his appointment the salary of the office has been increased to £500 per annum. As an officer Mr. Page has proved himself most painstaking, reliable, and efficient. He is invariably courteous to all who have occasion to interview him, and thoroughly popular. In musical circles Mr. Page has been prominent for many years, notably in connection with the Wellington Harmonie Society, and the choir of St. Mark's Parish Church.
the City Solicitor, was born in Kent, England, and was educated at Torquay, England, and Heidelberg, Germany. He was articled to his father, the late Mr. Thomas Martin, solicitor, Cannon Street, London, and Wimbledon.
City Surveyor, was born in Surrey in 1846, and educated at the local grammar schools. After serving his articles as a civil engineer in London, he was employed from 1865 to 1870 in various parts of England in the practice of his profession. In the latter year he came to the Colony, landing in Dunedin. Mr. Wiltshire went to the Thames goldfield soon after arrival in New Zealand. After a short experience he undertook survey work in different places till 1876, when he settled in Wellington. He joined the staff of the City Council under Mr. Marchant, city surveyor, the same year, and afterwards served under Mr. Baird, and later on under Mr. Loughrey. In the last gentleman's time Mr. Wiltshire was promoted to the position of assistant surveyor, and in 1888 he became city surveyor, a position which he still holds. Several important works, including the Te Aro reclamation, have been completed during Mr. Wiltshire's term of office. The subject of this notice is married, and his family consists of two daughters and two sons.
the Valuator and Returning Officer for the Corporation of the City of Wellington, was born in Sydney, New South Wales. He was brought to the Colony by his parents in 1840, and received his education at private schools in Wellington. Although brought up to a country life, Mr. Ames had an experience on New Zealand goldfields, both prior and subsequent to which he was farming in Wellington and Otago districts. On the formation of the Wellington Town Board, about November, 1867, Mr. Ames joined the staff in the capacity of assistant clerk and rate collector. When the City Council was elected in 1870 he became city valuer under the provisions of “The Rating Act, 1867.” Mr. Ames has held the office under the Wellington Corporation for about a quarter of a century, and is the only valuer that has been appointed in the city. In his earlier years he took an active part in rowing competitions, and bears marks of the straining by the contraction of the tendons of his hands. Mr. Ames is a competent and popular officer, and performs his important duties as returning officer and valuer in an impartial manner.
Collector for the City Corporation, and Registrar of Dogs, was born in Tiverton, Devonshire, in 1853. Educated at ordinary schools in his native town, he was apprenticed to the drapery trade, completing his term in 1869. He afterwards worked in Bath and in London till 1873, when he sailed for the Colony. After reaching Wellington Mr. Chapple was employed successively by Messrs. A. P. Stuart and Co., Kirkcaldie and Stains, and S. W. Alcorn and Co. While in the employ of the last-named firm a large fire occurred, and Mr. Chapple was thrown out of employment. In October, 1877, he was appointed Cashier to the City Council, which position he still holds. On the 26th of May, 1882, the offices of Collector of Rates, Fees and Rents, and Registrar of Dogs were conferred on Mr. Chapple. He was married to Miss Gell, daughter of Mr. John Gell, an old settler in Wellington, in 1879, and has three daughters and one son.
Sanitary Inspector to the Wellington City Council, was born in Williamstown, on the 6th of April, 1852. He was educated at St. Francis' School, Melbourne, and crossed over to Hokitika in 1868. After an experience of some ten years in connection with alluvial mining, Mr. Doyle came to Wellington in 1879. Entering the Police Force, he had charge of Manners Street Police Station from 1880 to 1883, and subsequently was transferred to Dunedin. Mr. Doyle resigned in 1885, and, being a professional athlete and heavy weight lifter, embarked in a venture as a muscular temperance lecturer for six months. Subsequently he rejoined the Police Force in which he continued till July, 1890, when he was appointed to the position he now occupies. Mr. Doyle has been a successful competitor in athletics in various paris of the colonies, and has won several championships.
Waterworks Overseer of the Wellington City Council, was born in 1850 in Ayrshire, Scotland, where he was educated. He served his apprenticeship as a marine engineer in Liverpool, completing his term in 1870. Afterwards he went to sea in a White Star Liner,
M. Inst. C.E., F.R.M.S., Drainage Engineer, was born in London in 1844, and educated at King's College. He was afterwards employed with Messrs. Simpson and Co., hydranlic engineers, and was subsequently with Mr. James Simpson, civil engineer, who was engaged in some of the largest waterworks in England. About 1868 he went to Manchester, where he was engaged as principal engineering assistant to the Municipal Corporation for a period of three years. Seven years he was in private practice in the City of Manchester, and was Deputy Borough Engineer at Salford for three years. Mr. Mestayer came out to the colonies in June, 1883, and was engaged in South Australia carrying out a comprehensive drainage scheme for the City of Adelaide. He also acted as hydraulic engineer for the South Australian Government, having charge of all the waterworks throughout that Colony for about five years. From 1888 to 1893 he was engaged in private practice as a Consulting Engineer in Sydney, New South Wales, and in preparing designs for the sewerage of several of the country towns for the New South Wales Government. He came to Wellington, New Zealand, to undertake the sole charge of the drainage system of the City of Wellington. Mr. Mestayer has a thorough knowledge of his profession, having had an experience extending over thirty years in sewerage works, bridge building, tramways, etc.
Accountant to the Drainage Department of the Wellington Corporation, has filled the position since the inception of the Drainage scheme on the 17th of April, 1893. Mr. Hickey is a native of Victoria, and came to New Zealand in 1873. For a time he lived in Oamaru, where he was employed in mercantile, contracting and legal life. Coming to Wellington in 1878, he entered the employ of the Bank of New Zealand and that of the Government in 1890 as clerk, but resigned his office to accept the position he now fills.
The establishment of this library is due in the first place to the late Mr. W. H. Levin. On the 23rd of September, 1889, Mr. Levin addressed a letter to Mr. John Duthie, then Mayor of Wellington, offering £1000 as a subscription for the purchase of books for a free public library, on two conditions: 1st., That the library building should be erected in a central position; and, 2nd, That means should be obtained for at least a portion of the building by the 31st of December, 1890. The City Council accepted Mr. Levin's offer, Mr. Duthie headed the list of public subscriptions with a sum of £200, and including this and Mr. Levin's donation, the citizens of Wellington subscribed a sum of £3066 16s. 2d. A poll upon the proposal to bring the Public Libraries Act into force was held on the 4th of November, 1890, when 929 votes were recorded for the proposal and 327 against it. In July, 1891, competitive designs for a building were invited, and the design of Mr. W. Crichton, of Wellington, was recommended by the selection committee and approved by the City Council. In November, 1891, the tender of Messrs. Carmichael and Son for the erection of one wing of the building was accepted, and the foundation stone laid by the then mayor, Mr. A. W. Brown, on the 15th of December, 1891, on a site at the corner of Victoria and Mercer Streets. This wing cost a little more than £6000 to erect, and contains a newspaper-room and a magazine-room on the ground floor, and a reference library and a ladies' reading-room on the first floor. Its erection was completed early in 1893, and the building was formally opened by Mr. Justice Richmond on the 21st of April of that year. Until the remaining wing of the building can be erected, the newspaper-room will have to serve the purposes of the lending library. In 1892, while the building was in the course of erection, certain citizens, at the request of the City Council, formed themselves into a committee to select the books to be purchased. This committee, with Mr. Justice Richmond as its chairman and Councillor F. H. Fraser as its deputy-chairman, met forty-one times, and finally drew up a list of about 4400 works in 6300 volumes, of an estimated value of £2250. Tenders were called for the supply of the volumes chosen by the committee, and that of Messrs. Lyon and Blair was accepted. The books came to hand in Wellington at intervals from August, 1893, to the middle of 1894. With the books thus obtained, together with others formerly belonging to the Wellington Athenæum, and about 1000 volumes presented by the citizens of Wellington, the number of volumes in the reference library on the 31st of March, 1895, was 8395. The nucleus of lending library was formed by the purchase of the books of the Wellington Athenæum for £450. These numbered about 5000 volumes, and though many were in a very dilapidated condition, most of them were worth re-binding, while among the number were some rare and valuable volumes. The purchase of new books had increased the number of volumes in the lending library on the 31st of March, 1895, to 5733. The total number of volumes in the library on that date therefore amounted to 14,128. The magazine and newspaper-rooms are provided with thirty magazines and 120 British, American, Australian and New Zealand newspapers and periodicals. The library has also been presented with a number of excellent pictures. As stated before, the library was opened for the use of the public on the 23rd of April, 1893. For some months after its opening it was in charge of Mr. G. N. Baggett, sub-librarian. The chief librarian was not appointed till August, 1893, when the choice of the City Council fell upon Mr. Thomas W. Rowe, M.A., headmaster of the Rangiora High School, who entered upon his duties at the library on the 1st of September, 1893. On the 31st of May, 1895, the staff was as follows:—Chief librarian, Mr. T. W. Rowe; sub-librarian, Mr. G. N. Baggett; assistant-librarians, Miss E. D. Mowat and Mr. J. E. F. Perry. The lending library was opened on the 6th of April, 1894, and on the 31st of March, 1895, the number of borrowers was already 560, and steadily increasing. The monthly issue of books for the whole year was slightly above 2000. The reference library was opened on the 1st of May, 1894. During the eleven months ending the 31st of March, 1895, the number of works issued in this department was 10,605, to 1358 different readers. It is estimated that from 500 to 700 persons visit the library daily, and this, coupled with the figures relating to the issue of books, shows that though the institution is still in its infancy, it is highly appreciated by the citizens of Wellington. The newspaper and magazine rooms, and the reference library are free to the public, for the privilege of borrowing books from the lending department, a subscription of five shillings per annum is charged. This subscription, and a penny rate on annual rateable values, are the only sources of revenue for the library. In May, 1894, an earthquake damaged the building to some extent, and some alarm was felt owing to reports of the subsidence of the foundations. When the repairs thus rendered necessary came to be carried out, however, the alarm proved to be groundless, as careful examination failed to discover the slightest trace of subsidence.
M.A., is Chief Librarian of the Wellington Public Library, which is situated in Victoria and Mercer Streets, and of which an illustration appears herewith. Mr. Rowe was born in Christchurch on the 10th of November, 1863. He was educated at various primary schools in Christchurch, and subsequently at Christ's College and Canterbury College, completing his course in 1885. Mr. Rowe took his degree of B.A. in 1884, and that of M.A. during the following year, with first-class honours in Latin and English. As headmaster of the Rangiora High School, Mr. Rowe did good work from July, 1886, to August, 1893, when he resigned to accept the position of chief librarian of the Wellington Public Library. On the 26th of August, 1886, Mr. Rowe was married to Miss Catherine Alexander, of Christchurch, assistant-mistress of the Girls' High School. Miss Alexander took her B.A. degree in 1884, and this was the first occasion on which a pair of graduates were married in New Zealand. For four years in Canterbury, since 1889, and for two years in Wellington, Mr. Rowe has acted as examiner in various surrounding schools, notably the Boys' High School, Christchurch, Christ's College, Timaru High School, and Wellington Girls' High School. Mr. Rowe was selected for the post of librarian out of fifty-six applicants. He resides at 13 Hawker Street.
the Assistant Librarian of the Wellington Public Library, was born at Jamaica, West Indies, and left there for Melbourne in 1858. After two years he came to New Zealand with his parents, in 1860, and was educated at Scott's School, and subsequently at Christ's College, Christchurch. On leaving college, Mr. Baggett entered a merchant's office, and two years after spent a short time in a solicitor's office at Christchurch, and later on still, at Napier. He joined the Armed Constabulary Force in Wellington, and was through the Uriwera Country, Poverty Bay, and Taupo districts at the time of the Te Kooti outrages. Subsequently he was removed to Patea, where he received an appointment in the Crown Lands Department, which position he held for twelve years. He was afterwards transferred to Wellington, and here he remained till 1893, the last two years of which time he acted in the capacity of Receiver of Land Revenue for the Land District of Wellington. Mr. Baggett was appointed to his present position on the 20th of February, 1893.
The present efficient brigade is the outcome of several organised bodies, established at different times for the purpose of protecting the properties of the ratepayers and inhabitants of the Empire City from the ravages of the “Fire Fiend,” Like most other colonial cities, Wellington is largely built of wood, and the destructive fires of the earlier days resulted in practical measures of a preventive nature. In 1865 a strong force of one hundred men, under Captain Black, was formed, known as the “Wellington Volunteer Fire Brigade.” Two years later an offshoot of the above, consisting of fifty men, was established, under the name of the “Central Volunteer Fire Brigade,” of which Captain Black took charge, Superintendent Whiteford taking control of the older body. Captain Moss succeeded to the superintendency of the Central Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1868. For twelve years after this the interest of property-owners was conserved by these volunteer brigades, assisted from 1878 by a company of fire police and salvage corps, numbering forty, under the command of Captain Asher. In 1880 an arrangement was made whereby the City Council took over the buildings and all apparatus used by the two volunteer fire brigades, which bodies were then disbanded, and the present Municipal Fire Brigade was established, Superintendent Whiteford taking command. The fire police and salvage corps was disbanded in 1881, and reformed as a fire escape company, twenty strong. In the same year a salvage corps, which consisted of eighty men, was formed, with Captain Palmer as chief. He was succeeded by Captain G. V. Shannon in the following year. After several years of useful work, these two bodies were disbanded. This was in 1886. During this year the late Captain R. Page was appointed to succeed Captain Whiteford as the head of the Municipal Fire Brigade. On the death of Captain Page in 1889, Captain Kemsley was appointed to the position which he still fills. The present strength of the brigade when fully manned, consists of thirty firemen and six auxiliaries, with one chief officer, two stationkeepers, and a night-watchman. The principal station is situate in Manners Street, and here the greater part of the apparatus required in the work of the force is made under the eye of the chief, special workmen being employed. There is another fire station at Brandon Street, and four out-stations at suitable points in the City. The appliances used by
Chief of the Municipal Fire Brigade, was born in Hayes, Kent, England, in January, 1844, and after leaving school entered the Mercantile Marine service. He has been more or less associated with fire brigades in England and America since 1866. In 1874 he finally located himself in New Zealand: living for a short time in Auckland, and then in Napier, where he was engaged in mercantile pursuits, and afterwards in the employ of the Public Works Department as overseer of roads and bridges. In October, 1876, he took a prominent part in organising the Napier Fire Brigade, and took charge of it for about six years. The captain resigned his position in the Public Works Department, when he entered upon his duties as chief of the Wellington Fire Brigades in October, 1889.
joined the Brigade as a fireman in 1874, and has served continuously ever since. In 1880 he was raised to the rank of foreman, and in 1887 was made lieutenant. He has won eight gold and silver medals in Fire Brigade competitions, and in 1890 he gained Wirth's silver cup at the United Fire Brigades' Demonstration, for life saving. Lieutenant Adams won the Bland Holt trophy in 1892, and in the following year gained Bell's ten guinea trophy for the “surprise event.” For further particulars see “Wellington Plumbers.”
of the Bran lon Street Fire Brigade Station, was born in London in 1850. He arrived in Wellington in 1872, and joined the Central Volunteer Fire Brigade three years later. Rising to the rank of foreman in the following year, he retained the position till the disbandment of the Brigade in 1880. Mr. Woolcott then joined the Municipal Fire Brigade and was soon appointed branchman. He was promoted to the post of foreman of No. 3 company in 1890, and appointed to the staff in 1895. Foreman Woolcott has acted as station keeper at the Brandon Street Station since 1880.
the Senior Foreman of Brigade, was born in Surrey in 1850, and came to Wellington in 1872. He joined the “Wellington Volunteer Fire Brigade” in 1874, and was shortly afterwards appointed a branchman. Mr. Lawrence retained this position up to the disbandment of the Brigade in 1880, when he took service with the present “Municipal Fire Brigade,” retaining his appointment as branchman. He was appointed foreman of No. 2 Company in 1890.
Exclusive of Mr. George Hunter, who became Mayor of Wellington in the early days, twelve gentlemen have at the time of writing—November, 1895—passed into the list of ex-mayors. The first mayor elected after the days of the old Town Board was Mr. Joseph Dransfield, who occupied the position for three years and three months, and four years later was again returned to the Chief Magistracy. Messrs. C. B. Borlase and W. S. Moorhouse followed for one year each. Mr. W. Hutchison succeeded holding office for two years, and after Mr. Dransfield's second term was again elected, and held the position for two-and-a-half years. Mr. George Allen filled the position for sixteen days in May, 1879, during the interim between the resignation of Mr. Dransfield and the election of Mr Hutchison. Of the other gentlemen who held the office, three—Messrs. A. W. Brown, S. Brown and F. H. D. Bell, M.H.R., served two years each, and four—Mr. J. Duthie, M.H.R., Hon C. J. Johnston, M.L.C., Messrs. A. de B. Brandon and C. M. Luke, one year each.
who died on the 6th of August, 1880, was a native of Banffshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1821; at the age of nineteen, he came out with his father and mother in the New Zealand Shipping Company's third ship, the “Duke of Roxborough,” arriving in Wellington in January, 1840. His father started in business on Lambton Quay, in company with Mr. Kenneth Bethune, as general merchants, stock and station agents, etc. The subject of this notice on the death of his father and his partner, Mr. Bethune, became sole proprietor of the business, his father having been the first mayor of Wellington. In 1844 the firm removed its business to Old Custom House Street. Mr. Hunter was largely interested in station properties and was a large breeder of high-class stock, and was also the owner of the Island Bay Estate. He was appointed by Sir George Grey as one of the Legislative Council, and he continued to hold a seat until the inauguration of the Constitution Act in 1853. After that he retired to private life for some years, and then occupied a seat in the Provincial Council until its abolition. In the general election of 1870 he was returned to Parliament for the city, in conjunction with Colonel Pearce, beating the Hon. J. C. Richmond and Mr. W. T. L. Travers, and the same two were returned again in 1874. After the defeat of the Grey Ministry he offered himself again and suffered the first political defeat of his life. He was city councillor for the Cook Ward until a few weeks before his death. He had much to do with the inception of the Chamber of Commerce, the Gas Company, the Patent Slip Company, the Trust, Loan and Investment Company, the Wellington Club, and Choral Society, the Jockey Club, the New Zealand Times Company, and others. He was a man of a most kind and generous disposition, and his bountiful charity was remarkable.
J.P., was the first Mayor of the present Corporation, a position which he filled from September, 1870 to September, 1874. He again occupied the mayoral ohair from December, 1878, to May, 1879. For some years before the Corporation was established, Mr. Dransfield was chairman of the Town Board. Born in 1827 in Huddersfield, Yorkshire, where his father was the proprietor of the Rookery Woollen Mills, the subject of this notice was educated at local schools, and embarked for the Australian colonies per ship “Falcon” in 1852. After five years in Sydney, Mr. Dransfield crossed to Wellington, and became a general merchant. Mr. C. E. Dransfield, a brother, was in Wellington first, and established the business, which Mr. Dransfield subsequently took over. For many years he conducted a large and successful trade, and in 1888 he sold out the goodwill and business to the United Importers Company. In the days of Provincial Councils Mr. Dransfield was prominent as a member of the Council, and at one time he had a seat on the Provincial Executive. For many years he has held the Commission of the Peace. While acting as Mayor of Wellington, Mr. Dransfield used his influence to secure the first important reclamation for the City.
who filled the Mayoral Chair during the year 1874, is referred to elsewhere as an ex-member of the House of Representatives for Wellington City.
who was Mayor of Wellington from December, 1874, to December, 1875, was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1825, and was educated for the law. In 1851 he came to the Colony, settling in Canterbury. Here he soon came prominently before the public. It was not long before he was a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council, and in 1857 he was elected superintendent of the province. The work for which he will ever be remembered—the Lyttelton Tunnel—was in full swing long before the 1861 election, when Mr. Moorhouse was again returned by an overwhelming majority. Fuller particulars of this gentleman's interesting career will be given in the Canterbury volume of the Cyclopedia. All that
now M.H.R. for Dunedin City, was Mayor of Wellington for four years and seven months in all. He was first elected in December, 1875, succeeding Mr. W. S. Moorhouse. In the following year Mr. Hutchison was re-elected. On the resignation of Mr. J. Dransfield in May, 1879, Mr. Hutchison was again returned, and at the annual elections held in 1879 and 1880 he was elected for further terms. This gentleman's career will be given more fully in the volume for Otago.
who occupied the Mayoral Chair of the Capital City from the 9th to the 25th of May, 1879, has had an eventful and interesting career. Few men have “roughed it,” as he did in the early days of colonization, and yet at the age of eighty-one he has pulled through a severe illness and regained a strength seldom met with in men of his age. The picture given herewith is from a photograph taken ten years ago, but it is almost as true to life now as then, and it will be recognised by thousands as that of the genial old gentleman who still pops into town almost every day. Mr. Allen was born on the 1st of November, 1814, at Deal, in Kent, and he was brought up to the principal industry of that ancient town—that of boat-building. His father, also Mr. George Allen, was a master boat-builder, and the variety of crafts built in his yards included whaleboats, luggers, lifeboats, and other vessels, such as are used for the assistance of ships in the neighbourhood of the adjacent Goodwin Sands. Mr. Allen's earlier education was gained in his native town; but while quite a lad he spent some time at school in Calais. Returning to Deal, he was apprenticed with his father for the old-fashioned term of seven years; and the thorough knowledge of his trade thus gained was of great use to him in after life. Not long after the completion of his apprenticeship, his father having in the meantime died at the early age of forty, leaving his widow fairly provided for, young George, who was the eldest son, became dissatisfied with his lot, and rather hastily decided to accept an engagement with the South Australian Company to build boats and small vessels for the colony then about to be formed. Accordingly in April, 1836, he made one of a number who left the Old World for the New in a brig of 160 tons called the “Emma,” Captain Nelson. The “Emma” took six months to reach Kangaroo Island, at the south of Spencer's Gulf, and a further period of two months was spent awaiting the arrival of the first Governor, Captain Hindmarsh. Here Mr Allen spent a year at his trade and then begged off to join the ship “Solway,” bound for Home, as carpenter. His hopes, however, were disappointed, for the ship was wrecked in Encounter Bay, and all hands had to hang on to the rigging till daylight, when they were relieved from their perilous position. Returning to Kangaroo Island, Mr. Allen joined the ship “Sarah and Elizabeth,” which was to sail for England after taking in oil at Kangaroo Island, and filling up with wool from Van Diemen's Land. This ship, however, was promptly condemned, and the would-be ship's carpenter stayed a short time at Hobart Town, working at his trade, and earning by piecework about twelve to fifteen shillings per day. Meeting with no opportunity of securing a Home ship there, he worked his way to Sydney, where, after working for a while ashore he considered himself fortunate in obtaining the carpentership of the “Orontes,” homeward bound via Torres Strait, Port Essington, and the East Indies. This was toward the end of 1838, and though the heat was intense, the young carpenter was in high spirits as every day brought him nearer the Old Land where he was sure of a royal welcome from his widowed mother, and from one other of the same town—one who has since then been the beloved mother of his nine children, and who, after nearly fifty years of
happy wedded life, was a few years ago laid to rest in the Sydney Street Cemetery. On the 20th of December, having safely navigated the straits, and having left Port Essington, the “Orontes” stuck upon an unknown rock, and after backing off was found to be much damaged, and was filling so rapidly that it was all her captain and crew could do to get her a distance of six miles and run her aground at the entrance of Port Essington. To describe all the anxiety and discomfort endured by the ship-wrecked crew during the ensuing six months of enforced exile in a wild country infested with marauding blacks, and under the almost perpendicular rays of a tropical sun, would need much more space than can be here given. Suffice it to say that even there Mr. Allen found his trade most useful, for H.M.S. “Alligator” was at Port Essington where a new settlement was being formed. Mr Allen was able to repair the captain's galley, which had been reported as done for by the “Alligator's” carpenter. For this and other services rendered, the captain promised that his newly-found workman should be well paid. The middle of 1839 found the ship-wrecked crew back in Sydney, and from thence Mr. Allen came over to this Colony in the brig “Adelaide.” After visiting the Bay of Islands, the “Adelaide” called in at what is now the Auckland Harbour, going as far up the Waitemata as the island rock known as The Watchman. This was nearly twelve months before the “Platina” went there with Governor Hobson's house, for Mr. Allen was back in Adelaide before Christmas, 1839. By September of the next year Mr. Allen had reached his native town, after having started from Launceston via the Cape of Good Hope, and being blown back by persistent contrary winds, finally taking the colder route, via Cape Horn. Even this
who occupied the Mayoral Chair from November, 1885, to November, 1886; and again from November, 1890, to November, 1891, was for many years a prominent civic politician at the capital. That he did a good deal for Wellington cannot be denied; but within three months of his vacating his high office, he brought a sad disgrace upon his name and memory by absconding from his creditors. That he went to Sydney, via Auckland, primarily, is well-known; but so far as can be learned, absolutely nothing is known of his subsequent migrations. Mr. Brown was born at Port Chalmers in 1856, but came to Wellington with his parents when a lad. He learned the grocery business with Mr. T. J. Mountain, and began on his own account before arriving at the age of twenty. He was very successful for one so young, his untiring energy, fervent ambition and extraordinary capacity for business overcoming all other obstacles. His first public office was the very modest one of school-committee man. He was barely five-and-twenty when he was elected on the committee of the Mount Cook Schools, where his popularity was sufficient to gain his election to the chairmanship. His next step was to the table of the City Council, to which he was elected as a representative of Cook Ward by a majority of two votes over the sitting councillor, Mr. Robert Miller. Mr. Brown was most attentive to the business of the city, and easily secured re-election on completion of his three years term. In 1885 he contested for the mayoral chair with no lesser lights than Mr. Samuel Brown, who had represented Cook Ward for six years, and Mr. Thomas McKenzie, another well-known and popular councillor The majority in favour of Mr. A. W. Brown, though not very large, was still most flattering. So thoroughly well did he fill the office that at the end of his term his popularity was at its highest. He, however, declined re-election, though many of the most influential ratepayers who were opposed to his election the year before were now prepared to support him. He was popular with the councillors, the officers and the ratepayers; but he declined to stand for a second term. Two years later, however, when a general election of councillors took place owing to alterations in all the ward boundaries, Mr. Brown stood for the representation of Te Aro Ward, and of the three men elected for that ward, Mr. Brown was placed at the head of the poll—high above his fellows. This was in 1888, and his popularity then began to decline. He was able, however, to beat Mr. North very easily in 1890 for the office of mayor, which he again filled with credit to himself. It is worthy of remark that Mr. Brown never lost an election. Prior to this he had sold out of the grocery business and established himself as an auctioneer, land and commission agent, etc. He was generally supposed to be doing fairly well, and his credit had always been practically unlimited, both with his bankers and the wholesale houses. In February, 1892, Wellington was shocked by the announcement that Mr. Brown had levanted, and speculation was rife as to the probable cause. He was, of course, declared a bankrupt, and his estate paid about three shillings in the pound; but it was the general opinion that he might have stayed and weathered the storm. The public feeling was one of sorrow that a man so gifted with the qualities that make for success, should have deliberately thrown away all the honours that had been so freely showered upon him. He was Grand-Master of the American Order of Oddfellows at the time of his flight. In all his public offices he had won credit for himself; but there can be no doubt that in his flight and the manner of it, he was guilty of much that was highly discreditable. Any information concerning him of more recent date than February, 1892, would be received with interest by the Wellington public.
who was elected to the high office of Mayor of the City for the years 1887 and 1888, is fully referred to under the heading “Wellington Contractors.”
M.H.R., was Mayor of the City of Wellington for the year 1889–1890. He is referred to as one of the members of the House of Representatives for Wellington.
M.L.C., succeeded Mr. J. Duthie as Mayor of the Empire City, and held office during the year 1890–1891. The honourable gentleman is mentioned elsewhere as a member of the Legislative Council.
M.H.R., occupied the Mayoral Chair for the two years 1892–1894. His career is given as one of the Wellington Members of the House of Representatives.
B.A., ex-Mayor of the city of Wellington, was born in the Empire City on the 13th of December, 1854. His father, the late Hon. A. de B. Brandon, M.L.C., was one of the pioneers of settlement in Port Nicholson. The subject of this notice received his earlier education at the Wellington College, and was successful, in 1872, in gaining one of the first scholarships granted by the University of New Zealand. In the following year he commenced a course of study at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, England, and four years later took his B.A. degree with honours. Before returning to New Zealand, Mr. Brandon was called to the bar at the Middle Temple, and shortly after arriving in Wellington was admitted by His Honour the Chief Justice a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. He at ones became a member of his father's firm, well known in Wellington for many years, and of which he is now senior partner, the firm being known now as Messrs. Brandon, Hislop, and Brandon. Mr. Brandon has held the position of president of the Wellington District Law Society. His name has long been closely associated with that great Colonial Life Insurance Company, the Australian Mutual Provident Society, of which he is a local director. In the City Corporation Mr. Brandon served as a councillor from September 1886, to January 1891, representing Thorndon Ward. He was returned to the mayoral chair in November, 1893, and he ably performed the onerous duties of that office. He contested the election in November, 1894, but was defeated by Mr. C. M. Luke. In 1879 Mr. Brandon married Miss Louisa Kebbell, second daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Kebbell. During his occupancy of the mayoral chair a son was born to him, and the councillors and officers of the Corporation presented their chief with a very handsome silver cradle, which will, no doubt, be carefully treasured by Mr. and Mrs. Brandon as a memento of the auspicious event.
who succeeded to the Mayoralty of Wellington City in December, 1894 was born in Penzance, Cornwall, but has resided in New Zealand for upwards of twenty-one years. He received his education at the Wesleyan Day School in his native town, and finally at the Penzance Grammar School. At his last examination at the Grammar School he was awarded first prize for arithmetic, and stood well ir other subjects of the curriculum. Mr. Luke has always been studiously inclined, and his present position is largely due to his un wearied efforts, often “burning the midnight oil.” From his youth he was looked upon as a book worm, and his researches have been of n small order, embracing a wide range of subjects. This helped him in the acquiring of that information which has resulted in such good fruit, and which has been to his own advantage, and that of hi fellow citizens in Wellington. Mr. Luke has worked very hard in the interests of the city, and has taken an active interest in all temperance and social movements. He was a member of the Hospital Committee for four years, and is a vice-president of the Citizens' Institute Mr. Luke was elected mayor of Wellington at the end of 1894, by a substantial majority, and without having previously oceupied a sea in the City Council. He was a member of the executive of the Industrial Exhibition of 1885; and was elected president of the conference held in 1890, in connection with the Primitive Methodist Church, of which body he is a member, and in whose interest he had worked hard, his services being in constant demand for specials, now only for his own church, but for kindred societies. At the end of his term of office, Mr. Luke stood for re-election, but was defeated by Mr. George Fisher. Mr. Luke has often been urged to stand for Parliament, and it is probable that he will accede to the demand at no very distant date.
Since the commencement of the present civic form of government in 1870, sixty-three gentlemen have occupied places at the Council Table of the Wellington Corporation, besides the present members. Some few served but a short time. A large proportion, however, filled the office of councillor for lengthy periods. The longest term is that of Mr. Lewis Moss, who served over ten years; the late Mr. R. M. Greenfield comes next with nine years and eight months; Mr. S. Danks was a councillor for eight years; and five-Messrs. G. Allen, E. W. Mills, J. Maginnity, D. Rainie and J. S. M. Thompson for seven years each. Messrs. S. Brown, H. F. Logan, and T. W. McKenzie each sat for six years; and the late Dr. H. W. Diver, Dr. Newman, M.H.R., Messrs. J. Petherick and J. M. Richardson were councillors for five years. Several served four, a large number for three years, and the remainder shorter periods.
who was a member of the City Council from September, 1870, till the end of 1874, is already referred to elsewhere as an ex-member of the House of Representatives, and as an ex-mayor of Wellington.
was elected to a seat in the Council, and remained a Councillor for the year 1870–1.
was returned to the Wellington City Council at the first election, and took part in the deliberations of the “city fathers” for the years 1870–2.
was a member of the Wellington City Council for the first seven years. Elected in September, 1870, he held office till he tendered his resignation in October, 1877. Mr. Mills is referred to elsewhere as managing director of Messrs. E. W. Mills and Co., Limited, under “Wellington Ironmongers.”
was one of the gentlemen elected to a seat in the first City Council, which assembled in the spring of 1870. For over ten years he continued a member of the Council, resigning in October, 1880.
often styled the “Father of Wellington,” has for over fifty years been a prominent man. He was born in Shropshire on the 28th of June, 1812, and had seen nothing of the sea or ships prior to his leaving England, but he had had an experience of bush work in the forest of Dean, an ancient royal forest in the West of Gloucestershire, and in the Bewdley forest, Worcestershire; and this was a fair apprenticeship for colonial life. His father was a builder and timber merchant, and the son had learned that business also. This knowledge was primarily useful to Mr. Plimmer himself, but there is no doubt that it was of very great advantage to the early settlers of Port Nicholson. When Mr. Plimmer arrived per ship “Gertrude,” in 1841, the township of Wellington looked better on paper than in reality. Fifty years after his arrival he celebrated his jubilee as a colonist by publishing his reminiscences in the New Zealand Mail, and these he kindly placed at the disposal of the compilers of the Cyclopedia, who have made copious extracts therefrom in their description of “Old Wellington.” Landing at Kaiwarra and unable during the first day to get all his goods into safe keeping, Mr. Plimmer had an experience with the Maoris more novel than agreeable, and the next day disclosed the unwelcome fact that several of his things had been stolen during the night, including a 2001b. sack of biscuits, a very serious loss in those days of scarcity. His first “house” was in Te Aro, a “wood collier's cabin,” without floor, the imported feather beds resting on a substratum of ti-tree bushes, Here he and his family lived in moderate comfort for about a year, during which time he had been preparing a more permanent establishment, and cutting, sawing, and splitting timber into boards, slabs, posts, rails, shingles, etc. He then turned his knowledge of lime burning to good account, doing exceedingly well for several years in that line of business, but the earthquake of 1848 put a temporary check on the demand for lime, and Mr. Plimmer then turned his attention once more to the building of wooden houses. Speaking of this change in the letters to the Mail, Mr. Plimmer says: “At that time I rebuilt a great many of the houses which had been shaken down, and some new ones, but in wood, as the people were afraid to live in brick houses. In 1850, however, something happened which quite changed my occupation. An American ship was wrecked in the harbour. She had struck on the rocks at the entrance, and was leaking very badly, so the captain ran her on the Te Aro shore, and she was sold to a shipbuilder for a small sum. I gave the shipbuilder £80 for the hull, on condition that he would deliver her opposite Barrett's Hotel; and I asked Sir George Grey, who was then Governor, to allow me to put her there and to make a wharf, to which he consented. But when the merchants, who were all located on Te Aro shore, learned what I was about to do with the ship, they pressed the man not to deliver her, but as I had paid him part of the money, he could not decline, so made the excuse that he
after whom Quin Street is named, was one of the first eight City Councillors elected for the year 1870–1. Mr. Quin died many years ago.
served the ratepayers as a Councillor for seven years. Elected at the first polling, be was re-elected from time to time from 1870 to 1876.
was returned to a seat in the City Council at the second annual election, which was held in September, 1871. He held office till his resignation in May, 1873. Mr. Bannatyne was the founder of the firm that bears his name, which is referred to under “Wellington Merchants.”
(now Sir P. A. Buckley, K.C.M.G.) sat as a Councillor of the City for the two years ending September, 1873. Sir Patrick is referred to under the heading “The Ministry,” on page 43.
who holds the important position of German Consul, and is referred to in connection with the descriptions of Wanganui, where he resides, was an early member of the City Council, being returned in 1871, and continuing in office for the two succeeding years.
was a member of the City Council for two years. He was first elected in September, 1872, and held his seat during the following year.
was first returned to the Council at a bye-election held in May, 1873, to fill the seat vacated by Mr. W. M. Bannatyne. He continued a member till February, 1875, when he resigned his position. Mr. Burrett, who was a well-known stationer and printer, died in 1886.
was elected a member of the Council in September, 1873, and held his seat till January, 1875, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Mr. E. T. Gillon.
who occupied a seat for Cook Ward in the City Council from January, 1874, to September, 1883, hails from Berwick-on-Tweed, where he was born in 1833. When but three or four years old, his parents crossed over to Scotland, and there he received his education. After leaving school, Mr. Greenfield had experience for some years in mercantile pursuits. In 1857 he embarked on the ship “Charlemagne,” with the intention of coming to the
was elected to the Council in September, 1870, and became the first Mayor of the City under the Municipal Corporations Act, being voted to the chair by his fellow Councillors. It was not til 1875 that the Mayor was elected by the ratepayers. After vacating the Mayoral Chair in December, 1873, he continued a member of the Council till the 15th of March, 1877, when he resigned his seat. See “Ex-Mayors.”
M.I.C.E., J.P., who sat as a Councillor for Te Aro Ward from September, 1874, to September, 1878, was very well known as the engineer and manager of the Wellington Gas Company. Mr. George, who was the son of a London solicitor, was born at Lewisham, Kent. On leaving school he entered the office of a tea merchant in the Metropolis, but that line of life not being to his liking, and, having a taste for mechanical drawing, he found an opening with Kennards, contractors, of Great George Street, Westminster. Being greatly interested in his profession, Mr. George made rapid strides, a fact well proven by his selection for transfer to Portugal before he was twenty years of age, to assist in the construction of a line of railway then in progress by the Kennards. Here he gave his employers such satisfaction that on his return to England they gave him the general management of several important engineering works for the Wellington Provincial Government. This necessitated Mr. George's coming to this Colony. Arriving in 1865, he at once began the first iron extension of the Queen's Wharf, Wellington. His next work of importance was an iron bridge across the Wanganui River. He then laid down the Patent Slip at Evans Bay, and acted as manager to the Slip Company up to his death in June, 1889. Mr. George was one of the prime movers in providing Wellington with gas, and in the establishment of the Gas Company, of which also he was manager till the close of his life. For seven years prior to his death, too, he was managing director of the Wellington Trust and Loan Company. Besides serving the city as a councillor, Mr. George took an active
part in all matters of public interest, and was deservedly popular. As a prominent member and past President of the Chamber of Commerce he was elected to represent that body on the Harbour Board. The high office of Consul for Portugal was held by Mr.
M.L.C., who is referred to as one of the Wellington members of the Legislative Council, was elected a member of the Corporation of Wellington in January, 1875. He retained his seat till September, 1876.
whose career is referred to as Editor of the Evening Post, under the heading “The Press,” became a Councillor of the City of Wellington in January, 1875, and retained the position till September, 1876.
who represented Thorndon Ward on the City Council from February. 1875, to September, 1877, was born near Belfast, County Down, Ireland, in 1835. His father, a North of Ireland farmer, sent him to the National Schools near Belfast, where he was educated. The subject of this notice was then apprenticed for four years to the grocery and provision trade in Birmingham, England, and was employed in general business till 1858, when he embarked for Wellington per ship “Robert Small.” Among his fellow passengers were Mr. (afterwards Mr. Justice) Johnston and other notable colonists. On arrival on the 13th of October of the same year, Mr. Cleland joined his brother at the Hutt, whom he assisted for some time in his business. For about a year subsequently he acted as manager of the late Mr. David Anderson's store in Wellington, and for a like period he was employed as chief clerk to the late Hon. J. Martin. Mr. Cleland entered into business in Wellington as a storekeeper in 1862, which he conducted successfully till 1874, when he retired. In 1871 he was married to Miss Annie, daughter of the late Mr. George Dixon. His family numbers four, one daughter and three sons, of whom two are farming at the Hutt.
who is referred to as an ex-mayor of the City, was a member of the Wellington Corporation from September, 1876, to September, 1883.
was elected to the position of Councillor of the City in the month of September, 1876, but held the position only till the twelfth of the following March, when he resigned his seat.
chemist, was returned to the Council at the election of 1877, and retained office for one year. Mr. Allan was the founder of the business now being carried on by Mr. George Mee. He died a few year ago.
who sat in the Council as a representative of Te Aro Ward from September, 1877, to September, 1879, was well known in Wellington as an old and prosperous colonist, and one who took a keen interest in all that concerned the progress of Wellington. He was born at Worksop, Nottinghamshire, in 1825. Prior to leaving for the colonies, he was for some time in the employ of the Duke of Portland's head-gardener. Mr. Dixon came to Wellington in 1853 per ship “Royal Albert,” his second wife and three children by his first accompanying him. After a trial of farming with his brother at Karori, and of the confectionary trade in the employ of the late Mr. Peter Laing, he entered into business on his own account as a cordial manufacturer, establishing in Cuba Street the business now being carried on by his daughter-in-law, Mrs. George Dixon, of Dixon Street. Here Mr. Dixon, with the able assistance of his wife and children, built up a good trade and made a competency before disposing of his business to his eldest son George, who, it will be remembered, was drowned about eleven years ago when on his way to Wellington in the “Taiaroa.” A little over twenty years ago Mr. Dixon's second wife died, and he married a third time. In October, 1890, after enjoying many years of well-earned retirement, Mr. Dixon died, leaving a widow and fifteen children, of whom Mr. Joseph Dixon, of Masterton, is the eldest surviving son; Mr. Samuel Waters, of Wellington, and Mr. Beck, cordial manufacturer, of Palmerston North, are sons-in-law. Mr. Dixon was a man of most upright character, and was thoroughly respected. He took a very great interest in the Wellington Cricketers' Association, devoting unsparing y both time and money to the furtherance of its objects. The clock in the grand-stand at the Basin Reserve was presented by his family in rememberance of his love for
has taken a prominent part in connection with the civic Government of the City. In September, 1877, he was elected a member of the Council, and continued to occupy a seat till May, 1881. He is referred to as Mayor of Wellington, and on page 84 as an ex-Minister of the Crown.
became a Councillor of the Wellington City Corporation in September, 1877, retaining his seat till September, 1879. He is referred to in another place as an ex-member of the House of Representatives for Wellington, and as the first Mayor of Wellington.
represented Te Aro Ward from September, 1887, to September, 1893. He was born in Glasgow, and came to Wellington in 1840 in the ship “Bengal Merchant.” He was in business in Cuba Street and Lambton Quay from 1866 to 1884, retiring in the latter year. Mr. Logan's residence is at 36 Brougham Street.
who holds the important position of Chief Valuer to the Advances to Settlers Office, was elected a member of the City Council in September, 1877, and held the seat till the same month in the following year. Particulars of his career will be found under ex-members of the House of Representatives, and in connection with the Advances to Settlers Office.
J.P., the well-known wine and spirit merchant was first returned to the Council in September, 1877, and he held a seat at the civic board for saver, years altogether. Mr. Maginnity has not taken part in the government of the city since September, 1884, when he vacated his seat.
represented Lambton Ward from September, 1878, to September, 1883, when he was beaten by Ex-Councillor J. M. Richardson. Dr. Diver was a clever physician, and a genial friend. His death, after a short illness, was very generally deplored.
was elected to the Wellington City Council in September, 1878, and held his seat till September, 1881. After an interval of a year, Mr. Miller was again returned, and continued a member for a second period of three years.
who represented Lambton Ward on the City Council from September, 1878, to September, 1884, was born near Belfast, Ireland, in 1811. Mr. Thompson came to the colonies in 1864 in the s.s. “Great Britain,” landing in Melbourne. After spending some time with his brother in Castlemaine, Mr. Thompson crossed over to New Zealand and purchased, in conjunction with his cousin, Mr. James Barkley, the drapery business established in Greymouth by Messrs. H. and L. J. Sherrard, of Melbourne. The firm of Thompson and Barkley soon after bought the business of Smith and McDowell, of Greymouth, Mr. George Smith being admitted as a partner in the new firm, which was carried on under the style of Thompson, Smith and Barkley. This firm established branches at Reefton, Charlestown, and Westport, which were carried on with success. In 1874 Mr. Thompson withdrew from the firm, and joined Mr. G. V. Shannon in establishing the wholesale importing and manufacturing soft goods business of Thompson, Shaunon and Co., Panama Street, Wellington, with branches at Christchurch, Auckland, and Napier. In 1877 Mr. Thompson made a trip to England, and prior to his departure was entertained at a dinner by leading citizens at the Empire Hotel, Sir W. Fitzherbert in the chair. He was complimented on the public spiritedness shown during his residence in Wellington. At the same time the employees of the firm presented a handsome piece of silver plate. In 1887 Mr. Shannon retired from the firm, and in 1889 Mr. Thompson sold the business to Messrs. Hallenstein Brothers. Mr. Thompson then left for Victoria, where he purchased with his nephew the large foundry which had been established by his brothers, and from which they desired to retire. In 1884 Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Lottie, eldest daughter of Mr. F. A. Krull, German Consul of Wellington, and has three daughters. While resident in Wellington, Mr. Thompson was a steward of the Wellington Racing Club, of which he was a vice-president for some
who served the City in the Council from September, 1878, to September, 1881, was born in Dungannon, County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1834. He came out to the colonies in 1855, landing in Melbourne, Mr. W. R. Wilson, well known in sporting circles, being a shipmate. Two years after arrival Mr. Young commenced his career in the coaching business, in which he was employed for five years on the line between Geelong and Ballarat. Coming to Otago in 1862, he found employment with Cobb and Co., on the road between Dunedin and Tokomairo, the Dunstan and Oamaru. Here he remained till 1868, when he removed
who is referred to elsewhere as an ex-mayor of the City, and under “Wellington Contractors,” and as connected with the fuel trade, became a member of the Council in September, 1879. He held office for six years, terminating in the same month of the year 1885.
who served the City as a councillor from September, 1879, to September, 1882, as a representative of Te Aro Ward, is a son of the late Mr. Edward Stafford, who arrived in Port Nicholson by the first ship, the “Aurora,” in 1840, and was for many years well known in the City. Born in Wellington in the year 1846, Mr. Stafford received such education as was then available. He studied for the bar with the late Hon. Robert Hart, who had served as a member of the House of Representatives, had acted for a time as District Judge, and again entered on the practice of his profession. Commencing on the lowest rung of the ladder in 1862, Mr. Stafford steadily pursued his studies, and passed the prescribed examinations, being admitted as a barrister and solicitor in 1870. On the Land Transfer Act coming into force the same year, the Registrar-General, Mr. W. Sefton Moorhouse, required an officer for the department, and on the recommendation of the present Chief Justice, Sir J. Prendergast, Mr. Stafford was appointed Examiner of Titles for the Wellington District, which position he retained for four years. In 1874 he joined Mr. Moorhouse, under the style of Moorhouse and Stafford, but retired two years later to accept the position of Assistant Law Officer to the Crown. In 1878 Mr. Stafford was invited by Mr. Hart and Sir P. Buckley to join the present firm, which he did, the style being “Buckley, Stafford and Fitzherbert.” Since this time Mr. Stafford has been prominent in connection with this old-established business. In 1881 the subject of this notice contested the seat in the House of Representatives for Te Aro, being defeated by the Hon. C. J. Johnston.
faithfully served the City for nine years, ending October, 1888, as a representative of Lambton Ward. The late Mr. Danks occupied many other public offices, as will be seen by reference to the business notice of Messrs. S. Danks and Son, under “Wellington Plumbers,” where an extended notice of this much-respected citizen appears.
M.H.R. for Wellington Suburbs, whose career is given in that connection, was elected a member of the City Council in May, 1881, and held the position for a period of four years.
who was twice chosen Chief Magistrate of the City, is referred to under Ex-Mayors. He was first elected for Cook Ward in the month of September, 1881. Mr. Brown was again elected as a Councillor—this time for Te Aro Ward—at the election of 1888, and retained the position till December, 1
is one of the very few now remaining of those brave colonists who sacrificed much and risked all to carve out for themselves an honourable career, and at the same time to lay the foundations of a prosperous country. Remembering the prominent positions occupied by Mr. McKenzie in Wellington's earliest days, it seems incredible that he was a lad of scarcely thirteen years when he first saw the shores of Port Nicholson. Though so very young, his experiences of life had begun in earnest. Born in the “World's Metropolis,” on the 6th of March, 1827, he passed but little of his childhood there, for at a very early age he went with his parents to St. John's, Newfoundland, where he soon imbibed the ruling passion of his life—love of freedom. The death of her husband caused the widowed mother to return with her son to England; but the subject of this sketch chafed under the changed conditions, and his mother decided to cast in her lot with the Port Nicholson colonists of the New Zealand Company. Embarking in the good ship “Adelaide,” 640 tons, commanded by Captain Campbell, Mrs. McKenzie and her son left the Old Land for the second time, on the 18th of September, 1839. Before leaving, however, young McKenzie distinguished himself by a gallant and successful effort to save a fellow-creature's life. A man was seen by him to be drowning in the Serpentine in Hyde Park, and, being a strong swimmer, he sprang in and supported him until further assistance came. About this time he succeeded in winning second prize in a swimming contest on the Thames, against competitors from the ranks of the Life Guardsmen. During the early part of his life in Wellington, Mr. McKenzie by virtue of his excellent swimming powers, was on three occasions able to save life which otherwise would have been lost. In 1840 he saved a man at Petone, or Britannia, as it was then called. On another occasion he was one of four when a boat capsized, and being the only swimmer of the party, the whole of the time until assistance came was occupied in helping his comrades back to the boat from which the relentless waves frequently hurled them. This he kept up for half-an-hour, when a boat from the man-of-war completed the rescue. The last case was that of a friend who fell over when endeavouring to board a vessel sailing up the harbour. The “Adelaide” was the fourth ship of the contingent, arriving in February, 1840. On arrival Mr. McKenzie was at once apprenticed to Mr. Samuel Revans, proprietor of the New Zealand Gazette and Britannia Spectator,” afterwards altered to the New Zealand Gazette and Wellington Spectator,” on the change of site being made from Petone to the shores of Lambton Harbour. The first two editions of this newspaper were printed in London before the despatch of the colonists. After completing his five years apprenticeship. Mr. McKenzie worked as a compositor for two years on the same journal. About this time he acquired some land at Makara, and as there were too many hands at the office, an arrangement was made between the men whereby they worked on alternate weeks at the office, and on their own sections. This sent on for some time until the paper changed hands, and Mr. McKenzie and his fellow workers were thrown out of employment. In consequence of this, the Wellington Independent was started, the proprietors being Messrs. William Edward Vincent, T. W. McKenzie, George Fellingham, and James Muir. The paper thus established was published under this proprietary for a long time eventually, however, Mr. Vincent left for Sydney, Mr. Fellingham died, and Mr. McKenzie purchased Mr. Muir's interest, thus becoming
Home News. Mr. McKenzie afterwards established the New Zealand Mail, and also the Wellington Almanac. The three properties were later on sold to the original New Zealand Times Company, the name Wellington Independent being changed to New Zealand Times, of which Mr. McKenzie became manager and secretary, continuing with two short intervals to about the time when the business changed hands again. Since this Mr. McKenzie has not been actively identified with the press of the Colony. He has mostly lived in private life so far as business is concerned, except for two or three years, during which he acted as a director and manager of the Wellington Building Society. This company had, by the defalcations of an official, drifted into difficult circumstances, and Mr. McKenzie was successful in piloting the concern to a satisfactory position, for which he earned well-merited praise. Mr. McKenzie possesses a fund of information as to the early days of the Colony. His stories of the Maori disturbances when Te Ruaparaha threatened the settlements, the midnight patrol after a day's hard work, the first earthquake shock in 1841, the scarcity of provisions, and other hardships, are both thrilling and entertaining. In public life he has ever been prominent. As one of the first burgesses of the original borough, he showed deep interest in civic affairs. Nearly half a century later he sat as a member of the City Council, and during his six years' service in that capacity, contested a mayoral election, but was defeated after making a good fight. A great many of the institutions are largely indebted to the spirited advocacy of Mr. McKenzie and his coadjutors. He was a member of the “Constitution Association,” as it was called, and did much to hasten self-government. The old Mechanics' Institute was originated by him, and subsequently developed into the Athenæum, which was largely assisted by his efforts, and for many years proved most useful to citizens and visitors. In the early days Mr. McKenzie used his influence to promote the Town and Country Land Association, which did good work, and some years later helped the Small Farm Settlements of the Wairarapa. As an Oddfellow, Mr. McKenzie was the first corresponding secretary, and procured the charters from Manchester for six lodges, which he opened in Wellington, and like-wise obtained and transmitted charters for the first Auckland and Dunedin Lodges. He has been Hon. Secretary since 1848 for the Widows and Orphans Society, in connection with the I.O. of Oddfellows, M.U., and has received very flattering letters from the societies' actuary touching his accounts. He has occupied the highest position possible in the Order within New Zealand. As a Mason, Mr. MeKenzie is a Past Master; he has occupied among other offices that of District Grand Warden, E.C., and was installed First Grand Principal, Royal Arch Chapter, for three years, having previously filled the second and third chairs. He was instrumental in obtaining a grant of land from the Provincial Council in Grey Street and Lambton Quay for the Oddfellows, and exerted himself to promote the erection of a large building for lodge meetings, which was also used for many years as a theatre and opera house. This property is still held by the Order, and is of great value. Mr. McKenzie also performed a similar service, as far as land is concerned, for the Freemasons' Pacific Lodge, E.C., and also for the Benevolent Society Contributors. Mr. McKenzie was for many years a member of the Hospital committee. He is now one of the trustees of the Home for the Aged Needy. He has long been a member of St. John's Presbyterian Church, and was for some time on the beard of management, but for many years now has been prominent as an elder. Mr. McKenzie from the first has been consistently attached to the land of his adoption, in which he has ever striven to forward every good cause. Probably not one of the early settlers has worked so hard for the public, and with so little thought for self. By industry and painstaking efforts he has obtained a competence, but nothing is more certain than that his best and noblest efforts were not made in his own interests. He is in his sixty-eighth year at the time of writing (1895), and he spends his declining years mainly in looking after those who have been less fortunate than himself. He passes into his ripe old age thoroughly and most deservedly respected.
who represented Thorndon Ward from September, 1883, to September, 1886, was the eldest son of Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald, C.M.G., the Controller and Auditor-General. He was born in Cashel Street, Christchurch, on the 12th of October, and was educated at Christ's College Grammar School. While studying the law he was for some time secretary to the late Sir. George Arney. Soon after attaining his majority he was admitted
esprit de corps, he never lost sight of the supenor object of building up their moral character, fortifying their intellect and developing the best qualities of their heart. He was, we believe, of noble blood, but he possessed a much better distinction in that nobility of nature whose very impulse is noblesse oblige, and which stands a man in good stead when rank and titles are as naught,” The officers and members of the Star Boating Club showed their affection for their captain and friend by erecting a handsome marble monument over his grave, by most touching reference to his life and death in their annual report, and by the creation of “The FitzGerald Trophy.” The large gathering at the grave-side testified to the general respect entertained for him by all classes. The Tainui Cance Club, of which Mr. FitzGerald was the moving spirit, thus opens its annual report for the season of 1887–1888:—“In presenting their, report for the past year, the officers have with great regret to record the death of Mr. FitzGerald, who, for the first time since the formation of the club, will be absent from
who died in 1895, was a hard-working member of the Wellington City Council for many years. Elected in September, 1883, he continued, with one interval of a single year, 1888–9, to hold a seat up till the time of his death.
who held a seat on the Council of the City of Wellington, from 1883 to 1888, was born in 1810 at Croydon, Surrey, England, and is a son of the late Mr. George Richardson, for many years a farmer of that locality, who enjoyed the distinction—for indeed it is a distinction—of being first cousin to the world-famed John Ruskin. Ex-Councillor Richardson should be proud of his connection with a man whose name will be famous while English literature endures; and perhaps he is, but the writer knew him intimately for nearly twenty years before he discovered—and then quite accidentally—that any relationship existed. Mr. Richardson was educated in Sussex at a private school, and at the age of fourteen left for New South Wales, whither his brother, Mr. C. T. Richardson, also well known in Wellington, had gone some three or four years before. Arriving in Sydney per ship “Washington Irving” in 1855, young Richardson procured a situation through the influence of his brother, who was also in the “rag trade.” After some three or four years with Messrs. Dawson and Thompson, he crossed over to Wellington and had a taste of station life with his uncles George and John Moore, who had a sheep run at Waikaraka, near Flat Point, on the East Coast. This was just the line of life Mr. Richardson was desirous of leading, but the difficulties of obtaining land were insurmountable in those days to young men with littie capital, so, rather than run the risk of being a farm hand for life, he returned to Sydney and entered the establishment of Messrs. Francis, Giles and Co., of Deniston House. Here he was a shopmate of Mr. Kirkcaldie and Mr. Stains, and here also he met Mr. H. C. Wilson, and began that close friendship which has now subsisted for over a third of a century. Mr. Richardson remained four years in Deniston House,
and then the two friends made up their minds to begin business in partnership, and somewhere in New Zealand. Nelson was the place decided upon, and Mr. Wilson came on in advance to take a shop and prepare for his partner who was to follow with the stock. This was in 1864, and Messrs. Wilson and Richardson carried on business in Nelson for seven years thereafter, when they sold out and divided a sum which gave each a very fair competence. During his residence in Nelson Mr. Richardson married Miss Francis Thornton, daughter of Mr. John Thornton, the well-known saddler, and his family now numbers seven. On the disposal of the business, both partners with their wives paid a visit to the Old Country, with some intention of staying there. While at Home, Mr. Richardson did a little successful speculating on the Stock Exchange and in other ways; but, after the freedom of colonial life, the conventionalities of English society were irksome, and he and Mrs. Richardson returned to the colonies. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson did likewise, and the friends all met in Sydney, Mr. Richardson having just previously visited Melbourne, Ballarat, and other Australian towns, with a view to recommencing business. Not pleased with the opportunities offering in Australia, Messrs. Wilson and Richardson came on to Wellington and bought the business of the late Mr. Joseph Burne, in which, until 1889, they were so well known and popularly esteemed. In this year, Mr. Wilson's health showed signs of failure, and this decided him to retire to a farm at Feilding, belonging to the firm. Mr. Richardson began his service in the public interest in a very unusual way. He had not been in Nelson very long when that otherwise quiet little town was thrown into a state of great excitement by the report that four men, well known in the province, were missing, and probably murdered. Volunteers were called for to organize a thorough search of the country round about the suspected quarter in the hope of finding, at least, the bodies. Mr. Richardson's name appears third on the list of volunteers, under the captaincy of Mr. Chas. Saxton.
Senr., was a member of the City Council from September, 1883, to the same month in 1886. Mr. Wilson was born near Craigmiller Castle, Scotland, on the 25th of June, 1828, and received his early education at the Liberton Church Parish School under Dr. Begg. He was apprenticed to the building trade. Afterwards he went to Edinburgh, where he worked with several of the noted builders of that city. In the workshops of Messrs. Beattie and Co., where some 130 men were constantly employed, he worked his way up to the responsible position of foreman. When gold discoveries brought Australia into prominence, Mr. Wilson was smitten with the “fever,” and left by the ship “Admiral Boxer,” arriving in Melbourne in the first week of June, 1854. He worked at his trade in Melbourne for a while, and assisted in building the first Exhibition Building in 1854. After some disappointing experiences on the Maryborough and other diggings he returned to Melbourne, which he soon left for New Zealand. Arriving in Wellington on the 12th of February, 1855, just three weeks after the great earthquake, Mr. Wilson worked with Mr. W. Mills, Mr. George Hunter and others for some years, and afterwards went into business for himself, and has been very successful at his trade. He has since had a grocery store in Newtown, which is now conducted by his son Alexander, Mr. Wilson has taken a great interest in local institutions. He was one of the founders of the Newtown School, and also of the St. James' Presbyterian Church. As a property-holder he has considerable interests in Cuba Street, Tory Street, and other parts of the city, including five acres where he resides in Constable Street. Mr. Wilson has been a member of the Antipodean Lodge of Oddfellowe for the last thirty-six years, and has passed the chairs, including that of Grand Master. He has done much to further the prosperity of Wellington. Mr. Wilson was married at Stockbridge, Edinburgh, to Anne Garland. Of his family, seven survive—four sons and three daughters, who are all married with the exception of two daughters. Mrs. Wilson died on the 18th of May, 1884. Largely through Mr. Wilson's efforts, the name of Newtown has recently been changed to Wellington South, an obvious advantage, the name of Newtown causing great inconveniences and annoyances through there being other towns of the same name in New Zealand.
a Councillor of the City of Wellington for Lambton Ward from September, 1884, to September, 1887, is very well known and greatly respected as a barrister, solicitor, and notary public. He is a son of the Rev. W. A. Quick, and was born on the 15th of October, 1843, at Sierra Leone, in the West of Africa, being educated in England, New South Wales, and Tasmania. He came out to the colonies in 1854; and, having qualified as a solicitor in Sydney, reached New Zealand in October, 1866, when he was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Colony, Mr. Quick is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and a “Past Master” of Lodge Aorangi, E.C. He is also a “Past Master” of Lodge Waterloo, S.C. The subject of this notice is a prominent member of the Church of England, holding the position of chancellor of the Diocese of Wellington. He has long been a member of the Diocesan Synod, and of the Wellington Diocesan Board of Trustees, which holds a great many Church properties. He is also a trustee of the Wanganui Collegiate School. As a Councillor, Mr. Quick performed his civic duties with the same punctuality and straightforwardness which have ever characterised him as a professional man. Though a representative of Lambton Ward, his attitude towards the poorer divisions of the City was fairly liberal, consistent with the claims of his own ward; though the writer well remembers a return being called for by Ex-Councillor Quick, which astonished the whole Council by proving that in Cook Ward the sum of £32 was being
Commission Agent, of Featherston Street, whose career is given under his business notice, was returned to the Council in September, 1886. He occupied the position for the full term of three years.
some particulars of whose career are given under the heading “Friendly Societies' Office,” was elected to the Council in September, 1885, and continued in office till April, 1887, when he resigned.
who sat as a representative of Cook Ward from September, 1885, to October, 1888, was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, on the 7th of May, 1854. In 1862 his father, Mr. John Edwards, of Mangere, near Auckland, accepted the position of schoolmaster of the Non-conformist Settlement, and in May of that year sailed with his family for Auckland per ship “Matilda Wattenbach.” Mr. Edwards was educated principally in his father's school at Mahurangi, north of Auckland, and subsequently at the Wesley College, Auckland. After a few months in the publishing office of the Evening News, he entered the employ of the late Mr. William Aitken, printer, in the business now being carried on by the Hon. W. McCullough, M.L.C. In 1877, having in the meantime risen to the position of foreman, Mr. Edwards accepted a twelve months' engagement with the late Mr. R. Burrett, to manage that gentleman's printing department during his absence on a trip to the Old Country. A year later he began business as a printer, in partnership with Mr. G. W. Dutton, the well-known bookseller, of Lambton Quay, under the style of Dutton and Edwards. This partnership was, however, dissolved in September, 1878, and in the following month Mr. W. H. Green was admitted to a share in the business. The firm of Edwards and Green became well-known throughout the Colony as the printers of the Law Reports, the Industrial Gazette, and many other important publications. In 1886 Mr. Green withdrew from the firm, and Mr. Edwards continued alone, under the style of Edwards and Co., until August, 1894, when he disposed of his printing plant and business to Messrs. Edwards, Russell and Company, Limited, one of the firms engaged in the production of this Cyclopedia. This change was made to enable Mr. Edwards to give a greater portion of his time to the service of the Cyclopedia Company, of which also he is one of the directors. As a member of the Destructor, Electric Lighting, and other Committees, Ex-Councillor Edwards rendered good service; but the principal thing for which he will be remembered by his colleagues and a few others, was the timely aid he gave to the settling of the vexed question of the limit of foreshore reclamation. A committee of councillors had for several months Leen conferring with a committee of the Harbour Board, with the object of agreeing upon a limit for the Te Aro reclamation; but with so little prospcet of success that the report of the Committee was ordered to be “laid on the table for six months.” This was locked upon as an insupersble difficulty in the way of securing a settlement; but Mr. Edwards held an opposite opinion, and immediately tabled a motion for a conference of the whole membership of both bodies. This was deemed so reasonable a project that no one was found to oppose it. The Harbour Board accepted the invitation, the conference was held, and, to the surprise of all, the points which had been in dispute for many months were amicably and satisfactorily settled in two hours. In 1879 Mr. Edwards was married to Fanny, daughter of the late Mr. William
who is referred to elsewhere as an ex-mayor of the City, first became a member of the City Council in September, 1886, and retained a seat till January, 1891, when he resigned.
was returned to a seat in the City Council when Mr. A. W. Brown was elected to the position of Mayor, in December, 1885. He sat as a councillor during the years 1886, 1887, and 1888.
became a representative in the Wellington City Council in September, 1886, and continued to fill the duties of the office till the conclusion of his term of office in September, 1888.
who represented Te Aro Ward from September, 1887, to September, 1889, is a member of the Harbour Board, where particulars of his career will be found.
a representative of Thorndon Ward from September, 1888, to September, 1890 is well known as the senior partner of the firm of Messrs. Chapman and Tripp, barristers and solicitors, of Wellington. Mr. Chapman was born in Wellington in the year 1846, and is a son of the late Judge Chapman, of Wellington. His preliminary education was gained in Melbourne, from whence he went to London for its completion. In 1871 he was called to the Bar of the Inner Temple. After this he remained in London, practising his profession as a barrister until 1875, when he returned to the Colony, and was here also admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court. Mr. Chapman then entered into practice in Wellington, and after a few years was joined by the late Mr. William FitzGerald, under the style of Messrs. Chapman and FitzGerald, which firm subsisted until Mr. Fitz-Gerald's death in June, 1888. Since then Mr. Chapman has been joined by Mr. Tripp. On the death of Mr. FitzGerald, Mr. Chapman succeeded to the editorship of the New Zealand Law Reports, and he still occupies that important position. He is also a member of the Council of the Wellington Law Society, and in every way ranks high in the profession. Mr. Chapman was chosen as secretary to the Law Procedure Commission of 1882. Throughout his term as Councillor, Mr. Chapman took a warm interest in Municipal matters, and exercised a beneficial influence in maintaining the dignity of the City.
was returned at the general election of 1888, and took part in the affairs of the ratepayers till his retirement in January, 1892.
became a Councillor in September, 1888, and retained the position for one year.
represented Lambton Ward from September, 1888, to September, 1889. He was born in Liverpool in 1828, and educated there. Coming to New Zealand with his parents in November, 1840, in the ship “Martha Ridgway,” he started work in 1841 for the Hon. W. B. Rhodes, general merchant. In the course of a few years he joined the service of the New Zealand Company, but after a short period left to enter the Government employ, in which he had a long and honourable career. Mr. Seed was first attached to the Governor (Sir George Grey's) staff in 1853. While Sir George was absent from the Colony, Mr. Seed served as clerk and warehouse-keeper to the Customs Department in Wellington. Upon Sir George's return he rejoined his staff and acted as his private secretary till 1863. Mr. Seed became Under-Secretary to the Defence Department, and held the position during the Waikato wars. In 1865 he became Collector of Customs, and was appointed permanent head of the department in May, 1866. During the absence of the Auditor-General, in 1868, Mr. Seed filled that office. He was a member of the committee which drafted the “Civil Service Act of 1866,” and in 1868 he served on the Royal Commission, appointed to inquire into the system of keeping the Treasury accounts. In 1870, Mr. Seed was sent to visit and report on the Samoan group. He acted along with Mr. Batkin, in 1871, in making the celebrated confidential report to Ministers with a view to reform the Civil Service Departments. On many occasions he visited the Australian colonies on diplomatic missions. On visiting Britain in 1875, Mr. Seed made a report on the lighthouse systems, and when the commercial treaty was arranged with Fiji in 1886, he acted for New Zealand with Messrs. Moss and Shirley Baker in arranging its terms. Another inquiry was made into the working of Government departments in 1884, and Mr. Seed's services were again required on the board of investigation. Mr. Seed retired as second officer in the service and secretary and inspector of the Customs and Marine Departments in 1888, having worked his way upwards from the post of junior clerk. After such a distinguished life of service Mr. Seed spent the remainder of his days in the quite retirement of his home
J. P., was a member of the Wellington City Council from 1889 to 1893. He was born in London in 1833. After a short time at sea, Mr. Worth went to London to learn his trade, that of a plasterer and modeller. Having acquired a thoroagh knowledge of it, he came to New Zealand with his wife and three children in 1858. Since his arrival in the country, Mr. Worth has been prominently identified with public bodies of almost every kind, from a Band of Hope to a City Council. In 1869 he settled in Wellington. He was contractor for the plastering decorations at Government House, and continued in his business till 1888, when, having secured a competence, he retired, and at present resides in Sussex Square. In 1892 he visited England. Mr. Worth is a staunch supporter of the eight hours system, and was a personal friend of the inaugurator of the movement in New Zealand, Mr. S. D. Parnell. Mr. Worth is president of the Wellington Working Men's Club, and is a well-known and popular citizen.
was a member of the Wellington City Council from September, 1890, to September, 1893. He was born on the 3rd of May, 1834, at Greenwich in Kent, England, where he was educated. He learnt the building trade at Couchman's, a large building firm at Blackheath. At the age of twenty-one he determined to see the New World, and arrived in Wellington in the ship “Royal Stuart” a week after the great earthquake of 1855. After staying for a time in Wellington he removed to Napier, shortly after Hawkes Bay was constituted a separate province, and remained there for over two years fully occupied in building. Returning to Wellington, he joined Messrs. Wallis and Gaseoine, under the style of Wallis, Parsons and Gascoine, which firm carried on a large building trade for many years in Manners Street. Mr. Wallis leaving the firm, Messrs. Parsons and Gascoine established a business at Pipitea Street, Thorndon, which they carried on with great success for seventeen years, principally building to private order and their own design, also for many years doing all the work required by the Government Departments in Wellington. Among the many buildings erected by the firm may be mentioned the Provincial Buildings—part of which (the Council Chamber) is now incorporated with the Government Insurance Buildings. Messrs. J. E. Nathan and Co.'s store, the old Panama Company's store, Mr. C. J. Pharazyn's residence, &c. The partnership being dissolved in 1884, the subject of this notice carried on the business till 1888, when he retired. Mr. Parsons has always been an enthusiastic musician. While in Napier he organised and was choirmaster of the first choir to the Anglican Church there, and also established the first musical society (the Napier Choral Society) in that city. In Wellington he has been a member of St. Paul's Choir throughout his residence here, was one of the members of the Wellington Choral
Society throughout its long term of existence, and was one of the first members of the Wellington Orchestral Society. He was married in 1864 to Miss Widdop, well known, as the possessor of a fine soprano voice, who has sung in numberless concerts during the last thirty years, and was the first exponent of the works of the great
who is referred to in another place as a member of the firm of Clere, Fitzgerald, and Richmond, architects, Wellington, was returned to the Council in December, 1890, vice Mr. A. W. Brown, who was then chosen as Mayor of the City. He filled the office till the end of the term in September, 1891.
the well-known architect—who has probably designed and erected a larger number of substantial and prominent buildings than any other man in Wellington—served the ratepayers as a member of the Council for a short time in the year 1891, having been elected in the month of January to fill the place vacated by Mr. A. de B. Brandon.
Solicitor, who is a son of Sir Julius Vogel, K.C.M.G., was returned to the Council at a bye-election, caused by the retirement of Mr. Thomas Turnbull, in 1891. He held the position till April, 1894, when he resigned his seat.
who sat a Councillor for Cook Ward, from January, 1892, to September, 1893, is more fully noticed under “Wellington Builders and Contractors.” Though his public career so far has not been extensive, he proved himself an able Councillor, thoroughly attentive and trustworthy.
who came to New Zealand in 1887, per ship “Kaikoura,” arriving in the Empire City, was elected a member of the City Council for Cook Ward in 1892, and retained his seat till 1895, when he was defeated by Mr. W Higginbottom. He was an energetic councillor, and was a member of the Electric Lighting, Public Library, Private Streets, and Public Works Committees. Mr. Penty's great forte was sanitation, and he has done much to forward the work of improved drainage in the city. He believes that, so far as the City Council is concerned, politics should be left severely alone, and that all should conspire together for the general good of the city as a whole. Mr. Penty has brought all his influence to bear on the important matter of keeping down the rates, and while he has done what he could in the direction of improvements in the city, he believes that matters of necessity should claim the attention of the Council first, and luxuries subsequently. Further particulars of Mr Penty's career will be found under the heading “Wellington Architects.”
became a member of the City Council in April, 1894, when he was returned to fill the vacancy caused by the retirement of Mr. H. B. Vogel. He occupied the position till September of the same year. Mr. Levoi will be further referred to under the heading “Insurance.”
now better known by its more usual designation of Wellington Harbour, is situated near the southernmost extremity of the North Island on the straits called after the great English navigator, Captain Cook, which divide the North and South Islands of New Zealand, and it is therefore the geographical centre of the Colony and the natural port not only for its own immediate district, but for the interchange of traffic to and from the smaller harbours on both the East and West Coasts of the North and South Islands. Its position is, however, of less importance than the advantages it derives from its natural features, in being easy of access, land-locked, and therefore well sheltered; in being of considerable, but not of excessive depth and magnitude; in its bed being of a tenacious, silty clay and sand, thus affording good anchorage; and in the absence of any swift-moving currents within its limits. The entrance to the harbour lies in a direction nearly on the magnetic meridian, and is marked on its eastern face by a lighthouse on Pencarrow Head, carrying a fixed white light, placed at 420 feet above the sea-level, and visible in fine weather for twenty-seven miles. The western side of the entrance is formed by a long ridge of rocks with their summits standing well above high water, and known as Barrett's Reef. The width of the channel at its narrowest place is some 3,600 feet, having a depth in the channel of from six to eleven fathoms, whilst the greatest depth inside the harbour is about fifteen fathoms. The current in the entrance never exceeds two knots, and the rise and fall of the tide varies from three to four feet. Within the harbour, on Somes Island, about six mil
The via Woodville. Situated on
The south-western limit of the harbour is bordered by the City of Wellington, which surrounds Lambton Harbour for a frontage of nearly three miles, of which frontage over two miles represent reclamations made from time to time from the sea, with the result that, aided by dredging, deep water now exists close up to the greater part of the sea-frontage, thus enabling the shipping to be brought into close proximity with the business portions of the town. The portion of Lambton Harbour, known as the inner anchorage, and lying between Pipitea Point on the western side and the City Boundary at Oriental Bay, near Point Jerningham on the eastern side, has an area of about 375 acres, and in it are situated the wharves, the anchorage for men-of-war, and the moorings for the hulks which hold the large supplies of coal always kept in stock in the harbour. Although the anchorage for men-of-war is close to the town, these vessels have on many occasions been berthed at the wharves. Lying between Lambton Harbour and the entrance is Evans Bay, a deep inlet, having an opening about a mile wide between Point Jerningham on the western side and Point Halswell on its eastern side, and with a depth trending about two miles to the south, being only separated from the ocean at its southern end by a low-lying tract of sandy land about half-a-mile wide, which divides it from an inlet of the ocean known as Lyell Bay. On the western side of Evans Bay, in a sheltered position, is situated the Patent Slip, owned by the Wellington Patent Slip Company, Ltd., and on the other side of the bay there has been constructed in the hillside a magazine for storing dynamite and other explosives, the property of the Nobel Explosives Company. Placed on the hillsides at Kaiwarra and on the peninsula lying between Evans Bay and the entrance are the fortifications which have been constructed with a view to the defence of the harbour, and there also exists a mine field partly laid, and partly provided for rapid laying in time of war, across the entrance in a position covered by the guns of these forts. In connection with these fortifications there have been two jetties constructed by the Government in sheltered bays on the eastern and western faces of this peninsula. Somes Island, about half-a-mile long by a quarter-of-a-mile in greatest width, with a greatest height of 250 feet, contains in addition to the harbour lighthouse and its appurtenances, the station for quarantining both man and beast. The quarantine buildings are very extensive, having been originally built for use as barracks for immigrants arriving in the Colony. The
The latitude of Wellington at the Customhouse, contiguous to the Queen's Wharf, is 41 deg. 17 min. 17 sec. S., and the longitude is 174 deg. 49 min. 15 sec. E. High water, full and change, occurs at the wharves at Wellington about four hours thirty minutes, and ranges from three to five feet, but on account of the disturbing influences of wind and weather on the adjacent coasts, combined with the peculiar configuration of Cook Straits, the times and heights of high and low water vary considerably from those predicted.
Wellington is connected by Government railway services to the Hutt and Wairarapa districts, ninety-four miles opened, and by the connecting link of the private railway owned by the Manawatu Railway Company to Palmerston North (eighty-nine miles), Foxton (104 miles); to the Hawkes Bay district, Napier, 200 miles; to the Rangitikei and Wanganui districts, Wanganui, 151 miles; to the Taranaki district. New Plymouth, 258 miles, and Waitara 254 miles. The railway lines are laid into two large stores owned by the Harbour Board, and also on to a special wharf 630 feet long, known as the Railway Wharf. These stores are fitted with appliances for dumping and storing wool and hemp brought down by rail for shipment, whilst dairy produce is frozen or cooled at private works contiguous to the Board's property, and also served by railway sidings. The railway goods station is in close proximity to the railway wharf, and being placed within half-a-mile of the business centre of the city, Wellington is most favourably situated in respect to its facilities for the shipment of goods by rail up country, or for handling cheaply and rapidly the goods brought down by rail for shipment. In a similar manner Wellington is the central receiving and distributing port for goods arriving from, or despatched to the numerous smaller harbours and coastal stations within twelve to eighteen hours steaming distance, which cannot be served direct by the larger class of vessels, and hence is the headquaters for a number of coastal steamers which trade from it to Napier (203 miles) on the east coast, calling as occasion may demand at some twenty coastal stations; on the east coast of the South Island to Lyttelton (175 miles), calling en route at the township of Kaikoura (ninety-two miles), at Port Robinson (125 miles), the landing place for the Cheviot district, and at some half-dozen other ports of call. Lying on the south side of Cook Strait south-westerly from Wellington (fifty miles) is the town of Blenheim the centre of the flourishing agricultural Wairau district. Blenheim is situated on a branch of the Wairau River only navigable by small steamers, which constantly run to and from Wellington. On the west coast of the North Island there are the ports of Waitara (182 miles), New Plymouth (172 miles), Opunake (137 miles), Patea (120 miles), Wanganui (107 miles), Foxton (eighty-four miles), which are served from Wellington, whilst on the west coast of the South Island there are frequent steam services to Pieton (fifty-three miles), situated on Queen Charlotte Sound, Havelock on Pelorus Sound (eighty-two miles), Nelson (101 miles), Westport (261 miles), Greymouth (324 miles), and Hokitika (344 miles), in addition to casual services to Motueka, Collingwood, Mokohinui, and other smaller coastal landing places. Wellington is the nearest first-class New Zealand port to Sydney (1239 miles), and is therefore the port of arrival and departure for a large number of intercolonial vessels trading with New South Wales. It is the port of call for intercolonial steamers trading with New South Wales via Auckland and the north-about route, and for those trading to Melbourne via the Bluff and the south-about route, and for various steam services on each coast of both islands. From its central position and the large number of steamship services utilising its harbour, enabling passengers and mails to be readily distributed and collected, it is the best first port of call and last port of departure for the direct British and other mail steamers.
The management of the harbour of Wellington remained with the Provincial Government of the district until the abolition of the provinces in 1876, and it was during their management that the first three instalments of the Queen's Wharf were constructed in 1862, 1865, and 1866 respectively. In addition to the Government wharf there existed in these early days several private wharves known by the names of their owners, Brown's, Hunter's, Rhodes', Pearce's and Plimmer's, the latter surviving and being used by small craft so late as 1883. In 1871 the City Council of Wellington bought from the Provincial Government the Queen's Wharf and bonded store, and in 1878 made considerable extensions thereto. Prior to February, 1876, the City Council farmed out the wharf to lessees, but then took the management in their own hands, and acted as wharfingers until the Harbour Board purchased their interest in the wharf.
In 1879 an Act was passed constituting a Harbour Board for the Port of Wellington, which accordingly came into existence in February, 1880, and to the newly-constituted board the General Government handed over, on the 1st of October, 1880, the control of the harbour-master's and pilot and signal services, which they had maintained since the extinction of the provinces, together with the dues collected on vessels using the port, as port charges or for pilotage and harbourmaster's fees. In 1880 the Government, under the powers of a special Act, also handed over to the Board the structure then recently finished and known as the Railway Wharf with a small reclamation forming an approach thereto, and in the following year, 1881, the Board purchased from the City Council the Queen's Wharf and Queen's Bond, taking possession thereof on the 1st of October, 1881, and have continued since that date to act as wharfingers, receiving all cargo from the ships' slings, tallying and giving receipts for it, storing, and either loading it into drays for town delivery, or in the case of transhipments, delivering it to the vessel's side.
The constitution of the Board remains aa originally fixed, at ten members:—The Mayor of Wellington (ex officio), three members appointed bienially by the Government, the remaining six being elective and also holding office for two years. The present Board (1895) are the Mayor (Mr. C. M. Luke); Government appointees, Messrs. E. Pearce, J. H. Heaton, and F. H. Fraser; elected by the ratepayers of the Borough of Wellington, Messrs. John Jack and Harold Beauehamp; by the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Thoa. J. W. Gale, who is chairman; by the payers of dues and shipowners, Captain H. Ecsa; by the Wairarapa Joint County Councils, Mr. Wm. Booth; and by the Hutt County Council, Mr. C. W. Brown.
The Board owes its existence in a large measure to the active part taken by the late Mr. W. H. Levin in promoting the proposal for its constitution; and the Act of incorporation and two subsequent Acts which gave the Board the means of commencing its course of usefulness, were largely due to his exertions as a member of the House of Representatives for Wellington. Mr. Levin was elected the first Chairman of the Board, and that office has been successively, filled by Messrs. Edward Pearce, John Duthie, Henry Hose, William Booth, J. H. Cock, John Jack, and its present occupant; and in addition to the sitting members Messrs. F. A. Krull, J. E. Nathan, S. Lancaster, William Hutchison, P. Coffey, W. R. Williams, W. V. Jackson, George Fisher, W. F. Wheeler, A. W. Brown, John Chew, S. Brown, J. Dransfield, Jas. Petherick, D. Speedy, F. H. D. Bell, and A. de. B. Brandon, have occupied seats.
The principal officers of the Board are Mr. William Ferguson, M. Inst. C.E., secretary, treasurer, and engineer and Captain John Holliday, the harbourmaster. Captain Holliday has held the position since his appointment by the Provincial Government on the 1st of July, 1860. He is assisted in his department by the chief pilot, Captain H. Johnson, and Pilots Shilling and Henderson. The general management is under the control of Mr. Ferguson, and to him all communications should be addressed. Mr. Ferguson joined the Board in May 1884, and is a graduate in Arts and Engineering of the University of Trinity College, Dublin, and a member of the Institutions of Civil and Mechanical Engineers. He has for an assistant Lieutenant George F. Smith, R. N. The book-keeping is under the control of the accountant and cashier, Mr. H. E. Nicholls, who joined the wharf service in February, 1874, and is assisted by a staff of book-keepers. The wharfinger, Mr. Wm. Prince, joined the wharf staff in February, 1869, and has control of the staff of about 75 permanent employes engaged as tally clerks, storemen, leading hands, etc., as well as of the casual labourers who are employed from day to day or from hour to hour as the exigencies of the trade demand.
The Board has borrowing powers (which have been exhausted) amounting to £200,000, all the loans maturing on the 28th of February, 1907, and of which £39,000 was raised and the interest is payable locally at five per cent, per annum, and of the balance the interest is payable in London on £61,000 at six per cent., and on £100,000 at four-and-a-half per cent, per annum. A sinking fund amounting to one per cent, per annum is invested in the hands of trustees, and amounted to £22,326 at ihe end of the March quarter, 1895.
The endowments of the Board are very small compared with those of the harbour boards that were constituted at earlier dates. At the same time, from the absence of any necessity for large expenditure on unremunerative works such as breakwaters, artificial channels, or training walls, Wellin; ton does not require the aid from endowments that is necessary to some of the other New Zealand harbours. Apart from the land occupied by the Board for its own premises, which was all reclaimed from the sea, the Board has sections in close proximity to the wharves, amounting to about an acre in area, which cost about four thousand pounds to reclaim, and are now let and producing a rental of £1465 per annum.
As soon as the Board obtained control of the wharves, they commenced a policy of construction and enlargement, which, carried out from time to time, has resulted in their wharf structures, storage, crane, and other accommodation having been kept at all times ample for the rapid increase that has taken place in the trade of the port. A few figures may be quoted to show the growth under the fostering care of the Board : 1882 was the first unbroken year in which the Board had full control of the trade of the port. There then existed berthage accommodation of 4014 feet lineal, having a depth of water often feet and upwards. In 1895 there were 7497 feet lineal. The superficial area of the wharves was then 113,300 square feet, and it is now 307,000 square feet, or more than seven acres of timber structures, together with about one and two-third acres of reclamation either covered with brick buildings or used as approaches thereto. The storage accommedation at the Queen's Wharf in 1882 covered a floor erea of about 19,000 square feet, with a gross capacity of about 198,000 cubic feet; there is now in the Queen's Wharf stores a floor area of 90,500 square feet, and a storage capacity of 1,523,000 cubic feet, of which 19,250 square feet and 420,500 cubic feet respectively are of brick buildings. In addition to wool stores at Waterloo Quay having 49,400 square feet of floor and gallery area, and a cubical content of 936,400 cubic feet. The Queen's Bond, when it came into the Board's possession, was a wooden structure having a floor arca of 13,000 square feet and a capacity of 82,600 cubic feet. The bond built by the Board is of brick, with cellarage for the storage of wine and spirits at a uniform temperature, and has a floor area of 26,000 square feet and 228,800 cubic feet capacity. The Board has also provided cellarage accommodation under its office building for the storage at an equable temperature of dairy produce, with a floor area of 1200 square feet and a storage capacity of 6000 cubic feet. The Board has also provided sundry small works of general importance to the port, including accommodation for boats, and three boat skids and landing stages.
These figures however, scareely show the real increase in the amount of accommodation for berthing vessels that has been provided by the Board, as the water has been materially deepened by dredging, so as to enable much larger vessels to be berthed at the wharves than the natural depth of water permitted. The total expenditure
Whilst the Board has made these large extensions, they have at the same time been enabled, largely through the economy of labour and time produced by their hydraulic machinery, to materially reduce their charges. The charge made in 1882 for wharfage and labour for either inward or outward goods was 2s. 6d, per ton, and this charge did not include any storage, or if stored for one night, 3s. 6d. per ton. Now the wharfage and labour charge is, for import goods, 2s. per ton with one night free storage, and for exported goods 1s. per ton, or if the goods are stored for a night, 2s. per ton. Coal was then 1s. 6d., It is now 1s. per ton. On great cattle the charge was 2s. 6d. per beast, and on sheep 3d. in or out. Now the charges are 1s. 6d. on the former, and on the latter 2d. in and 1d, out. Carts and carriages used to be charged, if labour was provided, 7s. 6d. in or out, whilst the charge now is 3s. 6d, inwards and 3s. out. The wharfage on nemp was then 8d. per bale, it is now reduced to the same charge as for wool and skins, 6d. per bale. Coal shipped over side (and the great bulk of coal for steamers' use is so shipped), used to be taxed at 4d. per ton; it is now free, as also is ballast If similarly shipped. The storage on general goods in 1882 was, first night inwards 1s. per ton (now free), and after the first night 2s. rer ton per week, now 1s. per ton per week. Goods requiring examination by H.M. Customs are allowed four days free storage to enable this to be done, and are charged 1s. per ton for labour in opening and closing such goods. Storage on wool and hemp in 1882 was 6d. per bale per week: wool is now charged 3d. per bale per week for the first two weeks, and thereafter 2d. per bale per week, and hemp ia charged 2d. per bale per week, and has the additional privilege of tree storage for the first night in order to give merchants time to examine it before giving orders. The dumping charge for pressing bales of wool or hemp was in 1832 1s. 9d. per bale: this rate has been reduced to 1s. 9d. per bale for hemp and 1s. 3d. per bale for wool. Timber was then charged for wharfage and labour 2s. 3d. per ton of 500 feet super, inwards. It is now charged 1s. 8d. per ton inwards, and 1s. 3d. per ton outwards. Transhipment goods for foreign ports were charged for inward and outward wharfage and
The charges on general goods stored in the Queen's Bond were, in 1882, 2s. 6d. per ton for receiving and delivering, with 1s. per ton per week rental, and these charges are now reduced to 1s. per ton for receiving and delivering, and 6d. per ton per week rent, with correspondingiy low charges for casks and tobacco. Weighbridge charges used to be for four-wheeled vehicles 9d. per load and 6d. for two-wheeled vehicles. The Board, in addition to providing a second bridge, have reduced the charges on all vehicles to 4d, per load, with a discount to purchasers of books of fifty or more tickets making the charge per load 3 1/2d. Water in 1832 used to be charged 10s. to steamers and 16s. to sailing vessels per thousand gallons, whilst it is now charged at the uniform rate of 6s. 3d. per thousand gallons, and 5s. per thousand to men-of-war.
These large reductions in charges could not have been made at the same time that such large extensions to the accommodation of the port were being carried out had it not been for the large expansion in trade that has taken place. In 1882 the arrivals were 1305 steamers of a registerel tonnage of 288,261 tons, and 217 sailing-ships with a tonnage of 67,846 tons, or a. total of 1522 vessels and 356,107 tons. In 1894 the steamers arriving were 2194 in number, with a tonnage of 986,360 tons, sailing ships had dropped to ninety, with 39,648 tons, or a total of 2284 vessels and 1,026,008 tons. These figures are very interesting as showing not only the growth of the Port, but the change which has taken place from sail to steam, and the increase in the size of the vessels employed. In 1882 the average tonnage of the steamers using the port was 221 tons, now grown to 450 tons, more than double, while the sailing ships have increased from an average of 312 tons to 440 tons. The average tonnage of all vessels arriving in 1882 was 234 tons, and in 1894 was 449 tons. It may be of interest to compare these figures with those relating to the United Kingdom, where, in 1891, the average tonnage of the vessels oa the register was 473 1/2 tons, and the average tonnage of vessels arriving at British ports was only 235 tons, showing that in the New Zealand trade there is on an average a larger class of vessels employed than in the Home trade. But the change is more clearly seen by comparing the maximum size of the steamers using the port in the two years. In 1882 there was no direct steam communication with Great Britain; the largest steamer entering the Port had a registered tonnage of 1753 tons., with a length of 320 feet, whilst in 1894 there arrived forty-seven steamers from Great Britain, either direct or by way of other New Zealand ports, with a registered tonnage of 140,730 tons, the largest being the s.s. Gothic, of 4986 tons and a length of 490 feet.
In 1882 the tonnage of general goods handled on the wharves as imports or transhipments amounted to 84,261 tons, which had more than doubled in 1894, amounting to 173,128 tons. In 1882 the coal and minerals imported Wellington amounted to 13,718 tons, increased in 1894 to 47,301 tons, an increase of more than three times. The general goods exported over the wharves have also more than doubled from 23,582 tons in 1882 to 49,652 tons in 1894. The wool and hemp, sheep and rabbit-skins, fungus, and other bale goods exported in 1882 amounted to 43,334 bales, which trade has nearly trebled, amounting in 1894 to 115,614 bales, in addition to 5996 bales transhipped overside from ono vessel to another. In 1882 the trade in frozen meat had not commenced. In 1894 there was shipped over the wharves from Wellington 4146 tons, in addition to 3764 tona received overside from freezing hulk, together 7910 tons, or equivalent to about 300,000 sheep. With the growth in the frozen meat trade, the export in tallow and pelts has increased from 466 tona in 1882 to 1338 tons in 1894, and an increasing industry has of late sprung ap in the preparation of refined tallow for use in the manufacture of Oleomargarine—now so largely used as a substitute for butter. The trade in dairy produce was almost nominal in 1882, only eight tons having been exported, whilst by 1894 the export of butter and cheese had grown to 2656 tons. The export of leather and basils has increased from sixty-two tons in 1882 to 235 tona in 1894, In addition to these exports there is shipped from Wellington large quantities of preserved meats (1894, 582 tons), bones and horns, and timber, both in the rough and manufactured into casks and butter-boxes.
The waters of the coasts, and inlets thereof, in, the vicinity of Wellington being well supplied with fish, an industry in frozen and cured flat for export is gradually being built up, a large quantity going to the Australian colonies. Attention ia also being given to oyster culture, a large quantity of spat having been laid down in suitable positions near Wellington.
The port of Wellington is a large coaling station, admirably suited for that purpose by its central position close to the colliery ports, and by its sheltered and good anchorage, enabling vessels to coal rapidly. In order to encourage this trade the Board do not enforce any port charges on a steamer coming into the harbour to coal or take in water, or to refit, unless she should come to a wharf, and, as light charges are not charged by the Government on such steamers, this trade, which was practically non-existent twelve years ago, has grown with considerable magnitude, there having been transhipped in the port from one steamer to another or from hulk to steamer in 1894 over 90,000 tons. In order to facilitate quick despatch of steamers requiring coal, large stocks (seldom falling below 3000 tons, with a maximum of 7600 tons), ara stored in thirteen hulks belonging to four different companies. The best New Zealand coal costs in
In 1882 the revenue of the Board was £28,226, whilst the expenditure amounted, to £23,073, and in 1894 the revenue had increased to £53,766, and the expenditure to £42,773, in addition to a contribution of £1925 to the sinking fund. The difference between the receipts and expenditure is spent from time to time in the execution of new works and other improvements eguivalent to or greater than the amount of depreciation which is annually written off, and which in 1894 was £9922, and since the commencement of the Board's operations has amounted to £85,853. After having made this large provision for structural depreciation, the statement of assets and liabilities for 1894 showed the large surplus of £131,164 of assets over liabilities, and that on an extremely low and moderate valuation
In 1882 the amount expended by the Board on salaries and wages was £13,733, and in 1894 this sum had increased to £25,253, in addition to which the Board contributed daring 1894 £280 towards the premiums on life insurance policies of their employes, representing a face value of £14,870. No persons above twenty-one years of age are now allowed to join the Board's service unless they are insured to an amount of not less than one gear's salary, towards which the Board contributes a moiety of the premium. The Board also require its permanent officers outside the office staff, to wear a uniform to which the Board contributes the necessary furnishings.
Since the commencement of the Board in 1880 to the end of 1894 the Board received from revenue £605,642, from loan moneys £201,984 (200,000 nominal), or together £807,626, whilst their expenditure has been on working account £466,743, on capital account £290,442, for sinking fund £15,635, or togethe £772,820, leaving a cash balance in hand on the 1st of January, 1895, of £34,806.
The policy of the Board has been to try to encourage vessels to call at the port as much as possible, and with this view no charge is made to vessels lying at the wharves until a reasonable number of lay days have expired, varying from three days for 100 tons to fifteen days for 1000 tons of cargo, and one day for each additional 100 tons of cargo discharged, thereafter a charge of three farthings per ton register per day is made, and in estimating lay days Sundays and holidays and day of removal are not counted. Vessels loading are allowed double the time of vessels discharging, in addition to a day for every eighty tons of ballast taken on board. As an illustration of the quick despatch obtained by vessels in Wellington, it may be mentioned that for the past nine years the amount received under this heading has only averaged about £75 per annum. No charge is made to ships based on the tonnage of cargo handled, the wharfage on cargo being collected from the consignees in the ease of inward and from the consignors in the case of outward cargo. Ballast is supplied to loading ships by private enterprise at about 2s. 6d. per ton for clay, and 3s. to 3s. 6d per ton for clay rock, whilst hard blue rock of a quality suitable for use as road metal costs from 6s. per ton upwards. Vessels arriving in ballast have to discharge it on shore, and can obtain for stone suitable for breaking up for road metal a price that will cover all charges and leave a small margin, but sand or clay ballast is not marketable. The Board charge 1s. per ton wharfage on all ballast landed or shipped over the wharves. Port charges are collected on the registered tonnage of vessels arriving, at the rate of 3d. per ton each quarter on vessels engaged in the coastal service, and at the rate of 2d. per ton oa all other vessels not exceeding 6d. in any half-year. Skilled masters of vessels trading regularly in the intercolonial and coastal services receive permits to remove their own vessels to and from the wharves, but vessels in the British and foreign trades are brought to and taken from the wharves under the direction of a member of the harbourmaster's staff, for which removals a charge is made of 1d. per ton each way. Owing to the
No other charges are leviable upon vessels, but in common with all other New Zealand ports, light dues are payable to the Government. In Wellington thase are—Sailing vessels other than coasters and intercolonial vessels, 6d. per ton register, intercolonial sailing vessels and all steamers except coasters, 4d. per ton; coastal steamers and sailing vessels, 1/2d. per ton register. All foreign-going vessels which have previously called at any other port pay 1/2d. per ton.
Towage is scarcely needed at Wellington, except for sailing vessels entering with strong N.N.W. winds, or desiring to leave when strong southerly winds are blowing. In addition to the large fleet of coastal steamers always plying to and from Wellington, and generally willing to undertake towing, there are the tugs “Duco” (600 i.h.p.) and “Mana” (150 i.h.p.), for which there has been fixed the following maximum scale of charges as approved by the Board:—Towing from sea, 4d. per ton register up to 1200 tons, and above that tonnage 3d, per ton, with a minimum charge of £8; to sea, 2d. per ton register, with a minimum charge of £5. Towage from sea is for a distance not exceeding five miles outside the Heads, and beyond that distance, if employed, an extra charge of £5 per hour may be made until the vessel is within, that limit, For removals within the harbour, a charge of 1d. per ton may be made, with a minimum of £2 10s. The
It may be interesting for comparison with the other ports to set forth examples of the charges which vessels arriving from British or foreign ports would have to pay when making Wellington the first port of arrival in the Colony. A sailing vessel of 1000 tons register would have to pay compulsorily; light dues, 6d.; port charges, 3d; two removal fees by harbourmaster, 2d. per ton in all 10d. per ton, of £41 13a. 4d, It would probably also be found to be convenient to pay for the use of a tug to assist in removing the vessel between the wharf and the anchorage at 1d. per ton each way, or £8 6s. 8d., which sum, added to the compulsory charges, would raise the total payment to £50. If the master chose to take the services of a pilot, the charge would be a further sum of 3d. inwards and 2d. outwards, or £12 10s. and £8 6s. 8d. respectively. If, on the other hand, he decided to have his vessel towed in from sea, that service would cost him 4d. per ton, or £16 13s. 4d, and similarly for an outward towaga 2d. per ton, or £8 6s, 8d. The compulsory charges on a steamer of 2000 tons in making Wellington its first port of call would be light dues, 4d: port charges, 2d: two removal fees, 2d: or in all 8d. par ton register, or £66 13s. 4d.; whilst if its master took a pilot there would be an additional charge of 2d. for the inward service, and of 1d, or of £8. 6s. 8d. for the outward pilotage. As a matter of fact, during 1894 only one steamer and thirteen sailing ships took pilots inwards, whilst only a single steamer and no sailing vessels took a pilot outwards.
There is in Wellington an astrnomical observatory, and connected by telegraph therewith the Board has erected a time ball on a tower at the foot of the Railway Wharf. This ball falls at noon on days which are duly advertised by the observer, giving the time observed throughout New Zealand, eleven hours thirty minutes Greenwich mean time. There is also plated in the public room of the Telegraph Office, fituated close to the Queen's Wharf, a galvanometer deflecting every hour.
In order to provide for the satisfactory adjustment of ships' compasses, the Board has placed in Evans Bay a dolphin with out lying buoys at which vessels can swing, and have fixed a beacon to the south on high land about two-and-a-quarter miles distant. There are licensed adjustors who undertake to adjust compasses for a small charge.
The Patent Slip, owned by a private company, is situated in Evans Bay, about three miles by road and two-and-a-half miles by water from the Queen's Wharf, and can take veasels up to 2000 tons not exceeding 300 feet in length or having a greater draught forward than sixteen feet when about to he slipped. The ways are laid to a gradient of one in twenty-three, are 1070 feet in length, and have a depth at high water of 32 feet at the outer end. The Slip Company own appliances for repairing both wooden and iron vessels, and have machine tools for effecting the smaller class of repairs to iron vessels, but large repairs have to be sent to the foundries in the City. The Company charges for vessels over 200 tons register 1s. per ton on the gross tonnage for the first day, and 6d per ton per diem thereafter. All ordinary repairs to wooden and iron vessels can be effected in Wellington, and a very large amount of repairing work is done to the mail and cargo ocean steamers, as well as to the local boats, by the various engineering shops, iron and brass foundries.
The Board has not been unmindful of the boating and yachting interests, having provided, at a cost of £500, sites for the boat clubs, on which are erected the boat-houses of the Star and Wellington Boating Clubs, and that of the Wellington. Naval Artillery Volunteers. They also have provided at Waterloo Quay boat-skids and landing-stage for the use of yachtsmen, adjacent to the club-house of the Thorndon Yacht Club, and elsewhere they lease the foreshore at nominal rentals for private boat-sheds, and for the use of boat-builders.
The comfort of the seafaring men visiting the port has been provided for by the erection by the Board on Jervois Quay of a brick building for a Sailors' Best, consisting of a room 44ft. by 20ft., with a room for the superintendent, The “Rest” is managed on
J.P., Chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board, is well known in the mercantile life of Port Nicholson. He was born in Adelaide, S.A., in 1853, and educated at St. Peter's Church of England School, Melbourne, entering commercial life in Victoria at an early age, in the establishment of Messrs. Spence Bros., general merchants. When his employers opened up business on the West Coast, at the time of the mining boom, Mr. Gale crossed the Tasman Sea, and for twelve years was closely associated with business matters in Hokitika. He continued with this firm till they retired from the business, when he entered the service of Messrs. James Chesney and Co., of the same place. In 1877 Mr. Gale came to Wellington, and at once occupied a responsible position in the old-established business of Messrs. Johnston and Co., general merchants. For nearly twenty years be has been intimately connected with this large firm, till in 1885 he was entrusted with the general management of the business, which position he still holds. Mr. Gale is a shrewd, far-seeing man of business, and it is not surprising that his services are sought after in connection with many local institutions. He is a director of the Wellington Opera House Company, a member of “the executive of the Fire Underwriters' Association, and chairman of the Wellington Merchants' Association. For many years he has taken a leading part in connection with the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. In February, 1895, he was elected to the responsible position of president of that corporation, which post he filled with general satisfaction. In social matters Mr. Gale is popular and enthusiastic. As a bowler he has been prominent in the establishment of the Wellington Bowling Club, of which he was president and now is a director, and to which reference is made under “Sports, Games, and Pastimes.” Mr. Gale has shown great zeal in the movements for the relief of the unemployed, and is chairman of the Works Committee of the unemployed relief fund, both for the Queen's Drive and the Recreation Ground, and was one of the originators of both of these excellent works. In 1876 Mr. Gale was married in Wellington to the second daughter of Mr. J. G. Chapman, and has three children—two sons and one daughter.
who has been a member of the Harbour Board since 1884, was born at Ackborough, Lincolnshire, England, in 1840, and was educated at Hull, in Yorkshire. In 1858 he left England for New Zealand, landing in Auckland per steamer “Lord Ashley.” His first experience of colonial life was as a purser in the employ of the Intercolonial Mail Company, the Panama Mail Company, and Messrs. McMeckan, Blackwood and Co., whose steamers were engaged in the Australian and New Zealand intercolonial trade. After being thus engaged for seventeen years, Mr. Heaton decided to close his seafaring career; and to make use of the knowledge and connection thus gained, he at once established himself as a customs, shipping, and forwarding agent, in which he has prosperd for the past twenty years. During the latter part of that time Mr. Heaton has been an active worker in various public capacities. He has been a valued member of the Harbour Board for the past eleven years; has represented Te Arc Ward in the City Council, as specified under “Ex-Councillors;” has been thrice elected Mayor of Melrose—1880, 1890, and 1891; has been a member of the Licensing Bench for the last four years or more: has been a member of the Charitable Aid Board since 1892; was one of the most active members of the Eight Hours Demonstration Committee; and was a member of the Board of Review under “The Land and Income Assessment Act” in 1892, besides filling from time to time quite a number of smaller offices. In strictly commercial matters, too, Mr. Heaton has taken his part. When the Wellington Woollen Company was formed, he was one of the first Board of Directors, and held the office for over two years. He has also held a seat on the directorate of the New Zealand Times Company, Limited. In 1888 Mr. Heaton was honoured with the Commission of the Peace; but he resigned the appointment after a trial of some three or four years. In all his varieu capacities Mr. Heaton is most attentive to his many engagements, and does much to make matters pleasant for those with whom he is associated. Reference to Mr. Heaton's business is made under “Wellington Agents.”
J.P., who is mentioned as Consul for Sweden and Norway, as an ex-member of the House of Representatives, and as a member of the firm of Levin and Co., merchants, Wellington, is a member of the Wellington Harbour Board. He is appointed by the Government. The term for which he sits expires in July, 1896.
is one of the three members of the Wellington Harbour Board, appointed biennially by the Government. The term of office for which Mr. Fraser is appointed expires in July, 1896. Full particulars of this gentleman's career will be found under “Wellington City Council.”
who has continuously represented importers and shippers on the Harbour Board since its foundation in 1878, and was chairman for the year 1889–90, was born in Central America, whither his parents had gone from England. He was educated at private schools in London, and at fourteen years of age he went to sea in a vessel of the British Mercantile Marine. When but eighteen years of age he became third officer, and at twenty-four gained a captain's cer tificate. For the fifteen years between 1860 and 1875 he was trading between London and Canterbury. Until 1869 he was an officer of the old White Star Line, and commanded the “Jessie Munn,” and afterwards the “Mermaid.” Subsequently he had charge of the “Zealandia” and of the “Merope,” of the Shaw-Savill line. Later on he joined the New Zealand Shipping Company, having successively the “Rakaia,” “Waimate,” and “Waikato” under his control. In 1875 he was appointed Marine Superintendent of the Company's fleet for the Colony. A year later he accepted the position of local manager of the New Zealand Shipping Company at Wellington, which he still holds. Captain Rose has been a member of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce for nearly twenty years, and was for some years a member of the council of that body, but declined re-election, believing that members should not be continuously returned. Captain Rose takes a lively interest in rowing and cricket, and in his early years used to enter heartily into these healthy pastimes. In business, as in social circles, Captain Rose enjoys the esteem and respect of all classes.
J.P., is a member of the Wellington Harbour Board. His career is more fully referred to in his capacities as a director of the Bank of New Zealand, which office he has now held since October, 1894, and as a member of the firm of W. Booth and Co., sawmillers and timber merchants of Wellington, Christchurch, and Wairarapa. Mr. Booth has for twelve years represented the County Councils of Wairarapa North and South, which elect one representative biennially. His present term of office expires in February, 1896.
J.P., who represents the Hutt County Council on the Wellington Harbour Board, was born in Wellington in 1842. His father, Mr. Charles Brown, arrived in Port Nicholson by the ship “Martha Ridgway,” and a daughter being born to them before landing, the infant was appropriately named after the vessel. The subject of this notice who was educated at the schools of Mr. Finnimore and Mr. Toomath, has chosen a farmer's life. He settled in the Waiwetu district, where he lives on his farm. Mr. Brown remembers the earthquake of 1855, which threw down every chimney, and raised the foreshore of the harbour so that the wharves known as Brown's and Baron Alzdorf's, which before could be approached at low tide by topsail schooners, were left high and dry fifty feet away from the water. His father then built a wharf 350 feet long, and a boat could then only land passengers at low water. This wharf was removed when the reclamation was made opposite the Royal Hotel. In 1863 Mr. Brown had a trip to England, Hamburgh, and Heligoland. Of the twelve months spent on this holiday trip, seven months were occupied in going and returning. Mr. Brown was first elected to a seat on the Hutt County Council in 1884. On this occasion he was returned unopposed. At each election since he has had to fight for
holds office as a member of the Wellington Harbour Board by virtue of his position as Mayor of the City. His Worship is referred to on page 84 as an ex-Minister of the Crown, under the headings “Ex-Members of the House of Representatives,” and “Wellington City Corporation,” and as Consular Agent for Italy.
J.P., has long been a member of the Wellington Harbour Board, and was at one time chairman of the Board. He is one of the two gentlemen who sit in the interests of the ratepayers of Wellington City. His present (1895) term of office expires in February, 1896, when the usual biennial election is held. Mr. Jack is more fully referred to under heading “Wellington Wine and Spirit Merchants,” as senior partner of the firm of John Jack and Son.
J.P., was elected as one of the members of the Harbour Board, representing the rate payers of the City, in 1895, vice the late Mr. James Petherick, and holds office till February, 1896, when a biennial election takes place Mr. Beauchamp is referred to under the heading “Wellington Merchants” as senior partner of the firm of W. M. Bannatyne and Co.
M.A., B.E. Trinity College, Dublin, M. Inst. C.E., M.I. Mech.E., Secretary, Engineer, and Treasurer of the Wellington Harbour Board, is a native of London where he was born on the 15th of June, 1852. Educated by private tuition and at Burton-on Trent Grammar School, the University of Trinity College, and the Royal College of Science, Dublin, Mr. Ferguson served an articled apprenticeship of five years, commencing in August, 1867, with Messrs. Courtenay and Stephens, engineers, of Dublin. In 1873 he entered Trinity College, Dublin, where he gained his B.A. degree on the 24th of December, 1877, graduating as First Respondent. Mr. Ferguson took his degree as Bachelor of Engineering on the 25th of June, 1879, with special additional certificates in chemistry and geology, practical engineering, mechanical and experimental physics. His M.A. diploma was conferred on the 26th of February, 1881, and he was elected an Associate member of the Institute of Civil Engineers on the 7th of December, 1880, and was transferred to the grade of member on the 16th of May, 1898. After completing his terms at the University, Mr. Ferguson was employed by Messrs. Ross, Stephens, and Walpole, and by Mr. John Bower, M.Inst. C.E., both of Dublin. He was appointed in 1878 chief draughtsman to the Hydraulic Engineering Company, Limited, of Chester, and, remaining with that firm for twelve months, acquired a special knowledge of the details of hydraulic machinery. In 1879 he became assistant to the professor of Engineering in Trinity College, Dublin, and held the office till 1883. Owing to the illness and death of the Professor, Mr. Ferguson took up and efficiently discharged the duties of the office, and also practised as a consulting engineer in
Lieutenant R.N., Assistant Secretary to the Wellington Harbour Board, was born on the 28th of May, 1851, in New Brunswick. He is a son of Mr. William Smith, Deputy-Minister of Marine for the Dominion. On leaving school the subject of this notice became a cadet on board the training ship “Britfcania,” and rose in the Royal Navy to the rank of lieutenant. Retiring from the Navy in 1878 he came out to New Zealand with a view to farming, and for six years Mr. Smith was engaged in surveying, sheep farming and wheat crowing in the Canterbury district. In 1885 he obtained employment as draughtsman in the Public Works and Marine Departments in Wellington undertaking special work for which his naval experience rendered him peculiarly suitable, including a marine survey of the Kaipara Harbour, and a chart showing the lighthouses of New Zealand.In May,] 890, Mr. Smith joined the Wellington Harbour Board as assistant to the secretary, and still holds the office.
Accountant and Cashier to the Wellington Harbour Board, has been employed on the wharf for over twenty years. Mr. Nicholls was born in Wiltshire, England, in 1857, and educated partly in his native land and partly in Adelaide, where he arrived with his parents on Christmas Day, 1868. He came to Wellington in 1873, and became junior clerk on the wharf in February of the following year. At that time Messrs. Jackson and Graham were the lessees of the Queen's Wharf from the Council. When the Corpnration took over the management of the wharf from Mr. Jackson in February, 1876, Mr. Nicholls was appointed assistant accountant, Mr. G. P. Campion being the accountant. Five years later he became wharf accountant, which office he held till February, 1885. During this period the Harbour Board had been called into existence to take over the control from the City Council. At the above date Mr. H. M. Lyon retired from the secretariat, and Mr. Nioholls was then promoted to the position he now holds as accountant and cashier. In amateur theatricals and operatic performanaes the subject of this notice has been
Wharfinger to the Wellington, Harbour Board, has been closely associated with the management of the port for over a quarter of a century. Born in London in 1846, his education, so far as school was concerned, was completed at the age of ten years. Coming to Wellington with his parents per ship “Alma,” in 1850 he spent his first six months in the Colony as a shepherd boy. Entering business life in Wellington he had three years at the baking trade, and then joined Mr. W. Tonks, who was then conducting a brick and lime works. In three years again Mr. Prince changed his occupation, continuing with the same employer in the auctioneering business, and afterwards in 1868, when that gentleman became lessee of the Queen's Wharf, as assistant. It was a day of small things, all goods landed from the vessels having to be carried to a store close to the Post Office for delivery, and from that time Mr. Prince assisted to make the wharf available for carts, and has lent his assistance at all times to bring about the present condition of things. As the control of the wharf changed hands from time to time, Mr. Prince was invariably continued in the service, and at each change received promotion. About fourteen years ago he was appointed to the responsible position of wharfinger, which he still occupies. Mr. Prince is a prominent member of Wesley Church, Taranaki Street, and is connected with the Britannia Lodge of Oddfellows. He was married in 1868 to a daughter of the late Mr. Edmund Spencer, of Wellington, and has one son and two daughters living, one little girl having died some time ago.
Harbourmaster to the Wellington Harbour Board, is an old colonist. He arrived in Australia in September, 1849, as mate of the ship “Artenesia,” which brought out agricultural labourers and miners for the Australian Agricultural Company. Having landed the labourers at Port Stephens, N.S.W., and the miners at Newcastle, the ship went to Sydney, where she was chartered to take stores and live stock, viz., 100 cattle, 500 sheep and four horses to the Auckland Islands for Governor Enderby, who was establishing the South Sea Fishing Company at the time. After landing cargo the vessel came to Wellington, arriving in February, 1850. Here she was chartered and loaded with produce for San Francisco by Messrs. Taine and Waters. On his second visit to Wellington in 1857, Captain Holliday was in command of the barque “Acasta.” Leaving this vessel on her second visit, he settled in Wellington and was appointed Harbourmaster at Port Nicholson on the 1st of July, 1860, by the late Dr. Isaac Earl Featherston, who was Superintendent of the Province, Eight years afterwards Captain Holliday was re-appointed to the position by the Governor. On the 11th of July, 1860, he was appointed pilot by His Excellency the Governor. Captain Holliday has held several other offices at different times since his first appointment in Wellington—as adjustor of compasses he was appointed by Captain Sharp, president of the Marine Board, on the 1st of January, 1863; as Health Officer for the port by the Superintendent on the 2Gth of December, 1867: and to this office he was re-appointed by the Governor in February, 1873; as Commissioner of Immigration by the Governor on the 1st of June, 1873; and as Examiner of Masters and Mates on the 6th of May, 1878, by His Excellency. He also
Chief Pilot of the Wellington Harbour Board, was born in the Shetland Islands in 1849. He went to Liverpool in April, 1867, and shipped on board a vessel trading from Liverpool and Glasgow to various foreign ports. After he had sailed in several ships, he left Liverpool in the “Banda” for Adelaide, S.A. Arriving in 1870 he spent twelve months on a large station. Returning to Port Adelaide he was employed in various coasting vessels till July, 1873. He then entered the service of Captain W. R. Williams, of Wellington, as second officer, and was promoted to chief officer. He was placed in command of the barque “Annie Melhuish” in March, 1877, and in December, 1879, he was appointed to the s.s. “Grafton,” the first steamer owned by Captain Williams, and which was the first large steamer that succe ssfully entered the bar harbours of Greymouth and Westport. Leaving the “Grafton” in April, 1883, he proceeded to Glasgow to bring out the s.s. “Mawhera,” which was specially built for the West Coast trade, and was the first direct steamer from England to enter Greymouth. When Captain Williams disposed of his fleet to the Union Steamship Company, Captain Johnson entered that company's service till October, 1889, when he became chief pilot to the Wellington Harbour Board.
Pilot to the Wellington Harbour Board, was born on the 5th of November, 1848, at Faversham, Kent England. He left school when ten years of age and worked some time at the building trade. At fourteen he joined the English Navy and served two years, when he joined the merchant service. In 1868 he arrived in Wellington by the ship “St. Vincent,” which was wrecked in Palliser Bay on her way to Lyttelton,
Pilot to the Wellington Harbour Board, was born at Aberdeen, Scotland, on the 29th of October, 1852, and was educated at Peterhead. After leaving school he went to sea with his father, who was master of several vessels trading on the coast of Scotland. In 1880 he passed his examination for master, and made a number of trips to various parts of the world. The first vessel he was in charge of was the schooner “Minnie,” in which he sailed to Portugal and Rio Grande. In 1886 he came to New Zealand, per s.s. “Ionic,” landing in Auckland, and in 1888 joined the pilot service at the Heads. He was there until the service was shifted to the wharf, and now occupies the post of assistant pilot. He was married in 1881, and has a family of three boys and three girls. His wife accompanied him on some of his voyages, his first son being born at sea.
The Licensing Bench may be called an ever-changing institution. Though known by the general term, its duties are confined to the management of Alcoholic Liquor Licenses. Its constitututions and powers are frequently varied, as on no question is there such constant wrangling in Parliament as on that of the liquor question generally. Formerly there was a licensing committee for each of the four wards of the city, and they were elected by the ratepayers; but that often led to anomalies. One committee might issue ten o'clock licenses, while that for the next ward might issue for eleven or twelve o'clock, though one hotel might be obliged to close two hours before its neighbour, less than twenty yards away. Now there is one bench for the whole city, and it is chosen by the electors. Hitherto in Wellington the licensing benches have generally been composed of what are known as moderate men, but the fact that the women have equal power with men now produces an element of uncertainty; and the temperance organizations look hopefully forward and with some confidence to the time when the mere drinking saloon will be driven from the land. Some go even further than that, while others assert that the temperance influence will increase but slowly. However that may be, it is certain that there will be fierce fights in the near future for and against the trade in intoxicants. The legislation of the session of 1895 has done a great deal to bring about a settlement of the conflict of opinion on the subject by defining the minimum extent to which reduction must be carried in the event of the triennial local option poll deciding in that direction, and by giving increased powers to the electors, who may now vote for prohibition as well as reduction, if they desire. In the event of the necessary majority to carry prohibition not being secured, reduction would bt deemed to be passed if decided by a bare majority. There is one ex-officio member of the Bench, the Stipendiary Magistrate, who holds the important position of chairman. This seems a very fair arrangement, as none can better judge from his position the ills or benefits arising from the traffic. The present Stipendiary Magistrate of Wellington is a man exceptionally fair in his judgments, and unflinching in his attitude to all parties. The hour of closing in Wellington is eleven o'clock.
Stipendary Magistrate, who is referred to under the heading “Legal,” is Chairman ex officio of the Wellington Licensing Committee.
some particulars of whose career will be found under “Ecclesiastical,” as Rabbi of the Jewish Synagogue, holds a seat on the Committee.
whose interesting history appears as an ex-councillor of Wellington City Corporation, is one of the Commissioners.
is a member of the Licensing Bench. A sketch of this gentleman's career is given under the heading “Wellington City Corporation.”
who is referred to as a member of the Harbour Board, was elected to and still retains a seat on the Wellington Licensing Committee.
who has long been prominent in Wellington, and now holds the position of a Councillor of the City (see “Wellington City Corporation”), is a member of the Licensing Bench.
J.P., who is more fully referred to under the heading “Insurance,” as Inspector of Agents for the National Mutual Life Assurance Association, is one of the gentlemen who were elected members of the City Licensing Committee when the present law came into operation.
has for many years taken part in the deliberations of the Wellington City Council, and is referred to in that connection (see pages 276 and 277). He occupies a seat on the Licensing Committee.
the well-known ironmonger and hardware merchant, who is referred to in connection with his firm and as an ex-councillor of the City, acts as a member of the Wellington Licensing Committee.
has jurisdiction over the south-westerly portion of the North Island; the boundary line, dividing the county from the adjacent County of Horowhenua, follows the course of the Walkanae river from the sea, and crosses the Rimutaka at the Sum it, and thence the eastern boundary separating the County of Wairarapa South stretches southwards to Cape Turakirae, to the west of Palliser Pay. The county is divided into eight ridings, viz., Belmont, Epuni, Horokiwi, Makara, Mungaroa, Porirua, Wainui-o-mata, and Whareroa. Each riding elects one councillor, save Porirua, which returns two. The present members are Messrs. Henry Cook (chairman), John Wakeham, David Speedy, Charles William Brown, William Jillett, Frank Anson Majendie, Frederick Bradey, Henry Augustus Field, and George Brown. The Makara Riding contains two road districts, Makara and Seatoun, and the Johnsonville Town District forms part of the Porirua Riding. The Council has control over a district which has little short of one million pounds worth of reteable property, after allowing for exemptions. A general rate of three-farthings in the pound is levied over the entire district, with the exception of the Makara Riding, where the rate is but one farthing in the pound. There is also a separate rate of a halfpenny in the pound, which applies to the whole district, less the road and town districts. The Council exercises jurisdiction as a local Board of Health, collects the dog tax, and has power to abate nuisances, etc. The gross total revenue for the year ending the 31st of March, 1895, amounted to £6453 12s. 4d.
the Clerk and Treasurer to the Hutt County Council, is the eldest son of the late Hon. Sir H. A. Atkinson, Speaker of the Legislative Council, Mr. Atkinson was born at Hurworth, near New Plymouth, in 1857, and was educated at various private schools in New Zealand and in England. From 1876 till 1892 he was engaged in outdoor pursuits, first in Taranaki, where he managed one of his father's farms, and afterwards took it over on his own account. For two years after this Mr. Atkinson was settled in Parua Bay, Whangarei Harbour, Auckland, where he was engaged in orange culture. Locating in the Hutt Valley, he went into market gardening for five or six years, till he was appointed to his position as clerk and treasurer of the Hutt County Council in August, 1892. Mr. Atkinson was married on the 6th of June, 1885, to the second daughter of the late Mr. Henry Adams, solicitor, of Nelson.
Rate Collector, Inspector of Roads, Slaughterhouses, and Nuisances; Valuer, and Returning Officer for the Hutt County Council, was born at the Lower Hutt on the 22nd of July, 1849. His father, Mr. William Golder, who published sundry poems, arrived with the early Port Nicholson settlers per “Bengal Merchant,” in March, 1840. The subject of this paragraph—the youngest son—received his education in his native place. He has been well known in the district as working foreman of roads, first under the Provincial Government till the abolition of the provinces, and since under the Council till May, 1893, when he was promoted to the important offices which he has filled since that time. In 1877 Mr. Golder was married to Miss Jane, daughter of Mr. Alexander G. Martin, an old settler at the Upper Hutt, and has a family of nine children — three daughters and six sons.
Wellington, as the Capital of the Colony, is the Headquarters of the Defence Office, which controls the Militia and Volunteer Forces of New Zealand. His Excellency the Governor is Commander-in-Chief, the Hon, R. J. Seddon, Premier, is Minister of Defence, Major Sir A. P. Douglas, Bart., is Under-Secretary for Defence, and Colonel F. J. Fox is Military Adviser and Inspector of New Zealand Forces. The officer in command of the district is Lieut.-Colonel S Newall. The Garrison Artillery branch of the Permanent Militia is controlled by Major W. B. Messenger and Captain J. Coleman, while Captain J. Falconer is in charge of the Torpedo Corps. There are five corps of volunteers in the Empire City, viz:—One company of the New Zealand Regiment of Artillery Volunteers, known as the D Battery, which was founded on the 22nd of July, 1867; two Rifle Corps—the Wellington City Rifles, established on the 23rd of July, 1867, and the Wellington Guards, formed on the 14th of July, 1879—one body of Naval Artillery, the Wellington Navals, which dates from the 24th of March, 1879, and one cavalry rifle company, the Heretaunga Mounted Rifles, established on the 1st of January, 1885. Besides the officers attached to the Permanent Forces and the various volunteer companies, there are a number of gentleman on the active and unattached lists of New Zealand Militia, and on the unattached active list of New Zealand Volunteers, who will be mentioned in the order of seniority.
New Zealand Militia, officer commanding Wellington District, who has been in the service for thirty-two years, was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, in 1843. At the age of twenty he came to the colonies per ship “Kent,” to Melbourne, and thence by the barque “Rialto,” to Dunedin. Mr. Newall had a short experience at the Otago Diggings, then known as the Woolshed, near Tokomairo, and at West Taieri. On the outbreak of hostilities with the Maoris he joined the company of militia then being formed for service in the Waikato. For five years the subject of this notice served in the campaign, and at its close he joined the Armed Constabulary, and was with Colonel Whitmore's field force in the expedition against Titokowaru on the West Coast, and afterwards passed through Chute's track to Waitara, thence to Auckland. In May, 1869, Mr. Newall went with his Company to Tauranga, and was with the expedition to the Urewera Country. In June of the same year, on his return from Urewera, he received his first commission as sub-inspector. This was at Galatea, so-called after the Duke of Edinburgh's ship, which had just arrived in Auckland. Sub-Inspector Newall then returned to the Waikato in August, 1869, joining Colonel Moule at Te Awamutu. In the following January he proceeded with the expeditionary force against Te Kooti to Tapapa, at the south end of the Patetere Range, and joined Colonel McDonnell's field force. The rebel Te Kooti having effected his escape via Rotorua and Ateamuri to the King Country, Sub-Inspector Newall was stationed at Cambridge as officer in charge. He was afterwards appointed to Alexandra and other places, and was principally engaged during the years 1870–74 in roadmaking and bridge-building with a party of constabulary. In the Waikato in 1871 he was employed to prepare a military report and sketch-map of the district, for which he received a handsome gold watch from the New Zealand Government. In 1875 Sub-Inspector Newall was sent to the Thames and thence to Ohinemuri, where he was present at the opening of that goldfield by the late Sir Donald McLean. After eighteen months residence there, he was presented with a very flattering validictory address from miners and settlers, testifying to the appreciation of the efforts made by Mr. Newall and his men in exploring the bush and cutting tracks to Waitekauri, Owharoa, and other places during the period. The construction of the road for some miles across the Waihi plains, towards Kati Kati, was commenced under his directions. From 1876 to 1879, Sub-Inspector Newall was supervising the formation of the main road from Cambridge towards Taupo. In July of the latter year he was ordered to Taranaki with a party of armed constabulary to reinforce the district, in consequence of Te Whiti having commenced ploughing operations on land sold to Europeans. He was stationed at Oakurn and Okato, and was long engaged in road construction towards Opunaki. Sub-Inspector Newall was present at Parihaka on the 5th of November, 1881, when Te Whiti was arrested. Afterwards he was employed in road-making towards Egmont, up the left branch of the Kapoaiaia stream. On the 1st of January, 1883, he was transferred to the permanent staff of the New Zealand Militia, and became district adjutant of the Canterbury Volunteers. He served in this position until February, 1891, when he was transferred to the command of the Wanganui and Taranaki District, with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. Shortly afterwards
which consists of a branch of the Permanent Artillery and a branch of the Torpedo Corps, has its office at the Artillery Barracks Depôt, Buckle Street Wellington. The full strength of the corps of permanent artillery is seventy-three, Major Messenger being in charge, while the torpedo corps numbers thirty, and is in the charge of Captain Falconer. The permanent militia takes charge of all the batteries at the forts, including the guns and all materials. The Wellington depôt is used for the purpose of instructing recruits, who are drilled and prepared for the force for all parts of the Colony. The police force is taken exclusively from this branch of the public service, in order that a reserve may be formed in readiness for any military emergency. Each member of the police force of the Colony is put through a ten days' drill at the artillery barracks annually.
the officer-in-charge of the Permanent Militia, was born in Essex, England, and received his education at the Woodford House Academy. He came to the Colony per ship “Joseph Fletcher,” arriving in New Zealand in 1853, after a smart passage of eighty-nine days. His parents came out with a view of taking up land, and this they did, though at the time there were great troubles with the natives. Major Messenger formed one of the first volunteer corps in New Zealand, in the month of March, 1860, taking the rank of sergeant. He was subsequently transferred to the militia in the Taranaki district, with the rank of ensign, and on the 4th December, 1862, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant. On the 27th July, 1863, he was made a captain, and on the 10th December, 1885, took his present position as major in the militia. Major Messenger was appointed to the command of a company of military settlers who came from Melbourne on the 13th February, 1864. This company was stationed at Pukearuhe, on the borders of the King Country, for about three years, but in 1867 the troop was paid off. Major Messenger continued to live in the district, as a military settler, on land which he had taken up, until February, 1869, when native unrest culminated in the murder of the Rey. Mr Whitely at the White Cliffs. The gallant gentleman was then placed on pay and put in command at Urenui and Te Arei to superintend the erection of a block house. Subsequently he was placed in command of the corps of Taranaki Forest Rangers, known as “bushrangers.” On the disbandment of this military body he was placed in command of a detachment of the armed constabulary force, which was employed in building bridges and making roads on various parts of the coast, being placed under his orders and direction for that special work. On the 1st December, 1877, Major Messenger was made first-class sub-inspector of the armed constabulary, and from that year served with that force till 1885, when the outpost at Pukearuhe was abandoned. It was in the last-named year that Major Messenger was transferred from the armed constabulary force to that of the permanent artillery, with which he has been connected up to the present time. He holds the New Zealand war medal, and also the long service medal. He took a prominent part in many active engagements with the Maoris, among which may be mentioned the Waireka fight, on the 28th March, 1860. On this occasion the major's father had his elbow badly injured, and in another, his brother was killed, but, strange to say, Major Messenger went through all his war experience unhurt. At the battle of Allen's Hill, the major served under Colonel Warre, and in 1863 at Mahoetahi, under General Pratt. In 1864 he was at Stony River under
of the New Zealand Militia, who is instructor of mounted volunteers for the Colony, was born in Dublin in 1837. At the age of sixteen he joined the 12th Lancers and went to the Cape, and shortly afterwards to India, from whence the regiment was ordered to the Crimea. Captain Coleman served throughout the campaign, and on the termination of the war returned to England in June, 1856. In August of the same year he again embarked for India, and served during the Mutiny with Brigadier Hill's column in Central India. In 1860 he was appointed drill instructor to the Honourable East India Company's provisional cavalry regiment at Barrackpore. Two years later Captain Coleman joined the 1st Bengal-European Light Cavalry, stationed at Cawnpore, and was the same day appointed drill instructor to the regiment. In 1864 he was promoted to troop sergeant-major, and six years later became regimental sergeant-major. Captain Coleman returned to England in 1872 with the 19th Hussars, and after two years at Home was engaged by the Agent-General in October, 1874, as drill instructor for the New Zealand Government. He came to the Colony per ship “Michael Angelo,” landing in Nelson, and has continued to serve to the present. He was promoted to the rank of captain in 1880, and has the following medals and clasps, viz.—The Crimean and Turkish Medals with Clasp for Sebastopol, the Medal and Clasp for the Indian Mutiny, the Imperial Long Service Medal, and that granted by the New Zealand Government.
whose career is given on page 178 as Inspector of Sub-marine Mining, is in charge of the Torpedo Corps in Wellington.
Head of the Stores Department (Defence), was born in Belfast, Ireland, where also he received his education. Captain Anderson came to the Colony in 1863, and immediately on his arrival joined the Defence Department, and was in active service in the field till the end of hostilities in 1869, when he was transferred to Wellington to his present appointment. He has held the appointment which he so ably fills for over twenty-five years. His office is situated at the Mount Cook Barracks in Buckle Street.
M.D., who is referred to under the heading “Medical,” was appointed to the position on the 17th of July, 1894.
M A., Honorary Chaplain of the Wellington Detachment of Permanent Militia, was appointed on the 30th of June, 1893. The reverend gentleman is referred to as Vicar of St. Peter's Church under the heading “Ecclesiastical.”
Under this heading the New Zealand Army List gives the names of all officers holding commissions in the militia of the Colony. The Active List contains the names of all those who are in charge of the colonial forces, and of others who would be liable to be called out in case of necessity. The Unattached List, which is a very long one, is made up of those who have served their country and retired on their laurels, but who would be liable to be called on to assist, in the event of the officers on the active list being insufficient for an emergency. The active list is composed as follows:—one major-general, two colonels, sixteen lieutenant-colonels, twenty-eight majors, fourteen captains, and four lieutenants; and on the unattached list there are 112 captains, seventy-eight lieutenants, seventy-four ensigns, and ten sub-lieutenants.
whose career is given on page 178 as Military Adviser to the Government, was lately Major of the Royal Artillery. He was appointed Colonel on the 2nd of May, 1892.
N.Z.C., one of the brave defenders of New Zealand, was born in the Phillipine Islands, Straits of Bernadino, His father, a county Antrim man, was a commander in the Royal Navy, and an old friend of Lord Derby, who took a great interest in New Zealand. Captain McDonnell had been to the Colony as early as 1828, and in 1841 settled in New Zealand, having selected a piece of land in Hokianga, which he succeeded in transforming into a lovely spot. Lord Derby obtained permission for him to take what he wanted from the celebrated gardens at Kew to New Zealand. Lieut-Colonel McDonnell was educated privately in New Zealand, and in 1853 visited the Australian goldfields, remaining only two years. On returning he was appointed to the Civil Service by Colonel Wynyard, and lived in Hawkes Bay, and subsequently in Coromandel. At the time of the murders of Traggett and Hope in Taranaki, the subject of this notice was transferred from the civil to the military service. His first commission, which was dated August, 1863, was as sub-inspector of the New Zealand Defence Force in Auckland under Colonel Nixon, and was conferred on him by Sir George Grey. The gallant gentleman
late of the 2nd Battalion of Royal Highlanders, who was appointed on the 7th of June, 1888, is referred to on page 144 as Commissioner of Police and Inspector of Prisons.
whose career is given as the officer commanding the Wellington. District, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant colonel on the 18th of January, 1891.
who is referred to elsewhere as the officer in charge of the Garrison Artillery in Wellington, became major on the 10th of December, 1885.
New Zealand Militia, was born in Ulster, Ireland, about three miles from the town of Antrim, on the 17th of August, 1842. His family were very old settlers in that district, as may be gathered from the fact that he was one of the eighth generation born in the family residence in the freehold lands which have been in their possession for over two hundred years. Mr. Shannon married Emily, the eldest daughter of Lieut. Thomas Hewitt, R.N., of Sydney Lodge, County Wicklow, and arrived in the Colony in 1865, the pioneer of a large family now principally settled in the Rangitikei district. For nine years he was in business in Nelson, and in 1874 entered into partnership with Mr. J. S. M. Thompson, establishing the wholesale soft goods and manufacturing firm of Messrs. Thompson, Shannon and Co., Panama Street, Wellington, having branches in Christchurch, Napier, and Auckland. In 1887 the partnership was dissolved, when he removed with his family to “The Totaras” estate, which he had purchased from the Manchester Corporation in 1877. In Wellington, by his energy and at considerable personal expense, he raised the Wellington Rifles, which, during the six years of his command, was considered one of the smartest companies in the district. When the Government decided to form the volunteers into battalions, Capt. Shannon being the second senior officer, passed the Field Officer's examination, receiving his Major's certificate, the examining board being Lieut-Col. Baillie and Sir Arthur Douglas, Bart. On the 26th of May, 1886, he received his commission as Major in the New Zealand Militia from His Excellency the Governor, Sir William Jervois. On the 1st of July, 1887, he received his commission as Major in the 1st Battalion, Wellington Rifles. At present he is senior Major on the staff of the Wellington district. He always took an active part in public matters. For many years he commanded the Wellington Fire Salvage Brigade. On retiring in 1882 he was banquetted by a large number of citizens at the Royal Oak Hotel, Sir Patrick Buckley taking the chair, and presenting him on behalf of numerous friends with a silver trumpet bearing a suitable inscription. Major Shannon's name has been on the Commission of the Peace for the Colony since 1878. He was appointed a member of the Government Insurance Board in 1884. For many years he was chairman of the Terrace School Committee, and a member of the Wellington Education Board. Perhaps the most important public work in which he has been engaged was in the construction of the Wellington-Manawatu Railway. On the 30th of September, 1880, at a public meeting, he was elected one of the first
Bart., who was formerly lieutenant in the Royal Navy, and is referred to as Under-Secretary for Defence on page178, was gazetted to the rank of major on the 24th of August, 1887.
who was promoted to the captaincy on the 26th of October, 1864, and who for many years has occupied prominent official positions in the Colony, the last being that of Public Trustee, was born at the Hollins, near Burnley, Lancashire, England. He was partly educated at the gramma, school in his native town, and partly at the grammar school of Queen Elizabeth, Heath, Halifax, Yorkshire. In 1854 the family embarked on board the good ship “Cashmere,” Captain Pearson. Arriving in New Plymouth, Mr. Hamerton's father, an English solicitor by profession, purchased land in the Teranaki district, and on his father's farm he had his first colonial experience. During the native troubles in Taranaki he held commissions successively as ensign, lieutenant, and captain in the militia and volunteers, and was in several engagements, and holds the New Zealand War Medal. At the Waireka fight he was wounded in the knee. After the war he went into a merchant's office for a few months, when he entered the Civil Service as a clerk in the sub-Treasury. He soon obtained promotion, and for some time held the positions of Registrar of Deeds, Joint Stock Companies, Births, Deaths, and Marriages, and Deputy Commissioner of Stamps at New Plymouth. On the passing of the Land Transfer Act in 1870, the Government decided that none but solicitors should hold positions as District Land Registrars. Mr. Hamerton, not then having been admitted, was in March, 1871, transferred to the position of Deputy Registrar of the Supreme Court at Wellington. He was appointed Secretary for Stamps, and Controller of Legacy Duties, on probation, in November, 1874, and the appointment was confirmed and gazetted in February or March, 1875. Besides performing the duties attaching to these important positions, he studied for the law, and having successfully passed the barrister's examinations, was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court in the year 1878. On the retirement of his predecessor, the late Mr. Jonas Woodward, in 1880, he was appointed Public Trustee, holding this office in conjunction with the Secretaryship of Stamps, until the appointment of the late Mr. Sperrey, the first property tax commissioner, to whom was transferred the direction of the Stamp Department in 1881. The high position of Public Trustee was held by him till August, 1891, when he retired on pension, secured by special Act of Parliament. Mr. Hamerton has taken great interest in Freemasonry, and was one of those who bore the burden and heat of the day in connection with the establishment of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. As a prominent member of St. Mark's Church, he has shown great energy, and his services as churchwarden and vestryman respectively have been almost continuous for many years. He largely assisted in the procurement of the organ, erected in the church in 1879, at which he presided until the debt upon it was extinguished; and was associated with others in promoting the recent renovation and enlargement by Messrs. Fincham and Hobday, of Melbourne, which has eventuated so satisfactorily, Mr. Hamerton is the senior partner in the legal firm of Hamerton and Andrew, particulars of which are given elsewhere.
a sketch of whose interesting life appears under “Permanent Militia,” was promoted to the captaincy on the 7th of April, 1880.
who is mentioned as quartermaster of the Permanent Militia, became captain on the 1st of January, 1882.
whose history is referred to under the headings “Wellington Ex-Councillors” and “Legal,” was gazetted captain on the 2nd of October, 1885.
is referred to as the officer in charge of the Wellington Torpedo Corps, and on page 178. The gallant gentleman was gazetted to the rank of captain on the 1st of September 1887.
who is referred to under the headings “Legal” and “Ex-Members of the House of Representatives,” was gazetted captain on the 31st of March, 1869.
K.C.M.G., whose career is given under the heading “The Ministry,” became captain on the 19th of November, 1868.
who is mentioned as an ex-councillor of Wellington Corporation, was gazetted captain on the 1st of December, 1868.
is referred to as a Wellington member of the Legislative Council. He was appointed captain on the 2nd of December, 1868.
a sketch of whose career is given under “Ex-Mayors of Wellington,” became captain on the 3rd of December, 1868.
J.P., whose important career is given under “Wellington Ironmongers” and “Ex-Councillors” of the City, was promoted to the captainey on the 4th of December, 1868.
who is referred to as a prominent accountant in Wellington, is on the Unattached List of New Zealand Militia, having been appointed on the 3rd of March, 1870.
particulars of whose career are given under the several headings “Wellington Members of the Legislative Council,” “Ex-Members of the House of Representatives,” “Ex-Mayors of the City,” and “Consuls,” was appointed lieutenant on the 19th of July, 1869.
who is referred to as an auctioneer, was appointed on the 20th of November, 1868.
who is referred to as the editor of the Evening Post in the section devoted to the Press, was gazetted on the 18th of February, 1869.
C.M.G., M.D., late staff-assistant surgeon of the 68th Foot, whose career is given under “Wellington Members of the Legislative Council” and “Medical,” was appointed on the 13th of February, 1866.
M.D., referred to elsewhere under “Medical,” was appointed on the 2nd of October, 1864.
Information is given herein of the five companies of Volunteers existing in the Empire City. It may be remarked that no company of engineers has been established in Wellington. To the South Island alone belongs the honour of this class of volunteers, both Otago and Canterbury possessing corps, which were founded in 1885. Battalions of infantry volunteers have recently been established in Canterbury and Otago. No doubt in this matter Wellington will soon follow. The gentlemen whose names appear on the Unattached Active and Honorary Unattached Lists of officers of New Zealand volunteers will be referred to in order with dates of their appointments.
already named in this section, was promoted to his present position on the 23rd of April, 1879.
particulars of whose career are given under “New Zealand Militia, Active List,” was gazetted an officer of New Zealand Volunteers on the 8th of October. 1886.
who is mentioned as lieutenant of the Wellington City Rifles, was gazetted captain on the 22nd of May, 1886.
New Zealand Naval Artillery, now on the Wellington District staff is an officer well-known in both Islands of New Zealand. He was born in London in 1849, and came out to Auckland with his parents per ship “Mermaid” in 1860. Educated in Auckland under private tuition, he joined the Civil Service in 1866, and two years later he was appointed Deputy Registrar of the Supreme Court at Hokitika. In 1872 he was admitted a barrister, and at once began the practice of his profession in Reefton and Westport, taking up his residence in the latter town. Here he filled many important offices. He was a Borough Councillor, a County Councillor, and was elected to the office of Mayor no fewer than five times. It was at Westport that Captain Haselden was appointed to his present military office, having taken a great interest in Volunteering for many years. In Masonry Mr. Haselden has held important offices also, among others that of Worshipful Master in both the Thistle and Phœnix Lodges. For many years, too, he was Chairman of the School Committee. In his profession he made rapid strides, and soon rose to the position of Crown Prosecutor for Westland North. In 1889 Mr. Haseldon removed to Wellington and entered into partnership with Mr. John Thompson. The partnership, however, did not last long, and since then Mr. Haselden has been on his own account. He has now a considerable practice and makes a special study of patent work. The picture given herewith shows Mr. Haselden in his professional robes. Hitherto he has taken no prominent part in colonial politics. He was, however, President of the Wellington Liberal Association, and is looked upon as a possible candidate on the Liberal side. In literary matters Mr. Haselden has done a fair amount of work. Besides contributions and articles for the press, he is the author of “The New Zealand Justice of the Peace,” “How to patent an Invention,” “Protection and Freetrade,” &c., &c., and he gained the gold medal offered by the Government in 1885 for an essay on Colonial Industries.
who is on the Unattached Active List of New Zealand Volanteers, was born in Bendigo, Victoria, in 1855. He came to New Zealand with his parents when but ten years of age, arriving in Dunedin, where he was educated at the public and High Schools, and served his apprenticeship to the watchmaking trade. After settling in Wellington, he was for about thirteen years in that business on Lambton Quay. He is now following the profession of general commission agent, and is also secretary to the Marine Engineer's Institute. Lieut.-Commanding Bislop has for the past twenty-five years taken a keen interest in volunteering matters, first serving as a cadet, and subsequently with the Richardson Fusiliers and B Battery of Artillery in Dunedin, and, upon settling in Wellington in 1879 he accepted the position of second lieutenant in the Wellington Naval Brigade. He was promoted to be senior lieutenant of the same corps, and was ultimately asked to take command, but declined, as he thought that he could best serve his Brigade in the capacity of senior lieutenant and gunnery instructor. During Mr. Hislop's career with the Naval Brigade, he established a contingent of the Corps at Petone, now the Petone Naval Artillery, which became a separate company when Government decided to re-model the bluejacket forces, and changed them to naval artillery. It was at his suggestion that the annual camps of instruction which are now held regularly, and have proved so advantageous to his old company, were established. He organised and acted as secretary for the two Colonial Military Tournaments,
was formed in the middle of 1884, and was gazetted on the 1st of January, 1885, with its headquarters at the Lower Hutt. The name Heretaunga is the Maori word for
G.C.M.G., was gazetted on the 5th of July, 1892. Some particulars of the Governor's career will be found on page 25.
who is practically in charge of the Heretaunga Mounted Rifles, was gazetted to the rank of Lieutenant on the 16th of January, 1895. Lieutenant Hyde is well known as a leading tobacconist and hairdresser. (See Professional, Commercial and Industrial).
who is mentioned under “Medical,” was appointed to the Heretaunga Mounted Rifles on the 6th of May, 1891, and is now the oldest officer of the Corps.
There are fifteen corps of Naval Artillery Volunteers in New Zealand, of which there are eight in the North Island and seven in the South. These are under the general command of Major Sir Arthur Percy Douglas, Bart., N.Z.M. (late Lieutenant R.N.), as Vice-Commodore.
Bart., N.Z.M. (late Lieutenant of the Royal Navy), is Vice-Commodore of the Naval Artillery Volunteers for the Colony. Sir Arthur is referred to as Under-Secretary for Defence on page 178.
was established on the 24th of March, 1879. The company maintains a uniform strength of about 100. Originally formed to serve afloat if called on to do so, it has turned its attention since the equipment of the fortifications of the port, to the working of the garrison artillery, now in position for the defence of the capital. It receives the best instruction from the Permanent Artillery Instructors, and is inspected every month in artillery work by Major Messenger. The Corps drills under its own officers every week, and, in addition to its gunnery instruction, it is drilled as an infantry company occasionally, Lieut. Colonel Newall, N.Z.M., inspecting the corps in infantry drill once a mouth. The company has lately been able to complete a building on the reclaimed land for the reception of two naval cutters, which it has on issue from the Government. It is a handsome structure, and has every convenience for the use of the Corps, the upper flat being a social hall, the whole tending greatly to promote the efficiency, and maintain the interest of the men. Once a year the company goes into camp for a fortnight at Mahanga Bay, just under FortBallance, for practice, and to get instruction in methods of defence of the harbour in the actual position that it would probably occupy in case of an attack. The men leave town every evening, returning at 7.30 the following morning in time for their ordinary duties. This annual camp has been the rule for some eight or nine years, and has proved of very great benefit in promoting efficiency. At the depot in Wellington the Navals have the use of a six inch disappearing gun, a seven inch R.M.L. gun, and four field Nordenfeldts for drill purposes, while the lecture-room contains the usual sections of fuses and projectiles for instructing the men. The Corps was present at the Parihaka occupation in 1880. Colonel Fox in his last report on the Volunteer Force of the Colony, speaks highly of this company.
who was appointed to a lieutenancy in the Corps in October, 1879, and was promoted to the command of the Wellington Naval Artillery on the 27th of June, 1894, is referred to as Deputy-Commissioner of Taxes on page 133.
of the Wellington Naval Artillery, is a son of the Hon. Sir Francis Dillon Bell, and a brother of Mr. Francis Henry Dillon Bell, M.H.R. for Wellington City. Lieutenant Bell was gazetted as lieutenant in the Navals on the 15th of April, 1891. By profession he is a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court. He is the junior partner in the firm of Bell, Gully and Izard, barristers, solicitors and notaries public, to whom reference is made under the heading “Legal.”
of the Wellington Naval Artillery, is the second son of Lieutenant-Colonel Arthur Hume, Inspector of Prisons and Commissioner of Police. He was born in India in 1868, and educated at the South Devon Collegiate School, Exeter, and at Mr. Kenneth Wilon's School, Wellington, He came out to the Colony with his parents in 1880. For several years after leaving college he was employed as a purser on several of the Union Company's steamers, and for the last three years has been in the Wellington office of the Company. Lieutenant Hume was gazetted to the position in connection with the Navals on the 6th of July, 1892. He is greatly interested in athletics, and is a good swimmer, as evidenced by the fact that at the age of fifteen he saved a fellow creature from drowning in the Wellington Harbour, for which action he received the Royal Humane Society's Medal. Lieutenant Fume is an active member of the Star Boating Club, the Wellington Football Club, and the Wellington Amateur Athletic Club.
M.A., Honorary Chaplain of the Wellington Naval Artillery, was appointed on the 1st of July, 1889. He is referred to elsewhere as Honorary Chaplain of the Wellington Detachment of Permanent Militia, and as Vicar of St. Peter's Church under the heading “Ecclesiastical.”
New Zealand Regiment of Artillery Volunteers, with the A Battery (Auckland), the F Battery (Napier), and the H Battery (Nelson) form the First or North Island Brigade. The D Battery was formed on the 24th of March, 1879. The last report of Colonel Fox, Inspector of New Zealand Forces, issued in 1895, says:—“The D Battery is armed with four 6in, Nordenfeldt field guns. It is the most efficient in the Colony.” Its officers number but three: Captain T. J. C. Warren, Lieutenant F. J. Rolleston, and Surgeon-Captain W. E. Collins. The non-commissioned officers and rank and file total sixty, making the full strength of the Battery sixty-three.
in charge of the D Battery at Wellington, was born in Devonshire, England, where he was educated. He came to New Zealand in 1891 via India, and has since established himself in business under the style of Warren and Co., as a general merchant (see Wellington merchants). Mr. Warren joined the Corps as lieutenant in May, 1894, and was promoted to the captainey in September, 1895.
is the fourth son of the Hon. W. Rolleston (see Ex-Ministers), of Rangitata. Born in Christchurch on the 11th of May, 1873, he was educated at Christ's College and at Canterbury College (New Zealand University). Lieutenant Rolleston is studying for the legal profession, and was secretary to the late Judge Richmond for two and a half years. While he was at college he belonged to the College Cadets and became lieutenant, a position which he occupied or a year. He joined the D Battery as lieutenant in June, 1895.
who is referred to under the heading “Medical,” was appointed on the 18th of May, 1880.
dates its existence from the 29th of October, 1867, and is now one of the oldest formed corps in the Colony. The enrolled strength of the Company on the 1st of December, 1895, was seventy-six. The Commander is Captain Robert J. Collins, who has held that position since March, 1886. The other officers are Lieutenant William G. Duthie, and Surgeon-Captain F. Wallace Mackenzie. In general organisation and efficiency the Corps has attained to considerable excellence. The attendance, both on parade and in camp, and the general discipline of the Corps has obtained a reputation for the Company throughout the Colony. The various inspecting officers have in their reports year after year highly commended the Corps for its efficiency, and Colonel Fox in his (1895) report places it first in order of merit for special commendation and classes it as “very good indeed.” The Corps stands well in rifle competitions, many of its marksmen having maintained high places in the official records of New Zealand; others who have graduated in its ranks have become famous with the rifle, notably the Ballinger brothers, champion shots of New Zealand, The gold medal for the best shot in the North Island has been won twice by this Corps; the district medal has also on several occasions fallen to its members. In drill contests the teams representing the Corps have been invariably the winners, and the Corps occupies the unique position of having, at the Colonial Tournament in 1889, carried off the chief prizes of the day and defeated the permanent force of the Colony. In 1871 the Corps had the honour of being presented by the ladies of Wellington with a handsome set of colours. In 1868 and 1869 the Corps supplied many from its ranks for service in the field during the Maori troubles of that period, and in 1880 the Company was one of the first to volunteer for service against Te Whiti, who was taken prisoner at Parihaka. A very large number of its present members have been in the Corps for many years. Six of those at present serving wear the silver medal for long and efficient service. The Corps is a very popular one, and finds no difficulty in maintaining its full strength. In 1886 it adopted the blue uniform instead of the scarlet, and has worn it ever since with, the approval of the defence authorities. Captain Collins honours his men by admitting that his labours are pleasurable, he having much excellent material to work on. He votes his men to be all that he desires, and compliments them on their readiness to sacrifice so much time as well as taking a great deal of trouble for the good name and prestige of maintaining the reputation of the Wellington Rifle Corps
who has been in charge of the Wellington City—Rifles since the 7th of March, 1886, is referred to on pages 127 and 128 as accountant to the Treasury.
of the Wellington City Rifles, who is the eldest son of Mr. John Duthie, M.H.R. for Wellington City, was born in 1868. His history as a volunteer commenced in August, 1890, when he joined the Wellington Rifles. His commission as a lieutenant is dated the 21st of January, 1891. Lieut. Duthie was transferred to the Wellington City Rifles in February, 1891.
who is mentioned under “Medical,” was appointed to the Wellington City Rifles on the 21st of May, 1894.
were accepted as a volunteer company in July, 1879. The present officers are : — Captain, Alexander Stephen Paterson; lieutenants, John Duthie, junr., and Stanton Harcourt; hon. surgeon, Dr. Cahill; Colour-Sergeant Richards; secretary, Private Aamodt. The uniform is that of the London Grenadier Guards, viz., full dress, scarlet tunic and bearskin head-gear; drill order, white shell jacket, forage cap, badge, hand grenade. The corps has always taken a good position in shooting in New Zealand, and has included the champion rifle shots of the Colony. At present it is of full strength, and is well equipped with non-commissioned officers. The company presents a smart appearance when on parade. Martini-Henry rifles with sword-bayonets are used by the troop.
who is in charge of the Wellington Guards, is an old volunteer, having been a member of the Midlothian Coast Artillery Volunteers in Scotland in 1876. In. 1885 he was gazetted lieutenant in the Queen's Brigade of Rifle Volunteers (Royal Scots), and gained his captain's
the Senior Lieutenant, joined the Guards in September, 1893. He passed his examination as captain on the 4th of July, 1894. He is a son of Mr. John Duthie, M.H.R. for Wellington City.
the Junior Lieutenant, joined the Guards in May, 1895, as acting lieutenant. He had two years previous experience in the Wanganui College Cadets. He is a son of Councillor J. B. Harcourt, of the Wellington City Corporation.
some particulars of whose history are given under the headings “Consuls,” “Medical,” and in connection with notice of Wellington Guards, was gazetted to the office he now holds in the New Zealand Volunteers on the 19th of December, 1884.
was appointed hon. chaplain of the Wellington Guards on the 9th of July, 1879.
When organized about the year 1875 this band was known as the Artillery Band. The first conductor was Mr. R. A. Marshall. Its name was successively changed to the City Rifles Band, the Naval Brigade Band, and finally to the Wellington Garrison Band. As the Naval Brigade Band it was conducted by Mr. S. Cimino, who was succeeded by Mr. C. D. Mackintosh. It was then re-organised as a garrison band. Shortly after its re-organization, Mr. Herd, the present conductor, took it in hand, and he set to work with firmness and determination to make the band worthy of the name it bore. After great difficulty he got it away to Dunedin to the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition Band Contest in 1890. There it won the quick step competition, and was placed sixth in the Grand Contest. This seems to have been the beginning of a successful career, for the Band was placed first in the next contest it attended at Feilding, and second at the Wellington contest in the same year. At the Dunedin contest in 1891 it was unplaced, but the following year at Wellington it took third prize. In Christchurch in 1893 it tied with Kaikorai Band for second place. The Band did not attend the Invercargill contest of 1894, but at the Timaru contest in 1895 it was third in the quick step competition and first in the grand contest, thus beating the crack bands of New Zealand. Its instrumentation is as follows :—1 E flat soprano; 3 1st cornets; 2 repiano cornets; 2 second and 2 third cornets; 5 E flat horns; 2 baritones; 3 trombones; 1 solo euphonium; 1 second cuphonium; 2 E flat bass; 2 B flat bass; side and bass drums. Its members number 28, the officers being:—Conductor, T. Herd; Band Sergeant, L. McDonald; Corporal, J. Bringans; Lance Corporal, T. E. Goodchild; Secretary, Bandsman H. Davis.
Bandmaster of the Garrison Band, was born in Liverpool, and commenced his musical career in Whitehaven, under Bandmaster Douglas, of the 10th Infantry Regiment. Mr. Herd was a member of the Whitehaven Rifle Band. He learned the flute, piccolo, and the baritone and slide trombone, and eventually was able to play any instrument in a brass band excepting only the soprano cornet. When only eighteen he was appointed conductor of the Whitchaven Refuge School Drum and Fife Band. Under his baton this band won three first prizes and one third prize in four contests, which were open to all England. Subsequently he was engaged to teach the Rising Star Drum and Fife Band, and the Frizington Drum and Fife Band. He became deputy-conductor of the 1st Cumberland A Volunteer Band, and bandmaster of the Whitehaven Model Brass Band. These bands, under his tuition, made marked progress, securing several prizes. In 1883 Mr. Herd gained second prize in a trombone contest, which was open to all England. After spending some time with his parents in Yorkshire, he accepted an engagement as solo trombone in the wellknown Black Hill Band, Yorkshire, which was composed of picked men, who always did well in contests. After the contest at Belle-Vue (Manchester) in September, 1884, in which the Black Hill Band took a high place, although competing against thirty-nine other bands, Mr. Herd left for New Zealand. Immediately after his arrival in the Colony he was appointed Bandmaster of the Timaru Garrison Band, which he worked up to a high state of efficiency. He was also principal flutist in the Timaru Orchestral Society. Mr. Herd subsequently came to Wellington, and in January, 1890, took charge of the Garrison Band, which, after five years' careful attention, he has succeeded in making one of the premier bands of New Zealand. In the seven contests in which it has taken part since Mr. Herd was placed in charge, it has won three first, two second, and two third prizes. Mr. Herd is an exceedingly popular and painstaking bandmaster. He is conductor of the Boys' Brigade Band, and devotes nearly the whole of his time to the conduct of these fine bands. He has been a vice-president of the New Zealand Bands' Association since its formation.
C.M.G., M.L.C., is referred to as a Wellington member of the Legislative Council and as Surgeon on the Unattached List, New Zealand Militia. The gallant and honourable gentleman was promoted to the position of Surgeon-General of New Zealand Volunteers on the 1st of April, 1887.
who is mentioned under the heading “Medical” and as Assistant-Surgeon on the Unattached List of New Zealand Militia, became Brigade Surgeon (New Zealand Volunteers) on the 7th of April, 1887.
was appointed to this position in the New Zealand Volunteer Forces on the 18th of December, 1880. He is referred to under the heading “Medical,” and in connection with the D Battery.
some particulars of whose history are given under the headings “Consuls,” “Medical,” and in connection with notice of Wellington Guards, was gazetted to the office he now holds in the New Zealand Volunteers on the 19th of December, 1884.
who is referred to under “Medical,” and as an officer of the Heretaunga Mounted Rifle Volunteers, was appointed an officer of the New Zealand Volunteer Force on the 6th of May, 1891.
was gazetted to this office on the 21st of June, 1894. He is referred to elsewhere as an officer of the Wellington City Rifles and under “Medical.”
One of the most interesting features of colonial life is the rapid extension of the functions of the State. Though the number of departments is not very great, the variety of services performed by the people for the people is wide enough to embrace a great many branches still considered beyond the pale, and the many advantages which accrue, both to the public at large and to those employed by the State, are silently but none the less potently influencing the popular mind. The parcel post is a tolerably recent extension, and the people are beginning to ask why only small parcels can be delivered by the Government. “Why,” they say, “shoud the Government confine itself to matters that are either too small or too large for private enterprise?” Others say, “If the Government will take the trouble
The Wellington Museum, or more correctly the “Colonial Museum,” occupies a position immediately at the rear of Government House. It has frontages to Bolton, Museum and Sydney Streets, and backs on to the cemetery. There is a good deal of free ground about it, and therefore room for great extension. The present buildings are of wood, and, as may be gathered from the accompanying picture, are fairly handsome, considering their antiquity. By many the Museum is said to rank next to that of Christchurch, though of course a long way behind it. The public, patronise it fairly, but it is seldom thronged with visitors. The distance from the wharf may be covered by an ordinary pedestrian in ten minuter; and certainly the stranger will be well repaid for the trouble of finding out the locality. The “Maori house” is particularly attractive to tourists and others who take an interest in the arts and wonders of aboriginals. Mr. Gore is the curstor, and Sir Jamess Hector takes a great interest in the institution.
The Circulation Branch of the Wellington Post Office is, of course, quite distinct from the general offices, although it occupies a portion of the same building. The ground floor on the left of the entrance is the portion set apart for the Circulation Branch. There is a large room for the reception of parcels, the sale of stamps and the delivery of letters, etc., over the counter, a smaller one for the Savings Bank and Money Order Office, and a very commodious sorting-room, besides the necessary rooms for the Chief Clerk and his more immediate assistants. For some inscrutable reason Wellington is denied the dignity of a postmaster, and quietly submits to her principal officer being called a chief clerk. The officers of the Wellington Circulations, consist of the Chief Clerk, the superintendent of the mailroom, the senior money order clerk, about thirty other clerks, twenty letter-carriers, and five messengers. The private boxes number 385, and are nearly all occupied. Mails are usually made up forty minutes before the ascertained time of departure of steamers; but the Postal Guide should be consulted on all matters concerning inland mails. The hours are 9 to 5, but occasionally the office is opened in the evening for the delivery of English mails.
Chief Clerk of the Circulation Branch of the General Post-Office, has been post official for over thirty years. He is a son of the late Mr. J. F. Hoggard, who landed in Monganui in 1840, and walked overland to the Bay of Islands. Removing to Wellington, he was for many years chief postmaster, having been the second to be appointed to that position. He died in the service in 1871. Mr. John Hoggard was born in Wellington in 1848, and was educated at local schools. At sixteen years of age he joined the Post-office as junior clerk, in Wellington, and has steadily advanced in the service. Mr. Hoggard was sent, on several occasions, as mail agent on the American liners between Auckland and San Francisco. He has also acted
The Telegraph Office occupies a considerable portion of the building on the right of the main entrance. The receiving room is large and well supplied, and corresponds with the large room of the Post Office. The operators are upstairs in one long room, corresponding with the long-room of the Customhouse. There are fifty-two operators—four clerks in the operating room, four despatch clerks, four counter clerks, and forty-five messengers.
the officer in charge of the Wellington Telegraph Office, the duties of which position include a supervision of the Wellington Telegrphone Exchange, has been a member of the Civil Service for nearly thirty years. During that time Mr. Robertson has witnessed wonderful developments in the department of telegraphy, in which he takes so deep an interest, and with which he has been so intimately connected. Mr. Robertson joined the Service in 1867, as a cadet operator in the telegraph office
The Wellington Telephone Exchange is unique in at least one respect as far as concerns Governmental establishments. It has a building all to itself. It is situate in the south-east corner of the General Government grounds, but so isolated as to suggest a dread of infection. It is a queer looking edifice—certainly not erected for show—with its surrounding framework, by which its scores of heavy cables are supported. Inside, however, there is an air of convenience, though not of comfort. There are 1020 subscribers—a larger number than at any other exchange in the Colony—and to attend to the calls of so many with the greatest possible expedition imposes a heavy burden on the shoulders of the operators. These are mostly young ladies, and their nimble fingers and nimbler tongues are kept on the move in such a way as to be quite distracting to a listener and onlooker. The wires are grouped in sets of fifty. If a subscriber needs to be connected with a correspondent in his own section or on the next on either side, the operator can fix the plugs herself without speaking, but where the distance is greater than that, a further connecting appliance is brought into play, and this necessitates a “call” to another operator. That seems simple enough; but the effort of a dozen girls, each making a dozen calls every half minute, the two at the ends loud enough to be heard by each other above the varied voices and the rattling plugs, may certainly be better imagined than described, but can only be fully appreciated by those who have paid a visit to the Exchange at the busiest time of the day. Subscribers who are impatient when kept waiting a few seconds should call in when passing and then ask themselves how they would like to change places with the object of their invective. The staff consists of the officer in charge, his assistant, five male operators for the night service, and thirty young ladies for the day service, besides three or four maintenance hands for the outdoor work of repairing, and a foreman and five hands for the construction in connection with new lines. There are about 600 miles of wire in all, and the number of calls per hour average about a thousand.
Officer-in-charge of the Wellington Telephone Exchange, was born in Dundee in 1861. Arriving in New Zealand about 1863, with his parents, he was educated at St. Mary's College, Nelson. In 1879 Mr. Wylie entered the Government service as a cadet in the Telegraph Department, and four years later was appointed officer-in-charge of the Telephone Exchange. When he assumed charge of this department there were only some fifty subscribers, but such has been the popularity of the institution that the numbers have increased to over a thousand.
The Customs Department occupies the front portion of the first floor over that part of the Post Office set apart for the use of the public. The offices include the long room, the landing waiter's room and the collector's room. They are all large and well-suited for the purpose for which they are used.
Collector of Customs for the Port of Wellington, Registrar, of Shipping, and Inspector of Fisheries under the “Fisheries Act,” was born at Battersea, Surrey He was educated chiefly by private tutors, finishing at Norwood a pretty southern suburban district of London. Mr. McKellar arrived in New Plymouth in 1852 by the barque “St. Michael—which, by the way, brought the Constitution to New Zealand and carried despatches in charge of a son of the Duke of Portland—the passage occupying 146 days. After a short time as temporary clerk in the Customs, Mr. McKellar was appointed clerk and landing waiter in New Plymouth on the 1st of January, 1859. Two years later he was transferred to Auckland as second clerk, and in 1867 he went to Christchurch as first clerk and cashier. He was first appointed Collector of Customs in 1873 being stationed at Tauranga. Seven years afterwards Mr. McKellar was appointed Landing Surveyor at Auckland, a position which he retained till 1892, when he was promoted to the position which he now holds.
The Lands Office of the Wellington Land District, which is co-extensive with the Wellington Provincial District, occupies a fine suite of rooms in the second floor of the Government Insurance Buildings in Custom-house Quay. It is under the charge of Mr. J. H. Baker, Assistant Surveyor-General and Commissioner of Crown Lands. The staff includes four district surveyors, a chief draughtsman, a receiver of land revenue, six draughtsmen and cadets, three permanent clerks, and about twenty temporary hands.
Assistant Surveyor General and Commissioner of Lands for the Wellington Land District, was born at Chilcomb, Hants, England in 1841. A son of the Rev. Thomas Feilding Baker, Rector of Cressingham Parish, Norfolk, he was educated at Yarmouth Grammar School, and in Germany, and came to New Zealand to his uncle, the Ven. Archdeacon Mathias, of Christchurch, in 1857 per ship “Maori,” landing in Lyttelton. In the following year Mr. Baker joined the Survey Department as a cadet under Mr. C. Davie, afterwards Chief Surveyor of Canterbury. Four years later he was attached to the Southland staff as sub-assistant surveyor, and in 1863 he was appointed assistant surveyor to carry out the Southland Triangulation. In 1864 he was promoted to the post of Deputy Chief Surveyor, and later on in the same year when the late Mr. T. Heale resigned he became Chief Surveyor, and a member of the Southland Waste Lands Board. On the free selection. Land Act coming into operation in 1865, Mr. Baker introduced a system of survey by District Surveyors, who were paid on a fixed scale of fees, which system remained in force until Southland
Chief Draughtsman and Office Surveyor of the Wellington District Survey Department, was born in Edinburgh in 1849, and came to this Colony with his parents when only eight years old per ship “Robert Henderson,” landing in Dunedin early in 1858. His education was received at the Otago District Schools, and at the Dunedin High School, which institution he entered on its first day of opening. Later on, in 1867, having determined on following up surveying as a profession, he commenced
his experience in field life under the late Mr. John Cameron, an officer of the old Otago Provincial Government staff surveyors, his first work being to assist in the survey of Palmerston South. Mr. Mackenzie has had his share of the “rough and tumble” of early camp life in Otago, including two unusually rough survey expeditions to the West Coast of that province, which was then practically terra incognita. The first of these was to Preservation Inlet, when the surveyor-in-charge, Mr. Cameron, met his death through an accidental gunshot wound; and the other was to Martin's Bay, when an unsuccesful attempt was made to settle that part of the country under the Free Grant System. Having in 1871 gone through the usual course of training as a surveyor, Mr. Mackenzie passed the necessary examination before the Otago Board of Examiners, received his diploma, and shortly afterwards proceeded to Wellington. Here, in April, 1872, he obtained an appointment as an assistant surveyor on the Provincial Government staff. Two years later Mr. Mackenzie was promoted to a district surveyorship, and in 1879 was appointed to his present position. As a resident of the Wellington suburb of Karori, where he has lived for the past eighteen years, Mr. Mackenzie shows considerable interest in local matters, having been prominent in connection with the proposed electric tramway, and acting as chairman of the committee promoting the same. In school matters also he has for a long time taken a lively interest, having been continuously chairman of the local committee over a period of thirteen years. He fills in his spare time with tree-planting, gardening, etc., of which he is very fond, and, having a few acres of land round his home, he does a little amateur farming for the use of his family only. Mr. Mackenzie has been twice married. First in 1876 to Miss McKenzie, eldest daughter of Mr. T. W. McKenzie, who died in 1884, and secondly in 1887 to Miss Annie Wilson, daughter of Mr. F. J. Wilson, architect, of Timaru. His family numbers eight, five daughters and three sons. Mr. Mackenzie is a brother of Mr. Thomas Mackenzie, M.H.R. for Clutha.
Receiver of Land Revenue for the Wellington Land District, is a native of Kilmarnock, Scotland, and was educated at the Kilmarnock Academy.
Assistant Surveyor-General and Commissioner of Crown Lands, is Chairman of the Waste Lands Board. He is referred to under “Wellington General Government Institutions.”
J.P., C.E., who is the son of the late Hon. Sir Wm. Fitzherbert, K.C.M.G., is a member of the Waste Lands Board. Reference is made to this gentleman in connection with the Hutt, where he resides.
M.H.R. for Masterton, is a member of the Waste Lands Board. This gentleman's career is referred to under the heading “Masterton.”
J.P., who is mentioned in connection with the township of Waitotara, has a seat at the Waste Lands Board.
M.H.R, for Palmerston North, whose career is given in his official capacity and as a newspaper proprietor, is also a member of the Board.
The office of the District Land Registrar and Registrar of Deeds for the Wellington District is situated on the first floor of the Government Insurance buildings.
who is referred to on pages 139–140 as Chief Judge of the Native Land Court, and as Registrar-General of Land and Deeds, also holds the offices of District Land Registrar and Registrar of Deeds for the Wellington District.
Acting District Land Registrar and Registrar of Deeds, Wellington, was born in Auckland in 1858. He is the eldest son of Mr. John Hall, of Otahuhu, a well known pioneer settler in the Auckland district. Educated at Otahuhu Church School and at the Church of England Grammar School, Auckland, of which latter institution Mr. James Adams, B.A., now Principal of the Thames High School, was headmaster, he was articled to Mr. Samuel Jackson, of the firm of Jackson and Russell, barristers and solicitors in that city. Having completed his term about the end of the year 1882, he was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court in the following year. For a short time Mr. Hall had the management of one of the departments of the business of Messrs. Whitaker and Russell, prior to Mr. C. E. Button's joining that firm. He was then engaged by Mr. William Thorne to take charge of the Common Law branch of his business, and continued to fill this office till his appointment in the public service on the 12th of August, 1884. Mr. Hall entered on his duties at that date as Examiner of Titles under The Land Transfer Act, Deputy-Commissioner of Stamps and Registrar of Joint Stock Companies and Building Societies at Auckland. He has held these appointments for upwards of eleven years, but during that time has frequently been engaged as relieving officer to the District Land Registrars, and as such has visited Hawkes Bay, Nelson and Wellington. This is the third occasion on which he has been placed in charge at the Empire City, where he has been stationed this time for about twelve months. Mr. Hall was married in 1888 to Helen Baird, third daughter of Mr. William Macky, J.P., of Paterangi, and niece of the Rev. John Macky, M.A., who died a few years ago an old and revered minister of the Presbyterian Church.
Examiner of Titles to the Lands Transfer and Deeds Registry Office for Wellington and Marlborough Districts, was born at Shenley, Hertfordshire, England, on the 2nd of August, 1834. He came to New Zealand per ship “Strathmore,” arriving in Otago in 1856. Mr. Howorth is a son of the late Mr. James Howorth, barrister, of Grey's Inn, who was subsequently Provincial Solicitor in Dunedin for many years, held the office of Crown Prosecutor and Crown Solicitor for Otago, and was a member of the Otago Provincial Council for the Taieri. The subject
The local office for the registration of joint stock companies is situate in the Stamp Office, which is on the ground floor at the back of the General Government Departmental Buildings, Lambton Quay.
Assistant Registrar of Joint Stock Companies, is referred to as Accountant and Chief Clerk in the Stamp Department on page 166.
The office of the Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages for Wellington District, is situated on the ground floor of the New Zealand Government Insurance Buildings. Mr. W. T. Wyatt, who is also Registrar of Electors, is in charge.
Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, and Registrar of Electors for Wellington, is an old Government officer. Born in Buckinghamshire in 1816, and educated at Bushey, Hertsfordshire, Mr. Wyatt was apprenticed to a law stationer in London. In 1847 he came out to Victoria, where he was connected with a sheep-station at Geelong, becoming under-superintendent for about three years. He subsequently went to the Californian goldfields, where he had a short experience as a gold-seeker. After returning to Victoria, it was not long before Mr. Wyatt crossed the Tasman Sea and took up his abode in New Zealand. In 1857 he settled in Wellington, and entering the Crown Lands Department, held the position of clerk till 1881. During this long period of office he served under the Hon. Sir F. D. Bell, Sir William Fox, Sir W. Fitzherbert, and other distinguished politicians. For some years Mr. J. G. Holdsworth was Commissioner of Crown Lands, and when that gentleman became Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, Mr. Wyatt was appointed Deputy-Registrar. This was on the 1st of November, 1880. On the death of his chief about five years later he became Registrar, and still holds this important office. Mr. Wyatt was married in St Paul's Church, Melbourne to Miss Thrift, of Uxbridge, Middlesex, and has two daughters.
The Wellington Police District includes the greater part of the Wellington Provincial Disitrict the portion excluded being situated to the north of the Borough of Fielding. The Provincial District of Marlborough, in the South Island,
Inspector of Police for the District of Wellington, was born in Wexford, Ireland, where he was educated. After a short time, in which he was engaged in farming, he joined the Royal Irish Constabulary as a boy, and soon after was sent on a special mission to England and Wales. Not long after his return he was promoted to the position of sergeant, and took up his duties, serving in some of the disturbed districts at the time of the Smith-O'Brien troubles. In 1854 Mr. Pender joined the Mounted Staff Corps (as a volunteer), which numbered sixty men, and was known as Lord Raglan's. After drilling at Knightsbridge, London, the company was sent to the Crimea. Mr. Pender was present at the several attacks on, and at the taking of, Sebastopol, and afterwards at the Battle of Tchenere. Subsequently he went with the first Royal Dragoons, who were acting with the French, to the interior of the Crimea on a reconnoitering expedition. On his return he wintered at Seutari, Constantinople. After this Mr. Pender joined Colonel Grant in the Interior of Turkey-in-Asia to assist in organising the Turkish Contingent Cavalry. Returning to Constantinople, he went back to Britain, and rejoined the Irish Constabulary. In 1856 Inspector Pender came out to the colonies, landing in Melbourne, and after a few months on the Ovens Goldfield, he joined the Victorian police as a constable. He served with O'Hara Burke, who afterwards became a great explorer in Central Australia. In the Kerry Country, on the borders of New South Wales, he served for over five years, and in 1862, with three others, volunteered to assist in organising the police force in Canterbury. For thirty years after arrival in New Zealand, with the exception of a few years spent in Timaru, he was stationed at Chtistchurch. In 1864 he was promoted to the position of Inspector of Police. Inspector Pender was transferred to Wellington in 1892. Three years later he was sent on a special mission to England, in connection with the Harper case. Mr. Pender was married in 1864 in Christchurch to Miss O'Hara, who died in 1891, leaving two sons and four daughters. The elder son is employed on the railway, the younger attends St. Patrick's College, and the daughters are at home. Inspector Pender is a recipient of the Crimean medal and clasp for Sebastopol, the Turkish medal, and the New Zealand long-service medal.
The Terrace Gaol, Woolcombe Street, Wellington, occupies one of the pleasantest situations in the City, and it is so well provided with trees and ornamental grounds that it is a long way from being the eyesore that Mount Cook Gaol seems destined ever to be. The area enclosed is about twelve acres. The cells are each provided with a hammock, blankets, and pillow, a dish, a pannikin, a tin knife, and a wooden spoon. A bible and hymn book are also provided for each cell. There is a library stocked with books of only the best writers, to which the prisoners have access; and those who are unable to read and write have every opportunity afforded them of learning. Many of the prisoners improve their education considerably during their incarceration. Cleanliness is, of course, insisted on, sufficient baths being provided to admit of the prisoners having a bath every week, hot water being supplied only on medical grounds. The prisoners rise at 5.30 all the year round, and are locked up for the night at 6.30 in winter and 7.30 during the summer months. They have three meals a day, the midday meal consisting of soup, meat, and potatoes. Mutton and beef are served boiled on alternate days. The special class good-conduct men are allowed baked meat; and all are served with a mug of tea without milk. All meals are served in the cells. This is an alteration made by Mr. Garvey, with the consent of Colonel Hume, as the effect upon the less hardened criminals of mixing with the others in a common dining-room was found to be very baneful. A great improvement is noticeable as the result of this change. Very great efforts are made to insure that the prison shall be a reformatory institution, and not a “training-school for criminals,” and to keep the prisoners as much apart as possible is a necessary step to all measures of reform. The gaol hospital is often without a patient, though the doctor calls twice a week, and immediately attends to a summons when required. When the hospital is empty it is used as a dormitory for some twenty-eight of the older men who need more careful treatment. In very cold weather a little fire is provided for them. This indulgence is greatly appreciated, and does much to foster the “good conduct” which is practically the price of admission to the comforts. On entering the gaol, a prisoner is weighed and his height measured, and these particulars are duly recorded, with a description of complexion including the exact colour of his eyes and hair, and a minute account of the marks on his body. He is then thoroughly bathed, though sometimes it is necessary that he be bathed first for these particulars to be accurately taken, the colour of the eyes being the only point absolutely unaffected by a thorough cleansing of the person. All the clothes and legitimate effects belonging to a prisoner are cleansed and carefully kept, to be given him on his discharge; but should his own clothes be insufficient, he is provided with a decent suit of no recognisable description, good strong boots, socks, and underclothing,
Cyclopedia the Wellington Gaol is an exemplary institution and one conducted on lines well abreast of prison reform, as represented in New Zealand by the Legislation and public opinion of to-day.
the Governor of the Terrace Gaol and the Probation Officer for Wellington and District, was born and educated in Ireland. For nearly seven years prior to leaving for New Zealand in 1874 he was a member of the Royal Irish Constabulary Force, where he gained experience which has since been of much use to him in this country. Mr. Garvey came to the Colony as a young man about twenty-three years of age, and his advancement in the service has been much more than ordinarily rapid. Almost immediately on his arrival he was appointed clerk to the prison in
Evening Post on the 14th of January, 1893:—“The warder then took me out of the cell and introduced me to the gaoler, Mr. Garvey. To most people Mr. Garvey's name is familiar, and his establishment, described by the Chief Justice as the Terrace Gaol, is more familiarly known in New Zealand French as the ‘Hotel de Garvey,’ alias ‘Garvey's Hotel’ Mr. Garvey is a born gaoler. With his keen eye he soon takes the measure of the variety of humanity that comes before him, and that with the greatest accuracy of judgment. He is of commanding presence, an independent character, a thorough Irishman, and an honour to his country and to the military school with which he was connected in early life. Mr. Garvey told me that he did not regard me as the general class of fellows who came under his care, and would do all he could to reduce the discomforts of gaol life. ‘But,’ said he, ‘there are always two sides to these questions, and of course I must carry out the regulations.”
Wellington is one of the four cities which are the head quarters of an official assignee in bankruptcy. The district controlled by the officer who resides in the Capital is an extensive one. It embraces the provincial districts of Wellington, Hawkes Bay, Marlborough, Nelson and Westland. Deputy-Official Assignees with full powers are located in Napier, Wanganui, Masterton, Blenheim, Nelson and Greymouth. The offices of the official assignees in Wellington are situated in the Supreme Court Buildings, and afford ample convenience for the holding of the creditor,' meetings and the general liquidation of bankrupt estates.
J.P., is the Official Assignee in Bankruptcy, and also Coroner. His offices are in the Supreme Court buildings, and he resides at Kensington House, Hill-street. Mr. Asheroft was born in London, where he was educated. He joined the large mercantile house of Redfern, Alexander and Co., with whom he remained for fourteen years, and on leaving for the Colony in January, 1862, was the recipient of a handsome gold watch, suitably inscribed, evidence of the value the firm placed on his services. Mr. Ashcroft arrived in Lyttelton per ship “Kensington” during the same year, and for twelve months thereafter was employed by Messrs. Peacock and Co. in Christchurch. In Oamaru for eleven years he carried on the grain and general merchandise business with success, and subsequently was for four or five years in the employ of Messrs. Cargill and Co. and the National Mortgage Company in Dunedin. As a journalist he occupied the responsible position of editor of the Otago Daily Times for a period of five years. In 1884 Mr. Ashcroft was appointed Official Assignee in Bankruptcy for Dunedin, which office he held for nine years, till transferred to the Empire City, where he has resided for upwards of two years. Mr. Asheroft's tastes are literary, and he does a good deal of versification. He has published “fugitive poems” on local topics, and short pamphlets on “Ritualism,” and “The Auriferous Resources of Otago and Southland.” As a Justice of the Peace, Mr. Ashcroft has acted for fourteen years. In Sunday schools he takes great delight, and has been associated with the movement for twenty-five years past. As parochial officer of the Church of England, Mr. Ashcroft did good work in Dunedin, and also as a member of the Synod of Otago.
The Railway Station buildings of Wellington are not by any means imposing structures; and as there are no branch lines as in Christchurch, Auckland, Dunedin and other places, the railway business of Wellington seems small. When the Government takes over the Manawatu line, and one central station is made, there will be a better appearance of business. Even now, however, the principal station known as “Wellington,” is a busy place, and is entitled to a much better building. It occupies about twenty-four and a half acres of ground, and the sheds and workshops are extensive. It is situated within two minutes' walk of the General Government buildings, but rather too far from the centre of the town; and the Te Aro Station is about the same distance to the south of the wharf, and therefore equally out of the way. The Wellington railway system has been already described in the article on “Wellington City.” All that need here be given is some mention of the principal officers, whose headquarters are at the Wellington station. The Te Aro Station is the terminus at present; but “Wellington,” though not the starting
Locomotive Engineer for New Zealand Railways, was born in Auckland in 1860, and brought up in the Colony. His father is Mr Samuel Jackson, of Auckland, the senior partner in the well-known legal firm of Jackson and Russell. Mr. H. H. Jackson was educated at the Auckland College and Grammar School. After leaving school he was successful in passing both the junior and senior Civil Service examinations. Joining the Railway Department in October, 1876, he served his time in the Locomotive Department, and during his apprenticeship was for six months firing on locomotives, and subsequently was engine driving. After completing his indentures he was transferred to Addington Workshops, Christchurch, where he worked as a fitter for some months. He was then removed to Wanganui Workshops to fill a similar position, which he occupied for nearly three years, when he was promoted to the post at locomotive foreman. A year later, Mr. Jackson took charge of the Nelson section as acting district manager, and after four months he became locomotive foreman at Wellington. Subsequently he filled the position of relieving officer in the Locomotive Department on the Hurunui-Bluff sections, perfoiming varicas duties including those of foreman filter at Hillside Works for six months, and locomotive foreman filter at Dunein and Invercargill. After this Mr. Jackson was successively acting district manager at Picton, locomotive manager and acting district manager at Napier for seven months, and again relieving officer, on the Hurunui-Bluff section. While on this section, he was entrusted with the special work of testing the stoaming qualities of all New Zealand hewn coals. In 1888 the subject of this notice was promoted to the position of locomotive engineer in Auckland. This he held till June, 1894, when he received his present appointment. Mr. Jackson was married in 1891 to the eldest daughter of Captain Worsp, of Auckland, and has one son. He has been nineteen years in the railway service, the whole of which time has practically been spent in the Locomotive Department. [This article was received too late for insertion under general description of Railway Department on page 155.]
Traffic Manager for the Wellington section of New Zealand railways, was born in Melbourne, Victoria. In the year 1875 he entered the service of the Telegraph Department, Wellington, as a cadet, whence he was transferred to Bluff, afterwards going to Taiaroa Heads, and then to Dunedin. In 1876 he was appointed stationmaster, postmaster, telegraphist, etc., at Caversham, near Dunedin, subsequently holding similar positions at Waitati and Edendale. He was also in charge of the railway stations at Bluff, Gore, and elsewhere. In 1885 he took charge of the Wellington station, and occupied the position of stationmaster, Wellington, until 1894, when he was appointed Traffic Manager. Mr. Donne represents in his own person a full chapter of accidents, but the most serious injury occurred to him at Gore in 1885, when owing to defective back gear on a railway waggon, he was thrown down when shunting, and run over by a train; he was mangled to such an extent, that his recovery has since been regarded as marvellous. He holds the medallion of the St John Ambulance Association, and he has rendered valuable first aid in many cases of serious injury. Of a studious disposition Mr. Donne is well read, and has acquired a large library, containing many rare and valuable books. He is president of the Railway Employees' Benefit Society for Wellington section, vice-president of the Wellington Railway Cricket Club, and he has been a member of the council of the Wellington Acclimatization Society during the last six years. A keen angler and an ardent sportsman, he has been very successful in deerstalking, and his many trophies of the charge testify to his excellence as a rifle shot. Prior to his serious accident he was well known as a very good athlete. Mr. Donne is a liquor abstainer and non-smoker. He is regarded as a shrewd man of business,
Foreman of Works of the Wellington Section of New Zealand Railways, was born and educated in Staffordshire, England. He is a builder by trade, and before coming to New Zealand had considerable experience in England and America. Arriving in Port Chalmers in 1875 per ship “Christian McAusland,” Mr. Stubbs went to Christchurch, and in the same year entered the Public Service in the railway workshops, which were at that time under the Provincial Government, and was appointed inspector of works for the new passenger station at Christehurch, during which time he was transferred to the General Government, For five years after the completion of this work, he was in the employ of Mr. F. Strouts, architect, of Christehureh, as a draughtsman and inspector of works. Mr. Stubbs re-entered the Civil Service in Christchurch, joining the architectural branch of the Public Works Department as draughtsman and sub-inspector, but fell a victim to the ten percent. reduction, and was afterwards retrenched and the office abolished. Soon afterwards he again joined the railway service at Napier, and was employed as draughtsman for the workshops, and in 1885 received the appointment as bridge inspector and foreman of works of the Napier section of railways. This position he held untii January, 1895, when he was transferred to Wellington. In 1870 Mr. Stubbs married Miss Elizabeth Clarke, daughter of Mr. W. Clarke, of Swanwich, Derbyshire. He has five sons and five daughters. As a member of the Masonic fraternity, he is attached to Lodge Bedford, No. 25, N.Z.C., Waipukurau, of which he was W.M. Mr. Stubbs is a member of the newly-formed Officers' Institute of New Zealand Railways.
Locomotive Foreman, Wellington section of New Zealand Railways, has for twenty years been in the public service. Born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1857, the subject of this notice taken by his parents to Melbourne, Victoria, In 1858, and two years later arrived in New Zealand. Mr. Hunter was educated in Invereargill, and entered the railway service in May, 1875, as clerk in the Traffic Department, at the Bluff. At the beginning of 1877 he was transferred to the Locomotive Department, as cleaner, remaining till the middle of the following year. Mr. Hunter then became acting fireman. and aubsequently fireman, and received promotion to the position of acting driver, in January, 1882. Three months later he was appointed driver on the Invereargill-Clinton line, where he remained for seven years. Mr. Hunter was then promoted to be driver-in-charge at Oamaru, which position he retained till the commencement of 1891. He then received promotion to the Locomotive Foremanship at Wanganui, and occupied that position till June, 1891, when he was transferred to Wellington. Mr. Hunter has thus risen by regular stages to the responsible position now occupied by him. He is an unattached member of the Foresters' order, and belongs to the Officer's Institute of New Zealand Railways. In 1870, Mr. Hunter was married to Miss Watt, daughter of the late Mr. John Watt, of the Bluff, and he has two children, one boy and one girl.
Inspector of Permanent Way for the Wellington-Eketahuna section of New Zealand Railways. was born in 1845, near Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire, England. After being educated at Burnley, Lancashire, at the age of eighteen he came out to Poit Chalmers by the barque “Rachel.” After gaining general experience, Mr. Cravon joined the Railways in 1875 at Invercargill as platelayer. In two years he was promoted to the position of ganger, which position he held for four years, and on the completion of the Riverton line he became section-formation for a short time. He was appointed Inspector of Permanent Way at Lumsden in 1883, and retained the position till 1888, when he was transferred to the
Station-master of the Wellington Station, New Zealand Railways, was born in the Black Forest, Victoria, in 1857. He was one of the earliest born Europeans in that part of the Colony, and was named “Forester” in honour of that distinction. Early in life he came with his parents to Port Chalmers where he received his education at Mr. George Scott Murray's Private School and the Port Chalmers Grammar School Mr. Styles's father was for some years a railway contractor in Otago, and was at one time manager for Messrs. Proudfoot Bros. Mr. James Styles, a cousin of the subject of this notice, was for many years consulting engineer of the Port Melbourne Harbour Trust, and is a well-known member of the Victorian Parliament. About the end of 1872, Mr. Styles entered the railway service as a cadet at Port Chalmers. He rose by stages to the office of booking clerk in Dunedin, a position which he filled for five years. At the beginning of 1878 he was transferred to Mosgiel as stationmaster. During this year he married a daughter of Mr. John Smail, who is well known as having erected and started the successful woollen mills at Mosgiel, the pioneer mills of the Colony. Mr. Styles's family numbers nine—five daughters and four sons. After six years Mr. Styles was sent to Invercargill, where he remained as station-master till November, 1894, when he was transferred to Wellington. He is an unattached
The Railway Station at Te Aro, being still quite new, presents a pleasing, if not very substantial, appearance. It is commodious, and it is not likely that any extension will be needed for many years to come. The ordinary business traffic is small; but on high days and holidays crowds of excursionists throng the Te Aro Station. There is a well-kept look about this station which is by no mesns too common in the Colony. Whether the traffic justifies the extension, and whether those who clamoured for it, are reaping the benefits which they declared were certain to follow, it may well be doubted. Wellingtonians, however, look forward to an extension of this line to Kilbirnie, Lyell Bay, Island Bay, Happy Valley, Karori and Makara, joining the Manawatu line at Porirua. Certainly such an extension would be a great boon to the Capital from a citizen's standpoint, but the taxpayer is likely to throw cold water on the project for many years to come. The Te Aro Station is situated near the extreme south-western corner of Lambton Harbour. It occupies about three and a half acres in the midst of what will some day be a very busy part of the city. Already there are many signs of improvement in the neighbourhood.
has charge of the Te Aro Station, and is well-known to frequenters of this line, having been for many years the stationmaster at Petone. Mr. Whitson was born in 1848, at Haddington, near Edinburgh, whose Grammar School the great reformer, John Knox, attended. Educated in a private school at Haddington, Mr. Whitson found employment for a few years in a cotton shipping business in Manchester, and subsequently joined the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, at the Victoria Station, Manchester. After gaining experience there he returned to his old business until 1878, when he embarked for this Colony per ship “Pleiades,” landing at Wellington on the last day of that year. Within a fortnight he was engaged by the Railway Department as booking clerk at the Wellington Station. In 1883, Mr. Whitson was married to Miss Clara Parkinson, daughter of Mr. George Parkinson, of Manchester, by whom he has one son. Immediately prior to his appointment in 1895, as stationmaster of Te Aro, Mr. Whitson was in charge at Petone, which position he had held for eleven years. He is a courteous obliging officer, and consequently popular.
There are but two private railways in the Wellington District—the Wellington-Manawatu and the Hutt Park. Wellingtonians are justly proud of the first named. It has conduced largely to the advancement of the City of Wellington, and has been the means of developing a vast agricultural district.
(directors, Messrs. T. G. M'Carthy, J.P (chairman), John Kirkcaldie, James Smith, David Anderson, C. B. Izard, John Plimmer, and D. J. Nathan; secretary, Mr. W. M. Hannay; manager, Mr. J. E. Fulton, M.I.C.E.; engineer, Mr. J. Marchbanks.) Offices, South British Insurance Buildings, Lambton Quay, Wellington, Telephone 29; P.O. Box 261 Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. This successful Company is the outcome of public meetings held in Wellington in the month of September, 1880. Two years prior to this, the Government went to the expense of complete surveys of the land lying between the Empire City and Foxton (the terminus of the Foxton-New Plymouth sections of Government railways. Some eighty miles of railway would be necessary to connect the Capital with the West Coast line, and it was decided that this should be done. Operations were commenced, but never completed, as after the expenditure of some £30,000, the works were stopped, there not being sufficient funds available. Pursuant to resolution of public meeting, the Company was initiated, and after considerable negotiations with the Government resulting in a promise of a land grant, the Company was registered. In 1881 the Railway Construction and Land Act was passed, and in the following March a contract was concluded between the Government and the Company. The work of construction was commenced without delay, and pushed ahead with such energy that by September 21st, 1885, the line was open to Paremata (sixteen miles), and on November 29th, 1886, the whole line (eighty-four miles in length) from Wellington to Longburn, distant four miles from Palmerston North, was available for traffic. The Company's line for the first five miles ascends a steep grade of one in forty, with many sharp curves, and passes through several tunnels, going through the suburbs of Crofton, Khandallah, and Johnsonville. During the next few miles there is a similar descent, till reaching Porirua, on the coast, which the line follows for some four or five miles as far as Plimmerton. The line between Plimmerton and Paikakariki, a distance of some ten miles, is varied by an ascending and descending gradient and several more tunnels. The remainder of the route to Longburn, fifty-seven miles in length, is inland, and almost level, the ruling grade being one in one hundred. The stations passed are Paraparaumu, Waikanae, Otaki, Manakau, Levin, Kereru, and Shannon. From the Melbourne Leader of May 4th, 1895, the following extracts are taken:—“The Manawatu line is substantially built throughout, being laid with fifty-three pound steel rails, and is well equipped with engines and carriages. The carriages are all of the American type, which are pretty general in New Zealand, and are very comfortable. There is a dining-car on the through train, which enables travellers to get meals, and is a great boon. The directors and management look well after the comfort of the travelling public. It may be interesting to note here that the subscribed capital of the Company is £850,000, in 170,000 shares of £5 each; £170,000 is paid up, and the Company's debentures amount to £680,000. The satisfactory result of the Company's operations has proved the correctness of the opinions held by the gentlemen who first took the formation of the railway in hand. Mr. J. E. Nathan was the first chairman of the Company, and guided its destinies in a very able manner for five years. Business engagements necessitated his retirement from the chairmanship in 1887. Since 1888 the directors, of whom there are seven, have been presided over by Mr. T. G. M'Carthy, J.P., a gentleman who is very well known in business circles in Wellington, and, indeed, throughout New Zealand. The Company has sold about 80,000 acres of land in proximity to the railway, in farms varying in size from twenty acres up to 2000 acres, and has settled about 3000 people on this land. The revenue has increased from £47,000 in 1887 to £88,000 in 1894, and the Company became dividend-paying in 1891, when it paid shareholders three-and-a-half per cent. During the two succeeding years it paid five per cent., while last year six per cent, was paid; and from the chairman's remarks and the balance-sheet which was submitted, it may be fairly assumed that this rate of interest will be continued. Any description of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company would be imperfect which did not refer to Mr. John Plimmer and Mr. James Wallace. The former gentleman moved the first resolution pledging the meeting to form a Company, agreed to take a large number of shares, and with Mr. Wallace canvassed the city. Mr. Plimmer was thus instrumental in the inception of the Company, and is the only member of the present board who has been continuously a director from its formation. Mr. Wallace was appointed a director when the Company was formed, and afterwards became general manager and secretary. He was forced to sever his connection with it only a few months ago, owing to ill-health,
the Secretary and General Manager of the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company, Limited, has had many years' experience in the management of railways. Mr. Hannay had a thorough railway training in the Old Country, and came to New Zealand in 1875. He at once joined the public service of the Colony in the railways as district manager, from which position he was promoted to the office of assistant general manager, and subsequently became one of the Railway Commissioners. In 1894 the Government decided to change the system of railway management and Mr. Hannay's services were not continued, although Ministers recognised his abilities as a railway manager. On the resignation of Mr. James Wallace as general manager of the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company, the directors secured the services of Mr. Hannay as secretary of the Company, which position he now holds.
M. Inst., C.E., the Manager and Locomotive Superintendent of the Manawatu Railway, was born in Otago on the 11th of December, 1854, and was educated in that province chiefly by private tutors. He is the second son of the late Hon. James Fulton, M.L.C., of this Colony, who for many years prior to the date of his elevation to the Upper House represented the Taieri constituency in the House of Representatives. The subject of this notice obtained some technical knowledge in wood and iron shops, and for nine months in 1873 had sole charge of the engine and machinery of a larga flax-miil. At the end of that time Mr. Fulton was offered and excepted a cadetship in the Public Works Department under Mr. John Carruthers, engineer-in-chief, and accordingly on the 16th of January, 1874, he entered on these duties
at Wellington, passing the Junior and Senior Civil Service Examinations shortly afterwards. Having served four years as a cadet, he was appointed in January, 1878, an assistant-engineer of the Public Works Department. He also passed the necessary examination and obtained the certificate of New Zealand Authorised Surveyor, dated April 20th, 1878. In November, 1880, he resigned his position in the Government service to engage in private practice, but before leaving the Department he was sent to the Bay of Islands, Auckland, to take soundings of the harbour and make a re-survey of part of the railway there. Shortly after his resignation, he was employed by the chief surveyor of Hawkes Bay to undertake some city re-surveys. In the beginning of 1882 he was sent to Auckland by the directors of the Kaihu Valley Railway Company to make a preliminary survey and estimate of the cost of that proposed railway. In August, 1882, he applied for and obtained the appointment of resident engineer in charge of the construction of the Palmerston-Waikanae section of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway under Mr. H. P. Higginson, chief engineer. Five years later, while still in the service of the Company, he acted as referee, and was called upon to review the various schemes for the water supply and drainage of Palmerston North. Mr. Fulton held the position of resident engineer in the Wellington and Manawatu Railway from August, 1882, till August, 1889, when on the death of his brother, the late Mr. A. R. W. Fulton, he was appointed to his present positions. He has evidently taken a very keen interest in all matters connected with his profession, and is ever on the alert to give his company the benefit of his inventions and improvements. Herewith is given an illustration of an admirably contrived telephone switchboard, as effective as it is
handsome, and as simple in manipulation as it is intricate in appearance. This was invented by Mr. Fulton, and is in use in his office. By a very simple movement he can either cut himself off from communication altogether, thus connecting his assistant with all correspondents, or he may leave one, two, or more stations in direct communication with himself. By another ingenious contrivance
A.M. Inst. C.E., Resident Engineer of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company, was born in 1862 in Dunedin, where also he was educated. In 1878 he entered the Public Works Department in Dunedin as a cadet, and was articled to the late Mr. W. N. Blair, Engineer-in-Chief for the Colony. Completing his term in 1882 he was appointed Assistant Engineer in the Public Works Department at Dunedin. Mr. Marchbanks had several years' experience in the South, during which he made many surveys, including parts of the Otago Central, the Catlin's River, Edendale-Toitois, and Windsor-Livingstone railways. Coming to the North Island, he was similarly employed on the Manawatu Gorge railway. Resigning his appointment under the Government in 1890, he was appointed Assistant Engineer on the Wellington and Manawatu Railway, and was promoted to the post of Resident Engineer in 1892. Mr. Marchbanks was elected an associate member of the Institute of Civil Engineers about the year 1888. He has taken a good deal of interest in outdoor amusements, being a member of the Committee of the Amateur Athletic Club, and a member of the Thornd Bowling Club.
Locomotive and Workshops Foreman of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company, was born in Tatham, Lancashire, and apprenticed at the Phœnix Foundry, Foundry, Lancaster, completing his term in 1878. A year later he embarked on the ship “City of Dunedin,” for Port Chalmers, and after two years' colonial experience was appointed engineer at the Addington Railway Workshops. Subsequently he was transferred to the Hillside Workshops, near Dunedin, and was employed there till 1893. when he accepted the responsible position he now holds. Mr. Bargh was married in 1882 to a daughter of Mr. Edward Hack, of Christchurch, and has two daughters and two sons. He is an unattached member of the Masonic fraternity, S.C. In the Protestant Alliance—an Australian Friendly Society—Mr. Bargh has held several offices. Whilst in Dunedin he was much interested in ambulance matters, and took an active part in the formation of a class at Hillside Workshops, and was appointed lieutenant of the Ambulance Corps in Dunedin. He was also for some years a volunteer in the Dunedin Navals, and subsequently in the City Guards.
the Foreman of the Painting Department of the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Workshops, was born in Edinburgh in 1846. He was educated in Greenock, and learned his business at the latter city and in Glasgow, completing his term in 1867. Mr. Barr worked at his trade in England and Scotland until 1870, when he went to America. After spending upwards of five years in New York, where he had exceptional opportunities of adding to his knowledge in trade matters, he accepted a position in the workshops of the Delaware, Lackawanna, and Western Railway, and retained it for five-and-a-half years. Returning to Great Britain for a short time, Mr. Barr decided upon trying colonial life, and embarked on the s.s. “Arawa,” landing in Wellington in 1886. During the same year he secured employment with the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company, and was at once placed in the position he now occupies. Mr. Barr takes the greatest interest in his work, and every carriage manufactured, repaired, or re-painted, receives the most careful attention at the hands of the enthusiastic foreman. Mr. Barr lives at the Lower Hutt, and takes great interest in all matters affecting the well-being of the people. He is a prominent Presbyterian, being an elder of Knox Church, Lower Hutt. While resident in Wellington he occupied the same position at St. James' Church, Newtown. In 1866 Mr. Barr was married to Miss Cousin, of Auchinairn. His family includes six, of whom five are girls. The son is in the employ of the Company, under his father, and most of the ornamental work put into the best carriages is done by him. Two of the daughters are married, the eldest to Mr. W. F. Burgess, the well-known draughtsman and artist, of Wellington, who, with his wife, is now enjoying a trip to the Old Country, and the third daughter to Mr. F. E. Tomlinson, the photographer, of Wellington.
Inspector of Permanent Way for the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company, has had a large experience in railway construction and maintenance. Born in 1841 in Dungannon, County Tyrone, Ireland, where also he was educated, Mr. Mullan came out to the colonies at the age of fourteen. For some years he followed the diggings in Victoria, and ultimately entered the service as timekeeper on the Victorian railways at Woodend. He was again lured by “the gold fever,” and crossed over to Otago at the time of the rush to Switzer's. Later on, Mr. Mullan went over the ranges to the West Coast goldfields. At Westport he joined the public service, and was engaged on surveys,
the Station-master at the Wellington Station of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company, was born at Bayswater, near London, and is a son of the late Robert de Tracy Gould, LL.D., Barrister-at Law of the American Bar, for forty years a resident in London, and on his mother's side belongs to a branch of the well-known Baring family. He was educated in Germany, and speaks several modern languages. He came to New Zealand per ship “Otaki” in 1876, arriving in Lyttelton. Mr. Gould, who has travelled a good deal in Europe, gained his initial railway experience during the huge military transports of the Franco-Prussian War, when he was on the German side as a railway and telegraph officer. Mr. Gould also spent some years on the extensive petroleum diggings of the Gallician Carpathians, among the Rathenians, and on his return to his mother country was interested in marble quarrying in North Wales. Soon after his arrival in the Colony Mr. Gould joined the railway service under the Provincial Government of Canterbury. He met with a very serious accident whilst so engaged at Rangiora. He was speedily promoted to the position of stationmaster at several of the South Island stations, and finally was assistant-stationmaster at Christchurch. From this office he was promoted to be chief clerk to the Railway Telegraph Department, under the late superintendent, Mr. W. H. Floyd. On the abolition of the last-named department, Mr. Gould became station-master at Halcombe, in the Manawatn, resigning after three years, owing to ill-health. After eighteen months on a farm in Canterbury his health was completely restored, and in 1885 the position now held was conferred on him. In 1880 Mr. Gould was married to Miss Collins, daughter of Mr. J. Collins, of Christchurch. He has two daughters and one son.
(Limited): Directors, Messrs H. D. Bell, M.H.R. (Chairman), James Lockie, J. Ames, F. Franklyn, and J. Saunders; Secretary, Mr. H. M. Lyon, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Early in 1885 this Company was formed to connect the racecourse along the Petone Beach with the line of railway. The necessary capital was subscribed in Wellington in twenty-four hours, and a line a mile and three-quarters in length, together with the needful sidings, making a total of over two miles, was completed in twenty-six working days. It was opened for traffic in February, 1885, and has been used to convey passengers on special occasions up to the present. Unfortunately portions have been washed away by floods from time to time, and considerable sums have been expended in reinstatements. The Government work the traffic over the Company's line, supplying all rolling stock and collecting fares including admission to grounds.
Wellington possesses many establishments for the amelioration of suffering both mental and physical, for the relief of the aged, infirm or helpless, for the rescue of criminals, and for other philanthropic objects. The compilers of the Cyclopedia have endeavoured to procure information regarding the various societies operating to achieve these desirable ends, and the results of these investigations are given in the following pages. The Wellington Hospital is an institution of which the citizens are justly proud, and many hundreds are tenderly nursed back to life and health every year, and pass from its bright, cheerful wards to occupy again their ordinary places in society. For those who are recovering from illness great advantages are supplied at the beautifully situated Convalescent Home in Oriental Bay. Provision for those unfortunates whose mental condition necessitates special treatment and control has been made at the fine Asylum at
was constituted in November, 1885. The members for 1896 are Messrs. J. J. Devine, G, Anderson, F. H. Fraser and L. L. Harris representing the Wellington City Council, Messrs. G. Brown and T. Brady for the Hutt County Council; Mr. F. A. Majendie, Horowhenua County Council; Mr. J. Collins, representing the Melrose, Onslow and Karori Boroughs, and Mr. R. C. Kirk for the Boroughs of Petone and Lower Hutt. The last named is chairman of the Board. The duties of the Board consist chiefly in finding the funds to maintain the Hospital. The Board is empowered to levy constrictions on the local bodies represented in proportion to the revenue, and a subsidy of pound for pound is granted by the Government thereon. The amount required for the year 1894–95 was £7353 4s. 4d. Mr. L. W. Loveday is secretary to the Board.
was incorporated at the same time as the Wellington Hospital Board, and is under the same Act. The members for 1896 are Messrs. J. J. Devine (chairman and hon. treasurer), G. Anderson, F. H. Fraser and L. L. Harris from the Wellington City Council, Mr. G. Brown representing the Hutt and Horowhenua County Councils; Mr. W. H. Beetham, Wairarapa North County Council; Mr. W. Booth, Wairarapa South County Council, and the Boroughs of Greytown and Carterton, Mr. A. W. Hogg, M.H.R., for the Boroughs of Masterton and Pahiatua, and Mr. G. H. Baylis for the Boroughs of Onslow, Petone, Melrose, Karori and Lower Hutt. The Board is charged with the duty of providing the funds necessary to maintain the Charitable Institutions and to defray the cost of maintenance of children committed by the Magistrate to the various Industrial Schools, The Board makes demands on the local bodies named in proportion to their revenue, which is subsidised by grant of pound for pound from the Government. The amount required for the year 1894–95 was £8569 4s. 4d. The secretary of the Board is Mr. L. W. Loveday.
the Secretary of the District Hospital Board and the United District Charitable Aid Board, and Clerk of Records in the Colonial Secretary's Department, was born in 1845 at Darjeeling, India, and was educated in England, at Bath Proprietary School and Hanwell College School. When eighteen years of age he came to the Colony per ship “Chili,” to Port Chalmers. Before coming to New Zealand he had been connected with the volunteer movement in England, and having gained considerable knowledge of the drill, was appointed instructor to the third Waikato Militia, which position he held till 1867, when the force was disbanded. Mr. Loveday then went to the Thames goldfield, where he occupied the position of Clerk to the Warden's Court for a short time. He then became clerk in the office of Mr. James Macky, Junior Civil Commissioner, remaining about two years. For three years subsequently he was managing clerk for Messrs. Mackey, Taipari and Co., who controlled the letting of the township lands on the Thames. In 1876 Mr. Loveday eame to Wellington, and acted as clerk to the Select Committee of the Legislative Council in the session of that year. He was also appointed Chief Clerk and Accountant of the Lunacy Department, as Clerk of Records, which position he still retains, besides the secretarial of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Boards. Mr. Loveday was married in 1865 to Miss Vogel, daughter of Mr. Franz Vogel, of Austria. His family consists of three daughters. Since living in Wellington, Mr. Loveday has been prominent in connection with the volunteer movement. He was originally connected with the formation of the Wellington Guards in 1875, and was promoted to the rank of senior major of the Wellington Rifle Battalion, which position he resigned to assume command as captain of the Heretaunga Mounted Rifles. This position he retained from 1891 to January, 1894, when he retired. Mr. Loveday is an unattached member of the Masonic fraternity, having been connected with the Alpha Lodge No. 449, I.C., while in the Waikato.
was originally established on a site in Pipitea Street, given by the Maoris. The small cottage which was first used for the purpose in the early days, was built on the site of a Maori pah. The accommodation was from time to time increased by the addition of new buildings till
M.B., C.M., the Medical Superintendent, was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, and educated at Annan, this being the school which the celebrated Thomas Carlyle attended. Dr. Ewart qualified for his profession at the Edinburgh University, gaining his degrees M.B., C.M., in 1880, and taking his M.D. five years later. Till 1889 he practised in Aberdare, South Wales, but owing to a breakdown in health came out to New Zealand per ship “Waimate.” After a year's rest in the Colony, during which his health was greatly improved, Dr. Ewart became surgeon of the Timaru Hospital for a few months. About five years ago he was appointed to the charge of the Wellington District Hospital. Dr. Ewar was married in 1890 to Miss Brandon, daughter of Mr. Richard Brandon of Kent, England.
the Matron of the Wellington District Hospital, is a native of Bath, Somersetshire. Educated in various parts of England and in Germany, the subject of this notice came out to Melbourne per s.s. “Cuzeo,” and crossing the Tasman Sea, arrived in New Zealand in June, 1878. After some years spent with friends in Wanganui, Miss Godfrey took up work in the Hospital as a probationer and speedily rose step by step to the position of head nurse. She was appointed matron on the 1st of March, 1890. Miss Godfrey delights in her work, and spares no effort to benefit the sufferers who come within the institution over which she so ably presides.
the Secretary and Steward of the Wellington District Hospital, was born in 1865 at Southend, Essex. Educated at Brighton and at Harrow, he served an apprenticeship of five years in the office of an architect and civil engineer in Brighton. After completing his term he went to sea as steward on the Orient line between London and Australia.
is situated in South Wellington, on a splendid site one hundred and thirteen acres in extent, from which a capital view of the City and surrounding districts is obtainable. The original asylum for Wellington was established in the early fifties at Karori, having accommodation for a limited number of patients. The first person to be admitted entered the institution in 1854, and it was four years before a second patient was presented. It is worthy of note that these two men are both alive, and are still inmates of the Asylum, one of them still doing the greater portion of the carting required in connection with this very necessary institution. The old establishment at Karori served the purposes intenedd until about the year 1875, when the central portion of the present asylum was opened. The accommodation originally available at Mount View was for one hundred patients. The institution was, however, soon filled, and it became necessary for further buildings to be erected. The central portion, a handsome two-story wooden structure was enlarged about the year 1880 by the erection of two wings of wood and iron, which doubled the capacity of the asylum. About five years later two additional wards were built, providing for fifteen females and thirty male patients. In the present year the demand for extra rooms being still great, the male wards were increased by the addition of space for thirty patients, and the refractory ward, which afforded room for sixteen, has been enlarged so as to take in twenty-six persons. Two hundred and seventy persons in all can now be comfortably accommodated at Mount View Asylum, the proportion being one hundred females to one hundred and seventy males. Notwithstanding the greatly increased capacity of the institution it has not kept pace with the rapid increase of population. On the average the admission to the asylum numbers from 110 to 120 per annum, and as the establishment will not hold the number of persons committed, they have to be drafted off to other asylums. No less than two hundred have been so transferred from Mount View, chiefly to the Porirua Asylum. It is very satisfactory to record that the number of recoveries average about forty per cent, of the number admitted. The total staff of the Mount View Asylum, including medical superintendents, is thirty-six, being twenty-two males and fourteen females. The medical man in charge of this fine establishment resides in a comfortable two-story house on the grounds.
M.D., Medical Superintendent of Mt. View and Porirua Lunatic Asylums, was born in Oamaru, Otago, in 1860. In 1873 he went to Scotland and completed his studies, begun in New Zealand, in Aberdeen, graduating as an M.B.C.M.,
the Chief Attendant of the institution, was born in Galway, where he was engaged in farming with his father for some years before coming out to the colonies. He came out to Melbourne per s.s. “Chimborazo” in 1880, and at once crossed to New Zealand. After a few years' colonial experience, Mr. Kelly was appointed in 1888 to the position he now holds.
which occupies an elevated position in Oriental Bay, was built by contributions from the ladies of Wellington, and opened in December, 1894. The building, which is all on one floor, is constructed of wood, and contains accommodation for nine convalescents, in addition to the matron's and servants' quarters. The rooms are splendidly finished, and suitably furnished, and from many of the windows a truly lovely view is obtainable. This fine institution has been established for the purpose of giving change of air and rest, with proper food, to invalids who have been in hospitals, or have been unable to obtain the attention they require in their own homes, and thus are prevented from regaining the health and strength necessary to resume work. The Home is supported by voluntary subscription, and subscribers of £1 1s. per year have the right of nominating one person for admission to the establishment. Inmates who are admitted in this way are entitled to three weeks' residence and attention free of charge Those who are able to pay ten shillings per week can be received by applying to the trustees. Private patients may enter the Home at any time on special terms, viz., £2 2s, per week. Provision is thus made for those who can pay handsomely, and for those who can pay but a small sum, as well as for others who are quite unable to contribute anything at all. The Home is fitted up with the electric light, and has every other modern convenience. The Countess of Glasgow is the patroness of the Home. The committee consists of Mesdames Newman, Bristowe, Joseph, Myers, T. C. Williams, and A. Brandon. The secretary is Mrs. Maxwell, and Mrs. Rutter is the matron. There can be no doubt as to the utility of this excellent institution, and that it is destined to prove must valuable for the purpose for which it was intended.
which is situated on an elevated spot at the back of the Wellington District Hospital, off Adelaide Road, is a credit to the Empire City. Erected in 1888 by voluntary contributions presented by Messrs. Joseph Burne, W. H. Levin, C. J. Pharazyn, John Plimmer, and other citizens, the Home has been a great boon to many deserving though unfortunate people. The first trustees were Messrs. H. S. Wardell (chairman), S. Danks, T. W. McKenzie, W. R. Williams, J. E. Nathan, and the Rev. H. Van Staveren. The present Board consists of Messrs. C. E. W. Willeston (chairman), J. Danks, E. Smith, F. H. Fraser, T. W. McKenzie, and the Rev. Mr. Van Staveren, with Mr. C. P. Powles as secretary to the Trust. The late
is incorporated under “The Hospital and Charitable Institution Act, 1885.” The Trustees are elected annually by the members who subscribe 5s. and upwards each per annum, and who exercise votes from one to five, according to amount of subscription. Inmates are elected by the members and life members, the latter being subscribers of twenty pounds, the votes, varying from one to ten in proportion to donations made, being recorded by ballot. By-laws are observed at the Institution, providing for regularity in rising and retiring, cleanliness and mutual help, sick nursing and gardening, according to the ability of the old people. Swearing and profane language is forbidden, and fermented and spirituous liquors are only allowed on the recommendation of the medical officer or by special permission of the Committee of Management. A fine engraving of this splendid institution appears herewith.
the Superintendent, was born in London in 1830, and after leaving school was employed in the carrying trade. Coming out to Australia in 1865, he was for some years in business as a storekeeper and farmer in New South Wales. In 1875 he crossed the Tasman Sea and settled in Wellington. Entering the Government service he became head bailiff of the R.M. Court in Wellington, a position which he held for some years. Mr. Short was then appointed Clerk of the Court at Nelson South West goldfields, but resigned in consequence of a breakdown in his health. After spending some time in Australia he returned to New Zealand in 1890 and was appointed to his present position in 1891. Mr. Short was married in 1851 to Miss Elizabeth Rose Stoneham, only daughter of the late Captain Stoneham, of Dover, Kent, England, in Stepney Old Church, London, and has one son who, is in the Government employ. Mrs. Short fills the responsible position of matron of the Home.
(Incorporated 1885) undertakes the general distribution of outdoor and indoor relief, including the boarding-out of indigent children, the management of the Benevolent Home, work for the unemployed, etc. The Board of Trustees consists of from six to nine members, of whom two are elected by the private contributors, and the rest by the contributing local bodies, of which there are fourteen. The Trustees have a gross income of over £4000, which they spend in a wise and judicious manner for the benefit of those who are in distress. The present Trustees (1895) are the Rev. H. Van Staveren (Chairman), Messrs. T. W. McKenzie, J. Collins, G. H. Baylis,
Ohiro Road, Wellington, was opened on the 28th of January, 1893. The land occupied comprises an acre of freehold and four and a half acres leased from the City Council. The site is high, and affords a fine view of the City and Harbour. The two-story wooden building, which has so recently been completed, is far too small for the requirements of those seeking admission, and the Trustees are considering the advisability of securing additional freehold land and of adding largely to the accommodation. At the time of writing, the inmates number eightyfour, and of these sixty are men. The Home is well found in every respect; the beds are clean and comfortable, and from the remarks of several of the inmates, the writer concluded that many of them were better off than they had often previously been. There are three large dormitories and a number of smaller bedrooms. Baths, lavatories, wash-house, workshop, and other conveniences form a part of the establishment. Work is found as far as possible for the old folks, the men being engaged in the vegetable garden, etc., and the women in the making-up of articles of clothing, which are largely produced on the premises for use in the Home. The Home is very economically worked, the cost, inclusive of clothing, salaries, and five per cent, for depreciation, being only 4s. 4 1/2d. per head.
the Master of the Home, was born in Dublin in 1850, and came out to Auckland with his father, who was in the Imperial Army. The subject of this notice was brought up in Auckland, where he learned his trade as a printer. In 1874 he removed to Nelson, where he was married in the same year to Sarah, daughter of Mr. Walter Newport, an old settler, who came to Nelson when a boy. His family consists of two sons and six daughters. Mrs. McCleary, who had considerable experience as a boardinghousekeeper, was appointed matron of the Home when it was opened, her husband taking up his duties at the same time. The Master and Matron are greatly respected by the inmates.
which was founded in the month of June, 1892, is doing a good work. It is the outcome of a Sunday evening mission school, which was originally held in the early eighties by the Y.M.C.A. In November, 1884, two gentlemen, who are still engaged in philanthropic work in Wellington, took over the management of this school, and after eight years of painstaking labour the Institute was formally opened. The brick building, which was erected entirely by subscription and was completed free from debt, cost from £800 to £1000. It is situated on the reclaimed land at the corner of Cuba and Victoria Streets. There is a fine hall capable of seating from two to three hundred, two class-rooms, library containing 450 volumes, secretary's office, and gymnasium, which is one of the best in Wellington. The hall is freely used by the members, who number over 300. This grand institution which is supported entirely by voluntary subscriptions, exists for the spiritual, mental and physical improvement of the working boys of Wellington. Each winter, classes are held every evening for instructing the lads in arithmetic and spelling, junior and senior gymnastics, shorthand, band practice, recruit and company drill, chess, draughts, singing, and ambulance. Two services are held each Sunday for Bible study. This Institute is for the working boys entirely—those who have comfortable homes are not admitted to membership. To foster a spirit of independence a fee of sixpence per month is charged each lad who is able to pay. Several of the boys are desirous to learn the use of tools. It is therefore proposed to enlarge the building so as to provide a workshop and two extra class rooms. The honorary officers include the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., Patron; Chief Justice Sir James Prendergast, President. The following gentlemen constitute the committee of management:—Messrs. W. Allan, C. W. Benbow, W. F. Christie, A. Armstrong, A. Hoby, A. Johnston, T. W. McKenzie, G. C. Summerell, G. A. Troup, and A. H. Wallace. Mr. J. G. W. Aitken is the Honorary Treasurer, and Mr. F. Maguire acts as Secretary. A ladies auxiliary, consisting of Misses Hopkirk, M. B. Hopkirk, B. Hutchen, Richmond, Steel and Wilson, has been formed to work under the direction of the general committee. Misses Steel and Hopkirk have worked in connection with this movement most indefatigably since 1884. The following is the staff of honorary teachers:—Mr. C. W. Benbow (cbess and draughts), Dr. H. Pollen (ambulance and first aid), Miss Richmond (singing), Mr. M. Trimble (arithmetic and spelling,) Mr. A. H. Wallace (gymnastics), and Mr. S. E. Wright (shorthand), and Messrs. Aitken and Allan conduct the Sunday services. In connection with the Institute there is a Boys' Brigade of two companies numbering ninety, having a brass band and an ambulance company. The officers of the Brigade are:—Captain, A. Armstrong; Lieutenant, J. Steel; Bandmaster, T. Herd, Ambulance Company—Surgeon Instructor, Dr. H. Pollen; Ambulance Instructor, Mr. F. Maguire.
who is in charge of the Boys' Brigade in connection with the Institute, has been for many years connected with the volunteer movement, Born in Nelson and educated at St. Mary's School in his native city, Mr. Armstrong learned the soft goods trade. Removing to Wellington in 1878 he was employed for several years by Messrs. Thompson, Shannon and Co., and afterwards by Mr. James McDowell. In 1890 he entered the Wellington house of Messrs. A. Clark and Sons, with whom he has continued as warehouseman and traveller to the present time. Captain Armstrong has been associated with the Boys'
in New Zealand, a branch of the English Society, was founded by the late Lady Jervois, in 1883. The objects of the Society are to provide comfortable and inexpensive boarding accommodation for girls and young women; to bind together, in one society, ladies as associates, and girls and young women as members, for mutual help, sympathy, and prayer, and specially to encourage purity of life, dutifulness to parents, faithfulness to employers, and habits of thrift generally. The commodious three-story lodge, from a design of Mr. F. de J. Clere, F.R.I.B.A., erected in Vivian Street, Wellington, stands on a freehold section, the entire cost having been raised. There is good accommodation for a large number of members, who are charged the low tariff of 12s. per week. Although the society is a Church of England Institution and the associates must be members of that body, no such stipulation is made regarding members. Any girl of virtuous character, who is recommended by a minister or employer will be admitted to membership. Single bedrooms are provided; there is a good bath with hot and cold water laid on, and the library and piano are available for use at any time. The associates give prizes for needlework, knitting, scripture, and other subjects. Members are required to attend prayers daily, but otherwise are free to act according to their own wishes. Very good results have followed the Society's work, and many girls have been shielded from temptation by the organization. The office bearers are the Countess of Glasgow, patroness; Mrs. FitzGerald, president; Mrs Fancourt and Miss Greenwood, vicePresidents; and Mesdames D. Anderson, Coffey, England, Gore, Mason, Redward, F. Rutherfurd, Stock, Sprott, T. C. Williams, and Mrs. Wallis, form the council, Mrs. Tanner being the treasurer, and Miss Ashcroft the secretary.
(incorporated under “The Religious, Charitable, and Educational Trust Boards Incorporation Act, 1884.”) Patron, His Excellency the Governor; committee, Mr. C. D. Barraud (chairman), the Rev. J. Paterson, Captains Babot, Rose, and Strang, Messrs. J. G. W. Aitken (hon. treasurer), W. Allen, J. Duncan, W. Ferguson, D. Hall, F. Loudon, A. H. Turnbull, T. C, Williams, W. F. Wheeler, and L. H. B. Wilson (hon. sec.), and his Worship the Mayor of Wellington, the chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board, Mr. A. de B. Brandon (ex-mayor), and Mr. John Jack (ex-chairman of the Harbour Board) ex officio. This useful institution was established in March, 1888. A capital room has been secured close to the wharf; it is comfortably furnished and plentifully supplied with books and papers; games are also provided. A large number of sailors visit the Rest, and seem to appreciate the accommodation and privileges afforded.
Chairman of the Committee of the Sailor's Rest, was elected to succeed Mr. Beetham in 1892, Born in Surrey, England, Mr. Barraud was educated in Camberwell, and after gaining business experience as a chemist and druggist in Southampton and elsewhere, came to New Zealand, per ship “Pilgrim” in 1849. Arriving in Wellington, he commenced business as a chemist in Lambton Quay, and continued till 1887. In this year he had the misfortune to be burnt out, which led to his retiring. Mr. Barraud was the first president of the New Zealand Pharmacy Board. He has ever tal en a keen interest in art, and is president of the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts. As a water-colour painter he has attained considerable skill. In 1877 Mr. Barraud compiled “New Zealand, Graphic and Descriptive,” an illustrated work published to his order by Messrs. Sampson and Low, of London. This work is noted for the beautiful illustrations, which are from water-colour paintings by Mr. Barraud, comprising the beauty spots of the Colony. The descriptive matter is from the pen of Mr. W. T. L. Travers, F.L.S. The work, which was published at six guineas, was widely subscribed for. In philanthropic matters Mr. Barraud has taken great interest, especially in connection with the Wellington Hospital Convalescent Fund, of which he was treasmer for several years.
in Cuba Street was established by the Salvation Army to carry on the rescue work which is so notable a feature of its operations. The land was presented by Staff-Captain Paul, of Christchurch, who acts as secretary of this branch of the Army's work in the Colony. The Home was erected in brick from plans by Mr. William Crichton, architect. It is a handsome structure of two stories, and contains twenty rooms, besides laundry and washhouse. A grand work is being done very unostentatiously, the Home being usually full. The institution is comfortably furnished, and contains twenty-six beds, apart from the accommodation for the officers. The number of inmates at the time of writing is twenty-four women and five children. Purely rescue work is carried on in connection with the Home, the inmates being taught to do household and other useful work, and many have already been discharged, all the better for the kind influences which pervade the establishment. The officer in charge is Captain Gunnion who has had considerable experience in this work.
Educationally Wellington has made rapid progress during the last few years, but there is still a great deal to be done. The school buildings, though fairly commodious, are not imposing in their appearance, nor do they occupy such prominent sites as at Christchurch and Wanganui. The Wellington College grounds are most admirably situated, and the building, though of wood, is both fine and picturesque. The Catholic College occupies a splendid site and is a handsome brick edifice. But the Government of ten years ago dealt Wellington a cruel and undeserved blow by crowning Mount Cook with a central gaol instead of a University. There it stands, ugly in fact and uglier in fancy. A fine university building in its place would have given character to the City; and parents might have pointed to it with pride, fastening in the minds of their boys and girls a desire to rise to educational distinction. The citizens protested when the building began to show itself against the southern sky, but they were informed that their remonstrances were too late. It might have been stopped twelve months or two years before, but the opportunity was missed, and, like a neglected cancer, it has gone on growing ever since, every day (Sundays excepted) making it more difficult of removal. One wing has long been finished, and the prisoners are slowly piling up the bricks for the second. The whole structure will probably be completed during the first decade of the twentieth century; but, if completed, that century and the next may pass into oblivion before Wellington is strong enough to hurl down the ugly thing. There are other sites, however; and the central gaol need not remain an apology for the University College. Wellington needs the institution, and should have it. The University of New Zealand has its head-quarters at the capital, thus emphasizing the necessity for a College. Quite recently agitation was again going on in this matter of removing the central gaol to admit of its place being occupied by the University College building. Petitions were presented to Parliament, and it is to be most ardently hoped that sooner or later these efforts will be rewarded with the success they deserve. Many years ago Mr. W. T. L. Travers protested most resolutely and publicly against the taking of the present college reserve for the purpose to which it has been devoted, it being his opinion that it was set apart for the purposes of a University. Something should certainly be done, and done quickly, to remove from the capital City the reproach of being so lamentably behind in the course of higher education.
The Technical School is an institution of which Wellington may fairly be proud. It is well conducted, and the Director, Mr. A. D. Riley, takes an absorbing interest in everything connected with it; but a more liberal subsidy would enable the manager to carry out many much-needed reforms. It is questionable whether in all cases the best technical skill is employed. Notwithstanding many drawbacks, however, much good is being done, and a serious attempt is being made to ennoble all classes of work. The Technical School occupies a portion of the Education Board buildings, and is, as it were, under the wing of the Board.
In the primary schools of the City a great deal of good work is being done, and improved methods of imparting instructions are being almost daily introduced. Many of the masters and teachers are fired with a laudable ambition and a love for their work, which cannot fail of success. Those who remember the condition of educational matters in this Colony thirty years ago can hardly credit that so much real advance has taken place since then. A report on the schools in the Wellington District in 1866 made by the then inspector, Mr. T. A. Bowden, direct to the Superintendent of the Province, there being no Education Board in existence at that time—exposes many of the difficulties which then lay in the path of education. The lack of funds and the objectionable system of special taxation are prominent among these obstacles.
There were in 1866 but thirty-one Government schools in the province; and of these five were closed for the time being. Two out of the whole number had been painted, and one partly painted. Four were lined and five partly lined. The teachers for the whole district numbered thirty-five; the total number of scholars on the books barely exceeded 1000, and the average attendance was under 700. The thirty-five teachers, of whom twenty-six were head teachers, received a total remuneration of about £3300 per annum. In 1874 the then new and still present inspector, Mr. Robert Lee, made his first report to “The Education Board of the Province of Wellington;” and certainly in that intervening space of eight years some progress had been made, though the figures were still very small. There were then fifty-nine schools. The average attendance was 2134, though examination day saw 2381 scholars in their places. The teachers' salaries for the year amounted to £6,735 15s.—less than £115 per school. Sixty-seven teachers and ten pupil-teacher were the recipients of this expenditure. The total revenue of the Board for the year 1873–1874 was £8959 2s. 5d. By 1894 the joint revenue of the Wellington and Wanganui Education Boards had grown to £75,963 10s. 3d.; but it is difficult to make an exact comparison between the two dates, because about twenty schools under the control of the Wanganui Board are situate beyond the Taranaki boundary of the Wellington Province. About a twentieth of the income was from other sources than the Government grant. The number of primary schools in the Wellington Provincial District may be set down at about 190; and the average attendance slightly exceeds 16,000. The salaries paid to about 500 teachers and assistants of all grades in the Wellington Provincial District for the year 1894 amounted to about £50,000. Thus, after allowing, say £5000 for salaries paid by the Wanganui Board to the teachers of the schools in the Taranaki Province, a sum of about £20,000 was left for the maintenance of school buildings, grants to school committees, scholarships, etc. These figures show how wonderfully this part of the Colony has progressed in the matter of educational statistics. The education system of the Colony is one of its most creditable features, as it is still one of its most progressive.
was founded in 1870 under the New Zealand University Act of that year, the Act being subsequently amended in 1874. The first Council assembled on the 31st of May, 1871. The University is governed by a Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and Senate of twenty-four members in all. The first Senate consisted of a certain number of gentlemen appointed by the Governor, but these nominated appointments ceased in 1884, and although some of the original members still remain, all new members of the Senate are elected. The vacancies, as they occur, are filled up alternately by the Senate and by the Convocation of the University. The Court of Convocation consists of all graduates of the University of two years standing and upwards. The present Convocation numbers about 420 members. The Senate meets annually, when its session extends over a period of two or three weeks. It usually assembles in one of the four principal cities, the annual session being held about the month of February in each year. Special sessions of the Senate are held as may be required. The duties of the Senate are to make laws and statutes for the control of the University, this being usually done at the annual session, while the work of the special session is to go over the examination reports and declare passes or failures in the various subjects, and also to confer degrees. The duty of the Court of Convocation, in addition to electing alternately with the Senate to fill vacancies, is to make recommendations which are transmitted to the Senate for its consideration and decision. The business of the University of New Zealand is to examine, and to grant degrees after examinations to any one who has been matriculated and who conforms to its laws. It is an examining body, and does not undertake tuition, being modelled on the plan of the University of London. In addition to the granting of degrees, prizes, and University honours, scholarships are also conferred by the University. The actual teaching, which must be on the lines laid down by the Senate of the University, is carried on by affiliated colleges, of which there are at present three, namely: Auckland University College, the Canterbury College, and the University of Otago. The University has a Royal Charter to grant degrees in arts, law, medicine, music, and science, and under the Act of Parliament has power to make regulations for the examination of all those who come up for degrees. All students must work under the statutes in force. There are three classes of examination by the University. The first is the examinations for degrees in arts, law, science (including engineering and agriculture), and music. The examiners for this class are mostly resident in England, and are selected from the most eminent men to be secured in each subject, and are in fact specialists in their particular branch. The answers to the papers set by the English examiners are written at eight different places within the Colony. They are then transmitted to England and the results are cabled in the first instance to the Registrar in Wellington, full particulars following by post. The second class of examinations includes the entrance or ordinary matriculation examinations and is conducted by examiners in New Zealand, there being thirteen places of examination. The third class consists of the examinations for degrees in medicine, and for subjects of New Zealand law for admission to the legal profession, and these also are conducted by examiners in New Zealand. The time spent at the University extends from a minimum of three years to a maximum of five years. There are a number of students who do not actually attend the colleges, as the University has done what it can to relieve students from the necessity of going to college where distance or want of means stands in the way. The Senate of the University has been able to place before every man and woman in the Colony the opportunity of taking a University degree. The University has never made any difference between the sexes, and to the credit of New Zealand be it said that the New Zealand University was the first in the British dominions to grant a degree to a woman, that woman being Miss Edger, now Mrs. Evans, of Wellington. The University of New Zealand receives a grant of £3000 per aunum from the Government, and has in addition a considerable income from fees. Out of the funds nearly £2000 a year is granted for junior and senior scholarships, and the surplus
the Registrar of the University of New Zealand, was born in Hampshire, in the south of England. He was educated partly at the Catholic College of St. Mary, Oscott, and partly in Paris. After leaving school he went into the army, where he served for three years in the 11th Infantry, now called the Devonshire Regiment. Mr. Maskell came to Lyttelton in 1860 per ship “William Miles,” and for some time after his arrival was engaged on a sheep station, eventually taking up a sheep run in Kaikoura, in the Marlborough district, where he remained until 1864. He then removed to the South, and for the next eight years was farming in North Canterbury. During this time Mr. Maskell was elected as a member of the Canterbury Provincial Council, and in this body he held a seat from the year 1865 to 1875. About 1874, he became Provincial Secretary and Treasurer of the Canterbury Province. On the abolition of the provinces, Mr. Maskell accepted his present position as Registrar of the University. In the year 1884 he removed to Wellington where he has resided ever since Mr. Maskell is well known as an entomologist, having for years made a close study of insects, especially of such as affect the agriculturist, and in this way he has done a great service to the New Zealand farmer.
from its superior age and consequently superior attainments, may fairly claim the premier position among the schools of Wellington. It cannot be said to have “sprung” into existence, for though the grant was made in 1853, it was not until 1867 that any attempt at imparting instruction was made. In that year the Rev. H. E. Tuckey, B.A., and Mr. W. S. Hamilton opened the “Wellington Grammar School” in a small building in Woodward Street, and, as this school soon became popular, “the College Trustees formulated a plan by which they would assume control over it, and found an institution in terms of the original grant. To give effect to their decision the title of the school was altered, and henceforth became the “Wellington College and Grammar School.” A removal was made to “one of the old barrack rooms on the Thorndon Reserve,” and in the beginning of 1869 new and more convenient buildings were erected in Clifton Terrace. By this time the attendance began to increase rapidly, and the Rev. T. A. Bowden, B.A., the provincial school inspector, accepted the headmastership, the founders of the school remaining as classical and mathematical masters respectively. Until 1872 the college was managed by trustees; but that year an Act was passed by which the “Governors of Wellington College” became a corporate body; and though many changes have of necessity occurred in the personnel, the Board still exists, and has, since 1872, controlled and managed the affairs of the College. In 1874 the first portion of the present building was erected, the money in the hands of the governors being augmented by a grant from the Provincial Government, and a sum of about £1500 which was collected from private subscribers. Thus the splendid grounds of the College were at last occupied, and with such satisfactory results that even this greatly increased accommodation had to be largely added to in 1883. Since then only minor additions have been made. In 1887 a new workshop was put up, in which instruction in iron and wood work is given to those who wish to acquire a measure of technical education, in addition to the usual scholastic course. The Wellington College has been helped very liberally by a few of the wealthier citizens; but the institution has hardly been taken to the bosoms of the people as it might have been. The late Mr. Levin gave £20 per annum for many years; and Mr. Walter Turnbull in 1874 gave £1000 to the governors as an endowment for scholarships and prizes. Two gentlemen, Messrs. G. Moore and W. B. Rhodes have remembered the College in their wills, each of these gentlemen having left the sum of £500 as a scholarship endowment. In both cases the money has been invested at seven percent. interest, thereby creating a scholarship fund in each case of £35 per annum. In view of the number of wealthy men whose boys attend the College, it is surprising
Wellingtonian—a periodical issued by the boys. The Wellingtonian is entering upon its fifth volume. The cost is three shillings per annum; and the information interesting and amusing, to be gathered from its pages, is, to say the least of it, very cheap at the price. In every way the Wellington College is deserving of the highest commendation. The fees are exceedingly reasonable, considering the many advantages. Tuition only is £13 4s. per annum for the Upper School, and £12 12s. for the Lower. Full boarders pay in addition forty guineas per year, which includes washing; weekly boarders, thirty guineas; and day boarders, ten guineas. Mr. and Mrs. Firth do all in their power to make the College as like a comfortable and well-ordered home as such an institution can possibly be. The dormitories are lofty and well ventilated, and the boarders are under the immediate supervision of the principal and his wife. The moral training of the pupils is strictly attended to, and due attention is paid to the performance by the boarders of their religious duties. The term days are the 1st of February, the 1st of June and the 16th of September. Latin, mathematics, history, geography, French, physics, chemistry, book-keeping, drawing, shorthand, music and carpentry are among the subjects taught, the three last mentioned being extras. The roll of masters includes, Mr. J. P. Firth, B.A., headmaster; and Messrs. A. Heine, B.A., J. Bee, M.A., W. F. Ward, M.A., A. S. Cocks, B.A., and A. H. E. Wall, assistant masters, besides, of course, a special French master. Of the appearance of the College building, the accompanying picture will give a fair idea. It remains only to be said that all the apartments are large, lofty and well lighted, and that the grounds are among the finest in New Zealand. The personnel of the Board of Governors controlling the Wellington College and Girls' High School is identical with that of the Education Board.
the Principal, was educated at Nelson College, taking his B.A. degree in 1888 at Canterbury College. His first appointment was that of assistant master at the institution where he received his education. There he stayed for six years, at the end of which time he accepted a position at Wellington College. After five years in the Empire City, Mr. Firth was appointed one of the masters of Christ's College, Christchurch, and in 1892, at the end of five-and-a-half years, he returned to take up his present position as head master of the Wellington College. Wellington is very proud of its college, and particularly so of its principal, whose popularity, not only with the boys, but with all classes of the community is proverbial. In athletics, especially cricket and football, Mr. Firth has reason to be proud of the work he has accomplished. He also takes a great interest in outdoor sports generally. He is the favourite referee in football matches, his thorough knowledge of the game, quick eye, and exemplary integrity precluding all question as to the accuraev of his rulings. He is a man of splendid physique, which is no doubt due, to a great extent, to the variety of outdoor exercises and athletic pursuits in which he has indulged from his boyhood. He is no less than six feet five-and-a-half inches in height, and is proportionately built, while his carriage is perfect. In 1889, Mr. Firth married Miss Jessie McRae, daughter of Mr. Nehemiah McRae of Weld's Hill, Marlborough. Mr. and Mrs. Firth have done much to make the College the pleasant home it is for the boarders, and it must indeed be gratifying to them to note the great improvement, not only in scholastic attainment, but ni physical and social development, of their charges.
is situated in Pipitea and Moturoa Streets. It is an imposing building, and occupies a splendid site of little less than three acres of land, having extensive lawns and playgrounds. The Girls' High School was originally opened in January, 1883, in a five-roomed cottage in Abel Smith Street. The popularity of the institution was so great, and the increase in the number of pupils so rapid, that the school very soon became terribly overcrowded; but as it was not possible at that time to provide the building that was required, it was necessary to put up with the inconvenience for about five years. Sir Robert Stout then inspected this school, and was much concerned at the insufficient accommodation, and after some hard work, succeeded in getting the present site. The handsome structure with which Wellingtonians are so familiar, was erected in the year 1887, and the school was immediately transferred to the new premises, possession being taken in September. The school contains twenty-one rooms, which are lofty and well-ventilated. There are four wide corridors, surrounding a large hall, in which dances and drill classes are held, and which is allowed to be used as a playroom in wet weather. The school also has a room equipped with gymnastic apparatus. A splendid staircase
the Lady Principal, was born near Melrose, in Scotland, She was educated at the John Watson's Institution, and at the Salisbury Place Institution, in the beautiful city of Edinburgh, and afterwards at Canterbury College, Christchurch. Miss Hamilton arrived in Dunedin in 1877, and taught for a few months in the Timaru Public School. When the Girls' High School in Christchurch was opened, Miss Hamilton was at ones appointed to an assistant teachership there, and she occupied that position for five years. It is worthy of remark that during Miss Hamilton's residence in Christchurch, the whole of the lady graduates in the Colony of New Zealand were included in the staff of that school. Subsequently, the Wellington Girls' High School was opened by Miss Hamilton, assisted by Miss Margaret Richmond (now Mrs. Fell), and Mr. (now Dr.) Innes.
M.A., the First Assistant-Master at the Girls' High School, Wellington, is a New Zealander, having been born at Christchurch. He received his education in the Cathedral City, and while attending school there, was the winner of a scholarship which entitled him to a term of study at Christ's College, Christchurch. While at the College, Dr. Innes carried off a Junior University Scholarship, and this took him to Canterbury College, where he distinguished himself in no uncertain manner. He was successful in securing a Senior University Scholarship, and, in addition to this, had the honour of being the winner of the Bowen Prize on two occasions. Dr. Innes gained his B.A. degree in 1880, and his M.A. degree, with first-class honours in Latin and English, during the following year. In 1891 he obtained the LL.B. degree, and in 1894 that of LL.D. Dr. Ian's was assistant-teacher at the Timaru High School, holding that position for about a year.
The other members of the regular staff are, Miss Marchant, M.A., Miss Ecclesfield, M.A., Miss Morrah, M.A., Miss Wilson (certificated); and there are five visiting teachers.
(Motto Sectare Fidem). The noble building so well known as St. Patrick's College, an engraving of which is given herewith, is entirely devoted to the cause of education. It is now over ten years ago since this magnificent institution was established. The edifice was erected by the well-known contractors, Messrs. Murdoch and Rose, from plans prepared by Mr. Thomas Turnbull, architect, of Wellington. The foundation stone was laid on the 16th of March, 1884, by the Most Rev. Dr. Redwood (then
Bishop, now Archibishop, of Wellington). The building was completed, and formally opened in 1885 (June 1st), and has been since conducted with signal success by the Marist Fathers. His Grace the Most Rev. Francis Redwood, S.M., D.D., Archbishop of Wellington, is the president. The Very Rev. F. J. Watters, S.M., D.D., is the popular and revered rector. The college faculty, in addition to the president and rector, comprises the Rev. T. Bower, S.M., B.A., vicerector, the Rev. M. J. O'sSullivan, S.M., Procurator the Rev. Paul Aubry, S.M., Rev. J. P. M. Hickson, S.M., Rev. J. Bowden, G. M., M.A., Rev. J. D. Clanoy, S.M., Rev. Stanis'aus Mahony, S.M., and Rev. Joseph Herbert, S.M. Dr. Thomas Cahill, M.Ch., is the medical adviser, Well-known professors and teachers of drawing, music, and gymnastics attend periodically. St. Patrick's College, according to the prospectus, “is intended to afford the youth of New Zealand a sound, liberal education, while furnishing all those safeguards of religion without which education ceases to be an advantage.” The ordinary course of instruction includes English, Latin, Greek, modern languages, mathematics, physical sciences, music, drawing, etc., but a special course is provided, in which students are taught everything needful for commercial pursuits. In addition to English, modern languages, and mathematics, the commercial course includes bookkeeping, mercantile correspondence, and penmanship, shorthand, typewriting, and science. There is also a special course of physical science, which includes instruction in astronomy, mechanics (theoretic and applied), sound, light, and heat, magnetism, and electricity. The fine arts course embraces drawing in freehand, perspective, model, and geometry; also from the cast in outline, light, and shade. In painting students have instruction in sepia from the cast and models, and in colours in elementary designs. The thoroughness of the education imparted in this splendidly managed institution cannot be better illustrated than by referring to the honours list in connection with the college. In the years 1886 to 1893 inclusive, forty-seven students passed the matriculation examination; two qualified for matriculation on junior scholarship papers in 1893; eight passed the junior scholarship examinations, 1888 to 1891 inclusive; two passed the barristers' general knowledge examination in 1890, one passed the medical preliminary and two the senior Civil Service in 1803; while twenty-three passed the junior Civil Service examinations in the years 1888 to 1893. The students have also upheld the honour of their alma mater in music and drawing. In the examinations in connection with Trinity College, London, thirteen students in the years 1889 to 1894 succeeded in obtaining junior passes, two passed intermediate in 1894, seven obtained junior honours in 1890 and 1893, and one intermediate honours in 1894. In the examinations held at the Wellington Technical School in 1894, out of twelve students presented for examination, seven obtained the note “excellent,” two “good,” and two “pass,”—an exceptionally high and creditable record. Two scholarships, of the annual value of forty guineas each, are submitted for competition each year with the approbation of His Grace the Archbishop. Each of these is tenable for two years, and may be competed for by the Catholic boys attending the parochial schools, or in cases where no Catholic schools exist, on the recommendation of the priests of the respective parishes. In connection with the college there is a strong literary and debating society, formed in 1892, which has been thoroughly successful. Public debates have been held periodically, in which many of the members distinguished themselves, demonstrating the great benefits received at any rate by the active members. One of the aims of the founders of St. Patrick's College was to educate some of the youth of the Colony for the priesthood of the Church. The hopes of the good men who established it have already been realised, as several of the earliest students have successfully passed through their theological course, and have been raised to the privileged dignity. Considerable attention is given to the physical training of the pupils, in proof of which a roomy gymnasium, equipped with all necessary appointments, is attached to the college. Here the boys, under a professional instructor, have regular lessons in all that marks a complete course of physical drill. A cricket club and a football club promote healthy rivalry in public games, and no mean position has been reached in friendly warfare by the college representatives. A few years ago (1888, 1889), the college colours (blue and white) during two seasons held an unbroken record, and gained the unique distinction, for a college, of carrying off and winning out against all comers the coveted Junior Cup.
In 1889 the College football team journeyed north to Wanganui, where it defeated the representatives of the Wanganui Collegiate School. The same year the bearers of the “blue and white” “carried the war” to far Dunedin, and after a tough battle and gallant stand, carried home the palm of victory from the champions of the Dunedin High School. Attached to the college is a valuable and varied library, comprising upwards of 6000 volumes, all of which are catalogued and arranged for the convenience of readers. Up in the tower, close by the statue of the patron saint, may be seen the substantial nucleus of a museum, containing many specimens of fauna and flora of New Zealand and Australia—insects, minerals, and fossil-ferns, assegais, clubs and arrows from the “Islands of the Sea.” archaic blunderbusses and primitive revolvers, relics of “the road” in the early days of bushrangers, shells, kauri gum, and other valuable curios. Says the Evening Post, in a sub-leader under date of 18th March, 1895:—“St. Patrick's College.—Yesterday, the anniversary of Ireland's patron saint, was the anniversary of a Wellington institution of which its citizens are justly proud. Just ten years ago yesterday St. Patrick's College was founded, and to-day it starts on its eleventh year, having fully accomplished the promises of the founders. The popular rector, the Rev. Dr. Watters, has every reason to feel gratified with what his school has accomplished, and to look forward hopefully and confidently to the future. The new year is started with over eighty students in residence and some sixty day students, and so thorough is the organisation of this large family that everything works smoothly, and the duties of the day are done without fuss or confusion and without assuming the appearance of tasks. This state of things is, of course, largely due to the good work of a very efficient professorial staff, which this year is practically of the same personnel as that which did such excellent service last year, the chief change being the substitution of the Rev. Joseph Herbert. S.M., who has just arrived from Europe, for the Rev. P. W. Tymons, who has been called to missionary labours. The record of the college for the past year was an excellent one. Five students passed the Trinity College (London) musical theory examinations, one of them taking honours. Of three students presented for the Junior Civil Service Examinations, two passed. Of seven sent up for matriculation, all passed. Of twelve sent to the School of Design for examination in geometrical drawing, eleven passed, and two secured certificates for knowledge of perspective. The whole of the fine college building has just been renovated, and library, dormitories, class halls, recreation hall, gymnasium, museum, all look bright, fresh, and cheery. There are all sorts of organisations among the pupils. There is a brass band of thirty members, which made so creditable an appearance in the college grounds yesterday under Mr. Cimino. There is a string band of twenty performers under Mr. Trowell, and there is a singing class consisting of nearly half the school, under the Rev. Father Aubry. In fact, there are some fifty boys actively engaged in the study of music, theoretical and practical, and nearly every instrument, from the drum and cornet to the double bass, 'cello, and organ, is studied within the college walls. Too high praise cannot be given to this general devotion to the most refining of the arts. Then there is the literary and debating society under the presidency of the rector. Last year some fifteen of its members gave public proof of their ability in debate. Altogether, the college starts on its second decade under the happiest auguries for the future, and Dr. Watters, his staff, and his students will have the heartiest good wishes for their continued success. In 1894 there were eighty-one boarders and fifty-four day pupils on the roll of this excellent educational institution. The splendid success and well-merited popularity of the college are mainly due to the untiring energy and ability of the Very Rev. F. J. Watters, S.M., D.D., who has directed its affairs throughout the ten years of its existence.”
is the
The School Commissioners of Wellington, like those of other parts of the Colony, were called into existence as a board by the Education Reserves Act of 1877. Among the duties devolving upon them are those of controlling the education reserves situate within the district, and in the ease of the Wellington Commissioners, “district” means also that part of the Colony where schools are under the Wanganui Education Board. The importance of the work undertaken by the Commissioners is considerable; but the Board is fortunate in having for its chairman Mr. J. R. Blair, whose devotion to the cause of education is so well known. The total receipts for the year 1894 amounted to £2574 17s. 6d., and of this sum £1700 was handed over to the cause of primary education, and £101 13s. Id. to secondary schools. The other members of the Commission are Messrs. J. H. Baker, John Duthie, M.H.R., Thomas Mason, and C. P. Powlea. Three members, Messrs. Baker, Mason, and Powlea, are appointed by the Government, Mr. Blair by the Wellington Education Board, and Mr. Duthie by the Wanganni Education Board. For many years before his death, which occurred in 1895, Mr. W. H. Warren held the office of secretary to the Commissioners, his duties having devolved upon Mr. Nathaniel John Tone. Extended notices of all these gentlemen will be found under other headings. It need only be said here that the Commissioners as a body have the confidence of the community, and that individually they are gentlemen of exceptional integrity.
The Education Board of the district of Wellington has control of but little more than half the schools in the Provincial District, the remaining schools, with about twenty of those in the Taranaki Provincial District, being under the control of the Wanganui Board. The whole of the eastern portion of the provincial district and that of the western portion south of Shannon, are under the jurisdiction of the Wellington Board. This peculiar division of the district appears to place Wellington at a greater disadvantage than it really is when compared with other parts of the Colony, such as Auckland, for instance, where the educational district is co-extensive with that of the province. At the end of 1894 there were ninety-eight schools under the Wellington Board, with a total roll of 12,572, and a total average attendance of 10,225, the latter figures being made up of 5317 for the boys, and 4908 for the girls. These scholars engaged the attention of 327 teachers, of whom nine are described as sewing mistresses, 146 as pupil teachers, and fifty-two as “other teachers receiving less than £100 per annum.” The salaries amounted to a little over £32,000, being rather less than an average of £100 for each teacher. Six new schools were opened in 1894, and two old ones were closed. Eighteen of the schools had rolls of less than twenty-five scholars each, four of them having less than fifteen pupils. The lowest average attendance was eight, the cost to the Board being upwards of £13 per scholar. The highest average attendance (Mr. Hulke's school at Newtown) was 820, the expenditure being equal to rather less than £3 10s. 6d., including a special charge for alterations and additions to school buildings, representing nearly £1 5s. per scholar. Of the 12,572 children on the books, 970 were between five and six years of age, 1318 between six and seven years, 1566 between seven and eight years, 1483 between eight and nine years, 1442 between nine and ten years, 1544 between ten and eleven years, 1392 between eleven and twelve years, 1206 between twelve and thirteen years, 950 between thirteen and fourteen years, 532 between fourteen and fifteen years, and 169 over fifteen years. Eighty Maori children and about an equal number of half-castes were distributed among twenty-four schools. One teacher held A certificate; five, B; sixteen, C; sixty-one, D; and seventy-four, E. About half of the pupil teachers hold some qualifications beyond the “standard pass,” and quite a number of them had matriculated and gained fairly high certificates. There are about sixty teachers under the Board who are described as “Ex-Pupil Teachers.” There are pupil-teachers who have completed their five years' term, and are retained by the Board in the schools where they have been trained and paid a salary in advance of the fifth-year pupil teacher, but less than that of junior assistant. Scholarships were awarded in 1894 to ten boys and ten girls out of a total of 155 candidates. At the ordinary “standards” examinations, about half the scholars passed. The Technical School, which is affiliated to the Board, is described in a separate article, and may therefore be only named here. The Education Board of the District of Wellington commands the highest respect in all quarters. It is presided over by a chairman whose conduct merits unqualified approval. Mr. J. R. Blair performs his many duties as a high-class citizen in a manner which very nearly attains to the standard demanded by such civic reformers as the world-famed Mr. W. T. Stead. The other members of the Board are:—The Rev. J. Paterson, Dr. Newman, M.H.R., Messrs. F. H. Fraser, W. A. Fitzherbert, W. W. McCardle, W. C. Buchanan, M.H.R., J. Young, and F. Brady. The personnel of the Board of Governors of the Wellington College and Girls' High School is the same. The inspectors have the utmost confidence alike of parents, teachers, and taught; and of the efficient and courteous secretary it would be impossible to speak with even bare justice in any way which would not be deemed flattering by those who have had the opportunity of judging. The writer of this article has for many years past had an intimate acquaintance with every member of the Board's staff, and special opportunities of judging the faithfulness of their service. Without fear of contradiction, therefore, he congratulates the Board in its selection of officers.
Chairman of the Education Board and of the Board of Governors of the Wellington College, came to New Zealand in 1869. Soon after arrival he went to Australia, spending about twelve months in Melbourne, from whence he returned to New Zealand and took up his abode in the Empire City, when, after winding up the Wellington branch of Messrs. Sands and McDougall, of Melbourne, he joined the late Mr. William Lyon in the business on Lambton Quay as booksellers and publishers, printers, account-bookmakers, bookbinders and
Chief Inspector of Schools under the Wellington Board of Education, was born at Grantham, Lincolnshire. His father was born at Hanby Hall, near Grantham, but the family met with adverse fortune. He was educated first at a small
M.A., LL.B. Inspector of Schools in the Wellington Education District, under Mr. Lee, the chief inspector, was born in Glasgow. He left Scotland per ship “E. P. Bouverie,” for New Zealand, arriving in Dunedin early in 1868. After a few months in the southern town, Mr. Fleming, senior, and his family removed to the West Coast, and settled in Westport. Here Mr. Fleming received his education, and at the public school carried off an Education Board scholarship, being top of the list of competitors. This scholarship took him to the Nelson College for two years, but by means of other scholarships gained while at the college, Mr. Fleming maintained himself there as a boarder for six years. Among others, he carried off the Richmond scholarship for general work, the Stafford scholarship for history, and the Simmonds prize for English. During his college term he passed both the junior and senior Civil Service examinations, this time being third on the list, and in 1878 he was one of three who won a junior university scholarship, competed for by candidates from all parts of the Colony, to the number of about thirty. The other two successful competitors were Mr. G. A. Harkness, M.A., inspector of schools, Nelson, and Mr. J. W. Salmond, M.A., LL.B., son of Dr. Salmond, of Dunedin. In November, 1881, Mr. Fleming gained his B.A., degree at the New Zealand University, passing the examination “with credit.” In the following month he was appointed assistant-master at the Wellington College, under Mr. J. Mackay, M.A., the then principal. In 1882 Mr. Fleming passed the University of London matriculation examination with first-class honours. In 1886 he severed his connection with the Wellington College to study for the law, and on his departure from the college was the recipient of a complimentary letter from the Governors of that institution, and a valuable testimonial from the principal. The duties of the assistant-mastership, and somewhat protracted ill-health during the winter months, had interfered to a great extent with his studies, and it was not until 1887 that Mr. Fleming gained his M.A. degree. During the sance year, however, he was successful in gaining his LL.B. degree, and a year later was admitted as barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand by Mr. Justice Richmond, and immediately commenced practising in partnership with Mr. John Sinclair, now in Auckland, but then well known in Wellington. While in this position Mr. Fleming was appointed examiner to the Education Department in. the teachers' and Civil Service examinations, examiner to the Wellington College Board of Governors, and examiner to the Wellington Education Board, in the last position succeeding his friend, the late Dr. West, Prior to this time, in conjunction with Dr. West and Mr. (now Dr.) Innes, of the Girls' High School, he inaugurated the Wellington Graduates' Association, and organised several deputations to the Government urging the establishment of a University College in Wellington. Feeling the urgent need of such a college, the association itself established classes for the undergraduates, and Mr. Fleming was appointed instructor in political science and mathematics. In 1890 the necessity arose for a second inspector of schools in Wellington, and though only twenty-seven years of age, Mr. Fleming applied for the position, and was selected out of a very large number of candidates, including inspectors from other parts of the Colony, his experience as a teacher standing him in good stead at this juncture. In 1893 Mr. Fleming was appointed examiner to the New Zealand University in the December examinations, which honour was again conferred upon him in the year following. He has always taken a great interest in matters scholastic, and was the first to introduce the home reading movement to the notice of New Zealanders, though this honour was shared by Mr. G. Hogben, M.A., headmaster of the Timaru High School, who independently, though at the same time, brought it before the people of his district. When, a year later, the Australasian Home Beading Association was formed in Sydney, the Wellington circle, on Mr. Fleming's advice, joined that body. Since that time Mr. Fleming has assisted the movement very considerably, and for two years acted as honorary secretary to the New Zealand section. Mr. Fleming belongs the Masonic Fraternity, and is a prominent member of the Citizens' Institute of Wellington. He is a relative of Dr. Fleming, who was Professor of Moral Philosophy in the University of Glasgow from 1839 to 1863, and he is also related to the Rev. J. Oswald Dykes, M.A., D.D., Principal of the Theological College of the Presbyterian Church of England.
Secretary to the Education Board of the District of Wellington, was horn in Wellington, and received his education at private schools, there being no public schools in the Colony when he was a boy. His father had a large station in the country, and on leaving school Mr. Dorset experienced the pleasures of station life. Becoming tired of this, however, he cams back to the town, and studied law for three years under Mr. J. Gordon Allen, with whom ha continued until April, 1866, when he returned to the station. Eventually Mr. Dorset went into the Treasury Department of the Provincial Government, and here he remained from 1870 or 1871 till the abolition of the provinces in 1876. He then joined the Colonial Treasurer's department, but in a short time retired on compensation under the Abolition of Provinces Act. It was then that Mr. Dorset took up his life's work, joining the Education Department, and acting under Mr. Lee, the then inspector and secretary combined, for a number of years. In 1882 he was
is under the control of the Board of Education in the district of Wellington. It occupies the whole of the second story of the fine bulding in Mercer Street, adjoining the Public Library, which has been erected for the purposes of the Board. The work of the school was commenced in 1886. The main objects are the training of primary school teachers, and to establish a thorough system of drawing in the primary schools. Classes were, however, opened to the general public, and the school opened with about thirty students, in addition to the teachers employed in the Board's schools, who numbered about one hundred. Extraordinary progress has been made, there being now fully 480 students, or about four times as many as the school originally started with nine years ago. And this has been done in face of enormous difficulties. The heavy cost of appliances necessary to the successful performance of the work, had to be provided by the efforts of the director, by means of concerts, entertainments, and subscriptions. There was also much opposition encountered from some whom it would be supposed would rather have aided the formation of the institute than have opposed it. Nevertheless, all obstacles have been successfully combatted, and the school is daily becoming more popular. For the purposes of examination the educational districts of Westland, Greymouth, Marlborough, and Nelson are affiliated with the Technical School. The same remark applies to the Westland Technical School, and Wanganui College, besides a large number of secondary schools in the Wellington district. The Wellington College and Girls' High School drawing classes are conducted by instructors from the Technical School. Mr. A. D. Riley, the director, issues an annual report, which deals with the workdone during the previous year throughout the district. In his report of the 1st March, 1895, the director states that much greater interest has been taken in the work by everyone concerned, and that in the primary schools considerable progress has been made during the year. In the first grade drawing examination, 6015 papers were issued, and of that number 5477 candidates actually competed at the examination, resulting in passes to the number of 3190, Among the papers, 432 were marked “excellent,” and 529 “good.” The central school is associated with the Science and Art Department, South Kensington, and exceptionally high awards have been obtained in connection with it. The first art master's certificate completed in the Colony by any art student has been obtained by a student of the Technical School. This certificate entitles the holder to take charge of an art school, and if in the United Kingdom, to earn the grants of the department in respect of work done. The only other school in the Australasian colonies which has obtained this certificate is that of Adelaide, South Australia. The Technical School has obtained several medals and a large number of prizes in the national competition open to all schools throughout the United Kingdom and the colonies. A national bronze medal, and a national book prize were recently awarded. The bronze medal was the only medal awarded to any colonial school in 1894. The subject in which the award is made is design and historical ornament, la the science department thirty papers were submitted, twenty-two competitors succeeding in gaining the requisite number of marks to secure a pass. The results at the year's examinations in connection with the science and art department would have entitled the Board, had the school been within Great Britain, to a grant of £260 in aid of the higher work, and £176 upon the results of the primary schools drawing examinations. Advantage is now being taken of the examinations in science subjects especially by the teachers in the Board's service. The examinations held under the City and Guilds of London Institute have resulted in the highest possible successes being obtained, viz., a silver medal and a bronze medal, both being won in connection with the examination in plumbing. The silver medal is the highest award offered by the City and Guilds of London. The number of candidates examined in plumbing under the guilds in 1894 was 1253, of whom 652 passed. Only two silver and five bronze medals were awarded to candidates in the United Kingdom and colonies. The school having obtained both silver and bronze medals, is therefore entitled to a high position. An idea of the extent of the school's work may be obtained by the fact that no less than 19,329 certificates have been issued since the school was established. There is a library of 344 volumes upon technical, science, and art subjects, of which the students take full advantage. The subjects taught at the Technical School include drawing and painting from life, geometry and perspective, mechanical drawing and machine construction, architectural drawing and building construction, mathematics, plumbing, carpentry, wood-carving, modelling, casting, and stone carving. The annual display of the work of the Students is most interesting, and reflects great credit on the instructors. The writer had an opportunity of inspecting the work, and was very much interested and delighted to see the evidences of ability displayed in all branches. The results obtained by the pupils in carving seemed little short of marvellous. The advantages which are offered to the youth of Wellington in thus giving them the means of employing their leisure moments in the construction of beautiful articles of furniture cannot be too highly estimated. The Technical
the Director for Technical Instruction, has occupied the position since the founding of the Central Technical School, coming from Australia for this purpose. He was born at Accerington, Lancashire, where he was educated, subsequently becoming a student at Mintholm College, near Preston, Lancashire. In 1874 he went to South Kensington, where he studied for seven years with great success. He here obtained the highest possible awards that could be conferred. In 1877 he obtained a silver medal in the national competition. In 1878 a national scholarship, and in 1879 both gold and silver medals were awarded in competition. Mr. Riley received his training under several celebrated masters, whose names are well known to the art-loving public, viz.: Mr. E. J. Poynton, R.A., Professor Le Gros,
is situated in Upper Willis Street. It was erected in December, 1880, but for seven years previous to that time had been conducted in Ghuznee Street by the late Mr. Holmes. The present fine building, which is of wood, and is two stories high, contains eleven rooms, and numerous wide corridors. Six hundred and seventeen scholars are in attendance, of whom 299 are boys, and 318 girls. The headmaster is assisted by a staff which comprises seven certificated teacher three ex-pupil, and two pupil teachers. A very large and level playground is alloted respectively to boys and girls. The honours list in the school contains twenty-two names of those boys and girls who have been successful in winning Board of Education scholarships entitling them to the usual advantages at the Wellington College and Girl's High School, respectively.
B.A., the Headmaster, was born in India, his father being chaplain in the old East India Company's service. He was sent to England when only three years old, and was brought up there by an uncle. He was educated at the High Wycombe School, Buckinghamshire, one of the old Elizabethan schools, coming out to Australia in 1867 per ship “Yorkshire.” Some years later he crossed over to New Zealand in the “Omeo,” one of the vessels belonging to Messrs. McMechan and Blackwood. Mr. Watson spent some six or seven years in Tasmania with his father, eventually arriving in Wellington in 1874. He at once joined the Board of Education, accepting the appointment as assistant master at the Thorndon School. He afterwards took charge of the Gladstone School in the Wairarapa, subsequently filling a similar position with respect to the Upper Tutaenui School, near Marton. From here Mr. Watson was transferred to the Terrace School, Wellington, as assistant-master, holding the appointment for two or three years, when he was appointed to the charge of the Te Aro School on the completion of the new building in January, 1880. Mr. Watson does all he can to encourage the young people placed in his care in their sports and amusements, and has assisted in the formation of the football club in connection with the school. He is a graduate of the New Zealand University, having secured his degree since his appointment to the Te Aro School.
was originally established as a primary school by the Episcopalian Church over forty years ago. The old building, which was erected on the site at present occupied, did duty for twenty-seven years. The school was eventually taken over by the Board of Education, who drafted the Standards to the main school in Willis Street, The old building having been repaired and renovated, was opened as an infants' school on the 3rd of February, 1881, In 1893 the present commodious premises were built, and these are held under lease by the board. Like the other schools for young children, the ages are limited to those between five and eight years. Three hundred children on the average attend the school, and these are taught as far as possible on the kindergarten system. The usual variety of object lessons are given to the little people, who, the writer thought, took great interest in their work. Singing is, of course, a great feature in the school methods, and adds largely to the pleasure of both teachers and taught. The head-mistress is assisted by one certificated teacher the board, she takes a genuine interest in the young charges, and is deservedly popular.
the Headmistress, has conducted the school since her appointment in the year 1886, During the voyage of her parents from the “Old Land” to the colony of Victoria, Miss Chatwin was born. Her earlier education was received at the ordinary schools at Ballarat and dunes, in Victoria, Studying for the profession of teacher, Miss Chatwin had some experience as an instructress before coming to New Zealand. On arrival she joined the board, and was appointed to the Judgeford School, Manawatu. For two years after leaving this she was at Kilbirnie, receiving her appointment to Te Aro Infants' School as above. Miss Chatwin holds a D1 certificate under the board. She tales a genuine interest in her young charges, and is deservedly popular.
which was the first public school in the Empire City, was originally established as a Church of England school in Sydney Street. It was subsequently taken over by the Board of Education, when that body was established is Wellington. The school is a handsome two-story edifice, built of wood. It contains twelve rooms, including the office, in addition to the infants' department, which comprises three large rooms. This latter school is conducted on the kindergarten system with very great success by Miss Page, There are 650 names on the roll of the school, inclusive of infants, and of these, 460 (345 girls and 215 boys) are in the main school. The headmaster is assisted by seven certificated teachers and seven pupil teachers. In the infant department, independent of the rooms devoted to school work, there is a very large room on the fitst floor, which is used for special purposes, as well as for holding entertainments. It is fitted with a stage, and contains both an organ and a piano; these instruments are used in the ordinary work of the school, as well as on special occasions. Singing is a great feature in the kindergarten school; the addition of instrumental music helps the little people in their action songs, which form a most notable feature in this branch of their instruction.
the headmaster, was born at Leicester, where he was educated for a time under the Rev. Canon Fry, afterwards going to St. Mark's College, Chelsea, for three years. He took up the profession of a teacher aa long ago as 1856, teaching for two-and-a-half years in his native place. He was engaged while in England to take charge of the Sydney Street Church of England School, and came out to the Colony to take up that position, per ship “Midlothian,” arriving in Wellington in 1859. Mr. Mowbray conducted the school successfully while it was a church school, and on its being taken over by the Board of Education, he still retained his position as headmaster. He has prepared a room in the school building where he can exhibit sun pictures by means of a lantern
is situated in Upper Taranaki Street, Wellington. It is a remarkably fine structure, and consists of eight rooms, two of which are unusually long, and have sufficient accommodation for several classes. The number of boys belonging to the school is 567, being the full number that could be conveniently admitted. The headmaster is assisted by a staff of teachers, of whom six are certificated, four are ex-pupil-teachers, and three pupil-teachers. A cadet corps of sixty-three strong is formed by the boys of Meant Cook, the headmaster acting aa their captain; and there is also a drum-and-file band twenty-four strong. Cricket is the great game of the school, and for five years past the representatives of this school have been successful in beating the various other clubs who essayed to play them. The roll of honour, which was commenced in 1883, contains thirteen names of those who have taken scholarships offered by the Board of Education. The school was established on the 23rd January, 1878.
B.A., the headmaster, was educated at Christ's College, Cambridge, where he took his degree. Mr. Hardy was formerly mathematical master at the Wellington College for seven years, and was appointed to the mastership of the Mount Cook School in 1879. He takes a great interest in the sports of his pupils, and occupies the position of president of the various clubs instituted by the boys in connection with cricket, football, etc.
which is situated in Buckle Street, was originally established on the 25th of January, 1876, as the Mount Cook School for girls and boys. On the establishment of the boys' school a year later, the premises were devoted to the use of the girls and infant children; and in 1878 the Mount Cook Infant School was erected, the young folks removed thither, and the girls left in possession of the present building. The school has been added to very considerably since that time, and it now contains eleven rooms, one of which is of very large dimensions, and is especially suitable for prize distributions, or on occasions when it is necessary to get a few classes together. The building is pleasantly situated, and is surrounded by a commodious playground. Flowers are cultivated by the children, and small garden plots are marked off for the various classes. The number on the school roll is 513, and an average of 422 is maintained throughout the year. The school curriculum embraces the subjects set forth by the Board of Education for the instruction of children from the preparatory classes to standard VII., inclusive. The teaching staff comprises ten certificated teachers and two pupil-teachers, exclusive of the headmistress. Mount Cook Girls' School has bren very successful in the matter of scholarships, quite a large numbar of the pupils having distinguished themselves in that direction.
the Headmistress, was born in Edgeware Road, London. She received her education at private schools, and while quite a child displayed a great fondness for imparting knowledge to others, and would work very hard to get her leasons done, so that there would ba time for her to be entrusted by the teacher with a class of young children before going home. She may truly have been said to have baen engaged in teaching since quite a little girl. Mrs. Tarn entered the Deaconesses' Training College for Zenana work in London, studying there for four years. Subsequently she went to India, and laboured under the auspices of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel for eight years, teaching in schools that were both missionary and state schools combined. In 1875 Mrs. Tarn came out to the Colony, and was immediately appointed to the charge of the Fern Flat School, Rangitikei. She remained here for one year only, and was then appointed to her present position, which was not then by any means the important post it has since become. Mrs. Tarn has always taken a great interest in social questions, and in matters of private benevolenco she is well to the fore. She takes a considerable interest in the temperance movement, and is an enthusiastic member of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
which is perhaps letter known as the Kindergarten, is situated in Tory Street, Wellington. It was established in 1878, by the Board of
the headmistress, was born in Langham Place, Regent's Park, and was educated in England for a time, and subsequently in Australia. When only thirteen years of age, Mrs. Francis became a pupil-teacher at Adelaide, and had no less than thirty years' experience in teaching in South Australia, where she arrived from London in 1843. She married Mr. George Francis (General Post-office in Adelaide), but was left a widow in 1872, her husband having been unfortunately run over, and the effects of the accident being so severe that he died shortly afterwards. Mrs. Francis came to New Zealand in 1878, having received her appointment while in Adelaide to the charge of the Mount Cook Infant School, which she opened as a kindergarten school with great success. She has two sons and two daughters. The sons are employed in the Australian Mutual Provident Society, one of them being manager of the branch office at Oamaru. The elder daughter was recently married to Mr. Vickera, of the Bank of New Zealand, Invercargill, and the younger is proprietress of the private kindergarten school at Clifton Terrace, Wellington.
is situate in one of the best positions in the Empire City, and commands a magnificent view of the entire city and harbour, with the Hutt Valley beyond. The motto of the school ought to be “Suprema a situ,” a most appropriate one, which, by the way, is the motto of the city. The accommodation is large and convenient, and there are three divisions for the pupils, who rank respectively as senior, junior, and infant scholars. About 570 boys and girls are on the roll of the school, there being a slight preponderance in number in favour of the boys. The headmaster, Mr. George MacMorran, is assisted by a competent staff, embracing five certificated teachers and six pupil teachers. The Terrace School has always stood well in the matter of examinations, and a large number of scholarships have been won by the young people attending this popular school. Since the year 1884, when the present headmaster took charge, no fewer than thirty-eight pupils have gained Education Board Scholarships, entitling the winners to two years' tuition at the Wellington College or the Girls' High School, as the ease might be. The namea of these successful candidates are recorded on the honours list in one of the upper schoolrooms, for the encouragement of others, as well as for a record of those who have reflected credit on the school.
the Headmaster of the above school, was born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, and was educated partly in the town of Biggar, Lanarkshire, and subsequently at the Free Church Training College and the Andersonian University, Glasgow, He qualified as a teacher there. On completing his training college course he was for some time tutor in the Homerton Training College, London; but soon left to take up the position of junior master in the Highland Society Schools, Montrose Street, Glasgow. He remained there sis or seven years, and in November, 1881, left for this Colony. Arriving in Port Chalmers he soon came on to Wellington, and was appointed to the position of first assistant at the Mount Cook Boys' School, which he held for two years. In 1884, he was
situated in Eiddiford Street, is the largest school in the City of Wellington. It consists of three detached buildings of large size, and the main building, which is devoted to the use of both girls and boys, has been twice enlarged to meet the requirements of the increasing number of pupils. The infant school has accommodation for 250 children. Four large classrooms have recently been built specially for the girls, and the school comprises no less than fourteen rooms all told, which are well filled by the 1050 children whose names appear on the school roll. The teaching staff for this large muster of young folk is nineteen strong, excluding the headmaster, and including ten certificated teachers, five ex-pupil-teachers, and four pupil-teachers. The girls and boys are pretty evenly divided, as far as numbers are concerned, in this school, and they keep well together in their studies. They have been very successful in the matter of scholarships; in fact, in this respect the school may be said to have been more than ordinarily successful, and when it is taken into consideration that the examinations are entered upon without any additional effort being made by either teaches or children, some idea may be formed of the thoroughness of the ordinary, everyday instruction. The Newtown School is noted as one of the city schools where perfect discipline is maintained, albeit the headmaster has occasionally encountered boys who were not as docie as they might have been. The school possesses a large schoolground, in which swings and poles are erected. Every scholar in attendance at the Newtown school is well supplied with books, the headmaster making it a rule that no child shall be permitted to work without the requisite supply, and in cases where the parents are poor, he invariably provides the books at his own expense.
the Headmaster, resides in Normanby Street. He was born in Deal, Kent, and wag educated at the Faversham Grammar School, in England, and subsequently received instruction at the hands of the Moravian Brothers, in Germany. Mr. Hulks came out to New Zealand as early as 1853, arriving in Auckland, from which place he “walked overland to New Plymouth, without experiencing any difficulties in connection with the natives, his opinion than being that New Zealand was the jolliest place in the world. He reached New Plymouth on the 21st of September, just about the time that the ship “Joseph Fletcher” was landing her passengers, including such well-known men as Archdeacon Stock, Carrick, and others. After remaining in Taranaki for some two or three years, Mr. Hulks removed to Wellington, and for some time engaged in farming pursuits. About 1861 he began teaching, and in 1863 was appointed to the charge of the Kaitoke School at Wanganui, which position he retained for thirteen years. In 1875 he was appointed to the Foxton School, and here he remained until he made up his mind to pay a visit to the land of his youth, and in 1882 started for Europe. He visited the educational establishments, and inspected mines and museums, and many places of scholastic note, in the interests of education. Mr. Hulke remained in Europe for two years, and had two sessions of study at the School of Mines in London, after completing which he returned to the Colony, and accepted the position of assistant-master at the Thorndon School, Wellington. After a year at this school, he occupied a similar position at the Newtown School, and from there was appointed to the charge of the Kilbirnie School. A year later he accepted his present position, entering upon his duties in January, 1887, and during the seven years Mr. Hulke has directed the affairs of this large school, the attendance has more than doubled. He is an enthusiastic analyist, and has fitted up for himself a large laboratory with all the latest appliances and improvements, including Professor Frankland's water analysing apparatus, the most recent arrangement for gas analysis, and the latest improvement in milk-testers, including one he has just imported from Messrs. Leffman and Beam. In use in his laboratory, Mr. Hulke has one of the finest balances that have been invented, by Oertling, of London, which is capable of weighing to the ten thousandth part of fifteen grains. In the interest of the health of the Newtown folks—more particularly the little people—Mr. Hulke has taken upon himself the duty of testing the milk supplied to the residents in his locality, and the result is that the milk suppliers have raised the standard of the milk throughout the entire district, to the benefit of all concerned. Mr. Hulke has fitted up all the chemical cases which are supplied by the Board of Education to the various City schools, and has also seen to the batteries which are likewise provided. He takes a great interest in the amusements of his young charges, and is nearly as enthusiastic over football and cricket as he is over his one great hobby, analytical chemistry.
is situated in Clyde Quay and Roxburgh Street, Wellington. It was established in 1889, and is a mixed school, its roll including boys, girls, and infants. The main building, which is a very fine one, contains seven convenient rooms, while the infant department, conducted in a separate building, has three rooms, There are about 827 scholars in attendance at Clyde Quay School, which is about the full number that can be accommodated. This being the latest school built in Wellington, it of course contains all the most recent improvements. One of the rooms is an exceptionally fine one, measuring 49 1/2 feet by 22 1/2 feet, with 15 feet studs. The building is surrounded by an asphalt playground with cover sheds, in addition to the large main playground, the former being intended for wet weather. The staff consists of seven certificated teachers, and ten pupil and ex-pupil-teachers, in addition to the headmaster. The roll of honour for the years 1889 to 1894 inclusive, numbers eleven pupils who have been successful in winning Education Board scholarships, entitling them to a course of tuition at the Wellington College or Girls' High School.
the headmaster of the Clyde Quay School, was born at Liverpool, England, and was educated in Birmingham for a time, subsequently attending the Saltley Training College for teachers. Here Mr. Grundy qualified for his profession, taking the certificate under the Committee of Council of Education, equivalent to the D1 certificate of New Zealand. He was appointed to the headmastership of St. Philip's National School, Birmingham, but after three years, resigned and came out to the colonies. He arrived in Brisbane in 1879, per ship “Isola,” to fill a position in one of the schools, which he had accepted while in England; but after remaining in it for about two years, he came to New Zealand. On arrival he accepted an appointment as first assistant-master in the Mount Cook Boys' School. In a short time he was appointed to the headmastership of the Masterton School, where he remained till 1889, when, on the completion of the building, he accepted the position in the Clyde Quay School, which he still holds. He takes a great interest in the sports of the children, and does as much to encourage them to play earnestly as to work earnestly, and is deservedly popular with his young charges.
is situate in Hawkestone Street, Thorndon, Wellington. This fine school was established by Sir George Grey when Governor of the Colony in 1852. The old wooden building which was then erected did duty for forty years. It has happily been replaced by a handsome brick structure of two and three stories in height. One of the wings was presented by the family of the late Hon. John Johnston in memory of their mother, Mrs. Charlotte Johnston, whose name it bears. The refectory was given by Mr. Cimino, and the cost of the other portions was raised by voluntary subscriptions. St. Joseph's Industrial School contains three large dormitories, spacious lavatories, ten baths—hot and cold water being laid on—and four rooms for the sisters on the second floor. On the ground floor is situate the roomy refectory, a fine schoolroom, large workroom, kitchen, and storeroom. A play hall occupies the basement, and communicates with the play-grounds. The building, which was erected by Mr. Ernest Palmer, is a credit to the City. The school is under the management of the Very Rev. Father Dawson, who is ably assisted by the Sisters of Mercy. About ninety girls are trained in the establishment. They are taught to sew, knit, mend and make, and to do housework, including cooking, washing, ironing and cleaning. Seven knitting machines and six sewing machines are in use, the girls being taught to work them. The writer was amazed to see the work performed even by tiny children of seven years old. It is a most interesting institution, and affords a chance to numbers of little waifs to become proficient in needful work. Many have been turned out ready to fill an honourable place, and not a few are now wives and mothers. St. Joseph's is registered as an Industrial School, the girls being committed to the establishment under Act of Parliament by a Stipendiary Magistrate. Subscriptions towards the cost of erecting the school were raised from every denomination, the total outlay for building, furnishing, asphalting, &c., being £5783.
31 Ingestre Street, Wellington (Sister Francis Xavier Hamilton, principal). This Academy was established in 1890, at the corner of College Street and Cambridge Terrace, and had a roll number of forty pupils at the end of the first year. The close of last year saw ninety names on the books, and at the present time there are 116 girls attending the Academy. The original building was soon much too limited in space, and Mrs. Crawford's house in Ingestre Street was renovated and fitted up. Here the school was conducted until 1893, when it was removed to its present convenient premises. Besides the principal, the teaching staff includes six assistant-teachers, inclusive of visiting masters for painting, shorthand, and music. The course of instruction is thorough and complete. Beginning with the most elementary stages, the pupils are prepared for the matriculation examination, and, when necessary, for the teachers' D certificate. The accommodation at the St. Francis Xavier's Academy is sufficient for fourteen boarders, in addition to the large number of day pupils. It is worthy of remark, as showing the broad lines on which the school is worked, that the majority of pupils in attendance are not Catholics, but belong to various other denominations, there being-sixty of the latter on the roll. This demonstrates very forcibly the popularity of the school among all classes. The course of instruction does not interfere in any way with matters of religion. Three large schoolrooms and two smaller ones are in daily use in the conduct of the school.
was born at Edgbaston, Warwick, and came from an old Scottish family in direct descent from the ducal line of Hamilton. She was educated at a convent of French ladies at Isleworth-on-Thames, receiving the finishing touches at Paris. Having joined the Order of Mercy at Edinburgh, and passing thence to London, she came in 1878 to New Zealand per ship “Rialto,” commanded by Captain Babot, brother to Captain Babot of Wellington. Immediately on arriving at the Capital, Sister Francis Xavier Hamilton went into the Convent, where she remained for nine years. Subsequently she went to Blenheim, and for eighteen months acted as Lady Superior at the Convent there. Returning to Wellington, she opened the academy as described above, having received leave from Rome to work on her own account. Under her skilful supervision, it is daily growing more popular. She looks after the physical as well as the mental development of her pupils, a large playground and a good tennis-court being provided for their recreation.
(Miss K. Francis, proprietress), Clifton Terrace, Wellington, was established six months when taken over in 1884 by Miss Francis—who has recently married—and Miss Kate Francis. The Kindergarten has been a most popular school for the young children of the well-to-do families residing in the locality of Wellington Terrace. The head teacher and proprietress has been connected with the school since its inception, and the Kindergarten, which is sufficient for about fifty pupils, is very popular. The terms are very reasonable, being only £1 1s. per quarter, and, in addition to the ordinary English subjects, needlework and dancing are taught. Miss Francis was born in Adelaide, and came to New Zealand with her mother, Mrs. Francis, of the Mount Cook Infants' School, when very young. She received her education chiefly at the Mount Cook Girls' School, but studied for the profession of teacher under the Board of Education. The discipline of the school is all that can be desired, and periodical examinations are held by Mrs. Francis.
Abel Smith Street, Wellington. This school was established about 1881. The principal teaches boys and girls of from five to fourteen years of age, the little ones being taught on the kindergarten system. A large number of pupils have passed through this school during its existence.
is situated in Boulcott Street, Wellington. The director is the Rev. Brother Mark Joseph. It was established in 1876, the present building being in course of erection when “The Brothers,” as the Marist Society is called, made Wellington one of their branches. It contains five schoolrooms in addition to the private apartments which are used for the accommodation of the director and teachers. The same syllabus of instruction is adopted by the Marist Brothers as is demanded by the Education Department in the State schools, and in addition, algebra and euclid are taught in the sixth and seventh standards. So sure are the authorities of this school of the efficiency of their work that they court examination by the inspectors of the Board of Education. There are 287 boys on the roll, and an average of 264 is maintained. Many of the boys are prepared in this school for public examinations, and several have been successful in passing the Civil Service examination. In addition to a good playground, a gymnasium is attached to the school for the recreation of the boys. The fees charged are exceedingly moderate, viz., from 6d. to 1s. 6d. per week according to age. The Rev. Brother Mark Joseph, the principal, was born in Waterford, Ireland, and educated at All Hallowes College, Drumcondra, Dublin. He completed his college term in 1863, and came out to Sydney in 1884 per ship “Greyhound.” He obtained a teacher's certificate, and taught under the Board of Education, New South Wales, for some fifteen years, holding various positions in the schools of the sister colony during that time. It was not till 1881 that Brother Mark, as he is commonly designated, joined the Marist Brotherhood in Sydney, and five years later he crossed over to New Zealand, and was appointed to his present position. He is assisted by six brothers of the same religious order—the Society of Mary,—the whole of the members of which lead lives of celibacy, and devote themselves entirely to the cause of education. The Marist Brothers' School is a popular institution with the Catholics of Wellington, and is deservedly respected by all classes. Brother Mark and his assistants make their duties a labour of love, and under such conditions success is always sure.
(William Leslie Morrison, principal), National Mutual Buildings, Customhouse Quay, Wellington. This school was established by Mr. Morrison about 1888. It is held in a large room on the second floor of the National Mutual Buildings. This room contains a fine supply of models and all the appliances used in a modern school of art. Mr. Morrison gives instruction in every branch, including drawing, painting, modelling, and sculpture work.
(Miss J. McGowan, Principal), Scarborough Terrace, Wellington. This school was established in 1885. About thirty pupils, boys and girls, attend. The standards adopted by Miss McGowan are on similar lines to those in the public schools. The principal is a sister of Mr. J. McGowan, Commissioner of Taxes.
(Mrs Thomas McDonnell, Principal), Melmerbe House, 99 Brougham Street, Wellington. The principal is the wife of Lieutenant-Colonel McDonnell, whose interesting career is referred to under the heading “Military.”
The inhabitants of Wellington are probably less emotional as a whole than those of any other city in the Colony; and the effect of this is noticeable in every walk in life. Thus it happens that, while the people are far from notoriously bad, it cannot be said that the religious societies are so enthusiastically conducted in the Empire City as in most other parts. Nor does any particular section preponderate so noticeably as does the Episcopalian in Christchurch, or the Presbyterian in Dunedin. The religious life of the people being upon a scale tending towards mediocrity, it follows that the church buildings are less pretentious than a visitor from either South or North would expect to find. The advent of Bishop Wallis, however, is being marked by a revival of enthusiasm among the Episcopal body. Already he has made good progress in his efforts to secure a fine Cathedral; and, doubtless, this will have a beneficial effect upon the other denominations. There is a disposition among the various bodies to coöperate for concerted aggressive warfare; but it is not likely that much will be done in this way—not because of any feeling of bigotry, but simply through the lack of enthusiasm above referred to. The question of Temperance—not to say Prohibition—is almost the only one in which there has been any united action. The Christian Endeavour Societies—to which the real work of the Church is delegated—are spreading, and are beginning to see the advantages which are to be gained by the union of forces. Several of the Methodist bodies have already agreed to amalgamate in the near future in Wellington as elsewhere throughout the Colony. It is considered by many that this step is but the forerunner of others of still greater importance. The union of the forces of morality and religion against the many evils with which civic life is beset, is a movement for the beginnings of which the people have a right to look to the Churches.
The Anglican Churches in Wellington number four—St. Paul's (Pro-cathedral), St Peter's, St. Mark's, and St. Thomas's, which last has just been completed. The Roman Catholic body possesses St. Mary's Cathedral, the church of St. Mary of the Angels, and an octagonal church in Buckle Street, which is attached to St. Patrick's College. The Presbyterians have four churches, viz., St. Andrew's, St. John's, St. James', and Kent Terrace. Of the Methodist churches, three belong to the Wesleyans, one to the Primitive Methodists, and one to the United Methodist Free Church. The Baptist Communion is represented by the Vivian Street Church, which is a handsome building recently erected. The Congregationalists have two churches; the Disciples of Christ and the Church of Christ one each. The Salvation Army is at present quartered in the Divisional War Office, and at the Newtown Training Barracks. The Jewish Communion have a pretty synagogue on The Terrace.
The constitution of the Church of New Zealand was agreed to by a general conference of bishops, clergy and laity, which met at Auckland on the 13th of June, 1857. The following year Bishop Selwyn was, by Act of Parliament, authorised to convey lands held in trust by him to trustees to be appointed by the General Synod, and during the interval he had been actively engaged in negotiations for the formation of the bishoprics of Wellington, Nelson and Waiapu. The Ven. Charles Abraham, D.D., Archdeacon of Waitemata, who had gone to England for consecration, arrived in March, 1859, and at once entered on his duties. The Endowment Fund consisted of £3000 given by the New Zealand Company, which was subsidised by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. There were present at the first General Synod five bishops, ten clergymen and thirteen laymen. The Synod applied itself to the work of legislation on matters which most urgently needed determination, and seven statutes were passed, which were so judiciously conceived that they are substantially unaltered at the present day. Bishop Abraham resigned his See on the 1st of June, 1870, and the Rev. Octavius Hadfield, Archdeacon of Kapiti, having been elected by the Diocesan Synod, was consecrated by the Primate, assisted by the Bishops of Waiapu, Nelson and Auckland, in the Cathedral Church
D.D., Lord Bishop of Wellington, was born in Hastings, England, and is a son of the late Rev. Joseph Wallis, M.A., Vicar of St. Andrew's, Stockwell, London. His Lordship was educated at St. Paul's School, and subsequently at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. In the year 1876 he gained his B.A. degree, and in 1879, his M.A., the degree of D.D. being conferred upon him in 1894. During his college course, Dr. Wallis won the Carus prize on two occasions, namely, in 1874 and 1877. He carried off the Scholefield prize in 1878, and the Evans prize in the same year. He took a first class in the Classical Tripos in 1876, and in 1878 a first class in the Theological Tripos. In the same year he was made a Fellow of the Gonville and Caius College, which position he still holds. Dr. Wallis was ordained in 1878 as deacon, and as priest in the following year by the Bishop of Ely, at Ely Cathedral, near Cambridge. In 1878 he was appointed dean and lecturer of Divinity of the college, and in 1886 became examining chaplain to the Bishop of Salisbury. During the years 1878 to 1883 he was honorary curate of St. Luke's Chesterton, near Cambridge. In 1890, Dr. Wallis was appointed deputy to Dr. Hort, the Lady Margaret Professor of Cambridge. In this capacity he delivered a course of public lectures on the Epistles of St. Paul. In 1893 Dr. Wallis was senior Proctor of the University of Cambridge, and was appointed by the University a member of the governing body of St. Paul's School in 1892. The main work undertaken by Dr. Wallis as Dean of Gonville and Caius College was that of a kind of parish priest to the young men of the college. In this the reverend gentleman was very much at home, and describes it as being glorious work, in which he found intense delight. He was thus engaged from the year 1878 onwards. Dr. Wallis was approached in 1894 by the Archbishop of York and the Bishop of Durham regarding the Bishopric of Wellington, and sailed in the s.s, “ Ormuz “ to Sydney at the end of the year. At Sydney he transhipped, completing his journey in the “Tarawera,” and arriving in Wellington in January, 1895. He was accompanied by Mrs. Wallis, nee Miss Margaret Williams, daughter of Colonel Robert Williams, M.P., of Bridehead, Dorset. The Lord Bishop of Salisbury was also one of the party, and this was the only occasion of an English bishop visiting New Zealand. Dr. Wallis was consecrated in St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral, Wellington, on the 25th of January, 1895, by the Primate
Diocesan Secretary, and Minister in charge of St. John's Church, Johnsonville, eldest son of the Rev. W. J. Fancourt, an English clergyman, was born 22nd of January, 1840 at Malvern, Worcestershire, and educated at Lancing College, Sussex. Mr. Fancourt studied for the Church at the famous Missionary College of St, Augustine. Originally an old monastery, it was saved from sacrilege by the Hon. Beresford Hope, who, having purchased the freehold, presented the property to the Church of England, and it is now a most important Missionary College. Mr. Fancourt completed his student's curriculum and received his College diploma in 1863. Before coming to New Zealand in 1865 per ship “Star of Tasmania,” he was for nine months at Cawnpore, India, leaving owing to a breakdown in health. The reverend gentleman was ordained deacon in 1865, being the last to be ordained in old St. Paul's Church, Wellington, and, singular to relate, he was the first priest ordained in the new edifice. Bishop Abraham officiated on both occasions, the order of priesthood being conferred in 1867. Mr. Fancourt had charge of Porirua, Karori and Johnsonville for nearly five years, ending in 1870. From that year till 1884 he had the care of the Hutt Parish. As Diocesan Secretary the subject of this notice has been indefatigable since his acceptance of the office in 1884. Two years later Mr. Fancourt took up the Johnsonville cure again. In 1888 he was appointed Archdeacon of Wellington. During the vacancy in the see the reverend gentleman administered the affairs of the diocese as Bishop's Commissary. Archdeacon Fancourt is called a moderately high churchman. His great work has been the General Church Fund, which he helped to establish to induce rich parishes to assist the poorer by providing a common fund out of which all stipends of the clergy might be paid.
B.A., was born in Bow Parish, Mile End Road, London. Educated at the Merchant Tailors' school, in his native city, he subsequently studied at Pembroke College, Cambridge, gaining his degree in 1845. The reverend gentleman was ordained Deacon in February, 1847, at Chester Cathedral, and priest in 1848 at Winchester Cathedral. He ministered successively at Prescott, at Cloudesley Square, Islington, and at Clapham Road, London. Joining the Church Missionary Society, Mr. Stock sailed for New Zealand, per ship “Hamilla Mitchell,” in 1853, landing in Auckland. He was then appointed to the charge of the Maori School, Otaki, and after nine months at Wanganui, was designated Vicar of St. Peter's Church, Wellington, in 1856. During the long period of twentyeight years, in which Archdeacon Stock ministered in Wellington, the splendid church of St. Peter's was erected, at a cost of £7000, and the number of his parishioners increased by two-thirds. The reverend gentleman worked hard in the interests of his church. He also took considerable interest in the man Tricker, who was condemned to death for the alleged murder of Mr. Rayner, in Rangitikei. Two days after the death sentence was pronounced, Archdeacon Stock discovered sufficient additional evidence to prove incontestibly that the alibi was a good one. Nevertheless, it took five years before the man's liberty was secured, and then only after a large public meeting
is situated in Mulgrave Street, Wellington. The cause from which this fine church has been evolved was criginally established in the early forties by the founders of settlement in the Colony. The old St. Paul's Church stood near the site now occupied by the stables of Government House. When the erection of the first portion of the present church was contemplated, an exchange was affected, the Mulgrave Street being being given by Sir George Grey in exchange for the old site which was then included in Government House grounds. The church was erected in the early sixties, and since then has been enlarged considerably. The design for St. Paul's Church came from London, having been prepared by a celebrated architect, the elder Pugin. On the ground of expense chiefly, the plans were not fully carried out, the height being considerably reduced. The spire was built a good deal smaller to correspond with the change in the height of the church. It is, nevertheless, a handsome gothie structure, built of wood, andhas accommodation for 750 worshippers, exclusive of choir, which numbers about fifty. In the tower are three fine bells. The organ, originally costing £750, has been considerably enlarged at an additional outlay of £350. There are three Sunday schools in connection with St. Paul's: these are held at Sydney Sireet, Tinakori Road, and Wadestown. In the last place there is a church-room, where also regular services are held every Sunday.
M.A., the Vicar of St. Paul's Church, was born at Dromore, County Down, Ireland. He was educated at Dublin University, gaining his B.A. degree in 1879, and his M.A. in 1882. Mr. Sprott was ordained in York Minster, by Archbishop Thompson, at the Christmas of 1879, as deacon, and the following year as priest, by good old Bishop Bromby, acting for the Archbishop, who was ill. The reverend gentleman's first curacy was at Hull Parish Church, where he remained two years, afterwards removing to London, where he ministered at St. John's Church, in Waterloo Road, for five years. Mr. Sprott came to New Zealand per R.M.S. “Rimutaka,” arriving in Auckland on the 31st of December, 1887. For five years after reaching the Colony he ministered in St. Barnabas' Church, Mount Eden, and was examining chaplain to the Right Rev. Dr. Cowie, Bishop of Auckland. In 1892 he came to Wellington, accepting the charge of the pro-Cathedral. Mr. Sprott has not allied himself with any party in the Church, preferring to be regarded as a churchman. He is pleased with the Colony, and considers life here most enjoyable. Besides attending well to his parochial duties, Mr. Sprott is deeply interested in outside matters concerning the public weal. The Citizens' Institute claims him a prominent member, and has on occasions been favoured with admirable papers from his able pen.
M.A., Curate of St. Paul's (pro-Cathedral) Church, Mulgrave Street, was born in Auckland. He is a son of the late Mr. G. C. U. Tisdall, of Waikato, and a nephew of the late Major Tisdall, of Auckland, and was educated at the Auckland College and Grammar School, at the Auckland University, and at St. John's College, Parnell. The reverend gentleman took his B.A. degree in 1894. and in the following year gained his M.A. with honours in political science. He was ordained deacon in 1892 by Bishop Hadfield in Wellington, and is holding his first curacy. Mr. Tisdall is an advocate of muscular Christianity. He believes that the churches should do more than is usually done to provide counter attractions for the youth of the Colony. He has, therefore, succeeded in founding a boys' club, for lads of sixteen and upwards. A membership of seventy-five has already been attained, and the good work grows and increases. Suitable apartments have been provided for gymnasium and reading and smoking rooms. Sports and a picnic form two annual events of great interest to the young people. The result of the training has been most marked, members having been won over from questionable associations, and several have succeeded in athletics. At the amateur athletic meeting held in Napier in 1895, the club was well represented. Mr. Tisdall was always fond of athletics, and it is very satisfactory that he should bring the weight of his influence to bear in favour of the boys of his church. He acts as secretary of the club, the Vicar, Rev. Mr. Sprott being the president.
Organist of St. Paul's Pro-Cathedral, is referred to as a prominent professor of music under the heading “Musical.”
Parish of St. Paul, Thorndon (president, the Rev. T. H. Sprott, M.A.; hon. secretary and treasurer, Rev. C. A Tisdall, M.A.) This club was started in the winter of 1893, for the benefit of the young men of the parish. The membership is not confined to the Anglican Church, but young men of all denominations are welcome. Nor is the membership confined to the residents of Thorndon; young men outside Thorndon may become members by being proposed and seconded, and passing a special ballot. The object of the club is stated to be the improvement of the young men of the parish, intellectually, morally, and physically. To attain this object the club has obtained from the St. Paul's vestry the use of the old Sydney Street schoolroom, and has there fitted up a gymnasium, a reading-room, and a smoking-room. In the gymnasium are found horse, and spring-board, Roman rings, ladders, dumbells, and Indian clubs. The reading-room contains a library of nearly two hundred volumes of standard fiction, and is supplied regularly with the Illustrated London News, The Sketch, Black and White, B.O.P., Harper's Monthly, The English Illustrated, Ludwig, Picture, and Windsor Magazines. Cribbage boards, cards, draughts, and chess abound; whilst many members amuse themselves with an air-gun. The club holds an annual picnic and sports. These sports are held under New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association rules, and are well patronised. Four members of the club represented Wellington at the 1895 championship meeting at Napier. The Club boasts of a flourishing
occupies a commanding position at the corner of Upper Willis Street and Ghuznee Street, Wellington. The church dates back to the year 1847, when the original building which subsequently became the nave of the old Church was erected. Until the year 1879 the old building, which had been from time to time considerably enlarged, served the needs of the congregation. At this time it was pulled down to make room for the present handsome structure. Mr. Thomas Turnbull, the well-known architect, furnished the designs, and Messrs. Murdoch and Rose, the successful tenderers, put up the edifice. It is a commodious building the style being graceful gothic. There is a fine spire, which contains a peal of eight bells provided by public subscription, and towards which Mr. S. S. Downes contributed £100. The peal is a feature in connection with the church. Accommodation is provided, incluling the gallery, for a congregation of eight hundred, reckoning the choir, which numbers twenty men, fourteen women, and twenty boys. The chancel of the church is specially beautiful and very well cared for, the screen being remarkably pretty. It contains three handsome stained glass windows presented by Mrs. Frederick Martin in memory of her husband and brother-in-law who died in 1872 within two months of each other. There are in the nave three large and handsome windows with appropriate brasses to the memory respectively of the Hon. W. B. Rhodes, erected by his widow; the Hon. Algernon Tollemache, presented by the Hon. Mrs. Tollemache; and Mr. J. H. Bethune, provided by public subscription. There is also a small window in The Baptistry, put in to the memory of Mr. John Kebbell by his widow. On a handsome pedestal, surmounted by a globe, stands a magnificent eagle, the whole of brass, which forms the lectern. This was presented by the ladies of the working party at a cost of £100, exclusive of freight and other charges. The whole of the brass work throughout the church is beautifully kept. An elegantly carved litany stool was presented by the family of the late Mr. J. H. Bethune. The organ owes its origin largely to the liberality of the late Miss Lewis,
M.A., the Vicar of St. Peter's, was born in Winchester, England. Mr. Waters was educated at Hailybury, and afterwards at Exeter College, Oxford. He gained his B.A. degree in 1879, and his M.A. the following year. In the fine Cathedral of Norwich the reverend gentleman was ordained to his life's work—as deacon in 1881, and as priest a year later—by the Bishop of Norwich. Mr. Waters was curate of King's Lynn, Norfolk, from 1881 to 1885, and for four years subsequently at Loughton in the east end of London. In 1889 he came to New Zealand per R.M.S. “Ruapehu,” having been appointed to the charge of St. Peter's Church. Mr. Waters was appointed Honorary Chaplain to the Wellington Naval Brigade in 1889, and four years later to the Permanent Militia. He is a member of the General Synod and of the Standing Committee of the Diocese. Mr. Waters is indefatigable in the performance of his pastoral and public duties, and is very popular among his people. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. The vicarage is situated in Woolcombe Street, the commodious house and half-acre of land having been purchased by the parishioners.
Organist of St. Peter's Church, is mentioned as a teacher of music under the heading “Musical.”
Sussex Square, a prettily situated wooden building with a lofty spire, was erected in 1876. It overlooks the Basin Reserve, one of Wellington's choicest breathing spots. The Church will accommodate about 800, including the choir, whose quarters occupy over seventy sittings. The building, a well proportioned one, was erected from plans by Mr. Tringham, architect. Three years after completion it was enlarged at a cost of about £1300, from designs by Mr. Clere. The organ, which originally cost some £600, has recently been added to at a further outlay of a similar sum. The spire contains a very fine bell, cast by Messrs. Cable and Co., the cost being £80: it has a good tone, and can when tolled, be heard easily all over Newtown. The site of St. Mark's includes an acre of ground. The buildings comprise a large Sunday school, which has been thrice enlarged, a good infants' room, and a capital parsonage, having ten fine lofty rooms. In connection with this church there are parochial rooms at Newtown and Kilbirnie, having sittings respectively for 220 and 100 people. Three Sunday schools are held by the workers of the Church, the main one at St. Mark's having nearly 600 scholars on the roll, that at Newtown not far short of 250 names, and the third one, which is held at Clyde Quay, close on 100 children.
M.A., Incumbent of St. Mark's, was born in Ireland in 1836. Educated at Santry School College, Dublin, he gained his B.A. degree in 1865, taking his M.A. in December, 1893. The reverend gentleman was ordained deacon by the Bishop of Tuam, Lord Plunkett, at Tuam Cathedral, in 1866, and as priest by Dr. Gregg, Bishop of Cork, in Cork Minster, in 1866. Before coming to the colonies Mr. Coffey was curate of Westport, Sligo, and while there he decided to make New Zealand his home. He landed in Port Chalmers in 1868, per ship “Chili,” and was appointed to the charge of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu. Subsequently he laboured at Milton, Otago, and from thence removed to the charge of St. Mark's, Wellington. Mr. Coffey is assisted by the Rev. Otho Fitzgerald as Curate, and occasionally by the Ven. Archdeacon Stock, and the Rev. C. D. de Castro. The subject of this notice objects to the designation “vicar,” and prefers the title Curate.
the well-known Professor of Music, who is referred to at length in connection with the section “Musical,” is the organist at St. Mark's.
of the Church of England, who resides in Park Terrace (off Molesworth Street), was born in Rodburn Cheney, Wiltshire, England, in 1829. His father was a small squire, living on property that had been in the family for centuries. The reverend gentleman was educated at Marlborough Grammar School, and at St. John's College, Cambridge. He took his B.A. degree in 1852. In that year he was one of the Cambridge crew against Oxford, the Cambridge bow oar for that year being the present Lord McNaughten, and the Oxford
who for about sixteen years was the Acting Chaplain of the Wellington Gaol, was born at Knightsbridge, near London, in 1832. Educated at private schools in England and France, and subsequently at the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, Mr. De Castro came to New Zealand in 1853 per ship “Cornwall,” landing in Wellington. After teaching a school for a short time, he settled in Porirua, where he engaged in farming pursuits, meeting with the usual experience of many of the early settlers, who went forth to subdue the land and fearlessly braved the hardships and dangers which fell to their lot. Entering the Civil Service in 1868, he was an officer of the Government till February, 1892, when he retired on pension. Mr. De Castro occupied a responsible position in the Treasury, having charge of the Trust and Loan Accounts till 1872. Parliament having constituted the Public Trust Office in that year the subject of this notice was transferred to the new department, in which he became Chief Clerk. He held this important office for many years and took a prominent part in the rapid development of this splendid New Zealand Institution, which has proved of such general utility. In 1875 he took holy orders under Bishop Hadfield, and since this time he has ever lent his assistance to the church of his choice without fee or reward. The reverend gentleman has been married three times: in 1853, to the youngest daughter of the late Mr. E. D. Salisbury, of Middleton, Lancashire, who died the following year; in 1855, to the third daughter of the late Doctor Knox, of Wellington. This lady died in September, 1889, leaving eight sons and six daughters. Three of Mr. De Castro's sons are in the Government service, two respectively in the Education and Government Insurance Departments, and the third as Deputy Commissioner of Stamps and Deputy Registrar of the Supreme Court in Nelson. His eldest daughter is Mrs. T. S. Morpeth, of Auckland. The other daughters, with one exception
Upper Willis Street, Wellington. The present is the third church which has stood on the same site. The first—erected in 1853—was a small unpretentious building seated for about 200. It was removed in 1875 to make room for a larger and handsomer church with accommodation for 600. A school-room was also added. On the 9th of May, 1884, through some accident, both church and school were burned to the ground, and the present still more handsome and spacious buildings were then erected. The present church has accommodation for 800, and the school-room, with adjoining class-rooms, accommodates some 300 or 400 Sunday school children. There is also a beautiful and commodious manse, on the manse acre in Woolcombe Street. Altogether, the church property of St. John's, including church. manse and school, is valued at about £14,000. There is a splendid organ which cost over £1500, and is said to be the finest in the Colony. The congregation worshipping in St. John's was originally formed in 1852. Their first minister was the Rev. John Moir, who, in response to their call, was sent out to them by the Free Church of Scotland. In 1867 Mr. Moir resigned the charge, and was succeeded by the Rev. James Paterson, the present minister.
is a native of Ayrshire, in Scotland. Born in the parish of Kirkoswalde, he was educated at the Grammar School, Girvan, and studied at the Universities of Glasgow and Edinburgh. His theological education he received at the Free Church College, Edinburgh. Having passed through the regular course of study prescribed by the Church, he received license as a preacher of the Gospel from the Free Church of Scotland, and having received a call to St. Peter's, Liverpool, in connection with the Presbyterian Church in England, he was ordained and inducted into that charge in April, 1857. In 1866 he
the founder of Barnett's Musical Society, some particulars of whose career are given under “Musical,” is the organist of St. John's Presbyterian Church.
occupies a commanding position on the Terrace, Wellington. By one of the first ships that came out with the founders of the Colony, a minister of the Church of Scotland was sent in the person of the Rev. Mr. MacFarlane. He first preached at Britannia, on the Petone beach, which was originally intended as the site of the city, until the position was found to be endangered by river floods. When the pioneers of the Colony removed across the harbour to the present site of the city, the New Zealand Company granted to the Church of Scotland, on payment of £100, 100 acres of country land (which the church still holds at Turakina), and one town acre. The late Robert Rodger Strang acted as agent for the Church of Scotland. The Colonial Government at an early period of the city's history, granted a fine site with 100 feet frontage to Lambton Quay, and on this site the original Presbyterian Church was erected. In after years the little building was sold, the purchaser actually trundling it bodily across the street, and it now forms part of the Central Hotel. The foundation stone of a second church was laid on the 22nd of June, 1866. In 1878 the land on Lambton Quay having become very valuable, the site and buildings, excepting twenty feet which had been previously parted with to the Supreme Court, were sold to the Colonial Bank, who, in conjunction with the South British Insurance Company, erected the handsome structure, which now forms so prominent a feature of Lambton Quay. The present site on the Tarrace was secured at this time, and the splendid edifice so familiar to Wellingtonians was erected. The plans of St. Andrew's Church were drawn by the late Mr. Toxward, architect, and were carried out by Messrs. Scoullar and Archibald, the successful tenderers. The new building was opened on the 20th of July, 1879, and is one of the prettiest churches, not only in the city, but in the Colony. The interior is most luxurious in its appointments, the seats being comfortably cushioned and spring seated. A handsome gallery runs round the building. The total accommodation of St. Andrew's Church is for about 400 persons. The church possesses a fine two manual organ.
is the minister. He is a Scotchman, and received his education at King's College, Aberdeen, coming out to the Colony in 1873, sent by the Chuich of Scotland to take charge of St. Andrew's Church.
which occupies a fine section at the corner of Pirie Street and Kent Terrace, was built in 1886. The Rev. J. Kennedy Elliott, B.A., was requisitioned in the early part of that year to continue to conduct services in the city. He had just resigned the charge of St. James' Church, Newtown, and, complying with the request, engaged the Lyceum, then in the hands of the Freethinkers, and commenced services on the 9th of May, 1886, establishing a Sunday school in Mount Cook Infants' Schoolroom. The allotment, on which the plain, commodious hall, built of wood, now used for the purposes of the congregation, stands, was purchased at a cost of £750. The plans were prepared by Mr. A. McDougall, an office-bearer, Mr. Douglas being the contractor. The building was dedicated and opened for divine worship on the 27th of September, 1886, and on the 5th of October, 1886, the induction took place. The cause continued to grow, and success crowned the energetic labours of the pastor. On the 21st of August, 1888, the Presbytery of Wellington made its triennial visitation, and expressed great satisfaction at the progress made. Before the end of the year 1892 the entire cost of land and building had been met. It is understood that the hall now used is only to be regarded as a temporary structure. The committee have a sum of nearly £1000 in hand for the purposes of the new church, and it is confidently expected that this will be erected before long.
B.A., Pastor of the Kent Terrace Presbyterian Church, was born at Belfast, Ireland, and is a graduate of the Royal Irish University. On leaving college he was called to a congregation within a few miles from his native city, and was ordained on the 10th of December, 1872. Subsequently he had a charge in Randalstown, near Lord O'Neill's Castle, not far from the margin of Lough Neagh, which is known in song and to tourists for its beauty, and from this he was translated to Magherafelt, a town in the southern part of County Londonderry. The reverend gentleman came to the Colony per s.s. “Doric,” arriving in Wellington on the 17th of October, 1884. It was on account of the state of Mrs. Elliott's health that the more genial climate of New Zealand was sought. The lady had suffered much from hemorrhage of the lungs, and it was hoped the voyage and change would be beneficial, but unfortunately these hopes were not realised. After arrival, Mr. Elliott took up work at St. James, Newtown, but the building soon proved too small. It was then proposed that a new church should be erected nearer town, but, as there were some difficulties about this, Mr. Elliott resigned. When released from his pastoral care he was induced to commence services as described above, and his ministrations have been most successful.
Wellington. This church had its origin in a branch Sabbath school established about fifteen years ago by St. John's Church, in a hall, in what was then the somewhat sparsely populated, but now important portion of the city of Wellington known as Newtown. By 1881 so many Presbyterians had settled in the neighbourhood that it was considered advisable that steps should be taken towards the erection of a place of worship. Energetic efforts resulted in the acquisition of an acre of ground in a very commanding position, and the building of a small edifice to serve the purpose of church and Sabbath school. For some years services were conducted by a lay missionary, by student evangelists, and for short periods by ordained ministers. In 1888 a satisfactory and permanent settlement was made by the induction of the Rev. William Shirer, who then arrived in the Colony from Scotland, and who has filled the pastorate ever since. Shortly after his installation as minister, the increasing number of worshippers rendered the enlargement of the building absolutely necessary, and a transept was added, which doubled the former accommodation; and a year or two later a very handsome and commodious manse was erected on the church ground. The church has now (1895) a membership of 142, with a large number of adherents, a flourishing Sabbath school with 270 scholars, and all the usual adjuncts of a thriving congregation.
Minister of St. James' Presbyterian Church, Newtown, Wellington, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland. He was educated at the ordinary private schools in his native place. Subsequently, having decided to pass through the usual training for the Presbyterian ministry, he was for four years at the University of Edinburgh, and then continued his studies for another four years at the United Presbyterian Theological Hall. While at College, he also, as student-missionary, carried on work in connection with the Bristo Church, Edinburgh, and afterwards at West Calder, near Edinburgh. He was ordained in the City of Edinburgh in 1888, in which year he came out to New Zealand per s.s. “Ionic,” to Wellington. Soon after his arrival, St. James' Church was vacant, and he received a call, which was accepted. In connection with his Church, Mr. Shirer has Christian Endeavour, Mutual Improvement, and Home Reading Societies. The reverend gentleman takes great interest in the young people, and deplores the tendency of the colonial youth to congregate in the streets. Mr. Shirer thinks a good deal about social questions, and considers that the churches might do more than is at present done to bring about improved conditions of life.
comprises a portion of the district which was founded in the year 1848, being then known as the Diocese of Wellington. The original diocese included about half of the North and the whole of the Middle or South Island, and the Chatham Islands. Nine provinces were within its boundaries, namely, Wellington, Taranaki, and Hawkes Bay in the North Island, and Canterbury, Westland, Nelson, Marlborough, Otago and Southland in the South Island. On the 26th of November, 1869, the united province of Otago and Southland, together with Stewart Island and the adjoining islands, was separated from the See of Wellington and erected into the Bishopric of Dunedin. On the 10th of May, 1887, the Diocese of Wellington was again divided, the Diocese of Christchurch, including Canterbury, Westland, a small part of Nelson, and the Chatham Islands being established by Papal Brief, and the rest of the district erected into an Archdiocese. This is divided into twenty-four districts as follows:—Wellington (Thorndon), Wellington (Te Aro), Lower Hutt, Petone, Palmerston North, Wanganui, Hawera, Patea, New Plymouth, Napier, Meanee, Hastings, Waipawa, Pahiatua, Masterton, Blenheim, Kaikoura, Nelson, Westport, Reefton, Hiruharama, Otaki, Pakipaki, and Wairoa. There are seventy churches in the Archdiocese, the number of priests regular being thirty-six, and secular thirteen. The religious brothers number twenty-two, and the nuns 159. The Archdiocese boasts one College (St. Patrick's) which is a splendid institution, and is fully described elsewhere, six boarding and high schools, twenty-eight primary schools, four orphanages, and one industrial school for boys. The total number of children returned as receiving Catholic education is about 3709. The population of the Archdiocese belonging to the Church is estimated at 24,000, exclusive of Maoris, of whom
S.M., D.D., Archbishop and Metropolitan of Wellington, is a son of Mr. Henry Paul Redwood, his mother being the daughter of Mr. Gilbert. He was born on the 8th of April, 1839, at Lower Hanyard, Tixall Estate, Staffordshire, England, and arrived in the Colony with his parents in 1842. His family came out among the early pioneers, under the auspices of the New Zealand Company, and after a short residence in Wellington, removed to Nelson, where they settled on the Waimca Plains. Here Francis passed his childhood until he was eleven years old, and learned the elements of education. The next four years were spent at the well-known school then conducted by the Venerable Father Garin, at Nelson, where His Grace began the study of ancient and modern languages and music. When fifteen years old he expressed a desire to enter the Church, and in order to qualify
Hill Street, Wellington, was founded by the Very Rev. Father Petitjean, one of the old French missioners, in 1851. Bishop Viard, the first Bishop of Wellington, was consecrated in the Society of Mary in 1839, appointed Vicar Apostolic of Oceanea in 1845, Apstolic Administrator in 1848, and Bishop in 1860. Under his care the St. Mary's was enlarged considerably. The good bishop died on the 2nd of June, 1872, and lies buried within the precincts of the Cathedral. He was succeeded about 1873 by His Grace Archbishop Redwood as Bishop. Since this time St. Mary's Cathedral has been further enlarged and restored; a beautiful altar, a fine organ, and many chaste ornaments have been placed in position, mostly at the expense of the Archbishop. The Cathedral will seat about 500 worshippers, the choir gallery will accommodate about twenty-five. St. Mary's is the only Catholic Church in the Thorndon Parish. Great attention is given to education in this as in other districts. The Convent High School, which is under the care of the Sisters of Mercy, has some thirty-five or forty boarders, and about sixty day scholars, the total number of pupils being little short of one hundred. The Parish Elementary School, which is also conducted by the Sisterhood, and is under the management of the Very Rev. Father Dawson, is attended by from 130 to 140 children. St. Joseph's Orphan and Industrial School, under the Industrial Schools Act, is cared for by the Sisters, under the direction of Father Dawson as manager. The waifs and strays who live in this institution number from ninety to one hundred. The flourishing school conducted by the Marist Brothers, in Boulcott Street, belongs to this parish. Besides the ordinary subjects usually taught, geology, algebra, Latin, and French are imparted as extra subjects at this well-managed institution, which is more fully described under the heading “Educational” elsewhere in the Cyclopedia.
Administrator of Thorndon Parish, was born in the North of England, in 1847. He was educated at St. Edward's College, Liverpool, and at the English College, Lisbon. Ordained in January, 1875, in Liverpool Pro-Cathedral (St. Nicholas'), the reverend gentleman became a professor at a Liverpool Diocesan Seminary. He became parish priest at Westby, North Lancashire, where he remained four years. Father Dawson was then transferred to the care of St. Alexander's, Bootle, Liverpool, where he stayed for a considerable time, till his health broke down, and it became necessary to make a change. Father Dawson decided on a trip to New Zealand, and came out by the s.s. “Tongariro.” For some time he was travelling for the benefit of his health, and in 1888, being considerably stronger, he joined the Wellington Diocese, and was appointed to the parish of Waipawa. Remaining there till May, 1892, the reverend gentleman was transferred to Wellington, and has had charge of the parish, including the supervision of all the schools, since taking up his abode in the Empire City.
who carries on business in Willis Street as a piano and music dealer, is the conductor of the choir of St. Mary's Cathedral.
which includes Te Aro, Newtown, Oriental Bay, Kilbirnie, and Island Bay, has made wonderful strides
S.M., the Vicar-General of the Arch-Diocese of Wellington, and parish priest of the Te Aro district, was educated for the priesthood in France, and at St. Mary's College, Dundalk, where he was ordained in 1876. Leaving the Old Country for the colonies two years later, per ship “Duke of Athol,” he arrived in Wellington in 1879. The reverend gentleman has since been stationed at Christchurch, Kumara, on the West Coast of the South Island, and Timarn; and he was one of the four priests who established and opened St. Patrick's College in Wellington, an institution which has proved such a magnificent success as an educator of the youth of the Colony. For six years Father Devoy occupied the position of Procurator of the College, only giving up his duties to take charge of Te Aro parochial district, which position was left vacant by the Very Rev. Father Kerrigan, whose failing health compelled him to resign his appointment. Father Devoy is assisted in his parish work by the Rev. Father Goggan, S.M., who was also one of the four priests who were instrumental in establishing St. Patrick's College, and who for a period of eight years filled the post of Professor of Mathematics in connection therewith, while another assistant, the Rev. Father Ainsworth, S.M., is one of the old boys at St. Patrick's College, receiving the early part of his education there, and finishing his religious course at Meanee, near Napier, where he was ordained.
Taranaki Street, is the principal Wesleyan Methodist Church in the Empire City. The original
Superintendent Wesleyan Minister of the Wellington Circuit, and Chairman of the Wellington District, comes from the Fen Country, having been born at Spilsby, Lincolnshire. Educated at the Grammar School of his native town, and at Didsbury College, near Manchester, Mr. Baumber had successfully entered on his third year of training when his health broke down. Acting on the best medical advice, which was confirmed by the late Rev. James Buller, who was at that time in England, Mr. Baumber offered himself for the work in New Zealand. Having been accepted, he embarked on the ship “Opawa,” which duly arrived in Lyttelton in April, 1877. The reverend gentleman spent his first two years in Lawrence, Otago, whence he removed to Durham Street Church, Christchurch, where he was associated with that grand man, the late Rev. Alexander Reid. During the three years of his residence in Christchurch, the church at East Belt was erected, a good deal of money being raised for that valuable property. Mr. Baumber was married in Christchurch to Mias Garland, daughter of Mr. E. Garland, of Hillsborough, and has
B.A. Leader of the Choir at Wesley Church, has been prominent in, musical circles since settling in the Empire City. Born in 1862 in the United States of America, and educated at Yale University, where he giaduated as Bachelor of Arts in 1885, he joined the Jubilee Singers, who made such an impression in the Colony a few years ago. The company travelled throughout Great Britain and on the Continent of Europe, meeting with success wherever they performed. About the end of 1886 the Jubilee Singers came to the colonies. They toured through Australia from Thursday Island in the north to the most southerly point of South Australia, and twice they went through New Zealand. Their success in these southern lands was phenomenal, no such part-singing having been previously heard. When the troupe went to India, Mr. Williams elected to stay behind, having decided to remain in Wellington. This was in January, 1890. For the first two years after his arrival, the subject of this notice was ever ready as a tenor singer to assist any worthy object, and there were very few concerts in which he did not take part. In connection with the Wellington Harmonic Society he took the principal tenor parts in such works as the Messiah, Mendelssohn's Lobgesang, etc. Although Mr. Williams has been unable, owing to the demands of his profession—the law—to appear as often in public for the past three years, he still conducts one of the largest City choirs. He has ever since his arrival been asscciated as leader of important choirs; first at St. Mark's, Sussex Square, afterwards at the Terrace Congregational Church, and presently at Wesley Church, Taranaki Street. Mr. Williams has always been an honorary member of the Wellington Leidertafel, and has lately become an active member. Under his management Wesley Church choir is likely to become more than ever attractive. Further particulars will be found under the heading “Legal.”
the Organist of Wesley Church, was born in Sunderland, England, where he was educated. He came to New Zealand via Melbourne in 1879, and settled in Wellington. Mr. Harland has, since its inception, been a member of the Wellington Orchestral Society. As an organist, he has filled the position which he now holds since the opening of the Church some sixteen years ago. In 1881 Mr. Harland was married to Miss Lackland, daughter of Mr. George Lackland, of Sunderland, and has one son and one daughter.
Riddiford Street, Newtown, was built in 1893. The cause was originally established some twenty years ago in Adelaide Road, when a small building was erected. The development of the district was so rapid that it soon became necessary to secure increased accommodation. A capital site was therefore secured at the corner of Riddiford and Rintoul Streets, and the building was removed thither. A large and convenient parsonage of thirteen rooms was shortly afterwards erected. The needs of the district, however, soon made it essential that a new church should be provided. The trustees therefore decided to remove the old building back, and put up a commodious church. The outcome of this decision is seen in the handsome erection at present occupied, which will accommodate 450. There is a fine choir and orchestra numbering from fifty to sixty, under the able leadership of Mr. C. D. Mackintosh. The congregations are good, and it is probable that at no distant date further sittings will be required. The Sunday school has about 250 scholars. Services are held at Kilbirnie, about a mile from Newtown, in the public school, but a suitable allotment has just been purchased, and here it is intended to build a church, the plans of which are already prepared.
the Minister in charge, was born in New Plymouth, New Zealand. His father, the Rev. Robert Ward, was the first Primitive Methodist Minister to cross the Equator. Having received his earlier education at New Plymouth, Mr. Ward pursued his studies under his father, becoming a probationer in 1872. Four years later he was ordained to the work. The reverend gentleman travelled in Christchurch and Timaru for two years each; he then removed to Dunedin, where he was for five years, and, returning to the City of the Plains, he had a further term of four years. Mr. Ward then resigned his connection with the Primitive Methodist Church, having held some of its chief offices in New Zealand, including the president's chair, and entered the Wesleyan Church. He has since lived at Greytown North, Gisborne, and North Shore, Auckland, in each case for three years. Mr. Ward was appointed to Newtown, Wellington, at the Conference of 1894. He has gained a reputation for ability to clear off trust debts on church properties. In the various circuits in which he has laboured, he has been most successful in this respect, as also in the building of new churches. Mr. Ward has undertaken this work from a sense of duty rather than from choice. Much rather would he be engaged in evangelical work. This he loves. It is congenial to him, and he has been successful in many missions which he has conducted.
Molesworth Street, Wellington, was built in 1873, services having been held in the locality for some time previously. The building is of wood, and furnishes seating accommodation for 240 worshippers. Behind the church there is a large schoolroom, where about 220 Sunday scholars congregate. The school is an active and prosperous organisation, which is supplemented by a capital Christian Endeavour Society and a strong Band of Hope. The Wesleyan Church holds services at Johnsonville, Kaiwarra, and Wadestown, and these places are included in the pastorate of the Thorndon Church.
the minister in charge, was born in 1862 at Hounslow, Middlesex. Mr. Murray hails from Devonshire, his father, who is a Scotchman, having settled in Plymouth. The subject of this notice was educated in Buckinghamshire and at Plymouth, and, accompanied by his parents, came out to Port Chalmers in 1880, per ship “Padishah.” The family located in Ashburton, Canterbury, where they still reside. After a term of service as Home Missionary in the Papanui district, Otago, in 1887, Mr. Murray offered himself as a candidate for the Wesleyan ministry, and was sent to Wesley College, Three Kings, Auckland, where he studied for two years. Duly accepted as a probationer, Mr. Murray laboured successively in the Blenheim and Hawera and Opunake circuits as second minister. Unfortunately his health broke down, and he was appointed to the Christchurch circuit, and lived at Woolston for two years. In 1893 the reverend gentleman was ordained at the conference held in Dunedin, when he was appointed third minister at Wellington. Mr. Murray takes a lively interest in the Christian Endeavour movement, and holds the position of President of the Wellington Provincial District Christian Endeavour Union. He is a staunch total abstainer, and an earnest advocate of the temperance cause. In Mr. Murray's judgment, the world is getting better, signs of progress are seen on every hand, and a still brighter day will dawn at no distant date. As a man, he is genial and friendly, and is deservedly popular, especially with the young people. [Mr. Murray's term of office as president of the Christian Endeavour Union expired in October, 1895.]
was founded as long ago as 1847, when the Rev, Robert Ward, the pioneer Primitive Methodist minister in the Colony, came down from New Plymouth to prepare the way for the first resident minister, the Rev. Henry Green. The original building was a sod church, which was shaken down by the earthquake of 1848. A weatherboard structure then erected did duty till 1858, when a more pretentious edifice was built. This was pulled down and replaced by the present church in 1869. Since this date a large schoolroom has been erected. The church is seated to hold about 400 people, the accommodation afforded by the school being from 200 to 300. The Primitive Methodists have a neat church in Webb Street, built in 1868, seating 300; they have also a small school adjoining the church. In 1888 a church was built at Newtown, holding 150, with a good schoolroom behind having room for 100 children. They have also churches at Tawa Flat and Porirua, with sitting accommodation for 100 and 150 respectively, which were built in 1881 and 1888.
Superintendent Minister in charge at Wellington, was born at Maidstone, Kent. Mr. Guy is a son of the manse, his father, the late Rev. John Guy, being one of the early ministers of the Primitive Methodist Church in England. He was educated at Maldon, Essex, and at Barrow-in-Furness, and studied for the ministry under private tutors. Coming to the colonies per s.s. “Cuzco” to Melbourne, he crossed the Tasman Sea in the the s.s. “Ringarooma,” landing in Dunedin in 1878. In the following year Mr. Guy was ordained in the Sydney Street Church. He laboured successively in Dunedin two years, Greendale one year, Auckland three years, New Plymouth and Christchurch about one year each, Invercargill five years, Auckland a second time three years, and was appointed to Wellington in 1893. The reverend gentleman has always taken a great interest in temperance work. He has filled the highest offices in connection with his church - twice as president of the Conference, viz., at Wellington in 1887 and at Ashburton in 1893. Mr. Guy is senior examiner of students for the ministry, and he was for three years editor of the Primitive Methodist newspaper. He sympathises with Christian Socialism, and is a thorough-going optimist.
Primitive Methodist Minister, Sydney Street Primitive Methodist Church, is a, comparatively new arrival in the Colony. Born in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, England, where also he was educated, Mr. Drake studied for four years at the Evangelical Home, Birmingham, and while there engaged heartily in mission work in that large manufacturing town. In 1893 he embarked on board the s.s. “Oratavia” for Sydney, thence taking the s.s. Waihora to Auckland, where he landed in the month of September. For some time Mr. Drake laboured in Auckland, and subsequently for over a year he had charge of the Cheviot circuit in Canterbury. He was appointed to Wellington in March, 1895. The reverend gentleman is highly pleased with what he has seen of New Zealand. He thinks the Colony has a splendid future before it, provided that matters which make for righteousness are not neglected. He believes that in this young country an ideal nation may be evolved if the theories propounded by her leaders can only be brought into practice. Of course Mr. Drake is a total abstainer, as are all his brethren, but he thinks some of the methods of the Prohibitionist leaders somewhat rash. He inclines strongly to Christian Socialism, and advocates the quickening of the churches on all social problems.
retired Primitive Methodist Minister, was born in 1826, near Hereford, England. Educated at St. Paul's School, Wolverhampton, Mr. Dean studied for the ministry at Ludlow, Shropshire, where he lived for
Primitive Methodist. Mr. Dean filled these offices for about seven years, when he resumed duty as a minister, living for two years each in Timaru and Geraldine. At the close of his ministry in South Canterbury, the reverend gentleman retired, and settled down in the Empire City, where he still resides.
retired Primitive Methodist Minister, lives in Featherston Terrace, Wellington. A native of the Isle of Man, he was educated chiefly at the primary schools. As a student for the ministry, Mr. Dumbell was trained principally in England, under the supervision of senior ministers. After a short time spent in Douglas, Isle of Man, the reverend gentleman was stationed respectively at Preston and Bury, in Lancashire, and subsequently in the old town of Chester, and at Lymm, in Cheshire. In 1854 Mr. Dumbell was ordained to the work of the ministry at Haslingden. For the succeeding twelve years he laboured in Bacup, Oldham, Runcorn, Southport, and Liverpool. The General Missionary Committee meeting in London called on Mr. Dumbell to go to New Zealand, and the Conference of 1870 appointed him to New Plymouth. He therefore embarked on board the ship “Hydaspes,” Captain Babot, landing in Wellington on the 9th of October, 1870. For six years he worked in the chief town of Taranaki, and afterwards at Wellington, Timaru, and Dunedin. Mr. Dumbell's health failed him in 1884, and he was compelled to retire from the active work. He settled in Wellington, and, as far as his strength would permit, has preached for his own and most of the other Churches. Mr. Dumbell married in 1854. His family consists of one daughter—Mrs. Triggs, wife of the associate editor of the Christchurch Press—and two sons, both of whom are in the Civil Service.
Vivian Street, Wellington, which was opened on Sunday, the 5th of May, 1895, is the crowning effort of a successsul organisation. Eighteen years ago invitations were issued to all who were desirous of forming a Baptist Church in the Capital City of New Zealand, requesting them to assemble at the Polytechnic Hall in Featherston Street. The Rev. L. B. Brown, from Yorkshire, who was on a visit to the Colony, officiated, with the result that the Church was formed. The members urged Mr. Brown to remain and minister in Wellington, but that gentleman was compelled to decline owing to the precarious state of his health, which necessitated his removal to Australia. The young Church fortunately secured the services of one of the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon's students, in the person of the Rev. Thomas Harrington, the Church being constituted formally on the 20th of January, 1878, with a membership of nineteen. At the end of this year Mr. Harrington retired, having witnessed a considerable growth in the cause. The Rev. J. T. Hinton was his successor, the services being conducted in hired halls till December, 1879, when the first Baptist
New Zealand Graphic of the 8th of June:—“The new church, which was designed by Mr. W. Crichton, architeet, has seating accommodation for 450 persons, and has been constructed so as to allow of the erection of a gallery when further accommodation may be found necessary. The building is octagonal in form, about sixty feet at its greatest width, with a circular, dome-shaped roof. The rostrum is arranged in front of an elliptical cove at the back of the building, where is also situated the baptistry, constructed of concrete (and first used at the close of Sunday evening service, May 19th, on which occasion seven adult ladies received the ordinance of believers' baptism). The seats are arranged in semi-circle on a sloping floor. The apex of the ceiling is some thirty-three feet from the floor. The building is well provided with vestibules, porches, vestries, and other conveniences. It is constructed of wood, roofed with iron, the walls inside being plastered with tinted rough stucco. The building is well
Pastor of the Vivian Street Baptist Church, was born in Ipswich, Suffolk, England, in 1852. The reverend gentleman had the rare privilege of studying for his life's work at the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon's College in London. He describes that grand man as being a father to the students. Mr. Dallaston was sent out by Mr. Spurgeon to taks charge of the Oxford Terrace Baptist Church, Christchurch. Leaving London in November, 1875, he reached the scene of his labours in January, 1876. For fifteen years Mr. Dallaston laboured in the City of the Plains. During his pastorate a large new church, capable of seating 700 persons, was erected. Mr. Dallaston had a trip to the “Old Land” for the benefit of his health before removing to Wellington. In September, 1891, he accepted the call to the Vivian Street Church, and has just had the joy of opening the new and beautiful church described above, which is thronged with worshippers each Sunday, the cause being very successful. Mr. Dallaston believes in evangelical services, and encourages special efforts to reach the hearts of the people. He has ever been forward in the temperance crusade.
Courtenay Place, Wellington, occupies a really splendid position, and is an excellent property; but it cannot be said that the cause has flourished in a manner eminently satisfactory. It began well, and prospered for many years. The cause was inaugurated in Wellington in 1876 by the Rev. H. B. Redstone. For a few weeks the services were conducted in the old Foresters' Hall, and then for a longer period in the Oddfellows' Hall, Lambton Quay. Before the end of the first year, the results of Mr. Bedstone's efforts warranted the erection of a schoolroom sixty feet by thirty, and here the services were conducted until July, 1879, when the present really fine church was opened. The church property has a frontage to Courtenay Place of no less than 117 feet by a depth of 132 feet. That the cause was an important one in those days is evidenced by the fact that the members, with the assistance of friends raised the very large sum of £1800 towards the cost of the property. At the opening tea-meeting 550 persons paid two shillings each, and a very considerable proportion of that number were adherents of the Church. The church itself is eighty feet deep by a width of fifty feet, and will seat comfortably about 600 worshippers. On each side of it there is a passage about twelve feet wide, separating the church from the shops which form a part of the property. The income derivable from rents is about £200 per annum, sufficient to pay the interest of the mortgage. This was an exceptionally good position for a Church to occupy financially, and before Mr. Redstone left Wellington the first time he had the satisfaction of seeing the Church he had founded in a prosperous condition, with a school of about 200 scholars, a fine staff of teachers, and a good congregation contributing weekly offerings averaging between £5 and £6. In 1885 the pastor and preacher was asked to accept the management of the Christchurch Circuit; and, believing that the Wellington Church would continue on its prosperous course, he went to the City of the Plains, and remained there five years. From a variety of causes, his expectations regarding the continued prosperity of the Church at the Capital were not fulfilled. The congregations gradually became smaller until 1890, when Mr. Redstone was invited to return. By this time the falling away had become painfully noticeable, and Mr. Redstone found it much harder to stay the ebbing life of the cause than to build it up in the first place. After a trial of two years, he changed to Rangiora, in the hope that the minister who was to take his place might be more successful than himself. This was in February, 1892, and for the next three years the Wellington Church was the cause of much anxiety to the Standing Committee. The congregations had so diminished that the building was much too large, and though the Church property is so favourably situated, the income from its offertory had dwindled away to almost nothing. Many were of opinion that the church should be closed; but for the sake of the few who have remained true to it, and because of his original connection with it, Mr. Redstone consented to make another effort, unaided by grant. Though only a few months have elapsed since his return, the congregations have most noticeably increased. The Sunday school, too, is slowly recovering its lost position, and altogether the cause seems to have a fair prospect of usefulness.
the pastor in charge of the United Methodist Free Church, Courtenay Place, Wellington, was born on the 4th of March, 1836, in the parish of Tavistock, Devonshire, England, the birthplace of the distinguished English navigator, Sir Francis Drake. At Tavistock Mr. Redstone was educated, finishing under the private tutorship of Mr. Merrifield. The reverend gentleman entered the ministry in 1862, having previously had some three years' experience as a local preacher. After labouring for eight years in the Liskeard, Bodmin, Camelford, Truro, and Cardiff circuits, he, at the request of the Connexional Committee, sailed for this Colony per ship “City of Auckland,” arriving in the Northern City in December, 1870. Mr. Redstone's
United Methodist Free Church's Magazine of April, 1866. In his report of the Camelford Circuit the superintendent minister, the Rev. B. Glazebrook, says:—“I cannot speak too highly of my colleagues. Our brother Redstone is a true revivalist, and in my opinion fit to take his stand by the side of any man in the country, for thorough, earnest, laborious, and successful work in the salvation of souls. He is an honour to our ministry.” In 1865 Mr. Redstone was married to Miss Hambly, eldest daughter of Captain Hambly, of Calstock, Cornwall, and their family consists of three daughters. The quarter of a century which Mr. and Mrs. Redstone have spent in New Zealand has been marked by many years of hard, self-sacrificing work. That his success has been largely due to the exceptional tact and ability of his faithful wife, Mr. Redstone would be the first to acknowledge.
is situate at the corner of Bowen Street and Wellington Terrace, right opposite Government House gates, and within a very short distance of the Parliamentary and Government Buldings. In 1842 the late Mr. Jonas Woodward commenced to hold religious services in Wellington, in a small building in Charlotte Street known as the Mechanics' Institute. This was the commencement of the Congregational Church, in the interests of which this gentleman laboured, though himself actively engaged in business. Before 1848 a small brick structure had been erected in Murphy Street, but the earthquakes of that year made the building dangerous. A second church was therefore put up, this time in Woodward Street, it being opened in the month of May, 1849. About sixteen or eighteen years later a much larger church was built on the same site, and in 1887 a portion of the congregation was transferred to the new church in Courtenay Place. The splendid church on the Terrace, which appears in the engraving kindly presented by Mrs. W. R. Williams, was opened on Friday, the 26th of May, 1888, by the late Rev. Dr. West, assisted by the Revs. W. J. Habens, J. K. Elliott, E. D. Cecil, and J. Dumbell. The total cost of land, buildings, and furnishings was over £6000, including organ, and within little more than a year after the opening ceremony the congregation united to give thanks because the church was declared free of debt. The New Zealand Graphic of the 3rd of March, 1894, gives the following interesting particulars:—“The architect was Mr. B. W. Mountford, of Christchurch. Its design is Gothic in character, although decidedly original in style, the result being very pleasing. The church fronts on to Wellington Terrace, and is built entirely of wood, having a high-pitched roof, finished with an apse at one end and a turret at the other. The main entrance is a large, open porch, off which, on either side, are lobbies leading to the cloak-rooms and into the church. The dimensions of the building are as follows: Length of nave 64 feet, width of nave 25 feet, total width of church 55 feet, total length of church 80 feet, height of nave 36 feet, height of turret 77 feet. The schoolroom and vestries are situated immediately at the rear of the church, the street entrance to both being from Bowen Street. The size of the vestries (combined) is 34 feet by 16 feet. The minister's platform is situated at the further end as one enters the church, the splendid new organ occupying a central position thereon, doors to both right and left leading to lobbies giving access to the deacons' and pastors' vestries, and also to the street. On each side of the nave are three transepts, in the gables of which are placed the main windows, all of which are filled with ‘leaded lights' of tinted ‘cathedral’ glass. The dado is formed of alternate red pine and kauri boards, above the dado the walls being plastered and distempered tin colours, which contrast well with the rich red of the rimu, of which the window frames and roof are constructed. For artificial lighting the building is well provided with gas brackets and pendants of a very neat kind. The
Minister in charge of the Terrace Congregational Church, Wellington, was born at Helston, Cornwall. He is a son of Mr. John Glasson, yeoman, who represents a class which is fast becoming less numerous in the Old Country, though they have been recognised as the backbone of England. Mr. Glasson was educated at the Helston Grammar School, and subsequently at the Bristol University. He commenced his studies for the ministry at the Bristol Theological Institution, which is a Baptist college. Completing his studies in the year 1883, Mr. Glasson was ordained in Manchester, and accepted the pastorate of the Nursery Street Congregational Church. After twelve months, Mr. Glasson came out to the colonies, having accepted the care of the College Park Congregational Church, Adelaide. The reverend gentleman resided in South Australia for ten years, and in 1890 was elected to the high position of chairman of the Congregational Union of South Australia. In the year following he was appointed a delegate to the International Council of Congregationalists, held in London. Resigning his position in connection with the College Park Church, Mr. Glasson, in 1894, came to New Zealand, and took up his abode in Wellington. He married Miss Louisa Mary Cutting, daughter of the late Mr. John Cutting, of South Australia. As a Christian Socialist, Mr. Glasson holds strong opinions on the amount of good the church can do in social questions. He is by no means a pessimist, and does not insist that the world is getting worse, but is rather inclined to the opinion that there is something to hope for, and to work for, and believes that a brighter future is in store for the world. He is a great advocate for guarding the sanctity of the Sabbath, and believes that if for physical reasons only, it is necessary that one day in seven should be set apart as a day of rest.
an offshoot from the mother church situate on the Terrace, was established some seventeen or eighteen years ago. The late Mr. Joseph Burne gave the site, and built the original schoolroom. The foundation-stone of the new church, which will accommodate 250 people, was laid by Mrs. Burne in March, 1890. The edifice, which is of wood, was completed during the pastorate of the Rev. W. Powell. With the exception of a small sum of £50, which it is expected will be paid off at an early date, the entire cost has been raised. On an average 100 children and young people attend the Sunday school.
B.A., the minister in charge, was born in London. He attended the University Collegiate School and College, Gower Street, W.C., and subsequently the Lancashire Independent College (one of the Congregational Theological Colleges), Manchester, where he spent three years. In 1870 Mr. Hallowes took his degree at the London University. For twelve months after leaving college he studied medicine, with a view to qualifying for the missionary work
in Dixon Street, is a wooden structure having accommodation for about 350. The cause was originally organised in July, 1869, when short visits were commenced by Messrs. T. Wright and E. Lewis. Mr. A. B. Maston, from America, did a good deal to establish the Church in Wellington. The church was built in 1882, and about two years ago a schoolroom was added. There is a membership of 200, the Sunday school having an average attendance of 150. In connection with the Church, meetings are held at Newtown School, about fifty members being associated, and in the Oddfellows' Hall at Petone, where there are sixty members.
the preacher in charge of this cause, was born in Port Albert, Gippsland, Victoria, on the 21st of February, 1856. Coming to New Zealand, Mr. Turner was for twelve years in the grocery business in Dunedin. In 1876 he was immersed at the Great King Street Church in Dunedin, and from that time, as opportunities offered, actively engaged in Church work as Sunday school teacher, deacon, and occasionally as preacher of the Gospel in the surrounding districts. In 1888 Mr. Turner was urged to go entirely into the work, and for two years lived in Mataura, Gore, and Invereargill. In January, 1890, he was appointed to the Empire City.
Webb Street, Wellington, is a compact wooden building, having accommodation for about 150 worshippers. Services were commenced in Wellington about thirty-five years ago, and for many years were held in a private house. In the year 1880 the congregation had considerably increased, and arrangements were made for the erection of the pretty little church in which the members now assemble.
the minister in charge of the Catholic Apostolic Church, was born near London in 1850. Educated in his native land, he was ordained in 1871, and for a year afterwards ministered in London. Mr. Thane came out to Wellington in 1873, per ship “Crusader,” and though for many years he was engaged in secular pursuits he has ever since his arrival assisted in the services of the church. In 1886 Mr. Thane accepted the position of Minister in charge, and since the year 1892 he has been free from business engagements and devoted himself to his ministry. Mr. Thane was married in 1877 to a daughter of the late Mr. William Bishop, of Wellington. His family consists of three sons and six daughters who survive; one daughter died a few years ago.
situated on the Wellington Terrace, was built early in the year 1870. It is a compact wooden building, mostly ornamented within and without. The portion occupied by the male members of the community is on the ground floor and has eighty-two numbered seats. In the centre is the rostrum or platform where the reading desk of the officiating minister is fixed; the ladies' gallery is luxuriously cushioned in crimson velvet, and has numbered seats for sixty-two worshippers. The ark is enclosed behind sliding doors in front of which is a handsome curtain. The various scrolls, which contain the five books of Moses in Hebrew, pointers, silver bells, silver breast plate, and mantles are kept on the ark. They are as beautiful as they are valuable. A record within the synagogue tells of the liberality of several members of the congregation—a scroll, set of silver bells, and mantle are the gift of Mr. Jacob Joseph, a scroll, a mantle, and a pointer were presented by Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, a similar gift was made by Mrs. Isaac Philips in memory of her late husband, and a silver breast plate, bells and mantle were presented by Mr. H. Phillips, who has also recently added a magnificent curtain of heavy maroon silk velvet richly embroidered in gold. During the last year especially, many valuable gifts have been offered to the synagogue, and among the most notable of these may be mentioned the electric light fittings which were installed at the expense of Mr. Jacob Joseph and Mr. H. Phillips, the switches being placed beneath the reading desk of the Rabbi. On either side of the ark is a prayer for the Royal Family, tastefully gilded on a black background in English on one side and in Hebrew on the other. During the first ten days of the holidays or days of atonement—known as tisbri — which fall between the 8th of September and the 1st of October, according to the time of the full moon, the synagogue is draped in white. The present year (1896) is according to Hebrew reckoning 5656 years from Adam. The site occupied is a very fine one, a charming view of the city and harbour being obtainable. Behind the synagogue is a large and convenient residence for the rabbi and his family.
Rabbi of the Hebrew community, who has been in charge of the Wellington district for eighteen years, was born at Bolsward, Friesland, in 1849. Educated in London and at Antwerp, the reverend gentleman was ordained to his life's work in London, when but nineteen years old, by the late chief Rabbi Dr. N. Adler. In 1877 Mr. Van Staveren was engaged by Mr. Joseph Nathan in London for the Wellington community, and accordingly he came out to the colony per ship “Waikato,” landing in Lyttelton. Besides attending to his charge the Rev. Mr. Van Staveren has been foremost in the work of caring for the sick, the destitute, and the unemployed. Before he was fifteen he began to take an interest in charitable institutions. Since 1879 he has been indefatigable in his efforts to further the cause of common philanthropy, having been one of the founders of the Home for the Aged Needy and the Benevolent Home. Mr. Van Staveren has been for many years a member of the Trustees of the Benevolent Institution Contributors, the Home for the Aged Needy, the Hospital Board, and the United District Charitable Ai Board. For several years he was chairman of the two first named, and he is now chairman of the United District Board. He also takes a great interest in matters educational, and for the past three years has been chairman of the Terrace School Committee. In 1875 the reverend gentleman was married to Miss Miriam, daughter of Mr. A. Barnett, of 22 Portsdown Road, Maida Hill, London, W., and has thirteen surviving children—nine daughters and four sons.
is the name adopted by an unsectarian body of workers holding its meetings in the Forward Movement Hall, Manners Street. The Rev. W. A. Evans is the leader and mainspring of the Movement, and there are associated with him a considerable number of men and women, representing all grades in the social scale—men and women who are anxious to help in a cause which they believe is capable of indefinite extension and incalculable good. In the words of its leader in The Citizen for September, 1895, “the Forward Movement is a faithful attempt to bring the cardinal principles of Christianity, as conceived and interpreted by its best exponents, to bear on the complex conditions of modern society…. It affirms the fatherhood of God and the sonship of man, irrespective of nationality or sex. It maintains, therefore, the brotherhood of man; it accentuates the law of service as the law of life; it asserts that ‘rights’ and ‘duties’ are correlative terms, either of which cannot be separated from the other without the essence of both being destroyed; that man is above things, and should control and determine them, not be controlled and determined by them. It comprehends, therefore, all spheres within which man operates, and claims that all thought and action should be determined by the spirit of Jesus Christ.” The means adopted for the carrying out of the objects of the Movement are, “public lectures, classes for the special study of the growth and development of society, organisation with a view to maintain helpfulness, cottage meetings, open air meetings, and different societies for children and young people.” The Literary Society of the Forward Movement is, perhaps, the most popular of all its branches, though the Penny Readings have been very successful. It is a literary society pure and simple. During its first session—1895—nearly two hundred members were enrolled, embracing, as its leaders are most anxious should be the case, representatives of all classes. The list of lecturers includes such well-known literati as Sir Robert Stout, Dr. Findlay, the Hon. T. W. Hislop, Mr. A. R. Atkinson, Mr. and Mrs. Evans, and many others. The Citizen, a monthly magazine on general topics, is the organ of the Forward Movement; but as this periodical will be referred to under the heading “The Press,” no further mention need be made of it here. The Forward Movement was established in Wellington in May, 1893, and may fairly be said to have made fair progress and to be doing good and long-neglected work.
in charge of the Forward Movement in Wellington, was born at Velindre, Llangyfelach, South Wales, on the 29th of November, 1857. He received his preliminary education at Ammanford Academy in South Wales, and afterwards at Springhill College, Birmingham, finishing with a special course at the Cardiff University. After his ordination as pastor of the Bridge End Congregational Church, Glamorganshire, and while there Mr. Evans attended classes in biology and philosophy at the Cardiff University. In September, 1887, he was called to Ryan Congregational Church, Bradford, Yorkshire. In less than a year his health broke down; he offered to resign, but the Church authorities were most anxious that their pastor should allow them to keep the pulpit open for him, in the hope that a trip round the world would recoup his strength sufficiently to admit of his returning to the Church. With this idea Mr. Evans left for this Colony in November, 1888, per steamship “Ruapehu.” Landing in Dunedin in the following March, he was invited to take temporary charge of the Congregational Church in Moray Place. This he did with such satisfaction to those concerned that in the following April he received a unanimous call to the pastorate. But here again ill-health stepped in to prevent his remaining with his newly found friends in Dunedin. It was evident enough that Mr. Evans could not with any hope of success return to Yorkshire; but it was hoped that Dunedin would be sufficiently mild, and accordingly he accepted the call there; but on the day on which he was to enter upon his permanent ministry his health again gave way, and as soon as he was
which has done such splendid work, commenced the war in Wellington in 1883. The Junior Barracks, adjoining which are the officers' quarters, is situated in Jessie Street. It is a wooden building with accommodation for about 400, with divisional offices in front. The section occupied extends through to Vivian Street, provision being made for large premises capable of seating from 1200 to 1500 people. At Newtown the Army possesses a building which affords convenience for the congregation, which frequently numbers 200, of which fifty are soldiers. The Sunday services in connection with the Jessie Street or Central Division are held in the Skating Rink, where 700 to 800 people frequently assemble. Corps of the Army have been formed at Ashurst, Bulls, Carterton, Danevirke, Feilding, Foxton, Gisborne, Hastings, Levin, Marton, Masterton, Napier, Norsewood, Otaki, Pabiatua, Palmerston North, Petone, Waipawa, Wanganui and Woodville. These with Wellington and Newtown Corps constitute the Wellington or Central Division of the Army in New Zealand, which numbers twenty-two corps. From these, twenty out-posts are worked, and seventeen Maori pahs. There are two staff officers, nine long service staff officers, fourty-four other officers, 1003 soldiers, and ninety-seven recruits in this division, as shown by the returns for November, 1895. The annual self-denial effort on behalf of mission work in Africa, India, and among native races generally, resulted in £801 being raised in 1895 by the Central Division in one week, an increase of £340 on the total of the preceding year. There is a good band in connection with the Army in Wellington of twenty-five instrumentalists. The division is under the command of Staff Captain Edwards, with Lieutenant Bloomfield as his assistant.
the officer in charge of the Central Division, was born in 1862, in Bedfordshire, and educated at Langford, Bedfordshire. For a time he was in private service as a butler, and afterwards entered the City Liberal Club in London as porter. It was while in their service that Mr. Edwards joined the Salvation Army, and in 1882 he entered the Congress Hall, the training-home at Clapton, as a cadet. After six months at Padiham, Lancashire, as lieutenant, he was ordered to Australia. He served at Ballarat, Victoria, and South Melbourne, where he was promoted to the rank of captain. After a term in Sydney, he accompanied Major Wright to Brisbane to open up work in Queensland. Captain Edwards was subsequently for three-and-a-half years in South Australia, and in 1888 returned to England on a trip. At the end of that year he was promoted to staff-captain, and placed in charge of the Western District of New South Wales. He has since acted successively as A.D.C. to the divisional officer for the Southern Division of New South Wales, as staff-captain of the Western Division of Victoria, the Northern Division of New Zealand with Auckland as a centre, and the North-western Division of New Zealand, with Wanganui as a centre. In February, 1895, when the Wanganui and Wellington districts were merged into the Central Division, Staff-Captain Edwards took charge. In 1888 he married Catherine, daughter of Mr. M. O. Seward, of Langford, and has had four children, of whom two survive.
There is an old and trite saying, “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Nowhere has this adage more influence than in the colonies, and New Zealand is certainly not behind her sisters in the matter of recreation, which serves the double purpose of benefitting the performers and interesting and amusing listeners and onlookers. Under this heading information is given concerning the various clubs which cater for the amusement, refreshment and general convenience of their members. The Wellington Club is the only residential establishment of its kind in the city. It is a high-class club, conducted on an imposing scale, and has been the temporary home of many very distinguished visitors. Though well within five minutes' walk of the Post-office, the Wellington Club has all the advantages of a suburban site, occupying as it does one of the choice positions of the City. The other clubs, though less imposing, are exceedingly complete and well-conducted.
The department “Orders and Friendly Societies” contains particulars of the English and New Zealand constitutions of the Masonic Order, the English (Manchester Unity) and American Orders of Oddfellows, the Ancient Order of Foresters, the Independent Orders of Good Templars and Rechabites, the Sons and Daughters of Temperance, and the Orange and Hibernian Societies, together with reference to the several chapters, lodges, courts and tents within the city. The section “Sports, Games, and Pastimes” will be found specially interesting. The compilers have taken great pains to make the information concerning the many associations and clubs and the leading officers and most prominent players as full and complete as possible. Bowling, chess, cricket, football, tennis, racing and sporting come under review in their proper order under this heading. In many of these departments Wellington holds a leading position, particularly in chess, to which hardly sufficient importance is attached.
In concluding this very attractive section the compilers have referred to the Operatic and Dramatic Society, which has frequently ministered to the tastes of the citizens, and often been the means of contributing to the relief of the unfortunate.
the only residential club in the Empire City, is said to have been originally founded in the year 1840. It was named the Wakefield Club, in honour of Colonel Wakefield, who represented the New Zealand Company in the early days of colonisation. This name was retained till 1860, when it was changed to its present cognomen. For many years the club was situate on Lambton Quay, opposite the Government Departmental Buildings, in the premises now occupied by Messrs. Warnock and Adkin, drapers. Ever since its inception the Wellington Club has taken the premier place as such in the life of the City. In the early seventies the accommodation of the old building proved too scanty for the requirements of members, and it was decided to build suitable premises. A choice site of one acre in extent was secured on the Terrace, opposite Woodward Street. Mr. Thomas Turnbull, the well-known architect, was instructed to prepare plans and specifications, and the handsome structure now occupied was erected, being completed and opened in 1877. It is an imposing three-story wooden building, with large bay windows, from which are obtainable most extensive views of the City and harbour. Outside the main entrance is a large portico available for carriages. On the right within is a cheerful room for the reception of strangers; the remainder of the ground floor is used as kitchen, scullery, cellar, storeroom, and servants' quarters. The first floor is reached by a wide carpeted staircase, which leads into a fine, luxuriously-furnished hall, which is one of the main features of this institution. The magnificent dining-room opens from the hall, and has seating accommodation for seventy persons. On this floor there are comfortable smoking and writing-rooms, and a very large billiard-room, which has two tables by Burroughes and Watts. At the back of this flat are the secretary's offices, besides lavatories, etc. The second floor contains fifteen bedrooms, a card-room, and bath-rooms. The property is fenced in front with substantial iron railings. The grounds are laid out in verdant lawns, splendidly kept, and planted with lovely trees and shrubs, which are intersected by walks and carriage drives. Behind the club a large concrete tennis court has been laid out. The institution is vested in twelve trustees, who are assisted in its management by a committee of seven. The present (1895) trustees are Messrs. Colonel Pearce (president), F. D. Bell (vice-president), W. C. Buchanan, M.H.R., F. A. Krull, James McKerrow, J. E. Nathan, C. B. Izard, Charles Pharazyn, G. Tolhurst, and Sir George Clifford, Bart. The committee are Messrs. A. de B. Brandon, J. R. Blair, J. Duncan, R. M. Simpson, P. Parfitt, John Ross, and Colonel Fox. The Club has members in all the leading towns and cities of the Colony.
Secretary and Manager of the Wellington Club, hails from Cornwall. He was educated at Eton and Sandhurst, and came to New Zealand in 1870, via Melbourne. He joined the Government Service soon after arrival as clerk in the Public Works Department, and was gradually promoted in the Service. In 1879 he became Under-Secretary for Railways. Five years later he was retrenched, and accepted the position he still retains.
Grey Street and Lambton Quay, Wellington. Directors, Messrs. C. A. Knapp (Chairman), John Young, J.P., T. G. Macarthy, J.P., E. Mason, and G. H. Harbroe, J.P.; Secretary and Manager, Mr. A. I. Masters. Telephone 8. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. The Central Club was established about 1880, and has proved a very successful institution. Part of [he building occupied (the billiard-room)] originally known as the Oddfellows' Hall, serves the purposes of the Club splendidly. There are two entrances, the main one being in Grey Street, and the other in Lambton Quay. Entering the premises at the principal door, there is a handsome vestibule, from which the two rooms devoted to the use of strangers are reached. Handsome doors, fitted with Norton's patent door-checks and springs, lead into the central apartment, known as the billiard-room. This is said to be one of the finest and best-appointed south of the line. It is splendidly lighted from the roof, which is dome-shaped. The tables, two in number, of Allcock's famous make, are kept in fine order. At one end of the room the bar is situated, and here cold lunches and suppers are supplied free to members. The reading-room is at the other side, and is liberally supplied with English, Australian, and New Zealand literature, including both magazines and papers. The writing-room, a specially snug apartment, is furnished in good style, and is open to members at all times. Well-arranged lavatories are situated within the building. Every room is fitted with electric bells and electric light. The membership is about one hundred and twenty.
Secretary and Manager of the Central Club, Limited, was born and educated at Cowes, Isle of Wight. He came to the Colony by Sir James Fergusson's schooner, “The Blanche,” sixty-three tons, arriving in Wellington in 1873. Mr. Masters has had good general business experience since arriving in the City. For some time he was employed at the Wellington Club, and afterwards at Bellamy's. When the Athenæum was open Mr. Masters acted as librarian for a period of two years. He was appointed to his present position in January, 1891, and under his energetic and careful management the club has prospered and served the purposes intended.
Chairman, Mr. J. H. Owen, Secretary, Mr. J. J. Reich. This flourishing Club has sprung from the association of that name described elsewhere in the Cyclopedia. There are 180 members of the Association who enjoy club privileges, besides eighty purely club members. The whole of the profits are paid over to the Commercial Travellers and Warehousemen's Association to provide for any contingency. Finding the premises much too small the directors decided to build. Their new club house is situated in Hunter Street, next Messrs. W. M. Bannatyne and Co.'s warehouse. The cost of the building and fitting is over £2400; it is an imposing structure of two stories, built in brick, and having every necessary comfort, the ceilings being of embossed zinc instead of plaster. On entering the handsome hall a strangers' room is found on the left hand side. A very large billiard-room is right opposite the entrance door. This room contains two fine tables by Allcock, and is said to be one of the finest in the Colony. A card-room and bar open from this apartment. A very handsome staircase leads to the first floor where the reading-room is situated, of large dimensions, handsomely furnished, having three windows, and containing an abundant supply of current literature. This room is a credit to the club. On this floor also there is a comfortable writing and card-room. There are lavatories on both floors. Altogether, the new club house in Hunter Street is creditable alike to the city and the Association.
Johnston Street, Wellington). Directors, Messrs. H. D. Bell, M.H.R. (president), R. M. Simpson (vice-president), Colonel Hume, A.S.
(incorporated under the Friendly Societies Act), corner of Victoria and Mercer Streets, Wellington. Committee:—Messrs. C. F. Worth, J.P. (president), J. Griffiths (vice-president), Edgar Jones, J.P. (treasurer), Robert Scott, J. Cenci, S. R. Dransfield, J.P., R. W. Mouatt, J. Costley, J. Atkinson and J. Shakes. Secretary and Manager, Mr. D. Collins. The Working Men's Club was originally established in 1877 in rooms over the shop now occupied by Mr. W. C. FitzGerald, chemist, Evening Post corner. A considerable influx of members resulted in larger premises being secured, the Club being removed to Harding's corner, Willis and Manners Streets, opposite the Albert Hotel. Here it was successfully conducted for some years, but the members continued to increase so much that the committee decided, with the approval of the general body of members, to procure a central site and erect a substantial club-house suited to the requirements of the working men of the Empire City. The fine corner section opposite the Free Public Library having been leased from the City Corporation, the late Mr. Jacobsen, architect, was retained to draw plans, etc. Unfortunately, that gentleman died before he saw the completion of the handsome two-story building which he had designed. Mr. W. Heginbotham was therefore instructed to have the building completed. The new and commodious premises were opened in 1893, and have proved to be everything that was desired. The main entrance is from Victoria Street; on the left, on entering, the office and the committee-room are situated. The billiard-room contains two full-sized tables, one by Allcock, and the other by Wright, Ranish and Co. On this floor also the bar and refreshment-rooms are to be found. A fine staircase leads to the first floor. The first room to the left on the landing is the library, which contains 3000 to 4000 volumes. On the right there is the reading-room, where a plentiful variety of periodicals and papers is regularly kept. Opposite the staircase is the social hall, a magnificent room capable of seating 400 people. This hall is supplied with a convenient stage, and, like the rest of the building, it is grandly illuminated by the electric light. Here the general meetings of the club are held, and the social entertainments—a great feature of this club—are held every week or ten days. Members and their families are welcomed to these entertainments, which have proved a great success. Friendly contests among the members in chess, draughts and billiards, and at cribbage, euchre, etc., are frequently held, as are tournaments of various kinds. Prizes are often presented by business firms, and these are supplemented by the committee. The membership numbers 900 good on the books.
Secretary and Manager of the Wellington Working Men's Club, was born in 1861 in Liverpool, where he was educated. As a lad he went to sea, and for some years was on the steamers of the Cunard, Inman and White Star lines, trading between Liverpool and New York. Mr. Collins came to New Zealand in 1884 as second steward on the s.s. “Ionic,” and joined the Union Steamship Company, with whom he remained as chief steward for ten years. He is well known in this capacity on the intercolonial and coastal steamers, having been successively on the “Rotomahana,” “Hauroto,” “Manapouri,” “Wakatipu,” “Tekapo,” and other steamers.
President, Mr. J. S. Edwards; Vice-Presidents, Messrs. G. Bedford and Mr. T. M. Collins. Committee:—Messrs. A. Pearson, A. W. Curtis, A. Hutson, L. Giles, J. P. Welsted and H. S. Hood. Trustees:—Dr. Teare and Mr. W. H. Gaudin. Treasurer, Mr. George Crichton. Secretary, Mr. C. W. Longuet, Mutual Life Association Buildings, corner of Brandon and Featherston Streets. This club was opened in October, 1893, under the name of the Temperance Club. The name was changed by vote of the members in March, 1895, but the constitution providing for the supply of non-alcoholic beverages only, was not altered. The whole of the top flat of the building is used for the convenience of members, the space being divided off into reading, card and billiard rooms. In the latter room, which is a very cheerful apartment, are two splendid billiard tables made by Messrs. Wright, Ranish and Co., of Wellington. In one corner is situate the refreshment bar, from which coffee, tea and temperance drinks are dispensed. There is also a well-appointed gymnasium for the use of members, who number 175. The efforts of the committee and officers to provide recreation free from allurements of intoxicants cannot be too highly eulogised.
Lambton Quay, nearly opposite Government Buildings, Wellington. This is said to be the first club of its kind in the Colony. Established in January, 1896, under the control of Mrs. Grant, as manager, and Miss Lee as secretary, and a committee of eight, the movement has made a most successful commencement. The large two-story building occupied has been well fitted up and comfortably furnished as a residential club for women. On the ground floor are situated a capital library, a convenient dining-room, a snug room, which is reserved for the exclusive use of members, besides kitchen, and other apartments. About fifteen can be accommodated as permanent residents at the Club. Advantages are offered to members coming to lunch or afternoon tea. The public are admitted on reasonable terms. One of the principal objects of the Women's Club is to provide a central meeting place for women from all parts of the Colony. Every effort has been made to make the establishment bright, attractive, and homelike, and the success of the institution is already insured.
Secretary of the Women's Club, is a lady who possesses considerable energy and ability Born in Thornhill Lees Yorkshire, in 1865, she accompanied her parents to New Zealand in the ship “Victory” to Lyttelton, arriving during the following year. Miss Lee's father, Mr. Edward Lee, was for many years a storekeeper and settler in Temuka, where the subject of this sketch was educated. After leaving school Miss Lee assisted her father in business, first as bookkeeper and subsequently as manager. She displayed her capacity as a business woman by making a trip to the West Coast goldfields representing the firm of E. Lee and Co. In 1890, associated with her brothers, Miss Lee took over the business, which was conducted by them for three years. Having disposed of her interest in this concern, the lady removed to the North Island in 1893, entering into business as a storekeeper at Longburn. The year following she came to Wellington and took
Auckland Observer and Sydney Bulletin. It is not necessary to say that Miss Lee is a Socialist; she believes in women going into Parliament, and is a strong supporter of the Hon. W. P. Reeves's Undesirable Immigrants Bill, and all labour measures. She is a member of the Anti-Chinese League, and of the Women's Institute, in which she holds the office of assistant-secretary. Recently Miss Lee contributed a thoughtful paper at a meeting of the Citizens' Institute, on the Economic Independence of Women—politically, socially, morally, and legally—which was very favourably received.
Manager of the Women's Club, is the second daughter of Mr. Edward Lee, and widow of the late John Grant, so well known by South Canterbury sheepfarmers in connection with the Willow Bank stud, Temuka. Mrs. Grant is a capable manager, and will devote her services to promote the comfort, happiness and well-being of all who reside at the Women's Club, also of all the members and the visiting public.
—Grand Master, M.W. Brother Francis Henry Dillon Bell. Inaugurated at Christchurch on the 30th of April, 1890. After a period of nearly fifty years, the Union of the existing lodges, which had been established by the Grand Lodges of England, Ireland, and Scotland, culminated in the inauguration of a National Grand Lodge for New Zealand. Much thought and consideration
Grand Secretary of the Ancient Order of Free and Accepted Masons for New Zealand, was born in London, where he was educated at private schools. In 1839 he went out to Sydney, New South Wales, taking a situation as a clerk till 1843, when he returned to England. In the following year Mr. Ronaldson emigrated to New Zealand, acting as schoolmaster, and as Catechist under the Church Missionary Society till 1849, when he again visited England. After studying at the Church Missionary College at Islington, he was ordained deacon in 1854, and priest the following year by the Bishop of London. Before returning to the Colony the rev. gentleman resided for a year at South Collingham, Newark, as curate of St. John's Baptist Church, 1855 found Mr. Ronaldson again in New Zealand, he being the first clergyman appointed to the Wairarapa district, where he remained till 1868. From this time till 1877 he was stationed in the Nelson Diocese, at Motueka and Picton. Between the years 1877 and 1890, the rev. gentleman lived in Otago about three years, in charge of St. John's Church, Milton, and ten years at St. Peter's, Caversham, including in his charge St. Mark's, Green Island, and St. Mary's, Mornington. During his residence in Otago Mr. Ronaldson was Diocesan Secretary, and on three occasions he was elected Clerical Secretary of the General Synod. In 1890 he became Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted Masons of New Zealand.
was founded on the 9th of September, 1842. This Lodge meets every month in the Masonic Hall, Wellington, on the fourth Monday, at 8 p.m. The installation takes place in December. The officers (1896) are :—W.M., Bro. Rev. J. Dumbell; S.W., Bro. Jas. Mackay; J.W., Bro. F. W. Weston; Bro. Thos. W. Rowe, Secretary.
was founded in 1866. The monthly meetings are held in the Masonic Hall, Wellington, on the second Monday, at 7:30 p.m. The installation of officers takes place in December. The officers (1896) are :-W.M., Bro. Geo. MacMorran; S.W., Bro. J. W. Davis; J.W., Bro. G. B. Clark; Secretary, Bro. J. Stevenson P.M., Land Tax Office Wellington.
was founded in 1879. The, Lodge meets every month in the Masonic Hall, Wellington, on the third Monday, at 7.30 p.m. The installation of officers is held in December. The officers for 1896 are: - W.M., Bro. C. Neilson; S.W., Bro. Angus McKay; J.W., Bro. F. J. Bew; Secretary, Bro. R. Fletcher, P.M., Thorndon Quay, Wellington.
was founded in 1882. Meetings are held in the Masonic Hall, Wellington, on the first Monday in each month, at 8 p.m. The installation of officers takes place in July. Officers (1895) : - W.M., Bro. Arthur Clothier, P.M.; S.W. Bro. A. A. Bowley; J.W., Bro. J. A. Sloane; Secretary, Bro. James C. Young (P.O. Box 232). J. A. “copper” collection is taken at each meeting in aid of G.L. Widows and Orphans Fund.
has jurisdiction over thirteen Royal Arch Chapters and one Mark Lodge. The annual Convocation is held in January. The officers of the Grand Chapter for 1896 are:- Past First Grand Principal, M.E. Comp. W. B. Scandrett, Invercargill; First Grand Principal Z., M.E. Comp. Dr. L. G. Boor, Victory Chapter, No. 12; Depute Grand Principal Z., M.E. Comp. Geo. H. Powley, Auckland Province, Chapter No. 9; Second Grand Principal H., M.E. Comp. Rev. Thos. Porritt, Wairarapa, Chapter, No. 10; Third Grand Principal J., M.E. Comp. J. M. Brown, North Otago, Chapter, No., 8; Grand Scribe E., M.E. Comp. H. J. Williams, Waterloo Chapter, No. 2; Grand Scribe N., M.E. Comp. H. C. A. Wundrum, Victoria, Chapter, No. 4; Grand Treasurer, M.E. Comp. D. Greig, Waterloo, Chapter, No. 2; Grand Recorder, M.E. Comp. R. C. Hamerton, Waterloo, Chapter, No. 2; Grand Chancellor, M.E. Comp. H. Wetherilt, Waterloo, Chapter, No. 2; First Grand Sojourner, M.E. Comp. N. Swinard, Waitaki, Chapter, No. 13; Second Grand Sojourner, M.E. Comp. C. J. Ronaldson, Otago, Chapter, No. 7; Third Grand Sojourner, M.E. Comp. Jubal Fleming, Manawatu, Chapter, No. 11; Grand Superintendent of Works, M.E. Comp. H. F. Arnold, Albert Edward, Chapter No. 6; Grand Sword-bearer, M.E. Comp. H. Dempsey, Paritutu, Chapter, No. 5; Grand Standard-bearer, M.E. Comp. Hon. H. Feldwick, Southern Cross, Chapter, No. 3; Grand Janitor, M.E. Comp. H. Erith. Supreme Committee, the Officers of Grand Chapter and M.E. Comps. H. J. H. Eliott, H. Wetherilt, J. Jack, P.Z.'s; Geo. Wilson, Z.; E. Comps. R. Fletcher, H., and Geo France, J.
No. 2, was founded in 1875. The Chapter meets in the Masonic Hall, Boulcott Street, Wellington, on the first Wednesday in December, March, and June, and on the 23rd of September for Installation. The officers for 1896 are :-M.E.Z. Comp Geo. Wilson, Ex. H., Comp. R. Fletcher; Ex. J., Comp. G. France; Scribe E., Comp. H. J. Williams, P.Z., (Box 8, P.O.;) Ex. Master, Comp. R. Fletcher; Mark Master, Comp. Geo. Wilson.
North Island of New Zealand, was founded on the 24th of June, 1876, When the first District Grand Master was installed. The Grand Lodge district includes the Provincial Districts of Wellington, Taranaki, and Hawkes Bay, and consists of seven Lodges. Officers (1895) are:- D.G.M., Bro. Francis Arkwright, Marton; D.D.G.M., Bro. A. de B. Brandon, Wellington; D.G.S.W., Bro. Gifford Marshall, Wanganui; D.G.I.W., Bro. W. Parker, Marton; D.G.S., Bro. C. P. Powles, Wellington. The Grand Lodge meets on the first Thursdays of January, April, July, and October.
was established in 1874. Its meetings are held in the Freemasons' Hall, Wellington, on the third Friday in each month at 8 p.m. The annual installation of officers is held in June. Officers (1895) :- W.M., Bro. G. Airport; S.W., Bro. A. D. Riley; J.W., Bro. S. Robinson; secretary, Bro. F. Hartmann.
Wellington. This Lodge holds meetings on the fourth Tuesday in each month between April and November. The annual installation takes place on the fourth Tuesday in November, at the Masonic Hall, Boulcott Street. The officers for 1896 are :- W. M., Bro. J. M. Richardson; S.W., Bro. W. G. Rutherford; J.W., Bro. W. H. Quick; Secretary, Bro. J. O. Anson, Junior Club.
The District Officers of the Order for Wellington in 1895 are - Mr. G. Jordan, Provincial G.M., Eva Street, Wellington; Mr. J. Avery, Provincial Deputy G.M., Sussex Square, Wellington; Mr. J. Kershaw, Provincial Corresponding Secretary, 18 Austin Street, Wellington; Mr. R. Smith, Examining Officer and Warden, Garrett Street, Wellington; Mr. T. W. McKenzie, Treasurer and Relieving Officer, Ghuznee Street, Wellington. Book Examiners : - J. W. Kershaw, 18 Austin Street, Wellington; Mr. S. Waters, Upper Willis Street, Wellington. Trustees - Messrs. J. Smith, junr., Cuba Street; S. Waters, Upper Willis Street; I. Clark, Turn bull Street. The meetings of the District Management Committee are held at the Oddfellows' Hall, Lambton Quay, on the first Friday in every month. This Order was established in Wellington in February, 1843.
Meetings are held at the Oddfellows' Hall, Lambton Quay, fort nightly, from Monday, the 13th of January, 1896. Secretary, Mr. G. E. Godber, 53 Pirie Street.
holds fortnightly meetings at the Oddfellows' Hall, Lambton Quay, Wellington, from Wednesday, the 8th of January, 1896. Secretary, Mr. A. Guise.
The Grand Lodge officers for the order of New Zealand are:Grand Master, Frank Wills, Hankey Street, Wellington; Deputy Grand Master, Mr. J. T. Higgins, Roslyn, Dunedin; Grand Warden, Mr. A. J. Raukin, Dee Street, Invereargill; Grand Secretary, Mr. William Reid, Princess Street, Dunedin; Grand Treasurer, Mr. James Alexander, George Street, Dunedin.
the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge, was born at Wellington on the 20th of June, 1853, and is a son of the late Mr. James Fabian Wills. He has been a member of the Southern Cross Lodge for the past sixteen years, and has passed through all the chairs. In 1895 he was elected to the position of Grand Master. At fourteen years of age Mr. Wills entered the office of Mr. Izard, barrister and solicitor, and has continued in the employ of that gentleman and of the succeeding firms for a period of
(Wellington). Secretary, Mr. J. Evans, 145 Lambton Quay, Wellington.
(Wellington). Secretary, Mr. S. W. Green, Owen Street, Wellington. D.D.G.M., Mr. C. W. Benbow, South British Insurance Company, Lambton Quay, Wellington.
The District officers of the Order in Wellington City for 1895 are- Messrs. J. Foley, York Street; R. Harman, Waterloo Quay; H. J. White, Brougham Street, District Trustees; and A. Whiteford, Willis Street, district secretary. The district officers meet every first Friday in each month at 8 p.m. at St. George's Hall, Lambton Quay. There are thirty courts in the district, the earliest being established in 1862.
Meetings are held in the Foresters' Hall, Lambton Qnay, Wellington, on alternate Tuesdays at 8 p.m. The secretary for 1895 is Mr. J. Robertson, Dixon Street, Wellington. This Court, which has 248 members, was founded in 1862.
Meetings are held at the Foresters' Hall, Tory Street, on alternate Mondays at 8p.m. The secretary is Mr. J. T. Webber, Mclntyre's Avenue, Hawker Street. The membership is 206, the Court being founded in 1865.
Meetings of this Court are held at the Forester's Hall, Tory Street, on alternate Mondays at 8 p.m. The secretary is Mr. J. Foley, York Street. This is the largest Court, its members being 276. It was formed in 1869.
This Court meets at the schoolroom, Riddiford Street, Newtown, on alternate Mondays. Mr. T. L. Coe. Owen Street, Wellington, is the secretary. Founded in 1889, it has 100 members.
(Wellington), holds meetings at the Forester's Hall, Tory Street. The secretary is Miss N. Aston.
Branch No. 95 (St.Patrick's) Wellington, has been established in New Zealand about twenty-five years, and it is twenty years since the branch was founded in Wellington. The total membership in the Colony is 1500. St. Patrick's branch has 135 on the roll. Meetings are held every other Wednesday in St. Patrick's Hall, Boulcott Street. President, Mr. J. Hyland; treasurer, Mr. M. Bohan; secretary, Mr. W. J. Grant, Majoribanks Street.
holds its meetings on the first Wednesday in March, June, September and December, in the Rechabite Hall, Manners Street. The officers (1895) are: W.D.M., Mr. J. Lindsay; D.D.M., Mr. J. Edwards; D.S., Mr. G. Petherick, 38 Taranaki Street. Wellington.
holds its meetings in the Foresters' Hall, Tory Street, on the first Friday in each month. The officers (1895) are: W.M., Mr. H. J. White, Levy Street; secretary, Mr. G. Purdie. Taranaki Street.
holds its meetings in the Foresters' Hall, Tory Street, on the second Friday in each month. W.M., Mr. W. Jansen, Martin Square; secretary, Mr. G. D. Beharrell, Sussex Square.
holds its meetings in the Foresters' Hall, Tory Street, on the fourth Friday in the month. The officers (1895) are : W.M., Mr. Jas. Edwards, No. 1 Grey Street; secretary, Mr. A. M. Melville, Gordon Street (Box 307).
holds its meetings in the schoolroom, Riddiford Street, on the third Monday in each month. The officers (1895) are : W.M., Mr. J. Lindsay, Hansen Street; secretary, Mr. M. W. Thew, Cuba Street.
holds its meetings on the third Friday in the month at the Foresters' Hall, Tory Street. The officers (1895) are : Sir Knight, David Hall, W.M.; Sir Knight, G. D. Beharrell, registrar, Sussex Square.
This lodge meets on the first Thursday in each month at the Rechabite Hall, Manners Street. Mistress, Mrs. J. Lindsay, Hansen Street; secretary, Miss Roberts, Abel Smith Street.
was established in 1893. The officers for 1895 are: D.T., Bro. G. Petherick; D.C., Bro. W. J. Weston; D. treasurer, Bro. W. M. Hare; D. secretary, Bro. A. Thompson, care of the Hospital.
(Wellington), was founded in 1873. A weekly meeting is held every Monday in the United Methodist Free Church Schoolroom, Courtenay Place, at 7.30 p.m. The officers for 1895 are: C.T., Bro. R. Crawford; secretary, Bro. Hoverd.
was founded in 1873. The lodge meets each Thursday in the United Methodist Free Church Schoolroom, Courtenay Place, at 7.30 p.m. The officers for 1895 are: Bro. A. Martin; secretary, Bro. E. Reay, 100 Tinakori Road, Wellington.
Wellington, was founded in 1873. A weekly meeting is held each Friday in the United Methodist Free Church Schoolroom, Courtenay Place, at 7.30 p.m. The officers for 1895 are: C.T., Sister Perry; secretary, Bro. Spiers, care H.M. Gaol, Wellington,
Weekly meetings are held every Tuesday in the Wesleyan schoolroom, Riddiford Street, Newtown, at 7.30 p.m. The officers for 1895 are: L.D., Bro. E. F. Jones, care Newtown Printing Works; secretary, J. D. Jones, care Newtown Printing Works.
(Advance Division, Wellington), No. 24 of the Grand Division, No. 10 of New Zealand. This division meets on alternate Tuesdays in the United Methodist Free Church School room, Courtenay Place at 8 p.m. Officers, 1896— D.G.W.P. and Treasurer, Bro. W. L. Ludwig; P.W.P. Bro. A. Williams; W.P., Bro. J. Patten; W.A., Bro. J. Barnett; F.S. Bro. J. Salkeld; R.S., Bro. J. H. Baker; A.R.S., Bro. H. Cooper; Chaplain, Bro. D. Parnell; Conductor, Bro. Hitchings; Assistant Conductor, Sis, Moore; L.G., Sis. Patten; O.G., Bro. O. Ivor; Auditors, Bros. T. Cooper, T. Hawthorne, and A. Williams. The Society was founded on the 4th of October, 1887, and there are now about one hundred members. The funeral benefits are £20 on the death of a member, of which £10 is payable in the event of the prior death of a member's wife. The sick benefit is £1 per week for the first six month, 10s. per week for the second half-year, and 5s. weekly after twelve months. The subscriptions vary according to the age at joining.
Independent Order of Rechabites. Office, Manners Street, Wellington. District Officers:—Messrs. W.R. Cole, D.C.R., Dunedin; J. Piper, D.D.R., Nelson; J. Rash, P.D.C.R., Wellington; A. J. Bennett, District Treasurer, Wellington; F. H. Fraser, District Secretary, Wellington. Meets monthly.
(Wellington). The Tent holds meetings on each alternate Tuesday at the Rechabite Hall, Manners Street. Mr. F. H. Fraser, of Manners Street, Wellington, is the secretary.
(Wellington). Meetings are held on each alternate Tuesday at the Primitive Methodist Schoolroom, Sydney Street, at 7.30 p.m. The secretary is Mr. William H. Freethy, Mulgrave Street, Wellington.
(Wellington). This Tent holds its meetings on alternate Thursdays at the Rechabite Hall, Manners Street. Mr. W. J. Gaudin, of 26 Ghuznee Street, is the secretary.
(Wellington). Meetings are held on each alternate Friday at the Rechabite Hall, Manners Street. Wellington. The secretary is Mr. F. H. Fraser, Manners Street, Wellington.
The officers for this Club for 1895 were—Messrs. H. D. Bell, M.H.R., president; C. A. Knapp, J. W. Davis, J. M. King, L. O. H. Tripp, vice-presidents; H. T. McCardell, secretary; and A. M. Stuart, treasurer. The committee consists of Messrs. Kruft, Cooper, Leingham, Gore, Hawthorne, Marchbanks, Hempton, and Galbraith. The Club started with fifty-one members and held its inaugural meeting on the 22nd of January, 1889. The principal event of that meeting was the 120 yards hurdle championship of New Zealand, which was won by Batger in seventeen seconds. In October, 1891, the Club amalgamated with the Wellington Cycling Club, but in August, 1893, reverted to its old position, as the inclusion of cycling did not seem to help that sport much. At the end of its first year it had a cash balance in hand of £9 15s. 8d. In 1894 the balance to credit was £40 6s. 11d., while the Club's assets were valued at £135 6s. 11d. The Club has paid the City Council £90 as rent for the Basin Reserve. In November, 1890, Batger, one of the Club's members, put up the record of sixteen-and-one-fifth seconds for the 120 yards hurdles. In July, 1892, Batger and Hempton, two of the Club's members, represented New Zealand at the English Championship meeting at Stamford Bridge, London. The cross country race was inaugurated by the Club in October, 1892, and won that year by N. Gurr. In 1893 the Club was runner-up for the champion banner, securing forty-eight points to forty-nine by Canterbury, which won. At Dunedin in the following year the Wellington Amateur Athletic Club won the banner with fifty-two points. At Napier in 1895 the Club scored twenty-one points to Auckland's thirty-two points for the Banner. The greatest number of competitors taking part in a Club meeting up to the present was ninety-eight in 1893.
Secretary of the Wellington Amateur Athletic Club, was born in Christchurch in 1858. He was educated at Christ's College, and subsequently joined the New Zealand Survey Department. At college Mr. McCardell took an active part in athletics. As a member of the College Football Club's first fifteen he was chosen to represent his province, and played for Canterbury in interprovincial matches in 1875, 1876, 1878, 1879 and 1883. He also played as a three-quarter in the Wellington representative team in 1882 and 1886. In May, 1879 he competed at the South Canterbury Amateur Athletic Club's championship meeting, winning the 100, 250, 440, 120 yards hurdles, and the long jump, and coming second in the 880 yards and hop, step and jump, winning the champion cup and gold medal for the greatest number of points at the meeting. He also gained Parker's challenge cup at this meeting. Mr MeCardell was in the same year chosen to represent the Wellington Amateur Athletic Club, at Wellington, in an inter-club contest with the Wanganui Amateur Athletic Club. He has passed the Junior and Senior Civil Service Examinations, and at present is an assistant draughtsman in the General Survey Office, Wellington. Mr McCardell was hon. secretary to the Wellington Rugby Football Union for three years, and served the Wellington Cricket Association as its secretary for two years. He also acts as delegate for the Canterbury Union on the council of the New Zealand Rugby Union.
This Society was established in 1885. The offices for 1895 were:—President, Mr. James Russell; vice-presidents, Messrs. David Ross and Alexander Cameron; directors (eighteen), Colonel Hume, Messrs. John Jack, J. Duthie, M.H.R., Jas. Barry, Chas. Stewart, D. S. Gray, Jas. Hutchens, Geo. Wilson, Jas. Marchbanks, Geo. Pine, John Ross, A. S. Paterson, Captain Strang, John Young, E. Wilson, J. McDowell, Jas. McLellan, and W. Cable. All the directors are judges for the games. The Society holds a sports gathering in the Basin Reserve every New Year's Day, and an annual
Messrs. H. D. Bell, M.H.R. (president), C. P. Skerrett, and G. F. C. Campbell (vice-presidents), G. B. Nicholls (captain), S. R. Hawthorne (secretary), and P. Caffin (treasurer). This Club exists for the promotion of long distance running. During the sessions, which are from September to the 15th of December, and the 15th of January to the 31st of March, club runs of from five to eight miles are held every Wednesday night, and a hare and hounds run. monthly. The Club was founded by Messrs. C. D. Morpeth and G. B. Nieholls. The membership is fifty, and the subscription 5s. per annum. Any amateur runner may become a member. The Club's colours are black with red stripe. It has established a five-mile championship race for a trophy presented by the president. The present holder is Mr. S. R. Hawthorne.
which controls the conditions of amateur rowing competition in the Colony, was founded in 1337 by the late Mr. William FitzGerald, the then captain of the Star Boating Club, Wellington, and now has affiliated to it a total of forty-three clubs, which represents all the clubs in New Zealand that are eligible for membership. The institution ia one that rowing men have every reason to be proud of, as it has placed the sport on a sound amateur basis. The officers of the Association, for the current, season (1895–96) are as follows:—Patron, His Excellency the Governor, Lord Glasgow; president, Mr. Joseph Gould, Christchurch; vice-presidents, Messrs. E. C. Rutherford, Picton, and R. B, Smith, Napier; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr. A. M. Burns, Wellington; Council, Messrs. E. C. Batkin, A. S. Biss, W. H. Field, A. G. Johnson, J. C. Martin, W. Boss, and L. O. H. Tripp, all of Wellington; Association representatives at other centres, Messrs. E. W. Burgess (Auckland), W. H. Tylee (Napier), W. Rodwell (Wanganui), H. A. Sharp (Marlborough), J. F, Grierson (Canterbury), W. J. P. Hodgkins (Otago and Southland). The championship events under the auspices of the Association are rowed for annually at the one regatta, and comprise: Four-oar (with coxswain), two miles; double scull, pair-oar, and single sculls, each one mile and a half. Pieton Harbour is the favourite course for the Championship Regatta, Negotiations are at present proceeding with the Amateur Bowing Associations in the various Australian colonies for the establishment of an annual contest for the four-oared championship of Australia, and if satisfactory arrangements can be made, it is the intention of the New Zealand Association to send a crew to Australia to contest the title during the present season.
is one of the best-known aquatic institutions in New Zealand, and its name is associated with some of the finest oarsmen and scullers the Colony has produced. The present Club was revived from the old Wellington Rowing Club in 1884, and from that date has had a very successful career on the water. Perhaps the Club is most widely known from the victories of its famous four-oared crew—W. Bridson, E. J. Rose, T. Sullivan, and T. McKay—the members of which during 1889–90 carried off the four championships under the auspices of the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association. “Tom” Sullivan won the amateur sculling championship of the Colony in 1890, being coached by Captain Falconer, of the Torpedo Corps, who is a life active member of the Club. After leaving Wellington, Sullivan entered the professional ranks, and was beaten by Stanbury in the race for the championship of the world, but subsequently secured the title of champion of England, which he recently surrendered to Harding. The Club has a valuable plant, and its membership roll for the current season stands at 176. Its officers are as follows:—President, Mr. Joseph Sounders; vice-presidents, Sir Robert Stout, M.H.R., Messrs. John Duthie, M.H.B., John Rose, J. E. Hayes, and Marcus F, Marks; captain, Mr. William Ross; deputy-captain, Mr. S. Waters, jun.; hon. secretary, Mr. A. M. Burns; hon. treasurer, Mr. J. Patterson; general committee, Messrs. A. J. Bishop, J. Darby, A. Sargeant, P. Grahame, G. White, J. E. Crawford, and B. J. Finucane; selection committee, Messrs. W. Ross, A. J. Bishop, and P. Grahame. The Club is one of the largest on the roll of membership of the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association, and has secured twelve of the championships since the institution of these events in 1888, In the social sphere, the Club is noted for the thorough success of its social gatherings, which are held during the winter months.
who holds the dual position of honorary secretary and treasurer of the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association, and honorary secretary of the Wellington Rowing Club, was born at Lawrence, Otago, in 1871, and was educated at the Riverton District High School, and Invercargill Boys' High School. On leaving school, he joined the literary staff of the Marlborough Daily Times, Blenheim, and after serving a short apprenticeship in this position, he was appointed to a vacancy in the head office of the New Zealand Press Association at Wellington, and has been attached to the staff ever since—a period of six years. Mr. Burns' experience of active rowing has been confined to club racing, of which he has done a large share. He has held the position of secretary of the
Officers, Messrs. E. Pearce (president), W. H. Field (captain), N. Galbraith (deputy-captain), C. Pearce (secretary), and H. L. Wiggins (treasurer). The committee consists of Messrs. G. H. Bethune, G. C. Fache, C. A. Knapp, W. H. Morrah, A. H. Barnett, and C. B. Trimnell. This fine Club was established in 1865; it is the largest in the Colony, its members numbering some 360. The building owned and occupied by the Club is situate on the reclaimed land, and presents a handsome front to the harbour. It provides full accommodation for the large and valuable plant, besides a social and reading-room, a complete gymnasium, comfortable dressing-rooms, and other conveniences. The social and reading-room, situate on the first floor, is a large apartment, from which a magnificent view of the shipping and harbour is obtainable. It is supplied with daily, weekly, and illustrated papers. The Star Boating Club possesses one of the most complete plants in the Colony. It is fully up-to-date, a great portion having been recently imported from England. In 1884 an eight- oar rowing boat arrived in Wellington to the order of the Club, this being the first boat of its kind to reach the Colony. The engraving given above is an excellent representation of these fine boatsheds.
who for the past six years has been Captain of the Star Boating Club, is the son of Mr. H. C. Field, of Wanganui, where he was born. Educated at Wellington College, he served his articles with Mr. C. H. Borlase, solicitor, of Wanganui. In 1885 he joined the firm of Messrs Buckley, Stafford, and Treadwell, and five years later was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. On the Hon. Sir P. A. Buckley's elevation to the Supreme Court Bench, Mr. Field was admitted a partner. He has long taken a keen interest in the Star Boating Club, having rowed in representative crews successfully for many years past. In 1893 Mr. Field was married to the daughter of Mr. W. M. Hodgkins, barrister and solicitor, of Dunedin—who is well known as an artist and as president of the Otago Art Society—and has two daughters.
This Club was formed in 1883, and holds a regatta annually on the 22nd of January. Its club-room is in the Empire Hotel, Wellington, and it has seventy subscribing and seven honorary members. The officers for 1895 were commodore, Mr. E. W. Mills; vice-commodore, Mr. George Mee; rear-commodore, Mr. R. Turnbull; treasurer, Mr. J. H. H. Jack; secretary, Mr. J. B. Speed. Committee:—Messrs. Laing, Dean, Winstanley, McLean, and Gibbons. Auditors:—Messrs. Symons and Hall. Starter, timekeeper and handicapper, Mr. A. G. Dixon. Measurers:—Messrs. Carrington and FitzGerald. The Club's colours are black and red, and the fleet numbers sixteen yachts. The champion yacht of the club in 1895 was the “Waitangi,” and also in 1896.
This Club was formed to encourage the building and the sailing of boats. The officers for 1895 are:—Commodore, Mr. T. Y. Wardrop; vice-commodore, Mr. A, H. Turabull; rear-commodore, Mr. J. Chalmers; secretary Mid treasurer, Mr. C. M. Banks; auditor, Mr. E, M. Silk; handicappers, Messrs. W. J. Osborn and H. G. Smith; starter, timekeeper, and measurer, Mr. E. Gell; committee, Messrs. C. M. Banks, J. Chalmers, M. Chapman, Dr. F. W. Mackenzie, W. Moore, E. M. Silk, A. H. Turnbutl, T. Y. Wardrop. The Club holds regattas and organises races during the season. The annual subscription is five shillings. The Club's flag is a triangular blue flag with a white diamond on it.
This Club was formed to provide a shed (which was built on Thorndon Quay in October 1889) for the accommodation of yachts and yacht properties, and a club-room for yachtsmen. The shed is being extended, and when finished will be a two-story wooden building about fifty feet in length, costing about £400, the money being raised by debentures amongst yachtsmen, subscriptions from members and rents from yacht-owners. The Club has a yearly income of over £50. Its affairs are managed by a committee, a captain and a secretary. The captain for 1895 was Mr. Martin Chapman, the secretary and treasurer Mr. A. B. Dean, and the committee Messrs. H. P. Bawson, J. Jack, and G. Mee. The fleet attached to the shed consists of fifteen yachts, the best known of which is the champion yacht Waitangi, The Club is registered under the Unclassified Societies Act.
Officers (1896):—Dr. Chapple (president), Sir Robert Stout, M.H.R., Messrs. H. D. Bell, M.H.R., J. Duthie, M.H.R., W. Allen. T. Shields, and C. M. Luke (vice-presidents), F. Pullen (captain), T. Evans (sub-captain), E. J. Fleming (hon. treasurer), W. Ross (starter and timekeeper), R. C. Renner, H. Dacre, G. Read, L. Partridge, B. Grimmel (committee), R. Hood (auditor). This successful Club, which was founded in 1894 by Messrs. R. C. Benner, T, Evans, J. Driscoll, and E. J. Fleming, has a membership of one hundred. The first annual competition, held in 1895, was a great success.
the Hon. Secretary, was born in Timaru in 1866. He was educated at East Christchurch School, and entered the railway station, Christchurch, as a cadet, on the 24th of May, 1883. He was speedily promoted to the position of booking clerk, which he held for seven years. In 1890 he was transferred to the Accountant's branch in Wellington as clerk. Me. Fleming has always advocated swimming as a healthy recreation. He is an expert in the Monte Christo feat, the performer being tied in a sack and thrown into a bath, where he liberates himself, to the amazement of the spectators.
Officers (1890):—Mr. William Gorrie (Auckland), president; J. Bennie (Wanganui), vice-president; J. H. Mentiplay (Wellington), hon. secretary and treasurer. The Council is composed of delegates from the affiliated clubs, which number fifteen. The Association was founded in 1892; it governs bowling generally, as well as making rules for the guidance of clubs and for the conduct of competitions. Tournaments are held each alternate year. At Easter, 1894, a successful tournament was held in Napier. The last one was fixed for the 24th of February, 1896, in Wellington, the prizes being silver-mounted bowls and certificates. There are about one thousand members belonging to the various affiliated clubs.
The Club's ground covers nearly half an acre, and is situated in Mansfield Street, South Wellington. The shares are 350 of £3 each, none of which is called up. The Club was instituted in May, 1893. The number of members is ninety-two. The ex-presidents are Messrs. H. J. H. Blow, J. Telford and W. G. Tustin. President, J. Danks; vice-president, G, B. Prince; directors, A. Morris, J. McLean, W. F. Richards, J. N. Astill, T. L. Blyth; treasurer, J. H. Davies; secretary, William H. Butterworth, 79 Daniel Street, Newtown. The Club was instituted by a number of Newtown residents, very few of whom had previously played bowls. The Club has so far had a very successful career both financially and from a sporting point of view, having held its own with the two senior clubs in various competitions.
The present club, which has been registered as a limited liability company, took over from the liquidators of the old Thorndon Bowling Club the lease of the ground, pavilion, and appurtenances in Tinakori Boad. The Club has a capital of £1500 in 300 shares of £5, which, however have not all been allotted. The Club is managed by seven directors, a secretary, and a treasurer. The membership stands at sixty. The Club has been fairly successful on the green, and at the New Zealand Bowling Tournament of 1895 the only rink from the Club was second in the rink competition. The Club's secretary is Mr. P. Macintyre, Treasury Office, Wellington.
This Club was founded in 1886 by Colonel Hume, Dr. Macgregor, Messrs T. J. W. Gale, W. N. Blair, and W. M. Maskell. The latter gentleman was its first secretary. The officers associated with him were:—President, Mr. G. S. Cooper; vice-president, Mr. J. Duthie; treasurer, Colonel Hume. The year it was formed the Club acquired its present green, which is an acre in extent, in Wordsworth Street. In 1893 the handsome pavilion was erected at a cost of £400. The Club has a membership of 150, The directors for 1895 were Messrs. F. F. Grady (president), Jas. McLellan (vice-president), Captain E. A. Edwin (secretary), Thos. Ballinger (treasurer), Jno. Blundell, W. Gray, T. Scoullar, W. N. Muir, and T, J. W. Gale. The Club holds the premier position amongst the Wellington bowling clubs.
was established in Christchurch about the end of 1892 with a membership of five senior and two junior clubs. The annual subscription was fixed at £2 2s. senior, £1 1s. junior, and £1 1s. honorary members. The officers were—president, the Hon. Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G.; vice-presidents, His Honor Mr. Justice Dermiston, Mr. H. Hookharn (Canterbury), His Honor Mr. Justica Williams and Mr. J. Roberts, G. (Otago), and the Hon. J. Bryce and Mr. C. W. Benbow (Wellington). Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. P. W. Tait, Wellington. Under former organizations, congresses to decide who should be chess champion for the Colony had been held at irregular intervals. The first tournament in chess under the auspices of the Canterbury Club was held in 1879, Mr. H. Hookham of that Club proving the victor. Nine years later a second contest resulted in favour of Mr. A. M. Ollivier, in the same place. In 1889 the Otago Chess Club promoted a competition, when Mr. Hookham was again victorious. In 1890 a central organization with a committee in Wellington was established, and a successful congress held in the Empire City, Mr. E. J. Barnes, of the Wellington Chess Club, winning the championship. An association was set up at this congress, consisting of affiliated clubs, and under its auspices a contest was held in Auckland in December, 1891, when Mr. Siedeberg, of Otago, carried off the championship. This association appears to have fallen through shortly after, and but for the keen interest taken in the King of Games by the Christchurch Chess Club, it is probable that no contest would have been held in 1893. The tournament resulted in the favour of Mr. Siedeberg for a second time and the present association was formed as above. The first congress of the new association was held in Dunedin in 1893, and was brilliantly successful, Mr. J. Edwards, of the Wellington Chess Club, being victor. At the end of 1894 the second contest was held, the meeting being in Wellington, when Mr. W. Mackay became the champion. In December, 1895, the third congress was commenced, the place being Wanganui, when Mr. W. Meldrum of Hunterville, was the winner. Mr. H. C. Skeet, Union Bank of Australia, is the hon. secretary and treasurer.
the Chess Champion of New Zealand for 1895, is a bookseller in Lambton Quay, Wellington. He has been a member of the Wellington Chess Club since 1885. Born in Melbourne in 1863, he was educated in the Victorian capital. Mr Mackay and his brother came to New Zealand in 1878, and opened a bookselling business in Dunedin, but after some time removed to Wellington, where the firm of S. and W. Mackay is well known. Mr. W. Mackay started chess twelve years ago, and has competed in local tournaments several times. In the Chess Congress of 1895 he played altogether eleven games, of which he won seven, two were drawn, and two lost. This was his first appearance at a colonial congress.
who is a member of the Wellington and Working Men's Club Chess Club, is one of the most prominent figures in the chess world of New Zealand. As an accountant, he occupies the position of acting-secretary for the Empire Loan and Wellington Opera House Companies. Born near Ballarat, Victoria, Mr. Barnes was educated in Dunedin. Shortly after leading school, he came to Wellington, and entered a solicitor's office as engrossing clerk, but was laid up by a severe illness for a long time. On his recovery he took a position as bookkeeper in a large drapery establishment where he remained three years, Mr. Barnea commenced chess about 1884, when he joined the Wellington Chess Club, and carried off the first prize in the Club handicap tourney of the same year. His first appearance in a Chess Congress was in 1889–90 (Christmas and New Year Holidays) in Dunedin, when he tied with Mr. Hookham of Christehurch for the first prize and championship. In the play-off Mr. Hookham was successful. The following Congress, 1890–91, at Wellington, Mr. Barnes won the first prize and championship right out, against
was founded in 1876. Its inauguration was the outcome of a match played in that year between the town and the Civil Service, which brought the principal players together, and in that way suggested the formation of the Club. Mr. George Hunter, M.H.R., was the first president, and among the members were a number of prominent citizens. The meetings were at first held in a room over the offices of the president, the use of which he kindly granted to the Club. Quite a number of changes of residence have been made during the life of the Club; but at last very comfortable quarters have been secured on the top floor of the Exchange Buildings in Lambton Quay. Mr. C. W. Benbow has been president for the past fifteen or sixteen years, and Mr. H. C. Skeet is in his third year as secretary. The Wellington Club has measured swords with all the first-class clubs of the Colony, and has by its successes earned for itself the very satisfactory title of the “Champion Club of New Zealand.” The struggles with the clubs of the other large cities have always been difficult, and no doubt efforts will be made to wrest the championship from the Wellington Club. Intercolonial chess matches have not yet come into vogue, so there has been little opportunity of judging of the capabilities of the New Zealand chess players in comparison with those of the other Australasian colonies. Some day chess may be considered as worthy of public encouragement as football, and then a representative team may be sent across the Tasman Sea. In the meantime the only way of gauging the relative strength of the clubs of this Colony with those of the world outside is by means of individual tourists. In October, 1887, a very rare opportunity of this kind occurred when Count Hydebrand und der Lasa, an ambassador of Germany, was passing through Wellington. The Count was the guest of His Excellency the Governor, and his time was therefore well occupied; but he made it convenient to attend the Club in fulfilment of an appointment with the president. Twenty years ago Count Von der Lasa was referred to in the chess journal as “the first living authority upon the theory of chess.” It was Count Von der Lasa who was referred to in those enthusiastic lines addressed by E. J. Weller to Paul Morphy in the New York Chess Monthly in 1857. Mr. Morphy had conquered nearly all the world's players, but he had not yet met the famous German Count, hence the concluding verse:—
As may be imagined, the advent of Count Von der Lasa, backed as he was by such a record, was hailed with much interest. His limited time would admit of but two games, which he played with President Benbow. Both were hard fought games, and both resulted in a draw. From this, and from the position taken by Mr. Benbow among the chess stars of England, it is evident that the game is well understood and well played in this quarter of the globe. The Club meets on Tuesday and Friday evenings at 7.30, and a fair attendance is kept up. Additional interest to the ordinary play is provided by the tournaments—champion and
the President of the Wellington Chess Club, is the most prominent chess magnate of the Colony. According to the Dubuque Chess Journal for May, 1874, “Mr. Benbow's attention was first called to chess by seeing a problem in the Illustrated London News during the fall of 1858. Being determined to know what it meant, he made enquiries about the game, and was informed that there was a very good book for beginners called “Chess made Easy,” edited by George Walker. Having immediately procured this book he commenced its study with pleasure and profit, dwelling with much delight on the four games between La Bourdonnais and McDonnell, especially with the annotations given to every move. In May, 1859, occurred his first game by correspondence.” The game is given, and shows that Mr. Benbow'a opponent, Mr. J. W. Witty, resigned after his twenty-fifth move. “From this till the end of 1863,” quoting from the same source, “he continued the practice of the game, though only in a small degree, but then, from the pressure of business and other engagements, he was compelled to give it up, and with the exception of two correspondence games in 1865 he did nothing until April, 1867, when he says: ‘I felt an irresistible longing to enter the arena again and try my powers against any athletes that might come in my way. I did so with more ardour than ever, and trust that I shall not withdraw from the mimic battle field till the last move of all is made’ In the year 1879 he carried off the honours in a tourney by correspondence in connection with The Young Men of Great Britain.” Several of these games are given with notes by Lowenthal, all more or less complimentary of Mr. Benbow's play. In 1871 the Birmingham Club, of which Mr. Benbow was at that time a member, was honoured by a visit from the celebrated French player, M. Bosenthal, who conducted four games simultaneously, winning three and losing one—that one being lost to the present president of the Wellington Club. This game is given in the chess journal referred to above, and the “win” is credited to Mr. Benbow at the thirty-sixth move. “In November of the same year Birmingham was visited by another star of the first magnitude, viz., Mr. Blackburne. On the opening day he carried on twenty games simultaneously, out of which number he won nineteen, losing one to friend Benbow. On the second day he went through the marvellous performance of playing ten games blindfolded. Mr. Benbow, on this occasion fell a victim to his prowess, though it seems as if he ought to have made a better ending with him. Up to the nineteenth move in this game he “played with great judgment.” After giving a number of games all brilliantly won by Mr. Benbow, the article closes with some three or four pages of his problems, the editor remarking that—“Besides his great talent for chess play over the
This Association is the controlling power in cricket matters. It arranges matches, selects representative teams, and generally supervises cricket in Wellington City. It promotes cup competitions and interclub contests. The Association consists of delegates from the various cricket clubs in the city. There are four senior and nine junior clubs affiliated to the Association. Four of the junior clubs play for the third class championship. The senior clubs are the Wellington, Midland, Phœnis and Rival. The juniors are the Excelsior, Johnsonville, Karori, Kilbirnie, St. Patrick's College, Thorndon, Wesley, Wellington College, and Petone, The Association's colours are claret and gold, the officers for 1895 being Messrs. H. D. Bell, M.H.R., (president), Dr. Collins (vice-president), Messrs. H. Gully, N. W. Werry, C. W. Benbow, D. J. Nathan, and John Duthie, M.H.R., W. C. Marter, secretary, Near Zealand Times Office, Mr. J. Hyams, treasurer.
of the four clubs whose first elevens compete for the Senior Championship, the Midland and Wellington are most prominent, the competitions each year usually resulting in a close contest for first place between these two teams.
This Club was founded in 1883, being an amalgamation of the Excelsior and United Clubs. The principal officers for 1895 were—President, Mr. J. Duthie, M.H.R.; captain, Mr. A. Blacklock; secretary, Mr. Steel (Roach and Co). This Club has a large membership and plays three teams, all being fairly high up in their several competitions. The first eleven have been for two or three seasons general favourites for the championship, and included among them are such well-known players as A. and R. Blacklock, Warren, Upham and Fitzsimmons. The Club is always well represented in representative matches. In the match New South Wales v. Wellington in 1895, Messrs. R. Blacklock, Warren, Upham and Fitzsimmons were chosen to represent the province, and took no small part in the honours which fell due to the Wellington team. In the first innings Warren scored fifty, thus ably contributing to making the score as large as it was. To Upham must be accorded the honour of keeping down the runs and preventing the visitors from making a still larger score, while Fitzsimmons also bowled with fair success.
This Club was established in 1881. It has a membership of eighty, and plays three teams. The officers for 1895 were—president, Mr. J. Duncan, vice-presidents, Dr. Martin, Major Gudgeon, Messrs. F. Allen, C. W. Benbow, H. D. Crawford, H. Gully, J. Lachman and A. H. Turnbull, secretary and treasurer, Mr. C. E. Stevens, Lands and Survey Department; captain, Mr. G. Webb; auditor, Mr. D. S. Gray; delegates to Cricket Association, Messrs. Burton, Stevens, and Motley. Committee—Messrs. S. Roberts, G. E. Burton, W. Chisholm, W. Bennett, W. J. Hueston, with the secretary.
This Club was formed in 1884, and became affiliated to the Wellington Cricket Association in 1887. In the 1888–89 season, the first eleven won the Junior Cup with an innings to spare in every match but one. The following year the Club entered for the senior championship shield. Since then the Club has been runner-up for the championship three times in five years. To Mr. C. J. Johnson, its secretary from 1884 to 1896, and to Mr. D. M. Fuller, captain from 1890 to 1896, the Club owes much for its present position. It has had representatives in Wellington representative teams on different occasions, and was also represented in the New Zealand team of 1894. The Club's third eleven won the Third-Class Championship in 1889–90. The colours are Oxford and Cambridge blue. The membership is sixty, and the subscription £1 1a. The officers for 1895 were president, Mr. D. J. Nathan; vice-presidents, Messrs. H. D. Bell and J. Duthie, M.H.R.s, A. de B. Brandon, J. Lachman and J. W. Abbott; captain, Mr. D. M. Fuller; secretary, Mr. J. Murray, Stamp Office; treasurer, Mr. R. Reid.
This Club was founded prior to 1869. The officers for 1895 were:—President, Mr. H. D. Bell, M.H.R.; vice-presidents, Dr. Collins, Messrs. N. W. Werry, C. A. Knapp, and A. T. Bate; captain, A. B. Holdship; secretary and treasurer, W. E. Pearson. The Club membership is 70. The subscription and fees amount to 36s. annually for senior playing members. In the early days of the City this Club supplied nearly all the players to the Wellington representative teams. It now vies with the Midland Club in supplying the greater number. In 1894–95 the Club won the senior championship, which it had held several times previously. The illustration accompanying this sketch shows the team which won the championship in 1894–95. The Club plays three elevens, and has a record of nine wickets for 247 runs, made in three and a-half hours by its second eleven against the Phœnix second, this being an unequalled feat in junior cricket in the Colony, The score of the 1835 season in Wellington was made by a member of the Club, when Mr. A. R. Holdship, the captain, made 136, not out, playing against the Phœnix. The Club has twenty-five shares in the Athletic Park Company. The Club's colours are chocolate and white, and its annual meeting is held in August.
B.A., Captain of the Wellington Cricket Club, Wellington representative,
This Association comprises those junior cricket clubs in Wellington that are not engaged in the Senior Association's contests. The Association, which was formed at the beginning of the season 1895–96, arranges for contests amongst the clubs affiliated, and assists largely in the development of junior cricket. The principal clubs which engage in these contests are as follows: — Painters, Vivians, New Zealand Times, and St. Johns.
This Union is the supreme body in New Zealand as far as football under Rugby rules is concerned. It controls a membership of some 50,000, and is therefore the largest and moat powerful athletic governing body in the Colony. It was founded by Mr. E. D. Hoben, who, when he took the initial steps towards its foundation was hon. secretary of the Hawkes Bay Rugby Football Union. The first conference of delegates from the different district and provincial unions of the Colony to consider a basis for this Union met in Wellington in November, 1891. A constitution was drawn up and Submitted to a second conference in April, 1892, On this occasion the New Zealand Rugby Football Union was formed, embracing the Auckland, Wellington, Hawkes Bay, Taranaki, Wanganui, Westland, Nelson, Marlborough, Manawatu, Wairarapa and South Canterbury Unions. Otago and Canterbury, though represented at the conference, declined to join. In 1894 Canterbury yielded, and a year later Otago and Southland gave in their allegiance, thus completing the combination of the unions of the Colony. In 1893 the representative team of the New Zealand Union visited Australia and won five out of six matches played in New South Wales, the score being eighty-eight points to thirty-sis, and of three games played against the Australian colony one only was lost. In Queensland five matches were played, two against the Colony, the scoring being seventy-six points to eight, On its return the team was accorded a public reception, the Premier and leading public men taking part. The Union received a visit from a New South Wales Representative team in 1894, which played ten matches against district unions, New Zealand winning seven. Against the North Island representative fifteen the visitors lost by fifteen to three; but won against the Colony by eight to six (two goals to two tries). The New Zealand Rugby Football Union deals with the interpretation of rules, punishes misconduct on the part of footballers as such, on or off the field, prevents professionalism, and generally upholds the good name which the game has obtained in New Zealand, where it has become the chief national pastime. A New Zealand Referees' Association with branches at various centres has been established. This has effected great improvement in the dignity and status of referees throughout the Colony, under the direction of Mr. E. D. Hoben, its general secretary. The New Zealand Rugby Union was instrumental in having passed through the Parliament of New Zealand an Act which gives unique powers and status to the athletic bodies of the Colony. The District Unions are as follows:— North Island:—Auckland, with fifty-seven affiliated teams; Poverty Bay, ten teams; Hawkes Bay, fifteen teams; Bush Districts, seven teams; Manawatu, five teams; Wanganui, twelve teams; Taranaki, ten teams; Horowhenua, four teams; Wairarapa, ten teams; Wellington, twenty-four teams. South Island—Nelson, eight teams; Marlborough, eleven teams; Buller, six teams; West Coast, nine teams; Canterbury, thirty-five teams; South Canterbury, sixteen teams; Otago, fifty-four teams; Southland, eighteen teams. There are Referees' Association Branches at Auckland, Wanganui, Wellington, Nelson, Marlborough, West Coast, Canterbury and Otago. The officers for 1895 were Patron, His Excellency Lord Glasgow; President, Mr. Thomas Henderson, Auckland; Vice-Presidents, A. E. Devore (Auckland), A. W. Rees (Poverty Bay), F. Logan (Hawkes Bay, G. H. Smith (Bush), W. Bailey (Manawatu), W. Empson (Wanganui), G. F. Bayly (Taranaki), T. Bartholomew (Horowhenua), E. M. D. Whatman (Wairarapa), G. F. C. Campbell (Wellington), W. S. Littlejohn (Nelson), J. Snodgrass (Marlborough), C. E. Harden (Buller), G. H. Boyd (West Coast), A. E. G. Rhodes (Canterbury), Moss Jonas (South Canterbury), A. F. Hawke, Southland; Hon. Sec., E. D. Hoben; Assistant Sec., A. De Costa; Hon. Treasurer, G. C. W. Morris (Mr. I. Hyams succeeded Mr. Morris towards the end of the year); Appeal Committee, G. F. C. Campbell (Wellington), J. P. Firth (Wellington), W. J. Cotterill (Christchurch), T. Henderson (Auckland), Management Committee, the delegates from Auckland (Mr. Wells), Wellington (Mr. Bate), Southland (Mr. Wesney), Wanganui (Mr. Hyams), Otago (Mr. Bee), and Canterbury (Mr. McCardell), with the officers ex officio; Auditors, Messrs. L. Coupland and G. Fache.
late Hon. Secretary, New Zealand Rugby Football Union, was born in Auckland on the 3rd of February, 1864. After a few years in New South Wales, he spent his youth at Tauranga, where he was a prominent figure in local athletics, captain of football and boxing clubs, secretary of cricket club, and noted as a walker, swimmer and general athlete. After some banking experience he finally took to journalism (with which he had already been connected as a contributor at Tauranga and Napier), subsequently removing to Wellington, where, as parliamentary special of the Evening Post he became well known throughout the Colony. A long series of successes in the publication of special political news had as a leading incident a Royal Commission—“The Fox Commission,” set up to ascertain how he became possessed of certain information respecting the relations of the Commandant and the Premier. The Commission, after sitting a considerable time, failed in its object, Mr. Gillon, the editor of the Post, and Mr. Hoben declining to appear before it, though the Commandant, the Premier and his Ministers,
Sydney Daily Telegraph. He was the founder, and remained up to his departure the chief executive officer of the New Zealand Rugby Union, and has been an officer of a large number of athletic, literary, chess and other organisations, as well as member of the Council of the New Zealand Journalists' Institute. For some years prior to his departure he was New Zealand correspondent of the Sydney Morning Herald, and has written considerably for reviews and magazines.
This is the body which controls inter club Rugby football in all that part of Wellington province south of Paikakariki on the Manawatu railway line and the summit on the Wairarapa railway line. There are twelve clubs affiliated to it, which are classified thus: five senior, four junior, and three Wednesday afternoon clubs. Senior clubs are entitled to three, junior two, and Wednesday afternoon one delegate to the Union. The Union is affiliated to and subject to the New Zealand Rugby Union. The officers are elected at the Union's annual meeting in March. A management committee elected at the annual meeting conducts the affairs of the Union daring the season. The office-bearers for 1895 were as follows:—President, Mr. H. D. Bell, M.H.R.; vice-presidents, Dr. A. K. Newman, M.H.R., Messrs. J. Duthie, M.H.R., J. P. Firth, and G. F. C. Campbell; hon. secretary, Mr. W. C. Marter; and hon. treasurer, Mr. J. N. Grant; committee of management, Messrs. A. T. Bate, E. Davy, S. Nicholls. J. N. Grant, M. Crombie, W. McKenzie, W. C. Marter, W. Woon, E. Look; Match Committees—senior, Messrs. G. Fache, S. Nicholls, and J. Gamble; junior, Messrs. W. Gibson, I. Hyams, J. Earle; delegates to the N.Z.R.F.U., Messrs. G. C. Fache, A. T. Bate, and W. McKenzie; auditors, Messrs. J. Murray and I. Hyams. Clubs are elected to the Union by ballot on application, and have to pay an annual subscription of £1 1s. The Union's headquarters are in Wellington. Its uniform for representative players is black jersey with gold monogram “W.R.F.U.,” black stockings and knickers, black cap braided with gold. The Union arranges club competitions for a shield presented by Messrs. T. C. Williams and Co., and cups presented by Mr. J. Lane and Messrs. Kitto and Graham. The senior teams play for the championship shield, the junior teams for Mr. Lane's cup, and the third class teams for Messrs. Kitto and Graham's cup. The Union's assets are valued at about £20. Wellington Union teams have a considerable
There are at the time of writing (1896) six senior clubs, whose first fifteens compete for the honour of winning the Senior Championship and Senior Shield. Of these, the Wellington Club has been longest in existence, having been established in 1870. The other five clubs—Athletic, Poneke, Melrose, Petone, and Selwyn—were formed respectively in 1877, 1883, 1887, 1889, and 1889. The Senior Cup contests were started in 1882, and up to 1895 the results were as follows:—1882, won by Athletic; 1883, Wellington and Greytown draw; 1884, Athletic; 1885, Wellington; 1886-7-8-9, Poneke; 1890, Wellington; 1891, Athletic; 1892–3–4, Poneke; 1895, Petone.
This Club was formed in 1877. The officers for 1894 were:—President, Mr. H. D. Bell, M.H.R.; vice-presidents, Captain Falconer, Messrs. G. F. C. Campbell, E. Davy, J. Coates, G. Robertson; captain, J. McKee; vice-captain, J. Murphy; secretary, R. P. Hood, Government Insurance Department; treasurer, J. H. Pagni; committee, Wells, Goldie, Simons, Arnott, Ridler, and officers; match committee, McKee, Wells, and Simons; delegates, G. F. C. Campbell, Davy, and Fraser; auditors, J. A. Thomson and J. Cooper. The colours are blue and black, and the membership is 100. The Club's annual meeting is held in March. A gymnasium was opened by this Club in Taranaki Street, and is much used by members. For ordinary members the annual subscription is 10s., but for country members living more than three miles out of town, for youths attending school, and for those under eighteen, the subscription is 5s. The picture given on the preceding page shows the senior team for the season 1895, which was placed second in the Championship.
Established in 1887, this is the youngest senior club in the Wellington Union. Despite its youth it has taken a very creditable position in all the contests in which its teams competed. In 1894 its third fifteen won the eight matches it played, and gained the third class championship, scoring 146 points to nil against it. The officers for 1894 were:—President, Mr. E. T. Taylor; vice-presidents, Drs. Ewart and Alexander, Messrs. A. A. Bowley, N. Nathan, W. Cloggie, A. A. S. Menteath, C. Smith, C. Hulke; captain, J. Laughton; deputy-captain, J. Bourke; secretary, J. N. Grant, Wallace Street, Wellington; treasurer, F. Jackson; delegates, F. Jackson, E. T. Taylor, A. Campbell; match committee, J. Laughton, A. Campbell, J. N. Grant.
This Club was established in 1889. Its officers for 1895 were as follows:—President, Dr. Newman, M.H.R.; vice-presidents, Messrs. J. T. King, W. E. Donne, T. M. Wilford, W. Marsden, and H. Findlay; captain, H. Wynyard; sub-captain, W. McKenzie; secretary, W. McKenzie, Jackson Street, Petone; treasurer, E. Mills; match committee, W. McKenzie, Shore, W. Pringle; delegates, J. T. King, W. McKenzie, H. Wynyard; auditors, H. Findlay and Carey. The number of active members is
v. New South Wales match, and Pringle represented his Club in the North Island match. The Club's record has been a good one since its formation.
This Club has a colonial reputation. It was formed in 1883. Since its formation it has won the senior cup and championship seven years and three years in succession. The record for the whole period of the Club's existence to the end of 1894 is: Matches played, 112; won, 86; lost, 15; drawn, 11; scoring 102 goals 157 tries, against 30 goals 31 tries. The officers for 1894 were as follows:—President, Dr. Newman, M.H.R.; vice-presidents, Hon. J. Carroll, Dr. Mackin, Messrs. H. Gully and J. P. Maxwell; captain, Mr. W. J. White; deputy-captain, J. Pudney; secretary, W. White, care of S. Danks and Son, Brandon Street; treasurer, W. S. Hood; match committee, T. Ellison, White, and Sim; delegates, T. Ellison, Sim, and Nicholls; general committee, S. Nicholls, F. B. Young, A. Blacklock, and officers. The Club's first fifteen has met and beaten most of the crack fifteens of New Zealand. The accompanying engraving shows the Club's renowned team of 1892-3-4.
This Club, established in 1870, was the first Rugby football club started in the province. The officers for 1895 were:—President, Mr. N. W. Werry; vice-presidents, Messrs. P. P. Webb, A. Hoby, A. G. Bate, and J. C. Martin; captain, J. Murray; secretary, Geo. C. Fache, Government Insurance Department, Wellington; treasurer, N. Galbraith; match committee, J. Murray, F. Pownall, J. E. Roe; general committee, F. Pownall, J. E. Roe, E. W. G. Strange, W. E. Rawson, J. Roache, H. Dacre, J. D. Barnett, and officers; delegates, A. G. Bate, J. Murray, and G. C. Fache; representative on Rugby Union Committee, A. G. Bate; delegate to English Rugby Union, C. W. Palliser; captain second fifteen, J. E. Widdop. The Club's active membership in 1895 was 102. Besides these there are twenty life and eleven retired members. The colours are yellow and black. The Club's record for 1894 was:—First fifteen: Matches played, six, won three, lost three; second fifteen: matches played, eight, won seven, lost one; third fifteen; matches played six, won three, lost three. The second fifteen won the Junior Cup, scoring fourteen points out of a possible sixteen. In 1890 the first fifteen won the Senior Championship. The accompanying picture is that of the champion team of that year. The Club has always taken an honourable position in the championship contests, and its players have been distinguished for their gentlemanly conduct on and off the field.
Oriental — Secretary, A. W. Stevens, Manawatu Railway Company.
Selwyn—Secretary, E. J. Archibald, Sargood, Son and Ewen (the Selwyn became a senior club in 1896).
St. Patrick's College—Secretary, F. Lynch, St. Patrick's College.
Wellington College—Secretary, S. H. Gilmer, Wellington College.
Drapers—Secretary, A. P. Smith, Te Aro House.
Pirate—Secretary, J. Burton, Telegraph Office.
United Tradesmen—Secretary, E. Read, care of Mr. W. Campbell, Manners Street.
This is a union of the junior football clubs in Wellington, consisting of those clubs which do not feel qualified to enter into competition with the clubs competing for the higher championships. In 1895 the following clubs were affiliated:—Alhambra, St. John's, Brooklyn, Koro-koro, Addington, Empire, Merivale, and Pioneer. The officers for that year were:—Vice-presidents, Messrs. J. Skinner (chairman), and T. W. Wickens; secretary and treasurer, Mr. E. P. Rundle. The Union promotes and supervises contests between the clubs affiliated. The champion junior club in 1894 was the Pioneer, and in 1895 the Empire Club's teams won both Cups. The Union has also played matches against other unions of the kind and visiting teams.
This Union consists of the various public schools' football clubs. There are seven clubs affiliated, viz., Clyde Quay, Te Aro, Mt. Cook, Newtown, Petone, Terrace, and Thorndon. Davis and Clater's cup, for which the clubs compete, was won in 1894 by Clyde Quay. The schools representative team play an annual match with the Wairarapa Schools' Union. These school unions do a great deal to foster the game, and keep it free from any undesirable element.
This is the supreme body governing Association football in this country. The headquarters are at Wellington. The New Zealand Football Association was formed in 1891, and consists of one delegate from each of the district associations. The associations affiliated in 1895, with their delegates, were: Auckland, Mr. J. R. Gibbons; Ruahine, Mr. A. J. Abbott; Wellington, Mr. M. Fraser; Canterbury, Mr. C. T. Jones; Buller, Mr. W. W. Bain: Otago, Mr. P. D. Leslie. The office-bearers for 1895 were:—Patron, His Excelency Lord Glasgow; president, Hon. J. G. Ward; vice-presidents, Hon. Geo. McLean (Dunedin), Messrs. A. Heather (Auckland), T. Maude (Christchurch), and L. O. H. Tripp (Wellington); secretary, Mr. A. Henderson; treasurer, Mr. A. E. Gibbs. The Association holds a tournament every year, usually in the different centres of the Colony, for a very handsome silver shield, which in 1895 was won by Auckland. The Society exists to foster and guide the Association game of football for the benefit of those who prefer that style to the Rugby game.
This is the body which controls the Association game of football in Wellington and selects representative teams. It was formed in 1890, and consists of delegates from the various Association clubs in Wellington. The subscription for clubs is one guinea. The representative uniform is a white shirt with monogram “W.F.A” on breast, black knickers and stockings. The officers for 1895 were Messrs. C. H. Izard, president; A. E. Gibbs, W. Forsyth, J. W. Abbott, A. de B. Brandon and D. R. Caldwell, vice-presidents; C. Fordham, secretary and treasurer; M. Fraser, delegate to New Zealand Association. The representative team won first place in the New Zealand Association Tournament of 1892. The clubs affiliated in 1895 were as follows:—Rovers—president, Mr. C. H. Izard; secretary, R. Hepworth; captain, M. Fraser. Queen's Park—president, Mr. W. Forsyth; secretary, W. Wighton; captain, T. Shields. United—president, Dr. Whitehead; secretary, N. Bell; captain, W. H. Stewart. Swifts—president, Mr. A. de B. Brandon; secretary, C. Cramp; captain, A. Henderson. Thistle—president, Sir Robert Stout; secretary, W. Cowden; captain, A. Fergusson. Thorndon—president, Mr. George Fisher; secretary, H. Godber; captain, A. Sampson. Diamonds—president, Mr. Davenport; secretary, W. J. Hamilton; captain, W. R. Roulston. The Senior Championship was won in 1891 by the Petone Wanderers; 1892 by Queen's Park; 1893, Rovers; 1894, Rovers; 1895, Swifts.
The officers for 1895 were Messrs. A. E. Gibbs, president; A. Henderson, Davis and Davenport, vice-presidents; A. Williams, secretary and treasurer. The clubs affiliated are Swifts. Thorndon, Thistle and Diamonds. The Junior Cup was won in 1893 by Thorndon, 1894 by Diamonds, 1895 by Thorndon Second.
This is the supreme body governing lawn tennis in New Zealand. It is comprised of the various provincial lawn tennis associations. Its headquarters are in Wellington. The secretary is Mr. Henderson, of Abbot, Oram and Co, Customhouse Quay. The Association promotes annual tournaments, which are held in different centres of the Colony. It has established championships for both lady and gentleman players, and provides gold medals for these. The 1895 tournament was held in Wellington.
This Association was formed in 1895, and consists of delegates from the various lawn tennis clubs in the Wellington Provincial District. Its officers for 1895 were:—President, Mr. R. M. Simpson; vice-presidents, Messrs. H. M. Gore and W. E. Pearson; committee, Messrs. S. R. Kennedy, F. A. Kebbell, F. J. Parsons, H. J. Reid, W. Clayton, and J. Harrold; secretary, Mr. Arthur Young; treasurer, Mr. Jas. Wilson. The colours of the Association are light blue and white. The subscription for clubs having a membership under fifty is one guinea, over fifty and under 100 it is two guineas.
This is the only lawn tennis club in Wellington affiliated to the Wellington Provincial Lawn Tennis Association. It was formed in 1881, and is a proprietary club. The committee who conduct the affairs of the institution are Messrs. F. A. and M. Kebbell, and C. S. Brandon. There are eighty members, elected by the committee. The courts, four in number, are in Thorndon. The Club's colours are blue and white. The New Zealand Lawn Tennis Association's annual tournament was held in 1895. Both of the champions for the year were members of the Club, viz., Miss Nunnelay and Mr. Parker. The Club champion for 1895 was Miss Kennedy. Mr. M. Kebbell is the secretary.
This Club was formed in 1891 with 20 members. It has now 96. The club-room is in Willis Street, and is open to members and visitors from other clubs at all times. The usual cycling literature may be seen there. The Club holds fortnightly and occasional moonlight runs during the
This Club was formed in May, 1895. Its officers for that year were—president, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow; secretary, Mr. L. O. H. Tripp (Chapman and Tripp, Wellington); treasurer, Mr. J. Duncan; captain, T. Y. Wardrop. Committee:—Messrs. Martin Chapman, D. R. Caldwell, D. B. Howden, and E. Jackson. Ladies' division—captain, Mrs. H. D. Bell; secretary, Miss Duncan; council, Mrs. G. Hutchison, Mrs. A. D. Crawford and officers. The Club's links are at Miramar, the course being two and a half miles round. The club's colours are yellow and black, the subscription being £1 1s. The Club will have for competition amongst its members a trophy presented by Mr. Cook Daniels, of Denver, U.S.A. The Miramar ladies succeeded in defeating the Hutt ladies in their first match in 1895.
This Club was formed in 1891 by Mr. J. B. Hackworth. In 1895 it was affiliated with the Fancier's Club, and has been conducted by a racing committee of that Club since. The committee consists of Messrs. J. F. Fitzgerald, M. Clark, A. Smith and F. J. Rudge, secretary and treasurer. There are eighteen members who fly pigeons, having between them some 800 birds. The entrance fee to the Club is five shillings, and each member bears a share of hamper fees and other training and racing costs. The season is from September till May. Birds are sent off for training twice a week, and races are frequently held. Gisborne in the North and Hokitika in the South Island, are the furthest points yet attempted by the Club. The Te Aro House Cup, competed for by members, was won in 1895 by Mr. Hopwell, of Willis Street, who has one of the largest lofts in the city. Other large lofts are those of Mr. Laney, of Wallace Street, and Mr. Rudge, of Boulcott Street.
Officers (1896): Messrs. A. A. Stuart Menteath (president), W. S. Broderick, S. Brown, H. D. Crawford, J. H. Kingdon, W. L. Meek, C. W. Mullins, H. D. O'Callaghan, S. Scott, C. G. White, and T. M. Wilford (committee), W. H. Tisdall (hon. treasurer), and W. A. Aldred (hon. secretary). This successful Club was founded in 1894 by Messrs. Kingdon, O'Callaghan, and Tisdall, and its present membership is about forty. The original intention of the founders was to establish a club for clay pigeon shooting. Competitions are held every Saturday during the summer, and the gatherings have
This Club was established in 1894, and was affiliated in the same year with the New Zealand Polo Association. The officers (1896) are as follows:—Patron, His Excellency the Governor; president, Hon. W. W. Johnston; vice-presidents, Messrs. H. D. Bell, M.H.R., E. Pearce, and James Coates; captain, Mr. D. G. A. Cooper; secretary, Mr. A. D. Crawford. The Club's grounds are at Mhamar.
Directors:—Messrs. J. P. Maxwell, M.I.E. (chairman), H. D. Bell, M.H.R., C. H. Izard, C. A. Knapp, J. Firth. W. McMuir and Dr. Collins. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia, Limited. Solicitors, Messrs. Bell, Gully and Izard; auditor, Mr. A. S. Biss; secretary, Mr. J. W. Williams, 11 Grey Street. Capital, £5000 in 5000 shares of £1 each, of which 2000 are subscribed and fully paid up. Many of the local clubs are considerable shareholders; among these may be named the Wellington Rugby Union, Wellington Football Club, Wellington Cycling Club, Wellington Cricket Association, Wellington Amateur Athletic Club, and several of the Cricket Clubs. The company was formed in 1893. The ground, which it is expected will be the scene of a large number of athletic sports of the future, is situated between Adelaide and South Roads, within five minutes walk of the tramway. It consists of eight-and-three-quarter acres, which is held on a long lease and will afford convenience for two football matches and for a first-class cricket ground. It will be available for the football season of 1896.
Mr. H. D. Bell, President; Messrs E. Pearce and T. G. Macarthy, Vice-Presidents; Mr. G. H. Scales, Judge; Mr. Franklyn, Hon. Treasurer; Mr. N. Grace, Time-Keeper; Mr. J. O. Evett, Handicapper; Messrs. J. Ames, W. E. Bidwell, J. Duncan, J. C. Harcourt, G. H. Harbroe, C. P. Skerrett and J. Saunders, stewards; Mr. H. M. Lyon, Secretary; Lambton Quay. Wellington. The founders of Wellington were fond of sport as are their successors in 1895. It is said that the Club is the oldest in the colony, it having been founded as far back as 1840. Racing commenced in 1842, when events were “pulled off” on Te Aro flat, about the spot where the Royal Oak Hotel now stands. Later on, the scene was changed to Mirimar, and ultimately to the Hutt Park Racecourse. This fine site was under water when the first Wellington Jockey Club was established, but the earthquake of 1855 raised it above the water level. The Hutt Park, which includes the racecourse, is vested in trustees for the people of Wellington. The Club, which is the outcome of that already named, was established in 1875. The old Jockey Club changed its name to the Wellington Amateur Turf Club, and afterwards fell back to the original name. From the trustees of the Hutt Park the present Club leased the racecourse at a nominal rental. They have expended large sums of money in improving the property, and adapting it to the purposes contemplated by the lease. The grandstand has seating accommodation for 1500 spectators, and is fitted up in the most modern style, the basement being occupied with a fine luncheon room with a bar attached. The Stewards' stand is replete with every convenience, and has club offices and telegraph room below. Within the enclosure there is a fine row of loose-boxes and stalls, together with gentlemen's cloak rooms and the jockeys' room containing lockers and all appliances required. Outside the enclosure there is a large people's stand, with room for 600, bar and lunch rooms being below. Three meetings are held regularly every year, viz., the Spring meeting in November, the Summer in January, and the Autumn and Steeplechase meetings at the end of April or the beginning of May. For the season 1895–1896 the amount of added money offered by the Club is £4240, of which £965, £1955 and £1320 are to be given respectively at the Spring, Summer and Autumn meetings. The Wellington Racing Club has adopted a new patent starting machine which, although of local manufacture, has been proved to be a great success. Mr. James Crawford, of the Imperial Hotel, Cuba Street, Wellington, is the patentee. A long time was spent by him in developing and perfecting his discovery, which he has named “Crawford's Starting Machine.” It is permanent in character, marvellously simple in construction, and instantaneous in its action. Mr. Crawford completed his invention in the month of November, 1894, and the first public trials took place at the Hutt Racecourse on the 22nd, 24th, and 26th of Jannuary, 1895. Two substantial posts, standing seventeen feet out of the ground, are erected at each side of the course, about eight or ten feet apart. At either side of the course a hinged board is fixed to one of the posts, and broad white tapes connect these in such a way that the wide side is towards the heads of the horses standing ready for starting close to the tapes. Powerful rubber bands at each side of the course are attached to the end of the hinged boards, and, passing over pulleys fixed on the tops of other posts, are secured a little above the ground. These bands constitute powerful springs whereby the levers and the tapes stretched before the horses' noses can be raised instantly to the top of the machine, where the edge only of the tapes is visible to the animals. At each end a trigger holds a pin in position, which in turn keeps the hinged board and its connections from moving. A strong cord or wire connects with the lever that governs the triggers, and the moment the starter pushes down the lever the pins are simultaneously withdrawn, and the tapes and levers fly upwards, thus liberating the field at the same time exactly. The patentee claims that the starting machine is not liable to frighten the horses when in postion ready for starting, the broad side only of the tapes being seen, and when lifted to a horizontal position the edges alone are visible. Mr. H. M. Lyon, the secretary of the Club, is confident in recommending Mr. Crawford's invention to other racing clubs in the Colony. The Evening Post, New Zealand Times, Christchurch Weekly Press and Referee, and Christchurch Truth, all speak in glowing terms of the success of this simple machine. The cost (£15) of Crawford's starting mnchine is very small, considering its great utility, and though but a few months have elapsed since the trial, no less that fifteen machines are already in use. There is no doubt they will soon be generally adopted.
Secretary to the Wellington Racing Club, was born in Wellington, in 1851. Educated at private schools and at the Collegiate School in Wellington, and at the Christchurch High School, he entered commercial life in the establishment of his father, Mr. Wm. Lyon. With Mr. J. R. Blair he purchased the large bookselling, stationery, and printing business conducted by the former and established the firm of Lyon and Blair. Mr. Lyon remained in the business until the death of his father in 1879, when he sold his interest to his partner. In this year he was first appointed secretary to the racing club but resigned the position in 1880, when he was appointed secretary to
Officers (1896): Messrs. H. D. Crawford (chairman), R. Pollock, J. A. Connell, and J. K. Hamilton, and Messrs. Williams and Mabey (Upper Hutt) (delegates), J. A. Connell (secretary and treasurer). This Association is the governing body on all matters pertaining to ‘trotting,' and is empowered to make rules for the guidance of clubs in the district. All programmes and balance sheets must be submitted to the Association, and without its recommendation the Colonial Secretary will not issue a permit for a meeting. The Association was established in 1894, and is affiliated to similar societies in Canterbury, Otago, Nelson, Westland and Taramaki.
Officers (1896): Messrs. H. D. Crawford (president), C. P. Skerrett and D. G. A. Cooper (vice-presidents), T. Green, J. Coyle, W. Ramsay, F. J. Preston, J. K. Hamilton, G. McDonald, R. Pollock, and M. McGrath (stewards), J. K. Hamilton (judge), W. Ramsay (clerk of scales), J. King (timekeeper), J. A. Connell (handicapper and secretary), J. K. Hamilton (treasurer). This Club was founded in May, 1892. During the year ending May, 1894, three meetings were held, the following year four, and for 1896 two. The meetings are held at Miramar Park, Kilbirnie.
This Club exists for the promotion of stag hunting. His Excellency the Governor is patron, Mr. F. Mills, Secretary, Mr. H. D. Crawford, master, and Mr. D. G. A. Cooper, deputy-master. The members number sixty. The subscriptions are three guineas and one guinea. The Club's pack of eight couples, formerly the Feilding pack, is kept at Miramar under the charge of Mr. G. McDonald, huntsman. Club runs are held on every favourable Saturday during the season, the ground hunted over being principally Miramar, Tawa Flat, Porirua, Taita, and Lower Hutt. The Club's colours are green coat and red vest. A race meeting is held by the Club every year on the Racing Club's course at the Hutt. The stakes given amount to £380. The principal event is the Hunt Club Steeplechase of £50.
This Association was founded in 1882 under the name of the Fine Arts Association of New Zealand, and was in 1889 registered under the sections of “The Companies Act” relating to associations not for profit, as the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts. The objects of the Association are, inter alia, to promote the study, practice and cultivation of the fine arts in New Zealand, and to encourage the production of works of art by periodical exhibitions at Wellington. The Association consists of subscribing and artist members, the annual subscriptions being £1 1s. and 10s. 6d. respectively. The society has a good brick building in Whitmore Street, which is used as an exhibition building, and is also utilized for small concerts, lectures, etc., its sitting accommodation being about 280. This hall is noted for its excellent acoustic properties. The following are the officers of the Association:—Patron, His Excellency the Right Hon. the Earl of Glasgow; Messrs. C. D. Barrand, president; H. S. Wardell and Dr. Fell, vice-presidents. The members of the Council are Misses Hill and Richardson, the Hon. Dr. Grace, Messrs. H. Gore, R. H. Govett, J. M. Nairn, W. S. Reid, and D. T. Stuart; hon. treasurer, Mr. W. F. Barraud. Auditors, Messrs. T. R. Fleming and F. H. Fraser; secretary, Mr. L. H. B. Wilson, No. 1, Grey Street.
was established in 1890. His Excellency the Governor is patron, Rev. W. J. Habens, B.A. president, Colonel Hume and Mr. H. W. Northcroft are vice-presidents for the North Island, and Messrs. H. W. Bishop and C. W. S. Chamberlain for the South Island. Mr. H. Pollen is hon. treasurer, Messrs. G. F. C. Campbell and H. Blundell are hon. auditors, and Mr. F. Hartmann general secretary. The Society has eleven hundred members in the Colony. The subscription has been fixed on a sliding scale in proportion to salary received from 2s. 6d. to 20s. Its objects are to promote the general welfare of the service, to uphold its rights and just claims, to afford opportunity for giving expression to its views and opinions, to encourage social intercourse and esprit-de-corps, to obtain public recognition of the principle that faithful performance of duty in the service of the State is deserving of respect and honour. Public servants only are eligible for membership; a monthly newspaper, the Public Service Journal of New Zealand, is issued under the auspices of the Society.
was established in September, 1888. Its head-quarters are in Wellington. Where the number of members in any one district is sufficiently large, local circuits or branches are formed, each having their own officers. These branches are affiliated to the Society, and derive all the advantages which the latter possesses through being in communication with kindred institutions in other parts of the world. The Society's officers for 1895 were—President.
The Hon. the Postmaster-General; vice-president, Mr. E. G. Pilcher; hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr. L. A. Sanderson; and committee, Messrs. A. T. Bate, H. J. Knowles, and F. Lawrenson. The objects of the Society, as stated by its rules, are:—(a) The exchange of ideas relating to, and the general advancement of the pursuit of philately; (b) the research for stamps hitherto uncatalogued, errors, etc.; (c) the detection and exposure of forgeries and frauds; (d) the formation of a library of philatelic literature; (e) the mutual exchange of duplicate stamps. Ladies and gentlemen over the age of seventeen, who are interested in the hobby of stamp collecting, are eligible for membership. The annual subscription is five shillings. Meetings of the executive are held monthly, and the annual meeting takes place in the month of September. The organ of the Society is The Australian Philatelist, published in Sydney. One copy per month is sent direct to each member free. The Society has a membership of 55.
the Hon. Secretary and Treasurer of the Philatelic Society of New Zealand, has been interested in the fascinating pastime of stamp collecting since 1875, and possesses a collection of over 7000 varieties. He has also taken a keen interest in the working of the Society since its inception.
(patron, Liliuokalani, ex-Queen of Hawaii; president, the Right Rev. W. L. Williams, Bishop of Waiaputhe Journal of the Polynesian Society, and by the collection of books, manuscripts, photographs, relics, and other illustrations. Its members now number nearly 200, who are resident in various parts of the globe, but mostly in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. Three volumes of Proceedings and Transactions have appeared up to the present time, and such is the amount of original matter received that the quarterly publication will probably have to be enlarged, or appear oftener. A noticeable feature in this Society is the number of contributions to its Journal received from the natives of New Zealand and other parts of Polynesia, many of whom are members, and take an active interest in its proceedings. The Society was originally started by Mr. S. Percy Smith, who, finding a number of people interested in the study of the Polynesians, with no means of communicating their ideas in a convenient form for the benefit of all, sent out a number of circulars in July, 1891, to which over 100 responses of a favourable nature were received, and the Society was started in January, 1892. The term “Polynesia” is intended to include Australia, New Zealand, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Malaysia, as well as Polynesia proper. Candidates for admisson to the Society are admitted on the joint recommendation of a member of the Society and a member of the Council, and on the approval of the Council. The subscription is one pound a year, which entitles to all benefits of membership. Papers are received on any of the above subjects if sent through a member.
whose operations cover the counties of Hutt, Wairarapa North and South, Pahiatua, Horowhenua and Manawatu, was founded in 1884. His Excellency the Governor is President of the Society. Sir James Hector, K.C.M.G., and Major-General Schaw, C.B., R.E., are Vice-Presidents, the Chairman and Hon. Secretary being Mr. A. J. Rutherfurd; the Treasurer, Mr. L. G. Reid, and the Curator of the Fish Ponds at Masterton, Mr. L. F. Ayson. On the founding of the Society, it is said that no fish were to be found in the rivers of the North Island. At the Society's Hatchery and Fish Ponds at Masterton every facility exists for the work, and during the season of 1895 one million and a half of ova has been handled, 364,000 eyra ova have been sent out, and 820,000 fry hatched out. Most of the rivers and streams in the district have been well stocked with brown trout, and large quantities have been sent to the New South Wales Government and to kindred Societies in all parts of New Zealand. The Society has also taken an interest in ducks, pheasants and other imported birds. The report and balance sheet, which are made up to the 31st of March, 1895, for presentation to the annual meeting of members held in the month of September in each year, discloses a satisfactory state of things. The income from game licenses was £371, from fishing licenses £291; contributions by the Government of New South Wales and kindred institutions produced £296, making a grand total of about £1000. On the expenditure side, £573 is the outlay on the Masterton Hatchery and Fish Ponds. £63 was expended by the various sub-committees in the country towns, £210 represented the ranger's salary, and the balance is put down to sundries. The Society is energetically and economically managed, and has been a great success.
who has been Hon. Secretary for eleven years, and is now also the chairman, has been very persistent in his efforts to further the objects of the Society. He has recently returned from a holiday trip to England, during which he had the opportunity of inspecting the fish hatcheries in Italy, Alsace, Britain, and America. Though his absence from the meetings of the trustees was severely felt, as
which is incorporated under Act of Parliament relating to such societies, was established in 1889. The objects of the Association are to hold periodical shows, and to encourage the rearing of well-bred stock and the development in agricultural products generally within the district. His Excellency the Governor is the patron of the Association. For the first two years the late Mr. W. H. Levin was president. Since that time the following gentlemen have successively occupied that position:—Dr. A. K. Newman, M.H.R., Messrs. W. E. Bidwill, W. A. Fitzherbert, W. H. Beetham, and E. W. Mills (1895). Messrs. F. Bradey and A. Matthews are vice-presidents. The general committee consists of Messrs. H. H. Beetham, W. H. Beetham, J. Bidwill, W. E. Bidwill, W. S. Broderick, A. D. Crawford, H. Eglinton, C. Elgar, W. A. Fitzherbert, H. Gillies, W. A. Grace, T. H. Hanna, W. Lingard, F. A. Majendie, A. McKenzie, W. H. Millward, C. W. Mullins, L. Nathan, Dr. A. K. Newman, Messrs. A. E. Pearce, E. J. Riddiford, G. H. Scales, D. Sladden, and J. Stuckey. Mr. R. Wilberfoss is the hon. treasurer, Mr. W. Skey acts as hon. analyst, Mr. T. Michie, M.R.C.V.S., as hon. veterinary surgeon, and Mr. G. H. Scales as secretary. Seven shows have been held under the auspices of this Society. The first three were at the Hutt Park, the last four were held in the property acquired by the Association for that purpose. The showground is situated within the borough of Petone, near the Lower Hutt railway station. The area is twenty acres, for which £100 per acre was paid. A good deal of money has been expended on the ground. The show oval is one of the finest in the Colony, and all needful yards and buildings have been erected. Notwithstanding the drawbacks arising from floods and wet show-days, the Society has had a considerable measure of success. At the first show the number of exhibits was 752, in 1894 it had increased to 860, and in 1895 the number was 1283.
Officers for 1896, Messrs. J. M. Nairn (president), Dr. Fell (vice-president), J. H. W. Parsons, H. H. Seed, W. L. Palmer, and G. E. Butler (committee), M. C. Smith (hon. secretary and treasurer). This Club, which was established in 1892, includes nearly all the young working artists in Wellington, the membership being thirty-eight. Its objects are the encouragement of art by monthly meetings, at which papers are read, sketches exhibited or a model posed, by holding sketching excursions and generally to keep abreast with art matters in the “Older Land.” The distinctive feature of the Club is that it is run and ruled by the working members alone, the honorary members having no voice in its management. An annual exhibition takes place in the month of March, which is held in the Academy of Fine Arts, Whit-more Street, the successive exhibitions having grown in importance and merit, and at the time of writing (February, 1896) the next exhibition is anticipated and is likely to prove very attractive, special exhibits being expected from Australia. This successful Club was promoted by Messrs. J. M. Nairn, J. Baillie, W. L. Palmer, Dr. Fell and some others.
President of the Wellington Art Club, was born near Glasgow. He was educated in art under the Glasgow School and on the Continent of Europe, and practised art before leaving for New Zealand. On account of bad health, Mr. Nairm came to Dunedin by ship “Forfarshire,” arriving on the 2nd of January, 1890. Soon after reaching the Edinburgh of New Zealand, he lectured on art, and exhibited sketches executed during the voyage. Mr. Nairn came on to Wellington, and soon after his arrival delivered a lecture to the students at the School of Design. He at once commenced the practice of his profession in Wellington. In 1891 he was appointed art instructor to the School of Design, which position he still fills. He was one of the first in New Zealand to start nude life classes, which have already resulted in several pupils proving themselves to have a good knowledge of the basis of art—“drawing.” As an artist, Mr. Nairn executes portraits, figure, and landscape work, and has done some important commissions in portraiture.
was founded in November, 1892. Its object is to encourage the study and practice of artistic and scientific photography. Its officers (1895–6) are—Messrs. A. de B. Brandon (president), A. McKay and J. McLellan (vice-presidents), F. Denton (secretary), T. M. Hardy (treasurer), and a committee of six members—Messrs. G. Crichton, E. W. Daniel, E. H. Freeman, A. B. Keyworth, T. Pringle, and Wm. C. Stephens. This successful Club has permanent quarters at No. 11 Exchange Buildings, Lambton Quay, which serves the purposes of a library and reading room for the members, of whom there are one hundred and ten. Monthly meetings of the Club are held, and at these photographic competitions take place, points being allotted to each competitor. At the end of the year two medals, a silver and a bronze, are allotted for the greatest number of points gained. During the winter months lantern slide competitions are held, which are very popular with members and their friends. The Club holds an annual exhibition of photographic art, assisted by the other clubs of the Colony.
This Association was originally formed in August, 1885, the late Mr. William Fitzerald presiding at the meeting. For several years the Association was kept alive, but eventually became a “dead letter.” In March, 1891, it was revived, Mr. A. de B. Brandon (afterwards Mayor of Wellington) being elected chairman of the Council. The Association has now about 200 members. An annual dinner and ball take place under the auspices of the Association. The officers for 1896 are:—Messrs. J. P. Firth (chairman), W. Bethune, M. Myers, W. H. Denton, A. de B. Brandon, A. R. Meek, A. Young, B. A. Meek, M. Luckie, and B. Whitcombe (Council), and Messrs. A. M. Stuart and H. P. Tuckey joint honorary secretaries and treasurers.
Life Governors:—Messrs. Alfred J. Parsons, John Duthie, M.H.R., John Ross and Frank Neveller. President, Mr. John Ross. Trustees:—Messrs. M. Laing and J. H. Stringer. Committee:—Messrs. A. W. Booth, T. G. Brown, B. Buttle, G. Davies, S. Griffiths, J. A. Pike and W. J. Salmon (representing commercial travellers) and Messrs. W. G. Duthie, W. H. Harton, J. H. Owen and L. A. Williams (representing warehousemen). Hon. Treasurer, Mr. H. F. Upham. Secretary, Mr. J. J. Reich. Auditors:—Messrs. W. R. Cook and A. Kember. This society was started at the end of the year 1890 to provide a benevolent fund to grant relief to the widows and orphans of commercial travellers who are left in indigent circumstances. It has proved very beneficial, and has relieved many cases of distress. The annual reports, which have been exhibited to the writer, show steady progress and rapid accumulation of funds, which amounted to £682 at the beginning of the financial year in February, 1895. The members of the Association decided early in the year 1895 to erect a suitable building for the convenience of members, and a company has been incorporated to carry out the arrangements. Further particulars will be found under Wellington Commercial Travellers and Warehousemen's Club Company, Limited.
has been in existence over eight years, and during this time has held some of the finest horticultural displays in New Zealand. Its objects are to promote the improvements and development of horticulture in all its branches. In the season of 1895–6 the Society arranged for three shows—Spring, Summer and Autumn, the last including a Chrysanthemum Show. His Excellency the Right Hon. the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G., is Patron of the Society, the officers and committee being:—Mr. F. H. D. Bell, M.H.R. (president), The Right Rev. Dr. Wallis, Hon. Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G., M.H.R., Messrs. C. M. Luke, E. Pearce and A. de B. Brandon (vice presidents), L. G. Reid (chairman), W. H. P. Barber, G. Clapham, F. J. W. Fear, E. Focke, S. W. Green, C. J. Hill, T. H. Hustwick, A. McKay, W. H. Taylor, D. N. Wilkinson and C. H. Williams (committee), J. J. Kerslake (hon. treasurer), and Charles Callis (secretary). There is a ladies' committee, which consists of Mesdames F. H. D. Bell, A. de B. Brandon, J. Burne, Castendyk, Eberle, Focke, Hudson, C. H. Izard, T. K. Macdonald, C. B. Morison, J. Prouse, L. G. Reid, R. Triggs, Travers, and the Misses Pearce and Crease. The office of the Society is at 41 Featherston Street, Wellington.
This Club is the outcome of a meeting held in December, 1888, to promote dog shows in Wellington. The Club was fairly launched in 1889, and the firs show held in 1890. Shows have been held annually ever since. The entries received for the Show of 1895 numbered 215. A photographic competition was also held in connection with the show. The Club's officers for 1895 were—Patron, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, G.C.M.G.; president, Dr. James; vice-presidents, Dr. Adams, Messrs. Cooper, Crawford, Hunter, Izard, Moorhouse, Triggs and Williams. Committee—Messrs. Bennie, Bannister, Bligh, Brown, Didsbury, Horax, Mackay, McDermid, Tuckey; hon. secretary and treasurer, A. W. J. Cook; auditor, L. J. Nathan; judge, J. W. Smyth (Melbourne).
Officers; Messrs. T. W. Kirk, F.L.S. (president), W. T. L. Travers, F.L.S., and R. C. Harding (vice-presidents), W. M. Maskell, G. V. Hudson, F.E.S., E. Tregear, F.R.G.S., H. Farquhar, Sir J. Hector, K.C.M.G., F.R.S., and Sir W. Buller, K.C.M.G., F.R.S. (council), T. King (auditor), and R B. Gore (secretary and treasurer), This Society, which was established in 1851 by Sir George Grey, its first president, was inaugurated to promote the advancement of science, literature and art, and the development of the resources of the Colony. There are one hundred and thirty-five members of the Society. The Association became affiliated to the New Zealand Institute in 1867. Mr. Gore, who has filled the office of secretary for a quarter of a century, is also curator of the Museum, secretary of the New Zealand Institute, and meteorological observer and statist. Sir W. L. Buller, who has long been a member, is mentioned below.
K.C.M.G., F.R.S., the descendant of an ancient Cornish family, and the eldest surviving son of the late Rev. James Buller, was born at Newark, in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, on the 9th of October, 1838. He received his early education at Auckland College, and afterwards became a pupil of William Swainson, F.R.S., the celebrated zoologist, who had settled in New Zealand. For a continuous period of fifteen years he held various official appointments, but chiefly in connection with native affairs, as he had early acquired a thorough knowledge of the Maori language, and on eight different occasions he received the special thanks of the colonial Government. During this time he also contributed largely to zoological literature, and was elected a Fellow of the Linnean and of various other societies. From 1855 to 1860 he acted as Government Interpreter and Native Commissioner. In 1861 he was appointed editor-in-chief of The Maori Messenger, an English and Maori journal published by authority. At the age of twenty-four he was appointed a Resident Magistrate, and three years later a Judge of the Native Land Court. In 1865 he served as a volunteer on Sir George Grey's staff, at the taking of the Wereroa Pah, for which he received the New Zealand war medal. On that occasion, declining the protection of a military escort, he carried the Governor's despatches at night through forty miles of the enemy's country, although attended only by a Maori orderly, for which gallant service he was mentioned in despatches. In 1871 he visited England, and two years later published a splendidly illustrated “History of the Birds of New Zealand.” The Royal University of Tübingen bestowed on him the honorary degree of Doctor of Science, and he received other foreign distinctions. In 1874 he was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple. In 1875 Her Majesty, in recognition of the value of his scientific work, created him a C.M.G., and in 1876 he was elected F.R.S. In 1882 he published a “Manual of the Birds of New Zealand” for the use of students; and in 1883 was awarded the gold medal of the New Zealand Exhibition for “Science and Literature.” From 1875 to 1885 he practised his profession in the Colony with
Men of the Time (Routledge and Sons). It may be added that Sir Walter Buller now represents the Colony on the permanent governing body of the Imperial Institute; and that he has recently been made a Knight Commander of the Crown-of Italy. He is a widower, his wife having died in 1891. Lady Buller was the daughter of one of the early magistrates of the Colony and sister of Major Mair and Captain Mair, N.Z.C., who so distinguished themselves with the colonial forces during the Maori War. Sir Walter's permanent residence is in Wellington, but he owns a lovely country home sixty miles up the West Coast, where his two sons reside. This is the famous Lake Papaitonga—the “Beauty of the South,” as it has been called by the Maoris from time immemorial. It is acknowledged to be one of the choicest bits of scenery in New Zealand, with a wonderful admixture of mountain, woodland, and water; and the lake, which comprises 125 acres, is the secure asylum for all kinds of wildfowl, both native and introduced, which are of course rigidly protected.
President, Mr. R. E. Bannister, Wellington; Secretary and Treasurer, Mr. Shepley Kestiven, Christchurch. “The objects of this Society, which was instituted about two years ago, are set forth in the Evening Post of the 18th of April, 1894. The New Zealand Poultry Association will serve the same good service as many more pretentious societies. It will bring together from various parts of the Colony, men engaged in a common pursuit that will enable them to compare notes and to compete in friendly rivalry, substituting a spirit of healthy emulation for narrow minded jealousy, and overweening self-conceit born of ignorance of the merits of others.” The Association was formed by Mr. Bannister, who is noticed below, assisted by Mr. Kestiven, the energetic secretary, who lives in Christchurch and fills a similar position for the Christchurch Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Association. The latter has long taken an interest in the fancy, and has been of the greatest assistance in arranging matters connected with this Association. The first championship meeting was held in Christchurch in 1894, and the second in Wellington in connection with the local exhibition in 1895, both being highly successful exhibitions.
Officers:—Mr. G. Fisher, Mayor (president), Dr. Newman, M.H.R., Dr. Adams, Messrs. J. Duthie, M.H.R., A. de B. Brandon, E. W. Mills, R. E. Bannister, E. B. Bristow, D. D. Hyde, F. Townsend, G. Donne, A. A. Elkins, I. James, F. Rogan and J. Kenning (vice-presidents), G. Remington, W. L. Curtis, E. Lowe, E. C. Farr, J. Besant, T. L. Barker and R. Buist (managing committee), E. B. Bristow (hon. treasurer), R. E. Bannister (hon. secretary). The judges are Mr. J. Maude, of Oakleigh, Melbourne, for poultry; Mr. W. H. Smith, of Sydney, for pigeons, and Mr. Scott, of Dunedin, for canaries and cage birds. This Society was established in 1881, and held its first exhibition in August, 1882. Annual shows have since been held, and these have done a great deal to stimulate the production of well-bred birds. At the thirteenth annual show, which was held in July, 1895, in conjunction with the second championship meeting, experienced judges, whose names are given above, officiated. The services of these gentlemen have been secured by the Wellington Society at great expense, and their presence was much appreciated. A considerable number of subscriptions, trophies, and specials, are annually presented by sympathisers to enable the committee to offer substantial prizes. The most valuable—the Balance Memorial Challenge fo Langshans, value, thirty guineas, was successfully floated by Mr. Rober Bannister. It was especially designed to perpetuate the memory of the late Hon. J. Ballance by Mr. F. Rogan, a most ardent fancier and a strong supporter of the Society. This trophy was raised by subscription, and is the most valuable prize ever offered at any similar show in the Colony. It must be won three times before it is the absolute property of the exhibitor. The Wellington, Poultry, Pigeon, and Canary Society has a large list of patronesses and patrons, which include many of the most influential ladies and gentlemen in the city.
President of the New Zealand Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Association and Hon. Secretary of the Wellington Poultry, Pigeon and Canary Society, claims the Empire City as his birthplace. Born in 1855 and educated at the late Mr. Holmes' and the late Mr. William Finnimore's schools, he served an apprenticeship of six years in the New Zealand Times Printing Office. On the completion of his term Mr. Bannister was promoted to the position of publisher, which he held for two years. In 1875 he joined the Evening Post in a similar capacity, and he has continually performed the duties up to the present time, which is practically that of manager of the commercial
Patron, His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow; officers, Dr. Newman, M.H.R. (president), Messrs. E. W. Mills and L. G. Reid (vice-presidents), and Mr. B. M. Molineaux (treasurer). This Society was established in February, 1895, to endeavour to preserve national scenery and historical sites within the District of Wellington; to prevent the unnecessary destruction of native flora, especially along the banks of rivers and in steep places; to encourage tree-planting and the improvement of public reserves, and to co-operate with other kindred societies. Similar societies have been established in other parts of the Colony, and have already achieved most gratifying results. The Taranaki Society has been instrumental in securing large reserves of native forest, and has done much to beautify the town of New Plymouth. That these societies are engaged in laudable work no one will deny, for every effort should be made to preserve the national heritage before it is too late.
Officers (1896): Messrs. E. T. Gillon (president), A. W. Kitson (vice-president), Misses C. A. Barnicoat and K. Williams, and Messrs. H. D. Grocott, and W. E. Whyte (committee), H. W. Rowden (treasurer), and T. H. Cramp (secretary). The objects of the Society are to assist members to attain speed in phonography, the system practised being Pitman's. By permission of the Board of Education the weekly meetings are held in one of the Technical schoolrooms. Discussions take place as to the best methods of perfecting members in the system, and trial dictation forms part of the ordinary means employed to further the society's objects. Since the arrival in Wellington of Mr. A. W. Kitson, the vice-president, the Association has steadily prospered, the membership having increased to forty-five. Mr. Kitson has undertaken a course of monthly lectures to the Society on shorthand subjects, to which the public are admitted. These have been largely attended, and have proved very useful. In connection with the Association there is a movement on foot to establish in New Zealand a branch of the National Phonographic Society of England, which will be the first branch of the society established outside Great Britain.
Fellow of the National Phonographic Society, and Vice-President of the Wellington and Auckland Shorthand Writers' Associations, was born in Suffolk, England, in 1846. He was educated at Kensington, London, and at an early age acquired considerable dexterity in shorthand. He went to America, and was for two years employed as reporter on a Chicago daily newspaper. On his return to London he accepted, and for many years retained, a position in the office of an eminent legal firm. Among various appointments held by Mr. Kitson were those of hon, foreign secretary to the Shorthand Society, secretary to the International Shorthand Congress, 1887 (of which Lord Rosebery was president), and him, secretary to the committee of Sir Isaac Pitman's Jubilee celebration. He is a constant contributor to the shorthand periodicals, and a frequent lecturer upon stenography and cognate topics, Mr. Kitson came to New Zealand by the s.s. “Ruapehu” in September, 1891. A few days after arrival he joined the staff of the Bank of New Zealand, and on the removal of the head office from Auckland, was transferred, to Wellington.
The officers for 1896 are—Mesdamea F. Jones (president), A. W. Booth and Boyes (vice-presidents), E. Hume (secretary), and Miss Lee (assistant secretary). The Institute was established in 1805. Its objects are to conserve the interests of the sex, the members pledging themselves to stand together as women, apart from all considerations of class or party, and matters pertaining to material and social advancement. Meetings of the Women's Institute are held periodically to elect new members and discuss matters of general interest.
was established on the 29th of November, 1895, The first officers of the Society are, president, Rev, J. C. Andrew (Whitby), Ica Station, Masterton; vice-presidents, Messrs. T, H. Hustwick (Hull) and C, Wilson (Harrogate); committee, Messrs. H. Flockton (Wakefield), J. Charlesworth (Dewsbury), H. Hurrell (Bradford), W. Furness (Birstall), A. H. Motley (Leeds), H. Brook (Huddersfield), and P. Penty (York); hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr. P. Bedford (Heckmondwike). The names given above in brackets signify the birthplaces of the respective gentlemen, and will serve to show that the county is well represented. The objects of the Society are to promote unity and good fellowship among Yorkshiremen; to draw them together in friendly and social intercourse; to maintain a patriotic attachment to the county of their birth; and to render friendly assistance and information to Yorkshiremen.
Hon. Secretary and Treasurer of the Yorkshire Society, is the step-son of Mr. H. Flockton, of Manners Street. Mr. Bedford was born in 1856 at Heckmondwike, Yorkshire, was educated at a private school, and was brought up to the furniture trade in his native town. For three years before starting for the Colony he was employed in a large co-operative establishment in Manchester, which is now said to be doing a business of ten millions annually. He came to the Colony with Mr. Floekton, arriving in Port Chalmers in 1880 per ship “Padishah,” and settled in Wellington. With the exception of a short time at the building trade, Mr. Bedford has been associated with Mr. Floekton in his large business since arriving in the capital.
His Excellency the Governor, patron. Officers: Messrs. P. Parfitt (president), J. Duthie, M.H.R., Dr. Collins, W. Ferguson, and J, Coates (vice-presidents), P. Levi (hon. secretary), A. E. Mabin (hon. treasurer), W. D. Lyon (chairman of committee), and A. Levi (stage manager). The Wellington Amateur Operatic Society was established in 1888, and three years later an amalgamation was effected with the Wellington Amateur Dramatic Club, the name being altered to the present style. Already twelve opera seasons have been produced by the Club, with a considerable amount of success.
It has been said that the colonists of New Zealand are not a people who care very much about music. A perusal of the pages under this heading will probably tend to dispel the illusion. Many will be surprised to find the number of ladies and gentlemen who occupy their time and talents in providing for the entertainment of the public in this respect. There are very large numbers who belong to the various societies whose love for music leads them to give up their evenings for its pursuit, and who derive intense enjoyment and recreation by the relaxation gained thereby. Professionals who devote their whole time to teaching, conducting and performing are decidedly on the increase, and as the love of the divine art is stimulated, no doubt those who are skilled will find increasing avenues for usefulness in this way. Reference is also made to those who import and deal in music, musical instruments and appliances, and to others who tune and repair such instruments.
Wellington is fairly well supplied with suitable places for holding public meetings and for the performance of operatic, dramatic or other entertainments. The Wellington Opera House Company, Limited, are the proprietors of the Opera House in Manners Street, which will accommodate 2000 persons, and of the Theatre Royal in Johnston Street, the capacity of which is about 1200. A fine building has been erected by Messrs. George Thomas and Co., and this contains a splendid hall which is well seated, and is lighted with the electric light. There is also the Exchange Hall in Lambton Quay, the Criterion Theatre in Manners Street, the Alhambra Hall in Adelaide Road, besides many smaller halls in other parts of the city. For years past the building of a town hall has frequently been discussed, and possibly the time is not far distant when the Capital of the Colony will be suitably provided in this respect.
was founded in August, 1895, by the clever musician and conductor whose name it bears. Thought but a few months old, this Society numbers two hundred and thirty members, and is said to be the largest society in New Zealand. Weekly practices are held on Thursdays at St. John's Schoolroom. Mr. Barnett's Musical Society has given two concerts at the Opera House—Gade's “Comala” and A. F. Hill's “Time's Great Monotone” on the 22nd of October, and the “Messiah” on the 16th of December, 1895—which were most successful. Mr. Alfred P. Hill is a joint conductor with Mr. Barnett, Mrs. T. Holt is the hon. pianist of the Society, and Messrs. J. C. Young and H. Crammond are hon. secretaries, the latter gentleman taking the place of Mr. R. Angus, who was one of the original secretaries.
After the successful Musical Festival held in Wellington in 1894, it was felt that an effort should be made to keep together the fine body of voices enrolled in the chorus, and this Society was accordingly formed. Its name was adopted from the precedent obtaining in Birmingham and other places where periodical festivals are held. The Society numbers about 200, mostly trained and experienced chorus singers, and an orchestra has also been formed in connection with it. At the first annual meeting Mr. Robert Parker was unanimously appointed conductor to the Society. This gentleman had previously conducted the Harmonic Society (a body which formed the nucleus of the festival chorus) for several years, during which time it had produced very many standard works. Among these may be prominently named: — Mackenzie's “Rose of Sharon,” Stanford's “The Revenge,” Sullivan's “Martyr of Antioch” and “Golden Legend,” Gade's “Psyche” and “Crusaders,” Mendelssohn's “Elijah,” “St. Paul,” “Walpurgis Night,” “Loreley,” etc.; Cowen's “Sleeping Beauty” and “St. John's Eve,” Parry's “Blest Pair of Sirens,” etc. Several of these were performed for the first time in New Zealand. The Society is at the time of writing (October, 1895) rehearsing Gounod's Faust for concert performance. His Honour Sir James Prendergast is President, and the Bishop of Wellington, Sir Robert Stout, and Mr. W. T. Glasgow are the Vice-Presidents of the Society; Mr. T. H. Ritchey being the honorary Secretary.
This excellent male voice choir had its origin in the Orpheus Glee Club, a smaller body of vocalists which for several years met for private enjoyment of part-singing, under the musical direction of Mr. Robert Parker and the presidency of the late, Mr. J. H. Cock. The present Liedertafel was founded on a large scale in 1891, its first secretary being Mr. R. Hamilton, and its honorary conductor, Mr. R. Parker. After a short time the business management was undertaken by Mr. Theo. H.
Officers for 1896, Messrs. J. G. Chambers (chairman), F. J. Gooder, T, W. Manifold, C. T. Tatum, G. F. Frew, J. Salkeld, H. Jessup, T. C. Webb and S. G. Hamerton (committee), T. C. Webb (conductor), H. Jessup (librarian) and S. G. Hamerton (hon. secretary and treasurer). This Union was established early in 1895 by Mr. T. C. Webb, the energetic conductor. The members now number seventy, and considerable proficiency has already been attained. The first concert—the Erl King's: Daughter, by Gade — was Riven in the Skating Rink in July, 1895; at the second, which was held in the Exchange Hall on the 6th of February, 1896, the piece selected was “Samson.” Both were musical treats. The members meet every Tuesday evening at St. Mark's Schoolroom for their weekly practice.
Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, is the youngest son of Mr. R. C. Hamerton, the well-known solicitor. Born in New Plymouth in 1870 and educated at Wellington College, Mr. Hamerton joined the New York Life Office, remaining two years. In 1888 he entered the Public Trustee's Office, where he continued as a clerk for four years. He was then transferred to his present position in the New Zealand Government Insurance Department. Mr. Hamerton comes of a musical family, and has been a bass singer in St. Mark's Choir for many years.
was founded in 1879. Up to this time the amateur orchestral players of the city were associated with the Choral Society, but in this year they formed a separate organisation under the conductorship of Mr. Angelos Forrest, a musician of much ability, who remained only a short time in Wellington. The next professional conductor was Mr. Robert Parker, who held the baton until 1386, when, in consequence of overwork and failing health, he resigned and went on a visit to England, Under his direction many standard orchestral works (including several of the Symphonies of Beethoven and Mozart) were performed for the first time in Wellington, and the society became a powerful factor in the musical education of the community. After a temporary cessation from work it was re-formed in 1889 (shortly after the first New Zealand Musical Festival) under Mr. J. B. Connolly, a local violinist of repute, and after him came Mr. J. Otto Schwartz, an enthusiastic and most capable amateur, to whom instrumental music in Wellington is most largely indebted for talent and labour ungrudgingly bestowed during a long series of years. The present conductor is Mr. A. F. Hill, who has held office since his return from Leipzig in 1802. The Society has always been exceptionally fortunate in the matter of the completeness of its band, instruments which are rarely found in amateur orchestras having been always present in the hands of very competent players. The programmes of the concerts have always been of the highest class, one of the symphonies of Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schunam, or Schubert, usually occupying the central position therein; while modern works of a lighter character by Massenat, Rubinstein, Moszkowski, Cowen, Delibes, and Other representative composers, have also been frequently produced.
(N.Z. Centre). This well-known musical institution, which was the pioneer in Great Britain of the modern ‘local examination’ system, has an important local centre in New Zealand, its head-quarters being at Wellington. This was established through the instrumentality of Mr. Robert Parker, who, when on a visit to England in 1886, had an interview with the College authorities, and obtained from them the necessary powers for the formation of the New Zealand centre. The services of a very influential committee were enlisted; Sir James Hector, F.R.S., &c. (Chancellor of the New Zealand University), Mr. J. R. Blair (Chairman Wellington Education Board), and Rev. W. J. Habens (Inspector General of Schools) lent the authority of their names for the establishment of the work, and have always shown keen interest in its progress and development. Mr. Robert Parker has from the first acted as honorary local secretary, and under his management local centres have been established throughout the Colony, the number of candidates for examination in musical knowledge having increased from about 70 in 1887, to 500 in 1895. In the latter year an important new departure took place in the sending from England of an examiner for practical music (pianoforte playing, singing, etc.,) the gentleman chosen being a very eminent English musician, Mr. Myles Birket Foster (Fellow of the Royal Academy, and of the Royal College of Organists). The work of the colonial teachers was thus for the first time put to the test of an independent and thoroughly competent examination, and the result has been on the whole very satisfactory for so young a musical country as New Zealand. No less than 160 candidates entered, and of these a fair proportion passed very creditably, the Wellington percentage being slightly higher than, that of the other centres. There can be no doubt that the connection with so reputable an examining body as Trinity College will have immense influence for good in the musical training of the young people of New Zealand.
Pianist, Organist, Conductor, and Composer, Woolcombe Street, Wellington. This gentleman was born in 1867 in Warwickshire, England, and studied piano-playing and composition under Gustav Ernest, and organ-playing under Frank Spinney. In 1882 he received the appointment of organist and choirmaster at the Church of King Charles the Martyr, Tunbridge Wells, remaining there till 1889, when he was appointed to St. Mary Magdalen, St. Leonard's-on-Sea. During this time Mr. Barnett gave numerous organ recitals, and also played several times at the Inventions Exhibition in London, As a pianist, he made his first appearance in London at Burlington Hall, where he played Beethoven's “C minor Concerto,” with orchestra, after which he received engagements for concerts in South Kensington, North London, and in many provincial towns, his last concert in England being given in conjunction with Tividar Nachez, the celebrated Hungarian violinist. At the end of 1889, Mr. Barnett's health broke down, and he was obliged to leave England. He obtained the appointment at the Cathedral, Hobart, Tasmania, and remained in that town some three years, during which time he gave a large number of concerts, made several professional tours in the north of the Island, was engaged to open, the new organ for the Launceston Exhibition, and had charge of the musical arrangements in connection with the laying of the foundation stones of the Hobart Cathedral Chancel and Tower, composing the anthem and other music which
Teacher of the Piano, 108 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Miss Boughton was born in London where she was educated, and where she studied partly for her profession. She came to Wellington in 1830, and gained further experience and knowledge of music. Miss Boughton commenced teaching in Wellington in 1888. She has a fair number of pupils.
(Mrs. Henry Dibley), Teacher of Singing and Voice production, Tasman Street, and at the Dresden Piano Company, Lambton Quay, Wellington. This lady is an artist of unusual ability, and, though but recently arrived in the Colony, she has made a decided impression by her admirable singing. Born in London, she gave early signs of musical talent. She had the advantage of the best London masters, and studied under Mr. E. T. Buels at Kensington School, becoming proficient in the divine art. At eighteen, having gained a first class certificate, Madame Carlton became Lady Professor of the Kensington School of Music, which she retained for six years. Her public performances have been equally successful in England and in the Colony. Such works as “Barnett's Ancient Mariner,” “St. Paul,” “Marguerite in Fauat,” and “Haydn's Creation,” and “Handel's Messiah,” are rendered by her with exquisite taste. The English press has spoken most highly of Madame Carlton's abilities, and the New Zealand Times and Evening Post bear testimony to her “really superb singing at the musical festival in the Jewell song in Faust, which she had to repeat, this being the only encore allowed. It is not wonderful that her services are in demand for oratorios, concerts, and at homes. Madame Carlton has made a special study of voice training, and is well qualified to teach singing and voice production.” There can be little doubt that a brilliant career lies before her.
Professor of Voice production, Singing and Piano, 6 Bolton Street, Wellington. This lady who is a granddaughter of the late Chevalier Ratton, of East Hill, Colchester, is a soprano of distinguished ability. Born in London within the sound of bow-bells, she had the splendid advantages afforded by her mother, who was a member of the Royal Academy of Music, and a pupil of Sir Charles Hallé, Sir Sterndale Bennett, and Messrs. Ascher, Thalberg and Kuhe, and was assisted and encouraged in the cultivation of this rare talent, from her earliest years Madame Cope was trained in voice production and elocution, by the best Italian masters, and proved a very apt pupil. She studied under Signer Melehior Winter, primo tenori of the Royal Italian Opera Company, London, and was a pupil of Signors Schira, Eandeggia, and Balfe. After a complete course of instruction with a view to the musical profession, Madame Cope attained great distinction in rendering opera and oratorio music. Her parents leaving England, she accompanied them to Christchurch, and soon after her arrival Signor Biscachante, who was on a visit to the Colony, and heard her sing, offered her the position of prima donna in the London Italian Opera Company. Here was the opportunity of a lifetime, the world of music and of song was at her feet; but the charming little lady preferred life in New Zealand. She therefore declined the honour, and shortly afterwards was married to Mr. A. P. Sheath, barrister and solicitor, and settled with her husband in Napier. During the fourteen years spent in Hawkes Bay Madame Sheath was prominent as a professor of piano singing and voice production, and as an executante of operatic and oratorio music. As a teacher she had great success. A large number of pupils were entrusted to her care, and from their ranks many prominent singers have been evolved. The beat testimony to Madame Sheath's ability is that afforded by the public performances of those who have profited by her instruction. The Daily Telegraph of the 16th of November, 1892, says:—“Mrs. Sheath is entitled to considerable credit for the excellent programme she succeeded in placing before her patrons. A noteworthy fact was that all the performers were pupils of Mrs. Sheath, and they gave the audience a good idea of the capable tuition received not only in vocalism but in instrumental lessons as well.” She has long been
nisi in July, 1894, and gave her the care of her seven children, to whom her life had been and is still devoted. Prior to leaving Napier a most successful complimentary concert was tendered to Madame Sheath. The local press commented favourably on the lady's efforts, and bore testimony to the feelings of regret at parting with a “bright particular star” on the concert and dramatic platform. In 1895 Madame Sheath was married in Wellington to Mr. F. W. Cope, managing clerk of Reuter's Telegraph Agency. Since settling in Wellington she has been a member of the Wellington Harmonic Society, and has often delighted audiences in the capital city. Madame Cope gave her first public concert in Wellington in October, 1895. It was entirely by invitation, and proved a brilliant success, many of the best works being splendidly rendered. The engraving herein is a reproduction of an excellent photograph of Madame Cope surrounded by the pupils who took part on that Interesting occasion.
Teacher of Music and Singing, Marlborough House, Kent Terrace, Wellington. Mr. Dean is the only son of Humphrey Dean, late officer of H.M. 7th Regiment of Dragoon Guards, and brother-in-law of Mr. C. J. Drummond, F.S.S., well known as the late secretary of the London and Paris Compositors' Society, and now as the labour correspondent of the New Labour Department in the metropolis. Born in Manchester, England, the subject of this sketch was educated at
New Zealand Times and Evening Post of the following day. Mr. Dean has been successful in starting several bands in Wellington. In 1885 he organized the Hibernian Band, and conducted it for two years with considerable success. At the Catholic bazaar, held in 1887, this band was highly complimented for the manner in which the music selected for the occasion was performed. Soon after this he established the Rink Band, which was very popular in Wellington for four seasons. Mr. Dean next started the Foresters' Band, which proved an unqualified success. He is now conductor of a fine orchestra, and of a combination band for open air performances, which is likely to give a good account of itself. He was, in 1893, the organizer of the Prince of Wales Minstrels and Concert Party. This has been very successful, and periodical concerts are given for local and charitable purposes. Mr Dean has done a good deal to assist musical matters in Wellington, and as he has ever been ready to lend his valuable assistance for any deserving object, he is very popular. Mr. Dean was treasurer, in November, 1892, to the Band Contest Committee. But it is not only as a bandmaster, conductor, instructor, and performer that Mr. Dean is prominent: he is also a composer. Besides a considerable number of minor pieces, he wrote “The Columbia Skaters' Waltz,” “The Jubilee Waltz,” “The Foresters' Waltz,” and “The Foresters' Schottische,” and the songs, “Village Bells,” and “Deep in the Depths of Ocean Dive,” which are all very popular. His latest song is “The Eve of Christmas,” which gives promise of considerable popularity. Mr. Dean is an experienced piano tuner.
Teacher of Voice Production and Singing, 106 Willis Street, Wellington. This lady was educated in London, and had the advantage of being specially trained in music and singing by some of the best masters, who had been successful in bringing out some prominent professionals. In 1888, Mrs. Dodwell commenced to teach voice producton and singing in Wellington. She has had many pupils and has met with considerable success, in applying the easy and natural means which are employed in her teaching. Mrs. Dodwell always advises her pupils to go and hear all good singers that visit the City.
Teacher of Music (the violin), 90 Taranaki Street, Wellington. Born in Edinburgh, Mr. Forrest came to Auckland per ship “Maori,” arriving in 1868. A cabinet-maker by trade, he had a natural taste for music, and studied under Professor Callian, conductor of the Philharmonic Society in Auckland, and he has since studied the theory of music with Mr. A. F. Hill, R.C.M.L. Mr. Forrest has a gcodly number of pupils. He is still studying the theory of music with a view to composing. He has formed a string band known as “Forrest's Orchestra,” which numbers twelve instrumentalists. The Post and Telegraph Orchestra, lately formed, is conducted by Mr. Forrest, who takes a great interest in musical matters generally, and devotes special attention to the repairing of violins and other stringed instruments.
(née Townsend), Teacher of Music, 90 Taranaki Street, Wellington. This lady has been fond of music since she was about five years old, when she began to learn. She was born in Taranaki, and studied under Miss Wildman, of New
Teacher of Music, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Born in Melbourne, Mr. Hill received his musical education at the Royal Conservatorium of Music in Leipsic. Returning to the Colony, he commenced the practice of his profession in Wellington. The subject of this notice is the author of a number of cantatas and many other works which have been performed by the Wellington Orchestral Society, of which he is conductor.
Teacher of Music, Willis Street. Wellington. Mr. Hoffmann has given close attention to the subject of tuition. His natural gifts have been developed under most favourable circumstances, and it is not surprising that his services are in demand. He is the sole partner in the firm of Hoffmann and Sons, Musical Instrument Importers of Willis Street.
Teacher of Piano and Harmony, 10 Tinakoii Road, Wellington. This lady comes of a musical family; her father was a well-known musician in Liverpool, and her mother was an accomplished pianist. Mrs. Holt was a pupil of Sir Charles Hallé, and of Mr. Molineux—pupil and friend of Moscheles—and is well known in Wellington as a popular and successful teacher. She assists Mr. Barnett in his musical society, and is a member of the Orchestral Society.
Teacher of Violin and Piano, 10 Tinakori Road, Wellington, Miss Holt is a pupil of Mr. A. F. Hill, and inherits the musical abilities of her mother. She has already a large number of pupils, and is a member of the Orchestral Society.
Teacher of Music, 124 Willis Street, Wellington. Mr. King, who has been long known as a successful teacher of music, is more fully referred to as a piano and music dealer.
Teacher of Music, and Musical Conductor, No. 26 Wellington Terrace. Mr. MeGlashan, who is a native of Elgin, Scotland, arrived in Wellington in the year 1885 per steamer “Tainui,” and has followed his avocation since that time. As a teacher of the violin and band instruments, Mr. McGlashan is a great favourite, and his pupils are drawn from all classes. The esteem in which he is held by his numerous pupils is very clearly indicated by the interest and enthusiasm they display on the occasions of his pupils' concerts. They can always muster a crowd at the Opera House. Indeed, very few performances are more generally popular or more thoroughly enjoyable than Mr. McGlashan's concerts. The McGlashan Orchestra, established several years ago by its leaders, numbers about thirty, and includes a large range of instruments. Mr. McGlashan, besides being a favourite teacher is a popular performer, and thoroughly well known in musical circles generally. In the concerts of the Caledonian Society he has been very prominent ever since his arrival in the Colony. He is an enthusiastic Scotchman and is always to the fore in any affairs of a national character. It was Mr. McGlashan, in fact, who introduced the Caledonian Concerts in Wellington, and their evident success must be a sufficient reward for his labour. As a citizen Mr. McGlashan is highly and widely respected, and has he name of
taking the greatest pains with his pupils and producing excellent results. At the first instrumental examination held in this Colony under the auspices of Trinity College, conducted in October, 1895 by Mr. Myles Birket Foster, one of the highest examining authorities in the world, Mr. McGlashan's pupils were the only ones to gain a senior pass. As a composer of songs, both words and music, Mr. McGlashan has done a good deal, and his compositions have certainly laid the musical world under considerable obligation to him. Several of them have been published at Home, and the composer is still in receipt of royalty for some of them. He principally directs his attention to the production of Scotch songs. “The Lad that comes at E'en,” and “Ken ye the Glen” being excellent samples of this class; but a fine rollicking song of the sea, “At the Wheel,” published under the nom de plume of “Frank Lewerd,” shows that Mr. McGlashan's sympathies are not wholly confined to “Bonnie Scotland.” “The Lad that comes at E'en” is an exceptionally pleasing song, and is commonly described as “Scotch Courtship in a Nutshell.”
Instrumentalist and Teacher, 22 Kent Terrace, Wellington. Few musicians are better known throughout the Colony than Mr. Mackintosh, for he has been in New Zealand nearly all his life, and has been a musician since his childhood. Mr. Mackintosh was born in Inverness, Scotland, in 1849, and when six years old came with his relations to this Colony, landing in Auckland. In 1862, when thirteen years of age, he was enrolled (by special authority) in the band of Her Majesty's 14th Regiment, and served in the Waikato, Wanganui, Napier, and some parts of Australia. On his return to New Zealand in 1870, Mr. Mackintosh was appointed Garrison Bandmaster at Wellington. His physical training had certainly not been neglected, for about this time he was chosen to represent Wellington v. Nelson, in the first Representative Football Match, and has the honour (as per Wellington Football Annual) of having kicked the first goal in Wellington, under the Rugby Union Rules, and he won the “two mile” walking
Pianist and Teacher of Music, 29 Pipitea Street, Wellington. This lady received a thorough musical education in England, where she had nine different masters, amongst them Mr. Fowler, Professor of the Royal Academy, and Dr. Buck, Organist of Norwich Cathedral. At sixteen Miss Medley gained a certificate with honours at the Royal Academy, and afterwards passed an examination at the Royal College of Music, London. She has been eminently successful with her pupils. At the last Trinity College examination she sent up four, all of whom passed. Many excellent concerts have been given by Miss Medley in the city, and she is open to undertake similar engagements.
Teacher of Singing, Molesworth Street, Wellington, Madame Merz is a German lady, and hails from Hamburg. She studied for her profession under Kapellmeister Ricius, and became so popular as a soprano soloist that for six years she travelled in Germany fulfilling numerous engagements. In 1877 Madame Merz came out to the colonies, landing in Melbourne, where she remained for three years. After a short stay of fourteen months in Adelaide, she went to Sydney, where she resided twelve years. Madame Merz has earned even greater popularity in the colonies than in her own country. She has exhibited her rare powers of song in such pieces as the Bohemian Girl, Judas Maccabeus and many other oratorios and operas. She has obtained great distinction as a teacher of singing, and has many pupils. Wellington is indebted to Madame Merz for the Lieder Krang, which she founded and conducts.
Teacher of Music, 3 College Street. Mr. Newton was born in London, and came out to New Zealand as an infant in 1874. His father is English and his mother Swedish. He was educated at the public schools in Dunedin, and early displayed a natural gift for music. He received elementary musical instruction in the same city, one of his teachers being Mr. Lilly (now organist at St. Matthew's). Removing to Wellington he pursued his studies under the late Mr. W. H. Hardwick (piano and organ) Mr. Robert Parker (piano, singing and theory), and Mr. Walter Robarts (singing), continuing with Mr. Tallis Trimnell, Mus. Bac. Oxon. (advanced theory.) He has specially devoted himself to the theory of music and the piano; and in various advanced examinations in musical knowledge has been most successful. Mr. Newton has received flattering notices for his talent as a pianist; he has also had experience in conducting, professionally. Mr. Newton is a bass singer of great promise, and has also some natural talent and ability as an artist.
Teacher of the Pianoforte and Singing, 67 The Terrace, Wellington. Miss Noake is the daughter of the late Major R. Compton Noake, formerly adjutant 1st Royal Dragoons, afterwards twenty-three years adjutant of the Scottish Borderers Militia. Miss Noake is sister to Colonel Noake, who is so well known in New Zealand. She has always been known as an enthusiastic musician, and received her finishing lessons on the pianoforte from Herr Mangold, of London, and her singing from Madame Mortier. She is a great admirer and advocate of Sir Charles Halle's style. Since she arrived in New Zealand by the ship “Pleione,” in 1878, Miss Noake has devoted herself to teaching music with much success, both in Wanganui and Wellington, where she resides in a pretty villa commanding a lovely view of the city and harbour.
Professor of Music, from the Royal Academy of Science, Stockholm, arrived in Melbourne in 1859. For about seven years he lived near Ballarat, but crossed over to Hokitika in 1866. After a residence of from three to four years each in Hokitika and Greymouth, Mr. Norberg was for some time travelling about New Zealand, engaged in various pursuits. Subsequently for seven years he practised his profession with considerable success in Blenheim, and afterwards at Marton and Palmerston North for some years. In 1891 Mr. Norberg settled in Wellington, and has engaged in teaching the violin, piano, guitar, etc. Since living in the capital he has been a member of St. Peter's choir.
Violinist and Teacher of Music and Harmony, 24 College Street, Wellington. This promising young musician was born in Denmark, and received his musical education at the Royal Conservatorium of Music at Copenhagen, of which Niels W. Gade, the composer, was the principal. Herr Overbye came to the Colony in 1895, landing at Wellington on New Year's Day. He has been successful as a teacher, having secured a good many pupils for the violm and harmony. He has already given three concerts, all of which were highly successfull. Herr Overbye has proved himself a skilful violinist, and he produces a grand tone from his violin over which his power is so thorough “as to nearly make it speak.” He is a musician that has confidence in himself and is one likely to gain public favour. An engraving of Herr Overbye appears on page 453.
Professor of Music, Dresden Piano Company's Rooms, corner of Lambton Quay and Brandon Street, Wellington. Private residence, Sydney Street. Mr. Parker was born in London, and received his musical training in the World's Metropolis, his first instructor being Mr. W. S. Hoyte, the well-known organist of All Saints', Margaret Street, and of the Albert Hall. Subsequently he became pupil and assistant to Mr. Scotson Clark, Mus. Bac., organist of Exeter College, and he received some finishing lessons on the organ from Mr. George Cooper, of the Chapel Royal. Mr. Parker also studied the violin and pianoforte, his instructor on the latter instrument being Herr Lehmeyer, a well-known London professor. In choral work, Mr. Parker was trained by Mr. Fred Walker, then choirmaster of St. Paul's Cathedral, and now professor of singing at the Royal Academy, to whom he also acted as assistant. While yet in his teens Mr. Parker (who at that time intended to take Holy Orders), won a scholarship at Queen's College, Cambridge, and also received the appointment of organist to the College (a position held shortly afterwards by Professor Villiers Stanford), but he was unable, through broken health, to avail himself of a University career, and in order to recruit he took a quiet country appointment as organist and conductor. This he left to join the distinguished church composer, Dr. W. H. Monk (of hymns ancient and modern), with whom he worked as professional assistant at King's College, London, and elsewhere. Later on Mr. Parker had the advantage of a course of study with the celebrated vocal physiologist, Herr Emil Behnke, and he further went through a course of theoretical work with Dr. C. W. Pearce. Owing to continued ill health, Mr. Parker came to the Colony per ship “Caroline Coventry” arriving in Lyttelton in 1869, and shortly after, he accepted the position of organist in St. Michael's pro-Cathedral, Christchurch, which he retained till 1878. Fortunately for the Colony, Mr. Parker's residence in New Zealand was the means of his restoration to perfect health. Just before the Cathedral was opened he left the City of the Plains to take up his abode in Wellington, where he has now resided for over sixteen years. Mr. Parker holds the appointments
Teacher of the Theory and Practice of Music and Singing, 88 Abel Smith Street, Wellington. This young lady loves her profession and takes delight in her work of instructing the young. Born and educated in the Empire City, Miss Rowden had many teachers, but derived the greatest benefit from the tuition of Mr. Robert Parker, to whom she owes all she knows of the divine art. She perseveringly studied and gained her first certificate in the local Trinity College Examination in 1887. The year following she passed the senior test and took honours in 1889. For the next five years Miss Rowden was a student in harmony, and in 1894 successfully gained the Trinity College certificate for advanced harmony. She is a believer in the Tonio Sol-Fa system of teaching, and has taken a certificate from the English Sol-Fa College. She was a member of the old Harmonic Society, and now belongs to the Festival Choral Society. Miss Rowden holds special classes for the teaching of the various branches of her profession, and bestows great pains on her pupils, under the auspices of Trinity College, London. She has been very successful in passing many young people at these examinations. Her fame has spread to various parts of the Colony, and lessons in theory of music are given by Miss Rowden by means of correspondence. The subject of this sketch is a very busy lady, her duties beginning daily at 7.30 a.m., and no wonder, when it is considered that her pupils number more than fifty. Miss Rowden's rooms are her freehold property, and are prettily furnished and admirably adapted for the purpose for which they are used.
4 Bolton Street, Wellington, Teacher of Pianoforte, Violin and Singing. Born in Glasgow, Miss Russell was specially educated for the musical profession under the late Professor Howden, and afterward undor Mr. Thomas Berry, of that city. Miss Russell also had the advantage of attending Herr Ernest Paners' lectures to teachers on the art of pianoforte teaching and Herr Emil Behuke's classes for voice production, and has adopted the lines of those eminent teachers with great success. Before coming to Wellington in 1883 Miss Russell taught music for five years both privately and in a school in Glasgow, and gained a first class certificate for pianoforte playing from the London Society of Arts in 1880. Soon after her arrival here she was appointed assistant music teacher at the Wellington College, a position which she held for three years. She now devotes herself entirely to private teaching, and has a full complement of pupils.
Teacher of Voice Production and Singing, Hoby's Building, 104 Willia Street, Wellington. Miss Trehair-Osborne is a native of Plymouth, England. She was educated at a first-class boarding-school at Penzance. She studied the theory and practice of music in Manchester under Mr. Edward Hecht, well known as Sir Charles Hallés, conductor. Subsequently she studied in London with M. Emeric, the bass of the Grand Opera, Paris. Her natural gifts, combined with persevering study and this distinguished tuition, enabled Miss Trehair-Osborne to become proficient in her art. She therefore joined an English Concert Company as a professional, and, but for a serious breakdown in her health, might still have found congenial engagements in the Old Country. In 1886 she embarked on the good ship “Rimutaka,” and sailed towards the Southern Cross, arriving in Wellington the same year. Since then she has been engaged in teaching voice production and singing. Miss Trehair-Osborne has had many pupils, with whom she has had singular success. Among her lady pupils may be named Miss Sandford, who is a member of the Pollard Opera Company, and Miss Marguerite Johnson (daughter of Mr. R. P. Johnson), who has been singing with acceptance to Melbourne audiences. Miss Trehair-Osborne has also taught many gentlemen in Wellington how to use their voices, and develop their latent powers. Many of these have long been favourably known to the public.
Mus. Bac. Oxon, Organist and Teacher of Music, No. 11 The Terrace. The subject of this paragraph is a native of Bristol, England. He studied music in the Cathedral at the latter city, where he remained till he was twenty-one years of age. The course of training which Mr. Trimnell underwent was most thorough and complete. Having a natural taste for the profession, and being most persevering in his habits, Mr. Trimnell became thoroughly qualified for the important appointments he has subsequently held. On attaining his majority he was free to accept any position that might be offered, and was fortunate in securing the post of organist to the Chesterfield Parish Church. Mr. Trimnell entered upon his duties with all the zest of youth and a full determination to excel. How far he succeeded may be gathered from the fact that he held the position at Chesterfield for a quarter of a century. At the end of this period he was offered and accepted a similar position at the Sheffield Parish Church. The latter appointment he held for ten years, and might have remained much longer had the atmosphere of that manufacturing town been as pellucid as that of Wellington. Solely on account of the condition of his health, Mr. Trimnell was compelled to resign his appointment in Sheffield, where he had qualified and obtained the degree of Bachelor of Music of Oxford. At this time Mr. Trimnell had the post of organist of the Auckland Cathedral offered to him, and accepting the position for four years he came to the Colony in 1885, per s.s. “Aorangi.” Mr. Trimnell made many friends in Auckland, but felt bound to accept the position of organist at St. Peter's Church, Wellington, which he still fills with his well-known ability. Mr. Trimnell has a large circle of private pupils in Wellington, with whom he is deservedly popular. He has often been prominent in connection with musical matters, having acted as conductor at some and as organist or pianist at many others. At the Musical Festival in 1894 Mr. Trimnell acted as pianoforte accompanist. As a composer of Anthems, Mr. Trimnell has made a name for himself throughout the musical world.
Teacher of Mandolin, Banjo and Guitar, Barker Street, Wellington. Mr. Turner was born in Paisley in 1866 and educated there and at Greenock. His father was a wood-turner, and the subject of this sketch learnt that trade, which he still carries on in the daytime, giving musical instruction in the evening. When twelve years of age Mr. Turner came to Melbourne, where a year later he took his first lessons on the violin. Subsequently he learned the mandolin with Signor M. Lopez, of the Spanish students, then in Melbourne. Mr. Turner now plays over thirty different instruments, the knowledge of which has been acquired mostly without assistance. While in Melbourne in 1892 and 1893, he played with the Spanish Students. He was also a member of the Melbourne Estudiantina Society for some time, and played at concerts and entertainments of every description. In 1888 he married, and in 1893, accompanied by Mrs. Turner, came to Dunedin. Getting a three weeks' engagement at the Exchange Hall, Mr. Turner decided to settle in Wellington, where he has since resided continuously. In 1894 he secured a season's engagement at the popular concerts then being conducted during the winter months. During his stay in Wellington he has appeared at entertainments of different kinds, and has the reputation of being able to take music out of almost anything. Both Mrs. Turner and he belong to very musical families.
(Associate in Music, Trinity College, London), Professor of Music, Ellice Street, Wellington. Mr. Webb is a native of Nottingham, and very early in life displayed a natural liking for music. He studied at Southwell Cathedral and made such rapid progress that at the age of fourteen he became an assistant organist, and filled an appointment at St. John's Parish Church in Nottingham about the same time. During
Dudley, Mrs. E. W., Teacher of Music, Revans Street.
Hotop, Alfred Carl, Violinist and Teacher of Music, 18 Elizabeth Street.
Lippitt, Mrs. T. H., Teacher of Music, Harper Street.
Lissant, Mrs. Elizabeth, Teacher of Music, 65 Courtenay Place.
Pearn, Mrs. Emily A., Teacher of Music, 32 Ghuznee Street.
Raymond, Wellington, Teacher of Vocal and Instrumental Music, 73 Upper Ghuznee Street.
Richards, Mrs. (nće. Dora Stanford), Teacher of Music, 181 Cuba Street.
Spilier, Mrs. Emma, Teacher of Music and Dancing, Broadway Terrace.
Trowell, Thomas, Professor of Music, Buller Street.
Walter, John Max, Professor of Music and Languages, Aro Street.
the fourth daughter of Mr. Judah Myers, Merchant, of Wellington, was born at Motueka, Nelson, on the 9th of February, 1871, and died at Wellington on Thursday, the 10th of June, 1895. A member of a talented family, she early developed a love and capacity for music, and in the cultivation of her talents she was encouraged by all her friends. But not only in music did she excel. In 1885 she gained an Education Board Scholarship entitling her to a scholastic course at the Wellington Girls' High School, where she exhibited the same care and devotion to duty which had ensured her success while a pupil at the Thorndon School. Her musical education was conducted by Mr. Hautrie West and Mr. Robert Parker (instrumental), and Miss M'Clean (vocal). Her wonderful success brought her renown, but it was her singularly amiable disposition and her charmingly modest demeanour which so endeared her to the large circle of her acquaintances, and to the music-loving public generally. To say
New Zealand Times said of her:— “Both in singing and playing, her rendering was most accurate, her method artistic, and her faculty for correct and tasteful expression was a distinguishing characteristic. Her voice was mezzo-soprano in quality, and when “The Rose of Sharon” was performed by the Harmonic Society some time since, Miss Myers took the mezzo-soprano solo part. She was a member also of the Festival Choral Society during the first year of its existence. Her accomplishments were undoubted, but it will be her sweetness and gentleness of manner that will embalm her memory in many sorrowing hearts, and cause her to be long and affectionately remembered by her little music pupils.” The New Zealand Graphic, after describing her illness and death, added:—“For the first two years of the existence of the Amateur Operatic Society, Miss Myers acted as its pianiste, and on retiring from that position she was presented by the Society with a handsome gold watch and chain. The Festival Choral Society also had the benefit of Miss Myers aervices. To her it seemed a real pleasure to assist in any movement for the amelioration of the poor, or, in fact, any deserving cause. Indeed, there are good grounds for believing that her kindness of heart may have had a good deal to do with her illness, as since her decease it has come to her parents' knowledge that among her pupils were some whom she taught free of charge from sheer kindness of heart, knowing that they were not all able to pay her. Her last public appearance on the platform was at a concert given by her pupils some few months ago, which was a great success. She loved her art, and was a most successful teacher, both of singing and music.” Miss Myers had taken much interest in the Trinity College practical examinations, for which several of her pupils had entered. In the theory examination of 1894 her pupils were very successful. The results of the 1895 examination, published some three months after Miss Myers's death, showed that quite a number of her pupils had successfully passed. It is probable that Miss Myers had overworked herself in preparing so many of her pupils for these examinations. Notwithstanding that she had so little time for relaxation, she took an active part as a member of the Ladies' Committee for the féte given to the poor children of the City on the Queen's Birthday. She had worked hard and taken great interest in the féte, and it was the last occasion on which she appeared out of doors. On the following day she complained of a severe headache, which developed into meningitis and typhoid fever. Great anxiety was felt as the daily papers mentioned from time to time the severity of the illness, but until Sunday, the 9th of June, much hope was entertained that she would recover. On the evening of that day, however, congestion of the lungs was added to the already terrible complication, and at six o'clock on the following evening, surrounded by the members of her grief-stricken family, she passed quietly from their midst. The following day was very stormy, but notwithstanding the high wind and the beating rain, a vast concourse assembled to pay a tribute of affection and respect. A bright life had been suddenly cut off, and all classes felt that Wellington had suffered a sad loss. To those who had so recently seen her in the blossom of life—her nimble fingers striking with such precision the responsive chords, and her sweet, flexible voice stirring the hearts of her listeners, Miss Myers's death was a great shock. To her parents, who almost doted on her, and to her brothers and sisters, who lavished their love upon her, it was a blow from which they can never quite recover. Among those present at the funeral were the Hon. R. J. Seddon (Premier), Mr. C. M. Luke (Mayor), and several councillors and ex-councillors, Mr. H. D. Bell, M.H.R., the Rev. J. Paterson, Mr. Robert Parker, and the prominent members of the Choral Societies, a number of the leading merchants, a numerous following of the Hebrew congregation, the children of the Terrace School, and a large gathering of private friends. Over seventy beautiful wreaths testified to the loving sympathy of those who mourned the loss of the young and beautiful life so suddenly terminated—a life worthy of the closest imitation.
Professional singers are usually teachers, of vocal or instrumental music. One notable exception to this rule, however, is found in Wellington,—Mr. John Prouse, without some mention of whom no record of the musical talent of the Capital city would be complete.
the well-known baritone singer, is the third son of the late Mr. Richard Prouse, one of the pioneer settlers of Wellington, and was born in 1856 in this district. From a very early age he displayed musical taste and the possession of a good singing voice, and as a lad he was a member of the church choirs at the Wainui and at the Taita, where his family resided. Mr. Prouse, however, was of a rather retiring disposition, and it was not until 1885 that he made his debut upon the concert platform at Wellington. At a bound he leaped into popularity. His rich
debutant as an acquisition to the musical resources of the City. At the Wellington Musical Festival of 1888, Mr. Prouse won golden opinions by his splendid singing of the music allotted to the rôle of “Elijah” in Mendelssohn's immortal oratorio. It is only just to observe that Mr. Prouse ascribes much of his success as a singer to the careful tuition he received during two years from Mr. Robert Parker. Acting upon the strong advice of his friends, Mr. Prouse, in 1890, left for England, accompanied by his wife and family, in order to have his voice and method trained and developed under good masters. For twelve months he studied with characteristic earnestness of purpose under Mr. T. A. Wallworth, ex-professor of the Royal Academy of Music, and at the Academy of Mr. Wilhelm Ganz, the well-known song-writer, devoting himself chiefly to oratorio work. During this period he also found time to accept concert engagements at the Crystal Palace, in St. James's Hall, London, and in the provinces, receiving many flattering notices for his performances. Mr. and Mrs. Prouse and family returned to Wellington in 1892, and since then Mr. Prouse has taken part in nearly all the principal concerts given in Wellington, besides filling engagements at Auckland, Christchurch, Ashburton, Timaru, Dunedin, and Invercargill. He was entrusted with the baritone solo parts in several of the musical works produced at the Wellington Musical Festival of 1894, and for oratorio work both here and in the South Island his services are in constant request. Mr. Prouse has a great love for his art, and a deep sense of its grandeur and dignity. As a consequence, he has consistently eschewed its lighter and ephemeral side, and devoted himself almost entirely to high class music, especially oratorio, of which he is one of the best exponents in the Colony. He certainly stands unrivalled in New Zealand as a baritone singer in oratorio, and in the rendering of such songs as “Nazareth” (Gounod), “Thou'rt Passing Hence, my Brother” (Sullivan), “The Holy City” (Adams), and “Les Rameaux” (Faure). Mr. Prouse has derived much advantage in his musical studies from the musical taste and enthusiasm of his wife, and, in this connection, it may be observed that the artistic gifts of the parents have descended to their children.
Piano, Organ, and Music Warehousemen, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Manager Mr. M. J. Brookes. P.O. Box 221. Telegraphic and cable address, “Dresden, Wellington.” The business of the Dresden Piano Company was established in 1880. The premises now occupied are those art decorated two-story buildings, situated at the corner of Lambton Quay and Brandon Street, which have been enlarged, altered, and improved from time to time, to meet the demands of their ever increasing business, and are now indeed all that can be desired. The floor space is upwards of 7000 square feet. The Dresden rooms, as the upper floor apartments are called, are the rendezvous of musical people generally. Here they have a fine concert hall, capable of seating 350 people, in which the Wellington Orchestral Society, Wellington Harmonic Society, and Wellington Liedertafel hold their weekly practices, also several sound-proof teaching rooms, which are used by some of the best musicians in New Zealand. The importations consist of pianos, organs, and musical instruments of every description by notable makers—English, French, German, and American. Their music department contains an immense stock and comprises all the latest novelties in book and sheet music. The company are sole agents in New Zealand for Erard pianos, the Kuhse pianos, Pinfold's metronomes, and Boosey's famous band instruments, which have for many years occupied the premier position among musicians. The specialties of the firm are: pianos by Broadwood and Son, Collard and Collard, Erard, Kuhse, Lipp and Sohn, Schwechten, etc.: orgaus by Bell and Co. and Weaver, and harmoniums by Alexandre, etc., any of which can be purchased either for cash, or on their well-known time payment system.
(C. L. Hoffman), Musical Instrument Importers, Willis Street, Wellington. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Ghuznee Street. This well-known firm was founded in 1860 by the father of the present proprietor. Thousands of splendid instruments have been introduced into the Colony by the enterprise and push of the family of Hoffmann, who are all highly musical. The music-loving people of New Zealand owe much to the operations of this old-established business. The Wellington branch was opened in 1887. Mr. C. L. Hoffman, who has conducted the business for five years and is now the sole proprietor, was born in Auckland. Educated at the Auckland College and Grammar School and at Nelson College, he gained his musical and business knowledge with his father in Auckland. Messrs. Hoffman and Son are importers of all classes of musical instruments. They are agents for John Brinsmead and Son, of London (pianos), for F. Besson and Co., of London (brass instruments), and for Story and Clarke, of Chicago, U.S.A. (organs). The winning band in the contest of 1895 is replacing its instruments with Besson's, and they have at the present time several of them, but intend to have a full set as soon as possible. The splendid showroom occupied by the firm in Willis Street has two immense plate glass fronts, and the floorage space is about 2000 square feet.
(Frederick Jones), Music and Musical Instrument Importers and Music Publishers, Lambton Quay, Wellington, Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. This firm was fonnded in 1895. Mr. Jones learned his business with Mr. Reichardt, with whom he remained for twelve years. Messrs. Jones and Co. have already established a connection throughout New Zealand and Australia. They have published a good number of proprietary songs, some of which are very popular.
Music and Musical Instrument Dealer, 69 Manners Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Te Aro Branch. Telephone, 224. Private residence, 124 Willis Street. Mr. King is a native of London, whence he arrived in the Colony, via Melbourne, in 1860. He was for some time in business in Wanganui, where he had a good connection, and established a trade in musical instruments, music, etc., which is still in existence. On deciding to come to Wellington, he disposed of the good-will and business to Messrs. Collier and Company, who still conduct the same. While in Wanganui, Mr. King was bandmaster of the Wanganui Rifles and Wanganui Garrison Bands. After eleven years residence Mr. King was publicly presented with a purse of fifty sovereigns on leaving. The present business was established in 1886; the building occupied being built of brick and wood, one story high, affording a floor space of 2000 square feet.
Mr. King imports direct a large quantity of music, and most popular pieces and songs are sent out by early mails so as to be available in the Colony almost as soon as in England. He also imports musical instruments of all kinds. He gives special attention personally to the tuning and repairing of pianos and also to tuition in music. He has a large circle of pupils, many of whom have been long under his instruction with decided advantage to themselves. Mr. King has occupied the position of bandmaster to the Wellington City Brass Band. At present he conducts the orchestra of the Working Men's Club as well as E. J. King and Son's Select Adult Orchestra. While Mr. King, senior, is thus engaged with musical matters, tuning, etc., Mr. Edwin James King, junior, who has had a thorough training with his father in all matters relating to the business, takes the management of the shop, and generally conducts. The latter has an intimate knowledge of the requirements of the trade, and may be depended on to do all in his power to supply the wants of all customers. The firm of E. J. King and Sons has received the appointment of musicians to his Excellency the Earl of Glasgow. Mr. Francis A. King, third son of Mr. E. J. King, who was leader of the orchestra at the Opera House and also of the Orchestral Society, as violinist, studied under Mr. Collier, of Wanganui, and Mr. Trimnell, of Wellington. He has completed his term at the Royal Academy of Music, London, and is, at the time of writing, fulfilling a twelve months' engagement at the Empire Theatre, in the Metropolis, as violinist. Mr. F. A. King has been successful in gaining a degree at the Royal College of Violinists in London., He is expected back in Wellington before the end of 1896. Before leaving for England he composed and published the Huia Schottische, which became immensely popular, and was played by special request at Government House. (Since the above engraving was prepared, Mr. E. J. King has removed to larger premises in the same street).
Piano, Organ, and Musical Instrument Importer, The Musical Instrument Depôt, 7 Manners Street, Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Pinny, Wellington.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Roxburgh Street. Mr. Pinny established his business in 1886, and having been all his life connected with musical societies and musical friends, he made rapid headway. In the beginning his imports were small as compared to his present transactions, but he has for many years been a constant importer from England, America and Germany. His principal lines are pianos, reed organs and harmoniums; but he deals very largely in the smaller instruments, and occasionally he supplies pipe organs. The Musical Instrument Depôt, is centrally situated in a fine two-storey brick building. The Modern Times, referring to musical matters in the Empire City, said:—” There was a time when it might justly be said that music was at a low ebb in Wellington. Only the best houses were supplied with pianos, and many of these were generally silent. Now that is all changed, and to no one is more of the credit due than to Mr. F. J. Pinny.” Mr. Pinny has placed his instruments with families who dare only dream of pianos before he started, and now-a-days a house without a piano or organ is looked upon as poor indeed. Many a music teacher, too, has struggled into a comfortable living from the start given by Mr. Pinny, ‘who brightens the homes of rich and poor
Music Warehouseman, Importer of Pianos and all kinds of musical instruments, 70 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Mr. Reichardt has been established in Wellington upwards of twenty years, and has occupied a leading position in musical matters for the greater part of that time. His shop is a large wood and iron structure, situated between the drapery establishment of Messrs. Kirkcaldie and Stains and the Occidental Hotel. Behind the shop is a large showroom, in which are displayed an assortment of pianos by leading makers, principally from such well-known houses as Kirkman, Collard and Collard, Blüthner, Erard, and Pleyel.
Pianoforte Tuner, Repairer, and Dealer in Musical Instruments, Ingestre Street, Wellington. Mr. Silk established himself in business in the Empire City early in the year 1896. As a boy of tender years he evinced a decided taste for music, of which, however, he was unable to commence the study till the year 1881. He made rapid progress in the divine art, first mastering the piano, which he plays well; the violin, however, is his favourite. He has studied and practised assiduously to become a really good player of this fine instrument, in which, it is needless to say, he has succeeded. His talents in this direction have been freely used to assist the advancement of music in the Empire City. Shortly after the establishment of the Wellington Orchestral Society, he joined as a violinist, continuing for several years to assist in this capacity. It is not merely as a musician that Mr. Silk finds his sphere—two years after beginning to study, he began to compose, and actually published his first piece—the “Monawai Waltz”—as long ago as 1883. Since this time he has composed many funeral and other marches, and many songs. The most prominent of his songs are the “Lovers' Prayer,” “True Love,” and “Night.” The last is set to words taken from the “Ingoldsby Legends,” the other two being entirely composed by Mr. Silk—both words and music. For nearly nine years the subject of this notice was in the employ of Messrs. Hoffmann and Sons in Wellington, where he had the opportunity of gaining large experience in the tuning of organs and pianos, as well as in the repairing of all kinds of musical instruments. Mr. Silk improved his opportunities so well that he is now an expert, and when Signor Foley and the Italian Opera Company were in Wellington he did all the tuning and repairing required for the instruments used by this talented combination. In addition to tuning and repairing, Mr. Silk has made arrangements to supply pianos, organs, and violins at the lowest possible price for cash, or on easy terms of payment.
Pianoforte Expert, Certificated Tuner and Repairer, and Pianoforte Maker, 2 Marion Street, near Skating Rink, Wellington. Mr. Tipling has had a long experience in his business. Born and educated in Yorkshire, England, he served an apprenticeship to the trade with Messrs. Wood and Marshall, of Huddersfield. He was afterwards for four years with the well-known London manufacturers, John Brinsmead and Son, with whom he gained a thorough knowledge of action fitting. Leaving England about the end of 1879 by ship “Western Monarch,” under a seven years engagement to Messrs. Milner and Thompson, piano makers, of Christchurch, he landed at Lyttelton early in 1880. He remained in the employ of this firm for fully ten years, and was with them when the method of stringing pianos was patented. Mr. Tipling worked out the details of the invention and made the models. The patent has been secured in Australasia, Germany, France, and England, and is proving very attractive. The great advantage consists in the use of wood being dispensed with. At every exhibition where this patent method of stringing pianos has been shown the highest awards have been secured. At the World's Fair, Chicago, a gold medal and diploma of honour were gained. In Dunedin at the exhibition of 1890, a double first award was bestowed on the instrument which was fitted by the patent method of stringing, “for high quality of tone and endurance,” and for its tuning device by which the piano is easily tuned and remains in tune. Mr. Tipling holds a special agency for Messrs. Milner and Thompson's new prize medal piano, with patent automatic tuning attachment, for Wellington and district. He formed his present connections in 1890, after leaving Christchurch, and was the recipient of a flattering testimonial from his late employers. While in London Mr. Tipling received a certificate from the society of Arts as tuner for Messrs. Brinsmead. Since
Charlton, Joseph, Pianoforte Tuner, Watson Street, Wellington.
Cimino, Salvatore, Dealer in Music and Musical Instruments, 78 Willis Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1893.
Gardiner, Frederick, Pianoforte Tuner, Sydney Street, Wellington.
Hoffmann, Fred, Importer of Musical Instruments, 25 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Webb Street. Established 1889.
Parsons, George F., Piano and Music Dealer, 217 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Murphy Street. This business was established by Mr. W. H. Spiller in 1885, and has been conducted by Mr. Parsons since June, 1895.
The first paper published in the Colony was called the New Zealand Gazette. It was the property of the New Zealand Company, and was under the editorship of Mr. Samuel Revans. That gentleman came to the Colony as secretary of the Executive Committee of the Company, which was nominated to control the inception of the settlement. He arrived in Wellington by the “Aurora” in January, 1840, and his signature is appended to all the official documents issued by the Committee before its dissolution after the arrival of Governor Hobson. Very soon after his arrival Mr. Revans identified himself with his original calling of a journalist, and brought out the first issue of the Gazette on the 18th of April, 1840, but a prior number had been printed in London on the 6th of September, 1839. The first New Zealand publication contains the draft of the Provisional Constitution as drawn up by the settlers, and the local appointments made by the committee. The paper was of demy size, and bore the imprint of Edward Roe, whose descendants now reside in the Feilding district. On the removal of the town from Petone to Lambton Harbour the name of the paper was changed to the New Zealand Gazette and Britannia Spectator, but when the name of the town was altered from “Britannia” to “Wellington,” the latter title was substituted. On the 2nd of October, 1841, it was issued bi-weekly instead of weekly Shortly after the arrival of Mr. (afterwards Sir William) Fox he assumed the duties of editor, and he vigorously upheld the cause of the settlers, and advocated the principles of popular government. It may be here mentioned that Mr. Revans subsequently became a settler in the Wairarapa Valley, where he died on the 15th of July, 1888. The Gazette had the difficulties in financing which appear to be inherent in all enterprises of that description even in these days, for we find the editor complaining on Anniversary Day, January 22nd, 1842, that “great difficulty was experienced in collecting subscriptions for the paper, and that some of its supporters had not paid one shilling since it was established.” For all that, an opposition organ sprang into existence in that year. Mr. Richard Hanson, a lawyer, who had been a contributor to the London Globe and Morning Chronicle, establishing the “Colonist and Port Nicholson Advertiser.” This journal existed for a year, and during that time there was fierce warfare between the two editors. Mr. Fox resigned his editorship of the Gazette in 1843, on being appointed agent to the New Zealand Company. Mr. Hanson, who, in addition to editing the Colonist was also Crown Prosecutor, resigned the latter post in 1846 and settled in South Australia, where he became Chief Justice and was knighted. He wrote several works, chiefly on theology, and died in 1876. The Gazette was placed under the management of a committee, who were elected for a period of six months, but a disagreement arose between the printers and the employees, and the latter appealed to the public. Subscriptions were raised, a plant obtained from Sydney, and on the 2nd of April, 1844, the “Wellington Independent” was first published. It was issued tri-weekly and bore the imprint of Edward Roe, E. W. Vincent, James Muir, G. Fellingham, and Thos. W. McKenzie. Curiously enough the printing press was the one on which the Sydney Morning Herald was originally printed. The New Zealand Gazette afterwards became the property of the Hon. R. Stokes, who re-named it the “New Zealand Spectator and Cook Strait Guardian,” and it was printed by Mr. N. Sutherland. The Spectator was the organ of the Grey Party, and able articles frequently appeared from the pen of Alfred Domett, who was then Colonial Secretary for New Munster. The Independent was not deficient in talent, for the three F's—Fox, Featherston and Fitzherbert—and others all joined in condemning the political actions of Sir George Grey in its columns, advocating the rights of the settlers to the privileges of self-government. This journalistic war was a fierce one until the proclamation of the new constitution on the 4th of March, 1853. About this time Mr. R. Wakelin
Independent, but it had other talented contributors, including Edward Gibbon Wakefield, Edward Jerningham Wakefield, Dr. Evans, Henry Sewell and others. Both papers were published on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and appeared according to circumstances, at any time between noon and 4 p.m. When no printing paper was procurable, blotting or wrapping paper was substituted, and often two sheets of demy were pasted together to fulfil requirements. Subscribers were very slack in paying up in those days, and the printer had frequently to take firewood and farm produce in exchange for literature. It was through Mr. Wakelin that Wellington obtained the name of the Empire City. On the occasion of the members leaving for the session of 1856 in Auckland, an article appeared which referred to Wellington as the future “Empire City” of the Colony. The Auckland papers took the title up in a spirit of derision, and frequently referred to Wellington as the “Empire City” in a jocular way. But the name stuck until it became no longer a term of ridicule, but a fact. Mr. John Knowles succeeded Mr. Wakelin as editor of the Independent, and held the seat until 1861, when Mr. Henry Anderson was appointed to the position. In 1859, owing to a disagreement between the proprietors and compositors of the Independent, the latter started a new venture called the New Zealand Advertiser, a demy sheet. It was at first issued gratis, but subsequently, under the editorship of Mr. R. Wakelin, it was charged for and increased to double demy, bi-weekly, and afterwards to a tri-weekly. It was published by Charles Roe, Joseph Bull, and Edward Bull. The former sold his share, and the brothers Bull carried the paper on successfully until 1868, when it was brought to grief by a libel action instituted by Mr. Charles Schultze, Speaker of the Wellington Provincial Council. Efforts were made to revive it, but unsuccessfully. The Independent continued to flourish under the vigorous editorship of Mr. Anderson until 1869, when Mr. A. F. Halcombe succeeded him. Early in 1864 the first daily evening paper was published. The late Mr. Henry Blundell, with his three sons and Mr. David Curle had tried a newspaper venture at Havelock at the time when the Wakamarina diggings were at their best, but there was no field here for the enterprise. Mr. Blundell proceeded to Otago to seek for more promising soil on which to plant a journal, but finding someone had forestalled him in that province he retraced his steps, packed up the type and press at Havelock, and crossed over to Wellington. He tried Wanganui, but that district was then under martial law, and every man liable to be called on to shoulder a musket and do sentry duty, so he returned to Wellington, where he found the same speculator who had been before him in Otago, ready to start an evening paper. It was a race for who should get out the first issue, and the plant was landed and set up in the old Commissariat stores in Willis Street, and the first copy of the Evening Post was issued from there, and published by Mr. R. Burrett at his stationer's shop in Manners Street. The idea of starting an evening paper in those days was looked upon by the old identities as a foolish venture. The Post exercised little influence on politics until 1868, when Mr. Frank Gifford was appointed editor. He was a talented writer and an able journalist, and, without doubt, laid the foundations of what is now one of the best newspaper properties in the Colony. He retired in 1872, owing to loss of his eyesight, and went to Melbourne, where he died. The Post has since been edited by Messrs. W. H. Pilliett, Henry Anderson, E. T. Gillon, D. M. Luckie, Rous Marten, and again by Mr. E. T. Gillon (q.v.). Mr. Henry Blundell, senr., retired in 1874 in favour of his three sons—John Henry, and Louis—the second of whom died in 1894, and the proprietorship still remains in the hands of the survivors (vide Evening Post).
In 1868 a Mr. Parsons, a civil servant with a penchant for journalism, rented premises from Mr. E. W. Mills and started a morning journal called the New Zealand Times. This venture had a very brief existence. In 1865 the Independent had only one of the original names on the imprint—Mr. Thomas McKenzie—and it was during this year that Mr. R. Stokes, the proprietor of the Spectator, abolished his paper and sold the plant to Mr. McKenzie. He was induced to sell the Independent and become a shareholder in the New Zealand Times. Mr. R. Creighton became editor and Mr. Scales manager. It was the intention of the promoters to make the Times a colonial journal, but as every chief town in the Colony had a local paper the Times Company was anything but a pecuniary success. It was first published on the 1st of June, 1874. Its editors, after Mr. Creighton's resignation, were Messrs. J. Perrier, W. H. Harrison, J. C. Hay, and Dr. Pollen. In 1879 the Company was wound up, and Mr. Chantrey Harris, who had previously been manager of the Southland Times, became the proprietor. It was then edited by the Rev. D. Bruce and afterwards by Mr. Rous Marten, and was again sold to a company in 1892 (vide New Zealand Times).
In 1877 another paper was started by a company to advocate the views of the Liberal party. It was called the New Zealander, and the editorship was entrusted to Mr. E. T. Gillon. It was popular for a time, but was financially a
Times, and then Mr. Reid sold the New Zealander to him also and the two papers were amalgamated. Another venture was launched in 1874— the Tribune—by Mr. Wm. Hutchison, now M.H.R. for Dunedin. It was a failure, and the plant and goodwill were sold to Messrs. E. T. Gillon, R. Kent, and J. Waters, who re-christened it the Argus, and published it as an evening journal. It lingered a few months under its new title, and a Mr. Gardiner, an American newspaper man, purchased it, but he soon sold it again to Messrs. Henry Anderson, Allan Anderson, and David Curle, one of the original founders of the Evening Post. Under Mr. H. Anderson's editorship the Chronicle obtained a large circulation, and exercised considerable political influence. He retired in 1880, and financial troubles set in and the plant was sold. The Wellington Advertiser was started in 1880 and printed by Mr. R. Burrett and edited by Mr. M. C. Hickey on Saturdays. It lived about three years. The Evening Press was established by Mr. Roydhouse, with Mr. H. Anderson as editor. Mr. Edward Wakefield, one of the most brilliant journalists and orators New Zealand ever possessed, joined Mr. Royd-house as proprietor shortly after it was started, and his contributions made the Press very popular for a time. Financial troubles, however, led to Mr. Wakefield's selling out his share, and Mr. Roydhouse ran the paper himself for some time, and then Mr. Hawkins, now S.M. at Invercargill, was in the editorial chair for a time. The paper was then purchased by a company, with Mr. J. L. Kirkbride as managing director, and it had as editors Messrs. Hearn, James Wilkie, and Christie. Its career ended in 1894. The Weekly Herald was first published in July, 1883, by the present proprietor, Mr. Thos. Dwan (q.v.), and is still flourishing. The People, another weekly, was started in 1895 by Mr. E. A. Haggen. Daybreak (now incorporated with The People) a paper for women, and the Newtown Advocate first saw the light in that year. Fair Play, a weekly illustrated, and one of the best-written papers at that time in the Colony, had a twelve months' career, starting from March, 1893.
is the agency by which the papers of New Zealand obtain their telegraphic news both in the Colony itself and from outside. Previous to 1880 there were two rival agencies, one controlled by morning and the other by evening papers. The competition between them led to much useless rivalry and expense, and it was agreed to unite and form one association, which for convenience was established in the form of a joint stock company. It is, however, really a co-operative body and is not worked on profit-making lines. All the principal papers of the colony are members of it and the supply of New Zealand news is obtained from their own offices. In 1888 the Association also took over the cable service, which, up to then, had been in Reuter's hands, with the result that a vast improvement at once became visible. Mr. E. T. Gillon was the first manager of the Association, and in 1886 Mr. W. H. Atack took up the position. The headquarters are in Wellington.
the Manager of the United Press Association, Limited, was born at Southampton, Hampshire, England, in 1857, and came to the Colony with his father's family in 1859, per barque “Creswell,” landing in Lyttelton. He was educated in Christchurch, and was subsequently engaged on the literary staff of the Lyttelton Times, where he held the position of sub-editor. After a connection with the above newspaper of eleven years to the day, Mr. Atack left to accept the position in Wellington which he now holds. His appointment with the Press Association dates from the 1st of January, 1886, and during the interval Mr. Atack has become well known and greatly respected in the Empire City.
Officers: The Hon. Wm. McCullough (Auckland), president; Messrs. R. A. Loughnan (Wellington), W. H. Triggs (Christchurch), and A. E. Cohen (Dunedin), vice-presidents; the Hon. Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G., M.H.R. (Wellington), hon. counsel; Mr. F. W. Weston (Wellington), hon. treasurer: and Mr. George Humphries (Wellington), hon secretary. The Institute was founded on the 8th of August, 1891, and now has 127 active members, as well as a number of influential gentlemen who are honorary members. There are four branches of the Institute, viz., at Auckland, Christ church, Dunedin, and Wellington. These each elect a chairman, a treasurer, and a secretary. The objects of the Institute are:—To admit members by examination, to promote the elevation of the status and the improvement of the qualifications of all members of the profession, and to exercise supervision over its members when engaged in professional duties, to promote friendly intercourse among its members, and to act as a means of communication between members and others seeking engagements and other matters. The council is the governing body of the Institute, and decides matters in dispute when submitted by the branches. During the session of 1895 a bill was passed through Parliament providing for the incorporation of the Institute. Negotiations are practically completed for the affiliation with the English Institute.
Hon. Secretary of the New Zealand Institute of Journalists, was born in 1859 in Wellington, and educated at Mr. Mowbray's school and at the Wellington High School, now Wellington College. For four years after leaving school Mr. Humphries was a clerk engaged in the Wellington office of Messrs. Brogden and Sons, the English railway contractors. In 1878 he joined the New Zealander newspaper as shipping reporter, and in the following year, on the establishment of the United Press Association of New Zealand by Mr. Gillon, he secured an appointment on the staff, which he has since retained. Mr. Humphries has always taken a deep interest in all kinds of sport, including cricket, football, racing, rowing and yachting. He holds the position of time-keeper to the Wellington Football Club, the Wellington Amateur Athletic Club, and the Wellington Cycling Club.
(Wellington Branch). Officers: Messrs. R. A. Loughnan (chairman), J. Ilott J.P., (hon. treasurer), and H. R. Dix (hon. secretary). The control of the members is left to the various branches, who appeal to the council or governing body in case of any dispute arising. Five-eighths of the subscriptions which are collected by each branch, are retained to defray expenses, the balance of three-eights being payable to the Institute. An annual statement of accounts is returned to the council by each branch.
is an institution in Wellington. It was established in February, 1865, at a time when Wellington used to be contemptuously referred to by its then more populous and prosperous sister settlements North and South as “a fishing village somewhere on Cook Strait.” TheEvening Post has grown with the growth of the Empire City, and is now probably the best newspaper property in the Colony. Its founder was Mr. Henry Blundell, who, by his energy, foresight, and business capacity, laid the foundations of the prosperity which the Evening Post now so abundantly enjoys. Mr. Blundell was a native of Dublin, and he was for twenty-seven years manager of the Evening Mail,published in that city. Resigning this position, he emigrated with his family to Victoria in 1860, and on the discovery of gold in Otago, little more than a year afterwards, he came to New Zealand. He worked for a time in the Lyttelton Times office, and then, when the Wakamarina rush set in, he, in conjunction with Mr. David Curle, now of Danevirke, established the Havelock Mail. When the rush died away, Messrs. Blundell and Curle moved the plant to Wellington, and on the 5th of February, 1865, the first number of the Wellington Evening Post appeared. There were then two tri-weekly morning papers in Wellington, the Independent and the Advertiser. The Post was the first attempt at a daily issue. It was a tiny sheet, and both advertisements and news were scarce. Wellington was not then in telegraphic communication with any other part of the Colony, and, with the exception of the not easily accessible Wairarapa, the back country was unopened. Even steamer communication with other ports was irregular and not very frequent. The Evening Post met with rather a cold reception, and prophecies were not wanting that its life would be a short one. Mr. Curle very soon retired from the venture, leaving Mr. Blundell, with the aid of his three sons, to carry it on. He was at one time almost discouraged, and was about to give it up, when friends advised him to persevere a little longer. He did so, and conquered Fortune. From that day, the history of the Evening Post has been one of unceasing progress. Mr. Blundell was a man of genial temperament, unblemished integrity, frank, quiet manner, great knowledge of newspaper business, and unbounded generosity and large-heartedness. With these qualities he could not avoid being popular. In 1874, having realised a competence, he handed over the Evening Post to his three sons, John, Henry Thomas, and Louis Proctor Blundell, who, under the firm of Blundell Bros., carried it on. Mr. Henry Blundell, after a visit to Europe, returned to the Colony, and then went to Sydney, where he died on the 15th of June. 1879, in his sixty-fifth year. His remains were brought to Wellington, and now repose under a fine monument in the Bolton Street Cemetery. The firm of Blundell Bros. continued to carry on the paper without change, until the 27th of May, 1894, when Mr. Henry Thomas Blundell died, after a brief illness Mr. H. T. Blundell, who had acted throughout as the business manager of the firm, was one of the most popular men in the City, and his early death was greatly deplored by all classes of the community. As a
Evening Post has been fortunate in having, from a very early period in its history, secured on its staff the services of able writers and experienced journalists. Amongst the occupants of its editorial chair at various times may be noted the late Francis Gifford, whose brilliant writings in 1869–70 first brought the Post into political prominence; the late Mr. Ri. Halkett Lord, the late Mr. W. H. Pilliett, the late Mr. Henry Anderson, Mr. D. M. Luckie, and Mr. C. Rous Marten, while amongst others who held positions on its staff may be noted Lieutenant Hastings, who fell at Ngatu-o-te-matu, and who left the Post to go to the front with Wellington volunteers; Mr. W. H. Triggs, now associate editor of the Christchurch Press; and Mr. R. T. Walker, now editor and part proprietor of the Hawkes Bay Herald. To the present editor, Mr. E. T. Gillon, a separate article is devoted. He has been more or less connected with the Post since 1867, and has at intervals edited it for about half the period of its existence. His name is inseparably connected with its history and progress. The Evening Post has been referred to as a Wellington institution, but it is much more than that. It has an established colonial reputation. It claims the largest and the most widely distributed circulation of any daily paper in the Colony. It is read everywhere, and is probably more largely quoted from than any other journal. Indeed, its views on every question of public importance are telegraphed as they appear to all the other leading journals, and it exercises a considerable influence on the formation of public opinion throughout New Zealand. The secret of its power and influence is its independence. It is not the organ of any political party; it is not tied to any political leader; it has no axe of its own to grind, and no personal interests to serve. Those who control it keep studiously aloof from personal participation in public affairs, and it is free to support what it thinks right and for the public interest. If it had a motto it would be “Thorough.” It does not halt between two opinions, and what it essays to do it does with all its heart and all its strength. This thoroughness not infrequently leads it into what less earnest people acprecate as extremes but its earnestness enables it to command a large measure of public confidence and respect. It is no respecter Post's news is always up-to-date and generally accurate, its knowledge of the political history of the Colony and of its public men is unequalled, and the manner in which it penetrates the most carefully guarded official secrets makes it a terror to Ministers. Twice has its present editor braved the perils
Post is not given to sensationalism, and pruriency finds no food or encouragement in its columns. Such is a brief sketch of the position, principles, and character of this remarkable and powerful journal.
the Editor of the Post, is of Irish parentage, but was born in Douglas, Isle of Man, on the 21st of January, 1842. He arrived with his parents at Nelson, New Zealand, by the ship “Maori” on Christmas Day, 1851, en route for Otago. There, as a lad and youth, Mr. Gillon experienced all the rough, hard work incidental to early settlement in a new country. Well grounded at a famous school—Forester's—in Douglas before leaving Home, he had very little opportunity of attending school in Otago; but his education was carefully carried on by his mother—an accomplished lady, who still survives—and being of a studious disposition, with plenty of perseverance and the aid of a prodigious memory, he, in the midst of many difficulties, managed to qualify himself for the positions he was destined to occupy. Always disposed to literary pursuits, he, when a mere boy, became a contributor to the Otago Witness, furnishing it with both sketches and correspondence. Then, when the Provincial Council was in session, he used to go to Dunedin to report its proceedings for the Witness. He was so engaged when the Otago goldfields were discovered, and he was at once despatched to Gabriel's Gully by the Witness as correspondent, being the first press representative there. He remained on the field during the first terrible winter, and then was recalled to resume reporting at the next session of the Provincial Council. During this session Mr. (now Sir Julius) Vogel, a recent arrival from Victoria, entered into partnership with Mr. W. H. Cutten, the proprietor of the Witness; and the Otago Daily Times, the first daily paper in New Zealand, was projected and launched by the new firm, Mr. Gillon being chief reporter. Early in the following year (1862), he was stricken down by what was known as colonial fever, which played sad havoe in Dunedin at the time. He recovered, but was forbidden to resume newspaper work, and he was appointed Clerk to the Bench at Tokomairiro. There, a year or two later, he was one of the founders of the Bruce Herald, and edited it for a long time, resigning his Government appointment in the end to do so. Subsequently he established and edited the Bruce Standard. In 1867 he was appointed a member of the first Hansard staff, and removed to Wellington. After the session he was appointed Clerk of Private Bills to the General Assembly, with permission from the Stafford Government to continue to act as a correspondent for various journals and a contributor to the local press. This did not last long, as the next Ministry objected to the arrangement, and Mr. Gillon elected to continue his press work, and resigned the parliamentary appointment. For some years Mr. Gillon continued his connection with the local press, the Evening Post especially, and to represent several of the leading papers, North and South, in Wellington. In 1872 a combination of these formed an association for mutual supply of telegraphic news, and Mr. Gillon was selected by Mr. Vogel and the late Mr. W. Reeves to act as manager. He was sent to Melbourne to arrange a contract with the Argus for participation by the New Zealand Press in the cable news then just beginning to be received in Melbourne by the completion of cable communication between Europe and Australia. This he did most successfully. The Association shortly after disposed of its business to Messrs. Holt and McCarthy, the New Zealand Press Agency, and Mr. Gillon resumed a position he had occasionally filled for short periods as editor of the Post, remaining in that position for two or three years, and resigning it to contest
a seat in Parliament, in which he was not successful. A new Press Association was soon afterwards formed, and Mr. Gillon again appointed manager. After a long and bitter struggle, the Press Association absorbed the Press Agency, and the present United Press Association, Limited, was formed, Mr. Gillon retaining the management until 1884, when he resigned it to again fill the editorial chair of the Evening Post, which position he has since retained. He is a Justice of the Peace, at one time sat in the City Council, and was one of the City members in the last Provincial Council. In 1868 one of the prizes offered by Government for essays on the best means of settling the people on the land was awarded to him. He is now the doyen of New Zealand Pressmen, and he took an active part in founding the New Zealand Institute of Journalists, holding the office of president for the first three years, and being chairman of the Wellington branch for four years. Mr. Gillon is an eminent Freemason, and was the father of the movement for Masonic self-government by the formation of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. He was chairman of the Central Executive Committee, and in face of many and great difficulties, carried the movement through to a highly successful conclusion. He has several times refused election to the Masonic throne in the Grand Lodge, but the brotherhood conferred upon him the highest possible mark of their appreciation of his services by giving him the honorary rank of Past Grand Master. Mr. Gillon has had an interesting career, and a long and creditable connection with the colonial press. He has worked hard, and always with a well defined object; and he has fought hard, probably too hard, for his once robust constitution is now much shattered. As a Shakespearian scholar the Colony hardly possesses his equal; and his knowledge of political history must be the envy of more than colonial pressmen. That he loves his work, and is no “penny-a-liner,” is beyond all possibility of doubt. He has a kind heart and a tender sympathy for the
the acting Editor of the Evening Post during the illness of Mr. E. T. Gillon in 1895–6, is a journalist of wide experience, who took up his residence in the Empire City in 1893. Born in Launceston, Tasmania, on the 21st of November, 1840, and educated in his native city, Mr. Lukin studied engineering for about two years. He then removed to Brisbane, and in 1866 he entered the Queensland civil service. He was promoted to the position of chief clerk in the Crown Lands department after two years service, and in this capacity he drafted the Land Act of 1868. Three years later Mr. Lukin was transferred to the Justice department as chief clerk of the Supreme Court. In 1873 he resigned his office and purchased the Brisbane Courier and Queenslander newspapers, which he conducted and edited for several years. At the Sydney International Exhibition of 1879, Mr. Lukin represented Queensland as executive commissioner. Soon afterwards he disposed of his interests in the two Queensland newspapers, and took up his residence in Sydney. Subsequently Mr. Lukin returned to Brisbane and founded the Boomerang, a journal which he successfully conducted for several years. In 1893, his health becoming seriously affected, he decided to try the equable climate of Wellington, and has had abundant reason to be satisfied with the result, his health having been completely restored. The climate has proved most acceptable to Mr. Lukin, who has prolonged his stay till he begins to feel like a New Zealander. He is still a large contributor to the leading journals in Australia and New Zealand, and has acted as locum tenens for Mr. Gillon, editor of the Evening Post, during his illness.
(Limited), proprietors of the New Zealand Times and Mail. Directors, Messrs. A. Warburton J.P., (managing director), J. Plimmer, L. L. Harris, A. Collins, J.P., M. Kennedy, J.P., J. Young, and M. P. Cameron. General manager, Mr. P. S. Cassidy; secretary, Mr. J. F. Buddle. Office, 86 Lambton Quay, Wellington.
General Manager of the New Zealand Times and Mail, is a many-sided man of long journalistic experience. Born in the County Donegal, Ireland, on the 31st of October, 1850, and educated in his native land, Mr. Cassidy was preparing to enter the legal profession when he met a gentleman from America, who described the greatness and glory of that country so vividly that he captured the young man's fancy, and caused him to emigrate thither. Arriving in New York at the age of seventeen, Mr. Cassidy became acquainted with some young newspaper men and joined the fourth estate. He started in life as a reporter on the New York World, but soon left there for a responsible position on the staff of the New York City Press Association, where he remained for several years, leaving only to become attached to the Associated Press, at that time the largest news gathering organisation in the world. He was a member of the permanent night force, and had charge principally of the European cable department. For seven years he occupied this position with great credit to himself, and then on account of changes owing to the death of the general manager, Mr. J. W. Symonton, Mr. Cassidy left and became city editor and special article writer for the Sunday Mercury and the New York Mercury, with which papers he continued for some sixteen or seventeen years. When a daily issue of the Mercury was established some years ago, he became one of the advisory committee for managing the establishment. During the time he occupied these onerous positions he found time to write several books and
many poems. He was also part proprietor and publisher of a monthly magazine, which was afterwards sold to a company, and in addition to all this work, he supplied the editorial pages for two weekly papers, the Illustrated Times and the Sunday Democrat, holding regular positions in five newspaper and magazine establishments at the same time. His reputation as a rapid and brilliant writer, as well as an industrious worker, soon became widely known, while his personal reputation as a thoroughly good fellow, a steadfast friend, and an honourable and courteous gentleman, made him extremely popular in New York society, especially in the higher literary and artistic social circles, which in New York, as in London and Paris, are so charming. Back early in the seventies, Mr. Cassidy, with half a dozen other young newspaper men, organised the New York Press Club, which is now one of the most delightful clubs of that city, occupying a splendid house (rented), and with a building fund of over $100,000, a charity fund of some $20,000, and endowed beds in four of the principal hospitals. In 1886, Mr. Cassidy came very prominently before, not only New York, but the whole world, by his exposure of that peculiar “patriot,” O'Donovan Rossa—an exposure that happily eliminated that noisy individual from public life. Possessed of a very high sense of honour, Mr. Cassidy took action against the Brooklyn Daily Eagle for libel contained in a letter written by Rossa. The letter contained only three lines, and after a trial which occupied the New York Supreme Court for eleven days, with a large and brilliant array of counsel on both sides, he obtained a judgment for one thousand dollars and costs. In the summer of 1895–6, Mr. Cassidy paid a long-promised visit to his relatives in New Zealand, one of whom, Mr. Hugh Cassidy, of coaching fame, is a brother, and an old settler. He was so delighted with the Colony, its magnificent scenery, and its wonderful progress and bright prospects, that he was induced to accept the position of general manager of the New Zealand Times and Mail Company, having complete supervision
Secretary of the New Zealand Times Company, Limited, is the fourth son of the late Rev. Thomas Buddle, Wesleyan Minister. He was born in Auckland in 1853, and educated at the old Wesley College in his native city, and at Christ's College, Christchurch. On leaving school, Mr. Buddle joined the Bank of New Zealand, where he remained for thirteen years, rising to the position of manager, which office he held for five years in Tauranga. On leaving the bank in 1881 to enter commercial life, Mr. Buddle joined Captain Turner in establishing the firm of Turner and Buddle, as auctioneers, stock and station agents, Tauranga. Five years later he removed to Auckland, and entered into partnership with the late Mr.
Richard Arthur, under the style of Arthur and Buddle, auctioneers. In 1891 Mr. Buddle went to New South Wales, where he was appointed to the management of the Stock and Station Agency of Messrs. J. A. Mackinnon and Co., of Young. For climatic reasons he was soon compelled to return to his native land, and settling in Wellington, joined the staff of the New Zealand Times in February, 1893. In May, 1876, he was married to the third daughter of the late Lieutenant Hewitt, R.N., of Ireland, and has five sons surviving.
It can not be said that Mr. Samuel Revans was the father of the New Zealand Times. That honourable position belongs to Mr. Thomas Wilmor McKenzie, as is narrated in the sketch of that gentleman, which appears earlier in these pages. But Mr. Revans was the founder of journalism in Wellington, and the trainer of Mr. McKenzie, who became his apprentice to the printing trade at the age of twelve. In this capacity and others he acquired so much experience and vigour that he was able, with two others, to start a newspaper, which very quickly took the lead in the journalism of the City, and has endured under various names to the present day. Mr. Revans was a man of noted resource, and a great friend, by the way, of Mr. Justice Chapman, who preceded him to his long home by many years. The two were fellow-politicians and fellow-patriots—men of strong character, sound constitutional judgment, and much learning. Being in Canada at the time of the rebellion, which everybody has since admitted to be right—a verdict no one can doubt in face of the Canadian Federal Dominion, which was its outcome and justification—being in Canada at that time, they were rebels as a matter of course, and equally as a matter of course, they being men of light and leading, a price was set upon their heads. One became a prominent pioneer in this part of the Colony; the other died at Dunedin a puisne judge of the Supreme Court. With characteristic thoroughness Mr. Revans joined the first batch of emigrants sent by the New Zealand Company, who got ahead of the British Government. They landed at Petone in January, 1840, and they brought with them the first number of the New Zealand Gazette, which had been published in London in September, 1839. The type, printing press, and all requisites were got together by the subscriptions of the emigrants who sailed with Mr. Revans in the “Adelaide,” arriving as above. In April of the same year, 1840, appeared the second number of the Gazette, of which Mr. Revans was editor, printer, manager, and inter alia carpenter. The first and several subsequent numbers were printed on the Petone beach, while the quarters were building. Thus was published the first newspaper in Wellington by Mr. Revans, who will therefore live in history to the end of time as the father of the New Zealand press. In that sense he is the father of the New Zealand Times, and there is a claim to nearer kinship in the fact that the founder of the Independent, which merged afterwards into the Times, was trained under the personal supervision of Mr. Revans in all the mysteries and ramifications of the printers' art, and the famous science of journalism. Hence the name of Revans must be accorded an honoured place in the story of the New Zealand Times. Even in those early days there was something unstable in the names of the journals which have preceded this one, for the New Zealand Gazette soon became the New Zealand Gazette and Britannia Spectator, Britannia being the name contemplated for the new settlement. That was in August, 1840. It must not be omitted that New Zealand had become a British possession while the “Adelaide,” with Mr. Revans, his friends, and their types and presses, were at sea. The second number of that journal, that which was set up on the Petone beach, duly contained Governor Hobson's proclamation assuming the Lieutenant-Governorship at Kororareka, and was read among the tents and whares without any thought of the changes in store for the locality of the Capital. Kororareka, Auckland, Wellington! No one thought it in that far-off day; not even the far-seeing pioneer Revans, who, with his friend Chapman, had just established the first daily paper in British North America. In 1875 the paper changed hands, and Mr. McKenzie, with his fellow-workmen, was left out in the cold. He and two others started the Independent, with an allusion to “the circumstances which have called our publication into existence at thirty-six hours' notice.” Those will be found fully explained in the memoir of Mr. McKenzie's career. The Independent began life as a weekly, and struggled with big difficulties, which can be judged by the fact that the printers had to work on what is now known in the Lands Department as the alternative system, i.e., half-time for pay and half time working on their own account, chiefly on
Independent was conducted in a spirit worthy of its name.” That was written when the old Independent was disappearing into the New Zealand Times. During those thirty odd years a good record had been established. Consider, for example, the men who had contributed to the columns. The list of contributors is, indeed, one of the most brilliant in New Zealand history: Robert Godly, John Edward Fitzgerald, Dillon Bell, William Fox, Edward Gibbon Wakenfield, Daniel Wakefield, Edward Stafford, Isaac Featherston. These stand at the head of the list, and are sufficient to let the modern reader know that “there were giants in those days.” One of the early editors was Mr. W. Jas. Knowles. Under him was trained Mr. W. H. Anderson, one of the most vigorous writers of English the Colony has yet seen, commonly known amongst his friends as “Jock Anderson,” and of his literary quips, cranks, oddities and vigorous power, many stories are told to this day. He grew up in a school the writers of which maintained the title of “Independent” by their robust vigour, enriched it by their classical style, made it acceptable by their sterling honesty and genuine power. Before the days of electric cable it was, when the newspapers of the Colony were dependent on arriving ships for their news of the outside world. In the beginning, the owner, manager, editor, reporter, and printer—all rolled into one—would stop in the midst of his work of setting up a leading article, put down his composing stick, hurry to the “Beach,” put off in a whaleboat, take an oar, and pull, as if his life depended upon it, for the Heads, to intercept a vessel coming in. Once on board, he bought up every newspaper in the ship, going as high as £1 for a single copy on important occasions. The literature secured, the reporter hurried back to the office, became once more printer, and resuming his composing stick, finished the leading article from the brilliant pen of a Fox, or a Wakefield, or a Bell, or a Fitzgerald, or a Godly ! With Mr. T. W. McKenzie in the ownership were associated Messrs. W. E. Vincent and G. Fellingham; the editor was Mr. Knowles, and the writers were as above. For the reporting staff there was quite a little flotilla of boats; smart craft, as ready for skimming out to the arriving shipping as for sweeping everything before them in the periodical regattas. One of these boats was taken home in the “Acheron” (the famous survey ship, to whose officers we owe the chief portion of the Admiralty charts of the colony), just to show the builders what fine lines marked the boat-building of the colony. Mr. T. W. McKenzie sold the paper to the New Zealand Times Company, giving delivery on June 1st, 1874. On that date the brave old Independent disappeared and the New Zealand Times took its place. The list of its editors, from the day of change, comprises such names as Creighton, well known as a strenuous writer and an original, well-informed, acute thinker, who now represents New Zealand in San Francisco; as Pollen, the “Angelic Doctor” of the polemics of the “seventies,” whose aggregate of articles is in itself a liberal education to any man who likes to hunt them up in the old flies of the paper and read them; as Newman, he of the sanguine temperament and ingenious enterprising brain; as Fitzgerald, of Johnsonian phrase, and careful erudition, who writes always in the highest tone; as Rous-Marten, capable journalist of phenomenal industry, who is well known for his musical critiques, and better known for his acquaintance with railway, management and railway engineering, on which subjects he has contributed some very valuable papers to the sum of colonial knowledge. About five years after the incorporation of the Independent, the New Zealander started into life under the auspices of the members of the Grey Government and their friends, and under the editorship of Mr. E. T. Gillon, who now fills the editorial chair of the Evening Post, The directors were Mr. Ballance, Dr. Diver, Mr. J. S. M. Thompson, Mr. Buckley (now Sir Patrick), with Mr. Seymour George, Sir George Grey's nephew, as chairman and managing director. The paper was for a year or so one of the best morning dailies of its time in New Zealand, by reason of the excellence of its articles and the quantity and variety of its news.But its proprietary lost confidence, having lost their money, which they did early, and left off their spirited policy of keeping up a good article until the public should feel bound to take it. Mr. Gillon retired very soon, not being able to submit to the dictation of the managing director. Mr. R, A. Sherrin took his place, and before the days of starvation produced their inevitable result, Mr. Senior got the management. One fine morning Mr. Senior disappeared. Shortly afterwards the New Zealander went into liquidation, its title and remnants were bought by the New Zealand Times proprietary some where in 1880 or 1881, and from that time the New Zealand Times has reigned without a rival for morning honours. Mr. R. Reed, the founder of the West Coast Times at Hokitika. managed the paper for some time, until Mr. J. S. Harris purchased the property. In June, 1890, Captain Baldwin, well known in Otago as having filled the position of managing director of the Otago Guardian in the year 1874–75, before that paper's amalgamation with the Otago Daily Times, bought the property from Mr. Harris. Mr. R. A. Loughnan,
Lyttelton Times, of Christchurch, one of the foremost and most successful morning dailies in New Zealand, joined the New Zealand Times as editor, and held that position until Captain Baldwin, finding the task of running a morning daily beyond his strength, sold out to the present Company. The Company's managing director at first was the Hon. W, P. Reeves, Minister of Education. The position is now filled by Mr. Arthur Warburton, J.P., and the directors are Messrs. John Plimmer, L. L. Harris, Andrew Collins, Martin Kennedy, John Young, and M. P. Cameron. Mr. Loughnan is still in the editorial chair, and the paper is a consistent supporter of the Government.
Editor of the New Zealand Times, is a man of wide and varied experience. His father was the late Judge Loughnan, of the Indian Civil Service. Born in the city of Dacca, in Bengal Province, the subject of this sketch was educated in France, at Stonyhurst College, England, and at the Catholic University, Dublin, of which he became a licensiate. It is many years ago since Mr. Loughnan came out to the colonies. His first four years were spent in pastoral pursuits on a back block of the Murrumbidgee, not far from the site now occupied by the sanatorium of Hay, the terminus of the New South Wales Riverina railway. Arriving in New Zealand in December, 1865, he bought the Mount Pisa Station, near Cromwell, in Central Otago, and as partner and manager, remained for several years. Subsequently, he took the management of the Green Island Meat Preserving Works, and while so engaged registered a patent for an improved method of canning, whereby the meat could be advantageously cooked at a considerably lower temperature. The success of this invention was prevented by the rise of the meat-freezing industry. In 1874 Mr. Loughnan began to write for the Otago Guardian and Otago Daily Times, of which he became musical critic, His work attracted the attention of the proprietors of the Lyttelton Times, who on the first opportunity offered him the vacant editorial chair. This position Mr. Loughnan accepted, assuming charge of that influential journal in January 1875, and retaining office till August, 1889. He then accepted the editorship of the Catholic Times and removed to Wellington, still continuing as a contributor and correspondent of the Lyttelton Times. When Captain Baldwin acquired the New Zealand Times in 1890, Mr. Loughnan joined that paper as editor, and has occupied this important position to the present time. As a musical critic Mr. Loughnan is well known, and he frequently undertakes this part of the editorial work, and always with marked ability. The breezy political notes, which are unique in themselves, have made a name for ‘ R.A.L’ and the Times. It is matter of common remark that the light, terse, humourous and picturesque style, which is peculiarly that writer's own, gives such a representation of the doings of the House as conveys the impression to many readers that they have actually been themselves present. These notes are couched in such language that no one's feelings are hurt, while every sitting is adequately described with impartiality and fairness, the ability of which is only equalled by their brilliance. As an interviewer, Mr. Loughnan has achieved marvellous success, and has received flattering acknowledgments from such celebrities as Rudyard Kipling, Rev. Mr. Haweis, General Booth, H. M. Stanley, and Mark Twain. Mr. Stanley remarked that no journalist among the hundreds that had interviewed him in all parts of the world, including Paris, London, and New York, had ever shown such intimate acquaintance with his work, with the map of Africa, and with the policies of the different European nations on the dark continent, as Mr. Loughnan had displayed in his sketch of the great explorer. The leading articles in the Times are almost entirely from the editor's pen. They are characterised by brevity of statement, logical power, and forceful illustration. Mr. Loughnan has long been a prominent member of St. Mary's Cathedral choir. He is married to the second daughter of the late Mr. De Malmanche, one of the oldest colonists at Akaroa
sub-Editor of the New Zealand Times, is a New Zealander by birth, Auckland, Queen of the North, being his native city. He is a son of Mr. Matthew Nolan, was born on the 17th of March, 1866, and named after the saint on whose day he first saw the light, and was educated at the old St. Patrick's High School, and at other private schools. Mr. Nolan began his career as assistant reader at the office of the New Zealand Herald in Auckland, and subsequently served an apprenticeship of six years to the printing business in the same establishment. After his term of service he became day proof reader for the Herald, and Weekly News, the duties of which position he performed for two years. In the meantime, he had become a shorthand writer; and, as he showed also other qualifications necessary for the duties of a reporter, he was appointed to the reporting staff of the Herald, and in the course of a few years became assistant sub-editor, and in 1891 was sent to Wellington as special Parliamentary correspondent for that powerful journal. He again acted in that capacity on behalf of the New Zealand Herald in the session of the session of 1892. Immediately before the session of 1893. Mr Nolan was appointed to the staff of the New Zealand Times, which journal he represented in the Parliamentary press gallery in that year, and at the close of that session he received the appointment he now holds. Mr Nolan was married, in 1894, at St. Mary's Cathedral, Wellington, to Miss Kathleen J. Moran, eldest daughter of Mr. James Moran, surveyor, formerly of Auckland.
Overseer (technically known as printer) of the New Zealand Times, is a son of one of the earlier settlers. His mother, who was a fellow passenger of the venerable John Plimmer, the father of Wellington, is still alive, and has resided under her son's roof for over a quarter of a century. Mr. Ashbolt was born in Wellington in 1848, and educated at the Te Aro school under Mr. Holmes. He was the first apprentice received by Mr. J. E. Fitzgerald, now Controller and Auditor-General, but at that time proprietor of the Christchureh Press newspaper. On completion of his term of five years a very flattering testimonial was endorsed on his debentures by his employer. Mr. Ashbolt continued altogether nineteen years in the office of the Press Company, and for the last few years of this long term he was overseer of the Globe, an evening paper which afterwards became the Telegraph, and is now published as The Truth. During his term of service in his first situation the Hon. G. Jones, M.L.C., at one time, and Mr. George Fisher, Mayor of Wellington, at another, were fellow employees. After a term of three years on the Lyttelton Times the subject of this notice removed to Wellington in 1882. Entering the New Zealand Times office, then owned by the late Mr. C. Harris, he was placed in full command at the end of the first week, and has held that important office through all the changes of the proprietary. Mr. Ashbolt has taken an active interest in cricket, and for many years has been elected a life member of the Wellington Cricket Association. He is also a member of the Selection, Champion, and Ground Committees. In 1869 Mr. Ashbolt was married to the eldest daughter of Mr. John Nuttall, now of Merivale, Christchurch, and has three sons and three daughters. His eldest son, Alfred, qualified as an accountant in Mr. T. K. Macdonald's office, and now fills an important sitnation in a large commercial house in Tasmania. Mr. Ashbolt's second son, Frank, is well-known as a prominent cricketer.
The New Zealand Mail, which possesses the lengthy sub-title of “Settlers' Journal, Sportsmen's Guide, Family Magazine, and General Newsletter,” was founded as a weekly edition of the New Zealand Times in 1870. For some years it was practically a reprint of the most important articles and news items which had appeared in the daily paper, and its circulation was very limited. When, however, the late Mr. Chantry Harris took over the two papers, he recognised that the Mail might be made a much better property, and so devoted much time and personal attention to its improvement. Original matter in several departments was introduced, and the paper grew steadily in public esteem, especially with the country settlers. For various reasons, financial troubles amongst others, Mr. Harris was not able to bring the Mail up into line with powerful old established rivals in Canterbury, but when Captain Baldwin purchased the two papers he increased the size of the Mail, put it under separate and competent editorial control, and considerably enhanced its reputation as a weekly newspaper. Mr. Ellis, a gentleman of no small versatility, edited the paper with great ability, but it was not until the Times and Mail became the property of the present owners, the New Zealand Times Company, that the Mail became in any way worthy of its position as the weekly paper of the capital city of the Colony. Upon the advice of the late Hon. John Ballance, then Premier, the services of Mr. C. Wilson, who had made a name for himself on the Napier News and other papers, as being a most energetic and able journalist, were secured, and under Mr. Wilson's control the Mail has made most substantial progress, its circulation having largely increased, and the original matter, that is, matter not previously appearing in the Times, now reaches 100 columns a week. A strong feature of the paper is its excellent agricultural news, the articles being notable primarily for their essentially practical character. The Ladies' Pages are under the editorial control of a lady who veils her identity under the nom de plume of Aunt Ellen, and who is assisted by several regular contributors. The sporting pages, for some years under the control of that once well-known turf scribe, “Vigilant” (the late Alfred King), and now edited by “Te Whiti,” are bright and newsy. The paper enjoys a reputation which extends to the Australasian colonies for the careful attention it pays to literary and theatrical gossip. Every branch of athletics receives attention, and for general reading matter of a recreative character, such as high class serial and other fiction, short stories by New Zealand writers, and extracts from the leading papers and magazines, the paper justly enjoys a wide reputation. A special feature of the Mail, which has added very largely to the popularity of the paper, is the weekly gossip of “Scrutator” under the heading of “Echoes of the Week’ Within the last four years the New Zealand Mail has doubled its circulation, and is admitted by journalists and the public alike to be one of the most generally interesting and valuable publications of its kind to be found in the Australasian colonies.
Editor of the New Zealand Mail, has been well known in the Colony for the past fifteen years. He is a son of the late Mr. John Wilson, chemist, of Harrogate, Yorkshire, England, who was considered to be the father of the drug business in that town. Mr. Wilson's brother has the largest drug business in the north of England. The subject of this notice was born in Harrogate in 1859, and educated at the local college. Shortly after leaving school he went into the woollen trade in Bradford, and when about eighteen left for Paris, where he remained for four years, being engaged in mercantile pursuits. It was during his residence on the Continent that Mr. Wilson became proficient in the French language: he is now considered to be one of the best French scholars in the Colony. In search of health he came to New Zealand in 1880, landing at Port Chalmers. After remaining in Dunedin for a few months, he accepted the appointment of assistant master at Te Aro School, in Willis Street, which position he retained for twelve months. In 1882 Mr. Wilson joined the staff of the
Wanganui Chronicle, as sub-editor, and after some twelve months' experience, accepted the position of editor of the then resuscitated Gisborne Standard. Later on, after a short experience in the Press Gallery of the House of Representatives, Mr. Wilson was appointed to the editorial chair of the Napier Evening News. On the News Mr. Wilson proved himself an exceptionally industrious and able journalist, his strong advocacy of the democratic side in politics winning for him more than merely local reputation, and his articles being widely quoted throughout the Colony. He remained in Hawkes Bay for three years, after which he went to Marton, Rangitikei, and founded the Marton Mercury, whose principal promoter was Mr. (now the Hon.) F. Arkwright, M.L.C. In February, 1891, at the request of the late Hon. J. Ballance, who had taken a considerable personal interest in his journalistic career Mr. Wilson accepted the appointment he now holds. Since he has been editor of the Mail he has completely revolutionised that journal, bringing it into line with the other important weeklies of the Colony. To its columns, under various noms de plume, Mr. Wilson contributes a large amount of matter. His knowledge of, and experience in, the country districts has enabled him to make the farming pages of the paper of special value, and his theatrical and literary notes, and his “Echoes of the Week,” written under the now well-known pen name of “Scrutator,” are widely read and esteemed for their lightness and brightness of touch. Whilst in Wanganui, Napier, and other places, Mr. Wilson has frequently appeared on the lecture platform, where his command of good-natured satire stands him in good stead, and he has also shared in the foundation of more than one successful debating and amateur dramatic society. As a Yorkshireman he is deeply interested in the Yorkshire Society, of which he is vice-president. In 1894 Mr. Wilson was married to a daughter of the late Mr. A. Carter, of Motukaraka, near Pahautanui, and has one daughter.
(Edward Alexander Haggen, proprietor and editor), Lambton Quay, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Lambton Quay. This journal was established on the 1st of October, 1895; in size it is demy, and extends to twelve pages. The People has a large circulation in Wellington City and suburbs, and throughout the Colony, subscribers being already secured in Ashburton, Auckland, Blenheim, Christchurch, Dunedin, Invercargill, Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth, Oamaru, Timaru, and Wanganui. Politically, it claims to be independent progressive; disbelieving in party government, it supports no party, its general tendency being towards socialism. It is a journal devoted to the interests of commerce, industry, agriculture, and sociology, and advocates money reform in the direction of a State issue of paper currency at two per cent. (the cost of working) by way of advances to farmers on security of their land. The proprietor has acquired the New Zealand Fancier, a publication representing the interests of the various fanciers' association, and also Daybreak, a weekly paper hitherto published in the interests of women, both of which papers are now incorporated with The People, special columns being devoted to information on such topics, the journal being now the recognised organ of the different societies. The People contains a variety of interesting matter, and its columns are relieved by frequent illustrations. Daybreak (which is now incorporated with The People), is a women's journal, but not in the ordinary acceptation of the term. Its creation is due to the altered political situation now occupied by women in New Zealand. Such things as appear in the ordinary ladies' journal are eschewed almost entirely by this paper. The first issue is dated the 9th of February, 1895, and bears the New Zealand Times imprint. It aims at educating women in political economy, and to assist them to occupy any position that their capabilities may fit them for. “Louisa Adams” is proprietress and editress, and conducts the literary department in a bright and capable manner. The politics of the journal are Liberal, although not binding itself to any political party.
the enterprising proprietor, was born in 1860 at North Taieri, Otago, and received his education at the North Taieri State School, the Dunedin High School, and the Otago University. In 1880 he joined the staff of the Otago Daily Times. He made such progress as a member of the Fourth Estate that in 1882 he was appointed sub-editor of the Wanganui Herald, under the late Hon. John Ballance. After two years Mr. Haggen purchased the Woodville Examiner, which he conducted till the end of 1886, when he disposed of his interest. He then bought the Bay of Plenty Times at Tauranga, but sold out a year after, and resumed the Woodville Examiner, which paper he published till October, 1895, and in which he still retains an interest. Mr. Haggea is a member of the Institute of Journalists, and was one of its promoters. For years past he has been a contributor to Australasian and British journals. While resident in Hawkes Bay he was prominent in public affairs. From 1881 to 1887 he was a member of the Hawkes Bay Land Board. He also sat as a member of the Hawkes Bay Board of Education, and as a nominee of the Government on the Board of School Commissioners. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1884, but resigned this and all other offices on his removal to Tauranga in 1887. For some years Mr. Haggen was
(Thomas Dwan, editor and proprietor), a penny paper, containing thirty-two columns of closely printed matter, on double royal paper, has a good circulation in the colony. The Herald also goes to England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Germany, Africa, and America. In politics it is liberal, a staunch supporter of the Seddon Government, and of the labour party. It contains a resumé of general, political, commercial, and social information, and is well supported as an advertising medium. The Herald machinery which is driven by a 6 h.p. water engine, consists of several machines, including a City of London patent double royal machine, capable of printing a sheet 33 1/2 ½ 43 1/2 inches. There is also a large variety of news and jobbing type of the most modern style and design, and other convenience for a jobbing trade.
the proprietor, is a native of Ireland, but his parents having emigrated to Canada in the early days he was but a youth when he landed in that country. Here as a boy he grew up to a knowledge of the difficulties and privations which presented themselves to the settlers, in the back woods. His primary education was obtained in Canadian common schools, after which he was sent across the line into the United States, where he attended a notable grammar school at Whitehall. From thence he entered West Point Military Academy, where he graduated and obtained a command in the United States Army. He served all through the Rocky Mountains, Salt Lake, and California in the stormy days, where undoubtedly he saw some very active service, and had many a hair-breadth escape, and many a brush with the Indians. He was in San Francisco at the time of the invasion of Nicaragua by General Walker, and as Walker offered tempting inducements to regular officers to join his expedition, Mr. Dwan in common with many others, left Uncle Sam's service and joined the invading army who within a short time effected a landing on Nicaraguan soil at Realeio. He was at the seige of Rivas, the taking of Granada, and the battles of Leon, Viejo, Managua, etc. Finally after some severe fighting, skirmishing, and privation the country was occupied, but not to be retained very long. The greater part of this army corps, which entered the country on the Pacific side had to cut its way through the dense forest to the Caribbean Sea. During this expedition Mr. Dwan suffered considerably, and was more than once carried off the field for dead, but a strong constitution was in his favour. Strange enough there are men to day in New Zealand who served under him in these engagements. He passed through many vicissitudes and thrilling adventures. Great numbers of the invading army, among whom was the subject of this sketch, were taken on Board a British gunboat and landed at Key West in Florida. Returning to Canada he soon after sailed for Europe, at the time of the Crimean war, and after touring the continent, he passed over to his native country. Instead of returning to America, he set sail for Australia and landed in Melbourne in March 1857, where he soon embarked in business. The gold fever then being at its height, he followed up the rushes as storekeeper, mining speculator, or journalist, and in several goldfields towns was contemporary with Sir Julius (then Mr.) Vogel. In those days, the volunteer movement having commenced, Mr. Dwan organised and drilled a detachment of the “Prince of Wales Light Horse,” at Inglewood (a town of which he became mayor). When the great encampment was held at Sunbury in 1865, Mr. Dwan had command of his corps and was complimented by General Schute for the smart appearance and soldier like bearing of his men. Immediately on the termination of this encampment Mr. Dwan sailed for New Zealand and the same year landed at Hokitika, and soon after engaged in
the journal of the Forward Movement, was established in September, 1895, for the purpose of providing a means whereby the intelligent men and women of the Colony might give expression to their opinions on matters of public importance. It is printed in magazine form, and is the only journal of the kind in New Zealand. Contributions to its pages are regularly received from well-known writers and thinkers, and thus the magazine discharges a most useful function in providing a common ground on which all may meet for the interchange of ideas on matters of public interest. The editor of The Citizen is the Rev. W. A. Evans, and the printers and publishers are Messrs. Edwards, Russell and Co., 37 Featherston Street, Wellington.
(Samuel Carroll, proprietor), Lambton Quay, Wellington. This journal was established in 1873 as the Wellington Monthly Price Current and Trade Report, which title was altered about 1884 to its present designation. Mr. Carroll acquired the paper in April, 1875. It is sixteen pages large foolscap in size, is issued monthly, and circulates throughout the Colony, and in Australia, England, America, and on the Continent of Europe. The Review is non-political, its concern being to encourage trade by supplying information on New Zealand touching the Customs revenue, imports, exports, bank rates, shipping, with special summary of cargo to and from the Colony. The Review is filed at the offices of the leading trade and commercial journals of the world, and is recognised as the best authority in the trade statistics of New Zealand.
proprietor of the New Zealand Trade Review, was born in London on the 23rd of September, 1827.
He was educated at private schools and at the City of London School. Mr. Carroll was brought up in the office of his father, who was a produce broker in Mincing Lane, London. After some years he became a partner, the firm being S. Carroll and Son. In 1853 Mr. Carroll retired from the business, and went out to Singapore, Batavia, and Manilla on behalf of Scholfield, Doering and Company, of Liverpool and Glasgow. After five years his father died in London, and Mr. Carroll returned to England. He remained three years, during which he was engaged in mercantile pursuits. Coming to New Zealand in 1862, per ship “Asterope,” he accepted the position of accountant to the New Zealand Steam Navigation-Company, with whom he remained for nine years, till the Company was wound up. For many years Mr. Carroll has filled the office of secretary to the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, and has been well known as a commission agent and accountant.
The following pages contain information regarding the Courts of Wellington together with interesting particulars respecting the judges, magistrates and officers upon whom devolves the grave responsibility of dealing with the administration of the civil and criminal law. A sketch is appropriately introduced respecting the late Mr. Justice Richmond, who was so highly esteemed, and whose wise judgments were so greatly respected.
Following the Courts, information is given concerning the Law Society, the Council of Law Reporting, and the Law Library. The legal firms who are practising in the Empire City are mentioned alphabetically.
The Law Courts of Wellington stand on a quadrangular portion of the reclaimed land near the Government Departmental Buildings from which they are separated by Whitmore Street. On the same block is situated the Central Police Station, facing Lambton Quay. All the courts hold their sittings in the Supreme Court Building, the eastern wing being set apart for the higher court, and the western for the Stipendiary Magistrate's Court. The illustration herein gives a general idea of the structure, which, while not possessing any notable architectural merit, is a fairly handsome building very conveniently arranged for the purposes intended, although it is sometimes found to be a trifle small. A full description of the Supreme Court appears on page 137 hereof.
(the Hon. Sir Patrick Alphonsus Buckley, K.C.M.G.), some particulars
better known as Mr. Justice Richmond, was a conspicuous figure in the early politics of the Colony. He joined the Stafford Ministry in 1856, and from that year until 1861, filled at different times, the offices of Colonial Secretary, Colonial Treasurer, Minister for Native Affairs, and Commissioner of Customs. He was born and ducated in London. Choosing the law for his profession, he pursue
Registrar of the Supreme Court, Sheriff, and Registrar and Marshall of the Vice-Admiralty Court, in a son of Mr. G. S. Cooper, formerly Under-Secretary for the Colony, and was born at Waipawa, Hawkes Bay, in July, 1861. Educated by private tutors, and
the Crown Solicitor and Crown Prosecutor for the Wellington Provincial District, is a member of the firm of Bell, Gully, and Izard, Barristers and Solicitors, of Featherston Street, Wellington.
Two spacious rooms contain the Law Library, which consists of upwards of 4500 volumes, available for reference by members of the bar. Periodicals of a legal nature are received and in due course bound, and the collection is being continually added to as fresh works are published. The Law Librarian is Mr. F. Harrison. There is ample space in either of the rooms for Banco or other sittings. The concluding sittings of the great Midland Railway Arbitration case were held in one of these apartments for convenience of reference to the authorities. To the casual visitor, not being a member of the learned profession, the rows of calf-bound works strike the mind with a feeling akin to awe because of the amount of wisdom or otherwise which must be enclosed in those ponderous volumes
Librarian Supreme Court Library and Secretary to the Law Society, was born in Worcestershire, England. Coming to New Zealand in 1855 when very young, he was educated in Wellington. For several years he was law clerk to the late Mr. Brandon, solicitor, and afterwards to Mr. Edwards. He was appointed in 1885 to the office he now holds.
Mr. J. C. Martin, the Stipendiary Magistrate, occasionally assisted by Justices of the Peace who are selected by rota, presides over the Stipendiary Magistrate's Court. The position is anything but a sinecure, but Mr. Martin is celebrated for his ability in rapidly focussing the bearings of any cases, whether civil or criminal, which come before him, and his capacity for work is enormous. In addition to the Wellington Court, he also presides over periodical sittings at the Lower Hutt, and as visiting magistrate of the jail, etc., besides other matters of a judicial character. He is recognised as a model magistrate. In minor criminal cases, such as prosecutions by the police, the inspector or sergeant usually conducts the business on behalf of the Crown, but where felony is charged the Crown Prosecutor or a barrister appointed as a substitute, appears. The S.M. Court is a favourite resort for a certain class whose curiosity or want of occupation for the time being, finds relief in the humours and sometimes sorrows of suitors, and the legal profession is generally represented by a member of counsel appearing for clients. Human nature in a variety of phases may be studied daily at the S.M. Court, Wellington. For further information regarding the various courts and their functions the reader is referred to the courts under the Department Section of this work.
Stipendiary Magistrate for Wellington City, is an Englishman by birth. Mr. J. C. Martin received his earlier education in his native land. In the Colony he attended the Rev. C. Turrell's School at Riccarton, and the Christchurch College. On leaving College he decided to enter the legal profession, and served his articles with Messrs. Hamer and Harper in Christchurch. On the 14th of April, 1881, Mr. Martin was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court, and six months later he joined the well-known firm of Duncan and Cotterill, under the style of Duncan, Cotterill and Martin. Mr. Thomas Smith Duncan, the senior partner of the firm, held the offices of Crown Prosecutor and Revising Barrister, Examiner in Criminal Law, New Zealand University, and Crown Solicitor for many years, and on his death in December, 1883, the duties devolved upon Mr. Martin, who was formally appointed in the following year. While resident in Christchurch he took great interest in boating and volunteering. He was the moving spirit in starting the Christchurch Boating Club, of which he was the first president. His connection with the volunteer movement began by his joining the College Rifles, Cadets, and E Battery. Afterwards he entered the Christchurch E Battery of Artillery, as captain, which position he retained for eight years. In April, 1893, he retired from the firm of Duncan, Cotterill and Martin, and took up his important duties at the Capital.
Clerk of the Stipendiary Magistrate's Court, Returning Officer for the city of Wellington Electoral District, Registrar of Poisons in the Provincial District of Wellington, and Clerk of the Licensing Committee, in the City of Wellington, is one of the most popular officers in the service, and not only in Wellington, but wherever his official duties have taken him. His father, the late Mr. Lewis James, was for many years an officer in the customs department, London, an appointment which he relinquished to come to New Zealand in search of health, establishing himself in business in Auckland. The subject of this notice was born in London in 1853, and was educated in Auckland at the High School under Mr. Farquhar McRae, and afterwards at the Collegiate School under Dr. Kidd. In September, 1867, Mr. James entered the service of the Government in the stamp printing department. Early in 1869 he was appointed a clerk in the Resident Magistrate's Court, Wellington, where he remained until 1875, when he was sent to Dunedin to relieve the clerk of the District and Magistrate's Courts. Here his popularity was recognised promptly, for on his leaving three months later he was presented with a gold locket by the officers of the Courts, and other proofs were given of the high opinion generally entertained of Mr. James' abilities and assiduity. He then returned to his position in Wellington until 1887, when he was entrusted with the difficult and responsible task of putting into proper order the accounts of the clerk of the Court at Carlyle, that officer having been suspended. For this, on the recommendation of the R.M., Mr. C. A. Wray, Mr. James received a substantial bonus. At the end of the same year the position of clerk of the Police Court at Dunedin became vacant, and the appointment was conferred on Mr. James. On this seemingly permanent severing of his connection with the Wellington Courts, the R.M., the late Mr. J. C. Crawford, on behalf of himself and other officers of the Court, presented Mr. James with a gold pencil case. In the winter of 1879, Mr. James returned to Wellington and accepted the position he now holds. During the interval many additional duties have been imposed upon him with corresponding advantages in the way of remuneration; but the work in his principal departments has so much increased that he has several times been, at his own request, relieved of smaller appointments. Among a number of these may be mentioned those of deputy sheriff and registrar of electors. For some twelve years prior to the lapsing of the office by Act of Parliament in 1891, Mr. James held the position of Marshal of the Admiralty Court. In 1878, Mr. James was married to Miss Lillias Millicent Holmes, daughter of the late Mr. W. H. Holmes, so well-known as the head master of Te Aro School. Their family consists of a girl and two boys, the elder of whom is engaged in the Wellington office of the Union Steamship Company. Mr. and Mrs. James have for many years been prominent members of St. Mark's Church. Mrs. James has rendered valuable assistance in the choir, and Mr. James, who at present occupies the position of parishioner churchwarden, has long been a hard working member of the vestry.
The interests of the legal profession are guarded by the Law Society, of which there is a branch in each of the ten judicial districts of the Colony. The officers of the Wellington Branch are the Hon. T. W. Hislop, president; Mr. A. Gray, vice-president, and a council of seven; Mr. F. Harrison being secretary. A conference of delegates from all the other districts is held during the sittings of the Appeal Court, to watch over the interests of the barristers and solicitors of the Colony, and to consider complaints of unprofessional conduct on the part of any member of the learned profession.
who is referred to on page 83 as an ex-minister of the Crown, and elsewhere under “Legal” as a member of the firm of Messrs. Brandon and Hislop, was elected President of the Law Society in 1895.
President of the Wellington Law Society, 1894–1895, was born in London on the 5th of September, 1850. His father, the late Mr. C. S. W. Edwards, emigrated to New Zealand with his family, arriving in Port Chalmers, per “Isabella Hercus,” in 1855. He settled at Portobello, near Dunedin. Mr. Edwards was educated at the Dunedin High School, under the Rev. F. C. Simmons. He was articled to Messrs. Julius and O'Meagher, of Oamaru, solicitors; and, after spending three years in Europe, was admitted a barrister and solicitor in 1875. In 1877 he entered into partnership with the late Mr. W. S. Moorhouse. In 1878 Mr. Moorhouse retired, and Mr. C. W. Cutten was admitted a partner. After the death of Mr. Cutten, in 1885, Mr. Edwards continued in practice alone until 1890, when he retired, in order to accept a Supreme Court Judgeship. He held his Commission for over two years, and presided upon the Bench for over a year, during which time he sat in the Wellington Judicial District. It will be remembered that his appointment was made the subject of a faction fight in Parliament in the session of 1890, upon the ground that the Government had exceeded their powers in appointing a sixth judge, and that after the coming into office of the Ballance Ministry, in 1891, proceedings were taken to test the question. The appointment was upheld by the Court of Appeal; but the case was taken by the Ministry to the Privy Council, which allowed the appeal. No imputation has ever been made against Mr. Edwards in connection with the matter; but the result has involved him in a loss of several thousands of pounds, against which the honour of the Colony requires that he should be indemnified.
was established about 1882 for the purpose of a systematic reporting of decisions on points of law in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Courts of the Colony. It is presided over by the Attorney-General, ex-officio, and the Solicitor-General is also an ex-officio member. The other members are elected by the various law societies of the Colony, and are:—Wellington, Mr. H. D. Bell (treasurer), and the Hon. T. W. Hislop; Auckland, Messrs. Edwin Hesketh and Theo. Cooper; Napier, Mr. J. W. Carlile; Christchurch, Messrs. T. Joynt and T. W. Stringer; Dunedin, Messrs. W. Downie Stewart, and F. R. Chapman. Beyond the duties devolving upon the members in connection with the business of the Council, when assembled those representing each locality constitute a committee, to whom all cases in their locality are referred for their decision as to whether they are worth reporting. The onerous position of editor has, since the death of Mr. Wm. Fitzgerald, been ably filled by Mr. Martin Chapman. The Supreme Court reporters are:—Wellington, Mr. Maurice W. Richmond, who also does the whole of the reporting for the Court of Appeal section of the reports; Auckland, Mr. John C. L. Bassett; Napier, Mr. W. Dinwiddie; Christchurch, Mr. W. J. Byrne; Dunedin, Mr. Joseph Wood. The reports are published in monthly parts, and are delivered to subscribers in paper covers at a charge of three guineas per annum. At the end of the year the indices and tables of cases, etc., are made up into a separate part, the whole work for the year making a volume of about 850 pages. The Council has recently issued a most valuable and much needed work called the New Zealand Digest, which embraces not only the ten years work of the Council of Law Reporting, but also all the reported cases for more than twenty years before that. The work was compiled and edited by Mr. M. W. Richmond, of Wellington. The difficulties of the work were very great, but it was done with great thoroughness, and has given entire satisfaction to the profession. The price to non-subscribers is £2, but the subscribers to the law reports are allowed a discount of twenty-five per cent. Everything in connection with the law reports is on a literal scale, both paper and printing being of excellent quality. When bound in the style uniformly adopted by subscribers, the New Zealand Law Reports have an appearance equal to the best; and the name of the editor is a sufficient guarantee of the quality of the work from a literary standpoint.
Barrister and Solicitor, 14 Brandon Street, Wellington. Telephone 917. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Hawkestone Street. Agents—London, Mr. G. M. Saunders, Carlton Chambers, Regent Street;—Auckland, Messrs. Devore and Cooper; Christchurch, Messrs. Loughrey and Lane; Dunedin, Messrs Bathgate and Woodhouse; Napier, Messrs. Carlile and McLean; Wanganui, Messrs. Borlase and Barnicoat. Born in Otago, and educated at the Dunedin Boys' High School, Mr. Baldwin gained his early knowledge of law in the office of Mr. A. Bathgate, solicitor, Dunedin, and successfully passed his law examinations for New Zealand at the age of nineteen. He then went to London, and entered the Middle Temple, where he secured several scholarships, and was admitted a barrister and solicitor by Lord Chief Justice Coleridge in April, 1891. Mr. Baldwin practised his profession for a short time in London in the Chancery division, and was offered an equity draughtsmanship by the Charity Commissioners. Owing to ill-health he was combelled to decline the tempting offer, and returned to the Colony in April, 1892. On arriving in Wellington, Mr. Baldwin joined Mr. John Thompson, under the style of Thompson and Baldwin, and continued a member of the firm till April, 1895, when he founded his present business. Mr. Baldwin has had large experience in connection with Native Land Court cases, involving considerable blocks of land.
(H. D. Bell, Hugh Gully, C. H. Izard, and E. D. Bell) Barristers, Solicitors, and Notaries Public, Panama and Featherston Streets, Wellington, Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Agents:—London, Messrs. J. and R. Gole, Leadenhall Street; Melbourne, Messrs. Blake and Riggall; Sydney, Johnson, Minter, Simpson and Co. This business was established in the early fifties, and some few years later Mr. C. B. Izard became proprietor, and carried it on till 1874, when he was joined by Mr. H. D. Bell, now a member of the House of Representatives for Wellington City, and the senior partner of the present firm. The style of the firm from 1874 to 1885 was “Izard and Bell.” In the latter year Mr. Izard retired, and his son and Mr. Gully joined Mr. Bell, under the present title. A few years later Mr. Ernest Bell was admitted to a partnership. Mr. Gully holds the office of Crown Prosecutor. Mr. H. D. Bell was called to the bar of the Middle Temple, and was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in 1874; Mr. Gully, who was for some time in partnership with Dr. (now Sir Walter) Buller, was admitted in 1879; Mr. Izard in 1883, and Mr. E. D. Bell in 1889.
(Alfred de Bathe Brandon and Hon. Thomas W. Hislop), Barristers and Solicitors, Featherston Street, Wellington, Telephone, 42; P.O. Box 36. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales, Bank of Australasia, and National Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. A. de B. Brandon, Hopper Street; Mr. Hislop, Botanical Road. London agents, Blyth, Dutton, Hartley and Blythe, 112 Gresham House, Old Broad Street, E. C. This well-known legal firm was founded in the early days of the Colony, by the late Mr. A. de Bathe Brandon, father of the senior partner. The firm has been a prominent and reliable one since its inception. Mr. C. S. Brandon became a member of the firm in 1891, but retired in 1895. The firm are solicitors to the Bank of New South Wales, the Bank of Australasia, National Bank of New Zealand, New Zealand Trust and Loan Company, E. W. Mills and Co., Limited, the Hutt County Council, the Borough of Karori, the New Zealand Electrical Syndicate, Limited, and the McKelvie Trust.
(Edward Balcombe Brown and Edwin Harland Dean), Barristers and Solicitors, 5 Lambton Quay Wellington. Telephone 12; P.O. Box 59. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence: Mr. Dean, Grant Road. Agents:—Auckland, Messrs. Devore and Cooper; Dunedin, Messrs. Adams Bros.; Nelson, Messrs. Fell and Atkinson; Napier, Mr. Hugh B. Lusk; Wanganni, Messrs. Fitzherbert and Marshall; Marton, Messrs. Cash and Cohen; Invercargill, Messrs. McNab and Watson. This business was established in 1878 by Mr. F. M. Ollivier, and subsequently became in turn Messrs. Ollivier, Holland, and Brown, Ollivier and Brown, Ollivier, Brown and Pennefather, Ollivier, Brown, and Dean, and Brown, Skerrett, and Dean. The present firm was constituted on the 1st of January, 1894. Messrs. Brown and Dean are solicitors to the Wellington Gas Company, the Equitable Building and Investment Company, the South Pacific
(Thomas Buddle. Charles Edward Button, Charl's Frederick Buddle, resident partner, and Andrew Hanna), Ba risters and Solicitors, 14 Brandon Street, Wellington. Telephone 980. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Head office, Wyndham Street, Auckland. Agents:—Christchurch, Messrs. Garrick, Cowhshaw and Fisher; Dunedin, Messrs. Kenyon and Hosking; Invercargill, Messrs. McDonald and Son; Napier, Messrs. Cotterill and Humphries; Wanganui, Messrs. Borlase and Barnicoat; New Plymouth, Mr. J. B. Roy; Blenheim, Mr. A. Rogers. This business was founded by the Hon. Sir Frederick Whitaker, at Russell, Bay of Islands, when the seat of Government was there. Later on it was removed to Auckland, and subsequently the Hon. T. Russell, C.M.G., joined the firm, which was then conducted under the style of Whitaker and Russell, by which name it was known for many years. Mr. Thomas Buddle, the present senior partner, was admitted to the firm in 1870. In 1883 Sir Frederick retired from the firm, and Mr. C. E. Button became a member. Ultimately, Mr. C. F. Buddle and Mr. A. Hanna were admitted into partnership, and in 1895 the style of the firm was altered to Buddle, Button and Co. Mr. C. F. Buddle, the resident partner, who is the youngest son of the Rev. Thomas Buddle, was born in Auckland. Educated at the Wellington Grammar School, under Mr. Bowden, and at the Nelson College under Mr. Simmons, he was articled to the firm of Whitaker and Russell, and admitted a barrister and solicitor in 1881. Messrs. Buddle, Button, and Co. are solicitors to the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, to the New Zealand Insurance Company, the Auckland Savings Bank, and several other large companies.
(Arthur Percival Buller and John Anderson), Barristers and Solicitors, Featherston Street, Wellington, Telephone 762. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residences: Mr. Buller, Tinakori Road; Mr. Anderson, Coromandel Street. Mr. Buller, who is the second son of Sir Walter Buller K.C.M.G., was born in Wanganui in 1866, and educated in the Colony and at Jesus College, Cambridge. He was called to the English Bar at the Inner Temple in 1890. Returning to the Colony, he was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in Wellington in 1891. Mr. Buller has since been engaged in farming in the Manawatu district for four years. Mr. Anderson was born in London, where he commenced his career in a solicitor's office. In 1869 he came per ship “Hydaspes” to Nelson, under engagement to a firm of solicitors there. After some little time he left the law, and for several years was engaged in journalistic, commercial, and maritime pursuits. Mr. Anderson joined the firm of Buller and Lewis in 1879, and remained with the firm and its successors, Buller, Lewis, and Gully, and Buller and Gully, till the amalgamation of the latter firm with Izard and Bell, under the name of Bell, Gully, and Izard, Mr. Anderson was admitted a Solicitor of the Supreme Court in 1885. He continued with the last-named firm till joining Mr. Buller in founding the present.
B.A., Barrister and Solicitor, Featherston Street, Wellington. Telephone 406. P.O. Box 241. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Lower Hutt. Agents:—Auckland, Messrs. Tole and McAlister; Christchurch, Messrs. Izard and Loughnan; Dunedin, Mr. John Mouat; Masterton, Mr. A. R. Bunny. This legal, business, which was established in 1888 by the late Mr. Charles E. Bunny, was acquired by Mr. E. P. Bunny in 1889 after his brother's death. Mr. Bunny is a son of the late Mr. Henry Bunny, formerly M.H.R. for the Wairarapa. Born in Wellington, he was educated at Nelson College and at Wellington College, and graduated B.A. in the New Zealand University in 1888. Mr. Bunny served his articles partly with Messrs. Izard and Loughman, of Christchurch, and partly with his brother in Wellington. He was admitted a solicitor of the Supreme Court in 1889, and a barrister in the following year.
Barrister and Solicitor, 30 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Backers, Bank of Austra lasia. Private residence, Ruahine House, McDonald Crescent. Mr. Burgess is a son of the late Rev. Bryant Burgess, M.A., who was for thirty-nine years Rector of Latimer, Buckinghamshire, and for thirteen years Rural Dean of Anhersham. The reverend gentleman, who was much beloved and respected by all classes, was an artist of no mean ability as well as an enthusiastic naturalist. Mr. E. L. Burgess was born at Latimer, near Chesham, educated at Haileybary College, and articled to Messrs. Francis and Howe, solicitors, of Chesham. He was admitted a solicitor of the Supreme Court of Judicature in England in July, 1879, and practised some years in London. Mr. Burgess came to the colonies per Orient liner “Cuzco,” and crossed the Tasman Sea, arriving in Wellington on the 1st of October, 1891. Mr. Burgess arrived too late for the November legal examinations in 1891, but passed the solicitor's examination in November, 1892, and was admitted a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand on the 2nd of March, 1893. He afterwards spent a few months in Tasmania where he was admitted a barrister on the 8th of December, 1893. Returning to New Zealand, he became a barrister on the 6th of April, 1894, and since this time has practised his profession in Wellington. Mr. Burgess takes a deep interest in literary and debating societies. He is a vice-president of the Wesley Church Literary and Debating Society. A frequent attendent at the meetings of the Citizens' Institute, his voice is often heard, and his speeches are much appreciated by members and the public. He has also considerable ability as a reciter.
Barrister, Solicitor and Patent Agent, Temple Chambers, Featherston Street, Wellington. Cable address, special through Reuter's. Telephone 705; P.O. Box, 237. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, 66 Wellington Terrace. Agents:—London, Messrs. Minshalls, Parry Jones, Woosnam and Smith, 27 Chancery Lane, E.C.; Sydney, Mr. Eliott Meyer; Auckland, Messrs. Russell and Campbell; New Plymouth, Mr. O. Samuel; Wanganui, Messrs. Fitzherbert and Marshall; Hunterville, Mr. W. Meldrum; Birmingham (near Feilding) Mr. E. Sandeman; Hawera, Mr. Harry Capten: Falmerston North, Messrs. Guy and Haggitt; Gisborne, Messrs Rees Bros.; Napier, Mr. H. B. Lusk; Pahiatua, Mr. A. M. Gould; Masterton, Mr. C. H. Pownall; Carterton, Mr. R. J.
(Martin Chapman and Leonard Owen Howard Tripp), Barristers, Solicitors and Notaries Public, 12 Brandon Street, Wellington. Telephone 62; P.O. Box, 69. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences:—Mr. Chapman, Golder's Hill, Hill Street; Mr. Tripp, Guilford Terrace, Hill Street. Agents:—London, Messrs. Rowcliffes, Rawle and Co., No. 1 Bedford Row; Sydney, Messrs. Allen, Allen and Hempsey and Messrs. Stephen, Jaques and Stephen; Auckland, Messrs. Hesketh and Richmond; Gisborne, Mr. C. A. de Latour; Napier, Messrs. Sainsbury and Logan and Messrs. Wilson and Cotterill; New Plymouth, Mr. C. W. Govett; Wanganui, Mr. J. P. Watt; Palmerston North, Mr. T. B. Crump; Pahiatua, Mr. William Tosswill; Masterton, Mr. C. F. Gawith; Greytown, Mr. R. W. Tait; Blenheim, Messrs. McIntyre and Sharp and Mr. Alfred Rodgers; Nelson, Messrs. Fell and Atkinson; Rangiora, Mr. G. H. Helmore; Christchurch, Messrs. Beswick and Harris, Messrs. Duncan and Cotterill and T. W. Maude; Ashburton, Mr. C. W. Purnell; Timaru, Mr. C. H. Tripp; Oamaru, Mr.—Harvey; Dunedin, Messrs. Smith, Chapman, Sinclair and White; Invercargill, T. M. Macdonald and Sons. This important legal house was established by Mr. M. Chapman in conjunction with the late Mr. William Fitzgerald, referred to respectively on pages 302 and 297 of this volume. Mr. Tripp is the son of Mr. C. G. Tripp, of Orari Gorge, Canterbury—an early and much-respected settler and sheep-farmer—and was born in Melbourne. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, England. In 1886 he was called to the Bar of the Inner Temple, and two years later began to practise in Wellington. In 1889 the present partnership was arranged. Mr. Tripp takes a warm interest in athletics, football, tennis, golf, polo, etc., and holds several offices in connection therewith, among which may be mentioned the secretaryship of the Golf Club, President of the Selwyn Football Club, and the vice-presidency of the Wellington Athletic Club and the New Zealand Football Association. He is also a member of the council of the Rowing Association, and in legal matters several appointments are in his hands. For some years he was a member of the council of the Law Society. Messrs. Chapman and Tripp are solicitors for the Australian Mutual Provident Society, the Trust and Agency Company of Australasia, the Standard Insurance Company, the United Insurance Company, the Upland Farm Company, the New Zealand University, the School Commissioners and numerous other bodies, besides, of course, a large number of private clients.
Barrister and solicitor, Mutual Life Insurance Buildings, Brandon Street, Wellington. Private residence, Hawker Street. Mr. Devine, who was admitted to the profession in 1883, commenced to practise in 1884. He is well known throughout the Colony as the compiler of the “Handy Book of Bankruptcy Law,” which he published in 1883, and of the “New Bankruptcy Law, 1892” (published in 1894), both of which works were published by Messrs. Edwards and Co., of Wellington. Mr. Devine is one of the councillors for the city of Wellington, and under that heading further particulars concerning his professional career will be found.
Barrister and Solicitor, Featherston Street, Wellington. Telephone 698. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Hill Street. Admitted to the bar in 1875, Mr. Edwards has long been a well-known practitioner in the Courts of the Colony. For years he was the senior partner in the firm of Moorhouse and Edwards. After his disqualification as a Judge of the Supreme Court, in June, 1892, upon the grounds that his appointment was ultra vires of the powers of the Governor, Mr. Edwards commenced his present business. Further particulars of his career will be found in this section under Wellington Law Society.
Barrister and Solicitor, Imperial Chambers, Featherston Street, Wellington. Telephone, 399. Private Residence, Brougham Street. Educated at Wellington College, Mr. Gray was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, in 1881, and at once commenced to practice his profession in Greytown, Wairarapa. In 1886 he removed to Wellington, establishing the present business.
Barrister and Solicitor, Mutual Life Buildings, Brandon Street, Wellington. Telephone, 60; P.O. Box 124. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia, Limited. Private residence, 54 Thorndon Quay. Agents: Auckland, Mr. A. E. Whitaker; Napier, Mr. W. Dinwiddie; Christchurch, Mr. T. G. Russell; Dunedin, Messrs. Duncan and Macgregor; Nelson, Mr. R. W. W. Kingdon. Mr. Hall acted as Secretary to Chief Justice Sir James Prendergast, during the years 1875 to 1880, and was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court on the 30th of May. 1881, and established the present business in the following year He is a Notary Public and Commissioner for taking affidavits for the Supreme Courts of the Australian colonies. Mr. Hall also acts as a Patent Agent.
(Robert Chisenhall Hamerton and John Chapman Andrew, B.A., Oxon.) Barristers and Solicitors, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 393; P.O. Box 344. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Hamerton, whose career is given under the heading “Military,” commenced the practice of his profession in partnership with Mr. C. F. Richmond, son of Mr. Justice Richmond, in March, 1892. Six months later he purchased his partner's interest, and on January 1st, 1893, admitted Mr. Mr. J. C. Andrew into the firm. Mr. Andrew, a son of the Rev. J. C. Andrew, of Ica, near Tenui, is a native of Yorkshire. He was educated first at Nelson College where his father was head master, and subsequently at Oxford, where he took his degree with honours in 1889. Mr. Andrew was called to the bar in England. On his return to the Colony, he was for some time in the office of Messrs. Brandon, Hislop and Brandon, and in 1893 he joined Mr. Hamerton, with whom he has remained in partnership ever since.
Barrister, Solicitor, Notary Public and Patent Agent, 24 Featherston Street, Wellington. Cable Address, “Haselden, Wellington.” Telephones: Office, 665; Private residence (Molesworth Street), 777. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Agents: London, Messrs. Paines Blyth and Huxtable, St. Helen's Place; Edinburgh, Messrs. Strathern and Blair, Charlotte Street; Melbourne, Messrs. Ellison and Simpson: Sydney, Messrs. Abbott, Vinden and Littlejohn; Auckland, Messrs. Calder and Goldwater; Wanganui, Messrs. Borlase and Barnicoat; Palmerston North, Mr. E. O. Hurley, Mr. H. G. Moore, and Mr. G. F. Hawkins; Christchurch, Messrs. Garrick and Co., and Messrs. S. S. Nestor and Co.; Dunedin, Messrs. Kenyon and Hosking; Nelson, Messrs. Fell and Atkinson; Westport, Mr. C. E. Harden. Mr. Haselden commenced the practice of his profession in Westport and Reefton in 1872, and has therefore had an experience of nearly a quarter of a century. In 1889 he removed to Wellington and has a good practice at the capital. Particulars of Mr. Haselden's career are more fully referred to under heading “Military,” and need not therefore be repeated here.
Barrister and Solicitor, Grey Street, Wellington. Telephone, 4. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Mein Street, Newtown. Mr. Hindmarsh was born in Adelaide and educated at St. Peter's College in that city. He was for some time in the office of Messrs. Smith, Chapman, Sinclair and White, of Dunedin, and was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in Christchurch in 1890. He commenced to practise his profession in Wellington in 1894.
Solicitor and Patent Agent, 40 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Holdsworth, who is the fourth son of the late Mr. J. G. Holdsworth, Commissioner of Crown Lands at Wellington, was born in 1871. He was educated at the Wellington College and at the Wanganui Collegiate School, and studied for his profession in the office of Mr. W. H. Quick. Mr. Holdsworth was admitted a solicitor of the Supreme Court on the fourth of February, 1896, and at once entered, on the practice of his profession.
Solicitor, Imperial Chambers, Featherston Street, Wellington. P.O. Box 2. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, The Terrace. Agents:—London, Messrs. Fowler and Co.; Edinburgh, Scotland, Messrs. Ronald, Ri chie, and Ellis, W.S.; Christchurch, Messrs. Loughrey and Lane; Nelson, Messrs. Fell and Atkinson; Blenheim, Mr. J. R. Connolly; Napier, Mr. H. B. Lusk. Mr. Jardine was born in 1853 in Dumfries, Scotland, and educated at local schools and the Edinburgh University. He was articled in his native town and afterwards for five years attended the University classes at Edinburgh, where he entered the office of Messrs. Ellis, W.S., and remained in that office for seven years. He was in 1875 admitted a procurator of the Sheriff Courts of Dumfriesshire and enrolled as a Law Agent in Scotland, qualified to practise in all the Courts in that country. Mr. Jardine practised his profession in Dumfriesshire till leaving for the colonies in the end of 1888. He travelled per Orient liner “Ormuz” to Sydney, and reached Wellington in March, 1889. After arrival Mr. Jardine studied New Zealand law, and, having passed the prescribed examinations, was admitted a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in 1893, since which time he has practised his profession in the Empire City. In 1891, having learned of the depression among agriculturalists owing to defective organization, Mr. Jardine was successful in founding the Co-operative and Farmers' Alliance, Limited, the first of its kind in the North Island. A number of similar societies soon sprang up, and this society became merged in the United Farmers Alliance, Limited, which has recently amalgamated with the Manawatu Farmers' Co-operative Association, Limited.
Barrister and Solicitor, Customhouse Quay, Wellington. Telephone 2. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, 29 The Terrace, London agents, Messrs. Royle and Co., 5 Bedford Row, W.C. Mr. Jellicoe is an English solicitor, having been admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Judicature on the 16th of December, 1878. Until 1884 Mr. Jellicoe practised as one of the solicitors to Her Majesty's Treasury on the South Wales circuit at Swansea. On the 14th of January, 1882, Lord Selbourne, as Chancellor, appointed Mr. Jellicoe a Commissioner of the Supreme Court of England. In consequence of his health breaking down in England, the subject of this notice arrived in New Zealand on the 8th of October, 1884. On the 29th of the same month he passed the barrister's examination, and on the 10th of November of that year he was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Colony. Mr. Jellicoe is a Commissioner of the Supreme Courts of South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, and Tasmania, also for Cape Colony, India, and Straits Settlements, and is authorised to take acknowledgments of deeds and of married women for each of these colonies. He is also a notary public. On the 7th of June, 1883, Mr. Jellicoe was elected a member of the Incorporated Law Society of the United Kingdom. He is also a member of the National Liberal Club. At the general election of 1890, Mr. Jellicoe unsuccessfully contested one of the Wellington seats in the House of Representatives. He has since been twice requisitioned to stand for Wellington City and for Palmerston North, but for business reasons was obliged to decline.
(Richard Clement Kirk, Edmond Tudor Atkinson, and James Wilson), Barristers and Solicitors, New Zealand Government Insurance Buildings, Panama Street, Wellington. Telephone 423; P.O. Box 137. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Kirk, Petone; Mr. Atkinson, Brougham Street; Mr. Wilson, Tinakori Road. Agents: London, Messrs. G. B. Lawrence and Co.,
(Phineas Levi, M.A., and Frederick George Bolton), Barristers and Solicitors, 27 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 732; P.O. Box 105. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Levi, 93 Willis Street; Mr. Bolton, Roxburgh Street. Agents—Auckland, Mr. F. E. Baume; Christchurch, Messrs. Stringer and Cresswell; Invercargill, Messrs. McNab and Watson. Mr. Levi was born in Sydney, New South Wales, and received his education mostly in Dunedin. Articled to Messrs. Sievwright and Stout, he was admitted a barrister and solicitor in Dunedin in 1884. Mr. Levi studied at the New Zealand University, and gained his M.A. degree with honours in mental science in 1887. Mr. Bolton was born in Wellington, and educated at the Wellington College. He served his articles with Messrs. Bell, Gully, and Izard, and subsequently was in the employ of Messrs. Chapman, Fitzgerald, and Tripp. He passed his solicitor's law examination at the age of nineteen, and his barrister's examination at the age of twenty, and was admitted a barrister and solicitor in 1888. Mr. Levi commenced practice in Wellington in February, 1887, being joined by Mr. Bolton, who had previously practised solely in Wellington for eighteen months, in March, 1892.
(Thomas Frederic Martin and Maurice Wilson Richmond), Barristers and Solicitors, Featherston Street, Wellington. Telephones: Office, 682; Mr. Martin (private), 800. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residences: Mr. Martin, Wesley Road; Mr. Richmond, Gladstone Terrace, Agents:—London, Mr. R. J. Bowerman, 3 Gray's Inn Square; Auckland, Messrs. Devore and Cooper; Christchurch, Messrs. Duncan and Cotterill. The firm of Messrs. Martin and Richmond was established in 1892; but both partners were well and favourably known in Wellington and other parts of the Colony before that date. For several years Mr. Martin held the dual appointments of Town Clerk and City Solicitor for Wellington. He still holds the City Solicitorship, and under that head a short sketch of his career is given. Mr. Richmond is a son of Mr. J. C. Richmond, referred to on page 69 hereof. He was a law student with Messrs. Fell and Atkinson, of Nelson from 1880 to 1883, and was admitted a barrister and solicicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in August, 1883. For some time Mr. Richmond held the appointment of secretary to the late Judge Richmond, his uncle; and in 1884 he entered into partnership in Wellington with his cousin, the eldest son of the late Judge—Mr. Christopher Richmond, now of New Plymouth. The firm of Messrs. Richmond and Richmond continued until 1891. Mr. Richmond holds the offices of solicitor to the Wellington District Law Society, and Law Reporter to the New Zealand Council of Law Reporting, for the Supreme Court in Wellington, and the Court of Appeal. He also compiled and edited The New Zealand Digest issued by the Council of Law Reporting in 1894. Besides their various legal appointments, Messrs Martin and Richmond conduct a growing general business. Mr. Martin is also solietor for the Municipal Association and for the Counties Association.
(Andrew Agnew Stuart Menteath and Oswald Beere), Barristers and Solicitors, 6 Lambton Quay, Wellington, next Bank of New Zealand. Cable address, “Rabienus;” code, special through Reuter's. Telephones: Office, 408; Mr. Menteath's private residence, 962, P.O. Box 335. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residences: Mr. Menteath, Molesworth Street; Mr. Beere, Hill Street. Agents:—London, Messrs. Lawrence, Waldron, and Webster, 14 Old Jury Chambers, E.C.; Auckland, Messrs. Hesketh and Richmond; New Plymouth, Mr. O. Samuels; Wanganui, Messrs. Borlase and Barnicoat; Palmerston North, Mr. Herbert Hankins; Gisborne, Mr. E. Lysnar; Napier, Mr. Hugh B. Lusk; Pahiatua, Mr. Wm. Tosswill; Masterton, Mr. C. A. Pownall; Lower Wairarapa, Mr. John W. Card; Blenheim, Mr. Alfred Rogers; Nelson, Messrs. Adams and Kingdon; Hokitika, Messrs. Guinness, Kitchingham and Free; Christchurch, Mr. John Joyce; Dunedin, Messrs. Stamford and Milne. This business was established by Mr. Menteath immediately on his retiring from the firm of Messrs. Jellicoe and Menteath in 1886. Reference to Mr. Menteath's career will be found on pages 266 and 267, among the ex-members of Parliament. Mr. Beere, son of Mr. E. H. Beere, the well-known surveyor, was born in Auckland in 1870, and was educated at the Wanganui Collegiate School, under Dr. Harvey. For several years before entering into the business he had been connected with it, rising to the position of managing clerk. After a successful course of study privately, Mr. Beere passed his examinations, and was admitted a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in 1891.
(William Harold Sefton Moorhouse and Ernest Frederic Hadfield), Barristers, Solicitors and Notaries Public, 19 Featherston Street, Wellington. Telephones: Office, 584; Mr. Moorhouse (private residence), 585. P.O. Box 74. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand and Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Moorhouse, Dixon Street; Mr. Hadfield, Hill Street. This legal business was established in 1886 by Mr. W. H. Sefton Moorhouse, admitted in 1884, who conducted it solely until 1892, when he was joined by Mr. Hadfield, who for a year or so had been practising in Wellington in company with his brother under the title of Messrs. Hadfield and Hadfield. Both gentlemen having an extensive connection, Messrs. Moorhouse and Hadfield soon became a well-known firm. Mr. Moorhouse, who is a son of the late Mr. William Sefton Moorhouse, briefly referred to on page 287 hereof, was born in Christchurch and educated in the Colony, principally at the Wanganui Collegiate School and the Wellington College. He was admitted to the Bar in 1884, and received his notarial appointment in 1893. Captain Moorhouse was for fifteen years an officer of the D Battery of Artillery Volunteers, during the last six of which he had command of the Corps. Mr. Hadfield, who is the son of the well-known Bishop and former Primate, was born at Otaki, the headquarters of the Church of England Mission in these parts, where his father so nobly served his Queen and country by the mere use of his powerful influence over the natives in the most critical times of the war. After a short course at the Wellington College Mr. Hadfield went to England and studied at Derby School and the Selwyn College, Cambridge. He was called to the Bar of the Inner Temple in 1888,
(Charles Bruce Morison and Arthur Richmond Atkinson, Barristers and Solicitors, Government Insurance Buildings, Panama Street, Wellington. Telephone 823; P.O. Box 83. Private residences: Mr. Morrison, Aurora Terrace; Mr. Atkinson, Wadestown. This business was founded by Mr. Morison in 1885. Mr. Atkinson, a nephew of the late Hon. Sir Harry Albert Atkinson, K.C.M.G., who had such a distinguished political career in the Colony, joined the firm in 1892, since which year it has been conducted as above. Mr. Atkinson has long been well-known as a leader in the Temperance crusade, holding pronounced views on Prohibition, which cause he is ready to advocate as opportunity offers.
Barrister and Solicitor, No. 1 Grey Street, Wellington. Private residence, Aurora Terrace. Mr. Mouat was with Messrs. Sievwright and Stout in Wellington before his admission as a barrister and solicitor in 1884. Subsequently, he was with Messrs. Sievwright and Delatour in Gisborne, and afterwards with Messrs. Nolan and Skeet of the same place. In 1888 he removed to Wellington, and was for some time in the office of Mr. C. B. Morison before commencing to practice on his own behalf in 1884.
Barrister and Solicitor, 14 Brandon Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Hawkestone Street, Wellington. Agents: London, Messrs. Lumley and Lumley; Edinburgh, Mr. J. W. Deas, 15 Queen Street; Auckland, Messrs. Hill and Mahoney, and Tole and McAlister; Christchurch, Messrs. Stringer and Cresswell; Dunedin, Mr. W. C. McGregor. Mr. Paterson is a son of Mr. Duncan Wilkie Paterson, solicitor of the Supreme Court of Scotland. Born in 1857 in Edinburgh, he was educated at public schools and at the Edinburgh University, and after a Severe course of study passed the requisite examination and became an advocate of the Supreme Court of Scotland in 1882. For six years he practised his profession in Edinburgh, and left for the Colony per s.s. “ Coptic “ in 1888. Arriving in Wellington, Mr. Paterson read up New Zealand law and passed the prescribed examinations, securing admission as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in 1890. Mr. Paterson is the only advocate of the Supreme Court of Scotland at present in practice in the Colony.
Barrister, Solicitor, and notary Public, Featherston Street, Wellington. Telephones: Office, 995; private residence, 945; P.O. Box 24. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, “ Sandford,” Wellington Terrace. Agents : London, Phelps, Sedgwick, and Biddle; Scotland, Neil, Son, and Orkney, Greenock; Auckland, Devore and Cooper; Dunedin Messrs. Kenyon and Hosking; Napier, Messrs. Williams and Loughnan. Mr. Quick was originally intended for the Equity Bar, but had to abandon the idea owing to a break down in his healt. He served his articles in Sydney, under Sir_George Wigram Allen, and was admitted as a solicitor in 1866. Almost immediately Mr. Quick crossed over to New Zealand, and became a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court, in the same year settling in Wanganui, where he practised his profession until the end of Titokowaru's war. In 1870 he removed to Wellington, and entered into partnership with the late Mr. A. de B. Brandon, with whom he continued for seven years, under the style of Brandon and Quick. In 1877 he established his present business. Mr. Quick acts as solicitor for the Wellington Hospital Trustees, and for Courts Sir George Bowen and Sir George Grey, A.O.F., and numerous others. Further particulars will be found under the heading of “ Wellington Ex-Councillors,” Mr. Quick having served the City as a councillor, representing the principal ward in the municipality for several years.
(Charles Perris Skerrett and Andrew Wylie), 71 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 723; P.O. Box 170. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residences: Mr. Skerrett, Sydney Street; Mr. Wylie, Clifton Terrace. Agents: Auckland, Messrs. Gillin and Colbeck; Napier, Mr. H. A. Cornford; Hawera, Mr. E. L. Barton; Wanganui, Messrs. Fitzherbert and Marshall; Nelson, Messrs. Adams and Kingdon; Blenheim, Mr. R. McCallum; Christchurch, Messrs. Acton-Adams and Kippenberger; Dunedin, Mr. S.Solomon. Mr. Skerrett was born and educated in Wellington, articled to Messrs. Bell, Gully and Izard, and in 1885. admitted a barrister and solicitor. Mr. Wylie was born in Dundee, and came to New Zealand per ship “ Queen,” which arrived in Auckland in 1865. Educated at private schools in Auckland, at Mr. Mowbray's school, Thorndon, and at Nelson College, he was with Messrs. Travers and Ollivier from 1874 to 1878, with Mr. F. M. Ollivier till 1883, with Messrs. Ollivier, Holland and Brown till 1885, and with Messrs. Buckley, Stafford and Bacton till 1887. Mr. Skerrett became a member of the firm of Messrs. Brown, Skerrett and Dean in 1887, but retired in 1893, and was joined by Mr. Wylie in January, 1894, in the present business.
(Edward Stafford, Charles Herbert Treadwell, and William Hughes Field), Barristers and Solicitors, Government Insurance Buildings, Panama Street, Wellington. Telephone 47. P.O. Box 80. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Stafford, The Terrace; Mr. Treadwell, Lower Hutt; Mr. Field, Everton Terrace. Agents: London, Messrs. Paine and Co.; 14 St. Helen's Place, E.C.; Auckland, Messrs. Buddie, Button and Co.; Christchuch, Mr. T. S. Weston; Dunedin, Messrs. Stout, Mondy and Sim; Wanganui, Messrs. Treadwell and Lloyd. This important legal house was founded in 1843 by the lat Hon. Robert Hart, M.L.C., whose notice appears under the heading of “ Late Legislative Councillors.” Mr. (now Sir Patrick) Buckley joined him in 1869. Mr. Hart retired in 1879, and Mr. Stafford then joined Mr. Buckley and Mr. H. S. Fitzherbert. Mr. Treadwell joined Messrs. Buckley and Stafford in May, 1887, and the business was carried on under the title of Messrs. Buckley, Stafford and Treadwell until the 1st of December, 1895, when Sir Patrick Buckley, in consequence of his elevation to the Bench, withdrew, and Mr. Field, who had for several years been managing clerk, was admitted to a partnership. Some particulars of Sir Patrick Buckley's colonial career are given under heading “ Her Majesty's Government,” and further particulars regarding Mr. Stafford may be found among the articles devoted to the ex-Councillors of Wellington. Mr. Treadwell is a son of the Rev. J. Treadwell, the Presbyterian Minister at Wanganui. In 1877 he was articled to Mr. George Hutchison, and completed his articles under Mr. C. H. Borlase. He was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in September, 1883, and in 1885 he accepted the position of managing clerk with the firm of which he became a member two years later. Mr. Field's career is briefly referred to in connection with the Star Boating Club, in which he has for the past six years held the high position of Captain. It need only be added here that he
(the Hon. Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G., George Mondy, William Alexander Sim, and John George Findlay, LL.D.), Barristers and Solicitors, Colonial Exchange Buildings, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 867; P.O. Box 298. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residences:- Sir Robert Stout, Watson Street; Dr. Findlay, 31 Wellington Terrace; Messrs. Mondy and Sim, Dunedin. Dr. Findlay, LL.D., was born in Dunedin, and received part of his education at Scott's Academy, Hokitika. He entered the Otago College of the New Zealand University, matriculating in 1881. He took his LL.B. degree in 1886 and his LL.D, degree in 1891. Dr. Findlay entered the office of Messrs. Fraser and Stilling, of Dunedin, in 1885, and was admitted a barrister and solicitor in 1887. Particulars of Sir Robert Stout's career are given under the heading “Members for Wellington City.”
Barrister and Solicitor, Equitable Buildings, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, 96 Wellington Terrace. Mr. Tanner commenced the practice of his profession in Wellington in the year 1888. For further particulars see “Wellington Corporation.”
Barrister and Solicitor, 11 Brandon Street, Wellington. Telephone 428. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Nairn Street. Agents—Auckland, Messrs. Devore and Cooper; Christchurch, Messrs. Loughrey and Lane; Dunedin, Messrs. Stout, Monday, and Sim; Nelson, Messrs. Fell and Atkinson; Napier, Messrs. Carlisle and McLean; Wanganui, Messrs. Borlase and Barnicoat; New Plymouth, Mr. O. Samuels. Mr. Thompson was born in Wellington on the 7th of July, 1856, and was educated as he was able to obtain information from time to time. He attended the old school at Kaiwarrawarra, and after having left that place, he assisted his brother, Mr. C. Thompson, who for many years was well known as the lessor of the toll-gate, Kaiwarrawarra. Mr. Charles Thompson was a prominent figure in local matters. He was connected with the Kaiwarrawarra Town Board, and took an active part in volunteer and military matters, being captain of the Kaiwarrawarra rifle volunteer corps. Mr. J. Thompson obtained a seat in the office of the late Hon. A. de B. Brandon, and after having left the service of that firm, then known as Messrs. Brandon, Shaw, and Brandon, Mr. Thompson decided to make an effort to study in order to qualify himself for the examination in general knowledge, so as to be ready to meet the requirements of the statutory law. Mr. Thompson devoted many hours to study, under the tuition of Messrs. E. T. Mason, Registrar of Friendly Societies, Kenneth Wilson, and E. T. Charlensed respectively, and presented himself for examination when the late lamented Dr. West was examiner. Mr. Thompson was notified on the 16th of April, 1884, that he had passed his general knowledge examination, and on the 29th of October following he was advised that he had finally passed the examination in law. He was admitted to practice as a barrister and solicitor on the 12th of November, 1884, after application having been made to his Honour Mr. Justice Johnston. Mr. Thompson was for some time employed by Mr. Edward Shaw, the prominent magistrate, who for many years was well known in Nelson in connection with scholastic matters. On the 28th of August, 1888, Mr. Thompson was married to Annie Milne, daughter of Mr. William Scott-Milne, one of the oldest settlers in the Hutt District, and for many years a member of the Provincial Council. His contemporaries were the best known men in Wellington. The present practice was established in June, 1886. Subsequently Mr. W. R. Haselden joined Mr. Thompson, under the style of Haselden and Thompson, and on Mr. Haselden's retirement Mr. P. E. Baldwin was admitted to the partnership, the firm being Thompson and Baldwin. Mr. Baldwin retired about the end of 1894, and Mr. Thompson has continued to practise solely. Mr. Thompson was admitted to act as a patent agent, in accordance with “The Patent Agents and Trade Marks Act, 1889.” on the 7th of April, 1892.
F.L.S., Barrister and Solicitor, Featherston Street, Wellington. Telephone 38. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand and Colonial Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Hobson Street. Mr. Travers, whose career is referred to under the head of ex-members of Wellington City, is an English solicitor. Admitted in London in 1844, and on arrival in New Zealand to the Colonial Bar, he has been prominent in his profession up to the present day. Since 1869 Mr. Travers has been in business in the Empire City. For several years he occupied the position of City Solicitor, and was solicitor to the Wellington Gas Company. He is at present the legal adviser of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company, the Wellington Woollen Company, the Patent Slip Company, and others.
Barriater and Solicitor, Commercial Union Buildings, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Palmer Street. Agents:—Auckland, Mr. John Sinclair; New Plymouth, Mr. C. W. Govett; Greytown North, Mr. B. W. Tate. Mr. Tringham, who is a son of Mr. Charles Tringham, the architect, but who is now a sheep-farmer at Pigeon Bush, Wairarapa, was born in Wellington, educated at Wellington College and St. Patrick's College, and studied law while acting as law clerk to Messrs. Kirk and Atkinson, barristers and solicitors, with whom he remained for six years. He was admitted a solicitor of the Supreme Court in March, 1893, and established himself in business in May, 1894. Mr. Tringham is solicitor to the No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 Co-operative Building Societies.
Barrister and Solicitor, 14 Featherston Street, Wellington. Telephone 13. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Lower Hutt. Agents:—Auckland, Messrs. Devore and Cooper; Napier, Messrs. Carlile and McLean; New Plymouth, Mr. O. Samuels; Wanganui, Messrs. Borlase and Barnicoat; Christchurch, Messrs. Flesher and Fuller; Dunedin, Mr. Allen Holmes. Born in Wellington in 1870. Mr. Wilford was educated at Canterbury College, Christchurch, and returning to his native city, he was articled to Messrs. Brandon. Hislop, and Brandon. He passed his final examination when but eighteen years old, and was admitted on the 22nd of June, 1891, as a solicitor, and on the 31st of May, 1894, as a barrister of the Supreme Court. Mr. Wilford joined Mr. W. T. L. Travers, under the style of Travers and Wilford, and continued a member of the firm for three years, when he commenced business on his own
B.A., Barrister and Solicitor, Old Supreme Court Buildings, 33 Lambton Quay. Telephone 968. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Parliament Street. Mr. Williams arrived in Wellington in January, 1890. He is a B.A. of Yale University, and took the same degree at the New Zealand University a few months after arrival, and in June of the same year was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of the Colony. After a few months spent with Messrs. Brown, Skerrett, and Dean in Wellington, he entered upon the practice of his profession on his own account. Mr. Williams is well known as a tenor singer and choir conductor. His musical career is referred to at length elsewhere in the Cyclopedia.
Barrister and Solicitor, 9 Featherston Street, Wellington. Telephone 853; P.O. Box 305. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Brougham Street. Mr. Young was born in Wellington, receiving his education at Wellington College and Thorndon Classical School. He was articled to Messrs. Bell, Gully, and Izard, and was admitted to the bar in 1890. He continued with Messrs. Bell, Gully, and Izard till 1893, when he commenced practice on his own account.
Though Wellington must be considered a healthy city, the care of the physical condition of its people is reposed in a large number of medical practitioners, and nearly all of them are overtaxed. As a class they are popular, and many of them bear a high reputation, some as physicians, others as surgeons or specialists, and a few in both branches of the profession. The highest skill is brought within the reach of all, for sufferers who are too poor to call a doctor into their homes may gain admission to the hospital and have the best medical attendance free of charge, and with the fullest confidence that the same care and interest will be manifested in their cases as in those of the wealthier classes.
In seeking data for the following brief sketches, the compilers have kept in view the natural desire of the public to know all that can be learned of the professional career of those in whose hands they may at any moment be called upon to place their lives. To give the desired information as fully as possible, neither trouble nor expense has been spared. In the majority of instances the requisite notes have been courteously given, immediately upon the scope and objects of the Cyclopedia being understood. In a few other cases, however, the facts have been persistently yet courteously declined, though, in one instance, the courtesy was of the kind which is not generally considered a sign of education and refinement. The compilers have deemed it necessary to make this explanation lest it might be supposed that they had neglected a duty, the performance of which was in their power. On public grounds the omissions are probably unimportant as the stranger may have abundance of choice without venturing beyond the limits of undoubted reputation. Following the medical list will be found the surgeon and mechanical dentists, and the chemists, wholesale and retail.
In every division under this head the greatest care has been taken to publish all the useful information obtainable; and it is earnestly hoped that the readers of the Cyclopedia will find this section of great value. Too little discrimination is generally used in this all-important matter of health. To many, a doctor is a doctor, and any one is looked upon as being as good as the best. No greater mistake can be made. It is impossible to deny that lives are lost every year which in more skilful hands would be saved, and that many a limb is removed which a more scrupulous surgeon would preserve. Whenever there is time before calling in either a physician or a surgeon, the most careful enquiries should be made, and the opinions of all should be received with caution. Chemists as a rule are fairly qualified to advise the public on these matters; but their opinions, like others, are liable to be affected by circumstances, and should, therefore, be carefully weighed. Hardly second in importance is the question when relating to chemists. There are chemists who realise to the fullest extent the responsibilities of their calling, and there must be others upon whom those responsibilities rest more lightly. The responsibility of making comparisons is too weighty to be undertaken by the compilers of this work. They have endeavoured to give information from which comparisons may be made, and they feel it to be their duty to give, in addition, this word of caution.
Though it is well-known that several ladies are qualifying for the medical profession at the New Zealand University, and that many have gained diplomas elsewhere, there are as yet no lady doctors in Wellington. It is highly probable, however, that the next few years will witness a change in this respect.
M.R.C.S. (England), L.R.C.P. (London), Physician and Surgeon, 38 Wellington Terrace, Wellington. Telephone 303. The Medical Directory states that Dr. Adams graduated as a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1889, and as a licensiate of the Royal College of Physicians of London in the same year. The New Zealand Post Office Directory of 1892–3 represents this medical man as practising his profession in Auckland, but in the issue for 1895 his address is given as above.
M.B., C.M. (Univ. Abdn.,) Physician and Surgeon, Revans Street, Wellington. Telephone 757. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Dr. Alexander hails from Scotland, having been born in Greenock in 1854. He was educated at the local Academy and in Edinburgh, and studied for his profession at the Aberdeen University, gaining his degrees in 1876. He practised in Crewe and in Barrow-in-Furness for about a year in each place, after which he became house-surgeon to the Greenock Infirmary, where he remained eighteen months. Dr. Alexander accepted an appointment as surgeon to the Allan line, Canadian Royal Mail Steamships, and was on board several of their vessels trading to Quebec and Montreal. He afterwards served in the same capacity on board some of the Cunard Co.'s boats, trading between Liverpool, Boston and New York. After about two-and-a-half years he came to New Zealand per ship “Adamant,” which arrived in Auckland in 1880. Spending about six months in the City of the North, he was attached to the Defence Force at the time of the Parihaka scare, and was placed in charge of the hospital erected in the Opunake Redoubt. Settling in Hawera in 1883 he commenced the practice of his profession, which he continued for eight years. Dr. Alexander had charge of the Cottage Hospital from its foundation to his leaving the district. In 1891 he removed to Wellington and founded his present practice. He is surgeon to the Forester's Order, Courts Sir William Jervois and Sir George Bowen, to the Excelsior and Pacific Lodges of Druids, and to the Britannia and Antipodean Lodge of Oddfellows and others. Dr. Alexander married in 1881 Miss Annie Winks, daughter of the late Alexander Winks, of Lower Rangitikei, and has a family of five children.
M.A., M.D., B.C. (Cantab), M.R.C.S., England; L.R.C.P., London; Physician and Surgeon, 12 Wellington Terrace, Wellington. Telephone 320. Dr. Anson, who is a native of Sudbury, Derbyshire, England, is the son of the Rev. Frederick Anson, Canon of St. George's, Windsor. He was educated at Eton and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. in 1874, and M.A. in 1878. Dr. Anson took his medical degree in 1889. He first came to the colonies in 1874 per ship “Sobraon,” to Melbourne. About 1878 he became second master at Wanganui College, and after six years returned to England. While in England Dr. Anson became house-surgeon and resident accoucheur at St. Thomas's Hospital, London. Returning to the Colony in January, 1892, he at once began to practise his profession in Wellington. Dr. Anson holds the appointments of Chief Medical Officer in New Zealand to the Australian Mutual Provident Society, and Honorary Physician to the Wellington Hospital.
L.R.C.S.A., M.D., M.Ch., Physician and Surgeon, 10 The Terrace, Wellington. Telephone 289. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Dr. Cahill was born in Dublin, where he qualified for his profession, taking his degrees in 1881 and 1882. Before coming to New Zealand, Dr. Cahill practised his profession for a short time in Ireland. Arriving in Wellington in 1884 he established himself as above. He is honorary surgeon to the Wellington Guards and to the Wellington Hospital, and chief medical officer of the New Zealand Government Insurance Department. Further particulars of Dr. Cahill's career will be found under the heading “Consular,” he being American Consul.
M.B. Ch.B., Physician and Surgeon, Willis Street, Wellington. Telephone 704. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Dr. Chapple was born in Alexandra, Otago, where he received his early education at the State school. He commenced his medical studies at the Otago University, and in 1888 went to London to gain experience in the great hospitals. Dr. Chapple attended King's College while in the Metropolis, and returned to the Colony in 1889, gaining his degree at the New Zealand University. He commenced to practice his profession at Motueka, Nelson, and became Public Vaccinator and Native Medical Attendant for the district. Dr. Chapple settled in Wellington in 1892. He takes an interest in educational and philanthropic work, and is a member of the Middle District University Council and president of the Wellington Swimming Club. He is the author of a pamphlet entitled “Physical Education in our State Schools.”
M.R.C.S., England, M.B., London, Physician and Surgeon, Boulcott Street, Wellington. Telephone 121. Dr. Collins was born in India, and was educated at Cheltenham College, England. He studied for his profession at the London University, of which he is a graduate, and at St. George's Hospital London. In 1876, Dr. Collins gained his diploma as member of the Royal College of Surgeon's of England, and became Bachelor of Medicine at the London University in the following year. While in the metropolis he gained experience at the Brompton Hospital for consumptives. Soon afterwards Dr. Collins came out to New Zealand, and after a few months in Nelson, he settled in Wellington, establishing the present practice. For two or three years he was in partnership with Dr. Walter Fell. Dr. Collins has been favourably known in the capital as a prominent medical man for a long time, and has acted for the leading friendly societies. For the last sixteen years he has been a member of the medical staff of the Wellington Hospital.
F.R.C.S., L.R.C.P., and L.R.C.S., Edinburgh, L.F.P.S. and L.M., Glasgow, Physician and Surgeon, 103 Upper Willis Street, Wellington. Telephone 232. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Dr. Faulke was educated at Edinburgh and Manchester. He was prizeman in his college in materia medica, and therapeutics in the year 1885. Two years later he took his degrees L.R.C.P. and L.R.C.S. in Edinburgh, and L.F.P.S. and L.M. in Glasgow. He afterwards settled at Stroud Villa, West Mercia, Colchester, where he practised his profession. He was district medical officer and public vaccinator to the Lexdon and Winstree Union, and Admiralty surgeon to the district. He was also medical officer to several friendly societies, and referee to a number of life insurance companies. Dr. Faulke gained the additional degree of Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, of Edinburgh, in 1894. Coming to New Zealand early in 1895, Dr. Faulke settled in Wellington, and acquired the practice of Dr. Gillon on that gentleman's removal to Sydney.
M.A., M.D., (Oxon), M.R.C.S., England, L.R.C.P., London, Physician and Surgeon, Willis Street, Wellington. Telephone 215. Dr. Fell was born in Nelson, New Zealand, in 1855, and was educated at Rugby and at University College Oxford. He gained his B.A. degree in 1877, and his M.A. two years later. He studied medicine at St. Thomas's Hospital, London, and became a licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians, London, and a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1881. He took his M.B. degree at Oxford in 1882. Returning to the Colony, Dr. Fell settled in Wellington in 1883, joining Dr. W. E. Collins, with whom he practised for about three years under the style of Drs. Collins and Fell. At the termination of the partnership Dr. Fell commenced to practice on his own account. For about seven years he has occupied the position of honorary medical officer of the Wellington Hospital, and for the last five years has acted as examiner for the Colony for
M.R.C.S., Surgeon, Boulcott Street, Wellington. Dr. France has been longer in practice in Wellington than any other medical man now in the City. Born in London in 1825, he was educated at the University College, and gained his early medical experiences at the University College Hospital, Gower Street. He took his degree in 1849, and subsequently practised for five years in London. Dr. France came to Wellington per ship “Norman Morrison”' in 1854, and has been at work ever since. For nineteen years he was medical officer of the Wellington Asylum, retiring from the position on the appointment of a resident surgeon. Dr. France is a consulting surgeon to the Wellington District Hospital, on the staff of which institution he has had a place for many years. During the native troubles on the West Coast he was surgeon to the Militia, and afterwards became honorary surgeon to the Volunteer Artillery in Wellington.
L.R.C.S., Edinburgh, M.D., M.L.C., C.M.G., Physician and Surgeon, Charlotte Street, Wellington. Telephone 348. Bankers, Union Bank of Australasia. Reference is made to Dr. Grace as a member of the Legislative Council on page 251. He took his degree as a licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in 1859, and received his diploma as doctor of medicine at the University of Jena in 1858, Dr. Grace has practised his profession in Wellington since 1866, when he settled in the capital.
B.A. (Cantab)., M.R.C.S. (England), L.R.C.P. (London), Physician and Surgeon, corner of Willis and Manners Streets, Wellington. Telephone 741. This young medical man is the son of the late lamented Dr. Harding, who for many years was one of the best known and most highly respected family doctors in Wellington. The premises occupied were built by the father of the present owner. Dr. Harding went to England to study for the profession. He entered Selwyn College, Cambridge, and took his B.A. degree in 1888. Four years later he gained his diplomas as Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians of London. Returning to Wellington, he established himself in the practice of his profession. Dr. Harding is a member of the committee of the Wellington branch of the New Zealand Medical Association.
M.A., M.B., B.C. (Cantab.), Physician and Surgeon, 3 Johnston Street, Wellington. Dr. Henry is the son of the late Dr. Joseph Henry, who was well known for his generous kindness to all who were suffering, and whose death in 1894 was very generally regretted. The practice was established in 1881. Dr. C. D. Henry studied at Cambridge University and St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London.
M.R.C.S. (England), L.R.C.P. (London), F.R.C.S. (England), Physician and Surgeon, Charlotte Street, Wellington. Telephone 977. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Dr. James was born in New South Wales in 1847, and educated at the Grammar Schools at Carmarthen and Haverford West. He studied for the profession of medicine at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London, where he became gold medalist in clinical medicine in 1871, and at the Royal Opthalmic Hospital. He gained his degree as a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 1871. Two years later Dr. James came to New Zealand, and in 1874 became surgeon to the Reefton Hospital, which position he held till 1876. He then removed to Hokitika, entering into private practice, and remaining eight years, during the last six of which he was surgeon superintendent to the Westland Hospital. In 1884 Dr. James went to England, where he remained for three years, during which time he held important appointments as clinical assistant to the Royal London Opthalmic Hospital and to the Central London Throat and Ear Hospital and to the Hospital for Women, Soho Square W. In 1888 Dr. James left England and spent some time travelling in Queensland and elsewhere, returning to New Zealand in 1892, when he established his practice in Wellington. He is one of the surgeons to the Wellington Hospital and holds the appointment of Health Officer for the port.
M.B.C.M. Edinburgh, Surgeon, Specialist for Diseases of the Eye, Ear, and Throat, 139 Upper Willis Street, Wellington. Dr. Mackenzie is a son of the late Captain F. W. Mackenzie, H.E.I.S.S., of Otago, who at one time occupied a seat in the Provincial Council, and later in the House of Representatives. Dr. Mackenzie studied medicine first in Dunedin, and subsequently at the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated in medicine and surgery. After graduating he held the position of resident physician and surgeon at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary. He obtained his special training in Edinburgh, and afterwards sought further experience in the special hospitals of London and Brussels. Dr. Mackenzie took up his residence in Wellington in 1887, where he established his practice.
M.D., F.R.C.S., Edin., L.R.C.I L.R.C.S. Edin., L.F.P.S., Glas., L.S.A., London, Physician and Surgeon, Cuba Street, Wellington. Telephone 673. Dr. Mackin was born at Dunavil, Kilkeel, County Down, Ireland, and came to New Zealand about fifteen years ago, commencing his medical studies at the Otago University and the Dunedin Hospital. In 1888 he returned to the Old Country, taking up his abode in Glasgow in order to study medicine at Anderson's College. Qualifying in 1891 he practised in some of the large hospitals in the principal cities of England and Scotland, gaining experience, after which he returned to New Zealand and established himself in 1892 in practice in Wellington. In August, 1894, he left again on a second visit to the Old Country, and while there took the degrees of M.D., Brussels, and F.R.C.S., Edin. Returning, he resumed practice in Wellington in October, 1895. Dr. Mackin is surgeon to the Hibernians, Oddfellows, Druids, Foresters and Rechabites Benefit Societies, and the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand.
M.D., M.R.C.P. (England) M.R.C.S., (England), Physician and Surgeon, Ingestre Street, Wellington. Telephone, 478. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Dr. Martin, a son of the late Hon. John Martin, M.L.C., was born in Wellington in 1860. Educated at private schools and at Wellington College, he studied for his profession at Guy's Hospital, London. In 1882 he took the degree of M.R.C.S., two years later he gained his M.D. diploma, and in 1888 he became an M.R.C.P. Dr. Martin travelled
M.B., C.M., Edin., Physician and Surgeon, 102 Cuba Street, Wellington. Dr. Parkes was born at Derby, England. He came to the Colony with his parents in 1874 per ship “Hereford,” arriving in Lyttelton. He was educated at Christchurch, and attended at the East Christchurch and Normal schools, subsequently studying at the Canterbury College. Dr. Parkes commenced his medical education at the Otago University, where he remained for two years. He then went Home to Scotland, arriving there in 1890, and in 1892 he graduated at the university of that most beautiful of cities, Edinburgh. After taking his degree, Dr. Parkes practised his profession in England, and for two years resided in Sheffield. At the end of that time, 1894, he returned to the colonies, to act as locum tenens to Dr. Mackin in Wellington during that gentleman's absence from New Zealand. Dr. Parkes is surgeon to the Union Steamship Company, and also to the Oddfellows, Foresters, Druids, Hibernians, Rechabites, and other societies.
B.A., M.B., M.Ch., M.D., Physician and Surgeon, Manners Street, Wellington. Telephone 486. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Dr. Pollen was born in Kingstown, County Dublin Ireland, in 1853. Educated at Kingstown and Rathmines Schools, and at Middleton College, County Cork, he studied Medicine at Trinity College, Dublin. He obtained the B.A. and M.B. degrees in 1874, and in the following year the M.Ch. The same year (1875) Dr. Pollen was appointed assistant surgeon to the Blaenavon Iron Works, in Monmouthshire. After nine months he accepted the position of surgeon superintendent to the New Zealand Government Emigration Department, and came out to the Colony per ship “Hudson,” in charge of between three and four hundred emigrants. In 1876 Dr. Pollen settled in Gisborne, Poverty Bay, where he practised his profession for fourteen years. During his stay in Gisborne, the local hospital was started under his supervision, and he continued surgeon-in-charge till leaving the district. He also acted as medical officer to the various friendly societies. In 1890, having been appointed surgeon to the Antipodean Lodge of Oddfellows, he removed to Wellington, and commenced the practice of his profession. Dr. Pollen is medical referee to the Australian Mutual Provident Society and to the New Zealand Government Life Insurance Department. He acts for the Manchester Unity and American Orders of Oddfellows, for the Foresters, and for the Female Foresters, and is one of the physicians of the Wellington Hospital, In 1885 Dr. Pollen went to Britain on a trip, and during his stay obtained the degree of Doctor of Medicine at Trinity College, Dublin.
M.R.C.S., L.S.A.L., Physician and Surgeon, 127 Willis Street, Wellington. Telephone 248. Dr. Rawson, who first came to New Zealand in 1858, went to England to study for his profession at St. Bartholomew's Hospital, London. He obtained his degree L.S.A.L. in 1877, and became a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in July, 1878. After gaining his diploma, Dr. Rawson returned to the Colony and commenced the practice of his profession in New Plymouth in 1878. He continued in Taranaki till 1881, when he removed to Wellington and founded the present practice.
M.B., Ch.B. Physician and Surgeon, Carlton House, 88 Cuba Street, Wellington. Telephone 326. Dr. Teare studied for his profession at the Victorian University, Manchester, and obtained his degree in 1890. Coming to New Zealand, he located in Wellington to commence the practice of his profession, residing in Willis Street, and subsequently removing to a more central position in Cuba Street. Dr. Teare takes an interest in social matters, especially with reference to suitable club-rooms for young men, where they will be free from temptations to drink intoxicants. He is one of the trustees of the Wellington Social Club.
M.R.C.S. (England), Willis Street, Wellington. Dr. Tripe, who comes of an ancient and honourable Devonshire family—prominent as soldiers since the days of the first crusade—was born in London. Educated at the celebrated Merchant Tailors' School, he subsequently studied medicine at London Hospital, and qualified at the Royal College of Surgeons. He practised in London for some time with an elder brother, and was first honorary physician to the Shoe Black Brigade instituted by Earl Shaftesbury, with whom Dr. Tripe was dining when the scheme was formulated. There, too, he met his present wife, who is directly descended from noble families in Norfolk and Wiltshire. Coming to New Zealand soon after, he settled in Rangiora, where he was the first medical man to practise. On removing to Picton in 1870, for climatic reasons, he was the recipient of a substantial testimonial. In Picton, Dr. Tripe held the office of Provincial Surgeon, remaining till 1878, when he removed to Wellington, where he has since practised his profession.
M.D. Physician and Surgeon, 47 Vivian Street, corner of Cambridge Terrace, Wellington. Telephone, 946. Dr. Young was born in the Empire City in 1870. He is the fourth son of Mr. Thomas Whyte Young, J.P., merchant, Wellington. Educated at the Thorndon Classical School, Wellington, and the Wellington College, he went to Edinburgh in 1888, and studied medicine there at the University. In 1892 Dr. Young gained his M.B. and C.M. degrees, and two years later his M.D., with honours. While in Edinburgh he attended at the Royal Infirmary. After gaining his M.B. C.M. degree, Dr. Young became resident medical officer at the Royal Hospital for Children and Women in London, which position he held for one year, This post he resigned to take up the duties of medical superintendent of the Hinckley Smallpox Hospital, Leicestershire, England. In 1895 he returned to Wellington, where he now practices.
(Wellington Branch). Officers:—Drs. Pollen (president), Anson (vice-president), Wallace Mackenzie (hon. secretary), Purdy (hon. treasurer), Harding, Young and Chapple (committee). The Wellington Branch was established in April, 1885. Its objects are to promote (1) the advancement of medical and surgical sciences; (2) the common interests of the medical profession. The New Zealand Medical Association has resolved to become a branch of the British Medical Association. The membership of the Wellington Branch is fifty-four.
(Alexander Fraser, manager), Mees' buildings, Lambton Quay, Wellington. This Institute has been founded to afford facilities to the
Surgeon Dentist, 102 Willis Street, Wellington. Telephone 677. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Oriental Terrace. Born near St. Helens, Lancashire, England, Mr. Bridge was educated at St. Mary's College, Derbyshire, a branch of Stonyhurst College. On leaving school, he was apprenticed to Mr. Thomas Johnson, dentist, of Wigan. Mr. Bridge came to the Colony in 1879 per Orient liner “Lusitania” to Melbourne. After gaining experience in New Zealand for about three years, he commenced business on his own account in Riverton, Otago. In 1890, after a very successful term of seven years, he disposed of his business and went on a trip to England. During his stay, which lasted twelve months, Mr. Bridge studied the latest improvements in dentistry. Having returned to the Colony he elected to settle in the Empire City, commencing practice in April, 1892. Mr. Bridge's rooms, which are centrally situated, are completely furnished with the most modern appliances required.
(Richard C. Bulkley, George A. Downes, and H. J. Eames), Surgeon Dentists, 91 Willis Street, Wellington. Telephone 216. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia.
Surgeon and Mechanical Dentist, Manners Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Hall was born in Melbourne, and came to the Colony with his parents, who settled in Invercargill. His father, Mr. W. H. Hall, of the firm of Hall and Co. (late Trew and Hall), fronmongers, is an ex-mayor of the borough, and was at one time Grand Superintendent and D.G.M. in the Masonic Order. Mr. Sidney Hall was educated in Invercargill, and studied his profession with Mr. R. J. B. Yule, surgeon-dentist of that town. After registration as a qualified dental surgeon in 1890, Mr. Hall visited various parts of the Colony, and has gained a large general experience. Believing that Wellington, from its central position, is bound to be the principal town of the Colony, Mr. Hall has established himself as above. His rooms are situated on the first floor of the handsome new building erected by Mr. Karl Locker. The most modern dental appliances have been specially imported by Mr. Hall, and his rooms are in other respects luxuriously appointed. Although so recently established, Mr. Hall has received very general support, and is well satisfied with his prospects.
Surgeon and Mechanical Dentist, 105 Willis Street, Wellington. Telephone 622. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Hall is a native of Kent, and studied his profession in London, where he practised for about twelve months. He left England for the Colony in 1883, per s.s. “Orient.” On arrival, he established the present business in Wellington.
Surgeon Dentist, 104 Willis Street, Wellington. Telephone 207. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Bisham, Woolcombe Street. Mr. Hoby was born in New Plymouth, and was educated at Mr. Schoefield's school in that town, and by private tutors in London. He passed his examinations, taking his degree as licentiate in dental surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. Mr. Hoby married a daughter of Mr. James Barnett, of Beckenham, Kent, and returned to the Colony in 1881, settling in New Plymouth. In the following year he removed to Wellington, and has established a good practice. Mr. Hoby's rooms are well appointed and fitted up with the most modern appliances for the successful conduct of his profession.
Surgeon Dentist, Sydney Street, Wellington. Telephone 554; P.O. Box 66. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Mantell is the only child of the late Hon. W. B. D. Mantell, M.L.C. Born in 1864 in Wellington and educated at Rev. W. St. Hill's school and at Nelson College, he studied for his profession with Mr. H. P. Rawson, dentist, of The Terrace, Wellington, and secured registration as a qualified dental surgeon in 1889. Mr. Mantell's surgery is fitted up with the very latest and most approved cabinets and appliances for the conduct of his business as a surgeon and mechanical dentist. He was married in 1888 to Miss Catherine Louis Marguerite Bucholz, daughter of Mr. E. Louis Bucholz, German, Belgian and Italian Consul of Auckland, and has one daughter, Naomi Mary Mantell.
Surgeon and Mechanical Dentist, 36 Wellington Terrace, Wellington. Telephone 318. Mr. Rawson is one of the oldest dental surgeons now practising in the Empire City, the present business being established in 1862 and conducted by him since the year 1878. He is a brother of Dr. Ernest Rawson, the well-known and highly respected medical practitioner, who resides at 127 Willis Street.
Chemist, Dentist and Public Vaccinator, Te Aro Dispensary, corner of Manners and Herbert Streets, Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Brittain, Wellington.” Telephone 513. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Ingestre Street. The business which for the last twenty years has been so successfully carried on by Mr. Brittain is one of the oldest in the Colony. The shop is one of the very few which have never been used for any but the purposes for which they were built. It has, of course, been largely increased in size and quite altered in appearance, for it was originally octagonal and so small as to be appropriately named “The Pill Box.” The shop was built and the business established by Mr. C. D. Barraud in the early “forties,” as a branch of his main business at the other end. Mr. Barraud sold “The Pill Box” to his assistant, Mr. A. H. Owen, who changed the name to that by which it is now so well known, “Te Aro Dispensary.” Subsequently Mr. Owen also sold out to his assistant, Mr. F. Foster, who met his death by an accident, and whose executors sold to Mr. Pritchard in November, 1874. It was about this time that Mr. Brittain sold his business in Auckland and came to Wellington, establishing himself on Lambton Quay, opposite the Union Bank. Two years later Mr. Brittain bought out Mr. Pritchard—both business and freehold premises—and made the Te Aro Dispensary his headquarters, suitably enlarging the premises for that purpose. Until 1881, the Lambton Quay business was carried on as a branch. More
(Arthur J. Bellows and Walter J. Petherwick), Chemists and Manufacturers of Aerated Waters and Cordials, 80 Adelaide Road, Wellington. Branch, Riddiford Street. This business was established in 1894. The firm have extensive premises and machinery in the chemical manufacturing department, especially in the manufacture of pills. They are said to be the largest manufacturers in that line in Australasia. One of the special features of their business, which is also conducted on a very large scale, is the importation of proprietary medicines manufactured in England, America, etc., of which they have always an assorted and extensive stock. Another novelty in the manufactory is a machine invented for making what is known as medicated pastilles, in which Messrs. Drummond and Co. do a large and extensive trade. This firm have large and extensive works at the rear of their store in Adelaide Road, where they carry on the manufacture of ærated waters, pure fruit cordials, etc. The firm purchase the very best material in the market, and employ them in the manufacture of cordials, and it is no wonder that the latter are sought after and hold such a high position throughout the district of Wellington. A special line in which this firm trades is the manufacture of the well-known and popular temperance drink, “Phosphade,” which is a powerful nerve and brain tonic. Another branch of their business is the printing department, where they publish that well-known paper, the Newtown Advocate. They have a compact printing plant, and besides doing all the work for two newspapers, print all the labels, etc., used in the dispensing and chemical departments in their business. The business is under the personal supervision and management of Mr. Arthur J. Bellows, who was born in Nelson on the 9th of March, 1866. He came to Wellington with his parents when quite young. He is a thoroughly practical man in his business, having served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Kempthorne, Prosser and Co., the well known druggists. When he had finished his time, he acted as salesman in the employ of that firm, remaining with them in all some eight years. After this he travelled for some eight and a half years for Messrs. Sharland and Co. Both members of the firm are young, active, and enterprising, and bid fair to ultimately establish an enterprise of colonia importance.
Consulting Chemist, Surgeon-dentist, and Public Vaccinator, the Central Pharmacy, corner of Lambton Quay and Willis Street, Wellington. Telephone 188. Private residence, Wellington Terrace. Agents all over the Colony for the sale of proprietary articles. Mr. FitzGerald was born at Weedon, in Northamptonshire, and was educated at Grove Park School, Wrexham, North Wales. He is a brother of the Rev. Edward Maurice FitzGerald, M.A., Vicar of St. Paul's, Walsall, Staffordshire, and is descended from an ancient Irish family, his father being cousin to the famous Knight of Kerry, Sir Maurice FitzGerald. Mr. Wm. C. FitzGerald learned his profession with the late Mr. William Edwards, of Denbigh, pharmaceutical chemist, completing his term in 1869. He was subsequently appointed assistant to the well-known physician and surgeon, Dr. Solly, of Westminster Circus, London, afterwards purchasing that gentleman's practice and dispensary, which he conducted for some time in conjunction with his brother, the late Dr. John FitzGerald. After selling the business in 1876, Mr. FitzGerald accepted the appointment of surgeon-in-charge of the “Rakaia,” commanded by Captain Friston, bound for New Zealand. Having been engaged by the New Zealand Shipping Company for the return trip, Mr. FitzGerald, almost immediately after the “Rakaia's” arrival at Wellington in 1877, joined the favourite ship “Waipa,” commanded by Captain Brown, and returned to England acting in the same capacity as on the “Rakaia.” His conduct on both trips gained for him the goodwill of all on board, and at the conclusion of the outward trip he received a gratifying letter from the passengers of the “Rakaia,” thanking him and testifying to his care and attention during the passage from England. On the return journey, another testimonial was presented to Mr. FitzGerald, signed by Captain Brown and the passengers of the “Waipa,” and couched in the following flattering terms:—“The good ship ‘Waipa,’ English Channel, July 19th, 1877.—Mr. Wm. C. FitzGerald.—Dear Sir,—We, the undersigned, passengers on board the good ship ‘Waipa,’ from New Zealand to London, cannot think of parting without expressing to you, as surgeon of this vessel, our gratitude to and esteam for one who has ever been ready, as a friend or medical adviser, to do all in his power for the general good. It rarely happens to be the good fortune of a passenger ship to have a medical man who combines the two qualities to such a degree; and in looking back on our long voyage, we can truly say you were the friend of all. By the good providence of God we have been mercifully preserved from any serious sickness, but our little ailments have always met with prompt and continual attention from you. If the knowledge of our unqualified good wishes and sincere regard will afford you any gratification, be assured they are yours.” Mr. FitzGerald made a short stay at Home, and then came out to New Zealand again as surgeon to the ship “Orari,” commanded by Captain Mosey, and on reaching Wellington in 1878, he began his colonial career. For two years he was manager for the late Mr. Jacob Monteith, consulting chemist, of Manners Street. He then established himself in business on his own account, and afterwards purchased his late employer's business from the Public Trustee. This he conducted very successfully for ten years, at the end of that time disposed of it, and took a trip to England, combining business with pleasure. While at the Antipodes he visited the principal cities on the Continent, taking special interest in all matters appertaining to his own profession. He there also selected the handsome fittings and magnificent stock with which he opened the present business upon his return to Wellington in 1890. The Central Pharmacy, occupying, as it does, one of the finest business sites in Wellington City, being situated at the busiest corner of Lambton Quay and Willis Street, is noted for the excellence and completeness of its stock. The building is lofty and commodious, and the fittings most elaborate. The consulting room and business office are conveniently placed close to the dispensary, and behind are large stores well filled with drugs and all surgical appliances. The Pharmacy is largely patronised by shipowners for replenishing their surgeries for sea, as well as by the medical profession and general public. Mr. FitzGerald, as surgeon-dentist, adopts a painless system of extracting teeth, and is exceptionally skilful in ear syringing, performing this operation delicately, and in a way which gives no pain or discomfort to the patient: so different from the excruciating process ordinarily adopted. The cost is most moderate in both cases, being fixed on the lowest scale. A feature of Mr. FitzGerald's business which has made him very popular, is the fact that the Central Pharmacy not only
(Limited). Head office, Stafford Street, Dunedin. Wellington branch, corner of Victoria and Willeston Streets. Telephone 18, Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Branch manager, Mr. Alexander Low. This important New Zealand Company, which has branches at Auckland and Christchurch, will be fully referred to in the volume of the Cyclopedia for Otago.
Chemist and Druggist, 177 Lambton Quay, Wellington, Telephone 272. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was founded by the late Mr. Bishop in the early days of settlement of Port Nicholson. Mr. Mee, who came to New Zealand by the ship “Alpaca” in 1863, purchased it in 1879 and has conducted it since that year. For nine years before coming to Wellington, Mr. Mee was in business at Hokitika. He has long taken a leading part as a member of the Pharmacy Board, and has filled the position of president.
The City Pharmacy, 49 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 504. Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. The business was established about 1875, and Mr. Orr purchased it in 1893. By diligence and ability he has largely increased the volume of trade. Mr. Orr has had considerable experience in the Colony. He was in partnership with Mr. Henderson in Grey Street, Auckland, for six years. Mr. Orr has several special preparations, among which are Orr's wild cherry cough and lung syrup, and Orr's camomile and dandelion pills. The trade is purely local. The premises occupied are of wood, two stories in neight, with a floorage space of 1600 square feet.
(J. H. Owen, manager), Wholesale Druggists, Manufacturers and Importers, Willeston Street, Wellington. Head Office, Auckland. Cable address, Reichleich; code Abc; telephone 409; P.O. Box 77. Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. Private residence of manager, 42 Wellington Terrace. London House, Sharland and Co., 43 London Wall, E.C. This large manufacturing and importing concern was originally established in Auckland in 1865 by the late Mr. J. C. Sharland. The Company was formed about twelve years ago, and was registered as a limited company at a later date. The Wellington branch was only recently established, temporary premises on Lambton Quay having been taken and occupied by the firm in 1890. It soon became evident, however, that more commodious and substantial premises were necessary for the conduct of this growing business, and Mr. Clere, the well-known architect, was instructed to prepare plans and specifications for a large brick building. This was done, and the present handsome building of four stories, with about 15,000 square feet of floorage space, was erected by Messrs. Edwards and Palmer, the successful tenderers. Communication between the various floors is carried on by means of a powerful lift, worked by a gas-engine. The ground floor of the building is of concrete, and is used for the purposes of storing bulk goods, dispensing bottles, etc. This storage place is entered from Willeston Street, and the entrance is sufficiently large to admit of carts having access to the premises for the purpose of loading up. On this floor also the packing is done. The first floor is devoted to the offices of the firm, and here, too, are a number of glass cases containing surgical instruments, photographic materials, perfumes, electric belts, trusses, surgical bandages and dressings, plasters, and a vast number of articles which cannot be particularised here. On this same floor, divided by a glass partition from floor to ceiling, access is had to the drug-room. This is divided into two departments, drugs and chemicals on the one side and fluids on the other, or, in the phraseology of the trade, the wet room and dry
the local manager, is also a director of the Company. He was born in Liverpool, and received his education at the Grammar School at Bala. He was apprenticed to Messrs. Clay, Dod and Case, wholesale druggists, of Liverpool, and subsequently managed the export department of Messrs. Ferris and Co., wholesale chemists, of Bristol. Mr. Owen came out to the Colony per ship “Piako,” arriving in Auckland in 1883. He at once joined the firm of Sharland and Co., and was promoted in 1893 to the management of the branch at Wellington, where he is deservedly popular. He is chairman of the Commercial Travellers' Association, and president of the Central Pharmaceutical Association.–
Thorndon Pharmacy, 209 Lambton Quay. Telephone 507. Is a native of Glasgow, and reached the Colony from London, per “City of Sparta,” in 1880. He was apprenticed in New Zealand to Mr. T. A. White, chemist and dentist, of Outram, Taieri, Otago, completing his term in 1891. Mr. Sutherland as a boy had a natural inclination for the profession which he has selected. He went to his duties with a determination to excel, and having decided that he would qualify as a chemist, he declined to divert his mind with dentistry, and gave his entire energies to the dispensing line. His perseverance was in due course rewarded by the ability to pass the requisite examinations with credit to his employer, as well as to himself. On leaving Outram he went to Dunedin, where he entered the Grand Pharmacy of Mr. S. S. Bannister, who soon learned to repose entire confidence in his employee, which was shown by entrusting the latter with the manage ment of his business during the proprietor's absence. Mr. Sutherland has had considerable experience in the profession, having been at different times manager of several businesses in Dunedin, and two in other parts of Otago. The present business is of long standing, having been established about 1874; the present proprietor assumed control early in 1894. The premises are large and imposing, affording a total floor space of about 3000 square feet. The building is of galvanized iron, and is two stories in height. The pharmacy is handsomely fitted up with glass show cases on all sides, as well as on the counter, Mr. Sutherland is a direct importer of drugs, patent medicines, toilet requisites and perfumery. The drugs used by him in dispensing are of the very best quality obtainable, and are true to name. As the science of dispensing has been his life study, all prescriptions sent out may be relied upon for accuracy. Mr. Sutherland has a number of preparations which he is introducing with advantage to his numerous customers, and at no distant date there is reason to believe they will be largely in demand. One of his preparations is known as Circassian pomade: it is of most delightful aroma, and will be found very useful. Another is the Circassian hair cream, which is claimed to be a valuable specific for baldness as well as greyness Mr. Sutherland also prepares a carbolic dentice for cleaning the teeth effectually. He has also some veterinary medicines, which are considered to be of great utility. The trade is chiefly local, although there are a good many country customers who use the establishment.
(Donald Langley Turner and William Parker), Manufacturing and Dispensing Chemists and Druggist, Medical Hall, 28 Manners Street, Wellington. Telephone 147. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Turner, 39 Austin Street; Mr. Parker, 28 Buller Street. Agent for Australia, Messrs. Washington H. Soul and Co., Sydney. This business was established by the late Mr. J. Menteith in or about 1877, who carried it on most successfully until his death in 1885. Mr. Menteith, who was a son of the late Dr. Menteith, had been for many years dispenser to the Wellington Hospital; and, as was to be expected, he found many advantages from that connection. He began on a thoroughly good scale, and the appearance of the establishment has in no way suffered by the march of time. In 1887 Messrs. Turner and Co. purchased the business with all appurtenances, and have since then very largely extended the connection, especially in the wholesale and manufacturing departments. The principal lines of proprietary articles are the “Curem” remedies. These embrace “Curem for Neuralgia,” “Curem for Indigestion,” “Curem for Piles,” “Curem for Corns,” and “Curem Bon Bons for Worms,” but a large wholesale and retail trade is also done in their special “Extract of Koromiko,” “Iron and Quinine Wine, ” “Irish Moss,” “Toothache Tincture,” “Corn Solvent, ” “New Hair Tonic,” “Iodized Sarsaparilla,” “Syrup of Alexandia Senna,” “Cherry Tooth Paste,” Dr. Bark's “Throat Pastilles,” and many others, included the favourite tonic and condition pills for dogs, made from a special and highly approved recipe. Mr. Turner was born at Brooklyn, New York, and was educated at the Society of Friends' School at Rawdon, Yorkshire, England, and afterwards at
Barraud and Son (Edward Cohen), Chemists and Druggists, Molesworth Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established about the year 1849, and has been conducted by the present proprietor since 1898.
Berry, John, Chemist, 81 Cuba Street, Wellington.
Brontè, John, Chemist and Druggist, Tory Street Medical Hall. 70 Tory Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This business was established by the present proprietor in 1887.
Elson, George Edward, Chemist and Druggist. Te Aro Pharmacy, 79 Courtenay Place. This business has been established and conducted by present proprietor since the year 1889.
Evens, Edwin Charles, Chemist, Druggist and Dentist, 19 Manners Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established and conducted by present proprietor since 1876.
Giesen, Ernest William, Chemist and Druggist, 79 Willis Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1888 and conducted by present proprietor since 1895.
Hustwick, Thomas Hopper, Analyst and Consulting Chemist, 15 Featherston Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Macdonald Crescent. Established 1895.
Sheehy, Michael, Chemist and Druggist, 80 Courtenay Place. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established and conducted by present owner since 1880.
Tonking, W. O. H., Chemist and Druggist, 67 Lambton Quay. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This business was established by Mr. Tonking in 1896.
Wilton, George William, Chemist and Importer of Chemical and Scientific Apparatus, 53 Adelaide Road, and at 215 Upper Willis Street. Private residence, Upper Willis Street. Established business in November, 1886.
Woods, William Edward, Chemist and Druggist, 3 Cuba Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand (Te Aro Branch). Private residence, 45 Cuba Street. Established 1891.
Medical Herbalist and Botanic Chemist, Botanic Dispensary, 90 Cuba Street, Wellington. Branches: Riddiford Street and Molesworth Street, Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Ayres, Wellington.” Telephone 132. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, The Pines, Coromandel Street. Agents:—Auckland, Mr. W. M. Smith; New Plymouth, Mr. T. W. Forster; Palmerston North, Mr. J. Williams and Mr. J. Hepworth; Pahiatua, Mr. C. Ridd; Nelson, Mr. J. Stanton; Bienneim, Mr. J. C.
Herbalist, 131 Adelaids Road, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Agents throughout the Colony. Mr. Barraclough, who was born in Victoria, came to the Colony in 1868, and was educated locally. He gained his early experience as a herbalist in Auckland and founded the present business in 1881. His connection extended so rapidly that it became necessary to secure convenient premises. Having secured a fine leasehold site, Mr. Barraclough erected the substantial eight-roomed shop and dwelling house now occupied, about 1886. The ingredients
Hardie, G. M. Herbalist, 62 Adelaide Road. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1890 and conducted by present proprietor since 1893.
Rasmussen, Herr, Herbalist, 91 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Head depôt, 547 George Street, Sydney. Branches at Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, and Hobart.
Trethewey, Robert, Medicine Herbalist, Vivian Street. Established 1880.
Turkish Baths, Manners Street. Telephone 816. Established 1891. The proprietor is a native of England, and gained his first experience in this business at Smedley's Baths in Derbyshire, where he was engaged for some years, after which he launched out for himself and opened similar baths, which he sold out in 1876 and came to New Zealand the same year. On arrival he was so favourably impressed with this Colony that he decided to permanently settle here, and was not long before he opened the baths now situated in the Octogan, Dunedin, and personally conducted them for fourteen years, when he placed them in charge of one of his sons, who manages them at present. He next proceeded to Christchurch, where he opened a branch in Cashel Street, and after thoroughly establishing them there transferred the management to another of his sons and came on to the Empire City, Wellington, where he established the present Turkish, Hydropathic, and Steam Baths, which are conveniently and centrally situated in Manners Street. The premises—a two-story brick building—contain about 7400 square feet of floor space. All the baths established by Mr. Hall are constructed on the most approved design, and this establishment contains three hot rooms, heated according to the most modern system, which sets free the vitiated atmosphere and produces a continual supply of fresh hot air so as to be most beneficial to the bathers. The shampoo room is fitted with douche, shower, hot or cold, needle or spray baths. There is also a private steam bath which produces perspiration very rapidly and is highly commended. The baths are open daily for gentlemen from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., Tuesday forenoon and Friday evening excepted; Sunday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.; single baths, 3s., or four tickets for 10s. Turkish baths for ladies—Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Steam baths always ready for ladies or gentlemen; single bath, 3s., or four tickets for 10s. Hot baths always ready for ladies or gentlemen, 1s. Even those who have never taken a Turkish or steam bath need have no hesitation in at once visiting Mr. Hall's establishment, as they will be well attended to, and receive advice or instruction where necessary. Mr. Hall has conferred a boon on the public of this Colony, and deserves every success for his enterprise in instituting such baths, and has fully carried out his motto, which is “Advance New Zealand.”
Manufacturers of Pononga Patent Electric Belts and appliances relating thereto, and Medical Electric Appliances, Batteries, etc. P.O. Box 112. Cable address, “Pononga, Wellington.” Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. The business was established early in 1894, the patent rights for the Pononga Electric Belt having been secured for New Zealand and all the colonies throughout the world. The works are situated as above, and occupy about 650 square feet of floorage space. The discovery whereby dry batteries can be successfully applied in the belts has been wonderful in its effects. The subtle forces of nature which can be communicated through the electric current are beneficially applied by means of the Pononga Electric Belt. As the blood is the life of the body, so electricity is the life of the blood. The great difficulty heretofore has been in the application of the current to the proper parts of the human frame. Ordinary batteries required the constant manipulation of an attendant, and the patient often required to undress so as to receive treatment. This marvellous belt can be worn as required, and may be put on at bedtime and removed in the morning, or can be worn as any special time when needed, and removed when the object has been attained. The writer had the opportunity of testing a belt that had been in use for some months, and can testify that there was a sensible current of electricity being generated continuously. The belt is worn round the hips, the positive pole being placed immediately over the spine, while the negative touches the abdomen in front, or vice versa as may be needed according to the complaint. A gentle current at once passes through the vital organs of the body, whereby
(Miss Godfray, Lady Superintendent), Grant Road, Wellington. Telephone 796. This excellent institution was established in May, 1893, to provide suitable accommodation for patients requiring skilled nursing with the comfort and quiet of a private house. The hospital has been furnished with every requisite for the proper carrying out of surgical and medical treatment. Capital provision has been made for six patients, a separate room being available for each. These rooms are most comfortably furnished, and are fitted with electric bells, so that the nursing staff may be promptly warned when required. The house contains two good bath-rooms, supplied with hot and cold water, one of which is set aside solely for the use of patients. The dining-room on the ground floor communicates with a verandah, which has a conservatory at one end. On the first floor there is a capital snuggery, where the nurse on duty rests at night. It is also used as a reception-room for patients and their friends. The building is a fine two-story structure, having two bay windows facing the harbour. It occupies a high and healthy position, and fine views are obtainable from both upper and lower windows. The whole aspect of the Private Hospital is pleasant and cheerful, and it almost made the writer wish to be sick, that the quiet and rest which appear to dwell there might enter into his soul. From the well-kept garden access may be obtained to pleasant shady walks, which communicate with the Wadestown Road. Here convalescents may stroll undisturbed, resting from time to time on the seats by the way. This institution has already proved itself a boon to country people who required skilled nursing, while many city folks who needed perfect quiet and rest, which could not be obtained elsewhere, have derived the desired benefit. The lady superintendent, Miss Godfray, was born in Jersey. Specially trained as a probationer at the London Hospital, in Whitechapel, she afterwards acted as staff nurse for nearly four years, deriving large experience. Arriving in New Zealand in January, 1892, in search of health, Miss Godfray rested from her arduous labours for a year. Miss Wildman, one of the staff, is a certificated Masseuse from the West End Hospital, Cavendish Square, London. Before studying in London she was for nine years a nurse in the Leeds Infirmary. The entire staff of nurses were trained in London. Patients are attended by their own medical men while resident in the Private Hospital. The terms are from four guineas per week, payable in advance. Great success has been attained by the lady superintendent in her work. The medical men of Wellington speak in the highest terms of the Private Hospital.
Wildman, Miss Emma, Masseuse and
Massage Specialist, Appointed Masseur to the Government Sanatorium, Rotorua.
Mr. Roth will be in Rotorua every Summer during the months of November, December, January, February, March, and April; and in Wellington during the remaining months of the year, where rooms will be specially fitted up for the reception and treatment of patients, consultation free. Mr. Roth has also lady assistants. His address in Wellington can be easily ascertained from any chemist, or in the daily papers. His book “Massage, its History and Therapeutics” can be had gratis at chemists, or at his rooms. It is not perhaps out of place to give a short sketch of the treatment to which Mr. Roth has devoted a life long study, and we quote from his book the following:—What is Massage? This question has been very frequently asked since the re-introduction into Europe, within recent years, of this now famous remedy. It is seldom satisfactorily answered, even from a technical point of view; and the beneficial results, which almost invariably flow from its judicial employment, are less capable of being explained than appreciated and understood by those who have been indebted to it for the renovation of health, and the restitution of impaired energy. The history of massage is an ancient one. The value of the treatment was recognised, and the process to a considerable extent practised in Asiatic countries probably thousands of years ago. The success, however, of the remedy as employed to-day is greatly due to modern knowledge of anatomy and physiology, which aids vastly in the rational application of this now favourite mode of treating many complaints. The term, according to Lavery, is derived from the Arabic word “mass,” meaning to press softly. In practice much depends on the manner in which the various processes are carried out, and considerable skill is necessary on the part of the professional “masseur.” Massage is not for a moment to be confounded with “medical rubbing,” which is merely friction indiscriminately applied. The former, indeed, has exactly the same relation to the latter as a piece of music, carefully and skilfully executed on the piano, has to the sound produced by thumping the keys at random. Hence the definition given by Dr. Murrell: “Massage is a scientific mode of treating certain forms of disease by systematic manipulations.” It is a common error to suppose that this form of medical treatment is suited solely for specific complaints, as it is frequently invaluable where no well developed or definite form of disease exists. In cases where the constitution has run down, and vital functions as well as mental energy are at a low ebb, the process, if sufficiently long continued, almost invariably results in restoration of both. Then lassitude, weariness, disinclination for work or thought, depression, and other effects consequent upon living in defiance of the laws of nature, give place to cheerfulness, activity, and a desire to be “up and doing.” The effect is equivalent to that of taking exercise—the old muscle is replaced by new. From the feebleness, which is too often consequent upon disease, and when physical exertion and recreation are yet impossible, the subject rises from the hands of the “masseur” a new being, having obtained exercise without exertion, and strength without effort. The age is rapidly passing away in which drugs are relied upon as curative agents when nature has been abused and suffering incurred from living too artificially. Gradually, but surely, more rational systems are being adopted, and many now regard the personnel of a physician as of as much importance as his “posology.” It is to be hoped, as it is expected, that the skilful dispenser of “massage” will shortly become one of the strongest pillars of medical practice, and that the ancient and long-neglected art of massage will become popular with a knowledge of its merits. Its practice, begun with kings and emperors, is gradually finding its way downwards through the lower strata of society. As with persons so with places. Recently introduced in, Vienna, and other seats of medical learning, it has extended to other parts of Europe, and also to America, where it is largely practised and highly appreciated. In New Zealand, however, it is not known as it should be. Its utility and value as a curative and restorative agent might be vastly extended, and many might benefit from it who are not familiar with it nor even cognisant of its existence. Rheumatism, gout, lumbago, sciatica are among the diseases most amenable to this treatment, and it removes swelling and effusions, particularly in combination with baths such as there are at Rotorua, New Zealand. Paralysis, both adult and infantile, is very susceptible to its influence, more especially if combined with electricity. The judicious application of this, along with massage, greatly enhances its value as a therapeutic agent in many other ailmets. Diseases of the spine, chorea, hysteria, tic-doloureaux, dyspepsia, flatulence, constipation, sprains, neuralgia, anaema, all nervous and joint diseases, and that béte noir of the overworked and overstrained mind, “insomnia,” are not only relieved, but permanently cured. Massage not only treats the effects, but removes the cause. In short, massage is invaluable in all circumstances where exhaustion of physical and nervous energy, as the result of overstrain and overwork, has taken place. Mr. Roth, it may be added, has had a very wide experience in Germany, America, England, and Scotland; he has been attending hospitals, in addition to private practice, and had opportunities of working with some of the best surgeons and physicians in the world. He holds credentials from the following:—Sir George McLeod, M.D., LL.B., Regius Professor of Surgery, University of Glasgow, and Surgeon-in-ordinary to the Queen in Scotland; Sir Anthony Colling Brownless, K.C.P., K.G.G., M.D., LL.D., F.R.C.S., England, Senior Consulting Physician to St. Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, and Chancellor of the University, Melbourne; Dr. A. H. Molloy, Resident Surgeon, Melbourne Hospital; and Sir Donald Matheson, K.C.B., S. D. Moore, M.D., Medico Legal Examiner for Lanarkshire; John Lindsay Steven, M.D., assistant Physician and Pathologist, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, and many others, including letters from some leading Physicians and Surgeons, and innumerable letters from grateful patients, also letters from Wellington doctors and patients.
In view of the Banking troubles and difficulties with which some of the sister colonies have been afflicted, it may be said with precise truth that New Zealand is favourably situated in the matter of its great financial institutions. Of course it is impossible to forget that it has been necessary for the Government to step in to avert a crisis in one case; but the fact that it was averted, and that the institution so helped is now making satisfactory progress in the direction of showing that the aid thus rendered was not only timely, but very useful, is a fact of the highest importance. It is also impossible to forget that another institution is being more or less peacefully laid to rest, and that its labours are being undertaken by the assisted Bank. But it is further impossible to forget that all this has been accomplished without anything approaching a scare, and without a penny of loss to the creditors of these two institutions, as distinct from their proprietors. There are, of course, some who either believe or pretend to believe that the Colony will, sooner or later, make a loss by the Bank of New Zealand; but there are great men connected with the Bank who are determined that these fears shall be falsified. Whether it be a “party cry,” or whether there be any ground for this belief, it is impossible at this stage to say; but in justice to all concerned it must be recorded that when the Government first stepped in the action was endorsed by every section of the community whose opinion was in any way entitled to respect.
That the absorption of the late Colonial Bank must in the end be productive of good seems undoubted. Whether circumstances ever justified its existence is no present concern. From a national point of view, its continuance was unnecessary, though the sudden cessation—and consequent dismissal of a large number of deserving officials—was generally regretted.
It is not at all probable that any further Bank amalgamation will take place. From a commercial standpoint, Banking matters are settled and fixed, but politically few things can be considered particularly permanent; and it is quite possible that, as the years roll on, the agitators for a State Bank may prevail upon Government to make experiments in that direction. At present, however, there is no agreement between the agitators as to what shape any new departure should take. Some think that the existing banks might be assisted, rather than prejudicially affected, by the establishment of a State Bank. It is argued that if a State Bank were set up, in competition with existing Banks, it would then be quite safe to give all Banks a preferential claim over all other creditors. Not only a preferential claim, indeed, but the only legal claim for the recovery of debts. Mortgage deeds would be quite useless, for they would be illegal unless made in favour of a recognized bank; and in that case they would be surplus documents; for without any deed to that effect, all the property of a man would be subject to the claims of his banker. The effect of this would, of course, be a general resort to “Cash” as the basis of all transactions, except those between a man and his banker; and the banker, being the only legally-secured creditor, would have but one care: that of keeping a customer's debit balance safely within the realizable value of his entire estate. Capitalists would then be shut up to two courses: to use their money themselves, and to lend it to the Banks. This would, of course, wonderfully increase the business of the Banks; and trading generally would of necessity be conducted upon a much sounder basis than at present. The effect upon interest, it is contended, would be a lowering of the rates commensurate with the decreased risk; and as it is very plain that the risks of bankers would be greatly lessened, it is confidently asserted that under such a system the rates of interest would soon fall to the level of those ruling in the Old World. The expenses of banking would,
Head Office, George Street, Sydney; Directors, Messrs. J. R. Hill (President), C. Smith, T. Buckland, T. Cadell, R. C. Close and J. T. Walker; General Manager, Mr. J. Russell French; Head Office for New Zealand, Lambton Quay, Wellington; New Zealand Inspector, Mr. W. G. Rhind. The Bank of New South Wales was established in 1817, now nearly eighty years ago. To those who remember that the colony from which this bank receives its name, celebrated its centenary some eight years ago, it seems strange that for nearly thirty years of its existence it struggled along without a bank. The fact, however, becomes less remarkable when viewed in the light of the population statistics of the time. In 1817, when the Bank of New South Wales was established, the population of Sydney was about 5000, considerably less than that of Nelson to-day, while the white population in all Australia numbered only 15,000, much less than half that of the city of Wellington. Of the character of the people little can be said. When the population was about 10,000 it was deemed necessary to keep 1100 British soldiers to look after them. Wool growing had, however, been proved a highly payable industry by Mr. John Macarthur, whose merino sheep were the decendants of a small parent stock presented to him by King George III. from that monarch's own flock, and Mr. Macarthur's example was being followed by a fair number, thus giving ample employment to both convict and free settlers. The wool and other industries springing up rapidly made a bank of some kind among the most desirable objects of attainment. That the quantity of British coins in circulation there was surprisingly small, may be gathered from the noteworthy fact, that the Bank of New South Wales was started and conducted for nearly nine years on the dollar currency. In the year 1893 a $20 note was presented for
Sydney Monitor and was in after years known as the “father of the free press of Australia.” To his writings and exertions as a member of the Patriotic Association the Parent Colony is said to be indebted for the hastening of its constitutional government and trial by jury. As an author, Mr. Hall's latest effort was a work on political economy, addressed to the young men of Australia. When in Edinburgh in 1873, Mr. Fulton saw a ten shilling note of the Bank of New South Wales, issued in 1817, and at once recognized thereon the signature of his late father-in-law. With so small a capital and the expenses of the Bank only slightly exceeding £500 per annum, very small earnings were sufficient from which to pay good dividends. As the business increased the capital was added to from time to time, until in 1825 it exceeded £10,000. The following is the last balance sheet of the dollar period.
A month or two after the issue of this balance-sheet the dollar currency was abolished by an Act of the Executive Council, which had been formed a year or two before to confer with Governor Brisbane on colonial matters. A few years later the Council was enlarged to the number of fifteen members, and called the Legislative Council, but even then the Governor could alter any or all of the decisions of his Council if he chose. It was not until 1813 that New South Wales was blessed with a form of representative Government, and even then twelve of the thirty-six members were nominated by the Governor. The manner in which the colony had been founded and settled was, of course, such as must retard its progress. Trade was, however, springing up, and banking business was developing as a consequence of the immigration of free subjects, which was at last being greatly encouraged. When the dollar currency was abolished, the capital of the Bank was doubled, and some six years later, in 1833, it was increased to £40,000. Three years later the paid up capital stood at £100,000, and at that it remained for eleven years, during which time the business of the Bank expanded with fair rapidity. In 1848, which was evidently a profitable year, a transfer was made from profits to the capital account of upwards of £20,000. In 1851 the discoveries of gold turned the eyes of the world toward Australia, and the Bank of New South Wales was not slow to take advantage of the good times that naturally followed. Of the sixty-one half-yearly dividends paid up to July, 1849, six only had been under ten per cent.; twenty-five had been from ten to fifteen per cent.; sixteen from fifteen to twenty per cent., ten from twenty to twenty-five per cent.; on two occasions £33 6s. 8. per cent, had been paid; once £41 13s. 4d. per cent., and one dividend ran as high as £51 7s. 9d. per cent. The paid-up capital in 1851 stood at about £130,000, but for the three following years only ten per cent, dividends were paid, and the balances of profits, which amounted to more than a quarter of a million, were added to the paid-up capital. In 1856 twenty per cent, dividends were resumed and continued till 1860, when it dropped to fifteen per cent., in consequence of the increase of capital, which in that year jumped from £500,000 to £750,000. Before the end of 1860 the reserve fund had accumulated to £205,373. In 1880 it stood at £490,000, in 1887 it was £910,000, and in 1895 it was £1,172,297 2s. The note circulation for the past forty years has averaged about £600,000, but stood at £733,978 in October, 1895. The deposits have gone steadily upwards from £382,561 in 1851, to £15,019,773 in 1887, and £17,343,588 4s. 3d. in 1895. For twenty years prior to 1893 an unvarying dividend of seventeen-and-a-half per cent, was paid, but since then the Australian crisis, which was quite unable in the least to affect the stability of the Bank, has caused a temporary falling off in the profits of the proprietors, the last dividend being at the rate of nine per cent, on a paid-up capital of £1,894,200, the authorized capital being £3,000,000. In the British Australasian for the 10th of October, 1888, there appeared an exhaustive article dealing with the past and then present of the Bank of New South Wales. After giving a vast amount of particularized information the writer goes on to say:—“The Bank has grown until it touches every part of Australasia except Tasmania, and in addition to the eighty-seven branches in New South Wales, there are now thirty-one in New Zealand, thirty in Queensland, twenty-nine in Victoria, two in South Australia, two in Western Australia and one in London. In all, therefore, including the head offices, there are 183 establishments carried on by the Bank of New South Wales, and the balance-sheet is the only one in Australasia, or in any other colony for that matter, of which the assets exceed £20,000,000. Of course the largest business is transacted in New South Wales, where the Bank receives deposits from the general public to the amount of considerably over £7,000,000. In Victoria the deposits are about £2,750,000, in Queensland they exceed £1,500,000, in New Zealand they approach £1,250,000, and with South and Western Australia they have a total account of about £13,250,000, which would point to about £1,250,000 being drawn from London sources. Fifteen millions is a vast sum of money with which to be entrusted by the public, and a comparatively small proportion of the total is Government money…. In conclusion we cannot refrain from pointing out that it has been marvellous that throughout a long career of seventy years this pioneer Bank inBritish Australasian the figures quoted by it have been largely increased. The deposits on the 30th of September, 1895, were:—New South Wales, £9,750,000; Victoria, £2,750,000; New Zealand, £2,000,000; Queensland, £1,800,000; South Australia, £560,000 and in Western Australia £180,000, making a total for six colonies of £17,040,000. The Australian Insurance and Banking Record and other leading financial journals also speak most highly of this grand colonial institution. In 1851 the status of the Bank was further improved by its incorporation under an Act of Parliament. In the following year the Melbourne Board was established, and a year later still the London Branch was opened and a board of directors instituted there. “Looking back to the directorate of 1851,” says the British Australasian, “we find the names of two gentlemen who were identified with the Bank in Sydney upon the London Board now—Mr. Donald Larnach and Sir Daniel Cooper. Both were
J.P., Inspector and Chief Officer for New Zealand of the Bank of New South Wales, has been in the service of this old established Bank for nearly thirty-five years. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1844, and partly educated at Elm Bank Academy in his native city, Mr. Rhind came out to the colonies very early in life with his parents, who settled in Victoria. After completing his scholastic course at the Scotch College Melbourne, he entered the mercantile house of Messrs. Rhind and Turner, of which his father, the late Mr. Thomas Rhind, was the senior partner, remaining three years. In 1861 Mr. Bhind joined the Bank of New South Wales in Melbourne as a junior. He speedily gained promotion in the Bank, becoming bullion
Manager of the Wellington branch of the Bank of New South Wales, has had a long banking experience with this old established financial institution. An Englishman by birth, Mr. Molineaux came out to the colonies in early life, and was educated in Sydney. Joining the head office of the Bank of New South Wales in the capital city of that colony in 1868 as a junior, he secured such rapid promotion that in September, 1870, he was appointed accountant at Ravenswood, in Queensland. Two years later Mr. Molineaux returned to Sydney, and in the following year he was temporarily transferred to Charter's Towers, returning to Ravenswood towards the end of 1873. In the following year he was sent to Townsville as relieving officer, and in 1875 twelve months leave of absence to visit England was granted to him. On his return to the colonies, Mr. Molineaux became acting manager at Townsville, but left for Victoria at the end of the year, having been appointed to the staff in that colony. Early in 1877 he became manager at Chiltern, where he remained for two years. In January, 1879, Mr. Molineaux was transferred to Inglewood, Victoria, in the same capacity. Here he continued till October, 1886, when he was removed to Kyneton as manager. From this town he came to New Zealand in January, 1891, and took up the duties of the important office which he now holds. The position of Government Auditor to the Bank of New Zealand was offered to Mr. Molineaux in October, 1894, but was declined, as he did not wish to sever his connection with the Bank of New South Wales, with which he had been so long connected.
Chief Office for the Colony, Customhouse Quay, Wellington. Head Office, 4 Threadneedle Street, London, E.C. Court of Directors, Messrs. William R. Arbuthnot, Alban G. H. Gibbs, C. G. Hamilton, Samuel Joshua, Alexander Lawrie, the Right Hon. the Earl of Lichfield, W. A. McArthur, M.P., E. M. Nelson, John Sanderson, Sir Andrew Richard Scoble, K.C.S.I, Q.C., M.P., Martin Ridley Smith, and Sir Thomas Sutherland, K.C.M.G., M.P.; secretary, Mr. Prideaux Selby; accountant, Mr. Richard Walter Jeans. Bankers, the Bank of England and Messrs. Smith, Payne, and Smiths. Inspector of New Zealand branches, Mr. Clement Winter. The Bank of Australasia was incorporated by Royal Charter on the 28th of October, 1835, and commenced operations at Hobart, Van Diemen's Land. The Cornwall Bank at Launceston was
Inspector and Public Officer of the Bank of Australasia, is the son of the late Mr. Thomas Bassell Winter, a West India merchant, who settled in Papanui, Christchurch, in the early days of the Canterbury settlement. Born in British Guiana in 1846, Mr. C. Winter received his early education at a private school in Canada. He came to the Colony with his parents in 1857 by the ship “Cossipore” to Lyttelton via Wellington, and it is worthy of remark that the vessel was detained six weeks unloading cargo in Port Nicholson before going on to her destination. Mr. Winter completed his scholastic course at Christ's College, Christchurch, and entered the Bank of Australasia in that city as a junior in the month of March, 1864. He has continued for nearly thirty-two years in the service of the Bank, having passed through all the grades, his experience having been gained in Australia as well as in New Zealand. After occupying several junior appointments, and filling positions at Christchurch, Greymouth and Auckland, Mr. Winter went to Melbourne in 1877, was transferred to Sydney in 1879 as accountant, and in 1883 took charge of the branch during a long illness of the manager. Subsequently he was appointed acting inspector at Sydney, New South Wales, and after nine years spent in Australia, returned to New Zealand, taking the position of manager of the Bank at Christchurch. After two years Mr. Winter was appointed acting manager of the Melbourne branch during the absence of the manager on European furlough. In September, 1890, he again returned to this Colony as manager of the Dunnedin branch of the Bank. On the death of Mr. E. W. Morrah in February, 1894, Mr.Winter was appointed his successor in the highly responsible office he now holds. He was married in January, 1871, to the second daughter of the late Mr. R. H. Willis, who was collector of customs at Launceston, Tasmania, and who died in Christchurch in December, 1892.
Sub-inspector of the Bank of Australasia for New Zealand, is the son of the late Mr. J. H. Bethune, founder of the well-known firm of auctioneers in Wellington. The subject of this notice was born in Wellington in 1857, and was educated at the local College and Grammar School, on leaving which he joined the Bank in 1874 as a junior, and has since passed through the various grades in the service of the Bank at different branches. About nine years ago Mr. Bethune went to Auckland, where for a time he had temporary charge of the branch in that important city. Subsequently he was for two years acting manager at Dunedin. Mr. Bethune was promoted to the office he now holds in 1890. He has since made a tour of inspection of offices of the Bank in all the colonies, excepting Western Australia. Returning to New Zealand in 1892, Mr. Bethune has performed his duties of inspection in the Colony up to the time of writing.
Manager of the Wellington Branch of the Bank of Australasia, was born in Ayr, Scotland, in 1840, being the youngest son of the late Mr Thomas Gibson, who was accountant of the Bank of Scotland in Ayr. He was educated at Ayr Academy, and at private schools in the south of England. Coming out to Australia in 1855, per ship “Queen of the Seas,” he landed in Melbourne on the 13th of
head offices, London. General Manager, Mr. David Finlayson, Melbourne; Resident Inspector in New Zealand, Mr. George E. Tolhurst, Wellington. New Zealand head office, corner of Lambton Quay and Featherston Street, Wellington. The Union Bank has been in existence nearly sixty years. It was a natural emanation of the great spirit of Australasian colonization, which may be said to have been at its highest about that period. As such its birth and development must ever be interesting to colonists, for there is probably no other institution doing business in the Southern Hemisphere whose history gives so faithful and so concise a record of the ups and downs inseparable from the great work of developing the varied but hidden resources of new countries. The prospectus of this most successful bank was issued in London bearing the date of the 1st of September, 1837. It was a quiet little prospectus. There was no soaring into the airy altitudes frequently scaled by the drafters of such documents in the colonies: but it was headed with names of substantial Englishmen, who indicated that there was a demand for capital at the Antipodes; that the bank interest there was eight per cent., and that the financial institutions already opened were paying an average of fifteen per cent, on paid-up capital. The directors, in their first report, were able to say: “The favourable light in which the Union Bank was viewed by the public is evident from the fact that the whole of the shares were taken as soon as issued without having been offered for sale by advertisement, and the deposits and instalments paid up without any default.” A strong bank from the beginning, it was powerful in its effect upon commerce in Australasia; and the confidence which its successful establishment evoked throughout the colonies soon showed itself. Seven thousand shares (the deposit was £5 per share) were rapidly taken up by colonists, notwithstanding that a condition was imposed that the shares were not to be transferred to the Old World. Though from the first ample provision was decided upon and adhered to in the matter of reserve funds, little or no attempt has been made at a uniform dividend. The profits have been dispersed in dividends pretty much as they were made, and the record of this Bank's profits indicates very closely the course of colonial mercantile operations. In the earlier years, until 1851, dividends ranged from ten to six and back to ten per cent. In 1852 a dividend of eleven per cent, was declared, when a most exciting change took place. In 1853 a sum of £25,541 was carried to the reserve fund, and a dividend of thirty-three per cent. was paid to the shareholders. This was followed in 1854 by a dividend of thirTy-Six per cent, and in 1855 by one of thirty per cent. Thus in three years ninety-nine per cent, of the shareholders' paid-up capital was returned to them. These gigantic profits were, of course, the result of the gold discoveries in Victoria. From that time to the present regular dividends have been obtained, as will be seen from the following table, which shows the yearly profits and distributions of the Bank from its birth:—
£14,902 15s. 2d. was carried forward on the 28th of February, 1895. This is a wonderful dividend-paying record, and it is, of course, to be regretted that the last few years have witnessed so great a falling-off. The banking crisis in Australia was quite enough reason for this temporary decrease of profits. What concerns the commercial world is that the Bank has been strong enough to hold its own and make large provision for doubtful debts, besides writing off those known to be bad. That this has been the case when so many bank failures have occurred in the sister colonies is most creditable to the directors and officers both at Home and throughout Australasia. That the business done is large may be inferred from the fact that last year the gross profits were upwards of £320,000. The assets on the 28th of February, 1895, amounted to £22,633,327, 16s. 3d., about five millions being represented by specie, bullion, consols, and British, Indian, and colonial stocks. Bills discounted and loans to customers represented about fifteen millions. The paid-up capital of the Bank is £1,500,000, and the reserve fund stands at £1,000,000, half of which is invested in Imperial and other stocks, and the remainder in the Bank's premises and property. The liabilities of the Bank of depositors and others, including the note circulation and the reserve held against doubtful debts amounted to £20,081,735 1s. 1d. Besides the reserve fund of £1,000,000, there is a reserve liability of shareholders of £3,000,000, thus giving in all a margin of nearly six millions in excess of the Bank's liability to outsiders. This is, of course, an extremely satisfactory position; and there is every reason to believe that the present decrease of profits will be of short duration. As showing the name which the Union Bank made for itself in the past as a dividend paying institution, it may be mentioned that the difference between the amount shown in the above table as having been paid out of profits to the reserve fund, and the amount at which that fund actually stands, has been mainly drawn from the premiums received on the issue of new shares, which were transferred direct to the reserve fund. In 1878 and the following year nearly one-third of a million was in that way added to the reserve fund, no less than 9500 shares having been issued at a premium of £33 per share. Before enumerating the various branches, it may be interesting to New Zealanders to trace its growth in their own Colony. Though far from the oldest Australasian banking institutions, the Union Bank must ever have the honour of being the first to do business in this Colony. Before the site of Wellington was surveyed the Union Bank had established its first New Zealand branch on the beach at Petone. When the site of the present Empire City was laid out, and the township of Britannia, as it was then called, sprang into existence, the Union Bank was quick to recognise the advantage of removal. There was no road in those days connecting the two places, and it was necessary to construct a raft, on which the Bank's safes were floated across the harbour. This was in 1840, and in view of the facts that the prospectus of the Union Bank was dated in London the 1st of September, 1837, and that the first report of directors was presented there on the 26th of June, 1839, it is evident that the management of the young bank was in the hands of far-seeing men. In the second report of directors, “presented at the general meeting of the proprietors ” in London on the 25th of June, 1840, the following reference was made to its connection with this Colony. “During the first year a satisfactory arrangement has been made with the New Zealand Company for the transaction of their monetary affairs and the establishment of a branch in their first settlement. Mr. John Smith has been entrusted with the management of this establishment, a gentleman peculiarly suited by his experience and ability for such a trust.” It may be remarked here that Mr. Smith did more than proving himself thoroughly worthy of the confidence reposed in him by the Union Bank. In many ways he was most useful in promoting the welfare of the settlement, taking unusual interest in the inauguration of the institution common to older places, but which, but for Mr. Smith's influence, Wellington would have long been without. Among these may be mentioned the first library in Wellington, which was helped into existence by Mr. Smith during the first few months of his residence on these shores. The local directors at that time were Dr. Evans—a name prominent in the history of Wellington—Mr. E. B. Hopper and Mr. George Hunter, who was the first mayor of Wellington and a prominent man in the city till the close of his life in 1880. That the banking business of the embryo capital in those days was not gigantic may be inferred from the paragraph appearing in a supplementary report of directors presented at a special general meeting in January, 1841, which says, “The New Zealand Branch must still be considered in its infancy. Only a few weekly returns have as yet been received; the directors, however, see no cause to regret their having acceded to the wishes of the New Zealand Company in its establishment. In the report for 1842 the name of Mr. Hopper, after whom Hopper Street was probably named, is omitted from the list of local directors at Port Nicholson, and the Nelson branch appears for the first time, managed by Mr. Alexander McDonald, and under the local directorship of Mr. H. A. Thompson.
J.P., Resident Inspector of the Union Bank of Australia, Limited, in New Zealand, has been in Wellington for upwards of twenty-two years. Mr. Tolhurst entered the Bank of New Zealand many years ago, and was for a long period manager of the Wellington branch of that Bank. In the report presented to the proprietors of the Union Bank on the 26th of January, 1891, he is announced as resident inspector of New Zealand. At this time Mr. Joseph Palmer, who had been chief officer for New Zealand since 1872, retired from that position and became local director for the Christchurch branch, the New Zealand head office of the Bank being removed to Wellington.
Manager of the Wellington Branch of the Union Bank of Australia, Limited, was born in London in 1858. The descendant of a scotch family, he received his early education at a private boarding school in England, and later at the Grammar School, Aberdeen, and Rachez's Academy, Brussels. Returning to Scotland in 1874, he received an appointment in the London office of the Union Bank of Australia, Limited, where, after serving for about two and a half years, he was offered and accepted a position on the colonial staff, and proceeded to Melbourne, where he arrived in 1877. Mr. Wardrop remained in Australia for about three years, when he was transferred to New Zealand. As teller at the Christchurch branch, he resided in that city for over two years, and subsequently at Dunedin, Napier, and other centres, Mr. Wardrop held office in the Bank. In 1886 he received the management of the Timaru branch, where he remained until 1891, when he was appointed to the position he now holds. Socially, Mr. Wardrop has always taken a keen interest in sport and athletics, holding at present the offices of captain of the Wellington Golf Club and commodore of the Arawa Sailing Club. He was married in 1886 to the third daughter of Mr. Joseph Palmer, of Christchurch.
Head Office, Customhouse Quay, Wellington, with branches and agencies throughout the Colony. The movement out of which the Bank of New Zealand sprang into existence began in Auckland in the year 1861. In those days the banking business of the Colony was practically in the hands of one institution, managed from without, and it was felt by some of the leading spirits in the commercial world in New Zealand that the time was ripe for, and, indeed, demanded, the establishment of a strong local bank, having for its sole aims the interests of the New Zealand public, the encouragement of local industries, and settlement and development of the country—to be, in fact, a bank of and for New Zealand. The outcome of this feeling was the establishment in October, 1891, of the Bank of New Zealand, having its head office in Auckland, with a board of directors comprised of the following gentlemen:
J.P., the President of the Bank of New Zealand, was appointed to that high position soon after the Colony became so closely identified with the Bank by the passing of the legislation of the session of 1894. Born in Sutherlandshire, Scotland, on the 23rd of December, 1846, and educated at Tain, Rossshire, Mr. Watson chose banking for his profession. He entered the office of the Caledonian Bank at Bonarbridge, Sutherlandshire, Scotland, in 1864, and three years later he joined the Oriental Bank Corporation, taking a position in the London office of that institution. In 1873 Mr. Watson was sent to Ceylon in the interest of the Bank, which he represented in that island for twelve years. At the end of this long term of service he was appointed manager of the Shanghai Branch of the Bank. During Mr. Watson's term in China, the Oriental Bank was forced into liquidation. On the formation of the new Oriental Bank he took charge for a time of its Shanghai Office, but soon afterwards returned to Colombo, to take part in the liquidation of the old bank in Ceylon. In 1886 Mr. Watson came to New Zealand and entered upon the duties of Inspector of the Colonial Bank of New Zealand, which position he held till 1894, when he resigned to assume his present important and responsible office. He has been a Justice of the Peace for five or six years.
whose career as a Minister of the Crown is referred to on page 81, was appointed a director of the Bank of New Zealand in 1894, when the head office of that institution was tranferred to the capital. In December, 1895, Mr. Johnston resigned his position as a director representing the shareholders of the Bank, and was appointed a director of the institution in the interests of the Government, in compliance with the banking legislation of the session of 1895. Mr. Johnston was one of the committee appointed in the year 1888 by the shareholders of the Bank of New Zealand to make an investigation into its condition, and advise as to the steps to be taken to place the Bank on a sounder and more satisfactory basis. The honourable gentleman, who is a recognise
J.P., of Carterton, who is referred to as a member of the Wellington Harbour Board, was appointed to the directorate of the Bank of New Zealand in 1894. Mr. Booth was born at Pilkington, Lancashire, in 1837, educated at Lancashire College, Manchester, and came to New Zealand via America in 1872, per s.s. “Nevada” from San Francisco. He settled in Carterton, and has been well known for many years past as an enterprising and successful settler. As a large sawmill owner and timber merchant, and the sole partner in the firm of W. Booth and co., of Wellington and Christchurch, his name is known throughout the Colony. Many of the successful industries of Wellington and district owe a great deal to the energy and business capacity of this gentleman. He is chairman of directors of the Wellington Meat Export Company, one of the pioneer companies of the frozen meat trade, and took a prominent part in the establishment of this successful company.
one of the directors of the Bank of New Zealand, has long been a prominent colonist. Attracted by the Australian gold rush Mr. Kennedy left the Old Land, and in January, 1860, arrived in Victoria, where for some twelve months he took an active part on the diggings. The news of the rich discoveries in Otago, which was carried by every vessel across the Tasman Sea, induced the subject of this notice to cross over to New Zealand in company with many others equally enterprising and sanguine. Otago generally, and the city of Dunedin particalarly, are indebted for the progress since made, to the push, ability and determination of those who arrived and took their share in the events of the stirring times that followed their advent. Until 1865 Mr. Kennedy and his brother carried on business as merchants at Queenstown, on Lake Wakatipu. At the beginning of the West Coast rush Mr. Kennedy removed to Greymouth, where over twenty years he occupied a leading position as a merchant. While resident on the Coast he was always forward to assist any legitimate enterprise that had for its object the development of the resources of the country. He was largely interested in gold mining in all parts of the West Coast, giving his time and experience cheerfully to further the interests of the ventures with which he was connected. Mr. Kennedy acquired in 1874 a considerable share in the coal mines at Brunnerton, to which he began to devote a large share of his time. His duties in connection with the mine became so onerous that in 1880 he discontinued the mercantile business and devoted himself entirely to them. It was not long before Mr. Kennedy became sole proprietor of the Brunner Colliery and the steam colliers employed in the trade. For years he conducted a large business as a coal-mine proprietor, but in 1888 he amalgamated his colliery with the Westport Company's interest at Brunnerton. The amalgamated company is well known as the Grey Valley Coal Company, Mr. Kennedy having at the same
J.P., the well-known brewer, became a director of the Bank of New Zealand at the same time as his co-adjutors. Born in London in 1833, he was attracted to the colonies by the gold discoveries of the fifties, and after a period spent in Victoria, crossed the Tasman Sea, arriving in Otago to take part in the stirring events which happened in the early days of the Southern Goldfields. When the West Coast rush took place, Mr. Macarthy, with hundreds of his fellows, deserted Otago and repaired to the newly-discovered field of operations. Eventually he settled down in Charleston, where he established a brewery, which he conducted with great success for several years. During his residence on the West Coast he took considerable interest in the Reefton mines, and was very fortunate in his investments. In 1877 he removed to Wellington, and purchased a large brewery business, which he has enlarged and extended, and still conducts with great success. Mr. Macarthy has ever taken a keen interest in the development of the industries of the Colony, and has occupied the position of director of many public companies. He has long been connected with the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company, and holds the position of chairman of directors.
Government Auditor for Australasia of the Bank of New Zealand, is the only surviving son of the late Archdeacon Butt, of Marlborough, who came to New Zealand in 1842 as surgeon to Bishop Selwyn's mission, and who subsequently took holy orders, becoming the first incumbent of Christ's Church, Nelson. Mr. J. M. Butt was born in Nelson in 1845. He was one of the first party of Nelson College boys upon the founding of that institution, under the head mastership of the late Rev. J. C. Bagshawe. Entering the Bank of New Zealand in April, 1862, at Blenheim, Mr. Butt occupied various positions in that service on the West Coast goldfields and elsewhere up to 1875, when a year's leave of absence was granted him to enable him to visit Europe. Returning to active service in 1876, he was despatched to Fiji to take over the business of the Fiji Banking and Commercial Company, which had been acquired by the Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Butt remained in Fiji as manager of the Bank till 1883. During his residence there, and until the increasing stress of other duties necessitated his relinquishing it, he occupied, as appointee of the Crown, the office of warden (an office which in a Crown colony “of a severe type” corresponded approximately to that of mayor in colonies enjoying representative institutions), as well as that of chairman of the school board. In 1883, Mr. Butt was re-called to New Zealand to join the inspecting staff of the Bank, and upon the assumption by Mr. W. T. Holmes in 1891 of the office of general manager, was appointed inspector, a position he retained until his resignation in November 1894, when he was appointed to his present post. Mr. Butt is a Fellow of the Institute of Bankers, London, and of the Royal Colonial Institute.
J.P., the General Manager of the Bank of New Zealand, has had a banking experience of nearly thirty-five years. Son of the Rev. William Mackenzie, of the Free Church of Scotland, he was born in Edinburgh on the 20th of March, 1846. Educated there and in the Isle of Man, he joined the Bank of Mona as a junior clerk in 1861. In March, 1864, Mr. Mackenzie entered the service of the Manchester and Liverpool District Banking Company in Manchester, and remained in their employ for three years. He then went to London, where he joined the Oriental Bank Corporation. In 1870, after studying in the laboratories of Messrs. Johnson, Matthey and Co., refiners to the Royal Mint, he was sent to Japan in the interests of the Oriental Bank—then under contract to construct a Mint for the Japanese Government. Mr. Mackenzie, being lent to the Japanese Government, remained for some time in their service as Assayer at the Imperial Mint, Osaka. After about nine years in the Bank's service in Japan, he was appointed inspector, and was transferred to Mauritius, where he remained in charge of the Bank for three years, later on going to India, where he lived successively in Calcutta, Madras, and Bombay, and subsequently returning to China, where he for some time had charge of the Hongkong branch. In 1884, having meantime in London joined the service of the Colonial Bank of New Zealand as Inspector of Branches, Mr. Mackenzie came to New Zealand, arriving in June; and in December of the same year was promoted to the position of general manager, a position which he retained till November, 1895, when the Bank was absorbed by the Bank of New Zealand, Mr. Mackenzie has been a Justice of the Peace since 1887.
Senior Assistant Inspector of the Bank of New Zealand, is a son of the late Rev. James Buller, Wesleyan minister, and was born at Kaipara, New Zealand, on the 23rd of May, 1847. Educated at Wesley College, Auckland, Toomath's Grammar School, Wellington, and Christ's College, Christchurch. Mr. Buller was for four years and a half engaged in mercantile offices before he entered the service of the Bank of New Zealand. In 1874 he became accountant to the Timaru branch of the Bank, and retained this position till 1879. He was then transferred to Dunedin in the same capacity, and in the following year was promoted to the position of manager at New Plymouth. After five years in Taranaki, Mr. Buller was removed to Dunedin in the capacity of manager, and in 1892 he was again promoted, receiving the appointment which he still holds.
J.P., Assistant Inspector of the Bank of New Zealand, has been connected with this great institution for over thirty years. He is the second son of the late Hon. P. Dignan, M.L.C., and was born at Auckland on the 26th of November, 1848. Educated privately by Mr. R. J. O's Sullivan, late inspector of schools in Auckland, he joined the Bank in July, 1864, as junior. Two years later he became teller and assistant at Ngarua Wahia, and was afterwards transferred to the West Coast. From 1868 to 1876, with the exception of four years when he went farming during the busy days on the Thames, Mr. Dignan was accountant on that goldfield. In the latter year he was promoted to the position of agent at Cromwell, and in 1881, manager at Hokitika, and has since been manager at many important branches of the Bank, and done a good deal of inspection work at various points. For six years prior to his appointment as assistant inspector in 1895, Mr. Dignan was manager of the Auckland Branch. During the seventies, the subject of this notice was Lieutenant of No. 2 Hauraki Volunteers at the Thames. He saw a good deal of the native trouble during the Waikato war, and was at the West Coast and Ohinemuri goldfields in the early days. As a director in many prominent West Coast mines, and afterwards of several large
who is one of the Assistant Inspectors of the Bank of New Zealand, was born at Adelaide, South Australia, on the 30th of August, 1849. He is the youngest son of the late Captain Charles William Litchfield, of Her Majesty's Imperial Army, who came to South Australia in the early days, and died there in 1850, when the subject of this notice was but a year old. Mr. B. M. Litchfield received the major portion of his education at private schools in Adelaide, and completed his collegiate course at the Academy of Mr. Robert Thompson, M.A. At the age of sixteen he entered the Customs department of South Australia, in Adelaide, but resigned four years later to come to New Zealand. Arriving in Auckland in 1869, he joined the Bank of New Zealand as clerk in the inspectors' department, where he remained till 1873. Mr. Litchfield was then transferred to the West Coast gold-field and subsequently promoted to the position of accountant and stationed at Hokitika. Six years after, he became manager of the branch of the Bank at Greymouth, which important position he held till 1886. After about a year in Adelaide, during which he had charge of the business of the Bank in that city, Mr. Litchfield was granted a year's leave of absence to visit England, whence he returned in 1889. He was appointed to the office he now holds in 1890. Mr. Litchfield was married in 1880 at Greymouth, to Miss Elizabeth Margaretta, eldest daughter of Mr. W. J. Coates, merchant of that town, and has two sons and one daughter.
Assistant Inspector of the Bank of New Zealand, has been associated with the Bank for over a quarter of a century. He is the second son of the late Mr. James Callender, who came to Christchurch in 1868, and was formerly in business as a merchant in Melbourne, where the subject of this notice was born in 1855. He received an English education in Melbourne and Christchurch, and joined the Bank of New Zealand as a junior in 1870 in the City of the Plains. Mr. W. Callender has steadily advanced in the Bank, and has passed through every grade of the service. He was for many years attached to the head office of the Bank. For two years previous to his appointment as an assistant inspector, he was manager of the Wanganui branch of the Bank.
Accountant at the head office of the Bank of New Zealand, was born in London in 1860. Educated at Kensington Grammar School, he came to the Colony with his mother and brothers in 1877 by ship “Queen Bee,” which was wrecked at Farewell Spit. The passengers and crew with the exception of the carpenter, who lost his life, were rescued, and reached Nelson after considerable privations. Mr. Gibbs entered the service of the Bank of New Zealand almost immediately as a junior in Nelson. He has risen rapidly, having successively occupied the positions of agent, accountant in charge of branch accounts at head office, and assistant accountant. In January, 1895, Mr. Gibbs became acting accountant at the head office, which appointment was afterwards confirmed. In 1885 he was married to a daughter of Mr. Thomas Raine, late New Zealand representative of the well-known firm of James McEwan and Co., of Melbourne, and has three daughters. Mr. Gibbs has four brothers, two of whom have taken prominent positions in the Colony—Mr. F. G. Gibbs, M.A., as head master of the Central School, Nelson, and Dr. Gibbs, who is in practice as a medical man in the same place. The other brothers are at present (1895) studying medicine in the city of Edinburgh.
Manager of the Bank of New Zealand at Wellington, has been an officer of that great institution for over thirty years. He is a son of Captain William Parfitt-for many years a well-known commander in the employ of the P. and O.S.N. Company, but now resident in London. Mr. Parfitt was born in Sydney in 1847, and was educated principally in Germany. He entered the service of the Bank of New Zealand in London in 1865, and two years later came out to the head office of the Bank at Auckland. He was transferred to the Melbourne branch in 1872, as accountant. In 1883 Mr. Parfitt was appointed manager of the branch at Fiji, where he continued three years. He obtained leave of absence to visit England during the year 1887, and on his return to the colonies in the following year, he became manager of the Adelaide branch of the Bank. Mr. Parfitt came to Wellington in 1889 as manager of the branch, a position which he still retains. He was married in 1882 to the second daughter of the late Mr. Samuel Perkins Lord, of Melbourne, and has two daughters, both born in Wellington. (Since the above was in type, Mr. Parfitt has been transferred as inspector of the Bank in Australia, and manager of the Sydney branch.)
the Acting Manager of the Bank of New Zealand in Wellington, was born in 1853 in Fifeshire, Scotland, where he was educated, his father being a distinguished clergyman of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Sommerville got his first mercantile experience in the establishment of one of the oldest and most prominent commercial houses in Dundee. His first banking experience was in the service of the Oriental Bank. In 1880 Mr. Sommerville entered the service of the Bank of New Zealand, and in the following year he was transferred to the then head office of the Bank in Auckland. Soon after he was appointed agent of the Bank at Te Aro, Wellington, where he remained till 1886, when he went to Fiji to take charge of the Bank's business in that colony. After a long residence there of nine years he returned to New Zealand, arriving in January, 1895. After a short holiday, he was appointed manager at Napier, and in December of the same year took up the duties of his present office. Mr. Sommerville is married, and has two daughters and one son.
Manager of the Bank of New Zealand, Te Aro Branch, was born on the 30th of November, 1852, at Brompton, England. He received his education principally at the Merchant Taylor's School, London, and at private schools in Taranaki, where his parents settled in 1864, the family having arrived shortly before in Auckland, per ship “Seimitar.” Mr. Chilman was apprenticed to the printing business at the office of Mr. Weston, of the Taranaki Herald, and was subsequently in the Telegraph Office for about two years in various parts of the Colony. He then followed farming pursuits for some time, eventually settling in Wellington in 1876. Mr. Chilman joined the Bank of New Zealand in May, 1878. He has since successfully filled the positions of teller, accountant, and relieving officer. In 1890 he was promoted to the managership of the Te Aro branch of the Bank. Mr. Chilman was married early in 1886 to the third daughter of Mr. Edwin Davy, of Auckland, surveyor, and has one son and ten daughters.
Head office in New Zealand, Grey Street, Wellington. The history of this Bank commences some twenty-three years ago, the original prospectus being dated in London, 15th of August, 1872. The Board of Directors was a very strong one, numbering ten gentlemen all well known in the City of London, three of whom had previously occupied high positions in the Colony:—Their names were as follows:—Chairman, Mr. Charles Magniac, M.P., of Messrs. Matheson and Co., 3 Lombard Street, E.C.; deputy-chairman, Mr. Dudley Robert Smith, of Messrs. Samuel Smith, Bros. and Co., Bankers, Hull; Colonel Sir Thomas Gore Brown, K.C.M.G., formerly Governor of New Zealand; Sir Charles Clifford, formerly Speaker of the House of Representatives of New Zealand; Mr. Alexander Grant Dallas, late Governor of Rupert's Land, and late Director of the Hudson Bay Company; Dr. I. E. Featherston, late of New Zealand; Messrs. William Smellie Grahame, late of Auckland, N.Z.; Edward Brodie Hoare, of Messrs. Barnett, Hoare, Hanbury and Lloyd, 62 Lombard Street, E.C., bankers; John Morrison, late Colonial Agent for the Government of New Zealand; William Whitbread, of Messrs. Whitbread and Co., Chiswell Street, E.C. The object of the Institution, as set forth in the prospectus, was to extend to the Colony the additional banking accommodation which the rapid increase of population and the remarkable development of its mineral, pastoral and agricultural resources at that time urgently demanded. The capital was fixed at £2,000,000 in 200,000 shares of £10 each and the first issue was 100,000 of £10 each. Applications were received for 110,872 shares, but as the total issue was only 100,000 of which 33,000 were reserved for New Zealand, the directors were unable to allot more than 66,667 shares in London to 850 shareholders, representing a subscribed capital of £666,670. This was a very auspicious beginning for the Bank, which, as will be seen, has since given a good account of itself. At the time the new Bank started there were five banks doing business in the Colony, viz.—Bank of New Zealand, Bank of Otago (both local institutions), Union Bank of Australia, Bank of New South Wales, and Bank of Australasia. They showed the following aggregate of business:—Note circulation, £588,000; deposits, £3,570,000; bills discounted and other debts due, £4,190,000. The Bank of Otago was absorbed by the new National Bank in 1873, leaving Banking Companies at their old number—five—but to these was added, in 1874, another local institution, the Colonial Bank of New Zealand. The business of the Colony was thereafter administered by six banks until December, 1895, when the Bank of New Zealand absorbed the Colonial, leaving the number as at present—five. The vast increase in the volume of business betwixt then and now will be seen on reference to the Government returns of the 30th of September, 1895, viz.—Note circulation, £867,000; deposits, £10,743,000; bills discounted and other debts due, £11,660,000. The population in 1872 (exclusive of Maoris) was 260,000. It is now 679,000, showing the large increase of 419,000 in a little over twenty years. The first inspector and general manager of the National Bank in New Zealand was the late Mr. Adam Burns, who arrived in the Colony in February, 1873, and at once made arrangements for commencing business. The head quarters of the Bank in the Colony being established in Wellington, branches were opened in that City, and also at Auckland and Christchurch, in addition to the branches (including Dunedin) which were taken over from the Bank of Otago. In 1881 the head office was transferred from Wellington to Dunedin on the appointment as inspector of Mr. William Dymock, who, later on, became general manager; and it was re-transferred to Wellington again in 1894 by the present general manager, Mr. James H. B. Coates, when he took up the duties of his office. At the first ordinary general meeting of the Bank, held in London in July, 1873, the balance carried forward to profit and loss account up to March of the same year amounted to £1102. In September, 1874, the second general meeting was held, and accounts were presented up to the 31st of March of that year, the balance sheet amounting to £1,350,000 (on each side), and the balance of profit carried forward was £1565. This was after paying the heavy expenses involved in taking over the business of the Bank of Otago. A year later the figures in the balance sheet had increased to £2,233,000, and the Bank declared its first dividend, which amounted to £20,000, being at the rate of six per cent, per annum, and carried forward a surplus of £6866. The Bank continued to pay dividends at the same rate up to the year 1884, excepting the years 1881, 1882 and 1883, when the dividends for the half years from September to March respectively, were at the rate of 8 per cent. From the year 1875 up to the present time, the Bank has paid dividends regularly, except for one half year ending the 31st of March, 1891, when capital was written off for the second time, as will be mentioned. In the year 1885 the Bank reduced its capital from £350,000 to £250,000 by transferring £100,000 to a contingent account to provide for bad and doubtful debts, and in the year 1891 it was decided to write off a further sum of £150,000, and to make a call on its shareholders for a similar amount, thus allowing the paid-up capital to still remain at its reduced amount, viz., £250,000. These operations in reduction of capital were unpleasant experiences for shareholders, but have been an excellent thing for the stability of the Bank, and the Board and management of the Bank are to be congratulated on having had the courage to face the position. It is far better to acknowledge the truth and its consequences than to go floundering on, and it would have been well for New Zealand if the Directors of other Colonial Institutions had shown the same moral courage and foresight that the National Bank Board have always done. To account for the losses which this Bank (in common with all banks in the Australasian
General Manager of the National Bank of New Zealand, Limited, was born at Auckland in 1851. His father, an English barrister by profession, arrived there in 1842 with the first Governor of New Zealand, Captain Hobson, R.N., as his private secretary. He was afterwards appointed the first clerk of the Executive Council of New Zealand, and subsequently became sheriff of Auckland, which position he held up to the time of his death in 1853. Mr. Coates was educated at the Church of England Grammar School, and at St. John's College, Auckland, under the Rev. Dr. Kinder M.A. In 1869 he commenced his career as a banker in the Bank of New South Wales, and after serving four years with that institution at Auckland and on the Thames goldfield, Mr. Coates was offered an appointment on the staff of the National Bank of New Zealand, Limited, by Mr. W. S. Grahame, the first director who visited the Colony to establish the Bank's business, and accepted the position of teller in its Auckland office. He was subsequently promoted, becoming accountant in 1876, and manager eight years later. For many years he successfully filled that important and responsible office, and on the retirement of Mr. W. Dymock as general manager of the Bank, Mr. Coates was elected by the Board of Directors to succeed
Inspector of the National Bank of New Zealand, Limited, is a gentleman of wide banking experience, having graduated in the Bank of Scotland, one of the best banks in the world. Born in 1858 in the Scottish Capital, and educated in Durham England, Mr. Stott joined the head office of the Bank in Edinburgh at the age of seventeen, as a junior. For fifteen years he continued in the service of the Bank of Scotland, gaining experience in all branches of the profession, and was attached to the inspector's department for the last eight years of that period. In 1889 Mr. Stott was appointed a Junior Inspector of the Bank, which position he held till leaving Scotland. Several times had Mr. Stott declined tempting appointments to go to India, China, and elsewhere, on the ground of climate, but when the offer of
inspector of the National Bank of New Zealand came he accepted the position, and has never had cause to regret doing so. Mr. Stott left his native land early in 1892, travelling from London by the s.s. “Arcadia” to Melbourne, and, crossing the Tasman Sea, he took up his duties in the month of April of that year. Of the scenery of the Colony Mr. Stott speaks in the highest terms, and as he has travelled in Switzerland, Norway, and other parts of Europe, he is in a position to judge. He takes a great interest in athletics, particularly in
Manager of the National Bank of New Zealand (Limited), was born in Berkshire, England, in 1860. Educated in Richmond, Surrey, Mr. Gee joined the staff of the National Bank in London, and after a few years service in the world's metropolis, was transferred to the head office of the Bank in Wellington. Mr. Gee came to the Colony via America in 1880, travelling per s s. “Zealandia” from San Francisco, and landing in Auckland. He was allotted a position in the general manager's department, and subsequently became teller at the Oamaru branch of the National Bank. After a year Mr. Gee was transferred to a similar position at Dunedin. During the seven years of his residence in the southern city he was successively promoted to the position of bill-clerk, sub-accountant, and accountant, About 1888, Mr. Gee was transferred to the general manager's office
Agent for the Te Aro Branch of the National Bank of New Zealand, Limited, was born at Langholm, Scotland, and was educated in his native place. He commenced his business career by entering the service of the British Linen Company Bank as junior, and remained with that institution about four years. Mr. Knox was afterwards with a firm of chartered accountants in Newcastle-on-Tyne, but speedily returned to the banking profession, joining the Chancery Lane Branch of the Union Bank of London, Limited. Three years later he entered the service of the Oriental Bank Corporation with the object of going out to the East Indies, but his health not permitting of such a transfer he continued in the head office for seven years. In 1882 he joined the National Bank, and after a few months came to Auckland, where he became sub-accountant. He was transferred to Wellington in September, 1889, as accountant, and took charge of the Te Aro Branch in January, 1893. Mr. Knox was married in 1882 to the second daughter of the late Mr. Alexander Gordon Brown, solicitor, of Stonehaven, Kincardineshire, and has two daughters.
For a comparatively small community, New Zealand is amply served by insurance and assurance associations and companies dealing with accident, fire, life, aud marine risks. Some of these are purely local, others have their head offices in Australia, and others in various parts of the world; but in most instances the New Zealand chief offices are located in Wellington. With such an ample choice, it is obvious that a considerable amount of competition exists, and insurers have little cause to complain in that respect, although the rates for fire risks, which are uniform throughout all the offices, are a continual source of repining on the part of property-holders. As for the life rates, they are based on the tables of the expectation of life at various ages. Among the life offices, competition for business is very keen. The foreign companies doing business in the Colony have to deposit sufficient security with the State to guarantee the colonial insurers in these offices, and proper precautions have been taken to safeguard the interests of the community. Under the proper headings particulars will be found of all the institutions doing business in the Colony.
Grey Street, Wellington. Branch Manager, Mr. William Gill. Telephone 605. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia, Limited. Head office for New Zealand, Hereford Street, Christchurch. [This Company will be more fully described in the volume for Canterbury.]
Branch Manager of the Alliance Assurance Company, and of the Alliance, Marine, and General Assurance Company, Limited, who resides at the Lindens, Wool-combe Street. Wellington, was born at Dudley, England, After being educated at private and public schools in the Midland Counties, he was put into the service of a leading South Staffordshire firm of ironmakers to learn the business of ironmaking and manufacturing, and after passing through all its practical and mercantile stages, he removed to the Cleveland district, in the north of England, where he was for many years connected with the iron trade of that important centre. Here he rose to the position of iron manufacturer, and was also closely identified with several kindred industries in the town of Middlesborough. Mr. Gill was for some years secretary of the large ironmaking and engineering company that built the original Tay Bridge, which, it will be remembered, collapsed with such fatal results. In 1879, having been engaged as Commissioner to take evidence in Australia on a most important law case between the South Australian Government and a manufacturing company in England, Mr. Gill paid a flying visit to New Zealand, and it was then he first formed the love for the Colony which caused him to make his home in the “Britain of the South.” Arriving with his family in Auckland in 1887, he joined the South British Insurance Company at their head office, and after about a year in the Northern City, went to Capetown as assistant manager of the Company's branch, and eventually became acting manager of the Johannesburg office. About the end of 1890 Mr. Gill returned to New Zealand, and soon after this he was appointed manager of the Union Fire and Marine Insurance Company of New Zealand at Wellington. He remained in this position till its incorporation with the Alliance Assurance Company in 1892, and has since continued to hold that responsible position.
(Limited). Agents, W. and G. Tumbull and Co., Custom-house Quay, Wellington. This Company, which was established by deed of settlement in 1821, has its head office at 11 Lombard Street, London. The Company does a fire business only in the Colony. Its subscribed capital is £2,000,000 in 200,000 shares of £10 each, of which £5, representing £1,000,000, is already paid up. At the end of 1894 the fire insurance fund stood at £524,100.
(Limited). Head office, 1 Old Broad Street, London E.C. New Zealand branch, Imperial Chambers, 6 Featherston Street, Welling ton. Telephone 160; P.O. Box 360. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia (Limited). Local director, Mr. A. J. McTavish. Resident manager, Mr. F. H. Pickering. The Imperial Insurance Company (Limited) was established in London in 1803: its capital is £1,200,000. The Company commenced business in New Zealand as long ago as the year 1854, when the first policy was issued in Auckland. It is claimed that this was the first fire policy issued in the Colony. Since commencing business here the Imperial has never withdrawn, even temporarily, and though a very conservative Company, it has transacted a large business. One of the Company's agents, the Hon. J. A. Bonar, of Hokitika, has continuously represented the Imperial for thirty-five years, and another, Mr. W. H. Armstrong, of the firm of Dignan and Armstrong, solicitors, Auckland, has acted as agent for about twenty-five years. The Imperial Insurance Company does a fire business only within the Colony, It has agents all over New Zealand, who are empowered to accept risks on the Company's behalf. The fine two-story building known as Imperial Chamber at 6 Featherston Street, Wellington, is the freehold property of the Company.
Manager for the Imperial Insurance Company (Limited) for New Zealand, has had a wide commercial experience in the Colony. Mr. Pickering arrived in New Zealand in 1863, and for thirty years he has been more or less intimately connected with insurance business in New Zealand. He was in business in Nelson, Blenheim and Christchurch. For ten years in Nelson (1873–1883), Mr. Pickering's firm were agents for the National Insurance Company of New Zealand, and in Blenheim from 1881 to 1889. In the last named year an officer of the Imperial Company visited New Zealand and appointed Mr. Pickering manager for the Colony. The branch office in Wellington was there upon opened by him, and the present handsome building in Featherston Street subsequently purchased on the Company's account.
Wellington agents, Messrs. Levin and Co., Grey Street, Wellington. Telephone 11; P.O. Box 187. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Chief offices, 1 Dale Street, Liverpool, and 7 Cornhill, London. The Australasian board, to which is entrusted the direction of the Company's business in the colonies, consists of the Hons. H. E. Kater and Henry Mort, and Mr. W. C. Watt. The resident secretary is Mr. M. W. S. Clark. The board's offices are in Pitt and Spring Streets, Sydney, and the Melbourne office is in Baring Chambers, 31 Market Street, the local manager being Mr. George Buzzard. The Liverpool and London and Globe Company was established as early as the year 1836, when it had not the same competition to contend with as it has now-a-days. Notwithstanding, however, the multitude of rival aspirants for insurance business, this Company has gone persistently forward, and secured a very large share of available business. In 1853 it was deemed advisable for the Company to open an Australasian branch to secure for it a large participation in colonial insurance transactions, and expedite its general business in Australasia. The branch was duly opened, and since then the Company has opened agencies in all the chief centres of the colonies. The Australasian branch has paid under its fire and life policies the large sum of £31,615,692 since its foundation. The funds of the Company, as shown by its balance sheet of 1894, are:—Capital paid up, £245,640; general reserve, £1,300,000; fire reinsurance, £740,000; total, £2,040,000; globe perpetual annuity fund, £1,102,800; life and annuity funds, £4,608,471. The total assets of the Company exceed £9,000,000, over £400,000 being invested in the colonies. The business done by the Company has been a rapidly expanding one. In Australia it does a life assurance business besides fire. The fifty-ninth annual report of the Company for the year 1894 is of a very encouraging nature. It showed that the fire premium income for the year, after deducting the sums paid for re-insuring surplus risks, amounted to £1,618,128. The losses, inclusive of full provision for all claims that had arisen up to the end of the year, amounted to £902,241. The account, after providing for expenses, shows, without the addition of interest, a surplus of £211,456, which was carried to profit and loss account. The Company's funds are invested as follows:—Mortgages on property within the United Kingdom, £425,144 7s. 5d.; mortgages on property out of the United Kingdom, £994,396 3s.; loans on the Company's policies, £170,245 7s. 3d. The Company has investments also in British Government securities, £169,794 11s. 9d.; United States Government and State securities, £396,463 7s. 1d.; United States municipal securities, £55,199 7s. 9d.; Colonial municipal securities, £415,564 11s.; Colonial Government and State securities, £9024 3s. 3d.; foreign government securities, £2,099,282 16s. 7d.; railways and other debentures and debenture stock, £1,371,029 4s.; railway stocks (of which £4,947 10s. 7d. is ordinary), £1,371,029 4s.; house property, including offices partly occupied by the Company, £953,503 2s. 11d.; ground rents, £34,683 8s. 4d.; life interests and annuities, £253,861 18s. 9d.; reversions, £45,960 16s.; loans on life interests, annuities and reversions, £300,956; loans on railways and other debenture bonds, shares, and other stocks, £63,279 16s.; loans to local boards and counties, United Kingdom, £96,744 17s. 10d. Reverting to what will now be almost looked upon as ancient history, it will be remembered that in the enormous conflagration which nearly demolished the city of Chicago, and at the same time wiped out of existence many of the American insurance companies, this Company paid up its losses, amounting to over a million and a half pounds sterling, within a week of the event, and a few years after in Boston paid a total of over three quarters of a million for losses by one fire,
Featherston Street, Wellington. Attorneys for Wellington and Taranaki, Messrs. Johnston and Co., Featherston Street, Wellington. Head office of the Company 45 Dale Street, Liverpool.
District Agents, Baker Bros., Lambton Quay, Wellington. The chief office for the Colony is situated at Christchurch. Full information regarding this old established Fire Office will appearin the Canterbury volume.
Agents, Murray, Roberts and Co., Featherston Street, Wellington. This Company, which is incorporated by royal charter and special acts of Parliament, and has chief offices in London and Liverpool, was established in 1809. The head office for New Zealand is in Dunedin, and further particulars of the Company, which does only a fire business in the Colony, will be given in the volume for Otago.
(Limited). Head Offices, London and Aberdeen. The chief office for the colonies is in Melbourne. Mr. G. H. Scales, auctioneer, of Customhouse Quay, is the agent for Wellington.
Germany. Agent, James G. Carpenter, Lambton Quay, Wellington. This Company was established in New Zealand about 1880. The chief office for the Colony is in Auckland, and fuller reference will be made to the Company in the Auckland volume.
Agents and public officers for New Zealand, B. Smith and Co., Lambton Quay, Wellington. This Company, which has been doing business in the Colony for over twenty years, was established in the year 1797. Its head office is in Surry Street, Norwich, and it has offices in London. The Company, which does a fire business only, has a paid up capital of £132,000, a reserve fund of £410,000, and a reserve on current policies of over £300,000.
(Limited). Head office, Manchester. Chief office for New Zealand, Christchurch. Wellington branch, 24 Lambton Quay. Mr. A. T. Bate, agent. Further particulars of this Company will appear in the volume for Canterbury.
Chief office for New Zealand, Custom House Quay (opposite the Bank of New Zealand), Wellington. Telephone 40; P.O. Box 376. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Cable address, Phœnix Fire; Code, A.B.C., 4th edition. Head office, 14 Lombard Street, London, E.C. Trustees and directors, Messrs. J. W. Baxendale, W. Bird, B. Bovill, Hon. J. Byng, J. Clutton, A. C. L. Fuller, C. E. Goodhart, R. K. Hodgson, Right Hon. Sir J, Lubbock, Bart, M.P., F.R.S., Hon. E. Ponsonby, Hon. E. B. Portman, Right Hon. the Earl of Randor, Messrs. D. R. Smith and W. J. Thompson. Joint secretaries, Messrs. C. Macdonald and B. Macdonald. General manager for the Colony, Mr. R. M. Simpson. Private residence, Upper Willis Street. The Phœnix Fire office has been doing business in New Zealand since the year 1875. It is one of the old powerful fire syndicates that were established in the eighteenth century in the world's metropolis. Founded in the year 1782, the Phœnix Company has from time to time accumulated large funds. The office has recently obtained from the British Parliament an Act to determine the amount of capital, and to give additional powers and facilities in the management of the business. The capital has thus been fixed at £2,688,800, which in addition to the funds in hand, makes an asset of nearly £4,000,000, for the protection of policy-holders. The annual premium income is £1,200,000, and the reserve £1,460,000. The total sum paid on losses by fire exceeds £20,000,000. The Phœnix Fire office is represented in New Zealand by the following agents:—Messrs. W. W. Baker, Auckland; R. Dobson
the General Manager for New Zealand, was born in Lancaster, England. Arriving in Auckland via Melbourne in 1853, he was educated at Wesley College and at Dr. Kinder's school. Mr. Simpson commenced his mercantile career in the office of Mr. Strickland, agent for the White Star Line, in Auckland, now manager of the New Zealand Shipping Company in London. He was afterwards in Mr. John Roberton's office for a short time. In 1862 he joined the staff of the Bank of New South Wales, and remained for five years. Subsequently Mr. Simpson was engaged in the sawmilling industry, on the West Coast of the South Island. Returning to the north, he had three years experience on the Thames goldfields. Soon after this he went on a trading voyage to the South Sea Islands, and was appointed accountant in the Fiji Banking and Commercial Company at Levuka, where he lived for three years. In 1876, Mr. Simpson returned to Auckland and entered the service of the New Zealand Insurance Company. His first duty was to open the Wanganui branch for the company, In April, 1877, he was made acting manager of the Company's branch office in Wellington. Soon after he was confirmed as manager, and this position he retained for fifteen years. He resigned in 1891, to accept the position he now holds. Mr. Simpson is a Justice of the Peace and is President for the year of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce.
Head office, Liverpool. Principal office for Australasia, Melbourne. Agents for Wellington, Messrs. W. M. Bannatyne and Co., Hunter Street.
Established 1720. Head office, Royal Exchange, London, E.C. Chief New Zealand office, Dunedin. Wellington branch, 12 Featherston Street. Mr. A. Simpson, agent. Fuller information of this Company will be given in the Otago volume.
Agents and public officers for New Zealand, J. H. Bethune and Co., Brandon and Featherston Streets, Wellington. The chief office of this Company is at 63 Threadneedle Street, London, E.C. It has done business in New Zealand since 1877, as a purely fire office. The Sun Insurance Company was founded in the year 1710. Its capital is £2,400,000, in 240,000 shares of £10 each, on which 10s. per share, or £120,000, is paid up. The general reserve fund amounts to the huge sum of £1,125,000—over ten times the amount of the paid-up capital.
Head Office, 19 and 20 Corn-hill. London Directors: Messrs. W. R. Arbuthnot, R. Barclay (Barclay, Bevan, Tritton, Ransom, Bouverie and Co.), W. M. Campbell, (Hogg, Campbell, Curtis and Co,) J. Coleman, (J. and J. Coleman), Right Hon. L. H. Courtney, M.P. Mr. W. C. Dawes (J. B. Westray and Co.), Sir J. F. Garrick, Q.C., K.C.M.G., Messrs. F. W. Harris (Harris and Dixon), F. Larkworthy, C. J. Leaf, J. H Ley, Right Hon. A. J. Mundella, M.P., Sir H. W. Peek, Bart. (Peek Bros. and Co.), P. P. Rodocanachi (P. P. Rodocanachi and Co.), Sir A. R. Scoble, M.P., Q.C., K.C.S.I., P. G. Sechiari (Sechiari Bros. and Co.), A. B. Sim (Churchill and Sim), J. Trotter (J. Trotter and Co.), H. Trower (Trower and Sons). Trustees: (General), Right Hon. A. J. Mundella, M.P., Sir H. W. Peek, Bart., Messrs. P. G. Sechiari and H. Trower; (Life), Messrs. R. Barclay, W. M. Campbell, J. Coleman, and F. W. Harris. Bankers, Bank of England; Fire, London and County Banking Company, Limited; Life, Barclay, Bevan, Tritton, Ransom, Bouverie and Co.; Marine, London Joint Stock Bank, Limited. Executive Officers:—Fire Department: Manager, Mr. E. R. Owen; assistant manager, Mr. G. C. Morant, Life Department: Actuary, Mr. T. E. Young, B.A., F.I.A. Marine Department: Underwriter, Mr. J. Carr-Saunders; assistant underwriter, Mr. R. T. Jones; Secretary, Mr. H. Mann. The head offices of the Company are to be removed to offices adjoining the present premises in Cornhill, London, about the beginning of 1896. The new building, which, when completed, will be one of the finest offices in London, will cost, including the land, upwards of a quarter of a million sterling. The Company has branches and agencies in all the chief cities in the United Kingdom, throughout the United States of America, the Argentine Republic, in Germany, India, Capetown, South Africa, Canada, and Australasia. The Commercial Union was founded as an unlimited company by a body of merchants, brokers, and others in 1861, shortly after the great fire in Tooley Street, and commenced with fire business in October, 1861, life business in May, 1862, and marine business in January, 1863. The Company was registered as a limited company in 1865. The Commercial Union is one of the five fire insurance companies whose annual net fire premium incomes exceed one million sterling. The Company has always paid high dividends, but during the past seven years the dividend paid to shareholders has been at the rate of twenty-five per cent. per annum. The financial position of the Company will best be shown by a comparison of the results of one of the earliest years with 1894. The amount of net premium income in the fire department on the 31st of December, 1862, was £55,940; thirty-two years later it was £1,127,745. In the life department the number of policies issued in 1862 were 180, assuring £171,300, the premium incomes being £4447; during the year 1894, 777 policies, assuring £482,898, were issued, the premiums received on which amounted to £172,571. The marine department had a net premium income of
J.P., General Manager of the New Zealand branch of the Commercial Union Assurance Company, Limited, has had a long experience in insurance business, in New Zealand and other parts of the world. He was born in London, England, and came to New Zealand when ten years of age. His education was completed in the Colony, and since its completion he has been in the employment of various institutions and firms, chiefly in New Zealand, till 1878. In April of that year, “The Colonial Insurance Company of New Zealand” (a fire and marine office having its headquarters in Wellington) was formed, and Mr. Allen was appointed the assistant-manager. Six years later, upon the resignation of Mr. G. S. Graham, Mr. Allen succeeded to the general managership, which position he retained until the C olonial Insurance Company disposed of its business in 1890 to the Commercial Union Assurance Company, Limited. He was then appointed general manager of the New Zealand branch of the latter company. Mr. Allen's genial, kindly disposition renders him deservedly popular with all who know him.
J.P., Manager of the Wellington Branch of the Commercial Union Assurance Company, was born at Hobart, Tasmania, in 1854. His father, Mr. George Harbroe, was a well-known officer in the Comptroller-General's department at the above mentioned place. Mr. Harbroe was educated at the High School, Hobart, under the then Rector, the Rev. R. D. Harris, M.A. At an early age he went to Melbourne, and for several years was in the employ of a mercantile firm, but in 1875 resigned and took up his residence in Sydney. Almost immediately he received an appointment in the head office of the Australian Mutual Provident Society. He was transferred from the head office to the accountants' department of the New Zealand branch of that Society in 1877. Two years later Mr. Harbroe resigned his position to accept the appointment of accountant to the head office of the Colonial Insurance Company of New Zealand (fire and marine). He was promoted by the directors in 1884 to the office of manager of the Wellington branch of this Company. When the Colonial was absorbed by the Commercial Union six years afterwards, he received his present appointment. Mr. Harbroe, from his long experience, has a thorough knowledge of underwriting, both fire and marine, and is very popular with the public. He is on the executive committee of the Wellington Fire Underwriters' Association, and is a member of the Institute of Accountants. He is attached to the Masonic fraternity, being a member of Lodge Waterloo, N.Z.C. Mr. Harbroe is a past grand of the American Order of Oddfellows, and holds several other important positions in the City.
Head office, Custom House Square, Dunedin. Wellington Branch, corner of Custom House Quay and Hunter Street. Branch manager, Mr. Andrew Campbell. A full account of this prosperous New Zealand Company will be published in the volume for Otago.
Branch Manager of the National Insurance Company of New Zealand, was born in Scotland, where he was educated. He came to Dunedin about twenty years ago. For some time he was engaged in mercantile pursuits, but he eventually entered the National Insurance Company in Dunedin. On the retirement of Mr. F. G. Thompson from the management of the Wellington Branch of the National Insurance Company, Mr. Campbell was appointed, and has now conducted the Company's business for over ten years. As a member of the Underwriters' Association he has occupied the position of Chairman, and both in and out of office has shown an earnest desire to further its interests.
Office, New Zealand Insurance Buildings, corner of Lambton Quay and Grey Street, Wellington. Telephone 32; P.O. Box 81. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Manager, Mr. J. C. Hanna. Head Office, New Zealand Insurance Buildings, Queen Street, Auckland. This old-established Company will be fully described in the Auckland volume of the Cyclopedia.
Manager of the New Zealand Insurance Company at Wellington, has had a long experience in connection with colonial institutions. Born in 1856 at Lisburn, Ireland, he attended private schools before leaving with his parents for the Colony. Arriving in Auckland by the ship ”Ganges,” in 1867, he received instruction at the schools of Mr. William McIntosh and the Rev. Peter Mason. On leaving school he joined the Post and Telegraph Department of the General Government in Auckland. Mr. Hanna steadily advanced in the service, and subsequently bee me postmaster and telegraphist in various parts of the North Island. Resigning his position in 1875, he joined the Bank of New Zealand in the Inspector's office in Auckland. After about a year he was sent to the Otago goldfields, where he remained for about three-and-a-half years, occupying positions as agent, gold buyer, and teller respectively. In 1879 Mr. Hanna was sent to the West Coast of the North Island, and through the Wairarapa to open various agencies of the Bank, and generally to conserve its business. On the completion of this work Mr. Hanna returned to Auckland, and from thence proceeded to Canterbury, where he had charge of the Bank's business in various parts of the northern portion of the provincial district. Subsequently he made a tour through Southland, and afterwards went on to Dunedin and the Taieri district. Again returning to Canterbury, Mr. Hanna assumed charge of the Bank's branches at Southbridge and Leeston for about two years. During this time he was also engaged in the liquidation of several businesses, principally grain merchants and stock auctioneers, which required very careful and judicious handling. This work completed, Mr. Hanna went on a short holiday. In January, 1885, he was in harness again in the Manawatu district, as manager of the Palmerston North branch, and subsequently was transferred to Hawera, and then back to Palmerston North. On the formation of the Bank of New Zealand Estates Company in 1890, the position of accountant to the company was conferred on Mr. Hanna, who was located in Auckland, and undertook the organisation of this new branch of the Bank's business. A year later he became colonial manager of the Company, a position which he held till the close of 1894, when the head office was removed to Wellington. Mr. Hanna then rejoined the Bank of New Zealand as assistant inspector, and subsequently resigned from the Bank to join the service of the New Zealand Insurance Company.
(Limited). Head office, corner of Pitt and Bridge Streets, Sydney, New South Wales. Messrs. J. Holmes and Co. are the agents for Wellington. This office will be more fully described in the Auckland volume, the chief office for New Zealand being situated in the nerthern city.
was established at Auckland in 1872, and conducts a large fire and marine business throughout the Colony as well as in Australia, Fiji, South Africa, India, China, Japan, and South America, transacting also marine business in London, Liverpool, Manchester, and Glasgow, The company is also represented by correspondents at all chief ports in the world. The authorised capital is £1,900,000, of which £1,227,932 is subscribed and £64,628 paid up, the liability of shareholders being unlimited. At the present time the reserved and invested funds exceed £180,000. Mr. Thomas Peacock is the present chairman of the Board of Directors, Messrs. W. S. Wilson (Wilson and Horton), J. H. Upton (Upton and Co.), R. A. Carr (Carr, Johnston and Co.) Jno. Edson, Jno. Batger, and C. C. McMillan being the other members of the Board. The present general manager, Mr. Jas. Kirker, assumed control in September, 1890. The headquarters of the company are in Auckland, at the corner of Queen and Shortland Streets, in a three-story building of imposing appearance, and right in the heart of the city traffic. The South British Company has thirty-two branches, of which ten are in New Zealand; they are represented in the various town and country districts by capable and responsible agents. Mr. C. W. Benbow is the manager for the Wellington district, and the offices are on Lambton Quay between the Colonial Bank and the Bank of New South Wales.
the manager of the Wellington Branch of the South British Insurance Company, is very well known in the Empire City, both in commercial and private circles. The son of Mr. George Benbow, he was born in Birmingham, England, on the 13th of February, 1842. He was educated at one of the Birmingham church schools, and at the early age of twelve years entered the office of a Birmingham firm, with whom he remained for twenty-one years. He then, in 1875, left England for this Colony per ship “Border Chief,” and on his arrival in Wellington found suitable employment with Messrs. Levin and Co., merchants, where he superintended the Insurance Department, conducted the correspondence, etc. In 1891, Mr. Benbow severed his long connection with Messrs. Levin and Co. to accept his present position. Though he has kept aloof from both colonial and civic politics, Mr. Benbow has in less prominent ways been serving the public with commendable ardour and most satisfactory results. Whatever he takes in hand is done, and done thoroughly. He is, of course, best known as a chess player; but as a separate article in connection with the Wellington Chess Club speaks of him in that capacity it need only be said here, that in addition to his duties as president of the Club, he has for many years past had charge of the chess column of the New Zealand Mail. The Mail is to be congratulated on having, therefore, in one department at least, the highest talent that the Colony can supply. As a composer of problems, as in the other branches of the game, Mr. Benbow many years ago made for himself a prominent position among the first chess stars of England. In draughts, too, he plays a strong game. As a cricketer he has shown a keen interest, and no small ability in at least one out-door pastime; but in this Mr. Charles Benbow of the A.M.P. staff, has outstripped his father. Mr. Benbow still plays occasionally for exercise, and he occupies the position of president of the Phœnix Club and vice-president of the Cricketer's Association. Mr. Benbow is a rare sample of a rare class of men. There is hardly an important game which he does not play really well; and yet he has sacrificed himself to none. The positions he has held in business circles show that very plainly; but the writer, from an intimacy of many years' standing, is able to speak with confidence on this point. Mr. Benbow's library is one of the best in the city, and of the thousands of books which compose it, there are very few with whose contents he is unfamiliar. He is not a mere collector of books: his study of them is characterised by the same thoroughness which wins for him the highest esteem in all quarters. As a public lecturer he cannot be said to have come prominently before the public; but several audiences have been kept in almost breathless interest throughout the delivery of his lectures on Goldsmith, John Bright and others. As an Oddfellow of the American Order, Mr. Benbow has held for many years the high position of Deputy Grand Master for the Wellington District. He is a member of the Southern Cross Lodge, No. 24, of which he is a trustee, and both officially and privately he takes a leading part in Oddfellowship. In church matters, too, the subject of this sketch is equally prominent; though it is but fair to say to those who are unacquainted with Mr. Benbow that his prominence in many of these spheres is not due to his own choice. He has an extraordinary capacity, and an equal willingness for hard work; and as he is incapable of doing anything badly or of neglecting the due performance of a duty devolving upon him, it is not surprising that he is pressed into positions of responsibility and honour. With his genuine desire to be useful, and genially courteous to all, the wonder is that he has been able to limit the number of his public duties within the possibility of such punctilious performance. Among the positions held by Mr. Benbow in connection with the Wesleyan body may be mentioned those of Senior Circuit Steward, Society Steward of Wesley Church, and Trustee of the Wellington Circuit Education Trust. In the Wesley Sunday School and in connection with the Literary Institute he has given much valued assistance. Mr. Benbow was married in 1866 to Miss Elizabeth Jennings, daughter of Mr. Michael Jennings, of Birmingham, and their family numbers six. Mr. Charles Benbow, the only son, is in the office of the Australian Mutual Provident Society, and several of the daughters have already distinguished themselves in educational subjects. The youngest daughter was in the sixth standard at the age of ten, which tends to explain how the father might go to business at twelve, and yet be in no way behind the ordinary schoolboy of fifteen or sixteen.
Custom House Quay, Wellington. Branch Manager, Mr. William Evans. Further particulars will be found in the Otago volume.
New Zealand Branch, Principal Office, corner of Hunter and Featherston Streets, Wellington. Local Directors, Messrs. Nicholas Reid (chairman), Robert O'Connor, and Martin Kennedy; Resident Secretary, Mr. J. S. Jameson. Bankers, Bank New South Wales. Solicitors, Messrs. Chapman and Tripp. Head Office, corner of George and Hunter Streets, Sydney: Directors, Messrs. James Ewan (chairman), Samuel Dickinson, George J. Cohen, T. F. Knox, Richard Binnie, and the Hon. Sir John Lackey, M.L.C., K.C.M.G.; Auditors, Messrs. F. T. Watkins and J. B. C. Miles. Solicitors, Messrs. Bradley and Son. Bankers, Commercial Banking Company of Sydney, Limited. Manager, Mr. Thomas M. Tinley; Secretary, Mr. Bartin Haigh. The United Insurance Company, which was founded in Sydney in 1862, has had a uniformly
the Resident Secretary of the New Zealand branch of the United Insurance Company, Limited, has represented the office since 1877. Born in Manchester, England, Mr. Jameson was educated at the Rev. Dr. Cranswick's school and the Manchester Grammar School, and came to New Zealand in the year 1865, per ship “Sebastopol,” to Lyttelton, after a long voyage of 125 days. On arrival in the Colony he turned his attention to mercantile life, and for a long time occupied an important and responsible position with the late firms of Messrs. Gould and Miles, and Mr. George Gould, general merchants and station agents, Christchurch. In 1877 Mr. Jameson entered into business on his own account in the City of the Plains, and accepted the agency of the United Insurance Company, Limited, for Canterbury, which he held for fourteen years. On the re-organisation of the Company's business in New Zealand in 1891, the responsible position of Resident Secretary for New Zealand was conferred upon him. This necessitated his removal to Wellington, where he has since resided.
(Limited). New Zealand branch, principal office, Dunedin. Wellington agents, Messrs. Levin and Co., Grey Street. Further information concerning this office will appear in the volume for Otago.
Grey Street, Wellington. Branch Manager, Mr. William Gill. Telephone 605. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia, Limited. Head Office for New Zealand, Hereford Street, Christchurch. [This Company will be described in the Canterbury Volume of the Cyclopedia.
Ag nts, Murray, Roberts and Co., Featherston Street, Wellington. The Company's chief office is in Liverpool. It has also a Board in London. The head office for New Zealand is in Dunedin. Fuller information will be given in the Otago volume of the Cyclopedia.
(Marine), Head Office, Hong Kong. Agents for Wellington, Taranaki, Marlborough, Nelson and West Coast, Messrs. Badham and Biss, corner of Custom House Quay and Brandon Street, Wellington. Bankers to Wellington agency, National Bank of New Zealand, Limited.
Branch Office for New Zealand, Featherston Street, Wellington. Committee:—Mr. Harold Beauchamp (Messrs. W. M. Bannatyne and Co.,) Mr. James Whittall, Manager for the Colony. Telephone 432. P.O. Box 101. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand This Company was established in the year 1865 in the British colony of Hong Kong, China, to undertake the business of marine insurance. The subscribed capital of the Company is $2,000,000, of which $600,000 is paid-up. The operations of the Company have been most successful. No better evidence of this fact could be adduced than the figures represented by the reserve fund, which has gradually been increased until it now stands at $900,000, an amount which exceeds the paid-up capital of the Company by $300,000. The Board of Directors consists of Messrs. Thurburn, Manager of the Mercantile Bank of India, Limited (chairman); P. Sachse, of Messrs. Carlowitz and Co.; J. Kramer, of Messrs. Arnhold, Karberg and Co.; St. C. Michaelsen, of Messrs. Melchers and Co.; M. D. Ezekiel, of Messrs. E. D. Sassoon and Co. Mr. W. H. Ray is the secretary of the Company. The China Traders' Insurance Company is represented in the greater part of the civilized world. The Shanghai branch is managed by a committee composed of Messrs. P. Arnhold, of Messrs. Arnhold, Karberg and Co.; C.
the Manager for New Zealand, is a son of Fleet-Paymaster Whittall, late of the Royal Navy. He was born in Kent, England, and was educated at the Royal Navy School, New Cross, a prominent institution originally founded for the education of the sons of naval officers. Mr. Whittall
(Limited). Head office, 20 Old Broad Street, London, E.C Directors, Messrs. D. Atkinson, R. Baring, F. D. Barnes, J. Campbell, Admiral A. J. Chatfield, T. du Buisson, F. C. K. Fleischmann, C. Gassiot, F. Green, Lord Hillingdon, H. Mosenthal, G. R. Ruxton, F. A. White. Bankers, Messrs. Glynn, Mills, Currie and Co., Bank of England. Manager, F. A. White; assistant manager, R. B. Lemon; secretary, G. R. Maughan. Liverpool branch, 6, 7 and 8 Exchange Buildings. Directors, Messrs. W. B. Halhed, W. Emrie, A. Williamson, T. A. Woolley. Bankers, Bank of Liverpool. Underwriter, W. Gow. The subscribed capital of the Company is £1,000,000, of which £180,000 is paid up. The reserve fund amounts to £500,000, and the total funds in hand to £1,104,000. The head office for New Zealand is at Phœnix Chambers, Customhouse Quay, Wellington. Mr. R. M. Simpson is general manager for the Colony.
(Limited). Head office, Exchange Buildings, Liverpool. Agents, Messrs. Allan and Hartmann, Grey Street, Wellington. The Company will be more fully referred to in the volume for Otago, the chief office for the Colony being situated in Dunedin.
(Limited). Agent, Mr. G. H. Scales, Custom House Quay, Wellington. This Company transacts marine business only, its head quarters in the Colony being situate in Dunedin.
Local agents, Messrs. Levin and Company, Grey Street, Wellington. Telephone 11. Cable address, Mersey; Code, Special. P.O. Box 187. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Chief offices, 1 Royal Exchange Buildings, London, E.C.; 2 Bank Street, St. Anne's Square, Manchester; and Liverpool and London Chambers, Liverpool. This Company has been doing business in New Zealand for over twelve years. During all that time, Mr. Pearce, of Messrs. Levin and Co., has been its public officer, and his firm has conducted its business. The Company was established in the year 1860, and has now local boards of directors in London, Liverpool and Manchester. At the thirty-sixth ordinary general meeting of the shareholders, held in London in 1895, the report and balance sheet showed the Company to be in a remarkably flourishing condition. After making provision for outstanding claims, and deducting expenses, the year's underwriting account showed a net profit of £45,570 17s. 3d. The profit and loss account on the 31st of December, 1894, showed a balance of £139,248 8s. 1d. Of this, the sum of £25,000 was carried to the reserve fund, making it £450,000, the remainder being divided amongst the shares holders. The claims paid by the Company in 1894 amounted to £86,620 9s. 9d., the premium amounting to £344,101 17s. 2d. The Company's capital is shown as £200,000, with a reserve fund as above, while its assets are stated at £1,332,839 14s. 10d. The Company's representatives for the Colony are:—Mr. W. W. Cunningham Smith, Dunedin; Messrs. Chrystal and Co., Christchurch; Messrs. J. A. Barber and Co., Auckland; and Messrs. Williams and Kettle, Napier and Gisborne.
Principal Office, Pitt Street, Sydney, New South Wales. New Zealand Branch: Head Office, Customhouse Quay, Wellington. Local Board of Directors: Hon. Morgan S. Grace, M.D., M.L.C. (Chairman), Hon. Charles J. Johnston, M.L.C. (Deputy Chairman), Hon. Edward Richardson, C.M.G., M.L.C., and Messrs. A. de B. Brandon and J. Duncan. Resident Secretary, Mr. Edward W. Lowe. This immense colonial institution was founded in the year 1849. It was the first Australian Life Office, and from its inception to the present time its career has been marked by the most remarkable progress. Established to guard against the contingencies of human life, the Australian Mutual has justified the expectations of those thrifty and far sighted men by whom it was initiated. The published returns of British and Colonial Life Offices show that this Association is the largest in the Empire, and judged by its results, it can only be regarded as the most successful. Some idea of the magnitude of its operations may be gathered from a summary of the business transacted during the forty-six years of its existence up to the 31st of December, 1894. The total number of policies issued was 200,386, of which 78,913 have been discontinued, surrendered, or matured, on the attainment of a given age, or on the death of the assured, leaving 121,473 actually in force at the end of the period. The policies issued assured the enormous sum of £66,786,397, and after deducting £27,276,267 for those that were terminated from all causes, there were in force at the end of 1894 policies aggregating the large total of £39,510,130, exclusive of £7,468,556 of reversionary bonus additions. The total premiums payable each year under the whole of the policies reached the grand total of £2,277,211 per annum. This is reducible by £983,904 in respect of discontinued or matured policies, thus leaving an annual premium income of £1,293,307. The wonderful progress of the Australian Mutual may best be realised by a study of the figures shown at the end of each period of ten years since inauguration. For the first decade of the Society's operations only 1424 policies were issued, securing £681,995, producing a premium income of £23,113. At the end of 1868 the new business taken in the second ten years amounted to 9814 policies, assuring £4,246,455, the annual premiums on which totalled £157,465. The number of policies completed in the third decade reached the total of 35,076, providing £12,641,615 in case of death or at maturity, and an additional annual income of £445,103. The next period was no exception in the onward march of this grand institution: the new business amounted to £28,168,193, the number of fresh policies being 83,929, the premiums on which reached the total of £945,948 per annum. Over three years yet remain to complete the fifth decade of the Society's history, and the number of added policies to the end of 1894 reached a total of 70,143, assuring £21,048,139, with £705,580 annual premiums. Remembering that the banking crisis is included in the last period, it is truly amazing that the volume of new business should continue to increase with such marvellous regularity. For the first thirty-five years of the existence of the Australian Mutual a system of quinquennial
the Resident Secretary of the New Zealand Branch of the Australian Mutual Provident Society, has been associated with the business of this grand institution since 1868. Mr. Lowe belongs to one of the oldest families in the colony of New South Wales, his grandfather having settled there in the year 1813. Born in the month of September, 1847, at Penrith, New South Wales, he was educated at Sydney. After three years experience in a merchant's office, Mr. Lowe entered the Sydney office of a fire and marine insurance company, with whom he remained a like period. He joined the Australian Mutual Provident Society as a clerk on the 19th of June, 1868, and rose rapidly in the service. When the directors decided to open up business in New Zealand, Mr. Lowe was appointed accountant of the branch, and crossed the Tasman Sea to Wellington in company with the late Mr. Joseph Dyer, who had been appointed Resident Secretary. He has thus been connected with the New Zealand branch since its inception on the 1st of July, 1871. Mr. Lowe held the position of accountant for over five years; on the death of Mr. Joseph Dyer at the end of 1876 he became acting secretary, and early in 1877 he was appointed to the important position which he still holds. Under Mr. Lowe's management the Australian Mutual Provident Society has had a prosperous career in the Colony.
Accountant of the New Zealand branch of the Australian Mutual Provident Society, was born in Sydney, New South Wales, in 1862. Educated at private schools and at the Sydney Grammar School, he joined the Society as a junior in 1877, at the head office, Sydney. After eight years Mr. Schultz was promoted to the office of subaccountant at Melbourne, and in 1894 he was transferred to Wellington as accountant for the New Zealand branch.
Chief Agent for the Australian Mutual Provident Society, is a native of Dublin, where he was brought up in the Imperial army, which he left in 1874, and came out per s.s. “Atrato” to take the position of superintendent of the Canterbury Orphanage. He held this position for three-and-a-half years, after which he was a teacher under the government, and subsequently English master at the Dunedin High School. He acted as secretary at the Wellington Musical Festival in 1894, which occupied six nights, and was a splendid success. He is now honcrary secretary of the Wellington Festival Chorus and Harmonic Society. Mr. Ritchey's office is at Imperial Chambers, 6 Featherston Street, and his private residence at 121 Willis Street.
New Zealand branch, Custom House Quay. Mr James F. Lane, acting resident secretary. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Head offices, 21, 23, 25 Castlereagh Street, Sydney. Directors, Messrs. Jas. P. Garvan (managing director), John See, M.P., W. J. Lyne, M.P., Dr. J. J. Power, F. B. Freehill, M.A., and F. Copper. Acting general secretary, Mr. John J. Garvan; F.S.S.; actuary, Mr. Wm. R. Davey, J.P., F.F.A.; ordinary branch secretary, Mr. W. A. Smith, J.P., F.S.S. This Society, although a comparatively young one, has by its magnificent results in its past nine years, earned the right to a place in the front rank of Australian life offices. Founded and conducted on the same lines as those of the mighty Prudential of Great Britain, it met with astonishing success from the very outset. Its ramifications now extend throughout Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand, chief offices having been established in the capitals, and agencies in almost every town of any importance in the colonies named. It will be seen that the board of directors is a powerful one, amongst its members appearing the names of gentlemen acknowledged to be leading lights in the financial circles of New South Wales. The managing director, Mr. Jas. P. Garvan, was at one time Minister for Justice and afterwards Colonial Treasurer, the latter position having also been filled by Mr. John See, of whom a character sketch appeared in a recent number of the Review of Reviews, while another director, Mr. W. J. Lyne, is at the time of writing leader of the Opposition in the New South Wales Parliament. The business of the Society is divided into two branches—ordinary and industrial. So much succees was met with in the former, that it was found possible in 1895 to declare a bonus for the year at the rate of £2 per cent. on the sums assured by all profit-sharing policies. There is every indication that this excellent result will at least be maintained in future years. Total abstainers are placed in a distinct section, the profits of which are separately ascertained, and divided amongst its members, who thus reap the reward of their abstinence, since a low rate of mortality is one of the chief factors of the success of any life assurance corporation, and it is admitted that the longevity of total abstainers as a class is greater than that of the general population. In order to meet the times, the Company published in 1895, rates for twenty year endowment assurances, the distinctive feature being that for the first five years half-premiums only are charged. This table has proved decidedly popular. In the industrial branch premiums are accepted from a penny per week upwards, and from ages one to seventy, almost one thousand agents being employed to collect these from the policy-holders. Prompt settlement of claims has always been a distinguishing feature of the Society, as numberless letters of thanks from satisfied claimants testify. Under certain of the tables fully paid up policies are granted after a certain number of years, a distinctly novel feature in the history of industrial assurance, while the Society's Table K. brings the question of a national old age pension scheme within the realms of practical policies. The Citizens'
Resident Secretary of the Citizens' Life office, has been in the service of the Company for nearly ten years. He was born in Sydney in 1869, and educated in his native city. After eighteen months spent in a lawyer's office, Mr. Lane joined the head office of the Company in Sydney in 1887. He has been right through the various grades of the service, being first promoted to the position of cashier, and in 1889 becoming chief clerk of the Brisbane office. As the Queensland climate did not suit his constitution, Mr. Lane was re-transferred tc the head office, where he had charge of the “new business” department for some time. Subsequently he was promoted to the position of superintendent of the South Sydney division, from which office he was removed to New Zealand in April, 1894. After having charge of the Auckland branch, Mr. Lane was appointed to succeed Mr. W. W. Bain, F.S.S., as resident secretary of the New Zealand branch in January, 1896. Mr. Lane was married in 1891, to the only daughter of Mr. Thomas Eagle, of Sydney, and has one daughter.
Head Office, Melbourne, Vice-presidents :–His Honour Sir J. G. L. Innes, New South Wales; the Hon. Sir T. Mcllwraith, LL.D., K.G.M.G., M.L.A., Queensland; Sir S. Davenport, LL.D., K.C.M.G., South Australia, and the Hon. J. Douglas, C.M.G., Queensland. Directors :–The Hon. W. Aplin, M.L.C., Queensland; Messrs. E. Baggallay, J.P., London; J. A. Bam, Cape Colony; Sir Henry Barkly, G.C.M.G., K.C.B., London; Mr. George Beetham, New Zealand; the Hon. J. F. Burns, New South Wales; Mr. E. H. Butler, Tasmania; the Hon. A. Campbell, M.R.C.P., M.L.C., South Australia; the Hon. A. M. Campbell, Natal; Lieut.-Gen. the Hon. Sir A. Clarke, R.E., G.C.M.G., C.B., C.I.E., London; Sir S. Davenport, LL.D., K.C.M.G., South Australia; Mr. C. C. De Villiers, Cape Colony; the Hon. A. Dobson, Solicitor-General Tasmania; Lieut.-Col. G. Ferguson, South Australia; Messrs. S. T. George, New Zealand; B. W. Greenacre, M.L.A., Natal; J. B. Harcourt, New Zealand; H. Henty, Victoria; the Hon. Sir R. G. W. Herbert, G.C.B., London; Mr. R. Jameson, Natal; the Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, C.M.G., M.H.R., New Zealand; the Hon. J. F. Levien, M.P., Victoria; the Hon. Sir J. G. Lee-Steere, Kt., Speaker L.A. Western Australia; Mr. W. T. Loton, M.P., Western Australia; the Hon. B. D. Morehead, M.P., Queensland; Mr. E. E. Morris, Melbourne University, Victoria; the Hon. G. McLean, M.L.C., New Zealand; the Hon. A. Norton, M.L.C., Queensland; the Hon. E. W. Parker, New Zealand; the Hon. C. J. Roberts, C.M.G., M.L.C., New South Wales; the Hon. Sir G. Shenton, Kt., President L.C., Western Australia; the Hon. A. B. Smith, New South Wales; Mr. John Scott, Queensland; the Hon. Sir R. Stout, K.C.M.G., M.H.R., New Zealand; Messrs. L. Wiener, M.L.A., Cape Colony; H. Wilman, Cape Colony; the Hon. W. H. Wilson, M.L.C., Queensland; Mr. G. Withers, Victoria; the Hon. Agar Wynne, M.L.C., Victoria; Mr. T. Jaques Martin, managing director. Chief office in New Zealand, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Secretary, Mr. Arthur E. Gibbs. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The Society was established in 1873 in Melbourne and almost simultaneously offices were opened in each of the centres of Australia—Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, and also in Hobart. In 1883 offices were opened in the provincial capitals of New Zealand, viz., Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Wellington. A branch office had in the meantime been opened in Fiji. In 1883 the organisation was also extended to South Africa, and an office was opened in Capetown, followed in 1885 by an office in Durban, and in 1890 by an office in Johannesburg. Extension to Great Britain and Ireland was made in 1886 with offices in London at 33, Poultry, nearly opposite the Mansion House. Since then district offices have been established at Aberdeen, Belfast, Birmingham, Bradford, Bristol, Cardiff, Cork, Dublin, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Hull, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Nottingham, Sheffield and Stoke-on-Trent. To the end of 1894 there have been issued 69,447 policies, for £21,743,351, whilst the premiums received have amounted to no less a sum than £3,619,521, which, with interest amounting to £766,017, makes the total receipts £4,385,538. The sum paid to policy-holders or their representatives under claims has amounted to £1,089,350, in addition to which the Society has paid in the shape of surrenders, annuities and bonuses in cash a further sum of £316,601—representing in all £1,405,951 paid to policy-holders or their representatives during twenty-one years. Great benefit has been derived by members as the result of the provision attaching to policies in the Colonial Mutual, whereby in the event of non-payment of premium they are maintained in force for the full amount assured so long as there is enough surrender value to pay even one quarter's premium. By the operation of this provision more than 15,000 policies have been kept in force when payment of premiums has been omitted through neglect or want of means, and all of which would under conditions formerly attaching to life policies have become void. To illustrate forcibly the beneficent effect of the provision referred to, it may be mentioned that in some 100 cases policies have become claims whilst being sustained in force out of surrender value in the manner alluded to, and the amounts have been paid to the representatives of the policy-holders, notwithstanding the failure to pay premiums. Under the old condition of things, in every one of these 100 cases the representatives of the deceased would have been deprived of all the benefits attaching to the policies. Notwithstanding the financial pressure and general depression of the last quinquennial period, the Society's figures show a membership roll of nearly 33,000, with a total insurance in force of over £10,500,000. It may further be mentioned that, of the bonuses added to policies at the end of the preceding quinquennium, there remained in force at the end of 1894 no less than seventy-five percent, of the total bonuses added in 1889. At the last quinquennial investigation the cash surplus amounted to £226,198 7s. 10d., making, with intermediate bonuses paid, a total of £236,870 9s. 10d. The funds at the end of 1889 amounted to £1,050,573 11s. 9d. At the end of 1894 they amounted to £1,793,628 19s. 10d., an increase for the period of over 70 per cent. The directors caused a searching and complete investigation to be made into each and all the investments of the Society, and after careful review they decided to set aside a sum of £51,311 7s. 10d., which they regard as ample provision for any contingency that can possibly arise. The directors of the Colonial Mutual, in reviewing the coming of age of the Society by the completion of the first twenty-one years of its existence, have caused a table of the results of a like period for five other Australasian Life Offices—the names, however, are not made public for obvious reasons, the letters a, b, c, d, e, being substituted. The result shows the remarkable progress of this comparatively young institution, whose record of business is seventy-three per cent. more than the office which transacted the next largest business, and over two and a quarter times as much as the average amount of all the other offices,
Secretary for New Zealand for the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society, is a native of Penkridge, Staffordshire, England, and was born on the 4th of January, 1860. Educated at Malvern College, he went into business with his father, Mr. William Gibbs, as an iron merchant for some years. Subsequently Mr. Gibbs, senr., became district manager for the Employers' Liability Assurance Corporation, and it was in connection with this company that the subject of this notice gained his first knowledge of insurance. In September, 1883, Mr. Gibbs left the “Old Land” by the Orient liner “Sorata,” arriving in Melbourne in November of that year. He at once joined the staff of the Colonial Mutual Life Office as clerk. Four years later he was promoted to the position of accountant of the New Zealand branch and in June, 1890, he accepted the office he now holds. Mr. Gibbs was married in England in 1882 to Miss Nicklin, of Stourbridge, and their family consists of four daughters and one son.
Chief Clerk of the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society, Limited, was born at Dumbarton, Scotland, and educated in Glasgow. He served his three years apprenticeship in a shipping office in Glasgow, and left there in 1885 to join his parents in New Zealand, they having emigrated to the Colony some years previously. He entered the service of the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society at Dunedin in April, 1886, as a junior clerk. When the Society changed its head office to Wellington in 1890, Mr. Leslie was promoted to the position of chief clerk. He is a member of the Star Boating Club, and has interested himself in the advancement of association football since his arrival in the Colony; since 1893 he has represented Otago on the council of the New Zealand Football Association. Mr. Leslie is married, and has three children—two sons and a daughter.
Sole office for the Society, Lambton Quay, Wellington; Head Office, New York. New Zealand Director, Mr. H. D. Bell, M.H.R.; Resident Secretary, Mr. George Ross. This Society was organised on the 25th of July, 1859, for the transaction of life assurance business on the mutual system. From the first this Society has been noted for the liberality of its dealings with policy-holders, and it claims to have been the first Company to introduce the tontine form of life assurance. Its success has been phenomenal, and few offices can record such results as those of this great institution. The Society complied with the laws of New York State that all Companies must provide a capital of not less than 100,000 dollars (£20,833) to be held by the State Insurance Department as security for the policy-holders. This capital, on which not more than seven per cent. can be paid, looks very insignificant beside such figures as £38,550,198, the present assets. The Society claims to have a larger surplus over and above all liabilities than any
the Resident Secretary, was born in Dunedin in 1857. He was educated at the Edinburgh High School, and returned to the Colony in 1876. Entering the office of Messrs. McLandress, Hepbury and Co., auctioneers, of Dunedin, he continued in that firm's employ till 1884, when he joined the Equitable on the opening in Auckland of its first office in New Zealand in 1887. On the retirement of the late Mr. W. A. Thompson as General Manager, Mr. Ross was appointed Resident Secretary and transferred to Wellington, where he has since lived.
Among the advanced institutions for the benefit of its people of which the Colony may fairly be proud is one which merits special attention on account both of its progressive character from a social point of view, and also because of the very remarkable success it has achieved since its establishment, now more than twenty-five years ago. This popular institution is the Government Life Insurance Department, which, under the grand advantage of a State guarantee, insures the lives of the colonists for their own benefit and for that of their dependent successors. The State, by Legislative enactments, is responsible for the perfect safety of all the departmental funds, and also for the due payment of all claims under the policies when death or maturity occurs. The contract conditions display ample liberality; and these, coupled with the colonial security, are duly valued by the people, as is shown by an ever-increasing clientele taking advantage of the beneficial provisions. This insurance institution is believed to be unique in the history of modern states. It forms the only example of a Government proffering the advantages which it undoubtedly possesses for the benefit of the public at large, rich and poor alike. For although in the Home Country there has existed for more than thirty years a post-office insurance system, yet notwithstanding its age and its opportunities, the progress of that institution has almost been crab-like-backward. Hence it is now little more than the shadow of a name. This has resulted from two causes. At the inception of the scheme in Great Britain, vested interests succeeded in restricting the operation of the post-office insurance system to very narrow limits. Secondly, the postal officials made no attempt to popularize and propagate even that limited modicum of State insurance. Thus practically the State scheme at Home, although over thirty years old, has fallen into premature decrepitude. Very different has been the history of the Government Life Insurance Department in New Zealand, which was inaugurated in order to provide unquestionabl State security to the assured. Accordingly, in the year 1869 the Legislature of New Zealand passed a life insurance law, by the philanthropic provisions of which every person insured under its conditions rests absolutely and safely shielded, and firmly assured that whatever may happen, the full value of his policy is practically as certain to be paid when the claim accrues as that the sun shall rise in the morning. So long as its surrender value keeps the policy alive, so for certain is payment of the due amount, with all allocated bonuses, pledged by the full power and possessions of the Colony. It is not surprising, therefore, that with such inviolable State guarantee, the New Zealand Government Insurance Department has, since its establishment, grown in extent and prosperity which it is claimed is unsurpassed by the progress effected in a like period by any other life insurance office within the wide scope of the British Dominions. The following particulars showing the growth of the Department are of interest:—Beginning operations in 1870, when the whole population of New Zealand was about 240,000, the Government Insurance Commissioner by June of the following year had issued 459 policies insuring £206,361, and four annuities for £352. Next year the figures showed 1809 policies for £667,671, and ten annuities £698, with an accumulated fund amounting to £15,154. The following table specifies the subsequent progress effected, the figures relating to the undernoted years :—
In addition to the above, there are 181 annuities in force for £8924 per annum. The annual income from all sources has now reached £380,000, of which £254,204 consists of premiums and £115,274 interest, rents, etc. The most recent account of the history and present position of the Government Life Insurance Department is that contained in the latest volume of the New Zealand Year Book just issued by the Registrar-General of the Colony. As this narrative supplies many interesting facts and figures which merit preservation in a permanent form, the subjoined particulars are extracted from
These figures show that during the twenty-five years embraced in the statement, premiums have been received to the extent of three millions and-a-half, and considerably over a million-and-a-half has been returned to policyholders or their representatives. The investing of funds on freehold mortgage is controlled by a Board, consisting of the Colonial Treasurer, the Public Trustee, the Commissioner of Taxes, the Solicitor-General, the Surveyor-General, and the Government Insurance Commissioner, who may not lend on any property more than three-fifths of its value. There is now over half-a-million invested in this manner. The following summary of the most recent balance-sheet (December, 1894) shows the manner in which the assets are invested at the present time.
It does not appear that any explanation has been previously given of the New Zealand Government system of non-forfeiture, which is so very comprehensive in its scope. Whenever a policy-holder is so unfortunate as to be unable to pay his premiums, the office looks after his interests and advises him without fees or fines of any description. An account is opened in connection with the overdue policy, which is automatically kept alive as long as the surrender value is enough to pay a quarter's premium. The policy-holder is of course debited with interest on the premiums overdue, but he is kept insured as long as his account is in credit, for the Department does not seek to make any profit whatever out of surrendered or lapsed policies. During the last year (1894) twenty-nine overdue policies fell in by the deaths of the persons assured under them, and, though on many of them not a penny of premium had been paid since 1886, 1887, 1888, and so on, the premiums as they fell due had been deducted by the office from the surrender values, thus enabling the Department in one year to recognise claims on twenty-nine overdue policies to the amount of£7900 exclusive of bonuses. This feature is common to nearly all Australasian insurance offices, but it is claimed by the Department that under its particular system there is accorded to individual policy-holders the utmost degree of liberality consistent with justice to the general body. The actuarial policy of the Insurance Department has from the first been based upon the advice of eminent professional men. The last valuation was conducted by the Department's actuary, Mr. Morris Fox, upon general lines approved by three leading English actuaries—Messrs. A. H. Bailey, Ralph P. Hardy, and George King. The result of this valuation, covering a period of three years, was to divide a cash surplus of £140,000 amongst the policy-holders, while at the same time special reserves were made in order to still further strengthen the finances of the Department. The policies valued and the reserves held against them will be seen in the following summary :—
The accumulated funds at the end of 1893 amounted to £2,128,590, so that there was a gross surplus of £190,000, of which £50,000 was carried to reserve, and £140,000 was, as already stated, divided amongst the policy-holders. In future the actuarial investigation will be made every three years. Notwithstanding the commercial depression which has been felt so severely during the past year (1894), the department has been able to secure about the normal amount of new business, the following being a condensed summary of the new policies issued during the year :–
It will be noticed that the endowment assurances issued during the year, although slightly less in amount, exceed in number the whole-life assurances by fully 400. The growing favour in which endowment assurances are held by the people is a healthy sign, showing that a real desire exists to make a provision for old age. The great majority of these endowments mature at an advanced age: those issued in 1894 mature according to the following table :–
“During the year a combined insurance and annuity scheme for Civil Servants was initiated. In return for monthly deductions (amounting to about £5 annually for every £100 of salary) the Insurance Department contracts to give a uniform insurance of £100 until the age of sixty is attained, and after that age an annuity varying with the age at entry. Those who elect to pay a small extra premium can have the insurance continued beyond the age of sixty until death. These policies, placed in a separate table, will be merged in the general business of the department, and will share in the periodical distributions of profits. At successive valuations the necessary reserves will be made to fully cover the liability which will have accrued upon each of the contracts, and consequently there will be no danger of future trouble in connection with this scheme such as has overtaken so many pension schemes as the result of inefficient conception and inexpert administration.” Though the low rates of premiums charged for insurance were fixed at the outset without any view to profits, yet the results have been such that substantial surplus profits have been obtained, and as these have been declared by law to belong to the policy-holders, insured persons enjoy the double advantage of paying lowest premiums and receiving satisfactory bonus additions to their policies, plus State security. Four divisions of the profits have been made since the starting of the office, and allocation thereof now takes place every three years. If a claim arises during the currency of those three years, an interim bonus is allowed, apportioned to the time elapsed since the immediately previous valuation. The following table shows the surplus profits divided heretofore, and their equivalents in reversionary bonuses added to the sums assured :–
The amounts specified are actual results after making ample reserves for all possible contingencies. These figures form a brilliant record for an existence of twenty-three and a-half years in a small colony like New Zealand. A spacious building—represented by the illustration at the head of this article—was recently erected in Wellington for head offices. The building forms a conspicuous object on a prominent site, and is one of the handsomest structures in the City, providing ample accommodation for the head office staff of the Department and its numerous tenants. Among the latter [may be mentioned the firms of Stafford, Treadwell, and Field, Morison and Atkinson, and Kirk, Atkinson, and Wilson, barristers and solicitors; Deacon and Co., shipping agents, and the Greymouth-Point Elizabeth Railway and Coal Company, Limited.
the Government Insurance Commissioner, succeeded to that responsible office on the retirement of Mr. F. W. Frankland, who, in 1890, resigned in order to accept an important appointment in the Atlas Insurance Office in London. Mr. Richardson, who was educated at Nelson College, where he was a mathematical scholar, was second in order of merit in the Senior and second in the Junior Civil Service Examinations for the whole Colony in 1874, taking in the former a first class in English and mathematics. In that year he was offered and accepted the position of cadet in the department of which he is now the head. Mr. Richardson has effected several valuable improvements in the organisation of the office and its methods of working, and under his control the department has largely prospered, and continues to make satisfactory advances. Mr. Richardson is a Fellow of the Faculty of Actuaries of Scotland, a member of the Institute of Actuaries of Great Britain, a member of the Actuarial Society of America, a Fellow of the Institute of Incorporated accountants of Victoria, and a Fellow of the Institute of Incorporated Accountants of New Zealand.
was born at Montrose, in Scotland, where his father was a merchant. He began life in a mercantile establishment, and while yet young, he became a clerk in a law office and assistant assessor under the Property Tax Acts, and in that capacity acquired a considerable knowledge of law. He contributed articles to the county journals during this part of his career, and having a natural bent for journalism he left the study of the law and became reporter and sub-editor of the Montrose Review, and afterwards editor of the John O'Groat Journal, Wick. Here he remained for some years, when he was offered the editorship of the Arbroath Guide, and shortly afterwards was engaged on favourable terms to embark for New Zealand to edit and take a share in the Nelson Colonist. On leaving Arbroath he was entertained by the leading citizens at a banquet and presented with a purse of sovereigns. He arrived in Nelson in 1863, and on the day after his arrival the Nelson people were startled by a slashing condemnation of the policy of the Ministry of the day, who were believed to be thwarting the efforts of Governor Sir George Grey to exhaust all avenues of peace before resorting to war with the natives. The article displayed a thorough grasp of New Zealand politics and finance. This astonished the quiet citizens of that city, but Mr. Luckie had the advantage of sundry New Zealand Blue-books during a four months' voyage, and also of a fellow passenger who was well up in colonial politics, and as the first leading article by no means exhausted the subject the Colonist soon became the most quoted paper in the Colony, and Mr. Luckie a notability. He was placed on the Commission of the Peace in 1869, and soon found his way into the Provincial Council, and afterwards in 1872 to Parliament. About the same time Sir Julius Vogel, recognising Mr. Luckie's journalistic capabilities, offered him the editorship of the Daily Southern Cross in Auckland, which was accepted and he there wielded a trenchant pen. His “Kaskowiski” hoax is still remembered. Briefly, it was a telling account of the suppositious descent of a Russian frigate upon Auckland at the time of the war scare, and described how the Russian captain took possession of the mayor, the banks and the principal merchants and held them as hostages. The hoax was perpetrated in Monday morning's issue, and all Auckland and the suburbs were in a state of terror and amazement at the news. The canard had an object, which was to call attention to the defenceless state of the Colony, and it was the means of inducing action to be taken in that direction. The story of the “Kaskowiski” was reprinted last year in pamphlet form with an appendix embodying various useful opinions and statistics regarding national defence, and the naval and military forces of the nations of the world. While in Nelson (where the writer of this sketch first met him on his arrival in the Colony, and has observed his career ever since), Mr. Luckie did good service, leading to the discovery and capture of the Burgess and Sullivan gang, the four notorious criminals who were guilty of numerous murders on the West Coast and the Maungatapu Mountain in 1866. On the discovery of a goldfield at Wangapeka in the interior, he successfully exposed
Southern Gross until it amalgamated with the New Zealand Herald in 1876, and he then became editor of the united papers, and remained at that post until 1878 when he took charge of the Wellington Evening Post in which responsible position he remained until the following year when he became Commissioner of the Government Insurance Department. Since then the history of the progress and success of that institution is associated with Mr. Luckie's presence there. He was chief of it until 1889 when two serious attacks of illness rendered him physically incapable of continuing to hold the premier place in the department, so he took the assistant commissionership, which office he now holds. Full information regarding the progress of this successful institution will be found in another part of this work. As a journalist Mr. Luckie had few equals in the Colony. He had, and still has that remarkable instructive insight into a subject which enables the true newspaper editor to intuitively grasp the b arings of a subject, and there and then to dissect it and lay its virtues or its objections plainly before the public in understandable language. His conclusions were generally correct, and his facile style of writing frequently interspersed with classical references and apposite quotations was always agreeable and convincing. He is an authority on philology, and his knowledge of Scotch legends and quaint sayings is unequalled. In 1885 he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Statistical Society of London.—J.W.
the Actuary for the Government Insurance, has gained his high position entirely by his own abilities, thus giving another instance that sterling merit alone is sufficient to secure rapid promotion. Mr. Fox was born in Leicestershire. England, in 1858, and was educated at Stonegate and Amersham Hall, in Oxfordshire. His father and forefathers were Leicestershire farmers; but it was decided that Mr. Fox should make some use of his undoubted mathematical abilities, and with this object he was articled as an engineer. This, however, was not quite congenial, and the embryo actuary left for New Zealand in 1880, per ship “Maraval.” Not long after his arrival in Wellington he was taken on as an extra clerk in the actuarial department under Mr. Godfrey Knight, who was quick to recognise his aptitude for figures by making permanent the temporary employment. Under Mr. F. W. Frankland in 1888, Mr. Fox was appointed assistant actuary, and two years later he succeeded to the actuarial chair. Mr. Fox has natural abilities of a high order; and when he had more leisure than now falls to his lot, he was always ready to lend his assistance in charitable performances, and to all kinds of genuine sport. In 1884 he was secretary of the Wellington Cricketers' Association. Mr. Fox is a member of the English Institute of Actuaries, and also of the Actuarial Society of America.
Head Office for the Colony, Dunedin, New Zealand. Directors, the Hon. W. H. Reynolds, M.L.C., Mr. John Roberts, C.M.G. (Messrs. Murray, Roberts and Co.), Mr. J. M. Ritchie (National Mortgage and Agency Company); Resident Secretary, Mr. Wm. Wills, J.P. Wellington District Office, National Chambers, corner of Featherston and Grey Streets, Wellington. District Agent, Mr. R. S. Williams. This Society was founded about the year 1869, when a number of gentlemen met in Melbourne, at the office of Mr. Hugh John Chambers, solicitor, and decided to establish the Company. To provide funds with which to commence, sixty-seven foundation policies were issued at a single premium of £100, each to share fifty per cent. over the amount shown in the tables. Thus the total cost of founding the Society was £3,350 “being the extra allowance to the original foundation policyholders for their guarantee.” This sum has since been wiped off by making a reserve for it at the first and succeeding investigtions. The Society was originally named the Industrial Mutual
mêlée, and was content with securing sufficient new business to insure the vitality of the institution. To Mr J. B. Gillison, who became actuary and general manager of the Society in 1886, is due the credit of influencing this cautious policy. A passage which appeared in the fourth quinquinnial report will best indicate the position:—“Until the last few years the amount of new business transacted by a life assurance society was regarded by many as the best test of its progress, and the magnitude of its figures in that respect was supposed to be the best means of attaining popularity. Only those who are intimately connected with or who make a special study of life assurance business, are aware of the heavy expense incurred in obtaining new members, often the first year's premium being absorbed by agent's salaries, travelling expenses, and commuted commission, doctor's fees, etc., which must leave little for division among the policyholders by way of bonuses. Such, gentlemen, as you are aware, I pointed out to you in 1886, was the danger of continuing to transact close upon a million of new business per annum at the heavy cost necessary to obtain it, and you therefore adopted a conservative policy, and gradually reduced the new business, and with it the total expenses.” The premium on a whole life policy in the Mutual Life Assurance Society of Victoria, taken out at the age of twenty, is lower than the rate charged by any other company, with one exception. The Hon. Thomas Loader and Dr. Alex. Morrison, two of the foundation policyholders, still occupy seats on the board of management. They are assisted by Sir Fred. McCoy and the Hon. W. Bayliss as co-directors. Mr. Wm. Siddeley the eminent steamboat-owner, of Melbourne, is chairman of the Board.
the Actuary and General Manager, has a high reputation throughout the colonies. He is a fellow of the Institute of Actuaries, London, and a Fellow of the Faculty of Actuaries, Edinburgh, and joined the Mutual Association of Victoria in 1883, as secretary of the Adelaide Branch. He was transferred the next year to the head office as actuary, and two years later assumed the responsible position of general manager and actuary, which he has held ever since.
who has charge of the branch of the Mutual Assurance Society of Victoria for the districts of Wellington, Napier, Palmerston North, Wanganui, Gisborne, and Blenheim, was born in the County of Kerry, Ireland, but has lived for many years in the colonies. He has been in the service of the
Principal office, corner of George and Wynyard Streets, Sydney.
It was in the year 1867 that the establishment of the Mutual Life Association of Australasia was first mooted. At that time the only Australian life office enjoyed what was practically a monopoly of the life assurance business throughout Australasia. The conditions of assurance then were extremely harassing, and a feeling of dissatisfaction with such a state of affairs arose. As a protest against the oppressive restrictions involving forfeiture of policy in many instances which were proving extremely inconvenient to active business men, a meeting, convened by Mr. Robert Thompson (a wellknown actuary) was held in Sydney in the year already mentioned. That meeting determined to establish a life office whose policies should be entirely indefeasible from date ofissue, except on the ground of fraud. Under these then new conditions the families of policy-holders obtained many benefits which the older systems did not give to them. The new company was attractive to insurers from the start, and in the first year (1869), 290 proposals for sums representing £115,471 were completed; among the early proponents being the late Sir Terence Aubrey Murray, the late Rev. James Greenwood, the present Colonial Secretary (Hon. J. N. Bunker), and the Hon. W. J. Trickett, M.L.C. The receipts for the year amounted to £7169, and the disbursements, including the first claim for £500—the result of an accident—were
£3632. The succeeding reports all showed increases in the business. The first quinquennial investigation into the affairs of the Associatior was made by Professor Pell and Mr. H. S. Hawkins, F.I.A., in 1874. A number of the societies held on the mutual principal soon arose in Victoria, and in New Zealand in 1870 a State Department under the control of a commissioner, with the Colonial Treasurer as a ministerial head, entered the field. In 1873 the special Act of Parliament, under which the Mutual Life is incorporated, was passed. The death of the secretary, Mr. Robert Gibson, in the same year led to the appointment of Mr. John Cochrane Remington, the present general manager, who has, it will thus be seen, been prominently identified with the advancement of the society almost from the beginning. He has seen the policies in force increase from £330,000 to nearly £5,000,000; the annual premiums from £11,000 to over £145,000; and the invested funds which then were £13,000 to £1,100,000. The whole business in 1873 was confined to New South Wales; to-day there are establishments in five capital cities, all but one of them occupying offices owned by the Association; district offices in seven large centres; and local agencies in most of the principal towns throughout Australasia. The business of the Association has continued to grow steadily, until to-day the institution stands in the front rank of Australasian life offices. As an evidence of the properly conservative policy of the management, it may be mentioned that the actuarial valuation of the liabilities has always been made on a strictly “pure premium” basis, and that the limit of risk on any one life has been gradually increased from £1000 to £5000, the latter sum being the largest assurance now granted to any one member. Having briefly sketched the history of the Association from its establishment, it only remains to mention that the report for the triennium ended the 31st of December, 1894, reveals an entirely satisfactory state of things. After making exceptionally heavy reserves, the actuarial valuation shows a divisible cash surplus of £58,575, producing Revisionary bonuses amounting to over £116,000. During the last two years a sum of about £20,000 has been written off the property account, and this of course has come out of the gross profits for the valuation period. The Association has allotted over £500,000 in revisionary bonuses, and then held no less than £172,725 available as cash bonuses for the members on application. The Mutual Life Association, which prides itself on prompt compliance with all local legislation, has been duly registered in all the Australian colonies in accordance with their legal requirements. Copies of all annual and investigation reports are regularly forwarded to all members of the Association. The head office for the Colony is situate at the corner of Featherston and Brandon Streets, Wellington. The New Zealand directors are Messrs. A. H. Miles (chairman), J. R. Blair and Dr. W. E. Collins, of Wellington, and Messrs. P. Cunningham (Christchurch), R. Glendining (Dunedin), and A. G. Horton (Auckland). Secretary and Public Officer for New Zealand, Mr. Alfred Gilbert. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales and Bank of New Zealand. In this Colony, the Mutual Life has made rapid strides, and latterly its business has been consolidated under one head office in Wellington, and is represented in all the principal centres of the Colony in its own offices by district secretaries aided by the advice of a local director. It claims to be a thoroughly New Zealand institution, investing all its surplus funds in the Colony, and affording its members absolute security, as in addition to the Invested Fund, which considerably exceeds £1,000,000 sterling, there is a special deposit of £50,000 worth of approved securities held by the Public Trustee for the benefit of New Zealand members exclusively. The New Zealand directors are all men who have been successful in the conduct of their own affairs, and are therefore likely to administer the business of the Association for the benefit of its members.
Secretary and Public Officer of the Mutual Life Association of Australasia, has passed through all grades in the service of the Society. He was born in London in 1857. Educated at private schools at Brighton and Reading, and afterwards at the City of London school, he then entered a mercantile office in the metropolis. At the age of twenty-one, Mr. Gilbert came to Auckland per ship “Glenlora,” and for three years after he was engaged in the Island trade on his own account, and on behalf of well-known firms. In 1881 he entered the Norwich Union Fire office in Auckland as clerk, and after three years experience was transferred to the Mutual Life office as accountant. Mr. Gilbert speedily gained promotion. In May, 1886, he became district agent at Wellington, and in less than five years he was raised to the position of secretary in Christchurch for the South Island. In June, 1894, a change was made in the management of the New Zealand branch of the Association. Up to this time the business had been managed by a secretary for the North and for the South Islands; it was now decided that the business of the Society should be controlled from one head office in Wellington, and Mr. Gilbert was selected to fill the important post of Secretary and Public Officer for the Colony.
Accountant for the New Zealand branch of the Mutual Life Association of Australasia, was born at Port Macquarrie, New South Wales, in 1868. He was educated at the Fort Street school, Sydney, and on leaving, joined the head office of the Mutual Life Association of Australasia in January, 1884. In 1893 he was promoted to the position of accountant, and for nearly a year was stationed at the Society's Melbourne office. Returning to the head office, Mr. Morrison was on the staff in the actuaries' department till his appointment as accountant in the New Zealand branch in December, 1895.
District Manager of the Mutual Life Association of Australasia, was born in Wellington in 1862. He was educated partly at the Nelson College and partly at private schools in England, whither he was sent to complete his education. On returning to the Colony he entered the civil service as clerk in the Postmaster-General's office, which position he resigned to go into business on his own account. For some years he was a member of the firm of Allen and Hartmann, wine and spirit merchants, Grey Street, Wellington. Mr. Hartmann joined the Mutual Life office as district manager in the early part of 1895.
Chief Agent for the Mutual Life Association of Australasia, was born in London on the 15th of July, 1864. Educated at Cooper's Company school, he learned the business of a stamp printer in his native city. Coming to New Zealand in 1880, per ship “Lady Jocelyn,” Mr. Hayes joined the stamp department five years later, and held the position of assistant in the office till 1893, when he resigned office and joined the Mutual Life Association of Australasia as canvasser. In June, 1894, Mr. Hayes was promoted to the office of chief agent. He was married in 1881 to Miss Thompson, daughter of Mr. Robert Thompson, of Auckland, and has two sons and two daughters.
Head Office, National Mutual Buildings, corner of Collins and Queen Streets, Melbourne. Directors, Col. Templeton, F.I.A., (Chairman), Mr. Andrew Newell, (Vice-Chairman), the Hon. G. Downes Carter, M.L.A., the Hon. Edward Langton, the Hon. Robert Reid, M.L.C., and Mr. Edward Trenchard. Actuary, Mr. E. J. Stock, A.I.A. Secretary, Mr. T. S. Robertson, F.S.S. London Agents, The Commercial Bank of Australia, Leadenhall Street, E.C. Chief Offices: New South Wales, Pitt Street, Sydney; South Australia, Victoria Square, Adelaide; Queensland, 150 Queen Street, Brisbane; Tasmania, 24 Elizabeth Street, Hobart; Western Australia, St. George's Terrace, Perth; New Zealand, National Mutual Buildings, Customhouse Quay, Wellington. Directors for New Zealand, Messrs. Edward Pearce, J.P. (Chairman), John Duthie, M.H.R., and James Smith. Resident Secretary, Mr. S. G. Martin. The National
Resident Secretary of the National Mutual Life Association of Australasia, has been associated with the Society for many years. Born in Nottingham, England, he came out with his parents to Victoria as a boy in the year 1869. Mr. Martin was educated at the Scotch College in Melbourne, and leaving school, joined the head office of the National Mutual Life Association of Australasia as a junior clerk. He has devoted his life to the service of the Society, and has gradually advanced in position. For three years before coming to New Zealand, Mr. Martin occupied the office of accountant to the head office of the institution, and previous to that was accountant to the Queensland Branch. In 1888 he was appointed to the position of resident secretary of the New Zealand branch, which office he still holds.
Accountant to the National Mutual Life Association, was born in London, in 1856, and
District Manager for the National Mutual Life Association, was born in the south of Ireland in the year 1846. His father, the late Captain Lingard, fought under the Duke of Wellington at Waterloo. Then transferring to the 25th, he shortly afterwards sold out and settled down in Ireland, where he held the position of resident magistrate for many years. Mr. Lingard, who was being educated for the army, becoming very deaf, he was obliged to abandon the idea of a military life, and eventually came to New Zealand, landing in Auckland in 1863. Martial law having been just proclaimed, he, with many others, had to march to the front, where he took part in several skirmishes. Subsequently settling in Wanganui, he devoted himself to country pursuits, volunteering in 1865 and 1868 into the “Alexandra troop of lancers” and the “Kai Iwi” troop respectively. In those stirring times in that district he, with many other of the early settlers, saw a considerable amount of service. The fact that the New Zealand Cross was presented to him for saving a comrade's life while under heavy fire speaks for itself. After this he purchased a farm in the Wanganui district, next he invested his capital in a brewery venture, and finally he joined the National Mutual Life office, in which he now holds the above position. Mr. Lingard married the daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Soulby, of Wanganui, and has four daughters, his only son having died at an early age.
J.P., Inspector of Agents for the National Mutual Life Assurance Association, was born in Tasmania in 1836. Educated in his native colony, he assisted his father, who was a farmer, for some years after leaving school. Mr. Young subsequently studied for the ministry of the Church of Scotland. Having successfully passed his examinations, he declined ordination for conscientious reasons, and turned his attention to educational pursuits. Mr. Young taught for a short time in Tasmania and also in
Head Office, New York. Chief Office for the colonies, Sydney. Agents, the Bank of Australasia, Custom House Quay, Wellington. This Company is not at present competing for business in New Zealand, being represented here in order to collect premiums on existing policies and to pay claims as they arise.
with unlimited liability. Office, Featherston Street. Wellington Superintendent for Wellington district, and the South Island of New Zealand, Mr. Ralph Levoi. The head office of this Company being in Auckland, full particulars will appear in the Auckland volume of the cyclopedia.
the Superintendent, was born in London on the 15th of December, 1844. He came to New Zealand per ship “Chapman,” arriving in Wellington in March, 1863, having travelled as a companion to Mr. Arthur Joseph, a nephew of Mr. Jacob Joseph. For several years Mr. Levoi was in the employ of Messrs. J. Joseph and Co. Leaving Wellington early in 1870, he visited Canterbury, where he stayed about two years. The next seven years were spent on the West Coast, Mr. Levoi residing respectively in Hokitika, Greymouth, Westport, Wimea, Foxes, Charlestown, and at other settlements. About the end of 1879 he removed to Auckland, and early in the following year joined the staff of the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company, which had just been established. After four years successful work as canvasser for the Company, Mr. Levoi propounded a scheme for the further development of the Company's business: On the invitation of the directors he laid his plans before them and they were adopted, with satisfactory results, Mr. Levoi being appointed superintendent for the South Island and Wellington, which position he still retains. Mr. Levoi has taken part in local politics. He was a member of the Wellington City Council in 1894, and while in Christchurch was for two years a member of the Waimakariri River Board. He is a member of the Jewish faith, and has held office as committeeman, treasurer, and president of the Christchurch Hebrew Congregation, and is now a member of the executive body of the Wellington Synagogue. Mr. Levoi was married in 1885 to the second daughter of the late Mr. B, Levy, of Wellington, and a niece of the late Mr. L. Levy.
Head office, Edinburgh. Chief office for New Zealand, Dunedin. Wellington agency, 12 Featherston Street. Agent, Mr. Alexander Simpson. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Fuller notices of this and the two following companies will be given in the Otago volume.
Head office, Dunedin. Wellington agency, 1 Grey Street. Agent, Mr. L. H. B. Wilson. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This Company insures live stock against mortality. It also undertakes plate glass insurance.
Head office, Dunedin. Wellington agency, 12 Featherston Street. Agent, Mr. Alexander Simpson. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
Chairman, Mr. R. M. Simpson; Secretary, Mr. H. M. Lyon; Lambton Quay, Wellington. Founded in 1875, the Society is supported by the whole of the fire offices doing business in Wellington, and exists for the purpose of regulating the tariff.
Chairman, Mr. Andrew Campbell; Secretary, Mr. H. M. Lyon; Marine Surveyor, Captain William Bendall, Lambton Quay, Wellington. This Association was established in 1875. Most of the marine companies are members of the Society, which deals with matters affecting the tariff, but one of the principal objects is the employment of a marine surveyor, who certifies to damaged goods and inspects shipments with a view of preventing casualties.
Wherever civilization spreads its protecting wings a great deal of work is relegated to Societies of individuals having something like common interests. Some have philanthropic objects, others have more or less personal ends to gain. Of the Societies actuated by purely philanthropic and patriotic motives, mention is made under the heading “Social;” and this division has been created for the purpose of grouping together the semi-public bodies which exist mainly for the protection or advancement of the interests of the members composing them, or of the sections of society to which the members mainly belong. It is possible that some of these numerous Societies which should be included under this heading, have been overlooked, partly from the fact that some have been very recently inaugurated, and partly because others have not come under the notice of the compilers. The greatest care has, however, been taken to make this section as complete as possible, and the earliest opportunity will be seized of making good any omission which may have been made.
was established in 1894, and has about one hundred members in various parts of the Colony. Arrangements have been made to hold annual examinations for the admission of qualified persons to membership—the first to be held in May and June, 1896. The Institute is managed by a council of nineteen members, of whom four are returned from each of the cities, Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Wellington, and three from Napier. The officers are elected by the council—the present (1896) occupants of office being:—William Brown (Dunedin), president; W. R. Cook (Wellington), vice-president; C. P. Powles (Wellington), treasurer; and H. Kember (Wellington), auditor. The secretary of the Institute is Mr. C. D. Morpeth, whose office is at 42 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Messrs. Brandon and Hislop are the solicitors, and the Union Bank of Australia, Limited, are bankers to the Institute.
This association was formed in the year 1891 at the suggestion of Mr. P. A. Phillips, the veteran Town Clerk of Auckland. Its objects are to protect municipal interests, and to suggest and watch legislation affecting municipalities. Boroughs are now affiliated to the Association. Conferences of delegates appointed by the affiliated councils meet from time to time to discuss matters of municipal concern, particularly with a view to amendments in legislation. The chief work of the Association has been to prepare a bill consolidating and amending the various Municipal Corporation Acts. The permanent offices of the Association are in Featherston Street, Wellington. The Mayor of Wellington is ex officio president, and the Association's affairs are further managed by an Executive Committee. Mr. T. F. Martin, the city solicitor of Wellington, is counsel and secretary to the Association. Mr. Martin takes a very great interest in the affairs of the Association. His legal opinions given in answer to questions asked by those who constitute the society, are exceedingly valuable, and are printed from time to time for the benefit of the affiliated boroughs. The formation of this Association was most certainly a step in the right direction, and those boroughs who have joined reap many advantages.
This Institute was founded in November, 1894, at Auckland. The Institute came into existence through a feeling of dissatisfaction amongst the officers, causing them to take steps to organise for their own protection and the welfare of the service. A preliminary meeting was called in Auckland in November, 1894, and it was unanimously resolved that an Institute be formed. That meeting appointed a provisional executive, and drew up a provisional constitution. After some trouble the sympathy and practical assistance of nearly all the railway officers in New Zealand was secured. After the Minister for Railways had received a deputation from the Institute in Auckland in February, 1895, the promoters found less difficulty in organising, and branches were rapidly formed in every section of the New Zealand Government Railways. Then permission was obtained to hold a Conference in Wellington to draw up a constitution and discuss matters affecting the service. Thirteen delegates attended, representing all sections of the railway service in New Zealand. Mr. A. J. Loring was appointed chairman of the conference, and Mr. A. Duncan vice-chairman. When the constitution was completed, on November 27th, 1895, the first Executive Council was formed and began its sittings. The following gentlemen comprised the Executive:—Messrs. A. J. Loring, president; A. Duncan, vice-president; R. W. McVilly, secretary and treasurer; A. H. Mellor, J. Macdonald, C. A. Marcus, R. J. Aekins, Irwin
was formed in September, 1890, at the time of the great mercantile marine strike, its first members numbering about thirty. This Association does not in any way take up an aggressive position against either kindred organizations or employers, but was established as an independent body pledged to support all the interests of the mercantile marine officers. A benevolent fund has been established for the purpose of assisting members who may through sickness or accident be placed in need of pecuniary assistance. Although the Association was founded by persons holding masters' certificates, any grade of mercantile marine officers are admissible as honorary members, and are entitled to the
Wharf Manager for the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand, Limited, is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and served his time with the Albion Shipping Company, after which he passed through the various grades in the service of that company. In October, 1878, he was appointed to the command of their new sailing ship, the “Lyttelton,” remaining with that firm until December, 1884, when he joined the Union Steamship Company as captain of the new s.s. “Taupo, ” which he brought out to New Zealand. Shortly after his arrival in Dunedin in March, 1885, the company appointed him wharf manager, and two years later transferred him to Wellington to act in the same capacity. This position he has filled to the present time, and enjoys the confidence of his employers, and of those with whom his business brings him in contact. Captain Strang took an active part in the forming of the Shipmasters' Association of New Zealand, and has been secretary and treasurer of that association since its inauguration in September, 1890. He has also been a member of the committee of the “Sailor's Rest” since its formation four years ago, and for the past six years has been a director of the Caledonian Society.
This Association was founded on the 15th of August, 1892. It is established for the general advancement of the architectural profession, and the promotion of friendly intercourse between its members. The entrance fee is one guinea, and the annual subscription one guinea. Gentlemen showing satisfactory evidence of their profession may become members, but no person is admitted who is interested in building or contracting as a trade. The annual meeting is in November, and the officers and Council are elected annually. The officers for 1895 were as follows:—President, Mr. Chas. Tringham; vice-President, Mr. T. S. Lambert; Secretary, Mr. William Turnbull; Treasurer, Mr. W. Crichton; Council, Messrs W. C. Chalfield, T. Turnbull, and E. J. Armstrong.
Secretary to the Wellington Association of Architects, was born in San Francisco in 1868. When four years of age, he came to Auckland with his parents, in the ship “Nebraska” From Auckland the Turnbulls went to Dunedin, but did not remain there long. Wellington ultimately became their home; and here the subject of this sketch received the whole of his education. Upon leaving school, he was articled to his father, Mr. Thomas Turnbull, architect. When his articles were completed, Mr. William became associated with his father, and has continued with him since. At the early age of eighteen, Mr. William Turnbull showed a special aptitude for the profession he has adopted. In 1886 he gained first prize for his design for a grandstand at Nelson, there being eighteen competitors. He was similarly successful in a Greymouth grandstand competition, and has since then taken second prizes for designs for the Wellington Old Men's Home, and, with his father, for the Free Public Library, besides having his designs accepted for numerous public buildings. Mr. Turnbull was at one time prominent in football circles as a leading player in the Poneke and Athletic Football Clubs. He has also appeared in junior cricket. Latterly he has gained distinction as a tenor singer, his first appearance being at the Fine Art Gallery, with Miss Gwen Davies, Messrs. J. M. Barnett and Alfred Hill. He was appointed Secretary of the Architects' Association in 1895.
is one of the oldest in the Colony. It was originally established in 1856, when Mr. James Kelham became the first president, which position he held for two years. The succeeding presidents down to the year 1868 were:—Hon. J. Johnston, and Messrs. G. Hunter, W. M. Bannatyne, W. W. Taylor, C. J. Pharazyn, E. Pearce, and N. Levin. From this date till 1875 the Chamber relapsed into a moribund condition. Under the presidency of Mr. W. H. Levin the Chamber was re-instituted in the latter year, and since that time has been an active institution. The following gentlemen have since become presidents in their turn:—Messrs. J. Dransfield, F. A. Krull, T. Buchanan, J. Woodward, J. E. Nathan, J. R. George, J. B. Harcourt, A. J. McTavish, T. K. MacDonald, W. T. L. Travers, J. Duthie, J. H. Cook, E. W. Mills, J. Duncan, T. J. W. Gale, D. T. Stuart, and J. McLellan. In 1884 the Chamber of Commerce was incorporated under Act of General Assembly. A large room on the ground floor in Lambton Quay has been fitted up for use as a place for meeting as well as a reading and writing room for members. It is well supplied with works of reference, directories, and New Zealand and other newspapers. The total membership of the Chamber at the time of writing (1895) is ninety-five. The Wellington Chamber of Commerce is a non-political body which has often proved itself useful to the community by the influence which it
was founded in 1890. The outcome of the memorable strike of that year, it exists to protect the interests of employers of labour, by the establishment of a recognised body having authority to deal with the representatives of labour in all matters affecting their common interests. An executive committee of twenty-five controls the operations of the Society, of which Mr. Henry Wright is secretary.
was established in the spring of 1895, and was incorporated under the “Industrial Societies Act, 1883,” on the 4th of November. The Society was founded to aid, foster, and encourage the industries and productions of New Zealand by the collection of information of a useful nature to manufacturers, miners and producers, and in many other ways. The Association intends to hold a New Zealand Industrial Exhibition from the 28th of October to the end of the year 1896, probably including January, 1897. For this purpose the Government has agreed to subsidise the enterprise to the extent of £500. The Exhibition is to be run on the successful lines adopted in Christchurch recently, and there can be no doubt that the venture will be a great success. The formation of the Association has been taken up with great spirit by a large number of the leading firms and influential men of the City and district. His Excellency the Governor is the Patron of the Society, Mr. Samuel Brown, president; the Hon. Sir Robert Stout, K.C.M.G., M.H.R., and Messrs. W. H. Millward, F. Pirani, M.H.R., and J. Stevens, M.H.R., vice-presidents; Mr. A. S. Biss, hon. treasurer; Mr. R. Wilberfoss, hon. auditor, Messrs. E. Arnold, T. Ballinger, A. S. Biss, F. C. Crease, H. Flockton, H. Gaby, H. Hurrell, P. Hutson, Martin Kennedy, A. I. Littlejohn, J. P. Luke, J. B. Mack, W. H. Millward, J. A. Plimmer, N. Reid, A.
(Wellington Branch). This Society is one of the most powerful trade societies in the world. Its headquarters are in Manchester, England, and branches have been established in almost every country. The membership in 1895 was 44,900. The Australasian headquarters are in Sydney. The officers of the Wellington branch are:—Messrs. J. Hatchard (president), F. W. Scott (secretary, Wallace Street.) The members number eighty-four, and meetings are held fortnightly, The entrance fees range from 7s. 6d. under 25 years, to 15s. at 40 years. The entrance to the trade section—that is, those over 40—is 5s. The subscriptions are 1s. per week, and 9d. per quarter for contingencies. Anyone who has served an apprenticeship to the carpentering trade, and who is passed by the doctor may become a member. The Society's benefits are numerous and liberal. Members when unemployed get 10s. a week for the first twenty-six weeks, and 6s. per week after that time till employed again. When sick, members get 12s. per week for twenty-six weeks, and 6s. thereafter as long as they are ill. In case of an accident they get £50 if partially disabled, and £100 if totally disabled. The allowance during a strike is 15s. weekly. If a member loses his tools, he may get them replaced up to the value of £20, and will be allowed £1 in addition for a tool chest. The superannuation benefit allows a member 7s. a week for life after eighteen years' membership, and 8s. a week for life after twenty-five years' membership if the receiver is capable of earning only half-pay. At death a member's heir or survivors may get £12. When a member's wife dies before him, he is allowed £5 for her funeral expenses. Members in financial distress may get grants from the contingent fund when required. The Wellington Branch has also a medical club, whereby doctor's attendance and medicines for a member and his family is secured by payment of £1 per annum, in addition to the ordinary subscriptions. A feature of the Society is the equalisation of the funds held by the branches every two years, and that the Society as a whole with its united financial resources, stands responsible to its branches.
President of the Wellington Branch of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners, was born in Huntingdonshire in 1848. He served his time in London with Messrs. Baker Bros., and worked as a journeyman for various firms till 1877. In that year he came to New Zealand in the ship “Opawa” Landing in Lyttelton, Mr. Hatchard started work in Christchurch, where he followed his trade for a number of years. He has since worked in various places in the Colony, and settled in Wellington in 1885. He is employed in the Public Works Department as a joiner. Mr. Hatchard joined the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners in 1872, at Lambeth, England. During his twenty-four years' membership he has held office many times. When the Colonial Executive of the Society was in Christchurch he was its president. He is respected as an experienced and valuable officer of the Wellington Branch.
Secretary of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners, was born in Blenheim in 1865, and was educated at Nelson and Wanganui. Leaving school at about fifteen years of age, he was engaged for some three years as clerk in his father's timber yard at Wanganui. He afterwards learnt the carpentering trade with Messrs. Murdoch and Rose, Wellington, with whom he worked for six years. He has since worked for various employers. Mr. Scott is an Oddfellow, and was at one time a prominent member of the D Battery, which he represented in different rifle association meetings in the Colony, winning numerous prizes for marksmanship. In 1891 Mr. Scott was married to Miss Sinclair, the granddaughter of one of the first Wellington settlers. He has held the position of branch secretary since 1892.
(Wellington Branch). Any permanent employee on the Government or Manawatu Railways may be a member of this branch of the Society.
Secretary of the Railway Servants' Society (Wellington Branch), was born in Wadebridge, Cornwall, in 1871, his father being engaged in the Inland Revenue Service. The subject of this sketch was educated at Hereford, at Truro College, and at Launceston. Leaving college at seventeen, he joined his uncle in business as a portable manure manufacturer, remaining two years. After studying for another year, with the object of entering the Inland Revenue Service, he came to New Zealand. Landing in Wellington on December 28, 1891, Mr. Lucy went on to Napier, and was employed on a fruit farm. In September, 1892, he was appointed storeman at Waipukuran Railway Station. Just a year afterwards, he was transferred to Wellington, as clerk to the Foreman of Works, the duties of clerk to the Inspector of Permanent Ways being subsequently added. In cycling circles, Mr. Lucy has been very prominent. He holds the Wellington Cycling Club's 20 mile championships for 1894 and 1895, and gained the gold medal attached each year. He also won the Quinton Cycle Cup, for winning this event twice in succession. Mr. Lucy rides an Imperial Rover, and has won over 30 prizes, including 13 firsts, in cycle races in Wellington.
is composed of seagoing engineers. It is a Society of considerable strength and influence, and includes the officers in charge of the engine-rooms of the numerous steamships which trade to and around the Colony. The majority of its members are men of good education and of advanced thought. The head office of the Institute for New Zealand is at No. 10 Queen's Chambers, Wellington, and there are branches at Dunedin and Auckland, whilst the head office for Australia is in Sydney, with branches at Melbourne, Adelaide, and Brisbane, The business of the Society is conducted in private. The officers are:—Mr. A. Kelly (president), Messrs. W. Signal, L. Martin, and J. Moyes (vice-presidents), and Mr. A. R. Hislop (secretary). The whole of the seagoing engineers on the New Zealand and intercolonial trade are members of this fine institution, which is affiliated and in regular communication with the Amalgamated Society of Engineers (which is also a powerful body), and the Institute of Marine Engineers and the Marine Engineers Union, both of Great Britain. The Australasian Institute of Marine Engineers is not a benefit society in the common acceptation of the term, although engineers find it to their advantage to become members for purposes of defence and mutual support, and hence the membership is constantly increasing.
This Union was organised by Mr. Harry Warner, in February, 1896. Any working man engaged as a labourer in connection with the building trade may become a member, the entrance fee being 2s. 6d. and the subscription 3d. a week. Thirty members have been already enrolled. The officers are:—Messrs. J. Hamilton President) and H. Henderson (Secretary.)
organiser of the Building Trades Labourers' Union and the Wellington Operative Carpenters' Union, was born in 1853, at Henley-on-Thames, where his father was a builder. The subject of this sketch was educated under the old National School system, and was a pupil teacher for three years in the Henley-on-Thames National Schools. Leaving school at about 15, because he disliked teaching, he learnt the carpentering trade with his father. In 1870, he went to London, and immediately became a Unionist, joining the Lisson Grove branch of the General Union of Carpenters, in 1871. Nine years later, he joined the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners. While in London, he was for four years a district delegate and representative on the London United Trades Committee. Prior to the election of a General Secretary for the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners, Mr. Warner was deputed to visit Birmingham, Manchester and Liverpool, in the interests of the London candidate. As Secretary to the North Paddington Liberal Association, Political Secretary of the John Bright's Working Men's Club, General Secretary of the Excelsior Radical Club, and Representative of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners to the London Technical Instruction Committee, he has had a large experience. Mr. Warner came to New Zealand in 1885, and immediately became prominent in labour circles by espousing the cause of the compositors in the Otago Daily Times strike shortly after his arrival. He filled the office of Dunedin Secretary for the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners. The Dunedin Building Trades' Union, which numbered at one time over 800 members, was organised by Mr. Warner, who was its Secretary. Owing to the great maritime strike, he was compelled to leave Dunedin and come to Wellington, where he has resided since 1892. He represents the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners on the Eight Hours' Federated Union, and still takes an
(Wellington Branch). Officers, Messrs. A. H. Hindmarsh (President), S. Telfer (vice-President), W. Whiteford (Treasurer), and W. Jones (Secretary). These constitute the Executive of the Branch, and Messrs. B. Bern, S. Scott, and J, Ashdown are the Committee of Management to act with the Executive. The Federated Seamen's Union was founded in 1880, the Wellington Branch being established five years later. The Union has about 800 members in the South Island; the Wellington Branch has a roll of 240, and the numbers are steadily increasing. The Union has now begun to recover from the effects of the strike of 1890. The debts then incurred have been paid, and a balance on the credit side is now reported. It has been registered under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act of 1894. The Executive and Committee of the Branch are charged with the duty of watching the interests of seamen, and now that the Act of 1894 is in operation it is expected that difficulties will be amicably settled as they arise.
Secretary of the Wellington Branch of the Federated Seamen's Union, was born in Liverpool, in 1866. He was educated at Queen's College, in his native place, and after a short time in a solicitor's office, he went to sea. Soon after completing his apprenticeship, Mr. Jones passed his examination as second mate, and subsequently gained a first officer's certificate. He has had many experiences afloat and ashore, having been shipwrecked three times; and burnt out twice—once at sea and once on shore. Mr. Jones has made voyages in the ship “Melrose Castle,” the barques “St. Cuthbert,” “Jessie Reedman,” “Lutterworth,” “Rebecca,” “Alexander Newton,” and “Tibernia,” and the barquentines “May Newton” and “St. Kilda.” For some time he was quartermaster on the s.s. Rotomahana; on August 29th, 1890, with many others, he went on strike from the s.s. Takapuna. On January 1st, 1891, he shipped on board the s.s. “Mawhera,” remaining two years. He subsequently found casual employment on the Queen's Wharf, till May, 1895, when he was appointed to his present office. Mr. Jones is also Secretary of the Wellington Branch of the New Zealand Workers' Union.
(Wellington Local Assembly, No. 2192). This Assembly was organised in February, 1890. The meetings are held every alternate Wednesday, in the Rechabite Hall, Manners Street. The M.W. is Miss Lee, Lambton Quay, and the Recording Secretary Mr W. Hildreth, Lorne Street, Wellington.
registered under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act to 1894. Executive officers: Messrs. W. Naughton (president), W Fountain (treasurer), and F. Chinchen (secretary); Messrs. V. O'Brien, J. H. Lankshear and T. Stace (committee). Established in August, 1889, this Society is colonial in extent and has a membership of thirty-three. Its objects are to foster and encourage, and afford assistance to its members in case of need under certain conditions.
Secretary of the New Zealand Bookbinders and Paper-rulers Trades' Society, hails from London, where he was born in 1853. He accompanied his parents to Australia, when very young, and was educated in Sydney and Brisbane. Mr. Chinchen served his apprenticeship in Sydney, and arrived in the Empire City in 1870. After finding employment in the
Officers, Messrs. C. King (President), T. Cooper (Secretary), and W. Fitchett (Treasurer). This Society was formed in 1890. Its objects are to defend its members in matters affecting their trade, but the social element has been most prominent, several friendly meetings of employers and employed having been held under its auspices.
has been Secretary of the Society since 1892. He came to Wellington in 1885, and has ever since been in the employ of Messrs. Rouse and Hurrell.
(Wellington Branch. Officers, Messrs T. Long (President), J. Johnson (vice-President), R. Patton (Treasurer), W. Jones (Secretary), A. Munroe, C. Oberg, J. Kench, J. T. Meek, J. Goodall, and W. O. McFadden (Committee). The headquarters of the New Zealand Workers' Union are at Waimate (Canterbury). Its objects are to endeavour to settle disputes and differences between employers and employees, and to guard the interests of the workers generally. The Wellington Branch was founded in October, 1895, and already has a membership of 144. An Annual Conference is held, at which the delegates from all parts of the Colony take part. The proceedings of the 1895 Assembly are published in a neat little pamphlet of thirty-three pages.
was established in 1887. The members of the executive for 1896 are Messrs. H. C. Jones (president), W. Miles (vice-president), R. E. Vaney (secretary), and C. S. Smith (treasurer). The delegates are:—Messrs. W. Miles, W. Hutchinson, W. E. Shelton, W. Worth, Murphy and Heron, (Bootmakers' Union); H. C. Jones, R. E. Vaney, W. P. McGirr, A. Grigg, G. Purdy and T. MeIntyre, (Typographical Union); A. Ward, F. Rogers, C. Lamb, F. Costello and G. Swanson, (Tailors' Union); A. Collins, G. Harris and Mowbray, (Bakers' Union); W. Naughton, A. Osborne and Hall, (Bookbinders' and Paper-Rulers' Society); T. Jaffray, E. Seager and P. Brown, (Boilermakers' Union; C. S. Smith and Skinner, (Tailoresses' Union); The objects of the Council as set forth in the rules are, to act as a board of conciliation and arbitration for settling and disputes between unions represented on the association, and for settling any dispute between employers and employed which may be submitted to it for consideration. To endeavour by a discrect and steadfast policy to secure the best possible advantages for all classes of labour over which the Association is designed to watch. To discuss, decide, and to put into force any scheme that may be brought forward for the better guidance and encouragement of Trades' Unionism. To use its influence in support of or in opposition to any bills effecting labour which may be brought before the Parliament of New Zealand. The number of unions affiliated to the Council is seven:—The Wellington Typographical Society, the Operative Bootmakers' Society, The Operative Tailors' Society, the Operative Bakers' Union, the Boilermakers' Union, New Zealand Bookbinders and Paper-rulers' Society and the Tailoresses' Union.
President of the Trades' Union Council, was born at St. Pancras, London, in 1861. He came to the Colony with his parents when but five years of age,
landing in Auckland, where he was educated. After serving his apprenticeship at the offices of the Southern Cross and New Zealand Herald, he entered the Government Printing Office, Wellington, as compositor in 1879, and is still employed there. For about sixteen years past Mr. Jones has taken a keen interest in trade organisations. He commenced his career as a member of the Board of the Typographical Society of Wellington. He has also filled various positions such as chairman and also secretary of the late Press Library, vice-president of the Typographical Society, secretary of the Trades' Union Council for three years, and secretary of the Trade and Labour Council conferences—at Wellington (1893), Auckland (1894), Christchurch (1895). Mr. Jones now holds the offices of president of the Trades' Council, and of the Typographical Society, secretary of the Ballance Memorial Committee, acting-secretary to the Worker's Political League, and as a member of the Wellington District Conciliation Board under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act. 1894.
Vice-President of the Wellington Trades Council, was born at Southbrook, Canterbury, in 1865. He served his apprenticeship as a bootmaker to Mr. W. Bridget, Rangiora. After completing his term in 1883, he was for some time in the country districts where he gained general experience. In February, 1889, Mr. Miles settled in Wellington and obtained employment as a finisher in the factory of Messrs. R. Hannah and Co., where he still remains. Immediately on his arrival in the Capital he joined the Bootmakers' Society, and within two months he was appointed one of the committee. Mr. Miles has been twice elected president of the Society, and was appointed minute secretary before taking up his duties as secretary in 1892. He has retained the position he now holds continuously since his appointment. Four times in succession Mr. Miles has represented the Union at conferences with employers at Christchurch. On the Bootmakers' Union affiliating with the Trades Council he was elected a delegate, and shortly afterwards became vice-president of the Council. Mr. Miles has a seat on the committee of the Eight Hours Demonstration in the interests of his Union. He takes an
Treasurer of the Trades' Union Council, hails from London, where he was born on the 8th of June, 1871. He accompanied his parents to the Colony when in his third year, the family arriving by the ship “Araby Maid,” at Lyttelton. Mr. Smith served his time with Messrs. Hobbs and Co., of Cathedral Square, Christchurch. He remained several years with the same firm as a journeyman after completing his term, and removed to Wellington in 1892. Since settling in the capital, Mr. Smith has found steady employment at the Tailoring Department of the D.I.C. He at once joined the Wellington Tailors' Union, and was soon after appointed a delegate to the Trades' Union Council. In April, 1895, he was elected Treasurer of the Council.
Secretary of the Trades' Council, was born in Auckland in 1865. He was educated at the Patea High School, and served his apprenticeship partly at the Patea Mail office, and partly at the office of the Wanganui Chronicle. Coming to Wellington in 1887, Mr. Vaney secured employment at the printing establishment of the New Zealand Times, and has had steady work up to the time of writing. For the past seven years Mr. Vaney has been a prominent member of the Wellington Typographical Union, and has acted as a member of the Board of Management for three years, and for a like period filled the office of vice-president of the same Association. After acting as a delegate of the Typographical Union on the Trades' Council, Mr. Vaney was elected in June, 1895, to the important office of secretary. He is also a delegate from his society on the Eight Hours Union.
Ex-President of the Trades' Union Council, was born at Littleport, Isle of Ely, Cambridgeshire, in 1871.
This society which is registered under the Act, was formed in 1884. The officers are:—Messrs. T. H. Quinn, president: R. Dalton, vice-president; T. Jaffray, secretary, Hankey Street; T. Thompson, treasurer; F. Norris, guardian, E. I. I. Le Roy, Jas. Williamson and John Eraser, trustees. All boiler-makers and iron ship-builders may become members. The entrance fee is £1 and the subscription 6d. a week. Members when out of work are not expected to pay subscription. The society which is affiliated to the Trades' Council has thirty members, and meets fortnightly. The standard wages for members is fixed at ten shillings a day, and members are not allowed to work with non-unionists. Mr. T. Jaffray, the secretary, was born in Aberdeen in 1852, and came to New Zealand in 1875. He resided for a time in Dunedin, but for over thirteen years has lived in Wellington.
Officers (1896): Messrs. D. P. Fisher (Patron), A. Orr (President), W. Standen and W. Wilson (vice-Presidents), R. Galvin) (Treasurer), W. H. Tobin (Secretary), W. Queeree, E. Johnson, W. Chatfield, G. H. Brown, E. Martin, N. Nelson, S. Jones, and G. Barnes (Committee). Although the youngest Trades' Union, this Society has been instrumental in doing a great deal of good. It was started on the 7th of March, 1895, in consequence of certain abuses on the wharf. Its objects, as disclosed by the rules, are to correct abuses, to initiate reforms, to assist in enforcing the by-laws of local bodies in vehicular traffic, to provide accident and legal expense funds, to support schemes calculated to benefit members morally, socially, politically, and intellectually, and to assist members in difficulties. General meetings of the Union are held quarterly, and the annual meeting takes place in March. When Mr. H. Beauchamp was first elected to a seat on the Harbour Board, the Union supported his candidature, and ninety expresses bore placards soliciting votes for that gentleman on polling day. The Union, which is registered under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act of 1894, was the first to bring an action for arrears and entrance fee in which judgment was obtained.
President of the Wellington Carriers' Union, was born at Geelong, Victoria, in 1853. He came to New Zealand with his parents when but ten years of age. His father was one of the first to settle at Miller's Flat, Otago, where for many years Mr. Orr was engaged in farming, gold digging, and other pursuits. On leaving, in 1883, he was the recepient of a ten guinea English lever watch, suitably inscribed, with a silver chain and pendant; and one hundred and fifty persons assembled at the farewell spread to do him honour, especially with reference to the great interest he had taken in charitable institutions. Mr. Orr was for seven years in Christchurch, during four of which term he was storeman to Messrs. Hopkins and Co., of Ferry Road; and afterwards he was in business as a tea dealer, in High Street, for about two years. He has long taken an interest in Trades' Unionism and in Friendly Societies, filling the office of vice-President of the Woolston-Lyttelton Amalgamated Friendly Societies' Fête, and holding office in the Druids' and Oddfellows' Societies. Since coming to Wellington in 1890, Mr. Orr has been for four years storeman to Mr. Flcokton, but lately has devoted himself to the occupation of an expressman. He has been a prominent member of the Excelsior Lodge of Druids in which he passed through all the chairs. Mr. Orr is a man who has the courage of his opinions, and is ever ready to espouse the cause of anyone who is wronged or oppressed. He has often been successful in bringing pressure to bear on those in authority in the interests of the suppression of abuses. Mr. Orr is the indefatigable Secretary of the Anti-Chinese League, which is supported by the whole of the Trades Unions of Wellington.
The founder of the eight hours system” was Samuel Duncan Parnell, carpenter and joiner, who was born in London on the 19th of February, 1810, and died in Wellington, New Zealand, on the 17th of December, 1890. Securing an allotment of land from the New Zealand Company, he came to Wellington in 1840, and settled on the
the founder of the Eight Hours Federated Union, was born in Dublin in 1850, his parents being Scotch. His father was Government Printer in Dublin and afterwards became one of the founders of the Melbourne Age. The subject of this sketch came to Melbourne with his parents about 1859, and served his apprenticeship in the Herald office. Subsequently he was in the Melbourne Punch office, but left to join his brother, Mr. George Fisher, since Mayor of Wellington. For a time he worked at the Times' office, afterwards becoming a compositor at the Government Printing office, where he is still employed. A a leader and organiser of men, Mr. Fisher has a wonderful record. His life has been one of constant untiring effort for his fellow workers. His name is respected throughout the Australasian colonies as “a leader of the people.” He is said to have founded more trade organisations than any man in New Zealand, and to have been identified with more movements for the benefitting of the workers than anyone in the Southern Hemisphere, and to have originated, and by personal effort secured the passing into law by the New Zealand Legislature of, the most liberal labour measures ever made law in any country in the world. He became a Unionist in 1886 in Melbourne, and on his arrival in New Zealand he was immediately chosen to represent his office. In Auckland he first became conspicuous as an organiser. The Typographical Society had only eight members on his advent, and these worked for “what they could get.” When he left three years later it had over 100 members, and had secured many of the rights it now enjoys. His services were recognised in the shape of an illuminated address and purse of sovereigns. Returning to Wellington he organised the various trade bodies under one head, making all differences common cause, the Trades and Labour Council being the result, with Mr. Fisher as its first president. One of the first acts of the Trades' Council was to create and sustain an agitation for the setting up of a Royal Commission to inquire into alleged sweating
J.P., ex-President of the Eight Hours Demonstration Committee of Wellington, has been a prominent labour leader for many years. He was born in Egham, Surrey, England, in 1850; at fifteen he was apprenticed as a baker in London and completed his time in 1870. Two years later he was engaged as cook on the ship “Halcione,” and made two trips to New Zealand with emigrants. On the second occasion the passengers to the number of 350 were quarantined at Soames Island for a period of six weeks, and upon Mr. Collins devolved the duty of cooking the food for this large number of persons. Finding the appliances then provided at the Island wholly inadequate for the purpose, he had recourse to an expedient known as a “crow's nest”—an arrangement of trenches dug in the ground and connecting with a central pit over which a rough chimney is constructed. By this means the flames and heat from fires built at the outer ends of the trenches are conducted along the trenches, on which the cooking vessels are placed, to the central chimnney. It was in this rude contrivance that Mr. Collins carried on his duties in the open air for the whole period with eminently satisfactory results, so much so that Dr. Johnson, the Government Health Officer who was in charge at that time, presented him with a testimonial complimenting him on his ingenuity. Determining for the future to make the Colony his home, Mr. Collins found employment with Mr. S. Scott, of Wellington, for six months, and afterwards with Mr. W. Freeman, with whom he has since continued, a period covering twenty-three years. Mr. Collins' connection with trades' unionism dates from the time of his apprenticeship in London, at which time, what is now known as the “old” trades' unionism, held full sway. This he describes as differing from the “new” unionism in that the union was then more of a social club and benefit society. To Mr. Collins is due the credit of having formed the existing Bakers' Union, one of the most complete of its kind in the colonies, embracing as it does every journeyman baker within the provincial district. Four times previously were the bakers formed into a union, only to fall away again, and it was not till the year 1888 that the present successful Union was established. On each occasion Mr. Collins took a foremost part in the work, nothing daunted by previous failures, and it was with unalloyed satisfaction that he finally saw his efforts, and those of Mr. McEwen, of the firm of Messrs. McEwen and Churchill, who assisted him on the last occasion, crowned with success. Since then Mr. Collins has been continually closely identified with its management, and now holds office as its president for the fifth year, during which time he has been very successful in settling in an amicable manner disputes which have arisen with employers. In 1888 Mr. Collins assisted in forming the Wellington Trades' Council, and has held a seat on it ever since as a delegate of the Bakers' Union. Since its inception the Council has been engaged in four large strikes—the maritime strike, the Petone Woollen Mill strike and two tramway strikes—in all of which Mr. Collins has rendered valuable aid to the labour cause. Outside of labour matters he has been assiduous in his attendance at meetings of the Council and has held at different times the offices of vice-president, treasurer and trustee, besides representing the Council at three interprovincial conferences. Mr. Collins is also a vice-president of the Anti-Chinese League, and has held office as president of the Eight Hours Demonstration Committee for a period of three years. As a director of the New Zealand Times Company in the interest of labour he has carefully guarded the welfare of the employees, and the good feeling existing between them and those entrusted with the management of the paper is largely the result of his influence. In 1874 Mr. Collins was married to Miss Catherine Lilias Hutchison, of Wellington, and they have a family of eight children. In 1893 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace by the Ballance Government.
This Union was formed in 1890, with a membership of 40, which has since increased to 70. Anyone connected with the trade may become a member. The objects of the Union are the protection and advancement of members' interests. The subscription is Is. per month, the entrance fee being 2s. 6d. The Union was affiliated to the Trades and Labour Council, but retired in 1891. Members of the Union are not permitted to wort with non-Unionists. The officers are:—Messrs T. Hollis (President), W. A. Tidman, Hall Street (Secretary), and J. Durant (Treasurer). The Union has been in rather a disorganised state for some considerable time past, through want of interest amongst its members.
This Union was founded in 1890. Its objects are to get shorter hours and better pay for its members, and their social elevation as a body in society. All who have served four years at the baking trade may become members, upon paying an entrance fee of from £1 to £5 (according to assessment). The subscription is 6d. weekly. The Union fixes the hours of labour its members may work, and the wages they must receive. No member is allowed to work with a non-member, or in a bake-house where the Union's rules are not observed. The Union, which has 55 members, is registered under the Act. Officers (1896) are:—Mr. Andrew Collins (President), Mr. G. T. Harris (vice-President), Mr. W. E. Gyde (Secretary), Mr. W. Freeman (Treasurer), Messrs. R. Shaw, H. J. Hicks, and T. H. Hogg (Trustees), Messrs. J. Allen, H. Adams, J. S. Blair, J. Bingham, C. H. Beynon, and J. H. Cope, (Committee). The Committee meets weekly, and the Union fortnightly.
Officers (1896), Messrs. W. Shelton (President), R. Fountain (vice-president), P. T. Murphy (Treasurer), W. Miles (Secretary), C. O'Brien, W. Plowman, C. Bowen, F. Toomer, J. Burrell, F. Biddle, S. Stinson, and T. Barton (Committee). This Society was established on the 21st of December, 1885, Its objects, as disclosed by the rules, are to discuss and put into force any scheme of industrial co-operation, as deemed advisable by the Society; to use its influence for or against any Labour Bills brought before the Parliament of New Zealand; and to use all legitimate means for the moral and social advancement of its members. The Union, which now has one hundred and fifty members, was registered and incorporated as an Industrial Union under the “Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act of 1894,” under the style of the Operative Bootmakers' Society Industrial Union of Workmen, on the 24th of April, 1895, and has affiliated to the Trades' Union Council.
Secretary to the Wellington Operative Bootmakers' Society, is referred to in this section as vicepresident of the Trades' Union Council.
This Union was resuscitated and re-organised in February, 1896, and has thirty members. The objects of the Union are the protection of its members and the advancement of their own and the interests of the trade. Any working carpenter may become a member on payment of the entrance fee of 2s. 6d., and the weekly subscription of 3d. The following are the officers:—Messrs. J. Williams (president), and F. Martin (secretary). The Union was reorganised by Mr. Harry Warner for the purpose of federating the building trades.
Officers, 1896:—Messrs. T. Brooker (president), R. Haggarty (vice-president), A. Castle (treasurer), T. Brooker (acting-secretary), F. Howe and J. Broderick (trustees), J. Perrin, C. Pearce, and H. Jones, (committee), J. Perrin and W. Hook (auditors). This Society was formed on the 20th of June, 1890, and was registered and incorporated under the “Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act of 1894,” on the 13th of May, 1895. The objects of the Society as stated by its rules are to establish good feeling between the employers and employed; to reform abuses existing in the trade; to establish a fund out of which expenses may be met and to assist members who meet with accidents. There are at present forty-two members connected with the Society, which is not affiliated with the Trades' Union Council. The Painters' Union has succeeded in steering clear of strikes.
President of the Wellington Painters' Union, took a prominent part in its establishment, and was for some time president of two previous associations. Mr. Brooker was born in Deptford, England, Kent, in 1850, and served an apprenticeship to the painting trade in London. Completing his term in 1869, he served three years in the metropolis at his trade and come to Wellington in 1872, per ship “Jessie Readman.” Since arriving in New Zealand, Mr. Brooker has worked at his trade and has taken a deep interest in trades' unionism. He is a delegate in the interests of the Painters' Society to the Eight Hours Demonstration Committee. At the first establishment of the co-operative works system Mr. Brooker was honoured by being appointed to the charge of the painting works in Wellington and at Porirua. Before leaving England in 1872, Mr. Brooker was married to the second daughter of Mr. William Gillespie, of Sheerness dockyard, and has had twelve children—seven sons and five daughters—of whom ten survive.
This Union was formed in May, 1895. It exists to protect its members and further the best interests of the trade. All competent journeymen plumbers and apprentices in their last six months may become members. There are seventeen members. The entrance fee is 5s., the subscription being 3d. per week. The Union, which is registered, meets fortnightly, on Tuesday evenings, in the Courtenay Place classroom. The office-bearers are:—Messrs. R. A. Berry (president), R. J. Ramsay (vice-president), T. W. Beaumont (secretary), Featherston Terrace, J. Dunes (treasurer), A. M. Williams, J. G. Williams, H. G. Bedell, F. A. Dryden, C. S. Jenkins (committee), C. W. Martin and R. Scott (auditors).
This Society, which claims to be the oldest trades' union in Wellington, was founded in December, 1873. It exists to uphold the eight hours system, to promote the payment of fair wages, and to provide for members in case of accident or misfortune. All those who have served seven years at the trade may become members, whether they are masters or employés. The entrance fee is £1, the subscription being 1s. monthly. Should a member meet with an accident, he receives 15s. weekly for the first month of his disablement, 10s. a week for the second month, and 7s. 6d. per week for the third month. At his death any balance there may be to a member's credit from his subscriptions, is handed to his widow or heirs. The Society's accumulated funds, which amount to a substantial sum, are invested in the Bank of New Zealand and Post Office Savings Bank. Twice a year the Society meets, but the committee holds meetings on
Secretary off the Wellington Shipwrights' Society, was born in 1852 in Bristol. Leaving school at thirteen, he served his apprenticeship with the well-known firm G. K. Stoddart and Co., engineers and shipbuilders. On the expiry of his articles, Mr. Hurlstone made a voyage to New York in the ship “Thomas Baines.” Subsequently he entered a three years' engagement in the Royal Dockyard, Portsmouth. His health failing, he came to New Zealand in the ship “Avalanche,” in 1875, landing in Wellington. He has worked at his trade with various employers in Wellington. He was engaged to superintend the erection and fitting up of the Gear wharf and the hulk “Jubilee” at Petone. Since his arrival in the Colony the subject of this notice has taken a keen interest in trades' unionism. His connection with the Shipwrights' Society extends over twenty years, and during most of that time he has been in office. Mr. Hurlstone is an oddfellow of twenty-three years standing. He has served on the Clyde Quay school committee for the past four years, and is at present a member, and was one of the founders of the Federated Eight Hours Union in 1890.
registered under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act of 1894. Officers, Messrs. G. Swanston (president), J. Sheppard (vice-president), F. Jansen (treasurer), and T. Rogers (secretary), composing the executive, and Messrs. F. Knapp, C. Lamb, P. Wells, and W. Smith (committee). This Union was originally established about 1870 as the operative tailors' society, the name being changed at the time of registration to the above. For some years it was federated with other organisations in New Zealand, but at the present time the Union is confined to the City, while recognising any clearances, presented by any other society in any part of the world. It is affiliated to the Wellington Trades' Council
Secretary to the Wellington Tailors' Union, was born in Edinburgh in 1868. Mr, Rodgers was apprenticed to his trade in Manchester, and after gaining further experience in Scotland and London, came to Wellington, per s.s. “Ruapehu, ” in 1889. He has since worked at his trade in Victoria, New South Wales, Dunedin, Christchurch, and Wellington. Mr. Rodgers has long taken a prominent part in trades union matters.
was established in the year of the great maritime strike (1890). It is affiliated to the Trades Union Council, and has some seventy or eighty members. Mr. Allan Ward was for some time secretary of the Society, but was compelled to resign the office owing to the pressure of other duties.
Officers:—Messrs. H. C. Jones, president; T. L. Mills, vice-president; and W. P. McGirr, jun., secretary. This Union, which was founded in 1862, is one of the oldest trade unions in the Colony, and also one of the strongest numerically, the numbers on the roll having reached two hundred during 1895. The objects of the Union are to watch over and foster the general interests of the printing profession in the Provincial District of Wellington; to promote the welfare of its members; and to work in conjunction as far as possible with Typographical and other societies in and outside the Colony. The business of the Union is carried on by a Board of Management, consisting of the officers of the Union (who are elected annually by ballot) and representatives of the Union, and of those printing establishments that conform to Union rules. It is now registered under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, 1894, and though in the past it has borne with credit its share in the industrial strife that has arisen from time to time, its relations with the employers have been for some years past of a friendly and cordial nature.
the Secretary of the Wellington Typographical Union, was born in Melbourne in 1859, and received his earlier education at the Model School in that city. In 1870 his parents settled at the Thames, New Zealand, where the subject of this notice attended the Karaka Creek School. He was apprenticed to the printing trade with his father, then proprietor of the Clutha Leader, in Otago. After four years, his father disposed of his interest, and Mr. McGirr came to Wellington, completing his term of six years in the Government Printing Office in 1879. He has since been continuously employed in that establishment, and has become a member of the permanent staff. In trade union work Mr. McGirr has long been prominent, first as a member of the Board of Management of the Wellington Typographical Union and subsequently as its president for three years. He became secretary of his Union in 1892 and has since occupied the position with credit to himself and advantage to the Society. He is a delegate to the Trades' Council and a member of the committee of the Eight Hours Demonstration, and has taken a leading part in all prominent labour
This Society, which has twenty-five members, exists to uphold the eight hours system, and to maintain the standard wages in the furniture trade, and generally to protect its members' interests. It was formed in 1891, and was reorganised three years later. All members of the trade who are not employers are eligible to join it. The entrance fee is one shilling, and the sub scription 3d. a week. Mr. W. O'Brien is president, and Mr. A. J. Bishop is secretary, meetings being held fortnightly.
Professionally, Wellington may perhaps be said to hold the leading position in the Colony; Commercially, it is certainly moving rapidly in that direction; but, Industrially, it must be admitted that it is not yet equal to either of the other three large cities. And it is probable that the last remark will be true for many years to come. Almost every day sees additions to these classes; and it is by no means certain that the businesses of Wellington are not increasing a good deal too rapidly.
One of the most remarkable features of Wellington's recent development is the removal to the Capital of so many of the head offices of banking and insurance corporations, and of the large importing and exporting firms. There are still a few considerable concerns holding out; but one of two things must soon happen—either they must be suitably represented at the Capital, or they must disappear from the list of leading firms or corporations, as the case may be.
In the following pages, devoted to the professional, commercial, and industrial firms and public companies of Wellington, a very great deal of valuable information is given—such as must make the Cyclopedia of New Zealand a work of constant reference in all parts of the civilised world. To exporting firms of the Old World much of the information given here will be invaluable. Even a personal interview with a customer could not furnish a moiety of the information which may so easily be found herein.
No direct attempt has been made to give the financial status of business firms. For obvious reasons that could not be done. But the intelligent reader will find what is much more useful and reliable than most of the direct information that is usually supplied. A case came under the writer's notice a few days ago, showing the untrustworthiness of this private financial “information” A careful and mysterious enquiry had elicited the “opinion” that a certain business man of Wellington, who is in a fairly large way, was unstable, and that it was “a toss-up” whether the next week would not find him “closed” A glance at the article then in the press would have convinced the recipient of that “opinion” that there was treachery or serious error somewhere. Had the Cyclopedia been published at the time, no man dare have given such an opinion in the face of an article which, without saying so in so many words, clearly showed that the business was thriving, with its proprietor in a fair way to independence.
It may be argued that, as the information upon which these articles are compiled is given by the parties interested, it is unreliable. Of course, a sensible reader will not forget that fact; but he is also asked to remember that one seldom meets a business man foolish enough to have information published about him from points many of which it is well-known must have been supplied by himself, unless that information be reasonably correct. No policy could be more suicidal.
The information as to partnerships past and present, and business career generally, will, in the hands of the careful reader, be most useful, and should always be considered when making private enquiries concerning a business man. Old partners can very often be of great use in answering these questions; but it should always be borne in mind that while they are the most likely to know the truth, they are naturally among the least likely to tell it without bias. An indirect opinion which can be traced to an old partner should be received with the greatest caution.
Some of the particulars given may seem unimportant at first glance, but the compilers are satisfied that experience will prove all to be useful. As an auxiliary of the directories in use, this part of the Cyclopedia will be valuable; and for the compiling of special lists it will be particularly beneficial. Business men are being constantly addressed at both
Cyclopedia this is at once made plain, for every firm is called upon, and those who may be about to leave or change frequently call attention to the fact, and the change is duly made.
In some few cases hardly sufficient information appears, in view of the importance of the concern. Readers are asked to acquit the proprietors of blame. Every reasonable effort has been made to allot each firm the space merited, but in some instances it has been impossible to get the information without waiting too long for it, and in a few others it has been either refused or grossly neglected.
Those who contemplate entering into business would do well to consult the Cyclopedia. A careful perusal of all the notices in their particular lines should be sufficient to give an idea of their probabilities of success. Where it is evident that there are already a fair number of enterprising firms in the field, and also several strugglers, it will be wise to consider the question very carefully before adding another to either class. Too much caution can hardly be displayed, for it must be admitted that Wellington is overstocked with businesses. On the other hand, it may be argued that the population is rapidly increasing, and therefore the active and energetic will always have a chance; and there will, unfortunately, in every line, ever be some who can be driven to the wall. The purchasing public of Wellington are, however, fairly conservative, and cannot be very easily tempted to leave an old shop for a new one. Especially is this the case in businesses depending for purchasers upon the male population, whose shopping time is generally limited, and who are naturally more liable to make friends of those with whom they deal.
It is sincerely hoped that the attempt to portray the professional, commercial, and industrial condition of Wellington will be useful to all classes. It is fair that the public should know as much as possible of those from whom they purchase, and upon whom they cast the responsibility of rightly using the profits resulting from their patronage. A purchaser's responsibility does not cease when he has found a shop where he can get the very utmost for his money. There is a duty beyond, and frequently antagonistic to that, which all right-thinking people acknowledge. “Am I helping an honest man or encouraging a scoundrel?” “Does the man who benefits by my patronage, however little, use his spare time and money for the uplifting of humanity, or does he waste both in riotous living?” These are the questions a purchaser should ask himself; and these are questions to which he may find tolerably correct answers in the following pages.
(Walter Williams), Customs, Shipping, Forwarding, and General Agents, Grey Street, Wellington. Telephone, 80. P.O. Box, 31. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Wellington Terrace. This business was established in 1894. Mr. Williams was born in Wellington, and educated at Lower Hutt, and has gained his experience of business in Auckland and Wellington.
(Richard Tree Badham and Augustus Samuel Biss), Professional Accountants, corner of Customhouse Quay and Brandon Street, Wellington. Telephone 849. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand, and Bank of New South Wales. Private residences: Mr. Badham, Bolton Street; Mr. Biss, Talavera Terrace. This business was established in 1894. The firm are agents for the Canton Insurance Co.; Mr. Badham is secretary for the Parapara Goldmining Co., Limited; and Mr. Biss is secretary for the New Zealand Candle Co., Limited, the Empire City Goldmining Co., Limited, and the New Zealand Farmers' Dairy Union.
Sharebroker, Land, Estate, Financial, Insurance, and General Commission Agent, 24 Lambton Quay. Telephone 489; P.O. Box 103. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Mr. Bate arrived in the Colony per ship “Langstone,” from London, in 1874. He entered the Civil Service soon after arrival, and served for 18 years, during the last six years of which he filled the position of private secretary to a member of the Ministry. Early in 1893 Mr. Bate severed this connection with the Civil Service in order to enter into business on his own account. Mr. Bate is Wellington provincial district agent for the Palatine Fire Insurance Company, whose chief offices are in Manchester and London. He is manager of the Gas Consumers' Protective Association, and agent for New Zealand for the Civil Service Co-operative Society, Haymarket, London. Mr. Bate is also secretary of the Wellington Athletic Park Company, Limited. He administers trust estates, represents absentees, and makes a specialty of investing moneys for clients on mortgage, etc.
Average Adjuster and Accountant, J. G. Carpenter and Co., No. 1 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Bendall, Wellington.” Private residence, Oriental Bay. Mr. Osmond Russell Bendall is the eldest son of Captain Bendall, the well-known marine surveyor to the Underwriter's Association, and was born at Napier, Hawkes Bay. He was educated in Wellington, and completed his course of study at the Wellington College. While there he displayed a special talent for mathematics, and was induced by his father to continue this study after leaving college. He underwent an excellent training and painstaking apprenticeship in this branch of learning, and in 1889 started life as average adjuster and accountant. Statements of a most intricate and important nature have been sent to Mr. Bendall from all parts of the Colony, and the manner in which they have been treated shows that he is gaining a thorough mastery of his profession. The popularity of Captain Bendall has, of course, greatly helped his son in building up his business, and it is but reasonable to suppose that Mr. Bendall's ability, coupled with his gentlemanly bearing, will make him one of New Zealand's prominent adjusters. As an accountant he undertakes all kinds or intricate and troublesome work, besides the ordinary duties of opening books and general book-keeping. In every way Mr. Bendall is deserving of commendation and encouragement.
(George Henry Bethune and Walter Ellis Bethune), Auctioneers, Land, Estate, and Commission Agents, Valuators, and Attorneys for Absentees. Corner of Featherston and Brandon Streets, Wellington. Telephone, 64. P.O. Box, 63. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Wellington Terrace. This business was founded by the late Mr. J. H. Bethune, in 1877. Mr. G. H. Bethune was for sixteen years associated with his father in the business, and Mr. W. E. Bethune was for many years with Messrs. W. and G. Turnbull and Co. The premises occupied comprise a two-story wooden building, which affords over three thousand feet of floor space. Messrs. Bethune and Co. are Agents for the Sun Insurance Office, of London.
Auditor, Accountant, Sharebroker, and Agent, 6 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Braund, Wellington.” Telephone 993; P.O. box 230. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Karori. Born in France, descended from a Devonshire family, and brought up in Kent, Mr. Braund completed his education at Black-heath, and entered the office of a joint stock company in London. By close attention Mr. Braund progressed step by step, and gained professional experience under various prominent accountants, until he was appointed to the office of secretary of a London land company. He compiled “the Directory of Building Societies,” a work dealing with the balance-sheets and affairs of 2000 Societies of the United Kingdom. In 1887 he joined the confidential staff of the Union Bank of Australia, at their head office in London, and three years later was transferred to the Melbourne branch. Arriving in the capital of Victoria per s.s. “Oroya,” Mr. Braund took up his duties, remaining two years in that city. In 1892 he was again transferred, on this occasion to Wellington, where he was promoted to a responsible position on the inspector's staff, and finally became inspecting and auditing officer. In 1894 Mr. Braund left the service of the Bank, and established himself as an auditor, accountant, sharebroker, and agent. His large banking experience, and the knowledge gained and acquaintances made while travelling in the service of the Bank, have proved invaluable to him in business. Mr. Braund has been able to secure trustworthy agents, who advise him by letter and wire on the prospects of the mines. He has also arranged with leading
Sharebroker, Accountant, Financial and General Commission Agent, 5 Equitable Buildings, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone, 12. P.O. Box, 66. Private residence, Sidney Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand, Limited. Mr. Bucholz is a son of the late Mr William E. Louis Bucholz, merchant, of Auckland, who for many years was German, Belgian, and Italian Consul in that city. Mr. E. W. P. Bucholz was born at Auckland, and educated at the Church of England Grammar School, and for seven years at the International Institute, Gotha, Germany. On returning to New Zealand, Mr. Bucholz spent a year in the service of the Equitable Building and Investment Company, Ld., of Wellington, and was subsequently for seven years in the service of the National Bank of New Zealand, Ld., at Wellington, Nelson, Napier and Blenheim, and established in 1890 the Agency of the Bank on the Mahakipawa goldfields, Cullensville, where he also gained considerable experience in gold mining. Shortly afterwards, Mr. Bucholz retired from the Bank's service on account of ill-health, and, after a trip to the Old Country, engaged in sheep farming, etc., in Poverty Bay and Rangitikei for about five years. On returning to Wellington, he established the present business, early in 1896. Mr. Bucholz is sub-agent for the Liverpool, London and Globe Insurance Company, and has several other agencies, together with corresponding agents in all parts of New Zealand.
Accountant and Commission Agent, 41 Featherston Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, 10 Ellice Street. Born in 1843, in Meads, Ashby, Northamptonshire, England, Mr. Callis came to Victoria in 1871, and for eight years was the representative of Messrs. George Wilson and Co., general merchants, of Melbourne. For three months every year he travelled in New Zealand, where he settled in 1879. Mr. Callis has been prominent in connection with exhibitions for many years past. He was Secretary for the New Zealand Government at the International Exhibition held in Sydney in 1879–80, Melbourne in 1880–1 and 1889, and at Wellington in 1885. While on a visit to England in 1886 he delivered a series of lectures on New Zealand in various parts of England. Mr. Callis is Secretary to the Wellington Industrial Association and the Wellington Horticultural and Florists' Society.
(James Godkin Carpenter), Land, Estate, and Financial Agents and Insurance Managers, 1 Lambton Quay. Telephone 500; P.O. Box 383. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Carpenter came to New Zealand very early in life with his parents from Melbourne, where he was born. He was brought up to the fire and marine insurance business in Wellington. He was for many years with the National Fire and Marine Insurance Company. His careful, trustworthy conduct won the confidence of his chief, and resulted in the position of manager of the marine department, together with that of inspector of fire risks, being conferred upon him. Mr. Carpenter held these responsible appointments for about eight years, when he decided to retire. The business was established in 1881, and has been conducted by Mr. Carpenter since 1893. He is the Wellington provincial district manager for the North German Fire Insurance Company, whose head office is in Hamburg. He secured this appointment on the death of Mr. J. B. Tringham, out of a large and influential number of candidates, over eighty in number. Mr. Carpenter is also broker to the Scottish Metropolitan Accident Insurance Company.
Commission Agent and Accountant, 42 Lambton Quay, Wellington. P.O. Box 180. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, 34 Brougham Street. This business was established in 1873. Mr, Carroll, who is Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, is proprietor of the New Zealand Trade Review, and is accordingly referred to under the heading “The Press.”
(James W. Henderson, Manager), Victoria Street, Wellington. The Central Agency has about 150 branches throughout the world, and represents the following firms:—Jonas Brook and Bros., Meltham; Clark and Co., Paisley; John Clark, Junr., and Co., Glasgow; J. and I. Coats, Ltd., Paisley; and Lister and Co., Ltd., Bradford.
Manager of The Central Agency, is a native of Stirling, Scotland, and served his apprenticeship to the drapery business in that city, and in Glasgow. He was for five years in the employ of Messrs. Jonas Brook and Bros., Meltham, Yorkshire, the large sewing cotton manufacturers, and returned to Glasgow to enter the employ of The Central Agency on its formation, in the head office in that city. Mr. Henderson left his native country in 1894, coming to Wellington to enter into his present position.
(William R. Cook and William Gray), Accountants, Trade Assignees, and Financial Agents, Victoria Street, Wellington. Branches: Auckland, Dunedin, and Christchurch. Cable Code: A.B.C., Number 4; Telephone 632; P.O. Box 247. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Cook, Royal Oak Hotel, Wellington; Mr. Gray, Auckland, Agents throrghout New Zealand and Australia. This large business was established by Mr. W. R. Cook in Auckland in the year 1887. For many years previous to the establishment of this firm there had been considerable dissatisfaction among merchants as to the results of the liquidation of bankrupt estates. It was considered by many that the estates were not being wound up to the best advantage, and that the creditors were not receiving the maximum of dividends. Great uneasiness was experienced in consequence of the large number of private assignments, whereby a man who got into difficulties was able to compromise, and, without making any effort to pay off his debts, could carry on his business as if nothing had happened. With the object of meeting these disabilities, Mr. Cook established the present business, and to the firm is largely due the great improvement that has taken place of late years in these matters. The method usually adopted by the merchants when they find one of their customers unable to meet his engagements, is to at once insist on the assignment of the estate to Messrs Cook and Gray, and so far the firm have been most successful in the large number of estates which have passed through their hands, in realising to the best advantage and with entire satisfaction to the large body of merchants who now require this method of liquidation. Messrs. Cook and Gray's offices, in each of the four cities, are large and convenient, and in addition to unlimited accommodation for the ordinary work of the firm, a very large room is suitably fitted up in each place for holding creditors' meetings. Mr. Cook was born in London and educated at the City of London School. He commenced a mercantile life in connection with the soft goods trade in the World's Metropolis, and subsequently had a long training as an accountant. Mr. Cook came to New Zealand per s.s. Rimutaka, arriving in Auckland in 1886. He was employed to compile the Grey catalogue for the Free Public Library in Auckland, immediately on his arrival there, and on its completion he started the present business. Mr. William Gray was for many years in the Civil Service of the Colony, and has had a large experience in Auckland as an accountant, joining Mr. Cook in 1890. Mr. Cook is a member of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, and is secretary to the Wellington Warehousemen's Association. He is a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Accountants, and is vice-president of that institution.
Tourists' Agents. Wellington Branch, 52 Lambton Quay. Telephone 596 P.O. Box, 330. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Head office for New Zealand, Auckland; branches at Dunedin and Christchurch. Further particulars of this well-known agency will appear in the Auckland volume.
Customhouse, Shipping, Forwarding, and General Commission Agent, 20 Gray Street. Telephone 568. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. London Agents, Forbes, Forbes and Co.; Liverpool Agents, Edward Bates and Sons. Mr. Cooper is a native of Halifax. Yorkshire, England. He had but little education, and very early in life chose the sea for a profession, and on his 13th birthday was in Bombay. He subsequently visited many parts of the world, including California (in the days of the gold fever) and the Arctic Ocean, where he spent two winters as quarter-master in the American navy while that country was surveying Alaska. In 1863 or 1864 he came to New Zealand, per ship “John Bunyan,” from London, and, excluding two trips to England, has made Wellington his home ever since. In July, 1870, he obtained his master's certificate. For twelve years he was on the permanent staff of the Queen's Wharf. One of his principal pursuits is the purchase of wrecks. For the past twenty years he has been the buyer of almost every wreck in this locality, and has usually been successful. He holds a license issued by the Government as shipping agent for the port of Wellington. Mr. Cooper has special customers in all parts of the Colony. He makes a specialty of importing plants and flowers of rare beauty from Japan, and was the first to develop this trade. He has a special buyer for this purpose. Mr. Cooper disposes of these choice goods by periodical auction sales in various parts of this Colony.
Manufacturers' Agent, Old Customhouse Street, Wellington. Mr. Cooper was born at Ross, Hereford, England, in 1863, and began mercantile life in London. He was for a number of years in the employ of the Guardian Fire and Life Insurance Company, and afterwards with Messrs. Woodin and Co., tea and coffee merchants. Mr. Cooper came to New Zealand in 1886, and located at Wellington, where he was for several years in the Government service. In 1889 he entered the employ of the Agricultural and Pastoral Society, as assistant-secretary. A little later he accepted a position with Messrs. Cuningham, Badham and Co., auctioneers, remaining with them some fifteen months. In 1891 he opened up the Wellington branch of the firm of Messrs. Griffin and Sons, Limited, manufacturers of biscuits and confectionery, millers and general produce merchants, Nelson, and has since acted as manager.
Grain, Seed, and Produce Broker, Shipping and Commission Agent, etc., Harris Street, Wellington, Cable address, “Coupland, Wellington.” P.O. Box 98. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Hawkestone Street. Mr. Levi Coupland began business in Wellington in 1891, at No. 11 Branden Street, but moved to larger and more convenient brick offices in Harris Street towards the end of 1894. Though his career in Wellington has been comparatively short, Mr. Coupland has been well-known throughout New Zealand for a great many years. He was born in Lincolnshire, England, and came to Auckland with his father's family in 1862, per ship “Hanover”—one of the three ships which brought the Non conformist settlers for the Albertland Settlement. Prior to leaving the Old Country, Mr. Coupland had served two years to the printing; and immediately on arrival he found employment in the office of the late Mr. William Atkin, where he remained for three years. The writer subsequently served an apprenticeship with the same employer, and is therefore in a position to bear testimony to the very excellent name that Mr. Coupland made for himself as a printer. Specimens of his work adorned the walls of the office for many years after the operator had severed his connection with the Fourth Estate. In 1865 Mr. Coupland joined his father, Mr. James Coupland, in the business so well known as Coupland and Co.'s Produce Stores. After a successful run of business for some ten years, Mr. Coupland, sen., withdrew from the firm, and he still enjoys a quiet retirement in Ponsonby, Auckland. The firm of Coupland and Co. continued to prosper for many years, but the business was eventually relinquished, and Mr. Coupland came to the Capital, where he finds a very wide sphere for his mercantile abilities. During the short time he has been in Wellington Mr. Coupland has made many friends. He is punctiliously attentive to business, and thoroughly reliable in every way. He has studiously
(Charles A. Deacon), Shipping and Commission Agent and Sharebroker, Government Insurance Buildings, Custom House Quay, Wellington. Telephone, 179. P.O. Box, 141. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Deacon hails from London, where he gained his earlier experience. Coming to New Zealand per ship “Beautiful Star,” in 1871, he landed at Nelson. Immediately on arrival, Mr. Deacon entered the service of Messrs. N. Edwards and Co., merchants, of Nelson, in the capacity of purser on one of the firm's steamers. He was afterwards promoted to the position of accountant of their Blenheim branch. In January, 1877, Mr. Deacon was transferred to Wellington, as representative of Messrs. N. Edwards and Co. in the Empire City. This position he retained till 1880, and when the firm retired from the Colony Mr. Deacon founded the present business, which he has since conducted.
Sharebroker, Gr
(Licensed), Proprietors, Edwards and McBeath (James Edwards), Grey Street, Wellington. Established 1885. Telephone 414; P.O. Box 307. Private residence, Ghuznee Street. The Empire Labour Exchange is conducted by Messrs. Edwards and McBeath, whose office is 1 Grey Street, opposite its old quarters in the same thoroughfare. This well-known firm started about the middle of 1885, and has been in active existence ever since, its activity and usefulness being shown by the fact that during that time between 10,000 and 11,000 persons have passed through their books. The class of situations they deal in is not confined merely to servants, but embraces situations of all kinds for males and females, and the scope of their operations extends from the Bay of Islands in the North to Dunedin in the South, it being always understood that the operations of the firm are confined to labour. That a large business is done will be evident from above, and when we state that Mr. Edwards conducted the business from the beginning, it will be a sufficient guarantee that the business is carried on in a very satisfactory manner. The firm is registered under the Act passed in 1894 rendering such a proceeding necessary, but in this connection we may remark that the firm's books always have been kept in the manner prescribed by the Act. The Empire Labour Exchange advertises the situations vacant on its books by means of the newspapers, and the business generally is conducted in such a manner as to give the greatest satisfaction to employers and employed alike. Correspondents for situations require to enclose stamp for reply.
(George Finn and Charles E. Rigg), Mercantile and Produce Brokers, Manufacturers' Agents, 10 Custom House Quay, Wellington. Telephone, 921. P.O. Box, 126. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in October, 1895, by Mr. George Finn, whose career is more fully referred to under the National Dairy Association of New Zealand, of which he is Secretary for the North Island. The firm make a speciality of supplying all kinds of dairy material and utensils. They import largely from America, Germany and elsewhere, and are in a position to satisfy their customers by the excellence and good value of the merchandise in which they deal. Mr. Rigg, the junior partner, lately of the firm of Fox and Rigg, was born at Whitehaven, Cumberland, England. He is the eldest son of the late Mr. Charles A. Rigg, who was one of the leading corn merchants and millers in the Northern Counties. Educated at St. Bee's College, Cumberland, and at Folkestone, he entered into business when thirteen years old. Two years later, he joined the London firm of Messrs. Robert Proctor and Sons, Corn Brokers, and was elected a member of the London Corn Exchange and Baltic in 1891. In February, 1893, he left England for the colonies, and has had various experiences since his arrival. He established the firm of Fox and Rigg in April, 1895, but after this business had been carried on for about six months, Mr. Rigg severed his connection in order to join Mr. George Finn, under the style of Finn, Rigg and Co.
(
General Broker, Hunter Street, Wellington. Mr. Franklyn came to New Zealand in 1862, locating at Dunedin, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. He came to Wellington
Licensed Native Interpreter, Government Insurance Buildings, Panama Street, Wellington. Private residence, Oriental Bay. Mr. Freeth is an old colonist. Born in Birmingham, England, he arrived in Wellington in February, 1857, per ship “Indian Queen.” He studied the Maori tongue at Putiki, near Wanganui, and was soon recognised as an interpreter to the Supreme and R.M. Courts. Mr. Freeth settled in the Rangitikei District, taking up 500 acres of land, which he farmed for twenty years. During this time the Maori troubles took place, and the subject of this notice served for fifteen years in the Union Corps of Rangitikei Rifles, and for five years more in other companies in different parts of the North Island winning several first, and many other valuable prizes in shooting competitions. As a settler he had many experiences of the difficulties of a pioneer life. In 1883 Mr. Freeth took out his first license as a native interpreter under the Native Land Act, and has since practised his profession in the Wairarapa and Wellington. Mr. Freeth is also artistically inclined, and for a long time has held classes for instruction in perspective, figure, and art drawing.
Dairy Produce and General Commission Agent, The Butter Cellar, National Mutual Buildings, Customhouse Quay. Telephone 3; P. O. Box 201. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. London Agents, H. Trengrouse and Co., Tooley Street, S.E. Private residence, Nairn Street. Mr. Gandy is a native of London. He was brought up to the wool trade in London and Yorkshire. In 1854 he reached New Zealand per ship “Balnaguith,” from London. For the first ten years in the Colony he was chiefly in the country, where he gained considerable experience. The present business was founded about 1864, and has been conducted continuously since that date. The premises occupied by Mr. Gandy are part of the basement of the National Mutual Buildings, and contain 2400 square feet of floorage space. The Butter Cellar is admirably adapted for the purposes of Mr. Gandy's trade, which includes cheese as well as butter, and extends to storekeepers as well as farmers. Mr. Gandy does a considerable local business, and exports direct to London; his registered trade mark for butter and cheese consists of the three letters “H.I.S.” Mr. Gandy has been known in business circles for a period of fully thirty years, and is well respected by all who have business with him. He has made dairy produce his special study, and any orders entrusted to him will be executed with promptness.
13 Queen's Chambers. P.O. Box 245. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. London Agents, Coey and Co., Limited, Dairy Produce Brokers, Tooley Street, S.E.; and F. R. Roberts and Co., Foreign Merchants, 102 Fenchurch Street, E C. Mr. Gannaway, who is a native of London, was brought up to the profession of an architect. After qualifying for his profession, he was for some time assisting in various London offices, till his health broke down, necessitating a change of climate and occupation. Arriving here by s.s. “Coptic,” 1891, he established the present business as dairy produce exporter, indenter, and general commission agent. His business has rapidly developed and is steadily increasing.
Office 13 Queen's Chambers. Private residence, 60 Thorndon Quay, P.O. Box 245. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Gannaway is a native of Southampton, England. He came in 1866 via Panama, and after crossing the Isthmus by rail, embarked in the “Kaikoura” steamer, reaching New Zealand in fifty-one days from Southampton. He was under a three years engagement to the Panama Company to look after their steamers, of which they had twenty-two trading in these ports. On the dissolution of the company, the vessels were disposed of, and a portion of them served to form the nucleus of the splendid Union Company of to-day. In 1870 Mr. Gannaway established himself in business as stevedore, and has conducted the same ever since. He has always taken a great interest in the development of the shipping accommodation on the Wellington wharves. He was among the first to insist upon the erection of suitable sheds for the protection of cargo in transit, and has done as much as anyone to facilitate such matters. He has lived to see the machinery and appliances for loading and unloading ships brought to a high
Patent Agent, 16 Brandon Street, Telephone, 60. P.O. Box, 124. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, 54 Thorndon Quay. Established 1882. For further particulars of Mr. Hall see “Legal,” under which heading he is referred to as a barrister and solicitor.
(Property Register of which 4000 copies are circulated each month being most useful in this connection. The firm has a high reputation. and may be relied upon for strict and prompt attention, to all business matters with which they may be entrusted. Mr. Harcourt's picture and a short reference to his career are given among the Councillors on page 279 of this volume.
Patent Agent and Solicitor, 24 Featherston Street, Wellington. Mr. Haselden has long made a special study of patent work, and may be relied upon to give prompt and careful attention to all matters placed in his hands. His work, “How to Patent an Invention,” has been printed by the New Zealand Government. For particulars see “Legal” and “Military”
General Commission Agent and Secretary to the Wellington Economic Creditors' Association, 14 Featherston Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Private residence. Mein Street. Mr Hayhow was born in London, where he was educated. Coming to New Zealand in 1884, per ship “Invercargill,” he travelled for some time on the West Coast of the South Island. He was afterwards employed in the office of the Union Insurance Company; in Christchurch. After eighteen months he came to Wellington, and entered the office of Messrs. Travers and Wilford, Solicitors, and on the dissolution of partnership undertook the liquidation to the firm's account. The bresent busness was established in 1894.
Customs, Shipping, and Forwarding Agent, Panama Street, Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Heaton, Wellington.” Telephone 49; P.O. Box 224. Private residence, Thompson Street. Mr. Heaton began business in 1875, and has established a good connection. He has had a very large experience, and may be relied upon to give satisfaction in all matters with which he may be entrusted. For further particulars see “Wellington Harbour Board,” of which body Mr. Heaton has been a member since 1884.
(George Marshall Hewson), Land, Estate, Financial, House, Labour, and General Commission Agents, 18 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Wordsworth Street. The business, which, it is claimed, is the oldest in Wellington so far as the labour agency is concerned, was founded by France Brothers in 1883. Mr. Hewson has conducted since 1888. He belongs to Kent, arriving per ship “Hydaspes” in 1868. He was brought up to mercantile life, and was for seven years in business in Wanganui. Mr. Hewson's business extends all over the Colony. He acts for absentees and undertakes the sale of all kinds of property. He holds a sub-agency for the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company.
General Commission Agent, No. 10 Queen's Chambers, Wellington. Cable address, “Mariner, Wellington.” P.O. Box 21. Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. London agents, J. C. Young, Angel Court, Friday Street. Private residence, Austin Street, Wellington. Mr. A. B. Hislop was born in Victoria, and came to the Colony with his father's family in 1865 per s.s. “Albion,” settling in Dunedin, where he was educated. He was apprenticed to the watchmaking trade with his father, Mr. John Hislop, the well-known watchmaker and jeweller of Princes Street, Dunedin, and completed his term in 1874. His present agency business was eslablished in 1887, but for many years before that he was well known as the proprietor of a large jewellery house on Lambton Quay. Mr. Hislop is the permanent secretary in New Zealand for the Australasian Institute of Marine Engineers. He has entered the arena of invention, being the patentee of a very useful and crnamental glass ruler, called the “Boss” Mr. Hislop has for many years taken an active interest in volunterring and holds the position of lieutenant-commander in the New Zealand Naval Artillery.
(Henry, George, and Frank Hodgson), Mercantile Agents, Brokers, Wholesale Fruiterers and Produce Dealers, Harris Street, Wellingtou. Cable address “Hodgson, Wellington.” P. O. Box 242. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Woolcombe Street. This business was founded by the present firm in 1891, their offices being in front of the Wellington Fruit Market, Harris Street. Their trade extends to New Plymouth, Napier, the West Coast of the South Island, Nelson, and Marlborough, and of course a large business is done in the Empire City. Messrs. Hodgson Brothers are importers of fancy goods and other lines. They deal in flour, pollard, grain, and other produce. They hold agencies for Messrs. Saunders, Gilbert and Co., of Napier, and for the British Chemical Works of Dunedin. They do a considerable business in “Amykos Aseptin,” a medical preparation which finds great favour. All the partners of the firm were born in the South of England, and each has received a mercantile training. They came to New Zealand in 1879, landing in Lyttelton, and for six years the brothers engaged in farming pursuits at Ellesmere and Rangiora, Canterbury. On giving up their farms they had various experiences in different parts of the Colony, and they also went over to Australia, and spent some time in Sydney and Melbourne. Mr. Frank Hodgson was for two years in the employ of Mr. G. W. Dutton, bookseller and stationer, Wellington, and for five years subsequently was with Messrs. Kitchen and Sen. The Messrs. Hodgson Brothers make a specialty of dealing in fruit, which they forward to any part of the Colony, a matter of very great convenience to many. The premises occupied by the firm form part of a substan tial brick structure of two stories in height.
J.P., Journalist and Press Agent, 13 Custom-house Quay, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Ilott is the son of the late Dr. John Ilott, (M.R.C.S.E., L.K., and
Te Aroha News, most of the time as editor and managing partner, and took a very active part in the advancement of the district, the development of its thermal springs, mineral resources, etc., and was a member both of the Te Aroha Hot Springs Domain Board, and of the Te Aroha Town Board, which latter he had been largely instrumental in promoting. In 1887 the Stout-Vogel Government appointed Mr. Ilott a J.P., in which capacity he did a large part of the justice work of the district, and also filled the position of acting coroner. On leaving for Wellington in 1890, to take up a position on the New Zealand Times and New Zealand Mail, the Auckland papers spoke very highly of Mr. Ilott's energy and ability. While on the staff of the New Zealand Times and Mail, Mr. Ilott wrote a series of articles of a very practical and interesting character, descriptive of the opening up of the West Coast lands of the North Island, and the capacity, resources, and development of the various districts from Otaki northwards, entitled “Up the Manawatu” and “Up the West Coast.” About the end of 1891 he resigned his position to enter into business on his own account. Mr. Ilott is North Island managing agent for the following important journals:—Auckland Evening Star, Lyttelton Times, Otago Daily Times, Canterbury Times, Otago Witness, New Zealand Graphic, New Zealand Farmer, New Zealand Journal of Insurance, Mining and Finance; still, however, continuing in literary work also, as a correspondent and contributor.
(Thomas and James Jamieson), Land, Estate, Financial and Commission Agents, Opera House Buildings, Manners Street, Wellington. Telephone 125. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This firm, which was established in 1887, conducts a general agency business, their leading line being the investment of trust moneys for mortgages. They also undertake the sale of city, suburban and country properties.
M.I.A.,
Indent Agent and Commission Merchant, 14 Custom House Quay, Wellington. Cable address, “Kernot, Wellington,” Code, A B C, Fourth Edition. Telephone, 86. P.O. Box 79. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Lambton Quay. The central and permanent office for this business was only established in Wellington in 1892, but Mr. Kernot opened a connection throughout New Zealand, with the firms he now represents, in 1888. Since this time, until permanently establishing himself in the Empire City, he paid frequent visits to this country, until the volume of trade became so great that a permanent location was a necessity. In selecting Wellington for his headquarters, Mr. Kernot, in common with many other large firms, realised that its natural position and splendid shipping and distributing facilities rendered it the most suitable, as the commercial, centre of the Colony. His trade extends from Auckland to the Bluff, and his representatives visit each town periodically. Mr. Kernot himself calls upon each customer in the chief towns three times a year, and as far as possible in other parts. He is an importer of wines, spirits, and general merchandise, and does a very extensive wholesale trade. Mr Kernot represents a number of British, European and Colonial firms, among which may be mentioned Messrs. Jules Renard and Co., Indenters, of Antwerp, London, Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane; Messrs. Heyde, Todman and Co., Tobacco and Cigar Merchants, of Sydney; Messsrs. J. W. Tod and Co., Ltd., Drysalters, Melbourne; Messrs. John Walker and Sons, Ltd., Kilmarnock Distilleries, Kilmarnock; Messrs. Peek, Frean and Co., Biscuit Manufacturers of London; and the Mataura Falls Paper Mills Company, Paper Manufacturers, Mataura, Otago. Mr. Kernot will be glad to receive correspondence from manufacturers and others
Sharebroker, Accountant, Valuator, Financial, Land, House, and Estate Agent, 17 Featherston Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, 41 Wellington Terrace. Mr. Kirkby came to Wellington in 1892, having gained valuable experience in land, house, and estate agency business with Messrs. Bisley Bros, and Co. of Nelson. On his arrival Mr. Kirkby joined the late Mr. J. B. Tringham, under the style of J. B. Tringham and Co. Upon the decease of the latter, Mr. Kirkby opened his present offices. He has correspondents throughout New Zealand and does considerable business in investment and other shares. Mortgages are arranged and investments made for capitalists, and Mr. Kirkby's wide knowledge and keen business tact are commanding an increasing number of clients. Mr. Kirkby is sub-agent in Wellington for the Standard Fire Insurance Company.
(F. B. Farmar, managing director), Grain and Produce Merchants, Auctioneers, Commission, Land, and Estate Agents, etc., Willis Street, Wellington. Auctioneers, H. J. and A. J. Reid. Telephone 192; P.O. Box 13. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Cable address, “Laery, Wellington,” Code, ABC, fourth edition. Managing director's private residence, Clermont Terrace. London agents, Gilbert J. McCaull and Co., 27 Wallbrook, E.C. This very large business was established in 1873 by Messrs. Laery and Campbell, who jointly conducted it for some years. In August, 1886, the partnership was dissolved by mutual consent, and Mr. Laery continued it alone under the title of Laery and Co., while Mr. Campbell started as Noble Campbell and Co. These two businesses were conducted for several years with great success. In February, 1892, Mr. Farmar accepted an appointment in the firm of Messrs. Laery and Co., and in the following year he purchased the goodwill and business of Messrs. Noble Campbell and Co. Soon after this, Mr. Farmar bought out the business he had been managing, and in November, 1893, the present Company was established. The buildings occupied are of wood and brick, and are erected on leasehold land. The total floorage space of the premises amounts to nearly 13,500 square feet. Messrs. Laery and Co. hold daily sales of fruit and produce, monthly sales of furniture, fortnightly sales of skins, hides, etc., and special sales to suit the requirements of their patrons. In addition to these sales, the firm conducts a horse sale at the saleyards situated in Dixon Street, behind the Nag's Head Hotel, twice a week, viz., on Wednesday and Saturday. The trade of the firm is a most extensive one, not only throughout the Colony, but it also extends to the Australian Continent, the South Sea Islands, and the United States of America. Messrs. Laery and Co., Limited, are large importers of general merchandise, including jute goods, such as corn sacks, etc., which come from Calcutta. They are agents for the celebrated seedsmen, Messrs. Sutton and Son; For the Cheltenham Dairy Company; for Freeth and Co.'s New Zealand wines; for the Austin Manufacturing Company, Chicago; for C. J. Gascoigne's patent wool press; and for many other firms too numerous to specify here. They export in large quantities the produce of the Colony, such as wool, butter, mutton, cheese, hams, bacon, seeds, grain, and sheepskins. Mr. Farmar, the energetic managing director, was born in Nelson, and was educated at the Potora Grammar School in Marlborough, and other private schools. He was brought up to a mercantile life, and joined the firm of Messrs. N. Edwards and Co., Nelson, with whom he remained for a period of three years. He then removed to Blenheim, where for two years he was in the employ of Messrs. Fell Bros, and Co. Subsequently Mr. Farmar went to Dunedin, and for the next fifteen years was an officer of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, holding a responsible position in connection with this firm. He was for some considerable time in the produce department, but before leaving the firm, had risen to the charge of the accountant's department in Dunedin. Messrs. Laery and Co. issue a very comprehensive market report each week, which is distributed gratis amongst their customers and others, and is full of reliable information in connection with farm produce, etc.
(William Lambert and Sydney C. Lambert), Manufacturing Agents and Importers, National Chambers, Featherston Street, Wellington. Telephone 743; P.O. Box 355. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence: Mr. William Lambert, Molesworth Street. London agents, G. H. Adams and Co., Limited; also agents at Auckland, Dunedin, Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney, and Adelaide. This business was established in 1892. The trade extends throughout the entire Colony. The firm deals only with wholesale houses. Messrs. Lambert and Co. are importers of heavy goods, linens, kapok, and cigars. They are sole agents for New Zealand for Andrew Lowson, of Arbroath, Scotland, canvas manufacturers; for the Stand Lane Mills, Manchester, manufacturers of cotton; for Strutt's cottons, Belper. Mr. William Lambert was born in London, but has had a large business experience in the Colony. For many years past he has acted as manager for the New York Life Office in New Zealand. He is secretary of the Mokihinui Coal Company. Mr. Sydney C. Lambert was born at sea. He has been for many years prominent in connection with the soft goods trade in New Zealand, having been for twelve years in the employ of the well-known firm of Messrs. Sargood, Son and Ewen, where he gained a thorough knowledge of the business right through. During the past twenty-one years he has been on the road as traveller, and is known throughout the Colony. Messrs. William Lambert and Co. do a considerable business, and hold a large and valuable stock of goods.
Auctioneers, Land, Estate, and General Agents, Sharebrokers, and Commission Agents, Exchange Auction Rooms, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Manager, Mr. J. G. Chapman; adviser, Mr. T. Kennedy Macdonald. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Telephone 1; P.O. Box 34. The large business now carried on by this firm was founded by
(Frank Walter Maddox), Drug and General Indent Merchants, Manufacturers' Agents, etc., Farish Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Maddox is a native of Shipton, Oxford, England. He came to New Zealand per s.s. “Doric,” arriving in Wellington in 1883. Entering upon a mercantile life he learned his business at Reading, England, completing his term of apprenticeship in 1881. He then obtained an appointment in the establishment of John Bell and Co., of Oxford Street, London, and subsequently assisted Messrs. Glaisyer and Kemp, of Brighton. About this time Mr. Maddox resolved to come out to New Zealand, and entered into an engagement with Messrs. Kempthorne, Prosser and Co. He remained with this firm for eleven years, severing his connection with them in 1894. Mr. Maddox has a widely established connection with the pharmaceutical fraternity in New Zealand and has been a member of the Pharmacy Board. The firm was established in March, 1896, taking over the business of Messrs. Maddox, Ancell and Co., initiated during the previous year, Mr. Ancell retiring from the partnership. The principal basis of operations is the representation of English houses, of whom may be mentioned:—Messrs. Baiss Bros. and Co., wholesale druggists, Messrs. Lynch and Co., wholesale druggists and sundriesmen; Messrs. Meggeson and Co., medicated lozenge manufacturers; Messrs. Elliott and Son, of Barnet, manufacturers of “Barnet” photographic material; the Viking Food and Essence Company; the Maltopeptone Company; and the makers of “Star” and “Anchor” gelatines, etc. Messrs. F. W. Maddox and Co. are rapidly building up a good business, as
(Mark Maxton), Advertising Contractors and Newspaper Brokers, General Agents and Valuers, Opera House Buildings, Manners Street, Wellington. Telephone 89; P.O. Box 65. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Tinakori Road. This business was established in 1893, in Grey Street by Mr Maxton, Mr. James Mander joining the firm in October, 1894, under the title of Messrs. Maxton, Mander and Co., but in October 1895 Mr. Mander retired, leaving Mr. Maxton in sole possession. Considering the short time elapsed since its inauguration, the business has made good progress, and it is still increasing rapidly. The agencies already secured include:—The Age, Leader, and Illustrated Australian News, Melbourne: Daily Telegraph, Sydney; Taranaki Herald, New Plymouth; Daily Telegraph, Napier; Wairoa Guardian, Napier; Egmont Star, Hawera; Waimate Witness, Manaia; Chronicle, Wanganui; Wairarapa Standard, Greytown; Eketahuna and Pahiatua Mail, Masterton; Wairarapa Star, Masterton; West Coast Mail, Otaki; Manawatu Daily Times, Palmerston; Kaikoura Star, Kaikoura; Evening Mail, Nelson; Times and Evening Star, Westport; Guardian, Havelock; Chronicle, Petone; also sub-agent for Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Company, and broker for Scottish Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, (Accident Branch). Mr. Maxton is very well known throughout the district, having spent the whole of his life in Wellington and the Wairarapa. He was born in Wellington in 1853. His father, the late Mr. Samuel Maxton, had settled in Wellington many years previously, having arrived per ship “Birman” in 1842. In 1876 Mr. Maxton, sen., removed to Greytown, where several members of the family are still resident. Mr. Mark Maxton was educated at the Church of England School, under Mr. Mowbray. After serving an apprenticeship to the business of a baker and confectioner with his father, he decided to learn the printing, and was bound for six years at the Government Printing Office, when that institution was a very small affair as compared with its present dimensions. On the expiry of his apprenticeship, Mr. Maxton went to Masterton for a few years, during which time he was employed as a jobbing printer on the staff of the Wairarapa Daily. He then returned to Wellington to assist his brother-in-law, Mr. W. F. Roydhouse in the establishment and conduct of the Evening Press. During the time he was thus engaged Mr. Maxton gained an experience of newspaper work which is now very useful to him. Unfortunately, when he severed his connection with the Evening Press, instead of at once turning his experience to good account, he returned to the Wairarapa. At first he engaged in storekeeping at Greytown, and did fairly well, working up a good trade with the Maoris; but, an opportunity offering, he purchased a flour mill near Greytown, and during his first year in the new line was so unsuccessful, through a misadventure, that he lost all his previous savings, and was obliged to make a fresh start. His many friends will be pleased to learn that he is again doing well. In connection with his agency business, he has a circulating library of over 3000 volumes, which, being so centrally situated, is well patronised. Socially, Mr. Maxton has been prominent for a long time. As a tenor singer in the old Choral Society, and in similar institutions, he has assisted in the performance of nearly all the oratorios which have been given in Wellington for the last twenty years. He was the inaugurator and moving spirit of a string band which did good work many years ago, and in which he played the double bass. In the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows he holds a number of important offices. He is a “past grand” of the Antipodean Lodge, for which and for the Juvenile Antipodean Lodge he is auditor; and of the Sister Wallis Lodge he is trustee. The acting-secretaryship of the Widows' and Orphans' Society is also in the hands of Mr. Maxton.
(Alister J. McTavish and William Edwin Redstone), Land, Estate, and Financial Agents, Valuators, Attorneys for Absentees, etc., 33 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone No. 27; P.O. Box No. 149. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The business of Messrs. McTavish and Co. was established about 11 years ago, by Mr. A.J. McTavish and Mr. C. T. Tatum, under the style of “McTavish, Tatum and Co., House, Land, Estate and Financial Agents,” with Mr. Redstone as managing clerk. The previous history and then good standing of the partners gained for the firm the confidence of the public from the outset—an important factor of success in any business of this nature. After a successful course of some three or four years, Mr. Tatum retired from business permanently, much of his time since then having been devoted to the service of the city and district in various ways, including membership of the Wellington City Council. Since Mr. Tatum's retirement the business was carried on solely by the senior partner until 1894, when Mr. Redstone was admitted into the firm. Mr. McTavish, as the name indicates, is a Scotchman, born and educated in Inverness. He came to this Colony in the year 1864. Almost immediately after his arrival he entered the service of Mr. F. A. Krull, merchant. Such was the progress made in this situation that a few years later found him manager of the establishment, which he had entered as junior clerk; and after a brief course in that position a partnership was arranged with his employer, and those gentlemen carried on business for several years under the style of “Krull and Co., Importers and General Merchants.” Mr. Krull at that time held the office of German Consul, his fitness for that important position gaining for him wide-spread and well-merited popularity. During a prolonged absence of Mr. Krull the honours and duties pertaining to the Consulship devolved upon Mr. McTavish, who, as acting German Consul, discharged the duties appertaining to that position in a manner carefully calculated to maintain, not to eclipse, the popularity of his friend. While a partner in the firm of Krull and Co., Mr. McTavish identified himself with and took an active part in the business of the Chamber of Commerce as a member of the committee of management, and in the year 1884 had the honour to be elected president of the institution. Every appeal made to him to enter the aren's of either civic or colonial politics has met a kind but unwavering refusal. It is but fair to say that this stand has not been chosen from any Unnwillingness to devote time and talents to the duties of citizenship, but rather to be accounted for by the possession of a nature so sensitive that it would be painful to accept and impossible to ask the favour of a vote. That this spirit of extreme independence can exist without being seriously detrimental to the possessor's business seems incredible; but when balanced by a gentlemanly bearing naturally expressive of unswerving integrity the compensation is fairly complete, especially in a businessman in whom great trust is reposed. As an auditor of public companies Mr. McTavish enjoys a high and profitable reputation. He is chairman of directors of the Imperial Fire Insurance Company, an office with which he has had a long connection. In the days when this company was represented in New Zealand by agencies, Mr. McTavish was the Wellington agent. The Hanseatic Fire Insurance Company of Hamburg was also in his hands for many years. In his days of greater leizure Mr. McTavish was an enthusiatic member of the Wellington Chess Club. Being at the top of his own club, he of course ranked among the first players of the Colony. He still retains his connection with the club, but is now seldom met in “active service.” As a volunteer, too, the subject of this article made a career for himself, rising to the position of first lieutenant of D Battery of Artillery, under Col. Pearce, who was then Captain of the company. For good marksmanship, Mr. McTavish won numerous prizes. Coming back to present times we find him elected to a seat in the first Council of the Association of New Zealand Accountants, a position in which his extended experience will be valuable. Privately, Mr. McTavish is a well-informed, warm-hearted, sincere and generous gentleman, an implacable enemy of all shams, social, commercial, political or any other kind. Notwithstanding his retiring disposition Mr. Alister J. McTavish must be classed among Wellington's conspicuous citizens. Mr. W. E. Redstone was born at Tavistock, in Devonshire, where he was educated. In 1879 he came to the Colony per ship “Orari,” landing in Lyttelton. As showing the improvement in coastal service since that time, it may be mentioned that the Wellington passengers had to stay five days in Lyttelton for the first steamer to the Empire City. Prior to his appointment with Messrs. McTavish and Co., Mr. Redstone was for some three or four years in the position of managing clerk to the then well-known firm of Messrs. Williamson and Co., sharebrokers, etc., and in this position he took an active interest in the formation of the Wellington Woollen Company the Gear Meat Company, and other successful industrial institutions. Since his arrival in the Colony, Mr. Redstone has made good use of his time, and his investments in various city and suburban properties have been more than ordinarily successful. His elevation to a partnership is a well-merited recognition of his integrity, business capacity, and commercial status. The premises of the firm are in the north wing of the building now so well known as the Bank of New South Wales, but originally and for many years the Supreme Court House of the capital city. It is a handsome building, despite the fast that it was erected in the “early days,” and it is so centrally situated that all the other banks are within a stone's throw. The whole of the north wing is held on lease from the bank, and the offices unnecessary to the business are let off in suites to various tenants. Altogether the firm stands high and enjoys the confidence of all classes.
Accountant and General Agent, 42 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 72; P.O. Box 180. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Owen Street, Newtown. Mr. Morpeth is secretary both of the Accountants' Institute of New Zealand and of the Wellington Section of the National Association of New Zealand. He established his present business in October, 1895.
Manufacturers' Agent, Evening Post Avenue, Wellington. Mr. Orpwood is a native of Hobart, Tasmania, having been born in 1863. He began his business career at the age of fourteen years, serving four years with Mr. Wm. Montgomery, the well-known draper of that city. He afterwards went to Launceston, Tasmania, where he entered the employ of Messrs. Frost and Orpwood, drapers. Four years later he accepted the position of salesman and traveller with Messrs. P. O. Fysh and Co., soft goods merchants, of Hobart and Launceston, Mr. Orpwood came to Wellington in November, 1889, and has since represented Messrs. Rylands and Sons, Limited, of London, one of the largest manufacturing firms in the world.
(Sydney Walter Philips and John Anderson Pike), Commission Merchants and Manufacturers Agents, National Mutual Buildings, Wellington. Telephone 631; P.O. Box 366. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Cable address, “Prompt, Wellington,” Code A.B.C. fourth edition and special. The firm was established in 1890, and transacts an indent business only throughout the Colony. The commercial management of Messrs. B Bell and Co.'s wax vesta business in New Zealand is entrusted to them and they act as sole selling brokers for the Colony. Among the special agencies held may be mentioned the following, which are sole agencies for New Zealand:–Taylor Bros., Limited, London, Cocoa and Chocolate Manufacturers; the Standard Oil Company of New York (lubricating oils); Sir John Power and Sons, Dublin, and Andrew McNab, Leith, whiskey; Williams, Brown and Co., San Francisco, Californian produce; J. Frossard and Co., Switzerland, cigars; Kirkpatrick, Barr, and Guthrie, chemical manufacturers, London and Glasgow; D. M. Feuerheerd Brothers and Co., Xerez and Oporto, port and sherry; Joshua Bros., Limited, Melbourne, Boomerang Australian brandy; Smith and Son, Adelaide, Yalumba Vineyards; James-Service and Co., Blogg Bros., of Melbourne. For Wellington District only:–Alcock and Co., billiard table manufacturers; and for the Colony, excluding Auckland, W. D. and H. O. Wills, Bristol, cigarettes and tobacco.
Accountant and Licensed Land Broker, Phœnix Chambers, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 818; P.O. Box 19. Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand and Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Wesley Road. Mr. Powles was born near London, in which city he was brought up to mercantile life. He came to New Zealand in 1863, by the “Southern Cross” (missionary yacht), and for the first two years he was employed up the country. In 1865 he came to Wellington, and entered the Provincial Government service, where he remained till 1877, when the Provincial Government was abolished. When that occurred, Mr. Powles was occupying the position of assistant provincial treasurer. Mr. Powles established the present business in 1877. He is a member of the Institute of Accountants of New Zealand, and undertakes the auditing of accounts for public companies. Mr, Powles occupies several important positione. At the time of writing he is-secretary to the Wellington College and Girls' High School, secretary to the Diocesan Trustees and Pension Fund, secretary to the Society for the Relief of the Aged Needy, and treasurer to the Wellington Benevolent Institution. His business extends throughout the Wellington provincial district
(John Rigg and James Henry Whittaker), Importers and Manufacturers' Agents, Exchange Buildings, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This business was established by Mr. John Rigg in 1890, two years later he was joined by Mr. Whittaker. Branches of the business are established in Dunedin and Christchurch. In Auckland the business is carried on under the name of John Rigg. A very extensive business is done, and large stocks are kept at all their establishments. Their principal agency is Rowntree's cocoa, chocolate and confectionery. Messrs. Rigg and Whittaker act for the following firms:—Messrs. Bottomley and Son, of Keighley, confectioners; Carr and Co., of Carlisle, biscuits; J. Broadhead and Sons, Leeds, brushware; and Braithwaite and Sons, Kendall, drysalters. Both members of the firm are men experienced in mercantile pursuits, Mr. Rigg having had a very wide commercial experience in the Old Country, and Mr. Whittaker was for many years with Messrs. Cadbury Bros., cocoa manufacturers. The rapid and complete manner in which the manufactures of the above named firms have been placed on the New Zealand market is not only sufficient comment on the ability and energy of these gentlemen, but proves that there is a market in this Colony for a really high class article, which they supply.
Stock Salesman and Auctioneer, Hemp Broker and Insurance Agent, Featherston Street, Wellington. Telephone 190; P.O. Box 135. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Lower Hutt
phormium tenax) he does a considerable trade exporting on his own and clients' account to England and America. In 1895, Mr. Scales took out a license as an auctioneer, and has been singularly successful as a “knight of the hammer,” He undertakes outdoor sales as may be required in any part of the country or city, but his special lines are stock and wool. Farmers desirous to realise on their cattle and sheep will find Mr. Scales able and willing to undertake the duty. At the Ram and Ewe Fair, held on January 21st, 1896, 1030 animals were yarded, and of these 730 were entrusted to Mr. Scales to sell. That so large a proportion should be placed in the hands of this gentleman is convincing evidence of his ability as a stock auctioneer, and of the complete confidence that is reposed in him by the pastoral public. Mr. Scales sells a great many pure-bred cattle by private treaty. During the four months preceding the time of writing (January, 1896) a very large number have been quitted from all parts of the North Island, and from Canterbury and Otago, in this way. Thus this business serves as a connecting link between the East and West Coasts and between the North and South Islands of the Colony. Breeders and farmers in any part of New Zealand may communicate with Mr. Scales, who will undertake to realise to the best advantage, or purchase choice stock from the best herds at reasonable quotations. As a wool auctioneer, Mr. Scales sells for Messrs. Levin and Co., merchants, and the United Farmers' Alliance, Limited, as well as for himself. He holds three wool auctions in the season, and has been successful in obtaining top prices for his clients He has a good connection in insurance matters, in which he represents that old-established society, the Northern Assurance Company of London and Aberdeen. He also holds the Agency of the Straits Marine Insurance Company of Singapore and London. Mr. Scales has always taken a deep interest in the progress of the Colony, and in no way has he shown this more than in connection with the Wellington Agricultural and Pastoral Association, of the Executive Committee of which he has long been a member, and has recently accepted the arduous position of Secretary. In sporting matters, he is judge of the Wellington Racing Club, a post which he has held for several years past. He also takes a keen interest in athletics and shooting.
(Francis Sidey), Auctioneers, Cuba Street Extension, Wellington, Telephone 150. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Holyrood House, Kilbirnie. This firm was established in the year 1865, and is claimed to be the oldest auctioneering business in Wellington. The premises occupied are large and convenient, regular sales of property and general merchandise being held. Messrs. Sidey and Co. also undertake outdoor sales as and when required. Mr. Sidey, who is now the only partner, is the youngest son of the late Mr. Charles Graham Sidey, Lord Provost of Perth, Scotland. Mr. Sidey was educated at the famous seminary of that city. He received his commercial education in the counting house of Messrs. W. Shiels and Co., of Leith, who were agents for the Spanish firms of Gonzalez and Dabose, of Cadiz. Coming out to the colonies, Mr. Sidey landed in Sydney, where he entered into a five years' engagement as managing clerk to Messrs. Bethune.and Hunter, of Wellington, who were then perhaps the largest general merchants in New Zealand. Mr. Sidey's elder brother Charles, who lived in Wellington and Canterbury during the early fifties, is now residing at Queen's Gate, London, and is often spoken of in kindly terms by the few very early colonists now living.
Insurance, Customs, Shipping and General Agent, 12 Featherston Street, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Simpson was born at Ballarat, Victoria, in 1862, and came in 1874 with his parents to Dunedin, where he was educated at the High School. He began his business career in the office of Messrs. Bright Bros. and Co., merchants, of Dunedin, as a clerk, remaining with them for about six years. His health then failing, Mr. Simpson took a position on a station for about two years. Returning to mercantile pursuits, he joined the Equitable Insurance Association of New Zealand as cashier, which position he filled for six years, and was then appointed to the charge of the Christchurch branch, which position he held until the Association went into liquidation. Mr. Simpson then came to Wellington, and opened his present business in May, 1892. He represents the Royal Assurance Corporation of London, the Scottish Metropolitan Assurance Company, and the New Zealand Plate Glass Insurance Company, also the Wheatly Globe Express Company, of London, through whom he ships parcels to any part of the world. He gives the business his personal supervision, and possesses a wide knowledge of the condition of affairs.
(Charles Wilcox Smith and Joseph Godfrey Holdsworth), Land, Estate, Financial, Insurance, and General Commission Agents, 40 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 575; P.O. Box 51. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. This business, the first of its kind established in Wellington, was founded by the late Mr. B. Smith, father of the senior partner, in 1871. The firm are agents for the provincial district of Wellington for the Norwich Union Fire Insurance Society, a position which they have held continuously since the company commenced business in the Colony about twenty years ago. They are also public officers for the society in New Zealand. Messrs. Smith and Co. are also agents for the Government Life Insurance Department. They also act as agents for absentees, and do a considerable business in buying and selling city, suburban, and country properties. Mr. C. W. Smith was born in Liverpool, and came to the Colony in 1854 per ship “Carnatic” Mr. Holdsworth is a native of New Zealand, where he was educated. He has been known in business circles in Wellington from his early days.
Accountant and Trade Assignee, The Trade Protection and Commercial Agency, 8 Grey Street, Wellington. Telephone 4; P.O. Box 68. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Queen Street. This very useful agency was established in 1887 by Mr. S. J. Jackman, who disposed of his interest to the present proprietor in 1890. Mr. Stewart has correspondents in all the leading towns of the Colony, and undertakes the collection of accounts in any part of New Zealand; he accepts assignments of book debts on trust, and institutes proceedings in his own name, thus obviating the necessity for suing in the name of the real creditor, whose time is thus saved. The Agency has seventy of the leading firms of the City on its roll of subscribers. It undertakes to furnish confidential status reports to its clients. Mr. Stewart was for four year on the staff of the Evening Press, and for two years with Messrs. McKee and Gamble before taking over the present business.
(Walter L. Meek), Manufacturers Agents and Importers, Bannantyne's Buildings, Featherston Street, Wellington. Telephone 750. P.O. Box 252. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, 6 Austin Street. London agents, Saddington and Co., 30 Lime Street, E.C. In 1887 this business
(H. F. Allen, Manager for New Zealand), Publishers and Importers, 12 Featherston Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales., Head office, Melbourne. The firm are agents for Virtue and Co., Ld., of London, and Blackie and Son, of Edinburgh, well-known publishing firms. They deal in British standard works and American Art Productions.
F.I.A.N.Z., Customhouse Quay, Wellington, Accountant, Agent for Absentees, and Sharebroker. Telephone 190; P.O. Box 16. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Claremont Grove. Mr. Stuart is a native of Scotland, and arrived in New Zealand per sorew steamer “Rakaia,” from London, in 1867. He was brought up to banking in Scotland, and afterwards held positions in banking institutions in London and India. The present business was established in 1879. Mr. Stuart is one of the Commissioners of the Wellington Harbour Board Sinking Funds, is a member of the Council of the Academy of Arts, and also a Fellow of the Institute of Accountants of New Zealand. He took a considerable interest in the establishment of the Institute, and was its first president. Mr. Stuart has resided in Wellington for nearly twenty-nine years. He publishes a monthly Investors' Guide, containing valuable information regarding stocks and shares, showing capital subscribed and paid up, as well as dividends and latest market quotations, etc.
(Alfred Gibbon Taine), Auctioneers, Stock, Station, and General Commission Agents, 2 Custom House Quay, corner of Harbour Street; Horse Sale Yards, Harris Street; Stock Sale Tards at Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt, Pahautanui, and Manukan. Telegraphic and cable address, “Taine, Wellington.”” Code, ABC, 4th edition and private. Telephone, 10. P.O. Box, 231. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Talavera Terrace. London Agents, Edwin Craven and Co, E.C. Messrs. Taine and Co. established their present business in 1893, but the founder was by no means unknown either in Wellington or in other principal parts of the colony. Mr. Taine was born in Wellington, and was educated at the Church of England School, under Mr. Toomath, finishing at King's College, London. His father, Mr. J. J. Taine, now of Devonport, North Shore, Auckland, arrived in Wellington by one of the first ships of the New Zealand Shipping Company—the “Adelaide”—in March, 1840, and was for many years in business as a general merchant. On leaving College, Mr. Taine entered the employ of a firm of mechanical engineers, whose principal line was the manufacture of ice-making machinery. While thus engaged, he assisted in the fitting-up of the first real ice skating rick, in Chelsea, and in several other large works, notably the conversion of the Claning Cross baths into a rink, and the construction of the Manchester rirk. Subsequently, Mr. Taine took an ice plant to Calcutta for one of the British India liners, arrangements being made for working one of the small machines on the voyage. During the passage through the Red Sea and other sultry parts, Mr. Taine and his ice were naturally the first favourites of the ship. Returning to England on the completion of his work in Calentta, Mr laine went to New Jersey with large additions to the ice plant of one of the immense slaughter yards of that State. Finally, he embarked from Londen for New Zealand, per ship “Panmure,” Captain Downey, in 1879, and, after a look round the colony, began business in the following year, in Invercargill, on the lines of his present concern. Here he remained eleven years, and did well, the firm of Messrs. Wilson, Taine and Co. becoming wellknown throughout the Colonies. While in Invercargill, Mr. Taine rose to the rank of Past Master in the Southern Cross Lodge of Freemasons, E.C. Messrs Taine and Co. hold weekly sales of furniture and general merchandise on Fridays, at 1.30 p.m. These sales are generally well attended, and an inconceivable variety of articles may always be found there. The horse sales are held weekly, on Saturdays, at 2 o'clock, at the yards in Harris Street, near the Electric Light Works, and are also well attended. A weekly sale of hides, rabbit skins, and such goods, is held at the auction rooms at 11 o'clock on Monday. The stock sales are held every month, at each of the yards, on dates as published from time to time. Messrs. Taine and Co.'s premises are large, commodious, and most conveniently situated. The auction rooms and office are situated on one of the best corner sites in the city, opposite the Bank of New Zealand and the Erening Post corner. Messrs. Taine and Co. may be relied on to attend to all matters with which they may be entrusted in a thoroughly efficient and prompt manner.
(F. W. Haybittle and E. B. Bristow), Auctioneers, Fruit and Produce Merchants, Thomas' Hall, Custom House Quay, and Wellington Fruit Market, Harris Street, Wellington; Cable address, “Thomas, Wellington,” Code, A B C, Fourth Edition. Telephone, 78, P.O. Box, 26. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence: Mr. Haybittle, Willow Bank, Lower Hutt; Mr. Bristow, Abel Smith Street. This large concern is the oldest established auctioneering business in the city. It was founded in 1869 by the late Captain George Thomas, whose memory is still green. The site originally selected in Lambton Quay is opposite the site until lately occupied by the Colonial Bank. The building was known as the old Presbyterian
(Frederick Townsend and James Paul), Fruit and Produce Salesmen, auction rooms, 21 Willis Street; fruit and horse market, Harris street. Telephone 158; P.O. Box 27. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. This business was established in 1886. One of the special lines of Messrs. Townsend and Paul's business is the fruit trade. They have correspondents and consignors in various parts of the Colony, and likewise in the South Sea Islands Australia, and Tasmania.
Commission Agent, Railway Advertising Contractor, and Wholesale News Agent, 6 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 59. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Lower Hutt. This business was established in 1889. Mr. Truebridge is Secretary to the Palmerston North Gas Company, and holds many news agencies. Until lately, Mr. Truebridge was in partnership with Messrs. Wm. Miller and G. J. Reich, and since their retirement he has carried on the business alone.
(Arthur Warburton) Sharebrokers, Financial Agents, Valuators, Land, Estate, and General Commission Agents, 44 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telegraphic Address, “Warburton, Wellington.” Telephones, office 74, private residence, 311. P.O. Box 48. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand and National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, 50 Thorndon Quay. Mr. Warburton established the above business in 1883. For some years prior to that time he had been manager of the Bank of New Zealand, Te Aro, Wellington, a position of influence, in which he had not only gained much valuable experience and financial knowledge, but had also made an extensive business acquaintance, which formed a ready nucleus of his present connection. The premises of Messrs. Warburton and Co. are most centrally situated, adjoining the Chamber of Commerce. Besides attending personally to his own business, which includes the management of a number of private estates—several of them very important ones—Mr. Warburton holds the office and performs the duties of Chairman and Managing Director of the New Zealand Times Company. He is also a director of the Wellington Woollen Company, acts as attorney for absentees, holds a seat on the Council of the University College for the Midde Island of New Zealand, and is a Governor of the Wellington College and Girls' High School. Mr. Warburton was born in Wellington. He is the brother of the Public Trustee, and therefore a son of Mr. T. K. Warburton, now living -in quiet retirement, but still well remembered as a business man of the early days, and who is referred to as a prominent colonist. Mr. Arthur Warburton was educated at the Church of England School, under Mr. Toomath and Mr. Finnimoxe. In 1863 he was appointed to the staff of the Bank of New South Wales, as iunior clerk. and remained in the service of the Bank some fourteen years, passing through all stages to the position of branch manager at Feilding. In 1877 the managership of the Te Aro Branch of the Bank of New Zealand was offered to Mr. Warburton, which he accepted, and held for six years, when he resigned to enter into his present business. Mr. Warburton was more than ordinarily popular as a banker; and no doubt his kindly disposition, high principle, and excellent business capacity, which so early brought him to the front in banking, are responsible for the well-merited success of his own business. In 1879, Mr. Warburton was married to Miss Lucena, daughter of the late Mr. William Lancaster Lucena, for many years a prosperous settler of the Wairarapa. Their family consists of one daughter and two sons. Mr. and Mrs. Warburton were married on the margin of the Wairarapa Lake, -where was situated Mr. Lucena's principal station. The recent settlement of this lake question has vastly increased the value of this portion of the property which Mr. Lucena left to his family.
(Balph Farmer, Manager), 12 Brandon Street, Wellington, This business was established by Mr. Farmer in 1895. The Association is an extremely useful institution. It undertakes all kinds of trade protection business, but makes a specialty of the collecting of debts for professional or business men. Assignments of book debts are accepted for recovery at law, and intricate financial matters are undertaken for unravelment and adjustment. Claims are inquired into and reported on. The public may rely upon confidence being strictly observed in all matters entrusted to the Association. Mr. Farmer has had considerable experience in this class of business, and may be relied on to combine knowledge of general business matters with judgment. The Association's clients are already numerous and influential.
(Secretary, J. H. Hayhow), 14 Featherston Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This Society was established in 1894. Its chief objects are the recovery of debts for the business public who secure the services of a solicitor to take legal proceedings, the charge being a commission of ten per cent. The Association has been fairly successful.
Broker, Land, Estate, Financial, and General Commission Agent, Featherston Street. P.O. Box 8. Private residence, 79 Webb Street. Mr. Williams commenced his present business in 1889; but long before that he was well and favourably known, not only in Wellington, but throughout New Zealand, and by name at any rate in all Australasia. He is a native of Kent, and arrived in this Colony in 1869, per “Electra” For some few years he followed the occupation of engineer, to which he had been brought up, and was for some years a partner in the firm of Smith Brothers and Williams; but he is better known to Wellingtonians in the capacity of host of the Metropolitan Hotel, which position he held for many years, and only relinquished it to begin his present business. His operations extend throughout the Welington provincial district and the South Island of New Zealand. Mr. Williams is secretary to the Wellington Freemasons' Hàll Company, Limited, and he holds the same position in the Brewers' and Wine and Spirit Merchants' Association of New Zealand. In the matter of public offices, Mr. Williams has a record that iew, if any, can beat. For five years he represented Thorndon Ward in the City Council; he was one of the original members nominated by the Government to the Hospital Committee; was elected by the Council to represent it on the District Charitable Aid Board, and the United District Board; was subsequently chairman of both these Boards; and was also elected by the Council to the Hospital Board. He has held three commissions in the volunteer service as lieutenant and captain of the Thorndon Rifles, and on the requisition of fifty members he accepted the captaincy of the Wellington Rifles. Sterling merit was the passport to all these offices in Mr. Williams's case. To accept a duty was with him to carry it out in a manner the most satisfactory. As a Friendly Society Officer, it is probable that Mr. Williams has no equal in this hemisphere. The highest offices in the gift of the members have been pushed upon him. For three years he was Grand Sire of Australasia in the American Order of Oddfellows, the highest position attainable beyond the limits of the United States; and at the present time he is Grand Superintendent of Freemasons for the Wellington district, under the Grand Lodge of New Zealand, with Masonie rank of Past Deputy Grand Master, which is the second highest rank in the craft, and Grand Scribe of the Supreme Grand Chapter of New Zealand. The Grand Lodge of Freemasonry largely owes its establishment to the efforts of Mr. Williams. To mention all the positions of importance which have been stepping stones to these high offices is unnecessary. Suffice it to say that the writer speaks from a long and intimate acquaintance with the subject of this article.
Land, Estate, Insurance, and General Commission Agent, No. 1 Grey Street. Telephones: Office, 904; house, 498. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. London agents, Messrs. Balfour and Co., 11 Rood Lane, E.C. Private residence, Abel Smith Street. Mr. Lewis Henry Balfour Wilson is a native of Scotland, and arrived in New Zealand in 1867, per s.s. “Rakaia,” via Panama, from London. Though only a youth, he was successful in securing admission to the Civil Service immediately on arrival. For nearly twenty-seven years Mr. Wilson was in the Government Marine Department, for the greater portion of that time occupying a position of importance. During his long residence in Wellington Mr. Wilson has made a large circle of friends, who will doubtless be glad to entrust him with any business they may have in his lines. His office is very centrally situated, being next door to the New Zealand Insurance Company, right opposite the National Bank, and within a minutes' walk of the General Post-office. Though only recently established, Mr. Wilson has made good progress. He is agent for the Provident and Industrial Insurance Company of New Zealand, Dunedin; Live Stock General Insurance Company of New Zealand, D'medin; and Messrs. Balfour and Co., shipping, passenger, and forwarding agents, of Rood Lane, London; and other firms. There is reason to believe that Mr. Wilson will build up a good business. The secretaryship of the Academy of Fine Arts is in Mr. Wilson's hands.
Importer of American Manufactures, etc., National Mutual Buildings, Customhouse Quay and Hunter Street, Wellington. Cable and Telegraphic address, “Yerex, Wellington,” Code, ABC, 4th Edition. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia, Limited. Private residence, Western Hutt. Mr. Yerex, whose name, it may be remarked, if correctly pronounced, will rhyme with “Berks,” established his present business some seven or eight years ago. During that short time he has made wonderful progress; and his success is certainly well merited, for there are few men in the Colony in whose characters are combined so many of the qualities needful for getting on in the world himself, and at the same time helping others to do the same. Liberal to a fault, and thoroughly upright in all his dealings, Mr. Yerex is endowed with perseverance, energy, pluck, and general business capacity, which, if carefully divided, would be more than sufficient for half-a-dozen average New Zealand business men. There is
Baker Bros. (C. A. Baker, J. E. Baker, H. D. Baker, W. W. Baker, and T. N. Baker), Auctioneers, Estate and Insurance Agents, 43 Lambton Quay. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1877.
Barnett, Alfred Abram, Land and Financial Agent, 18 Lambton Quay, Wellington, Private residence. 92 Abel Smith Street.
Bentley, James, Broker and Commission. Agent, Brandon Street. Private residence, Levy Street.
Bezar, Edwin, Land, Estate and Commission Agent, 11 Grey Street. Private residence, Kent Terrace, Established early in 1896.
Bishop, John Clunie, Manufacturers' Agent, National Mutual Buildings. Bankers, Bank of/Australasia. Established 1890 by the late Mr. W. Whittem. Conducted by Mr. Bishop since 1895.
Brooke, Mrs, Katie, Registry Office, Charlotte Street.
Clayton, Oliver Whitton, Land Agent, 39 Vivian Street. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1874.
Cornford, G. A., Shorthand and Typewriter, Lambton Quay.
Cross, James S., Customs and Shipping Agent, Customhouse Quay. Private residence, Mowbray Street.
Dwan Brothers, Hotel Brokers and Valuators, Land, Estate, and Commission Agents, 15 Willis Street. Private residence, 250 Willis Street. Established 1885.
Elsworth, F. W. (trading as the Newtown House and Land Agency), Estate Agent, 57a, Riddiford Street, Newtown. Established 1886.
Fox, Louis and Co., Auctioneers, Grain and Produce Merchants, 1Mercer St, Gardener, George M., Indent Agent, Johnston Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Owen Street. Established 1894.
George, Arthur J., Manufacturers' Agent and Importer, Parish Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Bidwell Street. Established 1898.
Harper Miss, Shorthand Writer and Typist, Lambton Quay.
Henderson, James, Stock and Share Broker, 11 Grey Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Head office, 178 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Established in Christchurch 1865, and in Wellington 1895.
Herron, Robert, Commission Agent and General Dealer, 65 Cuba Street. Private residence, Victoria Place.
Hodgson, Cecil, Accountant and Advertising Agent, 20 Grey Street. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1895.
Hughes, Henry, Patent Agent and Mechanical and Civil Engineer, Lambton Quay. Private residence, 162 Tinakori Road.
Hunt, W. J. and Co. (Walter James Hunt), Commission Agents, Harbour Street. Private residence, 61 Courtenay Place.
Jorgensen, W. J., General Commission Agent, 11 Grey Street. Private residence, Daniel Street. Established 1884.
Kayll, William, Commission Agent, 41 Featherston Street.
Kember, Arthur, Accountant and Auditor, Lambton Quay, Bankers, Bank of New South Wales.
Ledez, Richard, Manufacturers' Agent, Townsend and Paul's Buildings, Willis Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence.
Hall Street. Established in Auckland in 1892, removed to Wellington in 1895.
Le Grove, E. J., Shorthand Writer, 42 Lambton Quay. Private residence, 138 Willis Street. Established 1890.
Logan, A. H. and Co., Sharebrokers, Land and Estate Agents, 12 Featherston Street. Established 1894.
London, Francis, Land and Commission Agent, 12 Grey Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, 12 Tinakori Road. Established 1887.
Macdougall, Allan, Commission Agent, Government Insurance Buildings, Customhouse Quay.
Merritt and Co. (Thomas E. Merritt), Registry Office, 6) Willis Street, Established 1886. Conducted by present firm since 1894.
Moss, Henry, Commission Agent, Hotel Broker, and Importer of General Merchandise, Harris Street. Private residence, 13 College Street. Established 1880.
Mountain, Thomas John, Mercantile Broker and General Commission Agent, Old Custom House Street. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Molesworth Street. Established 1866.
Mowbray, J. C., Accountant and Commission Agent, Featherston Street. Established 1894.
Pearson, W. E., Commission Agent, Lambton Quay. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Newtown. Established 1892.
Perrott, Mrs. Emily, Registry Office, 15 Willis Street. Established 1893.
Pilcher, Thomas William, Custom House Agent, Queen's Gnambers. Private residence, 15 College Street.
Reliable Registry Office (Miss E. R. Bremner), Vivian St. and Molesworth St.
Roach, F. G., and Co., Manufacturers' Agents, Harbour Street.
Robinson, Samuel, Accountant and General Commission Agent, 38 Lambton Quay, Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Onslow Terrace.
Shortt, William Fraser, Auctioneer, Willis Street. Private residence, 57 Willis Street.
Smallbone, Walter, Manufacturers' Agent, Farish Street. Private residence, 4 Bidwell Street. Established 1895.
Smythe, Miss E., Shorthand and Typewriter, corner of Grey and Featherston Streets. Established 1896.
Thompson, F. G., and Co. (Frederick George Thompson), Financial Agents and Fire Loss Adjusters, 12 Grey Street. Established 1887.
Umfreville and Dodd (G. H. Umfreville and J. R. Dodd), Manufacturers' Agents, Victoria Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1895.
Von Meyern, Mrs. C., Alexandra Registry Office, Willis Street, Estab. 1895.
Warren and Co. (Thomas James Cory Warren), Commission Agents, Queen's Chambers, Jervois Quay. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1893.
Wilberfoss, Robert, Broker and Mercantile Agent, Harbour Street. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Established 1889.
Williams, James Herbert, Shipping Agent, Featherston Street. Private residence, Hawkestone Street.
Wright, Sydney Evelyn, Teacher of Light Line System of Shorthand, and Manufacturers' Agent, 88 Lambton Quay. Private residence, South Avenue.
Architect, 26 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone, 598. Private residence, Island Bay. Mr. Chatfield, who is the descendant of an old Sussex family, was born at Greatham House, Parham Park, Sussex. He was educated at Brixton, Surrey, and came to the Colony in 1867. For the first five years of his life in New Zealand, Mr. Chatfield was engaged in architectural works in Wellington. In 1872 he joined the public service as chief draughtsman and assistant paymaster and engineer in the Engineers' Department, Wellington Province. From this time, till the abolition of the Provincial form of Government in 1876, Mr. Chatfield continued to hold these offices, and during the period he designed many of the principal bridges in the district, and was engaged on the Thorndon reclamation and other works. He commenced his present practice in 1876, since which time he has been well-known as a successful architect. Mr. Chatfield has designed and superintended the erection of many substantial and important buildings—the Wellington Opera House, among others—in and around the city and in various parts of New Zealand. Two of the latest may be named; the warehouse of Messrs. E. W. Mills and Co., Ltd., and the offices of the Evening Post.
(P. de J. Clere, F.R.I.B.A., and Gerald FitzGerald, Assoc. M. Inst. C.E.), Architects, Phœnix Chambers, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 635. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Clere, Boulcott Terrace (telephone 394); Mr. FitzGerald, Grant Road. Mr. Clere, who is a son of the Rev. Henry Clere, M.A., Vicar of Tickenham, Somersetshire, was born in Rochdale in 1856. His mother was the authoress of several well-known religious books. Mr. Clere went to St. John's School, Clapton, London. He was articled to Mr. Edmund Scott, A.B.I.B.A., architect, Brighton, and afterwards became chief assistant to Mr. R. Jewell Withers, F.B.I.B.A., of the Adelphi, London, a well-known ecclesiastical aichitect. The training Mr. Clere received in the Old Land” qualified him for the important duties which have devolved upon him since he landed in Wellington in 1877 from the good ship “Hurunui” After a short time spent in private offices and in the Government service, Mr. Clere commenced the practice of his profession in Feilding, where he resided for four years. In. 1883 he removed to Wanganui, joining Mr. Atkins, under the style of Atkins and Clere. The same year he was appointed architect to the Wanganui Education Board, and was also made the Wellington Diocesan architect. The firm of Atkins and Clere was dissolved by mutund consent in the year 1886, by which time Mr. Clere had established the present business in Wellington. In 1891 Mr. Clere became associated with Mr. E. T. Richmond, son of Mr. Justice Richmond, with whom he conducted a rapidly-extending business till 1895, when the partnership was dissolved, owing to the junior partner leaving for Australia on account of health. Mr. Clere has received many honours in connection with his profession. In 1878, on the nomination of the then president, Sir Horace Jones, he was elected an Associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects; in 1882, four years later, he was made a Fellow of the Institute, and in 1894 he became the first New Zealand secretary to that society. Mr. FitzGerald is a son of Mr. J. E. FitzGerald, C.M.G., Controller-General. He was born in Christchurch, and educated at the Thorndon Grammar School,
Wellington, and by private tutors. Mr. FitzGerald was a Civil servant for about twenty years, coring which he filled a respensible position in the Public Works Department. He became an associate member of the Institute of Civil Engineers in 1889, and having retired from the Government service, joined Mr. Clere in 1895. The firm of Clere and Richmond have designed and erected a large number of the prominent buildings of Wellington. It is estimated that thier brick buildings alone have a gross frontage up to this date (1895) of more than 2000 feet. Among these may be mentioned the splendid edifice erected for the New Zealand Government Life Insurance Department, which occupies a prominent position on Customhouse Quay, with frontages to Panama and Brandon Streets. It cost £30,000, and is undoubtedly Wellington's handsomest building. Its design, and the manner in which its erection was carried
Cyclopedia, but the technical description of it is inserted here as being more suitable to an article devoted to the architects. In the days gone by, the old Provincial Buildings, which occupied a part of the site, were considered exceptionally handsome,
and, curiously enough, the fine hall which was used as the Provincial Council Chamber, has been preserved, though entirely excluded from the exterior view. A detailed description of the whole building appeared in the last Christmas number of New Zealand, Mail, as follows:—“One whole wing—the northern wing, of three stories—besides two rooms in the central portion of the buildings, is occupied by the Insurance Department, the other portions being tenanted by the district lands and survey offices, the registrar of births, etc., and by other tenants of suites of offices let to legal firms and other private occupiers. The offices occupy considerably more than one-half of the entire block, bounded on three sides by Featherston, Brandon, and Panama Streets, and on the fourth side facing Customhouse Quay, This last frontage, which is the principal one, is 160 feet long, and consists of the gabled ends of the north and south wings, and the main midd'e block itself. The height of the wings is 77 feet, and in addition to the eight windows, each wing has a boldly carved stone tympanum filling in the arch surrounding the topmost row of lights. In this carving are introduced four shields bearing the arms of the cities of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin respectively. In the centre of the façade is the chief entrance, placed under the main tower, which rises, exclusive of its flagstaff, 116 feet above the pavement line. Over the entrance are carved the Boyal Arms and supporters, and above is a niche to hold a statue or group of figures. The north wing to the top of the parapet is 561/2 feet in height. In the centre the sky-line is broken by a gable rising 77 feet, and between this and each end is a further break produced by a pavilion roof surmounted by ornamental iron railing and flag-staff. The south wing is very similar to the north one. save that in place of the large centre gable there is on the top floor a semi-elliptical balcony supported as an oriel window and surmounted by a carved tympanum and canopy, the gable over which is finished with an iron finial representing the City of Wellington crest, a dolphin and mural crown. The roof, which is covered with Welsh slates, is broken by the gables and pavilions, and is further adorned by ventilating turrets which add to the picturesequeness of the exterior. Leading from the vestibule to the right is the public office, a lofty chamber, fitted with handsome walnut counter and other furniture, and having highly-decorated walls and ceilings. Beyond this room are the district manager's offices. Further on, passing the office of the local registrar of births, etc., the north wing is reached. This wing, on the ground floor, holds the rooms of the administrative chiefs. To the left of the main entrance is a large suite of offices let to a public company, while in the south wing are various suites of offices occupied by private firms. On the west side of the main corridor, which is 116 feet long, and lighted by windows all filled with stained glass, are placed the passenger elevator, the main staircase, and several offices, having in all a total floorage capacity of 3550 square feet, while beyond these again, after crossing a small courtyard or quadrangle, are the lavoratories. The planning of the first floor and top floor varies but slightly from that of the ground floor, the chief difference being in the heights, which are 16 feet and 14 feet respectively, while the main floor is 18 feet high. Perhaps the most attractive room in the building is that on the top floor of the north wing, accommodating the officers of the accountant's branch. It is well-lighted, 114 feet long by 25 feet wide, and the ceiling is carried well up into the roof, and is formed with ornamental arched principals and panels. The building generally is practically fireproof. Nearly all the internal divisions are of brick, and only in a few places, where minor walls were necessary, have lath and plaster partitions been constructed. Many of the floors are of solid concrete and rolled iron girders, and, where timber joists are employed, concrete has been placed between them. The large number of actual strong-rooms (with Milner's fire-proof doors) is a noticeable feature, the floor area of these being no less than 5500 square feet. The sanitary appliances all seem to be of the latest description, most of them having been specially imported for this building. The heating is by hot water, two of Keith's furnaces being employed in the process. The architect was Mr. F. de J. Clere, and the builders were Messrs. Carmichael and Son, who have constructed numerous buildings both here and in Christchurch. The tasteful carving of the pillar capitals and other sculptures was the work of Mr. Barrett, the well-known local sculptor; and the illuminations and other interior decorative paintings were done by Mr. Ballmuller, an Austrian decorator, who has studied artistic designing in various parts of the world.” The offices of the Harbour Board, and the projected wharf offices for the same body, are from plans by Messrs. Clere and Richmond, who also erected the warehouses of Messrs. Sharland and Company (Limited), George Thomas and Company, and Bannatyne and Company; they designed and erected the Phœnix Chambers in Lambton Quay, and many other business premises, the offices and works of the New Zealand Electrical Syndicate (Limited) on the reclaimed land, and the new wards of the hospital. About twenty of the churches in the Wellington Provincial District were built from plans by this well-known firm. Of private residences they have planned and supervised the erection of a large
Exchange Buildings, 12 Grey Street. Telephone 342. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Is a native of Cornwall, England, and studied architecture under James Hicks, of Redruth. Arrived 1879 per ship “Chili” He fortunately secured an appoinment in the Colonial Architects Department, where he designed several of the largest public buildings in the Colony. After twelve years he was retrenched, at a time of cutting down in the public service. He established the present business in the year 1891. Since this time Mr. Crichton has designed and superintended the erection of a large number of private dwellings, shops and warehouses in and around the city. His plans for the Free Public Library were awarded the prize, notwithstanding there were twenty-two competitors, and the building was carried out and completed under his able supervision. Mr. Crichton also succeeded in getting his plans for the Palmerston North Courthouse accepted. He has also designed and completed the Boys' Institute on the reclaimed land, the Salvation Army Rescue Home in Cuba Street, and the Salvation Army Hall in Jessie Street. He holds the position of secretary to the Association of Architects of Wellington.
Architect and Building Surveyor, 6 Featherston Street, Wellington. Mr. Lambert was born in Selkirk, Scotland, where he served his articles. Soon afterwards he went to Edinburgh—the Athens of the North—and diligently pursued the study of architecture in that city of many beautiful structures, to enable him to practise the art which was to be his profession. After much touring he went to London, and after a comparatively brief residence there, embarked for New Zealand. Arriving in Wellington early in 1866, when the Titokowaru rebellion was at its height, he settled with his brother—one of the original farmers—in the Rangitikei district. Very little building was done for some years, on account of the unsettled state of native affairs, and Mr. Lambert gave much of his time to drill and volunteer matters. When confidence was again restored, he designed and had carried out, many buildings in various towns and districts in the north of the Wellington Province, but there being very little scope, he returned to Wellington early in 1874, and finding business still dull in the Empire City, he removed to Christchurch. Shortly after his arrival in that city, Mr. Lambert entered the office of Mr. F. Strouts, M.R.I.B.A., in which office he remained about three years. During the last year Mr. Lambert personally surveyed the entire city of Christchurch, and measured every building. He afterwards compiled and lithographed a map of the city, showing buildings, etc., and with Mr. Strouts, published it, a copy of which is now the standard official map of the Corporation. Early in 1877, Mr. Lambert recommenced business on his own account, and since that time many of the principal permanent buildings in Christchurch were designed by him and erected under his supervision. Of these, some of the most well-known stone buildings in the City of Christchurch and the adjacent towns may be mentioned as follows:—Morten's buildings, costing about £30,000; the Synagogue, £4000; Sydenham Wesleyan Church, £3200; Y.M.C.A. buildings, £3150; Inglis' business premises, £4600; Messrs. Black, Beattie and Co., and G. Bonnington's premises, £5200; Downes' buildings, £2100; Thompson, Shannon and Co.'s warehouse, £2200; Suckling Bros.' premises, £5300; Duncan's buildings, £8500; the Opera House, £10,100; and for the Bank of N. Z. banking premises at Oxford, also brick and stone bank and residence at Kaiapoi, £3400; the Junction Hotel, Bangiora, £4500; Christchurch 1882 International Exhibition buildings, £11,000. Mr. Lambert has also designed and supervised a very large number of residences, schools, churches, halls, warehouses, factories, business premises, shops, etc., and having been in practice for thirty years in this Colony, must now be held fully conversant with colonial wants and requirements for nearly every kind of buildings. Mr. Lambert has made the accoustical requirements for halls, churches, etc., his special study, as also of sanitation and ventilation. Some of the largest halls, churches, schools, and workrooms in the Colony have been efficiently ventilated by him, his experience and success in this direction serving him well. (See various Press reports in his possession). His methods of doing so are claimed to be new, simple, inexpensive, and natural, and to result in completely withdrawing the impure air, and supplying ample fresh air equally distributed throughout the building, without causing draught or discomfort. The following facts might also be stated in connection with the usual conduct of Mr. Lambert's business. With regard to Christchurch contracts alone, his consecutive contract number in 1890 was 339; and these contracts represent the expenditure of about £226,500. This large quantity of work was carried out without litigation or the single bankruptcy of a contractor. His designs have proved so perfect and complete, that almost invariably his contracts are finished without extras, and their total cost is usually somewhat under his written estimate previously given. As bearing out these statements, Mr. Lambert holds upwards of sixty most satisfactory testimonials which were submitted
Knutsford.” In response to advertisements for designs for the certificate of award in connection with the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, Dunedin, fifty were sent in from architects and artists in the Australian colonies, and the design by Mr. Lambert, under the motto “Tena Koutou,” was unanimously awarded first place by the Commissioners, and by the Fine Arts Committee. While it was being lithographed, a considerable number of the best details were omitted from the reproduction, yet it was very favourably commented on by the entire colonial press on account of its originality, ornate New Zealand characteristics, industries depicted, and its artistic merit. (For description see “Official Record of the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition,” p. 373). Mr. Lambert was awarded the only first award in the colonies for “Architectural drawings, being for “Designs of buildings for business and other purposes,” at the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition (see Official Record, p. 292). He also took a prominent part at the above Exhibition, acting as a juror of the building stones of the colonies, and testing them in various ways, including analysis, his geological and practical knowledge standing him in good stead (for results see Official Record, p.p. 367–373.) From 1890 to 1893, in his branch business at Dunedin, Mr. Lambert carried out extensive alterations and repairs to the First Church, as also the ventilation, the works entailing an expenditure of about £2000. The various contracts were also all completed under his estimates. Mr. Lambert was also architect in the re-building of Queen's Buildings for Sir Francis and James Smith, as well as for many brick buildings and wooden residences in Dunedin, Timaru, and elsewhere. In 1893 Mr. Lambert returned once more to Wellington, having great faith in the future of the Empire City. He holds that it is to be built, and many existing edifices re-built. Among other buildings he has had erected, may be mentioned that at the corner of Manners and Cornhill Streets. This structure is a three-storied business premises in brick, with vaulted cellarage throughout its entire area, the design, construction, and general details throughout being original. He has also designed and had carried out under his direction several residences, etc., in this City, and also in the provincial district. He is now the vice-president of the Wellington Association of Architects. A recent press report says:—“Mr. Lambert is widely known as an honourable, careful, faithful man, holding no second place for ability in his profession, and it is to be hoped he may long be spared to add to the adornment of our cities by the talented exercise of his art.”
Architect and Sanitary Engineer, New Zealand Insurance Buildings, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 933. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private Residence, Cambridge Terrace. Mr. Penty was born in Yorkshire in 1841, and was educated at private schools in York, where he studied for his profession, prior to becoming a pupil of Mr. J. E. Oates, of York and Halifax. On the completion of his articles in 1862, Mr. Penty was employed on the Liverpool Exchange works for five years, after which he went to Manchester. There he entered the office of one of the best architects in England, his employer being a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, and vice-president of that institute. During the time that Mr. Penty stayed in this office, a period of seven years, the firm erected buildings, some of them costing upwards of £10,000. Mr. Penty then went to Windsor, and superintended a large job which occupied some fifteen months. Subsequently he joined the Royal Engineers, on the civil staff, and
Ltd., (The Hen. G. F. Richardson, managing director), Surveyors, Grey Street, Wellington. Telephone, 633. P.O. Box, 172. This business was established in 1893.
C.E., Authorised and Licensed Surveyor, 15 Featherston Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Private residence, Molesworth Street. In 1882, Mr. Seaton joined Mr. J. R. King, of Timaru, in business as Civil Engineers and Surveyors, and two years later he removed to Wellington, accepting employment under the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company. Mr. Seaton surveyed and laid out about one-half of the Company's line, and in 1887 commenced to practise his profession in the Empire City. Since establishing himself in this business, Mr. Seaton has for four years filled the position of Engineer to the Petone Borough Council, and is still the engineer in charge of the Petone drainage works.
F.R.I.B.A., M.G.I.A., etc. Customhouse Quay, Wellington. Telephone 191; P.O. Box 271. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. London agent, Batsford, Publisher, High Holborn. Mr. Turnbull was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and was the only son of Joshua Turnbull, an eminent lawyer of that city. At an early age he was bereft of his parents, and was brought up by
Assoc. M. Inst., C.E., Authorised and Licensed Surveyor and Civil Engineer, 4 Grey Street, Wellington. Telephone, 555. Mr Ward is one of the oldest surveyors at present in business in Wellington. For five years before establishing the present business, in 1882, he occupied the position of Assistant Engineer to the Wellington City Corporation. On the 24th of May, 1892, Mr. Ward was elected an associate member of the Institute of Civil Engineers. He was educated for his profession at the New England Works, Great Northern Railway, Messrs. Ransom and Sons' ironworks, and was an engineering student at University College, London.
Beere, Edward Holroyd, Surveyor, 6 Lambton Quay. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence. Hill Street.
Campion, Edwin James, Surveyor, Grey Street.
Charlesworth, Joshua, Architect, Grey Street. Private residence, Buckle St. Luff, Charles Henry, Architect, corner of Lambton Quay and Panama, Struct. Private residence, Vogeltown.
Macgregor, Robert Roy, Architect, National Mutual Buildings, Customhouse Quay. Private residence, Evelyn Place. Established 1893.
Mason and Richmond (A. P. Mason and R. R. Richmond), Authorised Surveyors, Panama Street.
O'Dea, James, Architect, Harbour Street. Private residence, 39 Adelaide Road. Established 1882.
Schwartz, George Guido, Architect, Lambton Quay. Private residence, Hawker Street.
Worger, Christopher, Architect, Clyde Quay.
(Joseph Davis Dimond and Stephen Hart), Photo Enlargers and Importers, 49 Tory Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Dimond, Christchurch; Mr. Hart, Tasman Street, Wellington. The business was originally established as Dimond Brothers in Melbourne in 1886. In 1891 Mr. J. D. Dimond opened a branch of the business in Adelaide, South Australia, which he subsequently took over on his own account and conducted personally for two years. He came to New Zealand in 1893, and was joined by Mr. Hart, establishing the present firm. The Adelaide business, Mr. Dimond has since sold to Messrs. Dimond Bros, of Melbourne. Messrs. Dimond and Hart transact business throughout the entire Colony, being represented by responsible agents.
Artist and Photo grapher, Cuba Str et, Wellington, opposite Te Aro House. Telephone 159. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Pirie Street. Mrs. Herrmann is a native of Birmingham, and reached the Colony in the year 1880 per ship “Piako” from London. For seven-and-a-half years she was with the firm of Connolly and Herrman, photographers, of Lambton Quay. Here she gained a large and valuable experience, which has enabled her to conduct the present business successfully since the lamented death, in 1892, of her late husband, Mr. Lichard Herrmann, who established the same in the year 1890. Mrs. Herrmann's studio is tastefully appointed and elegantly furnished, every convenience being available for visitors. The work turned out has won a name for excellence in style and quality. Great success has been attained in childrens' portraites, for which Mrs. Herrmann's studio is famous. She has also made a specialty of enlargements, which are produced in magnificent style. All classes of portrait work are executed as may be required. Mrs. Herrmann is a direct importer of all classes of photographic materials. Her business extends all over the Colony, and orders are frequently received from Australia. The building, situated at the corner of Cuba and Dixon Streets, is of wood, one story in height, with a floorage space of about 200 square feet.
Artist and Photographer, Kinsey's Studio, Lambton Quay, opposite Grey Street, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Ingestre Street. This business was established in 1882 by Caznoau and Connolly, and has been successfully conducted by the present proprietor since 1892. The building occupied is of wood and brick with slate roof two stories in height, and affording no less than 7200 square feet of floorage space. The vestibule opening to Lambton Quay is a constant source of attraction. The walls and show-cases are filled with splendidly-executed pictures of well-known statesmen and private citizens. The waiting-room is elegantly furnished and adorned with additional specimens of Mr. Kinsey's art.
(Trayton George Wickens), Photographers, Manners Street, Wellington. This firm started business in 1895, and by the excellence of their workmanship, have already taken a place in the front rank as photographic artists. The studio is filled with all the latest improvements, the light being all that could be desired even in dull and cloudy weather. Mr. T. G. Wickens served his apprenticeship to Mr. Frank A. Coxhead, photographer, of Princes Street, Dunedin; afterwards he was for some time in business in Palmerston North, where he secured a fair share of the business. Having decided to open in Wellington, he took the above premises, and has no cause to regret the change. Mr. Wickens, who superintends the operating, has engaged first-class artists for re-touching and printing. As a young man he was a first-rate sculler, and gained several cups while residing in his native place.
(J. D. Wrigglesworth and F. C. Binns,) Photographers, Willis Street, Wellington, and at Christchurch and Dunedin. Telephone 161. Bankers, Bank of Australasia, Private residences: Mr. Wrigglesworth, Upper Dixon Street; Mr. Binns, Christchurch. London agents: Messrs. Mawson and Swan. The business of this celebrated firm of photographers was established in 1863 and was carried on by its originator, Mr. Wrigglesworth, until 1871, when he was joined by Mr. Binns. Their premises are large and of good appearance, being five stories
Bragge, James, Photographer, 20 Manners Street. Private residence Adelaide Road. Established 1864.
Burgers, W. F., Artist, Roxburgh Street.
Clifton Galleries (H. Grenfell), Photographers, Willis Street.
Merritt, Thomas Edward, Artist and Teacher of Painting, 60 Willis Street.
New Zealand Photographic Company (William Berry), Artists and Photographers. 64 Cuba Street Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Private residence, Cambridge Avenue, Established 1887.
Tomlinson, Francis Ernest, Photographer, 37 Roxburgh Street. Established 1891.
Biscuit and Confectionery Manufacturers. Wellington Branch, Queen's Chambers, Wharf Approach. Telephone, 48. P.O. Box, 306. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. North Island representative, Mr. T. H. Hollow. Branch manager, Mr. G. W. Thorp. Further particulars of this firm will appear in the Canterbury volume, the head office being situate in Christchurch.
Baker, Riddiford and Mein Streets, Newtown, Wellington. The premises occupied are new, and have every convenience for the business. A refreshment-room is provided for the use of the public, and special confections and fancy pastry are always on hand. The bread trade is rapidly increasing, Mr. Bingham is a native of Ireland, and landed here in 1870.
(John Crawford), Bakers and Confectioners, 127 Taranaki Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Te Aro branch. After carrying on business in Courtenay Place for six years, Messrs. Crawford Bros, took their present premises. The property is freehold, has a frontage of 35 feet to Taranaki Street, and is some 180 feet deep. Business is carried on in a conveniently arranged two-story wooden building. The firm has one man continually employed with horse and cart in delivering their goods. Mr. John Crawford, who conducts the business, was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1848. He attended the National school there until fourteen years of age, when he commenced learning his trade with Legg, of Belfast. After serving about two and a half years there, Mr. Crawford came to Melbourne in the “Star of India.” After working as a journeyman for a time, he opened business for himself in Bourke Street, E., in 1867. After six years' experience in business in Melbourne, he came to Dunedin, New Zealand, where he took employment with Mercer and Son, Rattray Street. Subsequently he entered business for himself in Rakaia, where he served a year on the local school committee. His next move was to Wellington, where he established the above business in 1887.
Baker and Confectioner, Molesworth Street, Wellington. Amongst the noteworthy places in this locality, the establishment of Mr. Freeman deserves particular attention. The business was established in 1843, and has been conducted by the present proprietor since 1855. The surroundings of this particular part of Thorndon have undergone a great change during the rapid progress of the City of Wellington. At the time when Mr. Freeman started in business, the land immediately fronting his premises was used as a cricket-ground. Since then buildings have gone up in all directions. It is not surprising that such an old established business should be very considerable. Mr. Freeman claims to have the most extensive trade in his line of business in Thorndon. He has long supplied the residents of his district, and enjoys their confidence and support. The baking business is carried on under the personal management of Mr. Freeman. The quality of the goods may therefore be depended on. Mr. Freeman also keeps a large stock of choice confectionery from the factories of the most prominent firms of England, Scotland, and France. The subject of this notice arrived in New Zealand in 1855, in the ship “New Era,” from Gravesend, London, and took over the present business from Mr. Sutherland, who had previously occupied the premises during a period of twelve years. Anticipating a proportionate growth of the Empire City, Mr. Freeman expects that he will be able to extend his already considerable connection, and carry on business on a larger scale in the future. In building up his business, Mr. Freeman has not been aided by any patron, but his present success is mainly due to his own diligence and steady perseverance.
Caterer and Confectioner, 84 and 86 Cuba Street, Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Godber, Wellington.” Telephone 263. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, attached to business premises. The large business now being carried on by Mr. James Godber was established in the early days of New Zealand, when the European population of the entire Colony numbered but 37,000. A site for the shop was chosen in Cuba Street in 1855, and no sooner were the premises completed than they were taken possession of by Mr. Robert Miller, who continued in occupation for eight years, disposing of the business to Mr. Joe Dixon in 1863. Under Mr. Dixon's management the business grew considerably, and in 1878, the year in which it was purchased by Mr. James Godber, was a going concern. During the
Biscuit and Confectionery Manufacturers. Wellington Branch, Old Custom House Street. Branch manager. Mr. Walter H. Cooper. The head office of this firm is in Nelson, and further reference will be made to it in the volume for that district.
Bakers and Confectioners, 109 Lambton Quay, Wellington.
Wholesale Confectioners and Biscuit Manufacturers. Wellington branch, Farish Street. Manager, Mr. Walter Smallbone. Further particulars of this firm will appear in the Otago volume, the head office being located in Dunedin.
Hygienic Bakery, Taranaki Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. The proprietor of this modern bakery is a native of Guernsey, Channel Islands, and arrived in Wellington in 1875 in the ship “Hourah,” sailing from London. Shortly after his arrival, Mr. Kellow had the misfortune to lose all the money he brought with him; but, nothing daunted, he started to work at anything he could get, and for some time followed various occupations, including the work of generally attending to survey parties. One of the first permanent situations he secured was with Mr. Gills, baker, of Teranaki Place. This work being congenial to his tastes, he adapted himself to it, and quickly acquired the art in which he now excels. After several years' perseverance and thrift, aided by a good life partner in Mrs. Kellow, he was enabled to purchase the business from his employer, which so increased that the premises soon became quite inadequate. In 1893 he purchased the land on which he has since erected a most perfect model bakery. The building was designed by Mr. Ross, of Dunedin, the front part being of wood and plaster. It is so well designed that on approaching it from a distance it presents the appearance of a handsome stone or brick building, worthy of a more pretentions locality. Mr. Kellow's business
(Peter Cooper McEwen and John Churchill), Bakers, Pastrycooks and Confectioners, the Red House, 101 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 56. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand and Bank of Australasia. Private residence: Mr. Churchill, Boulcott Street. This old established business was founded about the year 1848 or 1849 by the late Mr. Peter Laing who was so well known for many years. Mr. McEwen is a native of Dundee, coming to the Colony in 1843 by the “Phoebe” with his parents. He was apprenticed to the trade at the Red House, completing his term in 1858. Subsequently he continued to work as journeyman, with the exception of three years, till purchasing
the business in conjunction with his present partner in 1884. Mr. Churchill is a native of Islington, and came to New Zealand by ship “Pekin” in 1849 when very young. He also learned his business with the late Mr. Laing, remaining in that gentleman's employ till becoming one of the proprietors. The Red House has always been noted for the splendid quality of the bread, pastry, and confections supplied. The present proprictors and their predecessor have always held special appointments as bakers to the several Governors whom they have regularly served. At the present time they hold the coveted honour from His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow. During the visit of His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh the proprietor of the Red House was entrusted with the supply of bread to Her Majesty's royal son and staff. It has been necessary from time to time to extend and rebuild the premises so as to provide for the increasing trade. In 1889 Messrs. McEwen and Churchill obtained a new lease, and had the present handsome building erected by Mr. Watson, from plans prepared by Mr. W. C. Chatfield, the cost of the entire premises being about £3000. The shop, which is of brick, two stories, has a commodious double front, as may be seen from the illustration which appears herewith. The interior is as comfortable and convenient as could be desired. Refreshment rooms are available at all hours, where tea, coffee, sandwiches, pies, pastry, and cakes are supplied, while special waiting-rooms are allotted to the use of ladies. The bake-house is replete with all modern appliances, having a large cellar below The ovens are a Bailey baker and furnace oven which have stood the test of time, and under the skilful manipulation of the proprietors and their expert assistants, produce large quantities of splendid bread. The firm are the makers of excellent malt bread, and also whole meal brown bread, in addition to the common white bread. They have adopted the very fair principle of allowing a discount of one halfpenny per loaf to those customers who pay their accounts promptly, thus ensuring that the good payers shall not bear the loss caused by the dishonest. The firm are noted for their wedding cakes, which are in demand from many parts of the Colony, both north and south. In fact, they have deservedly earned so good a reputation in this respect that these goods have been sent for from Australia. Messrs. McEwen and Churchill are the original makers of jubilee fingers and sandwiches. Their gingerbread and shortbread are much sought after, and are considered equal to the best that is made in any part of the world. The firm are direct importers of most kinds of confectionery, all varieties of wedding-cake ornaments, crackers, bon-bons, and oilman's stores (such as sardines in tomatoes, pati de foi gras, and potted meats, by Crosse and Blackwell and other manufacturers). They deal with such well-known London firms as Batger and Co., Hounsditch E., Thomas Smith, of Wilson Street, and others. For years they have been favourably known as caterers in many public celebrations, among which may be noted the starting of the Wellington Woollen Factory, the opening ceremony of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company's line, Sir W. Jervois's farewell banquet, and the Star Boating Club's Ball. On some of these occasions as many as eight hundred persons have been entertained without a single hitch occuring. The firm employ about twenty hands in connection with their business. The total floor space occupied is equal to 9000 square feet. Messrs. McEwen and Churchill have also been purveyors to the Union Steamship Company nearly the whole time since its inception.
Baker, Grocer, and Confectioner, Clyde Quay, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand Among the various trades which are thriving in this city, that of a baker is at once the most toilsome and important. Bread for generations past has formed an important factor in our daily existence and he who
Pastrycook and Confectioner, Tramway Pie Shop, Adelaide Road, Newtown, Wellington. The Tramway Pie Shop is a commodious iron and wood building, well suited for the purpose for which it was designed. One is struck on approaching it by the tasteful arrangement of the goods in the two large windows facing this busy thoroughfare. The shop has a frontage of 24 feet to Adelaide Road. The bakehouse occupies the rear of the section. Mr. Morris, the proprietor, was born in Malta in 1854. When only three years old, he left that small but important British naval station to go with his parents to Naples. There he remained until, at nine years of age, he took to a seafaring life. He remained at sea for six or seven years. In 1877 he came to New Zealand as a steward in the ship “Gloria” His taste for sea life was not then so keen, and he decided on remaining in Wellington. He found work in the baking and confectionery business, working at different times in several leading establishments. In 1890, fortune had favoured him to such an extent as to warrant him in setting up in business for himself. This he did in the present premises, which are freehold. The enterprise and application to business which characterised Mr. Morris's life is reaping its reward in a rapidly growing and increasingly lucrative business. Mr. Morris's only connection with public bodies or societies is his association with Freemasonry, in which he holds the eighteen rank.
(Thomas Rowell, senr.), Pastrycooks and Confectioners, 35B Cuba Street. Telephone, 869. Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Taranaki Street. This business, known as the City Pie Shop, was opened in 1890, though Mr. Rowell has been in other businesses in Cuba Street for some thirty-one years. The City Pie Shop is on an allotment 25 feet by 125 feet, the freehold of the firm. The front shop has an attractive appearance, due largely to the fine display of confectioner's ornamental flowers, the Mazaphan goods, wedding cakes, almond tortans, bread tortans, santartons, etc., for all of which Rowell and Son have the highest reputation. The bakehouse is replete with the latest labour-saving machinery. The improved cake machine, sponge beater, and pie raiser are from Messrs. Berry and Co., Christchurch, and are the first machines of the kind made in the Colony. The machinery used enables the firm to turn out large quantities of goods at short notice, and their connection is rapidly extending. The trade mark (the man with the cake) is now getting largely known throughout the province. Mr. Rowell was born in North Shields, England, in 1842, and is entirely self-taught. He went to work carrying slates to a slater when only eight years old. The good ship “Indian Queen” brought him to Melbourne, where he as a lad of nine earned a living as a paper runner. As he grew older he turned to the pastrycook's business, and then butchering took his fancy. The year 1862 found him in Dunedin, New Zealand, where he was engaged as slaughterman for Moss and Orbell. Gabriel's Gully rush at that time made him one of the goldseekers there. From that he went to the Dunstan and other Otago diggings. Subsequently he went into the butchering line with Thomas Lee and George Webb, at Wetherstones, Otago. From there he came to Wellington, in 1864. He opened a butcher's business in Cuba Street, and about that time married. The business was given up in 1879, owing to his having an accident. He then became a grocer and general dealer till, in 1890, he, with his son Thomas, (who, however, has since retired from the firm) opened the present business. Mr. Rowell has been a Forester for twenty-five years.
Pastrycook and Confectioner, 61 Manners Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Scott occupies a two story brick building, opposite the Opera House, in Manners Street, the total floorage space being little short of six thousand square feet. The shop has a most attractive window, which is daily replenished with the most appetising dainties, including all
Baker and Pastrycook, 95 Cuba Street, Wellington. This bakery, which was established in 1880, has been conducted by the present proprietor since July, 1890. The building has a floorage space of 3500 feet, is two stories high, and is constructed of wood and iron. The trade is chiefly local, but is not by any means confined to a particular part of the city. Mr. Skinner's goods have found such a ready market that he can claim patrons in any ward of Wellington. Apart from the considerable daily output of large quantities of bread, about 2400 loaves, he undertakes the catering for balls, picnics, and social parties, for cash only. He makes a special line of birthday and wedding cakes at reasonable rates, obtainable from thirty shillings upwards, and his goods are always highly appreciated by the consumers. Mr. Skinner has a commodious room for the refreshment of casual visitors, and all kinds of sweet delicacies in pastries can be obtained and partaken of on the premises, with a refreshing cup of superior tea or coffee, Mr. Skinner hails from Surrey, England, and arrived in New Zealand in 1882, coming over from Australia, in which colony he sojourned for over ten years previous to his settling in New Zealand. Mr. Skinner, who enjoys the friendship of many local business people, is connected with the order of Good Templars, and has the reputation of being a successful business man.
Baker, Manufacturer of French Confectionery and General Caterer, 80 Cuba Street, Wellington. Bankers, Nationa Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Starr is a native of Enfield, County of Middlesex, where he learned his business. He was apprenticed to F. Schmidl, a well-known confectioner of Enfield Town, and completed his term in 1873, after which he continued with his employer in the capacities of journeyman, foreman, and manager for twenty years, when he left to seek his fortune in this Colony, Mr. Starr's employer, Mr. Schmidl, had a large and very fashionable connection, and the experience of a quarter of a century in that establishment was of a kind that very few have a chance of gaining. In his position there Mr. Starr cooked and catered for H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught, Lady Brooke, of Enfield Court; Colonel Somerset, of the King's Own Light Infantry, the Essex Militia, and many others of the nobility of England. He had made the ices, etc., for the Mansion House, and was generally mixed up with the most important catering work of England. Mr. Starr left London for Wellington in the steamship “Ruapehu” in 1893, and after looking round awhile, decided to begin business as above. His premises are of wood, two stories high, and have been used as a bakery very many years. Old Wellingtonians will remember the shop as that of Mr. J. Dixon, baker and confectioner. The extent of floor space is about 1000 square feet. In the catering line Mr. Starr lays himself out specially for balls, parties, tea meetings, dinners, suppers, picnics, etc. He delivers his bread and pastry to all parts of the City and suburbs, and sends his French confectionery and other manufactured goods to any part of the Colony. Mr. Starr's list of specialties is a long one. They consist of a variety of cakes, plain and ornamental, French confectionery, a great variety of Christmas novelties, including Christmas cakes, piped and iced, plum pudding mince meat, etc.; home-made jam, in one-pound pots; calf's foot jelly, ready at any time; Vienna bread, at 2d, per loaf; draught lemonade, strawberries and cream, and ices of all kinds. “Starr's School Cake,” at the very low price of 5d. per lb., is quite a boon to the mothers of hungry boys; and his plain cake at 9d., and sultana cake at the same price are having a good run, and rapidly becoming well-known. Wedding cakes, are 1s. 9d. per lb. In the icing and piping of wedding and birthday cakes Mr. Starr defies competition, and certainly his sugar roses and other flowers are an excellent imitation. It is all the work of his own hands, so of course he can afford to put more labour into it than his fellow-tradesmen who have to pay wages. In the small fancy cakes and tarts department there is an immense variety, and each bears the stamp of novelty. In this, as in the other branches, Mr. Starr has the assistance of his wife and children, an advantage which ensures that in every department the wants of customers will be attended to by those who are interested in the general success. The French cream caramels are a good, wholesome confection, made entirely on the premises, and warranted pure. Mr. Starr is an importer of fancy boxes, cases, and ornaments, but all other lines he manufactures for himself. Considering the short time he has been established, he has succeeded in working up a very good trade. Some important catering orders have already fallen into his hands, and have been executed satisfactorily in every way. No pains are spared in the endeavour to please everyone. Mrs. Starr has charge of the front shop, and carries out her duties in a manner that cannot fail to please and inspire confidence. They all work hard, and are in every way deserving of success. There is every probability that as time goes on Mr. Starr will become one of the favourite confectioners of Wellington. He possesses the qualities which always make for personal popularity, and his experience of the way things in his line are done in the Old Country must be of the greatest use to him here.
Blue House, No. 179, Lambton Quay; Telephone, No. 153; Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. The Blue House was established some fifteen or sixteen years ago by Mr. George Towersey, who for many years previously had been in the employ of the once well-known and still well-remembered Peter Laing. Mr. Towersey made splendid bread from the start and thus came, as it were at a bound into the fore rank of Wellington bakers. The present proprietor entered into possession about seven years ago. Since Mr. Towersey's death, sometime before that, the business had run down very much, but a great change was noticeable as the result of Mr. Varcoe's management, and it is now one of the first bakeries of the city. The premises are of wood and brick, and contain some 4000 square feet of floorage. The bakehouse at the back is well appointed and well kept. Some nine or ten hands are constantly employed in the various branches of the business, and Mr. Varcoe's bread and other goods find their way into every part of the city and suburbs, while his wedding, birthday and other cakes are sent to order all over the province. But the special line for which the Blue House is rapidly becoming famous, and in which it has taken a most decided lead of all similar establishments, is “Varcoe's Brown Bread.” This deservedly popular article of healthy diet is in greater demand every day, and needs but to be tried to be appreciated. The writer speaks from special knowledge on this point, it being a rule with him to eat no other bread. It is, of course, dearer than white bread because of the malt-extract and other expensive ingredients largely used in its manufacture; but all things considered it will be found much more economical in the end. All the life-giving properties of the wheat are retained, and presented to the consumer in an eminently palatable compound. Mr. Varcoe
Baker and Confectioner, 61 Tory Street, Corner of Vivian Street, Wellington. Telephone 286, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. For further particulars see “Grocers, Provision Merchants, Storekeepers, Teadealers, etc.” and “Coffee and Spice, etc., Manufacturers.”
(Patrick Greive Howden and David Brown Howden), Biscuit and Confectionery Manufacturers, Farish Street, Wellington. Cable address, “Ridiculoso” Code A.B.C. Tele phone 149. P.O. Box 321. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. London agents, L. A. Nathan and Co., 9 New Broad Street, E.C. This leading biscuit and confectionery business was established twenty years ago, by Mr. S. S. Griffiths, and came into the possession of the present proprietors some five years later. Since then, great additions have been made to the plant and premises. A new building in brick has been added, and the machinery includes the latest and best appliances known to the trade. About twenty hands are employed, and three travellers are always “on the road.” The trade of the “Biscuit Company,” as it is commonly called, extends throughout the Colony, and to the South Sea Islands. Biscuits and confectionery of all kinds are manufactured, including such lines as candied peel, etc. Prizes fell to the lot of the Company at Sydney, Wellington, and other Exhibitions. The Company has a good name, and does a very large wholesale business. All requisites for its business are imported direct from British and foreign markets.
211 Lambton Quay, 81 Willis Street, and 75 Cuba Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Wighton is acknowledged to be the largest retailer of confectionery in New Zealand. He has three fine shops, all thoroughly well stocked and well kept. The head-quarters are in Lambton Quay, nearly opposite the Government Buildings, and this fine stand commands the principal business of the Thorndon end. For upwards of twenty years it has been a well-known and popular confectionery house, the business being established in the early seventies by Messrs. Lucas and Co. On the retirement of this firm, Messrs. A. Curtis and Co. bought into it, and carried it on for several years; but it is only since it came into Mr. Wighton's possession—now about ten years ago—that it has taken such a decided lead, for it is really no ordinary kind of stock which is displayed here. Mr. Wighton's principal specialties are high-class chocolates and general confectionery, and of these he has every conceivable variety. The chocolates are principally those manufactured by the eminent firms of Fry and Sons, Cadbury Bros., and Rowntree and Co. while he has for years been a very large importer of general confectionery from Hay Bros., of Glasgow; Craven and Son and Terry and Son, York; Clarke, Nickolls and Coombe, London, and various other firms. Mr. Wighton is agent for, and keeps a large stock of, the Kola” chocolate and other “Kola” preparations of Thos. Christie and Co., of Lime Street, London. “Kola” possesses a tonic influence on the digestive organs, and will be found invaluable by those troubled with biliousness or other liver complaints, and is specially recommended by the medical faculty. Though Mr. Wighton is so large an importer of confectionery, he is also a manufacturer on an extensive scale. The Lambton Quay property comprises a large workshop, where the plainer varieties are produced daily in considerable quantities. Finding his efforts to provide high-class confectionery for the “West End” of Wellington so well rewarded, Mr. Wighton soon inaugurated a branch establishment in Cuba Street to catch the Te Aro trade. This also is a good shop and in perfection of dressing, and in other ways so resembles the principal house that the “family
Allen, James, Pastrycook and Confectioner, 148 Lambton Quay. Established 1890.
Bell, Thomas Joseph, Baker, Revans Street.
Bradley, George, Baker, 43 Adelaide Road.
Denhard, Henry, Baker and Confectioner, Wallsend Bakery, 46 Courtenay Place. Established September, 1895.
Dickson, George, Baker and Confectioner, 43 Courtenay Place. Estab. 1893.
Dickson, James, Baker and Confectioner, Taranaki Street. Established Dunedin 1886, Wellington 1892.
Fama, Vincenzo, Pastrycook and Confectioner, Paris House, 31A Willis Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1891.
Fraser, D., Baker, 60 Molesworth Street.
French and Turkish Confectionery Company, 41 Manners Street.
Gills, Henry, Baker and Confectioner, Te Aro Bakery, Taranaki Place. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1870.
Greeks, Daniel James, Baker, Riddiford Street.
Harvey, Alfred James, Baker, Riddiford Street.
Isaac, William, Baker, 21 Aro Street. Established 1884.
Jounnax, William, Baker, 76 Adelaide Road. Private residence, Dock Street.
Kimbell, Mrs. A. C., Confectioner, 25A Willis Street. Private residence, 50 Dixon Street.
Kirkus, Joseph, Baker, 48 Tory Street. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1891.
Leadbetter, Sarah, Baker and Confectioner, 134 Tinakori Road. Established 1890.
Marriett, J., Confectioner, 66A, Tory Street.
Mawson, George, Pastrycook, 87 Cuba Street.
McDonald, Charlotte, Pastrycook and Confectioner, Manners Street, Established 1875.
McParland, Francis, Baker and Grocer, 128 Taranaki Street. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Established 1876.
Mitchell, Mrs. A. F., Baker, Cambridge Bakery, 51 Taranaki Street. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1889.
Moore, Patrick, Baker, Tory Street, Established 1889.
Rasmussen, Neil, Baker, Rintoul Street.
Ross, Mrs. W. F., Fruiterer and Confectioner, 7 Lambton Quay. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1871.
Smith, T., Baker and Confectioner, Riddiford Street. Established 1875.
Thompson, A. and H. (Alexander Thompson and Harriett Thompson), Confectioners, 6 Manners Street. Established 1893.
Thornton, George Henry, Wholesale and Retail Confectioner, 43 Manners Street. Bankers, Bank of Australasia, Established 1880.
Uridge, Thomas, Manufacturing Confectioner, College House, 104 Tory Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1888.
Vosseler, George, Baker and Confectioner, 166 Willis Street, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1877.
Wilson and Sons (Thomas Wilson), Wholesale Confectioners, 7 Courtenay Place. Established 1892.
(Frank Stanton Allen) Wine and Spirit Merchants, Grey Street, Wellington. Telephone 666; P.O. Box 343. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Allen is a native of the Colony, and learned his business with Messrs. Harcourt and Co., of Wellington, whom he was with for six or seven years. He continued in their employ till they retired from business in 1888, when he purchased the stock and goodwill of the wine and spirit department, and founded the present snug little trade. The building occupied is of brick and two stories in height, affording a floor space of 1300 square feet. The connection extends throughout the North Island, and on the West Coast of the South Island. The firm's travellers periodically visit the various towns. Messrs. Allen and Hartmann are direct importers of all classes of wines and spirits. Among others they import Gonzalez, Byass and Co.'s sherries, from London, Cockburn, Smythes, and Co.'s Ports, from Porto, Portugal. They are agents for Andrew Usher and Co.'s Edinburgh whisky, also sole agents for Aitchison's Edinburgh are, and John J. Anderson and Co.'s London liquid sunshine rum. Mr. Allen is attentive to the requirements of his customers, whose interests he considers in all matters.
(John Jack and J. H. H. Jack), Wine Merchants, 26 Featherston Street, Wellington. Telephone 94; P.O. Box 334. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Both partners are natives of Scotland. Mr. Jack, senior, has had a large experience in connection with the trade. Mr. Jack, junior, was brought up to the trade of a wholesale tea merchant, and was connected with the well-known firm of James McLaren and Son, of London and Edinburgh. Messrs. Jack and Son came to New Zealand per ship “Invercargill” in 1883, and establshed themselves in business in 1885. They are agents in Wellington for Douglas Gordon and Co., of Aberdeen, and the Talisker Distillery Company, of Skye. Their trade mark is “J. J. and S.” Mr. Jack, senior, has been a justice of the peace for many years past. He has also occupied the honourable and important position of chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board. Mr. Jack is an energetic and popular member of the Wellington Caledonian Society.
Brewer and Maltster, City Brewery, Tory Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This brewery, originally known as the Phœnix, was established about thirty years ago. The present proprietor, who had a brewing experience in Victoria, came to the Colony in 1863, and commenced business at Charleston, after working some time as a miner on the West Coast goldfields. After carrying on his trade for twelve years, Mr. Macarthy removed to Wellington and purchased Messrs. Mace and Arkell's brewery, in Old Custom House Street. This business he conducted till 1883, when he bought the Phœnix, the name being changed to the City Brewery. The main building, a two-story brick structure, contains about 5000 square feet of floorage space. Behind the brewery, Mr. Macarthy has erected a two-story sixteen-quarter malthouse, of wood and iron. Since settling in the Empire City, Mr. Macarthy has been prominent in most local matters. Further particulars are given under the heading “Banking,” as a Director of the Bank of New Zealand.
J.P., Wine Merchant, Featherston Street, Wellington. Telephone 26. Private residence, 39 Murphy Street. Mr. Maginnity is referred to on page 295, as an ex-member of the Wellington City Council.
(Thomas Mills), Wine, Spirit, and General Merchants, Johnston Street, Wellington. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Rintoul Street. Mr. Mills, who is a brother of Mr. E. W. Mills, was born in London in 1827, and educated there. He arrived in New Zealand with the early settlers of the Port Nicholson contingent, by the ship “Birman,” in March, 1842. He readily found employment as a junior clerk with Mr. John Wade, with whom he remained till 1844, when he had a six months' trip to the Chatham Islands. On returning to Wellington, Mr. Mills took a position in the office of the late Hon. John Johnston, where he gained considerable experience. In 1849 he commenced business in the hardware line on Lambton Quay, and for some years conducted a large and profitable trade. About 1855, Mr. Mills disposed of his interest in Wellington, and went into business at the Lower Hutt as a storekeeper. Here he continued for thirteen years, after the expiration of which he returned to Wellington, entering into business with Mr. Vennell as importers and auctioneers. In 1875 Mr. Mills's partner retired from the firm, and the business has since been conducted by him solely, in wines, spirits, and general merchandise. In volunteering Mr. Mills has been associated with the movement for fifty years. In 1845 he joined No. 1 Company in Wellington, and this corps afterwards became the first Company of Militia. While living at the Hutt, in 1860, Mr. Mills assisted in the formation of the Hutt Rifle Volunteers, in which he took the rank of consign under Captain Hugh Cleland. This was at the time of the Maori disturbance, the natives being very threatening. When the Company was fully formed, and ready for action, the natives departed, leaving the settlement in peace. Mr. Mills resigned the captaincy of this Company in 1868, and, on his return to Wellington, was commissioned as captain of No. 2 Company Militia just then called out. He served in this Company till the force was disbanded, and is still an unattached captain of New Zealand Militia. Mr. Mills was one of the first purchasers of land in Pahautanui, where he held interests for some years. He took office as a member of the Pahautanui Road Board, of which he was for a long time secretary and treasurer. In 1852 Mr. Mills married, and has had a family of eight children, of whom but two survive—one son, who is in Western Australia, and one daughter, who is married to Mr. Senn, an officer of the Post-office at Wellington.
Brewers and Bottlers, Murphy and Molesworth Streets, Wellington. Telephone 438. P.O. Box 345. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Directors, Messrs. M. Kennedy (Managing Director), H. Gilmer, W, C. Gasquoine, M. O'Connor, and F. Campbell. Secretary, Mr. O. McArdle. Capital, £50,000, fully subscribed and paid up. This business was established about 1866, by Messrs. J. and W. Staples. The present Company was incorporated in 1889. The buildings, which are erected on about one acre and a quarter of freehold land, are constructed of wood, except the later additions, which are of brick. The operations of the Company are chiefly in the Wellington provincial district.
Wine and Spirit Merchants, etc., Courtenary Place, Wellington. Telephone 582. Trade mark, “Beehive” Telegraphic address, “Wellingtons” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1889. The partners of this firm are Mr. Edwin Thomas Taylor and Mr. Albert Arthur Bowley. Both gentlemen hail from the Old Country. Mr. Taylor was born in London, where he received a thorough, practical knowledge of the trade, and served five years with the well known firm of Messrs. Charrington, Head and Co., of London, whom he left under special engagement to W. and J. Staples and Co., of Wellington. He came out by the ship “Rakaia” in 1876, and immediately took the position of manager of the bottling department, acting in that capacity for three years, when he accepted an engagement with Tayton and Erskine, wine and spirit merchants, as manager for that firm. This position he filled most satisfactorily, for ten years, and in 1889 started for himself, as wine and spirit merchant and bottler of Speight's Dunedin ales and stouts. In March, 1893, he was joined by Mr. Bowley, his present partner, who is a native of Kent, England, which he left to proceed to Cape Colony. There he traded on the coast, and met with varying success till in 1876 he sailed by the Government boat “Stella,” arriving in Wellington in the same year. Here, previous to his present partnership, he carried on business for three years in the cigar and tobacco trade, in which he had had considerable experience. The business premises now occupied by these two gentlemen are situated in Courtenary Place. The building is of wood and iron, and is now being enlarged, and will contain 3,500 square feet of floor space. Messrs. Taylor and Co. make a special feature of their bottling of Speight's Dunedin ales and stouts, in which they do an extensive trade. They are also direct importers of Australian wines and Scotch whiskies, the latter being from McNab, whose name is a guarantee for good quality. Light machinery, such as water wheels and other necessaries to the trade, are driven by water power, and there are five hands employed. The trade includes both town and country orders, which always receive prompt attention. Both Mr. Taylor and Mr. Bowley are strong advocates of manly sport, Mr. Taylor, being formerly a member of the Wellington Naval Football Club, and at present both these gentlemen occupy the position of vice-presidents of the Melrose Football Club, and here it is worth special note that in Mr. Bowley we have discovered one of the gentlemen who were first to recognise in cycling the grand sport it has now become. He was the second man seen to ride a bicycle, (then called velocipede), in the streets of London shortly after their introduction from Paris.
Wine and Spirit Merchants and Bottlers, Red Star Store, 11 Courtenay Place, Wellington. Telephone 348. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This business was established in 1877. The wood and iron buildings occupied contain about 6000 square feet of floorage space. As importers of wines and spirits, and bottlers of Dunedin ales and stout, a considerable business is done in Wellington City and country, districts.
(Thomas Whyte Young), Merchants, Jervois Quay. Cable Address, “Abacus, Wellington.' Code, ABC. Telephone 34. Bankers, Bank of Australasia Private residence, Brougham Street. Mr. Young, accompanied by his brother, arrived in New Zealand in 1859 from Scotland, where they were born. The present business was established by them about 1865, and has been conducted ever since that date. The building, which is of brick, three stories in height, affording about 8000 feet of floor space, was built for Mr. Young by Barry and McDowall. The firm are direct importers, and their connection is extensive over most of the North and part of the South Island.
Cohen, Benjamin, Wine and Spirit Merchant and Bottler, National Mutual Buildings, Hunter Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, 24 College Street. Established 1881.
Johnston, Nathaniel, Bottler, Woodward Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1895.
Preston and Co. (Herbert William Preston), Wine and Spirit Merchants, 169 Lambton Qnay, Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Established 1878.
Builder and Contractor, 70 Brougham Street, Wellington. Mr. Baker was born in London, in 1840, and arrived at Wellington, by the ship “Lady Nugent,” with his parents, a year later. When he was old enough, he worked with his father, Mr. George Baker, Senior, who was one of the pioneers of the building trade. In his father's company, he visited Victoria when a young man, and was at Ballarat. When his father returned to Wellington, the subject of this notice came with him, making his home at Baker's Hill, Karori. He worked as a journeyman carpenter for a few years, and then entered into business on his own account. Mr. Baker was married in Wellington, and has twelve children—five sons and seven daughters. For many years past he has lived in his present residence in Brougham Street. His contracts have been almost exclusively private residences, and he now has his time mostly occupied in building properties on his own account. He has been a member of the Eechabite Order for the past eighteen years. Mr. Baker is a hale and hearty gentleman, and it is hoped that he will live for many years to enjoy the competence he has earned by assiduous devotion to business.
Builders and Contractors, Pipitea Street, Wellington. It is well said that men are known by their works, and the application in this sense is highly complimentary to the firm of Barry and McDowall, who, for the past thirty years, have been connected with the erection of many of the leading public and private buildings in Wellington and the surrounding districts. A glance at these but shows the eminence they have attained. The buildings erected by this firm would be a credit to any contracting firm in the world. Had the first building they completed been unsatisfactory, the others would not have been entrusted to them; but as it was, one succeeded and others soon followed, until a list was completed which deserves a notice on the pedestal of Wellington building fame. The Wellington Hospital was the first important building erected by them. It was one of the earliest brick buildings of any note in Wellington. Then followed in quick succession the Taranaki Street School, the Supreme Court buildings, the Post Office, the National Mutual Life Society's offices, the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company's premises, the School of Design, Messrs. Sargood, Sou and Ewen's fine block, and other buildings of less magnitude. The firm also built several bridges throughout the country. It is unnecessary to dilate on the success of those undertakings, as a glance at the names of these institutions and public buildings is sufficient to prove the prominence Messra. Barry and McDowall have attained. The last contract the firm undertook before retiring from business was Mr. Quick's Buildings in Featherston Street.
whose name appears first in the style of the firm, has long been well known in the Colony. A man
with a bright eye, a firm step, and of upright figure, is a pleasant, although not frequent sight to be met with in a day's journey, but the writer had the pleasure of meeting one such in the course of his many interviews with the leading builders of Wellington, in the person of Mr. James Barry, who owns and resides at a fine residence in Moturoa Street, surrounded by a beautiful garden. Born on the 1st of March, 1836, he is, at the time of writing, fifty-nine years of age, being a native of Morayshire, Scotland, where he was educated. After leaving school he was sent to Aberdeen and apprenticed to Alexander Rennie, the famous builder, of Commerce Street. When his term of apprenticeship had expired he went to Glasgow and worked at his trade for some twelve months and gained a most useful experience in every department of his calling. Like many others, Mr. Barry had heard tales of the gold which was to be had for the picking up in Victoria; so he left the Mother Country in the year 1858, embarking by the sailing ship “Rising Sun,” and arrived in Melbourne a few months later. He did not stay in that city long, having made up his mind to a gold-mining life. Ballarat was the first place of call, and here he, with hundreds of others, mingled in the goldfields, and engaged in the all-absorbing occupation of searching for the precious metal. Mr. Barry did not meet with success, so he returned to Melbourne and worked at his trade for a little time, when his attention was drawn to New Zealand by the glowing accounts of the goldfields there. In 1861 he made up his
is certainly deserving of distinction as one of the founders of this city, and without his life-sketch the biographical history of Wellington would be incomplete, as he has been one of her most worthy and respected citizens since the days when tents, shanties and whares dotted the country where is now the handsome city of Wellington. Mr. McDowall is a native of Kirkudbrightshire, Scotland, where he was born on the 7th of August, 1835. Educated at the local school, he was bound at an early age as an apprentice to the building trade with Mr. James Gordon at Castle Douglas. It may be mentioned that James Gordon was the principal builder of the district, so that Mr. McDowall learned his trade under most favourable circumstances. After serving his apprenticeship he worked for a few years at his trade, and further continued his endeavours in becoming proficient in all which pertained to the trade which he had so much at heart. Then Mr. McDowall, like so many others, heard of the golden prospects of Australia, and after due considertion, he bade farewell to the land which gave him birth, and in the beginning of the year 1857 set sail in the ship “Negotiator,” landing in Melbourne after a monotonous and lengthy voyage. After his arrival he spent a few weeks in Melbourne working as journeyman on some works which were in course of erection. It was in that city that he chanced to become acquainted with Mr. James Barry, who was destined to be Mr. McDowall's life-long friend and partner during the whole of his business career. Shortly afterwards, he found himself suffering from a serious but prevalent complaint, viz., gold-fever, and was one of the many who tried their luck at the diggings at Ballarat, and sought to win the much-prized metal from mother earth, with varying success. In 1861 the rush set in for New Zealand, and Mr. McDowall decided to join it, and proceeded to that Colony. Landing in Otago, he joined in the search for gold, and was at the famous Dunstan diggings. The fickle goddess, luck, seemed to have turned her back on him, for, during the next few years he worked at mining and
Builder, Wellesley Block, Somerset Avenue, Wellington. Mr. Boyd has been most successful as a speculative builder. He was born at Hull, Yorkshire, in 1851, and was apprenticed to the carpentering trade, serving seven years, twelve months of which he spent in the drawing office, where he gained the knowledge which has enabled him to be his own architect in later years. After four years at sea, he came to Wellington, by the ship “Hindostan,” in 1873. Starting in business, he undertook general contracting as a builder, but subsequently commenced buying land and erecting buildings on his own account. He now owns numerous properties in and around the city. Mr. Boyd was married in Wellington, and has four sons and three daughters. He visited his native land in 1895 and 1891, and went to Sydney in 1892, staying there for three years and then returning to Wellington.
(John Brown and Alexander Johnston), Carpenters, Joiners, Builders, and Contractors, 11 Johnston Street. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residences: Mr. Brown, Vogel Street; Mr. Johnston, Lipman Street. Both partners are natives of the “land o' cakes,” where they were brought up to the business of carpenters and joiners. They had large experience in their trade in the old land, and have arrived in the Colony to place their services at the disposal of their fellow colonists, Mr. Brown came in 1886 by s.s. “Arawa,” and Mr. Johnston four years later by s.s. “Tainui” After working at their (.ade for some time they founded the present business in 1892, and have conducted a steadily growing trade since its inauguration. They undertake all kinds of carpentering and joinery work, as also the building of houses or other premises, by contract or otherwise. Their trade is entirely local. In addition to general work as above they make a specialty of the manufacture of golf clubs, of which they have turned out a good few. The firm will also repair such clubs when damaged. The building occupied is of wood, and one story in height, having a floorage space of about 1750 feet.
(Robert Carmichael and Thomas Carmichael), Builders and Contractors. Shop and Yards, Hawkestone Crescent, Wellington. Telephone 892. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. R. Carmichael, 47 Ingestre Street; Mr. T. Carmichael, Happy Valley. Both partners were born in Belfast. Mr. Carmichael was apprenticed to Mr. John Pearce, of the same town, and came out to New Zealand, accompanied by his son, in 1864, per ship “Zambesi,” which arrived in Lyttelton on the 15th of September. Mr. T. Carmichael was educated at the City of the Plains, and learned his business partly with the late Mr. D. Reese, and partly with Messrs. Allen and Sons, Papanui Road, Christchurch. The business was established in 1889, since which time the firm have been prominent in the Colony as builders of many of the finest public and private buildings. Among the structures erected by Messrs. Carmichael and Son in Christchurch, the following may be named:—The first Exhibition building in 1882, the Metropolitan Family Hotel in Cashel Street, the bonded warehouse for Messrs. Robert Wilkin and Co. in Hereford Street, the large grain store at Addington Railway Station for Wool Bros., the Opera House in Tuam Street, the Empire, Southern Cross, and Rotherfield Hotels, the warehouses of Messrs. Chrystall and Co., and Mason, Struthers and Co., and many others for public and private purposes. At the time when the contract for building the Government Printing Office was let, Messrs. Carmichael and Son, the successful tenderers, removed to Wellington. About the same time the firm secured the contract for building the Napier Cathedral, which was completed under the direction of Mr. Robert Carmichael. In Wellington the firm has built a large number of the most important public buildings, the last of which was also the largest, being the stately pile erected to the order of the New Zealand Government Life Insurance Department. This building, which is by far the most modern in Wellington, is fitted with an hydraulic passenger lift, iron doors, and hot water apparatus, the materials for which, together with all grates, mantels, glass, sash fasteners, locks, etc., were imported by Messrs. Carmichael and Son. Among the other buildings that have been erected by this firm may be named the General Post-office, which was rebuilt after the fire which destroyed it a few years ago; the offices of the Union Steam Ship Company, the premises of the D.I.C., the Harbour Board offices now in use and the new departmental buildings opposite the Government Insurance buildings, the Free Public Library, the Gear Company's works at Petone, the last addition to the Wellington Meat Export Company's works at Waterloo Quay, the Electrical
(Isaac Clark and Walter Lewis Thompson), Builders, Contractors, and Undertakers, Moles-worth Street. Telephone 806. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. The business was established in 1885. Mr. Clark, the senior member of the firm, is a native of England, and came to Wellington in the “Oliver Lang” in 1857, when in his infancy. Mr. Clark was apprenticed to Messrs. Gascoyne and Parsons, of Wellington. Mr. Thompson was born in Canterbury, where he received his technical training under Mr. Charles Petrie. Messrs. Clark and Thompson employ ten hands; on the average their wages-sheet amounts to £120 par month. The firm undertakes general building and contracting, in which they do a considerable trade. During the time the business has been carried on, the firm has earned a reputation for accuracy and thoroughness in the execution of all work entrusted to them. They are highly recommended by the local architects. In the steady growth of the City of Wellington there can be no doubt that the firm will secure a fair share of the contracts for which tenders will be called. They may likewise be depended upon to carry out such work in accordance with the high principles which have hitherto animated them. Mr. Clark has been connected for many years with the I.O.O.F., M.U., in which institution he has held the high office of “grand master.” In the undertaking line they are deservedly popular, as they are in a position to afford prompt and efficient assistance to their customers when their services are called into requisition.
Builder, Tasman Street, Wellington. Mr. Crump was born in Yorkshire, England, and spent a period of his early life in America. Returning after some years, he served his apprenticeship in Yorkshire. He stayed there for several years, and left England for New Zealand, by the ship “Maraval,” in 1880. He has been developing important leaseholds round Wellington, and has acquired a considerable area of land not far from Government House, where he has created a suburb during the past five years, named Clermont.
Builder and Contractor, Luke's Lane, off Manners Street. Private residence, Alpha Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Emeny was born at Wanganui in 1859. He is a son of the late Mr. W. G. Emeny, of the Royal Oak Hotel. He was apprenticed to the trade of a cabinetmaker, but left the business and went into the building line, working for some years for Mr. James Hanson, under whom he rose to the position of shop foreman. On Mr. Ranson's retirement in 1889, Mr. Emeny succeeded, and has earned it on since with success. He has erected quite a number of buildings in Wellington, including the Boys! Institute, Mr. George London's shops and dwellings in Cuba Street, Messrs. Townsend and Paul's horse bazaar and warehouse, Victoria Street, Mr. George Bodley's premises, Lambton Quay, and the Commercial Travellers' and Warehouseman's Club. Mr. Emeny is a member of the Wellington Builders' Society.
Genera [Contractor, 10 Broadway Terrace, Wellington. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia, Palmerston North. Mr. Fraser was born in Inverness, Scotland, and came to New Zealand on the 18th of November, 1862, arriving in Otago per ship “Resolute& ” Mr. Fraser has had considerable experience as a sawmiller and contractor in the Colony. For many years he conducted sawmills at Tokomaru, Lake Waipouri, Kaitangata, Molineaux Island, and Taieri. As a contractor he constructed the west Taieri border conservatory works, Silverstream Bridge, Catlins River Railway, Gore Bridge, Catlins Eiver telegraph line, the line from Balclutha to Mataura, some portions of the Auckland wharf, and of the south and north protection works at Hokitika, Taipo Bridge, Greenstone Bridge protection works, and sludge channel at Kumara, the aerial tramway at the Lone Star and Inkerman Mines, Reefton, and many other works in different parts of the Colony. Mr. Fraser has also, in conjunction with partners, constructed the Teviot Bridge, the Clutha Bridge, Taeri and Waihola Bridges, and the Waikouaiti Bridge. For four or five years of Mr. Fraser's colonial experience he was manager for the firm of Messrs. Brogden and Son. In public life he has been chairman of road boards, and a member of school committees. He has had large experience in travelling, having visited America, Ceylon, and Valparaiso. The last place he left at the time of the war between
Builder and Contractor, Home Street, Wellington. Mr. Freeman's parents came from England in 1842 by the barque “London,” and settled in Nelson. There Mr. Freeman served his apprenticeship to Mr. John Scott, and gained considerable experience in the trade. Afterwards he learnt boat-building under his father, Mr. Thomas Graham Freeman, who was a shipwright at Nelson, and the first to start shipbuilding at that place. In 1873 he went to Westport and commenced business as a shipbuilder, afterwards living in Reefton, in Westport, and in Nelson, and finally came to Wellington in 1889, where he has been in business up to the present time. Mr. Freeman has been in partnership for some months past with Mr. Charles Johnston, a builder of repute, under the style of Freeman and Johnston. Mr. Freeman was married in Nelson, and has eleven children—seven daughters and four sons—the eldest son being manager of the New Zealand Photographic Company.
Master Builder, Oliver Street, Newtown, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The subject of this sketch was born in Bedford, England, in the year 1842. Apprenticed to trade at Northamptonshire, he arrived at Lyttelton in 1872 by the ship “Northampton,” after making the fastest trip for a sailing vessel recorded up to that date, viz., seventy-two days. He worked at his trade in Christchurch for the late Mr. Reece, for some time M.H.R. for that city. Removing to Greytown, in 1876 he stayed there for eleven years, during which time he built the greater part of that town, including the Wesleyan Church, Rising Sun Hotel, Foresters' Arms, Gentlemen's Club, and, in fact, was never a week idle during the time he was there. Mr. Gray came to Wellington in 1887, and was immediately successful in getting large contracts. Among the principal buildings he erected in Wellington were the Imperial Insurance Building?. Mr. Virtue's store on the reclaimed land, St. Thomas' Church. Newtown, and Mr. G. W. Smart's building in Manners Street. Mr. Gray went for a trip to England and the Continent in 1892, and was away for eleven months.
General Contractor, Courtenay Place and Taranaki Street, Wellington. Mr. Lamberg must be congratulated upon the success which has attended his energetic efforts in working the business up to its present lucrative position. He is a native of Sweden, arriving in this Colony in 1873, in the ship “Lainashaau,” from Germany, and owing to his foreign extraction must have found it particularly difficult to make a start for himself in a new country. However, he managed to make himself independent of any assistance and now carries on a considerable contract business in the city. He is a large employer of labour, and owns no fewer than thirty-five horses, and an equal number of carts. The contracts are mainly for supplies of sand and gravel for the City Corporation, and for building purposes, but he undertakes any other kind of transport work and carting. Owing to his reliableness, Mr. Lamberg obtains a considerable amount of work from builders and contractors, who are always ready to support him by employing his plant in connection with their undertakings.
Builder, Epuni Street, Wellington. Though in business for the past twenty years, Mr. Mead has never contracted for buildings. He confines his operations to building his own properties. Born in 1852, in Derby, England, where he was educated and apprenticed to the building trade, he came to New Zealand in 1875, and settled in Wellington. Mr. Mead is a member of the Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows, having joined at sixteen years of age, as a member of the first juvenile lodge started in Derby. He is married, and has two children.
Sculptor and Monumental Mason, Customhouse Quay, opposite Bank of New Zealand. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Tasman Street. Mr. Miller established himself as above in 1876. Even then his yard was centrally situated; but now since the town has been so much extended on the sea side of his yard, Mr. Miller may be said to be in the very midst of the busy city. The yard is roomy and well filled, monuments of every variety being closely Arranged over a space of about 2500 square feet. The ordinary stone slabs are, of course, quarried in the Colony, but the marble and granite are imported the former from Italy, and the latter from Aberdeen. The firms from whom Mr. Miller mainly imports his granite are Messrs. James Petrie and Co. and Eohert D. Cruickshank, both of Aberdeen, Scotland. He is careful to import raw material of the best quality, as in many cases its value is many times multiplied by the skill and labour spent upon it. Mr. Miller is a trained sculptor, and in the higher branches of the art claims to be at the very top of the profession. And certainly he has done some very excellent work. One of his finest specimens is a life-size bust of the great Chief Te Hapuku. This was executed to the order of the New Zealand Government, and had to pass the critical eye of Mr. Fitzgerald, the Controller-General, as well as that of Dr. (now Sir James) Hector. Both these judges pronounced the likeness faultless, and so satisfied were Sir James Hector and others concerned, with the manner in which Mr, Miller had carried out his contract, that a
Builder and Contractor, Quinn Street, Wellington. Private Address, Marion Street. Wellington. After gaining several years experience in the employ of other firms, Mr. Palmer started business in conjunction with Mr. Henry Edwards, under the style of Edwards and Palmer. This was in 1887; and, although the firm has been in existence only eight years, it has been responsible for the erection of such important buildings as St. Joseph's Orphanage, Messrs. Sharland and Co.'s warehouse and offices, Messrs. Bannatyne and Co.'s premises, and several churches and schools throughout the district, and many private residences. Mr. Palmer is a member of the Builders' Association.
(John Paterson and James Barry Martin), Builders, Elizabeth Stre t, Wellington, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Although only a short time established, this firm has come into prominence owing to the number of important buildings which have been erected by it. Among the most important may be mentioned the Convalescent Home, additions to the Home for the Aged and Needy, warehouses for Messrs. W. H. Green and Co., Mr. F. C. Brailsford, and for the Wellington Woollen Company. Mr. John Paterson was born in Aberdeen in 1860 and was educated at the local school. He was apprenticed to Mr. Tuenon, of Turriff, in the north of Aberdeen. After serving his time, he went to London and improved his knowledge of the trade. He then crossed over to New York and worked at his trade for two years, when he returned to His native land. After a short time, he came to New Zealand by the s.s. “Doric,” landing in Wellington in 1884. He was employed by Messrs. Barry and McDowall for five years, and assisted in the erection of such buildings as the National Mutual Life Assurance Society's office, the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company's premises, and many others. He is a member of the Amalgamated Society of Carpenters and Joiners, of which he was Secretary for two years. He is a member of the Wellington Builders' Association. As an Oddfellow, he has belonged to the Antipodean Lodge for several years. He resides at McIntyre's Avenue. Mr. James Barry Martin also hails from the “land o' cakes”; he was born at Aberdeen on the 24th of October, 1859. He was apprenticed to Messrs Warwick and Daniel, the large builders, of Aberdeen. He afterwards went to London, and worked at the trade there for eighteen months. In company with Mr. Paterson, he came to New Zealand, and was employed by Messrs. Barry and McDowall until joining Mr, Paterson in business. Mr. Martin belongs to the same Societies as his partner.
Builder, 25 Owen Street. Wellington. Mr. Band who is the third son of Mr. H. T. Rand, of the “Imperial Ottoman Arsenal,” Constantinople, is an energetic man of twenty-nine summers. Born on the 13th of October, 1866, in Hampshire, England, he was educated at Constantinople, remaining there till fourteen years of age. He then went to London, and was put to the carpentering trade, and worked in the joinery department of the Thames iron works and ship building yards. After two years he went back to his native county, and worked at farming for some time. In 1886 he came to the colonies by the ship “Hampshire,” landing in Melbourne, Almost immediately he went to Sydney, and from there to Hay, and Deniliquin, and afterwards to a large station in the Riverina district, where he was engaged at his trade. He then heard of the great land boom in Melbourne, and went to that city, starting business as a builder. He was there during the height of the boom, and was very busy for about three years. In 1892 he came to Wellington, and on his arrival worked for Mr. J. L. Jacobson, builder. While contracting in Wellington, his attention was drawn to the rapid rise of the suburb of Newtown. This induced him to invest in property, and he has since been engaged in building on his own account. He has erected several very nice houses, for which he is his own architect. He is a member of the Rechabite order, and of the Builders' Association. Mr. Rand was married in Melbourne, and has a family of three—one boy and two girls.
Builder and Contractor, Tory Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Russell was born at Bunckell, Lanarkshire, Scotland, in July, 1840, and was educated at Newmanes, about a mile from his birthplace. He was apprenticed to the building trade with Mr. Alexander Lothian, of Wishow, After completing his apprenticeship, he went to Edinburgh. After two years in that beautiful city, he came to New Zealand by the ship “Nelson,” in 1862, landing in Dunedin. Mr. Russell worked at his trade for six months, and then joined the survey party under Mr. Francis Howden, which was sent out by the provincial Government Survey Department to survey a track from Lake Wakatipu to Martin's Bay. He worked on this survey for two years, and recounts many tales of the trials and hardships he went through during that time. The party had to dig a canoe out of & totara log to go down the Lake Kakapau to the sea. A small survey party under Dr. Hector had previously been through that part, and had left a boat covered with branches for the use of Mr. Howden's party, but it had been stolen by some diggers who wished to get to the seaport. It was on this journey that the party picked up a man who was starving and dying from exposure, having lost his way. They shared their food with him, and took him with them as far as Lake Wakatipu. In 1866 Mr. Russell left Dunedin and came to Wellington, working as a journeyman for a few months, and then started in business with Mr. Downs. This partnership lasted about three years. The last house of any importance built by the firm was the present residence of the hon. the Premier. At the latter end of 1869 Mr. Downs retired from the business, and Mr. Russell has since conducted solely. Amongst the most prominent buildings erected by Mr. Russell, are Bishop Reiwood's residence, the Convent schools, various Government buildings and private residences at Wanganui and Blenheim. Mr. Russell was married in Wellington in 1863, and of his family living there are five—four daughters and one son. He has been a member of the masonic order since 1880, when he joined the Pacific Lodge, E.C. He has held various offices, including that of treasurer. Since 1868 he has been a member of the Britannia Lodge of Oddfellows, and has been through the chairs no less than three times. Mr. Russell takes a great interest in bowling; he is a member of the Wellington Club, and has been one of the representatives. He is also a prominent member of the Caledonian Society, and has been president for the past two years.
Builder, Constable Street, Newtown, Wellington. Mr. Webb was born in Wellington in 1850, and is the eldest son of Mr. C. F. Webb. After leaving school, he learned the business by working for his father, who was in business as a builder in Wellington. At the age of seventeen he went to Dunedin, where he worked at the trade for four years. Returning to Wellington, he established the present business. Mr. Webb has been chiefly engaged in private work, and has been fairly successful. He has been a member of the Oddfellows' Order Manchester Unity for the last twenty-five years, and has passed through all the chairs of the Wellington District. He is a member of the Newtown Bowling Club.
(Henry James White and Stephen James White), Undertakers, Builders, Joiners, House Decorators, and Licensed Drain Contractors, Brougham and Levy Streets. Telephone 775. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This business was established by Mr. White in 1881; but it was not until 1894 that his son, Mr. S J. White entered as a partner. Before coming to the Colony Mr. White was in business for a few years in London, his native place. He was apprenticed to Messrs. Jackson and Shaw, of the world's metropolis, and afterwards worked for many of the largest films there. In 1877 he arrived in Wellington per ship “Gainsborough” Ever since then Mr. White has been a willing worker in public matters. For a considerable time he held a seat in the City Council, where his practical ability and undoubted honesty of purpose gave him a good position and powerful influence. At the time of writing he is chairman of the Clyde Quay School
New Zealand Times, and on its completion Mr. Harris expressed himself thoroughly satisfied in every way. The size and style of the house and the price Mr. White was to have for it were mutually understood; but there was nothing binding as to quality of either material or workmanship. When it is considered how necessary it is supposed to be that builders should be hemmed round with all kinds of conditions and restriction, and then closely watched by an architect, Mr. Harris' confidence in Mr. White would seem rather rash; and yet he had no cause to regret it, so faithfully was the work carried out. It was principally with a
view to this kind of work that Messrs. White and Son extended their business to include the house-decorating and drain-laying branches, well knowing the difficulties of guaranteeing the best work in cases where it has to be done by Sub-contractors. Asphalting has lately been added to the list of branches. Messrs. White and Son have so many friends and are generally so well-known that recommendation would seem superfluous. The undertaking branch has been added quite recently. It is only reasonable that the relatives of the dead should very much prefer that everything connected with the burial of their dead ones should be done by those whom they know to be sympathetic and trustworthy. That these qualities are possessed by Messrs. White and Son to a high degree is a matter of common knowledge. With a view to the gaining of experience, the junior partner recently paid a visit to England and spent some months in London, where his earliest years of childhood were passed. Mr. White has done well in Wellington, his success being another example of what may be attained by steady perseverance and honest work. From an intimate acquaintance of this firm, and from enquiries carefully made, the writer has every confidence in recommending Messrs. H. J. White and Son to whomsoever may be in need of their manifold services.
(James Wilson, Jun., and Archibald M. Wilson), Builders, Contractors, and Undertakers. Workshops and timber yards, 54 Cambridge Terrace. Private residence, 55 Cambridge Terrace. Telephone 905. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. The founder of this important business was the late Mr. James Wilson, who established it in 1870. Born at Ayr, Scotland, in 1836, he was educated there and apprenticed to the building trade in Scotland. In 1862 he left, his native land for New Zealand, and arrived in Dunedin in 1863, but only stayed there two years, when he came to Wellington, and in 1870 started the present business.
Adams, William, Builder, Aro Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Devon Street.
Blick, Ebenezer (late Bishop and Harbottle), Builder and Contractor, Finlay Terrace. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1884.
Blick and Potter (Arthur Blick and Frederick Potter), Building Contractors, 48 Courtenay Place, Established 1895.
Brondson, Josiah, Building Contractor, Coorabe Street.
Chote, William Alfred (late Oughton and Chote), Bricklayer and Contractor, Mercer Street. Private residence, Oliver Street, Newtown.
Coleman, S., Builder, 95 Molesworth Street.
Cronin, Patrick, Road Contractor, 20 Hanson Street. Established 1885.
Daly (Owen, junr,) and Co., Bricklayers. 47 Molesworth Street. Estab, 1858.
Drummond, Peter, Building Contractor, 201 Willis Street, Established 1873.
Edwards, Henry, Building Contractor, Quinn Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, “The Glen,” II ankey Street.
Edwards, James, Builder, Taranaki Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, 86 Taranaki Street. Established 1874.
Edwards, Richard Allayne, Building Contractor, Adelaide Road.
Edwards, Richard Henry, Building Contractor, 8 Johnston Street. Private residence, 84 Majoribanks Street.
Fullford, A. H., Plasterer, Willis Street.
Harris, John, Building Contractor, Hawkestone Street.
Hayes, Timothy, Contractor, Aro Street.
Helyer, Walter James, Sculptor and Monumental Mason. Wellington Monumental Works, 59 Manners Street. Established 1872.
Hitchen, T., Builder and Contractor, 79 Manners Street.
Howard, Charles, Builder, 19 Sussex Square. Established 1875.
Jacka, Stephen Sincock, Building Contractor, Grant Road.
Keene, R. (Richard Koene and Henry Pitcher), Builder and Contractor, 12 Grey Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Owen Street, Newtown. Established 1886.
Kruse, John James, Contractor, 31 Queen Street.
McDonald, Archibald, Building Contractor, Stafford Street
McGill, Wm. Monumental Mason, corner of Taranaki and Ingestre Streets. Branch, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1889.
McLean, Neil, Bridge Contractor, 82 Ghuznee Street. Established 1866.
Meyer, John Henry, Building Contractor. 40 Taranaki Street.
Miles, John E., Building Contractor, 21 Queen Street.
Miller Bros, (Herbert Miller and Henry Miller), Building Contractors, Wright Street. Established 1892.
Mountain, Arthur, Building Contractor, Ohiro Road. Bankers, “National Bank of New Zealand.
Morley, George, Bridge Contractor, 19 Cambridge Terrace.
Murdoch, Matthew, Builder, 3 Hill Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, 88 Courtenay Place. Established 1868.
Orr, Thomas, Building Contractor, Featherston Terrace. Established 1876.
Peers, Thomas Crosby, Builder, Exchange Buildings, Grey Street. Private residence, Mein Street, Newtown. Established 1800.
Platt, E., Plasterer, Molesworth Street.
Prince, George Edward, Builder, Rintoul Street. Established 1880.
Richards, William Frederick, Building Contractor, 172 Adelaid Road.
Riggs, Alfred Henry, Builder. Lloyd Street.
Rose, John, Builder and Contractor, Hill Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1885.
Rowntree, William Burgess, Building Contractor, Tory Street.
Saunders, Joseph. General Contractor, 72 Tinakori Road. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Established 1865.
Scamar, Alfred, Builder and Contractor, Wallace Street. Established 1874.
Trevor, James, junr., Builder, Courtenay Place. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1879.
Upton, Thomas, Building Contractor, Biddiford Street.
Wallis, William, Building Contractor, Nairn Street
Walton, Charles, Builder, Ingestre Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand, Private residence, 45 Abel Smith Street Established 1877.
Williams, Lawrence, Mason, Sydney Street. Established 1881.
Coachbuilder and Wheelwright, Martin Street, off Abel Smith Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Te Aro. Private residence, 125 Cuba Street. Mr. Annison was born in Hull, Yorkshire, in 1855, and learned the business with his father, Mr. E. S. Annison, of the Eastern Carriage Works, in his natiye town. Mr. Annison, senior, conducted a large and lucrative trade for fifty years, being specially noted as a maker of light spring business carts. After many years experience in connection with this large concern, the subject of this notice came to New Zealand per s.s. “Aorangi,” in 1885, landing in Wellington. He was for six months working at his trade in Masterton, when he returned to Wellington, and after three months with Messrs. Rouse and Hurrell, Mr. Annison founded the present business, commencing in a small way behind his residence in Cuba Street. The business has steadily developed. Following in the footsteps of his respected father, Mr. Annison, who is a great prize winner, has exhibited at several of the local Agricultural and Pastoral Shows. In the years 1889 and 1890, he took two first prizes and one second prize. Four years later he was the winner of four prizes for the best collection of vehicles, and in 1895 a splendid English rustic cart gained first prize, and a butcher's cart was placed second. It became necessary, in 1892, to secure much larger premises, and those now occupied were selected. The buildings, which comprise large storerooms with smith's forge, and a separate smithy behind a general workshop and paintshop, afford over three thousand feet of floorage space. Mr. Annison undertakes repairs of every description, and makes vehicles of any kind to order. At the time of the writer's visit, Mr. Annison was engaged on a pretty English dogcart, which would do credit to any gentleman's establishment. Mr. Annison receives a fair share of public support, and is usually kept busily engaged, a competent staff being employed to assist in the work.
Coach Builder, Victoria Street Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Bohan, Wellington.” Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, 120 Cuba Strect, Mr. Bohan was born in Country Tipperary, Ireland, where he was brought up to a practical knowledge of the coach building and farming pursuits. He left the Old Country about 1859 for Victoria, where he worked at his trade for about two years. At the time of the Gabriel's Gully rush the subject of this paragraph crossed over tc New Zealand. Attracted by the news from the Shotover he went tc Arrowtown, and having decided to start a blacksmith's shop, went to Invercargill to procure the needful plant. Mr. Bohan found this no easy task, as everything had to be obtained from Dunedin, and a month elapsed before the bellows, anvil, and iron could be obtained. Once established on the Arrow Mr. Bohan had the first smith's shop in the district, and was getting £5 per set for horse shoeing. Freights were enormous at this time, £175 per ton being charged between Dunedin and Arrowtown, the charge for crossing Lake Wakatipu being £12 per ton. When the West Coast rush commenced Mr. Bohan was on the second boat that arrived in the Hokitika river and established the pioneer smith's shop. Twenty-five shillings per set was the usual charge for shoeing then. Mr. Bohan had four shops going at one time on the Coast, in addition to the Hokitika place. For eight years subsequently he carried on business at Charlestown and removed to Wellington in 1873, establishing the Wellington Coach Factory. A two-story iron building having over 6000 square feet of floorage space is completly fitted with every needful appliance for conducting a large trade. The draught for the forge fires is created by a five-horse-power engine. The factory produces work of every description, from the simplest wheelbarrow to the most elegant landau, the materials required for fittings being imported direct from England and elsewhere. Mr. Bohan sends vehicles to all parts of the Colony.
Coach Builder, Riddiford Street, Newtown, Wellington. This business was established four years ago and is now a very substantial one. The various workshops cover an area of about 6000 feet, and have every convenience for the manufacture of articles of the trade.
(Charles Tandy proprietor), Vivian Street, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand, Established in 1881, this factory and shoeing forge has steadily advanced in popularity, and the appliances for conducting the trade have been proportionately increased. Mr. Tandy, whose parents arrived in the early days of settlement in the Colony, was born and brought up in New Zealand. He learned his business with Mr. R. W. Watson and Messrs. Donoghue and Parr, of Wellington. After gaining large experience at his trade, Mr. Tandy purchased the Criterion Coach Factory in 1886. The wood and iron buildings occupied afford 2500 square feet of floorage space, besides which there are large yards. Mr. Tandy has an up-to-date plant for carrying out the details of the trade. He imports only such materials as cannot be locally produced. The specialties of his business are fire brigade appliances, to the manufacture of which he has given great attention. Mr. Tandy took a prominent part in shooting matches in connection with the Wellington Naval Brigade, winning the carbine district prize. In 1884 he visited Sydney to arrange about Australian hardwood timber, and now makes a boast of using more of this timber than any other coachbuilder in Wellington. Having visited nearly all the towns of New Zealand, Mr. Tandy can build any design of vehicle which may be required. As a protectionist, he advocates the reconstruction of the tariff, as he considers that there is not enough assistance given to the different trades.
Coachbuilder and Wheelwright, Wordsworth Street and Ohiro Road, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Fitchett was born in Bradby, Derbyshire, England and came out to the Colony among the early settlers, arriving in 1841 per ship “London” He learned his trade in Wellington, and
(Henry Arthur Hurrell, Arthur William Petherick, Edward Young Crawley), Coachbuilders and Wheelwrights, Empire Steam Carriage Works, Courtenay Place, Wellington. Telephone 212. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This large factory is the oldest in the line in Wellington, having been established in 1859 by Mr. William Black. The premises, which have a large frontage, include a large building of wood and iron, containing no less than 12,000 square feet of floorage space. The motive power is a steam-engine with a nominal capacity of eight-horse-power. The firm have a great deal of machinery of the best and most complete description, including a circular saw, planing machines, turning lathes, and machinery for rounding felloes, and all kinds of wheelmaking machinery, also band saws and every other needful mechanism that is required for the trade. They employ about twenty-five hands in connection with the factory, and pay a large sum per month in wages. Messrs. Rouse and Hurrell are direct importers of iron and various kinds of appliances and other fittings for the purpose of the manufacture of vehicles of every description. Among the British firms with whom they deal may be mentioned Messrs. Berry and Son, Messrs. Butler Bros., and Greatrex and Son, of London. Messrs. Rouse and Hurrell have a reputation for turning out buggies, officers' dog carts, gigs, landaus, and many other styles of vehicles in a thorough, workmanlike manner. The writer has had some personal experience of some of the work which they have turned out, and can testify to the finish and durability of their manufacture. An engraving of one of the numerous specimens of their light carts appears herein. The firm have been exhibitors at several exhibitions, and at the Wellington Exhibition of 1885 secured the silver medal for New Zealand against all competitors, and two first prizes for their manufactures. It goes without saying that the success of this firm is entirely due to the energy, perseverance, and ability of the principals and the workmen employed. Messrs. Rouse and Hurrell have a connection extending throughout the central and southern portions of the North Island. They frequently get orders for vehicles from Hawkes Bay and Taranaki, and their fame has extended to the South Island as far as the West Coast is concerned. Mr. Hurrell is a native of Norfolk, and arrived in New Zealand in 1875 per ship “Dallam Tower.” He learned his trade in Wellington, and joined Mr. Rouse, his late partner, when they took over the business from Mr. William Black, the original founder of the Empire Carriage Factory. Mr. Petherick is a native of this Colony, his parents being among the number of the early settlers. He served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Rouse and Hurrell, and having become thoroughly proficient in his knowledge of the trade, has been admitted as a member of the firm. Mr. Crawley is a native of London, and arrived in 1887 per s.s. “Coptic,” joining the firm in 1891. Mr. F. H. Wood, of Greytown North, represents the firm in the Wairarapa District, from which considerable orders are received.
(Frederick Rouse, Robert Black, and Henry Black), Carriage-builders, Taranaki Street, Wellington. Private residences: Mr. Rouse, Edge Hill, Kent Terrace; Mr. Black, Brougham Street. This factory, which was established in 1894 by Messrs. R. Black and Son, has been conducted by the present proprietors since the first of January, 1895, when Mr. Rouse joined the firm. The latter gentleman was born in Norfolk, but when only a few months old went to Ramsey, Hunts, and at eight years removed to Sussex, where he remained till leaving for London at the age of sixteen, and served an apprenticeship with Mr. George Edgeley, of Trafalgar Place, Walworth, London, completing his term in 1862. For some years afterwards he worked as a journeyman in various shops, and was for some years previous to leaving England employed in the carriage department of the Great Eastern Railway Works, Stratford. Mr. Rouse came to the Colony in 1874, per ship “Soukar,” to Wellington. For a short time after arrival he worked as a journeyman, and subsequently commenced business at the junction of Tinakori Road and Thorndon Quay in 1881. Finding the necessity for increased accommodation, the business was removed to Courtenay Place, and Mr. Hurrell joined Mr. Rouse in the well-known firm of Rouse and Hurrell. Mr. Rouse was the senior partner of this firm for eleven years, and in April, 1892, partly retired in order to visit England. During his visit, Mr. Rouse worked for eighteen months for Messrs. Alfred Rice and Brothers, carriage-builders, of London Road, East Grinstead, Sussex, where he gained a great deal of experience, and on his return in October, 1893, brought a large number of the latest and best designs for modern vehicles. Mr. Robert Black, who was born in Edinburgh, served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Cousins and Atkin, of Auckland, and completed his term in
Coachbuilder and Blacksmith, 60 and 62 Courtenay Place, Wellington, Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. The subject of this sketch was born in Cornwall, England. He served an apprenticeship as miners' blacksmith at the Cornish mines, following up the trade for several years after. In August, 1874, he arrived in Wellington by the ship “Conflict,” but was disappointed in securing employment at his trade. However, being an adept at carpentering, he took employment in that line, in which he continued for three years at various places. He returned to Wellington, resumed his trade, and started the above business in 1878, and since that time has carried on business as coachbuilder and blacksmith. The premises contain 5000 square feet floorage space, and are built of wood and iron. A specialty is made of ironwork for outrigger boats, Mr. Williams excelling in fine and fancy work. A wrought iron gate designed by Mr. Larkham, architect, of Palmerston, and manufactured by Mr. Williams, is worthy of special mention. The trade comprises local and country orders, which receive prompt attention, and nothing but first-class work is turned out. There are three forges, and accommodation for ten hands. Mr. Williams has patented an invention which effectually prevents the bolting of horses; also another invention known as an “axlo stay,” which prevents the spreading out of wheels, thereby avoiding any unnccessary friction. Altogether, Mr. Williams may be considered fairly successful as a colonist.
Luke, George, Coachbuilder, Taranaki Street. Private residence, Wallace Street.
Mitchell and Co. (William Mitchell and C. R. Mitchell), Coachbuilders, Victoria Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1886.
Newman, Thomas, Coachbuilder and Wheelwright, 13 Tory Street. Established 1892.
(late George Cooper), Cordial and Aerated Water Manufacturer, Thorndon Quay, Wellington. Telephone 262 Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This business, established in 1853, has been conducted by Mr. Brodie since 1888. The wood and iron building used for the works contains over 2500 square feet of floorage space. The machinery, which comprises bottling racks and corking and aerating machines, is driven by waterpower. The trade extends to the city and country districts. Regular shipments of all ingredients used in the trade are received by the proprietor. His specialties are aerated waters, cordials, and an exhilarating drink known as “Brodie's Beer.”
Aerated Water and Cordial Manufacturer, 3 Dixon Street, Wellington. Telephone 378. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Agents: Auckland, Mr. Arthur H. Nathan; New Plymouth, Mr. E. L. Nathan. Dixon's Cordial Factory is the oldest business of its kind in Wellington. The premises occupied were originally built for the purpose of a saw-mill by Messrs. Compton Bros., but were purchased by Mrs. Dixon in 1886. The late Mr. Edward Dixon established the business in Cuba Street as long ago as 1852. It was most successfully conducted by its founder until the year 1875, when it was taken over by his son, the late Mr. George Dixon, who had for many years been connected with his father's
(Maurice Kauffman Samuel, Proprietor), Cornhill Street, Wellington. Telephone 880. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Thorndon Quay. The Phœnix Cordial Factory was established a good many years ago, and gained a high reputation for the quality of the products manufactured there. The first proprietors were Mossrs Walter Grey and Co.; but after the cessation of that company the concern was allowed to get somewhat out of condition. Since coming into the hands of Mr. Samuel, however, in January, 1895, a very marked change has been apparent. The machinery has been all put in thorough order, and many important additions made, including a seven-horse-power gas-engine, a patent water purifier and a gas purifier. All kinds of refreshing summer and winter drinks are made at the Phœnix Factory, and a good trade is done in town and country, full employment being found for eight hands. The premises are of brick and contain 6000 square feet of floorage space. The trade mark is a phœnix. The proprietor, Mr. Maurice Kauffman Samuel, was born in Sydney, and is the son of the late Mr. Kauffman Samuel, who married in Sydney and in 1842 brought his family to Wellington. Mr. Samuel, sen., then entered into partnership with Mr. Jacob Joseph, under the style of Samuel and Joseph. In 1851 the subject of this notice went to London to be educated; and, after five years' preparation at a boarding school, had a year at the London University School, and then returned to the Colony. This was in 1857, when Mr. Samuel was sixteen years of age. On his return he went to Timaru, and at twenty years of age was the
(Alexander Thomson and Alfred Maurice Lewis), Aerated Water, Cordial, and Golden Ale Manufacturers, “The Crystal Springs Mineral Water Works,” corner of Lorne and Argyle Streets, Wellington, corner of Bond and Crawford Streets, Dunedin, Campbell Place, Wanganui, and Otaki. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Branches at Wanganui and Otaki. The present proprietors acquired the Wellington business in 1887, and have conducted a large and growing trade up to the time of writing. The ground occupied by the Crystal Springs Mineral Water Works is fully half an acre in extent. Suitable buildings of wood and iron, some of them being two stories in height, have been erected, about half the ground being occupied. The other portion is available for storage and yard requirements. The factory, which is a hive of industry, is replete with the most modern plant for the production of all kinds of aerated waters, cordials, and non-alcoholic beverages. A three-horse-power Otto gas-engine supplies the motive power for driving the various appliances, which consist of one large soda-water machine, generators, steam bottler, and three hand bottling machines. Messrs. Thomson, Lewis and Co. are direct importers of the patent bottles used, which are so well known; they also import the various classes of chemicals necessary for the successful manufacture of their waters. They have established business relations with some of the best English and Continental firms, and are able to obtain the goods they require at the lowest cost. They keep a large staff of hands, and three vans are kept going in the City. Their golden non-alcoholic ale has been in such demand that a special plant has been put down to help in its production. As manufacturers, they stand in the front rank, their soda water being considered of the best and purest quality made in the colonies, and their goods being freely recommended by the medical profession. This firm have secured large and valuable contracts, such as the supply of the vessels of the Union Steam Shipping Company, which they now hold for the third term of three years, and the Wellington Hospital for the fifth year. Mr. Lewis, the resident partner whose portrait appears herein, was born in London, where he served seven years to the trade. Coming to Auckland in 1880, per ship “Lady Jocelyn,” he came on to Wellington and took a situation in the works of which he is now one of the proprietors. After two months he was sent to Nelson to manage a branch of the business, remaining three years. He was afterwards in business in Dunedin, but sold out and returned to Wellington, accepting a position as working manager of the Wellington Aerated Water Company, which was subsequently purchased by him, in conjunction with Mr. Thomson.
Allison, L. (trading as the Union Manufacturing and Export Company), Aerated Water, Pickle, Vinegar, and General Condiment Manufacturer, 37 Kent Terrace.
Bacon, Mrs. J. L., Cordial Manufacturer, 78 Tory Strect. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1886 by Mr. Bacon.
Mr. J. Cuddie, Mosgiel (President), Mr. James R. Scott (Colonial Bank Buildings, Water Street, Dunedin), Secretary, South Island; Mr. Newton King (New Plymouth) Chairman, North Island; Mr. George Finn (10 Custom House Quay, Wellington); Secretary, North Island. This useful organisation is the outgrowth of a meeting convened by Mr. John Sawers, Government Dairy Instructor, in the month of April, 1890. It was held in Dunedin, and the necessary steps were taken to form the New Zealand Dairy Association. The objects of the Society as quoted in the rules were “To disseminate practical information with a view to improving the manufacture, to obtain the best means of transit and disposal of dairy produce so as to produce a uniformly good article, and generally in improving the interests of the dairy industry.” Up to this time it had been found very difficult to obtain shipping facilities for dairy produce for the Home market, the space available being very limited, and the cost enormous. It was anticipated that a combination of dairy factory proprietors would be the means of effecting substantial improvements in many ways; and the result has justified the expectations that they cherished. The New Zealand Dairy Association was formed in 1891, with a membership of South Island factories numbering but fourteen. These each contributed £5 as an annual subscription. In the following year the membership had all but doubled, the number affiliated being twenty-seven, which was increased to twenty-nine in 1894. In this year the name of the Society was altered to that of the National Dairy Association of New Zealand, a North Island Executive was appointed, with a Secretary and central office in Wellington, and the membership increased to seventy-eight. The total number of dairies now associated with the institution is one hundred, of which about forty are in the Southern Island and something like sixty in the Northern Island. The value of combination has been apparent in the considerable reductions in insurance charges. The magnitude of the Society's operations may be estimated by referring to the statistics published of the shipments for the year ending May, 1895. Of cheese, 33,269 cases, containing 4,776,9491bs. net weight were dispatched from the South Island, while 22,554 cases, aggregating 3,040,2901bs net weight, were sent from Wellington. The North Island supplied by far the larger quantity of butter, the figures being 65,707 packages, containing a total of 4,121,9661bs. net, against 4,316 boxes, having 241,6961bs. net weight. With but few exceptions, the whole of the dairy factories in the Colony have joined the Society, to their manifest advantage. The services of experienced secretaries in Dunedin and Wellington have proved invaluable, not only in making the necessary arrangements for space, but particularly in keeping a careful supervision over each shipment, with a view to ensuring that the proper positions are allotted. Though the importance of this matter can hardly be exaggerated, the Society is entrusted by its members with the duty of advising as to the best channels for marketing the produce in England. This is of the utmost importance, as, if consigned to unreliable and dishonest agents, the best quality of dairy produce would hardly realise satisfactory returns. The Association has been able to make arrangements of a most satisfactory nature at the other end, and the interests of its clients are thereby conserved. Besides these considerable advantages, the Society undertakes to indent materials required by its members. Voluminous reports are issued annually for each Island, and these contain valuable suggestions for dairy farmers, as well as for factory proprietors. The operations of the Association have been most successful hitherto, and there can be no doubt that under the present able management its usefulness will be increasingly manifested.
Secretary of the National Dairy association of New Zealand for the North Island, was born at Christchurch and educated at Waimate. Joining the railway service on the 15th May, 1877, Mr. Finn rose to the position of relieving officer, and was stationed respectively at Oamaru, Dunedin and Invercargill. In 1886 he was transferred to Wanganui, where he became chief clerk in the office of the District Traffic Manager. This position he retained till 1890, when he resigned to join the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company. He was employed for four years at this Company's establishment at Wanganui, and acted as agent at Hawera. Mr. Finn left the Company in October, 1894, removing to Wellington to take up the duties of Secretary for the National Dairy Association of New Zealand, and subsequently founded the business now conducted by the firm of Finn, Rigg and Co.
Belmont Dairy, 62 Cuba Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The Belmont dairy is one of the neatest and most attractive of the dairies that are so noticeable a feature of the east side of Cuba Street. The shop which has a frontage of about twenty-two feet, has a large window, nicely arranged with ferns and pot plants, which are interspersed with attractive dairy products. Milk, butter, cheese, eggs, and cordials are sold in considerable quantities, all leading brands of butter being kept. Mr. Broad, who came to Wellington in 1890, is a native of London. In addition to the shop business, Mr. Broad has a milk run in which he disposes of about seventy-five gallons of milk daily, and in which he has a competent assistant.
(Cecil Roadley, proprietor), 82 Cuba Street. Established 1887. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This dairy is said to do the largest retail business in the line in Wellington. All leading brands of butter are kept, and a tastefully arranged window with a display of butter and eggs attracts attention in passing. Mr. Roadley was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1853, and finished his education in York. Upon leaving school, he learnt the printing trade. He came to New Zealand in 1874 in the ship “Berar”
Examiner and Marton Mercury newspapers.
Dairy Farmer, Ohiro Farm, Wellington. From his farm, Mr. Fitchett conducts an extensive wholesale and retail milk business. This business was established by the present proprietor's father in 1852. The farm is a large one, and almost wholly freehold. Mr. Fitchett has 90 cows in milk all the year round. The average output is 140 gallons of milk daily. In winter fifty cows are housed, and the whole herd is fed on ensilage, brewers' grains, corn, pollard, and meal. Hay is sometimes added. Mr. Fitchett is a noted maker of ensilage, and makes about 150 tons every year. He got a prize for his ensilage exhibit at the Wellington Agricultural Show of 1892. The cows on the farm are a good strain of the colonial bred cattle. Mr. Fitchett acted as a judge of Ayrshire cattle at the Palmerston Show of 1895. The machinery used on the farm includes a digester and bone crusher, and, in the dairy, a Tuxon and Hammerich Cream Separator, with a capacity of about 40 gallons an hour. The separator is driven by a 4-horse power steam engine. Mr. Fitchett was born in Wellington in 1844, educated at Toomath's School, Wellington Terrace, and upon leaving school entered the present business. He is a member of the Vogeltown School Committee, is a widower with five children, and employs thirteen hands in his business.
(John McHarrie and Alexander McHarrie), Dairymen, College Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Messrs. McHarrie Bros. started business in 1890. Their output has increased from fourteen gallons of milk daily to between 130 and 150 gallons, and they dispose of six gallons of cream weekly. Two carts and five men are employed in the distribution of the milk, which comes from Belmont. The premises from which the business is at present conducted is leasehold, though the firm has a number of freehold properties in the City, besides a 100 acre farm in Taranaki. Since they were boys, Messrs. John and Alexander McHarrie have shared equally in all profits. They were born in Cheshire, England, and educated at the local school, which they left respectively at thirteen and eleven years of age. While at school the brothers were prize-winners every year, and excelled also in the football and cricket clubs of the school. In 1877 Alexander went to Melbourne in the ship “Ben Lomond,” and John went to sea in the ship “City of Athens.” In Victoria Mr. A. McHarrie found employment on Messrs. Rutledge Bros.' station at Warrnambool, where he stayed, learning every branch of farming. Coming to
Directors: F. Barnard Brown, (chairman), Messrs. W. Bewley, Alexander Farmer, W. Udy, C. W. Grove, D. Matheson, R. Matheson, T. Parsons and N. Reid; secretary, Mr. A. S. Biss; manager, Mr. James Young. Butter manufactory, Davis Street, Wellington. Telephone 803. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This large Company has, in addition to the Wellington factory, situated as above, a large factory in Palmerston Northland twenty one creameries. The head office and central factory, which is erected on the reclaimed land, Wellington, is a building of wood, two stories in height, with a floorage space of over 6000 square feet. The power is furnished by a twenty-horse-power steam-engine, made by Messrs. J. and E. Hall, and the refrigerating machine is a No. 4. They have splendid cool storage accommodation, equal to about 4000 cubic feet. The factory at Palmerston North is a wooden structure of one, two, and three stories in height, with a floorage space of from 5000 to 6000 square feet. The cream separators in use are of the most modern design, viz., the Delaval (Alpha), and the Alexandra separator, driven by three-horse-power Tangye's engines. Twelve of the creameries supply the Wellington factory, the other nine contributing to the Palmerston North establishment. The Company's trade extends throughout the whole Colony, and they are also large shippers of produce to England. The output is about three tons of butter per day during the summer, the milk of from 7000 to 8000 cows being put through. The New Zealand trade mark is the well-known brand “Black Swan.” The capital of the Company, £50,000, is in 20,000 shares of £2 10s. per share. They have about 1000 shareholders who are resident in the district between Taranaki, Napier, and Wellington, most of whom take advantage of the Company for the purpose of turning their produce to account. Such is the popularity of the “Black Swan” butter that the Company have recently had to refuse contracts to supply it.
Dairyman, Thorndon Dairy, Molesworth Street. Mr. Page was born and educated in Sussex, England, and wenfarming until sixteen years of age. He then worked for some time with the London, Brighton, and South Coast, and South Western Railway Companies. On coming to New Zealand he took service on the New Zealand Railways. He was guard on the first train that ran in the Auckland Province, and assisted in building the first carriage and waggon used on the railway there. He was a subcontractor for railway-making in Otago, and also worked in the Railway Department there for years. Coming back to the North Island, he, after working out of the department for a little time, rejoined the service as guard on the Wellington section. After fourteen years' service he became a sub-inspector of permanent way. He was retrenched from this office on the Seddon Ministry going into power. After conducting a wood and coal business for three year; in Thorndon, he bought the present business as a going concern from Mr. Mumford. While living at the Upper Hutt he was a vestryman for six years in the Anglican Church there.
Dairyman. Private residence, Oxford Street, Newtown. Established 1891. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Reid was born in Sunnybrow, Durham, England, in 1861. He attended Wellington State School till about 11 years of age. He was then taken from school to assist his father in the grocery store. He applied himself to the trade with diligence, and after five years experience with his father he went to serve with Archd. Elliott, grocer, of Wellington. After being some time with Mr. Elliott, he went to Mr. Harris, of the same town, and then to Mr. W. I. Retter. While at the latter's place, Mr. Reed's health broke down, and he went Home to stay with his parents for a year or so, to recruit it. In 1886 he left for New Zealand in the s.s. “Rimutaka.” Landing in Wellington, he took a billet; but a week of it was enough for him, and he went to Wanganui. He spent six months there, employed as a groom to a gentleman residing there. When the work of constructing the Manawatu Railway was commenced Mr. Reed found his way to it, and got employment. Six months at this work satisfied him, and he returned to Wellington. He got work at his trade for six months with Mr. Downer, grocer, of Manners Street, and left him to start for Mr. Tonks, baker, Herbert Street. Mr. Reed remained in that employ for five years, and left it to open his present business. He has been a member of the D Battery Artillery, and is a Rechabite. Mr. Reed is married, and has two children alive. His business requires the services of two employees and three carts. The equipment for the milk delivery business is the finest in the city. Mr. Reed took first and second prizes for the best dairyman's turnout at the Wellington Labour Day Demonstration in 1895, and a first prize at the Horse Parade of 1893.
Opunake Butter Depôt, Taranaki Street. Telephone 832. Established 1886. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mrs. Ritson occupies for the purposes of her business a two-storey wooden building, with two shops, having a frontage of thirty feet to Taranaki Street. The principal makers of butter sold in the Opunake Depôt are the “Crown” and “Nut” brands. Besides doing a large retail trade in butter, cheese, and eggs, Mrs. Ritson has a good stock of groceries. In her business, which was the first butter depôt established in Wellington, she is assisted by her son and daughter. Her family consists of three boys and two girls. Mrs. Ritson is known in temperance and social reform circles, and is generally respected for the energy and ability she has displayed in conducting to a success a difficult business.
Dairyman, Cross Keys Dairy, 89 Taranaki Street. Established 1891. Mr. Small was born in Monmouthshire, South Wales, in 1861, and attended school until twelve years of age. He then went to work in the coal mines, where he worked for over eighteen years. He came to New Zealand in the ship “Rangi” in 1891. His father being in the dairy business, Mr. Small turned his attention to that on arriving in Wellington. He commenced business from a private house, but soon opened a shop in Ingestre Street. After being fourteen months there, he transferred his business to Taranaki Street, where he was nine months in the upper part of the street, and has been fourteen months in his present premises. Besides milk, butter and eggs, he sells bread and a few lines of groceries. Mr. Small is married, and has one child.
Bull, F., Dairyman, 133 Tinakori Road. Established 1895.
Bruning, Mrs., Dairykeeper, Wairarapa Dairy, Cuba Street. Taken over by present proprietor in 1896.
Burbidge, William, Aylesbury Dairy, Webb Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1888.
Clarke and Co. (C. S. Clarke and R. E. Drinkwell), Dairymen, Willis Street and 66 Tory Street. Established 1895.
Cowley, Mrs. Wm., Dairykeeper, 91 Adelaide Road. Established 1893.
Fenton, 11., Dairykeeper, 132 Taranaki Street.
I.X.L. Milk Depôt (A. J. Powley), 35 Courtenay Place. Established 1895.
Judd, George Frank, Dairyman, Roslyn Dairy, Webb Street. Estab. 1895.
Kells, Robert James, Dairyman, 159 Cuba Street. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Established 1892.
Linnell, Mrs., Southern Cross Dairy, 92 Cuba Street. Established 1895.
Newell, Wm., Dairyman, Adclaide Road. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1883.
Osborn, John, Dairyman, 4 Taranaki Street.
Osborn, Mrs. Lucy, Dairykeeper, Finsbury Park Dairy, 52 Ingestre Street. Established 1886.
Phillips, A., Dairyman, Premier Dairy, Molesworth Street. Established 1895.
Scott Bros. (Issae Scott and James Scott), Dairymen, Nelson Street. Private resid ncc, Nelson Street. Established 1893.
Small, Joseph, Dairyman, 41 Tory Street. Established 1889.
Stunnell, Henry, Dairyman and Grocer, Nai-Nai Dairy, 6 Abel Smith Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1892.
Artistic Painter and Decorator, etc., P.O, Box 236, Wellington. Mr. Ballmüller is a man of exceptional attainments in his profession, having had the benefit of tuition in the Painters' School, Berlin. He began life by serving four years at house-painting; and afterwards spent three years in acquiring a knowledge of artistic decorating in the Gewerbe Museum, Berlin. To complete his studies and widen his experience, Mr. Ballmüller undertook engagements in various parts of Germany, France, Italy, and South America. From Buenos Ayres he shipped to New Zealand in 1892, and decided to make Wellington his headquarters. Some magnificent specimens of his handiwork are to be seen in the Empire City. Mr. Ballmüller personally did the whole of the decorative work in the public hall, the corridors, and the vestibule of the huge building erected by the Government Insurance Department. The style of decoration is fourteenth century Gothic, and the execution is indeed a triumph of workmanship. Nine months were spent in the performance of this contract. The work was started when the plaster was wet; Mr. Balmüller claims to work with equal effect on plaster, whether wet or dry. Seven weeks were spent in embellishing the interior of the Trocadero, the handsome and commodious restaurant in Willis Street, and this beautiful scheme of decoration, based on the modern Renaissance style, has been generally admired. The showroom of Messrs. Kirkcaldie and Stains, drapers, the interior of Kohn's jeweller's shop, the large organ in St. Paul's Church, and the entrance hall and reception-room at Kinsey's photographic establishment all bear witness to the skill of the subject of this notice. Mr. Ballmüller is prepared to execute work, from ordinary house-painting to the highest form of decorative art, and will willingly give estimates free of charge. Church interiors, theatre interiors, and backgrounds for photographers are among his specialties.
Painter, Paperhanger, and General House Decorator, 26 Courtenay Place, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Salisbury Terrace The subject of this notice was born in the city of Dublin, where he had large experience in connection with the trade before coming to the Colony. As an apprentice he joined a large firm in the Irish Capital. Continuing as journeyman, he subsequently became manager, and eventually proprietor. Dissatisfied with the Old World, he sold out and left for Sydney about the year 1875 per ship “Samuel Plimsoll,” crossing over to Wellington by the s.s. “Wakatipu” on her first trip. The business was founded by Messrs. Butler and Brady in 1881 or thereabouts, and has been conducted by Mr. Brady solely since 1886. The double-fronted shop built of wood and iron, which is occupied for the business, is of two stories in height, and contains upwards of 4000 square feet of floorage space. Mr. Brady, whose connection extends throughout the city and suburbs as well as up the country, is a direct importer of paperhangings, oils, colours, varnishes, etc. He has successfully accomplished a good deal of work on public buildings, including Government and Parliamentary Buildings, besides many of the churches. The decorating of the Royal Oak Hotel at the junction of Cuba and Manners Street has often been much admired, and certainly reflects credit on Mr. Brady, who, assisted by his staff, performed the whole of the work in an incredibly short space of time.
Painter and Decorator, Revans Street, Wellington. Telephone 157. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Herbert occupies a shop with dwelling attached. The shop is a neat one of 20 by 16 feet, with a large show window. It is well stocked with paperhangings and painters' requisites. Mr. Herbert is an importer, and supplies the trade. He also is an extensive contractor and builder, and has erected a number of cottages on his own account in the City, which are well let. Mr. Herbert was born in England, where he served his apprenticeship to the painting trade in London. He worked some time as a journeyman for various firms. Coming to New Zealand many years ago, he added to his business experience in Greymouth and Reefton before settling in Wellington. He was also working at his trade in Melbourne. The present business, which was founded in 1892, was taken over three years later. Mr. Herbert employs as many as fourteen hands, and has a large turnover for a new business. One of the contracts recently carried on by him was the painting of the
Painter, Glazier, Paper-hanger, and Decorator, 178 Willis Street, Wellington. Telephone 887. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Jennings is a native of Cornwall, which county he left early in life. He was apprenticed to the trade in Torquay, continuing to work as a journeyman in various parts of England before leaving for the Colony. He came to New Zealand per s.s. “Tainui” from London in 1885, and the following year established the present business. Mr. Jennings owns and oceupies a convenient two-story shop and dwelling as above, with large workshop behind, the floorage space used in the business being 1200 square feet. Mr. Jennings is a direct importer of paperhangings, paints, enamels, and varnishes. He undertakes general house decoating and finishing and has a steadily growing connection.
Signwriter, Glass Embosser and Decorator, 94 Cuba Street, Wellington. Cable address, “Lawson, Wellington.” Telephone 306. Mr. Lawson is a native of Scotland. He was apprenticed to James Cumming, of Alloa, and completed his term in 1872. Coming to New Zealand, per ship “Nelson” in 1875, he settled in Wellington. As Mr. Lawson was at that time a first-rate tradesman, he had no difficulty in at once obtaining employment, his first and only situation in New Zealand being with a firm in Wellington for whom Le worned as journeyman for about six years. Mr. Lawson established himself in business in 1880, and since that time has conducted a steady trade. The premises occupied in connection with the business are well situated in Cuba Street, the building being of wood, well adapted for the business. Mr. Lawson is well known for his ability as a signwriter and decorator, and makes a specialty of glass embossing and gilding. He has successfully trained a great many apprentices, and turned them out as competent workmen. He has had many very large contracts, which he has faithfully completed.
Painter and Paperhanger, House Decorator and Artists' Colourman, 17 Manners Street, Wellington. Telephone 144. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Branch at Palmerston North. London agents, Henry Brooks and Co. Melbourne agents, Brooks, Robinson and Co. Mr. Martin, who is a native of Norfolk, is a grandson of the Rev. Robert Steele, rector of Mundersley and Trimmingham, County of Norfolk, and great grandson of Sir Richardson Steele, Baronet, of Dublin. Mr. Martin was educated at North Walsham Grammar School, better known as Lord Nelson's School, and finished his course at St. John's College, Hirstpier Point, Sussex. On leaving school, he turned his attention to mercantile life, but was not long before becoming impressed with the idea of emigrating to the colonies. Arriving in Wellington per ship “Queen of the Avon” in 1859, he spent the first four years in gaining colonial experience, especially as a house painter and paperhanger. He established the present large business in 1863. Ever since this time Mr. Martin has been deservedly popular, both as a workman and a master. He has been, and is still a large employer of labour in the various departments of his trade. The buildings that have been painted, decorated, and finished by workmen from this establishment may be counted by the score, and include a great many of the best private residences. The old Government House, a picture of which is given on page 21, was twice papered and painted by Mr. Martin himself. The present gubernatorial residence, of which engravings appear on pages 22–24, bears a good deal of his work. When the building was firs erected, Mr. Martin hung 500 pieces of paper personally; and, just before the arrival of the Earl of Onslow, he undertook the renovation of the establishment. In the early days, Mr. Martin displayed his sagacity in securing that splendid freehold site, having seventy-five feet frontage to Manners Street, on which the business premises are erected. The buildings consist of one large central shop, having thirty-eight feet frontage, and two smaller shops, which latter are well let. A large and handsome verandah, covering the entire footpath, is erected in front of the premises. Mr. Martin occupies the central building in connection with his large trade. The shop, which is lighted by electricity, is without exception the most artistic of any that the writer has observed in this line within the Colony. It has three large show windows, which are used to good effect to display a few of the beautiful designs which Mr. Martin understands how to procure so as to suit the varied tastes of his customers. On the left hand side, the visitor is attracted by the splendid glazed screen enclosing the office used by the accountant, which is magnificently painted, from selections out of Dr. (now Sir Walter) Buller's Book of Native Birds. A beautiful glass door leading out of the shop towards the various departments of the business is also noticed for its handsome figuring and lovely transparencies. Large mirrors are conveniently placed to reflect the choice wares that are arranged in all parts of the shop. For artists, this shop has great attractions, as Mr. Martin makes a specialty of colours and art material from the well-known establishments of Winsor and Newton, and others. To this department Mrs. Martin devotes a good deal of attention, and this has contributed in no small degree to the reputation that has been gained by this popular establishment. Indeed, Mrs. Martin has been a “help-meet” in every sense of the word; and her unremitting attention to customers has largely conduced to the growth and development of the trade.
Picture Framer, Mount Cutter, Fine Art Dealer, Carver and Gilder, corner of Taranaki Street and Courtenay Place. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Muniz is a native of Spain. He was apprenticed in the town of Gijon, on the Bay of Biscay, serving for five years. He landed in New Zealand in 1860, at Lyttelton, and for several years remained within the Colony. He then went over to Sydney, and established himself In business, which he conducted for twelve years, till 1894, when he returned and commenced the present business. The premises are of wood, one story in height, the space being about 1000 square feet. Mr. Muniz is a direct importer from England and Germany of mouldings, cardboard, and other materials used in his business. He makes a specialty of enlargements from photographs, which he executes himself, having all the necessary appliances. He colours these enlargements with considerable ability, and frames them in elegant frames. Mr. Muniz has a considerable stock of choice mouldings from which he makes very fine picture frames. He has a large variety of paintings, all splendidly mounted in handsome frames, and may be relied upon to furnish good value at all times. Besides doing a considerable local trade, Mr. Muniz does business in various other parts of the Colony.
(William Nicol), Paper-hangers, Painters, Glaziers, and Decorators, Courtenay Place, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand (I'e Aro Branch). Private residence, 19 Rhodes Street. Mr. Nicol is a native of the Colony. He was apprenticed to Mr. James Graham, of Nelson, and completed his term in 1886. Soon afterwards he removed to Wellington, where he worked at his trade for several years. The present
Artist and Signwriter, Barker Street, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Roberts was born in Cornwall in 1869, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1874, in the ship “Conflict” After landing in Wellington, Mr. Roberts, senr., went to work at his trade as grainer and decorator. Samuel went to school first at Te Aro and then at Mount Cook. He had a distinguished career, gaining fourteen prizes for mapping, drawing, and neatness and style in keeping exercise books. Upon leaving school, he took up his present profession. After serving a five years apprenticeship with a leading Wellington decorative artist, he commenced for himself. At his freehold residence in Barker Street, Mr. Roberts has a large and well-arranged studio. His collection of oil paintings, landscapes, and marine studies, all his own work, is a most pleasing one. Mr. Roberts paints pictures for his own pleasure, and seldom exhibits. As a sign-writer, he has a high reputation. His advertising drop act, the first used at the Wellington Opera House, was generally acknowledged to be a great work of art. In addition to this he has executed numerous pieces of work of equal quality and excellence. In athletics Mr. Roberts has also excelled. As a member first of the Star and at present of the Phœnix Cricket Clubs, he has become prominent. He is chairman of the latter Club's Committee, and has played in its senior eleven for nine years continuously. In 1880 he won the Mayor's silver trophy for the best bowling average. The Club's silver cup for the highest individual score was won by him, with 69 runs, in 1891, and in 1893 he gained the Club's silver cup for the highest batting average. Mr. Roberts played for Wellington against the second English team that visited New Zealand, and was a member of the Phœnix Club's team that won 24 consecutive matches. Mr. Roberts, is married, and has one child.
(Richard Tingey and Edward Tingey), Painters, Paperhangers, and Importers, Oil, Colour, and Glass Warehouse, Manners Street, Wellington. Branches at Wanganui and Palmerston North. Telegraphic address, “Tingey, Wellington.” Telephone 437. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence of Mr. Richard Tingey (resident partner), Cambridge Terrace. Messrs. R. and E. Tingey began business in Wanganui in 1868, and in 1889 extended their operations to Wellington, where they purchased the business of Mr. McAlpine. Since then, they have opened in Palmerston North. In each of these places they conduct a large business. Mr. Richard Tingey lives in Wellington and Mr. Edward Tingey in Wanganui, while the Palmerston branch is in the charge of an experienced manager. The two-story premises in Manners Street, with a frontage of fifty-two feet, are the freehold of the firm. Messrs. R. and E. Tingey are direct importers of everything in their several lines, and, having three good businesses, they are able to import in very large quantities. The other branches are referred to further on in this volume.
(William George Tustin, J.P., and George Edward Godber), Painters, Paperhangers and Decoratcrs, 80 Willis Street, Wellington. Telephone 134. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residences: Mr. Tustin, Willis Street; Mr. Godber, 53 Pirie Street. Established in 1860 by the late Mr. William Tustin, father of the senior partner, the business has been conducted by the firm since 1893. The two-story brick building occupied, affords some four thousand square feet of floorage space. Messrs. Tustin and Godber import all descriptions of paperhangings, paints, oils, and other materials required in the business, which extends throughout the provincial district of Wellington. From eight to thirty hands are employed as required.
(Frederick William Wickens), Picture Framers, Fine Art Dealers, Mount Cutters, and Artists' Colourmen, 77 Cuba Street, Wellington. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. The proprietor of this business, who was born in Kent, England, served his apprenticeship to the trade in the Colony, the business being established in March, 1893. The premises occupied—a two-story building of wood and iron—contain over 3000 square feet of floorage space. The shop is stocked with a great variety of art pictures—many of which are elegantly framed,- a choice assortment of artists' colours and material, from the well-known firm of Windsor and Newton, and many other ornamental and useful articles. Messrs. Wickens and Son import from the best markets, and keep an up-to-date stock, undertaking picture framing and mounting in every style. This business extends throughout the North Island, and to a portion of the South Island, including the West Coast. Mr. Wickens is interested in the volunteer movement, having been a member of the Wellington City Rifles for the past five years. In aquatics, he belongs to the Wellington Rowing Club, He is associated with the Druids order, and has been a member of the local Lodge for about six years.
(McGregor B. Wright and George B. Wright), Fine Art Dealers, Colourmen, Picture Framers, Carvers, and Gilders, 129 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 656. Bankers, National Bank of New Zeaalnd. Private residences: Mr. McGregor Wright, Sydney Street; Mr. George Wright, Tinakori Road. Both partners are natives of Scotland, and were apprenticed to Hay and Lyall, Queen's gilders for Scotland, in Aberdeen. Here they had splend d opportunities to learn everything connected with the trade, and both partners gave such good heed and close attention to their duties that they were respectively elected members of the society of carvers and gilders of Scotland. Mr. McGregor Wright completed his term in 1882, and in the following year set sail for New Zealand. He came by the steamer “British King” on her first voyage, this being the first direct steamer to come to the Colony. Mr. George Wright, who completed his full term of seven years with Messrs. Hay and Lyall in 1878, continued with the latter firm as a journeyman for a further period of seven years. Afterwards he was for some time working at his trade in Edinburgh, and also in Belfast. In 1888 he decided to join his brother in the business in New Zealand, and with that object came out to the Colony per s.s. “Ionic.” The firm continued the Duxedin business for seven years, eventually deciding to concentrate themselves in the Empire City. Messrs. McGregor Wright and Co. are direct importers of picture-frames, mouldings, artists' colours, engravings; and etchings. They have established connections with the best publishing houses in England, so that they receive shipments of the latest engravings, photo-gravures, and etchings at the earliest possible moment. By this means they always have something new and beautiful on hand.
Avery, Joseph, Painter and Storekeeper, 5 Ellice Street.
Ballinger, Joseph W., Painter, Glazier, and Paperhanger, Hankey Street. Established 1878.
Barron, Charles James, Signwriter and Decorator, Willis Street.
Beadnall. Thomas, Carver and Gilder, Harbour Street. Private residence, Wordsworth Street. Established 1880.
Bloom, Jacob., Painter and Decorator, Abel Smith Street.
Butler, Fred., Painter and Paperhanger, 11 Taranaki Place. Established 1874.
Cannon, Edward, Signwriter, 8 Taranaki Street. Established 1879.
Clarke, Alexander, Painter, Paperhanger, and Grainer, Rhodes Street. Established 1890.
Cutler, Edward Thos., Painter and Decorator, Normanby Street. Estab. 1875.
Dixon and Herron, Painters, Paperhangers, and Decorators, Garrett Street. Established 1894.
Evans, J. W., Paperhanger, Painter, and Signwriter, Cuba Street. Estab. 1874
Everitt, Arthur, Decorator and Picture Frame Maker, 22 Cuba Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Brooklyn. Established 1890.
Garnham, Robert, Painter and Decorator, Maarama Crescent.
Hancock, Joseph, Painter and Decorator, Wordsworth Street. Established 1875.
Hook, William, Painter, Martin Street.
Hull, Thomas, Painter and Decorator, 14 Molesworth Street. Private residence, 153 Upper Willis Street. Established 1876.
Jackson, Sidney, Painter and Picture Framer, 76 Cuba Street. Established 1894.
James, Charles Robert, Painter, Knigge's Avenue.
McAlpine, James, Painter and Paperhanger, Nairn Street. Established 1880
McCumiskey, Peter, Painter and Decorator, Drummond Street, Newtown. Established 1880.
Mackinlay, James Samuel, Painter, Cottleville Terrace.
Matthews, Alfred, Painter, 79 Ingestre Street.
Neville and Smith (Herbert Neville and John C. Smith), Decorators and Signwriters, 40 Lambton Quay. Established 1896.
O'Doran, L., Signwriter, 83 Manners Street.
Parker and Mann (Alfred John Parker), Painters and Decorators, Cuba Street. Established 1894.
Rennie, William Frederick, Signwriter, 25 Webb Street.
Scraggs. Thomas Jax, Painter. Paperhanger, and Glazier, Riddiford Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1885.
Tinney and Bethell (John Tinney), Painters, etc., Molesworth Street.
Tustin. J. D., Painter, Paperhanger and Decorator, Willis Street.
Drapers, Clothiers, House Furnishers, Fancy Goods and General Dealers, D.I.C., Panama and Brandon Streets, Wellington. Mr. Bendix Hallenstein (Chairman of Directors), Mr. A. A. Corrigan (Manager of Wellington Branch). Telephone 58. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Manager's private residence, Botanical Road. Head office, Dunedin. Branch, Cashel and Litchfield Streets, Christchurch. London house, D.I.C., Basinghall Street, E.O. Further information concerning this important Company will appear in the volumes for Otago and Canterbury. The Wellington branch of the Company was opened, by Mr. Corrigan, in 1890. The fine briok warchouse and show room—three stories in height—contain fully 50,000 square feet of floorage space. The Company import largely through the London House, the Wellington branch doing business throughout the Wellington District.
(William Henry Harrison George and Henry Waltor Kersley), Drapers and Warehousemen,
“The Economic,” 50, 52, and 51 Lambton Quay, Wellington. London house, Portland House, Basinghall Street, E.C. Telephone 820; P.O. Box 52. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. George, Clifton Terrace; Mr. Kersley, Boulcott Street. “The Economic,” the name by which this rising house is already thoroughly well known, was established on the 5th of November, 1894. Its success has been phenomenal. During the short time that has intervened, the premises have been twice enlarged, until, as the accompanying illustrations very plainly show, they may fairly be classed among the most attractive and convenient in the City. The floor space is nearly 10,000 square feet; and the dressing and arranging of the windows and various departments are all that the most particular could wish them to be. The windows are composed of very large panes, and an effective disposition of magnificent mirrors adds greatly to their attractiveness. Altogether there is an appearance about the “Economic” which shows very surely that its proprietors have gained their experience in some of the finest drapery establishments in the world. The site was well
Daily Telegraph of the 20th of April, 1887, giving an account of a farewell gathering, presided over by the Hon. C. J. Ham, the then Mayor of Melbourne. In addressing the assemblage, he said, “It gave him the greatest satisfaction to express the feelings of goodwill and esteem he entertained towards his friends, Mr. W. H. George and his respected brother. He had known both of these gentlemen from the time of their first arrival in the colony, and they had always borne a high character as business men and as worthy, honourable gentlemen. Mr. W. H. George was now retiring from the firm he had done sc much to establish, and he felt confident that whatever position Mr. George thought fit to take, success would crown his efforts. It could not but be a source of great satisfaction to them all when they found two men in such a short time taking a leading position in the city, and securing the success they so well deserved.” Mr. McLean, of the firm of McLean Bros, and Rigg, in proposing the health of the remaining partners, said that “the more one knew of the Messrs. George the better they were liked. It spoke enormously in favour of the firm that they had been able to establish such a huge business in an almost incredibly short space of time. Whether advertising had anything to do with it or not he did not know, but thought if one could get to the moon he would find there an advertisement of “George and George.” Upon his share of the
Cook And Gray, Accountants, Wellington.” Since this work has been preparing for the press, a large adjacent warehouse has been secured, which will complete the through connection with the street, and will in reality form a small drapery arcade. The whole of the showrooms have now been removed to the ground floor, an arrangement which has already given the greatest satisfaction to customers, and has led to a further increase of trade. Messrs. George and Kersley are always glad for visitors to go through their establishment and inspect the various goods offered, one such visit generally being sufficient to convince
qui vive for novelties, and oftentimes the ladies in Wellington may see these in the windows of “The Economic” almost simultaneously with their appearance in Regent Street, London Not content, however, with representing London fashions, Messrs. George and Kersley are completing arrangements for establishing a permanent buying office in Paris, so that their customers may be satisfied that departments, including gloves, ribbons, laces, hosiery, umbrellas, sunshades, embroideries, handkerchiefs, trimmings, haberdashery, “The Economic” will show the very newest styles and the latest novelties direct from that city. Continuing down the warehouse, the
“Quid facimus valdi facimus,” which, being interpreted, means “What we do we do well.”
(John Kirkcaldie), Drapers, etc., Lambton Quay and Brandon Street, Wellington. Carpet warehouse, St. George's Hall, Lambton Quay. Cable address, private — through Re
Since the foregoing was set up, this enterprising firm has secured the site now occupied as a music warehouse by Mr. G. Reichardt, whose lease expires in April, 1897, when it is the intention of the firm to remove the present wooden structure and erect a four-story brick building, to cope with their ever-increasing volume of business. The whole of the frontage will be utilised by the firm, and the new building will be one of the leading landmarks in Wellington, and will give that facility and accommodation which the present premises inadequately provide. That the purchasing public will appreciate Mr. Kirkcaldie's enterprise there can be no possible doubt. Wellingtonians have always been proud of this leading drapery establishment, and have taken their friends there in the fullest confidence of their being well served and thoroughly pleased. Even now, “Kirkcaldie's,” as it is familiarly termed, is one of the “sights” of Wellington. What it will be when a handsome four-story brick building stands beside the present structure readers must be left to judge for themselves. It is always a pleasure to see business conducted on a grand scale, and to know at the same time that the poorest cannot place themselves at any disadvantage by mingling their patronage with that of the wealthiest. If this is true of any house in the city it is that of Messrs. Kirkcaldie and Stains. Indeed, one need but pay a visit to the establishment at any hour of the day to be thoroughly convinced on this point. Purchasers of all classes—except those who like to run long accounts—may be seen there, all being attended to in their proper turn, and all being treated with the same civility and courtesy. Messrs. Kirkcaldie and Stains have done much to set a good example to the trading public of Wellington, and on that, and all other counts, well merit the enormous patronage they receive. A large increase of business must result from the extension of premise.
Draper and Clothier, Adelaide Road, Newtown. Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Hansen took over the business of R. Blair and Co. in 1895. The shop is centrally situated, with a frontage of about forty feet to Adelaide Road, well lighted by two large shop windows. The inside is nicely appointed, and a stock large enough to meet the increasing demands of the locality is kept. Mr. Hansen was born in Copenhagen, and educated there. Leaving school, he served two years in the officers' military school. He went from that to learn the drapery trade in Copenhagen. He afterwards went to London and served two years with Scott, Son, and Co. From there he went to Adelaide, South Australia. For seventeen years he was employed there with G. and R. Wills and Co. From Adelaide, Mr. Hansen came to New Zealand, and opened his present business. He is married, and has four children.
Draper and Clothier, 45 Cuba Street, Wellington. Branch at Featherston. Telegraphic address, “Proctor, Wellington.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, 89 Riddiford Street. Though the above business was opened in Wellington in April, 1896, Mr. Proctor was well known in the Wellington district many years before that, he having had one of the leading drapery establishments in Carterton. Mr. Proctor was born and educated in Lincolnshire, where also he was apprenticed to Mr. J. T. Hainsworth, of Long Sutton. Completing his apprenticeship in 1868, Mr. Proctor held various appointments in the trade to London, Stamford, and Stockton-on-Tees. In 1880 he came to New Zealand, per ship “Scottish Prince,” from London. After some three or four years' experience of the trade in the employ of Mr. W. Clark, at that time a draper in Wellington, Mr. Proctor left for Carterton with the object of opening and carrying on a branch there for Mr. Clark. Five years later—in 1888—he purchased the business from his late employer, and for eight years carried it on successfully. The picture given herewith is of Mr. Proctor's store at Carterton, which he relinquished in favour of Wellington, because of a somewhat peculiar advantage the Empire City possesses for one of his children in the matter of health. Carterton is well known as a healthy district, and for many people might even be healthier than Wellington, but it is a fact, nevertheless, that Mr. Proctor's eldest boy was unable to attend school in Carterton in consequence of almost chronic headache. A visit to Wellington proved so beneficial that it was confidently expected that on his return no more would be heard of the headache. Con'rary to expectation, however, the return of the malady was simultaneous with that of the patient; and of so serious a nature was it that Mr. Proctor deemed it advisable to make the change, which has been thoroughly efficacious. The strangeness of this episode is the reason of its insertion here—in the hope of its being useful to others who may be similarly afflicted. The Featherston business, which was opened in 1892, is being continued as a branch from Wellington. The Eketahuna branch, established in
1894, has been discontinued on account of its distance from the City. While at Carterton, Mr. Proctor took much interest in the welfare of the district, helping forward every good cause. He is a J.P., and a member of the Wairarapa Licensing Committee. Mr. Proctor's new premises are at 45 Cuba Street. The shop has been recently fitted up and supplied with electric light; and though so recently opened, the proprietor expresses himself as quite satisfied with the reception which the Wellington public have given him after an absence of some thirteen years. Mr. Proctor is every inch a draper—kind and courteous to every one; and he caters for all classes. There is every reason for believing that he will do well, and the writer speaks of his subject after a fairly intimate acquaintance of sixteen years. In musical circles, Mr. Proctor's return to Wellington will be welcome. Though making no great pretension, he is a pleasing singer of much more than average ability. The Wesleyan Church, of which he is a hardworking member, will, no doubt, secure a share of his ready assistance. In 1875 Mr. Proctor was married to Miss Hinson, daughter of Mr. C. Hinson of Stamford, and their family consists of two sons,
(H. J. Rodgers), Whole-sale Carpet, Linoleum and Linen Warehouseman, Manners Street. Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Manners Street. Mr. Rodgers was born in Wales, but went to Ireland when he was seven years old, and there he received his education. He learnt his business in Limerick, being apprenticed to the Limerick Warehouse Company. He completed his apprenticeship in 1875. and for the next three or four years worked as a journeyman. Coming to Wellington per ship “Zealandia” in 1879, Mr. Rodgers for fifteen years acted as manager of the carpet department of Te Aro House. The present business was established in 1893, the large building occupied by the firm being built of brick. It consists of two stories, and has a total floorage space of 4000 square feet. Messrs. Bodgers and Co. import everything required for the business from Home, chiefly from Kirkcaldie, the great manufacturing centre in Scotland.
Draper and Clothier, 25 and 27 Cuba Street, Wellington, Telephone 276. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Oriental Bay. London office, 18 Woodward Street. Branches at Greymouth, Westport, Denniston, Nelson, Masterton, and Reefton. Mr. Smith, who has been most successful as a draper in the Colony, arrived in Wellington twenty-two years ago from Melbourne. Commencing business in a comparatively small way, the trade, under his control and skilful management, has developed by degrees to its present proportions, his business establishments numbering six besides the central premises in Wellington. The Cuba Street establishment consists of ttwo wooden buildings of two stories each, having a total floorage space of about 15,000 square feet, a packing room and a brick store being situated behind the main buildings. The Wellington House is the receiving and distributing centre of Mr. Smith's large colonial business. The portion of his large stock is imported direct from the best markets of the Old World, Mr. Smith's brother — a gentleman of wide experience — acting as buyer, at 78 Wood Street, London. These goods are all opened up in Wellington, and the branch shops are supplied with thoroughly assorted goods of the latest ppattern and finest quality. Of course Mr. Smith is also a large buyer in New Zealand, especially colonially manufactured goods, of which he keeps a very heavy stock. The value of the Cuba Street stock alone is from £25,000 to £30,000. The business is divided into many departments, including the Manchester, millinery, haberdashery and trimming, ribbons and lace, fancy goods, clothing, carpets and floorcloth, etc. Mr. Smith does a large cash trade, and his annual turnover runs into large figures. He employs over twenty-five hands in the shop, and about twenty in the workrooms connected with the Wellington establishment. As may be imagined, he has no time to spare for public duties, the whole of his energies being devoted to the management and control of the business which is carried on under his personal direction.
Wholesale and Retail Draper, Te Aro House, Cuba and Dixon Streets, Wellington. Branches: Hawera, Feilding, Palmerston North, Woodville, Norsewood, Waipukurau, Westport, Danevirke, Levin, and Greytown North. Telephone 220. Private residence, Wellington Terrace. London house, 9 Bush Lane, Cannon Street, E.C. Te Aro House was established in 1845 by a Miss Taylor, who soon disposed of it to the Misses Smith. Mr. Smith purchased Te Aro House—then a very small building in 1866.
From that time to the present there has been a succession of enlargements and improvements, culminating in one of the most prominent establishments in the City. The premises are freehold and built of brick, from plans by Mr. Thomas Turnbull, architect. The frontages, 105 feet to Cuba Street by 120 feet to Dixon Street, give in all 25,000 square feet of floorage. The carpet and other showrooms are really grand, and the tinting of the plastered walls is in excellent taste, and quite charming. From first to last Te Aro House is a credit to all concerned, and most decidedly an ornament to the City. Over one hundred hands are employed, including managers, clerks, cashiers, salesmen, saleswomen, tailors, dress-makers, milliners, upholsterers, packers, etc., etc. Mr. James Smith was born near Edinburgh, and at the age of ten he began to earn his own living. As a business man he is attentive, obliging and kind, and socially he is popular. Mr. Smith began his business career at a drapery house in Meirose (Scotland), following up with experience in London, where for five years he was with Messrs. James Shoolbred and Co. In 1863 he arrived in Port Chalmers, and immediately came on to Wellington, where he found employment with Messrs. W. and G. Turnbull and Co. as manager of their wholesale drapery department. After three years in this position he purchased Te Aro House, and some years after that again in 1877 he joined Mr. Walter Turnbull in the once well-known wholesale firm of Messrs. Turnbull, Smith and Co., taking over the drapery branch of Messrs. W. and G. Turnbull and Co. But in 1888 Mr. Smith retired from the wholesale business, and has since then devoted all his energies to the management of Te Aro House. He has persistently declined all invitations to enter the arena of politics, and has more than once refused to be gazetted a J.P. The writer remembers him as the popular chairman of the Mt. Cook School Committee many years ago, but his desire to advance the course of the children probably led him into that. Mr. Smith has always been prompt to encourage undertakings for the advancement of the City and district. He is a director and one of the original shareholders of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company, and he has been a member of the New Zealand board of directors of the National Mutual Life Association of Australasia ever since that flourishing office opened up in the Colony some fourteen or fifteen years ago. The two sons, Messrs. A. P. and J. G. Smith, are with their father in the business, and of the three surviving daughters, the eldest is married to the Rev. John Finlay, Presbyterian minister of Akaroa. Te Aro House is patronized by all classes, who are carefully catered for. The buying capabilities of the firm are exceptional, and Mr. Smith's long and practical
(Alexander Veitch and William Allan), Drapers, Clothiers, Tailors, Milliners, and Dressmakers, 97,99, and 101 Cuba Street, corner of Ingestre Street. Telephone 309. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand, Limited. Private residences: Mr. Veitch, Adelaide Road; Mr. Allan, Willis Street. Branch, Greytown North. London buyers, Messrs. R. T. Turnbull and Co., East India Avenue, E.C. Originally started in Courtenay Place, in 1880, the business of this firm was subsequently removed to Tory Street, and in 1888, owing to its rapid growth, the present large premises were secured in what is regarded as the leading retail street of the Empire City. The building, a two-story wooden structure, contains fully 20,000 square feet of floorage space; and twenty-five counter hands, besides some fifty or sixty in the manufacturing department, find regular employment therein. Messrs. Veitch and Allan are large importers from the best markets, and their trade extends throughout the Wellington provincial district. Their business is divided into suitable departments, including the Manchester, house furnishing, dress, mantle, fancy, hosiery, haberdashery, underclothing, men's mercery, clothing and tailoring, and dressmaking respectively. The partners hail from Peebleshir and Rossshire respectively, and were both apprenticed in Scotland Meeting in the same house in Wellington, they founded this la concern as above described.
(Thomas Warnock and William George Adkin), Drapers, Clothiers, Milliners, Dressmakers and Tailors, Lambton Quay, Wellington Telephone 346. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences : Mr. Warnock, Mulgrave Street; Mr. Adkin, Hawker Street. London buyers, H. L. Hurndall and Sons, 115 Fore Street. Branch, Palmerston North. This business was established early in 1885, and for eight years was conducted as Warnock, Kelly, and Adkin. Since the retirement of Mrs. Kelly, in 1893, it has been conducted as above. The large wood and brick premises occupied are two stories in height, and contain nearly 20,000 square feet of floorage space. The business is divided into the usual departments, the major part of the stock being imported through the firm's buyers in London.
Casey, J. J. and Co. (John James Casey), Drapers, 57 Cuba Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1889, as Murray and Casey. Mr. Murray retired from the firm in 1895.
Cohen, Falk, Draper and Clothier, 90 Willis Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1865.
David, Michael, Drapery and Fancy Goods Importer, Molesworth Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1893. Private residence, Jones Street.
Feltham, Mrs. Jane, Draper, Riddiford Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Mein Street.
Gosling, Mrs., Draper and Fancy Goods Dealer, 77 Tory Street. Estab. 1893.
Hatch, Frederick Charles, Draper and Fancy Goods Dealer, 52 Cuba Street and 55 Tory Street. Branch at Palmerston North. Private residence, Wright Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1879; conducted by Mr. Hatch since 1887.
Jacobson, Mrs. Frank, Draper and Milliner, Riddiford Street.
Lindberg, Johan Emil, Draper, 24 Cuba Street.
Marsh, Frederick, Draper, 73 Courtenay Place. Established 1894.
Pettie, James, Draper, 13 Cuba Street, Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1898.
Pollock, James General Draper, Riddiford Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1890.
Price and Ericsson (Mary Ann Price and Marian Emily Ericsson), Drapers, 31 and 33 Courtenay Place. Established 1892.
Ralph, Thomas, Draper and Clothier, 67 and 69 Cuba Street. Private residence, Webb Street. Business established 1888.
Stone, Henry, Draper, 32 and 34 Cuba Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1884.
Walsh and Co. (Edward Joseph Walsh), Drapers and Clothiers, 75 Willis Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1893. Private residence, Palmer Street.
(Vincenzo Almao, Vincenzo Muir Almao, Charles Biaggio Almao, and Sydney Chiarini Almao), Hat and Cap Manufacturers, Hosiers, and Glovers, Normanby House Hat and Cap Manufactory, 83 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Upper Willis Street. Mr. Almao who founder this business in 1870 in Dunedin, hails from Italy where he was a volunteer officer under Garibaldi from 1859 to 1862, and assisted in the formation of United Italy. After many years' experience in the trade in that city, in Christchurch, and in Invercargill, the business was removed to Wellington early in 1895. The firm occupy a, large double fronted shop in a central position in Lambton Quay, the windows presenting an attractive appearance. An engraving of Mr. V. Almao, the founder of the business, is given herewith.
(W. H. P. Barber and E. J. Barber), Dyers, Cleaners, etc., Cuba Street, Wellington. Telephone 226. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand Private residence, Coromandel
Evening Post and the New Zealand Times describing the establishment at considerable length. The senior partner has taken a very great interest in civil and commercial matters, as a councillor for the city, and a director of several public companies; but as these particulars are given in connection with that gentleman's notice, under the heading of City Councillors, it is needless to repeat them here. As business men Messrs. Barber and Co. stand well with the public, and may be safely trusted to carry out all orders undertaken by them.
Wholesale Tweed Hat and Cap Manufacturer, Evening Post Avenue, Willis Street, Wellington. Private residence, Ellice Street. This business was established in 1884, by the father of the present proprietor, the late Mr. E. Osborn Cole, who died in 1887. Mr. G. L. Cole was born in Victoria in 1867, and learned his trade under his father's tuition, in Wellington, succeeding to the business on the demise of the latter. The volume of business has steadily extended, twelve hands being employed, and ten sewing machines engaged, in the manufacture. The premises afford some thousand square feet of floorage space. Mr. Cole makes all kinds of tweed hats and caps, including flat and curled brimmed hats, and golf, 'varsity, firemen's, naval, football, and cricket caps. In football caps, he has succeeded in working very tasteful monograms, which are much admired. The trade extends to many parts of New Zealand, orders being regularly received from Wanganui, Hapier, Gisborne, Masterton, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin and elsewhere, without the employment of travellers. No better proof is needed of the estimate placed upon the goods produced in this establishment.
(Henry Frederick Davis, Arthur Bartholomew Clater), Shirt makers, Tailors, Hatters, Hosiers, Men's Mercers, and General Importers, 97 and 99 Lambton Quay. Branch, 38 Willis Street. Telephone 611; P. O. Box 265 Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Davis, 41 Brougham Street; Mr. Clater, 14 Levy Street. Messrs. Davis and Clater commenced business in May, 1888, in a very small way as compared to present appearances. The second number in Lambton Quay, and the branch in Willis Street have been added since the firm, in a very practical way, discovered that their venture had proved thoroughly successful. The Willis Street business was opened as a hatter's and clothier's retail and manufacturing establishment about fourteen years age, by Messrs. McEwen, Brown and Kitto, who carried it on until December, 1893, when Messrs. Davis and Clater bought the stock and sold it off rapidly to make room for newer goods. The Willis Street building is of brick, and is two lofty stories high. The shops on Lambton Quay are of wood, having been built in the days when it was almost criminal to erect brick structures on account of the frequency and violence of the earthquakes. Messrs. Davis and Clater do a good local and country trade. Their shops are in the very heart of the city, the Willis Street branch being within a few doors of the Empire Hotel, while the Lambton Quay house is nearly opposite the Occidental Hotel, and within a stone's cast of the Club Hotel, which latter might almost be called the Ministerial Hostelry, so many of the Ministers being quartered there from time to time. Being so handy, and having spared no pains to make a good name for themselves, Messrs. Davis and Clater have naturally built up an exceedingly good business; and count among their regular customers all classes from His Excellency and suite downwards. Being both importers and manufacturers in a large way, their customers have free choice between the locally-made and imported articles. In every department they have attractive novelties, both of English and Wellington make.
Their trade mark is a white shirt, in the manufacture of which they have attained considerable eminence. While in the employ of the late firm of Messrs. Wilson and Richardson, Mr. Davis had charge of their shirt manufacturing and general outfitting branches, and at that time introduced many important improvements. Several of the new ideas were in time for inclusion in that firm's exhibit at the Wellington Exhibition of 1885, and were very favourably notice I by press and public. Mr. Davis is a native of Oxford, and arrived in New Zealand, per ship “Lancashire Witch,” from East India Docks, London, in 1867. For many years previous to commencing in his present business, he was with Messrs. Wilson and Richardson, where his trustworthiness and obliging disposition gained for him the goodwill alike of his employers and their customers. The writer speaks from experience on this point, being for nearly ten years a regular customer of the old firm in Mr. Davis's department. From an experience of upwards of sixteen years, therefore, the writer confidently testifies to the gentlemanly business demeanour of Mr. Davis. Mr. Clater, who is not a whit behind his partner in the qualities just mentioned, is one of the very best salesmen in Wellington—quick, but not fussy, obliging but not servile, patient but dignified. He was born at Blythe, Notts, and served his apprenticeship with Fazakerley, Griffin and Spalding, general drapers, of 42 Long Row, Nottingham. In the matter of window dressing especially, Mr. Clater reflects great credit on those who taught him the art. He attends to this himself, and tthere can be no doubt that his skill in this important detail has contributed in no small degree to the firm's success. The windows of Messrs. Davis and Clater are always attractive, being frequently changed and ever in the perfection of taste. Mr. Clater came to New Zealand per “Ruapehu” in 1885, and he too was with Messrs. Wilson and Richardson, though not for long, of course. In the matter of public offices, Mr. Clater has his list fairly begun, having undertaken
Dressmaker, 201 Upper Willis Street, Wellington. Miss Drummond is a native of the Colony, and was apprenticed to Mr. James Smith, of Te Aro House. She completed her term in 1887, and remained at Te Aro House till 1889, when the present business was established. The business is local.
Dyer, Taranaki Street, Wellington. Dye-house, 4 Authur Street. Private residence, Sussex Square. Mr. Estall is a native of Wellington, where he was born in 1867. He was educated at a
local private school. From school he went to work in the Government Printing Office, where he was employed for two years. On leaving there he was apprent'ced to his cousin, Mr. Barber, dyer, of Cuba Street. After he had completed his apprenticeship of five years, he served Mr. Barbar for another nine years. During this time Mr. Estall studied chemistry as applied to the art of dyeing, and with the assistance of a close study of the works of J. J. Humel and Geo. H. Hurst, F.C.S., became highly proficient in dyeing. In 1894 he opened his present business, and has so far enjoyed a gratifying amount of patronage. He now finds employment for four persons besides himself, and has opened agencies at Newtown, Cuba Street, and Lambton Quay. His dye-works contain all the necessary apparatus for turning out good work. Mr. Estall, though a young man, can boast of a better grasp of his trade than many older men in it. His evenings are employed in studying matters bearing on the seiertifie development of the dyeing art. Mr. Estall's business is patronised by the élite of Wellington. During the time the dyeing trade was monopolised in the Empire City, he estimates that about 69,800 garments, besides innumerable feathers, passed through his hands. To ensure being in touch with the times Mr. Estall receives the German, French, English and American journals of the trade.
(Charles Edwin James Hill, Charles John Hill, and Edwin James Hill), Hatters, Hosiers, and Gentlemen's Mercers, 61 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephones; Business, 392; private residence (20 Ingestre Street), 769. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Mr. C. Hill learned his trade with Messrs. Dundo and Sons, of Castle Green, Bristol, and had some years experience in Melbourne before coming to New Zealand. This business was established in 1871, in Auckland, under the style of Hill, Fenton, and Hulbert. Six years later, the Wellington establishment was opened, under its present title. The premises occupied are large and commodious, and the stock is one of the best in the city. In the manufacturing department, Messrs. Hill and Sons stand in the front rank. The firm are agents for Henry Heath, Woodrow and Sons, James E. Mills, I. and R. Morley, Tress and Co., Fownes Bros. and Co., Christie and Co., Ld., Dent Allcroft, and Welch Margetson and Co. And the agents of the firm in various parts of the colony are: Mr. Fred H. House, Wanganui; Messrs. Dee and Sons, Nelson: Messrs. Ringland and Thomas, Napier; and others. Their trade extends to all parts of New Zealand.
Dress and Mantle Maker, Teacher of Dressmaking and Cutting, Lambton Quay, Wellington (opposite the Club Hotel). Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Miss King is a native of Paisley, which she left early in life with her parents, who had decided to make New Zealand their home. Miss King was brought up to the business in Hokitika, and subsequently went over to Melbourne, where she remained for two years, gaining valuable experience in connection with the trade. She was for ten years in business on her own account in Hokitika, and gave general satisfaction to her numerous customers for the period named. In 1892 she removed to Wellington, and established the present business. The premises occupied are of brick and two stories in height, affording a floorage space of about 2900 square feet. Miss King employs from ten to fifteen hand in connection with her business, which is steadily developing. She has several dressmaking classes for young ladies, who are thus taught one of the most useful accomplishments. Miss King has been appointed agent in Wellington for Madame M. Arnold's magic garment cutter. This wonderful invention, which, like many others, comes from America, is destined to
Clothing Manufacturer, Manners Street, Wellington. Private residence, Broadway Terrace. Mr. Levy is contractor to the New Zealand Government for the supply of uniforms for the North Island and the West Coast of the South Island. After some eight years experience in the cclothing trade in Dunedin, he opened his factory in Wellington in 1893. The premises are well adapted to the trade, about thirty-five hands are employed. Mr. Levy manufactures for the wholesale trade only. He uses chiefly colonial tweeds, mainly from the Petone and Onehunga mills. As many as 1100 garments per month have been turned out from this factory. Mr. Levy was born in London in 1861, and was educated at the Jewish School, Bell Lane, Hounsditch. At the age of thirteen he came to New Zealand, landing at Lyttelton, and found employment with Messrs. Hallenstein Bros., in Dunedin, where he continued for eight years, but left that to start in business for himself. Since opening in Wellington, he has met with a large measure of success. Mr. Levy is a member of the Masonic fraternity. S.C.
(Josiah Lush), Hatters and Mercers, 69 Willis Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of Australasia, London agents, Jepson Bros. and Co., London, E.C. Mr. Lush was born in London where he received his education and gained his first experience in the trade. In 1880 he embarked from London on the ship “Waitangi,“ and arrived in New Zealand in the same year. The Home experience stood him in good stead, for upon his arrival be had no difficulty in gaining employment in good houses in Auckland and Wellington. In June, 1893, the present premises were opened and stocked with a large variety of mercery of every description, and since that time Mr. Lush has had the satisfaction of seeing his returns increase monthly. In his window and in the cases inside the shop are displayed some very choice goods, in fact, all the latest London novelties. Mr. Lush has made arrangements with his London agents for the purchasing of novelties in hats, ties, scarves, braces, etc., these goods being received per direct steamer every six weeks. A specialty is made of cricketing and tennis goods, among which are to be seen some really choice lines. Though only established recently. Mr. Lush has done well, and has every prospect of succeeding.
Costumiére, National Chambers. Grey Street, Wellington. No one in this business in Wellington has had better opportunities to get a thorough grasp of the art of dressmaking than Miss Maxwell. After learning her business in London, she went to Redfern's, in the Isle of Wight, where a large business was done with royalty, and Miss Maxwell worked on dresses to the order of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, and other members of the royal family. Miss Maxwell also served some four years with Madame Gilbert, of Wood Street, London, and was, altogether, ten years in first-class English houses. She was also employed by Simpson, Hunt, and Young, of Glasgow, for some time. Miss Maxwell has been one year in business in Wellington. She employs six hands, and is doing a good business.
(Hallenstein Brothers, proprietors). Wellington Branch, 57 Lambton Quay. Telephone 36. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Manager, Mr. H. A. Morison, Head office, Dowling Street, Dunedin. It is about twenty years since a branch of this large concern was opened in Wellington. Further particulars will be given respecting the New Zealand Clothing Factory in the volume for Otago.
Dyer, Nairn Street, Wellington, and Nelson. By special appointment, dyer to His Excellency Sir J. Fergusson, Governor of New Zealand in 1873. Established, 1863. Agencies — Masterton, Greytown, Wanganui, Newtown, also Manners Street and Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone, 918. Bankers, Union Bank, Nelson. Mr. Robertson opened business in Wellington in 1894, in his present premises, which are well adapted for the purpose of a dyeing business. The building is a two-storey wooden one, with a frontage to Nairn Street. The dye-house, in the rear of the premises, is furnished with a complete dyer's outfit for furnishing garments and new piece goods. Mr. Robertson was born in Perth, Scotland, in 1833, and attended a private school there until about twelve years of age. From school he went to work as a “tearer” to a calico printer, Sanderman, of The Tulloch. He was apprenticed two years later to Andrew Miller and Sons, the well-known dyers of Perth. After serving an apprenticeship of five years with that firm, he went to Auchterarder, where he was employed dyeing gala tartans. At the age of nineteen, he received the appointment of foreman at Deanfield dye-works, where he gained experience in dyeing silicias and umbrella cloths. After eighteen months at that, Mr. Robertson went to Pullar's to dye wool for cardigan jackets. From Pullar's he went to Glasgow, and then to Paisley, where he served as foreman with Arch Bell, Bladda Dye Works. When a strike occurred there, two years after his joining the works, Mr. Robertson came out with the men. He was subsequently engaged as town traveller for J. and J. McCallum, but a spirit of adventure had seized him, and he joined the goldseekers then rushing off to Australia. He came to Melbourne in 1861, in the
Clothier, Hatter, and Mercer, 113 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 538. Bankers, Union Bank of Australasia. Private residence, The Terrace. Mr. Joseph Daniel Slater was born in the historic town of Leicester, England, now noted for its plain and fancy hosiery. In 1858 he left London for New Zealand per ship “Zealandia.” After completing his education he learned the soft goods business in all its branches, and in 1882 established himself at Timaru. Prior to this, Mr. Slater had been in the employ of several of the largest clothing firms in the Colony, and in all cases had risen to positions of importance. In 1891, after an experience in trade in Wellington extending over some few years, he established his present business in Lambton Quay. The shop is one of the finest of its kind in the City, being about thirty feet wide by a depth of sixty feet. It is exceptionally lofty and well-lighted by a splendid double window. The building is of brick, and has a substantial business-like appearance, both stories being more than usually lofty. Mr. Slater is an importer of soft goods generally, though his main lines are tweeds and men's mercery, and his particular specialties are scarves and shirts. In these he defies competition. In all lines a good local and country trade is done. The upper story is used for packing and for the tailoring department. In this department Mr. Slater guarantees the best workmanship and the best materials, and that most important of all minor points—punctuality. He has not been in business in Wellington very long, but he has done well so far—better than he anticipated, and he is well situated to take advantage of the improvement in trade with which Wellington seems likely to be favoured.
Beale, Wm. Henry, Hosiery Manufacturer, 58 Willis Street. Established 1896.
Bedggood, Miss F., Dressmaker, Cuba Street. Established 1895.
Begg, Miss A., Costumiére, Lambton Quay. Private residence, Wellington Terrace. Established 1894.
Beva, Madame Charlotte, Costumière, Willis Street. Established 1895.
Brown and Son (William Brown and Walter Brown), Hat Manufacturers, 48 Manners Street. Established 1896.
Burns, Miss Louise, Dress, Mantle and Habit Maker, 106 Lambton Quay. Baukers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1888.
Bush and Thorburn (John Thorburn and Thomas Bush), trading as the Union Clothing and Mercery Company, Clothiers and Outfitters. 1 Cuba Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales.
Cole, Mrs., Frances Dora, Dress and Mantle Maker Molesworth Street. Established 1884.
Collins, Misses, Dressmakers, Adelaide Road. Established 1895.
Crispe, Miss Anne Elizabeth, Dressmaker, Brougham Street.
Davis, Miss, Dressmaker, Taranaki Street.
Duff, Mrs. Agnes Robertson, Dressmaker, Mowbray Street.
Earl, Mrs. M., Dressmaker, 70 Ghuznee Street.
Edwards, Mrs. Helen, Dressmaker, Taranaki Place.
Giles, Miss Emma, Dressmaker, 4 Murphy Street.
Goff, Miss Lucy, Dressmaker, Howard Street.
Goldstein, George, Gentlemen's Mercer and Clothier, 6 Willis Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1889.
Greenwood, Mrs. Eliza, Dress and Mantle Maker, 95 Lambton Quay. Established 1886.
Greig, Michael Thomas, Haberdasher, 196 Tinakori Road.
Hamilton, Mrs. A., Dressmaker, 81 Tory Street.
Hunter, Mrs., Elizabeth, Dress and Underclothing Maker, £80 Courtenay Place. Established 1894.
Infield, Mrs., Dressmaker, Broadway Terrace.
Leahy, Mrs., Pauline, Dress and Mantle Maker, 90 Cuba Street.
Lee, Mrs., Dressmaker, 36 Courtenay Place.
Mayer, Mrs. E. A., Mantle and Shirt Manufacturer, Customhouse Quay.
McDougall, Miss, Dressmaker, Willis Street.
McGregor, Mrs., Dress and Mantle Maker, Tinakori Road. Established 1895.
Mercer, Mrs., Dressmaker, Tainui Terrace. Established 1895.
Merry, Mrs. Alice, Dressmaker, 75 Courtenay Place.
Mullan, Miss Mary, Dressmaker, 3 Taranaki Street.
Neimann, Mrs. Wilhelmina, Dressmaker, Aro Street.
Niven, Miss Margaret Adeline, Dress and Mantle Maker, 30 Cuba Street.
Ormstein, Mrs., Dressmaker, Tory Street.
Osborn, Miss Elizabeth, Dressmaker, Manners Street. Established 1895.
Paget, Mrs., Dressmaker, Church Street.
Penlington, Mrs. Lucy H., Costumiére, Cuba, Street.
Richardson, Mrs., Dress and Mantle Maker, Lambton Quay.
Robertson, Mrs. Edith, Dressmaker, 27 Courtenay Place.
Robin, Mrs. Martha, Dressmaker, Frederick Street.
Ryan, Mrs., Dressmaker, 110 Taranaki Street.
Shelps, Mrs., Dressmaker, Taranaki Street.
Shackleford, Alfred, Manufacturing Hatter and Gentlemen's Mercer, 24 Manners Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Boulcott Street. Established 1890.
Smith, Miss, Dressmaker, Buckle Street.
Stinson, Mrs. Elizabeth, Dressmaker, Epuni Street.
Weaver, Miss Rose, Dressmaker, Molesworth Street.
Webb, Miss, Dressmaker, Willis Street.
Whellan, Mrs. Jane, Dressmaker Hall Street.
Whiting, Miss. Dressmaker, 90 Cuba Street.
Whitley, Miss. A., Under-clothing Manufacturer, Tory Street.
Wiener, J., Waterproof Clothing Manufacturer, Customhouse Quay.
93 Lambton Quay; Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Gamble is in the fore rank of the Wellington tailors, having successfully carried on a high-class business for nearly twenty years. The premises are centrally situated and conveniently adapted to the business. His stock is always large and embraces all the newest goods. He does his own cutting and spares neither time nor expense to keep himself abreast of the times. Many of his best hands have been with him for years. Thus both master and men are well acquainted with the whims and fancies of all the regular customers, among whom are many of the wealthiest and most prominent ladies and gentlemen of Wellington city and district, headed by his Excellency the Governor, whose appointment Mr. Gamble holds. Mr. Gamble was born in the island of Guernsey, where he learned his trade. In the year 1858 he came to this colony, and in those early days had varied experience in common with most colonists of that time. Tailoring in New Zealand in the fifties was not a highly remunerative occupation. “Slops” were good enough for the best of folks then. Frock and dress coats, if ever seen, were things to be smiled at. Now-a-days the Maoris have more “tailor-made” clothes than the white folks had then. After numerous ups and downs Mr. Gamble entered the service of Mr. B. Poulson, where his abilities soon secured him the position of manager, which post he held until 1876, when he relinquished it to begin his present business. Two years later Mr. Poulson, who was then the foremost tailor of the time, retired and returned to the Old Country; and as was quite natural many of his best customers transferred their business to the late manager. Mr. Gamble, having taken care of his earnings, had by that time got together enough to purchase some freehold property in a rising quarter of the city, and thus he was enabled to begin business with something behind him. That property has in the meantime largely increased in value. The houses upon it have been very much improved and enlarged, and the whole are in the truest sense of the word “freehold” All this has been donne contemporaneously with the bringing up of a large family, many members of which are now doing credit to his name in various parts of the colony. His fourth son, Mr. Henry Gamble, of the firm of McKee and Gamble, lithographers and photo-engravers, is one of the directors of the Cyclopedia Company. As a tailor, Mr. Gamble is a great favourite. His cut is excellent, his workmanship thorough, and his materials reliable. In disposition he is open-hearted and open-handed, genial with friends, and though genuinely independent is civil, patient and obliging in all matters of business. The writer of this article has been one of Mr. Gamble's constant customers for the last eighteen years, and is glad of this opportunity of expressing the satisfaction he has enjoyed during the whole of that time. As shewing the importance of giving attention to small orders, a short account of the beginning of this connection may be interesting. A hat band was the first thing needed in the tailor's line by the writer after arrival in Wellington. It was Saturday evening and Mr. Gamble was just closing his shop; but on this want being made known to him, he at once turned up the lights and satisfied the demand. This was done so pleasantly and so evidently from a desire to oblige rather than in any keenness for trade, that the interest of the customer was aroused. That was a small order—only three shillings—in itself not worth the trouble; but those three shillings have been followed by a great deal more than a hundred times as many pounds. While Mr. Gamble is a large importer of English and other goods he is by no means prejudiced against those of colonial manufacture. His British imports are mainly from the houses of Messrs. Stewart and McDonald, of Edinburgh and London, with whom he has dealt from the beginning, and on terms most satisfactory to that firm from first to last. Being, however, in a position to buy from anyone, at any time and on any terms, he gets many cheap lines which, under other circumstances, he would never hear of. Gentlemen who have not yet made Mr. Gamble's acquaintance as a tailor will do well to give him a call. He is to be found at his post at all reasonable business hours. The portrait given above is an excellent likeness.
40 Willis Street. Private residence, Hansen Street, Newtown. Mr. Green is a native of Harborne, near Birmingham, England. He was apprenticed in Birmingham to G. C. Chatwin, late lecturer to the Tailor and Cutter Journal. After completing his time he worked at the cutting in the same town at Griffiths', and subsequently with the well-known Charles Kino. Having by this time become an expert cutter, he was entrusted with the duty of opening branch shops for the latter firm at Liverpool and Manchester. Before leaving for New Zealand he was employed at the cutting in Brighton. In 1879 he came to the Colony per ship “Orari,” and at once obtained employment at the establishment of James Reid, in Wellington, where he remained for five years, till starting on his own account in 1884. Having had such extensive experience as a cutter, it is not to be wondered at that his business has steadily progressed so that from six to seven hands are employed, and the work gives general satisfaction to customers throughout the North Island. He keeps a large assortment of tweeds; his premises are central and commodious, affording 1500 square feet, the building being a single story, wooden structure.
(Edgar Jones and Frederick Ashdown), Tailors and Habitmakers, 13 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Home Street. Established in 1877 by the late Mr. James Huxley—the present
Tailor, 48A Cuba Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Lilley is a native of Essex, from whence he accompanied his parents to the Colony when very young per ship “Merope,” in 1864. He was apprenticed in Christchurch to Wm. Brinsden, and completed his term in 1882. He subsequently added to his knowledge of the trade with the latter gentleman, and also at the premises of G. L. Beath and Co., off Christchurch, and with other firms. He was afterwards in business on his own account at Rangiora for some twelve months. The present business was established in 1879 by Mr. T. W. Whitaker, who conducted the business till 1888, when Mr. Lilley bought the same. Under his energetic and able management, the trade has steadily improved, till, at the present time, there are six hands regularly engaged. Mr. Lilley employs skilled male hands only, and is determined to maintain the excellent reputation he has already gained for quality, style, and finish. The work is almost entirely hand-work, the machines only being used for the minor work. Mr. Lilley employs a traveller in the City, and does a considerable local trade; he has also a good number of customers in divers parts of the Colony, having adopted the use of self-measurement forms where needed. He undertakes all classes of trade, and gives personal attention to the question of cutting. His premises are roomy and convenient, and contain a total area of over 1000 square feet, the building being of one story, constructed of wood.
(Charles Melton), Tailors, Hatters, and Mercers, Locher's Buildings, Manners Street, Wellington. Private residence, Vivian Street. Established in 1895, this business is conducted in a portion of the new building erected in Manners Street. In the front there is a fine show window, which is tastefully dressed with tweeds and gentlemen's hosiery, shirts, ties, mercery, etc., and is well adapted to the needs of the trade. The proprietor was born and educated in Auckland. He commenced to learn his business with Mr. A. Wright, of Shortland Crescent, and completed his term in America, where he lived for a considerable period. Returning to Australasia, Mr. Melton gained further experience in Sydney, remaining there some time. Since coming back to New Zealand, he has been in Wellington for five years, during which he has added considerably to his practical knowledge of tailoring at the establishments of Messrs. Mouat, Reid, and King and Muir. A good stock of English, Scotch, and colonial tweeds is kept. Mr. E. Melton, brother of the proprietor, is in charge of the hosiery and mercery department, he having been for the last twenty years with the leading gentlemen mercers in Auckland.
(Francis William Oakley, Frederick Walter Rickard and Arthur Walter Chapman), Tailors, successors to Cook and Oakley, 227 Lambton Quay. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. The firm claims that this business, which was established in 1842, was the first tailor's shop in Wellington, and that Messrs. Sloan, Poulson, and Gamble, who have since been prominent tailors in the Empire City, originally worked in the old building on the present site which was shaken down by one of the old-fashioned earthquakes. Mr. John Cook, the founder, conducted a large business for thirty years. From 1878 to 1888, Mr. A. H. Cook—afterwards senior partner of the firm of Cook and Oakley—and his father, the son of the founder, carried on the trade. From 1888 to 1893, Mr. A. H. Cook solely conducted. The present proprietors have had the business since April, 1895. The firm enjoys and profits by the splendid reputation which was gained in the early days by the founder of the business. The house has been liberally patronized by their Excellencies Sir George Grey (1860–7), Sir George Bowen (1868), Sir George A. Arney (1873), Sir James Fergusson (1873), the Marquis of Normanby (1879) Sir William Jervois (1883), and the Earl of Onslow (1889), besides prominent gentlemen of the gubernatorial stff, colonial statesmen, and others from 1842 to date. Quite recently Messrs. Oakley, Rickard, and Chapman have executed orders from the Hons. R. J. Seddon (Premier), J. G. Ward (Colonial Treasurer), Sir James Hector, K.C.M.G., and Judge Ward. The building occupied, which is given in the illustration, is built of brick and wood, and is two stories in height; the floor space is equal to 1300 square feet. The firm have the assistance of a competent staff. They keep a varied assortment of New Zealand, English, and Scotch tweeds of the newest and choicest patterns, and, above all, of the most reliable quality. All the important parts of their make are carefully executed by hand work, and only the linings and other minor parts are done by means of sewing machines. A large local trade is done, but in addition numerous customers who have moved to various parts of the Colony still send along their orders. Mr. Oakley, who was born in New Zealand, was apprenticed to Mr. W. T. Whitaker, and specially trained as a cutter, having become very expert in his art. Mr. Rickard is a native of London, where he served his time to the trade. Arriving in New Zealand in 1884, per s.s, “Tongariro,” he was employed by Mr. Coogan, tailor, on military work for some time, and entered the service of the late Mr. James Reid in 1887. For six years before joining the present firm, Mr. Rickard was foreman at Mr. Reid's, and at Messrs. King and Muir's, who succeeded to the business. Mr. Chapman claims the Empire City as his birthplace. He was apprenticed to Mr. Reid, and remained in his employ till that gentleman's death, continuing with the new firm till joining the present one.
(J. Plenderleith, D. Morrison, and B. Craighead), Tailors, 73 Willis Street, Wellington. This business was established early in 1896. The premises are well
Tailor, Manners Street, Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Shine, Wellington.” Mr. Shine was born in the County of Cork, Ireland, and was for many years connected with the tailoring firm of Richard Allen, Sackville Street, Dublin. He sailed for New Zealand in the year 1874, and secured an engagement with Messrs. J. McDowell, and Co., of Wellington, with whom he remained for some years. Mr. Shine then took the management of the woollen and clothing department with Messrs. Turnbull and Smith, wholesale merchants. In the year 1883, in conjunction with his brother, he purchased the business of Messrs. J. Paul and Co., Cuba Street, which was successfully carried on by them under the style of Shine Bros. In 1889 Mr. Shine removed to his present premises, confining himself exclusively to the bespoke tailoring trade. Mr Shine believes thoroughly in the principle of “What you give, that you get,” or in other words, by doing the best he can for his customers he thus benefits himself. By adhering to this principle he has succeeded in establishing a sound and prosperous business. Regular shipments of the latest novelties are imported from the Home markets. The whole of the business, including the cutting and making up, is under the personal supervision of Mr. Shine.
Tailor and Habit Maker, Manners Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Shannon Street. Mr. Sims is a native of the Colony. He learned his trade with his father Mr. John Sims, of Napier, completing his knowledge of the business in Wellington. For eight years he was cutter for Messrs. W. and G. B. Clark, of Lambton Quay, Wellington. The present business was established in 1893. The connection extends throughout the Wellington provincial district, and orders come also from the West Coast of the South Island. From ten to twelve hands are employed. All kinds of tailoring work is done, special attention being given to superior hand-sewn work.
Bannin, James, Tailor, Molesworth Street, Established 1884.
Barsht, M. D., Tailor, Manners Street.
Berry and Orr (Alfred T. Berry and Thomas Orr), Tailors and Outfitters, 61 Cuba Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Berry, Cambridge Terrace; Mr. Orr, Featherston Terrace. Established 1891.
Boock, Isaac, Tailor, Manners Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Abel Smith Street. Established 1893.
Cathie, Charles, Clothing Manufacturer, Manners Street. Private residence, Karori.
Coogan and Sons (John C. Coogan, John A. Coogan and James H. Coogan), Tailors, 31 Willis Street. Established 1870.
Eames, J. R., Tailor and Habit Maker, 36 Willis Street. Bankers, Bank of Australasia.
Jensen, Anton, Tailor, 110 Taranaki Street. Established 1895.
King and Muir, (Andrew King and James George Muir), Tailors, 75 Lambton Quay. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1838 by Mr. B. Poulson, Present firm succeeded 1892.
Kitto and Graham (Francis Kitto and Joseph Blythe Graham), Tailors, 18 Manners Street, Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1890.
Levy, H. J. and A., working as the Monster Tailoring Company, 87 Willis Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1893.
Movat, James, Tailor and Woollen Draper, Lambton Quay. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Woolcombe Street, Established by Messrs. J. and R. Sloan in 1868. Acquired by Mr. Mowat 1888.
Murphy, William, Tailor, 68 Willis Street. Established 1879, and conducted by Mr. Murphy since 1885.
Nicholls, Charles Henry, Tailor, 3 Lambton Quay. Private residence, Tasman Street. Established 1891. Mr. Nicholls succeeded 1893.
Nodine and Co. (Charles Nodine), Tailors and Importers, 163 Lambton Quay. Established 1894.
Paterson, Alexander, Tailor, 43 Cuba Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1888 by Mr. J. H. Dalton. Mr. Paterson succeeded 1894.
Shields, Thomas, Tailor, 41 Lambton Quay. Private residence, Wellington Terrace.
Staples, Steel and Tuckwell (Lewis Staples, William Steel, and Morris Septimus Tuckwell), Tailors, 175 Lambton Quay. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1892.
Staub and Bradley (Jacob Staub and Frederick Bradley), Tailors, 82 Willis Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1891.
Wilson, William, Tailor, 70 Vivian Street.
Wright, Johnson Lightfoot, Tailor, 98 Cuba Street. Private residence, Constable Street.
This department was constituted by Statute in 1872, but since then its scope has been much enlarged, and by the Public Trust Office Consolidation Act, 1894, very much extended authority is given it. The department is designed to afford to persons, either in the Colony or residing abroad, a secure agent or attorney in any case where it is desirable to form a trust, and it also provides for relieving private trustees of property in the Colony of their responsibilities where they may be unwilling or unable to undertake or continue the administration of properties under their control. There are restrictions regarding the acceptance of all trusts, and to guard the department against loss, except so far as regards intestate estates, the acceptance is subject to the consent of the Board of the Public Trust Office. The Public Trustee, in his capacity as an executor, administrator, guardian, agent, or attorney, possesses all the rights and immunities as a private person acting in any of those capacities would have. In cases of persons dying intestate in the Colony, the Public Trustee, if he thinks fit, may apply for letters of administration. The good faith of the administration is guaranteed by Statute, and the Colony is pledged to maintain the integrity of funds placed in the Trust Office either for investment or without direction. The Act provides that the funds may be invested in Government Securities either of the United Kingdom or any colony; in debentures of local bodies; on real estate up to half its value; in fixed deposits on any bank carrying on business in the Colony, or in the Post Office Savings Bank. The charges made by the Public Trust Office are calculated to be no more than sufficient to meet the expense of managing the department without loss, and it is claimed that they compare favourably with the expense of administration by any other agency. The number of estates administered by the department increased from 1678 in 1890, to 2086 in 1895, and the value from £1,240,097 to £1,562,269. Interest is paid on moneys arising from any estate at the rate of 4 1/2 per cent. up to £3000, and above that sum, 4 per cent.; in lunatic and intestate estates, 8 1/2 per cent. There are district agents at Christchurch, Auckland, Dunedin, Greymouth and Napier. At New Plymouth a Reserves Agent assists the Public Trustee in the administration of the West Coast Settlement Reserves of nearly 200,000 acres on behalf of the native owners. Upwards of 100,000 acres are leased in from five to six hundred leases to settlers. The total number of permanent officers is thirty eight, and the annual cost about £8,500. The revenue of the Public Trust Office for the fifteen months ended on the 31st March, 1895, was £19,230, and the expenditure £17,290. To relieve the Public Trustee of a portion of his extensive duties, a Deputy Public Trustee has recently been appointed.
Public Trustee and Superintendent of the Government Advances to Settlers Office, Wellington, was born at Nelson. In Wellington he received his primary education, but he was afterwards sent to England to have his education completed. He entered the public service of the Colony in the early part of 1862, receiving an appointment in the post-office. For nearly thirty years Mr. Warburton continued in this important branch of the public service, and for many years prior to his acceptance of his present onerous position, he filled the post of
a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court in the Public Trust Office, who acts as office referee on legal points and other questions, was born in 1831 in the “World's Metropolis.” Educated at private schools in his native city, Mr. Wilson has since 1847 been employed in legal or notarial work. He came out to Melbourne in 1852, and remained for ten years. During this time he designed a most useful index, which he brought into operation in the Deeds Registry Office of the colony of Victoria. This index is a marvel of simplicity, and by its use a considerable annual saving in the cost of searches has been effected. During the course of his work Mr. Wilson made fully 170,000 entries. In 1862 he entered into an engagement to cross the Tasman Sea and take up work as managing clerk for Mr. James Smith, barrister and solicitor, who was removing from Melbourne to Dunedin, and to whom he had been clerk from 1854 to 1859. On arrival in New Zealand Mr. Smith offered him articles on full pay, which he served, and ten years later (1872) was admitted as a barrister and solicitor in Dunedin. Mr. Wilson next removed to the Dunstan goldfield, where he practised his profession for about fourteen years. In 1886 he sold out his business to Mr. Gilkison, having accepted an unsolicited offer of an appointment in the Public Trust Office. Mr. Wilson fills a most responsible position, having to decide many and divers questions for the guidance of the office. As a member of the Oddfellows' Society, M.U., he belongs to the Loyal Dunedin Lodge, in which he is a “Past Grand Master.”
Deputy Public Trustee, Chief Clerk of the Trust Office, is a New Zealander, having been born in Christchurch in 1860. Educated at the Christchurch Boys' High School and Grammar School, he entered the public service of the Colony in the Christchurch post-office, at the age of sixteen, after having a year's experience in the office of the Press newspaper of that city. Mr. Duncan was soon after-wards transferred to the accountant's department of the General Post-office, in which he remained for thirteen years, rising to the position of bookkeeper. In June, 1891, he was transferred to the Public Trust Office as chief clerk, which position he still retains. As a member of the Masonic fraternity, Mr. Duncan belongs to Lodge Waterloo, N.Z.C., in which he has held the office of Junior Deacon. For many years he has taken a lively interest in acquatics, holding the office of Secretary of the Wellington Regatia Club, on the committee of which he still acts. Mr. Duncan is joint owner of the well-known yacht “Maritana ” In cricket and football he has been prominent; as a bowler he was chosen to represent Wellington in three interprovincial cricket matches, and was very successful. He is also a member of the Wellington Football Club. In literary matters Mr. Duncan has also shown great interest, and sat as a member of the committee of the Wellington Athenæum for some years prior to its being merged in the Public Library.
Accountant of the Public Trust, and Advances to Settlers' Office, was born in Cork, Ireland, where he received his early education, completing his school course at Belfast. There also he got his first commercial experience, being several years in a wholesale linen warehouse in that city. The ship “Carisbrook Castle” brought Mr. Ronaldson to Auckland, New Zealand, in 1875. After gaining general mercantile experience in various parts of the Colony, he joined the Civil Service in January, 1883, as an extra clerk in the Property Tax Department. During the same year Mr. Ronaldson was transferred to the Public Trust Office as clerk, and he has steadily advanced in the service up to the present time. About the middle of 1893 he became acting accountant, and on the 1st of July, 1894, was raised to the position of accountant of the Public Trust Office. Upon the creation of the Advances to Settlers Department, the responsible office of accountant was entrusted to him. In years past, Mr. Ronaldson has taken an active interest in football and cricket. Between the years 1879 and 1883 he was prominent in football matches, and in cricket he represented Wellington as a bowler for many years. In 1886, Mr. Ronaldson married Miss Luckie, daughter of Mr. D. M. Luckie, assistant commissioner of the Government Life Insurance Department, and has three sons.
This is a new department, the aims of which are to relieve country settlers from the burdens of high rates of interest and incidental expenses on the mortgages of land. The capital fund is raised by loans by the Government, and a sum of a million and a half was borrowed in 1895 at 3 per cent., which, after deductions for discount, brokerage, &c. left £1,400,000 available for the lending board to let out on freehold lands and Crown leases in sums of not less than £25 nor more than £2500 up to three fifths, the valuation on freeholds, and one half of the lessees interest on leased lands: every mortgage to the department to have a term of 36 1/2 years, repayable by 73 half-yearly instalments, calculated on a basis of 5 per cent. interest, and 1 per cent. sinking fund. In applying for loans, the applicant must forward the valuation fees which ranges from ten shillings and sixpence on loans not exceeding £100, to two guineas on accounts of over £500, and if the application is favourably entertained, there are further charges for preparing and registering the mortgages. The officials of the department are bound to secrecy respecting all business transacted. The Public Trustee is the superintendent of the lending board, and there are four chief valuers, who report on applications for loans in various parts of the Colony. The yearly cost of the department is estimated at £7650, which it is expected will be more than recouped by the profits of the department, and the balance, if any, will be devoted to an assurance fund.
Directors, Messrs. G. M. Kebbell (chairman and managing director), D. Anderson, W. R. E. Brown, J.P., R. Miller J. O'Meara, J. E. Smith, J.P., and W. F. Wheeler; secretary, Mr. J. H. Otto Schwartz. Offices, Equitable Buildings, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 30. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. The Company's capital is £100,000, in 10,000 shares of £10 each, fully subscribed, the paid-up capital being £50,000. Established in 1877, the “Equitable” has been a dividend-paying company since the first year. For the first twelve years the dividends were at the rate of rate of ten per cent. per annum, and for the last few years nine per cent. The handsome two-stoty building, valued at £5000, erected on freehold land, the property of the Company, is creditable alike to the City and its enterprising owner. The front portion of the ground floor is occupied as public and private offices by the Company, the second floor and the rest of the lower flat are well 1st. A substantial reserve fund amounting to £17,000 has been accumulated. The Company's business, as indicated by the title, lies chiefly in the investment of funds on the security of real estate. Deposits are received, and on these a fair amount of interest is given, the present rate (1895) allowed being four and a half per cent. At the end of 1894 little less than £150,000 was held by the Company in this way.
Chairman and Managing Director of the Equitable Building and Investment Company of Wellington, Limited, was born in Somersetshire, England, where he was educated. He came to the Colony in 1856 with his parents, per ship “Philip Laing,” landing in Wellington. For ten years he was employed in the flour mills of Messrs. J. and T. Kebbell, his father and uncle respectively. After this Mr. Kebbell took a position of purser on a coastal steamer. In 1868 he entered into the shipping business, and became part owner of steamers which were engaged is the local trade. Mr. Kebbell retired from this business in 1879, and has since been largely interested in many Wellington industries. Having a considerable interest in the Equitable Building Company, he was elected to the position of chairman and managing director in 1883. Mr. Kebbell is married, and has a family of three sons and four daughters, of whom two are married, one being Mrs. Dr. Evans, of Christchurch, and the other Mrs. Vining, of Nelson. Another daughter, Miss May Kebbell, has graduated B.A. in the New Zealand University, and is engaged in educational pursuits in Taranaki.
Secretary of the Equitable Building and Investment Company of Wellington, Limited, who has held the position for seventeen years, was born in Hamburg. He was educated in his native land, and left for the colonies in 1870, per barque “San Francisco,” for Adelaide. After a short time in South Australia, he proceeded to Wellington in 1871, became accountant to Messrs. A. P. Stuart and Co., and subsequently joined the New Zealand Steam Shipping Company in the same capacity. Mr. Schwartz was appointed to the position he now holds in 1878. For many years past he has taken a great interest in music matters. He was one of the principal founders of the Wellington Orchestral Society, and has taken a leading part in bringing it to its present successful condition. Mr. Schwartz has been the chairman of committees of this society for many years past.
Directors, Messrs. A. J. Littlejohn (chairman), J. G. W. Aitken, H. Hume, W. Mackay, A. Scoullar; auditors, Messrs. G. Allport and H. Kember; secretary, Mr. J. C. Hanna. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Office, New Zealand Insurance Buildings, Lambton Quay, Wellington. This Society was incorporated under the Building Societies' Act in 1891, it having been started by Messrs. Haselden and Thompson. The capital of the Association is by investment shares contributed by subscriptions of five shillings per annum, and repayable whenever they reach the sum of £25 each. In March, 1894, there were eighty-nine members, holding in all 518 shares. Such has been the progress of the Society since this time that at the time of writing—November, 1895—the members have increased respectively to 149 and 833. At the former period the total assets were £4416 3s. 2d.; twelve months later the amount had increased to £7010 1s. 5d.; and at the present time it stands at over £12,000. The Society affords splendid facilities to those who desire to acquire their own freehold. Money is loaned at 6 and 7 per cent. subject to monthly instalments in reductions of principal and interest, the whole indebtedness being extinguished in a given period. Borrowers can secure loans without having to pay commissions or procuration fees. The legal costs are very low, and concessions are made in cases of sickness by partial suspension of redemption payments. Money is also advanced on flat mortgage for fixed terms.
Secretary of the Metropolitan Permanent Building and Investment Society, succeeded to the position at the end of 1895, when Mr. W. I. Bolam was transferred to Tasmania as manager of the New Zealand Insurance Company Branch in that Colony. Mr. Hanna is referred to under “Insurance,” as manager of the New Zealand Insurance Company in Wellington.
late Secretary of the Metropolitan Permanent Building and Investment Society, is a son of Mr. J. Bolam, Bilton House, Northumberland. In 1883 he came to New Zealand—by Orient steamer to Sydney, and by the ill-fated Wairarapa to Auckland. Having come to the Colony with the idea of settling on the land, Mr. Bolam travelled over New Zealand, but
Head Office, Dunedin. Agents for Wellington District, Messrs. Levin and Co., Limited. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Fuller information will be given in the Otago volume of the Cyclopedia.
Head Office, London. Chief office in New Zealand, Christchurch. Agents for Wellington, Taranaki, and Hawkes Bay districts, Messrs. Levin and Co., Limited, Wellington. Bankers in Wellington, Union Bank of Australia, Ltd. Further information concerning this large Company will appear in the Canterbury volume of the Cyclopedia.
Directors, Sir James Hector, K.C.M.G. (Chairman), Messrs. S. R. Johnson, R. C. Kirk, and C. W. Benbow (Managing Director and Secretary). Office, South British Insurance Company's Buildings, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This Company, which it was originally intended should confine its operations to Petone and the Hutt districts, was established on the 12th of May, 1886. The Company now undertakes general business and is making good progress, dividends at the rate of eight per centum per annum having been regularly declared.
Directors, Messrs. J, R. Blair (Chairman), James McKerrow, James Barry, J. M. Richardson, Paul Coffey, F. H. Fraser, and R. M. Simpson (Managing Director and Secretary). Phœnix Assurance Company's Offices, Customhouse Quay, Wellington. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia, Ltd. Capital, £100,000, in 10,000 shares of £10 each, of which 4000 shares are allotted, £5 per share being paid up. This Company was incorporated under The Companies Act, 1882, in 1886. The business, which consists of investments on mortgage of real estate in town and country, has been successfully conducted, and a reserve fund of £6500 accumulated.
Ltd. Directors, Messrs. E. Pearce (Chairman), G. Allen, J. Lockie, J. P. Maxwell, C. Tringham, J. Wallace, and C. T. Richardson (Managing Director). Secretary, Mr. R. E. Rawnsley. Offices, Lambton Quay, Wellington, Telephone, 41. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand and National Bank of New Zealand. Capital, £200,000, in 20,000 shares of £10 each, which is fully subscribed, £101,250 being paid up. The Company, which was incorporated in 1873, makes advances on freehold and leasehold properties, shares, and other tangible securities. For many years, dividends at the rate of 9 per cent. were paid by the Company. The dividend for the year ending December, 1895, was at the rate of 8 per cent. From its foundation, and for a period of 21 years, Mr. William Boyd acted as Secretary for the Company, but retired in 1894, much to the regret of the Directors, who fully recognised his devotion to the welfare of the Company during his long period of office. Mr. George Allen was Managing Director for some years, and on his retirement, in 1894, Mr. C. T. Richardson was appointed to that important position.
Secretary of the Trust, Loan and Investment Company, was born in India. Educated at North Hill Grammar School in Plymouth, he entered Sir Henry Waring's shipping office, and after twelve months, went to sea. In 1874, Mr. Rawnsley came to New Zealand, and accepted the post of purser in one of the coastal steamers of the New Zealand Shipping Company. He afterwards became manager for the Wellington and Wanganui line of steamers, holding the position for two years, till the sale of the Company's vessels. Mr. Rawnsley was appointed to the Wellington Trust, Loan, and Investment Company, as accountant, in 1888, and on Mr. Boyd's retirement became acting-Secretary, in August, 1894.
Directors:—Messrs. George Carter (Chairman), Job Wilton, William
who is one of the Directors and the Manager of the Company, was born and educated in the Shetland Isles. Coming to the Colony per ship “Rodney,” which arrived in Wellington in 1875, he had a general experience in various occupations for a year or two. Mr. Jamieson subsequently entered the ironmongery establishment of Mr. Matthew McCready in Lambton Quay, with whom he remained for five years, receiving a very flattering reference on leaving. It was not in the hardware trade, however, that he was destined to spend his energies. Mr. Jamieson always had a penchant for finance. He assisted in the formation of the South Pacific Loan and Investment Company, Limited, and occupied the position of Secretary far a period of six years, during which highly satisfactory results were realised. In 1887 he severed his connection with this Company and started the Company of which he is now the manager and one of the directors. The capital of £10,000 was at once subscribed, and the Company has done a profitable business since its inception. Mr. Jamieson is a member of the firm of Jamieson Brothers, Financial and Commission Agents, with whom the Company shares its offices. In aquatics he is a member of the Port Ncholson Yacht Club and part owner of the yacht Waitangi, which was built by Mr. Logan, of Auckland, and which now holds the championship of New Zealand. In 1883 he was married to Miss C. A. Wilton, of Wellington, and has one daughter.
Messrs. E. Jones, J.P. (Chairman) and W. McLean, J.P., Secretary. Messrs. Bell, Gully, and Izard, Solicitors. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Office, 10 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Capital, £10,000, in 500 shares of £20 each, which are all allotted, and on which £7 10s. per share is paid up, representing £3750. The Company lends on freehold, leasehold, and personal security, the leading line being the discounting of bills, and has been successful in paying dividends at the rate of ten per cent. on the average.
(L. L. Harris, proprietor), 7 Panama Street, Wellington. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Occidental Hotel. The London Loan and Discount Company was established in 1875.
Directors Messrs. E. W. Petherick, (Chairman), J. Ranson, J. W. Evans, M. Tabuteau, and W. H. Williams. Secretary, Mr. W. H. Cook, 25 Manners Street, Wellington. Telephone 534. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This successful Company was incorporated on the 15th of May, 1878. It was established to undertake the granting of loans repayable by monthly instalments, the discounting of bills, and other financial operations, as well as the acceptance of deposits upon which the best market rates of interest are allowed—the present rate being 5 per cent. The Company's
the Secretary, who lives at Nelson Street, Petone, was born and educated at Bristol. He came to New Zealand in 1872, via Melbourne, and settled at Wellington. A sailmaker by trade, he entered into business in that line in 1876, and conducted a good business solely till 1882, when Mr. R. G. Knight joined the firm, under the style of Cook and Knight. Five years later, Mr. Cook retired from the business, and has acted as Secretary of the South Pacific Loan and Investment Company since that time. In 1860, he was married to Miss Davis, of Tewkesbury, who died in 1869, leaving four children—three sons and one daughter.
16 Cuba Street, Wellington. Directors, Messrs. Alexander Murray (Chairman), George Poynter, W. E. Woods, R. E. Bannister. Manager, Mr. Thomas Whitehouse. Telephone 742. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This Company was founded in the month of April, 1886. The principal business undertaken is the discount of bills.
the Manager, is an old colonist. Born in Birmingham, England, he eame to New Zealand with his parents in 1841, per ship “Lord William Bentinck,” landing in Wellington. In 1848, he entered the grocery establishment of Mr. G. P. Wallace, who was drowned at Terewhiti when the barque “Maria” was wrecked, some years afterwards. Mr. James Wallace, brother of the deceased, succeeded to the business, Mr. Whitchouse remaining altogether for sixteen years at this shop. In 1865, having gained a large experience, he built the premises at the corner of Dixon and Cuba Streets, now occupied by Mrs. Herrman photographer. Here he conducted a large business for many till the accommodation became too small for the trade, Mr. Whitehouse then purchased the fine section on the corner of Dixon Street opposite Te Aro House, and on that site he erected the two shops now in the occupation of Messrs. Pettie and Cochrane. He continued in business till about the end of 1835, when he sold his stock and goodwill to Messrs. Barr and Co., who still conduct, although in other premises. Mr. Whitehouse is an enthusiastic bowler, attached to the Wellington Bowling Club.
Ltd. Directors, Messrs. W. G. Tustin (Chairman and Managing Director), F. Wills, and W. E. Hall; Secretary, Mr. I. Graves. Office, 6 Grey Street Wellington. Telephone, 462. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Incorporated on the 25th February, 1884, this Company has proved a successful undertaking. Its capital is £12,000, in 240 shares of £50 each, of which the sum of £4500 is paid up. The principal business undertaken is the discounting of bills. For the last eleven years, the dividends have averaged 17 per cent. per annum.
J.P., Chairman and Managing Director of the Wellington Loan Co., Ltd., was born in Sheffield. He came to Wellington with his parents, per ship “Matoaka,” in 1859. Educated at the Wellington College, he afterwards learnt his trade as decorator and oil and colour merchant, and at the age of nineteen was in charge of a business. Mr. Tustin has been in business on his own account for the past ten years. He was one of the founders of the Wellington Loan Company, of which he has been a Director since its inception; he was appointed Managing Director about two years ago. Mr. Tustin has been prominent in connection with the Wellington Debating Society, of which he was President for some time. He gained the gold medal of the Society in 1890. In bowling he takes great interest, being a member of the Wellington Bowling Club, and the originator of the successful Club at Newtown. Mr. Tustin held a championship for single bowling in the Wellington Club in 1892. He was for some years President of the old Star Cricket Club. In 1879, the subject of this sketch was married to the daughter of Mr. H. J. Pilcher, of the Queen's Bond. His family numbers seven; three sons and four daughters. The eldest son, William Henry, was the first son of an “Old Roy” to attend Wellington College.
Secretary of the Wellington Loan Company, was born in Cambridgeshire, England. Educated at private schools in Cambridge, he was apprenticed to the general storekeeping, serving two years on the grocery and a like period on the drapery side. After further experience in Brighton and London, he came to Dunedin, per ship “Seoresby,” in 1862. After a short goldfields' experience, he spent about two years in Dunedin, and was afterwards successively in business as a storekeeper in Naseby, Hokitika, and Westport. For ten years prior to 1889, Mr. Graves conducted a large drapery business in Wellington. He was appointed to the position he now holds in March, 1893. In 1875 he was married to the second daughter of Mr. James Bentley, of Wellington, and has two daughters and one son.
Head office, Christchurch. Wellington agency, Waterloo Quay. Telephone 936; P.O. Box 117. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Agent, Mr. C. W. Turner. This agency was established in 1894. Further information concerning this Company will be given in the Canterbury volume.
Directors: The Hon. Cecil T. Parker, J.P. (chairman), Messrs. Joseph Macdonald, J.P., John McDonald, and Alexander MacDougall (managing director and sole representative in the Colony); trustees for debenture-holders, Sir George Barclay Bruce and the Hon. Arthur G. Brand, M.P.; secretary, Mr. L. J. Langmead; solicitors, Messrs. Wilkins, Blyth, Dutton, and Hartley. Bankers in London, the British Linen Company Bank. Capital, £200,000 in £1 shares, and £90,000 in debentures. This large British company was incorporated in 1893. Their property consists of six thousand acres of the Greymouth coal reserve, leased from the Government for sixty-six years at a royalty of sixpence per ton. In October, 1895, the Company purchased from the Grey Valley Coal Company, Limited, the famous Brunner Mine, which is now being worked. The Company's collieries, besides the Brunner, are known as Coal Creek, Camp Creek, Seven-Mile Creek, and Point Elizabeth. Some of the finest coal seams in the Colony exist on the property of this Company, the quality being said to equal, if not excel, any coal in Australasia, but for gas purposes the Brunner coal is considered unequalled in the colonies, the output from the Brunner mine being about 130,000 tons per annum. The Greymouth-Point Elizabeth Company are spending about £100,000 in constructing a railway to connect their other mines with Greymouth, including the construction of a large bridge over the Grey river, and the opening up of the works. Mr. C. Napier Bell, C.E., has designed the bridge, and is retained to supervise its construction, besides acting as the Company's consulting engineer. The rolling stock required for the new railway will cost from £20,000 to £25,000. There can be little doubt that in a short time the Company will be able to produce enormous quantities of coal. At the present time they supply many of the gas companies of the Colony, and hold a contract for the supply of most of the West Coast coal used on the New Zealand Government railways. A splendid deposit of fire clay on the Company's works enables them to manufacture bricks, gas retorts, and fire clay goods of every kind, for which there is a great and increasing demand. The coke manufactured by the Company is of excellent quality, and many thousand tons are shipped to various parts of Australasia every year.
Directors, Messrs. T. J. W. Gale J.P. (Chairman), E. Seagar, M. Chapman, T. Roskruge, J. Barton, R. Sloan, and J. Colvin. Head office, Grey Street, Wellington. Secretary, Mr. William Lambert. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mines, Mokihinui (Westport). This Company has been in existence for many years. The mine produces a good steam coal, which is sold wholesale only by the Company.
Head office, Dunedin. Mines, Denniston (Westport). Wellington branch (wholesale department), Queen's Chambers, corner of Jervois Quay and Wharf Approach. Agent, Mr. William Scott. Telephone 708. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Retail department, Manners Street. Telephone 222. P.O. Box 171. Agent, Mr. William Charles Gasquoine. In October 1895, this Company took over the retail branch of the Grey Valley Coal Company's business, which had been successfully conducted for many years. Mr. Gasquoine, who has been in charge of the branch since 1885, was born in Victoria He first visited New Zealand in 1865, but did not settle finally in the Colony till ten years later, when he entered the service of Messrs. Kennedy Bros., afterwards the Grey Valley Coal Company, in Greymouth. Mr. Gasquoine was appointed to open the Wellington branch, and has been well known in the Empire City since taking up his residence in Wellington.
(David and Joseph Andrews), Coal and Firewood Merchants, Wholesale Hay, Corn, and Produce Dealers, Tory Street. Telephone 886. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand, Te Aro. (See J. and D. Andrews, venetian blind manufacturers). This business was founded in 1883 by Mr. D. Andrews, who was brought up to the trade in Wellington. The premises, which cover about 22,500 square feet, comprise stables, shed, store, and dwelling. The buildings are built of wood and brick, being one story in height. A four-horse-power steam-engine drives the circular saw for firewood-cutting, and other machinery. The firm have six horses and drays constantly employed in connection with this business. They are importers of Newcastle coal, in which they do a large trade, they also have a large turnover in local coal. For the last six years they have supplied the Government with coal and firewood for the Asylum and Hospital, and still retain the contract. Messrs. Andrews are doing a steadily-increasing trade. In hay, corn, and produce they conduct a wholesale trade. They have arrangements whereby they are in a position to secure supplies of the very best quality, and are consequently enabled to execute orders at lowest market value. The partners are sole proprietors of the venetian blind and butter box factory in Willis Street.
Contractor, Coal and Produce Importer; Office, Johnston Street; Stores and Yards, Willis Street and Tory Street. Telephones: Office, 88; Tory Street, 164 Willis Street, 124. P.O. Box 99. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Cable address ”Brown, Wellington;” Code, ABC. Private residence, Hanson Street. Mr. Brown is a native of Ireland. He came to New Zealand 1862, and, landing at the Bluff, he remained in Invercargill two years, entering into business as a contractor. In
Coal and Wood Merchant, Mulgrave Street, Wellington. Bankers, Post Office Savings Bank. Established 1881. Mr. Futter was born in Wellington in the year 1848, and is therefore the oldest resident in the trade in the City. Mr. Futter's parents came to Wellington in 1841 in the ship “Lady Nugent.” His father was for many years verger in St. Paul's Episcopalian Church. Mr. Futter was educated locally, and after leaving school found employment driving a cart. Subsequently he took to cab driving, which he found very lucrative in the early days of settlement. After some years experience cab driving, Mr. Futter went to Christchurch, where he worked as a general labourer. Returning, he settled in Wellington, where he opened a business as a coal and wood merchant. In this he now has the help of his son, and with the assistance of a circular saw, two and sometimes three drays and horses, gets through a good deal of business. The section on which the business is carried on, has a frontage of fifty-three feet to Mulgrave Street, and is 180 feet deep, the whole being freehold.
Wood, Coal, and Produce Dealer, 26 Ghuznee Street, Wellington. Telephone 271. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1874. The proprietor, after arrival in this Colony in 1874 by the “Star of India,” from London, followed various occupations, at intervals working at his own trade, that of a sailmaker, to which calling he served his term in Jersey, Channel Islands. He was employed for about seven years with the late firm of D. McIntyre and Co. in that capacity, and then with Messrs. T. and W. Young, of Wellington, as storeman, for eleven years. He purchased the plant and business from Mr. E. Whitehead, and established himself independently. The premises, comprising a floor space of about 3000 square feet, contain large quantities of corn and grain of various kinds, while the roomy sheds forming part of the establishment are always well supplied with coal, coke, and other kinds of fuel. Mr. Gaudin employs regularly four hands in connection with the business, his trade extending over the city of Wellington, and the wider surroundings of the suburbs. He has, since taking over the business, worked up a very good connection, and maintained the good reputation which the business enjoyed during the proprietorship of Mr. Whitehead. Mr. Gaudin employs the aid of steam power in the process of grinding and cleaning grain of all descriptions, and a belt also connects with a circular saw for wood-cutting purposes. The coal sold from Mr. Gaudin's shed is procured from the best mines of the Colony, and should always give satisfaction to consumers. Mr. Gaudin's business does not afford him sufficient time to pay much attention to political matters, in consequence of which his views remain a secret to the public, but he has held the office of secretary to the Order of Rechabites for upwards of sixteen years.
(C. H. Jones and William Williams), Coal, Firewood, and Produce Dealers, Lambton Quay (next Kirkcaldie and Stains' carpet warehouse) Wellington. Telephone 881. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Jones is an Englishman by birth, and for fifteen years was in the employ of Messrs. J. S. Fry and Sons, the noted cocoa and chocolate manufacturers. Subsequently he entered into business as a wholesale confectioner in Bristol, where he had three large shops, and did a good trade for some years. Mr. Williams was employed in the Great Western locomotive works at Taunton for a long time, and subsequently was engaged by John Lysaght, Limited. The partners came to the Colony in 1894, per s.s. “Ruahine,” and have established the above business, in which they are meeting with good success. Mr. C. H. Jones is also an importer of confectionery and novelties of various kinds both from England and Japan. His long experience in this trade enables him to put on the Colonial market a great variety of good selling novelties.
(Shepherd Hughes), Coal and Wood Merchants, Cambridge Terrace, Wellington. Established 1894. Telephone 670. Private residence, Edge Hill. Mr. Hughes, who has succeeded Mr. Parke in business, is a native of County Down, Ireland. He came to the Colony in the ship “Lady Jocelyn,” arriving in Lyttelton. His business is carried on in leasehold premises, which have a frontage of some fifty feet to Cambridge Terrace. Mr. Hughes is a hard worker himself and only employs one man. With the keen opposition and cutting prices in his trade, he with an enterprise above most of those doing business around him, has succeeded in maintaining a sound business. He keeps on hand a fairly large stock of the coals most in demand and does an extensive trade in firewood.
Coal and Firewood Merchant, 138 Cuba Street, corner of Abel Smith Street, Wellington. Telephone, 510. This business was established by the present proprietor in 1883. The coal yard is large and convenient, and contains a good stock of household fuel of all descriptions. Mr. Phillips has two drays and an express, and three horses steadily employed in connection with the trade. Born in Sydney in 1845, he came to Wellington when about ten years old, and was brought up to the butchering trade. After leaving the business. Mr Phillips spent some time farming, and settled in Wellington as above. He is a member of Lodge 16 of the Orange order, and was at one time its Treasurer.
(John Picot and David Picot) Wood and Coal Merchants, Davis Street and Thorndon Quay, Wellington. Telephone 592. This business was established by W. Page and Co. some years ago, and taken over by the present owners early in 1895. The business premises have a frontage of about seventy feet to Davis Street, and about the same to Thorndon Quay. The section is about 290 feet deep. The business carried on is an extensive one in all kinds of coal and wood. The possession of a good circular saw driven by a water engine, enables the firm to supply wood cut to any length in small or great quantities, at very short notice. Messrs. Picot Bros. keep a large stock on hand, and though so recently started in business, seem to enjoy a rapidly increasing trade, at a time when most retail traders in their line complain of business falling off.
Coal, Firewood, and Stone Merchant. Coal yard, 6 Ingestre Street. Telephone 692. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Ingestre Street. Further reference to Mr. Powell, as a produce merchant, is made under “Storekeepers, Grocers, etc.”
(William John Thompson, Herbert Joseph Thompson and Robert Charles Renner), Coal and Firewood Merchants. Yards and offices, Dixon Street, Murphy Street and Featherston Street. Telephones 266, 533, 335. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. The business was founded by Captain Williams in the early days. The present proprietors have conducted the same since 1887, with the exception of the Dixon Street business, which they purchased from Mr. J. M. Miller in 1890. The plant comprises fifteen vehicles and eight horses, besides circular saws, corn crushers, etc. Large quantities of coal are brought direct from Newcastle, as well as from Westport and Greymouth. The premises occupied by the firm are conveniently situated for supplying all parts of the city and suburbs. The Dixon Street establishment, which serves the Te Aro and Newtown residents, comprises a floor space of some 10,000 square feet, besides extensive yards, and also includes a large brick building for storing and loading purposes. The branch at Featherston Street, which has about 15,000 square feet of space, is, like the Dixon Street yard, supplied with a platform weighbridge. The yards at Murphy Street are about half an acre in extent. The two latter places are designed to supply the residents of the central and Thorndon districts. Mr. W. J. Thompson is a native of Victoria, the others being New Zealand born, and all having been brought up to mercantile pursuits.
Burns, Alexander, Wood and Coal Dealer, 49 Adelaide Road.
Callaghan, John, Wood and Coal Dealer, Grainger Street.
Carroll and Co., Wood and Coal Dealers, 94 Adelaide Road.
Dawson, Albert, Coal and Wood Dealer, Normanby Street, Newtown.
Duignan, Richard, Coal and Firewood Dealer, Molesworth Street and Lambton Quay. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1878.
Ellis, John, Coal and Wood Dealer, Thorndon Quay. Private residence Thorndon Quay. Established 1895.
Fitzgerald, Michael, Wood and Coal Dealer, Molesworth Street.
Holm, Ferdinand, Wood and Coal Merchant, Cambridge Terrace. Bankers Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Adelaide Road.
Isaacs, Henry, Wood and Coal Dealer, Haining Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1889.
Marshall, T., Coal and Wood Dealer, 110 Adelaide Road.
McCluggage, Edward, Wood and Coal Merchant Cottleville Terrace Established 1893.
Murray, John, Coal, Wood and Produce Dealers, Adelaide Road, Newtown. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Conducted by present proprietor since 1892.
Pearman, Henry Joseph, Wood and Coal Merchant, Riddiford Street Established 1895.
Rees, William, Coal and Wood Merchant, 31 Taranaki Street. Private residence 2 Kelvin Grove. Established 1895.
Saunders, John. Wood and Coal Merchant, 23 and 25 Arthur Street.
Scott, Emma G., Wood and Coal Dealer, Wallace Street. Established 1893.
Stratford, John, Coal and Wood Merchant, Taranaki Street. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia.
Watts, Job, Wood and Coal Merchant, Aro Street.
Cabinetmaker and Upholsterer 17 Tory Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Ahradsen came to the Colony in 1874, per ship “Reichstag” Apprenticed in Copenhagen, he has worked many years as a journeyman in New Zealand. The business was established in 1886 the premises occupied being of wood, containing 4000 square feet of floorage space.
Wholesale and Retail
China, Glass, and Fancy Goods Dealer, Cuba Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Cochrane became proprietor of this business in October, 1894, after acting as manager for his predecessor for some time. He keeps a large and well assorted stock of crockery, glassware and fancy goods, the greater portion being imported by him.
Wholesale and Retail Cabinet maker, Kent Terrace. Private residence, Cuba Street. Is a native of Essex, arrived 1863 per ship “David George Fleming,” was apprenticed to A. Osborne, of Christchurch, and has since worked at Government Workshops, Addington, and for local firms. His specialty is household furniture, office fittings, &c. Mr. Digby was three years in business in Christchurch. Present business established 1891. Floor space occupies 1000 square feet
(Martin Eller), Upholsterers and Cabinetmakers, Ellerton House, 106 Willis Street, Wellington. Telephone, 240. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. English agent, Stout, Birmingham. Private residence, Boulcott Street. Mr. Eller is a native of Germany, which he left in 1872. He served his apprenticeship in his native land, completing his term in 1870. Reaching the Colony in 1873, he worked at his trade, and subsequently was for three years in business in Hokitika. He found d the present business in 1884, and has conducted the same ever since. The firm's trade having considerably developed, it became necessary to provide increased accommodation. Mr. Eller was fortunate in securing a freehold section not far from the corner of Manners and Willis Streets. Here he has erected, from his own plans, a spacious brick building, consisting of a handsome two-story shop in front with verandah and balcony, and a four-story factory at the back. The show-room on the ground floor contains some 1500 feet of floorage space. There are two remarkably fine show windows, which look especially pretty when illuminated by electric light on an evening. The first floor has been handsomely fitted up, and is well let for professional purposes. The factory includes four floors, totalling
Wholesale and Retail Manufacturing Cabinetmaker, Upholsterer, and General House Furnisher, 38, 40 and 42 Manners Street, Wellington. Telephone, 238. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Willis Street. Mr. Feilder established this business in 1880. The premises occupied consist of shop, showrooms and factory, which are all of iron and brick. The showrooms contain a great variety of household goods, sufficient to suit the tastes of all classes. The factory at the back is replete with machinery of all kinds needed in the business—lathes, circular, fret and band saws; planing, carving, and dove-tailing machines, etc. The motive power is obtained from a ten-horse-power steam engine. Mr. Fielder is a direct importer, from the leading London houses, of pianos, organs, English furniture, etc. In every part of Mr. Fielder's establishment there are objects of great interest, both among the imported goods and those of his own manufacture. Mr. Fielder is a native of London, but came to this Colony in 1854, arriving on his first birthday. He learned his business with his father, Mr. H. V. Fielder, of Christchurch.
(John H. Flockton and Frank Bedford), Importers and Manufacturers of Furniture, Ironmongery and Crockery Dealers, Variety Stores, 47, 49 and 51 Manners Street, Wellington. Upholstering works, Cornhill Street. Steam furniture factory, Dixon Street. Telephone 211. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This large business was established in 1881 by Mr. Henry Flockton, who was compelled to retire (by ill health) in 1891, but he has now so far recovered as to be able to undertake the managemen of the furniture factory. The two-story brick shops—known as The Variety Stores—in Manners Street, are very extensive, affording about 18,000 square feet of floorage space. The furniture department—a splendid showroom—contains a very large stock of furniture of choice designs, and occupies a prominent position fronting Manners Street. The crockery and furnishing ironmongery department is in the adjoining shop, and there a very valuable stock is tastefully arranged to fascinate the eye of the prudent housewife. Messrs. Flockton and Co. have a second-hand department in a large store at the back of the two showrooms just mentioned. Here they have a large and truly varied stock of goods—so varied, indeed, that the term Variety Stores may be considered justly earned. Behind these buildings there is a large bulk store, which is approachable by the back entrance from Dixon Street. The upholstery works in Cornhill Street consist of a two-story iron building having nearly 4000 square feet of floorage space. The furniture factory in Dixon Street is claimed to be the argest of its kind in Wellington. There are two wooden structures, two stories high, which are fully occupied in connection with the business, the total floor space being 10,000 square feet. The machinery—consisting of lathes, shaping machines, circular and band saws—is driven by an eight-horse-power horizontal steam-engine. The escape steam is utilised for heating the drying-room, which is designed to thoroughly season a large stock of sawn and cut timber of splendid quality, some of which has been on hand for several years. The drying-room contains 1800 square feet of floorage space. Messrs. Flockton and Co. employ about thirty hands when in full swing. The manufactures of the firm are well known in Wellington, as well as in the country districts. The importations of the firm are very considerable—regular shipments being received. Arrangements have been made whereby the latest designs in linoleums, oilcloths, mats, and matting, iron bedsteads, and other lines, are shipped to the order of the firm. Experienced workmen are employed to make and lay carpets for their customers, and Messrs. Flockton and Co. are
(James Flyger and Robert Wilson), late Eades and Flyger, Undertakers, Joiners and Builders, 20 Cuba Street, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Flyger, 20 Cuba Street; Mr. Wilson, Tutchen Street. Mr. Flyger, who is a native of the Colony (his father being one of the early settlers), was brought up to the business in Wellington. The business was established in the early days by Mr. Nicholson, who sold out to Mr. Eades in 1874, after conducting the trade for many years. Mr. Flyger was in business on his own account for nearly twenty years, joining Mr. Eades in 1887. The latter died on the 30th of April, 1895, and Mr. Wilson joined Mr. Flyger in the following September. Undertaking is the leading line of the firm, and in this line they stand well, having had many of the largest funerals entrusted to their care. They supply polished and panelled caskets at a few hours notice. They have two splendid hearses, and can be relied upon for the style in which they carry out, as well as the quality of, their work. All kinds of carpentering and joinery work is performed at their workshop and elswhere, as may be necessary. The building occupied by them is of iron, affording a floor space of about 1000 square feet. Mr. Flyger is a member of the Te Aro School Committee, on which he has held a seat for five years.
Cabinetmaker, Upholsterer, and Undertaker, Manners Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, 27 Dixon Street. This business was established in March, 1880, by Mr. George Tiller, the present proprietor succeeding in 1895. The premises, which are well situated, comprise a large show-room, with fine plate-glass windows, and two convenient workshops behind. Considerably over 2000 square feet of floorage space are available for the purposes of the trade. A choice stock of household furniture—all made on the establishment—is on view at Mr. Linley's premises. Born in Dunedin, in 1863, this enterprising business man learned his business at Mr. A. Compton's, in Wellington. After completing his term in 1883, he gained larger experience by working for various firms. In 1885 he entered the service of Mr. Tiller as a journeyman; seven years later he was promoted to the position of foreman, which he retained till he became proprietor of the business. Mr. Linley is very clever in the finer branches of the trade. For over eight years past he has made a specialty of inlaid work. He has been a steady prize-taker for the excellence of this class of work. In 1885 he exhibited at the Wellington Exhibition, and secured two first prizes and a silver medal. Three years later, at the Melbourne Exhibition, his work received honourable mention. At the Paris Exhibition of 1889, an inlaid bed-room jewel cabinet and walking-sticks were awarded a prize and silver medal. Three of the sticks were placed in the Paris Museum. Mr. Linley prepared a marvellous bedroom jewel cabinet, containing 7000 pieces of New Zealand native woods, for the Dunedin Exhibition of 1890, which received first order of merit. The certificates received from these Exhibitions are beautifully framed in choice inlaid frames. Few cabinetmakers have received certificates of greater value.
Art Furniture Manufacturer and Dealer, 116 Willis Street, Wellington. Mr. Martin, who is a brother of Mr. Robert Martin, the well-known painter and paperhanger, of Manners Street, was born in London in 1840. He was taken to America at five years of age, and thoroughly learned every branch of his trade in that country. In 1865 he commenced business in Pittsburg, Pensilvania, where he remained three or four years. Afterwards he was successively in Louisville, Kentucky, Columbia, and Cincinatti, Ohio, Chicago, and other American towns. Mr. Martin was in the last named city at the time of the great fire. After remaining between seven and eight years, he sold off and emigrated to New Zealand. Mr. Martin's premises in Willis Street are well worth a visit. A rich variety of splendid mantels, art furniture, and inlaid work in the beautiful natural woods of New Zealand, and in specially imported American timbers, are on view, many being of novel designs. Mr. Martin is an artist in furniture making, and undertakes to prepare drawings of any article that is required,
Undertaker, 10 Taranaki Street, Wellington. Cable address, “Morris, Wellington.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Morris is a native of London, and came out to the Colony with his parents by the ship “Strathnavar” in 1874. He was brought up to the business with his father, Mr. Edward Morris, senr., who established the present business in 1878, conducting it successfully for some years. Mr. Morris, junr., then became a partner in the concern, and took over the management, and Mr. Morris, sen., eventually decided to turn his attention to farming pursuits, and settled on some land of his own in the Manawatu district. This was in 1886. The business was then taken over by Mr. Morris, junr. Mr. Morris believes in having one trade, and keeping en entirely to it. There are but few undertakers who confine themselves exclusively to that line of business, most of them doing general cabinetmaking as well. Mr. Morris, however, has given himself up to the business, and it is not surprising that he should have made a name for himself. This is evidenced by the large proportion of funerals which he is retained to conduct, as well as in the satisfaction expressed by those who require his services in time of trouble.
(George Earnest Richardson and William Ewart Richardson), Cabinetmakers and Upholsterers, 115 Cuba Street, Wellington. This business was established in 1890 by the present proprietors, who both served their time to the trade in Wellington. They landed in New Zealand by the ship “Waikato,” from England, with their parents, in the year 1876. A large and varied stock of furniture of every description is displayed in an attractive manner, and marked off at very low rates. The stock consists of suites of furniture, wardrobes, cheffoniers, sideboards, and pier looking glasses, and every requisite for the complete furnishing of cottage and mansion. The senior partner, Mr. G. E. Richardson, has for some years taken an active interest in Good Templary, and has also filled the office of secretary and treasurer to the City Band.
(Arthur Scoullar and Robert Chisholm), Cabinetmakers and Upholsterers, Furnishing Warehouse, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Branch Warehouse, Rattray Street, Dunedin. Telephone 110: P.O. Box 319. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Scoullar's private residence is at 146 Upper Willis Street, but the other partner. Mr. Chisholm, resides in Dunedin This large business was established in 1863 by Messrs. North and Scoullar in Dunedin, Mr. Scoullar, the senior partner, having thus been connected with the business since its inception. In 1889 Mr. North retired. and Mr. Chisholm, who had for son e years held a position with the firm, became a partner. The Wellington branch of the business was established in 1886, when the firm purchased the interest of Mr. Kimbell, who had previously conducted a similar business in the Empire City. After a short time it became evident that the premises occupied were much too restricted for the business of the firm; consequently Mr. Chatfield, the well-known architect of Wellington, was instructed to draw plans for a new building. Tenders were called for its erection, and in the end, the present handsome brick building, four stories in height, with a floorage space of no less than 12,000 square feet, was
General Dealer, 138 Cuba Street, Wellington. Telephone 510. Established 1883. Mr. Phillips undertakes to buy furniture in any quantity, and maintains a thoroughly good and varied stock of new and second hand goods
(Harry Ranish), Billiard Table, Billiard Dining-table, and Billiard Cushion Makers, 110 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in 1892, and since then the firm has worked up a connection in different parts of the Colony. Their billiard tables are to be found in most of the principal clubs and hotels in New Zealand, and it is claimed for the locally - made tables that in the matter of quality and price they will compare more than favourably with the imported article. Messrs. Wright, Ranish and Co. occupy a two-story building, the floor space being about 2400 square feet. All materials, such as black wood, cedar, slates, cloths, ivory balls, etc., are imported, with the exception of certain classes of colonial timber specially adapted for the work. Mr. Ranish, who has devoted his life to the study of billiard table making, is a native of Austria, and arrived in New Zealand in 1887. The firm has agencies in Christchurch and Auckland. All the tables of their manufacture are fitted with thick bolted slate beds from the Home quarries, covered with best West of England cloth, and provided with the low Excelsior cushions, which have been found to be such a great improvement on the “cush” formerly in use. Besides its manifest superiority it is claimed for the Excelsior cushion that it is simpler in construction, more durable, and less expensive to manufacture than rubber block cushions, that it is capable of being readily removed and replaced, and is designed so that its face will stand almost at right angles to the surface of the table, the object being to give greater accuracy in the angles of replication and repercussion than has hitherto been possible. It is made of strips of the purest caoutchouc, glued together throughout the whole of their length by the same material in a liquid state, and prominent players from one end of the Colony to the other, to whom it has been supplied, have testified in unmistakeable terms as to its superiority over other classes of cushions. One of the most interesting features of the work done is the manufacture of billiard-dining-tables—that is, tables which can be used and are in every respect suitable for dining tables, and yet can at a moment's notice be converted into billiard-tables, fitted with cushions, pockets, etc., all complete. In one of these the top of the table is fixed to the framework by a steel bolt at each end, and is secured at the sides by pegs which keep it securely in position. When these pegs are removed the top of the table can be turned completely over with the greatest ease, so perfectly is it balanced, and there stands revealed a billiard table, true and firm, and ready for immediate use. A good stock of ivory balls and sundries is kept.
Asher, D., Importer of Toys, Manners Street.
Burns and Borthwick (Edward Burns and George Borthwick), Show Case Makers, off Upper Willis Street.
Calcinai, John Ferdinand, Cabinetmaker and Joiner, Brandon Street. Private residence, Khandallah.
Diedrich and Sons, Cabinetmakers and Upholsterers, 107 and 109 Cuba Street.
Drake, Daniel, and Son, Cabinetmakers and Upholsterers, Molesworth Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1868.
Easby, Richard Cobden, Blind Manufacturer. 59 Tory Street. Private residence, Cuba Street.
Hoskins, Paul, Cabinetmaker and Undertaker, 29 Taranaki Place. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1876.
Johnson, Charles John, Cabinetmaker, 28 Murphy Street.
Kreissig, Max, Ice Chest Manufacturer and Cabinetmaker, 83 Willis Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Nairn Street. Estab. 1892.
Martin, Joseph, Upholaterer and Cabinetmaker, Charlotte Street. Private residence, Wilson Street, Newtown.
Nicholls, George Bernard, Fancy Goods and Crockery Dealer, Lambton Quay.
Prince, George Edward, Cabinetmaker. Rintoul Street.
Soffe, Sydney, Cabinetmaker, Russell Terrace.
Stonebridge, Thomas, Cabinetmaker, Taranaki Street. Established 1892.
Hairdresser, Tobacconist and Perfumer, 17 Willis Street, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Courtenay Place. This business was founded about the end of July, 1895. The shop is well situated, not far from the Evening Post corner, and has a capital show window, which is filled with new and attractive stock. The saloon contains two barber's chairs, and is otherwise well appointed. Mr. Andrell makes a specialty of hair work for ladies and gentlemen. The proprietor was born in Blenheim and served his time with Messrs. Aldous and Son, of Wellington. Having completed his apprenticeship on the 24th of May, 1888, he entered into business on his own account in Blenheim, and conducted a steady trade till July, 1892. At this time he accepted a position in the establishment of Messrs. Wise and Speed, Wellington, and remained with that firm until April, 1894, when he returned to the firm with whom he learned his trade, remaining till the present business was established.
Tobacconist, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This business was established as far back as 1864. The premises, which are particulary well situated, are built of wood, two stories high, and contain about 3200 square feet of floor space. The shop is well stocked with the best brands of cigars, tobacco, and fancy goods, some of which are imported from Heyde, Todman and Co., of Sydney, from Loewe and Co., and other London houses. Mr. Batkin is sole agent for New Zealand for the celebrated Egyptian Cigarette, the “Nestor Gianaclis.” Various brands of tobacco are a specialty of this establishment, a large quantity being cut on the premises by a Melbourne-made machine, driven by a three-horse-power water motor. The energetic proprietor claims New Zealand as his birth place. He was articled to a local legal firm, and later on entered the Government service. Having a strong desire, however, to start business on his own account, he resigned after thirteen years' service. He took over the above business in 1888, and has worked up a good trade. His trade mark, is a “star,” and his motto, Semper Refulgens. Mr. Batkin takes a prominent part in sporting matters, and for eleven years held the responsible position of secretary to the Star Boating Club, which now boasts of a roll of 353 members, perhaps the strongest club of its kind in Australasia. He is also identified with yachting and athletics, at present holding the office of starter to the Wellington Athletin Club.
Hairdresser and Tobacconist, 9 Lambton Quay. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Branches at Napier and Hastings. Private residence, Kent Terrace. Mr. Hyde is a native of the Colony, being apprenticed to the trade in Wellington, and completing his term 1875. The business was founded in 1864, and was purchased by Mr. Hyde in 1876, since which time he has successfully conducted the same. The premises are of wood, two stories in height, affording 2700 square feet of floorage space. In 1890 the branch at Napier was opened, the shop being in the centre of the town, and, like the premises in Hastings, which were established two years later, giving about 800 square feet of floor space. Mr. Hyde's premises in Wellington are most centrally situated; they are likewise beautifully appointed, the saloon being fitted with the most modern appliances, and lighted by electricity. A large stock of tobacco, cigars, cigarettes, pipes, and fancy goods, including cricketing, golf, tennis, and other sporting accessories, is always on hand. Mr. Hyde imports all classes of goods from London from such firms as Hovenden and Sons, Osborne, Garrett and Co., general merchants, and others. He holds a special agency for the celebrated X.T.C. tobacco, from Motley and Co., of Reidsville, North Carolina. On the second floor Mr. Hyde has the latest special machinery for cutting tobacco. He employs thirteen hands in connection with his business
Te Aro Hairdressing Saloon, 73 Cuba Street, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. The proprietor is a native of London. He came to this Colony in 1874 with his parents by the ship “Caroline.” Whilst residing at
Clyde Quay, Wellington. Mrs. Meech, proprietress. The baths were opened in 1862, and have been the property of Mrs. Meech since 1870. The swimming bath, which is formed by enclosing part of the harbour, is 165 feet long by 73 feet wide, and the depth varies from two feet to eleven feet at the deepest end. The baths are securely protected from the visits of sea monsters. Around the swimming bath there are some thirty-seven rooms, thirty-four of which are dressing rooms, the others being used for refreshment rooms, where refreshments are always obtainable. Shower-baths are provided in one or two of the dressing rooms. The baths are open daily: for ladies, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and for gentlemen, outside these hours. Adults are charged 3d., and children 1d., for the use of the baths.
Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Willis Street, Wellington. Telephone 586. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. This splendid establishment is about the oldest in Wellington, dating as far back as 1869, its business being confined to hairdressing and tobacco selling, but it has undergone wonderful changes since then. In 1879 it was fitted up with hot and cold baths. These have been increased to ten in number, and other improvements have been made under the new proprietorship. The premises, a two-storied brick and wood building, containing about 3700 square feet of floorage space, are centrally situated in Willis Street, and the spacious and elegant saloon is fitted up in a most luxurious manner, including four comfortable plush seats and lounges. The mirrors are unequalled in the Colony, there being two in particular, twelve feet by eight feet, whilst others, extending from one end of the room to the other, form a complete crystal wall, in front of which are four of the latest American hairdressing chairs. In the centre of the saloon there is a most important feature, a very beautiful service-bowl washstand, marble throughout, costing, without fittings, over £150. Altogether, this saloon is admitted to be one of the best in the Colony. Hairwork is a specialty, and the quality of workmanship is recognised by the patronage of professional and amateur theatricals. There are seven hands employed in the various departments. The shop front always presents an attractive appearance, and the shop is supplied with a large and varied stock of the best brands of tobaccos, cigars, and other tobacconist goods, mostly imported direct from such well-known
Abel, Julius, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Manners Street, Established 1893.
Aldous, Mrs. Priscilla, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, 107 Lambton Quay.
Aldous and Co., Hairdressers and Tobacconists, 22 Manners Street.
ChrA Willis Street. Private residence, 213 Willis Street.
Crilly, William, Tobacconist and Hairdresser, corner of Woodward Street and Lambton Quay. Established 1895. Private residence, Oriental Bay.
Daniel, Edwin Thomas, Tobacconist, 141 Lambton Quay. Established 1895.
Dentice, Vincent, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, 102 Adelaide Road. Established 1886, and conducted by the present proprietor since 1892.
Downes and Turner (Joseph Downes and Thomas Turner), Hairdressers and Tobacconists, 4 Willis Street.
Grant, Henry, Hairdresser, 13 Ingestre Street.
Haynes, Charles, Hairdresser, Molesworth Street.
Herman, John, Hairdresser, 49 Cuba Street.
Hunter, Mrs. Deborah, Tobacconist and Hairdresser, corner of Tory Street and Courtenay Place. Established 1890.
Miller, G. J., Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Willis Street.
Mills, Harry W., Hairdresser, Cameo Hairdressing Saloon, Willis Street.
Morris, Jacob, Cigarette Manufacturer and Tobacconist, 20 Willis Street. Established 1895.
Piper, William, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, 48 Manners Street. Established 1895, and conducted by the present owner since 1892.
Reid, Charles, Hairdresser, 75 Taranaki Street.
Simpson, B., Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Willis Street. Established 1896.
Solomon, Frederick Myer, Tobacconist, Charlotte Street. Established 1893.
Turner, John Lawrence, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, 85 Tory Street.
Wahren and Staub (Gottfried Wahren and Jacob Alfred Staub), Hairdressers and Tobacconists, 173 Lambton Quay. Established 1886.
Webster, George, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, 48 Riddiford Street, Established 1892. Private residence, 64 Daniel Street.
White, George Stewart, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, 50 Manners Street. Established 1898.
(David J. Kenny, proprietor), Corner of Willis and Boulcott Streets (opposite Manners Street), Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Albert, Wellington.” Telephone 214. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The Albert, better known as the Old Identities Hotel, was built about the year 1880 by the freeholder Mr. John Plimmer. It occupies a fine corner section, and is of two and three stories in height. There is a wide balcony, which is approached from the billiard and other rooms on the first floor. There are nearly fifty rooms in this fine hotel, of which about ten are parlours, five being situated upstairs. This hotel may be approached by the handsome and convenient private entrance from Boulcott Street. The billiard-room occupies a prominent position, and from the windows a full view of Manners and Willis Streets, two of the busiest streets in the Empire City, is obtainable. The enterprising proprietor has had the tables (two in number), both by Allcock, entirely renovated and re-covered. This room is adorned by paintings of a large number of the old identities of Wellington, and foremost among these is a full life size picture of Mr. E. G. Wakefield, which is said to have cost 150 guineas. There is a good deal of carving about the hotel, at the arch of most of the windows heads have been carved intended to represent old identities. Mr. Kenny, the popular host of this large hotel, was born in Limerick, in the South of Ireland, and came out to the colonies in 1862; attracted by the goldfields. He was for about four years altogether in Ballarat, and other parts of Australia, and came over to the West Coast goldfields in 1866. For about eight years Mr. Kenny resided in Westland, and in 1875 accepted a position in the Lyttelton Gaol as warder, remaining till 1890, when he took the leading hotel in Kaikoura. Having to leave the latter place owing to Mrs. Kenny's health, he had the Albion Hotel in Lyttelton for three years, and left the South Island to take the Albert in Wellington.
(Robert Reid, Proprietor), Willis Street, Wellington. This hotel was established about 1865; the present landlord took possession in May, 1895. It is a wooden building of two stories, and contains good dining room, bar, and four parlours, on the ground floor. Upstairs there are fourteen bedrooms and two sitting rooms. Mr. Reid, the proprietor, was born in Somersetshire, England. He is well-known in Wellington as the late manager of the Working Men's Club, a position which he held for nine years. The members are indebted to him for the successful management of that institution; during his term of office the membership increased from one hundred to eight hundred. [Since this article was set up the hotel has been completely gutted by fire. The house is to be re-erected in brick as a three-story building, which is to contain large accommodation for the public].
(A. I. Masters, proprietor), corner of Adelaide Road and Sussex Square. Wellington. Telephone 774. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. This well-knw n hostelry was built in 1875, and was for a time conducted by Mr Richards, then the owner. Several landlords have had possessior since that gentleman handed over the house to his successor. The last licensee was Mr. A. H. Bennie, who transferred his interests to the present occupant—Mr. A. I. Masters—who is referred to on page 409 as Secretary of the Central Club, which position he vacated in February, 1896, to take over this old established house. The Caledonian Hotel, of which an engraving appears herein, is a two-storied building of wood and iron, with verandah and balcony on two sides. On the ground floor, in addition to the bar, there is a large and well-furnished dining-room, capable of accommodating fifty persons; three comfortable sitting rooms; a large, well-lighted billiard-room, containing a Burroughs and Watts' table; kitchen, and other conveniences. On the first floor, there are ten good bedrooms, a private sitting-room for ladies and families, bathroom, and lavatories. Mr. Masters, the popular host, is well-known to the public as a genial and kindly man, and under his care the Caledonian will be well conducted, and the requirements of travellers will be well supplied.
(John Pyke, Proprietor), Cambridge Terrace, Wellington. This hotel is situated in a very pleasant part, and from the balconies an excellent view of the harbour and city may be obtained. On the ground floor are the public and private bars, three private sitting rooms, dining room, billiard room, kitchen and scullery. Upstairs there are nine bedrooms and two sitting rooms, and lavatories with hot and cold water laid on. The domestic part of the house is under the supervision of Mrs. Pyke, and the greatest care is taken to insure the comfort of boarders, the tariff being only 25s. per week. Attached to the hotel are commodious stables, where all sorts of conveyances and horses may be obtained. Mr. Pyke, who entered into possession in January, 1896, has had considerable experience in the business. Born in Somersetshire, England, in 1855, he came to New Zealand, by the ship “Clarence,” in 1873. As a sportsman, he is a good shot, and has won several trophies.
(Arthur R. V. Lodder, Proprietor), Lambton Quay, Wellington. This well-known hostelry occupies a central position in Lambton Quay. It is a three-story brick structure, containing large accommodation for boarders and visitors. For some years it was conducted by Mr. John Orr, together with the present proprietor, under the style of Oir and Lodder. Mr. Orr has recently retired from the firm.
(Robert Darroch, Proprietor), Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telegraphic address: “Club, Wellington.” Telephone 71; P.O. Box 257. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. This fine hostelry was established about the year 1877, and was in the early part of 1895 taken over by the present proprietor. It is a splendid structure of three stories, having large frontages to Lambton Quay and Johnston Street. The hotel is conveniently situated, being but two minutes' walk from the Post Office, about the same distance from the Law Courts, and but little further from the Government
(Hamilton Gilmer, Proprietor), James Stevenson, Manager; Willis and Victoria Streets, Wellington. Telephone 186; P.O. Box 256. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. This well-known hostelry, reputed to be one of the best commercial houses in the Colony, was established over forty years ago. The present proprietor, whose name is familiar as a landlord, owns the freehold of this fine property, which extends right through from
chef de cuisine, and there is no wonder that the table d'hote is well patronised by city men. The Empire Hotel is centrally situated in one of the busiest thoroughfares of the City, and is not far from the Post Office, banks, and shipping.
(Herbert Walter Worger, proprietor), Ghuznee Street, Wellington. This hotel is one of the oldest established in the city, and has only recently been taken over by Mr. Worger. The building, which contains three sitting rooms, besides dining and commercial rooms, has been re-furnished quite recently, and everything has been done to make the hotel a popular resort. There is a spacious room on the ground floor adapted for meetings.
(James Crawford, Proprietor), Cuba Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This hostelry was established in 1870, and has been conducted by Mr. Crawford since 1890. It is a two story wooden building, having twelve bedrooms upstairs, there being three good sitting-rooms as well as the dining-room and bar on the ground floor. Mr. Crawford has had experience in the trade at Opunake and the Hutt. He is the inventor and patentee of a “starting machine,” which is described under the heading “Wellington Racing Club.”
(Mrs. Moeller, Proprietress), corner Lambton Quay and Johnston Street, Wellington. Telephone 91; P.O. Box 257. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Telegraphic address, “Occidental,” Wellington. This well-known hotel was founded about the year 1875, by the late Mr. Moeller, who had previously carried on the Empire Hotel for some years. Mr. Moeller died in 1886, and since that time, the house has been conducted by his widow, the present proprietress. The Occidental Hotel—so well-known as a leading commercial house—is a fourstory building, chiefly of brick. It contains, in all, about sixty-five rooms, of which fifty are bedrooms, all well and comfortably furnished in every respect. The large dining-room, commercial, smoking, reading, and writing rooms, together with the bar, are situated on the ground floor, and are elegantly appointed. On the first flat there is a remarkably fine drawing-room, devoted chiefly to the use of ladies and families. The wants of commercial men are met by the eight fine sample-rooms which are attached to this popular house. Mrs. Moeller herself personally conducts the establishment, assisted by a competent manager.
(Mrs. Ormsbee, proprietress), Willis Street, Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Oriental, Wellington.” The Oriental Hotel, which was originally known as the Melbourne,” was established nearly twenty years ago. It is a large iron building, three stories in height and contains fifty rooms, of which at least some forty-two are bedrooms. Of the four large sitting-rooms, two are devoted to the use of ladies. The dining-room is on the ground floor, and is a really pretty apartment, splendidly lighted on three sides. Two large tables are placed down the middle of the room, and eight smaller ones ranged along the sides, the seating accommodation being sufficient for sixty-five persons. The Oriental Hotel has, under Mrs. Ormsbee's management, become noted for its excellent luncheon provided from 12 to 2 p.m. daily, at a cost of 1s. per head. More than 100 persona take advantage of this specialty every day. The accommodation for boarders and visitors may be characterised as perfect; and in nearly all the numerous bedrooms, which are all comfortably furnished, rich draperies are conspicuous. Night and day porters are kept alternately on duty. There are two bath-rooms with hot and cold water supplied, and in addition to the rooms in the hotel, Mrs. Ormsbee has a comfortable cottage situated in Dixon Street, where there are five bedrooms. The proprietress of the “Oriental” is well known in Wellington. She has had thirty years' experience in hotel-keeping, and was originally at the Prince of Wales Hotel at Wanganui, afterwards purchasing the Waitotara Hotel, She came to Wellington in 1886, and took over the Central Hotel, where she was very popular. Subsequently she occupied the Queen's Hotel on Lambton Quay for four years, and has been in her present place of business since 1893. Mrs. Ormsbee has made her shilling luncheon a specialty in the various hotels which she has so successfully conducted in Wellington, and it is by no means less successful at the Oriental than it was in the previous houses.
(G. Y. Dennis, Proprietor), corner of Riddiford and Donald McLean Streets, Newtown, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This hostelry is a two-story wooden building of imposing appearance, containing thirty or more rooms, about twenty of which are well-furnished bedrooms. There are ten sitting rooms and parlours, including a large billiard room supplied with two fine tables recently imported, and a fine dining-room.
(Edward Wilson, Proprietor), Grey Street, Wellington. Telephone 516; P.O. Box 225. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This central hotel was established about the year 1870. The present proprietor took it over on the 11th of April, 1891, and has done much to increase the popularity of the house. Though not having an extensive frontage to the street, the hotel is large and commodious, having on the ground floor the public and private bars, three sitting-rooms, dining-room with accommodation for seventy persons, kitchen and lavoratories. On the first floor is situated the billiard-room—one of the best in the City. It is fitted with two of Alcock's tables, and is lighted by electric light. Adjoining the billiard-room is a very nicely appointed commercial room, which is supplied with a piano. There are eight bedrooms on this floor, and also bath-rooms and lavoratories. The second floor contains twenty bedrooms, and a private sitting-room, with two pianos. Fire escapes have been constructed from the upper floors of the hotel.
was born in Cumberland, England, in 1840. When only nine years of age he entered upon the task of earning a living by working in a coal mine—the property of the Earl of Lonsdale—at Whitehaven, and after five years' experience he was apprenticed to the trade of a colliery mechanic. The fact that a boy of nine years could be found at work in a coal mine shows how little
(Patrick William Corby, Proprietor), Tory Street, Wellington. This hotel has only recently been taken over by Mr. Corby, and has been entirely renovated and furnished throughout. It is situated within three minutes' walk of the Basin Reserve, and is within a stone's threw of the tram line. On the ground floor is the bar, with three sitting-rooms adjoining. The dining room has accommedation for twenty-four persons, and the billiard-room is fitted with one of Alcock's tables. Upstairs there are twelve bedrooms, with private sitting room and piano. Hot and cold water is laid on to the bath, and the lavatories are nicely arranged. Mrs. Corby looks after the domestic part of the hotel. Mr. Corby has had considerable experience in the business, having been for some years host of the Commercial Hotel at Pahiatua.
(George Ross, Proprietor), opposite Government Railway Station, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 354. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. The Royal Hotel has long been favourably known to the travelling public and the citizens of the Empire City. The old portion consists of a two-story wooden building, which has recently been supplemented by a three-story brick building, faced with cement. The new edition is not only the most recent, but it is without doubt the most modern hotel within the Colony. It connects with the old building on the ground and first floors, but every passage of communication is supplied with double sliding fire-proof doors to ensure safety in case of an outbreak of fire, and fixed hydrants with firehose attached are placed in convenient positions within the new building. The new “Royal” is lighted with electric light throughout, the fittings being remarkably handsome, while over the entrance door is a powerful are light of two thousand candle power. Entering the large folding doors, which are of exquisite design, the visitor steps on a magnificent mosaic floor in which the words “Royal Hotel” are inserted. From the splendid hall, access it gained to the commercial-room, which contains every convenience, and by figured glass folding doors to the grand dining-room, where one hundred guests can be banquetted with ease and comfort, the cuisine and attendance being all that can be desired. Behind the dining-room is a capital pantry communicating with the kitchen, in which there is one of the
(Samuel Gilmer, Proprietor) Cuba, Manners, and Dixon Streets, Wellington. Telephone 239; P.O. Box 229. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The Royal Oak Hotel is one of the finest in the City of Wellington, and its proprietor, Mr. Gilmer, is exceedingly popular. With bold frontages to three streets, and within five minutes' walk of the wharf; handsome solid masonry throughout and splendidly decorated and furnished within; with a table second to none in the Colony, it is reasonable that the Royal Oak should be a most popular house. Very large additions are now being made to satisfy the demand of the resident and travelling public for accommodation. The exhibition is to be located within two minutes' walk of the Royal Oak; the Opera House is within a few doors; and the trams converge at the door, the cabstand being within a few yards. The fireproof nature of the hotel is, of course, another source of attraction. The bedrooms of the Royal Oak will most comfortably accommodate 100; and ample drawing room, dining room, writing room, reading room, and sitting room accommodation has been provided. Several of the drawing-rooms are most beautifully and elaborately furnished, and splendid views of the shipping and harbour are obtainable. Everything is of the best quality, and the tariff, though high enough to keep the house select, is by no means excessive. At a special fowl-run, about half a mile from the hotel, a most comprehensive stock of poultry is kept. It is a very large yard, and every precaution is taken to ensure the health of the birds. The Royal Oak is specially patronized by ladies and families, though it is also a great commercial house. Commercial gentlemen desirous of securing permanent sample rooms have a fine choice in the immediate neighbourhood. Though situated in the very centre of Wellington, and though almost always crowded with visitors and regular boarders, the Royal Oak is one of the very quietest hotels in the City. It is thoroughly well looked after, the proprietor being in this respect most ably assisted by Mrs. Gilmer. No one has the least hesitation in recommending the Royal Oak as a decidedly first-class hotel.
(J. T. Gray, proprietor), Molesworth Street. Wellington. Telephone 826. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This hotel was taken over in 1893 by the present proprietor. It has been thoroughly renovated, and entirely new furniture and fittings put into the building. During the session, the hotel is said to be taxed to its utmost, it being a general resort of the members of the House of Representatives. The house is splendidly fitted up with all conveniences, and is within sight of the Parliamentary Buildings.
(Charles H. Gillespie, proprietor), Tinakori Road, Wellington. This well-known hostelry was established in 1870 by the present proprietor, who has conducted the business continuously to the present time. The house is replete with every convenience for a well-appointed hotel, and visitors may rely upon receiving the best attention. Mr. Gillespie was among the earliest settlers of Port Nicholson. Born in 1832 in Cupar, Fifeshire, Scotland, he left Gravesend per ship “Birman” with his parents on the 13th of October, 1841, arriving in Wellington on the 1st of March, 1842. For the first four years of his colonial life Mr Gillespie found employment in various business places, and gained some knowledge of the trade of a carpenter. In 1846 his father and brother were tomahawked by the Maoris at the Hutt. This double murder was a sad calamity for the family, and Mr. Gillespie, then a lad of fourteen, had to do something to help his mother. Before he was fifteen he obtained a place as cook on a coasting schooner, which he retained for some time. Mr Gillespie remembers the earthquakes of 1848, when all business was suspended, and the churches were thrown open for divine service. At times the shocks were so severe that it was not possible to stand. When the Victorian diggings were discovered the subject of this notice crossed the Tasman Sea, and spent some five or six years there. In 1858 he returned to Wellington, where he has been a resident ever since. For some years he followed his trade as a carpenter, but in the year 1867 became proprietor of the Karori Hotel, Tinakori Road. This he did not retain for long, but again returned to his trade. In 1870 Mr Gillespie established the Shepherd's Arms Hotel, which he has successfully conducted to the present day. He has long been interested in Friendly Societies, and was one of the founders of the Foresters' Order in Wellington. In Court Sir George Grey, A.O.F., he has
(Reuben Morrish, proprietor), Adelaide Road, Wellington. This hotel is situated adjacent to the Tramway Stables and Workshops, and the business done is mostly in outdoor trade, which is very large indeed. The hotel itself—a rather old building, but in good repair—contains eight rooms on the ground floor and fifteen upstairs. Mr. Morrish has been in possession since 1894, and has had a large experience in the business, having been providore and steward of the steamers “Huia” and “Stormbird” for some fifteen years. He was also in the hotel business in Hawera. Visitors to this house may depend upon the best attention.
(F. J. McGovern, proprietor), 70 Cuba Street, Wellington. Telephone, 969. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This hostelry was named after the ship “White Swan,” which was wrecked on the coast between Auckland and Wellington while bringing some members of Parliament to attend the first session held in the Empire City. The building, which is a two story brick structure containing twenty rooms, has eighty feet frontage by a depth of 100 feet. There is a well-kept ten-stall stable attached to the hotel. The landlord, who hails from Ireland, arrived in Lyttelton in 1878, and was for many years in Kaitangata, where he built the Club Hotel, and afterwards the first theatre. Mr. McGovern, who was several times elected President of the Kaitangata Caledonian Society, sold his interests in 1894, and settled in Wellington.
Albion Hotel (Mrs. M. Butler, Proprietress), Courtenay Place. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1858. Conducted by Mrs. Butler since 1890.
Bank Hotel (E. F. Scholefield, Proprietor), Manners Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established many years ago.
Barrett's Hotel (Albert White, Proprietor), Lambton Quay.
Brunswick Hotel (George Evans, Proprietor), corner of Willis and Ingestre Streets.
Central Hotel (A. L. Levy, Proprietor), Lambton Quay. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Conducted by Mr. Levy since June, 1894.
City Hotel (Christopher Ryan, Proprietor), corner of Majoribanks Street and Clyde Quay. Conducted by present proprietor since February, 1896.
Clyde Quay Hotel (Archibald Merlet, Proprietor), Clyde Quay. Taken over by present proprietor in 1895.
Cricketers' Arms Hotel (Alexander Smith, Proprietor), Tory Street.
Duke of Edinburgh Hotel (Mrs. K. Isaacs, Proprietress), 2 Manners Street.
Grosvenor Hotel (Robert Barclay, Proprietor), corner of Hankey Street and Wallace Street.
Masonic Hotel (Michael Killeen, Proprietor), Cuba Street.
Metropolitan Hotel (Henry Lahman, Proprietor), Molesworth Street.
Nag's Head Hotel (Morris Nathan, Proprietor), Cuba and Dixon Streets.
National Hotel (Thos. White, Proprietor), 147 Lambton Quay. Bankers Union Bank of Australia. Established 1847.
Newtown Hotel (Wm. Henry Back, Proprietor), Riddiford Street.
New Zealander Hotel (John Knox Hamilton, Proprietor), 44 Manners Street.
Panama Hotel (Moses McCarthy, Proprietor), Taranaki Street.
Pier Hotel (Mrs. James Condon, Proprietress), Customhouse Quay. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
Princess Hotel (George Wm. Chandler, Proprietor), Molesworth Street, Thorndon. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1869.
Princess Theatre Hotel (Thomas Kelly, Proprietor), Tory Street. Bankers Bank of New Zealand. Established 1877.
Queen's Hotel (W. N. Tucker, Proprietor), 163A Lambton Quay.
Railway Hotel (James Dealy, Proprietor), 40 Thorndon Quay.
Royal Tiger Hotel (Mark Blythe, Proprietor), corner of Abel Smith Street and Taranaki Street. Established 1858.
Star Hotel (Donald McDonald, Proprietor), Lambton Quay. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Conducted by present proprietor since September, 1895.
Star and Garter Hotel (Mrs, Kate Herbert, Proprietress), corner of Webb and Cuba Streets. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia.
Te Aro Hotel (W. G. Ryland, Proprietor), Willis Street.
Terminus Hotel (Alfred Crossey, Proprietor), Courtenay Place. Taken over by present proprietor in November, 1895.
Thistle Inn (F. S. Cooper, Proprietor), Mulgrave Street.
Victoria Hotel (Patrick Dwyer, Proprietor), Abel Smith Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
Wellington Hotel (Arthur Haywood, Proprietor), Molesworth Street.
Western Hotel (H. J. Walter, Proprietor), 11 Willis Street.
(Private Hotel—George Bodley, Proprietor), No. 47 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Bodley's, Wellington.” Telephone 251. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. It has long been a reproach to Wellington that there has not been a private hotel, at which visitors might stay and be comfortable. This reproach is at last removed, and in a very effective way, Mr. Bodley established himself in Wellington in 1889, and from that time he has been exceedingly successful. Beginning in a rather small way opposite the Bank of New Zealand, he several times increased the dimensions of his premises; and, in 1895, built the first two stories of his present establishment. The extra accommodation thus afforded was almost immediately absorbed by his growing connection, and the two stories now added soon became an absolute necessity. The “Vaudeville” contains a hundred rooms, and will accommodate about a hundred visitors. It is of brick and plaster throughout, the front being of pressed bricks with sufficient plaster in imitation of stone to produce a very pleasing effect. The “Vaudeville” is being fitted up with every modern convenience, including the electric light. There are no fewer than nine bath-rooms, all fitted with hot and cold water, besides numerous lavatories, etc. Separate drawing and dining rooms are provided for gentlemen and ladies and gentlemen, besides several smaller sitting, reading and writing rooms. Mr. G. G. Schwartz is the architect, and Messrs. Lamb and Sons are the builders now completing the additions. Mr. Bodley is determined that his hotel shall be popular. His choice of site could hardly be beaten. Situated in Lambton Quay, the principal street in town, and exactly facing Grey Street, leading straight to the wharf, from which it is distant less than two minutes' walk, within a stone's cast of all the banks and the Post Office, and quite close to all the shipping offices—it would be difficult to suggest a better site. The cabstand is near enough to be exceedingly handy, yet not close enough to be objectionable, while all the trams, coaches and 'buses pass the door. The Café is well patronized, which is not surprising when it is remembered that for a dinner of four courses tickets may be had for 9s. the dozen of 5s. the half-dozen. The tariff for visitors is 4s. 6d. per day—wonderfully cheap considering all the advantages offered by this really fine hotel. All kinds of summer drinks, strawberries and cream, raspberries and cream, and all
(Mrs. Austin, proprietress), Exchange Buildings, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Mrs. Austin is a native of Croyden, England. She came to New Zealand per ship “Crusader,” in 1872, her destination being Lyttelton. Her experience in her present line of business has been very considerable, and during the past four years she has most successfully managed and conducted the establishment known as “Willow Bank Boardinghouse.” The Don Refreshment Rooms, which are situated on the ground floor of the Exchange Buildings—more familiar to the old residents of the Empire City under the original appellation of the Athenæum—are very comtortably fitted up. The upstairs rooms are devoted to the use of ladies, who can thus have private refreshment and other rooms at any time. Fronting Lambton Quay, are two large and handsome windows, which display to the best advantage the choice and varied assortment of appetising viands which are kept in stock. Mrs. Austin is a capital manager, and under her direction her numerous visitors are promptly supplied with all kinds of light refreshments in the shape of tea, coffee, cocoa, light meat dishes tastefully prepared, and dainty suppers, etc.
Private Boarding House, Kensington House, H
(W. H. Swain, proprietor), 125 Lambton Quay, (corner of Woodward Street), Wellington. This hotel—a two-story building—is newly fitted up, and contains a large and well-ventilated dining hall, capable of seating seventy persons. Smoking and sitting-rooms, and a hairdressing saloon and tobacconist's shop are also on the ground floor. On the first floor are fourteen cheerful bedrooms, all well appointed and carefully tended. This house—originally the Branch Hotel—has already proved very convenient for many who require comfortable quarters at a pound a week, the tariff charged. Mr. Swain has had long experience as a caterer, both afloat and ashore, and is personally popular.
(Harry Price, proprietor), 54 and 56 Willis Street, Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Trocadero, Wellington.” Telephone 735. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. The Trocadero occupies a foremost place among the restaurants of Australasia, and, indeed, would not suffer by comparison with many gastronomic establishments in European cities. The building, which is of two stories, and comprises 10,000 square feet of space, has undergone considerable renovation and structural alteration. The frontage is handsome and imposing, and the interior is a wealth of artistically blended colour, and does great credit to the skill and judgment of the decorator, Mr. Emil Balmüller, now of Wellington and formerly of the School of Berlin. The rooms are illuminated by electric light, and at night when the forty-five lamps are alight, the interior presents a brilliant spectacle. The visitor on entering finds himself in a spacious vestibule. To the left is the general dining-room, a well-lighted, roomy apartment with a capacity to comfortably seat seventy persons, and near the entrance are the manager's office and pay counter. To the right is a well-equipped reading-room, comfortably furnished. Ascending the
(Mrs. Austin, proprietress), top of Plimmer's Steps, off Lambton Quay, Wellington. This old-established house, which has been used as a boardinghouse for a very great number of years, has been conducted by Mrs. Austin since 1891. It is a large rambing building, and contains twenty-three rooms, of which seventeen are bedrooms, providing accommodation for from twenty to thirty permanent boarders. The dining-room is large and convenient, and is very comfortably furnished. A good table is kept, and is lavishly supplied not only with the necessaries of life, but with a great many of the luxuries. Cooking is a matter of no small importance; therefore au experienced chef is engaged, whose attention to details leaves nothing to be desired. “Willow Bank” possesses a cosy sitting-room and dining-room set apart for the use of ladies. It is a most popular establishment, and is always well patronised, gentlemen being accommo.
Blane, Mrs. Susan, Private Boarding Establishment, G Courtenay Place.
Brown, W., Steamboat Restaurant, Waring Taylor Street.
Burkinshaw, Mrs. Sarah, Boardinghouse Keeper, Boulcott Street.
Cullen, Richard, Oyster and Game Dealer, and Restaurateur, 12 Willis Street.
Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Established 1869, and conducted by present proprietor since 1893.
Curtis, Mrs. M., New City Dining Rooms, Lambton Quay. Established 1892.
Dempsie, Mrs. M., A1 Boardinghouse, Taranaki Place.
Eves, Miss, Restaurant Keeper. Thorndon Quay.
Knigge, Mrs. A., Restaurant Keeper, 34 Willis Street.
McDonald, A., Scotia Restaurant, Willis Street.
McRandall, Mrs. B., National Boardinghouse, 126 Willis Street. Estab. 1892.
Malcolm, Miss, Boardinghouse Keeper, 122 Tinakori Road.
Neil, Mrs. M., Restaurant Keeper, 29 Willis Street.
Roberts, R., Old City Dining Rooms, Lambton Quay.
Scott, Samuel, Boardinghouse Keeper, “Te Aro Buffet,” 28 Ghuznee Street.
Walsh, Thomas, Restaurant Keeper, Willis Street.
Watson, Mrs. H., Restaurant Keeper, 46 Lambton Quay.
Waters, Charles, Oyster and Refreshment Rooms, 29 Cuba Street.
Whitehall (Mrs. E. Onyon, Proprietress), Boulcott Street and Plimmer's Steps.
Wood. Thomas, Oyster Saloan, Manners Streat.
Plumber, Gasfitter, and Zinc-worker, Mulgrave Street, Wellington. Telephone 566. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in 1878. Mr. Adams undertakes every description of work in his line, but makes a specialty of sanitary and hot water engineering. For this purpose he imports the latest sanitary appliances. His works, which are situated in an iron building, having 600 square feet of floorage space, contain a guillotine, lathes, curving machinery, and other plant necessary for the work. Mr. Adams, who hails from “the little village of London,” and came to the Colony in 1873, was apprenticed to Mr. G. Welch, of Stratford, Since residing in the Empire City, Mr. Adams has shown active interest in the fire brigade, in which he holds the rank of lieutenant, a position which he has filled for fourteen years. In friendly societies he has also been prominent, and as president of the Wellington Working Men's Club, which he considers the best institution of its kind in the Australasian colonies, Mr. Adams has done good work
(John Alexander and Frederick William Smith), House and Ship Plumbers, Gasfitters, etc., Mercer Street, Wellington. Telephone 901. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand, Te Aro. Private residence, Elizabeth Street. This business was established in 1893 in a small workshop in Victoria Street, and the operations of the firm for the first four months were on a comparatively insignificant scale. As time progressed the amount of business steadily increased, and the fact that work undertaken, was completed in a satisfactory manner tended still further to popularise the firm and increase the volume of their trade. The original premises consisted of a ground floor building, which soon became too small. Messrs. Alexander and Co. therefore transferred their plant to an adjoining building of at least three times the size, where they remained for some months. The shop and factory in Mercer Street, which the firm now possess, is large and convenient, affording a total floorage space of upwards of 8200 square feet, the building being a substantial brick edifice of one story in height. A first-rate gasengine of four-horse-power is used for the purposes of the works, and this has proved invaluable as a motor. Messrs. Alexander and Co. have a complete up-to-date plant for the manufacture of spouting of all sizes and varieties of shapes. They are assiated by a competent staff of from twelve to twenty hands. Regular shipments are received from England and the Continent of Europe. These comprise packages of sheet sine, block tin, and pig lead, all of which are used by the firm in their manufacturing trade. Bronze and brass goods of most fashionable designs are also included among the lines imported by this progressive firm. Gasoliers and gas-fittings of divers kinds, suitable for private dwellings, hotels, shops, offices, etc., are kept in stock. The firm have a good assortment of electrio light appliances, and these are displayed in the showwindow which is frequently illuminated during the evenings, and looks very pretty. They contract for supplying and completing the electric lighting, gas-fitting, draining and plumbing work for large or small buildings, and it is creditable to Messrs. Alexander and Co. that though so young a firm, they have already earned the reputation of being able to carry out large works to a successful issue. It will be sufficient to name the new central building of the New Zealand Government Life Insurance as an instance of the manner in which the work of this firm is performed. This large contract was undertaken and completed within the first twelve months. Their trade mark is “J. A. W.,” in a diamond. Mr. Alexander is a native of Shrewsbury, coming to Wellington per ship “Hudson” in 1879. He was apprenticed to Mr. Thomas Ballinger, completing his term in 1886. He continued in the same shop for seven years, rising to the position of foreman, when he had fifty hands under his direction. Mr. Smith is a Yorkshireman, who came to the Colony per ship “La Hogue” in 1874, and served his time with Mr. Lawrie, when Mr. Ballinger was foreman. He had nearly twenty years' experience in the same shop. Both partners have successfully passed the examinations of the City of London Guilds and Institute in theoretical and practical plumbing: Mr. Alexander in 1893, first-class ordinary, and 1894 in the second-class with honours; Mr. Smith in 1894, first class ordinary and the bronze medal. The machinery includes guillotines, curving rollers, and all appliances for the manufacture of spouting, ridging,
(William Henry Ballinger and Arthur Samuel Ballinger), Plumbers, Waring Taylor and Maginnity Streets, Wellington. Telephone 99; P.O. Box 18. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Branch establishment, Petone. This extensive plumbing and plumbers' manufacturing and importing business was established upwards of twenty years ago, by the late Mr. J. W. Ballinger, father of the present proprietor, who entered into possession about fifteen years ago. From small beginnings, it has grown to quite a big concern. The proprietors are both practical men, but the first-named partner devotes most of his attention to the outdoor and commercial work of both branches, while Mr. Arthur Ballinger superintends the manufacturing departments of the main factory. The premises are partly of brick and partly of wood, the front portion being two stories. Over the shop and offices is a large showroom. Immediately behind this building is the fitting shop, also two stories, and in the rear of this again and fronting Murphy Street is a large brick workshop, wh
Ballinger, Thomas, and Co., Limited (Thomas Ballinger, Managing Director; D. M. Fuller, Secretary), Sanitary Plumbers, Gasfitters, Electric Light Installers and Fitters, Electric and other Bellfitters, Coppersmiths and Manufacturers of Spouting, Ridging, Down-Piping and every description of Sheet Metal Goods, Lead-Headed Nails and Fine Corrugated Iron; Empire Spouting and Ridging Manufactory and Curving Works, 33 Victoria Street, Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Thomas Ballinger, Wellington.” Cable addresses, private through Reuter. Code, A.B.C., 4th edition. Telephone 197; P.O. Box 324. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence of managing director, Boulcott Street. This extensive business was established by Mr. Thomas Ballinger in 1876, more than ten years before the land was reclaimed on which the present factory stands. The Company now carrying on the business was established in October, 1893. The trade of the Company extends throughout the North and a considerable portion of the South Island. The imports are mainly from England, America and the Continent of Europe. The agencies of the firm include Paskinson's gas burners, Joynor and Co.'s gas fittings and Douglas's bath heaters. The bath heater is on the latest improved design, and Mr. Ballinger confidently recommends it as a cheap and particularly economical water heater. The premises of Messrs. Thomas Ballinger and Co., Limited, are of concrete throughout. The frontage to Victoria Street is sixty feet by a depth of eighty. The floorage space is about 8000 square feet, a portion of the building being of two stories. This portion is used for the storage of stock of all kinds, most of the manufacturing being done on the ground floor. An exceedingly convenient travelling crane commands the length of the building, and delivers the heavy material alongside all the principal machines. The machinery in use for sponting and ridging is said to be the finest in the Colony, if not the colonies. The guillotine is a machine of immense power, capable of cutting sheets of iron seven feet long and up to an eighth-of-an-inch in thickness. For the manufacture of O G spouting two splendid machines are used. Though each is capable of all the operations needed, in practice it is found more convenient to use the lighter one to put on the beads, and the heavier machine for the other four operations, which, by the way, are done at one stroke. The great advantage of this machine is that all the spouting made from the same die is necessarily uniform, and may be matched at any time without the slightest difficulty, whereas great variation is almost unavoidable where the last four operations are performed separately. All the ridging is made with the lighter of these two machines. All these machines are driven by a Ramabotham three cylinder water engine of three and a-half horse power, which is a most economical engine. Similar engines may be procured from the firms, and they are highly recommended by all who have tried them. The flattening, curving and blocking machines are all on a good scale; and the same may be said of the lead-headed nail plant. A very large trade is done in this line. There are also appliances for tinning and galvanizing. One particular line for which this establishment is noted is a fine pattern of corrugated iron. The corrugations are astonishingly neat; and when painted, this iron looks like anything but what it is. In a country where the regulation style of corrugated iron is so excessively used, that no “get up” in the matter of painting can disguise it, it is a great boon to be able to get rid of the dulling effect of sameness without appreciably increasing the cost of the altered material. Electric light fitting is another speciality of the firm. Some of the best installations in the City have been carried out by them, comprising jewellers', drapers', and butchers'shops, printing offices, and private residences. Messrs. Thomas Ballinger and Co. are to be complimented on the progress they have made in this newly added branch of their business. Private electric lighting had hardly been started in Wellington when Mr. Ballinger took steps to make himself master of its intracacies, and he has now a trained staff well qualified to undertake the work. That Messrs. Thomas Ballinger and Co. can execute electric light wiring and fitting at satisfactory prices is well known. They have recently secured the contract for the Exhibition, being the lowest among a number of well-known tenderers. At the Wellington Exhibition, 1885, Mr. Ballinger gained six first awards and the silver medal.
Twenty or more hands are employed by Messrs. Ballinger and Co., and their operations as to starting or dismissing are controlled by an electric bell. The business of the firm has gone on steadily increasing, and will no doubt continue to grow. The managing director, Mr. Thomas Ballinger, thoroughly understands his business, and takes a wonderful interest in it both practically and theoretically. As proof of this it need only be mentioned that at the examinations of the Institute of the City and Guilds of London, 1894, Mr. Ballinger gained first prize silver medal. Considering that this honour was striven for by no less than 1253 competitors, from all parts of the British Dominions, Mr. Ballinger may fairly be said to have won honours for the Colony as well as himself. It is but reasonable that such a victory should have a powerful effect on the Company's business; for as everyone knows, plumbing, and especially sanitary plumbing, is a branch of trade that needs all the help from science—practical and theoretical—that can possibly be brought to its aid. Householders cannot, reasonably speaking, pay too much attention to the matter of absolutely correct drainage. The
the Managing Director of the Company which bears his name, was born in London in 1852, and is the second son of the late Mr. J. Ballinger, for many years well known in Wellington. The family left London for Victoria in 1857, and remained there a few years, during which time the subject of this notice made use of such educational advantages as offered themselves in the early days of that colony. It was not long, however, before the attention of Mr. Ballinger, senr., was attracted to New Zealand at the time of the gold fever, and subsequently he reached Invercargill at the time of the “rush” there. His family soon followed him in the “Seashell,” a smart sailing craft which accomplished the trip in six days, considered a wonderfully short time for a “sailer” even now. The old “Hero”—a steamer probably better known to early colonists than any other—was coming across at the same time bringing a letter to Mr. Ballinger to acquaint him of the sailing of his family; but the two vessels arrived at the Bluff almost simultaneously. Mr. Thomas Ballinger learned his trade with his father in Invercargill, Dunedin, and finally Wellington, the removal to the Capital City being contemporaneous with that of the Government. Socially and in a semi-public way, Mr. Thomas Ballinger has done a good deal of useful work. He is a member of St. Peter's Vestry, and was a committee man of the Wellington Industrial Exhibition of 1885. Of the Exhibition now being got up Mr. Ballinger is a member of the Executive, and in the Wellington Industrial Association he holds a similar position. In matters of recreation, too, he has taken a considerable interest. Some years ago “Thomas Ballinger's Cricket Club,” composed of himself and employees, carried off many a victory against other trade clubs. More recently, however, Mr. Ballinger has given attention to bowling. He is treasurer of the Wellington Bowling Club; and is always among those chosen to play for the honour of the capital. He was the fortunate “skip” of the rink that won the “champion fours” in the last Northern Bowling Association tournament hold in Auckland, at which there were representative teams from Sydney, Invercargill, and Christchurch, besides teams from all parts of the North Island. In 1875 Mr. Ballinger married Miss E.J. Browne, daughter of the late Mr. George Browne, builder. The family consists of four sons and two daughters. The elder daughter in 1895 carried off an Education Board scholarship, being the youngest competitor to secure that honour. Three of the sons are associated in the Company's business.
(Alexander Bart), Brass Founders, Copper Smiths, Hydraulic and General Engineers, Manners Street, Wellington. Manager, Mr. W. S. Simkin, Head office, Stuart Street,
(William Cable), Iron and Brass Founders, Engineers and Boiler Makers, Lion Foundry, Waterloo Quay, Wellington. Cable and telegraphic address, “Cable, Wellington.” Code, A.B.C. Telephone, 177; P.O. Box 286. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Levy Street. Private telephone, 720. The Lion Foundry was established by Mr. E. W. Mills in 1854 in Aurora Terrace, and removed to Waring Taylor Street and Custom House Quay about 1872. The present proprietor was born in Forfarshire, Scotland, and was apprenticed to his traderear Kirkealdio in Fifeshire from 1862 to 1867. Mr. Cable came out to New Zealand per ship “Otago” in 1869, and, landing at Port Chalmers, for several years thereafter he worked at his trade as a journeyman in Dunedia. Mr. Cable had further experience for about two-and-a-half years as an engineer on board several of the “Union Company's steamers, and in 1878 came to Wellington, having accepted the position of manager of the Lion Foundry. For about three years he filled this responsable position with conspicuous ability, which was recognized by his being offered a partnership in the concern. For a further period Mr. Cable managed the foundry as managing partner in the firm of Mills and Cable. In the year 1883 the senior partner, Mr. E. W. Mills, retired from the business, which was then assumed by Mr. Cable, and has been conducted by him since that time under the style of W. Cable and Co. After a few years it became evident that the old premises in Waring Taylor Street were much too small for the requirements of the trade. Mr. Cable therefore determined to erect suitable accommodation. Having acquired from the Government a large leasehold section in Waterloo Quay, in close proximity to the railway wharf, he designed the fine building in which the large works of the firm are now conducted. The new foundry, which is built of brick, was completed about five years ago by the well-known contractors, Messrs. Barry and McDowall, the total floorage space being about 16,000 square feet. The foundry has five departments, viz :—pattern making, moulding, blacksmithing, turning and fitting, and boiler-making. The machinery is driven by compound condensing horizontal steam engines of fifty-horse-power, which were manufactured at the works. There are between twenty and thirty large machines used at this extensive establishment. About a dozen are lathes, the largest of which will turn up to twenty-seven feet in length, and up to 14 feet in diameter. There are several planing machines, one being a very large one which is capable of planing a piece of machinery twelve feet in length by five feet square. Two large steam hammers and two steam punching machines, one large double-geared set of boilermakers rolls, and ten forges are in use. One very fine over-head travelling crane equal to lifting twenty-five tons is in use in the foundry, and is said to
(phormium tenax), Messrs. Cable and Co. made over 100 flaxdressing machines and several dozen sets of machinery for flax mills. The Lion Foundry has produced a good deal of iron work for large works, including heavy girders for building and for bridge work, two spans for the Porirua Bridge on the Wellington-Manawatu “Railway line having been turned out by the firm. The chimes for the Wellington and Invercargill Post Office clocks, which have been so much admired, were made at this establishment. The firm are sole agents in New Zealand for Fynkara Bailer Fluid for preventing carrosion in boilers, and also agents for Ganz and Co. roller flour mills and electrical machinery, Otis dnplex pumps and Hydraulic Lifts. The engraving herein will give some idea of the interior of these large engineering works. Mr. Cable, the enterprising proprietor, whose portrait is given herewith, was one of the Commissioners of the last International Exhibitions held respectively in Wellington and Melbourne.
(John Thomas Crabtree, William Crabtree and James Crabtree), Iron and Brass Founders and Boiler Makers, City Foundry, Eva Street, off Taranaki Place, Wellington. Telephone 224. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Hopper Street. This firm was established in 1878, by the late Mr. W. Crabtree, father of the present proprietors, who died in 1891. The City Foundry occupies two freehold sections, which contain over 16,000 square feet of land, the whole of which is used in connection with the business, being mostly covered with buildings. A ten-horse-power horizontal steam engine drives the plant, which includes four lathes, two drilling machines, punching and shearing machines, boiler rolls, etc., and a powerful blast furnace. Messrs. Crabtree and Sons employ from twenty to twenty-four skilled hands, and undertake the fitting-up of sawmills, dairy factories, and meat-preserving and boiling-down works. They also turn out machinery for brick and pipe-making, which is a special line, and they may be entrusted with repairing or altering machinery of any kind. They can produce heavy castings, such as girders or columns for bridge construction or for buildings. Another specialty of the firm is the manufacture of tomb railings, and ornamental castings for buildings. It is surprising what a variety of designs of these castings are made by Messrs. Crabtree and Sons; and there is little wonder that they are largely used in the construction of buildings, as they are very ornamental. Messrs. John Thomas and William Crabtree were born in England, and Mr. James Crabtree hails from Tasmania; they were all brought up to the business by their father, and all possess
(John Danks), Brassfounders, Coppersmiths, Plumbers, Gasfitters, and Electroplaters, 10 Brandon Street. Telegraphic address, “Danks. Wellington.” Telephone 43. P.O. Box 120, Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand, This well-known business was established about twenty years ago by Mr. Samuel Danks and his son, Mr. John Danks. The building was one of the earliest of those erected on what was until recently called “the reclaimed land,” but since the more extensive reclamations at Thorndon and Te Aro have monopolized that name, the Lambton made ground has been looked upon as being within the original city boundary. Only the old residents can remember the tide ebbing and flowing where now the stream of commerce flows. Theirs is a fine business, and well situated for a large shipping and general trade. Since the death of Mr. S. Danks, 18th July, 1893, it has become the property of the junior partner, Mr. John Danks, who has practically managed it entirely for many years. The front building is of two stories, with the foundry and works at the back. The ground floor in front is occupied with the shop, the clerk's office, and the cart entrance to the works and iron store, the first floor being devoted to show-rooms, stock-rooms, and Mr. Danks' private office. The brass foundry and works at the rear are well provided with all the requisite machinery, including a twenty-foot lathe, with cutting lathes, brass-finishing lathes, slotting, nibbling, screw-cutting, polishing, and squaring machines, emery wheels, coppersmiths' planishing hammers, a dressing machine, and the dynamo for the electroplating. These machines appear to be carefully kept and well up-to-date. Messrs. Danks and Son do their own brass-founding, and have very handy furnaces for the purpose. The power for driving the rotary machines is obtained by steam. It is very interesting to watch the working of these various machines as they are deftly manipulated by the employees. The polishing machine, for instance, is driven at a speed of nearly 2000 revolutions per minute, and when in motion the wheel seems to be of wood, and capable of great power of resistance, but when stationary it is found to be as soft as silk, and incapable of maintaining its shape. The electroplating, although quite a recent addition to the business, is quite replete with everything requisite for carrying on a large trade in this branch. The business has been built up with the object of progressing, and, should occasion require it, in addition to the number of hands already employed, in times of pressure that number can be very greatly increased, as there is no lack either of machinery or other accommodation. Besides the local trade, the manufactures of the firm are sent to all parts. Messrs. Danks and Son are importers of everything in their, own line of business, and others, “Being in the enviable position of being able to buy at any time, on the best of terms, they send all orders to their Home agent, who purchases in the best markets and despatches with all original invoices. Messrs. Danks and Son are agents for the patentee of the Pemberthy Injector, one of the latest improved appliances for injecting water into steam boilers. As mentioned above, Mr. Samuel Danks closed his earthly career on the 18th July, 1893. His was a useful life, though he had family bereavements sufficient to kill almost any man. He was a native of Wednesbury, but left there for Australia when quite young. When Melbourne was a canvas town he and his brother went into business there and made rapid strides in common with many other early settlers in the palmy days of Victoria. But the climate was unsuitable to him, though his brother. Mr, John Danks, has enjoyed both health and prosperity up
to the present time. While in Melbourne, nine sons and daughters were born, but the present Mr. John Danks, of Wellington, is the-only survivor. At last, for the sake of the father's health, Mr. and Mrs. Danks and their only son took a trip to the Old Country, and twelve months later returned to Melbourne en route for Wellington, New Zealand, arriving there per s.s. “Albion” in 1875. With the proceeds of his share of the Melbourne business, Mr. Danks established himself as mentioned above, taking into partnership his son, who was then a very young man. Not long after arrival in Wellington, a daughter was born, and it was confidently hoped that the bracing air of the breezy Empire City would at least bring her to maturity. But the time came when she too was laid aside, and after a brief illness, left a vacant chair. From this last sad blow Mr. Danks never quite recovered. For nine consecutive years he represented Lambton Ward in the Wellington City Council, where his practical experience was accounted of great value. Notwithstanding his failing health, he was regular and punctual in his attendance, and devoted much of his time to committee work and other public duties. The writer of this article was his fellow-councillor for three years, and is glad of this opportunity of perpetuating the memory of his friend. Mr. Danks was also a member of the Hospital Board for many years, and of the Board of Benevolent Trustees, and was one of the founders of the Home for the Aged Needy. He was a trustee also of Wesley Church, Taranaki Street, where he was a prominent member, and a strong supporter. It is needless to add that Mr. and Mrs. Danks had a very large circle of real friends. The numbers who followed the old gentleman's remains to their final resting place—beside those of the daughter he loved so well—testified how he had been held in respect by all classes. Mrs. Danks still survives her husband; but her health is very precarious, and she looks forward with patient complaisance to being at rest with loved ones gone before. Mr. John Danks has continued his father's
Plumbers, Gasfitters, Electricians, and Sanitary Engineers (Henry Davenport and Robert Henry Davenport), Tinakori Road, Wellington. Telephone 564. Bankers, Colonial Bank. Mr. Henry Davenport is a native of Lancashire, England, and served his apprenticeship “with Mr. McLeod, of the same county. He arrived in New Zealand in 1863, by the ship “ Western,” from Victoria, where he had previously spent some years. On arrival here he resumed his trade as employee, and in 1864 started his present business as plumber, gasfitter, electrician, and sanitary engineer. The chief feature of Messrs. Davenport and Son's business is the manufacture of lead-headed nails, for which they have made their name famous, and are now supplying all parts of the Colony with this article, turning them out in large quantities. On the premises there is a most perfect plant including five machines of a secret kind, invented and constructed by themselves, by which the great difficulty of making a beautifully finished, firm lead-headed nail watertight has been overcome, and the result is that the demand for the nails is rapidly increasing. There are three hands employed on the premises at present, and Messrs. Davenport and Son are to be congratulated upon the cuccess of their venture.
Electrical Engineer, 14 Princes Street, Wellington. Telephone, 714. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. In January, 1895, Mr. Dawson entered into business on his own account, as above. Born in the world's metropolis in 1860, and educated at a private technical school at Islington, he served his time in the engineering department of the Great Northern Railway Company, completing a term of seven years. Mr. Dawson came to New Zealand via Australia, crossing over the Tasman Sea to Wellington in the ill-starred “Tararua,” and arriving in April, 1880. For some time after landing, he undertook such casual work as could be obtained, the age of electricity not having arrived. It may fairly be said that Messrs. Edgar A. Ashcroft and Co. Limited, introduced electric lighting into Wellington, in which Mr. Dawson assisted as leading fitter during the three years that firm continued in the Empire City. When the Gulcher Company arrived, Mr. Dawson accepted employment as electrician, a position which he retained till the transfer of the business to the New Zealand Electrical Syndicate, with whom he continued, remaining altogether with the two companies about seven years. On founding the present business, Mr. Dawson took over the fitting staff from the syndicate, and has been able to find steady work for them up to the time of writing. He has done the principal part of the electrical work in Wellington, either on his own or on the Companies' behalf. While employed by them, he completed the following installations :—The Wellington Junior, Central, and Working Men's Clubs, the Free Public Library, a good deal of the Government Life Offices and of the Parliamentary Buildings, the Longburn, Wanganui, and Wellington Freezing Works, besides many others. Since commencing business, he has installed the Government Departmental Buildings, the Supreme Court Library, the New Commercial Travellers' Club, Messrs. E. W. Mills and Co.'s new warehouse, Mr. Kirkcaldie's residence, and a great many others. Having completed arrangements whereby he is able to supply the latest and finest designs in electric light fittings, Mr. Dawson is able to contract for large or small installations. Several very flattering press notices have appeared from time to time respecting the work executed by this well-known electrician.
(Henry Ernest Dryden and William Henry Guilford), Licensed Waterworks and General Plumbers, Gastitters, and Sanitary Engineers, 1 Ghunznee Street. Private residences: Mr. Dryden, Karori; Mr. Guildford, Parliament Street. Both partners are natives of the Colony. Mr. Dryden was appientiesl to J. E. Hayes and Co., plumbers, gasfitters, and sanitary engineers, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Having given close attention to all departments of the trade, he duly completed his term in 1887, and at once set about to commence in business on his own behalf. In the following year, 1888, he established the present business, and conducted the same successfully till 1893. In the latter year Mr. Guildford, who had finished his apprenticeship with Messrs. Hayes and Co. in 1888, was admitted a partner in the business. Mr. Gaildtord, like his coadjutor, had fully qualified by becoming an expert in all branches of the trade, and both have together worked hard, so as to give satisfaction to their numerous clients. The firm does a consi lerable local, trade, undertaking all descriptions of general plumbing work. They are specially licensed by the City Council authorities as waterwork plumbers. The specialty of their business is sanitary work, such as closets, drains, etc., and hot water fittings in connection with houses, public institutions, or business premises, and in this line they have a considerable connection. The building occupied by the firm is of wood, two stories in height, and affords about 1000 square feet of floor space.
Engineer, 88 Willis Street, Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Fear,
Evening Post. At the rear of the shop is a large workshop containing lathes, and a great variety of smaller tools, besides a gas furnace and many other useful implements. The front portion of the premises is two stories, and in the upper are kept the bulk stock of articles sold below, including every variety of rubber and pneumatic tires for bicycles, sewing machine needles of all kinds, and every description of duplicate parts, machine oils, and numerous other articles. The more bulky goods are kept in a store in Old Customhouse Street. Mr. Fear, the proprietor, was born at Barnstaple, in North Devonshire, England, and was educated at the Wesleyan Day School and Dunstone's Seminary. He was then elected a member of
the Barnstaple Literary and Scientific Institution, where he attended its Science and Art Classes held in connection with the South Kensington, passed its examinations, obtained a full certificate in drawing, and won, just before emigrating, a valuable prize for the best mechanical drawing. He was apprenticed to Messrs. Miller Bros., the well-known lace-makers, of Barnstaple. Messrs. Miller Bros, make all their own machinery, Mr. Fear's father having been in the firm's service over fifty years, part of the time as manager, and it was to that branch of the business that Mr. Fear was apprenticed. On the completion of his term he remained in the employ of the firm until he decided on coming to New Zealand in 1879. The experience which Mr. Fear gained in the manufacture of such delicate machinery as that needed for lace-making, was, of course, of just the right kind to help him in his present line; and it is small wonder that he has so thoroughly secured the confidence of the public. A resident at Kilbirnie for many years past, Mr. Fear has been actively engaged in the public life of the borough. He has been a member of the Borough Council from its foundation, some seven or eight years ago; for six years he was a member of the school committee, occupying the position of chairman for four consecutive years; he has occupied a seat on the licensing bench, has been a trustee of the public reserve, and is now a trustee of the new Wesleyan Church. Mr. Fear is a member of the Rechabite Order, Hope of Wellington Tent.
Star Enginering Works, Crawford Street, South Wellington. Trade mark, “a fivapointed star.” Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. The proprietor of these works, whose portrait appears below, is a native of Bath, England. On completing his education he was articled to the legal profession, but finding mechanics more in harmony with his disposition, he gave up the former, and put his whole time to the study of engineering, and rapidly became expert in that profession. In 1857 he embarked in the ship “John McVicar,” bound for New Zealand, and on his arrival here he was pleased to find the Colony up to his expectations. He followed up the engineering for several years, till, in 1862, he ventured in the sawmilling business at Pelorus Sound, where he continued in that trade with fair success up to 1868, when he again returned to the engineering. In 1871 he came to Wellington, and erected Soap Works, tending to carry on that industry himself. The product of his factory was not encouraged by the local merchants and others who could make more profit by the imported article. However, he conducted these works for four years, when he sold out to Messrs. Kitchen and Son, since which time protective tariffs have greatly assisted local industries. From the date of his arrival in Wellington he has resided in the locality now known as South Wellington, which at that time could only boast of about a dozen houses, but is now the most populous part of Wellington. In 1886 he established, on a small scale, the above works. adding from time to time, as occasion demanded, new and various machinery of the latest principle. In 1891 he let the whole works, but again came into possession in 1893. Until recently the premises might have been easily passed by but for the whirr and buz of the machinery within, and on inspection the observer is astonished to find such important engineering works in this locality. The premises now present quite a different appearance, having been considerably enlarged to meet the increasing demand for space in consequence of the greater business done. They contain about 4500 square feet of floorage space, are built of iron, and two stories high. The plant is a most perfect one in every respect, and comprises five lathes, one six-foot stroke planing machine, one twelve-inch shaping machine, one shearing and punching machine, two drilling machines,
Engineer, Queen's Foundry, Boulcott Street, corner of Church Street, Wellington. Telephone 444. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Church Street. Mr. Glover was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, in 1849, and was educated at the High School, Edinburgh. Apprenticed to Messrs. Balfour and Co., of Durie Foundry, Leven, Fifeshire, on completion of his term he removed to Liverpool, where he worked for six years at the Victoria Foundry, becoming foreman of the machine shop. For a further period of two years he held a leading position in the marine department of Vauxhall Foundry. He was then for two years leading engineer at the London and North Western Docks at Garston, near Liverpool. In 1875 Mr. Glover came to this Colony per ship “Rodney,” After working for six years with Messrs. Robertson and Co., a year with Mr. E. W. Mills at the Lion Foundry, a short time with the Gas Company, and as leading engineer for the Gear Meat Company, in all cases holding important positions, he established the Queen's Foundry in 1885, and has prospered from the first. The buildings, which include a blacksmith's and fitting shop, apart from the foundry occupy a large section of land, the most being made of the area. The fitting shop is neat and compact containing four fine lathes (the largest being upwards of twenty feet long), two fine drilling machines, a planing machine, an emery grinder for knives of all sizes and shapes, and a large variety of smaller machines and tools. The power is supplied both by steam and water. Mr. Glover is the patentee of an improved water-motor, for which he finds a constant demand; and those who have them in use speak most highly of them, as anyone in need of a water-motor may ascertain by calling upon Messrs. Birnbaum and Son, Mr. Arnold, Mr. Hyde, and a number of others whose names Mr. Glover will gladly give. In another part of the works are to be seen a splendid set of rollers for bending large iron plates, and a very large double stamping press, for stamping tops and bottoms of the infinite variety of dairy utensils of which Mr. Glover makes a specialty. The pattern room is over the fitting shop, and is filled from floor to ceiling with patterns of all kinds, including those for a six feet six inch radical drill, now being manufactured by Mr. Glover at a cost of over £250. This department is fitted with band and crosscut machine saws. For the manufacture of dairy utensils and appliances, special machinery is used, including punching, boring, coning, rolling, and folding machines. The articles produced include milk cans, cream cans, cheese rings, gang presses, milk vats, and in fact everything required in the dairy factory, including Mr. Glover's patent a
(John Edward Hayes and Thomas Mack, Plumbers, Gas Fitters, Coppersmiths, and Brass Founders, Wellington Plumbing Works, 105 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 55. P.O. Box 56. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established by Mr. Hayes, the senior partner, in 1870. The firm occupies a two-story wood and iron building, containing fully 1000 square feet of floorage space. A four-horse-power water engine drives the machinery, which includes all the latest and most improved appliances. A large business is done by Messrs. Hayes and Co., as many as from forty to fifty hands being employed.
Farrier, 23 Dixon Street, Wellington. Private residence, Owen Street. Telephone
(Directors: Samuel Luke, Charles M. Luke, and John P. Luke), Engineers, Ship Builders, Boilermakers, and makers of Cooking Ranges, Manners Street, Wellington. Telephone 234. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This business was founded in Wellington in 1876 by Messrs. Gilchrist and Waters, on part of the site at present occupied. The firm of Luke and Son purchased it in 1879, and conducted the business till March, 1895, when the present company was inaugurated. The company have one of the largest works of the kind in the Empire City, the entire premises occupying a space of an acre and a half. The buildings are of iron, and are two stories in height. A thirty horsepower horizontal steam-engine, made by the firm, is used to drive the necessary machinery of the establishment, which is up-to-date in every respect. The usual number of hands employed is from eighty to ninety, but during busy seasons as many as from 130 to 150 are kept hard at work. The firm have built eleven hydraulic cranes for the Harbour Board, and they are the builders of the largest steamghip yet built in the Colony, the s.s. “Matai,” of 300 tons register. They have built many small vessels from fifty to 100 tons, and have manufactured steam cranes for the Government with great success. The specialties of the firm are marine engineering hydraulic and dairying utensils. They hold a patent for cooking ranges, the fame of which has spread throughout the Colony, and orders for their celebrated stoves are received from all parts. The trade mark for these ranges is a representation of a leg of mutton on a dish, with the letters W.E.X.L., and the firm's initials S. L. and Co., written below. Messrs. Luke and Co., Limited, are large importers of all sorts of raw material, including pig, bar, sheet and plate iron, copper and sheet copper, tools of all descriptions, and many other things required in connection with the business. The three directors of the firm were all born at or very near Penzance, in Cornwall, and came to the Colony in 1874, per ship “Waikato,” arriving in Wellington.
Plumber, Gasfitter, and Practical Sanitary Engineer, Buckle Street, Wellington. Telephone 594. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Mr. Nicol is a manufacturer of all kinds of dairy requisites, corrugated tanks, hot-water heaters, lead-headed nails, chimney cowls, circulation cylinders, copper h.p. boilers, heavy zinc baths, and all kinds of sheet metal work of a first-class quality. The hot-water heaters made by the firm are of a very effective construction, and designed for ordinary wood fuel; with a few sticks moderately dry, water can be heated for a bath at the rate of three gallons per minute up to 115 degrees. All descriptions of plumbers' and sanitary goods are kept in stock and supplied at reasonable rates. Special tradesmen are kept for all kinds of plumber's work, hot-water engineering, gasfitting, electric bell and electric light fitting, and sanitary work, including the drainage of private properties. The workmen in Mr. Nicol's employ hold certificates of proficiency, and are specially licensed by the City Corporation. All the work done by the firm is under the personal supervision of Mr. Nicol, who holds a first-class certificate from the City and Guilds of London Institute for the principles and practice of plumber's work.
Mr. Nicol also holds the agency for the patent “Gem Self-lighting Gas Burner,” which is a very ingenious arrangement by which a burner can be kept alight, although to the ordinary beholder it appears to be out. When the full flame is required the chain is drawn down, and the burner is “full on” immediately. “The Gem” is very popular and is selling readily. As a Rechabite, as a member of the Executive of the New Zealand Alliance, and in musical circles, Mr. Nicol is well known. He is greatly respected, and takes more than a passing interest in all matters of reform and public improvement.
Plumber, Gasfitter, Bellhanger, and Coppersmith, Victoria Plumbing Works, 36 Cuba Street, Wellington. Private residence, Sussex Square. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Remington was born in Wellington, his parents being among the pioneers of this Colony, arriving by the ship “London,” over fifty years ago. Mr. Remington, who served his time with Mr. Lawrie, of Wellington, on completing his apprenticeship, went to Australia with the object of enlarging his experience of the trade. While in Melbourne and Sydney he had no difficulty in obtaining employment with the leading firms in his trade, and during his stay there, extending over several years, occupied some good positions. Returning to Wellington in 1876, he worked at the trade till 1879, when he established the above works, which have steadily grown to their present dimensions. The building is of wood and iron, and is two stories high, having a floor space of 2000 square feet. The plant is replete with all the necessary machinery for every branch of the trade, comprising curving rollers, spouting machine, down pipe machine, guillotine knife, lead-headed nail machine, screwing machine, and punching and shearing machine. There are thirteen hands regularly employed, but in busier times there have been as many as thirty-five hands engaged. In addition to plumbing and gasfitting, all kinds of coppersmithing is done on the premises. The articles chiefly manufactured are spouting, ridging, down pipes, and lead-headed nails, etc. Curving of corrugated iron is another special feature in this business. Mr. Remington imports from the best London houses, gas and water fittings, also electric appliances and fittings. The trade extends into the suburbs and country, and some of the best buildings in and about Wellington have been fitted up by Mr. Remington. A large and complete stock of plumber's and gasfitter's requisites are kept on hand, and all work connected with this trade is turned out in an expeditious and satisfactory manner, being personally supervised by the proprietor. Mr. Remington may be congratulated upon possessing so complete a plant, and upon having in his employ none but first-class workmen. His present position is due entirely to his own ability and untiring energy, as he has worked up the present business from much smaller dimensions.
(David Robertson), Ship and General Smiths, Phœnix Iron and Brass Foundry, Old Custom House
Engineer, Practical Saw and Tool Maker, Importer of Sawmillers' materials, Dixon Street. Cable address, “Ross, Wellington.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Ross is a native of Murrayshire, and was apprenticed to Lobnitz and Colburn, of the Clyde, Glasgow. He completed his term in 1872, and subsequently worked in several Scottish saw mills, rising to the position of manager. He arrived in the Colony per ship “Auckland” in 1879, and for some years was working at mills in both North and South Islands. The present business was established in 1888, and has been steadily growing ever since. The building is of wood, two stories, with 1400 square feet floorage space. A gas engine of five-horse-power actual drives the lathes and grinding machines. Mr. Ross is an importer of belting, saws, files, etc. He is agent for McDowall and Sons, Johnstone, Scotland, and Alfred Dongill and Co., Limited, of 31 Great George Street, Leeds (for Otto gas engines). Mr. Ross's business extends throughout the whole Colony. His premises are lighted by electricity generated by a dynamo, which he has fitted up at his works.
Iron and Brass-Founder, Engineer and Boilermaker, Iron Shipbuilder, etc., Victoria foundry, Manners and Victoria Streets, Wellington. Telegraphic and cable address, “Seagar, Wellington.” Telephone 397. Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. Private residence. Ohiro Road. Mr. Seagar was born in Southampton, Hampshire, England, and learned his business in his native town, completing his apprenticeship 1861. As soon as this was accomplished he turned his face to the Colony, arriving in Wellington per ship “Asterope” the same year. After working at
his trade in Wellington for some years, Mr. Seagar accepted the position of manager for Mr. E. W. Mills at the Lion Foundry. While filling this responsible situation, in which he frequently had from 100 to 120 men under his control, Mr. Seagar added largely to his experience. After five years the subject of this notice decided to commence business on his own account, and in the year 1878 the Victoria Foundry was established. The premises are well situated, with frontages to Manners and Victoria Streets. The buildings, which are of wood and iron, and were erected from Mr. Seagar's own designs and under his personal direction, afford ample accommodation for the trade. The boilermaking department contains two large shearing and punching machines, a plate-bending roll, and a drilling machine. These are all heavy machines, and are supplemented by various other smaller appliances. In the smith's shop there are five forges, besides a steam hammer, and all necessary gear and tools. The moulding shop is fitted with a large three-ton crane; there are also two cupolas, as well as a brass foundry. The woodturning lathes are in the patternmakers' department, which is supplied with all needful plant. In addition to the machines already named, there are many others in the fitting shop, including five lathes, the largest of which will turn up to twenty-two feet long by five feet six inches in diameter; a large planing machine which will finish a piece of iron six feet by two feet square; the radio drill, an exceptionally fine implement; there are three fixed drills, and shaping and screwing machinery. The motive power is furnished by a compound horizontal steam-engine of ten-horse-power, which was made at the works. Mr. Seagar has done a great deal of shipbuilding in his time, many of the old-fashioned boats having been reconstructed and fitted with high-pressure boilers, etc. The tug “Westland,” which is 105 feet long by twenty feet beam, was built and supplied with boilers at the Victoria Foundry. In mining machinery Mr. Seagar has done good work; he supplied the pumps, etc., for the Golden Gate, Alice Fell, and Hibernian mines at Mahakipawa. The machinery for the New Zealand Candle Company at Kaiwarra, and many other plants, have been turned out at his works, where from thirty to sixty hands are
(John Smith and Robert Smith), Iron and Brass Founders, Vulcan Foundry, Manners Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Te Aro. The business of Messrs. Smith Brothers was established as far back as 1847, by Mr. John Smith, senior, the father of the present proprietors. In 1878 Mr. Smith retired, and the business has since then been carried by his sons, who learned their trade with their father, and have devoted their lives to the building up of their business. The Smith family arrived in the Colony in 1843, per ship “Phœbe,” landing in Nelson about the time of the Wairau Massacre. Like many others they found the place little like what they expected, and it was some time before they were able to settle down to a satisfactory line of life. The old gentleman still lives, and it is very evident that in those days he was stout of heart and strong of limb. His sons are like him, not afraid of hard work. The Vulcan foundry is entirely managed by them, and a good deal of the most important work passes through their own hands. The premises are of brick, and are well adapted to the business. The machinery includes lathes, drills, punching, and crewing machines, and a host of smaller implements and tools, both steam and water power are used. There are two forges and a blast franace, and in the pattern and moulding shops are every necessary convenience for the carrying on of a good trade. In fancy castings a large business is done, and in all lines Messrs. Smith Brothers may be depended upon for excellent workmanship. They enjoy a good reputation, and are much respected. Mr. John Smith has taken an active partin civic matters. For eight years consecutively he represented Te Aro Ward in the City Council, and after a short absence he was again returned. Further particulars concerning him will be found under the heading of Wellington City Councillors.
Plumber, Tinsmith, Gasfitter, and Drain Layer, 51 Tory Street, Wellington. Telephone 804. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Snaddon was born in Scotland, where he was apprenticed to the trade, completing his term in 1880. He worked as a journeyman till 1884, when he came per s.s. “Catalonia,” to the colonies, landing in Wellington the same year. He worked at his trade as a journeyman until 1887, when he commenced business on his own account. The premises consist of a two-story wood and iron building, built by himself, having a floor space of 500 square feet, and containing all necessary plant for carrying on an extensive business in all branches of the trade. While he has been in business Mr. Snaddon has had a number of responsible contracts entrusted to him, in all of which he has given satisfaction to those employing him. Mr. Snaddon is a member of the Masonic craft. He was also for some time District President of the Druids' Order, and twice chairman of the committee of the Friendly Societies' Demonstration.
Plumber, Gasfitter, Machinist, and Brass Worker, 24 Ghuznee Street, Wellington. Mr. Tattle is a native of London, and was apprenticed to Mr. Knight, of Great Marleybone Street, completing his term in 1865. He worked as a journeyman till 1873, when he embarked on board the “Halcione” Arriving in Wellington, he founded the present business. His work shop is well fitted, and is supplied with a fine lathe by Matheson. Mr. Tattle does all kinds of plumbing, gasfitting, brass finishing, turning, and fitting work. He fits electric bells and designs and makes machines when required. The electric fittings required by Messrs. Ashcroft and Co., Limited, were made by Mr. Tattle.
Gunmaker and Fishing Tackle Dealer, 159 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 591. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, “The Eyrie,” Glenbervie Terrace. Born in Birmingham, England, in 1864, Mr. Tisdall was educated at the Bishop Vesey Grammar School, Sutton Coldfield, near his native town. He learned his trade with his father, the well-known gunmaker, remaining in connection with the business till leaving for New Zealand in 1890. Mr. Tisdall occupies a two-story brick shop, with verandah in front, the total floorage space being over 900 square feet. He keeps a choice stock of guns, ammunition, and fishing tackle of every kind, of the best quality, and is a direct importer from the best British manufacturers. Mr. Tisdall is agent in New Zealand for Messrs. Hardy Brothers, of Alnwick, Northumberland, who are reputed to be the best fishing tackle manufacturers of the world; also for Mr. W. W. Greener, gunmaker, of Birmingham. Mr. Tisdall also keeps a large assortment of goods by other well-known makers.
Electrical Engineer and Instrument Maker, Aurora Terrace, Wellington. Telephone 928; P.O. Box 335. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Born at Karori in 1871 and educated at the Terrace school and at Wanganui College, Mr. Toomath was apprenticed to Messrs. Edgar A. Ashcroft and Co., Limited. After becoming expert in his profession,
Electrical Engineer, offices of Messrs. W. and G. Turnbull and Co., Customhouse Quay, Wellington. Cable address, “Strepebunt” Telephone 860. Mr. Turnbull, who is the eldest son of Mr. Walter Turnbull, of Wellington, was born in New Zealand and received his education at Wellington College, Berkshire, England. He went through the workshops of the Crystal Palace Engineering School in 1880–1881, and for four subsequent years was articled to Messrs. Woodhouse and Rawson, electrical engineers, of London, commencing business on his own account in 1886. In 1889 Mr. Turnbull accepted an offer from the New Zealand Electrical Syndicate, and returned to this Colony, remaining in the Company's service until 1893, when he resigned his position and commenced business on his own account as an electrical engineer and importer of all classes of electrical appliances and other machinery required in connection with the same.
(John Alfred Plimmer, proprietor), Tinware Manufacturers, Japanners, etc., Featherston and Waring-Taylor Streets, Wellington. Telephone 101; P.O. Box 173. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Boulcott Street. The business of the Wellington Tinware Company was established in 1881, by Mr. R. W. Cameron. It was originally intended as a factory for the supply of meat tins for the Gear Company and Messrs. Nelson Bros. When Mr. Cameron died, his brother, Mr. M. P. Cameron, entered the business and was joined by the present proprietor, Mr. J. A. Plimmer. Messrs. Cameron and Plimmer continued in partnership until 1889, when Mr. Cameron withdrew from the firm, leaving his partner in sole possession. The trade of the Wellington Tinware Company extends throughout the Colony. The premises are large, convenient, and substantial, being mainly of brick, though there is a large workshop at the back, of wood and iron. The buildings are twostories, and have a floor space of about six thousand square feet, with a fine yard of three thousand square feet. The plant is well up to date, particularly in tinsmith's machinery and in special appliances for the manufacture of the steel trunks for which the Company has become so well-known. These trunks are made in large quantities, and of several sizes, each size and make having a special name. The principal brands are:—“Rotomahana,”
“Manapouri,” “Hauroto,” “Te Anau,” “Rotorua,” and “Waihi”; and the trade mark is a crown. These popular trunks have found their way to almost every part of the civilized world. The imported article has but little chance in the market against them, for the Tinware Company's trunks are of greater strength and even superior finish. When the quality and price are taken into consideration, it is not at all surprising that a large trade is done. In coal vases, Mr. Plimmer is also taking the lead, numbers being turned out every day. All sizes and descriptions are made, and the painting and japanning are of surprising quality. Another most important line is that of dairy utensils. Dairy companies and others requiting these goods in large or small quantities, should visit the Wellington Tinware Factory before making their purchases. The wholesale trade done is exceedingly large, as all the principal ironmongers have discovered that they can do better with Mr. Plimmer than by attempting to import their tinware. The Wellington Tinware Company may fairly be said to hold first place in their line, as being large manufacturers, they are also large importers. The imports consist of sheet tin, steel and iron, and tinsmith's tools and fittings. Mr. J. A. Plimmer, the sole proprietor, is a son of Mr. John Plimmer, who for over half a century has figured so prominently in the history of Wellington. Mr. Plimmer, sen., arrived in Wellington, with his wife and two or three of his children, per ship “Gertrude,” in 1841. Mr. J. A. Plimmer was born in Wellington, and was educated at the Church of England school. For a short time he was engaged with his father in the timber trade; and in 1864, he entered the civil service in the Customs Department. Whilst thus engaged, Mr. Plimmer had a few years experience in both Wellington and Christchurch, and finally had a year at Auckland. Resigning his appointment in the service, he returned to Canterbury and accepted the position of shipping clerk and salesman
Te Aro Engineering Works, Ebor Street, between Taranaki and Tory Streets, Wellington. Private residence, “The Vines,” Coromandel Street. These works were established in 1893 by Mr. Wise, who is a native of Blaenavon, Monmouthshire, England. He arrived in New Zealand in 1879, and served his apprenticeship with Messrs. S. Luke and Sons, engineers, and continued in their employ for some considerable time after completing his term. To extend his knowledge and experience, he afterwards filled engagements in other large engineering works. His plant comprises a perfect modern screw-cutting lathe, drilling and other necessary machinery (specially imported by himself), all driven by steam, and a smith's forge. Mr. Wise makes a specialty of iron and brass turning, but undertakes engineering work of every description. Repairs to steam and water engines, freezing and milling machinery, farm implements, etc., are well within the scope of Mr. Wise's operations, “good workmanship, prompt attention, and moderate prices” being his motto. Orders by letter or telegram will receive prompt attention.
Farrier, General Blacksmith and Horse Doctor, Courtenay Place and Taranaki Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand Mr. Woods is a native of the Colony, and was apprenticed to Mr. Hamilton, of Wanganui, completing his term in 1879. For four years subsequently Mr. Woods worked for Mr. Somerville, but established the present business in 1883. The building, which is of wood, affords about 1500 square feet of floorage space. Mr. Woods has had large experience in connection with horses. He is not only a good farrier, but has considerable skill as a doctor of horses. It is, however, as a rough rider and driver that he has achieved notoriety. In this connection he has given several exhibitions, and whenever any apparently untameable animal is in evidence, Mr. Woods's services are called into requisition, only to demonstrate that the wildest colt can be made gentle as a lamb. Mr. Woods has offered £50 for the last three or four years to be given to the owner of any horse that could throw him, but no such animal has been forthcoming. Mr. Woods is celebrated as a horse breaker, he can train horses to the saddle, and single and double harness, and any horse that has been trained by him may be relied upon. He is a well-known owner and rider of racing and trotting horses.
Baden, James, Rangemaker, Garrett Street.
Bell, Hodgson, Rangemaker, Tory Street. Private residence, 12 Lorne Street. Established 1893.
Campbell, Dutch and Alexander (John Campbell, William Dutch, and William Alexander), Brass Founders and Hydraulic Engineers, Victoria Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Crawford Avenue. Established 1895.
Davies, J. C., Plumber and Gasfitter, 109 Cuba Street.
Denton, Robert George, Mechanical Engineer, off Willis Street. Private residence, 35 Ghuznee Street.
Hill, Charles, Plumber. 65 Tory Street.
Howard, Edward, Plumber, 37 Tory Street. Established 1889.
Hopwell, John, Mechanical Engineer, 182 Willis Street. Established 1883.
Jackson, Isaac, Tinsmith, 27 Manners Street. Established 1889. Private residence, Ghuznee Street.
Judd and Randall (William Judd and Richard Randall), Gasfitters, Molesworth Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1894.
Lauchlan, Robert, Tinsmith, 41 Austin Street. Established 1894.
Mc Walker and Fraser, Shoeing and General Blacksmiths, Courtenay Place. Conducted business since taking over from Mr. Perry in 1895.
Michie and Milligan (Thos. Michie and Alex Milligan), Farriers, Courtenay Place. Established 1882.
Nees and Sons (Charles Nees), Millwrights, Ghuznee Street. Bankers. Bank of Australasia. Established 1874.
Paget, J., Horseshoer and General Blacksmith, 3 Tory Street.
Reid, Frederick, Tinsmith, 114 Adelaide Road.
Ritter, Frederick C., Farrier, Molesworth Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1864.
Smallwood and Gilchrist (Wm. Smallwood and John H. Gilchrist,) Plumbers and Gasfitters, Manners Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Smallwood, Revans Street; Mr. Gilchrist, Regent Street. Established 1887.
Taylor, Ramsay and Co., Plumbers and Tinsmiths, Courtenay Place. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established by Mr. Taylor in 1887.
Tolley and Co. (R. Tolley), Manufacturing Electricians, 8 Willis Street.
Waters, William, Tinsmith and Plumber, 28 Tory Street. Established by present proprietor in 1892.
Wheatley, Arthur, Gasfitter, 64 Brougham Street.
Wholesale Ironmongers, Iron and Metal Merchants, Victoria and Harris Streets. Cable address, “Briscoe, Wellington.” Code ABC, 4th edition. Telephone 792; P.O. Box 378. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia, Limited. This large firm is a branch of the business which was founded in 1862 in Dunedin by Mr. Hugh MacNeil, and of the Australian houses of Briscoe and Co., Melbourne, and Briscoe. Drysdale and Co., Sydney, the London and Wolverhampton firm being William Briscoe and Son, who have been established for over a century. The splendid premises occupied by the Wellington house are erected in brick, on concrete foundations, on the reclaimed land at the corner of Victoria and Harris Streets, from designs furnished by Mr. W. C. Chatfield, architect. The main building has a frontage of 110 feet to Harris Street, and 145 feet to Victoria Street, where the principal entrance is situated. There are three floors, each 17 feet in the clear, and affording, with the covered iron yard adjoining, a total floorage space of over 30,000 square feet. Entering the premises, the left hand front is occupied by Mr. A. W. Gellatly, who represents the firm in Wellington, while the rest of the front portion is used as a show-room, and for stock of builders' ironmongery. In the back portion of the ground floor the bulk store is situated. Here a large stock of the heavier goods is to be seen, the whole space being fitted up for the purpose of storing large quantities, but so arranged as to be easily accessible when required. The first floor is reached by means of a spacious staircase with handsome iron balustrades. Here the general offices of the firm are situated, Mr. W. Morley, manager, occupying the room on the right. The rest of the large space is utilised for displaying the extensive stock of general ironmongery. A smaller staircase leads to the top floor, which is used as a bulk store, and is fitted up with long rows of counters for the purposes of the trade. A magnificent hydraulic lift, capable of raising two tons, communicates with each floor. The iron yard adjoining is supplied with two powerful travelling cranes, specially imported, and able to lift and transport heavy weights to any desired position. From twentyfive to thirty hands are employed by the firm, and in addition they have competent travellers, who wait upon their numerous customers in the various towns of the North Island, as well as on the West Coast of the South Island. Messrs. B.iscoe, MacNeil and Co. are direct importers, while their regular shipments of up-to-date goods come to hand regularly. They have the advantage of the immense stocks held in their Sydney and Melbourne houses, and can obtain any special line at short notice by cabling. With a full stock in every department, the firm are fully prepared to meet any calls, however great, that may be made upon them. It would be quite superfluous to particularise the vast and diverse stock. Suffice it to say that they keep everything in the hardware and general ironmongery trade. The Wellington branch, the portrait of which appears above, was established in 1893.
Engineer, Dairy Engineer, and Importer of Machinery, Featherston Street, Wellington. Telephone 253. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Oriental Bay. Mr. Walter Brown established his business as an importer of all kinds of machinery in 1884. For a good part of that time his premises were in Farish Street, but for the last few years he has been more centrally situated as above. The building is of wood and iron and is very suitable for the style of business carried on. The floor space is 2400 square feet. Mr. Brown is a direct importer of all kinds of machinery, light and heavy, his special lines being engines, boilers, engineers' lathes, and similar tools and appliances, mill gearing, flax milling machinery, and dairy machinery. The agencies held by Mr. Brown include wrought iron pulleys and Egan's woodworking machinery. Mr. Brown is a native of Lancashire, and was apprenticed to Messrs. Platt Bros, of Oldham. He was subsequent'y in business on his own account in Manchester. In 1884 he came to New Zealand, per ship “Lady Jocelyn” from London, and entered into business in Wellington immediately on arrival. The wrought iron pulleys for which he is agent are of course very much safer than pulleys of cast iron, and it is therefore satisfactory to know that the latter are being rapidly replaced by the former. In flax milling and dairying machinery Mr. Brown has had much experience, and anyone about to embark in either of these industries would do well to give him a call. (N.B.—Mr. Brown died suddenly on June 17, 1896).
(Maurice P. Cameron and William F. Christie), Ironmongers, 93 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 61; P.O. Box 33. Cable address, “Throb;” code A.B.C. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. This English and American hardware house was established in the sixties by Messrs. Robert Gardner and Co., Limited, and has been conducted by the present proprietors for the past seven years. The situation is one of the best in the City, being right in the centre of Lambton Quay, and the building is large and handsome. The entire floor space occupied is nearly 10,000 square feet. The retail shop is well arranged, and well lighted with electric light; and from the centre customers ascend by a wide and easy flight of stairs to the showrooms, where handsome house furnishings, etc., are temptingly displayed. A thoroughly experienced and attentive staff is employed, some of the hands having been with the firm since its inception. A short time ago Mr. Cameron took a trip Home on business, with very satisfactory results. He made negotiations for the sale of butter and cheese in the Home markets, and so successful was the firm in this line of business that in the following year they headed the list of Wellington cheese exporters, having bought up the total output of the three Wairarapa factories. The agency for Symes' patent butter box and that of the Alexandra cream separator are also in the hands of this firm. Messrs. Cameron and Christie are in addition sole agents for Enfield bicycles, and for the manufactures of the Quinton and Rover Cycle Companies. In their own special lines, those of hardware and general ironmongery. Messrs. Cameron and Christie are large importers from America, as well as England. Their English buyer is Mr. E. J. Stout, of Birmingham, and their American buyers are Arkell and Douglas and Strong and Treubridge, of New York. Mr. Cameron, who is a Justice of the Peace for the Colony of New Zealand, is a native of Glasgow. He was apprenticed in the Old Country to the well-known firm of Messrs. A. and J. Nisbet, West of Scotland Ironmongery Establishment, Glasgow, and came here via Melbourne in 1884. In 1894, Mr. Cameron married Miss Nellie McKenzie, third daughter of the Hon. John McKenzie, Minister of Lands, and has one son. Mr. Christie is a Wellingtonian, though, on completion of his apprenticeship with Messrs. John Duthie and Co., he sought and gained experience in the sister colony of New South Wales. In 1896 Mr. Christie married Miss Crease, eldest daughter of the late Mr. E. H. Crease, of Wellington. Both the partners are popular in the City, and there is an air of brisk business about the establishment which in these hard times is very cheering. The firm's motto is “To buy well is to sell well”; and in advertising their cutlery lines they remind their customers that “a bad knife spoils a good dinner.”
Directors: Messrs. J. P. Maxwell, M.I.C.E. (Chairman), E. W. Mills, Henry Collier, W. L. Meek, W. F. Barraud and Herbert Collier. Secretary, Mr. S. Robinson, 38 Lambton Quay, Wellington.
Ironmonger, Watchmaker, and Jeweller, 33 Willis Street. Warehouse, Upper Willis Street, Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Denton, Wellington.” Telephone 135. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, “Femhill,” Woolcombe Street. Mr. Denton established the present business as early as 1863. The building is of iron, with a wooden front, and is two stories high. The plans were drawn by the late Mr. Toxward, and the building erected by Messrs. Whiting and Jauncey. The total floorage space of the shop and warehouse is about 4000 square feet. Corrugated iron was used in the building, and of so good a quality was it that though erected nearly thirty years ago, it bids fair to stand a great deal longer, every sheet being in splendid condition. Mr. Denton's stock includes curios, Maori rugs, mats, and beautifully carved articles of wood and kauri gum, the handwork of the natives. Tourists and curio-hunters would do well to call on Mr. Denton on passing through Wellington, for they will find in his establishment many rarities. He is a large importer of hardware, jewellery, watches, and many other lines, especially all things pertaining to tennis and fishing. In the matter of Maori goods in stock, it might be said that Mr. Denton has some beautiful greenstone “meres,” to the value of £30 or £40; but these weapons, it might be mentioned, are of no value apart from that of a relic, as it is not now customary to cleave a man's skull at a blow, which the formidable mere can do if properly handled. Mr. Denton is himself a collector of these things on his own account, and the duplicates he is always willing to sell. Mr. Denton came to New Zealand in 1856, arriving in Nelson per ship “China,” but Wellington was his destination, and to this port he came by schooner, there being at that time no steamer. During the many years spent in Wellington, Mr. Denton has studiously avoided all public offices, and resisted the persuasions of his friends to take part in civic and other affairs. He did, however, interest himself deeply in the formation of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society, in conjunction with Mr. W. T. L. Travers, and to these gentlemen the disciples of Isaak Walton are indebted for some of the pleasures they enjoy to-day. Mr. Denton was for ten years treasurer of the society, and only retired from the position on the amalgamation of the Masterton society with that of Wellington. He had the first trout hatchery in his own grounds at Fern Hill, and used to hatch out and distribute from 5000 to 6000 fish annually. At the time of writing the subject of this notice is on his way to England for a second visit, this time accompanied by Mrs. Denton.
(Mr. John Duthie, M.H.R., managing director), General Hardware Merchants, Wholesale and Retail Ironmongers, Willis, Victoria, and Mercer Streets, Wellington Cable address, “Duthie, Wellington.” Code ABO. Telephones: Wholesale, 156; retail, 573; private, 259. P.O. Box 93. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private address of managing director, Percival Street. The wholesale and retail ironmongery business of Messrs. John Duthie and Co. ranks with the largest in the Colony, and have grown with a rapidity seldom seen even in this land of quick development. It was established in the year 1880, by Mr. John Duthie (who at that time owned the large business in Wanganui now conducted by Messrs. James Thain and Co.), and in 1890 it was incorporated as a limited liability company. The premises cover quite a large area, and have splendid frontages to no less than three streets, two of which are among the most important in the city. The retail shop is a large three-story building, and the wholesale warehouses are two stories high. The iron store, of which an illustration is given wherewith, is a recent addition, and is in itself a much larger place than many of the business premises in the Empire City. All the buildings are of brick, and were built from plans drawn by Mr. Turnbull, the popular architect. The carrying out of the plans was entrusted to Mr. Murdoch, the well known contractor, who did his work well. Though exceedingly compact and well-arranged, the premises cover nearly an acre or ground. The trade of the firm extends over a wide area of the Colony. Four travellers are constantly on the road, and their efforts are augmented by the frequent distribution of trade circulars through the post. The imports are most extensive, and embrace everything in the hardware line of business. Messrs. Duthie and Co. are agents for the paints of Messrs. Alexander Fergusson and Co., of Glasgow, and for the incandescent gas-burners. In both of these lines a good business is done, but the gas-burnersare quite new, and are a wonderful improvement on anything of the kind previously invented. The incandescent burner produces a beautifully white light, and its inventor claims for it the quality of economy to a degree quite extraordinary. Gas consumers should certainly test these burners for themselves. The retail trade is confined entirely to Wellington City, the firm being very careful not to enter into competition with their customers in the country and in the other centres of the colony. A sketch of the life of the managing director will be found under the heading of the Wellington City members. Mr. Duthie has worked hard and brought a great deal of business ability and acumen to bear on his commercial transactions. Though he has given much time and thought to the furtherance of the interests of Wellington generally, he has never neglected in any way the vast private concerns with which he has been connected. He and his firm are alike held in the very highest estimation. Not only are they accredited with the possession of wealth; but it is everywhere acknowledged that their gains have been earned and accumulated only by means which would bear the strictest scrutiny. During the session Mr. Duthie is able to give the greater part of his time to parliamentary work, and in January last he took advantage of the recess for a trip to the Old Country. The business is manned by a competent staff, the majority of whom have been with the firm for many years, and not a few of them have attained to positions of great trust and responsibility. As a wholesale house, that of Messrs. John Duthie and Co., Limited, stands well to the fore. Their importing and indenting operations are so extensive and so varied that the value of their purchasing power is enormous. They are thus able to land goods of all kinds in Wellington at the very lowest cost; and the internal management of their business at this end is so complete and systematic that they enjoy a well-earned reputation throughout the country for their prompt and accurate attention to all orders entrusted to their care. Under these circumstances it is not surprising that the business, both wholesale and retail, of Messrs. John Duthie and Co., Limited, is one of which Wellington may well be proud. The pictures give no adequate impression of the premises, as the Mercer Street frontage and half that to Victoria Street are excluded.
(James Grace, Alfred Clarke, Oscar Hewett, and others), Sewing. Knitting, and other Machine Importers, 13 Manners Street, Wellington, with depôts at Palmerston North, Napier, Auckland, New Plymouth, Hawera, Danevirke, Pahiatua, Masterton, Carterton, Greytown, etc. Cable address, “Triplex, Wellington.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This firm was established in 1889, and does the entire trade in the famed “Wertheim” sewing machines throughout the North Island, and likewise in the “Harrison” knitting machines throughout the Colony. They are also vendors of the “Jones” and “Pearson” sewing, and the “Griswold” and “Chemnitz” knitting machines, while a splendid English-made wringer and mangle sold by this firm has become very popular of late. All their importations are direct from the manufacturers in England and the Continent of Europe, their business enabling them to procure machines of the best and latest construction with despatch, while at the same time the volume of business being done ensures the keeping of large stocks from which purchasers may select their requirements. The members of the firm firm all well known as men of experience and business ability, always up-to-date with their class of goods, while ready attention is ever given to the needs of the public.
(Thomas and Hugh Inglis), Cycle Importers and Manufacturers, Office and Showrooms, Trocadero Buildings, Willis Street, Wellington. Work, Fitting and Repairing Shop, Victoria Street. Telephone, 1019; P.O. Box 68. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This business was established by the present partners in June, 1895. The premises occupy a central position in Willis Street. On a platform extending from the handsome plate glass show windows fronting Willis Street for a considerable distance back, there is a large assortment of the splendid machines in which Messrs. Inglis Bros. deal. Contracts have been entered into with the manufacturers of the celebrated Coventry, Wolverhampton and Beeston Humber cycles for a supply of these unrivalled machines direct from the factories where they are made. Large shipments come to hand periodically, and these are carefully fitted up and put in thorough going order before being supplied to the public. In the season 1895–6 Messrs. Inglis Bros. disposed of a large number of these well-known cycles, many leading citizens being
numbered among the purchasers. The Humber Cycle has achieved a world-wide reputation which it is said has not been eclipsed by any other machine. In the Sydney Bulletin for 21st of March, 1896, appears an article on “Famous Cyclists and a famous Cycle,” from which the following extracts are culled:—“The Prince of Wales, the Princess Maud of Wales, and other members of the Royal Family; the Empress of Germany, the Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia, and others of the Russian Royalty; the Dukes of Portland, Sutherland, Abercorn and Athol and their respective duchesses are prominent among those who patronize the paragon of wheels. Truly the ‘Humber Steed of Steel’ can be said to have no rivals. The Viceroy of India and the Governor-General of Canada love their faithful Humber.” His Excellency Lord Hampden recently said to the Sydney Morning Herald and Daily Telegraph interviewers, “I ride the Humber because I think it is the best.” “The mighty Zimmerman, America's Speed King, came all the way from America to advertise and place on the Australian market his own particular brand of cycle. He came with a great flourish of trumpets and a triplet ‘to break Australian records.’ He came—he saw—he was conquered—by the Humber. Zimmerman was beaten by Parsons, Walker and Pither. Can it be said that the machine played no part in these historic victories? Compare the three riders—Parsons rather short, compact, quiet, muscular; Walker, tall and sinewy; Pither, long-legged and gaunt. When three such different types of men peddle home on the one brand of machine ahead of Zimmerman, it is only logical to conclude that the excellence of the machine is largely responsible. This is certain, at any rate. No other machine except that of the Austral Cycle Company showed Zimmerman the way home in Australia, although every cyclist here would have given two years of his life, perhaps, to down the world-famous American.” Three of the prominent New South Wales riders –Martin, the great American champion; Harris, England's champion; and Porta, the conqueror of Italy, all ride the Humber, Harris remarking,” I ride the Humber because it is the best machine built.” The Humber indeed has records of perfection, beside which those of its would-be rivals sink into insignificance, and while the Humber is the “racer of racers,” it is the “roadster of roadsters” and the “pleasure cycle of pleasure cycles.” It may be remarked that the Austral Cycle Agency supplies only the Humber machines. Messrs. Inglis Bros.' workshop fronts Victoria Street, immediately behind the showroom.
of Bristol, London, and Wolverhampton, Galvanised, Corrugated Iron, and Wire Netting Manufacturers. New Zealand head office, Ballance Street, Wellington; branches, Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin. Manager for New Zealand, Mr. James McLellan. The company have established branches in every quarter of the globe. In the Australian Colonies they have offices and stores in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide. Launceston and Freemantle. The well-known brand of John Lysaght, Limited, is “Orb” Iron, of which a block appears herewith. The sheets are galvanized and corrugated, or flat. “Orb” iron is the covering of the major portion of the country, this brand having, it is claimed double the sale of all the other brands put together. The company have established a factory in Sydney to produce wire netting, and turn out 600 miles of the netting monthly; while the British works turn out about 1000 miles weekly. The works of the company are as large as those of the four next largest manufacturers combined. Many thousands of hands are employed by the firm at their various works. Mr. McLellan, the New Zealand manager, has occupied the position of president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce.
(Directors: Messrs. E. W. Mills (chairman and managing director), Edward Seagar and Martin Kennedy), Iron Merchants and Ship Chandlers, Jervois Quay, Hunter, and Victoria Streets, Wellington. Cable
(late Greenfield and Stewart) (James Stewart, Charles Stewart, and James Hutchen), Iron, Glass, and Timber Merchants, Courtenay Place and Victoria Street, Wellington. This large and extensive business was founded by the late Mr. R. M. Greenfield and Mr. James Stewart, the present senior partner, in 1865. Mr. Greenfield, who is referred to at length as an ex-councillor for Wellington City on pp. 292–3 of this volume of the Cyclopedia, retained his connection with the firm for many years, but retired in 1877. Messrs. J. and C. Stewart were both born and brought up in Kirkcaldie, Fifeshire, Scotland. Mr. James Stewart arrived in the colonies in 1854, and, after “trying his luck” for some time on the Australian diggings, crossed the Tasman Sea, and founded the business in Wellington, as above described, in 1865. Mr. Charles Stewart came to New Zealand in 1862, landing at Port Chalmers. After spending two years in Otago, he proceeded to Wellington, and in 1865, joined the firm, with which he has ever since been connected. Mr. James Hutchen was born at Forfarshire, Scotland, and left his native land for New Zealand in 1862, per ship “Sir William Eyre,” landing in Wellington in 1864. Full particulars of the business of the firm will be found under “The Wood Trade” on pp. 764-5.
Retail Ironmonger and Hardware Merchant, 60 Cuba Street, corner of Ghuznee Street. Telephone 285. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Wallace Street. Mr. Thompson is a native of the Colony; he was brought up to the trade in Cuba Street with Mr. John Young, and subsequently with Mr. Geo. Winder. The present business was established by Mr. A. J. Bennett in 1877, and conducted by that gentleman till September 1893, when Mr. Thompson became the proprietor. One particularly prominent feature of the business was its name for good quality, and this is what the present proprietor will maintain, making that his first aim, at the same time marking the goods at lowest prices. He has imported considerable stock from the very best makers in England, America, and the Continent of Europe since taking over the business, and the shop now contains a truly up-to-date stock, which is all marked at most reasonable figures. Mr. Thompson's trade extends through the provincial districts of Wellington, Taranaki, and Hawkes Bay in the North Island, and on the West Coast of the South Island The stock includes all kinds of furnishing ironmongery and house hold requisites. The premises consist of an imposing corner shop It has roomy show windows on two sides, which Mr. Thompson knows how to utilize to best advantage by a display of his well assorted goods. Cuba Street is well known as one of the best retail business thorough fares in the Empire City. It is not, therefore, to be wondered at that with such a position, and the large connection that appertains to this old established house, together with Mr. Thompson's thorough grasp of the details of his trade, the business should steadily increase.
(Thomas Field, Thomas A. H. Field, and Henry Montague Field), Hardware Merchants, Wholesale and Retail Ironmongers, Manners Street, Wellington. Retail department and offices, Manners Street; wholesale department, Farish, St. Hill, and Old Customhouse Streets. Branch establishment, Nelson. Telephone: Retail 642; wholesale 218. Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. This large business was established nearly thirty years ago in Westport by Mr. Thomas Field, but about the year 1880 Mr. Field entered into partnership with Mr. W. C. Wilkins, in Nelson, when the style of this old-established business was changed to Wilkins and Field, in which name it is still carried on, although Mr. W. C. Wilkins retired from the firm after a few years through ill health. The head office was established in Wellington in 1889. The splendid premises, of which an interior view appears in the illustration, were originally erected for an arcade, and having been purchased, were altered to suit the business by Messrs. Wilkins and Field. The showrooms are said to be the largest and finest in the Colony. The total floorage space of the retail department amounts to little less than 20,000 square feet. Behind the retail shop is situated the large wholesale premises and factory. The whole of these extensive buildings comprise nearly the entire block formed by Manners, Farish, St. Hill, and Customhouse Streets. The wholesale promises include about 15,000 square feet additional floorage space. The firm are large manufacturers of spouting, ridging, wire mattresses, perambulators, and everything in their line that can be made in the Colony to compete with imported goods. For the purpose of this manufacturing trade, the firm possess a full plant of machinery of the latest and most approved description, and a large staff of competent workmen are regularly employed. There are no less than from fifty to sixty hands engaged in the different departments. Messrs. Wilkins and Field are large importers from the best markets of the Old World, but they do all they can to encourage colonia industry, and anything that can be manufactured in the Colony to advantage has the preference. Their trade extends throughout the greater portion of New Zealand, their travellers paying regular visits to customers in Nelson, Marlborough, Westland, Taranaki, Hawkes Bay, every part of the Wellington province, and other districts. The firm are patentees of Yarrall's patent spray pump for spraying fruit trees, patent kerosene lamps, milk-strainers, and a host of other specialties. The Nelson firm are local agents for the Royal Insurance Company for the provincial districts of Nelson and Westland. Messrs. Wilkins and Field are a progressive firm, and may be relied upon at all times to supply goods of the best value at the lowest possible prices.
Ironmonger and Importer, the Corner Shor, Cuba and Manners Street, Wellington. Telegraphic and cable address, “Winder, Wellington.” Code, private, through Reuter. Telephone 474. Banlers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Pirie Street. Mr. Winder established himself as above in 1890, and his efforts to work up a large trade have met with abundant success. He imports largely, and deals with both town and country, his principal departments being ironmongery, electroplate goods, iron, and wire of all kinds. He has always an attractive display in each of his six large show windows, and in the fine showroom. Mr. Winder claims to have a larger frontage than any other retail ironmonger in the city. The premises are of wood and iron, and leasehold; but Mr. Winder is the owner of the splendid brick building situated a few doors further along Manners Street, and occupied as a carpet warehouse by Mr. H. J. Rodgers. In tiled grates and kitchen ranges, Mr. Winder does a steady and increasing trade, and he is a large manufacturer of wire mattresses. Though Mr. Winder employs competent hands in all his departments, his wonderful success is probably mainly due to the fact that his business has the undivided
Cerchi, Lugi, Dealer in Cycles, 57 Willis Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, 23 Kent Terrace. Established 1895.
Duff, Arthur H., trading as the Zealandia Hire Trading Company, Victoria Street. Established 1895.
Grove, Jas. Bond, Cycle Engineer, 27 Ghuznee Street. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Established 1892.
Higginbottom and Co. (Wilfred Higginbottom), Cutler and Ironmonger, 21A Willis Street. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Brougham Street.
Jenkinson and Co. (Hon. J. E. Jenkinson, Manager), Bicycle Manufacturers and Importers, 15 Willis Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Tinakori Road. Established 1896.
McLean, J., Junr., General Ironmonger, 28 Willis Street. Bankers National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Hanson Street. Established 1891.
Singer Sewing Machine Depôt (W. Forsyth Geddes, Manager), Willis Street.
(Grant and Co., proprietors), 51 Kent Terrace, Wellington. Telephone 637. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This prominent establishment, which was founded in 1874, is said to be the oldest steam laundry in the Colony. The freehold premises comprise wood and iron buildings of one story and two stories in height, having some 7000 square feet of floorage space. In the engine-room a nine-horse-power horizontal engine with automatic adjustment is driven by a multitubular steel boiler of sixteen-horse-power. The various departments, which are admirably arranged, and fitted throughout with the electric light, include receiving and sorting, mangling, ironing, starching, and drying rooms. There are two wash-houses—having concrete floors—the one being set apart for handwork, while the other is fitted with four large washing machines, having a gross capacity equal to five hundred sheets or shirts per hour. Here also are two powerful hydro-extractors, which revolve at the rate of twelve hundred per minute, and are driven by separate steam engines, each of four-horse-power. In the mangling department there is a large ironing mangle, having steam-heated cylinders, and a powerful box mangle also driven by steam. There are three drying closets with a capacity of 150 shirts each, and a large brick drying-room, all heated by steam coils, the latter being capable of holding 1000 pieces. The ironing-room, which presents a busy scene, has a large pyramid stove which heats three dozen irons at once. As the accommodation is inadequate for the demands of the trade, large additions to the buildings and plant are contemplated. The Empire Steam Laundry, which employs a large number of hands, has a good hotel and family connection, two vans being engaged in collecting and delivering. The firm, who do the laundry work for the Huddart-Parker line of steamers, have done a great deal of work for the shipping companies, including the Shaw, Savill and Albion, and Union Steamship Companies.
(Philip Wills, proprietor), Hanson Street, Wellington. Telephone 613. This business was established in 1885 by the present energetic proprietor, under whose able management it has developed into one of the chief laundry businesses of the city. The premises are constructed of wood and roofed with iron, and are fitted up with all the latest plant and the most modern appliances for a high-class laundry. On the ground floor of the establishment are situated the engine room, wash-house, drying and sorting rooms, while surrounding the building there is a large area which is available in fine weather for drying purposes. The office, ironing, folding, mangling, and packing rooms are situated on the upper floor. During the busy season as many as thirty hands are employed. The Victoria Steam Laundry is supported by most of the leading hotels, including the Empire, Royal Oak, Club, Post Office, Pier and many other hotels in the city. In shipping circles it is patronized by the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand and the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company The machinery and plant cost some hundreds of pounds—one machine alone, the steam mangle, manufactured by the Troy Laundry Machinery Company of the United States of America, having been imported for the Victoria Steam Laundry at a cost of £110. Mr. Wills' son-in-law has charge of the machinery, and Mrs. Wills takes an active part in the management by superintending the working branch of this large concern. Mr. Wills attends to the outdoor branch. The proprietor, who is a very energetic man, hails from Devon, England, where he was born in 1847. He came to New Zealand in 1874.
Gramminger, John, Laundry, 56 Tory Street.
Naismith, Alexander, Steam Laundry, 18 and 20 Hopper Street.
Tyson, William Elliott, Laundry, Constable Street.
Boot and Shoemaker, Plimmer's Steps, Wellington. Private residence, Willow Bank House. Mr. Austin was born in Geelong, Victoria, and came over to New Zealand in 1862, arriving at Dunedin with his father's family when he was quite a boy. Mr. Austin, senior, was attracted to Otago by the gold rush, which had just begun, and at once made for the Gabriel's Gully field. His son was educated at Lawrence, Otago, and was apprenticed to Mr. Monaghan, boot and shoemaker, at Lawrence, completing his term of apprenticeship in 1880. Subsequently Mr. Austin was in Oamaru for twelve years in business on his own account, and established himself in Wellington in 1892. He is a professional athlete, and has at various times won a great number of prizes, many of them very valuable, ranging, indeed, as high as £50 He won the
Boot Manufacturer, 136 Willis Street, Wellington. This business was established in 1894, by the present proprietor, who arrived from England in 1874. Every class of boots and shoes is made on the p emises, and the work turned out is considered equal to imported goods. Several hands are constantly employed in the business. Mr. Bar es served his apprenticeship to the trade in London, where he was Lord in 1852. His wife is also an expert in the closing of uppers, &c., having been in the trade ever since she was six years of age. Mr. Barnes has a family of eleven, four of whom are engaged in the business. A great deal of work is done at this establishment for the wholesale houses. Mr. Barnes also spends a little time in mining pursuits, and is one of the five owners of the new goldmine at Karori.
Boot Upper and Clog Manufacturer, Leather and Grindery Merchant, Manners Street, opposite Fire Brigade Station. Cable address, “Belcher, Wellington.” Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Belcher is a native of Northampton-shire, and learned his trade with L. Watkin and Sons, of Wellingboro', remaining as a journeyman for two or three years thereafter. He came to New Zealand per ship “Cardigan Castle,” from London, in 1876, and took a situation with Toomer Brothers, in Christchurch. He remained in the employ of the latter firm for seven years, the last four of which he was foreman of the clicking department. He left this employment to join Mr. H. Duckworth in business, and was a member of the firm of Duckworth and Belcher for about five years. The present business was established in 1892 as above. Mr. Belcher is a direct importer of English sole, French and German calf and kid skins, elastic linings, grindery, etc. His plant consists of sewing, closing, blocking and eyeletting machinery for the boot upper manufacture, in which he does a considerable trade. He is also making clogs, which are very suitable for wear in dairy factories, on farms, or in tan yards, and for all who have to work in wet places. Mr. Belcher keeps a considerable stock of colonial leather in addition to the imported varieties. His business extends throughout the Southern and middle part of the North Island, and Northern portions of the South Islaud. The premises are of brick and two stories in height, affording a total floorage space equal to 1500 square feet. His business has steadily increased since its foundation.
(John Edward Butler), Wholesale Saddlers and Leather Merchants, Brandon Street, Wellington. Mr. Arthur William Blanchard, Manager, Wellington Branch. Telephone 511; P.O. Box 210. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Manager's residence, 33 Ellice S
Portmanteau and Bag Maker, 4 Johnston Street, Wellington. This business was established in 1895, by Mr. J. B. Finnigan, son of Mr. B. Finnigan, the well-known bag manufacturer, of Deansgate, Manchester, England. Mr. Clifford took the business over in March, 1896. Born in London, the present proprietor served his time in Oxford Street, afterwards working for Mr. Founds, of Leadenhall Street, and subsequently for Mr. Finnigan, in Manchester. Coming to Port Chalmers, in 1873, Mr. Clifford settled in Dunedin, from whence he same to Wellington as foreman for Messrs. Hoverd, Raits and Co. He remained with Mr. H. M. Stephen, who succeeded to the business, in the same capacity, till taking over from Mr. J. B. Finnigan. Mr. Clifford is a practical man, and undertakes every branch of the trade. Having arranged to import fittings of all kinds, he will be able to supply the latest designs—either wholesale or retail.
Saddler and Harnessmaker, 45 Vivian Street, Wellington. Mr. Dempsey is a native of Liverpool, England, where he served his apprenticeship to the trade. In 1854 he sailed for the Australian colonies, where for some years he worked on the goldfields, with varying success. In 1860 he arrived in New Zealand, and started in business in Blenheim, remaining for some years. In 1884 Mr. Dempsey opened the present premises, which are built of wood. A large quantity of saddlery, harness, etc., is turned out on the premises. The goods are hand-made. A large variety of English imported harness and saddlery furniture is kept in stock. Mr. Dempsey has been successful in establishing a large local and country trade.
Boot and Shoe Importer and Manufacturer, 48 Cuba Street, Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Farquhar, Wellington.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Ellice Avenue. Mr. Farquhar established his present business in Cuba Street in 1894, but his experience of the Wellington
(Robert Hannah), Wholesale and Retail Boot and Shoe Importers and Manufacturers. Head office and show rooms, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Warehouse and factory, Lambton Quay. Branches, Cuba Street, Wellington; and at Wanganui, Napier, Hastings, Auckland, Greymouth, Palmerston North, Masterton, Danevirke, Stratford, and New Plymouth. Telephones: Cuba Street, 322; Lambton Quay (shop), 46; Lambton Quay (warehouse), 396; private residence, 847. P.O. Box, 134, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Khandallah. The enterprising proprietor of this large business was born in Ireland on the 10th of September, 1846. Educated in his native land, Mr. Hannah served an apprenticeship to the trade at Kilrea, a place about thirty miles from the thriving town of Belfast. At the age of eighteen, he decided to seek new fields for the exercise of his energy and ability. The colony of Queensland was selected, and there he remained some two or three years. Crossing the Tasman Sea by the steamship “Claude Hamilton,” he landed in Hokitika in 1866. Four years later, Mr. Hannah founded the firm of B. Hannah and Co., at Charleston, on the West Coast. In 1874 it was deemed wise to transfer the head office to Wellington, a proceeding which has been followed by very many of the prominent firms of the Colony since that time—and Mr. Martin Lightband, of Nelson, then joined the firm. The business has continued to expand and develop to such an extent that it now stands in the front rank as an importing and manufacturing concern. Mr. Lightband continued a member of the firm till 1889, since which time Mr. Hannah has been sole proprietor. The three story brick building in Lambton Quay, now used as head quarters of the firm, served for many years as factory, warehouse, and principal retail depôt. For some time before the erection of the new factory, the accommodation was much too small for the requirements of the trade. Mr. Hannah therefore instructed Mr. T. Turnbull, the well-known architect, to prepare plans for a five story brick building, to measure fifty by one hundred feet. On tenders being called, it was found that no offer was forthcoming, local contractors having determined to boycott the work, in consequence of the insertion of a maintenance clause of which they did not approve. Mr. Hannah therefore resolved, with Mr. Turnbull's assistance, to erect the building by sub-contracts and day labour. Needless to say, the building was successfully and substantially built, it having been completed in 1894. The firm have imported a magnificent plant, which comprises all the most modern machinery, with which this fine factory is fitted. The motive power is generated by a six-horse-power “Otto” gas engine. Two hundred and fifty hands find regular employment in Messrs. Hannah and Co.'s factory. Including the retail staff at the head office and eleven branches, the total number of hands employed by the firm exceeds three hundred. Messrs. Hannah and Co.'s trade mark “Palace G” boot is well-known throughout the Colony. Every description of boots and shoes, from the commonest slipper to the finest polo boot is manufactured by this large firm. There can be no doubt that Messrs. Hannah and Co. occupy a leading position in the Colony as boot and shoe manufacturers, and importers of British and Continental boots and shoes; and in each of the cities and towns where they have opened branches they have gained a prominent place among the retail traders.
Boot and Shoe Manufacturer, 108 Willis Street, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This old establishment was formerly conducted by Mr. J. Jones, who sold to the present proprietor in 1898. The premises comprise a shop with verandah in front and workshop at the rear, and provide over 1000 square feet of floorage space. Mr. Hulbert has had long experience in the wholesale manufacturing trades, in England and the colonies. Born in London in 1851, after learning his business and gaining large experience in the trade he went to Hobart, in 1883, under engagement to Messrs. Miles and Co., boot manufacturers. The following year he came to New Zealand, and was successively employed as foreman or manager by Messrs. Staples and Co. (Wellington), Messrs. Suckling Bros. (Christchurch), Messrs. Simon Bros. (Dunedin), and Mr. H. Pannell (Christchurch). In 1892 he settled in Wellington, and established the firm of Hulbert and Bennington, of which he was senior partner. After a year he sold out, and purchased his present business. Mr. Hulbert makes a specialty of high class bespoke work. During the time the business has been in his hands he has added considerably to the number of bespoke patrons, in addition to the large family trade already established by his predecessor. He imports material only (best English leather being used exclusively in his est manufactures), employs skilled hands, and has a complete manufacturing plant. Having made a complete study of the anatomy
Boot and Shoe Manufacturer and Importer, 127 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 85. Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. Branches at Cuba Street, Petone, and Palmerston North. Private residence, Bowen Street. Mr. Lindsay is a native of Edinburgh, where he was brought up and apprenticed to the trade. He completed his apprenticeship in 1859, and having become an expert clicker, he secured an appointment in that capacity with Messrs. James Allan and Sons, of Edinburgh, retaining the same for nine years. Giving up this situation to come out to the Colony, Mr. Lindsay embarked on the good ship “Coleroon,” in 1867. On arrival in Wellington the same year, he at once established the present business, which he has successfully conducted ever since. Mr. Lindsay claims to have been the first in Wellington to import a complete plant for the manufacture of boots and shoes by machinery. This was in the year 1878 or 1879, and for some years thereafter Mr. Lindsay continued the manufacturing business on an extensive scale. Eventually he sold out of the factory and has since confined his attentions chiefly to the retail and importing business. Mr. Lindsay is a direct importer of most makes of English and Continental boots and shoes. Besides these he keeps large stocks of the best brands of colonial manufactured goods at his central premises in Lambton Quay, and at his three branch establishments. Mr. Lindsay manufactures the well-known “Thole” brand of boots, which are justly celebrated for good wearing qualities. He does not make any specialty in his business except good values in style, quality, and finish. All classes of goods, both heavy and light, are regularly stocked, and mending and making to order receive prompt attention. Mr. Lindsay holds a special appointment to His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, and has held similar appointments to Sir James Fergusson and the Marquis of Normanby. Mr. Lindsay's premises in Lambton Quay were built to his order by Barry and McDowall. The building is of brick, two stories in height, the floorage space being over 2400 square feet. The branch establishments at Petone, Palmerston North, and Cuba Street, are all two-story buildings, and aggregate about 8000 square feet. Mr. Lindsay employs about seventeen hands in connection with his business. He has customers throughout the Wellington provincial district. He has declined public life, preferring to confine his attentions and energies to the conduct of his own business. It is not surprising, therefore, that Mr. Lindsay has been successful.
(Thomas Potter), 213, Lambton Quay. Telephone No. 111; Bankers, Bank of Australasia. The business now carried on under the style of Potter and Son, boot importers, &c., was established in 1883 by Mr. J. E. Potter, brother of the present proprietor. It was then wholesale and retail, but on the retirement of the founder the branches were separated, and Mr. Thomas Potter bought the retail branch, and has during the last five years carried it on with considerable success. For a good deal of that time Mr. J. H. Farquhar was a partner. Mr. Potter, who is a native of Kent, was for some years in business in Peckham, London, but left there to come to this colony in 1885. He is a well-liked and widely-respected tradesman, thoroughly attentive to his business, and patient
and obliging with customers. The premises are of two stories and commodious, as shown by the illustrations. The ladies' department is under able management, the principal lady assistant having been with the firm over eight years. Altogether, Messrs. Potter and Son's is a favourite shoe store, and it is admirably situated for a high-class trade, being just opposite the Government Buildings, quite bandy to Government House and the Houses of Parliament, and the first boot shop on “the Quay” as entered from the Thorndon end. The imports of the firm, which include every requirement of the trade, are mainly purchased from Flatau and Co., London; Cave and West and Pollard and Co., of Northampton; Bostock and Co. and Edwin Bostock of Staffordshire; Howlett and White, of Norwich; Stead and Simpson, of Leicester; Pinet, of Paris, and Otto Herz, of Frankfort. The several brands of these well-known houses give an excellent variety, from which the most fastidious may
Saddler, Harnessmaker, and Travelling Bag Manufacturer, Manners Street, Wellington. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private Residence, Finlay Terrace. Mr. Ramsay bails from Glasgow, where he was apprenticed to the business. Arriving in the Colony in 1862 per ship “Cheviot,” he gravitated to the West Coast of the South Island; and established himself in business in Hokitika about two years after. He continued there till 1886, when he removed to Wellington. The premises occupied—a wooden building of two stories—afford nearly 4000 feet of floorage space. Mr. Ramsay is an importer of saddlery, harness, and saddlers' honmongery from Messrs. C. Greatrex and Son, of Wallsall, and other leading manufacturers. His connection extends to both town and country. While living in Hokitika, Mr. Ramsay was for nine years a member of the Borough Council, for six years a member of the Licensing Bench, and was also a member of the Hospital Board.
Boot and Shoe Manufacturer and Importer, Warehouse and offices, Lambton Quay. Factory and Retail Shop, 83 Cuba Street. Shop, “The Multiform,” Cuba Street, Wellington. Cable address, “Slinn, Wellington.” Code, A B C, Fourth Edition. Telephones, warehouse 976, factory 975. P.O. Box, 315. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Wordsworth Street. Established in 1893, this business has rapidly developed, and now consists of a factory, warehouse, and two retail shops. The total floorage space used in the business exceeds 5000 square feet, and is still too small, about twenty-five hands being employed. Mr. Slinn's three sons take an active part in the management of the various departments of the business. The plant includes the most modern appliances for the work. Mr. Slinn is the patentee of the “Huna” enamel, a labour-saving composition which is used to place a waterproof coat on the soles of boots and shoes, thus dispensing with the cost of finishing. He is also the manufacturer of the Boston Dressing, and Kanapa Dressing, useful for glossing the uppers with bright glaze, transforming rough leather in a wonderful fashion. This is said to be superior to any imported article, and is largely in demand. Mr. Slinn holds a number of English agencies, and his business extends to the whole Colony.
(William Staples and William Brunskill), Boot, Shoe, and Upper Manufacturers, Leather and Grindery Merchants, and Boot and Shoe Importers, Ghuznee Street. Telephone 576; P.O. Box 10. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residences at Island Bay. Mr. Staples is a native of Leicester, where he was apprenticed to Thomas Crick, one of the oldest firms in the trade in that locality. After completing his term, Mr. Staples travelled over England and Scotland in connection with the trade for some eight or nine years, during which time he largely added to his experience. About 1870 he came out to the Colony per ship “City of Glasgow,” and worked as journeyman in the trade till 1873. Mr. Brunskill hails from Manchester, where he was brought up to mercantile life, arriving in New Zealand in 1880 per barque “Portland” For eight years, from 1881 to 1889, Mr. Brunskill was in business in Manners Street, Wellington. The original factory from whence this hive of industry has developed was founded by Mr. William Staples in conjunction with his brother, the late Mr. John Staples, in 1873. The premises were not large, and the number of employees but few, and it was beyond the anticipation of the founders that so large an industry would spring from so small a beginning. Both partners were thoroughly practical men who understood every operation in connection with their business, and with the needful energy and supervision, it is not wonderful that the establishment kept increasing. The business was conducted by the brothers till 1888, when death, that ruthless enemy of our race, removed the elder brother, leaving Mr. William Staples to conduct the important industry alone. This he did till 1890, when Mr. William Brunskill joined the firm. The building occupied by Messrs. Staples and Co. does not convey any impression of the extent of the operations which are conducted within. The premises are of brick and wood, being two stories in height, affording a total floorage space of little less than 8000 square feet. Every corner of this large factory is profitably utilised in connection with the trade. In the clicking room, which is situated on the first floor at the north end of the building, Mr. Thompson is superintendent. Here all the boot uppers are cut out, the latest Amazeen skiving machines being used for
Wholesale and Retail Travelling Bag and Portmanteau Manufacturer, 14 and 16 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone, 416. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Austin Street. This business was established by Mr. H. Osborne, the present proprietor succeeding in November, 1894. The trade extends to the East and West Coasts of both North and South Islands. Mr. Stephens intends to establish agencies in the various towns of the Colony. He is a direct importer of fittings and all classes of material required in the manufacture of bags and portmanteaux. The stock is large and varied, and includes fancy leather goods, straps, body belts, and ladies' bags of all kinds, solid leather, Saratoga, and steel trunks. The building occupied a two-story wooden structure, is well situated, and contains over two hundred square feet of floorage space. Mr. Stephens was born at Kuri Bush, near the mouth of the Taieri River. Educated at the Oamaru Grammar School, he has since had good business experience, having held several responsible appointments in connection with the manufacturing trades.
Importer and Manufacturer of Saddlery, Harness, etc. (wholesale and retail), 77 Lambton Quay,
Anslow, Henry, Bootmaker, 105 Cuba Street. Private residence, 6 Queen Street
Antico, Carlo, Bootmaker, Riddiford Street.
Banks, Edward, Bootmaker, 178 Taranaki Street.
Boocock, George William, Bootmaker, 71 Vivian Street. Private residence, Lloyd Street.
Boocock, William, Boot Manufacturer, 57A Courtenay Place.
Campbell, Archibald, Bootmaker, 30 Thorndon Quay.
Clark, J. C. R., Boot and Shoe Manufacturer, 17 Molesworth Street.
Crimmins, John, Bootmaker, Manners Street. Established 1894.
Dodds, William Alfred, Bootmaker, Riddiford Street. Established 1892.
Duff, Charles, Bootmaker, 113A Cuba Street. Private residence, 31 Arthur Street. Established 1895.
Edwards and Embury (Henry Dodsworth Edwards and James Embury), Boot makers, Manners Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1874.
Erickson, B., Bootmaker, Manners Street.
Evans, John Edward, Saddler, 145 Lambton Quay. Private residence, Boulcott Street.
Faulkner, Joseph John, Bootmaker, 122 Taranaki Street.
Goss, Richard, Bootmaker, 3 Courtenay Place. Established 1893.
Hansen, Peter, Bootmaker, 160 Willis Street.
Hawthorne, Mark, Bootmaker, Molesworth Street.
Heighton and Co. (Allan Heighton), Leather and Grindery Merchants, 80 Manners Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1891. Conducted by Mr. Heighton since November, 1895.
Hill, G., and Co., Saddlers, 66A Cuba Street.
Hoare, J. W., and Co. (John Werring Hoare,) Boot Importers, Farish Street, Private residence. Wright Street.
Ibbotson, B., Bootmaker, 53 Cuba Street.
Jones, H. F., Bootmaker, 67 Taranaki Street.
Leighton, Thomas John, Bootmaker, Molesworth Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1881.
Liddy, William, Bootmaker, 83 Tory Street.
Lightfoot, William George, Bootmaker, Hopper Street. Private residence, Broadway Terrace. Established 1895.
Loasby and Isaac, Boot Importers, 69 Adelaide Road and 49 Courtenay Place.
McCleland, Thomas, Bootmaker, 86 Manners Street. Established 1886.
McDonald, Robert John, Bootmaker, 5 Ingestre Street. Private residence, Rhodes Street.
McIntosh, William, Bootmaker, 37 Abel Smith Street.
McPhun, William Henry, Bootmaker, 134 Taranaki Street.
Morris, Joshua, Bootmaker, 91 Taranaki Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1891.
O'Brien, Thomas, Bootmaker, 97 Tory Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1893.
O'Connor, John, Bootmaker, 35 Willis Street.
Pearce, Edward, Bootmaker, 1 Lambton Quay and 33 Cuba Street.
Petherick, George, Bootmaker, 38 Taranaki Street.
Poynter, George Hutton, Bootmaker, 152 Tinakori Road.
Poynter, Thomas, Bootmaker, Tinakori Road.
Taylor, Joseph, Bootmaker, 8 Tory Street. Established 1893.
Tracey, Michael, Bootmaker, 61 Willis Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1879.
Warcup, Henry Edward, Bootmaker, 165 Lambton Quay. Private residence' 32 Hopper Street. Established 1880.
Watts, William, Bootmaker, 20 Wordsworth Street. Private residence, Mitchelltown. Established 1890.
Wycherley, Charles Whiltingham, Saddler, 62 Willis Street. Private residence, 210 Willis Street. Established 1886.
(trading as the Sunbeam Meat Company), Butcher, 36 Cuba Street, Wellington. Telephone 876. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This progressive business was established early in 1896 as above, the premises being central, and containing about 700 square feet of floorage space. Mr. Atkinson, who was born in Victoria in 1857, served his apprenticeship in Warrnambool, and came to Wellington in 1877. On arrival he obtained employment with Mr. Gear, and continued in that gentleman's service till the formation of the Gear Meat Company. In 1884 he became manager of the Cuba Street shop, which position he held till establishing the present business. Mr. Atkinson has a wide circle of business acquaintances, and there can be no doubt as to his success.
(Henry Barber), Butchers, Lambton Quay, Wellington. This is one of the oldest butchery businesses in the city, having been established by Mr. E. Wilton in 1840. It was taken over by the present proprietor in 1889. The firm are contractors to the Admiralty, and to the Shaw, Savill and Albion Shipping Company. The present shop, which is claimed to be the largest in the city, was erected in 1886, in place of one destroyed by fire. The firm employs about nine hands, and has a large business connection.
Family Butcher, Willis Street, Wellington. Private residence, Wordsworth Street. This successful business, which was established by Mr. Cate in the beginning of November, 1895, is now carried on in his name, Mr. John Hume however, having joined the firm during the first month of its existence. The business, although in its primitive stages of prominence, has assumed the dimensions of many a larger establishment. The proprietors have male arrangements for a daily meat supply, which ensures their customers getting nothing but prime, fresh meat. The premises have floorage capacity to the extent of 400 square feet. Mr. Cate was born in Nelson, in 1857, and received his education in that township, at the public schools. He is a member of the Wellington Working Men's Club. Mr. Hume, who was born at the Lower Hutt, Wellington, in 1847, has resided in the Colony from that time up to the present.
General and Family Butchers, 41 Courtenay Place. Telephone 687. Established in 1889. Mr. Hugh McArtney, the present proprietor, has carried on the business since 1892. The premises, built of concrete and brick, consist of two stories with a spacious cellar, which is specially fitted for cooling and salting meat. In connection with the business Mr. McArtney employs four hands, and pays out about £48 per month in wages. A son of the late Mr. John McArtney of Nelson—one of the oldest colonists—his popularity and knowledge of the trade render his success only a matter of time.
(William and Victor Dimock), Ham and Bacon Curers and Ice Manufacturers, Waterloo Quay, Wellington. Telephone 297. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. This business was established by Mr. Hugh Wilson in 1889, an I has been successfully conducted by the present firm for several years past. Messrs. Dimock and Co. have refrigerating chambers worked by a Linde freezing machine. They are thus enabled to cure right through the summer season. About nine hands are employed, and often as many as one hundred and fifty pigs are cured during a single week.
Fishmerchant and Curer, 161 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 105. Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Fernandos is a native of the Island of Ithaca, Greece, and worked his passage as a sailor to Melbourne in the ship “Douglass” in 1873. The year following he arrived in Wellington, and for three years worked on the West Coast goldfields. In 1877 he settled in Wellington, and commenced the above business, which has been conducted in the premises he now occupies for over eight years. His trade has now reached very large proportions; six hands are employed in the shop and curing-house, in addition to between thirty and forty men who are engaged in fishing on the coast. Mr. Fernandos, in his efforts to supply the large and growing demand for fresh and cured fish, has built a steam trawler of considerable size, named the “Ithaca,” after his native place. This vessel is fitted up with every improvement in the way of machinery, etc. She requires four men to work her, and the result
Fish Dealer, 63 Cuba Street, Wellington. The proprietor, who is a native of Greece, arrived in New Zealand in 1865 per ship “Collaroon,” from London. He worked at various occupations, and saw active service during the Maori War. In 1873 Mr. Garbes opened the present premises, and has since then cultivated a sound and steady business. The building is of brick and is two stories high, and in the front shop a nice display of fresh and smoked fish is always to be seen. The prices charged are reasonable, and this accounts for the large quantity of fish. oysters, etc. which Mr. Garbes gets through in the year. Three hands are constantly employed in the preserving and curing of fish, which is sent to all parts of New Zealand.
(William John Garrett), General and Shipping Butchers, Molesworth Street, Wellington. Telephone 409. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This business, which was established in 1861 by Messrs. J. and H. Barbar, has been conducted by Mr. Garrett since 1881. The premises extend from Molesworth Street right through to John Street, an I consist of a two-story wooden building. The motive power is supplied by a three-horse water motor. In addition to this establishment, Mr. Garrett has a slaughter-house and yards at Ngahauranga, employing in all seven hands, and disbursing £56 per month in wages. Mr. Garrett was born in London in 1851, and was educated at the City of London School, Milk Street, Cheapside. He arrived in New Zealand in the good ship “Zealandia” in 1874. He is materially assisted in the business by his brother.
Directors, Messrs. James Gear (chairman), D. Anderson, J. R. Blair, H. Beauchamp, H. D. Bell, M.H.R., N. Reid, and Dr. A. K. Newman, M.H.R. General manager, Mr. W. H. Millward. Head office, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 116; P.O. Box 164. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Retail shops, Lambton Quay, Cuba and Taranaki Streets, and Adelaide Road, Wellington; and at Jackson Street, Petone. This successful Company, whose works are described under the heading “Petone,” was incorporated in 1882. The capital is £100,000 in 10,000 shares of £10 each, the whole of the shares being allotted. The full sum of £10 is paid up in respect of 1000 shares, and £4 per share on the remaining 9000 shares, making £46,000 actually paid up. The Company claims that the business was originally established as long ago as the year 1840. The Gear Company has steadily paid dividends since its incorporation—at the rate of ten per cent. on its capital—besides accumulating a reserve fund of £15,000 and an insurance reserve of over £10,000. The value of the Company's freehold and leasehold properties, with the working plant and machinery, is nearly £65,000. The Company has earned the reputation of being one of the most successful colonial undertakings of the kind.
Butcher, 52 Tory Street (corner of Vivian Street) Wellington. This business was originally established about 1875, by the Wellington Meat Company. It was subsequently taken over by the Happy Valley Meat Company, and Mr. Holloway managed for that firm for about three years, taking the business over on his own account in May, 1895. He does a large trade on strictly cash principles. He has an extensive small goods manufacturing department, which is under the supervision of Mr. Henry Granger, who has had a practical experience in that line of over 35 years. All the goods are made from the best materials the markets afford. Mr. Holloway is a native of Hampshire, an I learned his trade with his father. He was foreman for several large butchering firms in London for some years, and has had a large experience in every branch of his trade. He came to the colonies, and was in Sydney and in Melbourne. After arrival in Wellington, he entered the service of the Gear Meat Company, in whose employ he cut meat in the London style for the first shipment of frozen meat to London.
Wholesale and Retail Fish and Poultry Dealers, 78 Cuba Street, Wellington. Established 1891. The premises occupied are centrally situated, contain about 400 square feet of floorage space, and are two stories high.
Meat Freezers and Exporters. Directors, Messrs. E. M. Nelson (chairman), F. Nelson, Abraham Scott, William Taylor, J. W. Margetts. Head office, 15 Dowgate Hill, London, E.C. Chief office and works in New Zealand, Tomoans, Hawkes Bay. Secretary, Mr. H. G. Warren. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Wellington office, Messrs. Levin and Co., Grey Street. Representative in Wellington, Mr. F. W. Rutherfurd, Aurora Terrace. Telephone 852. This large colonial Company will be more fully described in the volume for Hawkes Bay and Taranaki, under the heading “Tomoana”
Directors, Messrs. G. H. Baylis (Chairman), E. H. Beere, C.E. (Managing Director), F. A. Death, J.P., and T.W. Young, J.P. Secretary, Mr. E. H. Beere. Solicitors, Messrs. Menteath and Beere. Auditor, Mr. W. McLean. Manager of beds. Mr. J. L. Harvey. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Office, 6 Lambton Quay, Wellington. This Company, which was incorporated in February, 1894, has a capital of £3000, in 300 shares of £10 each, of which 120 are allotted and fully paid up. The oyster farm is situate in Porirua Harbour, and extends to 412 acres; it is well sheltered, and naturally adapted for oyeter culture. This has been fenced in so as to protect the young oysters, and it is confidently expected that the operations of the Company will prove very profitable.
Wholesale and Retail Oyster Dealer, 139 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone, 20. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. This extensive business which was established by Mr. A. Cole, was taken over by Mr. Palmer, in March, 1895. The oysters supplied are warranted of first-rate quality. In the season, there is a constant supply from the most noted beds, and a sumptuous repast may be enjoyed at any
(Samuel Smith and Edward Kirkland), Butchers, 167 Cuba Street, Wellington. Telephone 414. This business was established in 1889, by Mr. George Cotton, who conducted a steady trade till 1896, when the present partners took possession. Messrs. Smith and Kirkland were brought up to the business, the latter gaining his earlier experience in Otago, and the former in Petone, where he served with Mr. James Gear. The partners are well-known to the public in connection with the Happy Valley Meat Company, in whose employ they became sufficiently acquainted to warrant the present alliance. Both take an active part in the management of the business, and the public may rest satisfied that the best meat will be supplied at the lowest possible cost.
Directors: W. Booth (chairman), W. C. Buchanan, M.H.R., C. Elgar, J. W. Marshall, and W. G. Foster; secretary, Dilnot Sladden. Meat Preservers, Freezers, and Exporters, Tallow Oleo, Manure and Oil Manufacturers. Office, Waterloo Quay, Wellington; Works, Ngahauranga. Telephone: Office, No. 175; Works, 390. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The history of this company may be said to have commenced with a public meeting convened at Carterton on June 2nd, 1881, by Mr. W. C. Buchanan, as president of the Wairarapa Pastoral Society, at which it was resolved “That a committee be appointed, to act in conjunction with the West Coast and Wellington residents, for the purpose of arranging at the earliest possible date for the shipment of frozen meat and dairy produce to England.” As a result of this, the prospectus of the Wellington Meat Export Company was issued on July 8th of the same year, and the first meeting of directors was held in Wellington on September 6th, the chair being taken by Mr. Buchanan, who continued to occupy that post during the next twelve years, with the exception of two short intervals when he was absent from the Colony. At this time the problem of sending meat to England in a frozen state was only partially solved, and owing to various doubts and difficulties, it was not until December, 1882, that the erection of works was decided upon, the site selected being that now occupied by the company's works upon Waterloo Quay. Early in April, 1883, a shipment of 5794 sheep and 352 quarters of beef was frozen for the company upon the ship “Lady Jocelyn,” and shipped to England by that vessel. The freezing works were completed by August 29th, 1883, when the second annual meeting of the company was held, and freezing operations were commenced shortly after. Owing to various difficulties almost inseparable from the initiation of a new industry, the operations of the company were of a very limited extent until, at the annual meeting in 1886, the directors were able to announce that they had frozen 25,000 sheep during the year, and engagements had been made for the freezing of nearly 50,000 sheep in the coming season. In April, 1887, a contract was let to extend the buildings, and a new Haslam machine was added, bringing the freezing capacity of the works up to 800 sheep per diem. In 1889, the works being unequal to the demands made upon the company for freezing, further extensions were decided upon and carried out in time for the succeeding summer's work, the freezing capacity of the works being increased to 700 sheep and fifty cattle, or equal to 1300 sheep per diem. In October of the same year, the Wellington Meat Preserving Company, which had hitherto slaughtered for the Meat Export Company, was amalgamated with the latter company, thus concentrating the whole of the business under one management. In 1891, the operations of the company having steadily increased, the slaughterhouses and boiling-down works erected by the Wellington Meat Preserving Company at Ngahauranga were found inadequate, while the freezing works at Waterloo Quay, notwithstanding the extensions in 1889, were insufficient to cope with the demands made upon the company for freezing. It was therefore decided to erect at Ngahauranga extensive new slaughterhouses, boiling-down and manure works, as well as new freezing and chilling works. These extensions were completed early in 1892, and they enable the company to slaughter and deal with the offal of 2000 sheep and 70 cattle per diem, while the total capacity of the freezing works at Waterloo Quay and Ngahauranga is upwards of 2000 sheep per diem. When working at full swing about 120 people are employed at the two establishments at Ngahauranga and Waterloo Quay. The manure works utilise the whole of the offal of every description from the animals slaughtered, including the blood, so that nothing whatever is thrown away. By this means not only is considerable saving effected, but the inconvenience and offensiveness of removing large quantities of animal matter is avoided, and nothing of a solid nature is thrown into the harbour. The offices and works in Waterloo Quay comprise buildings of brick and wood of two and three stories in height, erected on land held under lease from the Government. The floorage space afforded is about 20,000 square feet. There are four of Haslem's compound refrigerating steam engines, totalling from five to six hundred horse-power. The works at Ngahauranga cover several acres, the engines used aggregating about 200 horse-power. The company export most of the meat they freeze, a small quantity being sold to local butchers. They are importers of calico to the extent of from £2000 to £3000 per annum. In 1894 the company put through about a quarter-of-a-million sheep, of which 200,000 were shipped. In January and February of 1895, 79,419 sheep and lambs, and 30,000 packages, equal to 800 tons, of butter, were exported. The works are equal to the task of freezing 2500 sheep per day, the cold storage being equal to 45,000 sheep.
Butcher, Riddiford Street, Wellington. This business was established in 1876, and has been conducted by the present proprietor since 1893. The two-story premises are large and well situated, having a frontage of about 60 feet. The usual variety of small goods is made, the most modern machinery, driven by a water-motor, being used. These productions are in good demand in the neighbourhood. Mr. Wilton was born in New Zealand, and was apprenticed to Messrs J. and H. Barber, of Wellington, completing his indentures in 1873.
General and Family Butcher, 100 Cuba Street, Wellington. This butchering establishment was originally founded by Mr. Wilton, senior, the father of the present proprietor, who arrived in this Colony fifty-two years ago, and who started the business in 1877. Mr. Edward Wilton, after completing an apprenticeship in his father's business, where he obtained a thorough knowledge of the trade and experience of the meat market generally, managed the wholesale butchering establishment of Messrs. J. and H. Barber for some years, and later filled a similar post in the employ of the Wellington Meat Preserving and Export Company. He established himself finally in 1888 in the present premises at the corner of Cuba and Ingestre Streets. The building is constructed of wood and iron, and contains a floor space of about 6000 square feet. Mr. Wilton's trade extends over the city and suburbs, and he enjoys the custom of a not
Family Butcher, Adelaide Road, Wellington. Mr. George Robert Wilton is a native of Wellington, and served an apprenticeship to the butchering trade with Messrs. J. and H. Barber, with whom he was employed as a journeyman till 1879, when he started in business in the present premises. By care and attention to business Mr. Wilton has cultivated a good local trade, and makes a specialty of beef and mutton sausages. These goods are in great demand, and are produced by a sausage machine specially constructed by Messrs. Berry and Co., of Christchurch. The premises are of wood and iron, two stories in height, and cover a space of some 5000 square feet. Trams and buses pass the premises frequently during the day. A general cleanliness and business-like air are noticeable features of this establishment.
Andrews, George, Fishmonger, 94 Cuba Street. Established 1882.
Astill, John, Butcher, 144 Tinakori Road.
Banks, Alfred, Butcher, 42 Majoribanks Street.
Benge, Richard Douglas, Butcher, 19 Aro Street. Established 1891.
Burns, A., Pork Butcher, Taranaki Street.
Duncan, Andrew, Butcher, Nelson Street.
Gibson, John W., Pork Butcher, 65A Cuba Street.
Gilbert, F., Butcher, Taranaki Street.
Heinold, Charles, Pork Butcher, 76 Tory Street.
Kuch, J. F. and Co. (John Frederick Kuch), Pork Butchers, 37A Cuba Street and 167 Lambton Quay.
Littlewood, Herbert Priest, Fishmonger, 39 Courtenay Place.
Luxford, Charles Edward, Butcher, Riddiford Street.
Martin, Frederick, Pork Butcher, 59 Willis Street. Established 1882.
Montague, Thos. Young, Butcher, 57 Adelaide Road.
Philips, James Hugh, Poultry Dealer, Manners Street.
Philp, Sparks, Butcher, 89 Cuba Street. Private residence, Owen Street.
Rigarlsford, Moses, Butcher, Molesworth Street. Established 1887.
Rigarlsford, George, jun., Butcher, Molesworth Street.
Riggs, Alfred, Fishmonger, 70 Willis Street. Established 1895.
Rod Bros. (John Rod and James Rod), Butchers 51 Courtenay Place.
Ryland, Claude E., Butcher, Riddiford Street. Bankers, Bank of Australasia.
Skene, Allan, Pork Butcher, Riddiford Street.
Smith, Reuben, Butcher, 81 Tory Street.
Swiney, Charles, Butcher, 128 Adelaide Road.
Wilton, James Henry, Butcher, 180 Adelaide Road.
(John Guthrie Wood Aitken and George Wilson), General Merchants, Customhouse Quay and Brandon Street, Wellington. Telephone 180. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residences: Mr. Aitken, Levy Street; Mr. Wilson, Echo-bank, Hawker Street. This well-known firm was started in 1882, by the present partners, who have since done a steadily expanding business in the Colony. The offices and warehouse of Messrs. Aitken, Wilson and Co. comprise two two-story buildings of wood and iron, erected on corporation leasehold land, having a considerable frontage to the harbour and Brandon Street. As importers of general merchandise and exporters of butter, flax, wool, and other produce, Messrs. Aitken, Wilson and Co. transact a considerable business. They hold a number of valuable British and other agencies. Both partners are Scotchmen, Mr. Aitken having been brought up to mercantile life in the establishment of a large firm of merchants in the city of Glagow, subsequently being transferred to the London house of the same concern, where he had an extended experience. Mr. Wilson had the advantage of a lengthened period of service in London in connection with a firm which transacts a very large colonial trade. It was while engaged in the metropolis that Messrs. Aitken and Wilson became sufficiently acquainted with each other to decide upon entering into the alliance which has resulted in the establishment of this successful business. Shortly before the days of direct steamers to New Zealand, these gentlemen came to the Colony, via Australia, and on arrival in Wellington at once established themselves as above.
Warehousemen and Manufacturers. Head office and warehouse, Glasgow. Factories at London, Leeds, Manchester, and in Ireland and Scotland. New Zealand branch, Athenæum Buildings, Lambton Quay, Wellington. P.O. Box. 184. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia and Bank of New Zealand. This large British company has been represented in the Colony for about a quarter of a century. For some time, the head-quarters in New Zealand were in Christchurch. In June, 1893, the office was removed to Wellington. Messrs. Arthur and Co. are represented by Mr. T. Roskrugge as manager, Mr. R. Pollock as accountant, and Mr. J. A. Fothergill as traveller. These gentlemen all travel regularly in the interests of the firm.
Manager for New Zealand, was born at Lands End, England, in 1816, and came to the Colony, in 1859, with his parents. After completing his education in Christchurch, Mr. Roskruge was apprenticed to Mr. Bethel Ware, draper, of Christchurch, with whom he remained for some years after completing his term. In 1871 he became New Zealand representative for Messrs. Soleberg and Co., of Melbourne, and afterwards acted for Messrs. Beath, Schiess and Co., of the same place. For about twelve years Mr. Roskruge held these appointments, joining Messrs. Arthur and Company as traveller in 1884. On the death of Mr. P. Donald, Mr. Roskruge was appointed to the position he now holds.
Accountant to Messrs. Arthur and Co., Limited, in New Zealand, was born in Nelson, in 1858. Educated at Nelson College, Mr. Pollock entered the service of Messrs. N. Edwards and Co., with whom he obtained his commercial education, remaining about seven years. Subsequently, Mr. Pollock received an appointment in the office of Messrs. Sharp and Pickering, whose service he left seven years later to join Messrs. Arthur and Company, with whom he has been for the past ten years.
Traveller for Messrs. Arthur and Co., Limited, in New Zealand, is the son of a well-known Manchester warchouseman. Born on the 7th of September, 1852, in Manchester, where he was educated, young Fothergill got his early commercial experience in a warehouse in his native city, but finding life too slow accepted an engagement for Newfoundland in 1869, joining one of the leading houses in St. John's. Afterwards he removed to Montreal, Canada, returning to Manchester in 1873. After two years' further experience in a warehouse he crossed the line and in 1878 became traveller for a local house. Ten years later Mr. Fothergill joined Messrs. Arthur and Co., Limited, in the position which he now holds.
(Harold Beauchamp and Walter I. Nathan), Merchants, Hunter Street Extension, Wellington. Cable address, “Bannatyne, Wellington.” Codes, ABC, 4th Edition, and A1. Telephone 15; P.O. Box 158. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residences: Mr. Beauchamp, Karori; Mr. Nathan, Hobson Street. This firm was established in 1812 by the late Mr. William McLeod Bannatyne, and its operations now cover the entire Colony. Messrs. Bannatyne and Co. are direct importers on a very large scale of general merchandise of all descriptions from the principal markets of the world. The handsome three-story brick building in the occupation of the firm was erected by Messrs. Edwards and Palmer, the successful contractors, and covers a large area of ground. The total floorage space of the premises exceeds 15,000 square feet. Mr. Beauchamp, the senior partner, was born at Ararat, Victoria, but came to New Zealand when quite young, and was educated chiefly at the Wanganui Collegiate School. For some years after leaving school, Mr. Beauchamp gained considerable mercantile experience in the employ of his father, Mr. Arthur Beauchamp, who was at that time an auctioneer in Wanganui. Over eighteen years ago Mr. Beauchamp joined the firm of Bannatyne and Co., in which he has been a partner for upwards of ten years. He has recently been elected a member of the Wellington Harbour Board. Mr. Nathan, who was educated at the University College School in London, has had a large commercial experience in London and the Colony, first as a partner with Mr. Joseph Joseph, son of Mr. Jacob Joseph, the well-known capitalist of Wellington (whose
(Robert Hunter and James Dunn), Merchants and Station Agents, Lloyd's Agents, Old Customhouse Street. Cable address, “Hunter, Wellington.” Telephone 127. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia, Limited. London Agents, Dalgetty and Co., Limited, Lombard Street, E.C. Mr. Hunter's private residence, Upper Willis Street; Mr. Dunn's, Wallace Street. This is the oldest business in Wellington, having been established in February, 1840.
(Wolf Harris, James Wilson, and Meyer Finker), Warehousemen and Manufacturers. Head office, High Street, Dunedin. Branches at Litchfield Street, Christchurch, and Dee Street, Invercargill. Wellington branch, corner of Victoria and Harbour Streets. Telephone 137; P.O. Box 283. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia (Limited). Financial manager, Mr. Stringer; warehouse manager, Mr. Lees. Cable address, “Rangolava” Code, A.B.C., 4th Edition. London house, 6 Hansell Street, E.C. This important and rapidly expanding firm has been in existence for fully forty years, during which time its career has been marked by progress and undoubted success. Previous to its establishment, in or about the year 1852, Mr. Harris had been in business in Wellington for some years on his own account, and removing to Dunedin, he joined Mr. Bing. The united firm entered on a prosperous career as general merchants and importers. Commencing in what would now be considered a small way, Messrs. Bing and Harris persevered in those early days, and though opposition was not wanting, they soon stepped out beyond competition and became considerable importers. The firm has expanded with the development of the colony, and as the demand for goods steadily increased the amount of business transacted went on by leaps and bounds. Messrs. Bing, Harris and Co., notwithstanding the fact that they are large importers, believe in encouraging local industry in every possible manner. They have established considerable factories in Dunedin, adding the manufacture of goods, as they found these industries could be profitably conducted. The chief articles made by the firm consist of clothing, shirts, boots, hosiery, etc. The head office of this large firm in Dunedin is an imposing three-story building of stone, brick, iron and wood, having one hundred and twenty feet frontage to High Street, and containing little less than 20,000 square feet of floor space. The Wellington branch was established in 1888, in Panama Street, and as the accommodation soon proved altogether inadequate for the needs of a rapidly extending trade, the services of Mr. Thos. Turnbull, architect, were enlisted, and he was instructed to prepare plans and specifications for larger and more commodious premises; the result being the present imposing warehouse. Messrs. Norbury and Trevor, the successful tenderers, undertook the erection of this handsome structure, which is represented herein. The warehouse has three stories and a basement, and affords about 15,000 superficial feet; even this was found to be insufficient, and a single story of brick, containing about 3000 square feet extra, was built adjoining for the boot department. But this, again, turns out to be too small, and therefore the firm have already plans for increasing its dimensions in conformity with the main building—basement and two floors. On the basement are kept heavy goods in bulk, such as linoleums, floor-cloths, canvas, rugs, blankets and calicoes. The clothing, tweeds, and Manchester departments are accommodated on the ground floor, at the end of which, on a raised platform, the offices for the managers and their clerks are situated. The first floor is devoted to the dress, silk and millinery department; while the second, or top floor, is devoted to the mercery, hosiery, haberdashery and fancy goods. The goods for the Wellington warehouse are imported direct from London, where Mr. Wolf Harris, the senior partner, is in charge. The total stock held by the firm in the colony is not less than £150,000 worth. At their various factories several hundreds of hands are employed, whose wages amount to a large sum per annum. The salaries for warehouse employees represent a
Manufacturers' Agent and Warehouseman, Victoria Street, Wellington. Telephone, 612. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Wilson Street. Mr. Brailsford is a Yorkshireman by birth. Educated at Woodhouse Grove and public school at Liverpool, he was apprenticed to Messrs. George Bainbridge and Son, drapers, of Lincoln. After completing his term, he joined the firm of A. and S. Henry and Co., of Bradford, as salesman. In the year 1874, Mr. Brailsford decided to leave England for the colonies, and embarked per ship “Douglas,” for Wellington. For ten years after arrival he was in the employ of Messrs. Thompson, Shannon, and Co., and subsequently joined Messrs. Sargood, Son and Ewen, with whom he continued for five years. In 1889 he established himself in his present business, which has steadily grown and developed. Mr. Brailsford is an importer of soft goods from British and Continental markets. He is sole agent for New Zealand for Messrs. A. W. Brailsford and Co., of Bradford, manufacturers of serges and dress goods, and for Messrs. Richard Watt and Co., of Manchester, kid glove manufacturers, and various other houses. Mr. Brailsford's business extends to all parts of the Colony. He has recently erected a new brick warehouse for the purpose of his business in Victoria Street.
(N.Z.), Limited, Manufacturers and Warehousemen, Victoria Street, Wellington. Telephone, 684. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Manager of Wellington Branch, W. H. Turnbull; private residence, Murphy Street. Head office, High Street, Dunedin. Managing Director, C. P. M. Butterworth. The Wellington Branch of Messrs. Butterworth Bros. (N.Z.), Limited, was opened early in 1892. The premises occupied form part of Messrs. Townsend and Paul's building, and
(Augustus Frederick Castendyk and Eberhard Focke), 3 and 5 Featherston Street, Wellington. Telephone 193; P.O. Box 189. Cable address, “Castendyk, Wellington.” Code ABC. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. London agents, Messrs. Hicks, Martin and Drysdale, Portland House, Basinghall Street, E.C. Both partners are natives of Bremen, Germany, where they were for four years in mercantile offices. Subsequently removing to London, they each had five years' experience in business life in the Metropolis. Mr. Castendyk came to the Colony in 1878, and obtained a position with Messrs. Joseph Nathan and Co. as bookkeeper. After three years he went as salesman to Messrs. Krull and Co., whose business had been established in 1864. He subsequently left to go to Coromandel, and Mr. Focke, who had arrived in New Zealand in 1879, took his place. In 1884 the present partnership was arranged, and a portion of Krull and Co.'s business was purchased, and this they have continued and developed considerably. They do a good business throughout the greater part of the North Island, particularly on the West Coast, Hawkes Bay, and the Wairarapa, in wines, spirits, and general merchandise. They are direct importers principally of wines and spirits, and hold the following special agencies, viz.—Buchanan's “House of Commons” whisky, Lamb's rum, Blankenheym and Nolet's “Key” Geneva, “V.D.” clarets, Ruinart's champagne, and “Benedictine” liqueurs. The firm are agents in Wellington for the North Queensland Insurance Company, and for the North German Lloyd line of steamers whose head office is in Bremen. Mr. Castendyk has for the last nine or ten years held the honourable position of Vice-Consul for Germany for Wellington, and still continues to hold the appointment. The firm are well known and deservedly popular in business circles. The premises are situated in a first-rate position, the buildings used as warehouse and offices are built of wood, and of three stories, the total floor space being upwards of 5000 square feet.
Warehousemen, Victoria Street, Wellington. Head office Warehouse and factory, Shortland Crescent, Auckland. Manager of Wellington Branch, Mr. B. W. Buttle. This large firm, who have established branches of their business at Tennyson Street, Napier, and Taupo Quay, Wanganui, as well as in the Empire City, will be more fully referred to in the Auckland volume.
(Nathaniel Dodgshun), Importers of Woollens and Tailors' Trimmings, the Leading Tweed Warehouse, Customhouse Quay and Victoria Streets, Wellington. Telephone, 521; P.O. Box 290. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Cable address, “Dodgshun's,” Wellington. Code, private. Private residence, Mr. N. Dodgshun, Johnsonville. British agents, Dodgshun, Sons, and Co., 19 Fore Street Avenue, London, E.C. and 28 Basinghall Street, Leeds. This large business was established by the present owner in Dunedin in 1881. Mr. Dodgshun, the founder and sole proprietor, is a Yorkshireman by birth. His father was a large wool broker in Leeds. With the object of attaining a technical knowledge of wool he was apprenticed as a wool sorter, first in Huddlesfield, afterwards in Bradford and finishing by attending the London wool sales. For some time
prior to coming to the colonies he was in his brother's warehouse in Leeds, and believing that these southern lands afforded more scope for his energies, he embarked for Melbourne, Victoria, with a brother, Mr. Joseph Dodgshun, now in business as a warehouseman in Launceston, Tasmania. Mr. Dodgshun remained in the Victorian capital for some two years, being employed in the house of James Dodgshun and Co., whom he left to commence business in New Zealand. Crossing the Tasman Sea, he took up his quarters in Dunedin in 1881, and at once founded the present business. Beginning in a small way, Messrs. Dodgshun and Co., by steady perseverance and industry, succeeded in working into a large trade. After carrying on business in the southern city for ten years, the superior advantages of Wellington as a central distributing port became apparent, and Mr. Dodgshun decided to remove to the Empire City. The premises occupied are situated in Customhouse Quay, opposite the Bank of New Zealand. They extend through to Victoria Street, where there is a fine cart entrance, which is most convenient for both receiving and delivering. The ground floor is principally used for offices, and for the packing and opening departments; the total floor space of the whole building is little less than 6000 square feet. The stock-room on the first floor is a splendid apartment, which contains a very valuable assortment of broadcloths,
The Tailor and Cutter, the oldest and most reliable trade journal published in London. They keep a large variety of the latest books issued in connection with the tailoring trade, to enable those who study them to cut scientifically and make well-fitting garments. Messrs. Dodgshun and Co.'s connexion extends throughout the entire Colony, their customers being found in every town. Two travellers are always “on the road,” and visit the various centres of population with regularity. It is well known that the firm under notice are in a position to meet the needs of their customers, both as regards quantity and quality. Their stock is said to be the largest of its kind held by any one firm in New Zealand. Their relations with leading English merchants and manufacturers are such as to ensure the maximum of quality at the minimum of cost, and thus they are in the front rank in their line. Business men in all parts of the Colony should send for quotations and samples each season before deciding on their purchases. Messrs. Dodgshun and Co. have gained the reputation of being a capital firm with which to do business. Mr. Dodgshun makes it a rule to visit his customers personally, as often as possible, to consult them on business matters generally, and thus to place his extended experience at their disposal. By this means he has gained a considerable measure of popularity, and his visits are greatly valued. Mr. Dodgshun is well known as an active worker in the temperance cause. A total abstainer himself, he seeks to extend the benefits of abstinence to others who come within the scope of his influence. While resident in Dunedin he was prominent in this movement, and since coming to Wellington he has been a member of the Wellington Prohibition League since its inception, and now occupies the position of chairman of the New Zealand Alliance for the suppression of the liquor traffic. A Presbyterian in belief, he is yet willing to show his sympathy by helping forwad every deserving cause. Mr. Dodgshun is a Liberal in politics, and believes in the enactment of such laws as shall tend to the uplifting of the people.
(Joseph Lachman, Manager), General Merchants, Victoria Street, Wellington. Head office, Coleman Street, London, E. C. Head office for the Colony, Dunedin; branches at Auckland and Christchurch. This well-known firm was established in Birmingham in 1853. Their head office was removed to London in 1866. The Melbourne branch was opened in 1853, and the first New Zealand branch in 1861. The principal managing partner for New Zealand is Mr. Max Hayman, of Dunedin, who arrived in the Colony in 1870 to take charge of the New Zealand business on the departure of his brother, Mr. Lachman Hayman. The splendid warehouse occupied by the firm in Wellington was built from plans by Mr. Chatfield, architect, by the contractor, Mr. Ransome. It is a substantial brick building of four stories in height erected on freehold land and contains upwards of 25,000 square feet of floorage space. Messrs. Hayman and Co.'s trade extends throughout the Colony. They are direct importers of everything in which they deal. The firm have many valuable agencies for British and Continental manufacturing houses.
(John Holmes), Wholesale Wool, Crain, Flax, Seed, and General Merchants, Land and Financial Agents, Grey Street, Wellington, and also in Blenheim. Their cable address is “Amicus, Wellington,” and “Pax, Blenheim.” Codes ABC, fourth edition, and International Mercantile Code. Telephone 655; P.O. Box 368. Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. The private residence of the head of the firm (Mr. John Holmes) is Holmdale, Blenheim. Mr. John Holmes was born in county Cork, Ireland, which has given more celebrated men to Victoria, at least, than any other portion of the Emerald Isle. He comes from the county that has given Australia such eminent citizens as Sir Redmond Barry, Sir Francis Murphy, and a host of other gentlemen who have immortalised themselves in colonial history. The writer of this brief sketch has know Mr. Holmes for twenty years. He has done an immense deal of good for the Marlborough district, where he has inaugurated the direct shipping from Picton to London, established the frozen meat trade, and opened up the export of tinned and frozen rabbits to the Mother Country. As manager of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency at Blenheim, he gained a large and varied experience in finance, wool, shipping, and land values. Recognising this, the Government of New Zealand appointed him assessor for the Crown, under the Public Works Department. His energy and enterprise have gained for him the confidence and approval of all with whom he has come in contact. His firm at present represents the following agencies:—Shaw-Savill and Albion Company, Limited; the Commercial Union Fire and Marine Assurance Company, Limited, of London; the Auckland Fibre Manufacturing Company, Limited; the Massey-Harris harvesting machines, steel cultivators, mowers, and horse rakes; Hawkins and Tipson, hemp and wire rope, and sail-cloth manufacturers, London; Anderson' patent metal ear-mark, for horses, cattle, and sheep; Adams's fertilizers, sheep dips, and disinfectants; the Colonial Ammunition Company, Limited, sporting ammunition, powder and shot; the Palatine Fire Insurance Company, Limited, of Manchester; Lawes's celebrated powder and liquid sheep dips; Barnard and Lake's thatch-making machines; William Houlker, shot and vinegar manufacturer, Nelson; P. Baylis, Ironfounder, Chippenham, England, for hay and wool presses; Anglo-American Rope and Oakum Company, Liverpool, England. The New Zealand Flax Mill Association selected Mr. Holmes out of a large number of applicants for the first appointment of flax grader ever made in New Zealand.
(the Hons. preserved meat, and produce. The firm does a large business as shipping agents, representing the following companies:—Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, China Navigation Company, Limited, The Tyser Line, Limited, Gracie, Beazley and Company's Liverpool line, Wellington Steam Packet Company, and the s.s. Kahu, in addition to which the Wanganui house acts for the New Zealand Shipping Company, the Union Steam Shipping, Company of New Zealand, Limited, and the Northern Steamship Company, Limited. In insurance matters Messrs. Johnston and Co. represent the London and Lancashire Fire Office as agents and attorneys for the Wellington district, and their Wanganui house acts for the National Fire and Marine Insurance Company of New Zealand. The firm undertakes the realization of consignments of merchandise, and acts as purchasing agents for New Zealand products of all kinds. They also receive money for investment on freehold security in the Colony. The Hon. Walter Johnston is referred to as an ex-minister of the Colony on page 81, and under the heading “Banking,” as a director of the Bank of New Zealand, to which position he was appointed by the Government. Some particulars of the career of the Hon. Charles J. Johnston, M.L.C., will be found under “Wellington members of the Legislative Council.” He is also mentioned on page 268 as consul for Belgium and the Netherlands, and as an ex-mayor of the City of Wellington on page 289.
Head office, Factory and Warehouse, Cashel Street, Christchurch. Mills, Kaiapoi. Wellington branch, corner of Victoria and Harbour Streets. Telephone, 932. P.O. Box, 154. Mr. W. J. Salmon is the manager for Wellington and district. A full description of this successful New Zealand. Company will appear in the Canterbury volume of the Cyclopedia. The Wellington warehouse contains a large stock of their well-known manufactures, from which the wants of the Company's numerous customers in the southern portion of the North Island, from Gisborne and New Plymouth, are supplied. The Wellington Branch was established in 1895.
Manager for Wellington district, was born in 1846 in Sydney, New South Wales, where he was educated. Coming to Wellington, New Zealand, in 1864, he served an apprenticeship to the drapery trade, in which he has been almost continually in various capacities up to the present time. Mr. Salmon joined the staff of the Kaiapoi Woollen Company in 1884 as traveller for the same district which he still controls. On the establishment of the Wellington branch, Mr Salmon was promoted to the position of manager.
(Directors: Messrs. Edward Pearce, John Duncan (managing director), Arthur Edward Pearce (manager) and J. M. Ritchie. Secretary, Thomas King), General Merchants, Station, Shipping and Insurance agents, Grey Street. Wellington. Cable address: Levin, Wellington.
(J. C. Macky, J. F. Logan, D. R. Caldwell, T. Steen, and J. T. Steen, Warehousemen, Harbour Street, Wellington. Cable Address: “Neets, Wellington.” Code: Private. Telephone 221; P.O. Box 140. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence: Mr. Caldwell, 29 Wellington Terrace. London House: Steen, Macky, Logan and Caldwell, 113 Wool Exchange, Basinghall Street. The Wellington branch of this great business was established in 1885. The building occupied by the firm comprises a large brick structure of three stories, with a floorage space of some 20,000 square feet. The cellar, which has a concrete floor, is used for the purposes of packing, storage of cases, etc. On the ground floor are the Manchester, clothing and mercery departments. The fancy goods, ribbons, haberdashery, mantles, jackets, and corsets are kept on the first floor; and on the top floor is a large quantity of reserved and unopened stock. Messrs. Macky, Steen, Caldwell and Co. do business from the Wellington branch throughout the West Coast of the South Island, including Nelson and Marlborough. In the North Island a large trade is done in Wellington City, throughout the Wairarapa and in the Manawatu district as far as Feilding. The firm are direct importers, through their London house, of all lines in which they deal. Mr. Caldwell, the resident partner, who established the Wellington branch, was born in Liverpool. He is, however, of Scotch descent, and spent the early part of his youth in Ayrshire, being educated at the Ayr Academy. He came to New Zealand in search of health per ship “Wild Deer,” from Glasgow, arriving in Port Chalmers in 1871. He did not stay long in the South, but went on to Auckland, and joined the firm of Messrs. Archibald Clark and Son, with whom he learnt the business. After five years residence in Auckland, his health having been quite restored, Mr. Caldwell made an extended tour through Fiji, the Sandwich Islands, and America, thus occupying another period of five years. He then returned to the Old Land, and remained there for twelve months. In 1881 he came back to New Zealand, entering the employ of Messrs. McArthur and Co. for a few months, and then joining his present partners in the establishment of their prosperous business. In 1891 Mr. Caldwell married Miss McKerrow, daughter of Mr. J. McKerrow late Chief Commissioner of New Zealand Railways. Mr. Caldwell is a member of the Wellington Hunt Club, and of the Golf Club in the Empire City, in both of which pastimes he takes a very considerable interest, being one of the principal promoters.
Hosiery and Glove Manufacturers. New Zealand office, 21 Willis Street, Wellington. Manager for the Colony, Mr. E. Barker. London house, 18 Wood Street, E.C. This large firm of manufacturers has long been represented in New Zealand, its connection extending throughout the Colony.
Head office, Dunedin. Factory, Mosgiel. Wellington sample rooms, National Mutual Buildings, Custom House Quay. Traveller and representative, Mr. George Pirie. The Company (which will be referred to at length in the Otago volume of the Cyclopedia) established the sample room in Wellington many years ago. From this centre the North Island of the colony is worked, and also the chief cities of Australia.
who represents the Company in Wellington, was born in Scotland in 1843. He came to New Zealand in 1863, per ship “Silistria,” after receiving his education and serving an apprenticeship to the drapery trade. After arriving in Dunedin,
(John Roberts, C.M.G., and A. H. Miles, resident partners for New Zealand), Wool Merchants, Stock and Station Agents, General Importers and Indenters, Featherston Street, Wellington, at Liverpool Street, Dunedin, and at Napier. Cable address, “Pinfire, Wellington,” ABC Code, 4th ed. and A1 Code. London House, Sanderson, Murray and Co., 2 Gresham Buildings, Basinghall Street, E.C.; Melbourne and Sydney houses, John Sanderson and Co. The well-known New Zealand firm of Murray, Roberts and Co. is an offshoot of the old-established house of Sanderson, Murray and Company, London. The colonial house of John Sanderson and Co. was established in Melbourne and Sydney in the early sixties. The New Zealand managing partner, Mr. John Roberts, who was born at Selkirk, Scotland, and educated at Edinburgh and Cheltenham, came over from Melbourne to Dunedin in 1868 to establish the business. The Wellington House was established in 1875, and that at Napier shortly after. The operations of the firm are co-extensive with the Colony; they make advances to the farmers and graziers, on stock, etc., supply seeds and general merchandise to their customers, and ship wool, grain, frozen mutton, sheepskins, and other produce to London for realisation. The volume of business which Messrs. Murray, Roberts and Co. transact annually is most extensive, and their London House ranks as the third largest importer of wool in the United Kingdom. The Wellington firm are agents for the North British and Mercantile Insurance Company of London and Edinburgh; the British and Foreign Marine Insurance Company, Limited, of London and Liverpool; for Cooper's poisonous sheep dip, and Little's non poisonous fluid dip; for Marshall and Son's and R. Hornby and Son's implements and machinery, and for the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Shipping Company. The handsome three-storied building occupied as office and store in Featherston Street was erected for the firm, and contains about 30,000 feet of floorage space. The two-storied iron store in Johnston Street affords some 4000 feet extra accommodation.
(Judah Myers, Solomon H. Myers, John Myers, and Philip Myers), Merchants and General Importers, 42 Willis Street and Victoria Street, Wellington. Telegraphic address: Myers, Wellington. Cable address: Retablira. Code, special. Telephone 316; P.O. Box 214. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Myers, Clifton Terrace; Mr. S. Myers, Abel Smith Street; Mr. John Myers, Upper Dixon Street. London agents, Myers and Cantor, 96 to 98 Leadenhall Street, E.C. Mr. Judah Myers, the founder of this extensive business, was born in London, but came to the colonies with his parents when a boy nine years of age. He was educated and brought up to business life in the colonies, having an excellent training, first in Australia and afterwards in New Zealand. In the early days of the Colony, Mr. Myers had also a somewhat extensive goldfields experience. It is now over thirty years since he established himself in business in New Zealand, starting first in Westport, and afterwards going further down the coast to Hokitika. In 1879 the present large business was established in Wellington. Messrs. Solomon and John Myers were born in Australia, and Mr. Philip Myers in New Zealand, all being brought up and educated in the colonies. The business founded by Mr. Myers has now grown into a very large concern. The two splendid buildings, having about 12,000 square feet of floorage space, which were built to the order of the firm, are fully occupied, and it is still found necessary to increase the accommodation. The business of Messrs. Myers and Co. extends all over New Zealand. Three travellers are employed in interviewing the merchants and others in the various towns. The firm are, of course, direct importers, the leading lines being crockery and fancy goods.
(Joseph Edward Nathan, David J. Nathan, and L. J. Nathan), General Merchants and Importers, corner of Grey and Featherston Streets, Wellington. Bulk store, corner of Waring Taylor Street and Lambton Quay. Telephone 6; P.O. Box 382. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence: Mr. D. J. Nathan, 3 Tinakori Road. London house, Messrs. Joseph Nathan and Co., 18 Fenchurch Buildings, Fenchurch Street, E.C. The extensive business conducted by Messrs. Joseph Nathan and Co. was in the early days carried on under the name of Jacob Joseph and Co., of which firm the senior partner of the present establishment was a member. Mr. Joseph Nathan was born in London, where, also, he was educated and brought up to a mercantile life. He came out to the colonies about forty years ago, having started with the intention of seeking his fortune on the goldfields of Australia. However, he came to New Zealand in 1857, and entered into business in connection with the firm of Messrs. Jacob Joseph and Co., at a subsequent date purchasing his partner's interest, and altering the name of the firm to its present title. The handsome four-story building occupied
Chief office for the Colony, Featherston Street, Wellington Telephone 454. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Head office London. Directors Messrs. Edward Martin (chairman), John Beaumont, A. C. Garrick, H. J. Gibbs, Vesey G. M. Holt, and W. W. Oswald. Mr. David Elder is general manager for Australia, and Mr. J. Newman Barker inspector. For New Zealand, Mr. Malcolm Macpherson is general manager, and Mr. W. T. Dodds inspector. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, was originally incorporated early in 1865, and commenced business that year as produce, financial, and general commercial agents, with their head office for the Colony at Auckland, a branch at Christchurch, and agencies in all other parts of the Colony, the registered office of the Company being situate in London. In the beginning of 1873 the operations of the Company were extended to Australia—first to Melbourne, then to Sydney, and afterwards to the other main centres and to Tasmania. In February, 1889, the colonial board of directors (which had up to that date controlled the business in the colonies) was abolished, and attorneys were thereupon appointed to manage the business in New Zealand and Australia respectively. In July, 1893, consequent on the serious and almost universal fall in prices, the disturbed state of the money market generally, and particularly the financial crisis in Australia, the Company suspended operations with a view to reconstruction. Meanwhile the business of the Company, which had grown to enormous dimensions, was temporarily transferred to the New Zealand Land Association—though still worked by the Loan Company officers and staff—and was well maintained through the two colonies and in London. On the 10th of May, 1894, the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., Limited, was incorporated, having an authorised capita of £3,900,000, and immediately assumed operative business throughout the colonies. On the 1st of May, 1895, the New Zealand head office of the Company was transferred to Wellington, the central situation of which offers special facilities for control of business in the Colony. The Company now has branches at Auckland, Hamilton, Gisborne, Napier, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Masterton, Wellington, Blenheim, Christchurch, Lyttelton, Rakaia Timaru, Oamaru, Dunedin, Invercargill, Bluff and Gore in New Zealand, and branches in Australia at Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Rockhampton, with agents at Adelaide, Newcastle, etc.
(A. S. Paterson Dunedin, and J. K. Anderson, London), General Merchants, National Mutual Buildings, Custom House Quay, Wellington. Head office Dunedin. Branch at Auckland. Manager for Wellington, Mr. Leonard M. Harris. London house, 16 St. Helen's Place, E.C. Stores, corner of Featherston and Grey Streets, and also at Victoria Street. Telephone 549. P.O. Box 199. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence of manager, Rosina Terrace. This business was established in London and in the Colony in 1886. The trade extends throughout New Zealand, the North Island being worked by Wellington and Auckland houses, and the South Island from Dunedin., Messrs. Paterson and Co. are importers of sugar, tea, cornsacks and woolpacks. In seeds, they are very large importers of clovers, cow grass, rye grass, etc., and do a very considerable trade. They represent the Timaru Milling Company, Limited, and Milburn Lime and Cement Company, Limited, Dunedin, and their travellers pay periodica
(John Ross and Robert Glendining), David Jones, Manager; Warehousemen and Manufacturers, corner of Victoria Street and Harbour Street Extension, Wellington. Head office, Dunedin. Branches, Christchurch, Napier, and Invercargill; Woollen Mills, Roslyn. Telephone 81; P.O. Box 5. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. London House Mr. John Ross, 63 Finsbury Pavement, E.C. The Wellington branch of this old established house was founded in 1888, the present building being erected four years later. The fine building, three stories in height, is of brick, and is on corporation leasehold land, possessing a total floorage space of nearly 20,000 square feet. Notwithstanding the large accommodation thus offered, the structure was found to be too small for the requirements of the trade, and a new building was erected in 1895 at the back of the present premises for the purpose of supplying office accommodation for the firm, and additional rooms for storage, packing, etc. The new building affords about 6000 square feet additional space. A hydraulic lift, capable of lifting three tons, communicates with the various floors of the main building, and in addition to this a parcel lift is used. The whole of the North Island, except Hawke's Bay, is worked from the Wellington branch. Four travellers are constantly on the move visiting the firm's customers. Messrs. Ross and Glendining are direct importers through their London house of everything kept in stock, with the exception of the manufactured goods, which come direct from the Roslyn Mills.
(Hon. Sir Frederick Thomas Sargood, K.C.M.G., M.L.C., etc., John A. Ewen, John Ross, and Percy Rolfe Sargood), Warehousemen and Manufacturers, corner of Waterloo Quay and Hunter Street extension, Wellington. Other establishments: London, Melbourne, Auckland, Dunedin, church, and Invercargill. Private residence of Mr. Ross, resident partner, Inverlochie House, Abel Smith Street, Wellington. This is one of the oldest and most important houses in the soft good trade in the Colony, and was founded in Melbourne in 1848 by the late Mr. Frederick James Sargood, as a receiving depôt for British merchandise. Success attended the founder's efforts from the beginning, and in the early fifties the rate of progress and development was accelerated by the entrance into the business of Mr. John Alexander Ewen, of Victoria, now of London, who successfully represented the firm throughout Victoria, and in the adjoining colonies of New South Wales and South Australia, and in 1863 established the New Zealand branch in Dunedin, which was carried on under the name of Sargood, Son, and Ewen. A few years prior to this, Mr. Sargood, the senior partner and founder, had returned to London for the purpose of establishing a buying-house in the world's commercial metropolis. In 1868, Mr. Ewen proceeded to London, and still occupies
British Journal of Commerce says:—“It is not too much to say that there are few men who possess in a greater degree the many essential qualifications for developing a large mercantile concern than he; keen perception, sound judgment, judicious enterprise, and thoroughly upright principles, are his marked characteristics. By his indomitable will and strict integrity he has not only contributed largely to the success of the firm, but in commercial and social circles there are few men who are better known or more widely appreciated in the Australasian colonies. Throughout his deservedly prosperous career he has not studied his own individual interests only, but has ever been ready to assist in any way the promotion of trade and commerce, and the general welfare and prosperity of the colony of Victoria. In the administration of its government he has taken a very active part, having been for a number of years a member of the Legislative Council, and for a lengthy period held a seat in the Ministry. He was the Minister of Defence for the colony, and whilst in that office, largely by his efforts, a paid militia force was initiated. He has always been an ardent volunteer, and still is a great supporter of the movement, and by his efforts and liberality he has contributed largely to its success in Victoria…… He will also in future be remembered as the vice-president of the recent Melbourne Exhibition, and to his untiring efforts, assiduous labour, and generous assistance in its promotion, organization, and general direction, are due in a great measure its brilliant and unqualified success. He was president of the Melbourne Chamber of Commerce in 1886.” Associated with Sir Frederick in the Melbourne firm, as partners, are Mr, Henry Butler, Mr. Robert Nichol, and Mr. Frederick George Sargood (eldest son of Sir Frederick). Messrs. Butler and Nichol joined the firm in 1878. They were even then well known in the colonies, having for many years conducted a large business in premises adjoining those of Messrs. Sargood. The amalgamation of these businesses explains the double title under which the firm trades. Mr. John Ross is the resident general managing partner of the New Zealand firm. His appointment to this high position affords ample proof of his business abilities. Mr. Ross has been connected with the New Zealand house since 1864, and in 1883 was admitted a partner, in which year he went to Auckland to erect their new warehouse in Victoria Street, remaining there t
General Importers, 12 Featherston Street, Wellington. P.O. Box 244. Private residence, Talavera Terrace. This firm was established in 1892. They are direct importers of English and Continental specialties, chiefly hardware, and deal with their customers—wholesale only—throughout the entire Colony.
Warehousemen and Manufacturers. Head office, Glasgow; factories at Leeds, Stabane (Ireland), and Glasgow. New Zealand office and sample rooms, Athenæum Buildings, Lambton Quay, Wellington. P.O. Box 9. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. This large British firm is represented in the Colony by Messrs. William Forsyth (manager), S. Somerfield, and W. Brown (travellers), the New Zealand branch being established in the year 1873. Mr. William Forsyth, manager for the firm in New Zealand, was born in Aberdeen in 1862, and educated at the Glasgow Academy. Leaving his native land, Mr. Forsyth spent four years at Algoa Bay, South Africa, where he was with Messrs. Mackie, Dunn and Co., general merchants. In 1886 he came to New Zealand per s.s. “Ruapehu,” under engagement as manager for the New Zealand branch of Messrs. Stewart and McDonald.
(Alexander Horsburgh Turnbull and Nicholas Reid). Telephone 93; P.O. Box 279. Cable address, “Turnbull, Wellington.” Code ABC. Bankers Bank of New Zealand. Offices and factory, Customhouse Quay. Wellington. London agents, A. L. Elder and Co., 7 St. Helen's Place, E.C. Mr. Turnbull is a native of the Colony, and the son of one of the founders of the business. Mr. Reid is a native of Scotland, and came to New Zealand in 1859. For a great many years past he has been associated with this large concern, and has taken a prominent part in its management. The operations of the firm extend to all parts of the Colony, which are regularly visited by the representatives of this well-known house. They deal in general merchandise of all kinds, and are large importers from the various markets. They also do a considerable export trade. The buildings, which occupy a prominent position in Customhouse Quay, and present an imposing appearance to the eyes of travellers on board incoming steamers, are built of brick, and are respectively of three, four, and five stories in height. The shipping, general, and private offices are on the ground floor at the main entrance to the building. The factory is commodious and well adapted for the extensive business therein conducted. A gas-engine of ten-horse-power furnishes the motive force to work the machinery, which consists of a complete plant for roasting and grinding coffee, preparing spices, baking and custard powder, ground ginger, peppers, etc. The firm are large importers of tea. They employ a professional tea taster and blender, who has been most successful in his efforts to furnish the public with the very highest quality and value. After many years the Empire Tea Company's teas have established a reputation for genuineness and reliability combined with a moderate cost. The firm have about eight or ten different brands of tea, the word “Empire” being used as their trade mark. The warehouse is furnished with three powerfull hydraulic lifts, which are convenient for hauling the large quantity of goods that passes through the premises.
General Produce, Seed and Grain Merchants. Directors, Messrs. John Martin (Chairman), Louis J. Nathan (Managing Director), Captains J. D. R. Hewitt, R.N., and W. S. Gardener, Messrs. R. F. P. Snow, A. O'Brien, G. S. Bridge, L. Wallis, and D. J. Nathan. Head office, corner of Lambton Quay and Johnston Street, Wellington. Manager, Mr. C. W. Mullins. Telephone 641. P.O. Box 253. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Branches, Palmerston North, Feilding, and Wanganui. London agents, Messrs. Joseph Nathan and Co., 18 Fenchurch Buildings, Fenchurch Street, E.C. The capital of the Company is £100,000, of which £50,000 is subscribed, and £25,000 paid up. The Company was incorporated on 31st August, 1895, to take over the business of the Manawatu Farmers' Co-operative Association, Limited, and the United Farmers' Alliance, Limited. The business out of which the Manawatu Farmers' Co-operative Association was evolved was established by Messrs. Joseph Nathan and Co., in 1877, when Palmerston North was a very small settlement. The association was incorporated in 1892, and conducted a large business up to the time of amalgamation. The United Farmers' Alliance, Limited, was incorporated in July, 1892, taking over the business of the West Coast Farmers' Association and the Co-operative Farmers' Alliance, and the business developed and extended till the above Union took place. The Association as now constituted is a very powerful one, having a body of some 1600 shareholders among the farmers, occupying some of the most fertile country in the North Island, extending from Patea to Wellington on the West Coast, and as far as Napier on the East Coast. It is worked on purely co-operative principles. All farmers who have a stake in the Association have the option of an open account, and may procure
New Zealand Times Company. The ground floor of the building—a two-story wooden structure—is occupied by the Company, the total floorage space being little less than 40,000 square feet, which is about four times the size of the premises recently vacated in Willis Street, which had become inconveniently small, by reason of the enormous development of the Company's operations.
Directors: Hon. C. J Johnston, M.L.C. (chairman), Messrs. W. A. Fitzherbert, J.P., C.E., W. H. P. Barber, A. Warburton, A. E. Gibbs, and C. E. Zohrab. Head office, warehouse, and clothing factory, corner of Jervois Quay and Willeston Streets. Mills, Te Koro Koro, Petone. Telephones 200 and 400. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, General manager, Mr. M. G. Heeles; secretary, Mr. A. E. Donne. The capital of this large Company is £100,000 in 20,000 shares of £5 each, of which 17,710 are allotted, £4 per share being paid up in respect of 11,275 shares, and £1 10s. on 6441 shares. The Company was incorporated in June 1883, commenced manufacturing operations in August 1886, and has paid many dividends, the last (1896) being at the rate of six per cent. The splendid mills at Petone are described in the article dealing with that manufacturing borough. The head office and factory—lately completed—which appears in the engraving, is a handsome brick building of three and four stories designed by Mr. F. Penty, architect, and erected by Messrs. Paterson and Martin, contractors. The total floorage space of this fine building is from fifteen to twenty thousand square feet. On the ground floor is the showroom, the entrance being at the corner, where there are tastefully finished glazed folding doors. Samples of the well-known goods manufactured by the company are arranged in all directions. The cart entrance extends right through the building at the side next to Messrs. Sharland and Co's warehouse, and is so arranged as to bring the platforms of the carts to the same level as the floor of the building. A portion of the ground floor near this entrance is utilized as the packing room. The various floors are connected with this department by an electric goods lift. The Company's office—including the general manager's office, which is also used as a board room—secretary's and public office, fireproof safe room and telephone room are situated above the cartway, the entrance being by a staircase from the show-room. The first principal floor is used as a cloth-cutting and machine-room. Here the large patent knife for cloth-cutting is worked, and about seventy hands are employed. The electric motor which furnishes the power to drive the plant is placed on a concrete floor above the Company's safe, the rooms immediately above the offices being used as the cutter's department. On the second or top main floor—known as the machine-room—is a busy scene, about 150 hands—mostly girls—being engaged. The Company has just doubled the number of machines—all of the Singer Company's make—which now total forty-eight. The irons for smoothing are of the patent electric pattern, the subtle fluid being used for heating purposes, this being said to be the first practical application of electricity for heating purposes in Australasia. Altogether some 250 hands will be employed in this department of the Company's business. The building, which is admirably adapted for the purpose of the trade, is splendidly lighted and well ventilated, and as the Woollen Company has secured an adjoining allotment they have ample room to double the size of their premises when required. Excellent provision has been made for the girls on the top flat: a large dining room suitably furnished, supplied with hot water and lavatories attached being allotted to them. The entire building is lighted with electricity, and an iron fire escape communicates with each floor.
General Manager of the Wellington Woollen Manufacturing Company, Limited, is one of the oldest officers now in the Company's employ. He is essentially a business man, his whole time and energies being given up to the management of the large concern with which he has so long been connected.
Secretary of the Wellington Woollen Manufacturing Company, Limited, joined the staff of this large and prosperous concern in 1889 as accountant under the late Mr. Bremner, who was at that time secretary of the Company. When that gentleman died in 1894–Mr. Donne was promoted to the responsible office of secretary of the Company, which he still holds.
(Constantine Edward Zohrab), General Merchants, Panama Street, Wellington. Cable address, special. Telephone 50. P.O. Box 86. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales Private residence, Roxburgh Street. London agency, £0 Jeffrey Square, St. Mary Axe, E.C. This business was established in 1876 by Messrs. Zohrab, Knocker and Co., and after two years became Zohrab, Newman and Co. The present proprietor has conducted the business alone since 1884, when Dr. Newman retired from the partnership. Messrs. Zohrab and Co.'s business extends over all parts of the Colony from Auckland to Invercargill. The firm are sole agents in the Colony for P. Dawson's “Perfection” Whisky, Dufftown Distillery, Glenlivet; for Alfred Carafont and Co.'s Brandy, Cognac; for A. C. A. Nolet's Schnapps and Geneva Schiedam, Perinet et Fils Champagne, Reims; Champion brand of Stout, Reginaris, Natural Sparkling Water, Thorne's Lion Rum and Dry Gin. The offices of the firm are situated in Panama Street. A large brick store, the floorage space of which is between 5000 and 6000 square feet, adjoins the office. Mr. Zohrab was born at Litherland, near Liverpool, and was educated at Bath, in the West of England. He came to New Zealand in 1863, and was one of the first to go to the Dunstan gold-fields. After two years' experience in the South, however, he came to the Empire City, where he made his home. Mr. Zohrab obtained his large mercantile experience principally in this Colony, but having travelled extensively in Europe, Africa, Australia, and America, has gained much experience and knowledge of business as conducted in other parts of the world. He is a prominent member of the English Church, and for many years has had a seat on the Standing Committee of the Diocesan Synod. He was also a member of the General Synod. Mr. Zohrab has assisted many local industries, and is an active director of the Wellington Woollen Company, Limited. He is a man who is by nature an optimist, and he has always held the opinion that Wellington would be the premier city of New Zealand. He holds hopeful views as to the future of the Colony.
Abbott, Oram and Co. (R. W. Abbott, J. W. Abbott, and C. M. Oram), Warehousemen, Customhouse Quay.
Brooks, Henry, and Co., Merchants and Indent Agents, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Head office, 70 Bishop Gate Street, within London, E.C. Representative, Mr. C. J. Long. Established in New Zealand in 1865.
Edmondson, John, Wholesale Woollen Merchant and Manufacturer, Farish Street. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, 43 Dixon Street. Established 1869.
Lieber and Pauli, Importers, Customhouse Quay.
Mann, Byars and Co. (Manager, Mr. G. Glover), Warehousemen, Evening Post Avenue, Willis Street. Private residence, Oriental Bay. Established 1884.
Scott and Co. (Sidney Scott), General Merchants and Importers, Queen's Chambers. Established 1892.
Boundy, J. H. and Co. (J. J. Corry and J. H. Boundy), Wool, Grain, and General Merchants, 14 Customhouse Quay. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1896.
Spicer, James, and Sons, Manufacturers and Merchants, Customhouse Quay.
Seedsman, Nurseryman, and Florist, 30 Manners Street, Wellington. Bijou Nurseries, Lower Hutt. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Cooper, the founder, hails from England. He arrived in Wellington, with his patents, per ship “Oriental,” in 1842. The business is reputed to be the oldest establishment of its kind in the province, if not in the Colony. It was commenced over thirty years ago, by the present proprietor, who has conducted a large trade up to the time of writing. The Bijou Nurseries comprise several acres of the rich land which is so plentiful in the Hutt Valley. In every respect, they may be said to be in a high state of cultivation. Plentifully supplied with handsome ornamental trees and shelter hedges, the young stocks are protected from high or cold winds. Hundreds of thousands of shrubs and trees—fruit-bearing and flowering—in all stages of growth, from the tiny seedling or cutting to the well-developed tree, are to be seen in the nursery. Three conservatories, having many thousand square feet of glass, are used for rearing and forcing pot plants of all kinds, there being at least 3000 varieties. For the needs of the business, the firm imports seeds, nursery implements, etc., and always maintains a large stock at their depôt in Manners Street. The reputation of the firm as suppliers of seeds and choice tree plants and shrubs, is such that orders are received from all parts of the Colony, and even from Australia, also occasionally from England. For the convenience of customers, Mr. Cooper issues the following catalogues, which he will forward to any address post free:—(1) Catalogue of Flowering Bulbs and Tuberous Plants; (2) Catalogue of Fruit Trees and General Nursery Stock; and (3) Flower Garden and Agricultural Seeds and Horticultural Necessaries.
(Harry Clifton Gibbons), Seed Merchants and Nurserymen, 131, Lambton Quay, Wellington, Telephone 195. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Hutt Valley. Nurseries, Lower Hutt. The firm, which was established in 1888 by the present proprietor, carries on an extensive wholesale trade throughout the Colony. A large business is done in packet seeds, which are packed at the firm's depôt in Wellington. Messrs. Gibbons and Co. are extensive importers of British and Foreign Seeds. They also have regular shipments of choice Japanese bulbs and ornamental trees. The Lambton Quay shop—a wooden building—contains some 2000 square feet of floorage space. Messrs. Gibbons and Co. have contracts with farmers to grow seeds, and they find the colonially-grown article usually the best, and of course give it preference. The Hutt Valley Nurseries, of fifteen acres in extent, are in a high state of cultivation, and contain hundreds of thousands of fruit, ornamental, and shelter trees, in various stages of development. A skilled manager is in charge of these nurseries, and large quantities of the produce are disposed of at the retail establishment in Lambton Quay.
Seedsman and Florist, 3 Molesworth Street. Telephone 442. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established by Mr. Woodger in 1879. The building occupied is a two-story wood and iron structure, containing over 2000 square feet of floorage space. Mr. Woodger imports seeds from British markets, and choice plants from Australia. His business connections are to be found in many parts of the Colony. Born in London, Mr. Woodger came to Wellington, per ship “Euterpe,” in 1874, establishing himself as above five years later.
Clarke, William J., Florist, Bird and Fancy Poulterer, Cuba Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established in 1895, by Mr. John Walker; conducted by Mr. Clarke since early in 1896.
Green, H. C., Seedsman and Florist, Lambton Quay.
Judd and Son (C. Judd), Fern Dealers, 12 Manners Street.
Mountier, Frederick, Nurseryman and Florist, Tasman Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1869.
Pedder, Jas. Henry, Seedsman, Riddiford Street. Bankers, Bank of N.Z.
Wilkinson, David Norman, Florist and Garden Proprietor, Roseneath Gardens, Oriental Bay.
Wilton, Nun, Nurseryman, Brittomart Street.
Fruiterer, corner of Charlotte Street and Thorndon Quay. Established 1889. Mr. Bull was born in Bedford, England, his father being the original manufacturer of the celebrated Bedford cream cheese. For thirty-six years, Mr. Bull, senr., supplied this cheese to Oxford University, Tring, Ailesbury, Great Yarmouth, and many other places. Mr. Reuben Bull has resolved to give the Wellington public the full benefit of his father's famous discovery in special preparation of cream, and has arranged to manufacture and sell this cheese and other cream preparations. Mr. Bull was educated in the well-known schools of Bedford. After finishing at school, he was apprenticed to E. Page and Co., noted for their brickmaking machines. After leaving that firm, he served seven years with J. and Sir F. Howard, travelling as their binder expert. While with Howards, he leased a farm at Bromham, Bedfordshire, which he gave up to come to New Zealand. On arriving in Wellington he opened a shop, first on Thorndon Quay, but a year after removed to his present premises. Mr. Bull has been a member of the Thorndon School Committee, and is Chairman of the Wellington Fruiterers' Association.
Greengrocer, Poulterer, Grocer and Sance Manufacturer, 65 Sydney Street, Wellington. Mr. Carson was formerly in business in Molesworth Street, and took his premises in 1894. The building, which is erected on freehold ground, is of wood and iron, and consists of shop and dwelling-house. The shop has a frontage of about thirty-four feet to Sydney Street. Besides carrying on the business of a greengrocer and poulterer, Mr. Carson manufactures sauces, pickles, and vinegar. His tomato sauce commands a ready sale. A good general stock of groceries is kept, and these are dispensed by Mrs. Carson. As poulterer and fruiterer to His Excellency Lord Glasgow, and as contractor for the supply of Bellamy's and other large consumers, Mr. Carson enjoys a good share of public patronage.
Antony, Guiseppe, Fruiterer, 93 Cuba Street.
Carpenter, William, Fruiterer, Lambton Quay. Established 1880.
Cordoza, Joseph V., Fruiterer, 223 Lambton Quay.
Guthrie Mrs., (late Dunning Bros.) Fruiterer, Willis Street. Taken over by Mrs. Guthrie in 1895.
Hargreaves, Mrs., Fruiterer and General Dealer, Taranaki Street. Established February, 1896.
Jacobsen, John, Fruiterer, Wordsworth Street.
Moore, Henry, Fruiterer, 80 Adelaide Road.
Nidd, Thomas, Fruiterer, Manners Street. Established 1875.
Price, W. J., Fruiterer and Greengrocer, Courtenay Place. Established 1895.
Thompson, J., Fruiterer, Customhouse Quay.
Upton, Mrs. T., Fruiterer and Greengrocer, Riddiford Street. Established 1894.
Potter and Brick Manufacturer, Wallace Street, Wellington. This business was foun
(Peter Hutson), Works, Wallace Street Newtown; Office and Yard, Waring Taylor Street. Telephone, Works 694; Office 100. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. The present proprietor of these works was born in Brighton, England, and served his apprenticeship to the engineering trade with Eaton, Amos and Son, of London, who employ some 3000 hands. In 1872, Mr. Peter Hutson sailed by the ship “Christian McAusland,” and after his arrival in New Zealand carried on business as builder, contractor, and merchant. In 1891 he purchased from Mr. Hill the above works. Since that time extensive alterations and improvements have been effected, the buildings having been mostly rebuilt. New appliances and furnaces of the most approved type have replaced the older ones, and now Mr. Hutson can congratulate himself that he is “the possessor of the most complete and best appointed plant in the Colony for the production of vitrified glazed pipes capable of resisting all the decomposing influences of frost and chemicals, and of sufficient strength to resist any ordinary liability to fracture by pressure or accident. There are other works in the establishment, where articles of a more pretentious, ornamental, and artistic character are turned out; but for drain-pipes Mr. Hutson has the authority of a no less capable judge than Mr. Mestayer, the drainage engineer for the City Council, that his productions have not been excelled in any part of the world in which he has superintended works where these sanitary necessaries so largely enter into their construction. Mr. Hutson has a right to feel proud of the fact that he has secured one of the largest contracts of its kind ever let in the colonies, viz., that for the supply of the whole of the pipes for the Wellington drainage scheme, especially as it is only about two years since he took this industry in hand. He has, during that time, designed the plans and machinery and supervised the whole of the work, until he is now in a position to supply pipes for the local work to the extent required by this four years contract, extending to 3500 pipes of all sizes per month, besides keeping up with the demands of other corporations and private customers, one of which, the Wanganui Borough Council, is also engaged in extensive sewage works at present. Pipes, however, are not the only product of the Wallace Street factory. Ordinary and fancy bricks are largely manufactured. These are all machine-made, and the simple-looking, compact little machine which compresses the tempered clay and shapes it into bricks is capable of turning out 7000 per day of eight hours; but a ton of clay when made into bricks does not realise so mach by one-third as the same amount of raw material will when converted into pipes, traps, chimney pots, and other things requiring more manipulation and time. And the clay used for the higher-classed articles is different from that used for bricks. The area occupied by Mr. Hutson extends to about two-and-a-half acres of which one acre is occupied by the buildings and kilns. The machinery is driven by a sixteen-horse-power engine, fifted with all the latest economical devices for saving fuel. The engine drives two sets of grinding rollers, which thoroughly disintegrate the clay, and convert it from lumpy masses into one homogeneous cake; the old pug mill, with the dejected horse doing his “demnition eternal grind,” having long since gone the way of all other fossilised ideas. There are three powerful pipe machines into which the prepared clay is shovelled, and forced by enormous pressure through interior and exterior dies, from which the pipe emerges, as round and smooth as candle. These turn out pipes from three inches upwards. The third machine is one of the largest in the Colony, and produces a twenty-four inch pipe. There are also machines for socketing, moulds, and modelling machines for chimney pots, and sanitary trap-sinks of curious shapes, vases, plain and faney, and a host of other things, which are either useful or ornamental. There are extensive sheds where the products of the shaping machines are subjected to a gradual drying, the temperature being kept up by the surplus heat from the furnaces, circulated through pipes under the floors of the drying rooms. When sufficiently set, the various articles are conveyed to the kilns, of which there are four, having from eight to ten furnaces each. The operation of burning occupies some days, and the coal used for that purpose costs £80 per month. When cool enough, after this cremation, the finished product is ready for the market. This one establishment pays out over £80 to £100 per week in wages, employing about thirty-six hands, and although, at first sight, there appears to be insufficient room to accommodate the men and material, yet a very few minutes' observation shows that everything is so thoroughly well arranged, and the organisation is so perfect that the various operations move like the proverbial clockwork. Those who recognise the importance of supporting local industries and keeping money circulating in the Colony are recommended to get one of Messrs. P. Hutson and Co.'s illustrated catalogues, and when ordering to quote the illustration number of articles. Mr. Hutson is evidently a go a-head man with ideas of his own, and with a practical turn of mind to utilise his theories, and his two years of thinking and acting have produced results which have a great sphere of usefulness to the city and, let us hope, of profit to himself. Although he has his hands so full, he still finds
Evening Press.
Brick Manufacturer, Stokes Street and Adelaide Road. Established 1893. Mr. Marshment's works are situated about five minutes' walk from the corner of Adelaide Road and Riddiford Street, going south. The brickfield and works occupy some two acres of land on the elevation near the Berhampore Public School. The works are noted in Wellington for the superior class of machine-made and pressed bricks turned out from them. The machine used is of modern design, with wire cutter. The engine is ten-horse-power, and well suited to the work devolving on it. Mr. Marshment has two down-draught kilns, and employs usually about twelve hands. The pressed bricks manufactured in the works are claimed to be the finest used in Wellington, and are eagerly sought after by building contractors. Mr. Marshment's bricks have been used in the construction of a great many of the best known buildings in Wellington. Amongst thesemay be mentioned the Free Public Library, the Harbour Board's offices, Commercial Travellers' Club, Sharland's warehouse, Bodley's Private Hotel, and the shops occupied by Mr. Sherwood and Mrs. Linnell, in Cuba Street. The large chimney at the Electrical Syndicate's premises is also made of bricks from Mr. Marshment's works. Altogether, this business is securing deserved attention, and the bricks turned out are making their own reputation as they get tried and become known.
Brick and Drain Pipe Manufacturer, 105 Taranaki Street, Wellington. P.O. Box 570. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established as long ago as 1874, the present proprietor having taken over the business in December, 1889. Mr. Murphy has a considerable connection, and his bricks and drain-pipes have received deserved praise.
Brick Manufacturer, Webb Street Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Webb Street. This business was founded just fifty years ago by the father of the present proprietor, the late Mr. William Tonks The brickyards and factory occupy about two acres of land, which is freehold, and a very large amount of excavating has already been done for the purposes of the works. A considerable portion of the frontage is occupied by substantial wooden houses, which Mr. Tonks has erected on the land levelled in the course of his business. The brick-making machine, which was made in the Colony, is driven by a horizontal steam-engine of eight-horse-power, manufactured by Messrs. Luke and Son, of the well-known Te Aro Foundry. Mr. Tonks is the possessor of the latest machine for the manufacture of pressed bricks; he has a splendid Hoffman kiln, which is always working, and a down draught kiln for the purpose of burning the pressed bricks; A large supply of clay is on the ground, but in addition Mr. Tonks has made arrangements for obtaining a supply elsewhere. He does a very extensive trade in Wellington and the surrounding districts, and about twelve or thirteen hands are kept in constant employment. Mr. Tonks is a native of Staffordshire, England, and came out to the Colony with his parents per ship “Birman,” arriving in Wellington in 1842.
Baylis and Co. (George Henry Baylis), Stone and Lime Merchants, Victoria Street. Private residence, Hanson Street.
Daly and Co. (Owen Daly, jun.), Brick, Drainpipe and Lime Merchants, Molesworth Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established and conducted by present proprietor since 1895.
Overend, John, Brickmaker, Tasman Street.
Patching, James, Brickmaker, Adelaide Road.
Patching, Richard, Brickmaker, Adelaide Road.
Warwick, George William, Brickmaker, 218 Adelaide Road.
General Engraver, Die Sinker, Designer, etc., 11 Brandon Street, Wellington. Private residence, 47 Austin Street. Mr. Bock, whose fame as a high-class engraver, designer, and illuminator, has spread throughout the Colony, and indeed, even beyond New Zealand, was born in Hobart, Tasmania. He learned his business with his brother, Mr. A. Bock, of that city. Mr. Bock might almost be said to have been born and brought up an engraver, for he was thrown into contact with the work from infancy, and had a natural inclination for it. His father, Mr. Thomas Bock, was an engraver and portrait painter, of Birmingham, coming to the colonies in the very early days, when there was little call for the class of work in which he excelled. On one occasion, in order to provide work for his genius, he compiled a book on the lives of the bushrangers of the early days of Australia, and this book he illustrated by lithographs from his own chalk drawings. These pictures were among the first lithographs executed south of the line. Mr. Bock, sen., was also the first daguerreotypist in Tasmania, Daguerre being discoverer of the process of producing pictures by the aid of the sun. With advantages like these, it is not to be wondered at that when the subject of this sketch left his home for Melbourne, after serving an apprenticeship of two and a-half years with his brother, he turned out some excellent work. Mr. Bock came to Wellington as early as 1868, and entered the employ of Mr. James Hughes, with whom he stayed some five or six years. He then took up the management of the litho, and printing department of Messrs. Lyon and Blair, with whom he remained till the end of 1878, returning then to his former employer, Mr. Hughes. After a year here, Mr. Bock established himself in Lambton Quay as an engraver and lithographic printer. Finding the business growing beyond his power of management, owing to his having to do the greater part of the general work himself, Mr. Bock took into partnership with him the late Mr. Henry Elliott. This partnership, however, did not exist very long, and on Mr. Elliott's retirement Mr. Cousins, a practical engraver, took his place. The two engravers were together till 1889, when a dissolution took place, and Mr. Bock carried on the business alone under the title of Messrs. Bock and Co. till 1894, when he disposed of his business, and started again in Brandon Street, in premises nearly Apposite to his former establishment. While in control of the large concern referred to, Mr. Bock did a great deal of high-class work in all branches of his business, including a large number of illuminated addresses, many of which were sent from these shores to distant parts of the world. Two jubilee addresses to Her Majesty the Queen—one from the Legislative Council and the House of Representatives in New Zealand, and the other from the Masonic bodies of New Zealand—were beautifully prepared by Mr. Bock. The address to His Holiness the Pope on the occasion of his Jubilee, from the Catholics of New Zealand, was also executed by him. One of the finest, if not the finest, specimens of chromo-lithographic letterpress printing ever produced in this Colony was executed under Mr. Bock's direct control and superintendence. It is entitled Featon's Art Album of New Zealand Flora, and contains some forty plates, each being in itself a work of art. The letterpress of the same work is also done most beautifully in every particular. It is questionable if a more creditable production has ever emanated from a Colonial office. Mr. Bock now confines himself to designing, engraving, and die sinking, including seals, crests, etc., brass plate cutting, illuminating, embossing, and everything in the engraving line generally. He also undertakes lithographic and letterpress printing, maps, plans, etc. The dies for the present postage and inland revenue stamps were with one or two exceptions designed and engraved by Mr. Bock, as were also the dies for the present beer duty stamps. The designs for the medals and certificates of 1885 for the Wellington Exhibition, were executed by him, besides a great part of the best work in these lines which is turned out in Wellington. His latest achievement as a designer was in connection with the competitive designs called for by the Government for a series of eleven revenue and postage stamps, when, out of 200 sets of designs, Mr. Bock attained the premier position, being awarded three first prizes, two second prizes, and three honourable mentions out of his set of eleven stamps. Mr. Bock was Vice-President of the Master Printers' Association during the existence of that Society, and was for ten years Sergeant-Major of the D Battery artillery volunteers. He was one of the inaugurators of the Wellington Amateur Operatic Society, and takes a lively interest in matters social.
(Richard Brown, and Robert Thomson), Stationers, Booksellers, Printers, Engiavers, Lithographers, Bookbinders, and Manufacturing Stationers, 111 Lambton Quay. Telephone 360; P.O. Box 175. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. London Agents, Sampson Low and Co. Private residences; Mr. Brown, Majoribanks Street; Mr. Thomson, Rintoul Street. The business of Messrs. Brown, Thomson and Co. was established thirty years ago by the late Mr. Robert Burrett. It was in a very small way that Mr. Burrett commenced, but it was at just the right time—the time when nearly everyone was doing well; and in a very few years he had a splendid business. Twenty years ago Mr. Burrett was one of Wellington's thoroughly successful men. For the past eight or nine years the business has been in the hands of Messrs. Brown, Thomson and Co., who, conceiving the old site opposite the Government Buildings to be rather far from the centre of the town, moved into that handsome block of brick buildings erected by Messrs. Barry and McDowall, from plans prepared by the late Mr. Toxward. It is two stories, and very lofty. The shop is the finest of its kind in Wellington; and behind are the machine and composing rooms, the engraving, bookbinding, and manufacturing rooms being upstairs. The machinery comprises a double-demy and several smaller “litho” machines and presses, printing machines and presses, and a very fine arming press, or gold blocking machine. The hands employed, all told, number thirty, whose wages in the aggregate amount to about £200 per month. Besides doing a good town trade in all their branches
Postage Stamp Die Engraver, Die Sinker, Medallist, Copper and Brass Plate Engraver, National Chambers, Grey Street, Wellington. Private residence, 82 Taranaki Street. Mr. Cousins was born in Jersey, and served an apprentice-ship to Mr. Samuel Stevens, engraver, Featherston Street, City Road, London. He arrived in Wellington in 1874, per ship “Conflict,” and was employed at his trade successively by Mr. R. Burrett for eighteen months, Messrs. Lyon and Blair for six years and six months, and for Messrs. Bock and Elliott for a year-and-a-half. On the retirement of the latter, Mr. Cousins joined Mr. Bock, under the style of Bock and Cousins, which partnership continued for over six years, during which time Mr. Cousins engraved five of the large beer duty stamps, a set of four postage dies for Tonga, with the profile of King George in each, and a set of postage stamps for Samoa, with a cocoa nut palm in the centre. In July, 1889, Mr. Cousins commenced in business solely. He engraved six postage dies for the Government Insurance Department, bearing a lighthouse scene. His design for a twopence-halfpenny stamp secured the bonus, and he was then employed to engrave the die for this and for a fivepenny stamp. He was afterwards entrusted with the engraving of a new twopence-halfpenny stamp for Samoa, with King Maletoa on its face, taken from a photograph, and also a fivepenny bearing the Samoan flag. The five new Tongan and five new Cook Island stamp dies were executed by Mr. Cousins, and bore a three quarter face of King George and Queen Makea respectively. The one pound New Zealand postal note is also from Mr. Cousins' design and graver, for which he secured a bonus. It was cut on a large steel die in relief, and the department was highly pleased with the work. The three-halfpenny die for the new letter card and the new halfpenny postage die with a representation of her Majesty, taken from the last issue of coinage, are Mr. Cousins' latest productions, and these have excelled his previous work. Mr. Cousins has a splendid collection of specimeus of arms, crests, monograms, and medals, which he has executed, including a very fine New Zealand arms for the Premier, and a medal for the New Zealand Industrial Exhibition. He is competent to undertake every class of work pertaining to his trade, and has a complete plant for the purpose.
Directors, Messrs. J. R. Randerson (Chairman and Managing Director), J. Cole Edwards, and Arthur McKee, Publishers of the Cyclopedia of New Zealand. Registered office, Colonial Mutual Buildings, Harbour Street, Wellington. Branches in all other cities of the Colony as required. Telegraphic address “Cyclo Wellington.” P.O. Box, 388. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence of the Managing Director 77 Brougham Street. This Company was in corporated in June, 1894, Some months prior to that date, Mr. Randerson, who was at that time a resident of Christchurch, visited Wellington, and took that opportunity of laying before Mr. Edwards (who had aheady successfully carried out several large printing contracts for him) a scheme which he had conceived for publishing a work, which would afford information useful to the commercial and industrial sections of the community. In conside ation of the valuable suggestions made by Mr. Edwards, it was decided that the work should be compiled and published by these gentlemen jointly. The public at once recognised that the Cyclopedia offers better opportunities for letting the world know what is going on in New Zealand than any other means that has yet been tried. They also saw that the information would be most useful to all within the colony; and accordingly they patronised it with a liberality which has enabled the Company to produce a work, the production of which without such valuable support would have been an impossibility. The Cyclopedia speaks for itself and the dullest can now see that it is a great work, destined to accomplish great things. The proprietors take this opportunity of expressing their gratitude to the public for the kindness which they have received from all classes, and which has been so helpful to them in their arduous duties. In May, 1894, finding that the Cyclopedia was destined to be a much larger and more important work than was at first expected, and finding also that Messrs. McKee and Gamble, the well-known engraver and printers had in contemplation a work on somewhat similar Cyclopedia Company into existence. Mr. Randerson, who is the largeCyclopedia is being published by the Company, and printed by Messrs. McKee and Gamble and Messrs. Edwards, Russell & Co., Ltd., conjointly. The latter do all the type-setting and the former make the engravings and execute the stereotyping and machine work. Both these firms carry on an extensive business apart from this special work, but the
Cyclopedia necessitated a largely increased staff at both offices. Since the registration of the Company the scope of the Cyclopedia has been very much extended, and what was originally expected to be a single book is now being issued in six large volumes, one each being allotted to the four largest provincial districts. In the matter of illustrations, too, the anticipations of the compilers have been very greatly exceeded, both as to number of pictures and the quality of Messrs. McKee and Gamble's work in their production. Almost every day some improvement in methods and appliances is being introduced, and it is a commonly shared opinion that the pictures will in themselves be worth more than the cost of the whole work. It is difficult to conceive of a more appropriate present for friends in other parts of the world, for the Cyclopedia deals with every phase of the national life of this young and progressive Colony—a Colony that must attract increasing attention from outside as the years roll on. Some refere
Chairman and Managing Director of the Cyclopedia Company, Limited, has long been well known throughout New Zealand. His father, the late Rev. John Randerson, Wesleyan minister, went as a missionary to Jamaica in the thirties, and after serving nine years returned to England, where he occupied important stations in several large towns and cities. In church management he took a prominent part, and for some time was chairman of the Lincoln district. The subject of this sketch was born in Worksop, Nottingham, on the 8th of September, 1846. Educated at Wharfedale College, Boston Spa, Yorkshire, he learned the trade of a cotton spinner and manufacturer, and at the age of twenty-one entered into business as a manufacturer at Stoneyholm Shed, Burnley, Lancashire. The disorganisation of trade effected by the American war made the venture unprofitable. Mr. Randerson therefore sold his plant, and in 1870 came out to New Zealand, per ship “Sydenham,” arriving in Auckland on the 2nd of August in that year, accompanied by his brother, Mr. W. H. Randerson, Home Missionary at Norsewood, Hawkes Bay. After about twelve months spent in agricultural pursuits at Cambridge, Waikato, where the brothers bought land, Mr. Randerson accepted a situation as accountant in Auckland. Shortly afterwards he removed to Coromandel, where he commenced business as accountant and licensed sharebroker, and subsequently became an auctioneer. For over five years he remained on this goldfield, during a considerable period of which he was secretary and valuator for the Coromandel Highway Board, agent for the Australian Mutual Provident Society and the National Insurance Company, and mining correspondent for the New Zealand Herald newspaper. In 1877, Mr. Randerson removed to Auckland, where he conducted a considerable business as a mining agent and sharebroker, land and estate agent, and auctioneer, till 1888. The New Zealand Mutual Creditors' Association, Limited, the first important organization established in New Zealand for the protection of the traders of the Colony, was founded by Mr. Randerson in 1886, and, as managing director, he conducted a large business throughout New Zealand, issuing a weekly newspaper—The Trade Protection Gazette—and annually publishing an
a Director of the Cyclopedia Company, has had a fair experience in literary work for the press, a branch of the business in which he takes especial intertst. Though the advocacy of reforms—political, social, and commercial—is his particular hobby-horse, his literary labours in connection with this work are by no means uncongenial. A notice of Mr. Edwards' career appears among the ex-councillors of Wellington, on page 301 of this volume; and to that but little need be added. He is well-known in the City, and by no means a stranger in any part of the Colony. In the American Order of Oddfellows, he holds the rank of Past Grand of the Southern Cross Lodge, No. 24. Many years ago he was a member of the Grand Lodge of Good Templars, having occupied all the principal offices of the subordinate lodge. As a member of the Wellington Chess Club, Mr. Edwards has on three occasions played for his Club, at the fifteenth, fourteenth, and thirteenth boards—twice against the Wellington Working Men's Club Chess Club, and once against the Christchurch Chess Club (by telegraph). Twice in his own club he played with the non-smokers against the smokers. On every occasion it was his good fortune to win. In the junior handicap tournament of 1891, he carried off first prize, winning every one of the thirteen or fourteen games—the handicappers having evidently undervalued his playing strength. Mr. Edwards has been a member of the Chamber of Commerce for about twelve years, and is a member of the Industrial Association, and of the Executive Committee of the Citizen's Institute. As managing director of Messrs. Edwards, Russell and Co., Limited, one of the firms engaged upon this work, a few further particulars of Mr. Edwards' career are given.
of the firm of McKee and Gamble, and one of the directors of the Cyclopedia Company, Limited, arrived in New Zealand in December, 1890. Mr. McKee was born at Liverpool, Laneashire, in July, 1863, and fifteen years later he made a start in life in the commercial department of the Liverpool Lantern, an illustrated weekly journal of the satirical and humorous order, and three years later still was promoted to the position of manager. Mr. MeKee's bent, however, was in the direction of the literary side of journalism, and for several years he was a diligent student at the lectures of the Liverpool University College, using his spare time to acquire a knowledge of “the winged art,” which, at that time, was the first and essential rung in the journalistic ladder. And so it came about that, when nineteen years
of age, the subject of this sketch accepted a position on the reporting staff of the Newspaper and Advertiser, a bi-weekly published in St. Helens, which is distant some twelve miles from Liverpool, has a borough population of over 70,000, and is known to the world as a great glass-making, chemical-producing, and coal-raising centre. A change of scene became necessary, and Mr. McKee had “a spell” with newspapers in the South of England, but rejoined the St. Helen's Press, and later accepted an appointment on the reporting staff of the Liverpool Daily Courier. He was married in 1887, and in the following year launched the St. Helens Chronicle, an eight page newspaper. Mr. McKee (who was one of the early members of the British Institute of Journalists) assumed the editorship, and was probably the youngest occupant of an editorial chair in the Old Country. The opposition was keen, calling forth exertion of a most arduous character, but in the face of many obstacles The Chronicle gradually “made for” the front, and after the lapse of six months had the largest circulation in the district. Surrounded and aided by a small band of enthusiasts in the social cause, Mr. McKee made the most of his position, in the interest of the overworked operatives. It became necessary for him to accompany his brother, an invalid, to a climate more genial than that of the North of England, and he sold out his interest in the now prosperous business at a satisfactory price, and embarked for the “Fair Land of the South.” Here his
Bookseller and Stationer, the People's Book Mart, Lambton Quay. Branch, Courtenay Place. Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Dutton, Wellington.” P.O. Box 284. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Courtenay Place. London agents, Messrs. Sampson, Low and Co., St. Dunstan's House, Fleet Street. The business which for the last twenty years has been carried on by Mr. Dutton, in Lambton Quay, was formerly the property of the late Mr. Robert Burrett. The site is one of the very best in the city, being on the right hand side of Lambton Quay, and exactly opposite Grey Street, the street leading from the wharf. As is but natural, in such a
(John Cole Edwards, managing director; Charles Walker Russell, secretary), Printers, Publishers, and Paper Merchants, 37 Featherston Street, Wellington. Telephone 57; P.O. Box 156. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residences : Managing Director, 26 Hawker Street; Secretary, Broadway Terrace; Manager and Director. Mr. E. M. Richards, 36 Hawker Street. The business of Messrs. Edwards, Russell and Co. was established in May, 1878, by Mr. J. C Edwards in conjunction with Mr. G. W. Dutton, the well-known bookseller and stationer, of Lambton Quay. The title of the firm in those days was “Dutton and Edwards,” and the business was conducted at the rear of Mr. Dutton's shop. In September of the same year Messrs. Dutton and Edwards dissolved partnership, and Mr. W. H. Green (now of Messrs. W. H. Green and Co., paper and fancy goods importers, Victoria Street) was admitted to a share in the business. For some sevIndustrial Gazette and Pastoral and Agricultural N ews, and as printers and publishers of the
Paper Merchant and Printers' Broker, 11 Brandon Street, Wellington. Head office, Moray Place, Dunedin. Branch also at Auckland, Telegraphic address, “Given, Wellington.” Telephone 693. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. This extensive wholesale business will be more fully described under the above heading in the Dunedin volume of the Cyclopedia, and this article will deal mainly with the Wellington branch. Mr. Given opened in Wellington in 1891, in obedience to the wishes of a large number of clients in the Wellington district; and since then he has thrice enlarged his premises. In Dunedin, Mr. Given has very extensive premises, and there his principal stocks are kept. Mr. Given is a general favourite with the trade throughout the Colony. For many years before beginning on his own account he was exceedingly popular as the New Zealand representative of Messrs. Alex. Cowan and Sons. Limited. In beginning on his own account, Mr. Given made arrangements with several of the most extensive paper mills for constant and practically unlimited supplies of their various lines. In at least one line—that of “news” paper—Mr. Given does a much larger business than all the other paper importers of the Colony combined. There is hardly a paper of importance, from Auckland to Invercargill, that is not supplied by Mr. Given. Being so exceptionally large an importer, Mr. Given is able to supply the newspaper proprietors at cheaper rates than those at which they can possibly import it themselves. That the percentage of profit is small goes without saying, but the turnover is enormous. In printers sundries, including type of all kinds, Mr. Given does a large and increasing trade. The Wellington business is under the management of Mr. J. A. Taylor, who is most attentive to the wants of his customers, and therefore, like his principal, is very popular with the “Trade” Mr. Taylor is a Scotchman, having been born and educated in Edinburgh, and came to this Colony some eight years ago. The Auckland house of this well-known firm is centrall situated in Fort Street, and is under the management of Mr. J. T. Reid. A more extended notice of that branch will be given in the Auckland volume of the Cyclopedia.
Bookbinder and Finisher, 44 Willis Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Owen Street, Newtown. Mr. Green was born in London, but while very young left England for the colonies with his parents, who settled in Victoria. In Melbourne he received his education, and here he learned his business, being apprenticed to the old-established and well-known firm of Messrs. Sands and McDougall, of that City. He completed his term in 1880, and shortly after came to New Zealand, and entered the employ of Messrs. Lyon and Blair as finisher and forwarder. He had some experience also in the establishment of the late Mr. Robert Burrett, and about ten years ago returned to Messrs. Lyon and Blair, with whom he continued in the position of finisher until the disposal of the business to Messsrs. Whitcombe and Tombs, Limited. He then started for himself, and took a shop situated in one of the busiest parts of the city, being in a prominent part of Willis Street, and though so recently established in these premises—early in 1895—he has made a very good beginning, having purchased a good bookbinding plant and all the necessary appliances for his trade. He executes bookbinding in all its branches, and undertakes printing, lithographing, and engraving, in all of which he guarantees satisfaction. He imports all the materials required in his business, including leather, books, paper, machinery, etc. During the time that Mr. Green has been in Wellington, he has made a large circle of friends, and there is every reason to believe that his efforts to build up a good business will be attended with successful results. As a bookbinder, Mr. Green has Willis Street all to himself, and every day his shop must be passed by scores who need music, perodicals, etc., bound and re-bound. For this class of work Mr. Green's establishment is specially suited, as its proprietor has had a very large experience, and has selected his plant with a view to general efficiency. Mr. Green holds various public offices, being past president of the Bookbinders' Society, and at the present time occupying the position of Secretary in the Zeal
(William Henry Green), Wholesale Stationers and Fancy Goods Dealers, Victoria Street. Cable address, “Green, Wellington.” Telephone 228; P.O. Box 168. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Mein Street. Mr. Green is a native of London, where he was brought up to mercantile life. In 1877 he came out to New Zealand, via Melbourne, and took a position in a Wellington house. In the following year Mr. Green joined Mr. J. Cole Edwards under the style of Edwards and Green, printers, and continued a member of the firm till 1888 when the partnership was dissolved by mutual consent. In the latter year Mr. Green established the present business, and has conducted a growing trade ever since. Recently Mr. Green found it advisable to take a second trip to England on business, which he was able to turn to good account. He is a direct importer of all classes of goods, which he stocks, and has a connection throughout the Colony. He holds several agencies for type, ink, etc., and makes this line a specialty, together with stationery of all descriptions. His premises are extensive, the building being of brick, two stories in height. Mr. Green keeps a large and varied stock from which his customers may select to fill their requirements.
Printer, Rubber Stamp Maker, and Importer of Type and Printers' Requisites, Manners Street (opposite Fire Brigade Station), Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand.
London Agents, Messrs. J. Gyles and Son, 100 St. John Street Road, Clerkenwell. Mr. Arthur Gyles established the above business in 1884, in a very small way as compared with present developments His shop and office are of a fair si
Printer and Publisher, Farish Street, Wellington. Telephone 841. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Boulcott Street. London agents, Messrs. John Haidon and Co., Bouverie House, Fleet Street. Mr. Harding's business was originally established in Napier by Messrs. Yates Bros., as far back as 1861, and during their proprietorship the Hawkes Bay Times was first published. In 1865 Mr. T. B. Harding, father of the present proprietor, bought the business, which Mr. R. C. Harding purchased in 1873. A year later the Times was discontinued, and since then Mr. Harding has given all his energies and enthusiasm to job printing, in the higher branches of which he takes a great personal interest. He is a contributor to leading technical journals of the trade in Great Britain and the United States, and is the proprietor and publisher of the trade paper Typo, which he started in 1887. In February, 1892, Mr. Harding removed his plant and business to Wellington. His specialties are book, scientific and art printing. Mr. Harding is a member and one of the founders of the New Zealand Institute of Journalists.
Bookbinder, Paper Ruler, and Account Book Manufacturer, 1 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Private residence, 30 Majoribanks Street. Mr. Henderson is a native of the Colony. He served his apprenticeship to the trade in Hobart, and by close attention soon became proficient in his business. Completing his term in 1890, he returned to New Zealand, taking up his abode in the Empire City. For four years after his return he worked at his trade in various local establishments. The present business was established in 1894. Mr. Henderson has all classes of machinery suitable for his work. He is a direct importer of paper, leather, and other materials in trade. Any business that may be entrusted to him will receive personal attention.
(Robert Holliday), Booksellers, Stationers and Importers of Fancy Goods, etc., Stationer's Hall, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Holliday, Wellington”. P.O. Box 277. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. The business, which for many years has been so successfully carried on by Messrs. Holliday and Co., was formerly conducted by Mr. W. G. Jackson. The shop has a very fine appearance, and is exceedingly well managed. All the latest novelties in the stationery and fancy goods trades may be found at Stationers' Hall, which is the favourite establishment in town in at least one respect—that of “box office” for the Opera House, Theatre Royal, and other places. In every department of his business, Mr. Holliday does a high-class trade.
(Samuel Mackay and William Mackay), Booksellers, Stationers, and News Agents, 201 Lambton Quay, and 47 Cuba Street, Wellington. Telephones 617 and 618 P.O. Box 53. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residences: Mr. S. Mackay, Molesworth Street. Mr. W. Mackay, Abel Smith Street. This large business was established by the present proprietors in 1881. The leading line of the trade conducted by Messrs. S. and W. Mackay is that of booksellers. Large stocks of the latest works, specially imported by the firm from the best publishing houses in Great Britain, are kept at the two establishments named above. But the specialty lies in the supply of educational books for both the primary and secondary schools, a very large business being done in this connection. Messrs. S. and W. Mackay also keep up-to-date stocks of stationery, and do a considerable trade in the leading magazines and newspapers.
(Arthur McKee see page 728), Publishers, Engravers by all modern methods, Art Lithographers and Printers, Electrotypers and Stereotypers, Advertising Specialists, Paper Merchants, Manufacturing Stationers, etc. Telegraphic and cable address, “McKee, Wellington”: Code, A.B.C., 4th Edition and Special. Telephone 709; P.O. Box 240. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence: Mr. McKee, Mein Street. To describe the progress of this business is to record the most rapid development of any firm in the printing trade in New Zealand that has yet come under the notice of the compilers of the Cyclopedia. The business is not an old-established one; it was started in 1891 in a very small way. Prior to that time Mr. H. Gamble, single-handed, carried on business as an electrotyper and stereotyper, and when Mr. McKee came along and a partnership was effected, a small office was taken in the Bank of New South Wales buildings on Lambton Quay. Here a series of experiments were carried on with a view of producing process engravings—an art unknown in New Zealand at that time. The work was surrounded by many difficulties. The plant was of an improvised character, as may be judged from the fact that an unusually large-size packing case did duty as a dark room. At the end of the first year's operations, the partners were confronted by a very stern reality—a diminishing bank balance; and the fascinating, but delusive experiments had to be abandoned (save in space time) for work of a more practical and lucrative character. A secondhand printing plant of very modest dimensions was bought, and the real start of the business was made. At the end of the second year more commodious premises were taken at 6 Customhouse Quay, and a year later half of the large four-storied building at the rear was annexed. It must not be supposed that during all this time the pet “process” experiments were abandoned, for in the odd hours Mr. Gamble was hard at work, as zealous and enthusiastic as ever. It was at this time that the process engravings were put on the market, and since then the quality of the work has gradually increased, and
Printers.—To enumerate the varieties of work which pass through the machines would make a catalogue of startling proportions—running, as it would, the gamut from the modest visiting card to the more pretentious volume, such, for example, as the Cyclopedia of New Zealand. The modern printer must needs keep pace with the times, and it is no exaggeration to say that Messrs. McKee and Gamble “go one better,” for they keep abreast of the times. The very latest designs in types and ornaments, gathered from all corners of the earth, are placed at the disposal of customers, and it is a treat not often vouchsafed to the artistic eye to pass under review the specimens of typographic work, which may justly be regarded as artistic triumphs that would astonish old Caxton himself. The composing or type-setting room occupies the first floor of the factory, and the machine room is on the ground-floor. The latter, at the time of writing, is the largest and best equipped machine room in the Empire City. The machinery is of an up-to-date character, and
Photo-engravers.—This is perhaps the most interesting department of the business, and it has been stated that Messrs. McKee and Gamble employ a larger staff of trained hands and turn out more engravings than any other firm in Australasia. The department is equipped with the most up-to-date machinery
and appliances, and special attention is given to the demands of modern commercial warfare best quality, quick delivery, and low price. Photo-engraving, during the last five years, has done much to revolutionize the pictorial embellishment of journalism and literature throughout the world. The art is divided into two important branches half-tone engraving and line engraving. By the former process engravings can be made with the aid of photography and chemistry direct from photographs and wash drawings particularly, but also generally from almost any form of drawing or illustration. A line engraving, on the other hand, can be made only from illustrations in which there is no half-tone, such, for instance, as pen and ink sketches and outline drawings generally. “Line” blocks are almost invariably used for newspaper advertising, and half-tone blocks for catalogues, books, etc., where good paper and good ink are used. It is worth knowing that the firm referred to are in a position to quote below London prices for contract work. The quality of their work is too well known to need any expatiation. They are the contractors for the making of the engravings—from 5000 to 10,000—for the Cyclopedia, and at the time of writing they are engaged in making 384 9x7 engravings for the “Imperial Album of New Zealand Scenery,” and 384 similar engravings for “Glimpses of Australia.” These two publications constitute perhaps the best advertisements the Colonies have yet had. They are published, fortnightly, in one shilling parts, of which considerably over half-a-million have been issued, and subscribers for the most part post the publication to friends in the Old Country. The publishing of the Australian work is in the capable hands of Messrs. Gordon and Gotch, whose ramifications extend to every town and hamlet in Australia. “Glimpses of Australia” is the result of a trip to those Colonies made by Mr. McKee in 1896. Over one hundred tons of a specially-made art paper was absorbed in the production of the work. A two-storey brick building, connecting the front building in Customhouse Quay with the factory in Victoria Street, has recently been erected to provide the accommodation much needed by the rapid development of the business. Here are to be found the advanced appointments which are so closely associated with modern scientific research. To provide for the execution of work irrespective of natural light, an installation of electric light has been put in, so that work can be done expeditiously and at any hour of the day. Special machinery for the printing of process engravings has been added, and includes two large machines.
Photographers.—It may seem somewhat singular that a printing, engraving, and publishing house should claim a place under this head, but justification is found in the fact that photography is a very important adjunct to the business carried on. The general acceptance of the term photographer is intimately associated with the art by which portraits “are taken.” Messrs. McKee and Gamble, however, do not “take” portraits. Their photographic work is confined to the branch which is connected with their own process-engraving department; the photographing of landscape, of machinery, of articles of merchandise for catalogues, or indeed of any objects intended for ultimate reproduction in the form of engravings. Prospective publishers of books, catalogues, pamphlets, and the like would do well to bear in mind this fact.
General Engravers.—In addition to the photo-mechanical processes all the modern methods for the making of “blocks” are in full swing. Engravings on copper, brass, wood, or any metal or material are supplied, but this class of work is being rapidly supplanted by the cheaper and in most cases equally effective “process block.” Engravings are also made at a very cheap rate by the “wax” process.
Electrotypers and Stereotypers—Here the visitor will and a most interesting feature of this remarkable organization. If space permitted, a description of the modus operandi would be worth the reading, but if must suffice to state that the work carried on is confined to the duplication of original engravings. The customer who incurs the expense of a high-class engraving may have duplicates made equal to the original at a merely nominal cost. The stereotype consists of lead and antimony, and the electrotype is made of the same material with a surface of copper, which gives it at least thrice the durability of the stereotype. Here as in all other departments the latest in the way of machinery and appliances is in evidence. Messrs. McKee and Gamble's warehouse contains several thousand stock engravings, used by the newspapers and printers throughout the Colony, and duplicates are supplied at a very low price. Two proof catalogues have been issued. For the convenience of country newspapers, stereotype columns of interesting reading matter are supplied at a surprisingly low rate.
Art-lithographers and Photo-lithographers.—A very interesting limb of the business is this. Anything from a tiny label of a single printing to the mammoth poster with the flame of innumerable colours is set forth. If the rattle of machines is an index to the quantity of work produced, the volume of trade must be considerable and in the colonies it may be taken as a safe axiom that quantity and quality go hand in hand. Great care has evidently been exercised in the selection of artists and workmen, and to this fact is attributable the production of the really excellent work which has spread the reputation of the firm far afield. Label and ordinary commercial work are strong points, but it is particularly in the higher class of work that Messrs. McKee and Gamble excel. Some very fine show cards are on view, especially those of the Empire Tea Company, Messrs. Staples and Co., K
Paper Merchants.—The consumption of paper is necessarily considerable, for in addition to the quantity used on the premises, a brisk business is done with other printing houses. Several of the leading mills in England, Germany, and America “make” under contract for
Manufacturing and Wholesale Stationers.—A large number of hands are engaged in this department, the output of which includes numerous varieties of books used in mercantile offices—exercise books, and the like.
Bookbinders.—“Everything done on the premises” is evidently the motto of the proprietors. Here the loose printed sheets are manipulated into book-form and sent forth to the world in the variegated dresses of the bookbinders' creation. At the time of writing the department
is engaged in preparing the various bindings to be used for “The Cyclopedia of New Zealand” and “The Imperial Album of New Zealand Scenery,”—two of the largest contracts yet undertaken by a New Zealand firm.
Publishers.—The head of one of the biggest publishing houses in the Old Country once remarked, “It needs talent to write a book but genius to sell it,” and in all probability, if it were necessary to rake up evidence, the charnel-house of literature would bear eloquent witness to the truth of this sage declaration. The aspiring literateur may take heart of grace, for Messrs. McKee and Gamble have a far-reaching organization for the distribution of really good works.
Music Printers.—This is the most recent addition to this many sided business. An expert draughtsman, who is also a music-composer of note, has charge of the preparation of the work on the stones, and it is generally conceded by experts that the quality of the work will bear favourable—and in many cases more than favourable—comparison with the work that comes into the colonies from the Old Country. The trade extends throughout Australasia. The compositions of our best composers have been published; and it may be mentioned that the work of Mr. Alfred Hill is becoming very popular. His “My Fairest Child” and “When I am Dead” have been very flatteringly received in Melbourne, Sydney and London.
Rubber Stamp and Stencil-Plate Makers.—The most complete catalogue of designs suitable for rubber stamps that the compilers have yet
seen, has been prepared, and quality of material and workmanship are other attractions offered to customers. Stencil-plates in zinc, copper and brass are supplied at the lowest current rates.
Cardboard Box Manufacturers.—This department is under the supervision of a skilled box-maker and the rapidity with which raw material under the manipulation of deft fingers assumes the desired shape is a marvel to beholders. The boxes made are those in everyday use by chemists, drapers, hatters, confectioners, and cigarette makers.
Advertising Specialists.—There is no essential of successful business more important than judicious advertising, and yet the art of catching the public ear and eye receive but scant consideration. Speaking generally, the art is not studied and therefore is not understood. The average business man has not time “to work it out,” and therefore it is no matter for surprise that he is unable to detect the great leakage that goes on daily. With Messrs. McKee and Gamble it is purely a matter of business to keep in touch with the latest notions supplied by correspondents and trade papers from the four corners of the globe, and clients on the lookout for “something new” are invited to come along and state their requirements. It may be added that contracts for advertising in the country newspapers are arranged.
incorporated by special act of the General Assembly, 1894. Board of management: Hon. T. Dick (president), General Fulton, Messrs. W. Brown, A. S. Paterson, R. Chisholm, and R. J. Gardiner (manager), Head office, 22 George Street, Dunedin; Wellington branch, 62a Willis Street (Mr. John Reith, manager). This useful Society was established in 1873; it has also branches at Invereargill and Wanganui.
Engraver, Diesinker, Electroplater, and Gilder, 55 Willis Street, Wellington. Private residence, Lambton Quay. Telephone 240. After serving a long apprenticeship in Wellington, Mr. Ross founded the present business in 1889. In order to increase his knowledge of the trade, Mr. Ross took an extended trip, visiting Sydney and Melbourne, America and England. During this trip Mr. Ross was enabled to gain much valuable experience. He is now importing some of the latest machinery, so as to be in a position to execute all classes of work. Mr. Ross is a manufacturer of rubber stamps, and an expert in art illumination.
General Printer, Account-Book Manufacturer, Paper Ruler, and Gold Blocker, Featherston and Johnston Streets, Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Routh, Wellington.” Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Constable Street, South Wellington. Mr. Routh came to New Zealand about twenty years ago from London, his business experience having been gained in the world's metropolis. He arrived in Wellington in 1875, and established himself in business as a printer, bookbinder, etc., in 1877. The present premises, however, have only been in his occupation for some three or four years, since which time his business has developed rapidly. The building occupies a prominent position, being situated at the corner of Featherston and Johnston Streets, and was many years ago known as the Polytechnic Hall. It has a large frontage to Featherston Street, and also to Johnston Street, and contains about 4000 square feet of floorage space. It is a one-story building, but it is exceedingly lofty and well lighted, while the ventilation is perfect. The machinery includes a double demy Wharfedale (by Payne and Co., of Otley, Yorkshire), and a demy Wharfedale (by Harrild and Sons of London), three platen machines, three ruling machines, two perforating machines, three numbering machines, an endless wire stitching machine, wire stapling machine, power cutting machine (by Payne and Sons), and one of the finest gold blocking machines in the Colony. The power is derived from a seven-horse-power Otto silent gas-engine, and a two-horse-power water engine (by Ramsbottom), Mr. Routh employs a good many hands in his printing and binding departments, and his trade extends throughout Wellington city and suburbs; besides which, he does a fair amount of business all over the Colony. He is a large importer of all the requirements of his business, which includes machinery and printers' and binders' requisites, the best English hand-made papers, etc. This direct important of machinery and materials enables Mr. Routh to compete successfully with any firm in the Colony in printing and in the manufacture of account-books and other clases of work.
Bookseller and Stationer, 41 Manners Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, The Terrace. Mr. Ryder imports all classes of goods from the best sources. He is agent for the Australian Art Photo Company, which executes splendid work very highly finished. The specialties of his business are books, stationery, and fancy goods, of which he has a choice selection. His English connection enables him to import the latest works and the best classes of stationery.
General Engraver, Electrolplater and Gilder, 85 Willis Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Karori. Mr. Williams is a native of Birmingham, where he was apprenticed to R. A. Perkins. completing his term in 1871. He commenced in business on his own account and continued in the same till deciding to come to New Zealand in 1877. Leaving London by ship “Pleiades,” he reached Wellington the same year and at once established the present business, Mr. Williams has a thorough knowledge of the various branches of his business. His experience in Birmingham has been very useful to him in his life in the Colony. He has procured and set up a firstrate plant for electroplating. The motive power is supplied by a water engine of four horse-power. A splendid dynamo is used for the electroplating work. Mr. Williams has just added to the space utilized in his trade and has imported plant to enable him to satisfy the requirements, of his customers. He has lathes and all needful machinery for the various purposes of his work. His business connection extends throughout the Colony, principally from Napier to Westport.
Baillie, H. and J. (Herbert Baillie and John Baillie), Booksellers, Stationers and News Agents, 39 Cuba Street. Established 1870.
Banks, Glaude M., Commercial and Law Stationer, Grey Street. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Established 1896.
Birrell, Mrs. John, Fancy Goods Dealer, 45 Cuba Street.
Bowzaid, George, Fancy Goods Dealer, Lambton Quay.
Fisher, John and Co., Rubber Stamp Makers, Victoria Street. Estab. 1806.
Gosling, Mrs. Margaret, Fancy Goods Dealer, 77 Tory Street.
Grenfell, Mrs., Fancy Goods Dealer, 62 Adelaide Road. Established 1895.
Harvey, George Willis, Fancy Goods Dealer, Riddiford Street.
Horrocks, Miss Helen, Fancy Goods Dealer, Riddiford Street.
Innes, Joseph Braden, Printer, Bookseller and Stationer, 94 Willis Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, 56 Ingestre Street. Conducted by Mr. Innes since 1891.
International Tract and Missionary Society, N.Z. Branch. W. M. Crothers, General Agent. Mrs. M. H. Taxford, Secretary and Treasurer, 57 Tory Street. This American Society of seventh day adventists, which has its head office at Battle Creck, Michigan, has been represented in New Zealand since 1888.
John, E. J. D., Printer, 21 Willis Street. Private residence, Coromandel Street. Established 1892.
Jones, Ernest Fraser, Printer, corner Donald McLean and Ferguson Streets. Established 1890.
Khouri, Fadlalla, Fancy Goods Dealer, Athenæum Buildings, Lambton Quay. Established 1892.
Lankshear, William John, Bookbinder, Printer and Stationer, 11 Lambtor: Quay. Private residence, Wadestown.
Lawlor, David Roche, Stationer and Faney Goods Dealer, 67 Cuba Street.
Legat, J. W., Rubber Stamp Maker and Card Printer, 8 Manners Street, Established 1892.
Martin, Mrs. Harriett, Fancy Goods Dealer, 78 Adelaide Road.
Merritt and Co. (Thomas K, Merritt), Fancy Goods Dealers, 60 Willis Street.
Oceanic Publishing Co., Limited (J. R. Brown, Manager), 4 Woodward Street Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1886.
Palmer, Mrs. W., Fancy Goods Dealer, Molesworth Street. Established Mr. F. C. Hatch in 1888, and conducted by present proprietress since 1894.
Pound, George E., Stationer, Printer and Publisher, 5 Adelaide Road Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1894.
Pringle, Thomas, Fancy Goods Dealer, 69 Lambton Quay. Established by Mr. Pringle in 1885.
Read, Mrs. S. A., Fancy Goods Dealor, 126 Taranaki Street.
Smith, Arthur Duncan, Bookseller, 78 Tory Street.
Treadwell, A., Printer, Willis Street.
Turnbull, Hickson and Palmer (James M. Turnbull, William Hickson and Villiam Palmer), Printers, Engravers and Lithographers, Brandon Street. Bankers, National “Bank of New Zealand. Established by Messrs. Bock and Co. in 1885, and conducted by present proprietors since 1895.
Whitcombe and Tombs, Limited, Manufacturing Stationers, Booksellers and Printers, 37 Lambton Quay.
Whittaker Bros. (George Joseph Whittaker and Bernard Fear Whittaker) Booksellers, Stationers, and Fancy Goods Dealers, 183 Lambton Quay and Cuba Street. Bankers. National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1877.
Whitwell, Mrs. Thos., Fancy Goods Dealer, 68 Cuba Street. Established 1977.
Wycherley, Charles Whittingham. trading as the Bible, Book, and Tract Depot, 16 Cuba Street, Wellington, Bankers. National Bank of New Zealand Private residence, 210 Willis Street. Established 1881.
Grocer and General Merchant, 40 Molesworth Street, Wellington. Telephone 331. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, 2 Hankey Street. This business is the oldest of its kind in Wellington, having been established in 1849, when the present proprietor came to the Colony with his parents in the barque Pilgrim.” Mr. Anderson's father, the late Mr. David Anderson, had intended to go on to Auckland and settle there. Coming ashore at Wellington, however, he saw a shop for sale, with dwelling attached, at the low figure of £140, and he ultimately bought it. The building was a wooden one with a shingle roof, and stood on the site in Willis Street now occupied by Mr. Edward Anderson's china warehouse. Founding a business, and becoming possessed of a suitable site in those early days of settlement was not the simple, easy thing many imagine it was. After Mr. Anderson senr. had carried on his business for some years, he was called upon to pay ground rent for the time he had occupied the site, and informed that if he desired the freehold of the section, which he imagined he had got in the purchase of the business, he would have to pay for it in accordance with its increased value. Mr. Anderson ultimately secured the freehold, which has now become one of the most valuable sites in the City. On taking possession of the place, he at once commenced to build up a business, not only of a local nature, but having extensive dealings with the other settled parts of the Colony. A considerable trade was also done with the natives and military. Very little money was passed, a system of barter being carried on. In exchange for their butter, eggs, etc., the settlers got what groceries and clothing they required. The few people who were in Wellington at the time were principally engaged in growing wool, in dairying, and in cutting timber. In those days, the ships lay in the harbour and discharged their cargoes into lighters and surf boats. Prices for the leading lines in a grocer's store were somewhat as follows:—Flour, £15 a ton; potatoes, £5 per ton; tobacco, 1s. 6d. per lb.; and sugar now sold at 21/2., was 6d. a lb. During the rush to California in the fifties these prices were doubled. In 1862 Mr. Anderson senr. opened a branch store in Molesworth Street, close to the present site, Mr. David Anderson, the present proprietor, being placed in charge. In the course of time the grocery business was entirely transferred to Molesworth Street, and eventually the present commodious freehold premises were purchased. The building is of wood and iron, two stories high, with a frontage of about 80 feet to Molesworth Street. The larger part of the ground floor is used for the purposes of the grocery business. On entering the shop one is struck with the extensive display of goods, arranged attractively on successive tiers of shelves, on all sides. The counters run down each side, with one across the lower end of the shop. This arrangement leaves ample room in the shop for the numerous customers to move about freely. The establishment carries a very heavy stock. Behind and above the front shop are the storerooms. Oats, chaff, bran, pollard, and other such kinds of produce are kept in a store in the yard behind. Upstairs, immediately over the shop, is the machinery, which consists of a water-motor, coffee-roaster, and fruit-cleaning appliances. The office occupies the front right hand corner upstairs. Other parts of the building are used for the storage of farm and dairy produce, and wine and spirits in bulk, Mr. Anderson having a wholesale license to sell spirituous liquors. Mr. Anderson blends his own teas, for which he finds a large sale. Nine men and a boy, besides the proprietor and his son, who manages, are engaged in the business; and two carts are employed for the outdoor work. A great deal of the stock is imported direct, which enables Mr. Anderson to give his customers the benefit of what would otherwise be the middlemen's profits. The establishment has for over forty years enjoyed extensive patronage, and despite the great number of rival businesses springing up in later years, has more than held its own.
Millers. Office and Warehouse, Brandon Street, Wellington. Telephone 68; P.O. Box 226. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Messrs. E. H. Radbone and J. Patterson, joint managers. Head office and Mills, Dunedin. Further reference to this large Company will appear in the volume for Otago.
General Storekeeper, 38 Molesworth Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Johnsonville. Branches at Johnsonville and Kaiwarra, with postal and telephone bureaus at both these places. Mr. Cook was born in London, and served an apprenticeship to the drapery business in King's Lynn, where he gained a valuable experience in that trade generally. In 1866 Mr. Cook's attention was attracted to New Zealand, with the result that very soon he had left the land of his birth to cozen fortune in the Britain of the South. At that time the numerous goldfields that were being discovered in the Colony were the means of alluring to its shores the enterprising spirits of all nations; some to reap a golden harvest and then return to their homeland to enjoy during the rest of their lives the fruit of their enterprise, others to be disappointed and forced to continue labouring in the pursuit of the success and wealth which are the incentive to many a long journey and hard task; others still, to remain to minister to the requirements of their kindred spirits, to make the land of their good fortune their home for the remainder of their days, to take a hand in guiding its affairs and moulding its destiny, and to give to its people the benefit of knowledge acquired and means accumulated in the early days of its development. To the latter class the subject of this paragraph undoubtedly belongs. Soon after his arrival in New Zealand in 1866, Mr. Cook turned his attention to storekeeping. “With Mr. James Riddock he opened a general store in Molesworth Street under the style of Cook and Co. This partnership continued till 1881, when Mr. Riddock retired, and thenceforward the business was conducted by Mr. Cook, who has put so much energy into it that besides
(Ernest Bellew Crespin), Co-operative Stores, Cuba Street, Wellington, Telephone 524.
Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Hankey Street. Mr. E. B. Crespin began business in Wellington as a grocer and provision merchant in 1884, having arrived in New Zealand about two years earlier. He is a clever business man, of good standing, and a short account of his carcer in the Colony should not only be interesting, but of real benefit to many who imagine their chances of success are hopeless, when employment to which they have been accustomed is not obtainable. Mr. Crespin, who is the second son of Mr. G. G. Crespin, of Manor House, Modbury, Devon, was educated at the Foundation School, Bridgewater, Somersetshire, England. Entering the employ of the Bristol Wagon Works Company in Bristol in the engineering department, he served there six years. This line of life proving unhealthy, Mr. Crespin was advised to try New Zealand, and arrived in Auckland per ship “Wellington” in 1881. Endeavouring to obtain employment at his own trade, he was unsuccessful, and therefore tried the West Coast of the North Island, where he succeeded in finding temporary employment in a store. This was of course a great change to him, but he retained the situation a year and then came on to Wellington, where he secured three months work at his own trade. Again, finding himself out of employment, he accepted the position of assistant bailiff of the Resident Magistrate's Court, a change, if anything greater than the first and by no means quite congenial. Shortly afterwards Mr. Crespin saw an advertisement in the Evening Post offering constant employment to a practical grocer's assistant. Mr. Crespin was a practical engineer, but he was in the humour by this time to offer himself as a practical “anything” if only constant employment might be secured. His application, however, was successful and within the year Mr. Crespin bought out his employers, Messrs. Treasher, Bowden and Co. To enable him to do this he arranged a partnership, which, however, did not long continue, and he was soon in full swing on his own account in Cuba Street in the premises now occupied by his Co-operative Stores.
Modern Times of February 29, 1896, “is situated special machinery capable of blending two tons per day, and preparing it for the market. Mr. Crespin, who has had large experience in this department, personally supervises the mixing and blending. Then a word must be said about the Champion Brand of tea sold by the firm. This tea is imported direct from the finest plantations in India, China, and Ceylon, and is packed on the premises. Thus the public receive tea, free, not only from all adulteration, but also from the middleman's profits. This is a manifest advantage, and the fact that large quantities are sold by the firm shows that the tea is highly appreciated by the public. Another important branch of Messrs. Crespin and Co.'s business is the manufacture of coffee. In this the latest appliances are used, and the full flavour and aroma of the coffee is retained.” Speaking of the boot and shoe department, the same authority says:—“This is divided into two rooms, the one for the use of gentlemen, and the other for ladies. The rooms are comfortably furnished with chairs, sofas, etc., and a large plate-glass mirror stands at the upper end. The ladies' department is under the management of Miss Crespin (a sister of the proprietor), who is always attentive and courteous to customers. The goods sold here are made by the best English, Continental, and Colonial manufacturers, so that the public may rely upon getting no inferior article. Boots and shoes of every kind are made to order on the premises, and repairing is also undertaken. The best evidence of the success of the boot branch is that although it was only added to the business about eighteen months ago, it has already assumed large proportions, and is now in a most flourishing condition.” The store is lighted throughout by electricity. Each department is particularly neat, and very conveniently arranged. Mr. Crespin is certainly an enterprising tradesman, and thoroughly deserving of encouragement. Though he employs many hands, he is always hard at work himself. He is a great favourite with the public, having an exceedingly pleasant manner. His success hitherto is creditable both to himself and the City. It shows what may be done by energy and good judgment. That a young man can come to New Zealand with little capital and succeed as Mr. Crespin has succeeded in two occupations, each different from the other, and both unlike the trade to which he was accustomed, shows that, with moderate health and good business habits, no young man need fear to cast his net on this side of the world. Mr. Crespin has done well by taking his opportunities, and scores have done the same, while thousands in the same time have gone to the wall through letting the chances escape their grasp.
Grocer, 71 Taranaki Street, Wellington. The premises occupied comprise shop and dwelling, two stories high, affording about three thousand square feet of floor space. Born in Perth, Scotland, in 1849, Mr. Ferguson landed in the Empire City in 1877, and has been, in business in Wellington for many years.
Produce Dealer, Wood and Coal Merchant, 26 Ghuznee Street, Wellington. Mr. Gaudin will be found more fully referred to under the “Fuel Trade,”
Grocer, 11 Riddiford Street (corner of Green Street), Wellington. Telephone 497. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in 1895. Mr. Hall got his experience with Mr. C. Hudson, of Port Chalmers, Messrs. Eather and Lows, Dunedin, the Co-Operative Society, Cuba Street, Mr. G. E. Jansen, and Mr. A. Smith, of Wellington. His premises are large and convenient, and afford about 200 feet floorage space. Mr. Hall has several specialties —Hall's beef ham, cured by himself, and Hall's butter, which is packed up to his order in Palmerston, and gives general satisfaction. H s regular shipments of Invercargill cured hams and bacon find a ready sale. Hall's lifeboat teas are much appreciated. The business is steadily increasing in volume as customers and their wants are well and promptly supplied.
(William Hame Christopher Hume, and Annie Hume), Wholesale and Retail Wine, Spirit, and General Merchants, 63 and 65 Willis Street, Wellington Telegraphic address, “William Hume, Wellington,” Telephone 225: P.O. Box 165. Bankers, Bank of Australasia, Private residence, attached to business premises. Mr. William Hume is a native of Glasgow, in which city he was educated. He left Scotland in 1879, and took passage per ship “City of Pennsylvania,” for Philadelphia, completing his journey from San Francisco to this Colony per ship “City of New York.” In 1880 Mr. Hume established the above business, though on a much smaller scale, but it has grown each year until it has now become one of the largest of its kind in the Colony. As bacon-vendors, the firm claim to do the finest business in New Zealand. They are direct importers of groceries, oilman's stores, cheese, hams and bacon, wines and spirits, Italian warehouseman's goods, etc. Before coming for New Zealand, Mr. Hume was well known in business in Glasgow, where he helped his mother, she afterwards taking him into partnership, and trading under the name of “Hume and Son.” His father had died when Mr. Hume was an infant, and on the death of his mother, in 1879. he disposed of the Glasgow business, and came to the colonies. The premises which he now occupies are very extensive, and possess a frontage to one of the most important business streets in the city of no less than sixty feet. Four large windows face Willis Street, which are dressed in splendid style. During the last few years Messrs. Hume and Son have made extensive alterations to the building, and it presents a very flourishing appearance. A splendid glass verandah extends throughout the frontage quite in keeping with the best in the town. The alterations were made by the late Mr. Eades, when the first enlargement took place; the latter improvements having been effected by Messrs. J. and A. Wilson, under the direction of Mr. J. D. Baird, architect, of Wellington. Mr. Christopher Hume was born and educated in Glasgow, and was admitted a partner in the business of his father and mother, about three years ago. Messrs. Hume and Son devote all their time and energy to the conduct of their business, which increases year by year, and they count among their customers many of the best families in the city and suburbs.
(Joseph Jameson), Grocers, Wine and Spirit Merchants, and Coffee and Spice Manufacturers. Co-operative Stores, corner of Dixon and Willis Streets; Co-operative Stores and Atlas Coffee and Spice Works, corner of Buckle and Tory Streets, Wellington. Telephone 589. P.O. Box 255. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. This large business was established in 1872, by Mr. William Jameson, brother of the present proprietor. Mr. Joseph Jameson, who was “born in Essex, had some six or seven years experience as a counter hand, in some of the best shops in the West End of London, and there he became thoroughly proficient in his knowledge of the grocery trade. Coming to Wellington in 1871, per ship “Wild Duck,” he joined his brother, three years later, in the present firm, which has from that time tanked as a prominent house in the trade in Wellington. The premises owned and occupied by Messrs. Jameson Bros. are located in important positions in the city, both being valuable corner sites. The Co-operative Stores at the corner of Upper Willis Street and Dixon Street are in a handsome two-storied wooden building, having a verandah on two sides extended across the footpath. Two spacious shop window fronts display samples of the large and attractive stock held by the firm. At the corner of Tory and Buckle Streets, the Atlas Coffee and Spice Works and Co-operative Stores are situated. These are also constructed of wood, being two stories in height, and having convenient verandahs on two sides. The total floorage space of the whole buildings need by the firm is about 25,000 square feet. Several years ago, Mr. Jameson imported from the well-known makers—Savage and Co., of London—a plant for coffee roasting and coffee and spice grinding, which is said to be one of the largest and most complete of its kind in the Colony. It has been erected at the Tory Street establishment, and includes one of the latest patterns of coffee roasters, capable of putting through a large quantity every hour, a fine steel coffee mill, a Chili mill, two vertical mills, a horizontal mill with French burr stones, for grinding spices, an edge runner mill with granite stones, and others. The motive power consists of two separate water engines which give seven-horse-power combined. The firm's trade mark, “Atlas Cofee and Spice Works,” is well known throughout the colony, as Messrs. Jameson Bros, and Co. dispose of large quantities of the produce of their work chiefly wholesale, through the merchants. The firm are direct importers of oils, general groceries, wines and spirits, etc., from the best markets of the world, and are in a position to supply goods of the first quality at the lowest possible figure.
Grocer, Cuba Street, Wellington. Telephone 284. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand Mr. Janson, who is a native of Sweden, and came to the Colony per ship “Equator,” purchased this business, which had then been established twelve years, in 1867. The premises are of wood, and afford 3500 square feet of floorage space, the shop being lighted by electricity.
Grocer and Provision Dealer, Tinakori Road, opposite Botanical Gardens, Wellington. Mrs. Kearney has been in business since 1885. Her trade is merely local, especially since the death of Mr. Kearney, the means of delivery being curtailed. Mrs. Kearney is a native of county Cork, Ireland, but went early to London, and on Anniversary Day, 1875, arrived in Wellington per ship “Berar” Mrs. Kearney is respected by all who know her, is doing fairly well, and is in every way deserving of encouragement.
Grocer and General Produce Dealer, Riddiford Street, Wellington. Mr. McKenzie was for years in the employment of Messrs. Levin and Co., of Wellington; and eventually commenced business in Wanganui, from which place he came to Wellington and started as above. Mr. McKenzie holds an agency for Mr. G. W. Wilton, Chemist, for the sale of his various specialties, for which there is a large local demand.
Grocer and Provision Merchant, 115 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 194. This business is conducted in the name of the late Mr. Alexander Munro by Mr. D. Munro, his son. The shop, which is lighted by electricity, has a frontage of about 40 feet to Lambton Quay. Mr. Munro acts as agen for Messrs. Oakes and Co., of Madras, in whose special lines he deals. His late father was previously in business in Rangitikel and Wanganui, in which places he was a settler of over thirty years standin.
(Horatio Nelson), Wholesale Tea Importers, Blenders, and Packers, Customhouse Quay, Wellington. Manager, George Henry Colegrove. Telephone 19; P.O. Box 270. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Head office, corner of Tuam and Colombo Streets, Christchurch. Further particulars will be given in the volume for Canterbury.
Grain, Produce, Coal and Stone Merchant; coal yard, 6 Ingestre Street; grain and produce store, Taranaki Street, Wellington. Telephone 692. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Ingestre Street. Mr. Powell was born at Truro, Cornwall, in 1852. His father was a contractor, and with him he learned that business. In 1871 he came to the Colony, and commenced in business as a railway contractor in the following year. In 1888 Mr. Powell established the nucleus of his present large trade in Ingestre Street, where he opened a coal and firewood depot. The premises, which are freehold, consist of ample shed and yard accommodation, and a dwelling. A Pelton water motor is used to drive the circular saw for cutting firewood. The business developed so rapidly that in 1893 larger premises were needed. A two-story concrete building was therefore erected on a freehold section in Taranaki Street as a grain and produce store. The total floorage space used in this building is about 2000 square feet. The first floor is used as a public hall; it is well furnished, and has seating room for about 250 people. It has proved a great convenience for both social and religious gatherings. Mr. Powell imports coal direct from Newcastle, and Westport Coalbrookdale, and supplies at the lowest quotation. Large shipments of grain and produce art regularly received from southern ports. Behind the store a large eight stall stable has been built, and some cottages for
Grocer, Tea-dealer, and Provision Merchant, 40 Majoribanks Street, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Robert Sinelair began business as above in 1888, during which time he has made rapid progress. His shop is very conveniently situated for a good local trade, being at the corner of Brougham and Majoribanks Streets. This is a good district, and a growing one, and Mr. Sinclair is well prepared to extend as increase of business may demand. Already he has more than doubled the size of his premises, which have a good business-like appearance, being roomy and well-stocked. For a while Mr. Sinclair's trade was purely local, but through the moving about of his customer, and by means of recommendation, he has a really good general trade. Careful attention to business on the part of Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair has popularised both their establishment and themselves, and an increasing trade is the natural consequence. To give an idea of the business done, it may be mentioned that the turnover of one article alone—that of butter—is upwards of five hundred pounds weight per week. For a shop comparatively on the outskirts of the city, this is a very large turnover indeed, and shows the importance of supplying a first-class article. In this particular line of butter, Mr. Sinclair defies the world. It is from the creamery of Mr. James Donald, and the brand is “Tarureka” Mr. Sinclair is a native of the Shetland Islands, and arrived in New Zealand per ship “Rodney,” from London, in 1876.
(Malcolm B. Snoad), Ceylon Tea Merchants, 24 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Bankers, Colonial Bauk of New Zealand, Private residence, Oriental Bay. Mr. Snoad is a native of Kent, and was brought up to mercantile life in London, arriving in the Colony per ship “Merope” in 1884. The present business was established in 1888, Mr. Snoad is a direct importer of tea from the gardens of Ceylon. All teas are pure and unblended, and are supplied in small packets, larger packages, boxes or cases as may be required. Mr. Snoad also imports patent infusor teapots, the Duchess of York being the inventor. The patent consists in a perforated cup which holds the tea, and can be removed easily, leaving the tea free from all deleterious qualities. The writer having sampled the tea can speak from experience as to flavour and quality.
Grocer and Provision Dealer, 150 Tinakori Road, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. William Southee has been in business as a grocer, tea dealer, and general provision vendor since 1883, but for the first six years he was in Molesworth Street. He does a steady trade, and there is an air of prosperity about his establishment. His business operations extend beyond the surrounding neighbourhood to Karori and Makara, and in many cases even further into the country. This country connection has been mainly secured through the influence of local customers, who have moved up the line, and have continued to deal where they were well served. Mr. Southee's specialty is Suratura tea, for which he finds an increasing demand, and in the superiority of which he is a thorough believer. It is a Ceylon tea, and is held to be of exceptional flavour. Nelson Moste and Co.'s packet teas are also largely sold. Mr. Southee is a native of Kent, and learned his business with Mr. B. N. Rayner, of Sittingbourne, completing his apprenticeship in the year 1876. In 1880 he came to this Colony per ship “Pleiades”
169 Lambton Quay; Telephone 104; P.O. Box 367. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This well-known grocery and Italian warehouse was established in 1834, by the late Mr. H. H. Tippler. It is claimed to be the only real Italian warehouse in the city, and especial care is take by constant direct importations to keep up the wonderful variety of special delicacies for which the establishment has been famous. After nine years of hard work the founder's health became affected and he was laid up for several month. When at length he was able to return to his business, and was believed by his friends to be permanently recovering, he had the misfortune to lose both premises and stock by fire. This was on the 4th November, 1893, and on the 7th Mr. Tippler succumbed to
(James Wilson Wallace and James Lyall Mackie), Grain and Produce Brokers, and General Commission Agents, 11 Brandon Street, Wellington. Cable address, ”Salvo.” Code ABC, fourth edition. Telephone 807; P.O. Box 293. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in 1893, and during the short time intervening it has been very greatly extended. Both partners are well and favourably known throughout the Colony, and are prompt, energetic, and thoroughly reliable business men. In addition to their grain and produce business. Messrs. Wallace and Mackie act as agents for manufacturers and merchants in Great Britain, Australia, etc., no agencies being undertaken which they cannot handle to the satisfaction of their principals. The more important of those held by them are as follow: The National Mortgage and Agency Company, Limited, imported and colonial seeds, etc.; Messrs. M. Donaghy and Co., Limited, Dunedin, ropes, seaming and binder twines, etc.; Messrs. D. Nicolson and Co., Dunedin. wire mattresses, sofa springs. etc.; Messrs. Thomson, Bridger and Co., Dunedin, wheelwright's material, etc.; Messrs. B. Edwards and Co., Limited, Invercargill, slashers, bush hooks, etc. Messrs. Gray Bros., Tasmania, Tasmanian timbers; Messrs. J. Windross and Co., New South Wales, ironbark and other timbers, and wheelwright's materials; The Lilleshall Iron and Steel Company, Limited, England; Messrs. Patrick Gardiner and Co., London, Commission merchants, Calcutta goods of every description; Messrs. J. Vavasseur and Co., Ceylon, desiccated
(John Wardell, William Wardell, Thomas Wardell and Henry Wardell), Grocers and Provision Merchants, 51 Willis Street, Wellington. Telephone 783 P.O. Box 17. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Head office, Christchurch; branch at Dunedin, This business was established in 1887 in Christchurch, the Wellington branch being opened in April 1893. Further information will appear in the volume of the Cyclopedia for Canterbury.
Grocer and Provision Merchant, Baker and Confectioner, Coffee and Spice Manufacturer, Globe Coffee and Spice Works, 63 Tory Street, corner of Vivian Street, Wellington. Mr. Webb was born in Hampshire, England, where he was brought up. He served his apprenticeship as a grocer in Guildford, Surrey, and came to New Zealand in 1876, per ship “St. Leonard's.” Since his arrival Mr. Webb has been closely associated with the mercantile life of the Colony, The present large business was founded in the same year at the corner of Buckle and Tory Streets. The developmental of the trade was such that it became necessary to provide increased accommodation for the various branches of the business. The fine two-story block of buildings now occupied by Mr. Webb (an engraving of which appears herein), at the corner of Vivian and Tory Streets
Anderson, Allan, Storekeeper, 60 Adelaide Road, Established 1886.
Banks, Bridget, General Storekeeper, corner of Riddiford and Hall Streets.
Barr and Co. (David Burr), Wholesale and Retail Grocers, Manners Street.
Bardsley, Mrs., Grocer, 44 Thorndon Quay. Established 1895.
Barrow, Mrs. R., Storekeeper, 142 Taranaki Street.
Bethel, William F., Grower, 57 Courtenay Place. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1895.
Booker, G. H., Grocer, 61 Taranaki Street, Established 1895.
Bryne, Edward, Grocer, 151 Tinakori Road. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1875.
Byng and Co., Grocers, etc., 138 Cuba Street.
Campbell, Wm., Grocer and Provision Merchant, Oriental Tea Mart, 21 Manners Street.
Campion, Arthur W., Tea Merchant, 12 Cuba Street. Private residence, Ghuznee Street. Established 1888.
Compton, Thomas, Storekeeper, Owen Street. Established 1891.
Couch, Mrs., Grocer, Mulgrave Street. Established 1885.
Coveney, Thomas Palmer, Grocer and Provision Merchant, 103 Cuba Street.
Craig, Wm., Grocer, Aro Street.
Crawford, Mrs. C, Grocer, 20 Cambridge Terrace. Established 1880.
Creighton, John, Grocer, 6 Tinakori Road. Established 1893.
Dean, Mrs. L., Grocer, Roxburgh Street. Established 892.
Devine, James, Grocer, 2 Argyle Street, Established 1889.
Devine, William, Storekeeper, 158 Cuba Street.
Devlin, Joseph, Grocer and Provision Dealer, 30 Cuba Street. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Established 1889.
Dickson, Thomas, Grocer and Provision Dealer, 225 Lambton Quay.
Dobson, Henry, Storekeeper, Riddiford Street. Established 1875.
Donaldson, J. A., Grocer, 34 Hopper Street. Established 1881.
Dudgeon, John James, Grain and Produce Dealer, Manners Street.
Langdon, Hart, Storekeeper, 49 Brougham Street. Established 1893.
Lawless, Mrs., Grocer, 9 Nairn Street. Established 1892.
Lawrence, Mrs. J., Grocer, Ellice Street. Established 1891.
Lennie, M. A., General Storekeeper, 40 Queen Street. Established 1889.
McAlpine, Wm., Grocer, 183 Tinakori Road. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1872, and taken over by the present proprietor in 1890.
Duignan, Richard, Grocer and Wood and Coal Merchant, Molesworth Street.
Duncan, Donald, Grocer, 149 Taranaki Street. Established 1894.
Eden, Thos. Edward, Grocer, 113 Cuba, Street. Established 1891.
Firth, J. H., General Grocer, 45 Courtenay Place. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1890.
Flockton, Mrs. Henry, Grocer, 64 Tory Street.
Foster, James Rodgers, Produce Dealer, 106 Adelaide Road.
Freethy, Mrs., Grocer, Mulgrave Street. Established 1886.
Grant and Richards, Storekeepers, 181 Cuba Street.
Haines, Mrs. Alfred George, Storekeeper, 18 Aro Street.
Headland, Charles, Family Grocer, 90 Tory Street. Established 1894.
Hebbend, Mrs. Jane, Grocer, Murphy Street. Established 1888.
Holmes, Robert Henry, Grocer, Riddiford Street.
Howell, Thomas, Grocer, Revans Street. Established 1860.
Hulse and Stockbridge (Richard Hulse and Stephen Stockbridge), Grocers, 99 Tory Street. Established 1805.
Humphries, William, Grocer, Riddiford Street.
Kilpatrick, R., Grocer, Manners Street. Established 1896.
Killery, Mrs., Grocer, 32 Courtenay Place. Established 1896
King, Robert, Grocer and Baker, 87 Tory Street.
Lambert, Edward, Tea Dealer, 100 Tatanaki Street. Private residence, Vogeltown.
Laney, W. E., Grocer. Wallace Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Newland. Established 1893.
Marshall, Wm., Grocer, corner of Ingestre and Willis Streets. Established 1886.
Meagher, John and Co., Grain and Produce Merchants, Panama Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1894.
Meston Bros. (John and James Meston), Grocers, 12 Wordsworth Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand Established 1880.
Murphy, Richard, Grocer, 36 Tory Street. Established 1881.
Murray, John, Produce and Coal and Wood Dealer, 65 Adelaide Road.
Nannestad, Anton, Grocer, Jubilee House, Kent Terrace. Established 1888.
Olsen, Mrs. H. J., Storekeeper, Oriental Terrace
Overend, Mrs. J., Grocer, Tasman Street, Established 1894.
Pritchard, Miss E., Grocer, 111 Adelaide Road. Established 1886.
Pritchard, Henry, Grocer, etc., Courtenay Place. Established 1888.
Rabe, Mrs., Grocer, Ingestre Street. Established 1878.
Raine, J., G., Grocer, Courtenay Place.
Reece, Mrs. M., Grocer, 52 Elizabeth Street. Established 1893.
Relton, W., Storekeeper, 78 Riddiford Street. Established 1898.
Riddick Bros. (James R. Riddick and Robert R. Riddick), General Storekeepers, Riddiford Street. Established 1888.
Ridge, John, Family Grocer, 9 Manners Street, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Riddiford Street, Newtown. Established December, 1894.
Rowe and Sons (Sampson Rowe, Frederick Rowe, and Wallace Rowe), Produce Merchants, Manners Street, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
Ryan, John, Grocer, 12 Tory Street. Established 1801.
Smith, Lawrence, Storekeeper, Tory Street.
Spierling, Mrs., General Storekeeper, 89 Adelaide Road. Established 1800.
Terreni, Fabio, Grocer, Mansfield Street, Wellington South, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Established 1885.
Thawley Bros., Grocers, 53 Tory Street.
Thew and Luke, Storekeepers, 161 Cuba Street. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residences: Mr Thew, Nairn Street; Mr. Luke, Martin Square. Established 1894.
Thomas, Joseph, Grocer and Provision Merchant, 29 Molesworth Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Privateresidence, Khandallah. Established 1897
Thompson, Miss, Grocer, 58 Daniel Street. Established 1895.
Tonks, William, Miller, Herbert Street. Private residence, 9 Dixon Street.
Twomey. P. M. Grocer, Sussex Square. Established 1888.
Vallance, Hugh, Grocer and Provision Merchant, 87 Willis Street.
Virtue, D. W., and Co. (David Wilson Virtue), Flour, Grain, and Produce Merchants, Victoria Street. Private residence, 30 Ellice Street.
Watkins, Mrs. E., Grocer, Tainui Terrace. Established 1895.
Watson, Mrs., General Storekeeper, 9 Adelaide Road.
Williams, H. C., Grocer, 57 Ghuznee Street. Established 1885.
Williamson, Robert, Storekeeper, Pirie Street. Established 1890.
Willis, Edward, Storekeeper, 13 Aro Street, Established 1893.
Wilson, Alexander, Storekeeper, Riddiford Street. Established 1873.
Wise, Edward Thomas, Grocer, 2 Crawford Street. Established 1890.
Wyatt, Inge and Gould (Herbert Wyatt, Peter Inge, and William G. Gould) Grocers and Italian Warchousemen, 185 Lambton Quay. Established 1895
Young, Mrs. M., and Sons, Grocers and General Dealers, 123 Tinakori Road-Established 1893.
(Robert Davies and J. A. Allender), Soap and Soda Crystal Manufacturers, Hunter Street, Wellington Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Works, Petone. This business was established in 1893 by the late Mr. John Allender, and has been conducted by the present firm since 1894. The factory buildings, which stand on a freehold of half an acre in extent, are of one story and three atones in height, affording over 10,000 square feet of floorage space. The three soap pans are arranged on a gravitation principle, and are capable of producing about one hundred tons a month, but at present are not being worked up to half their capacity. The manufacture is accomplished by steam generated by a large multitubular boiler, which also supplies the boiling down plant situated in a separate building. Measrs. Allender and Co. have secured a plentiful supply of artesian water for their works, which are replete with all necessary appliances for the trade. All alkalies and chemicals used at the works are imported direct, but the fat and other material are local products. The leading brands of soap are “Satinet,” “Imperial,” “Silver Queen,” “Starlight,” “Blue Mottled,” and “Carbolic,” and these are sold together with the other manufactures of the firm throughout the entire Colony, fire representatives being employed on commission in the various centres to push the firm's business. Mr. John Aitken Allender, who resides at Sydney Street, Petone, is the eldest son of the founder of the business. He had a considerable experience in the trade during his father's lifetime, and now manages the works. Mr. Davies, who was for many years connected with Messrs. J. Kitchen and Son and the Apollo Co., has gained large knowledge of he business, and undertakes the commercial management of this growing concern.
(James D). Anderson), Coffee, Spice and Cereal Mills, St. Hill and Old Customhouse Streets,
Wellington. This firm was originally established in Timaru in 1877, and to cope with the increasing business, and obtain a more central position in the Colony, they removed to Wellington early in 1894. Their store and factory is a large brick building, and the motive power is a large water-motor, which drives the milling, roasting, and dressing mills. The raw material is imported from the various producing centres, and prepared and packed for the trade. Their
which is registered and patented in the Colony, is a well known and
Managing Directors, C. R. E. Bell and W. Tarr. Attorneys for New Zealand, Philips and Pike. Head office, London. New Zealand factory, Newtown, Wellington. Telephone, 908. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This firm was established in 1832, and their claim to be the oldest wax vesta manufacturers in the world is universally acknowledged. Their London factories at Bromley-by-Bow and Wandsworth find employment for six hundred work-people. At the Melbourne works, near Richmond, one hundred hands are engaged, and a similar number at Wellington. In July, 1894, Mr. C. R. E. Bell arrived in the Colony, accompanied by a manager and some experienced hands from England. The Empire City, as the natural distributing port of the Colony, was at once selected, and temporary premises secured in Cornhill Street. From the first, it was decided to erect a suitable building to carry on this important industry. Mr. Chatfield, the well-known architect, was instructed to prepare plans, and the substantial, well-lighted, and well-ventilated building now erected was formally opened by the Premier on the 15th of July, 1895. The excellent arrangements for the comfort and health of the employees are a leading feature of the building.
Head office, 33 London Wall, London. Factory, Wick Lane. Rubber works, Bow. Branches, New York and at Melbourne. Wellington branch, Victoria Street. This large concern was established many years ago by Mr. B. Birnbaum, the Wellington branch dating from 1892. The building—a substantial four-story brick structure—is very complete, and furnishes full accommodation for the various branches of the trade, being fitted with a large lift, and brilliantly lighted throughout by electric light. The offices are on the ground floor, the stock and show-rooms being on the first flat. On the second floor is the cutting department, while the factory proper is found on the top floor, about forty hands finding permanent employment. The motive power is a gas engine, supplemented by a water motor in case of a breakdown. Every description of waterproof garment is made on the premises. The Company have been large prize-winners at the various British and intercolonial exhibitions.
Cocoa and Chocolate Manufacturers. Wellington branch, Farish Street. Mr. Fra
(Frederick Charles Crease), Importers, Manufacturers, Packers and Bottlers of Coffees, Peppers, Spices, Essences, Peels, Oils, Sauces, Jellies, Indian Condiments and Baking Powder. Office and Warehouse, Old Custom-house Street. Factory, Victoria Street, Wellington. Telephone 146; P.O. Box 23. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Cable address: “Crease, Wellington.” Code, A, B.C. London agent, Mr. Joseph Corpe, Ealing, W.C. Private residence, Boulcott Street. This extensive business was founded in 1867 by the late Mr. E. H Crease necessarily in a comparatively small way. The business thus begun, has grown and developed until it has attained very large proportions. For over twenty years the late Mr. Crease took an active share in the management of this colonial industry, and from time to time the manufacture of additional lines was being added to the expanding concern. Since that gentleman's death in 1890, Mr. F. C. Crease who was for some time in mercantile life in Sydney, but gained his experience mostly in his father's business, has been the sole proprietor. The office and warehouse in Old Customhouse Street is in a two-story wooden building containing over seven thousand square feet of floor space. The sample-room contains a truly wonderful display of the immense variety of goods manufactured or imported by the firm. The get-up of the packages, which vary from a quarter of a pound to any size required, is in every respect admirable, a good variety of designs being included. The factory is a two-story wooden building containing a slightly larger superficial area than the warehouse. A water-motor of eight horse power drives the machinery, which includes the latest appliances for roasting, grinding, mixing, sifting and preparing the numerous articles turned out of this establishment. Messrs. Crease and Son employ about twenty skilled hands in connection with the manufacturing, packing, labelling, receiving and delivery departments of their large trade, about £100 per month being paid away by the firm in wages. As importers Messrs. Crease and Son have regular shipments of all goods in which they deal, and their supplies are drawn from the best markets of the world, business connections having been established by the firm for this purpose in many lands. At an early stage in the history of the business, Mr. Crease realized the necessity of securing regular supplies of the raw materials used at his works, of the purest and best qualities in each variety, and in such quantities as should place the firm in a position to command the New Zealand market. For many years past the coffees, spices, baking powders and other goods have enjoyed a first-class reputation, the name of the firm being a sufficient guarantee for the purity of the articles. Messrs. Crease and Son's trade mark is the letter C in a diamond; they have many brands for their commodities, the leading ones being the Duke of Wellington and Al Brands. The business of the firm is co-extensive with the Colony—three travellers being engaged in interviewing the customers, among whom are included the leading merchants, storekeepers and grocers in the cities and towns of New Zealand. Messrs. Crease and Son are patentees for milk and meat preservatives, including an excellent powder which has proved effective in keeping butter.
(James Irvine and William Stevenson), Manufacturers, St.George Preserving Works, Dunedin. Office and Warehouse, Brandon Street, Wellington. Telephone 68; P.O. Box 226. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Messrs. E. H. Radbone and J. Patterson, joint managers. This old established firm are manufacturers of jams, jellies, marmalade, candied peel, soda chrystals, starch, sauces, etc. Their trade mark is St. George. The Wellington Branch was opened in February, 1896, and up to the present there is every indication of this movement proving a great success. Fuller information concerning Messrs. Irvine and Stevenson and their important colonial industry will appear in the Otago volume.
Manufacturers of Baking, Egg, Custard, and Currie Powders, Cordials, Vinegar, etc., 105 Willis Street, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This business is under the immediate supervision of Mr. John Newberry, who has had a long and varied experience in this class of industry. Mr. Newberry is a native of England, and was from his early youth engaged in the provision trade. He came out to New Zealand some twenty-three years ago, and located at Nelson, where he engaged in grocery and general store business. In September, 1887, he started the manufacture of currie, baking, and other powders, and wishing to enlarge his trade, removed to Wellington two years later. He first opened business on Lambton Quay, but shortly afterwards removed to his present premises. The firm have built up a large trade throughout the district of Wellington. Their goods are well known to consumers, and they use the best materials in the manufacture of their wares that the market affords. They secured two first and two second awards at the Dunedin and South Seas Exhibition of 1889–90 for Worcester Sauce, Southern Relish, Baking and Custard Powders. “Osborne House” is their well-known trade mark. This firm also do a large business in ginger, essences, potted meat, etc. A special feature which they have lately introduced is “Linolac” a very superior polish for furniture and linoleum.
(Directors: Messrs. H. Beauchamp (chairman), M. Kennedy, N. Reid, D. J. Nathan, and E. Seagar; Secretary, Mr. A. S. Biss; Manager, Mr. J. B. Mack). Candle manufacturers' Office, Customhouse Quay, Wellington; Works, Kaiwarra. Telephone 816. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. This Company was established in 1893. The factory consists of buildings of wood and iron, erected from plans by Mr. T. Turnbull, on a freehold section of about three quarters of an acre in extent. The plant is complete, and includes two boilers and a powerful engine made by Mr. E. Seagar. The Company imports chemicals, wicks, machinery, and paraffin wax, the latter in large quantities. The registered brands are “Venus,” “French Sperm,” “Osborne,” and “Premier” By-products, such as oleine and crude glycerine, are exported by the Company. The output of candles is disposed of within the Colony through the various merchants.
A. J. Suckling-Baron, M.I.E.E. (Managing Director and Electrical Engineer). Head Office, Old Broad Street, London, E.C., Office and works, Harris Street, Wellington; Public lighting station, Panama Street. Telephones: office, 540; engine room, 814; public lighting station, 258; manager, 476. P.O. Box: 137; Cable address. “Innocence” Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence of Managing Director, Wellington Terrace. Electricity, and its application to the wants of everyday life, has long been regarded among the marvels of the century. The establishment of the telephone system some years ago, with all its advantages for the world of commerce and its conveniences for private and social intercourse, has been eclipsed by the application of the subtle forces of Nature as a motor, as a heater, and as a means of lighting the public thoroughfares, the halls and churches, the shops and offices, and the private houses of the citizens. These advantages enjoyed by the public of Wellington in this respect are due mainly, if not entirely, to the energy and enterprise of the New Zealand Electrical Syndicate, Limited. This Company first undertook to
Upholsterers' Spring and Wire Mattress Manufacturer, Victoria Street, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Ingestre Street. Mr. North hails from London, where he was born in 1868. He was brought up to the furniture trade, and had good experience in the Metropolis before sailing for the colonies in the s.s. “Ormuz,” in 1893.* On arrival in Wellington, he became foreman in the upholstering department of Messrs. Scoullar and Chisholm, which position he left about the end of the year to establish a new industry.
Corn Broom Manufacturer, 14 Featherston Street. Telephone 577. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Mr. North is a native of Dunedin, New Zealand, where he learned his business. Determining to master the details of the whole process of manufacture, Mr. H. C. North gave his earnest attention to the work, and duly completed his term in 1893. He left Dunedin, having gained a thorough knowledge of the business during the years in which he was apprenticed. Being a young man of great energy and push, he decided to establish a factory on his own account, and, not wishing to enter into competition with his late employers in Dunedin, he made a trip round the Colony. He noticed that in the Empire City there was no corn broom manufacturer, and therefore he wisely decided to start the industry in that city. The present business was founded in 1893, and has been steadily progressing since the commencement. Mr. North has all needful machinery for making carpet brooms, of which he makes four different kinds. He has agents through the North Island, where his customers principally are found.
Manufacturers of Sausage Skins and Butcher's Requisites. Head office, New York. Branches: Chicago, San Francisco, London, and Hamburg. Colonial office, Talavera Terrace, Wellington. Representative for the Colonies, Mr. Max Eichelbaum, Telephone 730; P.O. Box 350. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. The business of this large firm became so extensive in the Southern Hemisphere that it was decided to establish a colonial branch in Wellington with a permanent representative. Mr. Eichelbaum, who has had a large experience in the colonies during the past eight years, was appointed to the position he now holds in 1894. Messrs. Oppenheimer and Co. have no less than nine manufactories in New Zealand engaged in the production of sheep casings. It has been found convenient to establish factories in the vicinity of the establishments of the various large meat freezing and preserving companies, works having been founded at Ngahauranga, Whakatu (Hawkes Bay). Gisborne, Wanganui, Waipukurau, Woodville, Blenheim, Waitara, and Belfast. About one hundred hands are employed during the season at these factories, and a very large quantity of sheep casings is produced. Almost the whole of the produce of these works is exported to America. The Company import from their own American factories large shipments of pork casings, which are sold throughout Australia and New Zealand wholesale to the merchants.
Glass Bevellers and Silverers, New Zealand Glass Bevelling and Silvering Works, Taranaki Street, Wellington. Established 1892. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. These enterprising gentlemen have the honour of introducing a new industry in this Colony. They are both from the old country, where they thoroughly learned their trade. Mr. George Fenwick was born in Dundee, and served apprenticeship with Mr. Cottrill, of Glasgow, from whence he sailed for Melbourne, and during several years there was employed at different periods with Messrs. Cottrill, Meadows, Wooseman, and Carter and Son. Mr. Herbert Read was born in England, and served his time with Mr. Clark, of London, after which he also sailed for Melbourne, but not being so fortunate in securing work at his own trade, readily went into the country, where he experienced some of the usual rough colonial life, and took various kinds of employment. In 1892 they came to Wellington, joined partnership, and established the above business in a commodious wooden building, in which they have fitted up an eight-horse-power engine and full set of bevelling and polishing mills, also a water distiller used in silvering process, and are consequently prepared to execute all kinds of work in connection with the trade, which they are steadily working up. They are already doing business with all parts of the Colony.
(Charles Arnold Graham, Manager for New Zealand), Manufacturers of all classes of Asbestos goods, India Rubber goods, Fire-Proof Paints and Oils, 37 Featherston Street. Cable address, “Asbestos, Wellington,” code Al. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Agency at Gisborne. Head office, Dock House, Billiter Street, E.C Mr. Graham's residence, Normanby Terrace. The Company have patents for their fire-proof paint and most of the asbestos goods. They have held the English Admiralty contract for the supply of all asbestos goods for nine years past. They also supply the principal English railways. The Company was founded in London in the year 1879, and such has been the growth of the industry that it was found advisable to open a branch as above in 1894. Asbestos is largely used for packing in connection with machinery, and is invaluable for its fire resisting qualities. The Company's trade mark is the word “Salamander” They hold agencies in New Zealand for Fred Braby and Co., corrugated iron manufacturers, of London and Glasgow, and D. New and Co., machinery merchants, of London and Melbourne. Their business extends throughout the entire Colony The building occupied in Wellington is of wood and iron, two stories in height affording 900 square feet of floorage space. Since the above article was written, the firm, through their increasing business, have been obliged to change their premises, and now occupy the large brick and stone building at the corner of Victoria and Harris Streets. Their number on the telephone is 994.
Coffee and Spice Manufacturer, Globe Coffee and Spice Works, 63 Tory Street, corner of Vivian Street, Wellington. Telephone 286. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Full information respecting this business will be found under the heading “Grocers, Provision Merchants, Storekeepers, Tea Dealers, etc.”
Limited, Directors: Messrs. Edward Pearce (chairman), G. M. Kebbell, David Anderson, D. J. Nathan, and the Rev. C. S. Ogg. Offices and works, Courtenay Place, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Engineer and manager, Mr. H. P. Higginson, M.Inst.C.E. The Wellington Gas Company was established in 1870. The plant was imported from the Old Country, and Mr. Samuel Brown had the contract for its erection and completion. The first gas was manufactured in Wellington in 1871, the price at which it was sold to the public being then 20s. per thousand feet. The first contract entered into with the Wellington City Council was for twenty-four street lamps, at the modest charge of £200 per annum. The Company have nearly two acres of land at
M.Inst.C.E., is the Engineer and Manager of the Wellington Gas Company, Limited, Courtenay Place, Wellington. Mr. Higginson is a native of Yorkshire. He was educated at the Collegiate School, Leicester, and was articled as engineer to Sir W. Fairbairn, of Manchester. He was elected member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, London, in 1867. Before coming to the Colony, Mr. Higginson spent three years on railway construction in Russia, five years on hydraulic works in India, and five years as Government railway engineer in Mauritius. He came to New Zealand in 1872 via America, and was shipwrecked on the way, completing the journey from Honolulu to Auckland per R.M.S. “Nebraska.” Mr. Higginson came to New Zealand to accept the position of superintending engineer to the Public Works Department, taking up this appointment in May, 1872, and holding it for five years. He subsequently went into private practice in Dunedin, and this Colony possesses many large works which have been carried out under his designs and superintendence. The Waimea Plains Railway was built by him. The Balcluth
Umbrella Maker, Working Cutler, Glass, and China Rivetter, 181 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Mr. Bedford is a native of Ramsay, Huntingdonshire, and arrived in Dunedin in 1874, per ship “Tweed” He at once established himself in business and continued in the southern city till 1879, when he removed to Wellington, where he has conducted a snug little trade for fifteen years. He is a direct importer of materials for the manufacture of umbrellas, which are his specialty. making the same to order, both wholesale and retail. Mr. Bedford holds a special appointment to His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow. Scissors knives, and razors are ground on the premises, chairs are recaned and repairing work undertaken. The shop is central, and possesses a reputation for thoroughness.
Umbrella-maker, 20 Cuba Street (opposite Te Aro House) Wellington. Private residence, Tory Street. Mr. Knuckey was born in Lyttelton, and learned his business in New Zealand. In 1892 he opened a small shop in Tory Street, and the business then established has rapidly developed. Early in 1895 larger premises became a necessity, and the commodious establishment now occupied was secured. The total floorage is about 1250 square feet. Mr. Knuckey has a good general stock of handles, cloth, silks, etc., which he imports, together with all fittings required in his business. He has had a large experience, and makes umbrellas of first-rate strength and quality to order. In repairs and re-covering he does a large and steadily-increasing trade. Mr. Knuckey undertakes the grinding and setting of razors, knives, and scissors. He is an expert glass and china rivetter, and re-seats cane chairs.
Tent and Oilskin Manufacturer, Custom-house Quay, Wellington. Branch at New Plymouth, Established 1867. Mr. Knight, who for some time shared an interest in the business with Mr. Cook, carries on a varied industry in the spacious premises above mentioned, which comprise an area of 1800 feet of floorage space. He employs on an average
Arthur, Thomas, Sailmaker, etc., 13 Lambton Quay.
Arnold, Edwin, Basket Furniture Manufacturer, Willis Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Pirie Street. Established 1882.
Bender, Harry, Boatbuilder, Jervois Quay.
Bringins and Hogg (James Bringins and George Hogg), Boatbuilders and Shipwrights, Clyde Quay. Established 1881.
Davis Richard Robert, Wire Worker, 158 Willis Street. Established 1884.
Foster, James, Umbrella Maker, Manners Street. Established 1895.
Gurney Bros. (Richard Gurney, manager), Basket Manufacturers, 97 Willis Street and 26 Manners Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1890.
Hodder, Thomas, Boatbuilder, Clyde Quay. Private residence, Mitchelltown. Established 1891.
Hutcheson, John, Ship and Engineers' Rigger, Victoria Street. Established 1894
Paull and Roberts (James Samuel Paull and Charles Thomas Roberts), Shipwrights and Boatbuilders, Clyde Quay. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Paull, Owen Street; Mr. Roberts, Vogel Street. Established 1878.
Ryder, E., and Son, Practical Cordwainers, 99 Willis Street.
Williams, William Henry, Sail and Tent Maker, Johnston Street. Estab. 1875.
Wood, Samuel, Shipwright, Grainger Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Brittomart Street. Established 1867.
Weine, F. and A. (Frank Weine and Alfred Weine), Cane Furniture Manufacturers, 92 Tory Street.
: Office, corner Custom house Quay and Brandon Street; stables, store and yard, Tinakori Road. Wellington. Cable address, “Curtis, Wellington.” Code ABC; Telephone 9; P.O. Box 168. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand London agents, Davies, Turner and Co., 52 Lime Street, E.C. Mr. Curtis is a native of the City of Wellington, his parents having reached Port Nicholson in the year 1840. He had to turn to work very early When a lad is thrown into the hard world at a tender age to fight life's battles, it will probably either kill him or make a man of him. The latter is exactly what happened. Instead of growing up a dependent youth clinging to his mother's apron strings, he became a manly independent young man, able to hold his own, and desirous of striking out on his own account. Thus it was good for Mr. Curtis that the necessity arose for working early in life, and to the lessons he then learned he owes much, and is ever ready to acknowledge the obligation. He has always worked hard and bent his best energies succeed in whatever he undertook, and it is no wonder that his has been a success. He founded the present extensive business in the year 1870, starting in a small way only. By careful and close attention to the littles, he soon found that he was on the right track. This discovery caused him to be more assiduous, if anything, and thus he held the position he had gained instead of relaxing his efforts when success appeared in his grasp. The business has steadily extended and developed year by year till the present time. Mr. Curtis undertakes general carrying of every description, and has every kind of vehicle for transferring both heavy and light goods from any part of the city and suburbs. He has special vans for use in removing furniture and household effects. He undetakes not only to carry in and around the city, but has complete arrangements for shipping to any part of New Zealand, as well as to any port in the civilised world. The ramifications of his business are so extensive that he has responsible agents in all towns in the Colony, and also at nearly every railway station in both Islands. It will thus be seen that Mr. Curtis is able to clear goods at any port, and transfer the same to any other part as required. In addition to the business of general carrier and forwarding agent, customhouse and shipping agent, he also undertakes commission agencies of every description. His lengthly experience are always available for his customers, no matter whether they are near or far off. Some years ago, finding his business increasing very much, he concluded that it was necessary to have more accommodation for his men and plant. He therefore purchased the present site of about three-quarters of an acre in extent in Tinakori Road. Here he has plenty of room for thirty horses, which are almost daily in full demand. Besides these, Mr. Curtis has a good many animals having a spell, from which he draws when required for active service, or to relieve others. The stock of vehicles includes eight lorries, two large furniture vans, three block drays, two small and six spring drays, three expresses, and two parce vans—in all over twenty-five in number. The expense which was necessary to keep the whole in good and safe working order he found amounted to something like £400 per annum. Believing that he
could undertake to do the wheelwright and repairing work at his own yards, he erected a wheelwright's shop. Here he has since been successful, not only in completing all needful repairs, but several new vehicles have been turned out for his own use. He has also erected a blacksmith's shop at his yards, where his own horses are shod when required, thus effecting a saving of time as well as expense. In fact, his enterprise in establishing these two lines purely for the requirements of his trade has proved to be a most profitable investment of capital. At the yards Mr. Curtis has erected a cottage for the caretaker, and he has several houses for the convenience of his men, of whom he employs from twenty to twenty-five. His wages sheet absorbs over £65 per week in ordinary times, and much more when special work is on hand. He imports all the feed oats, chaff, and bran consumed at his stables direct from the southern markets. He is the proprietor of the Wellington Parcel Delivery Company, which delivers
Carriage Proprietor and Livery and Bait Stable Keeper, Pipitea Street, Wellington. Private residence, Brook Street. Born in Londonderry, Ireland, Mr. Docherty arrived in New Zealand per s.s. “Ionic” in 1882. He has had a general experience in the Colony in farming and other pursuits. For a time he was employed on the New Zealand Government railways, and for about eighteen months he was with Dr. Ca
(Henry Inniss, sen., Henry Inniss and George Inniss, jun.), Cab and Express Proprietors, corner of Courtenay Place and Cambridge Terrace, Wellington. Telephone 381. Mr. Henry Inniss, the founder of this firm, was born in London. Early in life he decided to follow the sea as a profession, and for twenty years Mr. Inniss voyaged over the world, seeing many strange sights, and having many exciting experiences. In the year 1875 he decided to come to New Zealand, and embarked in the good ship “Halcione,” for Wellington. After arrival in the Colony, Mr. Inniss established himself in the business of a general storekeeper, which he carried on for ten years in Wellington city. Messrs. Inniss, jun., were born in Wellington, and were brought up to the carrying business. The firm have eight horses and four traps, which include two comfortable cabs, a fine dog cart, and an express. Messrs. Inniss and Sons occupy most convenient premises at the corner of Cambridge Terrace and Courtenay Place. The buildings include a large ten-stall stable, with loft for hay, and a roomy coach-house, and all needful out-houses. Adjoining the stables is situated the office and storeroom. All these buildings have a frontage to Courtenay Place. On the Cambridge Terrace side is a comfortable dwelling house. The firm are well known as careful and steady drivers. They can be depended upon at all times; and in any weather, to keep their appointments. They have had the telephone laid on to the office and stables for the convenience of their customers and a message to No. 381 will ensure prompt attention. Mr. Inniss. sen., is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and an old Forester. He has seven children, of whom the eldest, a daughter, is married.
General Carrier: office, 11 Grey Street, Wellington; stables, Howe's Lane, off Dixon Street. Telephone 80 Branch at Levin. Mr. James is a native of Marchfield, Monmouthshire, where he was brought up as a farmer. He came to the Colony per ship “Cairngoram” in 1863. After gaining general experience in New Zealand for some years he founded the present business in 1872. Mr. James has commodious premises in Howe's Lane for the purposes of his trade. He has well built stables and sheds, where he keeps the seven horses and half a dozen vehicles which are employed in his business. Mr. James occupies a convenient two-story cottage on the same site, which is his leasehold. The total area of the section used as above is 7000 square feet. The buildings are of wood and iron. Mr. James undertakes general carrying, household removing, receiving, and delivering to any part of the city and suburbs. He has a staff of competent and trustworthy men, who may at all times be depended upon. Mr. James is interested in poultry farming. He has a good piece of land at Levin, where he has a large number of fowls. At the Levin branch Mr. James's son is working up a good connection, and no doubt at an early date business will further increase. Any one requiring the services of a trusty carrier need only ring up No. 89 and make known their needs to ensure a speedy response.
Carriage Proprietor and Livery and Bait Stable Keeper, 9 Cambridge Terrace, Wellington. Telephone 670. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, 11 Cambridge Terrace. The well-known livery and bait stables, which have been conducted by Mr. Johnstone since 1891, were established seven years previously. The premises occupy a good position in Cambridge Terrace—the building being constructed of wood and iron, and having large accommodation for horses and vehicles. The stables are large, lofty, well ventilated, and convenient. About a dozen horses are regularly used in connection with the business, and the cabs, carriages, landaus, and buggies are in good order and condition. Mr. Johnstone is at all times in a position to supply wedding or picnic parties with suitable conveyances, and the public may rest satisfied that sober and capable drivers will be in charge—the equipment being in every respect
Coach Proprietor, Livery and Bait Stablekeeper, Molesworth Street, Wellington. Telephone 361. Private residence, Molesworth Street. Mr. Kennerley was born in Cheshire, England, and came to New Zealand per ship “Zealandia,” in 1878. The spacious premises used in connection with the business are well situated, and provide ample accommodation for ordinary requirements, as well as for country customers who use the establishment for livery and bait purposes. The stables and coach house are built of wood and iron, and include seven large loose boxes and a large number of stalls, besides a good loft for storage of fodder. Mr. Kennerley has some very fine vehicles, which are kept in excellent condition, and are always ready for use on the shortest notice. His stock of buggies, cabs, landaus, and other vehicles is large, and he is noted for the excellent taste displayed. The horses kept by Mr. Kennerley are really fine animals, and he is at all times able to supply stylish carriages for wedding, picnic, or other occasions.
Livery and Bait Stable Proprietor, Tattersalls' Royal Horse Repository, opposite Parliamentary Buildings, Molesworth Street, Wellington. Telephone 429. Mr. Lane, who was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1863, came to the Colony in 1878, per ship “City of Auckland,” which was wrecked at Otaki Beach. His destination was Napier, but owing to the casualty to the vessel he settled in Wellington, establishing himself in business three years later, in Thorndon Quay. In 1886, Mr. Lane removed to Sydney Street, where he conducted a large livery business till April, 1895, when his premises were destroyed by fire. The buildings at present occupied are erected on a section having ninety feet frontage by 300 feet deep, and contain over 10,000-square feet of floorage space. Mr. Lane's residence is in a two-story brick structure, having thirteen rooms, besides two shops in front, which latter are let. On one side, and behind the house, Mr. Lane has built the New Royal Horse Repository, of iron and wood, which has every convenience for the business. The stables—which contain twenty stalls and twenty-one loose boxes—are floored with concrete and drained thoroughly, a large loft, for fodder, having been constructed overhead. Further back, there is plenty of room for stabling to accommodate a hundred horses more. About fifty horses are employed in the business, together with twenty-five vehicles, principally for private hiring. Mr. Lane has been fortunate in securing a special appointment to His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, whose patronage is very valuable. As an exhibitor at the Shows of the Wellington Agricultural and Pastoral Society, Mr. Lane succeeded in carrying off a shield, value £25, presented by Messrs. J. G. Thompson and Co., of Leith, for the greatest number of points in blood horses, to be gained only by one who was first in two consecutive years. In the second year (1894) he scored no less than thirty-seven points all told. Mr. Lane employs competent drivers, and undertakes wedding and other special livery work The public may rely upon receiving every attention at Tattersalls' Royal Horse Repository.
General Carriers, Baggage, Customs, Shipping, and Express Forwarding Agents. Head office, Dunedin. General Manager, Mr. Henry Crust. Wellington branch office, Grey Street. Telephone 92; P.O. Box 348. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Cable and Telegraphic address, “Crust,” Dunedin, Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch. Codes, A.B.C., 4th Edition, Scotts' and A.1. Branches, Auckland, Christchurch, Invercargill, Oamaru and Gore; agencies in all the principal towns of the Colony and in the leading commercial cities of the world. There are few businesses in New Zealand that have made such rapid progress as that of the Company above named. Established in Dunedin in the year 1867 by Messrs. Duncan Campbell and Henry Crust, under the style of Campbell and Crust, the firm came into existence as carters and carriers. In those days it was a very small concern, only four traps with a like number of horses being employed in connection with the business. After twelve years, during which the volume of trade had steadily increased as a natural result of careful attention to the interests of the public, Messrs. Campbell and Crust added the express forwarding department to the business, at the same time adding “New Zealand Express Company” to the title of the firm. They then first undertook to collect goods, parcels and baggage at any address, and to forward and deliver the same at through rates to any other place without trouble to either consignor or consignee. As they have acted up to their motto, which is “safety, promptitude and economy,” it is not surprising that their business has proved successful. It was necessary immediately upon the establishment of this branch of the business that agencies for the distribution of parcels and goods should be opened in every important centre of population within the Colony, and that responsible correspondents should be secured in other parts of the world. As the
Cab Proprietor and Livery Stable Keeper, Molesworth Street, Wellington. Telephone 830. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Smith was born in Hamburg, and came to the Colonies in 1860, where he arrived in Melbourne per ship “Mary Rose.” After two years he came on to New Zealand, and during his long residence in Wellington he has been closely associated with vehicular traffic. For some time he was in the employ of Messrs Cobb and Company, whom he left to establish the present business in 1882. The large wood and from building occupied by Mr. Smith, which contains over 3000 feet of floorage space, is well adapted in every respect for the requirements of the business. Several splendid vehicles have been imported by Mr. Smith from well-known Sydney makers.
Astill, William Edward, Carriage Proprietor, 82 Tinakori Road.
Brown, Henry, Cab Proprietor, 172 Willis Street. Established 1893.
Cotterill, F. W., and Co., General Carriers and Custom House Agents, Queen's Chambers. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1886, and conducted by present firm since 1894.
Flanagan, R. P., Cab Proprietor, Courtenay Place. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1882.
Lyons, Thomas Patrick, Cab Proprietor and Livery Stable Keeper, Molesworth Street. Established 1890.
Moloney, Patrick, Carriage Proprietor, Willis Street.
Somerville, Mrs. Elizabeth, Livery Stable Keeper, Abel Smith Street. Established 1868.
The Colonial Carrying Co. of New Zealand, Carriers, Customs and Forwarding Agents (J. B. Griffen, Manager), Featherston Street.
Wellington City Tramways (Archibald Hall, Proprietor), 58 Adelaide Road.
Wellington Co-operative 'Bus Company (Alfred Crossey, Manager), Riddiford Street.
(David Edward Theomin and Phillip Isaacs), Jewellery Importers and General Merchants, Victoria Street, Wellington. Telephone 922. Bankers National Bank of New Zealand, (Limited). Chief office and warehouse, Dowling Street, Dunedin, Branch, 141 Hereford Street, Christchurch (Mr. J. Davis, manager). This old-established firm will be more fully referred to in the Otago volume. The Wellington branch which is managed by Mr. George L. Bannatyne, was opened in 1891 the business being conducted in Brandon Street till the completion of the fine new warehouse, adjoining the premises of Messrs. Kempthorne, Prosser and Co., Limited, in Viosoria Street. The building is a two-story brick structure containing over 6000 square feet of floorage space, three-fourths of which is used by the firm, the other portion being leased to Messrs. Cook and Gray. Messrs. Benjamin and Co. deal in jewellery, fancy goods, hardware, stationery, tobaccos, etc., wholesale only, their travellers visiting the various towns and cities of the Colony periodically.
Watchmaker, Jeweller, Optician and Importer, 33A, Cuba Street, Wellington. Telegraphic address: “Chisholm, Wellington.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, 10 Thompson Street. Agent, Mr. James Davidson, Kaikoura. The business in which Mr. J. Arthur Chisholm is now so well known was established in 1886 by Messrs. W. Littlejohn and Son, as a branch shop. Three years ater, Mr. Chlsholm, who had managed it for some time previously, purchased it from his employers, and has since then made effective alterations. The shop is well stocked and well kept, and the windows are always attractive. Though Mr. Chisholm's trade in mainly local, he does a fair business outside the city, especially in manufacturing and repairing. For these departments, various parts of the Colony (from Auckland in the North to Dunedin in the South) are laid under contribution. Mr. Chisholm was born in Wellington, and educated at Mr. Curtis's Grammar School and at the old Wesleyan School under Mr. Stevens. Removing with his parents to Wanganui, Mr. Chisholm was apprenticed to the business in all its branches, with Mr. S. H. Drew, the well-known jeweller of that town. On the completion of his apprenticeship, in 1882, Mr. Chisholm returned to Wellington, and entered the employ of Messrs. Littlejohu and Son, with whom he remained some six or seven years, having now twenty years' experience at his trade. Socially, Mr. Chisholm takes an active part in all matters having for then objects the physical and mental development of the young. For many years he has taken an interest in cricket, and is at present a member of the Wesley and Jewellers' Clubs. In his younger days as a cadet in the volunteers, Mr. Chisholm made a name as a marksman, being on at least one occasion a runner-up for the championship. In musical circles, Mr. Chisholm is known as a 'celloist.
Watchmaker and Jeweller, 114 Manners Street, Wellington. Private residence 119 Stafford Street. Mr. Douglas was born in London, and served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Johnston and Co., of John Street, Bedford Row, W.C. He arrived in Lyttelton in 1883, per ship “British Queen,” under engagement to Messrs. B. Petersen and Co., of Christchurch, as silversmith. After four years service, Mr. Douglas removed to Wellington, entering the employ of Mr. S. Kohn, of Lambton Quay, in 1888. All kinds of gold and silver-work are undertaken at this establishment, and many champion lilver cups, and sets of silver plate for presentation purposes have been made by Mr. Douglas. In cleaning and repairing clocks and watches, and making and mending jewellery, he does an mproving trade. The business was established in 1892.
Watchmaker and Jeweller, under the square clock, Manners Street. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Freeman is a native of Cambridge, and was brought up in London. In 1852 he caught the gold fever and emigrated to Australia. After ten years he came over to Otago at the time of the Molyneaux rush, subsequently returning to Melbourne. He came to Wellington in 1866, and found employment with Mr. Campbell, who had established the present business in 1865. On January 1st, 1879, Mr. Freeman took over the lease from his employer, and has conducted the business ever since. He has secured a new lease for twenty-one years of the premises, which are of wood and iron, two stories in height, with a floorage space of 2500 square feet. Mr. Freeman is the repairing agent for Wellington provincial district for the Waterbury Watch Company. His specialties are the manufacture of masonic jewels and working tools, besides the general business of a watchmaker and jeweller. Mr. Freeman is a direct importer of all classes of goods, but specially Masonic and optical goods in all varieties. He has a telescope with astronomical eye-piece, which he will deliver to any part of New Zealand for 25s., also a students' pocket microscope of enormous magnifying power, at the low price of 6s. Mr. Freeman has declined public life, preferring to give his energies to the prosecution of his own concerns.
Jeweller, Willis Strcet, Wellington. Telephone 380. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Private residence, Woolcombe Street. This business was established in 1880, and in 1895 Mr. Grady moved into his present fine premises, which are handsomely fitted, and lighted throughout with electric light. The building is of two stories, built of brick, wood, and iron, Five hands are employed on the premises. Mr. Grady is a large importer of jewellery.
Watchmaker and Jeweller, Cuba Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of in the jewellery line, Mr. King invariably secures a large share of it; and a testimony to the class of article sold and work done is the fact that those who once visit the establishment come again, or recommend their friends to go. (N.B.—Mr. King died on the 31st of May, 1896, the business being, at the time of writing, carried on by the executors on behalf of the children.)
Diamond Cutter, Gold and Silversmith, and Practical Working Optician, 59 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. London agents, Messrs. Bradey and Cohn, 36 Basinghall Street, E.C. This business was established nearly forty years ago in Christchurch, and for some years the Wellington establishment was conducted as a branch, eventually being taken over by the present proprietor on his own account. Mr. Kohn's premises are centrally situated and well appointed. The building, which is of iron, containing upwards of 2500 square feet of floorage space, consists of shop, sight-testing room, and a large workshop at the back. The shop has a magnificent plate glass front, displaying a wealth of precious stones, jewellery, watches, plate-ware etc., which are dazzling in their brilliance, especially when illuminated by the electric light. The interior, fitted up with splendid show cases, each containing choice articles of great value, is lighted from a handsome dome, on which are emblazoned the coats of arms of successive governors of New Zealand who have bestowed their patronage on this prominent establishment. The optical department, which is elaborately furnished and lighted from above, is supplied with a vast collection of lenses numbering upwards of 15,000, and complete apparatus for accurately testing the sight, Mr. Kohn having devoted himself specially to this part of his profession, Further behind are situated the large workshops, which include a complete plant of machinery of the latest design. The rolling mill for silver and other metal plates is reputed to be the largest in the Colony: the sliding die box press will deliver a blow equal to seven tons falling ten feet; there are also wire rollers and hammers for striking blows with steel dies, of which there are three hundred cut in hard steel, many of them having cost large sums to engrave; and a grinding machine for lenses. Mr. Kohn, who is a native of Prussia, served his apprenticeship with the celebrated diamond setters, Messrs. Lionhardt and Fiegel, of Berlin, and after several years subsequent experience, passed his examination at the Master Goldsmith's Institute, coming to New Zealand, per ship “Somersetshire” in 1873. As an exhibitor, he has taken prizes for jewellery at Paris, Melbourne, Sydney, and at all New Zealand Exhibitions. For many years Mr. Kohn has held contracts for the supply of passes, medals and watches to the Colonial Government — the members' gold passes for New Zealand railways, the medals granted by the Defence Department, and the guards' watches used for the last twenty years on the railways. Agricultural medals and large trophy shields in abundance have also been produced at these works. Mr. Kohn has a large staff of experts employed in the business. His brother in London acts as buyer, and makes regular shipments of clocks, watches, plate, optical goods, and jewellery of the best quality and of the latest and most fashionable styles, by mail steamers.
Consulting and Manufacturing Optician, 65 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, 76 Ghuznee Street. Mr. Levi was born in Sydney, New South Wales, and learned his profession in Melbourne, Victoria, and in New Zealand. He has had a large and valuable experience in the Colony as New Zealand agent for Messrs. N. Lazarus and Co., the celebrated opticians, of London. The premises occupied by Mr. Levi on Lambton Quay consist of a one-story building constructed of wood, and affording a total floorage space of 600 square feet. A beautiful room has been specially fitted up with all the latest appliances in sight-testing, and Mr. Levi has a large stock of lenses of every description suitable to all ages, and ready to cope with every diversity of sight. He has, too, a special department for grinding lenses and adjusting spectacles. During the past nine years Mr. Levi has been largely engaged in connection with sight-testing, and the preparation of lenses. A very large proportion of colonists are troubled with weakness of the visual organs. On one occasion in Hawkes Bay
(Alexander Ironside Littlejohn and Peter Still), Watchmakers and Jewellers, 85 Lambton Qnay, Wellington. Telephone 53. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Littlejohn is a native of Scotland, where he learned his trade with his father, Mr. Wilson Littlejohn, who came to the Colony in 1879, accompanied by the former, and founded the present large business in the same year. Mr. Still is also a native of Scotland; he is a nephew of the founder of the business, and has been associated with the latter since his boyhood's days. In the Old Land he learned the trade with his uncle, and on the latter's leaving to take up his residence in Wellington he was sent to the great centre of chronometer manufacture in London. Here he remained with several of the best and largest houses in the trade, for three years, and gained a large experience which for about twelve years past has been employed in the interests of the business in Wellington. Messrs. Littlejohn and Son have been prominent in the Empire City for many years. Their splendid establishment on Lambton Quay is noticeable to even the most casual observer. The building is a substantial three-story brick structure, with over 2500 square fect of floorage space, and was built by the firm to meet the requirements of an extensive and increasing manufacturing business. Every visitor to Wellington cannot fail to notice the cuphonious chimes proceeding from the turret clock in the Post Office every quarter of an hour. It is a revelation to those who anticipated a state of semi-barbarism to find such evidence of modern civilisation at the antipodes. But probably few will be disposed to believe that all the machinery contained in the clock in question was manufactured by the firm who are the subjects of this notice. No less than thirteen turret clocks manufactured by the firm, including those at Invercargill and Port Chalmera, are at present in use in the Colony. The firm have, more recently, completed a splendid clock for the Auckland Art Gallery. Messrs. Littlejohn and Son employ competent specialists for each department of their manufacturing trade, and have one of the largest and most complete establishments in the Colony for the manufacture of jewellery, chronometers, clocks, watches, instruments, and optical goods. The jewellery shop has all needful appliances for this department of the trade. In the mechanical workroom there is a good deal of machinery, including lathes and planing machines, for accomplishing the work required; while the optical department is kept entirely separate, and has contrivances for lens grinding, drilling, and all other needs of this branch of the business. Sixteen skilled workmen are employed in connection with the firm's trade, and from £130 to £150 are paid per month in wages. The handsome shop is elegantly furnished with immense show cases, which display useful as well as ornamental articles of divers kinds. The firm are also large importers, from British and Continental markets, of such goods as they do not man ufacture on the premises.
Watchmaker and Jeweller, 7A Courtenay Place, Wellington. Private residence, Newtown. Mr. Raven was born in Auckland, and became apprenticed to the watchmaking and jewellery trade in Christchurch, completing the latter part of his indentures in Wellington. In 1887, Mr. Raven removed to Petone, and commenced business on his own account, continuing in that rising manufacturing borough till January, 1895. when he sold out and removed to Greymouth. After about a year or the West Coast; Mr. Raven returned to the North Island, establishing himself as above His specialties are the cleaning and repairing of watches and clocks, and the making and repairing of jewellery.
(George Young and Thomas Gray Young), Watchmakers and Jewellers, 73 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 679. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Manager, Mr. Matthew Gray Young. Private residence, Talavera Terrace. Head office, Dunedin. Branches, Timaru and Oamaru. This large business was established in Dunedin in 1862, by the present proprietors, who opened the Timaru branch about 1876, and that at Oamaru about five years later. The Wellington branch was founded in 1889. Fuller information respecting this important firm will be given in the Otago volume.
Ahlgren, John Frederick, Watchmaker, Little Taranaki Place.
Barnett, John Denis, Watchmaker and Jeweller, Lambton Quay. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Established 1891.
Beaver, A., and Co., Wholesale Jewellers, Phœnix Chambers, Lambton Quay.
Campbell, James, Watchmaker and Jeweller, 61 Cuba Street. Estab. 1884.
Campbell, Charles, Watchmaker and Jeweller, 22 Ghuznee Strect. Estab. 1865
Coltman, William, Watchmaker, 91 Cuba Street.
Gamble, Henry Walter, Manufacturing Jeweller, Harbour Street. Bankers' National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Caroline Street, Estab. 1893
Hosie and Bell (Robert Hosie and Norris W. Bell), Watchmakers and Jewellers, 51 Cuba Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Estab. 1893.
Ingram, William Henry, Watchmaker, 170 Willis Street.
Jenness and Co. (Joseph S. Rash and Northend J. Gooder), Watchmakers and Jewellers, 66 Willis Street. Bankers. Bank of New South Wales. Established 1868, and conducted by present proprietors since 1891.
Ludwig, C., and Son (Louis William Ludwig), Watehmakers and Jewellers. Lambton Quay. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1870.
Ludwig, J. F., Watchmaker, Manners Street.
Nicol, Alfred. Watchmaker and Jeweller, 67 Willis Street. Bankers, Bank of Australasis. Established 1893.
Pryde, David, Watchmaker and Jeweller, 57 Manners Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
Robinson, John Henry, Watchmaker, Jeweller and Optician, Willis Street.
Rothschild, Isadore J., Wholesale Jeweller, Phœnix Chambers, Lambton Quay. Private residence, Kent Terrace.
Schatz, Louis and Co. (Louis Sehatz), Wholesale Jewellery Importers and Indenters, Lambton Quay. Established 1891.
Sherwood, C. G., Watchmaker and Jeweller, 92 Cuba Street. Established 1895.
Woodford, Thomas Curtis, Watchmaker and Jeweller, 229 Lambton Quay. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Tinakori Road. Established 1885.
(Joseph and David Andrews) Timber Merchants, Venetian Blind Butter Box, Sash, and Door Manu facturers, Cabinetmakers, Coopers, Wellington Steam Revolving Shutter, Venetian and Wire Blind Packing-Case, and Cardboard Box Factory, 205 Upper Willis Street, Wellington. Telephone 794. Bankers, National Bank of New Zaland, Te Aro. Private residences: Mr. J. Andrews, 205 Upper Willis Street; Mr. D. Andrews, Tory Street. Both partners are natives of Bromley, arriving in the Colony per ship “Edwin Fox” in 1871. Mr. J. Andrews was Lrought up specially to the venetian blind manufacturing with Mr. S. P. Clements, whom he was with for thirteen years. The present large business was established in 1882 by Mr. E. W. Petherick, Mr. J. Andrews acting as manager in the blind department. The business at its inception was very small, and did not employ many hands. It has since rapidly developed and become a large and important industry. The original premises have long been too small for the expanding manufacturing trade. The allotment is leasenold, but an opportunity presented itself of acquiring a large section at the back, having an entrance from Abel Smith Street. As this is freehold and most suitable for the purposes of the factory and timber yards, Messrs. J. and D. Andrews have purchased the site, and find it very convenient for the extension of their buildings, which consist of two mills, besides engine house, office, cooperage, stable, two dwellings, and sundry sheds. The total floorage space afforded by the various buildings, together with the large new section, is about 45,000 square feet. The steam engine heretofore used has proved too weak, and Messrs. Andrews have had to purchase a new fourteen-horse-power vertical engine and boiler by Robertson and Co., of Wellington. In the venetian blind making department of the works Mr. Andrews has every convenience necessary to the work of rapidly and accurately making the same. All materials used in this department are imported direct by the firm, including Californian timber for the lathes, boxwood bobbins, hurdles, and wheels for adjusting the cords, as well as the tape cords, and paint needed. After the laths are cut to size they are thoroughly dried and seasoned so as to avoid all twisting and shrinking. They then pass through the lath morticing machines, of which there are two, and which are both true and speedy in their action. The paint is specially mixed and prepared by the paint mixer used for the purpose. A beautiful machine is used for painting the laths, which turns them out with the paint evenly spread on all parts. The laths are then hung up to dry, and subsequently receive two additional coatings of paint. The rails are morticed likewise by a special machine. When all the parts are ready for putting together a beautiful adjustment is used for the purpose. It consists of a movable frame, which can be raised or lowered at will on the principle of the blind. Messrs. J. and D. Andrews have turned out a vast number of blinds since 1886, when they took over the factory from their predecessor. They use the very best material for the work, and expert hands are regularly employed in the factory. The butter box department is in the near future destined to become a large industry. The dairy industry of New Zealand, which is likely to rival the frozen meat trade at no distant date, is of great importance
Kent Terrace. Telephone 217. Bankers. Bank of Australasia. Foreign agent, H. W. Peabody and Co., New York and Boston, United States to America. Mr. Beck is a native of Liverpool, where he was apprenticed to Mr. Boumphrey tc learn the joinery trade. In 1852, having finished his term, he continued for a year or two working at his trade in Liverpool. Meantime the idea of emigrating to the colonies began to work upon his minel. In 1853 visions became realities, and Mr. Beck found himself. along with many other emigrants, on board the good ship “Marco Polo,” bound for Melbourne, Victoria, where he landed in January, 1854. Before the end of the latter year the subject of this sketch was basking under the sunny southern skies, and striving to do what he could towards making the proverbial fortune. For eight years he remained in the colony of Victoria, where he found employment in the building trade in the neighbourhood of the capital. In 1860 the goldfields., rush to Otago caused a good many to try their luck in New Zealand. Among these was Mr. Beck, who, however, soon found that it was more profitable to work at his own trade, of which he was master, than to depend on the uncertainties of a digger's life. He therefore went to Dunedin and engaged in the building trade till the year 1865, when he elected to settle in Wellington. Almost immediately on his arrival he was fortunate in securing from the Provincial Government the right for seven years to supply water to the shipping at Queen's Wharf. In order to carry out the terms of his lease he had to construct waterworks at his own expense. This involved a large outlay of capital (fully £1000), in addition to his own time and labour. The results, however, proved highly satisfactory to Mr. Beck, who derived a handsome annual profit as the reward of his enterprise and forethought. In the year 1870 the present business was founded. At first his operations were on a comparatively small scale, and few hands were needed, but as time went on the demand gradually increased, necessitating additional assistance and extra appliances for producing the goods required. For some years Mr. Beck conducted his growing trade in Dixon Street, where he supplied, in the aggregate, an enormous quantity of timber for building purposes in the city and suburbs. Of late years the works at the latter place have been much too small, and it was therefore imperative that more commodious premises should be previded. In order to make provision for the needs of his trade. he purchased a town acre in Kent Terrace, where he has crected the present large mill, with offices attached. The building, which is three stories in height, is built of wood and iron upon a substantial foundation of brick. The size of the mill may be estimated from the fact that the total floor space is equal to 15,000 square feet. A steam engine of fifteen horse power is used to drive the machinery; five tons of con' monthly a used in connection with the works. The plant includes planing and sawing machines of the latest and most approved description. About eighteen hands find regular employment in connection with the mill and yards. Mr. Beck makes a specialty of preparing and supplying materials for coachbuilders and wheelrights, and also laths for
(Charles Henry Bird), Turners, Te Aro Steam Wood-Turning Works, Ebor Street, off Tory Street, Wellington. The proprietor of these works, who was born in the Empire City, served his apprenticeship in Wellington, and after completing his term went to Palmerston North. Here he had charge of the turnery department of the Palmerston North Sash and Door Factory, which position he held for two years. Returning to Wellington, Mr. Bird started the present business. Every branch of wood-turning, band-sawing, and cabinet-making is undertaken on the premises, the plant being up-to-date in every respect. Messrs. Bird and Co. execute a large quantity of work for the local builders and contractors, and are at all times ready to undertake country and city orders.
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(John Halley and Robert Ewing), Sash and Door Manufacturers and Timber Merchants, 9 Courtenay Place, Wellington. Telephone 236. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residences; Mr. Halley. 44 Cambridge Terrace; Mr. Ewing, Island Bay. This large business was established about the year 1874, by the present proprietors, who have conducted a growing trade up to the time of writing. Messrs. Halley and Ewing's premises comprise several convenient buildings used for offices, warehouse, and factory. The main factory, which is built of brick, iron, and wood, and is two stories in height, affords a very extensive floorage space. The machinery is worked by means of a fine steam engine of twenty-horse-power. The plant includes all the most modern British and American appliances for a woodware factory, and twenty hands are regularly employed in the works. The business extends throughout the Wellington Provincial District. As direct importers of glass, American timber, and other lines used in the trade, Messrs. Halley and Ewing are in a position to supply large or small purchasers with whatever may be required, at the lowest possible rates. The firm have been exhibitors at various industrial, intercolonial. and international exhibitions. For hall and other doors, artistically made from the beautifully-marked woods of the Colony, as well as for sashes and joinery work, they have gained many prizes and certificates of merit in connection with these exhibitions. On the last occasion of the Colonial and Indian Exhibition, the hall doors shown by the firm found eager purchasers. Messrs. Halley and Ewing always keep a large stock of timber of all size seasoned, and are thus ready to supply any quantity that may be required, even at short notice. They undertake to supply all kinds of joinery work needed for public, private, or business premises, and transact a large business with the principal builders and contractors.
(James McCarrison, John McCarrison, James McCarrison, Junr., George McCarrison, and Henry McCarrison), Wood Turners and Carvers, Band and Fret Sawyers, Lorne Street, Wellington. The founder of this firm — Mr. James McCarrison—was born in Scotland, and came to the Colony per ship “Invercargill,” in 1879, establishing the present business in 1888. The premises, which are admirably adapted for the conduct of a large business, consist of wood and iron buildings, affording a floorage space of 1500 square feet. A ten-horse-power steam-engine drives the plant, which is up to date in every respect, including circular, band, and fret-saws, shaping machines, and several lathes, one of which has an ingenious automatic action. The firm undertakes all classes of carving, turning, and sawing work required by cabinetmakers and builders. They are at all times ready to furnish estimates of cost for stair newels and balusters, circular mouldings or architraves. The latter they make any size up to twelve feet in diameter.
(James Prouse, Richard Prouse, John Prouse, and John Wright), Timber Merchants, Dixon Street, Wellington. Mill, Levin. Telephone, 907. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in 1874 by the late Mr. Richard Prouse, father of three of the partners. Fuller information will appear under the heading “Levin.”
(James Stewart, Charles Stewart, and James Hutchen), Timber, Glass, and Iron Merchants, Courtenay Place and Victoria Street, Wellington. Telephones: office, 119; iron warehouse, 229. P.O. Box 365. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Cable address, Ralentirez. Code, ABC. Private residences: Messrs. J. and C. Stewart, Majoribanks Street; Mr. Hutchen, Ghuznee Street. This large concern was started by Messrs. Greenfield and Stewart in 1865, and has been conducted by the present firm since 1877. The extensive premises of the firm, which cover several acres of ground, include a two-story brick building, in which the hardware department is conducted; an iron store, used for the wholesale and glass departments; and a two story sawmill and factory. A sixty-horse-power horizontal steam engine drives the machinery, which produces all kinds of mouldings, architraves, and planed boards. About seventy or eighty hands are employed in all
(Willian Arthur Waddell, Archibald McLeod, and William Weir), Timber Mer chants City Planing and Moulding Mills: Office, Waring Taylor Street; Mill, Johnston, Featherston, and Waring Taylor Streets. Telephone 83; Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This large business was established in 1873, and has been conducted by the proprietors ever since that date. The site occupied by the mill is central and within one hundred and fifty to two hundred yards of the Post-office and Queen's Wharf. The sections, of which there are a good many, have large frontages to the three streets named above, and, together with the buildings, give a total floorage space, including yards, of about 50,000 superficial feet. The mill building is a substantial structure of wood, two stories in height. The engine-house, which contains a steam-engine of twenty-five horse-power, is built of brick. The mill is supplied with all the latest styles of machincry for sawing, planing, and moulding as required. The firm manufacture sashes, doors, and all kinds of joinery work for builders. They import some kinds of timber and a good deal of glass in connection with their trade. They employ on the average from 25 to 30 hands. Their trade is shiefly local, but they export to supply orders from other ports. There is always a very large stock of thoroughly seasoned timber on hand.
(L. J. Holroyd, Manager), 134, Willis Street, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, “The Cottage,” Buller Street. This factory was established in November, 1894. The premises are large, having over 2000 square feet of floorage space. There is a complete plant, which consists of band, fret, and circular saws, and planing, boring, shaping and turning apparatus, the driving power being a horizontal steam engine. The specialties of the business are all kinds of turned and carved woodware, go-carts and children's large toys, billiard ball turning and staining, and chair and couch frame manufactories. Mr. Holroyd, who was born in Taranaki, served an apprenticeship with Mr. Swinnerton, in Auckland, remaining ten years as a journeyman. He afterwards worked for over six years at chair-frame making in Melboarne, and, before starting the factory, was over a year with Mr. Compton, in Wellington.
Chalmers, William, Wellington Steam Cooperage, Waterloo Quay. Private residence, Parliament Street.
Clements, Samuel Perry, Venetian Blind Maker, 111A Cuba Street. Private residence, Roseneath.
Compton Bros. (Charles Henry Compton and Arthur Alfred Compton). General Sawmilers, Bouleott Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1890.
Compton. Andrew, Sash and Door Manufacturer, Manners Street. Private residence, Bouleott Street.
Falkner, Alfred (J. B. Topp, agent), Sawmiller and Timber Merchant, corner of Taranaki and Victoria Streets. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Estab. 1895.
Harrison, George, Venetian Blindmaker, Cambridge Terrace.
Hendricksen, John E., Wood Carver, Willis Street. Private residence, Happy Valley, Ohiro. Established 1889.
Jupp, William, Wood and Ivory Turner, 132 Willis Street. Established 1882.
By far the greater portion of those who might very fittingly be grouped under the above heading are already included in this volume, as being connected with one or more of the various sections already dealt with. There are, however, many worthy colonists who are best known as colonists only. Some have done a great deal of hard work for the people, and it is fitting that in a work of this kind some mention of them should be made. It is confidently expected that in future issues this section will be greatly increased. It is manifest that for a first volume the difficulties of reaching these classes are great. Not being actively engaged in mercantile or political affairs, they are unfortunately too easily overlooked. Readers, therefore, are asked to excuse any omissions that may have occurred; and the compilers will thankfully receive from subscribers or others any information relative to prominent colonists whom they have missed. It is by no means their intention to overlook anyone who has a reasonable claim to inclusion. All who have in any way assisted to develop the wonderful resources of this favoured Colony have a special claim to recognition in this most interesting section of The Cyclopedia of New Zealand.
one of New Zealand's old soldiers, was born in Kerry, Ireland, in 1838, his father being a soldier in the 65th regiment. Leaving school at fifteen, Mr Bell enlisted in his father's regiment, being sent to London and Afterwards to Portsmouth. He was in the Isle of Wight when a draft from the 65th and 58th regiments was sent from the depôt to New Zealand. The detachment—of which Mr. Bell was one—arrived in Auckland in June, 1854, by the ship “Egmont,” and was sent on to Wellington, Mr. Bell joining the band of the regiment. When the 65th regiment was called to Auckland, to relieve the 58th regiment, recalled to England, he remained in New Zealand, and returning to Auckland, was sent to the front when war broke out in Taranaki. After some active service, his company was ordered back to Auckland to reinforce the garrison till the arrival of the 14th regiment from England, after which he was sent to the front, where he remained till the difficulty was settled. He served under General Cameron in the Auckland campaign, being engaged in making roads from Drury to the Queen's Redoubt and Waikato River in the Waikato district. Mr. Bell was amongst those chosen for the well-known Flying Column, which, with, such officers as Colonel Nixon, Major Walmsley, Captain Pye, Ensign (now Lieut-Colonel) McDonnell, and the famous Von Tempsky, kept the means of communication open in difficult times in the Waikato. He also saw active service at the Queen's Redoubt, Pokono Hill, I'e Awamutn, Dtahuhu, the Gate Pah, and at other engagements. When peacs was proclaimed in Te Awamutu and Waikato the officers reformed the Band, Mr. Bell being appointed Band Sergeant and Band Master. They also offered to send Mr. Bell, on the regiment's return to England, to Weller Hall Military School of Music for three years at their own expense to improve his knowledge. Mr. Bell, however, declined the offer, and took his discharge at Otahuhu when peace was declared. He became Band master of the Wellington City and Wanganui No. 1 Rifles Bands. He was presented on public parade with a Baritone instrument by the late Licutenant-Colonel Reader, and was promoted from Band Master to a Commission as Ensign and afterwards to the post of Lieutenant. Coming to Wellington he secured an appointment in the chief Post Office, which he held for about four years. In 1869 Mr. Bell went into business as a grain and produce merchant in Willis Street Afterwards he started hotel-keeping in Waipawa, where he continued for two years. Coming back to Wellington, he began business as a general carrier, founding a line of coaches to Island Bay In 1895 he had a short experience as licensee of the Island Bay notel. Mr. Bell, who is a widower with three sons and four daughters now resides at No 9, Moir Street, Wellington.
M. Inst., C.E., was born at Newcastle on-Tyne in 1818, and died at Wellington on the 8th of January, 1893. Mr. Blackett studied engineering with Messrs. R. and W. Hawthorne from 1834 to 1841, and then became draughtsman and office engineer to the Great Western Steamship Company, 1841–44; he was head engineer in iron ship-building and railway work with T. R. Guppy, A.I.C.E., 1844–46; engineer to the Governor and Company of Copper Mines at Cwm Avon, South Wales, 1846–48;
the ex-Registrar-General and the only surviving son of the late Major E. Brown, 86th Regiment, was born at Reading, Berks, England, in 1830, and was educated in Jersey, Schaffhausen, and the London University College School. When twenty-five years of age he sailed with his wife, a daughter of the rector of Keynsham, near Bath, for New Zealand, arriving in Wellington in December, 1855. Turning his attention to farming pursuits, Mr. Brown bought a homestead near Johnsonville, where he lived till 1874, subsequently residing in Wellington. In 1863 he accepted the position of Clerk to the Bench at the District Court. Three years later he became Clerk to the District Court, Curator of Intestate Estates, and Inspector in Bankruptcy. Mr. Brown was appointed Secretary to the Premier and the Cabinet in 1869. Three years later he was gazetted Curator of Intestate Estates for the Colony. In 1873 Mr. Brown was appointed Registrar-General, which position he filled until 1892, when he retired from a lengthy service to the Colony on a pension. In 1860, at the time of the Maori War, Mr. Brown entered the militia as lieutenant, and four years later obtained the rank of captain. Mr. Brown is a member of the New Zealand Institute, He has a family of three sons and three daughters, all of whom are married and settled in Colony.
who was for 29 years Government Printer at Wellington, was born in Windsor, New South Wales in 1839. When an infant, Mr. Didsbury came with his parents to Kororareka, Bay of Islands, where his father held several official positions. When the rebel chiefs, Hone Heke and Kawiti, raided that township, the Didsburys flew with others to H.M.S. “Hazard” for safety, and that vessel brought them to Auckland. Here Mr. George Didsbury was educated, and subsequently learned his trade. He was apprenticed to Messrs. Williamson and Wilson, New Zealander office, and very early in his career he was entrusted with the printing of Government documents, then printed at that office. When the
Southern Cross office, in 1861, Mr. Didsbury was placed in charge of that department, which he superintended till the Government erected their own plant. Mr Didsbury was then appointed second in command; and when Wellington became the seat of Government, and the Government Printing Office became permanently established there, Mr. Didsbury, at the age of twenty-six, became Government Printer. That he held that office for twenty-nine years, until his death, is the strongest testimony to his fitness for so important a post. The first Government Printing Office was a very small and inconvenient place. The next place occupied was burned down in 1891, it being succeeded by the present commodious premises. During the twenty-nine years of his service, Mr. Didsbury built for himself his monument—Blue Books, Hansard, statistics, official publications of all sorts. They are piled up in every office and every library, public and private, throughout the land; they are to be seen in other countries, too; and on each one occurs the monumental inscription, “George Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington.” In the multiplicity of business, Mr. Didsbury found time to attend to other matters. He was a director of the Gear Meat Company and the Palmerston North Gas Company. He was popular in local pastimes, and a member of the Wellington Bowling Club. As a vestryman, churchwarden, and nominator, he was one of the most valued office-bearers of St. Peter's Church. He was also a Justice of the Peace. Mr. Didsbury was twice married. His second wife, who survives him, was the second daughter of Mr. Henry Holmden, one of Auckland's earliest settlers. The family consists of five sons and two daughters. Mr. Didsbury died on the 20th of April 1893.
the well-known Aerated Water and Cordial Manufacturer, lost his life at sea from the s.s. “Taiaroa,” during a severe gale in June, 1883, while on his return from a business tour in Auckland, at the early age of thirty-five. Born in Sheffield in 1818, he accompanied his father, the late Mr. Edward Dixon, to Wellington when about five years old. The successful business—now conducted by Mr. George Dixon's widow—was founded, as described on page 611, by Mr. Edward Dixon immediately on his arrival in the Colony. For a number of years the subject of this notice was his father's principal assistant, helping greatly by his energy and industry to build up the business until it became prominent throughout New Zealand. In 1875 Mr. Dixon commenced business on his own account at Thorndon, but in the year following he purchased his father's business. He conducted a growing trade with remarkable energy and success, and by his genial disposition and straightforward character gained the esteem of all those with whom he came in contact. In the welfare of the Oddfellows Society, M.U., Mr. Dixon took a great interest, filling various offices in the Loyal Britannia Lodge with credit to himself, and with advantage to the order. By his zeal, earnestness and urbanity of deportment, he won the respect of his fellow officers and the brethren of the order. He had the honour—as Provincial Grand Master—of welcoming His Excellency Sir William Jervois on his arrival as Governor of New Zealand in 1883. For some years Mr. Dixon was a member of the Pacific Lodge of the masonic fraternity. With unusual kindliness of heart, he was a good friend to many in time of need, who sincerely mourned his early death.
has a very strong claim to be included in the list of prominent colonists. He has passed over half a century in Wellington, has taken part in almost everyventure for the development of the district, and is one of the largest property-owners in the Colony. Mr. Joseph was born in London on the 13th of December, 1819, and was educated in the Metropolis. When he was fifteen he left with his parents for Sydney, per ship “John Craig.” Here he stayed till 1842, when his history in this Colony began. Almost immediately Mr. Joseph joined Mr. Samuel (father of Mr. Samuel, now so well known in Wellington), under the style of Samuel and Joseph, general merchants. After some ten or twelve successful years, Mr. Joseph took a trip Home; but the somewhat
one of the very earliest settlers in Wellington, was born in England, learning the trade of a shipwright in Portsmouth Docks. In 1836 he came to Australia as one of the carpenter's crew in H.M.S. “Buffalo,” which vessel arrived in Adelaide in December of that year. After the crew had erected houses for the Governor, the ship came to New Zealand, where for some months the men were engaged in procuring spars at Coromandei. After returning to England, Mr. Meech married and accompanied the first emigrants to Wellington in the ship “Oriental,” landing with his wife on the 1st of February, 1840. He was present at the hoisting of the British flag and the reading of the proclamation declaring the country a British colony, on the 4th of June of that year. For many years subsequently Mr. Meech worked at his trade in Wellington Harbour, and was the senior partner in the firm of Meech, Oxenham and Whitley, shipwrights. Mr. Meech assisted in building the first surf boats and lighters used in the harbour. As a tradesman he was always respected, and as a settler was much beloved for his great kindliness and willingness, often at great inconvenience, to assist others. Mr. Meech was a devoted churchman. A diary kept by him in the early days has since become of great value. Mr. Meech is credited with having reared the first fowls in New Zealand, the first hen being set in December, 1840. His first wife died in Wellington, and his eldest son was drowned in Palliser Bay in 1866. Mr. Meech afterwards married Mrs. Sancto, whose husband had been lost at sea in the schooner “Young Greek.” This lady survives him, residing at the time of writing at Te Aro Swimming Baths. Two of Mr. Meech's sons are in business in the City, and one lives in Hawkes Bay. A daughter by the second marriage also resides in the Empire City. Mr. Meech died in Wellington on the 8th of May, 1885, much respected and deeply regretted.
an old colonist, who arrived in Wellington per ship “Gertrude,” with his parents in 1841, was born in Halifax, Yorkshire, England, in 1820. A brickmaker by trade, he, with his brothers, established a brick-yard in Upper Willis Street, continuing the business for three years. During the Maori war Mr. Mitchell—then settled on the Porirua Road—served in the Militia, and subsequently in the Armed Constabulary, having several hairbreadth escapes, especially from the murderous chief Rangiatea. Leaving the force in 1850, Mr. Mitchell was married to Miss Catherine Suter, and has had seven sons and four daughters—three of his sons however, have suffered violent deaths. Mr. Mitchell was interested in the land now known as Mitchelltown, which derives its name from the family. He built the Royal Tiger Hotel on land at the corner of Abel Smith and Taranaki Streets, and conducted it for ten years, when he sold his interest, retaining the dwelling in which he resides. Mr. Mitchell is well known as a member of and regular attendant at Taranaki Street Wesleyan Church, and enjoys the respect of a large circle of friends.
who has been identified with the Empire City for over thirty-eight years, was born in London
has been a resident in the Britain of the South for the greater part of forty years. Born in Nova Scotia, he was brought up to a seafaring life, and advanced from stage to stage till attaining the position of captain. After some years, during which the subject of this notice took charge of various vessels as a certificated shipping master, he decided, in 1855, to abandon life on the “ocean wave” for that of a settler in New Zealand. Three years later Captain Oxner arrived in the Colony, per barque “Sea Nymph,” from Victoria, where he had spent some time previously. For some time he was well known in Wellington as an hotel proprietor. The Princess Theatre Hotel was managed successfully by Captain Oxner for seven years, during which period he established a reputation by his genial disposition and cheerful conduct towards the general public. Subsequently he took over the Metropolitan Hotel, in Molesworth Street, which was completely renovated under his practical supervision. In 1895 Captain Oxner disposed of his interest in this well-known hostelry and retired into private life. His residence is in Edinburgh Terrace, Wellington, where he enjoys freedom from the more arduous labours of his somewhat eventful career.
who is the oldest of the more prominent founders of Wellington still living, was born on the 11th of October, 1802, and is therefore, at the time of writing, well into his ninety-fourth year. His father, Mr. Henry William Pharazyn, was a merchant in London, and died young, leaving his son, the subject of this notice, to the care of an elder brother, who also died at an early age. Educated at a private academy in London, young Pharazyn accepted a situation at “Lloyds,” and afterwards entered into partnership with an uncle in the business of insurance broker. On the 24th of May, 1841, Mr. Pharazyn landed in Wellington with his wife and three children from the ship “Jane,” with five shillings in his pocket, all his property having been pledged at Rio Janeiro, where the vessel put in for repairs, as Collateral Security in a Bottomry Bond in which the manager of the Bank declined to act; but he held possession of Mr. Pharazyn's property, which was only recovered by an action at law. On bringing an action against the bank on whom rested the responsibility, the illegality of the claim was upheld, and Mr. Pharazyn got his goods back and upwards of £600 as damages. Putting his pride in his pocket, he went into business in the embryo capital as a storekeeper. All who had the money to do so, kept stores in those days, and Mr. Pharazyn made up his mind to be one of the number. He was robbed several times by Maoris and Europeans—on one occasion an entrance being effected by means of a hole cut in the roof. When the money which the settlers had brought with them began to get very scarce, and trade consequently became very dull, Mr. Pharazyn entertained serious thoughts of taking to the country, and after the lapse of half a century he well remembers the incident that decided him. A little girl went into his store and asked for a “quarter of a pound of salt pork, and mother wants the fat well mixed with the lean.” That was too large an order for the erstwhile insurance broker, who gave the girl the first lump that came to hand, saying, “tell your mother to take it out of that and not to send you here any more, as I have done with storekeeping.” That was Mr. Pharazyn's last customer. As soon as he could arrange matters he went to Palliser Bay, the shores of which he had leased for the sum of £12 per year. Here, in conjunction with the late Sir W. Fitzherbert, he soon had 500 sheep on 5000 acres of land, and did exceedingly well. After a trip to England for the purpose of settling up with his old partner there, Mr. Pharazyn returned and joined Mr. (afterwards the Hon.) John Johnston, the late well-known merchant, but severed his connection after a few prosperous years. Mr. Pharazyn then went into partnership with Mr. Levin, sen., for a short time, during which he did still better. In 1871 Mr. Pharazyn retired, having a few years before visited England a second time. In 1869 Sir Edward Stafford asked Mr. Pharazyn to accept a seat in the Legislative Council, which position he held from the 17th of June in that year till the 17th of March, 1885, when he retired from the Council, and his son, the Hon. Robert Pharazyn, was appointed to that honoarable position. Since then Mr. Pharazyn has lived an exceedingly quiet life. He is still able to walk into town, and takes his cold bath every morning, to which latter fact he attributes his wonderfully good health.
whose house and grounds are situate in Hobson Street, was born in Devonshire in 1824. His father, Mr. Joseph Pynsent, was a Devonshire landed proprietor. His son went to Victoria when quite young. Mr. Pynsent was engaged in sheep-farming from his earliest days, and on attaining manhood took up a squatting lease on the Wimmera River from the Victorian Government. His venture proving successful, he obtained in an additional lease, having a total area of from two hundred to three hundred square miles of territory in the two runs. Mr. Pynsent's sheep numbered sixty thousand, and for some years he led the happy life of a squatter. In 1854 he left Victoria and returned to England, where he remained several years. Later, he spent some time in various parts of the Continent, including France, Belgium, Italy, and Switzerland. Mr. Pynsent came to New Zealand in 1880, on account of his health, arriving in Wellington on Christmas Day in that year, per s.s. “Northumberland,” commanded by Captain Babot, and has reason to be thankful for improved health during the period in which he has lived in the Empire City.
who has spent forty years in New Zealand, and has had considerable experience in the vicissitudes of colonial life, is a native of Croyden, Surrey, England, where he was born in 1834. He came to New Zealand per yacht “Wyvern,” which was lost on the return voyage to England. For many years after his arrival in Wellington, Mr. Richardson was employed by the late Mr. George Moore. In the early days, as a volunteer, he served under Captain Carkeek and Lieutenant Seed. Educational matters have engrossed a share of his time, he having been a member of the Thorndon School Committee for several years past. Mr. Richardson was also a member of the Athenæum Committee. His brother, Mr. J. M. Richardson, is an ex-councillor of the City of Wellington, and was lately a candidate for the Mayoralty. Mr. Richardson occupies the position of managing director of the Wellington Trust, Loan and Investment Company, which is referred to on page 647.
one of the first settlers in Wellington, was born in Wigan, Lancashire, in 1815. When twenty-four years of age he came to Sydney, and, after returning from a voyage to China, decided to go over to New Zealand. The opportunity offered in 1841, when Mr. Crawford shipped a lot of
who is a retired Civil Servant, comes of an old British family, whose descent can be traced for hundreds of years. His grandparents were representatives of the English, Scotch, Irish, and Welsh people, and he himself was not born on English soil, but in the territory of the Nizam of India. The great-grandfather of the subject of this notice—Sir Robert Strange—the celebrated engraver, fought in the Jacobite rebellion in the disastrous battle of Culloden in 1746. It is related in the memoirs of this successful student of art that in seeking refuge after the defeat, he fled to the house of his lady love, who hid him beneath her ample skirts, and pursued her spinning, singing merrily, while the royal troop searched the house, and thus he escaped. It is hardly surprising that Sir Robert eventually married the charming girl who had thus risked her liberty in befriending him. Mr. Strange-Mure's grandfather was Sir Thomas Strange, Chief Justice of Madras, his grandmother being a daughter of Sir William Burrows, an Indian Judge, and his father Colonel Strange, of the Second Madras Cavalry. Mr. Strange-Mure was born on the 7th of March, 1834, at Aurangabad, India, and accompanied his father when very young on a visit to his uncle, an officer of the Seventh Madras Cavalry. Before the visit ended the camp was attacked. The little boy, left with the sergeant of the battery—while his father acted as A.D.C. to the General—was seated on a small pony, when a shot cut the man who was standing beside him in pieces. On the return of Colonel Strange after the battle, which is known as that of Kurnoul, he found his child uninjured, although spattered with blood. In 1840 Mr. Strange-Mure was sent to England to be brought up by an aunt, who had married Mr. Philip Mure, distiller, of three Mills Distillery, in the East End of London, whose name he took after his death. At the age of eighteen he commenced to manage the distillery, which he conducted-for twenty years. He was interested in the volunteer movement, being Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fifth Essex Volunteers; he is still also a justice of the peace for the County of Essex. In 1871 Mr. Strange-Mure came out to the colonies, arriving in New South Wales, where he spent about two years on the Gulgong Diggings. He
is one of the oldest New Zealand born settlers in the Colony. He is a son of the late Rev. Henry Williams, Archdeacon of Waimate, Bay of Islands Born at Paihia in 1825, he was educated at Waimate. Mr. Williams was brought up to country life, and for some years resided in Auckland. In 1865 he removed to Wellington, and since his arrival has been a prominent settler. He is largely interested in station properties, among which may be named the splendid Brancepeth Estate, of about 49,000 acres, and the Annedale Station, of 15,000 acres, which are both situated on the East Coast of the Wellington Provincial District; also the Lansdowne Station, near Masterton, of 2000 acres. Mr. Williams also owns town sections in Pahiatua, Eketahuna, and Masterton. At the Bay of Islands, one of his sons is experimenting in the growth of gorse as fodder for sheep, and there is every reason to hope that this troublesome plant will prove valuable to farmers in this respect. Mr. Williams lives with his family in Hobson Street, Wellington. He has declined to enter public life. Mr. Williams was married, in 1858, to a daughter of the late Mr. William Beetham, and has thirteen children—six sons and seven daughters. The older sons are engaged in farming pursuits, and the eldest daughter is married to Mr. Arthur Russell of Te Matai Station, Palmerston North.
No apology is needed for introducing into this Cyclopedia a section devoted to the interests of shipping. In a colony so thoroughly insular as is New Zealand, where the migrations of its people are in consequence mainly by sea, it follows that everyone is more or less interested in shipping. Besides giving short accounts of the principal companies doing business in these waters, it has been thought advisable to include special paragraphs, and in some instances pictures, of the captains and officers, who, though not exactly New Zealanders, are, by the frequency of their visits, well known throughout the Colony, and attached to the people by very real ties of friendship, and in not a few instances by kinship. Unfortunately, it is quite impossible after this lapse of time to collect anything like reliable data regarding an appreciable number of the brave men who, more than half a century ago, brought to this Colony their comparatively tiny ships, freighted with New Zealand's founders. That such particulars would now be read with interest is certain enough; and that fact will serve to show that, in making this effort to place upon record short accounts of the mariners of the present day, the compilers have made a departure which, though highly appreciated now, will become still more popular as time flies. The shipping of Wellington has been growing rapidly for many years, and is now the largest in New Zealand. The wharf and appliances are considered the best in Australasia, and are admirably suited for the shipping of the port. In addition to the local trade, a large and growing business is done for other parts of the Colony, and considerable quantities of goods are transhipped as far north as Auckland, and as far south as Hokitika.
(which is owned by Nelson merchants). Head office, Nelson, Wellington branch, Customhouse Quay (Messrs. W. and G. Turnbull and Co., agents). This Company has been established over thirty years. Their steamers, which comprise the “Charles Edward,” “Kennedy,” “Waverley,” and “Aorere,” trade to Nelson, the West Coast of the South Island, and Patea.
of the Anchor Steam Shipping Company's s.s. “Charles Edward,” was born at Newcastle-on-Tyne in 1840. He served an apprenticeship of five years on vessels trading to the Mediterranean and the East. Captain Bruce came to New Zealand in 1861 in the ship “Light of the Age” with a cargo of horses for the Army. Settling at Nelson in 1862, he was employed on various vessels engaged in the coastal trade for a period of ten years, when he entered the service of the Anchor Steam Shipping Company as mate of the s.s. “Kennedy,” From that time he has remained in the employ of the Company, being appointed captain of the s.s. “Wallace” about 1883, and since taking command of various steamers belonging to the Company.
of the s.s. “Aorere,” Anchor Line, was born in London, in May, 1860. He went to sea in 1871, in the training ship “Warsprite,” and, after
of the Anchor Steam Ship Co.'s. s.s. “Kennedy,” was born at Motueka in 1852, and began his seafaring life at the age of seventeen years. He sailed from Nelson as an ordinary seaman, on various vessels engaged in the coastal trade, and while so employed rose to the rank of first mate. He has been permanently in the service of the Anchor Steam Ship Company for the past fourteen years. Captain Wildman was successively mate of the s.s. “Kennedy” and s.s. “Charles Edward,” was made captain of the s.s. “Aorere” about 1889, was afterwards transferred to the command of the “Waverley,” and in 1896 assumed his present command.
Liverpool line of sailing packets sail every two months from Liverpool for Wellington and Dunedin. Agents: Wellington, Messrs. Johnston and Co.; Dunedin, Messrs. Mills and Co. (Limited).
Steam Ship Proprietors. Head Office, Melbourne, Chief office for New Zealand, Queen's Chambers, corner of Jervois Quay and Queen's Wharf Approach, Wellington. Telephone 850; P.O. Box 195. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. General manager for the Colony, Mr. John Murrell. Private residence, 88 Majoribanks Street. This popular Company owns a fleet of seventeen powerful modern steam vessels, which trade in Australasian waters. In December, 1893, an office was established in the Empire City, with agencies at the principal ports. Since this time Messrs. Huddart, Parker and Co., Limited, have maintained a regular service from Sydney to Dunedin via Auckland and East Coast ports. At the time of writing (1896) the Company's vessels—the s.s. “Tasmania” and the s.s. “Anglian, which have recently been greatly improved—make alternate trips every four weeks to and from the Colony. By an agreement with the Union Steam Ship Company the passenger tickets of both companies are available by either company's vessels, much to the advantage of the travelling public.
General Manager for Messrs. Huddart, Parker and Co., Limited, in New Zealand, has been with his present employers since the amalgamation of the firms of James Huddart and Thomas J. Parker. Born in Williamstown, Victoria, in 1856, and educated at the Scotch College in Melbourne, Mr. Murrell spent the first three years of his commercial career in the employ of two shipping firms in that city. On entering the service of the present Company he took the position of shipping clerk, which he retained for about eighteen months, when he was promoted to the position of manager at Newcastle, New South Wales. Mr. Murrell remained in this large coal-mining centre for about twelve years, and upon his departure for Hobart in 1891, was banquetted and presented with two services of silver plate, accompanied by a remarkably handsome illuminated framed address, setting forth in choice terms the general regret at his removal, and the loss that would be sustained in commercial, musical and social
of the s.s. “Anglian,” was born at Hobart, Tasmania, in 1860. He went to sea when thirteen years old, and was for some years on board sailing vessels. Joining the Tasmanian Steam Navigation Company, he continued in their employ for eight years. Captain Hood afterwards joined Messrs. Huddart, Parker and Co., Ltd., and for five years he was in command of the s.s. “Hygeia”—the fast paddle steamer of Port Phillip. In 1895 he was promoted to the command of the s.s. “Anglian.” Captain Hood belongs to the masonic order, and is a member of the City of Prahran Lodge, No. 115, V.C. He is married, and has two sons.
are owners of the following vessels:—The s.s. “Wakatu”—a small steamer which trades from Wellington, making regular trips to Kaikoura and Lyttelton, and calling at the wool stations on the east coast of the South Island on the way—and the s.s. “Queen of the South,” which trades regularly between Foxton, Wellington and Napier, calling at the wool stations on the east coast of the North Island. Besides owning these vessels, they are agents for the s.s. “Neptune,” a small vessel owned in Blenheim, which trades regularly between that port and Wellington. In the summer months Messrs. Levin and Co. also charter the Union Steam Shipping Company's s.s. “Southern Cross,” running between Wellington and Napier, the vessel being placed in the charge of Captain James Campbell, who is referred to below.
of Levin and Company's s.s. “Southern Cross,” was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, in 1826, and has had a wide and varied experience. He went to sea in 1840 as an apprentice, and served four years on the ship “Marquis of Bute,” visiting Melbourne on that ship in 1841. He was afterwards employed as able seaman in various ships sailing to different parts of the world. During the great gold rush at Bendigo, Victoria, he again came out to Australia, and for two years tried his luck on the fields. He left Victoria and came to New Zealand, as mate of the schooner “Eliezer.” He was employed in various coasting and intercolonial vessels, till 1861, principally for fourteen years with Messrs. Bethune and Hunter in the coasting and Chatham Islands trades, when he entered the employ of Messrs. Levin and Co., of Wellington, and was placed in command of the brigantine “Enterprise.” He has remained with that firm ever since. In 1874 he was given the command of the s.s. “Kiwi,” and had charge of her till she was lost by striking a rock, off Glenburn, in April, 1894. Captain Campbell was shortly afterwards placed in charge of the s.s. “Southern Cross.”
of the s.s. “Neptune,” was born at Chester on the 28th of May, 1850. After leaving school he was employed in various capacities at Hawarden for several years, and afterwards wor ed in a foundry at Liverpool. Captain Eckford went to sea in 1870, and was for several years employed in vessels trading on the English Coast. He came to New Zealand in the ship “Euterpe” in 1874, and worked as an ordinary seaman in various coastal steamers. As joint owner with Mr. M. Clark in the s.s. “Mohaka,” Captain Eckford became first mate in 1881, and afterwards captain of the same steamer, Subsequently he purchased the interest of his partner. In 1887 Captain Eckford disposed of the “Mohaka,” having some time previously joined Messrs. W. B. Girling and R. F. Priddle in the “Neptune,” forty-four tons, now trading between Blenheim and Wellington.
of the s.s. “Queen of the South,” comes from Essex, England, where he was born in the year 1847. He began his seafaring life at the age of fourteen years, serving an apprenticeship of five years, and afterwards travelled in various parts of the world. Coming to Wellington in the ship “England,” in 1871, he joined the s.s. “Rangatari,” as second mate. Three years later, he was transferred to the s.s. “Manawatu,” as first mate, and twelve months afterwards became captain of that vessel. He commanded the “Manawatu” for sis years, when he was placed in command of his former ship, the “Rangatari.” This vessel was lost near Taranaki, while in charge of the first mate. Six months later, Captain Harvey joined Mr. E. Greenwood, an engineer, and purchased the s.s. “Sampson,” of which vessel he was captain for about twelve months, when she was wrecked. The partners shortly afterwards purchased the paddle-boat “Hauraki,” converted her into a screw steamer, and resumed trading on the coast. Some three years later, this vessel sprang a leak, and went down. It is fortunate that in neither of these misfortunes were any lives lost. Captain Harvey, after meeting with heavy losses, entered the employ of the well-known firm of Messrs. Levin and Co., of Wellington, as captain of the “Little Napier.” This steamship not being large enough for the trade, he was sent to Sydney, New South Wales, to purchase a more suitable one, and there he bought the “Queen of the South,” in which vessel he is a part owner with Messrs. Levin and Co. and Mr. Wm. Signal, who is chief engineer of the boat. The “Queen of the South” is a fine iron steamship of about 200 tons, and does a large passenger and cargo trade between Foxton and Wellington. Captain Harvey has been at sea some thirty-six years, and is a man of large and varied experience.
managing owner of the barque “Weathersfield,” trading between London and the Colony. Agents, Messrs Johnston and Co., Wellington.
(Captain Henry Rose, local manager), Customhouse Quay, Wellington. Telephone 185; P.O. Box 281. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Head offices, 138 Leadenhall Street, London, E.C., and Hereford Street, Christchurch. London directors The Right Hon. Sir John E. Gorst, Q.C., M.P. (chairman), Sir Edwyn Sandys Dawes, K.C.M.G., Colonel B. M. Dawes, and Messrs. John Beaumont, Thomas Johnson, Murdoch MacIver, and J. B. Westray. New Zealand directors, Messrs. H. P. Murray-Aynsley (chairman), John Anderson, Percy J. Fryer, Joseph Gould, John Studholme, and the Hon, O. C. Bowen, M.L.C., of Christchurch, and Messrs. J. R. Blair and the Hon. E. Richardson, C.M.G., M.L.C., of Wellington. This Company was established in 1873 as a purely colonial institution with its head office in Christchurch, having a fleet of sailing vessels. When the directors decided to add steam vessels, there was a second issue of shares, this time in London, hence the establishment
the local manager, was appointed to the position in August, 1876. At this time the Company closed their Wellington agency, and opened a branch office. Further particulars concerning Captain Rose will be found under the heading “Wellington Harbour Board,” of which he is a member.
Lieutenant R.N.R., Commander of the s.s. “Rakaia,” was born at Portsmouth in 1857, and was educated partly in Wales and partly at the Island of Ascension. He first went to sea in 1874, in the “Lincolnshire,” a vessel belonging to Messrs. Money, Wigram and Company, trading to Melbourne. For some years past, Captain Banks has been in the New Zealand trade, and was on the ship “Waimate” when commanded by Captain Rose. In 1887, he joined the ship “Rakaia,” remaining for two years. He afterwards served two years in the Navy, and was at different times on H.M.S “Australia”—sister ship to the “Orlando”—the “Excellent,” and ““Vernon.” Captain Banks then rejoined the New Zealand Shipping Company's service, as chief officer of the s.s. “Tekoa.” After one voyage, he was appointed to the command of the s.s. “Otarama,” from which he was transferred to the s.s. “Waikato,” subsequently joining the fine new vessel which he still commands. Captain Banks is a son of Fleet Surgeon George Fletcher Banks, of the Royal Navy. He is a member of the Masonic body, and is attached to the Marine Lodge No. 942. Captain Banks is married, and has two daughters.
R.N.R., Commander of the s.s. “Ruahine,” was born at Selwyn, Cornwall, England, in June, 1853. He was educated at Penzance, and went to sea in 1870. When he first visited New Zealand, he was an apprentice on the ship “City of Auckland.” Joining the New Zealand Shipping Company on its formation in 1873, as third officer of the “Waikato,” he has served on several of the Company's fleet, and has had the command of the s.s. “Rakaia” and s.s. “Tongariro.” Captain Bone is the senior Captain in the service, and since 1892 he has had command of the s.s. “Ruahine”—the flagship of the fleet. Married in 1885, to Miss Rogers, of Nelson, Captain Bone has one son and one daughter.
Commander of the s.s. “Rimutaka,” is one of the most popular captains employed by the New Zealand Shipping Company. Born in Canada in 1851, he was educated at the Bedford Grammar School and St. John's College, Hurshperpoint, Sussex, and was for some time on the Worcester training ship. In 1866 he started his seafaring life, being chiefly engaged in the Indian, China, and Australian trades. Captain Greenstreet afterwards joined the Liverpool ship “Galatea,” trading to San Francisco and Melbourne, and in 1876 he joined the New Zealand Shipping Company. His first command—the s.s. “Mataura”—was the first vessel to carry a cargo of frozen meat to London. He subsequently commanded the s.s. “Aorangi,” and afterwards the s.s. “Ruapehu,” and supervised the completion of the building of the s.s. “Ruahine,” which vessel he brought out on her maiden trip to New Zealand. Captain Greenstreet has had command of the s.s. “Rimutaka” since 1888. Since joining the service he has made about forty trips to and from New Zealand. Captain Greenstreet is married, and has two children.
R.N.R., Commander of the s.s. “Tongariro,” was born at Southampton, England, in April, 1855. He went to sea as a youth of fifteen, serving five years on the Chinese Coast, in tea clippers. For five years afterwards, Captain Mayoss was with the Union Steam Ship Company of Southampton. He then joined the New Zealand Shipping Company as third officer of the s.s. “Ruapehu,” on which he also served as second, and afterwards chief officer, finally being promoted to the command of that vessel. On the transference of Captain Bone to the s.s. “Ruahine,” Captain Mayoss took charge of the s.s. “Tongariro.” He is a Freemason, being a member of the Vale of Avon Lodge, Southampton. Captain Mayoss was married to a daughter of Mr. Hery Durham Magraie, who was with Messrs. Levin and Co. for many years.
Chief Officer of the s.s. “Rimutaka,” was born at Biddenden, Kent, England, in 1858. He was educated at Oxford, and went to sea as an apprentice when sixteen years of age. Mr. Buchanan was in the service of the Peninsula and Oriental Company in various ships until 1884, when he joined the New Zealand Shipping Company. When the s.s. “Rimutaka” was launched he became fourth officer. Having served in various steamers of the Company, Mr. Buchanan has worked his way in the service, and now ranks as the senior chief officer in the Company's employ. He belongs to the masonic fraternity, being attached to the Canterbury Kilwinning Lodge, No. 23, N.Z.C. Mr. Buchanan is married, and has two sons.
Chief Officer of the s.s. “Tongariro,” who is the second son of the late Major Clifford, of the Hutt, was born in India in 1858. After being educated in Ireland, he went to sea as apprentice to the East India Company in 1873, and since that time he has travelled to almost every part of the globe. In 1882 he was in the New Zealand Government steamer “Stella,” subsequently joining the New Zealand Shipping Company. Mr. Clifford has been on the s.s. “Ruapehu,” “Kaikoura,” and “Ruahine,” in various grades, eventually rising to the position of chief officer of the s.s. “Tongariro.” Mr. Clifford is married, and has two children.
Chief Officer of the s.s. “Tekoa,” was born at Exeter, England, in 1850. When a child he came to the colonies, but returned to England when nine years of age. He started a seafaring life in September, 1864, serving his apprenticeship with Messrs. Turner, Edwards and Company's White Star line, trading out of the port of Bristol. He has been engaged principally in the South American trade, and first joined the New Zealand Shipping Company in 1891. He has occupied the position of chief officer on the s.s. “Tekoa,” “Ruapehu,” and “Aorangi,” and has been re-appointed to his first ship. As a member of the masonic fraternity, Mr. Ford has been through all the chairs of the Province of Bristol Lodge. He is a member of the Royal Arch Chapter and a Knight of the Order of St. John's.
Chief Officer of the s.s. “Ruahine,” was born in Sydney. New South Wales, in 1862, and was educated at the High School, Dunedin, New Zealand. In 1878 he joined the New Zealand Shipping Company's service as an apprentice on one of their sailing vessels. In 1886 Mr. Weston was appointed fourth officer of the s.s. “Ruapehu,” and since that time he has held office in several of the Company's steamers. He became chief officer on the s.s. “Aorangi,” and subsequently filled a similar position on the s.s. “Waikato.” In April, 1896, Mr. Weston became chief officer of the s.s. “Ruahine.”
Second Officer of the s.s. “Rakaia,” is the eldest son of Captain Fisk, of Blenheim, and was born in 1867, at Wellington, New Zealand. He went to sea after leaving school, joining the New Zealand Shipping Company's ship “Otaki.” After serving in several vessels of the Company's fleet, he was transferred to the steamer “Otarama,” as third officer-Subsequently Mr. Fisk served in the same capacity on the s.s. “Tongariro,” from which he was promoted to the position he now holds on the s.s. “Rakaia.” On the occasion of the grounding of the “Rakaia” on a sandbank off the island of Bijouga, on her first trip to New Zealand, Mr. Fisk was sent in charge of a boat to Sierra Leone, 300 miles distant, for assistance, and when forty miles from his destination the boat was picked up by the s.s. “La Guine,” after being five days away from the steamer. The damage to the “Rakaia” proving trifling, she was floated off, and steamed to Sierra Leone, taking the boat and her crew on board again. Mr. Fisk is a member of the Druids order, his lodge being known as the Ship Afloat Lodge, of London.
Second Officr of the s.s. “Kaikoura,' was born at Cork, Ireland, in 1868. He came with his parents to New Zealand in 1875, and was educated at Russell, Bay of Islands. Joining the New Zealand Shipping Company in 1884, as an apprentice, he served five years. He then left the Company's employ, and was engaged in various trades until 1893, when he rejoined the Company, as third officer of the “Ruahine.” After three voyages he became second officer, and two years later he was transferred to the s.s. “Kaikoura.”
Second Officer of the s.s. “Rimutaka,” is a New Zealander by birth, and claims Christchurch as his birthplace. Educated in his native city, he served his apprenticeship under the New Zealand Shipping Company's flag, joining the service in 1884, when sixteen years of age. The “Opawa” was his first ship. He afterwards became third, and subsequently rose to the position of second officer, in the “Lady Jocelyn.” After a trip to China and Japan, in the “Pembrokeshire,” Mr. Parsons joined the s.s. “Rimutaka,” as fourth officer, in 1891, and has secured rapid promotion in the service.
Second Officer of the s.s. “Ruahine,” was born in 1871 at Aberdeen, and was educated in London. He served two years on the training ship “Worcester,” and then went to sea in the Shaw, Savill line of steamers. After four years he joined the New Zealand Shipping Company's service. He was fourth officer of the s.s. “Tongariro” in 1892, being transferred to the “Aorangi” as third officer, and subsequently to the s.s. “Ruahine,” in which vessel he secured promotion to the position he now holds.
Third Officer of the s.s. “Rimutaka,” is a son of Colonel Forbes, of the Bengal Staff Corps, and a grandson of Lord Forbes, of Semphill. Born in India in 1871, and educated at Oxford, Mr. Forbes was for three years on Her Majesty's training ship “Worcester.” After three years on the sailing ship “Taranaki,” he was transferred to the s.s. “Rimutaka.” A good all-round athlete, Mr. Forbes has made quite a name for himself on board his vessel, having won most of the prizes for which he has competed at the sports which are so popular on board the s.s. “Rimutaka.”
Third Officer of the s.s. “Tongariro,” is a native of Hampshire, England, where he first saw the light in 1868. Educated in his birthplace, Mr. Vine went to sea in 1884 under the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company's flag. After serving five years, he entered the employ of the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand as third officer, remaining for nine months. Subsequently he had a varied experience as an officer under the Eastern Telegraph Company, and as a trooper in the Bechuanaland Border police. Mr. Vine afterwards became chief officer of the steam yacht “Minerva,” owned by Mr. Robert Ashton, of Shillinglea Park, Sussex. After serving as second in command and navigator of Lord Wolverton's expedition to Central Africa, Mr. Vine joined the New Zealand Shipping Company in 1894, serving on the s.s. “Waikato” and “Bakaia” before receiving his present appointment.
Fourth Officer of the s.s. “Rakaia.” is the fourth son of Mr. Edward Acton, of Pleasant Point, near Timaru, New Zealand, where he was born in 1871. Mr. Acton was educated partly at Timaru and partly on board H.M. training ship “Worcester.” He joined the New Zealand Shipping Company on the 1st of September, 1888, and was engaged on vessels trading to Java and British Burmah. He then went to London and joined the s.s. “Aorangi,” from which he was soon afterwards transferred to the vessel of which he is now an officer.
Chief Engineer of the s.s. “Ruapehu,” was born at Lincolnshire, England, in 1858. He served his apprenticeship with Marshall, the noted engineer of that county, and went to Hull, Yorkshire, as an improver. On going to sea, he joined Messrs. Rankin and Gilmour's Anchor line of steamers, and in 1884 became connected with the New Zealand Shipping Company. Serving in succession on the s.s. “Aorangi,”
Chief Engineer of the s.s. “Rimutaka,” was born in Canada in 1855. After he had finished his education, he was sent to England and apprenticed as an engineer at the Government dockyards at Devonport. After completing his time he went to sea, and in 1884 joined the present Company. Mr. Pitcher was third engineer of the s.s. “Rimutaka” when she left the slips, being promoted to his present position in 1891. He is married, and has four children.
Chief Engineer of the s.s. “Rakaia,” was born in 1860 at Glasgow, where he was educated. He was apprenticed to Messrs. Alexander Stephens and Sons, Shipbuilders, Linthouse, Govern, Glasgow, and on completing his indentures he joined the British and African Steam Navigation Company, trading from Liverpool. For two years he was with this Company, when he passed his examination as second engineer. After two years as second engineer of the s.s. “Bellair,” trading to the West Indies, he gained his certificate as chief engineer. Mr. Stewart then joined the staff of the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company, but had to leave China on account of ill health. Afterwards he worked for Messrs. R. Napier and Sons, Shipbuilders, of Glasgow, with whom he was for twelve months foreman, during which period he had charge of the fitting of the engines in H.M.S. “Galatea.” After serving on the s.s. “Damascus” as second engineer for three years, he joined the New Zealand Shipping Company's s.s. “Tongariro” as third engineer. Two years later Mr. Stewart was is transferred to the s.s. “Aorangi” as second engineer. He served three years in this vessel, and was then sent to Newcastle-on-Tyne to take the position of chief engineer of the new steamer “Rakaia.” Mr. Stewart, who is married, is a member of the masonic fraternity, belonging to the Plantation Lodge, No. 581, of Glasgow.
Chief Engineer of the s.s. “Tekoa,” was born in Staffordshire, England, on the 3rd of January, 1864. He was educated in London, and served his apprenticeship to the engineering in that City with Messrs. Rait and Gardner. For some time he was employed on vessels engaged in the Mediterranean trade, and subsequently joined the New Zealand Shipping Company's steamer “Ruapehu.” Shortly afterwards he left the Company's service and was engaged in the South African trade, being on the “Brankslow” when that vessel was wrecked off the Lizards. Rejoining the New Zealand Shipping Company's service as third engineer of the s.s. “Tekoa” in November, 1890, Mr. Wootton has remained on that steamer, rising to the position he now occupies.
Second Engineer of the s.s. “Rimutaka,” was born in 1863 at Southampton, and was apprenticed to a firm of engineers in that town. Joining the New Zealand Shipping Company in 1886, Mr. Chalk was for eight years on the s.s. “Aorangi,” being transferred to the s.s. “Rimutaka” in 1894 to the position which he now holds. As a member of the masonic fraternity, Mr. Chalk is attached to the Unanimity Lodge, N.Z.C. He is married, and has one daughter.
Second Engineer of the s.s. “Tongariro,” was born in 1865 at Kilmarnock, Scotland, where he was educated. He served his apprenticeship with Mr. Thompson, of Glasgow. Mr. Forrester first went to sea on a vessel of the Blue Star line of steamers, sailing out of London, and joined the New Zealand Shipping Company's service in 1889. After serving on the s.s. “Rimutaka” and subsequently on the s.s. “Kaikoura,” Mr. Forrester was promoted in 1895 to the position of second engineer of the s.s. “Tongariro.”
R.N.R., Second Engineer of the s.s. “Rakaia,” was born at the Isle of Wight, in 1861. He served his apprenticeship with the Great Western Railway Company, Limited, after which he was with Mr. John Penn, of Greenwich, for two years. After serving under the flags of the Orient Company, and the Peninsular and Oriental Company, Mr. Mew joined the present Company in 1895 as third engineer of the s.s. “Tongariro.” Shortly afterwards he was promoted to his present position. As a Freemason he belongs to the Royal Albert Edward Lodge, No. 1362, Red Hill.
Third Engineer of the s.s. “Tongariro,” was born in London in 1863, and educated in that city. He served his apprenticeship at the Hamilton Iron Works, Liverpool, and then returned to London, working as journeyman for Messrs. Simpson and Company, of Pimlico. He first went to sea in the service of the Peninsular and Oriental Company in 1883, and was for eight years in that Company's employ. He joined the New Zealand Shipping Company in 1895. He is a member of the Skelmsdale Lodge of Freemasons.
Chief Refrigerator of the s.s. “Rakaia,” was born in 1863, at Tync, in the North of England, where he was educated. Mr. Bell served his apprenticeship at Palmer's Engineering Works, Tyne. He first went to sea in the ship “Clancurry,” trading to China, and afterward joined the New Zealand Shipping Company's s.s. “Aorangi,” as chief refrigerator, which position he held for eight years, being then transferred to the s.a. “Rakaia.” Mr. Bell is married, and has three children.
Chief Steward of the s.s. “Tongariro,” was for twenty-four years in the Peninsular and Oriental Company's service. Born in Farnham, Surrey, in 1856, Mr. Baigent went to sea at the age of fourteen, becoming chief steward of such vessels as the s.s. “Pekin,” “Rosetta,” “Ganges,” and “Tasmania,” the last-named being lost in 1887. Mr. Baigent joined the New Zealand Shipping Company's s.s. “Rimutaka” in 1894 as chief steward, and after two voyages was transferred to the s.s. “Tongariro.” As a member of the masonic brotherhood, Mr. Baigent belongs to the Emulation Lodge of Bombay.
Chief Steward of the s.s. “Ruapehu,” was born at Birkenhead, Cheshire, England, in 1859. He embraced a seafaring life in 1871, and for seventeen years was employed by the Pacific Steam Navigation Company. Before joining the New Zealand Shipping Company's service, Mr. Blackwell was for seven years chief steward of the s.s. “Orizaba.” He joined the New Zealand Shipping Company in 1889, and has been for two years on the s.s. “Ruapehu.” Mr. Blackwell is a Freemason, having been initiated in Peru, in 1886. He is a member of the Royal Arch Chapter in New Zealand and in South Wales, and is a Knight Templar. Mr. Blackwell is also a member of the Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows. He takes a great interest in theatrical affairs, and is noted for his ability as a comedian. The minstrel troupe—of which Mr. Blackwell is the promoter—composed of the stewards of the s.s. “Ruapehu,” would give a good account of itself anywhere. The subject of this notice is married, and has four children.
Chief Steward of the ss. “Ruahine,” was born in 1851 at Belfast, and received his education in London. He went to sea in 1865, serving for five years in the Royal Navy. Leaving the Navy in 1870 he joined the Peninsular and Oriental Company, in whose employ he continued for fifteen years, trading to India, China and Australia. Mr. Cahoon was afterwards in the British India Company's service. In 1896 he joined the New Zealand Shipping Company as chief steward of the s.s. “Ruahine.” As a Freemason Mr. Cahoon belongs to the E sex Lodge, London.
Chief Steward of the s.s. “Rakaia,” was born at Eastney, Hampshire, England, in 1869. Educated at the High School, Middlesbro', he was apprenticed to the hosiery business with Messrs. Puttick and Co., of London, and afterwards returned to the North of England. Subsequently he went to sea in the employ of the Monarch line of steamers trading to New York, remaining with that company for three years. Mr. Hickey joined the present Company's.s. “Kaikoura,” from which he was transferred to the s.s. Rakaia” when she was launched. He is a married man, and has one son. Mr. Hickey is a member of the Unanimity Lodge of Freemasons.
Chief Steward of the s.s. “Rimutaka,” was born in 1862 at New Brighton, near Liverpool,
Port Ahurhi, are managing owners of the s.s. “Kahu” and the s.s. “Fanny,” trading between Wellington and Napier. The s.s. “Kahu” also makes periodical trips to Lyttelton and the Chatham Islands, the s.s. “Fanny” taking her place on the Napier trade in the interval. These vessels carry freight and passengers. Agents: Wellington, Messrs. Johnston and Co.; Lyttelton, Messrs. Kinsey, Banns and Co.
Chief Engineer of the s.s. “Kahu,” and President of the Australian Institute of Marine Engineers (Wellington Branch), has been in the colonies for over forty years. Born in the Isle of Bute, Scotland, in 1836, he served his apprenticeship as an engineer in Glasgow. In 1854 Mr. Kelly came out to Australia per s.s. “Stormbird,” landing in Melbourne, and crossed over to Auckland in the s.s. “Wonga Wonga.” After spending three years in New Zealand he returned to Australia where he was engaged in quartz mining some four years. Returning to this Colony in 1862 Mr. Kelly became chief engineer of one of Messrs. Miles and Co.'s steamers. Two years later, during the native troubles, he accepted a position as engineer under the Government on the Waikato River. Subsequently he successively served the Panama Company for four years, the New Zealand Shipping Company on the s.s. “Rangatira” for four years; Messrs. Johnston and Co. for eight years, and Messrs. W. and G. Turnbull and Co. for six years. In 1889 Mr. Kelly was appointed to the position he now holds on the s.s. “Kahu.”
Head office, 34 Leadenhall Street, London, E.C. New Zealand directors; Messrs. P. Cunningham (Christchurch), J. Duncan (Wellington), and J. M. Ritchie (Dunedin). Chief office for the North Island, Grey Street, Wellington (Captain Babot, marine superintendent). Head office for South Island, Lyttelton (Captain Anderson, marine superintendent). Agents in the Colony: Auckland, Messrs. L. D. Nathan and Co. and T. and S. Morrin and Co., Limited; Wellington, Messrs. Levin and Co., Limited, W. and G. Turnbull and Co., and Murray, Roberts and Co.; Christchurch, The National Mortgage and Agency Co. of New Zealand, Limited, Messrs. Dalgety and Co., Limited, and P. Cunningham and Co.; Dunedin, The National Mortgage and Agency Co. of New Zealand, Limited, Messrs. Dalgety and Co., Limited, and Murray, Roberts and Co. The original Shaw, Savill Company was prominent in the early days of settlement in supplying ample sailing vessels to convey settlers and emigrants to New Zealand ports. Thousands—possibly tens of thousands—of the heads of families and leading professional and industrial men of 1896 originally came to the Colony in this Company's wood and iron vessels in the days when steam ships were not considered practicable for the New Zealand trade. The Shaw, Savill Company—whose vessels started from London—amalgamated in 1883 with the Albion Company—then an old established shipping house located on the Clyde. When the time had arrived to establish steam communication, the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company, as at present constituted, inaugurated their steam service by sending the s.s. “Triumph,” which arrived in Auckland on the 28th of November, 1883, but was subsequently wrecked on leaving that port at Tiri Tiri, near the lighthouse. Afterwards the Company employed three vessels named respectively the “Victory,” which completed her first voyage at Port Chalmers on the 23rd of December, 1883, the “Bombay,” and the “Florida.” Finding these vessels insufficient, the Company subsequently built the s.s. “Tainui” and “Arawa,” chartering the White Star Line's “Coptic,” “Ionic,” and “Doric.” These well-known ships did duty for many years. More recently that splendid steamship the s.s. “Gothic,” was built to the Company's order, the boats engaged (1896) chiefly in the passenger trade being the last named vessel with the “Ionic” and “Tainui.” Owing to the enormous development of the carrying trade, the Shaw, Savill and Albion Co. ordered seven immense cargo steamers, three of which have accommodation for a few passengers. These boats are named the “Mamari,” “Matatua,” “Rangatira,” “Maori,” “Pakeha,” “Aotea,” and “Tokomaru,” and regular trips are run to and from the Colony. They are fitted with all the latest improvements, and convey enormous quantities of wool, meat, butter and other produce from the Colony, returning with general merchandise. The registered tonnage of the Company's steam fleet is 50,000 tons, and these vessels are capable of carrying in cool chambers over 550,000 carcases of frozen mutton, in addition to 60,000 bales of wool. This large Company also owns a fleet of sailing vessels numbering twenty-eight ships, possessing aggregate tonnages of 32,600 tons.
Marine Superintendent of the Shaw-Savill and Albion Company for New Zealand, was born at Southampton, England. He was educated at Greenwich College, and in 1846 went to sea as an apprentice in a vessel trading to South American ports. Four years later he passed
Assistant Marine Superintendent of the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company, has been in the Company's employ for over ten years under Captain Babot, the marine superintendent. Born in London in 1836, he was soon afterwards taken to Canada by his parents, where he was educated. At the age of fifteen Captain Hart went to sea as an apprentice on the Glasgow brig “Matha,” sailing out of Quebec. After serving six years he was employed on the great American lakes for some years. The subject of this notice left America in the Liverpool brig “Bell” as second officer, and after complening the voyage to Bristol, shipped in the barque “Blundel” for Auckland in 1861. Arriving in the northern city in the month of June in that year, Captain Hart left his vessel and has since been resident in the Colony. Having obtained his certificate as captain in 1868, he spent several years as master of coastal traders, and was afterwards second mate under the Union Steam Ship Company. In 1884 Captain Hart accepted the position he now holds. He was married at Onehunga in 1865, but Mrs. Hart died twelve years later, leaving three daughters and a son. One of the daughters married Mr. Thomas Rodgers, of Otahuhu. In 1882 Captain Hart was married to the daughter of Mr. Richard Haines, of Greenwich.
R.N.R., of Shaw, Savill and Albion Company's
R.N.R., Commander of the s.s. “Gothic,” was born at Clifton, near Bristol, England, on the 31st of January, 1845. At eleven years of age he ran away from home and went to New York, but on arrival he was promptly placed on board another ship and sent home to his parents. He was then apprenticed on board the ship “Venus,” owned by Mr. Thomas Daniels, which traded to the West Indies. After completing his time, Captain Kidley was engaged in various ships, trading to many parts of the globe. In 1870 he joined the White Star line, and has sailed on such vessels as the “Gaelic,” “Coptic,” “Ionic,” “Adriatic,” and the “Gothic,” the latter being the flagship of the fleet. Captain Kidley opened the trade to New Zealand for the Company in the “Coptic” in 1884, and has been trading to and fro ever since. He is married, and has two sons and two daughters.
of Shaw, Savill and Albion Company's s.s. “Tokomaru,” was born in the year 1854, at Dumbarton, Scotland. After receiving his education he was for three years engaged as a clerk in the office of Sir John Watson, of Glasgow, a large and well-known colliery owner. The subject of this sketch began his sea-faring life in 1872, when he entered the employ of Messrs. Patrick Henderson and Co., ship-owners, of Glasgow, and served an apprenticeship of three years on the sailing vessel “City of Dunedin,” then engaged in the New Zealand trade. After this he was appointed third mate of the “Wellington,” subsequently second mate of the “Taranaki,” and was then transferred to the “Oamaru,” on which he was promoted to the first mateship, and in the year 1884 was appointed captain of the same vessel. After commanding this vessel some four and a half years he resigned on account of ill health. After recuperating for several months he again returned to the sea as third officer of the s.s. “Clan MacIntosh,” and after filling this position for a period of about eight months, he finally re-joined his old firm, taking charge of the “Mamari,” from which he was transferred to his present command. Captain Maxwell has served almost continuously under the one firm, having joined the Shaw Savill, and Albion Company at the time his employers, Patrick Henderson, and Co., amalgamated their fleet with that company.
Commander of the s.s. “Maori,” was born in Rossshire, Scotland, in 1854. When a child he came with his parents to New Zealand, being educated in Dunedin. He was apprenticed to Messrs. P. E. Henderson and Company, of the Albion line, and was afterwards chief officer of the “James Nicol Fleming” under Captain Logan, subsequently taking command of that ship. For some years Captain Moffat has been in the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company's service, serving on the s.s. “Pakeha” and on other steamers, and taking the command of the s.s. “Maori” in 1894. Captain Moffat is married, and has three sons.
of the s.s. “Pakeha,” is it native of Pembrokeshire, Wales, b
of the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company's s.s. “Aotea,” was born in Kincardine, Perthshire, Scotland, and went to sea as an apprentice at the age of fourteen years, sailing in the West India trade. In that capacity he remained some twelve months, making two voyages between London and the West Indies, after which he served as able seaman for six years, voyaging to Quebec, New Orleans, &c. In 1859 he entered the employ of T. and W. Smith, of London, and was second officer of that firm's ship “The New Era,” for three years, in the Madras trade; he was also first mate for four years in their employ; and in the year 1868 he received his first command from that firm, as captain of the “Brisbane,” which he took charge of for one year. In 1869, the Captain entered the service of Messrs. Glover Bros., of London, in command of their ship the “Jungfrau,” and—as chief of the “Titian”—running in the fruit trade between Italy and Sieily and New York, also between Sydney, Cape Breton, and New York, was engaged seven months, and visited Hong Kong, and then Adelaide (Australia), coming first to New Zealand in 1873. Afterwards he joined the New Zealand Shipping Company, and had command of the “Rangatira” for two voyages. Captain Scotland entered the employ of the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company in 1876, taking command of the “Glenloray” for some seven years, after which he was transferred to the “Crusader,” and four years later to the “Westland,” which ship he commanded for some three years. The subject of this sketch then took the superintendency of the building of ships for the Company. The “Maori” (built at Newcastle-on-Tyne), the “Pakeha” (at Stockton-on-Tees) were superintended by him, and brought out under his charge to New Zealand—also a second ship named the “Maori,” at Newcastle. The “Aotea” was built in December, 1894, under his care; but he was unable to bring the ship out to New Zealand, owing to illness. The ship was brought out by Captain McDougall, and Captain Scotland took command on her return to the London Docks in August, 1895. The “Aotea” is a splendid ship of 4915 tons net register, and 8500 tons weight-carrier. Captain Scotland has been at sea forty-two years, and has had the good fortune never to have had a mishap. His home is at Stamford Hill, North London.
Chief Officer of the s.s. “Gothic,” was born at Wexford, Ireland, in 1856. He was educated at Newross, and went to sea on leaving school. His first ship was the “Kirkwood,” which traded principally to Australia and India, in which he served nine years, and during that time worked his way up from able seaman to the position of master. Joining the White Star liner “Doric,” he became fourth officer, and remained in that steamer for nine years. When the “Gothic “was commissioned, Mr. Breen was appointed second officer, and after making two trips he was promoted to the position of chief officer. He is married, and has one son and one daughter.
Chief Officer of the s.s. “Mamari,” was born in the Shetland Islands, in 1853. He was sent to Liverpool to be educated, and on leaving school went to sea. For many years, Mr. Christie was on the vessels of the White Star Line, trading between Liverpool and North America, and also to the East Indies. In 1894, he joined the Shaw; Savill and Albion Company, taking the position which he now holds on the s.s. “Mamari.”
Chief Officer of the s.s. “Maori,” was born in 1869, in Dublin, where he was educated. He has been in the employ of the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company during the-while of his seafaring career, having several on several of the Company's ships and steamers. Mr. Hutchinson was promoted in 1896 to the position of chief officer, being appointed to the vessel in which he now sails.
Second officer of the s.s. “Aotea,” was born at Foxton, New Zealand, in 1869. Educated at Nelson College, under Dr. Andrews, he chose a seafaring life. Mr. Thomson gained his experience under Shaw, Savill and Albion Company. He has held the positions of third and fourth officer of the s.s. “Pakeha,” and fourth officer of the s.s. “Tainui.” In 1895 he was transferred to the s.s. “Aotea,” as third officer. Since joining that vessel he has been promoted to his present position.
Third Officer of the s.s. “Aotea,” is a native of the “little village of London,” where he was born in 1871. After leaving school, he joined the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company's ship “Timaru,” as an apprentice. He afterwards served on the “Soukar,” from which he was transferred to the “Himalaya,” becoming third officer, and subsequently being promoted to the position of second officer. Mr. Pentreath-was then transferred from the sailing vessels to the s.s. “Aotea,” as fourth officer, and has since been promoted to the office he now holds.
Third Officer of the s.s. “Tainui,” was born at Penang, Straits Settlements, in 1869. He was educated at the Royal School, Armagh, Ireland, and was afterwards for two years on the training ship “Conway” at Liverpool. Joining the White Star line Mr. Plunkett served four years as an apprentice on the sailing ships of the Company. He joined the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company as third officer of the s.s. “Arawa,” and has since served in the s.s. “Rangatira” and “Matatua,” subsequently being appointed to the position he now holds.
Third Officer of the s.s. “Maori,” who is a son of Captain Stokes, R.E., was born at Grahamstown, South Africa. He was educated in Ireland, and went to sea in 1883. Ten years later he joined the s.s. “Maori, taking the position he still holds.
Chief Engineer of the s.s. “Tainui,” was born in 1864 at Fortrose, Rossshire, Scotland, where he was educated. He served his apprenticeship as an engineer with Messrs. Barclay, Curlet and Co., and became fifth engineer of the s.s. “Arawa” in 1885. Subsequently Mr. Arthur served on the s.s. “Tainui” and s.s. “Mamari.” For a time he left the service, joining the Portuguese ship “Mozambique.” He re-entered the employ of the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company as chief refrigerator of the
Chief Engineer of the s.s. “Ionic,” was born in 1861 at
Chief Engineer of the s.s. “Matatua,” was born at Glasgow in 1851. Educated partly in that city and partly in London, he was apprenticed to the engineering trade with Messrs. Barkley, Kerr and Co., of Stobcross. On completion of his indentures he went to sea and in 1885 joined the present company's service, working on shore for the first two years. Mr. McIntyre came to New Zealand on board the “Lyttelton,” which was wrecked at Timaru. When the “Matatua” was being built, he was sent to take charge of the refrigerating machinery, and has had the position of chief engineer to the present time. Mr. McIntyre is attached to the Perseverance Lodge of Freemasons, and is a member of the Association of Marine Engineers. He is married and has a family of six children.
Chief Engineer of the s.s. “Mamari,” is a son of the late Colour-Sergeant Walker who was manager of the Coltness Iron Works, and was born at Dunfermlie, Scotland, in 1862. He was educated at Newmain's Coltness, and served his apprenticeship as an engineer at the Coltness Iron Works. Afterwards he went to Glasgow, joining the Clan line of vessels, trading to India. After serving for two years, Mr. Walker joined the s.s. “Tainui,” as fourth engineer. He seen obtained his promotion to the position of third engineer, and for twelve voyages filled the office of second engineer. He was then transferred to the s.s. “Rangatira,” in which steamer he made two voyages as chief engineer, being transferred to the s.s. “Mamari” in 1895. Mr. Walker is a mark mason, and belongs to the St. Clair Lodge, No. 427, S.C. He was married to the second daughter of Mr. Robert Fulton, the noted fancier, of London, and has two daughters.
R.N.R., Chief Engineer of the s.s. “Maori,” was born in Manchester, England, in 1861. Educated at the Glasgow High School, Mr. Wilson served his apprenticeship at the Hyde Park Locomotive Works, in his native place, his father being manager. In 1882, he went to sea, and was in the “Baltic,” “Germanic,” and other steamers owned by the Star line, of Liverpool. In 1894, he was appointed chief engineer of the “Maori.” Mr. Wilson belongs to the Masonic fraternity, being a mark mason attached to the Unanimity Lodge, No. 3, N.Z.C. He is married, and has two children.
Second Engineer of the s.s. “Aotea,” was born in 1866, at Milton, Cumberland. He was educated at Barrow-in-Furness, and served his apprenticeship with the Barrow Shipbuilding Company. Joining the British Navy in 1887. Mr. Cleator served three years, when he joined the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company, as third engineer of the s.s. “Matatua.” He was transferred to the s.s. “Rangatira,” as second officer, in 1892, and three years later was appointed as above to the s.s. “Aotea.”
Second Engineer of the s.s. “Mamari,” was born at Burntisland, Fife, Scotland, in 1866 Educated at Edinburgh, he served his apprenticeship to the engineering trade in that city and in Glasgow. He went to sea in vessels belonging to Messrs. P. Henderson and Co., which were trading to the Indies. Mr. Hall went to Honolulu in 1890, and remained there for three years. He joined the s.s. “Matatua,” as second engineer, in 1893. He was afterwards transferred to the s.s. “Maori,” and in 1895 received his present appointment. As a Mason, Mr. Hall belongs to the Oceanic Lodge of Honolulu. He is married, and has one child.
Second Engineer of the s.s. “Maori,” was born in 1860, at Glasgow, where he was educated. He served his time with Messrs. Blackwood and Gordon, engineers and shipbuilders, of that city. Mr. Kelly first joined the Shire line, and was on board the s.s. “Elginshire” when she went ashore at Timaru. He then joined the Shaw, Savill and Albion line, occupying the position of freezing engineer on the s.s. “Arawa” from 1892 to 1894. In the latter year Mr. Kelly was promoted to the position he now holds.
Second Engineer of the s.s. “Ionic,” was born at Manchester, England, in 1862. He was educated at London, and served his apprenticeship to the engineering in that city. At the termination of his time, he went to sea, and was employed in the New York trade for four years. He then served five years on the s.s. “Coptic,” and joined the “Ionic” in 1894, as Second Engineer. Mr. McMahon is a member of the Merchant Navy Lodge of Freemasons.
Third Engineer of the s.s. “Aotea,” was born in 1869, at Kincardine, Scotland, where he was educated. He served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Aitken, McNeil and Company, of Govan, Glasgow. Mr. Finlayson joined the s.s. “Arawa” as sixth engineer, afterwards being promoted successively to the positions of fifth and fourth engineer. In 1895, he was transferred to the s.s. “Aotea,” taking the position he still holds.
Third Engineer of the s.s. “Maori,” was born at Port Chalmers, New Zealand, in 1865, and was educated at the High School, Dunedin. After serving his apprenticeship as an engineer, in Port Chalmers, Mr. Macfarlane went to Glasgow, to gain further knowledge of the profession. For two years he was employed on the Knight line of steamers, and afterwards travelled to various parts of the globe in different capacities. In 1895, Mr. Macfarlane joined the present Company as fourth engineer of the s.s. “Mamari,” being subsequently promoted to the office he now fills.
Fourth Engineer of the s.s. “Aotea,” was born at Glasgow, in 1870. He was educated at Allan Glen, and served his apprenticeship partly with Messrs. David Rowan and Son, and partly with Mr. Wier, of Cathcart. In 1893 he joined the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company, Limited (the s.s. “Tainui” being his first steamer), occupying the position of sixth engineer, and afterwards being promoted to the next rank. When the s.s. “Aotea” left the docks, Mr. Young was transferred to that vessel as above.
Chief Boilermaker of the s.s. “Aotea, was born at Hartlepool, Durham, England, in 1866. Apprenticed to Messrs. Craggs and Co., of Middlesborough, with whom he remained for nine years, Mr. Timlin entered the employ of the Central Engineering Company. After serving this Company for ten years, he was appointed to his present position when the s.s. “Aotea” was first put in commission. Mr. Timlin is married, and has three children.
Chief Refrigerator of the s.s. “Aotea,” was born at Port Glasgow, Scotland, in 1845. His experience in his department has extended over many years. Mr. Crawford was for six years with the Donald Currie's Cape Mail Company, and joined the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company as chief refrigerator of the ship “Wellington”—one of the first ships of the Company to carry frozen meat, and one of the most successful. He filled this position for ten years, when he was sent to superintend the erection of the refrigerating machinery of the s.s. “Aotea,” then being built. Mr. Crawford is married, and has two sons and two daughters. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and belongs to the Goven Dale Lodge, No. 437, S.C., and is also a member of the Royal Arch Mariners of Lyttlelton.
Second Refrigerator of the s.s. “Aotea,” was born at London in 1857. He was apprenticed to Messrs. A. and J. Inglis, of Glasgow, and after completing his indentures he went to sea in a vessel of the Anchor Line for three years. After serving in various companies, he joined the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company as refrigerator of the ship “Dunedin,” which position he held for five years. Mr. Young was transferred to the s.s. “Aotea” when she left the docks. He is a Freemason, and belongs to Lodge Bushby, St. Johns, No. 458, S.C.
Purser on the s.s. “Ionie,” is the seventh son of the late Mr. William Inman, founder of the Inman line of steamships. He was born at Upton Manor, Birkenhead, Cheshire, in 1864, and was educated at the Repton School, Derbyshire. On his father's death, he went to Canada, and for some years was engaged in farming. Returning, through illhealth, to England, he joined the White Star liver “Coptic,” as assistant storekeeper, and, after three voyages, was appointed purser, being transferred in 1893 to the s.s. “Ionic.”
Chief Steward of the s.s. “Tainui,” is a Londoner by birth and education. On going to sea in the White Star line, he was engaged successively on the steamers “Baltic,” “Republic,” and “Celtic.” In 1886, Mr. King joined the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company's s.s. “Ionic,” and a year later he was transferred to the “Tainui” as chief steward, which position he has held for nine years.
Chief Steward of the s.s. “Aotea,” is a New Zealander by birth. Born in the City of the Plains in 1860, he was educated at St. John's College. In 1879 he went to sea on a vessel belonging to the Union Steam Ship Company. Three years later he joined the Shaw, Savill and Albion Line, and has since occupied positions on several of the Company's steamers. Mr. Pearcy has received many testimonials from passengers for his uniform courtesy to all. He is married, and has two children.
Chief Steward and Purser of the s.s. “Maori,” was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1864. He went to sea in the service of the Peninsular and Oriental Company, in 1881, remaining for five years. Mr. Ramsden was for ten years in Millman's line of vessels trading to Australia. In June, 1895, he joined the s.s. “Maori,” taking his present position. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, being attached to the Tredgar Lodge, No. 1625, London.
Chief Stewardess of the s.s. “Gothic,” was born at South End, Essex. Before joining the White Star line, with which she has been for twelve years, Mrs. Perryer held the position of chief stewardess for four years under the National Company, and for six years under the Donald Currie Company. In 1884 she was appointed to the s.s. “Doric,” and after serving for nine years she was transferred to the floating palace in which she now sails. As a nurse, Mrs. Perryer has had a very good record, her services being invaluable to Captain Lowden, of the “Doric,” and Captain Kidley, of the “Gothic,” during severe illnesses. Mrs. Perryer is highly respected as a chief stewardess, and has been the recipient of numerous testimonials from ladies who have been entrusted to her care.
Storekeeper of the s.s. “Tainui,” was born at Clifton, Gloucestershire, England, in 1868. Educated in Somersetshire, he went to sea in vessels of the Red Cross line, of New York, for two years. Mr. Kemp was then in the service of the National Company, and in 1889 he joined the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company, serving on the s.s. “Arawa” for six years. He was appointed to the office he now fills in 1895.
(Messrs. Turnbull, Martin and Co., managing owners, London). Chief office for New Zealand, Dunedin (Mr. W. A. Moore, general manager for the colonies). Agencies in the principal ports of New Zealand. This large Company possesses six fine steamers—the “Buteshire,” “Perthshire,” “Fifeshire,” “Nairnshire,” “Morayshire,” and “Bannfshire”—which are regularly engaged in the trade to and from the Colony. They are all fitted up with electric light, have ample conveniences for large shipments of frozen meat, dairy produce and general cargo, and possess accommodation for thirty-six saloon passengers.
Chief Officer of the s.s. “Buteshire,” was born at Redding, Buteshire, England, in 1858. After leaving school, he went to sea, and was for some years engaged in the Indian and Colonial trade. He joined the Shire line in 1893. After serving as second officer of the s.s. “Nairnshire,” he was promoted to the position of chief officer of the s.s. “Buteshire,” which position he has held for the past two years.
Third Officer of the s.s. “Buteshire,” was born in 1869, in Radnorshire, Wales. After several years at sea, during which he was on vessels trading to various parts of the globe, he secured his first certificate. When the s.s. “Buteshire” was launched on the Tyne, Mr. Dingley received his appointment to the position of third officer.
Chief Engineer of the s.s. “Buteshire,” was born at Gateshead-on-Tyne, in 1859. He was apprenticed to the engineering firm of Black, Hawthorn and Co., of Gateshead. In 1894, Mr. Patterson became chief engineer of the s.s. “Perthshire,” but was subsequently transferred to the s.s. “Buteshire.” For four years before joining the Shiro line, he was employed by a large refrigerating firm in Durham, England, with whom he had large experience in the meatfreezing trade.
(Tyser and Co., Managing Directors). Head office, 16 Fenchurch Avenue, London, E.C. Chief office for the Colony, Napier (Captain Richard Todd, colonial superintendent and attorney). Agents: Auckland, Messrs. Stone Bros. and Co.; Napier and Gisborne, Messrs. Williams and Kettle (Limited); Wellington and Wanganui, Messrs. Johnston and Co.; Lyttelton, Messrs. Kinsey, Banns and Co.; Dunedin, The Mutual Agency Company of New Zealand (Limited); Invercargill, the J. G. Ward Farmers' Co-operative Association (Limited). This large Company has been represented in New Zealand for about six years. Their large cargo steamers—“Star of New Zealand,” “Star of England,” “Star of Victoria,” “Indramayo,” “Indraghiri” and “Hawkes Bay”—trade regularly to London from the ports of the Colony, taking large quantities of frozen meat, dairy produce, and general cargo, and occasionally carrying a few passengers. These vessels bring large shipments of merchandise on the return voyage to New Zealand
Commander of the s.s. “Indramayo,” is a native of Boston, England, where he was born in 1851. Educated at Portsmouth, he went to sea in 1861 on a vessel trading to Calcutta and the East. Captain Sanders served the Pacific Company for two years, and for nine years afterwards he was engaged in the China and Australian trade. In 1890 he joined the present Company, and six years later became captain of the s.s. “Indramayo.” Captain Sanders is a member of the Penang Lodge of Freemasons. He is married, and has four children.
Commander of the s.s. “Star of New Zealand,” was born in 1840 in Belfast, Ireland, where he was educated. After a year in a mercantile office, he entered the service of Messrs. J. P. Corry and Co. as an apprentice in 1855. Captain Simpson has continued in that Company's service ever since, having worked his way up to the position he now holds. He is the senior captain in the Company's fleet, and has been master for the past thirty-four years. As a Mason he is attached to the Duke of Abercorn Lodge, one of the oldest extant.
of the s.s. “Star of Victoria,” was born at Carrick Fergus, Antrim, Ireland, where he was educated. In 1879 he went to sea, serving his time in the Star Clipper line. Afterwards Captain Stevenson was engaged in sailing vessels trading to Australia and New Zealand, and worked his way up to the position of chief officer. In 1895 he was promoted to the responsible office he now fills. As a Freemason, Captain Stevenson is a member of the Harmony Lodge, No. 282, Carrick Fergus. He is married, and has two sons.
Chief Officer of the s.s. “Indramayo,” was born in 1854 at Liverpool, where he was educated. On leaving school he went to sea in one of the vessels of Messrs. Bruce and Co., of Liverpool. Mr. Holgson was afterwards successively in the employ of other shipping firms. Joining the s.s. “Indramayo” in 1891 as second officer, he was promoted in the following year to the position of chief officer. Mr. Hodgson is a member of the Liverpool Lodge of Oddfellows. He is married and has five children.
Chief Engineer of the s.s. “Indramayo,” hails from London, where he was born in 1859. After serving an apprenticeship as an engineer with Messrs. Rait and Gardiner, London, he went to sea on a ship owned by Mr. Thomas Scrutt, which was trading to the West Indies. Four years later Mr. Cricklow joined Messrs. Thomas Reid and Co., and has served in four of their steamers, having been chief engineer for seven years. He has filled the position he now holds for the last four years.
Chief Engineer of the s.s. “Star of New Zealand,” hails from Huntingtower, Perthshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1856. Educated in his native place, Mr. Macdonald served his apprenticeship at Messrs. R. H. Pearson and Company's Crown Point engine works, Glasgow. After two years he shipped on a vessel trading between the Black Sea and North American ports, was afterwards on the Clan line, running between Glasgow, Liverpool and the Cape, remaining for nearly eight years in that service, and joined the present Company's service in 1887. Mr. Macdonald, who is senior engineer in the Company's employ, superintended the erection of the machinery of the three steamers presently trading to New Zealand. He was
Chief Engineer of the s.s. “Star of Victoria,” was born in 1842 in London, where he was educated. He was apprenticed to the London and South Western Railway Company as an engineer. Mr. Nixon has been at sea for the past thirty years, for fourteen of which he was in the Great Western passenger line, trading to New York. He joined the “Star of Victoria” in 1890, taking the position he now holds. He is a Freemason, belonging to the Bristol Lodge, E.C. He is married, and has a family of four daughters and one son. Mr. Nixon has invented and patented some ingenious contrivances, chief among which are the patent floating metallic packing, the automatic weighing machine, self-lubricating gin, and Nixon's diagrameters.
Second Engineer of the s.s. “Indramayo,” was born in 1870 at Cowes, Isle of Wight, where he was educated. He served his apprenticeship at Messrs. Guys and Company's yachting works, and improved his knowledge of engineering under Mr. Laird, of Birkenhead. Joining the “Indramayo” in 1892 as fourth engineer, Mr. Sothcott was promoted after two voyages to the position of third engineer, and in 1894 he entered on the duties of the office he now fills.
Directors, the Hon. George McLean, M.L.C. (chairman), Messrs. J. M. Ritchie, E. B. Cargill, A. W. Morris, J. R. Jones, and James Mills (managing director). Head Office, Dunedin. Branch office, corner of Johnston Street and Customhouse Quay, Wellington. Telephone 7. Acting Manager, Mr. W. A. Kennedy. This popular New Zealand Company, which will be fully referred to in the Otago volume, owns, at the time of writing, a fleet of fifty steamships, including many large and superior vessels, and plans have been prepared for several new steamers. The Company maintains services weekly between all New Zealand ports and Australia and Tasmania; twice weekly between Tasmania and Australia; almost daily between the principal ports of New Zealand, radiating from Wellington; and monthly between Auckland and Fiji, between Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, and Sydney, and between Auckland, Raratonga, and Tahiti. The Union Company also holds the contracts from the New Zealand and New South Wales Governments for the mail service to England via America, arranging monthly departures from Sydney, Auckland, and San Francisco respectively. They have also established an important trade between New Zealand and Calcutta, and every season vessels are despatched to load corn sacks, wool packs, and general Indian produce, sailing for New Zealand in the months of July and November. The Wellington offices of the Company are in a splendid two-story brick building—at the junction of Customhouse Quay and Johnston Street—completed to the Company's order in January, 1890. Behind these offices is situated the Company's stores depot of two stories in height, and, in addition, the Company possesses extensive workshops and repairing yards at the corner of Taranaki Street and Victoria Street. The Company's fleet consists of the following steamers:—Monowai, Mararoa, Tekapo, Rakanoa, Talune, Rotokino, Tarawera, Waihora, Hauroto, Wakatipu, Manapouri, Oonah, Rotomahans, Taieri, Te Anau, Taviuni, Pukaki, Corinna, Flora, Ovalau, Pateena, Poherua, Upolu, Arawata, Ringarooma, Takapuna, Rotorua, Penguin, Janet Nicoll, Ohau, Taupo, Rosamond, Wainui, Dingadee, Omapere, Mawhera, Grafton, Brunner, Wareatea, Australia, Mahinapua, Orowaiti, Kawatiri, Southern Cross, Oreti, Moa, Manawatu, Beautiful Star, Maori, and Waihi, the total tonnage being 56,616.
Acting-Manager of the Wellington Branch of the Union Steam Ship Company, was born at Wellington in 1861, and was educated at the Church of England Grammar School, Auckland, and at the Otago High School Dunedin. He joined the Union Steam Ship Company in January, 1877, in the capacity of junior at the head office, Dunedin, subsequently passing through various departments of the service until 1889, when he was appointed to the position of manager of the Invercargill branch. Two years later he was transferred to the head office as general traffic manager, which position he held until September, 1895, when he was appointed relieving manager to the Company. In this capacity he officiated at Auckland till November, 1895, when he took charge of the Wellington branch.
Chief Clerk of the Wellington Branch of the Union Steam Ship Company, is the only son of Captain Holliday, the well-known harbour master at Port Nicholson. Born in 1862 in Wellington and educated at the Old College, which was the foundation of the present Wellington College, Mr. Holliday entered the local office of the New Zealand Shipping Company in the early part of 1879, remaining till the close of 1883. In the following year he joined the staff of the Union Steam Ship Company as clerk, and has passed through most grades of the service in the office. In 1893 he was promoted to the position of chief clerk. Mr. Holliday has taken considerable interest in local pastimes, such as football, rowing and yachting, in all of which he has found enjoyment and recreation.
Accountant to the Wellington Branch of the Union Steamship Company, was born in 1865 at Wanganui. Educated at the Wanganui Collegiate School, he gained his earlier mercantile experience in the office of Messrs. Taylor and Watt, merchants of his native town. After serving five years Mr. Aiken came to Wellington, becoming cashier at the Union Steamship Company's offic in 1883. Subsequently he served as corresponding clerk, being promoted to the position, which he has since held, in 1886. Mr. Aiken is fond of equestrian pursuits, in which he finds a healthful recreation. He is a member of the Central Club (Limited), also filling the important office of secretary to that company.
Passenger Clerk of the Wellington Branch of the Union Steamship Company, was born at Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, England, and after completing an educational course at Croydon, Surrey, entered the counting house of Messrs. Ward, Sturt and Sharp, warehousemen, Wood Street, London, where he served four years is apprenticeship to mercantile life. Coming to the colonies in the Blackwall liner “Superb,” Mr. Gilbert landed in Melbourne in 1877, and after a few months stay in Victoria, came on to Wellington per s.s. “Claud Hamilton.” Entering the employ of Messrs. Wilson and Richardson, importers, of Lambton Quay, as accountant, Mr. Gilbert continued with the firm for ten years, being admitted to a partnership. In 1889 Mr. Gilbert entered the service of the Union Steamship Company as passenger clerk, which position he now holds.
Superintending Steward and Stores Superintendent of the Union Steam Ship Company at Wellington, has been an officer of this large Company for about twenty years. Born in 1852 at Glasgow, where he was educated, at the age of about eighteen he went to sea and for about seven years was employed on the Anchor and State (New York lines) and the Allen Line (Canadian Mail). Joining the Union Steam Ship Company's staff in June, 1876, as chief steward of the s.s. “Wakatipu,” then in the Clyde, he came out to the Colony in that vessel. Three times since arriving in New Zealand, viz., 1879, 1881 and 1885, Mr. McNicol has been sent to the “Old Land” to supervise the furnishing of the Company's new steamers, including the “Rotomahana,” “Manapouri,” “Mahinapua,” “Wairarapa” and “Mararoa.” In 1882 he was appointed superintending steward at the head office of the Company in Dunedin, being transferred to his present office in Wellington not long afterwards. Mr. McNicol has filled the duties of his position at Wellington continuously since his return to the Colony by the s.s. “Mararoa” in 1886.
the Superintendent of Repairs for the Union Steam Ship Company's Wellington branch, was born at Bideford, Devonshire, in 1840. Apprenticed in his native town, he went to sea as a ship's carpenter, and was afterwards an overseer at Woolwich Dockyard. Arriving in Wellington per ship “Rodney” in 1875, Mr. Daniel entered the service of the late Captain Williams, in whose employ he continued till that gentleman sold his vessels to the Union Company. He has since filled the duties of the important post he now holds, the construction of some and repairs of many of the Company's steamers having been supervised by him. Mr. Daniel was married in 1866 to a daughter of Mr. T. Williams, farmer, of Wesleigh, Devon, his family numbering five sons and six daughters.
of the Union Steam Ship Company's “Upolu,” was born at Bury, Lancashire, England, in 1854, and came with his parents to New Zealand in 1861, calling at Dunedin. At seventeen years of age be joined the ship “Lady Jocelyn,” of London, at Melbourne, and served an apprenticeship of five years. Afterwards he became third mate of the same ship, occupying that post for eighteen months, and during that period the vessel was trading between London and the colonies. On resigning he took a position as mate on the steamer “Tanjil,” on the Gippsland Lakes, Victoria, for a period of eighteen months. Some time later the captain entered the employ of the Union Steam Ship Company of New Zealand, Limited, and has remained with them for over seventeen years. His first position was third mate of the “Wakatipu,” and he was afterwards promoted to the second mateship. Then he became first mate of the “Penguin,” and a year later was transferred to the “Arawata.” In June, 1885, he was appointed to the command of the s.s. “Iona,” and has since been in charge of several of the Company's steamers. In April, 1892, he was appointed captain of the “Upolu.”
the popular captain of the s.s. “Takapuna,” was born in Rossshire, Scotland, in 1851, and served his time at sea in a vessel trading with the port of London and the British Coast. After much experience, gained in various parts of the world, he joined the fleet of the Union Steam Shipping Company of New Zealand, in April 1879. He was for over a year in command of the s.s. “Wanaka,” and in 1888 he was transferred to the “Takapuna,” where he still remains. Captain Grant is a careful and skilful officer, and has a genial smile and a kindly word for all who travel by this favourite steamer. He was married in 1886, to the second daughter of Mr. John Young, of Napier, and has two sons and a daughter.
of the Union Steam Ship Company's s.s. “Wainui,” is an Englishman by birth. Born at Shooters' Hill, London, in 1849, he came out to Queensland in 1866 as a passenger in the “Star of England.” He was engaged on a station, and three years later went to Sydney and joined the ship “Ethan Altan,” of Boston, U.S.A. Captain Lambert sailed in various American ships, visiting the Pacific Coast and China, rising to the rank of second mate. In 1873 he joined the ship “Lady Jocelyn” at Plymouth as an able scaman, and again came to the colonies. Obtaining employment in the barque “South Esk,” he was on board that vessel when she was wrecked at the Wellington Heads on the 28th of May, 1874. He entered the employ of Captain Williams, of Wellington, about 1875, and subsequently became captain. Captain Lambert was in command of the s.s. “Manawatu” when that steamer was taken over, with the rest of Captain Williams' fleet by the Union Steam Ship Company in July, 1885. He has had charge of a number of the Company's steamers, and has been in command of the Wainui since December 1892.
Commander of the s.s. “Corinna,” was born in 1862, in Aberdeen, Scotland, where he was educated. He first went to sea in 1877, on Duthie's line of ships trading between London and Sydney. After five years in the employ of that company, he joined Messrs. Adams and Company's Aberdeen line of steamers trading to China, Japan, and India. In 1890, he entered the service of the Union Company, and brought the s.s. “Poherua” from the Docks to New Zealand. Captain Macbeth was then placed in command of the “Dingadee,” being transferred to the “Corinna” in 1895. As a Freemason, he belongs to the Phœnix Lodge, Westport, E.C.
of the Union Steam Ship Company's s.s. “Grafton,” was born in Sweden in the year 1841, and began his seafaring life at thirteen years of age, serving five years as an apprentice. He made his first visit to the colonies in 1866, sailing as a seaman in the “James Lister” to Sydney, New South Wales. After being employed by the P. and O. Company and other shipowners for a number of years, he entered the service of Messrs. McMeckan, Blackwood and Co., of Melbourne, as second officer of the s.s. “Omeo.” He remained in their employ till the Union Steam Ship Company purchased their fleet in 1879. Captain Nordstrum then became second mate of the s.s. “Albion,” being afterwards promoted to first mate, becoming captain of the “Grafton” in July, 1886.
Union S.S. Company's s.s. “Waihi,” was born at Gravesend, Kent, England, in 1848. He went to sea at the age of fourteen years, first as an apprentice, and subsequently as an able seaman. In 1870, he made his first trip to New Zealand, coming out to Nelson in the barque “Rapedo,” chartered by Messrs. Shaw, Savill and Co. He left that ship shortly after her arrival, and entered the employ of the New Zealand Steam Shipping Company, as an able seaman on the s.s. “Phœbe.” He was employed in the coastal trade in various vessels. In 1876, he was appointed first mate of the “Nelson,” which position he held for twenty-one months. Afterwards, he was employed in the s.s. Grafton and other boats for a number of years The subject of this sketch was in the employ of Mr. W. R. Williams when the Union S.S. Company took over that fleet, and was, in June, 1888, appointed captain of the “Waihi,” and has had command of that steamer, with the exception of a few relieving trips on other steamers, ever since.
of the Union Steam Ship Company's s.s. “Brunner,” was born in Alytha, Perthshire, Scotland. He was apprenticed on the ship “Havilah,” trading from Dundee, in 1867, and served four years. Subsequently he became third mate of the “Wild Deer.” For seven years he was employed by Messrs. Patrick Henderson and Co., of Glasgow, first as third mate, and afterwards as first mate. Captain Ramsay has seen considerable service. After leaving Messrs. Henderson and Co., he joined the Donald Currie line as first mate of the “Courland,” and remained with them about eighteen months. He was afterwards with the British India Steam Ship Company, and entered the service of the Union Steam Ship Company at Glasgow. He came out to New Zealand as first officer of the s.s. “Taupo,” and has since been continuously in their employ. He was promoted to the rank of captain about four years ago.
of the Union Steam Ship Company's s.s. “Manawatu,” is a native of London, where he was born in 1856. He went to sea in the ship “Queen of London,” in 1869, and was employed in that ship and various other vessels for some years. Captain Rutter came to Port Chalmers, in 1875, in the ship “William Davie,” and found employment on vessels in the intercolonial trade. He joined the Union Steam Ship Company, in August, 1888, as second officer, was promoted to first officer in May, 1890, and has had command of the “Manawatu” since July, 1893.
second officer of the s.s. “Mahinapua,” was born in Shropshire, England, in 1862, and was educated in Ludlow Grammar School. When eleven months old he accompanied his parents to New Zealand in the ship “Huntress,” landing at Lyttelton. His father took a farm at Temuka, where they stayed for about six years. Thomas and his father then left for England in the ship “Bluejacket,” which took fire and was burnt at sea, 300 miles north of the Falklands. Those on board took to the boats, and were seven days and eight nights out on the open sea, before being picked up by the German barque “Piermont.” Several of the castaways were frostbitten, dying in the boats, and one boat was lost altogether. Then, on the “Piermont” the water ran short, and several of the crew died before they reached Queenstown, Ireland. On arriving there the castaways were sent on to Bristol. Their experiences are related in detail in a book called “Round the World,” by Frank Smiles. Thomas Lippitt and his father came safely through all their privations and reached Ludlow, where Mr. Lippitt, sen., is still living. The subject of this notice was apprenticed to Messrs. Eills and Co., ship-owners and chandlers, of Park Lane, Liverpool, and served on the barque “Truth,” trading to the East Indies. He afterwards became second mate on the “Mirella,” trading to South America. Coming to New Zealand in the R.M.S. “Tongariro,” he joined the U.S.S Co.'s service in 1884 as fourth officer on the “Waihora,” and subsequently was third officer on the “Ringarooma.” Leaving to join the s.s. “Elderslie” as third officer, he went to England with that vessel. He got married at Ludlow in 1886, and, returning to New Zealand in the “Ionic,” rejoined the U.S.S. Co.'s service, and has served on several of their steamers.
Chief Engineer of the s.s. “Takapuna,” was born at Forfarshire, Scotland, in 1851. He was educated in his native place, and served his time to the engineering with the principal engineering firm at Arbroath. He came to New Zealand in 1873, and five years later joined the Union Company. He has since been employed on a great number of the Company's steamers. Being promoted to the position of chief engineer in 1887, Mr. Brown was transferred to the s.s. “Takapuna” in 1881. He is married, and has eight children.
Chief Engineer of the s.s. “Mararoa,” was born in 1854, at the Vale of Laven, Dumbartonshire, Scotland, where he was educated. He served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Denny and Company, the celebrated ship-builders. Joining the Union Company in 1877, as fourth engineer of the s.s. “Rotorua,” he was promoted, in 1880, to the position of chief engineer, which office he has held on a considerable number of the Company's vessels. Mr. McMurrich is married, and has four sons. He belongs to the Marine Lodge of Freemasons, No. 942, Dunedin, E.C.
(Captain J. E. Westrup and Mr. Wm. Bennett, owners). The s.s. “Wairoa,” which belongs to the above Company, trades between Wellington, Havelock, Motueka, and Patea, making about two trips per week. The present proprietors purchased the vessel early in 1896.
who commands the s.s. “Wairoa,” was born in Nelson in 1850. At ten years of age he went to sea, and eventually became mate of a small schooner. About a quarter of a century ago Captain Westrup gained his master's certificate. He has served as captain of several sailing vessels, and for nine years was well known as captain of the s.s. “Waitapu.” He joined Mr. William Bennett in the purchase of the s.s. “Wairoa” in March, 1896. Captain Westrup was married in 1876 to the eldest daughter of Mr. Robert Fellows, settler, of Nelson, and has three daughters.
Engineer of the s.s. “Wairoa,” was born in Nelson in 1868. He served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Cable and Company, completing his term in 1888. Mr. Bennett then joined the Eastern Australian Company as fourth engineer of the s.s. “Tannadice,” a vessel engaged in the China trade. Two years later he became engineer of the s.s. “Adelaide,” trading out of Port Darwin to the Gulf of Carpentaria. In 1891 Mr. Bennett returned to the Colony, and became engineer of the s.s. “Waitapu,” which position he held till the burning of that vessel in February, 1896. Soon after this he joined Captain Westrup in the purchase of the s.s. “Wairoa.” Mr. Bennett was married in 1892 to the third daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Bowie, of Wellington, and has a daughter and a son.
National Mutual Buildings, Wellington. Directors, Messrs.E. Pearce (Chairman), H. Beauchamp, F. A. Krull, A. E. Pearce and J. E. Nathan. Auditor, Mr. E. W. Mills. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Engineer and Manager, the Hon. Edward Richardson, M.I.M.E., M.L.C. This Company was established in 1871, with a capital of £30,000, with a subsidy of 7 per cent. from the Provincial Government for twenty-one years. On the expiry of this term, the Company was reconstructed, with a capital of £9156, in 3052 shares of £3 each, fully paid up. The freehold land, buildings, slip, plant, etc., are valued at £11,000. The Company has been a dividend paying one for many years. The balance-sheet for the year ending March 31st, 1895, shows a balance of £4207 6s. 7d. at credit of nrotit and loss. A dividend at the rate of 5 per cent. was paid, £2000
(Charles Seagar, managing owner). This line of steamships trades solely between Wellington and Wanganui, their steamers being the s.s. “Stormbird” and the s.s. “Huia,” which carry passengers and cargo. It is now fully a quarter of a century since Mr. Seagar founded this line of coastal steamers. The s.s. “Tui” and the s.s. “Matau,” two ships owned by the Company and engaged in the trade, were both lost on the coast some years ago. For some time the Company's steamers called at Foxton both going and returning, but this service has now been discontinued.
the Managing Owner of the Wellington Steam Packet Company, is an old colonist, and has done much to further the interests of the Empire City and the commerce of the provincial district. He was born in 1833 in Hampshire, England, and was brought up to the engineering trade, arriving in the Colony in 1858, per barque “Acasta,” which called at Nelson on the way to Wellington. Mr. Seagar founded the Phœnix Foundry, which he conducted for eighteen years, securing a large trade. In the meantime he had established the line of steamships known as the “Wellington Steam Packet Company,” and as the business required his undivided attention, he disposed of the foundry and engineering works to Messrs. Robertson and Co., who still carry on a considerable business. During the days of provincial governments Mr. Seagar was for some time a member of the Wellington Provincial Council. The subject of this notice, who is an elder brother of Mr. E. Seagar—the well-known iron founder—was married before leaving England for the Colony, but has no family.
of the Government steamer “Hinemoa,” was born at Norfolk, England. Captain Neale has been on the steamer for the last twelve years, being promoted to the command of the vessel when Captain Fairchild went to England in 1896.
Second Officer of the Government steamer “Hinemoa.” was born in London in 1862. When fourteen years of age, he went to sea, and suffered shipwreck in Foveaux-Straits, in the barque “England's Glory,” in 1881. Since that time, Mr. Bollons has been engaged in the New Zealand trade in almost every class of vessel. He has been in the Government service for six years, having joined the “Hinemoa” in 1893.
Chief Engineer of the s.s. “Hinemoa,” was born in Scotland in 1832. It is upwards of thirty-five years since Mr. Campbell landed in the Colony. After gaining his experience as an engineer, he joined the Government service in 1878, and has risen to the important position he now holds.
Second Engineer of the Government steamer “Hinemoa,” was born at Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1864. After serving his apprenticeship in Greymouth, Mr. James joined the “Hinemoa” in 1892.
of the s.s. “Duke of Sutherland,” was born at Kent, England, in 1861, and was educated at the Isle of Wight. After leaving school he went to sea serving his time in vessels belonging to Mr. Thomas Skinner's Castle line, trading to China and India. After some years' experience with several shipping firms, Captain Coltar joined the Duke line in 1887. His first trip to New Zealand was in the “Duke of Westminster” as third officer in 1889. He afterwards became chief officer of the “Duke of Buckingham” for some time, and in 1895 he was promoted to the command of the “Duke of Sutherland.”
of the barque “Lutterworth,” was born in Devonshire, England, in 1861. He is very well known in the New Zealand ports, having traded between England and this Colony since 1883—for some years as chief mate of the “Wave Queen,” and since 1890 in command of the “Lutterworth.” Captain Kelly is a member of the St. Andrew's Lodge of Freemasons, Auckland. He takes a great interest in sporting affairs, and frequently promotes aquatic carnivals for the benefit of public charities. He is married, and has two children.
of the s.s. “Duco,” was born at Newquay, Wales, in the year 1844, and went to sea at the age of thirteen years, sailing in various ships trading on the English Coast. He came to New Zealand in 1865, per ship “Berwin,” and located himself at Hokitika, where he was engaged in gold mining for a short time. He came to Wellington a year later, entering the employ of Mr. R. Williams, shipowner, and since that gentleman's decease has continued with his son. Captain Jones became captain of s.s. “Mana” in 1885, which position he occupied until about two years ago, when he was appointed to his present command.
of the s.s. “Manaia,” Red Cross Line, was born at Nelson, in 1861. After leaving school, he was for a time employed in mercantile life. In 1877 he went to sea in the ship “Peri,” as an ordinary seaman, sailing to San Francisco, and thence to England. He returned to Nelson in the barque “Irvine,” and was employed in the coasting trade for some twelve months. After five years' experience on the goldfields in New Zealand, at Kimberley (Western Australia), and at Croydon (Queensland), he returned to his former occupation. In 1888, he became mate of the s.s. “Aorere,” of the Anchor Line. Eighteen months later, he accepted the position of second mate of the s.s. “Murray,” which he resigned, in 1892, to take command of the s.s. “Manaia.”
What may be termed the immediate suburbs of Wellington—that is, those not situated on either line of railway—have, for convenience, been grouped under the above heading. The pictures and particulars given below will be sufficient to prove rather too conclusively that in the matter of suburbs Wellington is placed at a decided disadvantage as compared with the other large towns of the Colony. That the present disparity will not long continue is fairly assured. Already movements are on foot with the object of connecting the suburbs with the city and each other by an up-to-date electric tram service; and the rapid increase in their population must soon accentuate their importance. Easy access is all that is really needed to ensure the very rapid progress of the suburbs. They are all healthy in a high degree; but the hilly nature of Wellington's surroundings has kept many residents in the city who would otherwise have most gladly availed themselves of the many advantages to be derived from living beyond the smoke and noise of the busy Capital. Land is steadily rising in value in all the suburbs; and those who are in a position to purchase and occupy will find that class of investment far from undesirable. Dr. A. K. Newman is the Member for Wellington Suburbs, which district, however, includes a much larger area than is described in this section. Particulars and portrait of Dr. Newman, M.H.R., are given on page 262 of this volume. The suburbs through which the East and the West Coast railways run are treated in the two following sections in the order of their geographical positions.
is a suburban borough about three miles west from Wellington. Access to Karori is by road either from Molesworth Street by Hill Street, or by Aro Street through Mitchelltown. The former route is that used by the coaches, of which three lines are running. The Postal and Telephone Bureau is at Mr. W. F. Newcomb's store: Mails arrive and close twice every day. There is also a letter box at the cemetery gate, about half way to Wellington. Karori is certainly one of the most attractive residental localities around Wellington. The road leading to it from the northern end of the City is wide and well kept, and passes through pleasing scenery. Winding its way with an easy up-grade, it passes the Botanical Gardens on the north side, and after many turns through natural bush and around rocky faces, it leads into open agricultural country about two miles out. On the northern side of this hill, and on the right of the road, is the cemetery, which is now largely used, and is under the control of the Corporation of Wellington. Karori is best known by its pleasure gardens—the property of Mr. W. H. Young—which attract hundreds of visitors on holidays. Since the creation of the borough, a great deal of money has been spent on improving the roads and giving better access to the various sections, with the result that building has gone on briskly and the population has about doubled in five years. There are two churches—St. Mary's (Anglican) and the new Wesleyan Church—Which are referred to herein. Cricket and football clubs exist in the borough, a capital cricket ground having been secured. A useful public library is open on Monday nights under the care of Mr. W. H. Young, as librarian.
was created in 1891. Previously it was a part of the Hutt County, being a portion of the Karori-Makara Road Board. The borough is not sub-divided into wards. Of the six councillors one-third retire from office every year. The first mayor of the borough was Mr. Stephen Lancaster. The mayor (1896) is Mr. R. C. Bulkley, the well-known surgeon dentist of Wellington; and the present councillors are: Messrs. S. Lancaster, H. Dryden, C. Dasent, F. W. Lewer, J. F. Spiers and E. Platt. Mr. W. F. England occupies the position of borough clerk, and Mr. H. Bradnock is ranger and poundkeeper. The annual revenue of the Borough is about £500, raised by a rate of fifteen-sixteenths of a penny in the pound on the capital value. The Council meets on the third Tuesday in each month in the town schoolroom.
is centrally situated in the borough. The building, which contains three rooms, is of the usual design, and built in wood. There are 150 children on the roll, ranging from the infant's classes to Standard VII, the average attendance being about 120. Pupils from the school have gained scholarships at different times, and in 1894 the school had the credit of claiming the pupil who was first on the list for thè Wanganui College Scholarship. A side school at South Karori, opened in 1886,
Headmaster of the Karori Public School, was born in India and educated in England. He holds a C1 certificate under the Board, and has been continuously engaged in teaching for twenty-one years, during which time many of his pupils have done credit to his careful training. For seven years he occupied the position of headmaster at the Patea High School, and for the last fourteen years he has been headmaster of the Karori School, enjoying the esteem of both parents and children for his kindly ways and devoted attention to his important duties.
Karori, is a wooden structure with a small churchyard surrounding it, the parsonage being almost adjoining. There is seating accommodation for 140 worshippers, regular services being conducted morning and evening on Sundays. The Rev. Alexander Dasent is the curate, and Messrs. W. H. Young and R. Caldwell churchwardens.
the Curate of St. Mary's, Karori, is one of the oldest Episcopalian clergymen in New Zealand. He is the son of the late Attorney-General of the Isle of St. Vincent, and was born in the West Indies in 1819, having been ordained priest in 1813. During his thirty-three year's service in the Colony, he has been stationed in different parts of New Zealand, and has founded many churches. The rev. gentleman has also charge of St. Mathias', Makara.
Karori, a neat wooden building lately erected, occupies a prominent position in the centre of the borough, services being conducted by supplies from Wellington twice each Sunday and on Tuesday evenings every week.
are situated about a quarter of a mile to the south of the State School. Nestling among the hills, the gardens are protected alike from the cold of the prevailing winter winds and the heat of the summer sun. Although it is within the last two or three years only that they have been brought prominently before the notice of the public, these gardens are by no means a new institution. Their age may be inferred by the fact that a tree is pointed out to the visitor as having been planted by Sir George Grey in 1868. About three years ago the present proprietor, Mr. W. H. Young, acquired the property from Mr. Donald, who had owned it for many years. Under the new regime the gardens have been greatly improved, and now form one of the most pleasant spots near Wellington. The property consists of thirty acres, of which fifteen compose the pleasure grounds, while the remainder are open fields. A pleasant surprise awaits the visitor as he enters at the eastern gate and makes his way towards the house. On one side the path is planted with a holly hedge, and on the other flowers abound in endless profusion. Entering the house to rest after his walk or drive from town, the visitor may refresh himself with the good things of the season. Having satisfied the claims of the inner man, the traveller may now explore the other parts of the garden. From the house, which occupies a central position, the ground towards the western gate suddenly declines for about fifty yards, and thence stretches a flat for some distance. On this flat, fish ponds, the lake, and the croquet and tennis courts meet the eye of the visitor. The tennis courts, which are always well patronised in summer, form one of the most pleasing features of the garden. Many residents in town look forward with delight to Saturday afternoon, when they may take a trip to the gardens and enjoy a game of tennis. It is no uncommon sight to see several parties waiting their turn for the use of the courts. A short distance from these the lake is situated, on which a boat is always ready for those who wish to use it. The northern portion of the gardens is intersected with beautifully shaded walks, on the sides of which are seats for the convenience of the public. In these cool places may be obtained such rest from the summer sun as would have satisfied the heart of the poet when he sighed for the valleys of the fabled Hæmus. On the south side there are also many pleasant walks and summer houses. Here, too, are the swings and other means of amusement for children. Having seen the many sights of the gardens, the visitor may, before returning home, obtain an excellent tea at the house; and, as flowors are always in abundance, may if he wishes, take a bouquet to town with him. It must not be supposed, however, that the proprietor's functions are exhausted with the entertainment of day visitors. On the contrary, provision is made for honeymoon parties and others who wish to take a longer holiday at the gardens For anyone in need of a complete rest, no better place could be found. Here the invalid may enjoy the fresh bracing air of the country, and at the same time be within easy access of the town. Coaches run between Wellington and Karori, and the gardens are some three or four hundred yards from the coach line. Mrs. Young and her family do all in their power to make the Karori Pleasure Grounds a thoroughly agreeable resort for all classes.
Dryden, Henry, Restaurant Keeper, Karori Refreshment Rooms, Karori. Established 1891.
Mansfield, J., Monumental Mason, Karori.
Page, Henry, Storckeeper, Karori. Established 1857.
Spiers, J. F., Coach Proprietor, Karori.
Walker, George, Shoeing and General Smith, Karori. Established 1890.
Wilson, Joseph, Butcher, Karori. Established 1895.
which was incorporated on the 5th March, 1888, has jurisdiction over a large district, which previously consisted of Nos. 2, 3, 4, and 5 Wards of the late Kilbirnie Road District, and extends from the Botanical Gardens round the City of Wellington to Oriental Bay, including Upland Farm, and the townships of Mitchelltown, Taitville, Brooklyn, Vogeltown, Island Bay, Melrose, Kilbirnie, and Roseneath; the entire district forming a kind of horse-shoe round the City. The members of the Council comprise Messrs. John Collins (Mavor), G. H. Baylis, William Brunskill, C. T. Browne, George Key, James Wishart, Robert Tait, George Webb, S. F. Wright, and F. J. W. Fear. The area of the district is estimated at 3962 acres, and the population at 1680, the number of ratepayers being 536. There are 336 buildings in the borough, while the total number of rateable properties is 600. The borough is divided into three wards, namely, Kilbirnie, Island Bay, and Ohiro. The general rate is fifteen-sixteenths of a penny, and the hospital and charitable aid rate one-fifth of a penny, on the capital value of the district. which is £218,753.
J.P., who has been a prominent citizen in Wellington for twenty-two years, occupies the Melrose mayoral chair for the second consecutive term. Mr. Collins claims Hampstead Heath, near London, as his birthplace. As a youth he was put to learn the handicraft of a compositor at the printing establishment of Messrs. Woodfall and Kinder, Old Bailey, London, where he remained for several years. This occupation proving monotonous, he entered the Royal Navy, and in 1859 rounded Cape Horn on H.M.S. “Clio.” Four years later, after a cruise in the South Pacific, the men were paid off at Sheerness, and Mr. Collins returned to his native place, where he married. In 1873 the subject of this sketch arrived in Wellington, accompanied by his family, with the intention of settling in New Zealand. Mr. Collins has ever taken an active part in the temperance crusade since his advent—in the Order of Rechabites he has occupied the chief chairs, and has cheerfully given up his time to further the interests of the local Prohibition League and the New Zealand Alliance, of which latter body he was one of the inaugurators, and now sits as a member of its executive. In connection with local charitable and public institutions, Mr. Collins has shown his zeal—for several years as a trustee of the Wellington Hospital and Benevolent Institutions, and for twelve years in Kilbirnie and Melrose local bodies. As a churchman, he belongs to the Baptist denomination, and was one of the few who assisted in the foundation of the Vivian Street Church.
Town Clerk, Treasurer, Valuator, Collector of Rates, Engineer, Inspector of Nuisances, and Returning Officer for the Mehose Borough, and Clerk and Treasurer to the Seatoun Road Board, was born at Kensington, London, in 1850, his parents removing into the County of Kent in 1857. Since leaving school he has studied closely, always bent upon improving himself in his odd time. Mr. Foster was brought up to the trade of steam brick manufacturer at the works of the Burham Brick, Lime, and Cement Company, and the Medway Gault Brick Company, in Kent. After ten years spent at the above work, he was employed for a time at H.M. Steam Cooperage at Deptford Royal Victualling Yards, and he was also engaged at J. and W. Dudgeon's Iron Ship Yards, Milwall, Maudeslay, Sons and Field, shipbuilders and engineers, and the Bessemer Steel Works, East Greenwich, spending altogether about three years in the iron trade. He was married at Eastbourne, Sussex, in 1874. For some time prior to leaving England, Mr. Foster carried on business as a general storekeeper. He came to New Zealand in 1875 per ship “Mataura,” and landed in Nelson, from whence he proceeded to Blenheim, Marlborough, where he resided for two years, undertaking road contracts and general work. At the end of this period he removed to Wellington, where for some time he was engaged in contracting and brick-making, and where he afterwards went into business as a manufacturer of cordials and temperance drinks. He also carried on a dairy business for some time. All this time Mr. Foster was gradually improving his position and adding to his knowledge and experience, qualifying himself to undertake the inspection and construction of engineering works, etc. He studied at the Technical School for some time, and was successful in passing the local examinations in perspective and geometrical drawing. In 1884 he first became connected with the Kilbirnie Road District, and upon the proclamation of the Melrose Borough was appointed town clerk and returning officer by the Governor, and re-appointed at the first meeting of the Council. From that time he has gradually worked up to his present position. He has done a great deal of work in the district, and continues to lead a very busy life. Mr. Foster also fills the position of Secretary to the Mitchelltown School Committee. His eldest son, who is nineteen years of age, and is apprenticed to engineering at Mr. Seagar's foundry, has been studying at the Technical School for some time. He has been successful in passing the examinations in geometry and perspective, and has also taken the South Kensington certificate for mechanical drawing.
a postal district immediately south of Riddiford Street, Wellington South, is in the borough of Melrose. It is approached by road—a continuation of Adelaide Road—Newtown. Coaches to Island Bay pass through the district three times each way daily, the city trams reaching a point only ten minutes' walk from the locality every ten minutes. Mails are sent twice daily to the sub-office at Mr. Mainwaring's house, closing there morning and afternoon. A new school has recently been erected in the district.
a postal district to the south west of Wellington, is part of the borough of Melrose. The district comprises the settlement on the hilltops above Ohiro, access from the City being by the Ohiro Road from Wordsworth Street. There is a postoffice and telephone bureau at Mrs. Ferkin's store, Ohiro Road, and mails are received every morning, the delivery of letters in the district being from the general post-office. The public buildings are the Brooklyn Hall and the Baptist Church on the Ohiro Road.
Fenkins, Mrs., Storekeeper, Ohiro Road, Brooklyn.
Luxton, William, Butcher, Brocklyn.
Smith, Mrs., Storekeeper, Brocklyn.
Jackson, Wm. M. Venetian Blind Maker, Brocklyn.
is a settlement four miles south of Wellington, and forms a ward of the borough of Melrose. It is approached from Adelaide Road, South Wellington. There are no postal arrangements, but a telephone bureau has been established at the Island Bay Hotel. The place is a summer holiday resort for City residents, and the houses are mostly unoccupied in winter.
Island Bay Hotel (Thomas C. Watson, proprietor), Island Bay.
is a suburb of Wellington and part of the borough of Melrose. The township of Kilbirnie lies in that little valley which has its head at the south side of Mt. Victoria signal station, and its outlet on the south-western corner of Evans Bay. It is reached by tram to Newtown, from which it can be reached on foot in fifteen minutes, there being a good metalled road—a continuation of Constable Street. The township is growing rapidly, and promises to be a favourite seaside resort. There are public salt-water baths and a private bathing ground. Boats are also available. The public recreation grounds presented by the late Mr. Crawford are close to the public baths. There is a hall and pleasure gardens near by. Three churches—Presbyterian, Episcopalian and Roman Catholic—have been erected, and regular Methodist services are held in the
is centrally situated in the township. The building is of wood and iron, containing two rooms. It was erected about 1880, and the attendance has steadily increased. The number of children on the roll is 140, the average attendance being 111. The teaching staff is as follows:—Headmaster, Mr. Geo. S. M. McDermid; mistress, Miss Boulcott: pupil teachers, Miss McDermid and Miss Oswyn, B.A. The usual standards are included in the course of instruction at this school, which has a good record. In 1895 its pupils secured six out of the fifty technical scholarships offered by the Wellington Education Board.
Headmaster of the Kilbirnie Public School, was born in Glendermid, near Port Chalmers, Otago, in 1861. His parents, who were among the earliest settlers in Otago, came to the Colony in 1848 in the ship “Philip Laing,” and settled in the place which has since borne their name. Mr. McDermid's father died in 1877, and his mother ten years later. The subject of this sketch first attended school at Glendermid, but gaining a scholarship, he went to the Boys' High School, Dunedin. Here his career as a scholar was one of the most brilliant on the records of the school. He first distinguished himself by winning the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce silver medal for arithmetic in 1875. To this he added Webb's prize for writing, the silver medal for general excellence in drill as lieutenant of the cadet corps, and in 1878 he secured the Chamber of Commerce gold medal as dux on the modern side of the school. He was one of the winners of Tewsley's special prize of ten guineas for writing, arithmetic, and precis-writing, the competition being open to all the Dunedin schools. In 1873 Mr. McDermid matriculated, and subsequently attended the Otago University, taking his first B.A. section in 1880, after which he discontinued studying for a time. In 1887 he was appointed temporarity to be second assistant at Thorndon Public School, Wellington. The following year he was appointed h admaster at Kaiwaiwai, where he remained six years. During this team he instituted tree-planting by the children. He was appointed in 1894 to the Kilbirnie School. Mr. McDermid is married, and has two children, his wife being the youngest daughter of Mr. William Nicols, an old settler in Featherston. As a member of the Kilbirnie
Pleasure Boat Proprietor, Kilbirnie. The facilities for bathing and boating are among the most attractive features of Kilbirnio. This is largely due to the enterprise of Mr. Topp, who has gene to a great deal of trouble and expense to fit up one of the most complete seaside pleasure-boat and bathing establishments in the Wellington district. After securing the lease of some 200 feet of the foreshore, Mr. Topp erected a boatshed 25 feet by 40 feet, and two cottages, which latter are neat in design and comfortably finished. The fireplaces are furnished with patent heating stoves invented by Mr. Topp. These stoves are of cast-iron, size, 2 feet by 8 inches, and are so constructed that very little fuel is required to heat two rooms. They are placed in a double chimney, having a face in each room, and may be worked from either side. Besides the boatshed and cottages, a space 45 feet by 65 feet is to be occupied by bathing rooms, which are to be erected alongside the enclosed bathing ground. There is a large fleet of boats, all new and varying in size. Mr. Topp intends to erect a landing stage and establish a steam launch service to the City. Everything will be done for the convenience of those who desire to visit this attractive summer resort. The suitability of Evans' Bay for boating is well known in the City, and with the arrangements provided, the place is likely to become exceedingly popular. Mr. Topp, who is a married man, was born in Capetown, South Africa, and has been in New Zealand since 1865. He is a plumber by trade, and worked for eight years at the Wellington Gasworks and for five years under other employers before starting in business for himself in 1890. Mr. Topp's town office is in Allen Street. He takes an interest in pastimes, and was the promoter and first captain of the Kilbirnie Cricket Club, of which he is still
Burke, James, Woolscourer, Kilbirnie. Established 1869.
Hansen, H. F. L., Storekeeper. Established 1895.
Heginbotham, J. A., Kilbirnie Tea Gardens, Kilbirnie.
Jorgenson, J. P., Storekeeper, Kilbirnie. Post Office and Telephone Bureau.
Kilbirnie Hotel (F. J. Preston, proprietor), Kilbirnie. Established 1890.
an agricultural settlement and school district in the Hutt County, is situated about five miles west of Karori by a good road. About thirty families live in the settlement, the
is a wooden building accommoling about sixty children, with an average attendance of forty, the standards being from one to six. The school has always taken a creditable position when its pupils have competed with those of other schools for scholarships. The teachers are Misses Balliugall (mistress) and Hawkins.
Headmistress of the Makara Public School who holds a D2 certificate, was born in Burnt Island, Fifeshire, Scotland. Primarily educated at North Leith, and trained at Murray House Free Church Training College, Edinburgh, she has had considerable Scotch and Colonial experience as a teacher.
after which the Borough of which it forms a part was named, is likely to become an attractive marine suburb. It adjoins Newtown Park, and lies between Island Bay and Lyell Bay, extending to the sea beach along which passes the recently formed road known as the Queen's Drive. The area of Melrose, including roads, is 560 acres, which has been subdivided into sections of from half-an-acre to twenty acres in size. The lots afford excellent variety of hill and dale, and from most points splendid views are obtainable. It is not surprising that the ground is being rapidly taken up, both for seaside residences and for paddocks with a view to future use. Melrose is watered by numerous springs, and combines every advantage for a residential suburb. It is owned by the Melrose proprietors: Messrs. N. Reid, G. H. Luxford, R. Davies, H. M. Hayward, Mrs. Macdonald, Hon. W. J. M. Larnach, C.M.G., and the trustees in the estates of the late Mr. R. M. Greenfield and the Hon. Sir P. A. Buckley, K.C.M.G.
J.P., one of the proprietors of the Melrose estate, is one of the oldest colonists still living in Wellington, where he arrived in March, 1840, per ship “Adelaide.” Born in Eastbourne, Sussex, England, in 1826, he left his native land in 1839, with his parents and other relatives, numbering over a score. Although the “Adelaide” was the largest ship of the five that conveyed the early fathers, she made the longest passage. On her arrival, the settlers consulted as to the advisability of changing the site of the settlement, owing to the floods at Brittania (now Petone). Mr. Luxford, who had hurt his leg and was the only male passenger left on the “Adelaide,” saw the first cargo landed on Pipitea Point, which had just been settled on in preference to the original site. The land now occupied by streets and houses and gardens, and the bare hills beyond, were at that time densely overgrown by scrub and bush. Mr. Luxford endured the handship incidental to the lot of pioneers of Wellington, and engaged in business of almost every kind. At the time of the Maori disturbance of 1846, when Te Rauparaha was captured, Mr. Luxford was engaged in Porirua Harbour, conveying stores to the troops in an open boat, with a native crew, in which he was constantly in danger. Afterwards he joined the militia, becoming a lieutenant, and serving actively for many years. Mr. Luxford subsequently did a great deal to develop the country districts. He had several farms in the Wairarapa, where he was known as a successful grazier. Later on, he sold out his properties, and transferred his interests to the neighbourhood of Palmerston North, where he is still a large landowner. He made the first reclamation from the sea in Wellington, at the back of premises then held by him in Willis Street. For many years he held valuable contracts to supply the military with food of all kinds. It is somewhat singular to chronicle that Mr. Luxford, up to the time of writing, resided on the same town acre which he purchased in Willis Street in 1844. He has never left New Zealand since arriving as described above, and has not been away from the city for a longer period than three months at any one time. In 1847, Mr. Luxford was married to a daughter of the late Captain George P. Smith, of the Imperial Army. She died in 1864, leaving four sons and a daughter, the last of whom is deceased. The eldest son, Mr. W. L. Luxford, is manager of the Palmerston North Timber Company, the second and fourth are farmers at Awapuni and Aroua Bridge respectively, and the third is a banker at Temuka. In April, 1865, Mr. Luxford married a second time. His daughter by this marriage is Mrs. H. M. Hayward, of Melrose. The family of Luxford has increased fully five times since arrival. Mr. Luxford is hale and hearty, and may long live to enjoy the fruits of his early labour.
was born at M
is that portion of Wellington City which extends up the steep gully west from Upper Willis Street. The road passing through it to Karori is a continuation of Aro Street. During recent years building has gone on rapidly in this part, and the place has now a population of many hundreds. Mails are delivered daily from the General Post Office, and there is a posting pillar at Carmody's store.
which was opened in 1894, is a two-roomed wooden structure of modern design. The school, which was erected to relieve the overcrowding in the infant classes at Te Aro Public School, Willis Street, is composed of children from Standard III. downwards. There are about 140 children on the roll, the average attendance being about 100. The headmistress, Miss McKenzie, is helped in her work by two able assistants.
Headmistress of the Mitchelltown Infants' School, is a daughter of the late Mr. Alex. McKenzie, of Taratahi and Lower Manaia. She was born in Taratahi, and commenced her education in a private school in Carterton. Miss McKenzie then attended the state school at Carterton, and afterwards a similar establishment in Masterton. After four years as a pupil teacher in Masterton, she attended the Wellington Training College for two years, gaining a D.I. certificate under the Board of Education. For seven and a half years Miss McKenzie had charge of the Wangaehu School, being afterwards transferred to Makara, where she remained three and a half years. On the Mitchelltown School being opened she was appointed headmistress. Miss McKenzie has a special aptitude for arithmetic, and while in the Training College she gained the first prize in her division.
Carmody, Patrick, Storekeeper, Mitchelltown.
which lies to the west from Te Aro, is situated between Wordsworth Street and Brooklyn. It occupies the eastern slope of a hill, along the side of which a road connects the city with Brooklyn, and thence continues to Happy Valley and Island Bay. Until a few years ago, this pleasant suburb was open field, and was used as a dairy farm, but it now contains a large number of substantial residences. The locality, which is one of the healthiest in Wellington, commands a good view of the city and harbour. The Old Men's Home is in this suburb, and occupies a few acres of land about half way up the hill.
situated in the Wainui-o-mata riding of the Hutt County, is about a mile from Days Bay. It is a new settlement, and may be approached by ferry to Days Bay, or road from the Lower Hutt. The property is about 200 acres in extent, and occupies a flat facing Wellington. It has recently been surveyed as a township. With a good natural supply of water, good bush land, and convenient roads, the township is likely to become a favourite summer resort. The site of the township was originally the property of Dr. Wallace McKenzie, to whose enterprise Wellington is indebted for this addition to her suburbs.
as a settlement, consists of a few cottages in the vicinity of the Slip occupied by the engineer in charge and the men who are employed. It is about four miles from Wellington by the road which goes through Oriental Bay and along the beach line of Evans Bay, or it may be approached by crossing the hills from Newtown to Kilbirnie, which is about half-a-mile away. There are no special postal arrangements.
occupies the northern spur of Mount Victoria, and extends from Oriental Bay to Evans Bay. A few years ago it was a wild waste, but on account of the rapid expansion of the city, it has recently been added to the suburbs, and already a large number of houses have been erected there. From its elevated position an excellent view may be obtained of the city, the harbour, and the country beyond.
Martin John, Waterman, Ballina Bay, Roseneath.
is the name usually given to a small township which has been laid off on a little flat to the south of the inner signal station at the entrance to Wellington Harbour. It is the only settlement that may be designated a township within the Seatoun Road District, of which the Miramar Estate is the principal part. There are not more than about a dozen settlers altogether, among whom are the signalmen employed at the station. Communication with Wellington is by road or boat.
consists of No. 1 Ward of the late Kilbirnie Road District, being the portion which was not included in the Melrose Borough, it being really Watt's Peninsula. The old Kilbirnie district was originally included in the Karori-Makara Highway District, and became a road board on the passing of the Act in 1882. The first meeting of the old Board was held on the 3rd of November, 1880. On the formation of the Melrose Borough the name of the district was changed to its present designation, so as not to clash with the Kilbirnle ward of the borough. The members of the district are Messrs. C. E. Zohrab (chairman), H. D. Crawford, E. H. Beere, and A. D. Crawford.
about 1550 acres in extent, comprising the whole of the isthmus on the south and the peninsula on the east of Evans' Bay, Port Nicholson, is the property of Messrs. Henry and Alexander Crawford. The homestead is at the southeastern corner of the bay about six miles from Wellington. Miramar (after a castle on the Adriatic) is the Spanish word for “behold the sea.” This well-known estate, which is almost completely surrounded by the sea, is part of the territory acquired by the late Mr. Coutts Crawford in 1839. A lake of some 200 acres in extent on the property was artificially drained, and afterwards became the Burnham Water Racecourse—said to have been the first in New Zealand—which however was damaged by a tidal wave. A portion of the estate was taken by the Government as a site for fortifications. The property is a well-known resort for those in search of recreation and sport, the Wellington Hunt Club's Kennels, the Polo Club's grounds, the Golf Club's links and the Miramar Trotting Club's course being located there. The land is almost all laid down in English grasses, and a large dairy and butchering business is also carried on. Mr. Alexander Crawford manages the estate, on which five married couples and a dozen other hands are employed. Mr. Henry Crawford, who is prominent in sporting circles, was at one time Mayor of the borough of Melrose.
F.G.S., was one of the best known of the earliest settlers. He came from Sydney to Wellington in the schooner “Success” in October, 1839. During his residence in New Zealand Mr. Crawford took a leading part in all public matters. He was at various times corresponding member of the Geological Society of Edinburgh, and of the Imperial and Royal Geographical Societies of Vienna, a member of the Legislative Council of New Zealand. Resident Magistrate at Wellington, President of the Wellington Philosophical Institute, and Governor of the New Zealand Institute. His diary—published in London—deals exhaustively with life in Wellington, and his experiences in other parts of the Colony in the early days of settlement. Mr. Crawford acquired a considerable area of land, some of which is at present occupied by his sons. He was noted for his liberality, and Kilbirnie residents enjoy access to land which he gave for church sites and recreation grounds. The subject of this notice was twice married. His first wife—a daughter of Admiral Dundas—died a few years after they were married. His second wife, who was a daughter of Mr. Alex McBarnett, of Torridon, Scotland, died in England a year before her husband, who succumbed in 1879 in London at the age of seventy-two. Mr. Crawford's three sons all took to station life, the two eldest—Henry and Alexander—being at Miramar, and the youngest—Charles—managing a station in the South Island.
is that portion of Mitchelltown to the right of the road passing through to Karori. It is known chiefly on account of its large stone quarry, from which much of the metal used in the City is obtained.
lies among the hills south from Brooklyn, and west from Newtown. It is reached by roads from the north and from the east; but, as the distance from the city is about three miles, and the roads indifferent, this suburb, although established for many years, has made little progress. The locality, however, is dry and healthy, and those who love sea air and a good view are well repaid the trouble of getting there. On the south east lies the Pacific; and Island Bay and the heads and Evans Bay and the harbour, are all pleasant resting-places for the eye of the spectator.
a wooden building of the usual design, has 190 children on its roll, the majority coming from Brooklyn. The headmistress is assisted by two certificated teachers and one pupil teacher.
the Headmistress of the Vogeltown School, holds a D certificate. Born and educated in Wellington, she entered the Mount Cook Girls' School. Resolving to qualify for the teaching profession, after a two years' course at the Wellington Training College, where she gained the first prize for class management and teaching each year, she was first appointed to the Mount Cook Infants' School. Here she remained a year, afterwards teaching for two years at Mount Cook Girls' School. As assistant at Te Aro Public School, Miss Browne served three years, being appointed mistress at Vogeltown in 1887. Her success as a teacher is demonstrated by the number of scholarships gained by her pupils, and the increasing popularity of the school.
is the first after entering Port Nicholson Heads, before passing Fort Ballance. It is distant from the Newtown tram-line about two-and-a-half miles, the road passing through Kilbirnie and over the Peninsula. It is a pleasantly-situated watering-place, which is destined to become a popular marine suburb. Mr. Robert A. Hearn, the well-known plumber, in conjunction with Mr. Sampson Williams, the builder, has acquired five acres of the finest land in the Bay—fronting a magnificent sandy beach, which is absolutely safe for bathers. Here three comfortable four-roomed cottages have already been erected by the enterprising proprietors, and nine more are to be ready for the season 1896–97. They are fully furnished and fitted up with every modern requisite, having each accommodation for twelve persons. Arrangements have been made to convey passengers into town in time for the business of the day, returning to the Bay each evening, at the very reasonable fare of two shillings per week. Surveys have already been made for a wharf, so that ferry steamers may run to and fro daily. As a holiday resort, there are few places near Wellington to equa Worser Bay. The beach is one of the best in the neighbourhood, and the bay, for boating, fishing, and swimming, has no superior. Near Mr. Hearn's cottages is an abundant supply of pure water, and the well-known Whangatura-a-tara mineral springs, which are said to possess great healing virtues, are on his property. Messrs. Hearn and Williams undertake to remove all rubbish, and attend to the sanitation of the cottages. Boats are provided for the tenants free of charge, bathing sheds are available, and everything is done to promote the pleasure of the visitors. There is a good dairy on the spot, and provisions are delivered at town prices. The drive is pretty and pleasant, the road being excellent for cyclists. Messrs. Hearn and Williams find a great demand for their prettily-situated cottages, which are let at twenty shillings per week. Three medical men have made marine houses for themselves in the locality, and Mr. Hearn resides on the spot.
This Borough, which comprises Wadestown, Crofton, Khandallah, Kaiwarra, and the continuation of Thorndon Quay beyond the limits of the Borough of Wellington, is more fully described under “Kaiwarra,” the headquarters of the Borough. Thorndon Quay properly so-called, extends from the bottom of Mulgrave Street to the bottom of Tinakori Road. The road beyond that point is generally known us the Hutt Road, although a portion of it is sometimes called Thorndon Quay.
Esplanade Hotel (Geo. Wm. Prictor, proprietor), Thorndon Quay.
Wood, Stephen, Blacksmith, Thorndon Quay.
a postal district in the borough of Onslow, is situated on the northern side of the hill above Thorndon. The Postal and Telegraph Bureau at Mr. H. M. McCarthy's store is about twenty minutes walk from Parliament House, Wellington, Mails are delivered from the City twice daily, and the box at Wadestown is cleared morning and afternoon. The Wellington-Manawatu Railway runs under and through the township, Crofton being the nearest point at which trains stop. A good road winds up around the hill from George Street and Tinakori Road to Wadestown. The public buildings in the township are the Church of England, which is supplied by Wellington clergy, and the public school.
is a wooden building of the older style containing three rooms. It was opened in 1881, and has 104 children on the roll, with an average attendance of about ninety in all standards. Mr. W. F. Ford, the headmaster, is assisted by the Misses Reith (mistress) and Cook (pupil teacher).
Head Teacher of the Wadestown Public School, who holds a D1 certificate, was born in England in 1821. He was a prize-man in political economy at Owen's College, Manchester, and at St. Bartholomew's, Salford, for twenty years. He has been engaged as a teacher in New Zealand for twenty-four years. Previously to coming to Wadestown Mr. Ford was teaching at Masterton and Saltwater Creek, Leeston.
Casey, Thomas, Dairyman, Wadestown.
McCarthy, M. H., Storekeeper, Wadestown.
Nash, J. R., Dairyman, Wadestown.
It is deemed advisable to describe the towns in the Provincial District of Wellington in their geographical order starting from the Capital, taking first the eastern side as far as the boundary of the province of Napier, and then the western portion, ending at the Taranaki boundary. The compilers feel confident that this arrangement will meet with general approval, as it must give a clear idea of the connection of these towns with one another, and also their relation to the two main lines of railway. Preference is given to the eastern districts, because, generally speaking, they have some advantage in the matter of age, and because they were the first to be served by rail.
It will, of course, be seen at a glance that the importance of these towns bears no relation to their nearness to the Capital; and it is a curious fact that some of the oldest are also among the smallest. Some of those that were in existence before the railway was opened have been greatly benefited by that change, and it would appear that the growth of others has been thereby retarded. These and other points will be referred to in detail further on in the several articles on the towns themselves, but it may here be remarked generally that the rate of progress in the eastern districts is not nearly equal to that of the western, though certainly Pahiatua and the country around it must be considered a strong exception to this rule.
The railway through the eastern districts—which is at present known as the Wellington-Eketahuna line, but must soon be named “Wellington-Woodville” or “Wellington-Napier”—was first opened as far as the Lower Hutt, and reached Masterton by 1880—several years before any portion of the other line of railway was opened. So much more rapid, however, has been the extension of the West Coast railway that for many years Napier has been in unbroken communication with the Capital by the West Coast route. The final portion of the old route—from Eketahuna to Woodville—is in course of construction, and its completion will be of much benefit to the eastern districts. The coach service at present doing duty for the railway is fairly efficient and well conducted; but its death and burial will doubtless be a cause of general rejoicing.
Unfortunately for the Eastern Districts, that route from Woodville to Wellington will be some fifteen miles longer than by the West Coast, the latter line being so much straighter that Palmerston (only eighty-eight miles from Wellington) is really about twenty miles further north than Eketahuna (ninety-three miles from Wellington, or eighty-eight miles, deducting the addition for tariff purposes between the Summit and Cross Creek). The effect of this must be that the West Coast line will get a much larger proportion of the through traffic from Napier than the eastern line can ever hope to get from Wanganui and New Plymouth, which are fifty miles further from the Capital by the eastern route. Notwithstanding this, however, the completion of the Eketahuna-Woodville line will be of very great advantage to both sections of Wellington railways.
The points of historical interest connected with the various towns and districts will be referred to in their turn, and it is confidently hoped that the following pages will give readers most useful information, which will be helpful to those contemplating settlement in these parts, and at all times interesting to the present and future residents.
As the Wairarapa contains some of the best specimens of deer in New Zealand, the following sketch has been inserted here in the hope that it will prove of no common interest to colonists:—
Of all countries in the world, New Zealand must be regarded as one of the most suitable for deer. It embraces every requisite necessary for their breeding and development. There is an abundance of good succulent food available all through the year, plenty of pure water for them to drink, and the numerous valleys containing ferns, grasses, and bushes, afford splendid shelter during cold and stormy weather, while extensive and dense forests provide ample cover and immunity from the sportsman's rifle. There is also an entire absence of natural enemies. That they thrive well under such conditions has been amply verified by their wonderful increase wherever liberated. Red deer at Wellington,
Nelson, and Otago; fallow deer at Motu Tapu (Auckland), Nelson, and Tapanni; and Sambur (or Ceylon Elk) at Carnarvon, on the west side of the North Island. At each of the places referred to, deer have multiplied in a most gratifying manner. The increase of red deer has been specially remarkable in the Wairarapa district, near Wellington, where, from a trio, have sprung the thousands that now roam over the Maungaraki Ranges, and all the country east thereof to the sea coast. The progenitors of those herds formed part of three deer sent from Balmoral by His late Royal Highness the Prince Consort, as a present to the Colony of New Zealand. Of the one stag and two hinds that were shipped from England, one hind died on the voyage, the two other deer arrived in Wellington on the 6th June, 1862, on board the ship “Triton,” after a passage of 127 days. About the same time three other deer were shipped from England for Canterbury, but as only one hind was landed there alive, it was sent to Wellington and placed with the two others. They were kept for some time in a stable on the reclaimed land, opposite Barratt's Hotel, Wellington. Subsequently Dr. Featherston arranged with the late Mr. C. R. Carter,
(corrupted to “Kaiwarra”) is the most important of the townships of the Borough of Onslow. It may be said to adjoin Wellington at the northern boundary of the City, though the contiunity of buildings is broken by a few hundred yards. The distance from the Wellington Post-office to the cluster of houses, shops, and hotels forming the township of Kaiwarra, is about two miles. The communication is principally by rail, though it has been computed that 1200 vehicles cross the Kaiwarra Bridge, on the Hutt Road, every twenty-four hours. Kaiwarra cannot fairly be called progressive. The industries—principally soap and candle manufacture, tanning and fellmongering—are increasing, and the population is consequently making some headway, though it is probable that the manufactures of the township are somewhat of the nature of a deterrent. Probably, as science discovers better methods of dealing with waste animal products in their conversion from the raw state to the marketable articles, Kaiwarra may become the popular suburb it really ought to be. The township occupies the flat ground on the margin of the harbour, and, practically, at the sea level; but the lofty hills round about command splendid views of the harbour and city. Landowners are holding tenaciously in the certain hope of a rise in values, and, meanwhile, some of them are engaged in dairying and sheepfarming operations.
The Onslow Borough Council has its office in Kaiwarra, and is bestirring itself to improve the roads of the district. The stream is beautifully clear and pure above the fellmongeries; and very pretty scenery photographs have been taken.
From an eminence near the town, Fort Buckley, in charge of Mr. A. Duff, commands a fine stretch of Port, Nicholson, its two “sixty-four pounders” suggesting possible “defence, not defiance.” The City powder magazine—consisting of two capacious stone buildings with slate roofs—occupies a secluded spot about half-a-mile up the Gorge, and for the last fourteen years has been in the careful charge of Mr. John May.
A short distance above the powder magazine are many beautiful spots possessing all the advantages usually in demand by picnickers—natural bush, very dense for so near town, pure water, and some reasonably flat and open ground. Difficulty of access is the only drawback; and that is by no means insurmountable. There seems to be no sufficient reason why Upper Kaiwarra has not long ago grown into a flourishing suburb. There is no more beautiful part anywhere near the City.
There are no churches in Kaiwarra; but the school building is used regularly as a temporary substitute.
The post and money order office and the telephone bureau are in charge of the postmaster, Mr. William Bowden, the manager of Mr. W. Cook's store. The letters, etc., are delivered by carriers; and mails for Kaiwarra close daily at Wellington at 6.45 a.m. and 2.50 p.m., the return mail closing at Kaiwarra at 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.
The business places, which are not very numerous, are described in the following pages.
A word needs to be said about the corrupted name of this suburb. The word “Kaiwarra” is an offence to all who rejoice in the admirable simplicity of Maori spelling. Properly speaking, there are no double consonants in the language; no consonants ever appear together excepting the “diphthongal” consonants “wh” and “ng,” and no word ends with a consonant. Why the second “r” was inserted as an apology for the last two syllables of the original word is too difficult to say; but, by common if not unanimous consent it is there; and to avoid confusion the error is herein perpetuated.
which lies on the west side of the harbour, includes in its boundaries the townships of Kaiwarra, Khandallah, Crofton, and Wadestown, the first being the principal settlement, where the office of the Borough is located. The Borough is bounded by the city of Wellington, the Borough of Karori, Johnsonville Town District, and portions of the Hutt County, and fronts the harbour of Port Nicholson from the boundary of the city at Thorndon Esplanade to a point to the northward of Kaiwarra. The Corporation have about twenty miles of formed and installed roads within the Borough, besides a large number of unformed roads. The three wards are known as North—including Crofton and Khandallah; South—embracing Wadestown and extending to the sea near the Esplanade Hotel; and East—comprising Kaiwarra. The Council (1896) is composed of Messrs. Wm. Durrell (Mayor) and Councillors P. Cavanah, J. B. Mack, J. Casey, D. Hobbs, M. H. Mc/rthy, M. Fitzgerald, and J. Valentine, Mr. S. Vickers being town clerk, valuator, and returning officer. The area of the Borough is estimated at 2,870 acres, the population being 1,530, who reside in 276 dwellings. The ratepayers, of whom there are 315, own 337 valuable properties of the capital value of £147,560, a rate of fifteen-sixteenths of a penny being levied annually. The gross revenues of the Borough, including license fees, Government grant, and rates, amounted to over £1,315 on the 31st of March, 1895.
Town Clerk, Returning Officer, and Valuator for the Borough of Onslow, is the eldest son of the late Mr. Samuel Vickers, sharebroker, of Auckland, who died at the advanced age of ninety-six years, early in 1896. Born at Camberwell, London, in 1835, the subject of this sketch came to Auckland with his parents in 1851. Mr. Vickers entered the Government service in the Native Office of Auckland in 1863. Two years later, on the transfer of the seat of Government, he was removed to Wellington, In 1872 Mr. Vickers was re-transferred to Auckland, where he became chief clerk in the Civil Commissioners' office, which position he held till 1882. In this year he was again removed to Wellington in the Native Office, but four years later he was retrenched. In 1894 he was appointed to his present office. Mr. Vickers was married in 1859, to a daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Crisp, of Manakau, settler, and has three sons and two daughters, of whom a son and daughter are married.
is at the Kaiwarra Store, Hutt Road, and is in the charge of Mr. W. Bowden, who manages the local branch of Mr. Cook's business.
the Postmaster, was born in Plymouth in 1849, and came to Wellington in 1872 per ship “Ocean Mail.” He has been in Mr. Cook's employ for over fifteen years. Mr. Bowden was married in 1869 to Emma, daughter of Mr. Gruitt of Plymouth.
which is situated on the banks of the Kaiwarra Stream, was established about thirty years ago. It is a convenient building, constructed of wood and iron, and accommodating over 100 boys and girls. The head teacher, Mr. R. Johnston, who is assisted by two certificated teachers, has charge also of the side school at Ngahauranga, which is under the management of another certificated teacher.
the Head-master of the Kaiwarra Public School, is the son of the late Captain Robert Johnston, J.P., D.L., of Brook Hill, County Leitrim, Ireland, late of Her Majesty's 67th Regiment, and was educated at Foyle College, Londonderry. In 1855 he joined Her Majesty's 89th Regiment as ensign, and was promoted to the position of lieutenant the same year, serving with his regiment in the Crimea, The Cape, and India. In 1862 he sold out of his regiment, and came to New Zealand, joining the 2nd Waikato Regiment as lieutenant in the following year, and in 1866 he was promoted to the rank of captain. He adopted teaching as his profession in 1870, and conducted a private school until he joined the Education Board in 1876, having served in the position of headmaster up to the time of writing.
Slaughterhouse and Boiling-down Works, Kaiwarra, Wellington. Established 1884, Telephone 417. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The proprietor of the above establishment is a native of Huntingdonshire, England, where he gained his experience in business with his father. Being of an enterprising disposition, he embarked in the ship “Wanganui,” and arrived in New Zealand in 1882. He was at once favourably impressed with the Colony, and shortly after received the appointment of manager of one of the Gear Company's shops in Wellington, which position he held for fifteen months, and since then has found no difficulty in securing employment. However, he saw that a strong monopoly existed in the trade, and determined to launch out on his own account, and since starting the above has from time to time extended his plant and land, which latter now comprises a bullock pad lock of forty acres, a sheep paddock of 100 acres, and a pig paddock of five acres, Mr. Banks recognising the importance of keeping his pigs entirely separate from the other animals. The main building, the slaughterhouse, is of wood and iron, with its rows of fine fresh-killed beef, presents quite a business-like appearance. Towards the rear, at the side, is a complete boiling-down plant. The refuse, along with the drainage of the stalls and pens at the rear, is carried away by an underground channel that is flushed by a strong force of water from an adjacent dam. Mr Banks's trade extends as far as Christchurch. He employs seven hands at present and from the method and system he adopts, it is easy to predict a rapid growth for this establishment. The residence of the proprietor overlooks the works, and is beautifully situated, commanding a splendid view of the city and harbour. Mr. Banks's success is to be attributed to his own untiring energy and perseverance.
Butcher, Hutt Road, Kaiwarra. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This business was established some twenty years ago, and has been conducted by the present proprietor since 1893. Mr. Chittenden was born at Tunbridge. Kent, England, and came to New Zealand per ship “Eastern Monarch” in 1874, landing in Lyttelton. After six years in Christchurch, he went for a trip to his native land, remaining about nine months. On his way back to the Colony, Mr. Chittenden visited South Africa, where he stayed for three years. In 1884, he settled in Wellington, and two years later commenced - business in Johnsonville as a butcher, purchasing the business in Kaiwarra as above.
Baker and General Storekeeper, Hutt Road, Kaiwarra. Manager, Mr. William Bowden. Head office, Molesworth Street, Wellington. This branch of Mr. Cook's business was established nearly twenty years ago, and the present manager has conducted the establishment for some sixteen years. Kaiwarra Post Office is conducted on the premises, Mr. Bowden being the postmaster.
(John Holmes and Jonah Harris) Tanners, Fellmongers, Curriers, etc., Kaiwarra, Wellington. Telephone 483; P.O. Box 150. Telegraphic address, “Hirst, Kiawarra.” Trade Mark, an anchor, Bankers. Colonial Bank of New Zealand. This tannery is one of the oldest in Wellington and one of the most extensive in the Colony. Mr. Holmes was in the employ of the founders of this firm when it started, and may also be said to rank among the earliest of New Zealand colonists. He was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, and when young, embarked from London
with his parents in the ship “Oriental,” arriving in New Zealand in 1810. Since first going to work he has devoted his whole time to gaining a knowledge of the practical part of the trade. He has later still added an all-round knowledge of business, which has enabled him, in conjunction with his partner, to build up and conduct this industry so successfully. Mr. Harris is a native of Somersetshire, England, and at an early age sailed with his parents by the ship “Clifton,” arriving in Wellington in 1840. He served his apprentice-ship to the tannery and fellmongery business with the original proprietor of the works in its early days, and continued for many years after as journeyman. In 1876 he entered into partnership with Mr. Holmes, and they jointly took over the business from Mr. Hirst, who at that time was the sole proprietor. By the continued efforts of these two energetic and thoroughly practical men this establishment has further grown in size and importance. The site is an excellent one, being nearly surrounded by lofty and picturesque hills, and may be overlooked by passengers travelling on the Manawatu railway. The land consists of about four-and-a-half acres and is divided by a permanent stream which is spanned by a bridge that connects the works. The buildings are of wood and iron and some are two and three stories high; they cover about two acres of land and contain many departments. To the left of the office and main building stands the bark shed, in which is stored several hundreds of tons of wattle bark, imported from Australia and Tasmania. Another excellent tanning material used and stored elsewhere is a kind of nut, grown in Smyrna and imported specially for the purposes of the firm. Both materials are ground on the premises by two special machines. In another shed, adjoining, the green hides are salted and packed till required in the tan pits, of which there are some 300, mostly lined with totara wood and so constructed and arranged that all the tanning liquor is conducted into one main chaunel which conveys it to a well. From thence it is pumped to the various tan pits as occasion requires, thus saving much labour and trouble. From the salt house the hides first go into the water pits to wash out he salt. They are then sorted and selected for different purposes, and placed in the lime pits, where they remain for some days. They are then cleansed of the lime and are next passed on to the beam house. From the beam house the sole leather goes to the tan pits and afterwards to the racks to dry, while the kip and harness leather has to be further prepared in the bate house before going in the tan liquor.
The upper and harness leather then goes into the currying department, and the sole leathers, while yet soft, are brought to the striking machines, of which there' are two for sole leather and one for basils. This process takes out all buckling and wrinkles, and causes the hides and sheepskins to lie flat and even, at the same time scouring them. The heavier of the hides are then passed through two pairs of rollers, the thick parts being dealt with by a heavier, while the thinner parts are treated by a light pair. This process makes the leather very firm and solid and increases its durability. The lighter of the hides are selected for kip leather and are either split or reduced to proper thickness by the splitting machine. This is a marvellous appliance by which a hide is split in a few seconds. The six-feet knife of the machine is kept sharp by an automatic knife grinder conveniently located on the premises. The visitor may next look through the many rooms fitted with numerous racks and see leather, leather everywhere, and for all purposes, some wet, while those for the uppers and
Soap Manufacturer, Caledonian Soap Works, Kaiwarra. Telephone 202. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, “Ravensh
Head Office, Customhouse Quay, Wellington; Factory, Hutt Road, Kaiwarra. Manager, Mr. J. B. Mack. This colonial industry, which is prospering under the present capable manager, is more fully referred to under the heading “Wellington City.”
Manager of the New Zealand Candle Company's works, has had a long experience in connection with this large industry. Born in Leith, Scotland, in 1857, and educated at Bathgate Academy, Mr. Mack was for nine years in the employ of the Oakbank Oil Company, in whose laboratory he gained most valuable knowledge. He came to New Zealand per ship “Forfarshire” in 1879, landing in Port Chalmers. Joining Messrs. McLeod Bros. in Dunedin, he remained with them for five years, and became manager of the Burnside Soap and Candle Factory in 1886. Four years later he was appointed manager of the Wellington factory of Messrs. J. Kitchen and Sons and Apollo Company. Subsequently Mr. Mack was transferred to the management of that firm's extensive works in Queensland, where he continued for three years. In 1892 he paid a visit to England, and on returning to the Colonies was appointed manager of the Wellington factories, where he remained till the Company disposed of its business. In conjunction with Mr. Haughtor, Mr. Mack founded the London Manufacturing Company, which was afterwards purchased by Messrs. Turnbull and Co. Soon after the establishment of the New Zealand Candle Company, Mr. Mack was appointed to the management, which position he still retains.
Club Hotel (Mrs. C. J. Hathaway, proprietress), Hutt Road, Kaiwarra. Established 1856. Conducted by present occupier since 1895.
Overend, Mrs., General Storekeeper, Upper Kaiwarra Road, Kaiwarra. Estab. 1886.
Rainbow Hotel (A. J. Larking, proprietor), Hutt Road, Kaiwarra. Established 1873. Conducted by present licensee since 1895.
the second township on the way to the Hutt, occupies the flat ground at the entrance of the Ngahauranga Gorge. Unlike Kaiwarra, there are no buildings, excepting the railway station, on the harbour side of the road. The stationmaster has also charge of the post-office and telephone bureau. The station is three miles and twelve chains from the principal station at the Capital. There is but one mail per day, closing at Wellington at 6.45 a.m., and at Ngahauranga at 7 a.m.
Fort Kelburn, largely constructed of masonry, and having two five-ton ordnance, stands right opposite to the entrance to the harbour—a menace to hostile cruisers. Bombardier Withers has been in charge here since 1889.
The meat-freezing and preserving works, and the manure factories, tanneries, and fellmongering establishments occupy the banks of the stream for a considerable distance up the Gorge. There are no stores, and the frontages to the Hutt Road are occupied by two hotels. The school attendance is about thirty, and the room is also used for church purposes.
In the old coaching days Ngahauranga was of some importance from its being at the junction of the Porirua and Hutt Roads. The Gorge is in many parts very fine; and must have been particularly beautiful before its precipitous hills were denuded by the bushman's axe and fires.
is a convenient wooden building, with passenger platform and large cattle yards adjoining. Further reference is made to the Station in the paragraph on the township. The station master is assisted by Mr. P. Cooney, as porter.
Station and Post-Master, who has been three years in charge, was born in 1867 in Rangiora, where he was educated. Joining the service in 1882, as a cadet, he successively occupied the positions of booking and goods clerk. Mr. Parsons was appointed to Featherston station in January, 1890. After a few months he was transferred to the Wellington goods shed, being appointed to his present position in February, 1893.
Manure and Tallow Manufacturer, Manure and Tallow Works, Ngahauranga. Private residence, Johnsonville. This business was established in 1886, and was aequired by the present proprietor in 1894. The site of the works is very suitable, being in a secluded gorge of the hills. Mr. Taylor has all necessary machinery for the prosecution of his industry, which is to utilise otherwise waste animal products. The proprietor was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, and came to Wellington, per ship “Oliver Laing,” in 1871. During his thirty-five years residence, Mr. Taylor has had a various experience, in store and hotel-keeping, shingle-splitting and farming. He is still a settler, having a compact little farm at Johnsonville, where he resides.
Tanner and Fellmonger, Ngahauranga. Telegraphic and cable address, “Tyer, Wellington.” Telephone 459. Mails by private bag. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand and Bank of New South Wales. More than thirty years ago Mr. Tyer founded the large business which is now conducted by him as above. From the commencement he determined that he would produce a good article in every line. He therefore established relations with Britain and Australia for the supply of bark and other materials required in tauning, of the very best quality procurable. The quality of the goods manufactured at the Ngahauranga tannery and fellmongery is such that there is no trouble about the sale of the leather, which “sells itself,” and it is only on rare occasions during severe depressions that it is needful to export a small quantity to London. Mr. Tyer's fellmongery is situated on nine acres of leasehold land adjoining the large works of the Wellington Meat Export Company at Ngahauranga. The works are admirably arranged for the conduct of an extensive business. On arrival the skins are soaked for twelve hours in large pits, from which they are removed to the lime or paint house, where they are allowed to remain over night. By means of a trolly and tramway the skins are conveyed to the pulling room, where the wool is taken off rapidly and easily, the skins being sent to this tannery and the wool to the scouring room. The machinery is driven by a powerful steamengine of forty-horse-power, made by Messrs. Luke and Son, the steam being generated by one of Messrs. Robertson and Co.'s boilers. The scouring machine, which is a marvel of simplicity, is used to thoroughly-cleanse the wool, which passes automatically, first through hot, and afterwards through cold water, leaving the machine after going between rullers which are said to give a pressure equal to twenty tons. The wool is then subjected to treatment in the hydroextractors, of which there are two. The drying process is accomplished as far as practicable in the open air, but when the weather is unsuitable the drying is rapidly accomplished by an ingenious arrangement whereby the heat from steampipes is forced by means of fans, making 900 revolutions per minute through the raw material. When ready for baling, a powerful screw press is used to complete the process The tannery is situated about a quarter of a mile up the Ngahauranga stream on a block of freehold land of fifty-two acres in extent. The buildings are well adapted for the purposes of the trade, and one hundred and seventy-six pits—comprising soaks, limes, bates, hangers, handlers, pits, and spenders—are constantly used in the various processes required to produce leather—which includes all classes of shoe and harness leather. The machinery, which includes the most modern plant for carrying on a large trade economically and effectively, is driven by a large horizontal steam engine and two smaller engines. Over 100 hands find regular employment at Mr. Tyer's tannery and fellmongery, and the whole production of these works is disposed of wholesale to the trade.
(Limited), Meat Freezers, Wholesale Butchers, Preservers, and Manure Manufacturers. Head office, Waterloo Quay, Wellington. Chairman of directors, Mr. William Booth, J.P. Secretary, Mr. Dilnot Sladden. Meat freezing and preserving works and manure factory, Ngahauranga; Works Manager, Mr. Frank Thomas Moore; Manager of manure department, Mr. Thomas Newland. These extensive works, which give employment to a large staff of hands, are among the most complete in the Colony. Further information concerning the Company and its operations will be found under “Wellington City.”
Works Manager of the Wellington Meat Export Company (Limited), claims New Zealand as his native land, having been born at Tawa Flat in May 1867. He was educated at the local school, and in 1884 entered the service of the Wellington Meat Preserving and Refrigerating Company at Ngahauranga. After three years Mr. Moore was promoted to the position of inspector of sheep for export, which position he held till 1888, when he was appointed manager of Mr. E. Barber's works at Kaiwarra. In 1892 Mr. Moore entered the service of the present Company, which a short time previously had acquired the former Company's business, and has since successfully managed the immense works. Mr. Moore was married in 1889 to the eldest daughter of Mr. George Beech, settler of Ohariu, and has two sons and two daughters.
Manager of the Manure Department of the Wellington Meat Export Company's Works, was born in London in 1854. Arriving in New Zealand, per ship “Avalanche,” in 1875, he entered into business as a glue and oil manufacturer at Johnsonville, his firm being Newland and Pomfrey. After several years he sold his interest to his partner and removed to Napier, where he commenced business on his own account. Three years later Mr. Newland sold out to the North British and Hawkes Bay Freezing Company, remaining as manager of the department for twelve months. In 1892 he was appointed to the position he now holds.
Fitzpatrick, Vincent, Butcher, Ngahauranga
Ngahauranga Inn (Mrs. Clapham, proprietress), Hutt Road. Established 1866.
White Horse Hotel (R. Cunningham, proprietor), Hutt Road. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
the third township served by the Wellington-Eketahuna line of railway, presents a very striking contrast when compared with those previously described. It is, in fact, a borough of some importance, containing nearly a thousand acres, decidedly the principal borough in the Hutt County, excluding, of course, the Capital itself.
There can be no doubt that Petone is destined to be the workshop for Wellington. Already the bulk of its population is engaged in the various industries carried on there. The town is well laid out with fairly wide streets, which are also quite straight, there being no engineering difficulties. It was doubtless the flatness of the land which in 1839 caused Colonel Wakefield to select Petone as the site for the first settlement of the New Zealand Company. The township was surveyed, and those who came in the first ships were landed there. Reference is made to this incident on page 241, where the reasons for the change of site are enumerated. Petone is still liable to occasional floods, and her wharf is by no means so snugly situated as that of the Capital; but it may fairly be said that the difficulties of half-a-century ago have been very greatly modified.
Though only some seven or eight miles from the City,
Hitherto, the drainage of Petone has been mainly and unpleasantly conspicuous by its absence; but a scheme is now being carried out which it is confidently hoped will entirely remove this somewhat serious drawback.
There is no public water supply in Petone. The residents obtain most of their water from artesian wells.
The town of Petone is almost entirely on the sea side of the Hutt Road, which, like the railway, skirts the harbour until Petone is reached. Flat land—so very scarce in Wellingon—abounds in Petone, and is a great attraction to cricketers, footballers, golfers, and others. It is a favourite resort for holiday-makers and excursionists; the lovely beach, the flat grass paddocks, the bush gullies and the towering hills in close proximity, all combine to suit the varied tastes of visitors.
Though Petone is so decidedly a manufacturing township, there are many villa residences there occupied by City men. The grounds in connection with some of these are exceedingly beautiful. A few are prettily situated on the rising hills, and from these splendid views are obtainable of the harbour and its surroundings. Petone is particularly convenient as a place for residence. It is well served by the trains; the road from the city is good and perfectly level, while the distance is no drawback
Petone must advance, because its life is so closely identified with industries which, as far as Wellington is concerned, are in their infancy. The railway workshops cannot stand still; the Wellington Woollen Company must be ever increasing its staff of operatives, and probably this remark applies with still greater force to the Gear Meat Company, and to other industrial concerns.
Prior to the 28th of August, 1888, Petone was for several years governed by a town board, but on the date named the first meeting to inaugurate the reign of the Municipal Corporation was held. The borough, which has already taken its position as the leading manufacturing town in close contiguity with the Capital City of the Colony, contains 952 acres of land. There is a drainage scheme now being carried out involving the outlay of £10,000, which has been raised by advances under the Loans to Local Bodies Act. The total number of dwellings in the borough is 523, the population being estimated at 2686, and the number of ratepayers owning rateable properties numbering 777. The annual value of the borough as made up to the 31st of March, 1896, is £17,800. A general rate of one shilling in the £ has been levied since the incorporation of the Borough. Mr. R. C. Kirk occupies the mayoral chair for the fourth consecutive year, and Messrs. H. Damant, E. C. Corner, W. H. Ballinger, K. D. Webb, J. Austin, H. Findlay, R. Mothes, J. G. A. Castle, and C. Lusty form the Council, Mr. William Hester being the town clerk.
Town Clerk of the Borough of Petone, is a man who has had many years' experience as the chief officer of municipal corporations. He was born in 1831 in Oxford, England, and was educated at Portsmouth. After a short residence in America, Mr. Hester went to South Africa, where he remained about seven years, becoming assistant town clerk of D'Urban. Returning to England for a time, he embarked on board the “Electra” for Wellington, where he arrived in October, 1870. Mr. Hester was town clerk of Wellington City for six years, and received his present appointment in October, 1889. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having been initiated in South Africa under the English Constitution, but is presently unattached. Before he left England, when twenty-one years of age, Mr. Hester became a member of the Druids' Order.
Officers (1896): Lieutenant-Commanding, R. C. Kirk and Lieut. H. M. Field. This corps has a strength of about seventy men. It was originally part of the Wellington troop, but separated some years ago. The company has been fortunate in securing a good drill shed, which stands on a site that was presented to the Petone Navals, the building having been erected by means of funds supplied partly by the Government and partly by the corps. The Petone Naval Artillery Volunteers and the Wellington Naval Artillery Volunteers have recently been formed into a Brigade, the former being distinguished as the B Company and the latter as the A Company. The staff officers of the Brigade are Captain-Commandant John Duncan and Commander Edwin Davy.
the Officer-in-charge of the Petone district, is a native of County Clare, Ireland, where he was born in 1856. Constable Cox is the son of a farmer, and until leaving for New Zealand in 1878 was engaged in agricultural pursuits. After two years on a station in Canterbury, the subject of this notice joined the police force. He was present at the capture of Te Whiti at Parihaka, and served at Roterua, at Ohinemutu, in Taranaki, in the Waikato and in Wellington. Constable Cox was appointed to Petone in 1896.
which is located in Jackson Street, has been established in the township for about four years. Prior to that time it was under the charge of the stationmaster. The business at the office is increasing so rapidly that it is anticipated that the Government will shortly erect more suitable premises, and place a permanent officer of the department in charge. Daily mails are received and despatched morning and afternoon to Wellington and Wairarapa and intermediate stations, letters being delivered twice a day by letter carriers. Mrs. Janet Fraser, the postmistress, is assisted by Miss Jean Fraser her daughter.
is prettily situated midst weeping willow and other trees, the entrance drive from the Hutt Road having a choice plantation of sycamore trees on each side. For several months in the year these are covered with rich blossoms, which in turn become graceful clusters of berries. The station buildings, which are of wood and iron, contain a ladies' waiting-room and the usual office for the use of the stationmaster and his assistants, passengers alighting on a smooth concrete platform. The traffic has increased so much of late that additional sidings have become necessary, and for the purpose of obtaining the needful space several of the willows have been cut down. This temporarily detracts from the picturesque appearance of one side of the station, but it will not be long before the willows reassert themselves.
Stationmaster at Petone Railway Station, was born in 1863 at Lyttelton, where he received his education. At the age of fourteen he entered the Railway Department as a cadet in his native town, and after serving five years was promoted to the status of clerk. Shortly afterwards Mr. Cowan was transferred to Timaru, where he remained for six years. In 1887 he became stationmaster at Waitaki, and two years later was appointed to St. Andrews, continuing till his transfer to the Petone station in 1895. Mr. Cowan was married in 1887 to the eldest daughter of the late Mr. Francis Shove, of Greenwich, England, and has a son and a daughter.
which are a hive of industry, stand on a section of land some ten or fifteen acres in extent lying between the line and the Hutt Road, and adjoining the passenger station. They consist of a large number of corrugated iron buildings, which have been put up from time to time for the purposes of the department. The main building, which occupies a central position, contains the erecting, boiler, fitting and turning, carriage and waggon, and carpenters' shops. There are in addition the tarpaulin and paint shops, and the brass foundry, which are separate erections. In the erecting shop, which has three pits—extending the whole length of the building—there were five locomotives in course of repair at the time of the writer's visit, and six boilers in the boiler shop. A Fell engine, which is one of six used on the Rimutaka Incline, and is said to have cost £4500, was among the locomotives. The fitting and turning shop includes planing milling, shaping, oil-testing, drilling, iron circular saw, screw cutting and slotting, tire-drilling, and screwing appliances. Besides many other machines, there are a steam hammer, a spring furnace, a large puncing and shearing machine, and a fan driven by double belts to create the draught for the eight smith's forges. All these machines are driven by a pair of horizontal engines of twenty-horse-power, the steam being generated by a locomotive boiler, and the power being conveyed by a long line of shafting extending through the length of the shop. Outside there is a powerful hydraulic press for putting wheels on axles, and many other purposes, and a portable hydraulic erankpin jack. The carriage and waggon shop is a large building in which thirty waggons and six carriages can be constructed at one time, and about 100 waggons and six carriages can be turned out annually. Opening out of this shop is the sawmill, where there are planing, boring, morticing, tenaning, and panel-planing machines, circular and band saws, and turning lathes. A large staff of experienced mechanics, numbering 112, find regular employment at the Petone Railway workshops, and most of the heavy work required on the Napier-Taranaki and Wellington-Eketahuna sections is manufactured at this establishment. When this line of railway is connected with Napier, it will doubtless be necessary to enlarge these workshops, and there will be a still greater necessity for enlargement should the Government at an early date take over the Wellington and Manawatu Railway, which is more than likely.
the officer-n-charge of the Petone Railway Workshops, was born in 1842 in Droitwich, Worcestershire, England, where he was educated at private schools. Mr. Haines was a premium apprentice to Mr. Thomas Edwards, engineer, of Birmingham, and completed his term with the Great Western Railway Company at Worcester. He remained fifteen years in the employ of this large Company, three years as apprentice and twelve years as journeyman. In 1878 Mr. Haines came to New Zealand per ship “Gainsborough,” landing in Wellington. He at once joined the railway service at Pipitea, when Mr. Stone was manager. Promoted to the position of foreman fitter on the 17th of October, 1881, he continued to perform the duties of this office till his transference to Hillside workshops on the 28th of May, 1888. Mr. Haines acted as foreman at these great works till the 15th of December, 1895, when he was promoted to the position of workshops foreman at Petone workshops. Mr. Haines married the youngest daughter of Mr. William Jones, surveyor, of Cradley, Herefordshire, England, and has two sons and one daughter. The elder son is employed as a car-builder in Hillside carriage and waggon shops.
Railway Storekeeper at Petone, has been an officer of the department for eighteen years. Mr. Dawes was born in St. John's Wood, London, on the 14th of September, 1848. Educated in the world's metropolis and at Epsom College, he went to sea in a vessel of Captain Harrison's—the ship “Devonport”—trading to the East Indies, and after three years joined Messrs. Anderson and Anderson's ship “Darra,” trading between London and Adelaide. Subsequently Mr. Dawes was promoted to second officer, which position he held for two years. He was afterwards in a London mercantile office, but resigned his position to come to New Zealand, arriving in Wellington per ship “Hannibal” in 1875. After three-and-a-half years of general country experience in the Wellington Province, he joined the Railway Stores Department as a clerk in 1878, and after serving six years was promoted to the office of railway storekeeper. Two years later Mr. Dawes was married to the eldest daughter of the late Mr. F. J. Drake, of Hobart, and has one son. Mr. Dawes is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having been initiated in 1881 in the Wellington Lodge, E.C. In 1887 he was one of the founders of the Ulster Lodge, Petone, I.C., and took a prominent part in obtaining a Masonic Hall for the district. A Past Master of the order, he has held office under the Provincial Grand Lodge of Ireland, and as a member of the board of general purposes of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. On the formation of the New Zealand Railway Officers' Institute, he was elected treasurer.
Chief Clerk in the Locomotive Engineer's Office at the Railway workshops, Petone entered the Railway Department as a cadet in the South Island Superintendent's office at Addington in 1881. Five years later he was transferred to Hillside, Dun edin, from whence he was soon re-transferred to Addington. When the Superintendent's office was removed to Wellington, Mr. Parson, who had succeeded to a clerkship, was one of the first to be removed, accompanying the chief clerk of the locomotive department. He was appointed clerk in the office at Petone in 1891, and remained till 1894, when he was transferred to Wanganui, being promoted in January, 1895, to the position he now holds. Mr. Parson has been prominent in social matters during his residence in Petone, as secretary of the Petone Lawn Tennis Club, and conductor of the Petone Orchestral Society. He possesses a good tenor voice, and is ever ready to use his talents for any deserving object. He was instrumental in starting the Petone Railway workshops' library, which has been a great success, and has been recognized by the General Manager. Mr. Parson was married in 1891 to Miss Cecilia Harris, of Sydney, and has one daughter.
Foreman Carpenter of the Petone Railway Workshops, has for twenty-two years been in the employ of the department. Born 1848 in London, he was apprenticed through the Barbers Company as a carpenter, and completed his term at twenty-one, after serving seven years. Three years before coming of age, Mr. Gibson was married to the third daughter of Mr. Helwood, of the City of London. For four years before coming to New Zealand in 1873, he worked at general carpentering and carriage work in his native city. Arriving in Lyttelton per ship “Hereford,” the subject of this notice at once found employment at Rakaia, and afterwards assisted the late Mr. D. Rees in the building of the Normal School, Christchurch, and the district school at Rangiora. In 1874 he entered the public service in the railway workshops, Christchurch, as a carpenter, and was soon promoted to the position of a carriage hand. He was transferred in 1882 to Napier, in charge of the carpenters' shop, and remained for five years and nine months. Mr. Gibson was then appointed to a similar position in Newmarket Workshops, Auckland, from which he was transferred to his present position in 1894. Mr. Gibson's family consists of one son.
at Petone were established about the year 1876. There are four large two-story iron buildings, in which an immense stock of general stores is kept. The stores were originally situated at Pipitea, Wellington, where there are two wooden buildings still used, but these proved much too small for the requirements of the service. From these stores the Wellington-Eketahuma and Napier-Taranaki sections of Government Railways in the North Island are supplied, and in the South Island Picton, Nelson, and Greymouth.
Railway Storekeeper at Petone, has been an officer of the Department for nearly twenty years. Mr. Dawes was born in London on the 14th of September, 1848, Educated in the world's Metropolis, and at Epsom College, he went to sea in a vessel of Messrs. Anderson and Anderson's trading between London and Adelaide, and after serving three years he became third officer. Subsequently Mr. Dawes was promoted to the position of second officer, which position he held for two years. He was afterwards in a London mercantile office, but resigned his position to come to New Zealand, arriving in Wellington per ship “Hannibal” in 1875. He had a general country experience in the Wairarapa for three-and-a-half years. Mr. Dawes joined the Railway Stores Department in 1878 as a clerk, and after serving six years was promoted to the office of railway storekeeper in 1884. Two years later Mr. Dawes was married to the eldest daughter of the late Mr. W. Drake, of Hobart, and has one son. Mr. Dawes is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having been initiated in 1882 in the Wellington Lodge, E.C. In 1888 he was one of the founders of Lodge Ulster, I.C., Petone, in which he is a Past Master, and has held office as steward and treasurer. Mr. Dawes is a member of the Board of General Purposes of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand.
which was established in 1882, affords conclusive evidence in its history of the rapid growth and development of the leading manufacturing suburban borough of the Empire City. Dealing with the past nine years only, during which the present headmaster—Mr. James Horne—has been in charge, the number of scholars attending has increased from 276 in 1887 to 636 in 1896. The buildings, which are of wood and iron, afford the usual accommodation, a separate school being set apart for the infants. Mr. Horne is assisted by two male and three female certificated teachers, and half a dozen pupil and ex-pupil teachers. Petone School has been very successful in gaining scholarships since the advent of the present headmaster. No less than fourteen have been secured in the last nine years, these being the only ones that have been obtained by pupils of this successful institution.
the Headmaster of the Petone Public School, is a gentleman of wide experience. Born in Stirlingshire, Scotland, in 1844, and educated at the Glasgow High School, he first chose a mercantile life and was for some two years in a counting house. In 1862 Mr. Horne came to Australia on a visit to some distant relatives—large runholders—with whom he remained for three years. He then crossed the Tasman Sea and
which has been established many years, is presided over by Miss Jessie M. Nairn, and in 1896 contained twenty children.
Petone, is attached to the Lower Hutt Parish. The building accommodates two hundred persons, regular services being held by the Vicar, Rev. J. Jones, and his assistant. A Sunday School, held under the auspices of the Church, has a roll of 170 scholars.
Assistant to the Vicar, resides in Petone. Mr. Fortune was born in Auckland in 1867, and was educated at common schools. After studying at St. John's College, he went to China in 1889 and was employed by the Church Missionary Society at Hankao in the province of Hupeh, and at Hang Chow in the province of Chekiang. Returning in 1893, Mr. Fortune again entered St. John's College, taking up his duties at St. Augustine parochial district early in 1896.
Britannia Street, Petone, a wooden building of modern design accommodating 200, was built in 1889. A large vestry capable of seating eighty persons has since been erected behind the church. The site, which is half an acre in extent, stands above flood level, and is one of the best in the place. The authorities report eighty communicants, and one hundred and thirty children attending the Sunday school. Services are held by the minister morning and evening each Sabbath, and at Ngahauranga in the afternoon. There is a good ten-roomed manse on the property.
the Minister in charge of St. David's Church, was born in Glasgow in 1857, and was educated at the Free Church Preparatory School and at Glasgow University Mr. Thomson came to Auckland, per ship “Ashmore,” in 1883, and resided at Patea and Martinborough prior to 1889. In this year he was ordained and subsequently inducted to the charge of Petone as the first ordained minister. Mr. Thomson was married in 1885 to the second daughter of Mr. North, of Patea, and has two daughters and a son.
is situated in Nelson Street, the section of land on which the building stands having been presented by the late Mr. Edwin Jackson. The church, a wooden tee-shaped structure that will seat 250, was built in 1884. The first portion was erected by voluntary labour, the building having been since enlarged to twice the original dimensions. The average congregation is about one hundred. The Sunday school numbers 150 scholars and twelve teachers. An effort has been made to secure the services of a minister who shall reside in Petone, which, however, forms a portion of the Lower Hutt circuit.
who is a supernumerary Wesleyan minister residing at Petone, was born at Ferry-on-Trent. near Gainsborough, in 1825. Educated at private schools, he became a local preacher at nineteen years of age, and was ordained two years later in London. Mr. Kirk came to New Zealand in 1846 by the “John Wesley” on her first voyage, as one of eight missionaries, he being the only one for this Colony. After a few months spent in Auckland, he was appointed to Newark Station at Hokianga, where he subsequently married the eldest daughter of the late Rev. John Hobbs. His next station was at Ohinemutu, on the Wanganui River, on the way to which the little vessel in which Mr. Kirk and party were voyaging was wrecked on the sandy beach near the mouth of the river. After four years' experience, during which the mission home consisted of a rough shanty, part of the time with an earthern floor, and no chimney, the rev. gentleman was appointed to Canterbury. This was in 1853, Mr. Kirk being the first Wesleyan minister located on the Canterbury Plains. He was successful in his pioneer work, and saw the first church erected in High Street, Christchurch, and made preparations for the Lyttelton building, which was erected soon after. During his residence in Canterbury in those early days, Mr. Kirk had to travel—chiefly on foot—to minister to the settlers and natives at Rapaki, Kaiapoi, and the bays on the Akaroa Peninsula. Removing to Watkouaiti, he promoted the erection of the first church in Port Chalmers. Mr. Kirk was next appointed to the mission station of Kai Iwi, near Wanganui, where he had charge of a large Maori industrial school, afterwards broken up by the war of 1860. During his three years' residence here, Mr. Kirk superintended the erection of the first wooden Wesleyan Church in Wanganui. Subsequently Mr. Kirk was located at Mangonui (Bay of Islands), Nelson, Wellington, New Plymouth, Auckland, Wellington (a second time), and Richmond, remain ng the full term of three years at each place, with an additional year at Nelson. He had to do with the building of the Manners Street Wesleyan Church, which was burnt down during his second term of office, and Mr. Kirk then had to superintend the building arrangements of the new property in Taranaki Street. His failing health necessitated retirement from active work in 1889, and after residing for over seven years at the Lower Hutt, Mr. Kirk removed to Petone in 1892. The rev. gentleman, who is respected and beloved in all parts of the Colony, was president of the fifth (New Zealand) Conference, and has acted as chairman of Auckland, Wellington, and Wanganui districts from time to time. His family consists of three sons—Messrs. J. H. Kirk, wool merchant, Invercargill, R. C. Kirk, solicitor (now mayor of Petone), Wellington, and L. Kirk, farmer, of Otaki,—and three daughters, the eldest being married to the Rev. S. J. Garlick, the second to Mr. Overton, of Leeston, while the youngest is unmarried.
Officers 1865 :—Messrs. W. H. Bennett (president), J. Edmonds (vice-president), J. Donovan, K. D. Webb, R. Moore, F. Steinmuller, H. Arnold, M. Denby, and J. Pettit (committee), J. Gaynor, A. Bailey, R. Johnston (trustees), A. Marsden (treasurer), J. Webley (secretary), and G. Borrows (steward and manager). This successful club was founded in 1886, but the first three years of its history resulted in loss of cash and compromise with creditors. Since the appointment of the present popular manager in 1889, the establishment has been progressive, the socials inaugurated having resulted in considerable addition to the membership—which now numbers two hundred—and the growth of funds. The two-story wooden building occupied, which was built specially for the Club, contains seven rooms, including manager's
Dr. A. K. Newman, M.H.R. (president), Messrs. J. McGowan and R. Mothes (vice-presidents), F. Wilkinson, G. Beale, A. Burns, and C. Trevethick (committee), F. J. Parson (secretary). This Club, which was established in 1893, has a membership of about fifty. A good section has been leased, and four fine courts have been laid off and brought into good order.
(Mr. A. Burns, proprietor), Jackson Street, Petone. This journal was founded in 1886. It is a double news sheet, published weekly, and circulates principally in the boroughs of Petone and Lower Hutt, and at Johnsonville, Karori, Upper Hutt, Wainui-o-mata, and adjacent districts. In politics the Chronicle opposes the Seddon Government. Its columns contain a large amount of local and general information.
B.A., M.B., Ch.B., Physician and Surgeon, Nelson Street, Petone. Telephone 885. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Dr. Hislop, who is the youngest surviving son of Mr. James Hislop, of Taieri, Otago, farmer, was born in Scotland, and accompanied his father to the Colony at an early age. Dr. Hislop studied for his profession at the New Zealand University, gaining his B.A. degree in 1883, and his me lical diplomas five years later. He practised his profession for about six years in Palmerston South, and early in 1895 purchased the late Dr. Whitehead's practice in Petone.
M.B., Ch.B., Physician and Surgeon, Hutt Road, Petone. Telephone 943. Dr. Scanlon hails from Glasgow. He was educated at Stoneyhurst College, and at London University, where he gained his degrees in 1886, and became surgeon at the Gordon Hospital, Vauxhall Road, London. After making some voyages to India, China, and Ja an, he came out to Sydney, and entered St. Vincent Hospital as resident physician, afterwards practising at Port Macquarrie. Coming to New Zealand in 1893, he settled in the Petone District.
Chemist, Druggist and Dentist, Jackson Street, Petone. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in 1886, and has been conducted by the present proprietor since early in 1894. The trade is principally local, but extends also to the surrounding districts and occasionally to Wellington. Mr. Inglis had large experience in the business in Dunedin, Wanganui and elsewhere before starting in Petone as above.
(Wellington Branch No. 477), Headquarters, Royal Hotel, Wellington. Registered under the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act, 1894. Officers (1896): Messrs. W. H. Shardlow (president), C. W. Johnston (referee), T. Spidy (Treasurer), F. Godfrey (secretary), and E. Turner (money steward). This Society is world-wide in its operations, an Australasian council regulating its affairs in the Colony. The membership of the local branch, whose officers are all employed in Petone, is about twenty. Out-of-work and funeral benefits are granted by the Society, the funds of the parent body being a guarantee for faithful performance of obligations.
President of the Wellington branch, hails from Saltley, near Birmingham, where he was born in 1862. Arriving in Auckland when very young, he was apprenticed to Messrs. Fraser and Tinne, and entered the public service in Napier workshops in 1885. Mr. Shardlow was transferred to Petone seven years later. He has been a member of the Engineers' Society for twelve years, and has been president since 1894.
(Richard Mothes), Land Estate, Financial, and General Agents, Accountants and Auditors, and Valuators, Jackson Street, Petone. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private Residence, Britannia Street. Mr. Mothes was born in Saxony in 1852, was educated at the University of Saxony, and afterwards received a thorough training in commercial and mercantile life. He left his native land and arrived in Australia in 1880, and after spending three years in Sydney as a merchant and general importer, he came to New Zealand in 1883, settling in Petone. Mr. Mothes established a business for the manufacture of violin strings and sheep casings, which he successfully conducted for seven years, and claims to have been the first to introduce the business into the Colony. It is interesting to note that the local butchers were then ready to give away that portion of the offal of the sheep used in this industry; now, however, they are able to command for it a price equal to some fourteen pounds for each thousand sheep. In 1889 Mr. Mothes purchased the Marine Retreat Hotel, which he conducted for three years. The present business was established in 1893. Messrs. R. Mothes and Co. have many important agencies, including the New Zealand and National Insurance Companies, the Australian Mutual Provident Life office, and the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company. They are the only land agents in business in Petone, and are in the best
Baker and Confectioner, Jackson Street, Petone. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Cargill established himself in business in a small shop at the corner of Jackson and Fitzherbert Streets in 1884. Four years later he removed to larger premises on the opposite side of the street, and these in turn proving inadequate, he built the imposing two-story shop and dwelling now occupied. Mr. Cargill is said to have been the first baker to open in Petone.
Baker and Confectioner, Hutt Road, Petone, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was founded by the present proprietor on the 1st of July, 1889. The premises, which have been considerably improved, are leasehold, having ten years unexpired. Mr. Heintz, who has worked up a good trade by close attention to his business, was born in Germany, and sailed from Liverpool to Melbourne in 1855, per ship “Glanmanna.” He had seven years goldfield experience in Victoria, and after arriving in Otago in 1862, spent many years on the diggings. Subsequently Mr. Heintz was for fourteen years in Kumara, for nine of which he was employed by one firm. He settled in Petone in February, 1889, and by hard work and careful management has been successful.
Hewson, Walter Henry, Baker and Confectioner, Corner of Jackson and Fitzherbert Streets, Petone. Established 1895.
Aerated Water Manufacturer, Petone. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This old established trade was acquired by the present proprietor in October, 1895. The plant includes an aerated water machine, made by Hayward Tyler, of London, turnover bottling rack and corking rack. Mr. Hodren makes raspberry, cloves, lemon and peppermint cordials of splendid quality, besides the ordinary gingerale and lemonade, but his speciality is orange champagne, a really fine drink, which is already well known between Petone and the Upper Hutt. Mr. Hodren was born in Birmingham, England, and learned the trade with his father, Mr. E. Hodren, of Wanganui, whose business he managed for eighteen months before settling in Petone.
Draper and Clothier, Jackson Street, Petone. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business
was established by the present proprietor in a small shop on the Hutt Road early in the year 1880. At that time the stock was not more than about £100 in value, and the connection had to be made. By industrious plodding and economical management, in which Mr. Gamble was ably assisted by his wife, satisfactory growth and development took place, and within a year the necessity of larger and more central premises became urgent. An opportunity offering in Jackson Street, Mr. Gamble moved into a two-story wooden building near the corner of Sydney Street in 1890. The shop, which has two large windows and a verandah in front, is most suitable for the trade the premises affording over 2500 square feet of floorage space. Mr. Gamble keeps a large general stock of drapery and clothing, which is carefully selected, and suitable in every respect to the requirements of the district. Since entering into possession of these premises he has been able to acquire the freehold, together with that of a large allotment adjoining the property at the back of the shop, and fronting Sydney Street. Customers may always depend upon finding a large variety of goods of the finest quality, including the most modern patterns, from which to select. Arrangements have also been made whereby orders can be executed for suits of clothes in any style, and in Colonial, Scotch, and English material. Mr. Gamble, who is the eldest son of Mr. C. Gamble, tailor, of Lambton Quay, Wellington, was born in 1857, and had a general experience of the life of a colonist in various parts of New Zealand and Australia up to the time of establishing the present business. During his resident in Petone Mr. Gamble has always been ready to assist every good cause; he is a prominent member of the local Wesleyan Church, of which he holds office as a trustee, and has been specially interested in musical matters. As leader of the choir of the church he has largely contributed to the popularity of its services, and to the successes frequently attained on special occasions. Mr. Gamble has taken a leading part in the Petone Orchestral Society, as conductor of which he has rendered considerable service both to the Society and the
Draper, Grocer, and Produce Merchant, Jackson Street, Petone. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. English agents, A. Webley and Co., Birmingham. Mr. Webley was born in Birmingham, and served his apprenticeship with Mr. Reddington, of Stoke-upon-Trent, with whom he remained altogether nine years. By close attention, Mr. Welbey obtained a thorough general knowledge of his trade. In 1876 he came to New Zealand by ship “Rakaia,” from London, landing in Wellington. For over nine years after arrival in the Empire City Mr. Webley found congenial occupation in the then well-known drapery and clothing establishment of Mr. W. Clarke, in Lambton Quay. He left this situation to commence business on his own behalf. The present business was originally established in 1882 in Karori, where it was conducted for fifteen months. Mr. Webley, however, soon found it advisable to seek a larger sphere of operations, and recognising the importance of Petone as a promising manufacturing centre, he removed his business in the following year to that growing town. Such has been the progress of this business that it speedily became necessary to procure larger and more convenient premises. As no suitable shop was available, Mr. W. Crichton, the well-known architect, of Wellington, was instructed to prepare plans and specifications for a new one. The substantial wood and iron shop and dwelling situate in Jackson Street was erected by Mr. Webb, the successful tenderer. The total floorage space afforded by the new premises is upwards of 2000 square feet. Mr. Webley is a direct importer of millinery and drapery, of which he keeps a large up-to date stock. He does a considerable trade in both these lines, which are the specialties of his business. In grocery and produce he also does a good trade.
Draper, Grocer, Milliner, and General Storekeeper, corner of Jackson and Sydney Streets, Petone. The business, which Mr. Wilkie has conducted for many years as above, is one of the most prominent in this rising manufacturing town. The premises occupy an imposing corner section in the principal street, the two-storied dwelling—which is of wood—having two double shop windows facing Jackson Street, and a lofty verandah spanning the footpath. The total floorage space available is little less than 4,000 square feet. Mr. Wilkie, who is the local agent for the Commercial Union Assurance Company, has a large general stock in all lines, and does a considerable business.
Eddy, Mrs., Draper and Milliner, Jackson Street, Petone. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1887.
Tailor, Hutt Road, Petone. Private residence, Ryan Street. Mr. Burnley established this business in 1884, and has built up a very fair trade. Having been apprenticed in the Old Land, he has thoroughly mastered his profession, as is evident from the fact that many customers who patronized him when he started twelve years ago are still employing him because they are satisfied with the work turned out. Mr. Burnley is a Yorkshireman, born in the West Riding and brought up in Wakefield. Prior to leaving England in 1884, per s.s. “Aorangi” for Wellington, Mr. Burnley, who had to abandon his trade on account of ill-health, was six years in the post-office as messenger, and for eight-and-a-half years he was employed by the Singer Sewing Machine Company.
Tailor, Jackson Street, Petone. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business, which ranks as one of the foremost of its kind in Petone, was founded by Messrs. Mills Bros. in 1896. The present proprietor, who was born in Nelson in 1863, served his apprenticeship in his native city with the late Mr. John Cann. After completing his term, Mr. Cotton worked at his trade in Blenheim, joining his predecessors in the present business as a journeyman in 1889. Having proved himself a competent cutter and tailor, Mr. Cotton remained in the employ of Messrs. Mills Bros, till October, 1895, when he purchased his employers' interest in the business. The premises occupied are well situated in the principal street, and afford about 800 feet of floorage space. Mr. Cotton employs four hands, and has an improving trade. He is a member of the local Foresters' Court.
Mills, Frederick William, Tailor, Jackson Street, Petone. Established 1895. Webley, A., Tailor, Jackson Street, Petone. Established 189
(Edwin Jackson, J.P., proprietor), The Esplanade, Petone. These baths are a credit to Petone, and there is no wonder that visitors from Wellington frequently indulge in a dip. The swimming baths, which are ninety-six feet long by forty-eight wide, and have a depth of from three feet six inches to seven feet six inches, are supplied with sea water, supplemented by three large artesians, which are constantly running. This fine bath was constructed by the proprietor a bricklayer by trade—in concrete, and has wide flights of steps on each side. There is a capital springboard and an elevated platform for divers. Three good plunge baths, which are supplied with hot and cold water, are also available. Born in Cheshire, England, Mr. Jackson came to Wellington in 1857 per ship “Indian Queen.” In 1868 he
Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Jackson Street, Petone. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business, which occupies a leading position in Petone, was established in 1885 by Mr. R. Priest, father of the present owner. Until 1892 it was conducted under the style of R. Priest and Son. In the latter year Mr. C. F. Priest arranged to take over the business on his own account. The premises include a convenient shop, which is well stocked, a handsome saloon fitted with comfortable barber's chairs, and some very complete baths, comprising hot and cold, shower and plunge. The proprietor is skilled in his art, having learned his business in Willis Street, Wellington, under Professor Rowley.
Anderson, G. E., Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Jackson Street, Petone, Established 1896.
(T. Oxenham, proprietor), Jackson Street, Petone. This hotel, which is a commercial house, and does the leading business in the district, was established in 1888. It is a two-story wooden structure, and contains twenty-three rooms, including a well furnished dining-room, convenient commercial-room, and a billiard-room, having one of Barroughes and Watts' tables, besides the usual sitting-rooms, both upstairs and on the ground floor. Mr. Oxenham is well-known as a genial and kindly host.
(Joseph Cody, proprietor), Corner of Jackson and Fitzherbert Sts. Petone.
Empire Hotel (J. H. Jackson, proprietor), Corner of Richmond and Jackson Streets, Petone. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1888. Conducted by present proprietor since 1894.
Marine Retreat Hotel (Mrs. M. Guilford, proprietress), Hutt Road (Railway Crossing). Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1884. Conducted by present occupier since 1895.
Boot and Shoemaker, Jackson Street, Petone. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established in 1895 in convenient premises centrally situated in this rising manufacturing town, Mr. McWhirter has a good and well-assorted stock of British, Continental, and Colonial boots and shoes. The proprietor is well known in the district, having been employed as a currier at the Kaiwarra and Ngahauranga tanneries for some years, at Lightband, Allen and Co.'s, Christchurch, and William Combs and Son's, Dunedin. Before reaching the Colony in 1875 by the ship “Waimate,” Mr. McWhirter had spent six years with Hipbourn, of Long Lane, London, and gained experience at his trade at Rabbit's, of London, Jackson's, of Leeds, and McIntosh's, of Glasgow. Owing to a breakdown in his health he was compelled to leave the tannery and seek a somewhat quieter life.
Boot and Shoemaker, Hutt Road, Petone. Mr. Morris was born in Oxfordshire, England, and was apprenticed to the trade in Hull. Finding competition keen in the Old Land, he determined to seek his fortune at the antipodes, and having selected New Zealand as his future home, set sail from London per ship “Conflict,” arriving in August, 1874. After having a good general experience in connection with his trade in the Colony, Mr. Morris established himself in business in Petone in 1883. The building occupied is of wood, and affords a floor space of upwards of 400 square feet. The trade extends throughout Petone and the surrounding districts. Mr. Morris makes hand-sewn work the specialty of his trade, and of course undertakes to make any description of boots and shoes that may be desired. He has a good stock of British and colonial-made goods, and is at all times anxious to give satisfaction to his customers.
Pringle and Reid (Walter Pringle and Frank Reid), Saddlers and Harness Makers, Hutt Road. Chief establishment, Lower Hutt.
at Petone are very extensive, and occupy a large section of land adjoining the beach. The Engineering and Freezing Department, which is under the management of Mr. W. G. Lodder, as chief engineer, occupies the central position of their large buildings, and includes the latest addition, a hugh two-storied erection of brick and cement. About six years ago one of Haslam's 150,000 feet refrigerating machines was erected, capable of freezing 850 sheep per day. Last year this was found insufficient, so one of Hall No. 16 Carbonic Machines was erected, capable of making fourty-four tons of ice per day, or freezing 16,000 and storing 3,000 sheep per day. There are three economic boilers—two by Sparrow, of Dunedin, and one by Cable, of Wellington—which drive the plant and supply steam for the whole works, including meat preserving, boiling down, and fellmongery departments. The entire works and the shop in Jackson Street are lighted by electricity, generated by one of the Gulcher Company's 250 light machines, which is driven by a ten-horse-power horizontal engine built by Cable. A duplex Worthington pump, capable of raising 500 gallons per minute, has been fitted up to provide for an outbreak of fire and for washing-down purposes. The Stock and Slaughtering Department, of which Mr. J. C. Kelly is foreman and manager, is situated in a two-story wood and iron building near the entrance gates from Jackson Street. Sheep races communicating with each floor from the pens, the slaughtering goes on simultaneously on each flat, about 28,000 square feet of floorage space being devoted to this part of the Company's business. The beef-house is on the ground floor—affording about 2,500 square feet—being used for slaughtering cattle for the local market. All the latest appliances for killing, scalding and cleansing purposes are in use in these works. Some idea of the amount of business carried on by this large Company may be formed from the fact that during the busy season. which extends from January to April, about 3,000 sheep per day are slaughtered for freezing, canning, and boiling down, some 250 men being engaged in the work. The Meat Preserving and Canning Department is conducted in a portion of the factory at the opposite end to the slaughtering department—Mr. J. G. A. Castle being in charge. It is in an iron building of one-story, containing
Chief Engineer of the Gear Meat Preserving and Freezing Works at Petone, was born in London in 1858. Coming to Auckland with his parents when but two years of age, Mr. Lodder was educated in the Colony, and served an apprenticeship at Messrs. Fraser and Tinne's foundry, completing his term in 1879. Mr. Lodder was afterwards employed by the Union Company on the s.s. “Southern Cross,” on which he became first engineer, and on other steamers. He went home to England to bring out the ill-fated s.s. “Wairarapa.” Subsequently Mr. Lodder was chief engineer of the Government steamer “Hinemoa” for two years. He has held his present appointment since 1887. Mr. Lodder was married in 1882 to the only daughter of Mr. W. R. Douglas, of Dunedin, at one time Inspector of Machinery.
Foreman and Manager of the Stock and Slaughtering Department of the Gear Company's Works, was born in 1852 in County Longford, Ireland, where he was brought up. On arrival in Wellington, per ship “Hindostan,” in 1874, Mr. Kelly at once joined Mr. Gear, the founder of this large concern, as stock buyer, etc., and on the formation of the Company in 1882, he was promoted to the position he now holds. Mr. Kelly was married in 1878 to the only daughter of Mr. Matthew Cook, of Waiwetu, farmer, and has five daughters and two sons. Mr. Kelly has been prominent in Petone as a member of the Borough Council, in which he served for three years. He is interested in the Mauawatu district, having secured some land in that rising part of the Wellington provincial district.
Manager of the Preserving Department of the Gear Company, was born in 1855, in London, and arrived at the Bluff (N.Z.) in 1874, per ship “William Davie.” Mr. Castle at once joined the New Zealand Meat Preserving Company at Woodlands, where he served his time, remaining till 1880, when he had a trip to England. On his return to the Colony he joined the same company. In 1882 Mr. Castle entered the employ of the Gear Company as preserver, and after four years service was promoted to the position of manager of the department. Mr. Castle was married in 1884 to the eldest daughter of Mr. Thomas Penfold, of Christchurch, and has three sons and one daughter. In local politics, Mr. Castle has been a member of the Borough Council for two years. He is a member of the Masonic body, and holds office as Senior Warden, in Lodge Ulster, N.Z.C.
Manager of the Gear Company's Fellmongery Department, was born at Kaiapoi in 1861, and was apprenticed to the late Mr. J. W. Ellen, fellmonger, in his native place. Mr. Burridge afterwards worked for Messrs. Webster Bros. for three years, and for the Kaiapoi Woollen Company for two years, and for Messrs. Murgatroyd and Sons for three seasons. He afterwards joined the Wellington Woollen Company as classer and wool buyer, which position he held for four years. Mr.
of the Gear Company's hulk “Jubilee,” was born in Norfolk, England, in 1857, and served his apprenticeship out of the Port of Sunderland on the ship “John Ristson” and others. On completing his time he joined the Shaw, Savill Company as able seaman, and after four years gained his certificate as second mate. On completion of his second voyage to New Zealand Mr. King passed his examination and received his certificate as first officer in London. For some time afterwards he was respectively on the ships “Crusader” and “Oxford,” and in 1883 he decided to remain in the Colony. It was not long before he joined the Gear Company, being promoted in April, 1881, to the charge of the freezing hulk, which he still commands. As a member of the masonic brotherhood he is attached to Lodge Ulster, of which he was “master” for two consecutive years. He holds office as a Grand Lodge officer, N.Z.C., being Assistant Grand Director of Ceremonies. Captain King was one of the promoter of the Petone Temperance Club, of which he has been president, and now holds office as vice-president. He is also president of the Petone Temperance Union. In public matters he occupies a seat as a member of the Wellington Suburbs Licensing Committee. Captain King was married in 1885 to the eldest daughter of Mr. Thomas Wilson, manufacturing confectioner, of Wellington, and has one daughter.
Manager of the Manure Department of the Gear Company, hails from the vicinity of Birmingham. Mr. Carter's father was for many years the proprietor of large chemical works, where the subject of this notice gained considerable experience as manager. Arriving in Melbourne in 1888, Mr. Carter entered into the glue manufacturing trade, but came on to New Zealand in less than two years, having received an appointment from the Gear Company, who had decided upon entering the manure trade. Under his direction the large buildings and extensive plant devoted to this industry were erected in accordance with designs prepared by his instructions. Mr. Carter was married in 1874 to the second daughter of Mr. Thomas Lowell Ralph, a gentleman who spent many years in Russia, establishing and afterwards managing the first metal-rolling mills in that country for the Russian Government. Mr. Carter's family consists of three sons and four daughters.
Watson and Co. (Frank Watson and Herbert Ryder), Butchers, Jackson Street, Petone. Established 1896 by Gear Co. Conducted by present firm since 1893.
Flax Broken and Rope Manufacturer, Hutt Road, Petone. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Morrison started in this line of business in 1870 at Petone, and in the following year he went to Sydney, where he continued business as a flax broker for seven years. Returning to Wellington in 1878, he pursued his vocation as a flax classer and importer till 1894, when he returned to Petone. Mr. Morrison does a large business as a flax buyer, and supplies several large rope-works in New Zealand and Queensland. He also makes small lines of rope, employing two hands.
Secretary, W. Heppleston; manager, G. T. Stutter, Jackson Street, Petone. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in 1890, and has proved to be a progressive concern. About 130 members are enrolled on its books, and dividends at the rate of six-and-a-quarter per cent. have been paid with 1s. 9d. in the £ by way of bonus on members' purchases. The premises occupied consist of a convenient one-storied verandah shop on the Company's own freehold in Jackson Street.
Mill and works, Te Koro Koro, Petone. Head office, warehouse and clothing factory, Jervois Quay and Willeston Street, Wellington. (See pages 719 and 720 for further particulars.) The foundation stone of this Company's mill at Petone was laid by the Hon. (now Sir) Robert Stout, M.H.R., on the 28th of November, 1885. The main building is of one-story, 146 by 286 feet, and is substantially built of brick, from plans by the well-known architect, Mr. Thomas Turnbull, Messrs. Scoullar and Archibald being the contractors. This building, together with the surrounding wool stores, yarn stores, dye-house, finishing room, etc., contains a total floorage space of 65,000 square feet. Steam and water are the motive powers employed, the principal engine being a horizontal compound condenser of 225 horse-power, from the foundry of Messrs. W. Cable and Co., of Wellington, which drives the larger portion of the immense plant at work in the chief building. A small steam-engine, supplemented by a water turbine, drives the finishing and other machines located in the row of out-buildings. The Company, by the presence of an expert agent in England, is kept constantly supplied with the best up-to-date machinery, which fact keeps the Petone Mills in the front rank of New Zealand industries. The process of the manufacture of woollens, and the many different machines used, is bewilding to the uninitiated, and in walking through the Petone works the observer cannot but feel impressed with the skill and ability brought to bear in the industry. This woollen mill is one of the great show places of Wellington, and visitors from all parts arrive frequently. Hours can be profitably passed in watching the wool pass from machine to machine, being transformed from its natural greasy condition to the superb articles for which the Company has become so justly famed. In addition to the manufacture of blankets, flannels, tweeds, dress-tweeds, serges, shirtings, yarns, rugs, shawls, and kindred goods, a very fine plant for the making of knitted goods is also at work. Machines that knit four garments simultaneously are not the least of the many wonderful things to be seen. The Wellington Woollen Company's works are a perfect hive of industry, some two hundred workers being employed under the supervision of skilled experts, many of whom were specially brought to the Colony to assist in this growing concern. In addition to many conveniences for the comfort of hands, a well-stocked library forms a not unattractive item, which is free to all. The officers and foremen of the Company are: Messrs. M. G. Heeles (general manager), A. E. Donne (secretary), W. Ramsden (mill manager), G. A. Platt (designer), C. Lusty (carder), T. Maynard (engineer), T. Capstick (dyer), A. W. Watson (spinner), E. Taylor (tuner), W. H. Burridge (wool buyer), W. Heppleston (fuller), F. Wilkinson (warehouseman), F. Burnley (finisher).
the Manager of the Wellington Woollen Mills, is a Yorkshireman by birth. Born in 1860, he was educated in the West of England, near Oxford, and was brought up to the woollen trade in Leeds, where he worked till 1879. Mr. Ramsden came to the Colonies per ship “Hankow,” and at once crossed the Tasman Sea to New Zealand, landing in Lyttelton. He obtained employment at the Kaiapoi Woollen Mills as power-loom tuner, a position which he held for five years. On the opening of the Ashburton Mills Mr. Ramsden acted as assistant to his father, who was appointed manager. In 1885 Mr. Ramsden, senior, became the first manager of the Wellington Woollen Mills, and the subject of this notice was appointed weaving manager, in which office he continued till February, 1895, when he was promoted to the important office he now fills. Mr. Ramsden was married in 1865 to the second daughter of the late Mr. John Eatwell, settler, of Nelson, and has three sons.
Designer at the Woollen Mills, Petone, was born in Yorkshire in 1866. He learned his trade under his father in Huddersfield, beginning at the age of fourteen. When Mr. Platt was eighteen years old he was employed as designer at the large mills of Messrs. John Crowther and Sons, of Huddersfield, where he remained four years. For seven years afterwards he held a similar position in Mr. Job Beaumont's mill in the same town. This position Mr. Platt left on accepting his present engagement, he having been selected out of about one hundred applicants. Coming to Australia per s.s. “Cuzco,” Mr. Platt arrived in Wellington on the 20th of November, 1895, and at once took up his duties. Mr. Platt was married in 1891 to a daughter of Mr. George Haigh, of Huddersfield, and has two sons.
Carder at the Wellington Woollen Company's Mills, Petone, hails from Stroud, Gloucestershire, where he was born in 1855. After serving his time with Messrs. Playne Bros., woollen manufacturers, he came out to Nelson in 1874, arriving per ship “Duke of Edinburgh.” Mr. Lusty, senr., had obtained an appointment as carder and spinner at the Nelson Woollen Mills, and here the subject of this notice likewise found congenial employment for two-and-a-half years. Subsequently for ten years Mr. Lusty was carder at Kaiapoi, and afterwards for a short time at the Ashburton Mill. He came to Wellington in 1887, since which time he has occupied the above position. Mr. Lusty has been a member of the Petone Borough Council for about four years. In the Foresters' Order he has passed through all the chairs, has risen to the position of Chief Ranger, and holds office as a trustee. In 1877 Mr. Lusty was married to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Campbell, of Kaiapoi, and has four sons and two daughters.
Chief Engineer of the Wellington Woollen Mills, is a native of Cornwall, where he was born in 1854. Mr. Maynard served his apprenticeship to Messrs. Tangye's, Limited. For some years after completing his term he had charge of some engines in Bohemia and at Home. In 1879 he came to the Southern Seas par s.s. “Afghan,” landing in Melbourne. Soon afterwards Mr. Maynard came to New Zealand and assisted in the starting of the Ashburton Woollen Mills, where he retained the position of engineer for some three years. He was appointed to the position he now holds in 1888. Mr. Maynard was married in 1882 to a daughter of the late Mr. Vincent, of Christchurch, painter and has one son and two daughters. As an Oddfellow, he is still attached to the Ashburton Lodge, in which he was initiated.
Dyer at the Woollen Mills, Petone, is a native of Kendall, Westmoreland, where he was born in 1866. He served his time with Messrs. J. J. and W. Wilson, of Castle Mills, Kendall, with which firm his father worked for about fifty years as a dyer. Arriving in New Zealand in 1886 via Australia, Mr. Capstick was appointed to his present position in 1887.
Spinner at the Woollen Mills, Petone, was born at Woolston, Canterbury, in 1865. He got his first knowledge of the trade at Kaiapoi, and came to Wellington in 1885, being present as one of the hands at the opening of the Petone Mills in that year. In 1890 Mr. Watson secured promotion to the position he now holds. A year before this he married the third daughter of Mr. James May, settler, of Petone, and has two sons and two daughters. Mr. Watson is a member of the Order of Druids, Poneke Lodge.
Foreman of the Weaving Department at the Wellington Woollen Mills at Petone, hails from Huddersfield, where he was born in 1855. At the age of thirteen he was apprenticed to Messrs. Greenwood, Anson and Co., of his native town. In 1881 Mr. Taylor was engaged by the Kaiapoi Woollen Company to come to New Zealand as an expert weaver and tuner, to teach hands in the Colony. After a year in Kaiapoi, Mr. Taylor went to Victoria, where he was engaged at one of the mills. The following year he returned to New Zealand, and settled in Ashburton, taking charge of the fast looms at the local mill. After four years Mr. Taylor came to Petone on the opening of that mill as under tuner, from which he was promoted in February, 1895, to the office he now holds. Mr. Taylor was married in 1880 to the second daughter of Mr J. Stenton, of Barnsley, and has four sons and one daughter. He is a member of Court Epuni, 7414, Ancient Order of Foresters, and has filled all the chairs excepting the chief.
Foreman at the Wool Store and Wool Buyer at the Woollen Mills, Petone, was born at Heatheote Valley, near Christchurch, in 1852. He learned the wool trade with Mr. John Ellen, at Kaiapoi, but subsequently was engaged for fourteen years on a sheep station. Returning to Kaiapoi, Mr. Burridge was employed in the local fellmongery, where he remained for eleven years. Shortly after the starting of the mill at Te Koro Koro, he joined the Company in the fellmongery department, from which he was promoted in 1889 to the position he now holds. In 1875 Mr. Burridge was married to the third daughter of Mr. William Busby, farmer, of Kaiapoi, and has four sons and four daughters.
Fuller at the Te Koro Koro Mills, Petone, was born in 1855 at Batley, Yorkshire. He learned the business under his father, who was fuller at the mill of Messrs. J. T. and J. Taylor, Batley, remaining till embarking for Lyttelton per ship “Crusader” in 1882. After, six months at Kaiapoi, he was appointed fuller at the Oamaru Company's mill, a position he held for three years. Mr. Heppleston assisted at the starting of the woollen mills at Petone, and has held his present position since that time. In 1876 he married the eldest daughter of Mr. Reuben Blakeley, professor of music at Kaiapoi, and has seven sons and two daughters. Mr. Heppleston is secretary to the Petone Co-operative Society, and acts as bandmaster of the Petone Band. As a member of the Foresters' Order he is a Past Chief Ranger of Lodge Epuni.
Warehouseman at the Woollen Mills, Petone, was born in 1864 in Huddersfield, where he learned the business under his father, who was a manufacturer. Coming to Wellington in 1887, per ship “Timaru,” Mr. Wilkinson was employed in the following year to assist in stocktaking at the Wellington Woollen Mills, and was subsequently appointed to the position he now holds. Before leaving England Mr. Wilkinson was married to the eldest daughter of Mr. Thomas Todd, artist, of Ulverston, Lancashire, and has one son and one daughter.
General Storekeeper, Jackson Street, Petone. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Damant was born at Ipswich, England, and came out to New Zealand in 1853, per ship “North Flest,” from London. In early life he was put to the grocery trade, in which he had splendid opportunities of acquiring information. By steady perseverance and close attention to details Mr. Damant gained a complete knowledge of the grocery and provision trade, which has enabled him to succeed where others might have failed. The business, which is one of the most important among the retail trades in this thriving manufacturing town, was established in 1889 by Messrs. J. W. Powell and Co. Mr. Damant was a member of the firm from its foundation, and to his energy and enterprise the progress of the business is largely due. In 1891 the present proprietor purchased the interest of his partner in the concern, and has conducted a rapidly expanding business in his own name during the last four years. The trade is carried on in a large two-story double-fronted shop, containing about 2300 square feet of floorage space, well situated in a central position in Jackson Street. Mr. Damant keeps a large and general assortment of goods, prominent among which are crockeryware and groceries. In the interests of the business he imports direct special lines of grocery goods from Messrs. Maconochie Brothers, of London, and other well-known shippers. Glass and crockeryware are likewise imported from the best British manufacturing firms. Mr. Damant is thus enabled to compete with his compeers in business, and undertakes to supply his customers with novelties in all lines at reasonable prices. He has long been well and favourably known in the district. For fourteen years he filled the position of acting engineer and pay master for the Wellington District Road Board under the Hutt County Council, and for twelve years of this period he acted as assessor for the Property Tax Department.
General Storekeeper, Hutt Road, Petone. This business was established in 1895. Mrs. Morrison is the wife of Mr. John L. Morrison, flax broker and rope manufacturer.
Bassett, Mrs., Storekeeper, Hutt Road, Petone. Established 1896.
Jones, Joseph, Storekeeper, corner of Jackson and Beach Streets, Petone. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1887. Conducted since 1894 by present proprietor.
Watchmaker and Jeweller, Jackson Street, Petone. The shop occupied by Mr. Broadway, which is centrally situated in the principal thoroughfare of this rising manufacturing town, was formerly tenanted by Mr. Raven, who established a watchmaker's business in 1887. Mr. Broadway, who was born in Hampshire, was apprenticed to the trade in Devonshire, completing his term in 1888. He has since had a general experience in Melbourne, Tasmania, and Natal, South Africa, where he managed a business for two years. Crossing over to New Zealand by the ill-fated s.s. “Wairarapa,” Mr. Broadway founded the present business early in 1894. He makes a specialty of cleaning and repairing watches and clocks, and working in gold and silver.
Boothby, William, Junr., Coal and Firewood Dealer, Jackson Street, Petone. Established 1896.
Bowman, Mrs., J. A., Stationer and Fancy Goods Dealer, Hutt Road, Petone. Established 1894.
Brown, Robert, Rope Manufacturer, Nelson Street, Petone. Established 1871.
Carter, Samuel, Jam Manufacturer, Richmond Street, Petone.
Collet, E. H., Undertaker, Hutt Road, Petone.
Cook, Herbert, Bookseller, Jackson Street, Petone. Conducted by present owner since 1895.
Cook, Thomas, Cooper, Hutt Road, Petone.
Crofts, Mrs. Robert, Fancy Goods Dealer, Jackson Street, Petone. Estab. 1894.
Elvines, John, Farrier and General Blacksmith, Hutt Road, Petone. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1895.
Farquharson, James Henry, General Dealer, Jackson Street, Petone, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1890.
Feux, Henry, Fruiterer, Hutt Road, Petone. Established 1889.
Finch F. and Son, (Frederick Finch, senr., and Frederick Finch. junr.), Farriers and General Blacksmiths, Victoria Street, Petone. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1888.
Hounslow, John, Cabinetmaker and Upholsterer, Jackson Street, Petone. Established 1887. Conducted by Mr. Hounslow since 1893.
Hyde, Joseph, Fruiterer and Greengrocer, Corner of Jackson and Sydney Streets, Petone. Established 1893.
Nicholas, George, Fruiterer, Nelson Street, Petone. Established 1890.
Rodgers, Mrs., and King, Miss C., Fruiterers and Greengrocers, Jackson Street, Petone. Established 1896.
The
The difference between the Lower Hutt and Petone is very marked, the latter being decidedly the more business-like place. The Hutt appears to be all green, there being but very few patches even in the roads where grass is unable to flourish. The houses are mainly those of the wealthy, though there are several small farms, besides nurseries and pleasure grounds.
The railway station is about nine miles from Wellington, and is located on the margin of the township, about a
The Hutt and its surroundings are the chief and best known beauty spots near the Capital. Wellingtonians always feel it to be their duty to see that their visitors from other parts have an opportunity of seeing the green valley with its many attractions. A glance at the visitors' book kept at “McNab's” shows what a favourite resort these gardens really are. It will be a matter of satisfaction to many that the old name of “McNab's” is being retained, though the cheery face of the late Mrs. McNab will be sadly missed by the more regular visitors. They are, however, by no means in the hands of strangers, Mrs. Ross, the present proprietress, being both well and favourably known in Wellington and other parts of the Colony. The gardens are one of the most popular holiday resorts near Wellington, and are frequented in summer by large numbers of people from the City. The property faces the Wainui-o-mata Road, and consists of a large area of level land, a considerable portion of which is beautifully laid out and planted with shrubs and flowers. One of the most pleasing features of the gardens are the nikaus, ferns, palm trees, ratas, and other representatives of the New Zealand forest. The gardens are well provided with courts for lawn tennis and croquet, with swings and summer-houses, and with other conveniences for picnickers. A large field in the southern end of the gardens is very suitable for large picnics, and many of the City Churches have used this for their annual Sunday school gatherings.
When the railway service is improved, the Hutt will become one of the most popular of the suburbs of Wellington. There is a large area of land suitable for villa residences, and as the valley is free from the smoke and din and dust of the City, many people will no doubt be attracted thither. Visitors to Wellington who neglect an opportunity of spending a day or more at the Hutt will have reason to regret the error.
which was incorporated in 1891, is bounded by Petone Borough on the south, and by Hutt County on north-east and west, and contains an estimated area of 3255 acres. The population of the district is 1550, the number of dwellings being 295, owned by 246 ratepayers, whose rateable properties number 359, and are of the capital value of £245,036. The assets and liabilities of the Council are respectively £85 and £130. For several years the rate has been at three-farthings in the pound on the capital value, the gross revenue for 1895–6 being £1392. The large foot and traffic bridge which spans the
J.P., C.E., is the eldest son of the late Sir W. Fitzherbert, K.C.M.G., whose political career is referred to on pages 69, 100 and 113 of this volume. Sir William arrived in Wellington early in 1842, per schooner “Lady Lee,” 60 tons, bought and equipped by him for the voyage, which proved to be a long and stormy one, occupying five months to Sydney, where he put in for stores and repairs. A water-colour drawing of this small vessel as she entered the harbour of Port Philip was shown to the writer on his visit to Mr. Fitzherbert's residence. Sir William started in business as a merchant in Wellington, where he established stores and did a large business, owning several trading vessels, including the brig “William Alfred”—which served as the mail boat to Sydney for many years—the “Susannah Ann,” and others. He also established whaling stations at Kapiti and Kaikoura, which prospered for some time. In 1848 Sir William and his family embarked on the “Subraon,” which had been chartered to convey refugees to Sydney on account of the earthquakes, but which was wrecked on Barrett's Reef, a valuable cargo being lost. Mr. W. A. Fitzherbert was born in London in 1842, and educated at the Rev. William Wheeler's Grammar School, Wellington, the Sydney Grammar School, Mr. Dodd's school, Surrey Hills, Sydney, and at Canterbury College. He entered the engineering department of the Provincial Government while Mr. Roy was chief surveyor, and here he gained his knowledge of engineering, remaining about five years. In 1863 he went to Wainui-o-mata, where he engaged in agricultural pursuits for some years on a farm belonging to his father. Soon after Sir William was elected Superintendent of the Province, Mr. Fitzherbert returned to professional life, taking part as a surveyor until the abolition of the provinces in 1876. He was then appointed county engineer to the Hutt County Council, which position he held for about five years. Since that time the subject of this sketch has been principally engaged in pastoral pursuits. He has a small sheep farm of 1200 acres near his home in the Hutt Valley, and is in partnership with Mr. Frank Waterhouse—a nephew of the Hon. G. M. Waterhouse— on a run of some 30,000 acres in Hawkes Bay. Mr. Fitzherbert has long been an officer of many public and semi-public institutions. He is one of the commissioners under the “Lands for Settlement Act, 1894,” a member of the Wellington Education Board, the Wellington Waste Lands Board, and the Lower Hutt School Committee, and a member and past president of the Wellington Agricultural and Pastoral Association; he has been a J.P. for the past twenty-five years, and is a member and “past grand” of the Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows. Mr. Fitzherbert was one of the promoters of the Wellington Woollen Company, and has served as a director for ten years. He has filled the office of Mayor of the Borough of Lower Hutt for the past five years. In church matters, Mr. Fitzherbert has taken a great interest, having been a member of the Anglican Diocesan Synod for many years. As a volunteer he served ten years between 1862 and 1872. For the first six years of this term he was captain of the Hutt Rifles, and did garrison duty at the time when sixty maories made their escape from a hulk in Port Nicholson, his troop being successful in securing the only one of the fugitives captured. He then formed a company of cavalry known as the Hutt Cavalry, of which he was captain for four years. In 1876 Mr. Fitzherbert was married to the adopted daughter of the Hon. G. M. Waterhouse, and has five daughters and four sons.
the Town Clerk Treasurer, Rate Collector, and Returning Officer, was born in 1865 in London, and was educated at a Presbyterian school at Woolwich. Coming to New Zealand in 1884 per ship “British King,” to join his parents in the Colony, he learned the drapery business. Mr. Purser, was afterwards a storekeeper at Petone, and was appointed to the position he now holds in 1892. He is a member of the firm of Purser and Co., coachbuilders and wheelwrights, Lower Hutt.
a wooden building one story in height, is situated on the Main Road in a central position in the township. There has been a Post and Telegraph Office at the Lower Hutt for over a quarter of a century, it being one of the earliest suburban offices established. There is also a telephone bureau on the premises. Mails are received twice and despatched three times daily.
Postmaster and Telegraphist, was born at Acton, Middlesex, England, in 1844. He was educated in London, and came to Auckland per ship “Owen Glendower” in 1863. Joining the forces during the Maori troubles, Mr. Price served in the first, second, and third Waikato regiments in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty districts. He took part in several engagements, notably at Orakau in March and April, 1864, under Generals Cameron and Carey, and at Ake Ake, Irihunga, Waiwhatawhata, Te Ropi, and other engagements in the Opotiki and Tauranga districts in 1866. He afterwards became a mounted constable in the A.C. Force till 1874, when he joined the telegraph department in Wellington. In the following year Mr. Price was promoted to the position of postmaster in Otaki. After four years he was transferred to Wellington Railway Station as parcel clerk and telegraphist, which position he held till 1886, when he received his present appointment. Mr. Price was married in 1876 to a daughter of the late Mr. J. Bouts, of Stoke, Newington, and has one son and one daughter.
which was erected about the year 1892, is well known to most Wellington residents. It is a compact wooden building containing ladies' and general waiting rooms, stationmaster's office, ticket lobby, and porter's room. This is the terminal station for suburban traffic, and on fine holidays large numbers of pleasure-seekers alight on the platform. The stationmaster is supplied with spare carriages, vans, and trucks to enable him to provide for the exigencies of the traffic. As a distributing station the Lower Hutt receives all empty sheep trucks from Ngahauranga and Petone for return to the Wairarapa as opportunity serves. In addition to the passenger station building, there is an engine shed, a goods store, and a coal shed.
the Stationmaster, has been in charge for twelve years. Born in Brighton, Sussex, England,
is situated in a portion of the borough known as Alicetown. The buildings occupied, which are built of wood, contain five separate rooms, accommodation being afforded for from 250 to 300 scholars. The original building, which was intended for a public hall, is completely overshadowed by the additions which have been made from time to time. The school was established over twenty years ago, the average number of scholars on the books being 270, of which from sixty to seventy are infants. The headmaster is assisted by four certificated assistants and one pupil teacher.
Headmaster of the Lower Hutt Public School, is one of the oldest teachers employed by the Wellington Education Board. Born in 1837 in Ireland, where he was educated, Mr. Barry came out to Australia in the early fifties, and alter some years crossed over to New Zealand in 1862. His experience in the colonies was of a varied and general character till 1874, when he joined the Board of Education as headmaster of a small school in the Wairarapa. Mr. Barry was subsequently transferred to Wanganui, where he had charge of the Catholic school that had been taken over by the Board. Afterwards he was successively headmaster of the Tenui, Clareville, and Kaiwarra schools, receiving his present appointment in November, 1886. Mr. Barry is a widower without family.
is on the main road about three-and-a-half miles from Lower Hutt railway station. The building—a wooden structure—was erected prior to 1864, and has been since enlarged to three rooms. There are 107 children on the roll, the average attendance being about seventy-six. The head teacher is assisted by one certificated and one pupil-teacher.
Headmaster of the Taita Public School, was born near Coventry, Warwickshire, England, in 1849. He came to New Zealand with his parents in the ship “W
(Miss Burnett, principal), Belmont Road, Lower Hutt. This school, which is pleasantly situated, was established in September, 1892.
(Miss Winder, principal), Main Road, Lower Hutt. This is a preparatory school—centrally situated. Miss Winder is also a teacher of music.
(St. James' Schoolroom), Waiwetu Road, Lower Hutt, is conducted by Miss Haase, who is a certificated teacher, assisted by Miss Ouida Haase. The school was established early in 1896 in the Church of England schoolroom, where there is good accommodation for a large number of pupils. The subjects taught embrace English, French, Latin, drawing, painting, music, plain and fancy needlework. Miss Haase was born in Auckland, her education being commenced in that city and continued in Brisbane. In 1891 she commenced her career as an assistant in a ladies' school in Brisbane, where she taught until her return to New Zealand in the latter part of 1895. The school, which was established as above, has received support from some of the best families in the Hutt District. Miss Haase will be glad to forward prospectus on application.
Lower Hutt—a wooden building accommodating a congregation of some 250 persons—was consecrated in 1880. It is about fifty years ago since the old original Church was erected. Part of this building is now used as a schoolroom, the Sunday school numbering forty children. A comfortable vicarage adjoins the church and school. The parish of Lower Hutt extends as far as Silverstream, and
Taita, in the Lower Hutt Parish, is a beautiful wooden building erected about 1845, accommodating some eighty worshippers.
the Vicar of Lower Hutt, was educated at Liverpool Collegiate Institution, and at St. Augustine's College, Canterbury, England. He was ordained in Brisbane in 1867, and four years later arrived in New Zealand. The rev. gentleman was the first clergyman appointed to the Dunstan, Otago, where he continued four years, and was then appointed incumbent and rural dean of Queenstown, Wakatipu, which he vacated in 1879. In Feilding he was the pioneer of the Anglican Church, remaining there eight years. Mr. Jones was located in the Lower Hutt in 1886.
is situated in a central position on the main road between the townships of Lower Hutt and Taita. The first Church, which was erected in November, 1850, was replaced in 1890 by a convenient wood and iron building, which accommodates about 200 people. There is a schoolroom adjoining—seated for 150—where the Sunday school is held, the number of scholars on the roll being ninety. The manse—a seven-roomed residence—adjoins the church, the whole occupying about two acres of ground. The district under the care of the minister in charge of the Lower Hutt, extends from the Hutt Bridge to the Rimutaka. Services are held at the Upper Hutt, where a wood and iron church holding about 150 was erected in 1881; at Wallaceville, in a similar building, seated for 100, which was erected in 1893; and at Mungaroa.
Presbyterian Minister of the Hutt District, was born in 1865 at Glasgow, where he was educated. Arriving in New Zealand per s.s. “Tainui” in July, 1892, Mr. Gray's first charge was the district over which he still presides. In 1893 the rev. gentleman was licensed and ordained at the Hutt. The same year Mr. Gray was married to a daughter of Mr. Glasgow, of Alloway, Ayr, Scotland.
originally under the wing of the Wellington circuit, was constituted, together with the surrounding districts, a separate circuit about forty years ago. The land on which the church and parsonage are erected comprises about an acre-and-a-half of land, having frontages to the Main Road and Bloomfield Street. The present church, which is seated to accommodate a congregation of 250, was erected about twenty years ago. The schoolroom will hold comfortably 200.
Minister of the Lower Hutt Wesleyan Church, was appointed to the circuit in 1896. Mr. Gray was ordained at the Christchurch Conference of 1882. He was stationed three years successively in each of the following places:—Tapanui, Balclutha, Waimate, Rangiora, Ashburton, and New Plymouth.
Taita. This Lodge was opened in 1893, and has had as many as seventy members. At present its members number less than half that. Meetings are held every Tuesday evening in the Wesleyan schoolroom. The officers are:—Mr. A. W. Williamson (chief templar), and Miss Minnie Hancock (secretary).
M.B., C.M., Physician and Surgeon, Oulton, Lower Hutt. Telephone 604. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Born in Morpeth, Northumberland, England, in 1857, Dr. Purdy was educated at the local grammar school, and, studying medicine at the Aberdeen College, gained his degrees in 1883. For a short time he occupied the position of surgeon to the College Hospital at Uxbridge, near London, and afterwards acted as locum tenens for the house surgeon of the Morpeth Dispensary. Dr. Purdy practised at Oulton, Yorkshire, for seven years before coming to the Colony per s.s. “Coptic” in 1891. On arrival he bought out Dr. Wilford's interest in the partnership with the late Dr. Whitehead, since whose death he has practised solely at Lower Hutt. Dr. Purdy is sole referee in the district for the Australian Mutual Provident Society and for the Government Life Office; he is also health officer for the Hutt County.
has been a resident in the Hutt Valley for over thirty years, of which period he was actively engaged in the practice of his profession for a quarter of a century. Born at Brompton, near Northallerton, in 1842, and educated at Wesley College, Sheffield, Dr. Wilford studied at Guy's Hospital, London, taking his degrees as Licentiate of the Society of Apothecaries on the 16th of November, 1864, and as a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England on the 26th of July, 1865. In the year last named he came to Wellington per ship “Bevar,” and almost immediately commenced practice at the Lower Hutt. After about twenty years the late Dr. Whitehead became associated with him under the style of Drs. Wilford and Whitehead, which partnership lasted for about six years, the practice being sold to Dr. Purdy in 1890. Since this time Dr. Wilford has engaged in pastoral pursuits, his sheep farm of 1400 acres being at Patea. As a member of the Rose of the Valley Lodge of Oddfellows, Dr. Wilford has lent his influence in support of this successful branch of the Order.
is a two-story wooden building situated on the Main Road, Lower Hutt, right opposite the traffic and foot bridge over the
Branch Agent of the Bank of New Zealand, Lower Hutt, is the second son of Mr. C. D. Barraud, who is referred to on page 361 as chairman of the Sailors' Rest, Wellington. Born in 1853 in the Empire City, the subject of this notice entered the Telegraph Office at the age of fifteen, and after five years joined the Bank of New Zealand as clerk in the Wellington branch. Subsequently he was on the West Coast at Hokitika, Ross, Stafford, and elsewhere, becoming agent at the Lyell branch. After being transferred to Wellington, Mr. Barraud was appointed to the office he now holds in 1879. As an Oddfellow he has passed through all the chairs in the Rose of the Valley Lodge, Lower Hutt. He is a member of the Church of England, and was a vestryman for about fourteen years. Mr. Barraud has been a widower for the past four years.
(George Cudby and Walter Thomas Cudby) Coach, Livery and Bait Stable Proprietors and Contractors, near the Railway Station, Lower Hutt. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in 1856 in the contracting line—coaching being added about twenty years later—by the father of the present partners (Mr. John Cudby, J.P.), who arrived in Wellington in 1842 per ship “Thomas Parks,” and who still takes an active part in public matters in the Valley. Messrs. G. and W. T. Cudby succeeded to the business in 1887. Coaches run daily to and from Taita to meet all trains arriving at the Hutt. Buggies, carriages, and saddle horses are supplied as required to picnic and other parties. Mr. George Cudby—an enthusiastic sportsman—conducts visitors on game intent to the best places for fishing and shooting in the district. The firm undertakes contracts for earthwork and construction, and supplies materials for building foundations to many of the leading contractors of the Empire City.
(Percy Robert Purser and Cruwys Dee Purser), Coach Builders and General Smiths, Main Road, Lower Hutt. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business, which was established in 1842 by the late Mr. Henry Collett, was conducted for some years by Messrs. Collett Brothers. The present firm succeeded to the business in 1895. The wood and iron buildings occupied are well adapted for the business, being fitted up with all needful appliances for the requirements of the trade.
Lumsden. Alexander James, Coachbuilder and Wheelwright, Main Road Lower Hutt, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
Dressmaker and Milliner, Main Road, Lower Hutt. This young lady was apprenticed to Miss Devereux, and subsequently gained experience at Messrs Warnock and Adkin's, Wellington. The business was established in 1893. Miss McKain has customers in all parts of the Hutt district.
Devereux, Miss, Dressmaker and Fruiterer, Main Road, Lower Hutt. Established 1895.
(George Nicholas, proprietor), corner of Main and Waiwetu Roads, Lower Hutt. The present building a two-story wooden structure of thirty-three rooms—which was erected about eighteen years ago, stands on the site of one of the oldest hotels in the district. The house has sixteen good bedrooms, a dining room which will seat thirty, a good billiard-room, and several sitting rooms. Behind the hotel there are good stables, including ten loose boxes, and sale yards capable of holding 2000 sheep or fifty head of cattle. The present proprietor became licensee in February, 1895.
Family Hotel (Patrick Casey, proprictor), Main Road, Lower Hutt Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Estab. 1874. Conducted by present licensee since 1891.
Railway Hotel (Archibald A. Gray, proprietor), Main Road, Lower Hutt, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Estab, 1875. Conducted by Mr. Gray since 1898.
Taita Hotel (F. McGovern, proprietor), Taita. Licensed in 1893, Conducted by present licensee since early in 1896.
General Blacksmith, Farrier and Wheelwright, Main Road, Lower Hutt. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. McIlvride, who hails from Perthshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1838, came to Auckland, per ship “Andrew Jackson,” in 1864. Settling in the Hutt during the following year, he founded the present business, acquiring the freehold of the large allotment on which his workshops and two-story dwelling of eight rooms stand. The building includes blacksmith, wheelwright and paint shops, and all needful appliances, including lathes, boring machine, iron cutter and band-saw, are used in connection with the business, about eight hands being employed. The leading line is horse-shoeing and general work, but a good deal of coach repairing and some coach building is also done. Mr. McIlvride has tapped a very fine flow of artesian water on his property, which is invaluable. In local politics Mr. McIlvride has declined to stand for the Borough Council, but has served as a member of the Lower Hutt School Committee and as a Licensing Commissioner. He is a member of the Rose of the Valley Lodge of Oddfellows, with which he has been connected for twenty-five years, for nine of which as trustee and treasurer. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, of which he has been an elder about twenty years. Mr. McIlvride holds the agency of the Commercial Union Assurance Company for the district. He makes for the patentee the Eureka patent wire strainer, which has been ordered by the Wairarapa and Manawatu Farmers' Co-operative Associations, and commands a ready sale.
James, Isaac, General Blacksmith, Taita.
McMenamin, James, General Blacksmith, Main Road, Lower Hutt, Estab. 1896.
Twormey, Timothy, General Blacksmith, Main Road, Lower Hutt. Bankers Bank of New Zealand.
Wholesale and Retail Butcher, Main Road, Lower Hutt. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business—the only one of the kind in the township—was established in 1856 by the late Mr. William Checkley Devereux, father of the present proprietor. The founder, whose portrait is reproduced herein, came to the Colony in 1855, per ship “Myrtle,” and settled in the district. He took a keen interest in
General Storekeeper, Main Road, Lower Hutt. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in 1847 by the father of the present proprietor, the late Mr. Thomas Burt, one of the early settlers in the Hutt Valley. The building, which is of wood and iron, is erected on freehold property, centrally situated, the total floorage space being nearly 5000 square feet. Mr. Burt occupies a foremost place as a business man in the borough of the Lower Hutt, and the business is claimed to be the oldest in the district. He represents the New Zealand Insurance Company, and does a good trade in produce, grocery, drapery, boots and shoes, and ironmongery. He is a direct importer of paper-hangings and other special lines. Mr. Burt employs four skilled assistants in the trade, which extends over a wide area, three horses and a cart being used in the delivery. In local politics he takes no part, his energies being devoted entirely to his business.
(Egbert Feist), General Storekeepers, corner of Main and Waiwetu Roads, Lower Hutt. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. This business was established in the early days, and has been conducted by the present owner since 1889. The premises comprise a two story wooden shop and dwelling well adapted for the trade, which extends within a radius of some ten miles. The firm are agents for the Liverpool, London, and Globe Fire, and the Colonial Mutual Life Offices, and for Messrs. Nimmo and Blair's seeds. Mr. Feist, who was born in England, came to Wellington per ship “Mallard” in 1865.
Carter, Joseph, General Storekeeper, Main Road, Lower Hutt. Estab. 1880.
Cleland, William, General Storekeeper, Taita, Established 1861.
Mason, John Augustus, General Storekeeper, Main Road, Lower Hutt. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1865.
Ross, John H., General Storekeeper, Taita. Established 1839.
Jounnax, St. Clair, Baker and Confectioner, Lower Hutt. Shop. The Square; bakehouse, Waiwetu Road. Established 1869. Mr. Jounnax purchased in 1894.
McKain, Daniel, Baker and Confectioner, Main Road, opposite Railway Station, Lower Hutt. Established 1891.
Mills, Edmund, Tailor, Main Road, Lower Hutt. Established 1896. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
Keeys, Richard Walton, Painter, Wood, Coal and General Dealer, Main Road, Lower Hutt.
Brandt, Henry, Boot and Shoemaker, Main Road, Lower Hutt. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
Pringle and Reid (Walter Peter Pringle and Frank Reid), Saddlers and Harness Makers, Main Road, Lower Hutt. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Conducted by present firm since 1893.
Everest and Son (David Everest and William David Everest), Grain Merchants and Orchardists, Main Road, Lower Hutt. Established 1894.
Trevethick, Charles Brush Manufacturer, Main Road, Lower Hutt. Estab, 1879.
J.P., Station-owner, Lower Hutt, is the son of the late Mr. Daniel Riddiford, who arrived in Wellington by the ship “Adelaide” in 1839, bringing in sections the first house that was erected at Pipitea Point. The mother of the subject of this notice used to write the despatches for the New Zealand Company. Mr. Riddiford, who was born at the Lower Hutt in 1843, was the first child baptized by Bishop Selwyn in New Zealand, and was educated primarily in Wellington, and secondarily at Morrison's Scotch College in Melbourne. Brought up to farming pursuits, he has never deserted his calling, and now owns the Te Awaiti estate of 50,000 or 60,000 acres on the east coast beyond Cape Palliser, the Orongaronga estate, which includes 640 acres of freehold and 7000 acres of leasehold, and 272 acres in the Hutt district, on ten acres of which the lovely residence in which he resides is located. Mr. Riddiford's runs afford pasturage for about 40,000 sheep and 5000 head of cattle. The Te Awaiti estate is celebrated for its splendid red deer, of which several fine heads with lovely antlers, some of them taken by Mr. Riddiford himself, adorn the walls of his hall. In local politics Mr. Riddiford has served the public, having acted as a member of the Wairarapa County Council and other bodies. In the early days he took his share in defending the settlement, acting as a lieutenant in the militia under Colonel Gorton. He has long been connected with, and is now vice-president of, the Wellington Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Riddiford was in married in 1879 to a daughter of the late Mr. Henry Bunny—who was for twenty years a member of the House of Representatives—and has four sons and three daughters.
Settler, Bloomfield Road, Lower Hutt. Born in Croyden, Surrey, in 1822, Mr. West is one of the few old settlers remaining who arrived in Port Nicholson by the ship “Martha Ridgway” in 1840. After a short time in Wellington and some years in the Chatham Islands, the subject of this notice settled the Hutt Valley in 1857. He has witnessed the development of settlement in the district, and for many years took part in the dairy industry, having a farm of thirty-five acres in the Waiwetu.
The train ride from the Lower Hutt onward is exceedingly pretty all the way, and the minor stations of Belmont, Haywards, Silverstream, and Wallaceville are passed. The traffic at these minor stations is but small. The stations are mere sheds, and the trains stop only when required to pick up or set down passengers.
Belmont is a favourite spot with picnickers. The bush is quite close to the station, and there are many lovely
Beyond Belmont very few of the residents make daily visitations to the City. The population is very small, being made up of farmers and platelayers. After passing Haywards, the train crosses the river, and keeps its course on the opposite margin of the valley. The scenery is very pretty, and as cultivation progresses, this part, including the Lower Hutt and Taita, will be by far the most English-looking of the country immediately around Wellington. The signs of civilization are, however, almost lost soon after passing the Upper Hutt; and the traveller unaccustomed to colonial conditions might easily fall into the error of supposing that as the distance from Wellington increases, the conditions of the surrounding country become wilder, reaching the climax only when the influence of some other coastal town is not more remote. It is but fair to say that any such imperfect theory receives a severe shock as Featherston is reached, and still more so as Greytown, Carterton, and Masterton come into view.
The
The Upper Hutt and neighbouring townships are well supplied with hotels, though the distance from Wellington is not sufficient to ensure a great deal of business from travellers. Nor is this part of the province particularly attractive to holiday-makers, though there seems to be hardly sufficient reason for this. The valley is beautiful, and is improving every year. The roads are good, and there are hills to climb of varying height. Whiteman Valley, within half-an-hour's walk by track, or twice the distance by road, is also pretty. Probably the Upper Hutt suffers considerably from the superior attractiveness of the Lower Hutt and Belmont on the one side, and the famous Rimutaka incline on the other. This discrepancy, however, will not be everlasting. A glance at the picture on page 322 of this volume will show that very fine views of the
Mails for Upper Hutt close daily at Wellington at 6.45 a.m. and 2.50 p.m.; and for Wellington close daily at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The education of the rising generation is well looked after in this scattered district, as a reference to the following pages will show.
Settlement is by no means rapid in this district. There are, however, quite a number of farms of various sizes; and the natural increase alone must soon be felt. Both sheep and cattle have a healthy, well-cared-for appearance, and there is good reason to believe that steady progress is being made by the settlers.
The business establishments of the Upper Hutt are neither extensive nor numerous, but they are evidently quite equal to the demands of the district. The principal store, conducted by Mr. Edward Wilkie, would be a creditable concern in many a larger place; but it will probably be many years before there will be a satisfactory opening for a competitor.
At Mungaroa, three miles beyond the Upper Hutt, the railway attains an altitude of 450 feet, which is increased in the following four miles to 836 at Kaitoke, this part being the steepest climb going north. The Summit is 308 feet higher, but it is eight miles further on. After leaving the Summit the descent is very rapid.
distant twenty-one miles from the Empire City, the elevation being 211 feet above sea level, is a fair type of the usual station architecture. It is a wooden building comprising large general office for post, telegraph, and railway purposes, and the usual waiting-rooms and other offices. Besides other necessary buildings there is also a large engine-shed
Stationmaster, Postmaster, and Telegraphist at the Upper Hutt, was born in Clonmel, Ireland, in 1842. He attended the National School until eleven years of age, when he accompanied his parents to Melbourne in the “Oceanic,” landing in Wellington in 1856 from the mail schooner” Marchioness.” The family secured a farm at Te Aro, and the subject of this notice worked on the farm with his father for some time, after which he was appointed overseer on the farm of the late Hon. W. B. Rhodes at Wadestown. Mr. Maher occupied this position for fifteen year; joining the railway service in 1874 as goods clerk in Wellington, When the railway was opened to Eketahuna in 1889, Mr. Maher was sent to take charge of that station, from which he was transferred to the position he now holds in April, 1894. As a volunteer, Mr. Maher belonged to No. 1 Company, Thorndon Rifles, during the time of the Titokowaru disturbance, but was never in action.
Permanent Way Ganger, No. 4 section (Haywards to Upper Hutt) of the Wellington-Eketahuna line of railway, was born in Birmingham in 1858. Coming to Nelson per ship “Edwin Fox” in 1878, he spent several years in bushfalling and other outdoor work in the country districts. In 1882 he joined the railway as a platelayer, and after nine years service received promotion to the position he now occupies. Mr. Fletcher was married in 1880 to Miss Matilda Watson, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, and has five daughters and two sons. He is a member of the Wellington branch of the Railway Benefit Society.
is situated not far from the railway station, adjoining the courthouse, which is a wooden building. Sittings of the Stipendiary Magistrate's Court are held every fourth Wednesday, Mr. J. C. Martin, of Wellington, being the presiding magistrate.
the Officer-in-charge of the Upper Hutt Police Station, also acts as clerk of the S.M. Court, inspector of factories, and ranger for the Mungaroa Riding of the Hutt County.
which was formed in 1892, has a membership of about forty. The range is situated near the Railway Station. The officers (1896) are:—Messrs. C. S. Rawson (captain), A. Keeys (deputy-captain), and F. Wilkie (secretary).
is situated on the main road in that part of the district known as Trentham, the residence of the headmaster being immediately adjoining. The schoolhouse, which is of the usual design, contains two rooms, 150 children being on the roll, with an average attendance of 115. The school embraces the full number of standards. By permission of the Board of Education, the very necessary accomplishment of swimming is taught—a capital bathing place in the
who is in charge of the Upper Hutt Public School, was born in Melbourne in 1858. He went to school in Geelong and Melbourne, and was trained at the Model School in his native city, where he served a term of four years as a pupil teacher, obtaining the Victorian teacher's certificate. Arriving in Wellington in 1878 Mr. Connell at once joined the Board of Education, his first appointment being at Horokiwi Valley, near Pahautanui, where he remained six years. After a few months as assistant master at Te Aro School, Wellington, Mr. Connell was transferred to the headmastership of Waihakeki School in the Wairarapa, which position he retained till appointed to the Upper Hutt in 1889. He was married in 1882 to a daughter of the late Mr. H. W. Williams, of H.M. Customs, Wellington, and has two sons and one daughter.
Trentham, Upper Hutt, is the centre of a large missionary parochial district, embracing about 130 square miles of country. The district extends from the summits of the Tararua and Rimutaka ranges to the boundary of the Lower Hutt parish. The central church—consecrated on the 11th of December, 1865—is an iron building which will accommodate 120 worshippers. A Sunday School—attended by from forty to fifty children—is conducted in connection with the cause.
Priest in charge of the Upper Hutt district, was born in Scotland in 1850. Educated at ordinary grammar schools and at the Edinburgh School of Arts, Mr. Cameron studied at the missionary classes in connection with the New College, Edinburgh. Arriving in New Zealand in 1878, per ship “Pariora,” he acted as a lay reader for some time. Mr. Cameron was ordained on the 8th of December, 1881, his first charge being Matarawa, where he remained nine years. After three years rest on his farm at Kiwitea, Mr. Cameron was appointed to his present charge in 1893.
Baker and General Storekeeper, Main Road, Upper Hutt. Established by the late Mr. P. A. Wilkie, father of the present proprietor, who succeeded in 1887, this business is said to have been the first store opened in the district. The two-story shop, dwelling and bakehouse occupied stand on a freehold section. The trade extends to settlers who reside tea miles away, four vans being employed in the delivery of goods.
Wilkie, William, Fruiterer and Confectioner, Main Road, Upper Hutt. Established 1869.
Builder and Undertaker, Main Road, Upper Hutt, Born at Ingrave, Essex, in 1835, Mr. Cudby married in England and came out to Sydney with his young wife, per ship “Matoka,” in 1856. After a short stay he came to Wellington by the “William and Alfred,” arriving on the 1st of May, 1857. A sawyer by trade, Mr. Cudby found work at the Lower Hutt till 1863, when he settled at the Upper Hutt, finding employment in his own line for many years. Having leased a section of forty-four acres, Mr. Cudby cleared the bush and erected a comfortable dwelling, which is specially notable by its tastefully laid out garden in front with well kept ornamental trees and pretty box borders. For about fifteen years he has conducted a growing trade as a builder and undertaker. Mr. Cudby joined the order of Odd-fellows in 1857, soon after his arrival in the Colony. For several years he served as a member of the Upper Hutt School Committee. Mrs. Cudby died in 1885, leaving fifteen children—nine sons and six daughters—to mourn their loss. Of Mr. Cudby's family, three daughters and two sons have married, and the grandchildren already number twenty-one.
(Samuel Kerr Milligan, proprietor), Main Road, Upper Hutt. This is a very quiet and comfortable house. The building, which is of wood and iron, is one of the most prominent in the township. It contains ten bedrooms, four well-furnished sitting-rooms—one of which, situated upstairs, contains a good piano—a large dining-room, and a billiard-room, which is furnished with one of Allcock's well-known tables. The stabling accommodation consists of fifteen stalls and three loose-boxes. The Provincial Hotel, which has been destroyed by fire on more than one occasion, was re-built in 1890. Mr. Milligan, the landlord, is a Scotchman by birth, and came to the Colony per ship “Victory” in 1863. He entered into possession of this compact hostelry in July, 1896.
(Samuel Carlson, proprietor), Main Road, Trentham, Upper Hutt. This hostelry, which has been established about thirty years, is a two-story wooden verandah building, having seventeen rooms in addition to those required for the host and his family. There are eleven good bedrooms, a cheery dining-room, capable of seating about thirty-five guests, two sitting-rooms, and a billiard-room, having one of Allcock's three-quarter tables. Behind the hotel there are coach-houses and stables, containing four loose-boxes and five stalls. The landlord, who was born in Sweden, came to the Colony in 1891, per ship “Lady Mabel,” to Westport. Mr. Carlson was brought up to a seafaring life. Since settling in New Zealand he has had experience as cook at the Empire Hotel, Featherston, and at Mr. Barton's station in the Wairarapa. He became licensee of the Railway Hotel early in 1896.
Farrier and General Blacksmith, Main Road, Upper Hutt. This business was established by the present proprietor in 1886. He undertakes all kinds of work in his line, and does a leading business, his customers being resident within a radius of ten miles. Born in the Maori Pah, Pipitea Point, Wellington, Mr. Boyd commenced to learn his business with Mr. Bowater, of Dixon Street. Subsequently he gained experience in Australia, Fiji, and in the Rangitikei and Manawatu districts. Mr. Boyd first commenced business on his own account in Sydney, and for two years before starting at the Upper Hutt he was at Johnsonville. He has ever taken a keen interest in sport, and as an athlete he has won many races in Wellington as well as in the Hutt.
Robinson, George, Blacksmith, Main Road, Upper Hutt.
Allan, Alexander, Carpenter and Wheelwright, Main Road, Upper Hutt.
Francis, George, Wheelwright, Main Road, Upper Hutt. Established 1863.
Wilkinson, Downie, Tailor, Main Road, Upper Hutt.
Dalton, John B., Bootmaker, Main Road, Upper Hutt.
Thompson, James, Saddler and Harness Maker, Main Road, Upper Hutt.
Butler, Roland, Butcher, Station Road, Upper Hutt. Established 1895.
Keys, A. and W. Alfred Keys and William Keys, Batchers, Main Road, Upper Hutt.
Hazel, James, General Storekeeper, Main Road, Upper Hutt. Established 1895.
Paul, Francis, Storekeeper, Trentham, Upper Hutt. Established 1889.
Settler, Trentham, Upper Hutt. In Wellington Mr. Barber is well known as the founder of the large dyeing business now conducted by his sons. He settled in the Upper Hutt about 1878. Mr. Barber has long been a prominent total abstainer, and a member of the Order of Rechabites. He married in 1856, and has two sons and two daughters.
who is said to have been one of the earliest settlers in Upper Hutt, was born in Mardingbeach, Kent, England. Arriving in Wellington in 1841 by the ship “Catherine Stewart Forbes,” Mr. Benge at once set to work to clear land at Taita, continuing till the great flood in the Hutt Valley washed away all his belongings. He then removed to Mungaroa, where, with his sons, he acquired an interest in, and ultimately bought, the Mungaroa sawmill, which they worked for a great many years. In 1875 Mr. Benge died, and his widow succumbed two years later, leaving six sons—Messrs. John, David and Samuel—now farmers at Mungaroa, Edward—a retired farmer at Upper Hutt, Reuben—a sawmiller at Carterton, and Benjamin—a farmer at Ashurst. The sawmill was worked by the sons till 1888, when it was sold. Mr. Benge, senr., like most of the early settlers, saw active service in the militia during his first few years in the Hutt Valley.
J.P., eldest son of the late Mr. David Benge, was born in Mardingbeach, Kent, England. He was married in the Upper Hutt to Miss Rose Annie Wilkins in 1867. He served in the militia, and has taken an active part in the public life of the district for many years as a member of the Mungaroa School Committee. For over twenty-five years Mr. Benge has been a member of the Oddfellows' Order. His family consists of five sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Main Road, Upper Hutt. Mr. Brown, who was born in 1846 at the Lower Hutt, is a son of the late Mr. James Brown, who is said to have been the pioneer settler of the Upper Hutt district. Having arrived in Port Nicholson in 1841 per ship “Blenheim,” seven years later he built the Criterion Hotel, which he conducted in the Upper Hutt for many years. The subject of this notice has been a resident in the district since he was two years old, and has seen its transformation from a dense forest penetrated by a bush track, which could only be traversed by pack mules, to its present condition of civilization. Twenty-eight years ago Mr. Brown took up the hundred acre section, which he still owns and occupies, having brought it into a high state of cultivation. During the Maori disturbance he served in the militia, but was fortunately not in active service. Mr. Brown was married on the 8th of October, 1869, to a daughter of the late Mr. J. G. Wrigley, of Lower Hutt, carpenter, and has seven children surviving—two sons and five daughters.
Farmer, Upper Hutt. This old settler, who was born in Paisley, Scotland, in 1819—twenty-seven hours after Her Majesty the Queen—came to the Colony per ship “New Era” in 1855. He settled in the district about three years later, and has resided on the farm he now occupies for a quarter of a century. Mr. Brown assisted in the establishment of the first school opened in the Upper Hutt. Married in 1842 to a daughter of Mr. James Donaldson, of Paisley, Mr. Brown has five sons and one daughter—all married—the grandchildren numbering nearly a score.
Settler, Upper Hutt. This gentleman has long been prominent in the Hutt Valley, and holds the important position of chairman of the Hutt County Council at the time of writing. Born in 1835 at Paisley, Scotland, he came with his father—the late Mr. James Brown, one of the Port Nicholson settlers—in 1841. Locating in the district in 1851, the subject of this notice has undergone the vicissitudes of the life of a pioneer, realizing at an early age that his success or failure depended upon his perseverance and industry. Mr. Brown married about twenty years ago, but has no family.
J.P., Millowner and Settler, Upper Hutt. For many years prior to 1892, when he retired, Mr. Cruickshanks conducted a sawmill in the district. He hails from Banffshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1823. Landing in Port Chalmers per ship “Phæebe Dunbar” in 1850, he settled in the Valley about two years later. Mr. Cruickshanks, who sat for some time in the Wellington Provincial Council, has been prominent in local politics, in the militia and volunteers, and as a Freemason and Oddfellow.
Farmer, Trentham, Upper Hutt. Mr. Gaenge was born in 1819, and came out to the colonies in 1854, settling in the Valley in the following year. He farms 170 acres of land, which was dense bush when acquired, but is now in a good state of cultivation. Mr. Gaenge is married, and has had fourteen children. His grandchildren number over seventy.
Settler, Trentham, Upper Hutt. Born in London in 1822, Mr. Haybittle was educated at Wilmot House Academy, Kent. Apprenticed to the sea, he came out to Sydney in 1841 as second mate of the ship “Hero of Malone,” a vessel that brought a large party of Scotch colliers to Newcastle. Leaving his ship soon after arrival because of the tempting wages obtainable, Mr. Haybittle was subsequently engaged on vessels employed in the coastal trade, in one of which he first visited New Zealand with sheep and cattle during the same year. After a trip to the Loyalty Islands, he returned to Sydney, crossing over the Tasman Sea to Wellington in 1842. In the early fifties Mr. Haybittle established himself in Wellington as a lighterman, in which occupation he did well for many years, till the construction of the early wharves killed his trade. He was afterwards timber clerk to Mr. Waring Taylor for some years. In 1876 he settled at Trentham, Upper Hutt, where he now resides. Mr. Haybittle was married in 1856, and has a large grown-up family of sons and daughters.
Settler, Upper Hutt. For over fifty years the subject of this sketch has been a resident in the Colony. He was born at Brouscomb, Devonshire, in 1837, and came to New Zealand when but four years old, with his parents. Mr. Mabey has for many years farmed the land he now occupies. His family cousists of six daughters and one son.
Farmer, Upper Hutt. For over fifty years Mr. Martin has been a settler in the district. Born in Kirkcuddbright, Scotland, in 1834, he arrived in Wellington per ship “Cornwall” in 1853, and took up his residence in the Valley when the country was without roads, being covered with dense bush, Mr. Martin was married to a daughter of the late Mr. James Brown in 1856, and has had twelve children, of whom eleven survive.
is located at the head of the Mungaroa Valley. It is a wooden building of the usual design, having one room and a vestibule in addition to two rooms for the teacher's residence. This school has been established for over fourteen years; there are thirty children on the roll divided between the whole of the standards, the average attendance being twenty-five.
who has charge of the Wallacville School, is a native of Ireland, which she left at an early age with her parents, on their emigration to Australia. Miss Elkin commenced her education in Australia, continuing her studies in Taranaki, whither her parents had removed. In 1880 she became a teacher, her first school being at Koru, Taranaki. After two years she entered the Wellington Training College, and remained till 1885, then obtaining her first certificate, which has since been increased to E1. Miss Elkin was mistress of the Koro Koro School, near Petone, for four years, and received her present appointment in 1889.
—a small building of wood, containing one room besides the vestibule—was established in 1891. There are twenty-three scholars on the roll, the attendance averaging nineteen. Notwithstanding the size of the school, the usual standards from number seven downwards are found there.
—an English certificated teacher—is in charge of Stokes Valley School. Mrs. Williams was born at Birkenhead, and educated in Liverpool. After serving five years she gained a Queen's Scholarship, entitling her to two years training at the Cheltenham Ladies' College. At the close of this period Mrs. Williams obtained a certificate. For two years afterwards she acted as assistant teacher at St. Clements', Windsor, Liverpool, and on teaching before Her Majesty's inspector she gained her parchment license as a teacher. In 1885 she married Dr. Robert Williams, who died in 1893 on board the barque “Lutterworth”—then voyaging to New Zealand—leading her a widow with one son and three daughters—the youngest being only three days old. On arriving in Wellington, Mrs. Williams presented her credentials as a teacher to the Board of Education, and was granted an E3 certificate, which has since been made E1. She was at once appointed to the position she still holds.
Sheep farmer, Whiteman's Valley, Upper Hutt. This old settler, who was born in Sussex, in 1828, accompanied his father and brother in the barque “Gertrude” to Port Nicholson, in 1841. He has gone through all the hardships which the early settlers endured, and has lived on the land he now owns for about twenty-five years. At the age of twenty-two Mr. Whiteman married: his family consists of five sons.
Sheepfarmer, Whiteman's Valley, Upper Hutt. Mr. Whiteman, the brother of Mr. George Whiteman was born in 1834 in Winchelsea, Sussex, England, and arrived in Wellington with his parents at the age of seven years. He served in the militia at the Upper Hutt during the Maori disturbances. Mr. Whiteman, who is unmarried, has resided on the estate he now occupies for the past eighteen years.
on the main road, about three miles from Upper Hutt railway station, is a very pretty little building, containing a single room. The ground in which the school and residence stand is planted with trees and
is situated twenty-eight miles from Te Aro Station, Wellington, and eight miles from the Summit Station at the top of the Rimutaka incline. It consists of wooden buildings, which include ladies' and general waiting-rooms, stationmaster's office—which also does duty for postal, telegraphic, money order and other business—porter's quarters, and large refreshment rooms. The station is prominent in the latter respect, eight minutes being allowed for refreshments.
the Stationmaster, Postmaster and Telegraphist at Kaitoke, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, in 1869. When he was but five years old his parents came to Wellington per ship “Edwin Fox,” and settled in the Upper Hutt district. In 1833 the subject of this notice entered the Upper Hutt telegraph office as messenger, and two years later was transferred to the clerical department in the railway. Mr. Kearney was promoted to the position of stationmaster in 1830, and filled that office at Greatford for over three years, and at Ngahauranga for about two-and-a-half years, receiving his appointment to Kaitoke in 1895.
—situated about a mile and a half along the main road from the railway station—is a single-story wooden building, containing one room and a porch, and was established many years ago. The number of pupils on the roll is twenty-two, with an average attendance of eighteen.
is the Mistress in charge of the Kaitoke School. Miss Hamilton, who has had a professional career of seventeen years, was born in Ireland, where also she was educated. Arriving in Lyttelton in 1878, per ship “Waitangi,” Miss Hamilton came on to Wellington, where she joined the Board of Education, taking at E4 certificate. Before her appointment to Kaitoke in 1892 she was mistress at Gladstone, Horokiwi Valley, and Paikakariki respectively.
(Mr. Broadbent, lessee). This popular stopping place has lately been very much enlarged and thoroughly renovated. The main room has a long counter and three tables, and opens into the ladies' refreshment room, where there is another table. Mrs. Broadbent, who is well known throughout the Wairarapa, has been in charge since the beginning of 1896. She is noted for the refreshing tea and other beverages supplied, and her ham sandwiches and confectionery of her own baking are delectable. Mrs. Broadbent has leased the commodious six-roomed residence adjoining the station, which she has furnished so as to provide accommodation for tourists, including cyclists and fishing and shooting parties. There is good trout fishing in the Pukeratahi River, and quail, rabbits and other game abound in the bush.
about forty miles north-east of Wellington, is on the railway line at the foot of the Rimutaka incline. The settlement consists of a railway station and enginesheds, and a number of railway employees' cottages, with a schoolhouse and master's residence. It is seven miles south of Featherston, where the settlers get their stores, etc. Communication is by road and rail. The place is so situated amongst the hills that in winter it gets only about an hour's sunshine in the day. The hills around, once heavily wooded, now present a partially cleared appearance. Cross Creek runs through the settlement into Lake Wairarapa.
The stationmaster is also postmaster for the place. Mails arrive from Wellington at 9.57 a.m. and 6.6 p.m., closing for Wellington at 8.30 a.m. and 4.45 p.m.
Services are conducted fortnightly in the school by Mr. Foston, Wesleyan Home Missionary from Featherston.
The Rimutaka incline, which is the steepest piece of railway line in New Zealand, extends from Cross Creek railway station to the Summit, a distance of nearly three miles. The grade is one in fifteen, and the line winds round the hills to the Summit, sometimes with rather dangerous curves, till it rises from 273 feet above sea level at Cross Creek to 1144 feet at the Summit. The railway here is constructed on what is known as the Fell system, with an additional central rail. When a train reaches Cross Creek from the north, the ordinary engine is detached, and a Fell engine for every eight loaded waggons and van, or every four carriages and two vans, is attached. These engines can each draw a load of sixty-five tons up the incline. An incline van with special brakes is also hitched on. The train then proceeds up the incline at the rate of five miles an hour, under the charge of the incline guard and engineers. The centre rail is gripped on each side by wheels revolving horizontally underneath the engine. There are two pairs of these wheels on each engine, pressing in towards each other. When descending, the centre rail is gripped between cast iron blocks fitted under the engine so as to press towards each other. The friction is so great that, after taking a heavy train down, these blocks are so worn that they have to be replaced. A workshop with a stock of these blocks is therefore part of the plant at Cross Creek, and fitters are kept to replace the blocks as required. The engines, of which there are six, are thirty-seven to thirty-nine tons weight each. Three of these engines are in daily use during the summer. After making the ascent with a train, the engines usually wait and bring the next train down. The ascent is made in forty minutes with a passenger train, and the descent in twenty minutes. In two places where the train crosses deep gullies, the line is protected by high wooden fences to break the force of the gusts of wind that at one time, before this means of protection was devised, blew part of a train over the embankment. The line is now, however, well secured against such possibilities. The only inconvenience suffered by passengers is the rather awkward dip of the carriages, and the delay in getting over this three miles of country. Accidents are almost unknown, the permanent way being attended to with special care, and the greatest caution observed in conducting trains up and down the incline. The Fell system was first tried on the Mount Cennis line in Europe, but is not used elsewhere in the world, as far as is known, except on the Rimutaka incline.
The staff at Cross Creek consists of Messrs. C. E. Bernard (stationmaster), Alex. Allan (driver-in-charge), R. Hope, T. Kirby, and F. Taylor (drivers), J. Walker, J. Lilly, and H. Livingstone (firemen), with guards, cleaners, coalman, fitter, and porter.
the next after the Summit station, on the Rimutaka Incline, is thirty-six miles from Te Aro Station, Wellington, and 273 feet above sea level. Mails arrive and depart by the evening trains. Mr. C. E. Bernard is the stationmaster.
Stationmaster, etc., at Cross Creek, was born near Dublin, Ireland, in 1847. After attending a private school in his native city, he emigrated to New Zealand, arriving in Nelson in 1868. For three years Mr. Bernard worked on a sheep station, and afterwards served in the Armed Constabulary for five years. In 1880 he joined the Railway Department as signalman at Cross Creek, and thirteen years later he was promoted to the position he now holds.
Driver in charge at Cross Creek, was born in Nigg, Rosshire, Scotland, in 1848. Leaving school at fourteen years of age, Mr. Allan went to learn engineering with Messrs. Faulkner Bros., of Inverness, and after serving two years he returned to his native town, where for five years he was engaged in the engineering business on his own account. After a short time in North America, Mr. Allan went to London, where he worked for a year with Messrs. Currie Bros., the well-known steamship owners, and for two years as a millwright in Woolwich Arsenal. Landing in Wellington on the 1st of January, 1880, he got employment in the Phœnix Foundry, and a year later he received an appointment in the New Zealand Government Railway Department as fitter at Cross Creek. After four years service he was appointed fitter in charge, and was subsequently promoted to the position he now holds. Mr. Allan is well qualified for the responsible office he fills. Sober, cautious, and capable, he exercises a vigilant supervision over all entrusted to his care. He is married, and has five children.
—a wooden building of two rooms—has thirty-four children on the roll, the average attendance being about thirty.
Master in charge of Cross Creek Public School, who holds a D3 certificate, was born in County Down, Ireland. He was first educated at the National School, and afterwards at an Academy in Belfast, and finally in Dublin. In 1881 he married the eldest daughter of Mr. Moses Matthews, of Dromore, County Down, and sister of Dr. James Nelson Matthews, of London. They travelled through Ireland, England, and the Continent, and in 1882 sailed by the Orient Line of mail steamers via Melbourne for New Zealand. His first teaching appointment in New Zealand was at Tenui School, where he spent six years. Besigning in 1890 he entered the Otago College, and returning after two years, he was appointed to the Cross Creck School in 1893.
After the somewhat tiring, though decidedly interesting, train ride over the Rimutaka mountains, the traveller experiences a pleasant feeling of rest when, turning his back on the hills and vales, he sees ahead the great Wairarapa, plain, relieved by the lake on the right and the town of
Kaiwaiwai, Martinborough, Kahautara, Lake Ferry, and numerous other places between Featherston and the East Coast all look upon Featherston as their headquarters, and all their trade comes this way.
Tauherenikau, some three miles on the road to Greytown, is mainly known for its splendid racecourse, which occupies a hundred-acre reserve. There are special training tracks and all conveniences. Races are held twice a year, and are exceedingly popular, attracting visitors from all parts—from Wellington in the south to Woodville and even Napier in the north. There is a fine stretch of natural bush in the racecourse reserve, which is specially attractive to picnic parties.
Featherston itself is well provided with reserves. The Domain, within five minutes' walk of the station, has an extent of fifty-seven acres. It is exceedingly pretty, having a good deal of natural bush, besides open parts suitable for games and sports. Within two minutes' walk from the station is the sports reserve proper—a beautiful grassed level paddock immediately opposite the Empire Hotel.
Featherston has a fine town hall, with a good stage and all requisites for concerts and theatrical performances.
The new courthouse is decidedly ornamental.
The real distance from Wellington to Featherston by rail is about forty-five miles, but for tariff purposes it is counted by the Railway Department at fifty, a little over five miles being theoretically added to the mileage to cover the increased cost of working that portion of the line known as the “Wairarapa incline,” between the Summit and Cross Creek. The real distance is about two miles and fifty-six chains, and the difference in altitude between the two places is 871 feet, which gives an average grade of one in sixteen and a fraction. “As the crow flies,”
There is abundant room for Featherston to grow. The area of the town is about 800 acres, exclusive of streets, but including nearly 100 acres of reserves. The streets are wide and straight, and the roads in every direction are splendid.
The Churches are represented by the Episcopal, Roman Catholic, and Wesleyan places of worship; the Masons, Oddfellows, and Knights of Labour have lodges; and local government is maintained by the Featherston Road Board, the Featherston Town Board, and the South Wairarapa River Board.
which got its designation when the Town Districts Act came into operation in 1881, was previously a local board. The Board has the control of the township of Featherston, and also of the cemetery and domain. The latter is sixty-six acres in extent, part of it being used as a recreation ground. The cemetery is a short distance to the south of the township. The Town Board also owns and controls the Public Hall and Free Public Library, the latter being managed by a library committee elected by the subscribers. The Public Hall, a large wooden building facing Clifford Square, was erected in 1894 at a cost of about £800, £500 of which was a loan voted for by the ratepayers, and the remainder voluntary contributions. The annual rateable value of property in the township of Featherston is £16,005. The Board's property is valued at £1,200. The rates are 3/4d. general, 1–16d. library, and 1/4d. Town Hall. There are 150 ratepayers, 107 dwellings, 190 properties, and 769 people. The members of the Town Board, who are elected every two years are (1896): Messrs. J. Donald (chairman), J. G. Cox (treasurer), C. Cundy, W. Hodder, Junr., W. H. Nicholls, A. Anderson, and W. Benton; Mr. W. Bock being town clerk.
Town Clerk, Clerk and Treasurer to the Road Board, and Collector for the Town Board, has been in Featherston since 1884, and during the whole of that time, besides holding the above offices, he has been valuator for the Featherston town district. Prior to that Mr. Bock was in Greytown from 1876 to 1882. He was valuator for the Greytown borough from the inception of the Property Tax Department to the time of his leaving the district. In conjunction with the above offices, Mr. Bock for five years carried on a forwarding agency business at Featherston, but his premises being destroyed by fire, and his professional duties having largely increased, he has now discontinued that branch of his business. Mr. Bock was born in Hobart, and left there for Wellington in 1876 per schooner “Young Dick.” His first situation was in Masterton, where he was clerk to Messrs. Caselberg and Co. (now the Wairarapa Farmers' Co-operative Association. After a few months in this situation he was removed to Greytown to take charge of Messrs. Caselberg and Co.'s books in that district, which position he relinquished to take the clerkship of the Greytown Borough Council. In 1882 he returned to Wellington, spent a year in the Property Tax Department, and about the same time in the Registration of Friendly Societies Department. He then left Wellington for Featherston, and commenced as above. Each of these situations Mr. Bock left on his own account. He is a popular officer, and extremely courteous and obliging. For three years he was secretary of the Foresters at Greytown, and for five years secretary of the Wairarapa Racing Club, Featherston. The secretaryship of the Wairarapa racecourse trustees and the clerkship to the South Wairsrapa River Board are still in Mr. Bock's hands. Mr. Bock's private residence is in Woodward Street, and his public office in the Town Board Building, Fitzherbert Street, where he carries on business as a land and commission agent besides fulfilling his official duties.
which was brought under the Road Boards Act in 1882, was known as a highway board since 1874. Its functions are the control and maintenance of roads and bridges in a wide district, bounded on the north by the Pahaoa River, west by the Tararua Ranges, east by the sea, and south by the Summit and a line to Palliser Bay. It takes in the townships of Featherston, Martinborough, Pirinoa, Tauherenikau, Kaitara (or Morrison Bush), Kaiwaiwai, and Cross Creek. The annual rateable value of property under the Board's jurisdiction, exclusive of Crown and native lands, is £1,118,434; the Crown and native lands are valued at £36,990, and the rates are 3/4d. in the £. The estimated number of dwellings in the district is 500, the properties numbering 600 and the ratepayers 440. This Board is in the Wairarapa South County Council district. The members of the Board (1896), who are elected triennially, are:—Messrs. A. Matthews (chairman), W. J. Nix, J. Donald, W. E. Bidwell, T. F. Evans, J. P. Russell, E. R. Harris, and J. Macleod, Mr. W. Bock being clerk and treasurer.
J.P., the Chairman of the Featherston Road Board, is one of the best known and most popular residents in the Wairarapa. His father—one of Wellington's earliest settlers, who came to the Colony in the ship “London” in 1812—was widely known as a sheepfarmer. The subject of this notice was born in 1845 in Wellington, where he was educated. He adopted his father's calling, and lived for some time on the run at Palliser Bay, which he still holds. On his marriage. Mr. Matthews took up his residence on the Waiorongomai estate, to which he succeeded upon his father's death. This fine homestead is a feature of the southern part of the Wairarapa district, and the unvarying hospitality of the owner is much appreciated by travellers. To Mr. Matthews' generosity Featherston is indebted for the free public library and reading room, which would be a credit to a larger place. The building, which was erected in the early part of 1896 on land given by Mr. Matthews, was entirely free of debt on the opening day. Many other institutions in Featherston have received liberal gifts from this gentleman, who is popularly referred to as the “patron saint of Featherston.” For twenty-one years he has been prominent in the Road Board, and for thirteen years he has been a member of the Wairarapa South County Council. As president of the Wellington Agricultural and Pastoral Association, member of the committee of the Wairarapa Agricultural and Pastoral Association, chairman of the South Wairarapa River Board, chairman of the Featherston Literary Institute Committee, vice-president of
controls the outlet of the Wairarapa Lake, which closes four or five times yearly, flooding the low-lying lands. The Board, which was established in 1886, consists of five members elected trienially by ratepayers in a special district. The annual rateable value of property is £70,360, the rate being 1/4d. in the £. The members of the Board (1896) are: Messrs. A. Matthews (chairman), J. O. Bidwell (treasurer), C. E. Hume, W. O. Williams, and F. Pearce, Mr. W. Bock being clerk of the Board.
was erected in 1896. The building is very prettily designed, and stands in the centre of the town. Its cost was defrayed by the public of Featherston, and Mr. Alfred Matthews, who also gave the ground. The public reading room is well supplied with the daily papers and magazines, the library containing some 1300 volumes. There is a comfortable chess-room, also a ladies' reading-room. The place, which is open daily, is neatly furnished and splendidly kept.
which was formed in 1884, has fifteen members, the reed and brass instruments being mostly the property of the Town Board. The members, who wear blue uniforms, with white facings and cheesecutter caps, practise every Tuesday evening. The officers (1896) were:—Messrs. A. C. Bicknell (conductor), Benton (secretary), and A. Burt (treasurer).
Conductor of the Featherston Town Band, was born in 1869 in Kaiwaiwai, where he was educated. After serving four years at the building trade with Mr. Benton, of Featherston, he spent a year in Wellington, which he left in 1887. He is now a contractor, and employs several hands. He occupies a quarter-acre section in Featherston, on which a commodious residence is erected. Mr. Bicknell can play almost any band instrument, and makes music his hobby. While resident in Greytown he was a member of the Amateur Operatic Society. Mr. Bicknell is a married man, and has one child.
is fifty-one miles from Wellington on the Wellington-Eketahuna railway line. The station is a wooden building, having suitable waiting-rooms for ladies and the general public, and an extensive covered-in platform. The postal, telegraph and telephone business is carried on in the southern part of the building. All trains stop for a few minutes at Featherston. The post-office is opened for the delivery of letters every evening upon the arrival of the last train from Wellington.
the Stationmaster, Postmaster and Telegraphist in charge of Featherston Railway Station, Post and Telegraph Office, was born in Birmingham in 1848. His father, the Rev. A. O. Wellsted, was an Episcopalian clergyman in charge of St. Jude's, Bristol. At sixteen years of age, having been educated at a private school in Birmingham, he was placed under Bishop Grey at the Cape of Good Hope, with the intention of being trained for the ministry. After nine months study, Mr. Wellsted came to Wellington, where he joined the Wanganui Cavalry. Afterwards he entered the Armed Constabulary, serving seven years during the native troubles. Subsequently entering the
Officer-in-charge, Clerk and Bailiff of the Magistrate's Court, also Inspector of Factories and Slaughterhouses, Acting Relieving Officer under Charitable Aid South Wairarapa County Council, and other minor offices, Featherston, is a native of Ireland, and left there in 1864, arriving in the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, in the following year. Turning his attention to farming, he spent a few years on a special settlement in the Bay of Islands, but a disinclination towards that line of life led him, in 1868, to join the Mounted Armed Constabulary, in which force he served till its reduction in 1877. Constable Smith was then a first-class sergeant of police in charge of the Wellington station, and two years later he resigned and went into business. After a break of some three years he again joined the police, and was appointed to the charge of Featherston district, in which position he is very popular.
which has three rooms, is situated in Clifford Square near the town hall, standing in a beautifully kept playground, surrounded by a high macrocarpa hedge. This school and its outbuildings are kept in a scrupulously clean and neat state. The children are trained to take a pride in the institution, and the consequence is it has become quite a show-place for neatness, the floors being kept so clean that the grain of the wood stands out as if French polished. With 216 children on the roll, the average attendance is 184. A good library of 300 volumes is attached to the school. The headmaster is assisted by two certificated assistants and one pupil teacher.
Headmaster of the Featherston Public School, is a native of Cleveland Park, Yorkshire. He left England for New Zealand per ship “Humphrey Nelson,” commanded by Captain Fell, and arrived in Nelson in 1864. Mr. Porritt was educated at Bishop Barrington's Grammar School at Greatham, County of Durham, and afterwards studied at St. Cuthbert's College, Durham. For six years prior to his leaving the Old Country, Mr. Porritt was engaged in teaching, and held the position of headmaster of the St. John's National Schools, Hartlepool. He had previously gained a Queen's scholarship and certificate of a very high order from the Durham College, which on his arrival in New Zealand, ranked as the equivalent of the teachers' D1 certificate of this Colony. On arriving in Nelson Mr. Porritt was appointed schoolmaster, lay-reader, and catechist at Kekerangu under Bishop Hobhouse, the estate being owned by the Hon. Joseph Dresser Tetley. This position he filled till 1868, when he was appointed headmaster of the Public School, Picton. Two years after this he was ordained by the late Bishop Suter, and sent to take charge of the Kaikoura Parochial District. In 1874 the Rev. Mr. Porritt accepted the position of headmaster of the English High School at Wellington, a post which he occupied for many years. The Featherston Public School is under Mr. Porritt's management, admirably conducted in every respect. He has a staff of competent teachers, and obtains satisfactory reports of the school from the visiting inspectors each year. Mr. Porritt holds an honourable position in the Masonic Fraternity. He is P.M, P.G. Chaplain Grand Lodge of New Zealand, P.Z., P.G. Chancellor, and Third Grand Principal Supreme Grand R.A. Chapter New Zealand, and Grand Representative of the Grand Lodge A.F.A.M., Delaware, U.S.
(Miss Clava McShane, principal), Featherston. This school was established by the present teacher in 1892. There are about twenty scholars, who receive tuition in the various branches of an English education, including drawing.
Featherston, is a wooden building capable of accomodating about eighty worshippers. Services are held once every Sunday, alternately morning and evening, by the Rev. A. V. Grace, assisted by lay readers. The musical portion of the service is under the control of Mr. Geo. Fenwick. There is a good Sunday school attached to the church.
Featherston, stands in the centre of the township, on a section with a good frontage to Fitzherbert Street. Services are conducted periodically by the Rev. Father McKenna. The building is a wooden one, capable of accomodating about 150 worshippers.
a wooden building capable of seating 150 people, is situated near St. George's Hall—seated for about 200—which is church property, and is used for meetings and the Sunday school. The church and hall stand on freehold land, on which other buildings have been erected for
the Home Missionary in charge of Wesley Church, Featherston, was born in Tealby, Lincolnshire, England, in 1871. His father, a tailor by trade, was choirmaster, superintendent of the Sunday school, and a local preacher in the United Methodist Free Church. Educated in Lincolnshire, Mr. Foston accompanied his parents to Christchurch in 1882, and was employed in a drapery establishment in Sydenham for fifteen months; but, preferring a country life, he took a situation on a farm at Aylesbury, where he remained about six years. Subsequently he worked for Mr. Gimblett, at Woolston, and afterwards at the establishments of Mr. Tyree and Messrs. Strange and Co. in Christchurch. After three years he left the last-named firm to accept the position he at present occupies. In January, 1894, Mr. Foston was accepted as a local preacher in the Wesleyan Church, Sydenham. For several years he was prominent in Church work in Canterbury. As superintendent of the Sydenham Wesleyan Sunday school, the largest Methodist Sunday school in Canterbury, for three-and-a-half years, and a member of the central committee in connection with the New Zealand Wesleyan Methodist Sunday school work, he has been a recognised organiser. In the temperance crusade he has taken a leading part, and holds the degree of P.W.P. in the Sons and Daughters of Temperance. Mr. Foston holds the first and second grade certificates as a Sunday school teacher. He is a member of the Canterbury Progressive Liberal Association, a delegate to the New Zealand Prohibition Council, and is connected with many other public and philanthropic organisations.
Featherston, meets on the Thursday nearest full moon in every month, and the annual installation is held in October, The Lodge meets in its own hall—a substantial wooden building erected in 1884. The officers (1896) are:—Messrs. H. C. Smith (W.M.), A. Donald (S.W.), G. Reynolds (P.M., J.W.), and Rev. Thos. Porritt (P.M., P.G.C., secretary).
Featherston, was opened in 1872, and has now fifty-two members. The Lodge possesses a good hall, erected on a quarter-acre section near the centre of the township. The officers (1896) are:—Messrs. M. B. Tait, E. Cox, and W. Benton (trustrs), Mr. C. J. Kent-Johnston (secreatary), Mr. J. W. Card (treasure.).
Mr. J. Penny (secretary), Bank of New Zealand, Featherston.
Mr. J. W. Card (secretary), and Mr. J. McCarthy (captain). The club's colours are red and black stripes, the membership being thirty.
—established in 1891—has a membership of forty, the subscription being 3s. The Club, whose colours are blue and black, plays on the Featherston Reserve, ranking as a junior club in the Wednesday Rugby Union. The officers for 1896 were:—Messrs. C. R. Bidwell (patron), J. Barr (president), W. Bock, H. J. Unwin, J. Card, senr., A. H. Knowles, and C. Tringham (vice-presidents), T. Sheen (captain), T. Saunders (vice-captain), and Louis Keys (secretary).
which has its headquarters at Featherston, possesses a membership of over 200. The Club leases the Tauherenikau Racecourse Reserve, where two meetings are held every year. The officers (1896) are:—Messrs. J. P. Russell (president), N. Grace and H. S. Wardell (vice-presidents), G. Reynolds (treasurer), G. T. F. Hutton (secretary), and a large number of stewards, of whom Mr. W. E. Bidwell is chairman. At the meetings in 1895 the gross amount of the stakes competed for was £1250, the principal race being the Wairarapa Cup.
Solicitor, Johnson Street, next to the Empire Hotel. Telegraphic address, “Card, Featherston.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Agents: Wellington, Messrs. Menteath, Hannan and Beere; Greymouth, Messrs. Jones and Hannan. Mr. Card is a native of Marsden, Westland, was articled to Messrs. Jones and Hannan, of Greymouth, and held a subsequent appointment for eighteen months with Mr. A. A. S. Menteath, of Wellington. In June, 1894, he was admitted a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, having passed the final examinations in November, 1893. Mr. Card attends the courts at Greytown, Carterton, and Masterton, as well as attending to legal business at Featherston. He is agent for Messrs. Monteath, Hannan and Beere, of Wellington, Messrs. Jones and Hannan, of Greymonth, and others.
Chemist and Druggist, Medical Hall, Fitzherbert Street, Featherston. Telegraphic address, “Fife, Featherston.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Fife is a native of Renfrew, Scotland, and left there in 1851 for Victoria. During the same year he visited Christchurch and Wellington, and returned to Melbourne after travelling over a good portion of the South Island of New Zealand. Three years later he left Victoria and came to this Colony for permanentresidence, and entered into business in Wellington, where he was well known for many years. Mr. Fife learned his business with Mr. Robert Barr, of Paisley, prior to leaving the Old Country. His present business was establisned in 1874, by Mr. D. C. Keir, and was taken over by him in 1884. Mr. Fife was one of the first members of the Pharmacy Board, being a Government nominee to that body. He is public vaccinator to the Featherston district.
Chemist, Druggist, and Stationer, the Pharmacy, Fitzherbert Street, Featherston, Telegraphic address, “Good, Featherston.” Mr. Good was born and educated in Dorchester, England. His father and brother were then in practice as medical men in that town, and it was as dispenser to these gentlemen that Mr. Good gained the experience which has been of such use to him in this Colony. In 1883 he left England for New Zealand, and arrived in Wellington per s.s. “Ionic” during the same year. His first appointment in the Colony was that of assistant to Mr. W. C. Fitzgerald, the well-known chemist and druggist, of Wellington, which situation he filled for about a year. After a shorter period in the employ of Mr. Geo. Mee, also of Wellington, Mr. Good was asked to take the post of dispenser to the Wellington Hospital. In this position he of course gained further valuable experience: and
Featherston. This branch was opened in 1877. The present building, a commodions wooden structure, has a frontage of about forty feet to Fitzherbert Street. The banking chamber and manager's room occupy the front portion of the premises, the rest being occupied as the manager's residence. The local officers are Messrs. A. H. Knowles (manager), and C. D. L. Barclay (teller).
Manager of the Bank of Australasia, Featherston, was born in Wellington in 1859, his father being a banker. After a course of instruction at Mr. Mowbray's school, Sydney Street, Wellington, Mr. Knowles spent a year at Nelson College, and afterwards attended Mr. Bowden's school in Wellington. On leaving school Mr. Knowics joined the Survey Department as a cadet, and was transferred to the Stamp Office in 1875. Two years later he resigned his position to join the Bank of Australasia. In 1884 he was promoted to the position of teller in the Wellington office, and later on in the same year he was sent to Palmerston North as accountant. After two years Mr. Knowles was appointed manager at Foxton. In 1889 he was transferred to Waipawa, where he remained till 1892, when he was removed to Featherston. Since his arrival Mr. Knowles has taken a conspicuous part in the social life of the place, as a member of the Featherston Literary Institute, Cricket Club, and Tennis Club. He is also a vestryman in St. John's Anglican Church. Mr. Knowles is married, and has two children.
at Featherston, is a substantial wooden building in the principal street. The banking chamber and the agent's office occupy the front part of the building, while the rear is used for residential purposes. The agent is assisted by an accountant.
Agent of the Bank of New Zealand, Featherston, was born in 1858 in Denmark, where his father was Italian consul. Leaving Denmark in 1863, the Fenwick family came to New Zealand, and settled near Oamare, Otago, two years later. Educated at the Oamaru District High School, he joined the Bank ef New Zealand as junior in the Oamaru branch in 1881. After serving four years, Mr. Fenwick was at Waikouaiti and Queenstown branches, eventually being located in Dunedin, where he remained eleven years, holding the position of teller for seven years, and afterwards that of bill clerk. After ten months as agent in Picton, he was transferred to Featherston. Mr. Fenwick has long been prominent in musical and athletic circles. In Otago he was a member of the Oamaru, Carisbrook, and Phœnix Cricket Clubs, and of the Dunedin Amateur Athletic Association, the Dunedin Rifle, and Carisbrook Lawn Tennis Clubs. In Featherston he has gained considerable popularity as a leader in all that tends to improve the social life of the township.
holds its meetings on the first Tuesday in every month. The officers (1896) are:—Messrs. A. Keys (master workman), L. F. Keys (worthy foreman), and F. W. Good (recording secretary).
Secretary of the Loyal Unity Lodge, I.O.O.F., M.U., and Press Correspondent (representing the Wairarapa Standard and several other papers) in Featherston, was born in 1868 in Aldershot, Hampshire, England. His father, Colonel J. Kent-Johnston, late A. C. G. of the C. and T. Staff, was an officer in the British Army, who after over thirty years service retired with a colonel's commission, and is now a resident of Melbourne. When the subject of this notice was but a year old, his father was sent to Dublin, remaining there for nine years, when he was sent on foreign service. Mr. Kent-Johnston was educated at St. Lawrence's College, Bruges, Belgium, and at Mannamead School, Plymouth, England. Mr. Kent-Johnston went to sea as a midshipman in the barque “Hampshire,” in 1885, and followed a
Herald. Returning to New Zealand in 1892 he settled in Greytown and subsequently acted as manager for Mr. Coleman Phillips for over a year. In 1893 Mr. Kent-Johnston was married to the only daughter of Mr. F. H. Wood, the well-known auctioneer of Greytown, and has two children. Mr. Kent-Johnston occupies a residence in a central position in Featherston, and he takes an active part in the social and public life of the district, being treasurer of the Featherston Public School Committee, secretary to the vestry of St. John's Church, secretary of the Featherston District Rifle Club, Past Master Workman of the local assembly of the Knights of Labour, and a member of the Featherston Tennis Club.
Fruiterer and Confectioner, Fitzherbert Street, Featherston. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was started in 1881 by Mrs. Hill, who in 1889 was married to Mr. Smith. Mrs. Smith continues her old business, thus enabling Mr. Smith to work in his own line. Mr. Smith was born in Auckland and learned his business with Mr. Philcox, carpenter, etc., of that city. He subsequently worked in Auckland, Taupo, and Wellington, being in the latter place for over five years. He is a staircase builder, a most important branch in the building business, and as such has held several special appointments. Nothing in the building line comes amiss to him from the preparing of the plans to their execution in every detail.
Builder, Contractor, and Undertaker, Revans Street, Featherston. Telegraphic address, “Benton, Featherston.” Mr. Benton was born in Wellington, and established himself as above in Featherston in 1879. His workshops are large and conveniently fitted, the machinery comprising a universal wood-worker, band saws, circular saws, mortising machines, etc. The power for these is derived from a six-horse-power horizontal steam-engine, Mr. Benton is much respected by the people of Featherston, and consequently does a large trade. He is the favourite undertaker for the district, and does all the best work in that line. He is one of a syndicate of three who are the patentees of a reversible window known as Coose's patent. This cleverly designed and useful window has been patented all the world over, at a cost of over £200. It is said to be far ahead of anything of the kind that has yet been attempted, and certainly the model submitted to the writer's inspection was indeed wonderfully perfect. Though so easily reversible, the sashes are rain and dust proof, and as strong as ordinary windows. The convenience with which these windows can be cleaned, and their security against dust, rain, and burglars, should make them a favourite window. A most extensive sale is anticipated. Architects who are alive to the interests of their clients are already specifying them for new buildings. Mr. Benton is a member of the town board of Featherston, and secretary of the Featherston district Rifle Club. He is a good marksman, and always does well at the meetings. He was formerly lieutenant of the Featherston Rifles.
Building Contractor, Featherston Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1893. Mr. Bicknell is engaged principally in building houses and shops. He is conductor of the local town band, further mention of him being made in that connection.
Donald, A., Builder and Undertaker, Featherston.
Robertson, John, Carpenter, Revans Street, Featherston. Established 1880.
Wheelwright, Featherston. Private residence, Fitzherbert Street. Mr. Spackman, who claims to have been the first European boy born in the Provincial district, was born at the Lower Hutt in 1840, his father, Dr. Spackman of Otaki, having but just arrived in the Colony. Mr. Spackman has had experience as a sawmiller, as a builder and general contractor, and as a wheelwright. He has erected many buildings, including the Mungaroa schoolhouse, several of the Government buildings along the railway line between Featherston and the Upper Hutt, and Mr. W. Burt's sawmill in Featherston. He served in the militia at the Hutt, and was at one time a member of the volunteer forces. He is an Oddfellow of twenty-three years standing. As a member of the Featherston School Committee he has served three years.
was formed in 1895. The shareholders, who number twenty-two, are all settlers in the district, and reserve to themselves the exclusive right of serving milk to the factory, which is erected at South Featherston. The wooden building on the main road to Kaiwaiwai, which is fitted up with the most modern cheesemaking plant, was erected at a total cost of about £900. The manager's residence adjoins the factory, the area of land being about one-and-a-half acres in extent. There is a plentiful supply of the purest water. The factory is replete with all the latest appliances, including vats with a capacity of 1900 gallons, and a ten-horse-power boiler and engine. About 1320 gallons of milk are being made into cheese daily at the time of writing. The factory, which is of large size, is worked all the year round, and in 1895–6 turned out 100 tons of cheese, which brought a good price in the London market. The Government brand for the factory is 360. The Company has resolved to start butter making at an early date. The directors are:—Messrs. M. J. H. Jackson (chairman), J. S. Cundy, J. Bicknell, R. Burt, W. Fuge, John Murphy, J. Tidswell, and W. Hodder, junr., and Walter Bock (secretary).
Manager of the Featherston Co-operative Dairy, was born in Woodlands, Southland, in 1873, and spent some time on his father's farm before learning cheesemaking with his brother, Mr. James Dawson, then manager of the Waikouaiti dairy factory, and now at Belvedere factory, Carterton. After a year at Waikouaiti, Mr. Dawson was appointed manager of the Tapanui factory, a position which he held for three
Donald, James, J.P., Grazier and Farmer, Dairy Factory, Featherston.
Draper and Clothier, Fox Street, Featherston. This business, which was opened in 1892, is carried on as a branch of the main business at Wellington. It is under the management of Mr. Walter Spackman.
Dressmaker, Fitzherbert Street, Featherston. Miss Cookson occupies a leading position as a dressmaker in Featherston. Her shop, which is next door to the Bank of New Zealand, is a wood and iron building, having a frontage of about twenty feet. Miss Cookson is a daughter of a well-known livery stable-keeper in Ashburton. Born in the City of the Plains, she was educated at a private school in Ashburton, and after leaving school commenced business as a dressmaker in that town. Subsequently she gained considerable experience in the well-known establishment of Messrs. Lonargan and Co., in Christchurch. Arriving in Featherston in 1894, Miss Cookson established the present business, in which she is assisted by three apprentices.
Auld, Miss, Dressmaker, Featherston.
Conway, Miss, Dressmaker Festherston.
Hall, Miss Elliza Annie, Dressmaker, Featherston. Established 189.
Tailor and Habitmaker, Fitzherbert Street, Featherston. After serving his time with Mr. Waddell, of Oamaru, where he remained for eight years, Mr. Waterworth was employed for two years n Wellington by Messrs. Kirkealdie and Stains, and worked in several other leading houses in the Empire City. Previously Mr. Waterworth was in Lusinss in Hokitika and at Martinborough.
Pauling. W., Tailor and Habitmaker, Fitzherbert Street, Featherston. Bankers, Bank of New Zeland. Established 1892.
(John Card, Proprietor). Telegraphic address, “Empire, Featherston.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This favourite hotel was built about fifteen years ago. It is situated quite close to the railway station and Post and Telegraph offices. The coaches for Martinborough, after leaving the station, stay at the door of the “Empire” for a few minutes before starting. The “Empire” is the hotel selected by the Commercial Travellers' Union as their hostelry for Featherston. This is a distinction of much importance—for. none know better than “commercials” how to appreciate a good hotel. The accommodiation for families and tourists is most complete and comfortable. Everything is scrupulously clean and inviting, the whole establishment being under the critical eye and excellent management of Mrs. Card, who is thoroughly qualified, having had a long experience of hotel life. The bedrooms number twenty-seven, and there are six or seven commercial-rooms, drawing-rooms, and parlors, besides a fine billiard-room, fitted with one of Allcock's best tables, and a splendid diningroom, capable of great extension when occasion requires. From the balcony a most picturesque view is obtained of the surrounding township, with the bush-covered hills behind, and the Wairarapa Lake in front. Shooting parties and other visitors at the “Empire” are provided with boats on the lake during the season. Mr. Card is also proprietor of the livery stables, and is able at all times to accommodate his patrons with buggies, waggonettes, and saddle horses. The Wairarapa Racing Club holds all its meetings at the “Empire.” Club-rooms, sample-rooms, stabling and paddocking are all provided by Mr. Card, who looks well after the interests of his visitors. Mr. Card was born in Wiltshire, but emigrated to South Australia in 1847. He was at this time thirteen years old, and his brother, who was his only companion, was his senior by a year and a half. Though so young and inexperienced, they worked hard and saved their earnings, and in a few years were able to send for their parents and younger members of the family. In the meantime they had worked in the Burra Burra copper mines, an I on the goldfiel of Victoria and New South Wales. In '61, Mr. Card joined in what was known as “Gabriel's Rush,” for the Otago goldfields, and '64 found him on the West Coast, where he lived for over twenty-seven years, mining, storekeeping, hotelkeeping, etc. Mr. and Mrs. Card and family then left the “Coast” for Wellington, and for thre; years prior to purchasing the “Empire,” they kept the Star and Garter Hotel in Cuba Street, Wellington. From experience, past and present, the writer has every confidence in recommending the “Empire, Featherston' as in every way a first-class hotel.
(W. Buckeridge, proprietor), Revans Street, Featherston. Telegraphic address, “Buckeridge, Featherston.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. The Royal Hotel is in the centre of the old established part of Featherston, and has been in existence upwards of twenty years. In 1893 it was rebuilt to the order of the 1 resent proprietor by Messrs. Meyer and Son, of Wellington, from the plans by Mr. W. C. Chatfield. The Royal Hotel contains forty-five rooms, of which twenty-six are bedrooms. The billiard-room is lited with one of Allcock's best tables, and the commercial-rooms, sample-rooms, etc., are all that the travelling public can desire. There is good stabling and paddocking, and a livery stable in connection with the hotel where buggies, waggonnettes, and saddle horses may be had at any time. There is also a large brake for commercial travellers, There are two bath-rooms, and no less than five lavatories all fitted up with hot and cold water. The property is Mr. Buckeridge's free-hold, in itself a guarantee that the place is well kept. In addition to the hotel Mr. Buckeridge has a large bottling business,
Blacksmith, Ironmonger, and Livery Stable Keeper, Revans Street, Featherston. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This business, one of the oldest in Featherston, was established in 1861. The freehold property of two acres includes stables, smithy, shop, and dwelling, the buildings being of wood and iron. Mr. Cundy acts as sub-agent in Featherston for the South British Fire and Marine Insurance Company. He was born in 1840 in the Hutt district, his parents having arrived in the Colony per ship “Duke of Roxburgh.” As a member of the Featherston Town Board, Mr. Cundy served from the institution of that body till the year 1894. He was also for several years a member of the local school committee. In 1887 Mr. Cundy was gazetted a Justice of the Peace. He has shown considerable interest in sport, having acted as a member of the Wairarapa Racing Club for some years.
Plumber and Painter, Bell and Harrison Streets, Featherston. Telegraphic address “O'Neale, Featherston,' Mr. C'Neale is a native of Dublin, Ireland, but early left his native land, and in 1862 arrived in Dunedin, New Zealand, having prior to that time learned his business with Mr. Ackroyd, of Melbourne. After a residence of some three years in Dunedin, he came on to Wellington, subsequently carrying on business in Greytown for about three years, and finally in 1877 establishing himself in Featherston. His premises are in a good situation and are freehold. The building was erected by Mr. Bell from plans prepared by Mr. Donald. Mr. O'Neale is agent for the Mutual Life Association of Australasia, and for the past fifteen years has been agent for the Liverpool, London and Globe Fire Insurance Company. He does a good business, the plumbing for many of the largest and most important buildings having been executed by him. At a distance of about two miles from Featherston Mr. O'Neale has a farm of some forty acres, all under eultivation, and being successfully worked by his sons.
Allen, G. A., Blacksmith, Featherston.
Burt Bros. (H. S. Burt and C. W. Burt). General Blacksmiths, Featherston. Private residence, Donald Street. Bankers, Bank of Australasia, Estab. 1875.
Unwin, Henry James. Blacksmith, Fesatherston. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1890.
Bootmaker, Featherston. Mr. Keys, who was born in Featherston, learned his trade with Mr. J. Tocker, and established himself in business in 1895. He is W.F. in the Featherston Assembly Knights of Labour, and is a prominent member of the local football and cricket clubs.
Saddler and Harness Maker, Fitzherbert Street, Featherston. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. McCarty's shop, which was opened in 1891, is centrally situated, and has a frontage of about twenty feet to Fitzherbert Street. The single story wooden building comprises shop and dwelling. There is a capacious show-window, in which is a neat display of saddlers' goods and leatherware. Mr. McCarty does a considerable trade, repairing and harness-making being leading lines. Only the best articles are imported and kept in stock at this establishment, and the prices compare favourably with those of the city. Mr. McCarty wash born in Taranaki. He is prominent as an active member of the Featherston Football Club. He also belongs to the local Oddfellows' Lodge.
Bootmaker and Importer, Boot and Shoe Warehouse, Revans Street, Featherston. Telegraphic address, “Tocker, Featherston.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr Tocker was born at Tauherenikau, a few miles from Featherston, and was one of the first born in the district. The whole of his life has been spent in this province, and his trade extends throughout a very large district. Mr. Tocker learned his trade in Wellington, and subsequently was engaged in business in Carterton for about a year, and then opened as above in 1884. His premises, which are freehold, are a good size and centrally situated. The buildings are of wood and iron, and two stories in height. They were erected by Mr. D. Cadenhead, of Featherston, from plans prepared by Mr. Charles Tringham, the well-known and successful architect of Wellington, but now retired and living on his estate near Featherston. Mr. Tocker has a complete bootmaking plant, and is thus enabled to manufacture as well as import all kinds of boots and shoes. Among his specialties may be mentioned riding boots, jockey boots, and boots of every kind for ladies and gentlemen. Of course his stock includes all the best varieties in New Zealand made goods. Up to recently, Mr. Tocker has carried on a drapery business in connection with his boot and shoe trade, but through the progress of the district the boot and shoe branch has so much increased that he has now dispensed with the loft goods.
Fry and Sons (Daniel Thomas, Henry Arthur, and Walter Fry), Bootmakers, Revans Street, Featherston. Bankers, Bank of Austrplasia. Estab. 1860.
Butcher, Featherston Butchery, Revans Street Featherston. Telegraphic address, “Bale, Featherston.” Bankers Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Bale commenced business in 1884, and took over a connection which was even at that time well established. The shop is a good one and the premises altogether are freehold. The building was erected by Mr. Adam Donald. Mr. Bale does an extensive business throughout the whole of the district, and is the proprietor of a freehold farm of sixty acres, just out ide the town boundary. This farm is mainly used for the purposes of bringing into condition sheep and cattle required for the business. Mr. Bale does his own slaughtering, another point in favour of the quality of his meat. The sausage machine is driven by horse-power. Mr. Bale is a native of Ilfracombe, Devonshire, but left there in 1879 for Wellington, per ship “Zealandia,” having previously
Butcher, Featherston. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business, which was established in 1880, has been conducted by the present proprietor since 1892. The shop, with dwelling attached, stands close to the main street and is convenient of access. The slaughteryards are about half-a-mile away. The freehold premises are well known in the district, and Mr. Buckeridge is famed for keeping the very best meat procurable. A large part of his business is done by means of a cart, which travels the district. Mrs. Buckeridge attends to the shop in the absence of Mr. Buckeridge, who devotes all his time to business matters, and does not take much part in public affairs.
Sawmiller, General Storekeeper, and Baker; store and bakery, corner Waite and Revans Streets, Featherston; sawmills at Whitmanuka and Clareville. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Burt's business, which is one of the largest of its kind in the district, was established in 1879. His store, a substantial wooden one with a fine two-story dwelling attached, stands on a freehold section of three-quarters of an acre. The shop, which has a floor space of 750 squate feet, is heavily stocked with groceries, soft goods, hardware, and, in fact, all lines that are usually kept in a country general store. At the bakery behind the shop, bread of a first-class quality is produced, and commands a large sale in Featherston and surrounding districts. Mr. Burt, who employs five hands in the store and bakery, has also a complete rope-making plant, and keeps a heavy stock of rope. Formerly he manufactured rope, but finding the business unremuneiative since ceasing to dress flax, the trade was discontinued. At one time a large manufacturer and an exporter of flax to the United Kingdom, heavy losses induced Mr. Burt to confine his energies to sawmilling and storekeeping. In timber he does a considerable trade, and is prepared to export in large quantities for paving, building, or other purposes. The Whitimanuka sawmill is fitted up with a fourteen-horse-power engine and the usual machinery, twelve men being employed. The Clareville mill, recently erected in new country, has a twenty-horse power engine and all appliances, bullock teams being used for bringing in logs. Tun men in all are employed. The timber, which is chiefly sold in Wellington, embraces totara, matai, red and white pine, and black birch. The output from the mills, which includes rusticated weatherboards and dressed flooring and lining, totals about 80,000 feet per month from each sawmill. Mr. J. Thompson manages at Whitimanuka, and Mr. W. Croucher at Clareville, Mr. Burt was born in 1852 at the Lower Hutt, where he was educated. He first commenced storekeeping in the Upper Hutt, but, following the progress of railway construction, removed to Featherston. From a small store, his business has developed to its present large dimensions. In addition to his other businesses, Mr. Burt is a nurseryman and seedsman, and his gardens are well stceked with fruit and ornamental trees for sale. His exhibits of fruit, flowers, and vegetables have gained prizes at local shows. Mr. Burt is a trustee and steward of the Wesleyan Church, and fills the office of superintendent of the Sunday school.
General Storekeeper, Fitzherbert Street, Featherston. Branch, Midhurst, Taranaki. Telegraphic address, “Gilpin, Featherston.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Gilpin is a native of London and left there in 1876 for Wellington per ship “Adamant,” arriving in the Empire City of New Zealand in 1877. The business of which Mr. Gilpin is proprietor was established in 1887 by Mr. Andrew Anderson. Some six years later Mr. Gilpin purchased it and has since conducted it with considerable success. The premises are of wood and iron, and all the property is freehold. His trade extends all over the district, and he imports all kinds of drapery. Mr. Gilpin is agent for the Northern Fire Insurance Company. Of public offices, Mr. Gilpin has persistently fought shy, it being a maxim with him while in business to attend to it thoroughly. This maxim he has carried out to the letter, and he may certainly be regarded as one of the prosperous men of the district.
General Storekeeper, Fitzherbert Street, Featherston. Private residence, The Camp. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mrs. Kelly was previously in business in Taradale, removing to Featherston in 1895. The present shop is occupied temporarily, pending the erection of larger premises.
General Storekeeper and Direct Importer, Featherston Store, Fitzherbert Street, Featherston. Branch, Martinborough. Telegraphic address, “Toogood, Featherston.” Bankers; Bank of Australasia. This old-established business was founded in 1860 by Mr. J. G. Cox. In 1875 Mr. Toogood purchased it, and has since then rebuilt the premises on their present extensive scale. The property is freehold, built of wood and iron, and two stories in height. The contract for the building was carried out by Mr. D. Cadenhead, from the plans of Mr. W. C. Chatfield, of Wellington. His trade extends over a very large district, including Tauherenikau, Kahautara, Cross Creek, Matarawa, South Featherston, Morrison's Bush, etc. The delivery of goods to these places is made by the conveyances belonging to the firm. The lines imported embrace all the requirements of the trade. The agencies held include the Commercial Union Insurance Company, The Alliance Insurance Company, the Santonine Balsam Company, etc. For the manufactures of the last-named there is a good demand, especially for the sheep remedy and the bot fly exterminator. Mr. Toogood is a native of Hull, and left there in 1859, as third engineer to the s.s. “Victoria,” arriving in Dunedin in 1861. He was apprenticed to Mr. Samuelson, engineer, of Hull, completing his term shortly before leaving for the colonies. Before commencing in Featherston, he was for nine years engineer at Kebbell's mill in Manners Street, Wellington. Mr. Toogood still devotes considerable attention to his old trade, and has invented no fewer than four flaxdressing machines, each machine being an improvement upon its predecessor. Mr. Toogood is a member of the local school committee, and a useful man in the district.
Hunter, Samuel, Storekeeper, Featherston. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand Established 1871.
Walker, Mrs. A., General Storekeeper, Featherston. Established 1884.
Watchmaker, Jeweller, and Hairdresser, Fitzherbert Street, Featherston. Telegraphic address, “Hawkins, Featherston.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Hawkins established himself as above in July, 1894, since which time between the several branches of his business, he has been fairly well employed. Watch cleaning and clock repairing are among his specialties, and he is agent for the New Zealand Graphic, Auckland Weekly News, Canterbury Times, and other papers and periodicals. He was born in Wellington, spent ten years of his life in Auckland, and the last ten in Featherston. He is a young man of good business habits, and should do well.
Crampton, Frederick Herbert, Photographer and Painter, Wallace Street, Featherston. Established 1893.
Roberts, J. W., Picture Framer, Featherston.
Skipage, Charles, Painter, Featherston.
Hutt, E. J., Hairdresser, Fentherston. Established 1894.
Bailey, F., Boardinghousekeeper, Clyde House, Lyon Street, Featherston. Established by present proprietor in 1894.
Davidson, Mrs., Featherston Boardinghouse, Fitzherbert Street, Featherston. Established 1894.
Tait and Co. (M. B. Tait and E. A. Cox), Carriers and Forwarding Agents, Featherston. Private residences : Mr. Tait, Revans Street; Mr. Cox, Bell Street. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1894.
Settler, Featherston. Mr. Dunn is a native of London, and arrived in Wellington in the year 1840. He learned the bakery and confectionery business with Mr. Maxton, of Wellington, and in 1854 started for himself in
Settler, Featherston Born in Somerset, England, in 1818, this old settler landed in Wellington from the ship “London” in 1812. After living at Kaiwarra, Island Bay, and at Pakuratahi—where he kept a wayside inn. for nineteen, years—Mr. Hodder bought the farm in the Featherston district on which his son Walter now resides, removing in 1884 to the six-acre site in the township which he now occupies. The subject, of this notice was married in 1839 to Miss Emma Gooding, of Somerset, and has had fifteen children, of whom five sons and three daughters survive. The grandchildren number sixty-six, and great grandchildren fifty-one.
Before leaving Featherston by rail, the tourist should make an effort to see Martinborough, for which township the coach leaves daily at 10.45 a.m., passing through on its way the small farming settlement of Kaiwaiwai, which is distant from Featherston about five miles.
The public library, which is an unusual adjunct to so small a place, contains some 400 volumes. The intellgence and catholicity of the settlers is well displayed in the fact that the one church building is used by various denominations.
is a pleasant looking wooden building containing two rooms. Attached to the school there is an ample playground for the children and a comfortable residence for the head teacher. At the time of writing (1896) the number of children on the roll was fifty-six, and the average attendance forty seven. The headmaster is assisted by one pupil tacher.
The farms surrounding the little settlement are highly cultivated. The land is flat, and in parts swampy, the soil being rich and the vegetation luxuriant.
The road from Featherston and on to Martinborough is exceedingly good. Commercial travellers and others desirous of returning on the day of arrival either ride or drive, or do the run on a “bike.” There is little chance of losing the way, and the drive, especially the portion beyond Kaiwaiwai, is most enjoyable in suitable weather.
The Featherston District Rifle Club's range is at Kaiwaiwai.
B.A., Headmaster of Kaiwaiwai Public School, was born in Wellington in 1859. He was educated at Mr. Mowbray's private school, the Wellington Grammar School, and the Wellington College. After a short commercial experience he became a teacher in 1890 in a private school, and in 1893. he was appointed to his present position. Mr. Webb holds a B3 certificate.
The township of re mails will be found in the article on the Post-office.
was built in 1894. The building, which is of wood, is very prettily designed, the architect being Mr. Natusch, of Eketahuna. There is a large reading-room and a chess-room, besides the library, which contains some 400 or 500 volumes. The cost of the building—£226—was defrayed principally by public subscription. The reading-room is open daily to the public from 9 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. It is managed by a committee of seven, with the following officers: Messrs. J. Martin (president), C. W. Lee (treasurer), and Rev. J. Lymburn (secretary).
with which are combined the Telephone Bureau, Money Order Office, Savings Bank, and Government Life Insurance Department, is at the time of writing (1896) attached to Mr. J. Gallie's store. A new post-office has, however, just been erected in the centre of the township. This is a wooden building of modern design, with ample accommodation for the requirements of the place for some time to come. The new office was erected by co-operative workmen sent out from Wellington by the Government. Mails arrive from Wellington daily at 12:30 p m., the outgoing mail closing at 8.30 p.m., and on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. The mails are conveyed to and from Featherston by coach, the office being connected by telephone with that place. The postmaster is assisted by a cadet.
Postmaster at Martinborough, was born in Dunedin in 1854. His father was a blacksmith, and one of the earliest settlers in Otago. The subject of this notice was educated at the Dunedin District High School and at Nelson College. He served an apprenticeship to the drapery business with Messrs. Herbert Haynes and Co., of Dunedin, and in 1879 came to Wellington to manage the business of the New Zealand Clothing Factory. Three years later he started in business in Carterton, in which he continued for about five years. After five years retirement he recommenced in Martinborough, establishing a general store, which he still conducts. In 1878. Mr. Gallie was married to the youngest daughter of Mr. James Butters, of Tapanni, Otago, and has seven children. Mr. Gallie is widely known in New Zealand, and takes an active interest in local affairs.
is situated close to the Public Reading Room. It consists of a comfortable residence built of wood, with a number of convenient outhouses and store-rooms, which latter have been erected by the officer-in-charge in his spare time. The garden and grounds are well kept, and reflect credit on their keeper. Attached to the stable there is a workshop, from which is turned out many a handy contrivance u
Martinborough —a wooden building of two rooms—has ninety children on the roll,
Headmaster of the Waihenga public school, holds an E1 certificate. Born in Chelsea, England, and educated partly at the Royal School, Enniskillen, Ireland, Mr. Lee completed his course with his father, who was rector at East Clandon, Surrey. After teaching in his father's grammar school and gaining experience elsewhere, he conducted a boarding school on his own account. Mr. Lee came to New Zealand in 1875 in search of health, and after filling appointments in Manatahi, Wangaehu, Otaki. and Pahiatua public schools, received his present appointment. In church matters he is a lay reader and churchwarden of St. Andrew's Anglican Church, Martinborough.
Martinborough, is a wooden building that was considerably enlarged in the beginning of 1896, and is now one of the finnest little wooden churches in the district. Services are held every Sunday by the Rev. A. V. Grace, assisted by lay readers. There is a good choir under the leadership of Mr. Lee.
—a wooden structure which accommodates ab ut 180 people—was built in 1891. Churches at Lower Valley, Featherston, Kaiwaiwai, Morrison Bush, and back country are worked from Martinborough. An organ and a choir materially add to the attractiveness of the services at the Martinborough Church. Messrs. W. and J. Macleod and D. MeMaster are the members of the session, the board of management consisting of eight representatives from the various places of meeting. A comfortable manse with a glebe of eight acres is occupied by the minister. In connection with the church there is a successful Band of Hope and the usual Bible classes.
the Minister in charge of the Martinborough Presbyterian Church, was born in Hawick, Roxburghshire, Scotland, in 1854. After completing his education at the parish school, he went to work, serving an apprenticeship to a carver and gilder. After entering into business in Glasgow, Mr. Lymburn became private secretary to Mr. Jas. McDonald, of London, whom he served six years. He afterwards attended the Glasgow University for four years, and was two years in the Free Church College, working meanwhile in the Glasgow City Mission, Selected by the Colonial Committee of the Free Church of Scotland, Mr. Lymburn came out to Hastings, New Zealand, where he remained for four-and-a-half years. In 1886 he was licensed by the Hawkes Bay Presbytery, and fifteen months later he was called to Martinborough, where he was ordained by the Wellington Presbytery. The reverend gentleman is an enthusiastic student of music, and besides playing the violin, sings well, and conducts the church choir. He visits and travels a great deal, and takes much interest in the work amongst the young people. He is a so very active in public affairs, holding several public positions.
Martinborough, is on the main road leading into the township from Featherston. The building is a new one, of cathedral design, and will acoomodate about 200 worshippers. Services are conducted there periodically by the Rev. Father McKenna.
meets periodically in the Martinborough Hotel. The Lodge has a goad membership, and has been established for a number of years.
holds sports on the racecourse annually. There are usually twenty events on the programme, of which the principal is the Martinborough Handicap of £15. The sports are usually well attended, and the different events are keenly contested. The officers (1896) were : Messrs. W. C. Buchanan, M.H.R. (patron), J. Martin (president), W. Martin, J. Orr, and G. Paine (vice-presidents), and A. G. Stewart (secretary).
was formed by Mr. J. W. McCarthy in 1895, a complete set of gymnastic appliances having been secured and fitted up in the public hall, which makes a good gymnasium. The entrance fee is five shillings, with a subscription of sixpence per week for active members, who number forty. The gymnasium is open two nights a week, and largely patronised. The officers are Mr. J. W. McCarthy (secretary), and Mr. A. G. Stewart, treasurer.
Secretary of the Martinborough Gymnastic Club, was born in 1864 at Ealing, London. When ten years of age he came to New Zealand with his father, landing at Wellington. Completing his educational course at Mr. Mowbray's private school, Mr. McCarthy went to learn the tailoring trade with the late Mr. J. Reid, of Lambton Quay, with whom he remained for thirteen years. After working in several other leading Wellington establishments, Mr. McCarthy opened business in Martinborough, where he employs two hands. While in Wellington he was a member of the rifle cadets for two years, and was a member of the D Battery for a like period.
Martinborough, has a large membership, and possesses a freehold racecourse of one hundred acres, on which a commodious grandstand is erected. Annual meetings are held on Boxing Day, large stakes being given. The officers (1896) were :— Messrs. W. C. Buchanan, M.H.R. (president), T. F. Evans (secretary), and John Gallie (treasurer).
Chemist and Druggist, Martinborough. As this is the only business of the kind in the district around Martinborough, Mr. Valentine naturally gets all the trade. He is also a herbalist and a newsagent.
Commission Agent, manager for Mr. Toogood's Martinborough branch store, The Square, Martinborough. Telegraphic address, “Ramslen, Martinborough.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia, Featherston. Mr. Ramsden is agent for the New Zealand Insurance Company, the Accident Insurance Company, Mutual Life Association of Australia, Mr. F. H. Wood, auctioneer, of Greytown, and Mr. R. W. Tate, solicitor, Greytown. Prior to beginning business on his own account, Mr. Ramsden was with Mr. Pain, Mr. Coleman Phillips, and Mr. Peter McLaren, as accountant. He is a native of Essex, England, and arrived in Wellington in the year 1886 per ship “Canterlur.” Mr. Ramsden is a member of the vestry of the Church of England, and librarian, secretary, and treasurer of the Martinborough Library.
Tailor, Martinborough. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1893. Two girls are employed in connection with the business. Mr. McCarthy holds the position of secretary to the local gymnastic club, and will be found more fully referred to in that connection.
(D. H. Johnston, proprietor), Martinborough. Telegraphic address, “Club, Martinborough.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia, Featherston. The “Club” was established in 1891 by Mr. Robert Buckeridge, and came into the hands of the present proprietor in 1893. It is a fine, large, well-constructed and well-lighted hotel, containing twenty bodrooms, and the customary complement of parlours, commercial-rooms, dining-rooms, billiard-rooms, etc. The yards of the hotel are also very extensive, and contain splendid stabling accommodation. The proprietor, Mr. Johnston, is well liked in the district, and his house altogether is an exceedingly popular one.
(Alexander Gray Stewart, proprietor), Martinborough. This hotel is the oldest in the district, and is owned by Mr. J. Orr. The present licensee, who took charge in 1895, was previously for three years in the Whakataki Hotel. The Martinborough Hotel is a much more pretentious one than would be looked for usually in a country township. It is a large two-story wooden building containing thirty rooms, having a balcony on three sides, which provide a good promenade in wet weather. Inside, the hotel is well furnished, the public and private sitting-rooms and the bedrooms being roomy and comfortable. The bath-rooms are proviled with hot, cold and shower baths. Under the management of Mr. Stewart the house has a reputation second to none in the Wairarapa district. The stabling accommodation is all that could be desired. There are many loose-boxes, and every convenience for horses and vehicles. Mr. Stewart, who was born in Edinburgh, and came to New Zealand in 1881, is an enthusiast in sport. He is secretary of the Martinborough Athletic Club, a steward of the local racing club, a member of the Gymnastic Club, of the Greytown Cricket and Football Clubs, and is a lover of cycling.
Ferry Hotel (William Barton, proprictor), Lower Wairarapa Valley.
(proprietor, G. Croot), Otarai Road, Martinborough. Telegraphic address, “Croot, Martinborough.” The Martinborough Restaurant was established in 1889. It is a good large house, and of one story, containing ten bedrooms, besides the full complement of sitting and drawing-rooms, etc. It is in the centre of the business part of Martinborough, being but a few doors from the Square. The house is well kept, and there is an air of comfort about it. The proprietor, Mr. Croot, is a native of Cambridgeshire, and arrived in Nelson, New Zealand, per ship “Chili,” in the year 1874.
General Blacksmith, and Wheelwright, Martinborough. Mr. Jackson's smithy, established in 1890, is close to the new post-office on the main road going through Martinborough. Born in Greytown in 1862, he was first employed in Mr. Black's coach factory, and subsequently worked for Mr. Whitton, blacksmith, Greytown, for two-and-a-half years. Mr. Jackson gained an extensive experience at his trade with Mr. Hodge, of Martinborough, where he remained for five-and-a-half years. Upon that business being transferred, Mr. Jackson started for himself in his present premises. His specialty is shoeing racehorses, at which he is regarded as an adept. He does a considerable trade as a general wheelwright, employing a competent assistant. In local affairs Mr. Jackson takes an active part, having been bandmaster of the late local band, and acted as a member of the school committee, racing club, cricket club, and other institutions.
Shoeing and General Blacksmith, Otarai Road, Martinborough. This centrally situated smithy was established in 1881 by Mr. John Hodge, junior, who sold out to the present proprietor. Mr. Ross's acquaintance with the district is of a very much longer date, he having lived there for many years. He was apprenticed to the former proprietor, Mr. Hodge, but finished his term in Sydney, where he resided for some seven years prior to returning to Martinborough, and commencing as above. His trade extends throughout a very large district, and his specialties are shoeing and general jobbing work. Mr. Ross is a native of Walls, one of the Orkney Isles, but left there in 1873 for Wellington. He holds the position of auditor to the Public Library, and is a member of the managing committee of the Presbyterian Church. He has worked up a fine business, and appears to have the confidence of the public of Martinborough and surrounding district, his general disposition making him a favourite with all.
Evans, Arthur, Blacksmith, Waitapu, Martinborough.
Leppein, Ernest, Blacksmith, Pirinoa, Martinborough.
Saddle, Harness, and Collar Maker and Importer, Otarai Road, Martinborough. Telegraphic address, “Evans Martinborough.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia, Featherston. Mr. Evans established himself as above in the year 1878, and has ever since then carried on a good business. His property is freehold, and most centrally situated. The building is of wood and iron, and was erected by Mr. W. Boyd. The shop is fairly large, and conveniently fitted, and his trade extends all round the district for about thirty miles Mr. Evans was born in Wellington, and learned the business with his brother, Mr.
Bootmaker, Otarai Road, Martinborough. Telegraphic address, “Green, Martinborough.” Mr. Green established himself in business in 1878, and has been favoured with a large share of the Martinborough patronage. His trade extends all round the district and right out to the coast. The premises are freehold, and are built of wood and iron. A really good stock is kept on hand of boots and shoes of all varieties, light and heavy. Mr. Green was born in Nelson, and learned his business with Mr. Arthur Coppins, of Motueka, completing his term in 1870. He was subsequently in business in Picton for two or three years. Mr. Green is agent for the Phœenix Insurance Company and the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Company.
General Storekeeper, Martinborough. This business was established by the present proprietor in 1891, and has been conducted by him since that time. He employs two men in the business.
General Storekeeper and Wholesale Boot. and Shoe Manufacturer, Otaraia Road, Martinborough. Bankers, Bank of Australasia, Featherston. Mr. Macleod's business, which is in the front rank in Martinborough, was established in 1889. His store—a wooden building with dwelling attached, erected on freehold land—contains a large stock of groceries, drapery, and general stores. Three hands are employed in the store, which is under the management of Mr. Murdoch Ross. Behind the store the boot and shoe factory finds employment for nine hands. It is a roomy place, well fitted with the best modern machinery used in the boot trade, amongst the machines being rollers, cutting press, skiving machines, blocking and pricking machines, a split-lift machine, a number of sewing machines of different kinds, and a Blake sole-sewing machine of the latest pattern. The produce of the factory finds a ready sale in the Wairarapa district, and compares favourably with the best colonial articles. All classes of boots, shoes and leggings are made, and these are disposed of at prices which command a speedy sale. Mt. Macleod was born in 1842 in Caithness, Scotland, learned the shoemaking trade, and was manager of several businesses in Bristol, England, his experience being gained principally in wholesale houses. In 1886 he came to Melbourne, where he was for two years in Messrs. Rollins and Burdett's, and for one year with Messrs. Smalley and Harkness. In 1889 he came to Martinborough, New Zealand, and opened his present business.
Boyd, William, Carpenter and Builder, Martinborough.
Donnelly and Sharp (Joseph Donnelly and Alexander Sharp), Coach. Proprietors, Martinborough.
Greenaway, Thomas, Butcher, Martinborough.
Tulloch, L. and T. (Lawrence Tulloch and Thomas Tulloch), Butchers, Martinborough. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1894.
Tulloch, Lawrence, Flaxmiller, Halford, Martinborough. Established 1890.
Sheepfarmer, Featherston. Mr. Bidwill is the second son of the late Mr. Charles Robert Bidwill, one of Wairarapa's earliest settlers, and was born at
now engaged in sheepfarming near the Wairarapa Lake, was connected with the colonial press for many years. Coming to the Colony in 1868 with his father (who had been engaged
in England by the New Zealand Government as an electric telegraph expert), Mr. Roydhouse's first acquaintance with newspaper work was on the Mercury (afterwards merged into the Standard). the first paper in the Wairarapa. Some time later he started, in conjunction with Mr. J. Payton, the Wairarapa Daily, the first daily paper in the district, and still the leading Wairarapa journal. In 1884 he left the Wairarapa to try his fortunes in Wellington, where he established The Evening Press. In the following year he was joined by Mr. Edward Wakefield, and The Press boomed until an expensive libel action blighted its prospects. After a few years Mr. Wakefield left for England, and Mr. Roydhouse edited and managed the paper until 1893, when he disposed of it to a company, and bought the Wairarapa Standard, the journal upon which he had commenced his career. In 1896 he sold this paper, and, like Cincinnatus, retired to a farm.
J.P., Sheepfarmer, Clifton Grove, Martinborough. Mr. Pain is the third son of the late Mr. George Pain, bricklayer, who set sail from Kent, England, in 1839 for New Zealand, and arrived by the “Oriental” in January, 1840, living to the ripe old age of eighty-four. The subject of this notice was born in Wellington in 1846, and early in life was working for his living. Coming to the Wairarapa in 1865, he spent two years shepherding, and then started out selling goods round the stations with pack-horses. Mr. Pain subsequently decided to settle down in Martin-borough, and he built the first store in that place. He bought some land in the centre of the town, and on this he built his store. His business soon became a most successful one, and he was able to retire a few years ago, leasing his premises to Mr. John Gallie, who is referred to herein. Mr. Pain then bought his sheep run, which is about 3500 acres in extent, and owns also the Club Hotel at Martin-borough and various other properties. He is a member of the Featherston Lodge of Freemasons, and has been a steward of the Martinborough Jockey Club for the past twenty years.
is a small village about three miles from Featherston, from which town it may be reached by road. The road is good, and the journey may be made on horseback or by carriage or bicycle. The Tauherenikau Hotel, referred to below, supplies the travelling public with horses and vehicles. The residents in and around the village are mostly engaged in farming pursuits, and there are not many places of business. In matters educational, the needs of the district are provided for by a public school, the average attendance at which is fifteen or twenty children. At the time of writing (1896) mails close at Wellington for Tauherenikan at 6.45 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and close at Tauherenikau for Wellington on the same days at 11 a.m.
(James Cress, proprietor), Tauherenikau. This popular hotel is situated near the entrance to the racecourse, and about two-and-a-half miles from Featherston. The buildig which is large and commodious, contains thirteen rooms besides the bar. The landlord is an all-round sport, and owns several racehorses, his colours being blue and gold. He has a large bottling establishment at the back of the house, where he undertakes this branch of his business.
Farmer, Tauherenikau. The subject of this sketch was born at Salisbury, England, in 1837. Coming to New Zealand in 1873, he soon afterwards settled in the Wairarapa. His residence is situated at the junction of the Moroa and Greytown Roads. Mr. Wilkinson is a large holder of property in the district, including the local hotel, which he personally conducted for ten years, but has now leased the premises to the present licensee, Mr. James Cress. In connection with the hotel he conducted a bottling business in ales and stouts, his drinks being well known in the Wairarapa as the “Racecourse Brand.” The local post-office is under the charge of Mr. Wilkinson, mails being received and despatched three times a week. As chairman of the local school committee, Mr. Wilkinson shows his interested in educational affairs. In racing matters he is deeply interested, and acts as a steward of the Tauherenikau Jockey Club. From his arrival in New Zealand till lately, he took deep interest in politics, having been a strong supporter of the late Mr. Bunny. In farming matters Mr. Wilkinson has acted as secretary of all the ploughing matches held at various times throughout the Wairarapa. These have fallen through since Mr. Wilkinson ceased to take an active part in them. Mr. Wilkinson is married, and has a family of two sons and one daughter.
This town is fifty-eight miles from Wellington, and has a branch line to itself from Woodside, on the main line, three miles away. It is planted on a fertile spot on the edges of the stony Moroa plain, and has had the probably unique honour of being referred to from the pulpit as one of the cosiest and most beautiful and picturesque spots on God's earth. It is about the centre of the Wairarapa Valley, and was the first settlement in the district, having been founded by members of a Small Farms Association in 1854, and named after Sir George Grey. It was for years the centre of the coaching and carrying system of the Wairarapa, and its people have generally been classed as well-to-do. The railway of course soon ran off both coaches and waggons, and the town cannot be said to have advanced by leaps and bounds since, but its farmers round about knew their business, and as there was no inflation through the advancing railways, so there was no depression when it passed by; the coaches and waggons
Industries are not numerous, but they include a dairy factory (co-operative), a sash and door factory, a sawmill, a cordial and aerated water manufactory, a couple of coachbuilding works, and the usual artisans to be found in all New Zealand towns busily engaged in their respective trades.
The people number nearly 1200 souls; there are four churches and a corps of the Salvation Army to render them fit for the future life, and the best public school in the Wairarapa (if a high percentage of passes and great winning of scholarships be a guide) to equip the rising generation for their mundane career. It has also one of the best fire brigades in the province.
Greytown people are conservative in their ideas and in their politics, but while ordinarily content to let things jog along as they will, they now and again dart out with energy and lead all the towns of the district in progressive action. Thus the Greytown people, urged by Mr. Coleman Phillips, of South Sea Island fame, started the first co-operative dairy factory in the colonies; whipped up by Mr. W. C. Nation, an enterprising journalist, they inaugurated the first Arbor Day in the Colony; and now, urged by Mr. J. D. Heagerty, its go-ahead Mayor, they are at this writing busily engaged in working out a scheme (the money is already raised) by which it will be the first town in the district with a water supply.
The town once had too much water. The Waiohine River, which almost encircled it, used to overflow the lower part of the town and do considerable damage. An energetic board of river conservators took this matter in hand, however, and all annoyance from this source has long since been removed. Greytown would have been the first borough in the Wairarapa, only that Masterton first secured the required number of people and houses. It was created a municipality, however, in 1879, and its mayor and council have always conducted its affairs with ability and decorum.
Socially, Greytown is a charming place. Its ladies are noted for their good looks and handsome figures,
Wairarapa Standard, the oldest paper in the Provincial District.
One institution of which it and the whole district is justly proud is its hospital, the inspector of such places always speaking in the highest terms of praise of its management. He may well do so, as, while it renders the stay of patients almost a time of luxury as far as can be done for sufferers from, sickness or accident, it asks for no rates outside the Government subsidy upon what is raised voluntarily by the people. The annual Hospital Ball is the event of the year, and provides nearly enough money for all the hospital needs.
Originally Greytown was dense bush, and early settlers sat in the doors of their tents and shot the game for Sunday's pigeon pies from the adjacent trees. Now, well-made streets and green fields intersect and surround it, and when a house is built it is a certainty that ornamental trees and an orchard will accompany it. At present the town is well lighted at night with kerosene lamps, but there is already a scheme mooted to use the energy of the Waiohine River to generate electric light.
The borough is highly spoken of by the medical fraternity for the salubrity of its climate, which has often proved beneficial to invalids from other places.
Tourists might spend a few days in Greytown with advantage. Although the country immediately surrounding the town is flat, it is by no means “stale and unprofitable.” The rivers abound with trout, and even old Izaak himself would be delighted with the opportunities afforded for indulging in “the contemplative man's recreation.” The Wellington Acclimatization Society's hatcheries at Masterton, in addition to sending millions of ova to other parts of the Colony, have filled the rivers of the Wairarapa with trout of several kinds, and large
which contains an estimated area of 3907 acres, has, acoording to the latest Blue Book, 314 dwellings, 213 ratepaycrs, and a total of 356 rateable properties, of the estimated annual or rental value of £8313 The Council strikes rates of 1s. in the £ for general purposes, and 1d. in the £ as a library rate. The population of the Borough, as disclosed by the census of 1896, was 1127. The members of the Borough Council at the time of writing (June, 1896) are: Messrs. J. D. Heagerty (mayor), F. H. Wood, H. S. Izard, J. Rae, J. Fabian, H. Dudding, C. J. Beard, C. J. Tully, C. Bowers, and W. H. Diddams, the officers being Messrs. H. O. Tully (town clerk), and J. Montgomery (borough foreman). The borough is not divided into wards. Councillors are elected for a term of three years, and the mayor for one year only. The meetings of the Council are held in handsome chambers on the first floor of the free library and reading-room—an imposing building erected to the order of the Borough Council by means of £600 borrowed from the Government Life Insurance Department, supplemented by local contributions. The office of the town clerk is on the ground floor at the left of the entrance door, the remainder of the space being used for library and reading-room purposes. The overdraft of the Council is being steadily reduced without preventing the performance of necessary-work, including the widening of the streets. By a poll of the ratepayers on the 3rd of June, 1896, it was decided to borrow £2000 to provide a water supply from the Waiohine River.
was born near Macrome, Ireland, on a farm which has been in the possession of the family for over two hundred years, and which is still occupied by his two elder brothers. In 1866 the subject of this notice came to Melbourne in the ship “Shannon.” Catching the gold fever, he came to New Zealand with the rush to the newly-discovered goldfields in the following year. After a short stay, he returned to Australia, and was at the Hill End diggings in New South Wales, and at Gympie, in Queensland. After a time in business with a brother in Footscray, Victoria, Mr. Heagerty crossed over to the Thames rush, and again became a gold-seeker in New Zealand. After a varied experience on the Thames, where for two years he was mine manager for the Tweedside Goldmining Company,
was born in the Wairarapa in 1856. He is a son of an old settler who landed in 1840, the late Mr. John Tully, well known as one of Captain Smith's original survey party, and for many years a prominent volunteer officer in the Wellington district, and proprietor of the Tableland Estate. The subject of this notice was educated at the Wellington Grammar School. Entering the Bank of New Zealand, he remained for six years, leaving to engage in sheep and cattle breeding with his brothers on the Tableland Estate. This is situated about three miles from Martinborough, and contains one of the finest carved Maori houses in New Zealand. Mr. Tully, who is unmarried, entered the Council in 1894. He has been actively associated with all the racing, football, cricket, and general athletic and musical clubs in the district.
has been a member of the Greytown Borough Council for the last five years. Born at the Hutt in 1859, Mr. Beard adopted the business of a plumber, painter, and decorator. His residence and place of business are situated in the main street, where he keeps a large stock of paperhangings, glass, and other materials. Mr. Beard takes a leading position in Greytown as a plumber, glazier, and painter. An enthusiastic footballer, he proved himself one of the best forwards in the district. As the founder of the Greytown Football Club he became its captain, holding the position for many years. A member of the Foresters' Order, Mr. Beard has passed through the chairs of the local lodge; he is also attachel to the Greytown Masonic Lodge. He is married and has five children.
has long been a prominent member of the Greytown Borough Council. Born at London in 1849, he received his early education at the City of London School and at Croydon. Entering mercantile life, Mr. Wood was for some time a clerk in the firm of Messrs. Newby, Carson and Co., East India and Chinese merchants. After an experience in a soft goods warehouse, he was engaged in several different lines of business, and gained an exceptional knowledge of general business. Leaving the Mother Country for the Antipodes in 1867, Mr. Wood arrived in Melbourne in the latter part of that year. Seven years later he decided to cross over to New Zealand on account of the Victorian climate disagreeing with him. Remaining but a short time in Wellington, he settled in the Wairarapa, starting in the auctioneering business in Greytown in 1876. His career has been steadily prosperous, and branches of his business have been established in Carterton, Featherston, and Martinborough. Further particulars will be found among the notices of the various business firms. For several years Mr. Wood occupied the honourable position of Mayor of Greytown, and for some years he has served as a councillor. He is the oldest member of the local Town Lands Trust. As a Freemason, he is a Past Master of the local lodge, and a member of the Royal Arch Chapter. Mr. Wood's residence is a picturesque villa surrounded by poplars and willows, and is aptly named “Homewood.” The grounds are well and tastefully laid out, and include a splendid tennis court and croquet lawn. Mr. Wood is married, and his family consists of four children. For many years he was a Justice of the Peace, but resigned some time back, as he found the duties interfered with his business.
who occupies a seat on the Greytown Borough Council, is a native of Sheffield, where he was born in 1846. After serving his apprenticeship with Mr. Wilson, of Northampton, he became leading smith for Messrs. Bush, Henson and Bush, of Nottingham, a prominent coachbuilding firm with which he remained for sixteen years. He set sail for New Zealand in October, 1883, by the ship “Sukar,” which arrived in Dunedin on the 22nd of January, 1884. For some years Mr. Rea worked at his trade in Wellington, adding colonial experience to his already large British and Continental experience. In 1891 he removed to Greytown, and founded the business which has prospered so well under his able supervision. Mr. Rea has been successful as an exhibitor at the local shows, securing three first awards at the Wairarapa Agricultural and Pastoral Association's show held in 1895, for vehicles made at the Greytown factory. In local politics Mr. Rea has willingly given his services. He has been elected a life member of the Greytown Fire Brigade, and takes an interest in the recreation of the people, being president of the Greytown Football Club. Mr. Rea is a married man, having a family of six sons, several of whom are assisting in the business. One son has already served his apprenticeship with Messrs. S. Luke and Co., Limited, the well-known iron and brass founders and range makers, of Wellington, and is now employed at the extensive works of Messrs. Cable and Co. in the Empire City.
who has a seat on the Greytown Borough Council, was born at Lincolnshire, England, in 1843. He is the youngest son of the late Mr. Richard Dudding, the celebrated sheep and shorthorn breeder of Panton House, Lincolnshire. For over a century the Duddings have engaged in the same business, and were the promoters of the now famous Panton breed. The subject of this office came to New Zealand in
Town Clerk of the Greytown Borough Council, is a son of a late well-known run-holder in the Wairarapa. Born in 1870, in Greytown, he attended the local school, and subsequently went to Wellington College, where he remained until he was seventeen years of age. Mr. Tully was employed by Mr. H. H. Walters, County Clerk at Carterton, and afterwards by Mr. F. H. Wood, of Greytown, as clerk. Joining the Bank of Australasia, in Wellington, he remained four years, but was compelled to give up his position in 1893 by ill-health. Two years later he was appointed to his present position. Mr. Tully has taken a prominent part in football; as a member of the Wellington Club he was one of the senior championship fifteen. He also played in the Rangitikei first fifteen, and was chosen as a Wairarapa Union representative in 1894. He has since played for the Greytown Club, which claims to be the premier club of the Wairarapa. In tennis, Mr. Tully is a member of the Carterton Club. He has also been interested as a member of the Wairarapa Hunt Club. The subject of this notice, who is a brother of Messrs. Tully Bros., of Longbush and the Tableland, and of Councillor Tully, of Greytown, also acts as a general commission agent.
twice occupied the mayoral chair of the Borough of Greytown. This well known pioneer, who passed away on the 27th of November, 1890, aged eighty-two years, was born in Cornwall in 1808. He served an apprenticeship as a builder and implement maker, and married in 1832. Seven years later he left England for New Zealand with his wife and family, arriving in Petone in February, 1840, by the ship “Duke of Roxburgh.” For some time he worked for Sir Francis Molesworth. building the first cutter and the first house of New Zealand woods After working in Wellington for three years, he went to live at
J. P., who was at one time Mayor of the borough of Greytown, was born in Cornwall, England. He is the eldest son of the late Mr. Hart Udy, and came to New Zealand with his parents when five years old. When nine years of age he went to assist his father in the business of a builder and wheelwright. In 1855 he was married to Elizabeth, second daughter of Mr. C. Holland, of Petone, and came to live in Greytown on 400 acres purchased at Matarawa. With his father, he engaged in sawmilling. He erected his residence in Kuratawhiti Road, Greytown, in 1800. In 1879 Mr. Gallon joined Mr. Udy, as Udy and Gallon, which partnership subsisted till 1893, when the latter became sole owner, Mr. Udy starting a mill in the Forty-Mile Bush. This is situate at Brownstown on the Wellington-Woodville railway line. Fifteen men are employed sawing rimu, totara matai, and white pine, the capacity being 130,000 feet a month. The native reserve Mr. Udy has leased is estimated to provide material for twelve or fourteen years sawing. Mr. Udy has six children, four sons and two daughters, one of the latter being organist at Wesley Church, Greytown. As choirmaster and circuit steward in the same church for many years, Mr. Udy has been prominent. He was a member of the Waiohine River Board, and a councillor of the borough of Greytown. In 1884 he was elected Mayor. In the Greytown Rifles he served till the company disbanded, and afterwards in the Greytown Cavalry for two years.
who for three years held a seat in the Greytown Borough Council, was born in 1844 in Wellington, where he was educated. He came to Greytown in 1873. He now conducts the leading butchering establishment, to which reference is made elsewhere. Mr. Haigh is a member of the Waiohine River Board, the Town Lands Trust, and acts as a trustee of the Greytown Recreation Reserve. He is married and has a family of thirteen children.
who has served as a councillor of the borough, is the third son of the late Mr. Hart Udy, and was born in Cornwall, England. Coming to the Colony with his parents, he worked with his father till reaching the age of twenty-four, when he married, taking over the homestead on his father leaving Matarawa for Greytown. For many years the subject of this notice engaged in sheep and dairy farming in the Wairarapa and at Otaki, where he was a member of the Highway Board. He occupied a seat cn the Carterton-Taratahi Road Board, and is an ex-councillor of the Borough of Greytown. Some years ago he settled in Greytown on his farm, which is now managed by his sons. An enthusiast in dairying matters, Mr. Udy is a director of the New Zealand Farmers'
for 1896 consists of Messrs. G. Wyett (chairman), W. Axup, S. Haigh, J. D. Heagerty, and R. Judd. The district governed by the Board was constituted in 1875. It was created for the purpose of protecting Greytown from the encroachment of the River Waiohine which, at that time, ran through the township in several places, and sometimes threatened its destruction, many people leaving the district in consequence. As a result of the efforts of the Board, the flow of the river has been practically confined to one channel, and the water does not now come into the township. For some years a rate of one shilling in the pound was levied, but this has now been reduced to ninepence. The Board has a reserve of sixty-three acres, originally bought for the purpose of carrying off the flood water, which is now let at a rental of £50 a year.
is managed by elected Trustees, viz:–Messrs. G. Wyett (chairman), S. Haigh, F. H. Wood, J. D. Heagerty, H. S. Izaud, and R. Bright, junr. In the year 1853 the Wairarapa Small Farm Association was instituted by some of the early settlers of the district. As a result of an interview from this body, the Government, under Sir George Grey, was induced to buy some thousands of acres from the Maoris, Greytown being named after the governor. The association was first managed by a committee consisting of Messrs. W. Allen, J. Masters, C. R. Carter, H. H. Jackson, and A. W. Renall. The lands were sold by the committee at ten shillings per acre, in blocks of forty acres, and one town acre. In 1871 an Act was passed vesting all unsold town acres and a town belt of forty-eight acres, which has been bought by the committee in a Board of Trustees. The rents received therefrom were directed to be used for education and purposes of general utility for the benefit of the resiresidents of the township. The Greytown Town Lands Trust gives an annual grant of £60 to the public school, £60 to the Institute and Free Library, and smaller grants to the Fire Brigade and Park, as occasion requires.
Librarian, Miss E. E. Stone. This excellent institution was established by means of a loan to the Borough Council, together with public subscriptions. It is, of course, under the control of the Council, whose chamber and offices are inthe same building, a two-story wooden structure in the centre of the town. The library and public reading-room are on the ground floor, and the ladies' reading-room and council chambers on the upper floor. The reading-room, which is well supplied with papers and magazines, together with the library, is open daily. The subscription is ten shillings per annum for non-ratepayers, and five shillings per annum for ratepayers.
was established in 1882, Mr. James Baillie, the present secretary and treasurer, being the first captain. The old station having been destroyed by fire, the present commodious premises were erected in 1889. Subscriptions for the work were readily obtained, and the members of the Brigade rendered their services. A grant of £10 a year is made by the Greytown Borough Council. The strength of the Brigade is about fifty members, Captain James Maguire being in command, assisted by two lieutenants. The fire appliances consist of two of Mereweather's manuals, one hand engine, and about 1000 feet of hose. The ground floor of the station contains the engine-room, social-room, and library, the upper floor being utilised as meeting-room and gymnasium.
Captain of the Greytown Volunteer Fire Brigade, who was born at Kilkenny, Ireland, in 1844, is a bricklayer by trade. Coming to New Zealand in 1869, he worked at his trade for nine years in various parts of the colonies. In 1872 he returned to Wellington, and soon afterwards settled in Greytown. While in Wellington he had a good experience in “fire fighting,” as a member of the Wellington Fire Brigade under Captain Whiteford. Captain Maguire assisted in forming the Greytown Brigade, of which he has been a member up to the time of writing He is a member of the Greytown Lodge of Freemasons, and is attached to the Oddfellows' and Foresters' Societies.
This band was established in 1877 by Mr. Varnham, who has been the bandmaster since that time, and to him much credit is due for the way in which he has kept the members together. There are seventeen instruments altogether in the band, which practises on each Tuesday and Friday in the Fire Brigade Hall. The band performs at the principal race meetings and shows, and is considered the premier band of the district.
Bandmaster of the Greytown Brass Band, was born in 1860, in Wellington, where he was educated. Coming to the Wairarapa, he served his time with Messrs. Bishop and Hawkins, architects. Mr. Varnham practises his profession in Greytown, his residence being situated in Main Street. He is a member of the Masonic Order, being attached to the local Lodge. As a volunteer he was connected with the Greytown Corps, in which he held the position of ensign. Mr. Varnham is a married man and has two children.
came into existance in 1891, on the disbandment of the local volunteer corps Its strength is about thirty. Captain Daniel Cameron is in command, Mr. H. Walden being the secretary. The range, which is situated at Papawai, is considered one of the best in the Colony. The Warrararapa Challenge Cup, in connection with the Rifle Association, has been won once by the club, and the Buchanan Cap was won twice, Mr. H. S. Izard and Mr. J. Oates being the members who upheld the honour of the club in these contests.
Captain of the Greytown Rifle Club, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1856, and came with his parents to Dunedin in 1861, and went to Taranaki in 1863 with his father, who served all through the Maori war. The subject of this notice served his apprenticeship to the carriage building trade at New Plymouth. In 1873 he joined the Forest Rangers, serving at Pukearuhe under Captain Messenger, and afterwards joined the Taranaki Volunteers. In 1877 he moved to Greytown, and three years later equired the carriage works formerly owned by Mr. William Black. Being one of the best rifle shots in the district, he has won numerous trophies, including a handsome marble clock presented by Mr. W. C. Buchanan, M.H.R., for the highest aggregate scorer in County West Corps, Wairarapa Association, in 18804, and also a silver cup and five guineas, being second for the belt in the W.M.A. in 1887. At a recent volunteer review held in Taranaki, as senior captain, he acted as major of the fourth battalion under Acting-Colonel Blythe. He assisted in the formation of the Greytown Volunteer Corps in 1878, being elected Lieutentant the same year and Captain in 1886, and appointed to the unattached active list of New Zealand Volunteer Force in 1891, and still holds that position. As captain of the Greytown Rifle Club he has held office since its formation. Captain Cameron was in command of the Greytown volunteers who assisted in the Parihaka campaign. Mrs. Cameron is the second daughter of the late Mr. William Humphries, one of the earliest settlers in Greytown. The family consists of three sons and two daughters. Mr. Cameron gained gold medals at the Wairarapa Agricultural Shows of 1890 and 1891 for vehicles, and holds numerous first prizes awarded since 1880. His factory is situated in Main Street, Greytown, in which town he has always taken a great interest in all local affairs. He was a Councillor for nine years, and is a great lover of athetic sports, and was elected one of the representatives of the Wellington team of footballers who played in Auckland and Nelson in 1880.
Main Street, Greytown, is a wooden building of two stories, with postmaster's residence attached, situated on the corner of Main Street and Kuratawhiti Street. The postmaster is registrar of electors, births, deaths, and marriages. Mails leave for Featherston
the Postmaster at Greytown, was born at Kaiapoi, where he attended private schools, completing his scholastic course at the Fernside Public School. Entering the Telegraph Department as a cadet in 1873, Mr. Stanton first saw service at Cromwell, and in November of the same year was transferred to Port Chalmers, where he acted as telegraphist-in-charge for three months in 1874. In February, 1875, he was appointed postmaster and telegraphist at Herbert, Otago, remaining four years, when he was transferred to Waverley. After fourteen years he was appointed to Greytown. Mr. Stanton's favourite pastimes are floriculture, carpentry, and angling. He is a married man and has three children.
stands on a half-acre section in the centre of the township. The buildings comprise the usual small lock-up, in which prisoners are not kept for more than three days, and a comfortable six-roomed residence, with stables and outhouses. The courthouse, which is convenient to the station, is used for the Stipendiary Magistrate's Court fortnightly, Mr. T. M. Hutchison, S.M., of Masterton, presiding. The building is also used by the Native Lands Court, which sits as required, the judges being Chief Judge G. B. Davy, and Judges Butler and Mackay. Maoris attend the sittings of the Lands Court, and though sometimes as many as 1000 assemble, no special police supervision is required at the Court, a state of affairs improbable in the case of a similar concourse of Europeans.
Officer-in-charge of the Greytown Police Station, Clerk, Bailiff, etc., of the Court, Inspector of Licensed Houses, Slaughterhouses, and Factories, Borough Inspector, Stock Inspector, Officer-in-charge of the Government Servants' Registry Office, Ranger for the Acclimatisation Society, etc., was born in Meath, Ireland, in 1848. Educated in the National School, Screen, near Tara, he joined the Irish Constabulary at the age of nineteen. He served in Tipperary and Belfast during the great Fenian rising, when the Irish Constabulary, for their faithfulness in discharging difficult duties, had the title “Royal Irish” conferred on them. After ten years service, Constable Eccleton came to New Zealand, arriving in 1876. He joined the New Zealand force at Hokitika under Commissioner James, and was stationed on the West Coast for about five years. Coming to Wellington, he left the force, and took Tattersall's Hotel, but after about a year's experience in hotelkeeping, he sold out and rejoined the police force, being stationed at Greytown in 1891. Mr. Eccleton is an enthusiastic cricketer, and a prominent member of the Greytown Cricket Club. He is a married man, and has six children, the eldest son being a student of St. Patrick's College, Wellington. Two other sons are employed in the Greytown Post-office.
Government Inspector of bridges for the Wairarapa district, was born in 1828 in Notts, England, where he was educated. He came to New Zealand with his parents in the ship “London,” in 1841, his father being the first blacksmith to arrive in Wellington. After working with his father in Matheson's shipyard at Kaiwarra for three years, the two began business as blackmiths on Lambton Quay, or the Beach, as it was then called. They also opened an ironmonger's shop where Mr. Mee's chemist shop now stands, at Mason's steps, named after
is situated some distance from the township on the Featherston side. The passenger-building contains a stationmaster's office, a ladies' waitingroom, and the usual other offices. There are also a goods-shed and an engine-shed. The staff consists of a stationmaster and a porter, who, in addition to his other duties, acts as guard on the trains between Woodside and Greytown.
Stationmaster of the Greytown Railway Station, was born in Ireland, where he received his education. In 1856 Mr. Roche was mathematical and English Master at Marlborough College, Wiltshire, together with Archdeacon Farrar, who was at that time a master. After a visit to Melbourne, Mr. Roche went to Tasmania as master of the Church of England Grammar School, Launceston. In 1864 he came to New Zealand, and was for some years master at the Church of England Grammar School, Parnell, Auckland. Joining the New Zealand Railway Service in 1876, he has for some time been located in Greytown. As a member of the Masonic fraternity, Mr. Roche is attached to the Greytown Lodge.
which was erected in 1873, is located a short distance off Main Street, near the railway station, on a site belonging to the Town Lands Trust. The property, which is valued at £800, stands in tastefully laid out and carefully kept grounds. The one-story wooden building has three wards containing fifteen beds in all, besides the fever ward, which is detached. The surgery is well fitted, and has a complete stock of drugs and appliances. All the wards are cheerful in appearance and scrupulously clean, and the general appearance of the institution inside and outside reflects the utmost credit on the authorities. At the time of the writer's visit, there were eight patients, including a case of typhoid. The hospital physician, Dr. Bey, is assisted by Dr. Hosking, as honorary surgeon. It is supported by private subscriptions, subsidised by the Government to the extent of £1 4s. for every £ raised, and by patients' fees. Any holder of a five shilling annual ticket is entitled to use the hospital, without charge, during the year. About two-thirds of the revenue is raised by an annual ball. The Board, which is elected by subscribers, two members retiring every year, consists of Messrs. Geo. Wyett (chairman), Revs. A. V. Grace, and W. Rowse, Messrs H. S. Izard, J. G. Cox, J. Hillier, and F. H. Wood, the last of whom has acted as secretary for twenty-one years.
Custodian of the Greytown Hospital, was born in London, and came to New Zealand in 1890. He was at one time employed by Messrs. Evans, Lesher, and Evans, wholesale druggists, London. Having made the study of drugs his hobby, he has become a capable dispenser. Mrs. Adams was trained for a nurse, and holds a certificate for midwifery, having gained considerable experience in the City of London Lying-in Hospital.
is centrally situated, the building being a substantial wooden structure of five rooms, originally but one room, which was added to as required. The number of children on the roll is 260, the average attendance being 210. In scholarship competitions the school has a brilliant record. Of the three scholarships annually offered to Wairarapa schools, the Greytown school has secured eight during the last five years. The school is fortunate is having an endowment of £60 annually through the Town Lands Trust. This income enables the committee to dispense with special financial efforts, and secures the maintenance of a very fine school library, which has been in existence for about six years. It already contains 650 volumes, and £10 per annum is spent on new books. The school premises are well furnished and kept. The principal room contains a large three-leaved tablet—the roll of honour—containing the names of pupils who have secured scholarships. Mr. F. H. Bakewell is the headmaster and Mr. Bee the first assistant, the other members of the staff being: Mrs. Scale (mistress), Misses York (infant mistress), Braithwaite (assistant), and Brunton (pupil-teacher).
M.A. (Univ. of N.Z.), Headmaster of the Greytown Public
Greytown, is the second oldest church in the district. It is a wooden building, capable of seating about three hundred people, and stands on an acre section, having a considerable frontage to Main Street. There is a spire with a bell, and in the chancel a memorial window to the late Rev. Amos Knell, first curate in the Wairarapa. The church also boasts a good organ and choir. The schoolroom, behind the church, easily accomodates 100 scholars. The parsonage in West Street is a wooden building of two stories, containing ten rooms, and a glebe of two-and-a-half acres is attached.
in charge of the parochial districts of Greytown, Fentherston, and Martinborough, was born in Auckland in 1865. Educated in New Zealand and at Clare College, Cambridge, Mr. Grace graduated in 1886, and was called to the bar a year later. Returning to New Zealand, he passed the colonial law examinations, but turned his attention to teaching. After serving as assistant master and chaplain at Wanganui College, having been ordained deacon in 1889, and priest in 1891, he was appointed to Greytown in 1893. He has always taken a keen interest in athletics, and while at Cambridge represented his college both in cricket and football. He is married and has three children.
R.D., late of the Church of England, Greytown, arrived in Wellington in 1863, per ship “Maria.” Towards the end of that year he was ordained deacon by Bishop Abraham, and appointed curate in charge of the Upper Hutt districts and missionary to the Maoris in the Hutt Valley. In 1864 he was married to Miss Boor, sister of Dr. Boor, of Nelson. The following year he went to Otaki to take charge of the Maori mission school and minister to the European settlers. Mr. Knell left Otaki in 1867 to take charge of the Wairarapa parochial district, comprising Masterton, Carterton, Featherston, Greytown, and surrounding districts. At this period travellers had not the advantages now enjoyed, few of the rivers being bridged, and many of the present roads being merely tracks. During his term of active service, St. Matthew's Church in Masterton, St. Mark's in Carterton, St. Luke's in Greytown, and St. John's in Featherston were built and opened. His ministry continued until 1879, when, owing to failing health, he was obliged to resign, retaining only the office of rural dean. After a long and painful illness he died at Greytown on the 29th of March, 1893, at the comparatively early age of fifty-three, being survived by his wife and six children. Shortly after his death the settlers placed in St. Luke's Church, Greytown, an exceedingly handsome stained glass memorial window of three lights as a mark of their respect for the deceased clergyman.
Greytown, is in the charge of Rev. Charles Murray, of Carterton, who holds services morning and evening alternately every Sunday. There is a Sunday school in connection with the Church, containing forty children, the superintendent being Mr. John Hillier.
Greytown, is under the charge of the Very Rev. Father McKenna, rector of St. Patrick's Church, Masterton, who pays regular visits.
Greytown, was built in £1880. Greytown was first established as a preaching station of the Wellington circuit in 1857, a small church being erected about that time by Mr. Hart Udy, senr., and others. The present building was erected during the ministry of the Rev. W. G. Thomas. The church, which provides seating accomodation for 200, stands on an acre section, having a good frontage to Main Street. The old church, now used as a schoolroom, is behind the church, the parsonage being adjacent. There is a good organ, and one of the finest choirs in the Wairarapa. The walls inside are unadorned, save by two tablets erected to the memory of a deceased minister and a church member. The Sunday school his about seventy scholars, and a strong Band of Hope is an interesting fature. The minister in charge is the Rev. S. J. Garlick, the church officers being Messrs. A. C. Rowse (senior steward and trustee), R. Y. Shearer, J. C. Pepper, and Robinson.
Minister in charge of Greytown Wesleyan Circuit, was born in Greenwich, Kent, England, in 1848. Coming to New Zealand with his parents in 1859, he attended private schools. Mr. Garlick began to preach in 1865, and studied for the Ministry at Wanganui under the Rev. R. Bavin, afterwards attending lectures at Three Kings College, Auckland. He has successively resided in Rangitikei, Franklin, Kumara, Woodend (Canterbury), Lower Hutt, Mornington (Dunedin), Springston, and Rangiors, and was appointed to his present charge in 1896. The Rev. Mr. Garlick takes a keen interest in public matters generally, In educational matters he is a member of the Greytown School Committee. In 1880 Mr. Garlick was married to a daughter of the Rev. W. Kirk, of Petone.
Supernumerary Wesleyan Minister at Greytown, was born at Helstone, Cornwall, in 1835. His father, a mine manager, died abroad when the subject of this notice was a child. Educated at the public school of Marazion, near Penzance, he after some years spent in business began to study, and was trained as a candidate for the Wesleyan Ministry. He was received by the Conference in 1858 in London and appointed as a missionary to New Zealand. He arrived in Auckland the same year in company with the Rev. Messrs. Crump, Vickers, and Moorhouse, and spent the first two years in Lyttelton. After one year each at Auckland and Onehunga, Mr. Rowse was ordained, and entered the Maori work. He was married in 1862, and entered upon the mission work at Hokianga, where he succeeded the Rev. H. H. Lawry, remaining at this post for fifteen years, during which time his house and property were accidentally destroyed by fire. Mr. Rowse managed to keep the Maoris quiet during the troubulous times, and rendered invaluable service to the State in many difficult matters. In the year 1878 he was compelled, in the interests of his children's education, to leave his station at Hokianga, which he did amidst many and deep expressions of regret from both Maoris and Europeans, and to re-enter the English work. He laboured subsequently at Richmond, Rangitikei, Rangiora, and Maaterton for three years each, at Waimate for one year, his last circuit being Greytown, where, after two years, his health gave way in 1892, and he retired. Mr. Rowse has since resided in Greytown, occasionally conducting services amongst the natives, taking English services very frequently. He has the reputation for being one of the best Maori linguists in New Zealand, and acts as a licensed Maori interpreter in the district. The reverend gentleman has eight children. His four sons are: Messrs. A. C. Rowse, bookseller, of Greytown; H. J. Rowse, of the Bank of New Zealand, Mataura; W. A. Rowse, manager of the Te Aro branch in Greytown; and T. J. Rowse, at Mr. Tait the solicitor's office, Greytown, who is well known locally as a solo singer. The eldest daughter is married and settled in England, the other daughters being all married and settled in New Zealand, excepting one, who is at home, and is also a soloist.
was established in 1878. The freehold premises situated in the main street contain a fine reading room, which is supplied with all the latest papers and periodicals. There are two large glass cases filled with specimens of the various New Zealand ores, prepared by Sir James Hector. There is also a spacious billiard-room, fitted with one of Allcock's tables. Leading from the reading room is a card room and the refreshment bar. There is also a large social building where meetings are held periodically. The officers for 1896 are: Messrs. J. Baillie (president), R. Bright (vice-president), J. Fuller, J. Baillie, and Mr. Bey (trustees), Mr. D. P. Loasby being secretary and treasurer, and Mr. G. Lackland, custodian. The members belonging to the club number 152.
was established in 1870. The officers (1896) are: W.M., Bro. R. W. Tate; S.W., Bro. C. M. Rogers; J.W., Bro, J. Fabian; S.D., Bro. J. Richards; J.D., Bro. C. J. Beard; T.G., Bro. W. E. Axup; secretary, Bro. H. J. Roche. The meetings are held in the Masonic Hall, Greytown, on the Friday evening nearest full moon in each month.
Officers (1896): Messrs. J. Fuller, J. Dockery, and G. E. Humphries (trustees), W. A. Tate (treasurer), D. P. Loasby (secretary), and Dr. Bey (surgeon). This Lodge was established in 1879. The members' roll numbers forty, meetings being held every alternate Wednesday in the Oddfellows' Hall. The funds now amount to £1181.
the Secretary of the Oddfellows' Lodge, and Secretary and Treasurer to the Greytown Working Men's Club, was born in New South Wales, coming to Greytown in 1879. Mr. Loasby was in business as a general storekeeper till 1891, when he sold out, and has only recently entered again into business. He is local agent for the Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Company. On two occasions Mr. Loasby was a member of the Greytown Borough Council. He has been secretary of the Oddfellows' Lodge for seventeen years. For two terms he was Grand Master of the Order for Wellington District.
was formed on the 29th of June, 1870, the first officers being Messrs. E. Green (chief ranger), J. Baillie (sub-ranger), H. J. Nickless (secretary). The officers (1896) are:—Messrs. E. Harrison (chief ranger), W. H. Day (secretary), and J. Fuller (treasurer).
one of the founders of the Foresters' Lodge in Greytown, was born in Hamilton, Lanarkshire, near Glasgow, in 1838, and was educated at the local schools. After working for some time under his father, and later as a journey-man at the joinery trade, he left Glasgow for New Zealand, per ship “Robert Henderson,” in 1860, landing at Dunedin the same year. Mr. Baillie spent some years on the Otago goldfields, but did not meet with a great amount of success. Subsequently he worked at his trade for some time in Port Chalmers, and then came to Wellington to build a residence for Captain Thomas Robinson, marine surveyor. Going to Greytown on a similar errand, he was induced to stay, and has resided there ever since that time, Mr. Baillie held a seat on the local Borough Council for a number of years, was chairman of the Greytown Town Lands Trust for twenty years, was one of the founders of the Foresters' Lodge in Greytown, and has been a trustee of the Lodge since 1870.
was formed in 1867, and plays on the Greytown Recreation Reserve, rented from the Borough Council, where there is a first-class pavilion and a good supply of cricketing materials. The membership consists of thirty-two playing and fifteen honorary members, the annual subscription being ten shillings. The colours are blue and white. The Club plays two elevens, which compete in the championship contests. The Club's first eleven has won the district championship for the years 1894–5 and 1895–6, and sent five players to the Wairarapa representative team in 1895–6. A striking peculiarity in connection with the Club's 1895–6 first eleven was that ten out of the eleven were left-handed batsmen. The officers for that season were Messrs. J. P. Russell (president), W. C. Buchanan, M.H.R., J. D. Heagerty, C. J. Tully, H. S. Izard (vice-presidents), W. Judd (captain), T. J. Rowse (deputy captain and secretary), W. J. Knell (treasurer).
Captain of the Greytown Cricket Club, was born in Greytown in 1864. His father, Mr. John Judd, a very old settler, is referred to elsewhere. Educated at the public school, he went to work on his father's farm. In 1889 he took a farm at Mauriceville, where he has since resided. His cricketing career began in his school days. Joining the Greytown Cricket Club in 1882, Mr. Judd was chosen in the first eleven. A left-handed batsman, his first conspicuous appearance was for the local Greytown Club against Wellington Club, when he scored ninety-four, and as a bowler took eleven wickets for twenty-two runs. For this fine performance the Greytown citizens presented him with a silver-mounted bat. He went to Auckland with the Wellington representatives in 1885–6, gaining the second best batting average and the best bowling record. He has since played for the Midland Club, Wellington, and the Wairarapa representative eleven. Mr. Judd has also appeared in the Greytown Football Club's first fifteen.
formed in 1878, was connected with the Wellington Rugby Union till 1886, when the Wairarapa Union was founded. The Club has held the Wairarapa Union's championship since its establishment, with few exceptions. For the last twelve years the Club has played on the Greytown Recreation Reserve. The colours are red and black. The membership numbers forty, the subscription being five shillings. The officers (1896) were:—Messrs. J. P. Russell (patron), C. Rodgers (president), C. J. Tully, Dr. Bey, C. J. Beard, H. Udy, junr., R. G. Welch, A. Gallon, and J. Rea (vice-presidents), E. W. Udy (captain), A. Porritt (secretary), C. J. Beard (treasurer), C. Cress, C. J. Beard, and H. O. Tully (delegates to the Union).
Captain Greytown Football Club, was born in 1867 in Greytown, where he was educated. In 1891 he was married to the eldest daughter of Mr. Duncan Campbell, of Westport, and has two daughters and one son. As a footballer, he commenced at fourteen years of age, and has played every season since. He played first for the Wanderers, joining the Greytown Football Club at seventeen, when he was admitted to the first fifteen. In 1889 he became captain, which position he has held for four successive years. For ten years he has played in the Wairarapa representative team, filling at different times the positions of full-back, three-quarter back, and forward. As a forward he has few equals in New Zealand. Mr. Udy's height is six feet one inch, and his playing weight fifteen stone. For a number of years he scored in almost every match he played in, and is still the terror of opposing players. At the time of writing he has been nominated for the New Zealand representative team to play Queensland. Mr. Udy is a member of the management committee of the Wairarapa Rugby Union. In cricket, too, he has a brilliant record. Having joined the Greytown Cricket Club in 1888–9, after playing two seasons in the second eleven he was chosen for the first. When in the second eleven he won the baat for the best bowling record, and since playing in the first has won the ball presented for the best bowling average every year since 1891–2. He has played in the Wairarapa representative eleven since 1894–5. He has also been a member of the Greytown Rifles.
Teacher of Music, Greytown. Mrs. Knell is the widow of the late Rev. Amos Knell, R.D., formerly curate of the whole of the Wairarapa district, particulars of whom are given herein under “Ecclesiastical.”
(John Robert and George William Nicol, proprietors), Main Street, Greytown. The Standard, which is the oldest paper in the district, being established in 1866, was originally known as The Mercury, the late Mr. Edward Grigg being the founder. On the death of Mr. Grigg, the late Mr. A. K. Arnot became proprietor. Mr. Richard Wakelin conducted it for some years, subsequently giving it its present name. He was joined by Mr. Payton, who, after Mr. Wakelin's death, started the Wairarapa Daily, and Mr. W. C. Nation was proprietor from 1881 to 1893, when he sold out to Mr. Roydhouse, who relinquished The Standard to the present proprietors in 1896. The Standard, a four page penny paper, is published three times a week, and circulates throughout the whole of the Wairarapa Valley. The Standard office occupies a central position in the township. Job printing in all its branches is executed on the premises, the staff including the only known Maori compositor in New Zealand.
was born in 1870 in Christchurch, where he received his early education, completing his school career at the Masteton High School. Mr. Nicol learned the printing trade in The Wairarapa Daily Times office, remaining ten years, rising from apprentice to the position of manager of the jobbing department. He left The Times office to join his brother in the present business. For nine years Mr. Nicol was a member of the Masterton Brass Band, in which he played the bass. He is also a vocalist of some ability, and has frequently appeared on the concert platform. Mr. Nicol, who is unmarried, takes a keen interest in athletics and sport generally.
the founder of the Wairarapa Standard, was born at Barnical Hall, Warwickshire, in 1816. Educated at Rugby, he left England for New York and Upper Canada on a temperance lecturing tour when only eighteen years of age. After twelve months he returned to Warwickshire, and commenced literary work. After another trip to America, he settled down to journalism in England, and while keeping a bookseller's shop in Coventry, edited the Temperance Gazette. In the Isle of Man he started a paper on Radical lines called The Cause of the People, but as the Newspaper Reform Bill required £500, he ceased publishing. Coming to Wellington with his wife and family in 1850 by the ship “Eden,” he became editor of the New Zealand Independent, and subsequently of the New Zealand Advertiser. Removing to Greytown, Mr. Wakelin edited the Wairarapa Mercury for three years. After starting the Wairarapa Journal, which lived only a
New Zealand Mail for Mr. Thos. McKenzie, in Wellington. Mr. Wakelin again took the Mercury, changing its name to the Wairarapa Standard, which he conducted until his death in 1882, at the age of 66. His widow, who stik survives at the advanced age of 84, resides with her son, Mr. R. A. Wakelin, in Greytown, Of the family—three sons and a daughter—one son lives at Greytown, and another, Mr. G. K. Wakelin, is the editor of the Newtown Advocate, Wellington. The eldest son, Mr. T. Wakelin, and the daughter, are dead. Mr. Wakelin published the History of Politics in 1877, and a pamphlet entitled Small Farms. He was of a retiring disposition, and took little part in public bodies.
Barrister and Solicitor, Main Street, Greytown North. P.O. Box 1. Bankers, Bank of New Zenland. Branches at Carterton and Featherston. London agents, Mr. E. C. Holmes, 12 Bedford Row; Wellington agents, Messrs. Bell, Gully and Izard. Private residence, Kuratawhiti Street. Mr. Izard is a native of Wellington. He was educated at Harrow, and Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and studied law at Lincoln's Inn, London, being admitted as a barrister in 1887 and a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in the same year. He was for two years in partnership with Mr. W. T. L. Travers, Wellington, as Travers and Izard, The present business was established in 1890. Mr. Izard is solicitor to the Bank of New Zealand, Carterton, and to the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company.
Barrister and Solicitor, Greytown. Mr. Phillips established his present practice in 1894. Being a member of the South Wairarapa County Council, he is more fully referred to in that connection under the heading “Carterton.”
Solicitor, Main Street, Greytown. P.O. Box 4. Bankers. Bank of New Zealand. London agent, Mr. W. C. Goulding, 81 Finsbury Pavement, E.C. Wellington agents, Messrs. Kirk and Atkinson. Private residence, Great Frederick Street. Mr. Tate is a native of Wellington, and has been educated in the Colony. He passed the final examination in March 1886, and was admitted as a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand by Mr. Justice Johnston. He is solicitor to the Greytown Borough Council and Town Lands Trust, also to the Waiohini River Board. He is local solicitor to the Bank of New Zealand, and solicitor to the Investment and Loan Society. He is also “worshipful master” to the Grey town Lodge of Freemasons. The business was established by Mr. W. G. Beard many years ago. Mr. Tate acquired the connection in December, 1888, and has successfully conducted the business since the latter date.
M.B. and C.M., Physician and Surgeon, Main Street, Greytown North. P.O. Box 36. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Dr. Bey is a native of Tarland, Aberdeenshire. He arrived in New Zealand in 1880, per ship “Hurunui.” He was educated at the Grammar School, Old Aberdeen, and Aberdeen University, and took his degree in 1876. From 1876 to 1880 he practised in England. He commenced the practise of his profession in Greytown in 1882. He has been surgeon of the Greytown Hospital since settling in this district, and also honorary surgeon of the Masterton Hospital. He is examining officer for the Government and other insurance companies, public vaccinator for the district, and surgeon to the New Zealand Militia. He is also a Justice of the Peace.
M.R.C.S. (England), L.S.A., Main Street, Greytown. Dr. Spratt is the son of an officer in Drummond's Bank, London, where the subject of this notice was born in 1827. He was trained for the profession at Guy's Hospital, taking his L.S.A. degree in 1848, and M.R.C.S.E. in the following year. Owing to a breakdown in his health, Dr. Spratt gave up the practice of his profession in his native city, and came to New Zealand in 1855. After a year's residence in Wanganui he settled in the Wairarapa, where for many years he was medical attendant to the Maoris, and also held the office of district coroner. Dr. Spratt has some time retired from the active practice of his profession.
M.R.C.S. (England), L.S.A., Main Street, Greytown. This medical man, who is a son of Dr. H. T. Spratt, took both his degrees in 1868, after studying at Middlesex Hospital, London. He holds the office of coroner for the district, and acts as medical referer for the Australian Mutual Provident Life Assurance Society, and for the New Zealand Government Life Insurance Department. After ten years practice he retired.
Chemist and Druggist, Bookseller and Stationer, Main Street, Greytown. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Gant is a native of Kent, England. He commenced to learn his business with his father before leaving the Old Country. He came to New Zealand via Melbourne per ship “Lord Warden” in 1876, and
Greytown, was opened in 1876 in a small two-roomed building on the opposite side of the Main Street to the site now occupied by the present buildings, which were erected about eighteen years ago. They occupy an acre section in the heart of the township, and the premises—a two-story wooden building—include a banking chamber, agents' office, and a dwelling of eight rooms.
the Agent of the Bank of New Zealand at Greytown, hails from West-moreland, England. Coming to Auckland at the age of ten years with his parents, Mr. Diddams was educated at Mr. Macrae's private school and at Wesley College, under the late Rev. Dr. Kidd, LL.B. Joining the Bank in 1877 as junior, Mr. Diddams has occupied various positions at Tauranga, Temuka, Oamaru, and Napier. He was appointed to Greytown in 1894. Mr. Diddams is married, and has two children.
Directors: Messrs. C. Pharazyn (chairman), W. Booth, M. Caselberg, W. H. Diddams, J. Fuller, and F. H. Wood; manager, Mr. George Wyett; Main Street, Greytown. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This well known and popular Association was founded in 1873, Mr. J. Tully being the manager. The business soon developed, and it became the principal institution of its kind in the district. In 1877, on the retirement of the first manager, Mr. George Wyett was appointed manager. Under his able and judicious supervision the Association prospered, and has been incorporated under the Building Societies Act, 1880. The annual income now exceeds £15,000. The amount of money invested on loan is £41,366. The objects of the Society are to provide for its members the means of safe investment; to enable its members to purchase freehold or leasehold properties; to enable persons possessed of land to erect buildings thereon; to grant loans on security of freehold or leasehold property, and on security of their scrip, such loans, with interest thereon, being repaid by monthly, quarterly, or half-yearly instalments. The system of making advances repayable by monthly instalments enables persons of moderate income to purchase land and build houses, which otherwise would be beyond their means, and many persons in the district have houses of their own who never would have had them except for the assistance afforded by the Association. Every man should have a home of his own, and as an illustration of the folly of paying rent, the following example of the case of a man having a section of land and wishing to build on it may be given:—Suppose the Association advances £150 to build the house, to be repaid in eight years, the monthly repayment of principal and interest would be £2 3s. 6d., making the total payments for the eight years £208 16s. The rent of such a house would probably be 8s. per week, equal to £1 14s. 8d. per calendar month, or £166 8s. paid away as rent during the eight years, being only £42 8s. less than the amount paid to the Association for the purchase of the house. Contrasting the system with borrowing on flat mortgage shows that if £150 were borrowed on flat mortgage at six per cent. the interest paid in the eight years would be £72, which added to the principal of £150 would make £222 repaid, as against £208 16s. paid to the Association. Fixed deposits are received by the Association at the highest rates of interest. Agencies have been established throughout the district as follows: Messrs. J. G. Cox (Featherston), W. J. Lindop (Carterton), G. S. W. Dalrymple (Masterton), H. W. Briggs (Pahiatua). On the 12th of January, 1896, the office of the Association in Greytown was totally destroyed by fire. The safes
the Manager of the Permanent Investment and Loan Association, has had considerable experience in connection with large institutions. In London, where he was born, he was for fifteen years employed by the Alliance Assurance Company. Owing to failing health he was ordered to seek a change of climate, and decided to try New Zealand. Arriving in 1875, he joined the Permanent Investment and Loan Association two years later. Mr. Wyett is president of the Waiohine River Board, of the Greytown Town Lands Trust, and of the Greytown Hospital, and is a prominent member of the Church of England.
Licensed Interpreter and Native Agent, Main Street, Greytown. Private residence, Vogel Street, Greytown. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Born in Auckland in 1850, Mr. MacFarlane has been a resident of the Wairarapa for the last twenty-nine years. He has been engaged largely in horse dealing, and as a lover of the turf he has had quite a number of winners in his stable, one of the most prominent being the chaser Kangaroo, which still lives at the age of thirty. Mr. MacFarlane is a totalisator proprietor, and has undertaken the handicapping at some of the principal meetings in the Wairarapa. As a native interpreter he acts for many of the native in the district.
Accountant and Public Auditor, Main Street, Greytown; offices, opposite Working Men's Club. Mr. Stone was an accountant in Dunedin for many years. His business in Greytown was established in 1894. He holds the office of Secretary to the Wairarapa Liberal Association.
Land and General Auctioneer, Stock and Station Agent, Accountant, and Valuer, Main Street, Greytown. Cable address, “Wood, Greytown North.” Code ABC; P.O.Box 19. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Branches at Carterton, Featherston, and Martinborough. Private residence, Great Frederick Street. This business was established in 1875, and has been successfully conducted since that date by the present proprietor. The freehold premises in Greytown are built of wood and iron, and are one story in height, the floorage space being close on 3000 square feet. The Carterton premises contain over 2000 square feet of floorage. The stock saleyards at Taratahi include about 2 acres in yards besides paddock, and are capable of accommodating 15,000 sheep and 2000 head of cattle. The Tauherinikau yards are now being largely increased, and will hold 7000 sheep, and 200 head of cattle. The yards at Martinborough will accommodate 20,000 sheep. Periodical sales are held at these yards, and a very considerable business is done. Mr. Wood is agent for the Australian Mutual Provident Society, and the South British Fire and Marine Insurance Company, both of which agencies he has held for 20 years. He also represents the Massey-Harris Company, the Dresden Piano Company, the Scottish and New Zealand Investment Society, and has many sheep dip and other agencies. Mr. Wood is a native of London, and arrived in Victoria in 1867, per ship “Essex,” having been apprenticed to Messrs. Devas and Routledge, of Cannon Street, London, W., wholesale soft goods merchants. He had also further business experience in London. After spending some years in Victoria, he came to New Zealand in 1874. A short time was spent in Wellington, then he settled in the Wairarapa. Mr. Wood may be classed among the successful men of the Colony. He has long been prominent in political life. He is still a member of the Greytown Borough Council, of which he was for saven years the Mayor. He was a justice of the peace for 10 years, but resigned the position owing to pressure of business.
Authorised and Licensed Surveyor, Main Street, Greytown. Mr. Andrew is the eldest son of the Rev. J. C. Andrew, of Ica Station, and a brother of Mr. J. C. Andrew, of the firm of Hamerton and Andrew, barristers and Solicitors, Wellington. He was educated at Nelson College, and served as a cadet in the Government Survey Department. He afterwards worked for some time as assistant to different surveyors, and in 1893 established the present business. He is a member of the Greytown Lodge of Freemasons. Mr. Andrew is married to Miss Mackay, granddaughter of the late Mr. Morrison, of Glenmorgan, after whom Morrison Bush is named.
Authorised Surveyor, Main Street, Greytown. The son of one of the earliest settlers, Mr. Drummond was born in Wellington in 1846. Educated at Toomath's School, he joined the Government Survey Department as a cadet. During his ten years service he was employed in triangulation and sectional survey work in Wellington Province. Leaving the Government staff when assistant surveyor, he started for himself, and was engaged in Government contract and Native Lands Court service. After a number of years at Feilding, during which he had some stirring experiences with the Maoris, Mr. Drummond compiled in 1880 the first lithographed maps of the Manawatu and Rangitikei districts. Removing to Masterton, he remained seven years, during which he prepared the lithographed plans of that borough. Since settling in Greytown in 1887, he has prepared an exceedingly useful plan of Greytown and surrounding districts, showing roads with names, rivers, houses, names of occupiers, and a scale for measuring distances on the guide plan. Mr. Drummond is now in a fairly lucrative private practice and though thirty years in the field, declares that his faculties are as keen and his body as strong as the day he entered the work. Severa of his pupils are now in practice for themselves. He is a married man with a small family. At different times Mr. Drummond has been prominently connected with racing and athletic clubs; he is also an enthusiastic chess-player.
Civil Engineer, Greytown. Born in Wellington in 1844, the subject of this notice was educated in Wanganui, and served five years with Mr. G. J. Roberts, who was then surveying in the North and South Islands. After completing his term, he commenced practice on his own account in Rangitikei, where he was for some time county engineer, and also served the Marton borough in a like capacity. He surveyed the road from Marton to the interior, known as Murray's line, and explored for the Main Trunk Railway line. Mr. Murray has made many mountain ascents in both islands, and on the summit of Mount Ruapehu he discovered the hot lake. In 1865 and 1868 he saw active service against the Maoris, for which he holds the war medal. At one time he was a well-known breeder of racing stock, such horses as Tim Whiffler and Bully-for-you passing through his hands. While in Rangitikei he took a great interest in the Hunt Club, and in horticultural shows. Recently Mr. Murray has been exploring the Rimutaka and Tararua Ranges, and has discovered a practical coach route from Greytown across the Tararuas to Otaki, over which he has made several trips with tourists, the scenery being considered to be among the grandest in New Zealand. Mr. Murray also claims to have discovered a better route for the railway over the Rimutakas, which will shorten the ride to Wellington by over an hour.
Architect, Main Street, Greytown. This business was established by Mr. Varnham in 1877, and has been conducted by him ever since. He is conductor of the local brass band, and fuller reference is made to him in that connection herein.
Baker and Confectioner, Main Street, Greytown North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Duff is a native of Ireland, arriving in New Zealand in 1880 via Australia. He is a competent baker, and established the present business in 1890. The premises are of wood, containing about 1800 feet of floorage space. There is an excellent bakehouse, the oven having recently been rebuilt. Mr. Duff passes through about four tons of flour per month. He has a carl and two horses to distribute his goods in the district. His connection extends throughout the whole district. His specialty is confectionery, for which he has obtained considerable notoriety.
Baker and Confectioner, Main Street, Greytown North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business, which has been established over twenty years, and is the oldes: bakery in the town, has been conducted by Mr. Jones since 1891. The premises are of wood, one story, and contain nearly 2000 square feet of floorage space. About three tons of flour is turned into bread each month, the delivery cast traversing the district daily. A competent baker is in charge of the bread department in the bakehouse, and Mrs. Jones, who is a good confectioner, gives personal attention to that branch of the business. Mr. Jones was born in Shropshire, and came to the colonies per ship “Lusitania,” 1878. He is well known in Greytown, having managed an hotel for nine years in the district.
Building Contractor and Sash and Door Manufacturer, Greytown. P.O. Box 20. Private residence, Main Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Wakelin's factory, which was founded in 1878, is a two-story wooden building situated close to the Greytown railway station. The proprietor is a son of the late Mr. R. Wakelin, journalist. Born in England, the subject of this sketch came to New Zealand with his parents in 1850. He has taken a prominent part in public affairs in the Wairarapa district.
Hawke, John, Junr., Carpenter, Greytown.
Humphries, Henry, Builder and Contractor, Main Street, Greytown. Established 1880.
Trotman, E. H., Builder and Undertaker, Main Street, Greytown. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1887.
Coachbuilder, American Coach Factory, Main Street, Greytown. Mr. Cameron took over this business in 1880 from Mr. William Black. He has gained numerous first prizes and certificates for vehicles, which is proof of the excellent work he turns out. Mr. Cameron will be found more fully referred to as captain of the local rifle club.
Coachbuilder and Coachsmith, Main Street, Greytown. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This important business was established in 1891 by the present proprietor. Every description of carriage, buggy, roadster, and dog cart is manufactured on the premises. The factory building—one of the largest in the valley—has a frontage of sixty feet to the main street, its depth being ninety feet, the total floorage space being about 6000 square feet. Five men, each being a specialist in his branch of the trade, are constantly employed at these works. The building, which is constructed of wood, with an iron roof, affords ample facilities for all departments of the business. Mr. Rea, who has built carriages and vehicles of all kinds for a great many of the families in the district, since he started five years ago, has already received numerous testimonials, which were produced to the writer. In these satisfaction was expressed in each instance with the way in which the work had been carried out at this large establishment. Mr. Rea's factory is replete with all needful machinery and appliances for the conduct of an extensive business. Everything that is possible has been done to make these works up to date in every respect, so that the best results can be achieved with the smallest expenditure. The enterprising proprietor is thus enabled to produce results which are surprising both as regards quality of workmanship and value of the completed vehicle. A large stock of splendid timber is regularly stacked, so as to become thoroughly seasoned before being used in the work.
Aerated Water Manufacturer, Main Street, Greytown. Mr. Fuller started as a brewer and cordial manufacturer about 1871, but after fourteen years gave up the brewing branch of the business. He is more fully referred to under “Papawai.”
General Storekeepers, Main Street, Greytown. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Manager, Mr. R. Y. Shearer. This branch, which was established in 1881, embraces tailoring and dressmaking departments, besides agencies for S. E. Wright's bicycles, Wertheim sewing machines, Robertson's dyeworks, and the Alliance Fire Insurance Company. The two-story building occupied includes the manager's residence. Mr. R. Y. Shearer hails from Launceston, Tasmania, where he was born in 1862. After coming to Wellington he gained experience in both grocery and drapery. For some years he was connected with Messrs. Thompson, Shannon and Co. at Wellington and Wanganni, being appointed to his present position in 1887.
Bauers, C., Draper, Clothier, etc., Main Street, Greytown. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established January, 1894.
Murray, Alexander, Draper, Greytown.
Tailor, Main Street, Greytown. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Playle's shop and dwelling are built of wood and iron, and have a frontage of about thirty feet to Main Street. The shop is well stocked with all kinds of tweeds—colonial, English, Scotch, Irish, and Continental. Only first-class tailoring work is done on the premises. The business was established in 1892, and a large connection has already been gained by the enterprising proprietor. Behind the shop is the work-room, where four hands are employed. Mr. Playle was born in 1866 at Norwich, England, where he was educated. He served his apprenticeship with his uncle's firm, W. Playle and Co., of London. After working for a short time in Norwich, he went to the West End of London. Coming to Wellington in 1887, he was with Mr. J. Reid, and afterwards with Messrs. Kirkcaldie and Stains, settling in Greytown as above.
King, Neff, Tailor and Outfitter, Main Street Greytown. Established 1878.
Young, Andrew, Tailor and Outfitter, Main Street, Greytown. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1867.
J.P., Cabinetmaker, Main Street, Greytown. Born in Gravel Lane, Southwark, London, on the 11th of March, 1826, Mr. Hornblow was brought up to business as a wholesale looking-glass and picture-frame manufacturer, in which be gained considerable experience. Coming to Wellington per
New Zealand Times and Mail, and still is a valued contributor to various New Zealand papers. In social, political, educational, and religious matters he has long taken a keen interest, and as a Justice of the Peace he is appreciated by the legal profession as well as by the general public.
Beer, Josiah, Cabinetmaker Greytown.
Hairdresser and Photographer, Main Street, Greytown. Mr. Lewis, who was previously in the employ of Mr. T. Thompson as hairdresser in Mastertown, established the present business in 1875. He is the inventor a starting machine for horse races and athletic sports, has held a number of public positions, and is well known as a musician, especially as a flautist. The freehold premises occupied comprise a large two-story building erected on a section in the main street, which has a considerable frontage.
Wright Bros., Tobacconists and Hairdressers, Main Street, Greytown. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1885.
(Charles Rogers, proprietor), Main Street, Greytown. This is one of the oldest established hotels in the Wairarapa district, and is Mr. Rogers's freehold. The building is a wooden one, containing a large number of sitting-rooms and bedrooms nicely furnished throughout. The hotel is well kept, the catering being first-class, and the attention all that could be desired. Buses from the hotel wait on every train, and there are good livery and bait stables in connection with the hotel.
Club Hotel (John Fabian, proprietor), Main Street, Greytown. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established in 1888 by the present proprietor, by whom it has since been conducted.
Foresters' Arms Hotel (Charles Cress, proprietor), Main Street. Greytown Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1870.
“Duke of Argyle” Boardinghouse and Dining-rooms, Main Street, Greytown. This establishment contains comfortable bedrooms, and sitting-rooms, and a dining-room seated for fifteen persons. The terms are very reasonable.
Snowshaw, Mrs., Boardinghousekeeper, Greytown.
Blacksmith, Main Street, Greytown. Private residence, Papawai Road. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Witton's smithy, a wooden building, containing 1600 square feet of floor space, stands on a section leased from the Town Lands Trust. The business, which was founded in 1875, is principally horse-shoeing, for which he has frequently taken awards. Mr. Witton having gained some skill as a horse doctor, frequently affords valuable assistance to his patrons. Born in Staffordshire, England, in 1848, Mr. Witton came to New Zealand with his parents in 1859. He served his apprenticeship as a blacksmith and became a competent farrier. After some experience in the South Island, he carried on business in Wellington for two years, removing to Greytown and establishing the present business as above.
Blacksmith and Wheelwright, Main Street, Greytown. This business was established about nineteen years ago by the present proprietor, who is a son of Mr. Hart Udy, of Greytown, where he was born in 1857. Educated locally, he was apprenticed to the trade of wheelwright and blacksmith with Mr. McIlvride, of the Hutt. Mr. Udy has been a prominent member of the Greytown Football Club, and was a member of the New Zealand representative team which visited Australia in 1884.
Bright, Richard, Blacksmith, Main Street, Greytown. Established 1857.
Hewson, Joseph, Engineer and Millwright, Main Street, Greytown.
Bootmaker, Main Street, Greytown. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Amos, who is a native of Nelson, established himself in Greytown in 1881. He is a life member of the Greytown Fire Brigade, and holds a silver cup gained for his prowess in the local football field in 1889.
Armstrong, Walter, Saddler, Main Street, Greytown. Established 1882.
Baillie, Walter Henry, Bootmaker and Importer, Greytown.
Brunton, William, Saddler and Harness Maker, Main Street, Greytown. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1887.
Hebley, Jacob R., Bootmaker, Main Street, Greytown. Established 1877.
Butcher, Ham and Bacon Curer, Main Street, Greytown North. Mr. Haigh is a native of Wellington, and was brought up to the business. He established the present business
Ingley, Thomas, Butcher, Greytown. Established 1883.
General and Produce Merchants, Ironmongers, Drapers, Grocers, Milliners, Boot and Shoe Vendors, and Dealers in Paints, Oils, and Farm and Station Requisites, Greytown. S. Keedwell, local manager. This prosperous business has its head office at Masterton, where it will be found referred to at length.
Bookseller and Stationer, Greytown North. Mr. Rowse is a native of the Colony, and was brought up to the newspaper business. The present business was established by him in 1891. The building occupied is built of wood, and is centrally situated, containing 450 square feet of floorage space. Mr. Rowse is agent for the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company, the United Fire Insurance Company, Mr. T. E. Price, photographer, and for most of the daily and weekly papers. He has a good and varied stock, and may be depended upon to supply good value in every line. He is a member of the Wesleyan Church, in which he holds the position of society and circuit steward.
General Storekeeper, Main Street, Greytown. The spacious shop occupied by Mr. Day, which was erected in 1878, has a frontage of thirty feet by sixty feet depth. It is well stocked with groceries, ironmongery, and general stores. Goods are delivered by a van to customers in all parts of the district, a man being steadily employed in this work. Mr. Day is the local representative for the National Fire and Marine Insurance Company of New Zealand. He is a member of the Foresters' Society, and fills the office of secretary of the Greytown Lodge. The premises are well situated in the centre of the town. The efforts of the proprietor have already induced a stealy advance in the turnover of the business, which bids fair to become one of the principal stores in Greytown.
Storekeeper, Main Street, Greytown. The premises, which are built of wood and iron, and contain 2100 square feet of floorage space, have only recently been erected. Mr. Loasby keeps a good stock of all the newest goods, and his trade extends to the surrounding district.
Livery and Bait Stable Proprietors, General Carriers, Coal and Firewood Dealers, Main Street, Greytown. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Main Street. Both partners are natives of London, and were brought up to handling horses from their earliest days. They were companions in their school days, and came out to the Colony in 1873. Their freehold stables are built of wood, being two stories in height, and containing nearly 2500 feet of floorage space. They have ten stalls and three loose boxes and every convenience. They have a considerable number of horses and traps used in the business. The engraving represents their premises. They are agents for the New Zealand Express Company. They run a coach twice a week between Greytown and Masterton, leaving Greytown every Wednesday and Saturday at 9.30., returning from Masterton at 3.30.
Langstone, Charles Wentworth, Veterinary Surgeon, Greytown.
Watchmaker and Fancy Goods Dealer, Main Street, Greytown. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Hillier is a native of Coventry, and was apprenticed to Rotheram of the same town, completing his apprenticeship in 1856. His indentures were produced to the writer. His business was established in 1882. He makes a specialty of cleaning and repairing watches, and is a trustee of the Greytown Hospital.
Watchmaker and Optician, Main Street, Greytown. Established 1895. Mr. Keltie has a good connection, and undertakes all kinds of repairing in his line, as well as sight-testing and optical work.
Bath, Wm., Watchmaker and Jeweller, Main Street, Greytown, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established by present proprietor in 1893.
Harrison, George, Dairyman, Greytown. Established 1891.
Huntley, Mrs., Fruiterer, Main Street, Greytown. Established 1895.
Spring, Miss, Dressmaker, Main Street, Greytown.
Nash, George, Painter, Glazier, and Paperhanger, Main Street, Greytown.
Muir, Frederick, Fruiterer, Main Street, Greytown. Established 1881.
Hornblow, Andrew Reed, Printer, Wairarapa, Job Printing Works, Greytown.
McKenzie, Mrs., Dressmaker, Main Street, Greytown.
Settler, Greytown. Born in London in 1829. Mr. Benton landed with his parents in Wellington on the 1st of May, 1842, and worked on his father's farm at Karori for some time after arriving in the Colony. The Benton family lived on their farm at Karori till 1886, when Mr. Benton, sent., retired and settled in Newtown, where he resided till his death in 1895. In 1852 the subject of this notice was married to a daughter of Mr. Cattell, of Wellington and after selling out at Karo
Settler, Stonestead, Greytown. Born in Shirley, Derbyshire, England, on February the 21st, 1817, the subject of this notice attended the village school, and afterwards worked on his father's farm till 1837, when he went to London, securing employment as a salesman in Covent Garden Market. Two years later Mr. Jackson engaged with the New Zealand Company as paymaster and storekeeper to the first survey party sent out under Captain Smith, to survey the town of Britannia (now Petone) in the new colony of New Zealand. The party landed in Port Nicholson in December, 1893, from the barque “Cuba,” 274 tons. Having come to an understanding on the voyage that only eight hours a day should be worked in this new land, this resolve was put into execution immediately they commenced work in 1810, Mr. Jackson's diplomacy proving most useful. The subject of this notice was present at the first great labour conference held in New Zealand, in October, 1840, which took place in front of German Brown's (now Barratt's) Hotel, Clay Point, Wellington, to consider whether the time worked in the settlement should be eight or ten hours a day. The meeting decided in favour of an eight hours day, and resolved that offenders would be ducked in the harbour. After the Hutt Valley flood a meeting of settlers convened to consider the matter, decided that the settlement should be removed to Lambton Harbour, where the survey party lived in tents for a time. Mr. Jackson afterwards bought from the natives the magnificent whare named Hokianga, a very large building for those days, for twelve red blankets and a gun of a single barrel. The building had been used as a meeting place by the Wesleyan and Episcopalian missionaries. When the Rev. Mr. Churton arrived from England, part of the place was cleaned up and screened off for a chapel, for which purpose it was used for a considerable time after the survey party had taken possession. While the services were being held in the same building with the men of the survey party, numerous inconveniences and humorous incidents occurred at times. The stories of what the cutting of the curtain string revealed, and the pasting of the pulpit with potatoes at another time, still give a hearty laugh to old settlers who have heard them. This whare became the chief post-office for Wellington, the first postmaster being the late Hon. Mr. Mantell, and it was also used as general government offices. After finishing the survey of Wellington, Mr. Jackson and the survey party were engaged cutting lines to Happy Valley, Karori, Kaiwarra, and other places. The Devil's Bridge on the Karori Road was so named by Mr. Jackson. Numerous difficulties with the Maoris, especially with the notorious Rangiatea were experienced about this time. Mr. Jackson left the New Zealand Company's service in May, 1811, settling for some years on a farm of 130 acres at Waiwetu. In 1847 he was married to Sarah, the daughter of Mr. William Saxby, of the Hutt. Seven years later Mr. Jackson, with Messrs. Tocker and Masters, representing the Small Farmers' Association, selected the sites of the townships of Masterton and Greytown, the Government having given 25,000 acres from which to select. The townships having been
Settler, Greytown. The son of a Kentish farmer, Mr. Judd was born in 1833, and came to Wellington with his parents and two brothers in 1840 in the ship “Martha Ridgway.” When twenty-three years of age, the subject of this notice married, and bought forty acres in Greytown, where he settled. Mr. Judd, who engages in mixed farming, and has increased his holding to three hundred and fifty acres, now leaves the active management to one of his sons. He is a good colonist, his family numbering five daughters and nine sons, three daughters and three sons being married. As a volunteer, Mr. Judd was a member of the Greytown Rifles, and in local politics he has held seats on the Featherston Highway and Waiohine River Boards. Mr. Judd's father, who died in 1886, took part in the fight with the Maoris at the Hutt in the early days. His family consisted of five sons and three daughters, Mr. John Judd being the eldest son.
Farmer, Glendower, Greytown East. The youngest son of Mr. John Wilson Jury, one of the earliest settlers in the district, who came to the Colony in 1837, Mr. Charles Joseph Jury was born in the Wairarapa on the 24th of July, 1850, and was brought up at Jury Island. His property consists of about seven thousand acres, chiefly devoted to sheep-farming and cattle breeding. Mr. Jury is a married man and has eight children. In local politics he shows his interest in the Ponatahi School Committee, of which he is chairman. As a member of the Masonic fraternity, he is attached to the Greytown Lodge, in which he has held office as Junior Warden, and is also a member of the Royal Arch Chapter. Mr. Jury took part in military matters as long ago as 1863, when he joined the militia. He was afterwards captain of the Papawai Native Contingent. As a member of the Carterton Rifle Club, he took an active part for nearly twenty years.
Farmer, Taumatu, Greytown East. Mr. Oates, who was born in Derbyshire, England, in 1817, is the third son of the late Mr. Samuel Oates, a Derbyshire farmer. Mr. Oates,
Farmer, Main Street, Greytown; principal station, Kahautara. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Williams was born in Cornwall, England, in 1828, and came to New Zealand with his parents by the ship “Duke of Roxburgh,” in 1810. Twelve years later he tried goldmining at Bendigo and Ballarat, Victoria, with a fair amount of success; and a nugget pendant to his watchchain is still kept in commemoration of his experiences on those fields. Mr. Williams was at Bendigo when the Eureka Stockade was built, and Peter Lalor taken prisoner. After three years he returned to Maoriland, and soon afterwards settled in the Wairarapa. As a pastoralist, Mr. Williams owns some good farms, the most important being the Bleak House Farm, Kaiwaiwai, of 1000 acres, which is his homestead, and Kahautara Station of 2,000 acres, on which he engages largely in breeding sheep, cattle, and horses. An ardent sportsman, Mr. Williams has owned some of the finest horses in the land, among them being Derringer, Barbarian, Voltigeur, Remington, and Danebury, from the last of which he has a hoof mounted in silver as an inkstand, turned out by Mr. Ludwig, of Wellington. As an importer of thoroughbreds, he received from England, in 1896, the stallions Gold Reef, by Bend Or, and Marshal Sault, by St. Simon, two of the finest bred horses in the mother country.
is a small settlement near Greytown, Most of the residents are Maoris, who visit Greytown frequently, and contribute a good deal to the trade of that town. There is a public school in the district, at which both European and Maori children attend. Football—a favourite game with the Maoris—is well represented here, there being two clubs, the Kotahitangas and the Huias. The former of these recently visited the South Island and defeated a Canterbury Maori team—the N'tu Ahuriri—at Kaiapoi, and also a European team.
—a woodon building of two rooms, to which is attached a dwelling for the master—has over thirty-five children on the roll, including both native and European, with an average attendance of twenty-five. The pupils are taught the same standard work as in the ordinary public schools, the teacher being appointed by the Education Department.
the Teacher of the Papawai Native School, who holds an E certificate, was born in Essex, England, in 1853. Educated at Cambridge House School, Edgbaston, Birmingham, Mr. Clemance was in charge of the Tokomaru Native School in Cook County on the East Coast of New Zealand for five years ending 1892, when he was transferred to the Wairarapa.
Farmer, Papawai; private residence Main Street, Greytown. Born at Kent, England, in 1834, Mr. Fuller came to New Zealand in 1858, and was engaged for some years in carting goods over the Rimutaka. He afterwards took the Rising Sun Hotel, the principal hostelry in the Wairarapa in those days, conducting the house for ten years. Subsequently Mr. Fuller started as a brewer and cordial manufacturer, but after fourteen years he gave up brewing, retaining the other branch of the business. Mr. Fuller is treasurer of the local Foresters' Lodge, and a member of the Oddfellows' Society. He is a member of the committee of the Greytown Working Men's Club, and a director of the Permanent Investment and Loan Association of the Wairarapa. Mr. Fuller is a married man and has a family of thirteen children.
is a small settlement lying about three-and-a-half miles from Greytown. A coach runs twice a week—Wednesday and Friday—from Greytown to Morrison Bush, and proceeds to Martinborough on the same days. The fare is one shilling single and eighteen-pence return. In 1888 a post office was established, and at the time of writing (1896) Mrs. Waite was post-mistress. There are three mails weekly to and from Wellington—Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. The mails are carried on horseback to and from Greytown.
Morrison Bush, is a neat wooden building in the centre of the settlement, adjoining which is the teacher's residence. Both are well kept, the grounds being tastefully planted. Connected with the school is a lending library, which is available to the public. There are fifty-four children on the roll, Mr. F. G. A. Stuckey being the teacher.
Morrison Bush, is alternately used for the services of the Presbyterian and Wesleyan denominations. There is also a Church of England Sunday school, which is held in the Morrison Bush schoolroom.
Nurseryman, Tividale Nursery, Morrison Bush. Born in County Roscommon, Ireland, in 1826, Mr. Barratt went to Staffordshire when only seven years of age, and was educated at the parish school, Horsley Heath. His first employment was in a forge rolling mill, where he stayed for twelve years, leaving to come to Tasmania in 1849. Soon after his arrival there, the Australian gold diggings broke out, and Mr. Barratt visited and worked on several fields. Coming to Wellington, New Zealand, about 1853, he entered into partnership with Mr. P. Campbell. After nine months trading with the natives, he took up land at Ohariu, where he remained four years. Removing to Morrison Bush, he bought 100 acres, of which he has sold half. Mr. Barratt has been in business as a
Bush Hotel (John Hodge, junr., proprietor), Morrison Bush. Established 1857.
Farmer, Morrison Bush, Greytown South, is the youngest son of Mr. Ty. Jones, jeweller, of Ludgate Hill, London. Mr. Jones came to New Zealand in 1862 and was one of the first at the celebrated Shotover diggings in Otago. In the following year he came to the Wairarapa. Commencing in business as a sawmiller, he worked with success till 1879, when he sold his interest and entered into farming pursuits at Morrison Bush. Mr. Jones has a splendid freehold property of some 270 acres. He has abstained from entering into political life, preferring to attend to his own business. In his younger days he served as a member of the local volunteer corps and also in the militia.
Settler, Forest Lea, Morrison Bush, was born in Kent, England, in 1826. Mr. Knapp enlisted in the fifty-eighth regiment in 1813, and came to the colonies the following year with convicts for Norfolk Island. After seven years service, during which he was engaged in hostilities with the Maoris in several places in the North Island of New Zealand, Mr. Knapp took his discharge, and settled down to peaceful pursuits. He was engaged for some time as a sawyer, and acquired land in the Wairarapa in 1884. Mr. Knapp is a married man, and has three sons and a daughter.
Sheep, Uruokakite Station, Greytown North. Telegraphic address, “Uruokakite Station.” Letters are brought to the station daily by coach, a special mail-bag being made up for that purpose at the post-office. The land of which this fine station is composed was taken up in the year 1855 by Messrs. Herschoerg and Mitchell, who, after improving it somewhat, sold it, and since that time it has had a succession of owners. About three-and-a-half years ago, Mr. McKerrow purchased it, and has carried
was for some years known as the Three Mile Bush. It was afterwards named after the late Mr. C. R. Carter, who at that time represented the district in the General Assembly and the Provincial Council. The original settlers of Carterton were men whose capital chiefly, if not solely, consisted of stout hearts and strong arms. They were set down on ten-acre plots on one side of the road line in the midst of dense bush, and given work in clearing the line and making the road on towards Masterton. All the land on the other side of the road was taken up by one or two absentees. Thus the incipient town was handicapped from its commencement, and to this day it consists of one very long street—the main road—and one or two cross streets. Its progress was slow and painful. The settlers, and their wives too, worked manfully and cleared their little holdings, erecting small, but more or less comfortable, cottages, planted orchards, got a cow or two, and struggled for independence.
There came a time, however, when despair and terror seized upon the whole community: for a bush fire in a high wind swept the settlement from end to end, destroying houses, orchards and fences, and very nearly some of the people themselves. This apparently overwhelming catastrophe, however, was a blessing in disguise. The “burn” was so thorough that serious danger from a similar cause in the future was impossible, and subscription lists were started throughout the Colony to assist those settlers who were completely ruined and could not assist themselves. Carterton thus quickly rose Phœnix-like from its ashes, and progress again set in with more perceptible results. Several sawmills were planted in the bush surrounding the settlement, and these, while giving steady employment to the settlers, cleared the ground for further occupation. Grazing and dairying followed up the sawmilling period, which the railway line running through the west side of the town very greatly developed, and now the whole district is a network of small farms. There are three prosperous dairy factories in or near the borough, and these have given a wonderful fillip to settlers and settlement, to workers and to traders. Carterton was founded about 1859, and was for many years governed by a local board, consisting of a chairman and five commissioners. The first commissioners were Messrs. W. Booth, H. Callister, C. R. Carter, R. Fairbrother, A. Campbell and Wm. Vickerstaff. The borough was formed in 1887, and since that time the town has been governed by a mayor and councillors. The first members of the borough were Messrs. R. Fairbrother (mayor), Andrew McKenzie, Thomas Moore, William Vickerstaff, James Bayliss, Alfred Booth, and G. W. Deller.
From a struggling, straggling line of small settlers, Carterton has rapidly grown into a place of considerable importance. It is the headquarters of the Wairarapa South County Council, the Wairarapa Licensing Committee, the Electoral District, and the Wairarapa Agricultural Society. It has its Jockey Club, Bowling Club, Cycling Club, and of course its young men are enthusiastic footballers. The principal stock sales of the South Wairarapa are held near the town. Carterton has an excellent public library greatly
Sawmilling was one of the first industries in Carterton, and a considerable business is still done in timber. In recent years, however, farming has made great strides in the district, and the dairy factories turn out large quantities of butter and cheese.
The town and surroundings are flat, but the eye is relieved by the lofty Tararua Rauges in the east, and by the Maungaraki Ranges on the west.
The area of the borough is 1880 acres. The streets and roads are formed and metalled, clean and well-kept, and lighted at night with kerosene lamps.
There are four public reserves in the borough. One of these has been laid out and planted with trees. The Recreation Ground, which is used for public sports and gatherings of all kinds, is at the top of Library Street. A new reserve has recently been acquired by the town. The cemetery is about four miles from the town and lies towards the north.
Carterton claims the unique honour of being the only borough in New Zealand that has no public debt.
The spiritual needs of the people are well provided for, there being representatives of four denominations—Church of England, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian and Wesleyan; and a first-class State school and two private infant schools provide the rising generation with secular education.
The needs of the travelling public are well catered for, there being three hotels and several boardinghouses.
Carterton has its newspaper, the Wairarapa Observer, which has generally supported the sitting member, and is an up-to-date journal, thoroughly alive to the interests of the borough.
Socially, Carterton is only just beginning to feel leisure for such luxuries as balls, “evenings,” concerts and so on, but in this respect it is rapidly overtaking its neighbours. Politically its people are largely coloured with the Liberal tint, and the Conservative member for the district finds here his doughtiest opponents.
There are several small settlements near the borough, of which Carterton may be regarded as the centre: Clareville,
The distance from Wellington by rail is sixty miles, and trains run north and south twice daily. The railway station is not so far from the town as is generally the case in the Wairarapa.
Two mails are received daily from Wellington, and there are two deliveries daily from the post-office. Further particulars about postal matters will be found in the following pages.
There can be no doubt that, with the vigorous, pushing men who watch Carterton's interests, this town has a very prosperous future before it.
As Carterton is the headquarters of the Wairarapa electoral district, a sketch of Mr. W. C. Buchanan, the sitting member for the House of Representatives for that district, is included in the pages devoted to this town.
Member of the House of Representatives for the Wairarapa, belongs to what is known in political parlance as the Conservative Party. Mr. Buchanan, who is a Scotchman and a bachelor, was born in Argyleshire in 1838. Educated in his native shire, and at the parish school of Greenock, he decided to emigrate to the eclonies while still in his teens. Arriving in Melbourne in 1857, he turned bis attention to the country, and for six years gained experience of Victorian station life. In 1863 Mr. Buchanan landed in Otago, and after a short time settled on the Canterbury Plains, where he for some time rented a farm. After spending some eight years in the South Island, the subject of this notice purchased land in the South Wairarapa, where he has lived since that time. His station, which is known as Tupurupuru, consists of 13,000 acres, and is fully improved, all the original bush having been cleared, with the exception of suitable clumps left for shelter and ornament. As a farmer, Mr. Buchanan goes in for turnip culture and for both sheep and cattle of the Lincoln and shorthorn varieties respectively. He has gained large experience in respect thereof, and is considered an authority on stock and land. Mr. Buchanan has ever taken a keen interest in matters affecting the general advancement of the district with which he is so closely identified. For many years he has been a member of the South Wairarapa County Council, and for years he has been and still is president of the Wairarapa and East Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He has also long held a seat on the Wellington Education Board. The Wellington Meat Export Company was promoted principally by Mr. Buchanan, who was for several years its chairman, and is still a director. Mr. Buchanan has been a Justice of the Peace for the last twelve years. His political history dates from 1881, when he was first returned for the constituency which he still represents. Five times has the honourable
who represented the electoral district of Wairarapa from 1860 to 1864 in the General Assembly, and was for many years a prominent citizen of the Wairarapa, died in Wellington on the 22nd of July, 1896. He did much to advance the interests of Carterton, and is still held in grateful remembrance by the residents of that town. Born in England in 1842, he was brought up to the building trade, and came to New Zealand about forty years ago. He commenced business in Wellington as a building contractor, and soon took a leading part in his trade. The Parliamentary Buildings and the original offices of the Union Bank of Australia were among his undertakings. He subsequently took up a large area of land in the Wairarapa, near Carterton, which town was named after him. From the beginning he took a warm interest in politics, and for several years represented the Wairarapa in the Provincial Council. His business affairs prospered, and about twenty years ago he retired from active life and went to England. A few years ago his wife died, and he returned to New Zealand. Mr. Carter endeared himself to all classes, and it was largely through his generosity that the Carterton public library and other institutions of that town are in their present flourishing condition.
was formed in 1887, the township previous to that time being governed by a local board, particulars relating to which will be found in the foregoing general description. The population of the borough is estimated at 1250, and the number of dwellings at 225, the total number of ratepayers being 240, and the number of rateable properties 330. A general rate is levied of three-fourths of a penny in the pound. Mr. G. W. Deller, the mayor for 1896, has held that important position for four consecutive terms, and the members of the Council are: Messrs. W. Moore, J. Applin, John Udy, J. Stevens, George A. Fairbrother, John Bassett, W. P. Allen, John Strang, and James Hodder. At the last election (September, 1896), Mr. Adam Armstrong, one of the sitting members, was defeated by Mr. J. Hodder, and Mr. J. Strang was re-elected. The Council meets on the last Monday in the month, the town clerk being Mr. H. H. Wolters.
was first elected to this important position in 1892, and has been returned for four consecutive terms. Mr. Deller was born in London in 1854, and was educated in that city and in Hertfordshire. Coming to New Zealand per ship “St. Leonards,” which was afterwards wrecked in the English Channel, he worked for some years in Carterton, being mostly engaged in contracting for the supply of logs for saw-mills. In 1880 he established the butchery business which he still conducts, and has been very successful in his undertaking. When Carterton was declared a borough, Mr. Deller was elected as one of the members of the first council. He is chairman of the school committee, and also one of the wardens of the Taratahi-Carterton Road Board. As a
who has a seat on the Carterton Borough Council, was born in 1863 in Carterton, where he was educated at the local public school. Mr. Moore was brought up to mercantile life by his father, Mr. Thos. Moore, one of the principal storekeepers of the town. In Masterton he afterwards gained further experience during a residence of three years. In 1890 his father retired from active life, and Councillor Moore took over the business. He has always taken a great interest in outdoor sports, and has been captain of the local cricket club, and is president of several other clubs. A member of the Carterton Lodge of Freemasons, he was installed as W.M. in 1896. Mr. Moore held a captain's certificate in the old Carterton Rifle Volunteers, and at the examination of officers gained the highest marks of any officer in the Wairarapa. He has served two terms on the Carterton School Committee, and has been a councillor of the borough since 1893. Mr. Moore is married to a daughter of Mr. Edward Eagle, of Carterton. To Mr. Moore is also due the credit of the adoption of the early closing system in Carterton.
who occupies a seat on the Carterton Borough Council, was born in Dorsetshire, England, in 1845, his education being acquired by his own exertions.
is the second son of th
who was born in Wellington in 1852, is the third son of the late Mr. Charles Stevens, who came to the Colony in 1840. Mr. Stevens was educated at the Porirua Private School, and, till 1881, worked at varions callings, principally at mill work. Coming to the Wairarapa, he established the Carterton mill, which he has worked with great success, having cut up the bush on some 1200 acres of land. Councillor Stevens has another mill at Masterton which has been in full swing since 1895, and employs about thirty hands. Mr. Stevens is a member of the Masonic Lodge in Carterton. He is a member of the Taratahi-Carterton Road Board, and has a seat on the Carterton School Committee. In sporting, Mr. Stevens belongs to the Taratahi Jockey Club, and takes great interest in local cricket. He is a director of the Dalefield Dairy Factory. Mr. Stevens is married, and has seven children.
J.P., who was elected to the Council in 1895, is the third son of the late Mr. Richard Fairbrother, who was first mayor of the borough. Mr. Fairbrother was born in Carterton in 1858, and was educated at such local public and private schools as were available in his day. He joined his father in the storekeeping business; later he went into saw-milling, and in 1882 commenced business as a commission agent, to which reference is made hereafter. Mr. Fairbrother, who became a Good Templar at fifteen, lately represented Wairarapa at Grand Lodge meetings at New Plymouth and Auckland, and now acts as superintendent of the local tent of Juvenile Rechabites. He served on the school committee for some time, and now sits as a member of the Library Committee and of the Licensing Committee. In 1893 he made one in the triangular contest for the Wairarapa seat in the House of Representatives, but was not successful. Mr. Fair-brother is married, and has four sons and a daughter.
Town Clerk of the Borough of Carterton, was born in Germany in 1845, and arrived in New Zealand when twenty-one years of age. He came to the Wairarapa in 1878, and for the last sixteen years has held his present position. Mr. Wolters also holds the offices of secretary of the Wairarapa South County Council and of the Taratahi-Carterton Road Board. He is,
which is located n convenient premises erected for the purpose on freehold land in Library Street, was established in 1874. There are 3550 volumes, comprising a good assortment of works by standard authors. The subscription is ten shillings per annum. The officers (1896) are: Messrs. W. C. Buchanan, M.H.R. (patron), W. Booth, J.P. (president), W. Downard (secretary), E. W. Dorset, H. H. Wolters, J. Brown, W. Downard, J. Bairstow and Dr. Johnston (committee), and W. Parker (librarian).
was established in 1890. The station is situated at the back of the Marquis of Normanby Hotel. The Brigade, which holds fortnightly practices, is equipped with two of Mereweather's manual engines and the necessary appliances. The officers (1896) are: Messrs. J. A. Dudson (captain), R. Fairbrother (lieutenant), N. Dixon (foreman), and H. Wakelin (secretary).
who was the first Mayor of Carterton, a position which he occupied for six years, was one of the pioneer settlers in the borough. Born in 1826 in London, he enlisted in the 49th Regiment and served in India and China, but was never in an engagement, although at the front. Returning, he was stationed in Ireland, where he married, and after a short time in Greece, finding his family increasing, he decided to buy out. On leaving, his commander commended him publicly for his steadiness and thrift. After a short time in the grocery business in London Mr. Fairbrother came to New Zealand in 1856 in the ship “Ann Wilson.” Settling in the Wairarapa he opened a store in Greytown, and worked some time on the roads. Subsequently removing to Carterton—then known as the “Three Mile Bush”—he took up land, and, when the township was laid out, established a general store, to which the post-office, was soon attached. Mr. Fairbrother always took a deep interest in local politics. He promoted the first school in the bush by raising subscriptions, drew the memorial for naming the locality, assisted in the erection of the town hall, was captain of the volunteer corps, and for thirteen years was chairman of the Town Board before the foundation of the borough. In church affairs he was for many years minister's churchwarden of St. Mark's Church. Mr. Fairhrother died in May, 1892, leaving his widow with six sons and three daughters, all grown up.
ex-Mayor of Carterton, is a brother of Mr. William Booth, J.P., one of the directors of the Bank of New Zealand. Born in Lancashire, England, in 1848, Mr. Booth received his early education in his native county, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1860. He entered into farming pursuits and settled in Carterton in 1874. Subsequently he went into partnership with his brother in the sawmilling business under the style of William Booth and Company, retiring from the business in 1891. He has since engaged in sheep-farming on his station “Middle Run,” Hawarden, near Gladstone, where he has erected one of the finest residences in the district. Mr. Booth succeeded
ex-Councillor of the borough of Carterton, was born in Staffordshire, England, in 1825. He was educated in that county, and on the 29th of November, 1856, left Liverpool for New Zealand in the ship “Ann Wilson,” arriving in Wellington exactly four months later. Two days after arrival he started to work getting out foundations for the Parliament Buildings, for the late Mr. C. R. Carter, the contractor. After working a short time he decided to go up the Wairarapa, and arrived in Greytown on the 18th of April, 1857. Mr. Vickerstaff belonged to the first gang which was engaged in making roads through Greytown, Carterton and Masterton, and worked for some time on the old Black bridge, again under Mr. C. R. Carter. He then took up some land in Carterton, on which he now resides. Having made a competence, he has retired from active life. Mr. Vickerstaff was a member of the first town board formed in Carterton, and was instrumental in the establishment of a local board, of which he was a member for over fifteen years. He was also instrumental in securing the reserve on which the present library stands. When the borough was formed, Mr. Vickerstaff was elected a member of the Council, and occupied a seat till 1893, when he retired in consequence of increasing hardness of hearing. He still takes an interest in the welfare of the borough. Mr. Vickerstaff was one of the first members of the volunteers, and continued a member until the disbandment of the corps. He was an active member of St. Mark's Church, being on the vestry for several years, and was instrumental in planting and laying out the grounds and erecting fences. He was also on the local school committee for several years, and did good service in getting the school enlarged and a teacher's residence erected.
a member of the Carterton Council in 1890, was born in London in 1840, and came to Wellington in 1857, by the ship “Gleaner,” with his parents. He is the third son of the late Mr. Robert Eagle, who had ten children when he landed, of whom nine are still living. His mother, in her eighty-fifth year at the time of writing, still enjoys good health. After staying in the Empire City for some time, Mr. Eagle went to sea for five years and afterwards returned to Wellington. In 1870 he started farming, and in the following year became a sawmiller in partnership with Mr. William Booth, trading as William Booth and Co. In 1887, after a very prosperous career, he retired from the business and settled in Carterton in a very pleasant villa, known as “Whitefield House.” In 1895 Mr. Eagle took a trip to the Old Country, and made a tour of England, Ireland and Scotland. The subject of this notice is married, and has five children, who are all married.
who was a Councillor of the Borough of Carterton, was born in Lincolnshire in 1832, and came to New Zealand in 1857, per ship “Southern Cross.” He was for some time engaged in the bakery business in Wellington, and went up the Wairarapa, starting in Carterton in 1858. His flourmill was established in 1869, Mr. Wakelin having been the second to start flour-milling in the Wairarapa. He also carried on sawmilling for some fifteen years. He has recently had
has control over the South Wairarapa County, which is bounded on the east and south by the sea, on the west by the Hutt and Horowhenua Counties, and on the north by the North Wairarapa County. The area of the Connty is 1281 square miles, the rateable property, £1,723,793; the total property, including unoccupied Crown and native lands, £1,826,818. The total receipts for the year 1894–5 were £1932 1s. 10d., and the total expenditure £1934 15s. 8d. For the same year the assets were £297 0s. 4d., and the liabilities £5840 8s. 6d. The population according to the census of 1896, exclusive of boroughs, was 5409. The members of the Council for 1896 are: Messrs. H. R. Bunny (chairman), W. C. Buchanan, M.H.R., H. Braithwaite, William Booth, Coleman Phillips, A. Matthews, W. Cundy, John Martin, Chas. Edgar, and H. H. Wolters (secretary). The Council meets on the second Saturday in each month in the Carterton Council Chambers.
Chairman of the Wairarapa South County Council, and also of the Taratahi-Carterton Road Board, was born in Berkshire, England, in 1845, and came to New Zealand with his parents by the ship “Duke of Portland,” landing at Wellington in 1853. He received his early education in Wellington, and in 1860 came to the Wairarapa, where his father, who was a lawyer, practised his profession. The subject of this notice is married to Miss Vennell, of the Wairarapa, and has five children. He engages in sheep and cattle farming at his farm—2000 acres in extent—at Ahia Ruhi, near Gladstone, where he also has a cheese and dairy factory. The average number of milkers daily is 140.
of the Wairarapa South County Council, is the third son of Mr. Mark Phillips, Preston Road, Brighton, England, and was born in 1846, at Weymouth, Dorsetshire. Educated at Bristol, he landed in 1864 in Auckland, where he joined the Second Waikato Regiment, gaining the Queen's medal for active service in the Maori war. He settled on his military land grant, but subsequently entered the service of the company (afterwards the Waikato Steam Navigation Company), rising from the position of purser to that of certificated master in charge of the fleet. In 1868 he removed to Onehunga, and two years later to the Thames. In 1872, after a trip to Fiji, he arranged a loan of £40,000 from the merchants of Auckland to King Thakambau, to enable the king to consolidate his power over the group, and hand over the islands to the British Crown. In 1874 Mr. Phillips passed his examinations as a barrister of the Supreme Court. The following year he proposed the establishment of the Auckland and Fiji Banking Company, and secured the establishment of a steam service with Fiji, and took to the Islands the first steamer, the “Star of the South.” While on a visit to England in 1875, Mr. Phillips was asked to accept the British Consulate at Samoa, but declined the position. A paper by Mr. Phillips, on the “Civilisation of the Pacific,” will be found in “The Transactions of the Royal Colonial Institute” for that year Having retired from practice, he bought a share in the Dry River
meets on the first Saturday in each month in the Carterton Council Chambers. The members of the Board for 1896 are: Messrs. H. R. Bunny (chairman), F. Moore, John Rayner, E. W. Dorset, G. W. Deller, H. Braithwaite, James Stevens. George Stevens, Alfred Daysh, and H. H. Wolters (secretary). The revenue for year 1894–5 was about £3400. The assets amounted to about £80, and the liabilities, including loans, to about £12,000.
a member of the Taratahi-Carterton Road Board, is the second youngest son of Mr. John Daysh, who came to the Colony in the early forties, and at the time of writing is still hale and hearty, though ninety-three years of age. Mr. Daysh was born at the Taita in 1854, and was brought up to farming pursuits on his father's farm. He came to the Wairarapa when about sixteen years of age, and was engaged in farm work for some six years. In 1872 he took up about 130 acres of land at Taratahi West, and has been very successful in the working of the property, which is now a dairy farm. He is, in addition, a breeder of cattle. Mr. Daysh is chairman of directors of the Taratahi Dairy Company (Limited), having been a director for the last eight years. He is also a member of the Taratahi Racing Club. Mr. Daysh is married, and has six children.
was formed in 1894, and meetings are held during the summer from September to April at the Club's range, which is situated in Belvedere Road, about twenty minutes drive from the town. Mr. Joseph Oates, the captain of the Club, is one of the best shots in the district, having won the Wairarapa Rifle Association's cup and medal for the highest aggregate score in the district for 1895–6. There are at present about forty members on the roll.
situated in Main Street, is a wood and iron building, and not far from the Police Station. The staff consists of the postmaster and telegraphist, a letter-carrier and an office-boy. Mails for Carterton close daily at Wellington at 6.45 a.m. and 2.50 p.m., and close daily at Carterton for Wellington at 7 a.m. and 3 p.m.
the Postmaster and Telegraphist, is a grandson of the late Mr. James Drake, publisher, of London. Born in 1853 in New South Wales, Mr. Drake was educated in Christchurch, where his father had settled. Entering the Government service at the age of eighteen, he has held office in Otago, Waikato, Auckland, and at Opunake (Taranaki), being transferred to Carterton in 1886.
is situated in High Street, where the premises now occupied were erected in 1884. Adjoining the station there is a two-story residence for the officer in charge. The lock-up, containing two cells, is said to be seldom used.
the officer in charge of the Carterton Police District, was born in 1850, near Rugby, England. Arriving at Lyttelton by the ship “Randolph,” the second of the first four ships bearing the Canterbury pilgrims to arrive in port, he was educated in Lyttelton and at Christchurch. Joining the force in 1875, he was stationed at Kaiapoi, and afterwards for fourteen years at Kaikoura, being appointed to Carterton in 1896.
Inspector of Stock, stationed at Carterton, who comes of a famous Scottish family of the borders alluded to more than once in Scott's Waverley Novels, was born in Balliemore, South Knapdale, Argyllshire, Scotland. His father, an expert sheep and cattle breeder, occupied a farm that had been in the family for 150 years. Before leaving Scotland in 1885 he was
is situated in Belvedere Road, within five minutes walk of the centre of the town. The buildings—station, good-sheds, and residence—are of the ordinary design, and contain the usual accommodation for the travelling public, the stationmaster, and his staff, which consists of a clerk and two porters. There is a considerable output of timber, wool, and dairy produce. The Carterton railway station has been open since November, 1880, when traffic on the line was commenced.
the Station-master in charge of the Carterton Railway Station, hails from Essex, England, where he was born in 1855. Before coming to New Zealand, he was at sea for seven years, and, when nineteen years of age, was second officer of the ill-fated “Halcione.” Settling in the Colony in 1874, he joined the Railway Department, and has been employed on the Wellington section, with the exception of three years in Canterbury. Mr. King has been in charge of the Carterton station since 1880.
situated in High Street at the south end of the township, occupies a site of one-and-a-quarter acres in extent. The school, which is conducted in a wooden building, was established in 1862. The front part is new but the back part has been up for many years. There are six class-rooms, which afford accommodation for a large number of children: one large central room contains accommodation for two classes. The number of pupils on the roll is 336, the average attendance being 290. The school, which is well supplied with gymnastic appliances, has an unusually good library, containing over 370 volumes, amongst which are the latest books on science and standard classical works. There are good football and cricket clubs connected with the school, and military exercises provide gentler recreation for the boys not devoted to pastime. The staff consists of five certificated teachers, two ex-pupil teachers, and a pupil teacher. Mrs. Jones, the assistant mistress, has been here about thirty-three years, is now sixty-eight years old, and is still able to conduct her class well. She was second teacher in the place, Mr. Moore being first.
Headmaster of the Carterton Public School, who traces his descent back to Lord Howard of Effingham, the victor of the Spanish Armada, was born near Durham, England. When a child he was taken to Blænavon, Monmouthshire, where his father was employed as architect by the Blænaven Iron and Steel Company. His education, begun at the national schools, was continued at a private school and at Wesleyan schools. In the last of these he served for five years as pupil teacher, and was afterwards appointed first assistant, a position which he held until his departure for Australia. In connection with the Science and Art Department, South Kensington, he received, during his sojourn at this school, instruction for several years under Mr. W. L. Cocks, B.A., in several branches of experimental science, and also in art, and at the end of the terms obtained science and art certificates. Mr. Bennett, after qualifying as a teacher under the English Code, sailed in 1879 on board the s.s. “Chimborazo” for Melbourne. Here he remained only a short time, and came on to New Zealand in the same year. On arrival in Wellington he was appointed supernumerary teacher to the Wellington Education Board, in whose service he has continued to the present day. As supernumerary he taught in the Mount Cook Boys', the Newtown, the old Te Aro, and the Tenui Schools, and afterwards received the appointment of second assistant in the old Te Aro School. For a short time he supplied the position of headmaster in the Karori School, and was then appointed second assistant in the new Te Aro School. Here he remained three years, and gave such satisfaction that in the annual examination his classes received special mention for excellence of work. From Te Aro he was promoted to Johnsonville, and during his stay of about three
about eight miles east of Carterton, was opened on the 27th of July, 1896, when fifteen children assembled. The small wooden building, which was planned to accommodate about thirty children, is erected on a section of two acres. There is a small library attached to the school.
Mistress of the Ahia Ruhi School, who holds an E2 certificate, was born in Ashburton Gorge, Canterbury, and after receiving her primary education at the local public school, she attended the Christchurch Normal Training School for a year. After five years at Springburn and two years at Pirinoa, she was appointed to her present charge.
which is situated about three miles from Carterton, was opened in 1880 with twenty-five children. The numbers in 1896 were sixty-three, the headmaster being assisted by a pup
the Headmaster of the Parkvale Public School, was born in Wellington in 1869, and was educated at the Wellington College. Entering on his educational career, Mr. Drummond was engaged as a teacher at the Mount Cook Boys' School for eight years, and was in charge of Te Horo School for two years, receiving his present appointment in 1895.
Carterton, which was conse-erated in 1875, was enlarged in 1882. The church has accommodation for 350 worshippers, all sittings being free and unappropriated. It is a handsome wooden building, and has a large schoolroom adjoining. The land, which is two acres in extent, is planted with trees and shrubs, the vicarage being situated alongside the church. A two-manual American organ is presided over by Mr. Rathbone, who also acts as superintendent of the Sunday school. There is also a surpliced choir, which is led by the vicar. A stained glass window has been placed in the church to the memory of the late Miss Carter, and a memorial brass to the late Mrs. Carter. The church officers are Messrs. J. Brown and A. H. Hickson (churchwardens), and Ayles, Leach, Wakelin, White, McKenzie and Allen (vestrymen). Services are held at Clareville and Waihakeke, where there are Sunday schools under the supervision of Mr. R. Fairbrother and Miss Braithwaite respectively.
Vicar of St. Mark's Church, Carterton, was born in Canada in 1846, but was brought up and educated in England. After a successful scholastic career he was in 1865 selected by Dr. Codrington, Bishop Paterson's commissary, to go to New Zealand. Mr. Ballachey was ordained by the Bishop of Wellington in 1872, being appointed to Karori, where he remained till 1882. After eighteen months at Bulls and six months at Papanui he served three years as chaplain to the Burnham Industrial School, and was appointed to Carterton in 1887. The reverend gentleman is married and has two sons and one daughter.
is situated in High Street, Carterton, the Rev. Charles Murray, M.A., being in charge. The church was erected in 1889 on an acre section, and four years afterwards a ten-roomed manse was built at a cost
M.A., Minister in charge of the South Wairarapa, residing at Carterton, was born near Peterhead, Scotland, in 1858. Educated at a public school in his native parish, at the Grammar School, Old Aberdeen, and at the Aberdeen University, Mr. Murray matriculated in 1876 and graduated in 1882. For four years
Carterton, is under the charge of Rev. John McKenna, rector of St. Patrick's, Masterton, who pays regular visits.
a handsome wooden building, having seating accommodation for 250 people, was opened in 1882. The first church, now used as a schoolroom, was erected about 1870, services being previously held in the old day-school. A good choir, led by an American organ and an orchestra of seven, instrumentalists is particularly attractive at the evening services. The minister in charge, the Rev. Mr. Garlick, resides at Greytown. In connection with the Church the Sunday school has 114 children on its roll, Mr. H. Callister being superintendent. The Church officers are: Messrs. Burrows and J. Stevens (church stewards), H. Callister, S. Gaulton, H. Gaulton, H. Robinson, W. Catt, G. Kiddie, S. Hart, J. Bassett (trustees), and A. Andrews (secretary). In connection with the Church, services are
was founded in Carterton in May, 1884. The officers (1896) are: Messrs. W. Moore (W.M.), W. B. Smith (S.W.), A. Ayles (J.W.), T. G. Underhill (S.D.), J. G. Oates (J.D.), J. Moncrieff (J.G.), J. Bowles (tyler), W. J. Lindop (secretary), S. C. Skelly (treasurer). The Lodge meets in the Masonic Hall, Library Street, Carterton, on the second Tuesday in each month, and the annual installation is held on the second Tuesday in May.
meets at the Foresters' Hall, Carterton. The Lodge was formed in 1877 with a strength of
the Secretary of the Lodge, was born in Essex, England, in 1855, and educated in that county. He came to New Zealand in 1874, and soon afterwards made his way to Carterton. Mr. Manning at once obtained an appointment in the Taratahi sawmills as engine-driver, and he has served the firm in that capacity ever since. He is a director of the Belvedere Dairy Factory, was twice elected director of the Taratahi Dairy Company, and has served two terms on the Belvedere School Committee as chairman. He is married and has six children.
This Lodge was opened in Carterton in 1860. The officers (1896) are: Messrs. T. Underhill, Joseph Stevens, C. Goodin (trustees), Charles Anderson (secretary), Patrick Molloy (treasurer). The Lodge, which has 120 on the rolls, meets every alternate Thursday in the Foresters' Hall, Belvedere Road, Carterton.
which was opened about 1884, holds meetings in the Rechabite Hall every alternate Monday evening, the installations being held in June and December. The Society has a branch in Greytown, a juvenile tent in Carterton, as well as a female branch. The hall, a handsome wooden building in Tyne Street, is the freehold property of the Order. The officers for the second term, of 1896 are as follows:—Messrs. A. Ayles (past chief ruler), W. H. Partridge (chief ruler), J. Hart (deputy ruler), D. T. King (secretary), W. H. White (treasurer), W. Hart (cash steward), P. Leonard (book steward), W. Conway (guardian); Juvenile Tent, G. A. Fairbrother (superintendent), W. Beard (chief ruler), S. White (secretary).
which was founded in 1894 in Carterton, comprises the Masterton, Carterton, Greytown, Featherston, Eketahuna, Morrison Bush and Matarawa Cricket Clubs. Three of these, viz., Masterton, Eketahuna and Morrison Bush clubs, have since dropped out. The headquarters of the Association have always been at Carterton, as the most central place for meeting. The Association's colours are red and black stripes, the ground the Borough Reserve, and the sub-scription £1 1s. per team, or £1 11s. 6d. for two teams from the same club. The Association's representative eleven played one match in 1894 at Pahiatua against the Bush Association's eleven, and two in 1895, one at Pahiatua and the other at Carterton against the same Association, and were victorious in each case. The Association holds annual cup competitions. The championship of 1895–6 was won by Greytown First Club. The officers for 1895–6 are: Messrs. W. C. Buchanan, M.H.R. (president), T. Price, H. R. Bunny, A. Matthews, E. M. D. Whatman, H. S. Izard and Dr. Johnston (vice-presidents), W. Downard (secretary) and Baillie (treasurer), Beechey, Judd and Penney (committee).
established in 1880, plays on the Carterton Reserve, its colours being maroon and black stripes, and the subscription ten shillings per annum. The membership in 1895–6 was twenty-four. The officers for that season were: Messrs. W. C. Buchanan, M.H.R. (patron), T. Price (president), Dudson, Strang, McCormick, S. Kell and Berrill (vice-presidents), W. Downard (secretary and treasurer), and Baillie (captain).
was formed in 1895. It is the body governing clubs in the Wairarapa that play on Thursday afternoon. The management committee consists of delegates from the various
which plays on the Borough Reserve, was re-organised in 1892, having previously existed under other names. Its colours are cardinal and royal blue, the subscription being five shillings per annum. The club's officers for 1896 are as follows: Messrs. W. Moore (president), G. W. Deller, L. Nix, J. Bayliss, junr., W. Downard, and W. G. King (vice-presidents), W. Bridge (captain), W. H. Booth (secretary and treasurer), W. Booth and H. Moore (committee).
formed in 1895, commenced with six members, and has since increased to thirty, The colours are black and red, and the annual subscription five shillings, fortnightly runs being held in suitable weather. Two road races have been held since the Club was formed. The first (five miles) was won by P. Lorenzon, and the second (ten miles) by A. Bayliss. The officers for 1896 are: Dr. Johnston (president), Messrs. McKenzie, Deller, and G. Fairbrother (vice-presidents), A. Applin (secretary and treasurer), W. A. Kitchen (captain).
Officers (1896): Messrs. H. H. Beetham (president), J. O. Bidwill and J. Strang (vice-presidents), W. Booth (treasurer), H. Braithwaite (assistant treasurer), E. W. Dorset (secretary), J. Raynor, J. G. Oates, W. B. Buick, C. J. Kemble, W. J. Nix, C. J. Tully, H. Morrison, A. Matthews, N. Grace, J. Reynolds, J. Stevens, G. W. Deller, H. E. Bunny, W. B. Allen, A. Stewart, A. Walker, A. Anderson, A. J. Plimer, J. Donald, H. W. Beetham, J. Moncrieff, A. Booth, W. C. Buchanan, M.H.R., and J. Martin (general committee), W. Booth, J. G. Oates, C. J. Kemble, Geo. Deller, and H. Braithwaite (finance committee). This well-known and popular Association, which was established in 1887, was incorporated in the following year. Its membership roll numbers 350. The show is held on the first Thursday and Friday in November. The annual horse parade takes place in October and the ram fair in February. The show-grounds, which are situated near the railway station at Carterton, contain fifteen acres of land. The grandstand and other buildings are quite new, having been erected in 1894, and there are also several buildings in course of erection, including a large produce store measuring 100 feet by 40 feet. During the last few years the Society has made rapid strides, chiefly through the instrumentality of the secretary, who has devoted much of his time to the Society.
Secretary of the Wairarapa Agricultural and Pastoral Society, was born in Wellington in 1846, and is the third son of the late Mr. William Dorset, of Wellington. Educated in the Empire City, Mr. Dorset was brought up to farming pursuits. Prior to settling in Carterton in 1882, he was in different parts of the Wairarapa following this occupation. Mr. Dorset resides on his farm, where he keeps a flock of stud Romney Marsh sheep, of which he makes a specialty. In local politics he is a member of the Taratahi-Carterton Road Board. Besides being prominent in the management of the Agricultural Society, Mr. Dorset takes a leading part in all the racing clubs of the district, and generally patronises all field sports, acting as president of the Wairarapa Caledonian Society, and of the Parkvale Football Club, and as vice-president of the Thursday Football Association, and of the Taratahi-Carterton Racing Club. He is married, and has two children.
Teacher of the violin, piano, harp and all brass and stringed instruments, High Street, Carterton. The son of a builder who was a devoted musician, Mr. Lundquist was born in 1832 in Copenhagen, where he was educated. After learning his father's trade the subject of this notice went with the Danish Army to the West Indies, where he studied the violin, on which, under his father's tuition, he had learned to play. With the assistance of that distinguished violinist and teacher, Professer Müeser, Mr. Lundquist soon attained a high state of proficiency. In connection with his regiment he formed a band, which he conducted for some years. Returning to Denmark he joined the 10th Regiment as substitute for a young nobleman. After his year of service had expired, he married and settled down to his
Armstrong, Miss, Music Teacher, High Street, Carterton.
(Mr. William McKenzie, proprietor; Mr. James Brown, editor and manager). Publishing office, Belvedere Road, Carterton. P.O. Box 18. This paper is claimed to be the second oldest published in the Wairarapa district. The paper is issued tri-weekly, and it has twice been found necessary to enlarge it since the present proprietor took it over in 1889. In addition, all the job printing of the town is done at the office. The machinery and type are modern, the proprietor having spent some hundreds of pounds in this direction. Mr. McKenzie has had considerable experience in the printing and publishing business, having formerly had an interest in the Wairarapa Standard, and also in the Daily Times.
who has for the past seven years held the position of editor and business manager of the Wairarapa Observer newspaper, at Carterton, of which Mr. W. McKenzie is the proprietor, was previously sub-editor of The Wairarapa Daily Times, at Masterton. He has been connected for many years with the Press of Wellington, as country correspondent. In the co-operative dairy industry he takes a great interest, and for six years held the post of secretary to the Taratahi Dairy Company. He also holds a similar office with the Belvedere Company, in the starting of which he was of great assistance. He is an ardent supporter of the principle of paying for milk by its value, rather than by weight or measurement, and compiled a very useful series of tables to enable dairy farmers to see at a glance what they are entitled to receive per gallon, according to quality, when the standard price is given. Mr. Brown is a member of the local Library Committee, of the Wairarapa Horticultural Society, and is churchwarden and synodsman of the Anglican Church. Born in 1842 in England, of Scottish parents, Mr. Brown has been twenty years in New Zealand.
is held fortnightly in the Courthouse, Library Street, off High Street, when Mr. Hutchison, S.M., attends, special police cases being taken as required by the local justices. The building is a structure of wood and iron, containing courtroom, public offices, and magistrate's room. Mr. W. W. Smart, police constable in charge of Carterton district, acts as clerk and bailiff of the local Court.
Barrister and Solicitor, High Street, Carterton. P.O. Box 5. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, branch Greytown North. Private residence, High Street. Mr. Acheson is a native of the Colony. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and was articled to Mr. J. E. Warner, of Grey.
Solicitor, High Street, Carterton. This branch of Mr. Izard's business is conducted as an agency from Greytown, and was established in 1894. Mr. Ernest Wiseman is the manager for Carterton.
M.B., C.M., Physician and Surgeon, Carrington Lodge, High Street, Carterton. Born in 1863 at Wishaw, Lanarkshire, Scotland, and educated at the local academy and at the Glasgow University, where he gained his diplomas, Dr. Johnston came to New Zealand in 1886. Settling in Carterton,
Chemist and Druggist, High Street Carterton. Telegraphic address, “Baillie, Chemist, Carterton.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Baillie is a native of Lanark-shire, Scotland, and came to the Colony in 1879. Shortly after that period he entered on the business, which he now follows, with Barraud and Son, chemists and druggists, Molesworth Street, Wellington, finally passing the Pharmacy Board's standard examination. Early in 1894 he opened a neat and altractive pharmacy in Carterton, replete with drugs and sundries. Mr. Baillie has a number of valued remedies, the result of years of close observation in some of the leading pharmacies of the Colony. A few, viz.:—Stimulating Hair Wash, Sarsaparilla Blood Purifier, Neuralgia Remedy (which rarely fails to give immediate relief), White Worm Powders, Glycerine and Cucumber, Ginger Wine Extract, Condition Powders for the use of horses and cattle, all of which he can faithfully recommend. Mr. Baillie imports direct from the leading English and Continental firms, and keeps only the very best drugs in stock, which is a sufficient guarantee that all dispensing entrusted to him will be despatched with care, skill, and alacrity.
Lindop, Walter Joseph, Chemist and Druggist, Bookseller and Stationer, High Street, Carterton. P.O. Box 32. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1874, and conducted by present proprietor since 1880.
Carterton, is situated at the corner of High Street and Park Road, Mr. C. H. Cormack being the local manager. The Carterton branch of the Bank was established in 1876, Mr. John Snodgrass being the first agent. The present manager, Mr. Charles Hugh Cormack, has been in charge for the last three years.
Auctioneer and General Storekeeper, “The Carterton Market,” Carterton. The business premises are in the centre of the town, and regular sales of furniture and general merchandise are held. Further particulars of Mr. Fairbrother will be found as councillor for the borough of Carterton.
Land and Financial Agent, Carterton, and district manager in the Wairarapa for the Phœnix Assurance Company and the Colonial Mutual Life Association. Further notice of Mr. Wolters will be found under “Carterton Borough Council,” of which he is town clerk.
Auctioneer, Valuator, Stock, Estate and Commission Agent, High Street, Carterton. This office is a branch of the main business at Greytown, described in that section, and was established in 1878. Sales of goods and merchandise are held on alternate Saturdays, and stock sales are conducted at Taratahi every second Tuesday. The building, which is admirably suited for auction sales, is most spacious, the auction-room being about 50 feet by 25 feet. At the rear are stables for the accommodation of horses and traps of intending buyers. The branch is under the management of Mr. Frederick William Wood, the eldest son of the proprietor. Mr. Wood was born in Victoria in 1873, and has always been in his father's employ. He is a member of the local Lodge of Oddfellows, and is also a member of the Wairarapa Agricultural and Pastoral Society, and of the Taratahi Racing Club. He is married, and has one child.
Armstrong, Adam, Commission Agent, High Street, Carterton.
Authorized and Licensed Surveyor, High Street, Carterton. Mr. Anderson was born at Linlithgow, Scotland, in 1834, and was educated in the Scottish capital. He served his apprenticeship with Messrs. Wiley and Peddie, a noted surveying and civil engineering firm of that city. In 1857 he came to New Zealand by the ship “Maori,” and was engaged for fifteen years in the Government Survey and Engineering Department. Mr. Anderson came to settle down in the Wairarapa in 1869, and has practised his profession ever since that time.
Photographer, High Street, Carterton. This business was established in 1895 by Messrs. Billows and Smith, and is now carried on by Mr. Billows solely. The studio is very conveniently situated for the public, being a few doors from the Bank of New Zealand. The operator, Mr. Shannon, has had considerable experience in his profession, having served ten years with Mrs. Herrmann, of Wellington, and the retoucher, Mr. Gaze, was for some years with Mr. C. H. Manning and Mr. Eden George, both of Christchurch. Every branch of photography is undertaken in the establishment, and the work turned out is considered first-class. Enlargements are a specialty with Mr. Billows.
Baker, Grocer, and Restaurateur, High Street, Carterton. Telegraphic address, “Whyte, Carterton.” P.O. Box 31. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This well-known business was established in 1875, and is one of the most flourishing in the Wairarapa. The building is of wood and iron, and has a floor space of about 3500 square feet. The shop, one of the finest in the district, is 40 by 30 feet, and is fitted with two counters. There is a large store-room where goods are kept in bulk until needed for the bakehouse or the shop. The bakehouse is large and commodious, and is fitted with two ovens and all modern
Coker, Mrs. Emma, Confectioner and Fruiterer, Curterton. Established 1893.
Moessner, Miss, Confectioner and Fruiterer, High Street, Carterton. Established 1891.
Builder, High Street, Carterton. Born in Middlesex. England, in 1852, and educated in London, he was apprenticed to Mr. Crawley, architect and builder, of the West End. Mr. Smith came to New Zealand in 1873 per ship “Halcione.” After working at his trade in Wellington for some time, he went into partnership with Mr. Clements, as “Clements and Smith.” In 1876 Mr. Smith came to Carterton, and after working at his trade till 1880 he became foreman in Mr. William Booth's timber yard, which position he held for over ten years, when he resumed his trade.
Tailor and Habitmaker, High Street, Carterton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Downard is a native of London, and learned his business with an uncle at Brighton, subsequently studying cutting at Pooles, London, under one of the foremen of that well-known high-class tailoring house. He came to New Zealand per ship “Lady Jocelyn” in 1883, and settled in Carterton, establishing himself in the same year. The freehold premises occupied by Mr. Downard are centrally situated. The building, which is of wood and one story in height, is from plans by Mr. Andrews, the builder being Mr. Trotman, and the floorage space being 1600 square feet. Mr. Downard's specialties are bespoke work of all kinds and ladies' tailor-made garments. Mr. Downard is secretary of the Carterton public library.
Tailor, Belvedere Road, Carterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Trigance is a native of Christchurch. where he was apprenticed to Mr. J. Preece, completing his term in 1890. He removed to Wellington and worked for the late Mr. J. Reid for about a year. Mr. Trigance then accepted a position as manager of Mr. Webb's business in Carterton, which he conducted for eighteen months. He established himself in business in 1893. The building occupied by him is of wood and iron, one story in height, and having about 1800 square feet of floorage space. Mr. Trigance does an order trade only, and has already secured an extensive local connection.
Paterson, A., Tailor, High Street, Carterton. This is a branch of the main business at Wellington, Mr. John Kean being manager.
Cabinetmaker, High Street, Carterton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Baggarley—a young colonial—who is the son of an old settler in the district, occupies a commodious wooden building erected on a freehold section, having a considerable frontage to High Street. The premises contain about 1600 square feet of floorage space. The shop, which is situated in the street frontage, is well stocked, principally with furniture made on the premises. Behind the shop the proprietor has his workroom, where all the usual appliances necessary for the cabinetmaking trade are found. The business is a steadily growing one, the proprietor being a sound tradesman, who gained a large part of his experience with the well-known firm of Andrews and Co., Willis Street, Wellington. The various articles produced display capable workmanship.
Cabinetmaker and Upholsterer, High Street, Carterton. This business is claimed to be the oldest of its kind in the town, having been established by Mr. Alfred Andrews in 1880. Mr. Gaulton took over the business in 1890, and has been fairly successful. The present premises are nearly opposite the Post-office, Mr. Gaulton having decided to move from the original premises into the centre of the town. He does all his own turning, but has a man constantly employed, and in the busy season has always to take on extra hands. Mr. Gaulton was born in the Old Country in 1868, and came to New Zealand when nine years of age. He served his apprenticeship with Mr. Andrews, the founder of the business. Mr. Gaulton is a total abstainer, and is married, having one child.
Hairdresser, Tobacconist, and Taxidermist, High Street, Carterton. This business has been conducted by the present proprietor since 1893. The saloon is well fitted up with curios, stags' heads, and birds, and a choice assortment of tobaccos and cigars is kept in the shop. Mr. Hughes was born and educated in Christchurch. He was apprenticed to the hairdressing business, in which he has had considerable experience. He takes an active interest in outdoor sports, and frequently gives a trophy to be competed for by the local clubs. As a member of the Forester's Order, he is attached to the local Lodge.
Hairdresser, Tobacconist, and Fancy Goods Dealer, High Street, Carterton. This is claimed to be the oldest established business in the town, but has been conducted by the present proprietor only since 1891. Mrs. Reid looks after the shop, while the hairdressing saloon is in the charge of an expert. Mr. Reid was born at the Hutt in 1851, and is the third son of the late Mr. Reid, who came to the Colony with his wife in 1840. Mr. Reid, senr., settled at the Hutt, but in 1858 came to the Wairarapa, and was accidentally killed in 1866. The subject of this notice worked on the farm after his father's death and helped to support his widowed mother. He was married in 1878, and has eight children. Mr. Reid takes a great interest in sport, and was one of the originators of the Carterton Rifle Club. In his younger days he was a splendid athlete, and put up a record for 220 yards flat, which, it is claimed, has not been beaten in the Wairarapa.
(H. B. Tucker, proprietor), High Street, Carterton. Telegraphic address, “Marquis, Carterton.” P.O. Box 29. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The Marquis of Normanby Hotel stands in the very centre of Carterton, on a three-acre section. It is a really fine hotel, with about twenty extra large bedrooms, besides several smaller ones. The dining-room is large, and the drawing-rooms and parlours are all well furnished and very comfortable. The ladies' drawing-room is especially handsome. The commercial-rooms, club-rooms, and billiard-room are well provided, the stables and paddocks are all that could reasonably be desired, and are under the immediate super-vision of Mr. Tucker. The “Marquis” was erected in 1876, and came into the possession of Mr. Tucker in 1892. It was then thoroughly renovated. There are three sample-rooms, all large and well-shelved. The “Marquis” has always been a favourite hostelry, and has recently been distinguished by the Commercial Travellers' Association, a private club-room having been recently fitted up, it having been selected for their patronage in Carterton. The proprietor is popular in Carterton, and was formerly favourably known at Tuapeka and Balclutha. Mr. Tucker was born in Devonshire, England, in 1857, and came to the Colony in 1880. He has since visited England, remaining three years, and returning in 1892. Mrs. Tucker—a very amiable lady—looks after the domestic affairs of the hotel, and leaves nothing to be desired. Six servants are employed in the hotel and three in the stables. Mr. Tucker takes an active interest in the local sporting clubs, and as a Mason is attached to the Lodge Clutha.
Royal Oak Hotel (Henry Franks, proprietor), High Street, Carterton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1865.
Saddler and Harness Maker, High Street, Carterton. Established in business in 1889, Mr. Armstrong, who is assisted by one of his sons, manufactures all kinds of harness on the premises by hand work, and keeps a stock of the best imported saddles. Mr. Armstrong was born in Wellington in 1843, where his father was in business as a saddler in Lambton Quay. After working at the trade in the Empire City till August, 1867, he came to the Wairarapa and started in business at Greytown, residing there till 1882, when he came to Carterton. He worked as journeyman for eight years, after which he started in business in the present premises. Mr. Armstrong is a member of the Druids' Lodge.
Saddler and Harness and Collar Maker, High Street, Carterton. Telegraphic address, “Dudson, Carterton.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, attached to business premises. This thriving business was established over twenty years ago, and became the property of Mr. Dudson in 1884. During the last few years it has gone ahead surprisingly. An exceptionally fine shop, with dwelling attached, has been erected (on the opposite side of the street from the smaller structure), by Mr. R. H. Edwards, the well-known builder, of Wellington, and it has been stocked with imported and manufactured goods of very fine quality. Mr. Dudson commands the lion's share of the trade of Carterton and surrounding districts. In horse covers, rick covers, etc., he defies competition, as he possesses exceptional facilities for the manufacture of these goods. His trade in them, therefore, is very large. Mr. Dudson was born at Kaiapoi, near Christchurch, and learned his business there with his brother, Mr. Thomas Dudson, completing his apprenticeship in 1880. He is popular throughout the district wherein he resides, and is, at the present time, captain of the fire brigade.
Boot Manufacturer, Draper, Clothier, Grocer, Ironmonger, Wine and Spirit Merchant, etc., High Street, Carterton. Telegraphic address, “Moriarty, Carterton.” P.O. Box 14. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Moriarty was born in the “Auld Counthry,” and came to New Zealand in 1887, via San Francisco, after learning his business with Mr. Daniel Ward, of Callowhill Street, Philadelphia, U.S.A. On arrival in Wellington, Mr. Moriarty went into business in the boot line, and was well known in the Empire City in that capacity for some five years. He then, in 1882, removed to Carterton, and began there in a very small way as compared to the present extensive establishment. His premises are partly of two stories, having a frontage of sixty-four feet to the main street, with an additional store and factory at the back. Mr. Moriarty is a direct importer, and does a large trade in Carterton and surrounding districts.
Armstrong, Ralph Robert, Saddler and Harness Maker, High Street, Carterton. Established 1872 by present proprietor.
Catt, Henry, Saddler, High Street. Carterton.
Krahagan, A. H., Boot and Shoemaker. High Street, Carterton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1883, and conducted by the present proprietor since 1892.
Pepper, Joseph S., Bootmaker, High Street, Carteron. Established 1893.
Smith, Henry Farr, Bootmaker, High Street, Carterton. Established 1890.
Butcher, Carterton. This business was established in 1880, and is now the largest in Carterton. The slaughter-yards are in Morton Road. Further particulars of Mr. Deller's career are given under the heading “Borough of Carterton.”
Butcher and Stock Dealer, Belvedere Road, Carterton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business, which was established in 1888 by the present proprietor, is conducted in a wood and iron building, having twenty-six feet frontage to Belvedere Road. Mr. Wilton's slaughterhouse is situated on his freehold farm—252 acres in extent—at Maungatarere, where he raises stock and engages in farming operations generally. He is also a buyer for several of the Wellington butchers. Mr. Wilton, who was born in 1862 in the Empire City, was brought up to the business of a butcher, and erected the first butcher's and grocer's shop in Wadestown. He was at one time member of the Wadestown Road Board and School Committee.
General Storekeeper and Grain Merchant, High Street, Carterton. Telegraphic and cable address, “feist, Carterton.” P.O. Box 20. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Feist is a native of London, and came to New Zealand in 1865 per ship “Commodore.” He learned his business with his uncle, Mr. Edwin Feist, of Masterton, and founded the present business in Clareville in 1881, removing the same to Carterton in 1889. The building, which, appears in the engraving below, is of one story, and is built of wood and iron, and contains 2000 square feet of floorage space. Mr. Feist is a direct importer of crockery, drapery and grocery, in all of which lines he keeps a large up-to-date stock. He does a large grain trade, his turnover in a recent year being fully 12,000 bushels. Behind the shop Mr. Feist has erected a large two-story granary, which has a capacity equal to 2000 sacks. He is agent for the Alliance Assurance Company and the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company. His business extends throughout the entire Wairarapa district. During Mr. Feist's residence in Clareville, he was chairman of the local school committee for three consecutive years.
General Storekeeper, Carterton. Mr. Moore was born in Carterton in 1863, and after leaving school worked for some time with his father, whose business he took over in 1890. Further information about Mr. Moore is given under the heading “Borough of Carterton.”
General Storekeeper, High Street, Carterton. Telegraphic Address, “Skelley, Carterton.” P.O. Box 38. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Skelley's general store was established a quarter of a century ago; but it has been conducted by the present proprieter for only some five or six years. The premises are of wood and iron, two stories high, and have a frontage of sixty feet to the principal street of Carterton. The imports include almost all classes of merchandise, and a good trade is done throughout the Wairarapa. The Standard Fire Insurance Company have appointed Mr. Skelley their agent for the Carterton district. Mr. Skelley was born in Tasmania, and arrived in New Zealand per s.s. “Ringarooma,” from Melbourne, in 1876, having previously learned his business with his father in Launceston. Mr. Skelley is well and favourably known throughout the province, having been in business in Marton prior to taking the above store. He married a daughter of Mr. George Criehton, of Ashurst.
Anderson, Charles, Storekeeper, High Street, Carterton. Established by present proprietor in 1895.
Baylis, Jas., junr., General Storekeeper, High Street, Carterton. Taken over by present proprietor in 1896 from Mr. W. J. Berrill.
King, Alfred, General Storekeeper, High Street, Carterton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1883, and conducted by present proprietor since 1888.
Sawmiller, Dalefield and Carterton Road, Carterton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Stevens carries on a large business, and employs about thirty men. Further notice of Mr. Stevens will be found under the heading “Borough of Carterton.”
Angove, William Edward, Carpenter and Wheelwright, High Street, Carterton. Established 1888.
Erickson, P. A., Coachbuilder, Carterton.
Meenken, Frederick Theodore, Clothier and General Dealer, High Street, Carterton. Established 1871.
Greathead, H., Blacksmith, Premier Shoeing Forge, High Street, Carterton. Established 1869.
Underhill, Thomas Green, Tinsmith and Plumber, High Street, Carterton, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1874.
McEwen, Edward, Blacksmith, High Street, Carterton. Established 1891.
Wallace and Masson (George John Wallace and William Topp Masson), Blacksmiths, Coachbuilders, and Wheelwrights, South Wairarapa Implement and Carriage Works, High Street, Carterton, Established 1894.
Barnett, Thomas, Nurseryman, Victoria Nursery, Carterton, Established 1894.
Blomquist, John, Fruitgrower and Nurseryman, Carterton.
Giles, Charles Henry, Livery and Bait Stable Proprietor, High Street, Carterton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Establishied 1889.
Hooker, Robert, Carrier, Carterton.
Osborne, George, Livery Stable Keeper, Carterton. Established 1884.
Sullivan, Denis, Carrier, Carterton.
Bish, Alfred, Watchmaker, Jeweller, and Optician, High Street, Carterton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1883, and conducted by present proprietor since 1892.
Naval Pensioner, Carterton. The son of a Dorsetshire farmer, Mr. Ayles was born in 1848 at Marnhill, Dorset, England, where he went to school till twelve years of age. After four years on his father's farm, he ran away to sea, joining H.M.S. “St. Vincent” at Portsmouth. Subsequently he served on Her Majesty's ships “Rodney,” “Satellite,” “Himalaya,” and “Danæ,” and had some years instruction in gunnery on the “Excellent.” Having been selected for service in the Polar Seas, on the 9th of May, 1875, he sailed in H.M.S. “Alert,” which with H.M.S. “Discovery,” Captain Stevenson, formed an expedition under Captain Sir George Nares to attempt to discover the North Pole. The “Discovery” was left at Lady Franklyn's Sound, the “Alert” passing up the Polar basin till latitude 82 deg. 20 min. 26 sec. north was reached, when she became icebound. Mr. Ayles had many trying sledging experiences in which he accompanied Lieutenant Aldridge, with whom he ascended Mt. Juliet—2580 feet—and had the honour of being one of the small party that beat Parry's record in 1827 by gaining latitude 83 deg. 7 sec., a point several miles further north than the former expedition. Mr. Ayles—a life-long total abstainer and an enthusiastic Oddfellow—erected a cairn, in which he placed the Grand Lodge seal of the Good Templar Order of England, and placed over it a flag bearing the emblems of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows. In these days, when the use of ardent spirits is often claimed to be the best antidote to cold, Mr. Ayles disputes it, challenging those who say so to plant their proof nearer the North Pole than his Good Templar medal. During the keen privations endured on the return journey Lieutenant Aldridge and Mr. Ayles—the only total abstainers—escaped both scurvy and frostbites, and were able to pull the sledges, endurng cold 73 degrees below zero, when all the rest, who used intoxicants, were unable to walk. After the expedition reached Portsmouth in November, 1876, the crews were paid off, and Mr. Ayles went on leave. He was presented with a gold medal by the National Temperance League of England, and by the District Lodge of Good Templars, South Hants. Mr. Ayles also received Miss Weston's Royal Navy Temperance League medal, and the Arctic and Royal Navy long service and good conduct medal. He has also decorations for and ranks as a first-class seaman in gunnery. He was afterwards on duty on the warships “Excellent,” “Osprey,” “Triumph,” and “Dart,” and took his discharge in Sydney in 1885. Remaining in Australia till 1892, with the exception of a few months, during which he visited England, Mr. Ayles came to New Zealand, settling in Carterton, where he is much respected. As a vestryman in St. Mark's Church and Past Chief Ruler of the local Tent of Rechabites, he takes interest in local institutions. He has passed through all the chairs and taken the highest Grand Lodge degree in the Good Templar Order, and is still an active Oddfellow. Mr. Ayles has never married, though he says he “has had many narrow escapes.”
Mr. Mason was born on the 1st of November, 1800, at Warwick, England, but his parents afterwards removed to Nottingham, where he served his time as a
Sheep Breeder and Farmer, Grange Farm, Taratahi, near Masterton. Mr. Rayner—who is a noted breeder of Lincoln sheep, and has a fine stud stock, the result of twenty-seven years experience—hails from Lincolnshire, England, where he was born in 1838. He came to New Zealand with his father by the ship “Lady Cornwall” in 1853, and worked at the Hutt for some time, principally in the butchery business. In 1861 he came to the Wairarapa and took up the property on which he now resides, embarking in the dairying business. Mr. Rayner is now a large property holder, his sons being engaged in managing the various farms he owns. In his early days at the Hutt Mr. Rayner was for four years a volunteer, and was afterwards in the militia in the Wairarapa district for several years. In local politics he has taken little part, preferring to devote his energies to the development of his properties, and he now enjoys the result of his exertions. In 1891 Mr. Rayner took an eight months trip to the Old Country, five months being spent in England. Mr. Rayner is a member of the Taratahi-Carterton Road Board. His family consists of five sons and four daughters.
Stock Dealer, Carterton. Born in 1833 in Rochester, Kent, England, and educated at a private school, Mr. Smith left England when nineteen years of age with his father, a sea captain, and five others in the cutter “Lelia,” forty-eight tons, owned by Mr. Thomas Law Rogers, of Kent. In this little craft these adventurous spirits reached the Cape of Good Hope, where they took in fresh supplies and resumed their journey for Melbourne, which they ultimately reached after a long and stormy passage. Of the seven on board, Mr. Smith is now the only survivor. Arrived at Melbourne, the cutter was sold to the Victorian Government to do service as a survey cutter, and Mr. Smith went with his father to Ballarat, where they worked for a time in the old gravel pits. After a time Mr. Smith, senr, started business as a brewer, naming his establishment the Kent Brewery, which, though originally only a calico structure, has since become a stone building of immense proportions. The subject of this notice worked at the brewery with his father until it was sold, and the latter returned to England. After his father's departure, Mr. Smith, who had been in the famous Ballarat riot and had gained some considerable experience of gold-diggers and their rough ways, decided to throw in his lot with them. For many years he followed goldmining, visiting Bendigo, Castlemaine. Back Creek, Day's Hill, Barker's Creek, and other notable diggings. Going to Port Curtis rush, his mates all succumbed to the hardships experienced, and Mr. Smith returned to Melbourne, his condition, in the parlance of the diggers, being “stone broke.” The Ovens district then attracted his attention and he was soon there, but very shortly moved on into New South Wales, where he worked at Burrongong until the celebrated Gabriel's Gully rush in Otago found him amongst the number rushing there. He was fortunate in striking gold, and, amassing a small fortune in a short time, he returned to Melbourne. The Dunstan rush brought him again to New Zealand, and from it he followed up Bell Fox to Arrowtown, Skippers, Upper Shotover, and other Otago diggings, and crossed over the mountain ranges of north-west Otago to Martin's Bay on the West Coast. After months spent in prospecting, during which he suffered great hardships, and was at one time reduced to maintaining life on rats and sou' thistles, he returned to the Upper Shotover, arriving in a greatly exhausted state. His mate died on the way. After departing from the Shotover he went to Dunedin, where he married Miss McGee, of that city. Mr. Smith then went to Havelock, from whence he accompanied the pioneers into Westland in 1864. Landing at Hokitika, Mr. Smith joined the rush to Waimea, where his son—Waimea Smith, the first boy born on the West Coast—saw the light of this world. Mr. Smith accompanied the first party of white men up the Grey River, where gold had been discovered. The journey up the river with wife and child was made in a canoe, which proved at times a rather risky means of transport for a household. After staying on the Grey for two years, Mr. Smith went from one rush to another until he had visited almost all the fields on the West Coast. Leaving the South Island Mr. Smith went to the Thames goldfields—then recently opened—and subsequently, when the Duke of Edinburgh
Workman's Advocate and Anti-Chinaman newspaper, which was published for nine months. During his residence in Wellington he published reproductions of the London Times containing the accounts of the Battles of the Nile, Trafalgar, and Waterloo. The printing was beautifully executed by Messrs. Edwards and Green, now Edwards, Russell and Co. (Limited), and copies printed on satin in gold characters were presented to and accepted by Her Majesty the Queen, Admiral Tryon, the Governor of New Zealand, and others. In 1892 he came with his family to Carterton, where he has resided up to the time of writing. Mr. Smith was married a second time, the lady being Miss Maria Welch, daughter of Mr. Henry Welch, whose name appears on the first burgess roll of the City of Wellington. Mr. Smith is now a widower, his family numbering eight, all of whom survive—three sons and five daughters. The eldest son, Mr. Waimea Smith, is in the Mines Department in Victoria; Mr. Henry Smith is chief steward on the s.s. “Wainui,” and Mr. Thomas Hodgman Smith is employed in a store in Napier. As a young man Mr. Smith was a distinguished athlete, and holds a gold and two silver cups besides other prizes for Cumberland wrestling, jumping, and long distance running in Australian sports gatherings. He was a member of the first naval brigade formed in Wellington, and is a member of the Orders of Foresters, Oddfellows, and Druids. Some years ago he imported sugar beet seed from France and Germany, thus introducing the sugar beet industry to the Wairarapa. Mr. Smith had the satisfaction of demonstrating that the highest percentage of sugar was to be found in the Wairarapa grown beet. He is still pushing the industry. Recently he has acquired a promising mining property in the Wairarapa district, and having secured the Government analyst's favourable report on specimens from it submitted for test, Mr. Smith is floating a company, which is to be called the Empire Goldmining Co., to secure the necessary capital to work his rich find. Though now somewhat advanced in years, Mr. Smith seems as full of energy and enterprise as ever, and, owing to the numerous claims on his attention, has had to decline a flattering request to contest the Wairarapa electorate at the 1896 general election.
one of Wairarapa's early settlers, was born in Scotland in 1813, and came to New Zealand in 1851. After spending a short time in Christchurch, Mr. Strang returned to the North Island. He immediately made his way to the Wairarapa, walking from Wellington with his wife and two children to Mr. McMaster's farm in the Lower Valley. The last half sovereign he possessed was given to some Maoris to convey him and his family across the river, which was in a flooded state. Mr. Strang was employed by Mr. McMaster for many years, part of the time as shepherd and afterwards as manager of his station at Tepurapura, near Gladstone. He subsequently took up a farm of 2700 acres at Glenside, where he resided till 1882. Mr. Strang then built his residence in Richmond Road, Carterton, and lived there till his death, which occurred in December, 1895. Of his children five survive him, and of these his two sons, Messrs. John and William Strang, have succeeded to the property, and work the estate at Glenside. Mr. John Strang takes an interest in local affairs, and is a member of the Carterton Borough Council. Mr. William Strang is engaged in horse and sheep breeding, and is the owner of several first-class racehorses.
Carterton, which was opened in September, 1896, is situated about a mile from Carterton Railway Station. The building, which includes marking, curing and packing rooms, measures eighty-five feet by thirty-five feet, and there is a five-roomed cottage adjoining for the manager. The factory is fitted with all the latest dairying appliances and machinery, an eight-horse-power steam-engine supplying the power, the vats having a capacity of 1800 gallons.
Manager of the Belvedere Dairy Factory, was born in 1868 at Woodlands, Southland, where he received his education at the public school. After a time on his father's dairy farm he worked at the Waianawa Dairy Factory under the supervision of the late Mr. Louis Dawson, and afterwards at the
Sawmiller, Matarawa Steam Saw, Planing, and Moulding Mills, Matarawa. Born in 1839 in Morayshire, Scotland, where he received his early education, Mr. Gallon entered a mercantile office, where he remained four years. In 1861 he arrived at Dunedin by the ship “Robert Henderson,” and for three years he was in the timber business in Stewart Island. Coming to the Wellington province, Mr. Gallon worked for three years for Mr. Cruickshank at the Upper Hutt. When Messrs. Smith and Revans built the sawmill at Woodside, in 1867, he came to the Wairarapa as manager of the mill, which situation he filled for seven years. After this he entered into partnership with Mr. Hart Udy, under the style of Udy and Gallon, purchasing the present property, which the firm worked successfully till 1892, when Mr. Udy retired from the business. Since this time Mr. Gallon has carried on the business on his own behalf. As a member of the Foresters' Order, Mr. Gallon has been connected with the Greytown Lodge since its foundation. He is a married man and has nine children.
is a village situated about two miles from the Carterton Telegraph Office, on the railway line towards Masterton. It is the centre of a dairying district, and contains a dairy factory, from which large quantities of butter and cheese are turned out. There is a public school with an average attendance of about seventy. Mails for Dalefield close at Wellington at 6.45 a.m., and arrive at Dalefield at 11 a.m. Mails for Wellington close at Dalefield at 7.15 a.m., and arrive at Wellington at 11.50 a.m.
which is four miles south-west of Carterton, by road or rail, is conducted in a wooden building containing two rooms. The school grounds—about two acres in extent—are well fenced and planted with trees. The school possesses a splendid library, containing about 200 volumes. Mr. James Hodder is chairman of the school committee. The headmaster is assisted by a certificated mistress and a pupil-teacher.
Headmaster of the Dalefield Public School, is a great grandson of the famous Captain Beechey, R.N., of Parry and Ross's exploration party and other expeditions. His father was one of the first settlers in Governor Bay, Canterbury, where the subject of this sketch was born in 1861. After completing his course at the public school, he attended the Normal School Training College in Christchurch, where he distinguished himself as a prizewinner in history and arithmetic. His first school appointment was Rangitata Island Public School, where he cerved four-and-a-half years. He was then transferred to Goat Valley, Wanganui, where he remained two years. As second master at Masterton he remained eighteen months, and was appointed to his present position in 1885. In 1882 Mr. Beechey was married to Miss
Factory, Dalefield; office, Council Chambers, Carterton. Directors: Messrs. W. Booth (chairman), A. Gallon, N. Nielsen, J. Hodder, J. Stevens, and G. Waterson. Secretary, J. Monerieff, junr. This very successful Company was established in 1887. The factory dealt with no less than 501,425 gallons of milk during last season 1895–96, and turned out about 240 tons of cheese.
the Secretary of the Company, is a son of Mr. James Moncrieff, of Waihakeke, and was born at the Isle of Wight in 1861. He was educated in Scotland, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1884. His father settled in Waihakeke, and in 1891 the subject of this notice came to Carterton, where he was appointed rate collector to the three local bodies. In 1895 he also secured the position of secretary to the Dalefield Dairy Company, Limited. Mr. Moncrieff is married to a daughter of Mr. Henry Braithwaite, of Waihakeke. As a member of the Masonic fraternity he is attached to the Carterton Lodge of Freemasons.
Farmer, Dalefield. Born in South Australia in 1861, Mr. Hart is the second son of Mr. Seth M. Hart, of Carterton. He came to the Colony with his parents in 1864. His father, after living at Pahaukeratahi and other parts of the Wairarapa, finally settled at Dalefield in 1870. On his father's retirement from active life, Mr. John Hart took over the farm, which he is still successfully working. In public matters, Mr. Hart was for some years a member of the Dalefield School Committee, and takes a keen interest in local and general politics. Mr. Hart married Miss M. A. Udy daughter of Mr. John Udy, and has two daughters.
lies about five miles from Carterton on the railway line towards Masterton. In addition to the railway service, drags run between Greytown, Carterton, Clareville, and Masterton on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There is no telegraph office, but a telephone connects the village with Carterton. The education of the rising generation is provided for by a public school, at which the average attendance is about 112.
Mails for Clareville close at Wellington at 6.45 a.m., arriving at Clareville at 11.30 a.m.; and close at Clareville for Wellington at 6.45 a.m., arriving at Wellington at 11.50 a.m.
which is a wooden structure of the usual type and contains two rooms, stands on a section of two acres in extent, with teacher's residence adjoining. The average attendance of scholars is 100, the staff consisting of the headmaster and two lady teachers.
Headmaster of the Clareville Public School was born in 1847 in Edinburgh, and was educated in Glasgow. After some years in Africa, where he filled important scholastic positions, he came to New Zealand in 1886 on account of ill health. Mr. Browne has held his present appointment for about five years.
(Wm. Booth and Co., proprietors), Taratahi, near Carterton. This business was established twenty-two years ago, and has been continued to the present time without interruption. The timber supplies are likely to last for ten or twelve years to come. The property of the firm comprises a freehold estate of something over 6000 acres. The part (more than 4000 acres) from which the timber has been removed, now grazes about 5000 sheep and 400 head of cattle, besides horses. The business has for many years provided steady employment for a large body of men. For some years the railway freight paid by the firm averaged from £5000 to £7000 per annum. The timber yards are at Carterton, Wellington, and Christschurch.
Manager of the Taratahi Steam Sawmills, who was born in Auck and in 1864, is a stepson of Mr. William Booth. He was educated in Carterton, and since 1880 has been working at the mill. Joining as a junior in the office, Mr. Rathbone has worked his way up to the position of manager of the works. He is a member of the Totara Lodge of Druids, in which he has passed the chairs. An active member of St. Mark's Anglican Church, he has been organist for the last four years, and has acted as superintendent of the Sunday school for twelve years. Mr. Rathbone is married, and has two children.
Foss, Samuel, Dairy Farmer, Taratahi Dairy Factory, Taratahi near Carterton.
Taratahi Hotel (Thos. Rae, proprietor), Taratahi, near Carterton.
McHarg, James T., and Co., General Storekeepers, Clareville, near Carterton Established 1881. Post and Telegraph Office.
is the centre of a farming and grazing district, and lies ten or eleven miles to the east from Carterton, with which town it is connected by telephone. A coach runs between Gladstone and Carterton on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. There is a public school in the village with an average attendance of about twenty. Mails for Gladstone close at Wellington at 6.45 a.m. on Tuesdays. Thursdays, and Saturdays, and arrive at Gladstone on the same days at 4.15 p.m. Mails for Wellington close at Gladstone at 8 a.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and arrive at Wellington on the same days at 7.50 p.m.
(James Sexton, proprietor) Gladstone. This hotel was taken over by Mr. Sexton in 1880 The building, which contains about fourteen rooms, stands on some fifty acres of land. It is a favourite resort for anglers, owing to the River Ruamahunga being adjacent. Some of the best tront-fishing in the North Island is to be obtained in the locality. General Hogg and Mr. Quick, of Wellington, amongst others, make Gladstone their head-quarters in the angling season. The domestic part of this popular house is managed by Mrs. Sexton and her daughters. The host, who was born in Wales in 1834, was
The town of
Nestling between rivers and mountain torrents on a basin of shingle and boulders lightly covered with alluvial deposit, Masterton has obvious natural advantages. The
Masterton, with some of the other Wairarapa towns—such as Greytown and Carterton—is one of the creations of the Wairarapa Small Farms Association—an institution formed in Wellington in 1853 by some of the enterprising pioneers of settlement. The committee of this Association—Messrs. Allen, Carter, Jackson, Masters, and Renall—may be said to have been the fathers of settlement in the district. They planned the townships and the rural land beyond, and it is due to their forethought that the various centres of population have been blessed with valuable endowments. Among the original settlers who climbed the Rimutakas, faced the unbridged rivers, and braved the bush, eventually carving out homes in Masterton, may be mentioned Messrs. W. H. Donald, A. W. Renall, Chas. Dixon, W. Adams, J. Bentley, J. Masters, J. V. Smith, J. Wrigley, James Russell, Walter Perry, and G. W. Woodroofe. Although time with his remorseless scythe has been thinning out the builders of the Colony, the majority of these Masterton pioneers survive, and some are still active citizens.
The climate of Masterton is good. It is colder in winter and warmer in summer than that of the capital city; but it is still far from distressing at any time. The altitude is 377 feet above sea level; and the proximity of the Tararua Ranges with their snow-clad peaks in winter gives to the air a keenness seldom felt in Wellington. High winds are much less common in Masterton than in many other parts of the Wairarapa. The variation in this respect is probably the most noticeable climatic feature of the valley. It is not unusual for Masterton to enjoy comparatively calm weather when ten or a dozen miles away half a gale is being experienced.
The area of the borough of Masterton is about 4300 acres, and the country round about in all directions for several miles is flat. There are, however, a few eminences from which views of the town may be had. The streets are flat, straight, wide, and, in the centre of the town, rectangular. Queen Street, which is the principal business thoroughfare, is well filled with fine shops, hotels, and other buildings, which present a really good appearance. Many of the shops are quite equal to the average of Wellington business premises. The hotels in Masterton are particularly good, as a reference to the articles describing them will prove.
The recreation ground, or public park, occupies a reserve of about twenty-eight acres, and is well patronised. The grounds are very pretty and so close to the town as to be a really useful breathing space. The gardens are not more than three minutes walk from the Post-office, and yet they are well out of the way of business traffic. A few acres of the recreation reserve are cut off for the cemetery, which is also very pretty. A feature of the Masterton cemetery are the flower beds which adorn some of the principal paths. In the springtime the effect is most pleasing. There are many handsome monuments bearing the names of early settlers who have passed their lives in the district, prominent among them being that of Mr. Joseph Masters, described as “one of the founders of Masterton, after whom the town was named.” Mr. Masters died on the last day of 1874 at the ripe old age of seventy-three.
The population of the borough of Masterton, as shown by the census of 1896, is 3493. In 1891 it was 3114.
Masterton has been in direct communication with Wellington by rail since 1880. The up trains arrive at 11.27 a.m. and 7.45 p.m.; and the down trains from Eketahuna pass through Masterton at 7.10 a.m. and 3.15 p.m. The early train starts from Masterton on Tuesdays and Fridays, there being but one train on those days from Eketahuna. The evening train from Wellington does not, as yet, go beyond Masterton, excepting on Wednesdays and Saturdays, but a train leaves for Eketahuna at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. As changes occasionally occur in the running of the trains, it is advisable to consult the penny time-table published monthly by the Government. It may be said that Masterton is fairly well served in the matter of railway communication, excepting in one important point, namely, the distance at which the railway station is placed from the town. Carterton has been somewhat badly served in that respect, and the same may be said of Greytown, and even Featherston, but nowhere on the line is the station so far away as at Masterton—the most important town in the district. In Featherston the town has made a very weak attempt at spreading towards the station, one of the best hotels being placed there. At Carterton there is an hotel about midway between the station and the town; but at Masterton the cabs and expresses which meet the trains are almost
It must be admitted that the cab service of Masterton is more than efficient. There are too many cabs to meet all the trains, and visitors are besieged by an army of importunate drivers and their assistants. Some of the cabs are as stylish in appearance as the best in the capital city.
The public bodies of Masterton take a great interest in the town and work hard for its advancement. The principal town in the Wairarapa has reached a stage in its existence when it can no longer with impunity delay such important matters as water supply and drainage. At present the town is dependent upon wells for water for all purposes. The water so gained is really good, but the absence of a supply from a source of some altitude is greatly felt. Masterton occupies a site which is practically an old river bed. It lies between the Waingawa and Waipoua Rivers, whose waters permeate the intervening ground. There is, therefore, a certainty of obtaining excellent water in any part of the town at a depth varying from twelve to twenty feet.
For fire extinction purposes there are wells throughout the town, with large pipes to which the hose may be attached, and there are several streams which are drawn upon when the fire is within reach of them. There are three brigades—two under the control of the borough, one of which is equipped with steam engines and fittings, imported at a cost of nearly a thousand pounds. The smaller municipal brigade is located at Kuripuni, the southern end of the town, and equipped with an ordinary
Some three or four years ago Mr. Pownall, then Mayor of Masterton, introduced a combined water supply and drainage scheme, involving the raising of a loan of £30,000, a little over two-thirds for immediate expenditure, and the balance for extension purposes. Mr. Pownall's scheme met with the approval of his Council, but the necessary sanction of the ratepayers for the raising of the loan was not gained, mainly because, while the needful interest would be secured by a rate over the whole borough, the benefits of the scheme would be mainly derived by a more limited area. The present Council is moving now in the same direction, with the exception that power is being obtained to tax only the portions of the borough benefited by the scheme. There is every probability, therefore, that both good drainage and water supply are within measurable distance. This is a “consummation devoutly to be wished.” as there is no doubt that a continuance of the present system of “no system” must soon be fraught with great danger.
The Borough Council supplies the town with gas of excellent quality, at a net cost to the consumer of ten shillings per thousand cubic feet for lighting, and eight shillings for heating purposes. To obtain this important advantage a loan of £10,000 was raised, the interest thereon being secured by a fivepenny rate; this rate, however, is not now collected, as the gasworks are self-supporting. More particular mention of this interesting department will be found under “Borough Council of Masterton.”
The rates, therefore, though nominally eighteenpence in the pound, really amount to only thirteenpence, namely, a general rate of a shilling, and a library rate of a penny. The annual rateable value is bordering on £30,000. The income of the Council is slightly augmented by the rents from a borough reserve in the Mangaone Valley, some forty miles further north.
There is in Masterton an important public body known as the Town Lands Trust, officially named the Trust Lands Trust. It sprang into existence with the birth of the district, and in a somewhat irregular manner. The Government grant of the site of Masterton was made to the late Mr. C. E. Carter, as trustee for the selectors. This grant included a hundred town-acre sections, and a similar
The purposes for which these trust lands might be used were limited to a public library, education, and other works of public utility. The trustees have so managed their trust that there is a rent roll of nearly £800 per annum, and this will soon be considerably increased by the expiry of some of the earlier leases. With this income the trustees are able to give very useful assistance to the borough in a variety of ways.
A town hall has been recently decided upon and will be erected almost immediately, at a cost of about £3000. The whole work is being undertaken by the Lands Trust.
Technical classes have already been inaugurated with the view of providing the youth of the town with opportunities for not only continuing their scholastic studies, but also for studying the particular branches required in various trades. This excellent work is also being carried out by the Town Lands Trust, assisted by a few enthusiastic friends, including Mr. W. H. Jackson, the headmaster of the public school. The chairman of the Trust, Mr. C. E. Daniell, has taken surpassing interest in the technical classes, and certainly deserves special mention for the energy and tact with which he set about to inaugurate them.
The fine reading-room and public library has been an institution for the last eighteen years, and cost over one thousand pounds.
Adjoining the reading room is the Museum, about which a word needs to be said. Until last year (1895), the nucleus of the Museum was the property of Mr. Richard
Swimming baths will probably be the next convenience which the town will have provided for it by the Town Lands Trust. Already a movement is on foot with this object.
The member for the electoral district, Mr. A. W. Hogg, is a resident of Masterton, which town is the headquarters of the Wairarapa North Liberal Association. The conveniences for the holding of public meetings are good, there being, besides the theatre, a temperance hall and a very fine drillshed.
The Wairarapa North County Council has control of all county matters. Particulars of this important body, with pictures and short biographical sketches of its members, appear in the following pages.
Masterton possesses a hospital acknowledged to be one of the most complete and best managed country hospitals in New Zealand.
The town and district of Masterton will well repay the tourist for the little delay necessary for a visit. Sportsmen find enjoyment in shooting and trout fishing.
Adjacent, to the town, on a site watered by some of the springs referred to, are the fish ponds and hatcheries of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society. The curator, Mr. Ayson, besides stocking with trout every river and stream in the district, has already distributed millions of fry and ova throughout this and the Australian colonies. The ponds of the Society are one of the great attractions of the place, and are frequented by visitors from all parts of the Colony.
The Churches in Masterton are represented by the Episcopalian, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Wesleyan, and one or two minor sects, besides a strong detachment of the Salvation Army. Many of the buildings are very fine, and the grounds attached to them are exceedingly pretty.
Besides the State Schools there is a Catholic School and several private seminaries.
In the matter of industrial enterprise, Masterton is in no way behind the times, and makes very laudable efforts to produce for its own requirements and for those of an extended district all such lines as grain, flour, fruits, dairy produce, vehicles of all kinds, agricultural implements, and the various products of the fellmongery and wool-scouring works. In many of these items there is, of course, a large export trade. The district is celebrated for its gardens and orchards, and its table-lands and plains
Commercially, Masterton is sound and substantial. Its commerce is represented by three banks, three auctioneering firms, the Farmers' Co-operative Association, and a considerable number of general stores, factories, and establishments common to commercial life. Among commercial travellers, whose wide experience makes their opinions valuable, Masterton bears an excellent character as a steady, reliable, progressive centre. As will be seen by reference to the business notices in the following pages, the Bank of New South Wales is a very popular institution in Masterton. There are two newspapers—the Wairarapa Daily Times and the Wairarapa Star. Both are published daily in the early part of the afternoon, and both issue a weekly summary for the outlying districts.
Wednesday is the market day, when the influx of settlers from all parts of the Wairarapa Valley gives to the town a very business-like and lively appearance. The weekly half-holiday is held on Thursday, on which day, of course, Masterton is quiet, the contrast from market day being very noticeable.
Maoris are fairly plentiful in and about Masterton, and quite a number of them have contracted European habits and conditions. At the Native settlement of Te Ore Ore—about three miles on the way to Tinui, and just beyond the Ruamahunga bridge—all the houses are of European architecture, and a few of them are stylish villa residences, tastefully furnished and decorated, and particularly clean and tidy. In some cases the wives are half-castes; others are Europeans, while a few of the dusky ladies have
The private houses of the Masterton resident embrace all classes, from the old-fashioned two-room cottage to the very handsome town houses of the squatters and villa residences of the merchants, professional men, and leading tradesmen. Several of them are palatial in appearance and dimensions—twenty to thirty rooms, with spacious hall and roomy accessories, being by no means uncommon. There are on every hand signs of accumulated and accumulating wealth, and there is every probability that the town and district of Masterton will long continue to hold a leading position in the Wellington provincial district.
The district and town of Masterton are of rapidly growing importance, and there is every ground for the hope so firmly held by the residents that Masterton and its surroundings will ever be one of the most interesting and progressive districts in this fair Colony.
Member of the House of Representatives for Masterton, is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, where he was born in 1845. At the age of twelve years he emigrated with other members of his family to Victoria, where he spent twenty years, following up the new rushes and trying his luck as a digger, storekeeper, farmer and journalist. In 1878 he took up his residence in New Zealand, conducting newspapers in Dunedin, Ashburton, Timaru, and finally at Masterton. At the general election of 1887 he contested the Masterton seat and was defeated. Three years later he won the seat by a few votes, but at the last general election he had a majority of over 1200 over his opponents, and the victory has been emphasised by the presentation of several purses at the hands of his constituents, Mr. Hogg, although a pronounced Radical, in the service of his constituents is acknowledged to be colour blind—hence his popularity.
The Borough Council of Masterton is composed of a mayor, elected annually by the borough, and nine councillors, elected for a period of three years, but in such manner that one for each ward retires annually. Of course all are eligible for re-election, and a councillor may contest for the mayoralty without first vacating his seat on the Council, but if he be elected his seat as a councillor becomes vacant. There are three wards, respectively known as East, West and Outer. The town clerk, Mr. Richard Brown, is also the treasurer, and the post of secretary to the Trust Lands Trust is in his hands. The borough was formed in July, 1877, and Mr. Brown's appointment dates from the following mouth. The meetings of the Council are held fortnightly on Tuesday evenings, and the members evince a lively interest in the affairs of the town. The chamber and offices form a part of the building known as the Public Institute, Chapel Street, which contains also the free reading-room and public library; and near which the town hall is being erected, fronting the same street, and Hall Street. The area of the borough is 4311 acres, of which some fifty acres are devoted to and retained for public purposes. The rateable value of the borough is £28,805, and the authorised rates amount to eighteen pence in the pound, made up as follows: General rate of one shilling, library rate of one penny, and gas rate of fivepence. The last-mentioned rate is not now being collected, as the municipal gasworks are paying without any assistance from the special gas rate, and with no further aid from the general rate than a fair payment for gas used for street lighting and other public purposes. The public debt of the Council consists at present of one item—the gasworks loan of £10,000 at six per cent., of which the whole is expended, and for which nothing in the shape of a sinking fund has been attempted. On the 31st of March, 1896 however, there were balances—to the credit of the gas supply account of £493 2s., and to the credit of the interest account of £333 ls, 3d. It was in view of this united balance of £826 3s. 3d. that the Council decided not to collect the gas rate for the present year. The united balances of these accounts at the beginning of the last financial year amounted to £482 14s, 9d., and during the year rates were collected amounting to £507 10s. 4d. The
who occupies the civic chair for the third consecutive year, was born in 1840 in Forfarshire, Scotland, where he was educated. Arriving in Nelson in 1863 per ship “Electra,” he was for some time engaged in bush and general country work, and after a short period employed in road making in Wanganui, be settled in the Wairarapa in 1868. At the East Coast Mr. Heron was engaged in fencing and country work for five years, when he became a road contractor, and subsequently a threshing machine proprietor, establishing himself as a corn dealer in 1879 in Masterton. Entering the Council in 1880, he has been a member almost continuously up to the time of writing, although he has never been returned without a close contest. He is known as a man of decided opinions, and is looked upon as an economist who will see that the ratepayers are not unduly burdened. As a Forester he has been a member of the Masterton Lodge since its foundation in 1872, and has passed all the chairs. He has also served as a member of the school committee, and has long held a seat on the Hospital Board. In 1870 Mr. Heron was married to a daughter of the late Mr. Dr McKav. of Sutherlandshire, Scotland.
has held a sent on the Borough Council of Masterton continuously, with the exception of a single year, since 1883. Born in 1843 in Wellington, when but few facilities existed for education, Mr. Chamberlain at the age of ten commenced work cutting firewood and milking cows. His father, the late Mr. Thomas Chamberlain, trained his sons in farming and agricultural pursuits, and settled them in the Wairarapa in 1857. Councillor Chamberlain has been a prominent settler in the district, which he has materially assisted in developing. A section of forty acres at the Upper Plain was given to him by his father nearly forty years ago. This was subsequently sold, and together with his brother, the late Mr. W. F. Chamberlain, he purchased 1000 acres at Upper Taueru. After effecting considerable improvements this property was realized. In 1869 the subject of this notice purchased forty acres at the Upper Pain, which he has since increased to 107 acres. The property, which is known as “Rosswood,” is fully cultivated, and here Mr. Chamberlain resides. At Miki-Miki he holds 1180 acres of freehold and 210 acres of leasehold, the estate carrying 2300 sheep and 100 head of cattle. Besides giving up a large portion of his time to his public duties as a borough councillor, Mr. Chamberlain has served as a member of the Trust Lands Trust for about three years, and on the committees of the Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Association the Caledonian Society, and the local jockey club. He is ever ready to do all he can for the district in which he has lived so long. Mr. Chamberlain, who has declined to be nominated for the mayoralty of the borough, is an economist, but will support any proposal which he considers for the good of the town, if it does not involve excessive rating. He was married in 1869 to a daughter of the late Mr. Colin McKenzie, of Glasgow, and has four daughters and two sons, having lost a son by accidental poisoning.
who was Mayor of the borough of Masterton in 1880, has almost continuously held a seat on the Council since that time. Born in Framfield, Sussex, in 1842, and educated at East Hothly, Mr. Feist cama to Wellington in 1865 per ship “Mallard.” Having served an apprenticeship of five years to the grocery and drapery business in Bletchingly, Surrey, he joined his brother in Masterton on arrival, and taking over the business in 1870, did a successful trade till 1888, when he sold out and retired. Mr. Feist was one of the first councillors of the borough, having occupied a seat in the local board for some years previously. As chairman of the Cemetery Trustees and of the local school committee, and as a member of the Park Trust and an ex-member of the Trust Lands Trust, the subject of the notice has served the public. He belongs to the Presbyterian Church, of which he has acted as secretary and treasurer for twenty-five years. Mr. Feist takes a deep interest in the temperance movement, and is an ardent prohibitionist. In 1868 he was married to a daughter of the late Rev. John McQueen, Free Church minister, of Daviot, Inverness, and has two daughters.
has been a member of the Masterton Borough Council for the past ten years, with the exception of one year. He is a native of Worksop, Nottingham, England, where he was born in 1845, and came to the colonies with his parents, landing in Adelaide, South Australia, in 1858. After a short time the family removed to Melbourne, where they remained two years, spending another year in Beechworth. In 1862 they came to Woodend, Canterbury, and continued for eighteen years. Councillor Hessey had some experience on the goldfields of the South Island, particularly in Westland. In 1879 he settled in the Masterton district, purchasing 167 acres at the Upper Plain in 1885. This estate, which is named “Shurwood,” may fairly be regarded as a model farm. Though nearly all cut out of the solid bush, it is in a high state of cultivation as an agricultural holding, Mr. Hessey having reaped as high as ninety bushels of oats and fifty of wheat to the acre, and good all round crops of barley and peas. As a stock breeder he favours Border Lincoln sheep and Ayrshire cattle, but agricultural horses are his specialty. His stud horses are considered the best in the district, the celebrated brood mare “Darling” having won about thirty first and champion prizes at North and South Island shows. In public matters Mr. Hessey has served for many years as a member of the Licensing Bench, the Trust Lands Trust, the Upper Plain Irrigation Board, and the Masterton and Wairarapa Agricultural and Pastoral Association. As a borough councillor he takes an independent position, not being bound to party, but desirous to secure the progress and advancement of the district. As an Oddfellow, Mr. Hessey belongs to the Masterton Lodge, M.U., in which he has passed most of the chairs, having been a trustee for about twelve years. In 1872 he was married at Cobden to a daughter of Mr. Thomas Barrett, of Fines, Limerick.
who is a son of Mr. C. W. Hornblow, J.P., of Greytown, was born in Wellington in 1861, but received little education in his early days. At the age of ten he commenced life's battles by driving a horse and cart on the road. After this he was apprenticed to Messrs. Wakelin and Payton, of the Greytown Standard for six years, and in 1882 he became a compositor on the New Zealand Times in Wellington, where he gained valuable city experience. In the following year Mr. Hornblow returned to Grevtown, where he acted as reporter and canvasser under Mr. Nation, who had
New Zealand Times in the Wairarapa for six months, Mr. Hornblow was employed on the Wairarapa Star for four years, and afterwards on the Wairarapa Daily for a similar period. In 1891 he established himself in business as a printer in Masterton, and, notwithstanding keen competition, succeeded in building up a successful business, which he conducted till June, 1894, when he sold out to Messrs. Gillespie and Co. Mr. Hornblow then established his present business as an auctioneer and land agent, particulars of which are given further on in this section. In political contests Mr. Hornblow has ever taken great pleasure, and on offering himself for a seat in the Council against Mr. C. Hughes, J.P., he was returned by a substantial majority. This year he was opposed by Mr. J. L. Murray, and although that gentleman was supported by both the local papers, Mr. Hornblow was again re-elected councillor for the ensuing term of three years. He is also a member of the Trust Lands Trust and of the Masterton School Committee. In Friendly Societies Mr. Hornblow joined the Loyal Enterprise Lodge of Foresters, and passed through all the chairs, but is presently unattached. As a Good Templar and Prohibitionist he has been a leader in the cause. Mr. Hornblow is also a member of the Masterton and Wairarapa Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He was married in 1889 to the second daughter of Mr. Walter Perry, and has a son and a daughter.
who was first returned as a member of the Borough Council of Masterton by a large majority against five candidates, and was re-elected for the present term unopposed, is a sheepfarmer residing at “Springfield,” Manaia. Born on the last day of 1843, in Kinross-shire, Scotland, he came to Wellington per ship “Agra” in 1852 with his father, who still survives. After some years at Karori, and a year on the Otago goldfields. Councillor Mutrie came to the Wairarapa in 1862. He was brought up by his grandparents to sheepfarming, and resided with them and his uncle, Mr. R. Cockburn, at Lower Manaia, until purchasing the farm of 150 acres which he now holds. From its original state of scrub, flax, and raupo swamp, the property has been transformed into a first-class farm supporting a considerable number of crossbred sheep. Mr. Mutrie, who has been a prizewinner for fat sheep, is a member of the committee of the Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Society. As a Forester, he belongs to Court Loyal Enterprise, No. 5501, Masterton, but has declined to accept office. As a member of the Borough Council, he favours the side of the economists, being against the proposed large loan. In 1870 Mr. Mutrie was married to a daughter of the late Mr. T. Kelleher, of Masterton, but has no family.
was a member of the local governing body that existed prior to 1877, when the first Borough Council of Masterton was elected. He has been almost continuously a member of the Council from the beginning of municipal government in the district. Mr. Perry hails from Cornwall, where he was born in 1839. He arrived in New Zealand with his father, the late Mr. John Perry, settler, of New Plymouth, by the ship “Amelia Thompson,” and was brought up to the handicraft of a carpenter. Coming to Masterton in 1860, Mr. Perry became the pioneer butcher of the district, establishing himself in business in 1863. After a successful career of thirty years, he retired from business. Mr. Perry owns 230 acres in Masterton, which is almost entirely in cultivation, and 1000 acres elsewhere in the district, where he runs sheep and cattle. For many years he was a member of the Town Lands Trust, of the Hospital Board, and of the committee of the Wairarapa Agricultural and Pastoral Association. In 1865 Mr. Perry was married to a daughter of the late Mr. Charles Dixon,
who was returned to the Masterton Borough Council in November, 1895, is a native of Ireland, from whence he came to the Colony with his parents, per ship “Ramsay,” in 1866. He received a liberal education, and turned his attention to banking, in which he received a thorough training. Entering the Bank of New Zealand from a minor position he worked steadily upwards filling almost every office, till he was entrusted with the charge of an agency of the bank. For sixteen years he enjoyed the confidence of his superiors, but was compelled to resign what he looked upon as his life's calling, on account of health, which demanded less confinement, and more fresh air. While in the bank he was for many years in Auckland, where he gained large experience, and subsequently in Masterton, where he had facilities for becoming acquainted with many settlers. After leaving the bank, Mr. Simms entered the service of Messrs. Lowes and Iorns, auctioneers, of Masterton, where he gained a considerable insight into the local trade. In conjunction with Mr. John Mowlem, Mr. Simms founded the firm of Simms and Mowlem, stock and general auctioneers, in 1894, and succeeded in building up a good business. Retiring from the firm in May, 1896, he commenced business as a land, estate, and financial agent, which he still continues, his office being situated in the Star block, Queen Street, Masterton. As a councillor, Mr. Simms advocates the progressive ticket, and supports the £30,000 water and drainage loan, for which a Bill was before Parliament during the session of 1896. He has also taken an active part in connection with the proposed town hall, which it is understood is to be put up by the Trust Lands Trustees at a cost of between £3000 and £4000. In 1892 Mr. Simms was married to a daughter of Mr. John Keand, of Christchurch, settler, and has two daughters.
was returned to the Masterton Borough Council at the election for the year 1895, defeating Mr. Walter Perry, the oldest councillor. Born at the Upper Hutt in 1892, Mr. Wagg was educated at the public schools of Greytown and Carterton, and served his apprenticeship to the coachbuilding trade with Mr. William Black, of Wellington. In 1886 he came to Masterton, establishing his present business as coachbuilder and wheelwright five years later. Mr. Wagg had on one occasion failed to secure a seat at the Council Board, but on making a second effort he was successful by a substantial majority. In local politics he is in favour of the drainage and high pressure water scheme, which involves a loan of £80,000. Mr. Wagg has identified himself with the institutions of the district in which he resides—for about four years as a member of the school committee, and for some time as a committeeman of the Wairarapa Athletic and Cycling Club. As a member of the craft he is attached to the Masterton Masonic Lodge. Mr. Wagg was married in 1887 to a daughter of the late Mr. Charles Keep, of Bloomfield, England, and has three sons and a daughter.
who was elected a member of the Masterton Borough Council in 1892, is a son of the late Mr. Henry Yates, an early Nelson settler, who died in 1870. Born in 1857 in Wellington, where he was educated, the subject of this sketch accompanied his parents to Masterton in February, 1869, being brought up to farming pursuits. His farm at the Upper Plain, which contains thirty-five acres, is utilized for dairy purposes. Mr. Yates milks ten cows and delivers the produce to his customers in Masterton. He has always taken a deep interest in election contests, and has usually been successful in securing the return of the candidate for whom he has worked. Councillor Yates first
Town Clerk to the borough of Masterton, was born at Woodhall, Hertfordshire, England in 1848. Coming to Wellington in 1874 he stayed only a short time in the Empire City, and settled in Masterton, commencing business as a book-keeper and accountant. Three years later he was appointed town clerk of the borough, which position he has since filled with satisfaction. Mr. Brown is deservedly popular with all classes, owing to his courteous and unassuming manner. He takes a great interest in the welfare of the town, and is a member of all the various Lodges. For a time he was manager of the Masterton Building Society, and now acts as secretary to the Masterton Trust Lands Trust. He is married and has five children surviving.
the Borough Solicitor, Masterton, who is the second son of the late Mr. Henry Bunny (for many years a member of the House of Representatives), was born in 1846 at Newbury, Berkshire, England. Arriving in Wellington, per ship “Duke of Portland,” in 1854, he was educated at private schools in the capital, and after studying law was admitted on the 20th of January, 1876. Having commenced the practice of his profession in Masterton, Mr Bunny was appointed solicitor to the Borough Council on its incorporation in 1878, having previously acted in a similar capacity for the local Board of Masterton. Among other solicitorships Mr. Bunny acts for the Bank of New Zealand, the Mastorton Hospital Trustees, the Masterton Trust Lands Trustees, and the Official Assignee in bankruptcy. Mr. Bunny, who is a trustee of the Masterton Park and of the local cemetery, is ever ready to help forward any deserving object. He resides at “Makoura,” in Worksop Road, and has recently purchased “The Taipos” estate of 6617 acres, situated about twenty miles from Masterton, where he carries on sheep-farming on an extensive scale.
contains about 3000 volumes, representing all classes of literature. There is a good reading-room, well supplied with magazines and periodicals. The library is liberally supported by the public, and there are many subscribers in and around Masterton. Mrs. Forbes, the librarian, has been in charge for about two years.
has its station—a single-story wooden building—in Church Street. The appliances comprise a steam fire engine—christened the “Jubilee”—a small hand pump, and the usual hose reel, a horse being placed at the disposal of the corps. There are three bells in the borough—one at the Church Street station, one at Victoria Street, and the other at Queen Street, Kuripuni, where there is a second municipal fire brigade station. The strength of the main brigade is twenty, including the officers, whose names are:—Messrs. J. P. Prentice (captain), P. Reynolds (lieutenant), J. C. Ewington (foreman), and J. Symes (assistant foreman).
are situate in Bannister Street, occupying a fine section of two acres of land. The buildings, which are substantially built in brick, include a retort house, in which there are ten gas retorts, a purifying house containing four purifiers, a metre house, where up to 6000 feet per hour is registered, and a workshop and a governor house, which has eight inch connections. There are two gasometers, having respective capacities for 24,000 and 20,000 feet of gas Twenty-six street lamps in the main thoroughfares of the borough are lighted by contract in addition to the town clock at Mr. Dougall's and the Church Street fire brigade station. The works are under the care of Mr. Charles Curham as manager.
J.P., who has more than once been elected to the honourable position of Mayor of Masterton, is one of the few old identities that are left still in the land of the living. He has had an eventful life, and the writer spent a very pleasant evening in listening to his thrilling stories of the early days of colonization in New Zealand. Mr. Renall is a native of Heybridge, near Malden, Essex. He came out to the Colony, per ship “Martha Ridgway,” in 1840, with a company of the fathers of the old Port Nicholson settlement Mr. Renall had considerable experience with his father, who was a miller and carpenter, before learning for New Zealand. On arrival in the Colony, he plunged into the bush, and took to the occupation of a farmer, in which capacity he found plenty of work for several years. He was speedily thrown into contact with the Maoris, of whom he has a fund of information, worthy of being placed on record. During the years 1841 and 1842 he was called upon to act as undertaker for no less than fourteen of the natives, among whom were several old warriors, such as Waireporo, the fighting chief of the Ngatiawa Tribe, and Te Puni, a great chief and ancestor of natives bearing the same name, now living in the Hutt Valley. Mr. Renall used to style himself at that time the Undertaker to the Black Brigade. About the year 1849–50, one Charles Mabey commenced to build a water-mill at the Taita. He was unable to complete the work, and Mr. Renall took the enterprise in hand. The mill was completed in the same year, 1850, and he commenced the work of milling, this being the first watermill erected in the Hutt Valley. Mr. Renall now prosecuted his new industry with great zeal, and worked the Taita mill for many years with large success. In 1853 he was induced to lend his abilities to his fellow colonists, and enter politics. The first Provincial Council for Wellington was elected in the latter year, and Mr. Renall was one of the candidates. In this, his first election contest, he was highly successful, as he has been many times since. His sterling integrity and stern determination stood him in good stead, and although he had popular men to compete against, he succeeded in reaching the head of the poll, though only by a single vote. For some years Mr. Renall sat in the Provincial Council. The chamber was erected on the site now occupied by the Government Printing Office, and subsequently was used for many years as an hotel in Lambton Quay, Wellington, which was noted in the early days for the frequency and violence of its earthquakes. On January 22nd, 1855, that convulsion of nature, known a “the great earthquake,” occurred. The Provincial Council was in session, but owing to the day being observed as a general holiday, in honour of the anniversary of the province, the council had adjourned. This was a most fortunate occurrence, as the oscillations of nature caused the upper floor, where the council met, to drop to the level of the ground floor. Had the council sustained so severe a descent, there would most likely have been several accidents, and probably some fatalities. Mr. Renall was a sufferer financially to the extent of £130 by damages to the Taita mill, where the foundations were upset and misplaced. It was, however, promptly repaired, and continued to work till 1858, when it was destroyed by a flood, in which no less than fourteen of the settlers were drowned. This flood had a considerable, though indirect, influence in the settlement of the Wairarapa. The settlers who suffered by the Taita flood petitioned Sir George Grey to grant some relief, with the result that a large tract of land was set aside on easy terms of selection. Mr. Renall and several others came up to the present site of Masterton and chose their sections. He had a good deal to do with the naming of Masterton and Greytown. He chose the site so long occupied by his mill, which he then built after felling the bush. Having splendid water-power, he erected a fine waterwheel equal to twenty-horse power. One pair of the three sets of stones placed in the mill are of historic interest. They were bought by Hopper, Peter, and Molesworth for a flour mill which was never erected. Mr. Renall bought up the remains of the Taita and Ngahauranga mills, the latter of which he bought to fit up the mill, which was completed in 1862, and was worked by him till recently, when he closed it up, since which time it has been destroyed by fire. In 1859 Mr. Renall was elected with Sir. W. Fitzherbert for the Hutt, as members of the General Assembly, which sat in Auckland. Sir E. Stafford and Judge Richmond we at that time members of the ministry. In 1863, Mr. Renall established the first road board in Masterton, of which he became chairman and acted as engineer, laying off the first road. He also built some of the bridges, which remain to this day. About 1875 Mr. Renall took a trip to the Old Country; during his absence a town board replaced the old road board. In 1877 Mr. Renall sketched out the boundaries for the borough of Masterton, of which he has since been elected mayor on two or three occasions. About 1859 Mr. Renall was sworn in before judge Arney as a justice of the peace, and has held the position ever since. At the time of writing (1896), Mr. Renall is in his eighty-fourth year, and, having enjoyed good health, he has been enabled to attend to his business till a few months ago. Of his confreres who sat with him in the Provincial Council at the time of the great earthquake, only one remains, in the person of Mr. George Hart, of Auckland. Mr. Renall has been a prominent figure in Masterton for nearly thirty five years; he has ever been forward to help every good cause, and has enjoyed a large share of popularity, which he has richly merited. He has brought up a family of sixteen children of whom four met violent deaths, one being shot, another burned to death, the third crushed in the windmill, and the fourth killed by a falling tree. Four others have also died, leaving eight alive. The grandchild number forty-six, and there is one great grandchild. The old gentleman has been a good colonist in every respect, and must certainly be numbered among New Zealand's successful settlers.
who was Mayor of the Borough of Masterton for three successive years, ending in December, 1887, has been, and is still, a prominent figure in the Wairarapa. Born in Poland in 1841, and educated in England, Mr. Caselberg came to the Bluff in 1863, per ship “Sir George Pollock.” After two years in Invercargill he settled in the Wairarapa, and laid the foundation of a large business in Featherston in 1868, removing in the following year to Greytown, where a flourishing business has been conducted to the time of writing. Under the style of Caselberg and Co. the business was, in 1874, extended to Masterton, which became the firm's headquarters. In February, 1892, this large concern, together with Messrs. J. Nathan and Co.'s Tinui store,
who was Mayor of the borough of Masterton for three years ending 1893, is a well known barrister and solicitor practising in the district. Mr. Pownall was born in 1865 in Auckland, and educated at the public schools and at Wellington College, becoming a barrister and solicito of the Supreme Court in 1886. After serving as managing clerk in the office of Mr. W. B. (now Judge) Edwards he commenced to practise his profession in Masterton in 1887. Mr. Pownall was first elected Mayor in 1890, the contest with Mr. J. Hessey being very close. In the following year Mr. E. Feist was his opponent, and in 1892 he was returned without opposition. During his mayoralty the Council decided in favour of a loan of £30,000, under the Local Bodies Loan Act, to provide a high-pressure water supply, and for general improvement of streets and footpaths. This proposal, on being submitted to a poll of the ratepayers, was rejected, but it is hoped that a Bill which is before the Parliament of 1896, providing for the same scheme, will be effective in securing the objects sought. In 1895 Mr. Pownall contested the mayoralty, but was defeated in a triangular election by six votes. The subject of this notice has been an aspirant to parliamentary honours, having unsuccessfully opposed Mr. W. C. Buchanan, the sitting member for Wairarapa, in 1893. He was captain of the Masterton Rifle Volunteers till the corps was disbanded, and as a lover of cricket he at one time served as captain of the Masterton Club. Mr. Pownall was married in April, 1894, to a daughter of the late Mr. Robert McIntosh, of Invercargill.
who was for several years a member of the Masterton Borough Council, was born at Karori in 1847, and was educated at Mr. Toomath's Grammar School in Wellington. On the death of his father, he commenced farming at the Upper Plain when but eighteen years of age on the property—“The Oaks”—ninety acres in extent, on which he still resides. At Miki-Miki, about nine miles away from the homestead, Mr. Chamberlain owns and farms 250 acres. He has taken his share in local governing bodies—for some eight or nine years as a member of the Masterton Road Board, and as a member of the Licensing Committee, on which he still retains a seat. For a number of years Mr. Chamberlain was president of the Masterton-Opaki Jockey Club, and for one year he was vice-president of the Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Association. At the time of writing he occupies the position of chairman of the Upper Plain Irrigation Board. In 1875 the subject of this notice was married to a daughter of Mr. Donald McLachlan, of Opaki, settler, and has seven sons and three daughters.
who was a councillor of the borough of Masterton from 1887 to 1894, is the seventh son of the late Mr. C. Dixon, of Worksop farm, after which Worksop Road was named. Mr. Dixon was born in 1857 in Wellington, and was educated in Masterton, being brought up to the coachbuilding trade, to which a good knowledge of carpentering and general farm work was added. For two years Mr. Dixon was a member of the firm of Muir and Dixon Bros., coachbuilders. The old homestead built by his father, together with six acres of land, is now owned and occupied by the subject of this notice, who also farms eighty acres at Akura—three miles out of Masterton—as a dairy and grazing run. In addition to his service on the Council, Mr. Dixon acted for about two years as a member of the local school committee. He is an advocate of total abstinence and a member of the local Prohibition League. In 1878 Mr. Dixon was married to a daughter of Mr Samuel Harris, of Picton, carpenter, and has two sons and three daughters.
who was a member of the Masterton Borough Council from 1878 to 1892 inclusive, and for many years a trustee of the Trust Lands Trust, is a native of Kingston, Dorsetshire, where he was born in 1830. He arrived in Nelson in 1842, per ship “Clifford,” with his father, the late Mr. Bernard Gapper, who was wounded in the Wairau Massacre and died in 1870. The subject of this notice passed through many of the vicissitudes of colonial life. In 1859 he had a trip to England by the auxiliary screw vessel “Royal Charter,” in which he was wrecked on the Isle of Anglesey, on the 26th of October, 1859. There were 446 lives lives lost by the wreck of the ship, and he was one of thirty-nine who escaped a watery grave. Returning the following year, Mr. Gapper remained in Nelson till 1872, when he commenced business in Wanganui. After a short time he returned to Nelson, which he left in 1876 and settled in Masterton. As the proprietor of traction engines and steam threshing machines, Mr. Gapper has worked hard and been successful He resiles in a comfortable villa at the corner of Victoria and Albert Streets. Mr. Gapper has been married twice—in 1860 to a daughter of Mr. Thomas Bridge, of Hyde, Cheshire; this lady died in 1890, and two years later to a daughter of Mr. Frederick William Gyllencreutz, of Cumberland, by whom he has a son and a daughter.
who was a member of the Borough Council some eight years ago, has long been a prominent supporter of racing and athletics—in fact of anything in the sporting line. Born in 1842 in Perth, Scotland, and educated mostly in Glasgow, he came to Auckland, per ship “Armstrong,” in 1866. After a few months Mr. Macara came to Wellington, where he embarked in the coaching line between Masterton and the Empire City. In 1879 he settled in Masterton, purchasing 300 acres at Opaki known as “Brookfield,” which he still farms. As a breeder, Mr. Macara has reared the horses “Rollo,” “Minnie Palmer,” “Brookfield,” and several others, which he has successfully raced. He has also bred some good sheep, though more as a hobby than for any other reason. For about eight years he has been a director of the Masterton Building Society. In sporting matters he is one of the vice-presidents of the Masterton Racing Club, holds a seat on the committees of several football clubs, and is a member of the Wairarapa Athletic and Cycling Club. Mr. Macara has done a good deal of coursing in the district, and in Bulls and Napier, and is a well-known breeder of greyhounds. As a member of the craft, he belongs to Lodge Pacific, Wellington.
who has been prominent as a chemist in Masterton for some eighteen years,
who has served as a Councillor of the borough of Masterton, and has long been a prominent settler, was born in 1823 in Wicklow, Ireland, where he was educated. Having learned his father's business as a reed instrument and cabinetmaker, he came to Melbourne in 1853 in the ship “Hanover,” and two years later to Wellington, purchasing land in Masterton. He carried on business for many years as a cabinetmaker and turner. Some articles made by him were exhibited at the last Paris Exhibition, and secured commendation for the clever workmanship displayed. While conducting the business. Mr. Woodroofe worked his farm and bred cattle and sheep. Mr. Woodroofe has turned his hand to many trades in his life, and while in the lapidary business in Ireland, turned out some specimens of polished lrish pebbles that were placed in the British Museum by Sir Henry Le Beeche. Since coming to New Zealand he has been a keen student of natural phenomena, and has reported his observations of earthquakes to the geological authorities. In Masterton he has been prominent in its public affairs, and served on the Highway Board, the Borough Council, the Trust Lands Trust, and school committees. He was also armourer for, and served in, the Masterton Rifles during the Maori war. A life-long total abstainer, he has always been strong on the side of prohibition. Mr. Woodroofe rendered great service to the town of Masterton in getting a number of its streets widened in spite of opposition, and before the great advance in land values. He was married in 1857 but is now a widower, having two daughters surviving. One is Mrs. D. J. Cameron, of Masterton, and the other, who is organist in the Presbyterian Church, lives at home.
holds jurisdiction over the licensing district which is co-terminus with the Masterton electoral district. The members for 1896 are: Messrs. T. Hutchison, S.M. (chairman), J. Dawson and A. Stewart (Pahiatua), F. J. Bright and B. Syversen (Eketahuna), and C. E. Daniell, J.
which was formed in 1876 under the Counties Act of that year, is a local governing body whose district covers an area of 1,013,760 acres. The southern boundary of the county extends from the Waingawa River to its confluence with the Ruamahunga River, and thence across to Kaiwhata on the east coast. The northern line extends from Waimata on the east coast to the summit of the Puketoi Range, whence it follows the Tararua Range, which divides the district from Manawatu county. The number of ratepayers in the county is 1319, whose properties number 2814, the gross rateable value being £2,180,327. There are six ridings in the district, viz., Masterton, Alfredton, Eketahuna, Castlepoint, Wainuioru and Akiteo, the rates being differential, averaging 5/8 of 1d. in the £. At the census of 1896 the population of the county was 7135. One hundred and sixty-four miles of made and formed roads have been constructed, at a total cost of £106,600. On the 31st of March, 1896, the assets of the county amounted to £4601, the liabilities on loan account being £37,845, and on general account £2168, the annual expenditure being over £11,500. Of the county's loans, three originally granted under the Roads and Bridges Construction Act have been converted under the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act. The councillors (1896) are: Messrs. F. Von Reden, Eketahuna (chairman); W. H. Beetham, Masterton; J. Stuckey, Opaki; C. E. Cockburn-Hood, Glendonald; D. Guild, Blairlogie; R. Maunsell and J. Groves, Tenui; E. Smith, Tawataia; and F. A. Sheath, Aohanga; the officials being Messrs. C. E. Bremner (engineer), D. McLachlan (assistant engineer), F. S. Moore (country clerk), and F. Wheeler (assistant clerk).
J.P., who has acted as chairman of the Wairarapa North County Council since his election in November, 1893, up to the time of writing, was born in 1853 in Hanover, and educated at the University College of Berlin. Entering the First Royal Brandenburg Dragoons, No. 2, Mr. Von Reden fought right through the Franco-Prussian War
J.P., for many years chairman of the Wairarapa North County Council, in which he still retains a seat, was born in 1837 in Yorkshire. He is a son of the late Mr. William Beetham, of the Hutt, and was educated in Beverley in his native county. Arriving in Wellington in 1855, per ship “William and Jane,” Mr. Beetham was one of the early settlers in the Wairarapa district. He is a member of the firm of Williams and Beetham—his partners being his brother, Mr. H. H. Beetham, and Mr. T. C. Williams—who own the well-known estates named Brancepeth and Annedale, and other properties. Mr. W. H. Beetham has always taken a keen interest in local governing bodies. Besides his long service in the Wairarapa North County Council, he was for some years chairman of the Masterton Road Board. In relation to agricultural and pastoral associations, Mr. Beetham is a member of the committee of the Wairarapa Society, and fills the important office of president of the Masterton Association. In 1880 the subject of this notice was married to a French lady—the daughter of M. Frere, of Piccardie.
of Wairarapa North County Council, is the fourth son of the late Mr. Thomas H. Cockburn-Hood, F.G.S., M.R.G.S.D., one of Australia's early settlers, who was the first to take up the Peak Downs run, upon which the town of Rockhampton now stands, and was one of the first members appointed to the New Sonth Wales and Queensland Legislative Councils. He died on the 15th of January, 1889, in Edinburgh, Scotland, after spending some time in Canterbury, New Zealand, where he took a deep interest in fossil remains. He was successful in discovering some splendid specimens of the Plesiosaurns and Ichthyosarus, which were shipped to the British Museum, but were lost in the ship “Matoka.” Mr. Thomas H. Cockburn-Hood was a member of the Philosophical Society, and was the author of several works, notably, “The Cruise of H.M.S. Fawn,” “The Rutherfurds of that Ilk,” “The House of Cockburn,” “Claimant to the Rutherfurd Peerage.” Born in Sydney, New South Wales, in 1851, Councillor Cockburn-Hood was educated at Wimbledon, at Knight's Training School, Portmonth, and at Rugby. Settling in the Colony in 1867, after serving as a cadet in Canterbury, he went to the Waikato, and was farming at Cambridge at the time of Sullivan's murder by the Maoris. For some time afterwards Mr. Hood was on Mr. Alfred Cox's station at Hamilton, and in 1876 he settled in the Wairarapa. His station—Glendonald—which is conducted by the firm of Cockburn-Hood and Walker, consists of 8000 acres, carrying 10,000 sheep, and is situated about eighteen miles from Masterton. In
who has performed the dutres as a member of the Wairarapa North County Council since 1890, came to New Zealand in 1876, landing at Port Chalmers, and after some time at Lyttelton, where he was engaged in sheepfarming, he settled in the Wairarapa in 1883. As manager of the Te Ore Ore estate for eleven years, and of Blairlogie since 1894, Mr. Guild has been well known in the district. He farms 1000 acres of bush land at Wangaehu, where he runs 2000 sheep and 100 head of cattle. Mr. Guild is a member of the Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Association.
who has been continuously a member of the Wairarapa North County Council since his first election in 1887, is the third son of the late Venerable Archdeacon Maunsell—one of the early missionaries Born in 1840 in Auckland, where he was educated, Mr. Maunsell was brought up to country life, and settled at Tinui in 1861, being joined by his brother, Mr. J. F. Maunsell, under the style of R. and F. Maunsell. After undergoing great hardships in the early days, and by hard work and struggling, the firm has been very successful. Mr. Maunsell for some time held the position of Justice of the Peace, from which he retired some time ago. He has served as a member and as chairman of the Castlepoint Road Board, and is a member of the Wairarapa and Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Societies, and also of the Wellington Club.
who has occupied a seat in the Wairarapa North County Council for six years, is a son of the late Mr. John Groves, of Castlepoint and Tenui, who died in Masterton in 1892. Born in the Isle of Wight in 1844, he arrived when eleven years old in New Zealand with his parents by the only trip of the ship “New Era.” Brought up as a sheepfarmer at Castlepoint, Councillor Groves settled on his run of 2000 acres known as “Bush Grove,” which is all in grass, and carries an average of two-and-a-half sheep to the acre. Mr. Groves breeds Lincoln sheep of a good class, and has some seventy or eighty head of cattle. He was a member of the Castlepoint Road Board for some time. As a Forester he belongs to Court Pioneer, Tenui, in which he has filled all the chairs successively. He is also a member of the Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Groves has been married three times, his family consisting of five sous and four daughters. The present Mrs. Groves was Miss Shires, of Derby.
J.P., who was returned to the Wairarapa North County Co meil in October, 1886, has been almest continuously a member of that body since his first election. A native of Warwickshire, England, where he was born in 1847, Mr. Smith, who had been brought up to farming pursuits, arrived in Port Chalmers, per ship “Mongol,” in 1874. After a short time in Wellington he settled at the Upper Hutt, where he was engaged as an overseer in railway coustruction. In 1880 Mr. Smith settled at Tawataia in the Alfredton district, where he was the pioneer settler. He holds 200 acres of land, which carries two-and-a-half sheep per acre. As a member of the late Alfredton Road Board for some years, of the Alfredton Domain Board, and of the Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, Mr. Smith has used his influence for the benefit of the district. For three years he was chairman of the Board of Reviewers
who is a son of Mr. Isaac B. Sheath, of Christchurch, settler, was born in 1855 at Erdington, near Birmingham, England. Arriving in Lyttelton at the age of six years, per ship “Chrysolite,” Captain McIntyre, he was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch. As a cadet he studied station life for three years on Akiteo Station in the Wairarapa, and subsuquently became manager of the Mataikona estate, the property of the late Hon. J. Johnston, M.L.C., which position he held for six years. After five years experience as a rabbit inspector in Hawkes Bay, and a period during which he engaged in mevice Councillor Handyside, who had left for England. He was also elected to fill a similar vacancy on the Akiteo Road Board. As a member, Mr. Sheath takes lively interest in the Wairarapa and East Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association. In 1887 he was married to a daughter of the late Mr. Peter Hume, settler, of Tauanui.
Clerk to the Wairarapa North County Council, the second son of the late Rev. L. Moore (retired major, 5th Madras Light Cavalry), was born on the Neilgherry Hills, Madras Presidency, India, on 3rd October, 1843. He was educated at Rossall Hall, Lancachire, England, and arrived in Melbourns February, 1860, and in New Zealand November, 1862. He joined the Native Department under his brother-in-law, Mr. (now Sir John) Gorst, at Te Awamutu; was present when Rewi, with an armed force, took possession of the printing press and removed it to Kihikihi, and was the last European but one to leave the Waikato before the war of 1863. He was on Governor Grey's staff from 1863 to 1866, and accompanied him on his West Coast expedition in the latter year. Mr. Moore was associate to the late Chief Justice, Sir George Arney, 1869–71, when he purchased a share in the Glenburn Station. Disposing of his interest therein in 1878, he took up his residence in Masterton, and received his present appointment in 1883.
Engineer to the Wairarapa North County Council and all road boards within the county save the Eketahuna Road Board, Hall Street. Private residence, Worksop Road. Mr. Bremner is a native of Scotland. He was educated at Glasgow and Helensborough, subsequently in Germany and at Victoria College, Jersey. Prior to 1874, he followed a seafaring life. In the latter year he reached the Colony per ship “St. Leonards.” He at once entered the Government Service, Public Works Department, as cadet and assistant engineer, holding the position till 1878. Having qualified as an engineer, he was appointed to the Masterton Road Board in the latter year, and to the County Council in 1884.
who was a member of the Wairarapa North County Council for many years, is the fourth son of the late Archdeacon Maunsell, of Auckland. Mr. Maunsell was born in 1842 in the northern city, where he
who for a number of years was a member of the Wairarapa North County Council, is an old and respected settler in the district. Born in 1827 in Tasmania, where he was educated, he came to New Zealand as the guest of the officers of H.M.S. “Bramble” in 1850. Mr. Mersdith's struggles in those early days of settlement were of a somewhat sensational description. As the pioneer pastoralist on the southern bank of the Molyneaux, in Otago, he took up a Crown run of 80,000 acres at “Popatuna,” under Sir George Grey's pastoral regulations. After placing the required number of sheep on the land, and having occupied it for twelve months, he was informed by Mr. Walter Mantell, Commissioner of Crown Lands for Otago, that in consequence of a dispute between the Imperial Government and the Otago Association, his run, being awarded to the Association, was confiscated. This caused great loss to Mr. Meredith, as the authorities declined to recognise any claim for compensation. Acting on the advice of Mr. (now Sir Dillon) Bell, then Commissioner for Crown Lands for Wellington, Mr. Meredith went to Hawkes Bay in 1853, where he made a selection of 2000 acres of Crown land, for which he paid cash. After placing sheep and cattle on the property, and personally going into occupation, he again became the victim of a dispute between the Commissioner and a prior applicant for the land, and for the second time had to walk out without compensation. In 1854 he settled on the south bank of the Whareama River, about thirty miles from Masterton, and became entitled to a fourteen years lease of 15,000 acres of land, but which he has subsequently compelled to purchase in self-defence, as with the introduction of provincial government Sir George Grey's pastoral regulations were ignored. No leases of Crown lands were issued, but were declared open for purchase by selection, the Crown tenants having a pre-emptive right to only eighty acres of their respective runs. In 1879 Mr. Meredith, with the younger portion of his family, removed to the Upper Plain, near Masterton, where he had acquired a small farm, “Llandoff.” He was soon afterwards elected a member of the Masterton Road Board, of which body he was chairman during the period of the large expenditure made under the “Roads and Bridges Construction Act.” Taking a keen interest in the improvement of stock, Mr. Meredith has from time to time been an importer of high-class sheep, cattle, and horses for stud purposes, and took an active part in establishing the Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Association, of which institution he was for some time acting president. He married in 1852 a daughter of the late Captain Chalmers, of Tasmania. He has ten surviving children.
referred to in the foregoing general description of Masterton, is a body of members elected by the adult residents of both sexes of that borough. The business of the Trust is to receive rents from ground lessees, and interest on investments, and to use the funds so received for the purposes of education and other public benefits. The funds are in excellent condition. The credit balances of the various accounts on the 1st of April, 1895, amounted to £835 15s. 8d., and on the 31st of March, 1896, to £1186 7s. 11d. notwithstanding that during the year £585 8s. 5d. had been expended in furtherance of the ends of the Trust. This sum included grants as follow: Masterton School, £63; Fernridge School, £25; St. Patrick's School, £20; Masterton Park, for the grandstand account. £100; public library, £100; and the Museum, £10 17s. 6d. With the assistance of this handsome donation, which is set down as “two years, final,” the library loan of £150 was paid off. On the scholarship account two sums of £10 each were paid. The excess of assets over liabilities, exclusive of the very valuable real estate, is set down at £1121 14s. 5d. There are upwards of fifty properties in the hands of the Trust, and many of them are bringing in upwards of £50 per year rental. Masterton is to be congratulated upon its possession of so much valuable property vested in a board whose objects are so worthy, and controlled indirectly by the community, with no distinction as between male and female, rich and poor. Masterton technical classes, founded in 1896, under the auspices of the Trust Lands Trust, are accomplishing useful work. The teachers are: General instruction, Mr. R. K. Jackson; drawing, Mr. Turner; agricultural chemistry, Mr. Dolan; bookkeeping, Mr. W. Simms; Shorthand (Pitman's), Mr. O. Pragnell and (Lightline) Mr. Wright, of Wellington. The classes meet in the drill hall.
is the succeeding local body which replaced the old Highway Board, constituted under the Highways Act of 1871. The southern boundary is coterminus with the Wairarapa North County boundary, the western adjoins the county of Manawatu, the northern borders on the Mauriceville and Upper Taueru road districts, and the eastern the Whareama outlying districts. The total rateable value of the district is £676,590, the rates for 1895–6 being three-eighths of a penny in the pound in subdivision one and three, and five-sixteenths of a penny in the pound in subdivision two. The ordinary revenue for the year was £1032 and the special revenue £730. There are 117 1/2 miles of formed and partly metalled roads in the district. Of the loans, which amount to £18,070, ten have been converted under the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act, under which some fifteen or sixteen loans have been obtained. The members of the Board (1896) are: Messrs. D. J. Cameron, Te Ore Ore (cnairman), D. McKenzie and W. J. Welch, Masterton; and W. Harris and J. Stuckey, Opaki. The whole of the work of the Board is performed by the officers of the Wairarapa Nortn County Council.
—twenty-eight acres in extent—was vested in eight trustees in 1877, and of these gentlemen Mr. A. W. Renall is the only one who still acts. The park has been well planted with shelter and ornamental trees, which have grown well and now afford capital shade. A large oval has been laid out where sports can be conveniently held, and the grandstand has accommodation for about 300 people. The trustees (1896) are: Messrs. A. W. Benall, J. C. Boddington, A. R. Bunny, J. L. Murray, W. C. Cargill, F. G. Moore, C. E. Bremner, and E. Feist; Mr. W. Sellar being the secretary. A movement is on foot to bring about an amalgamation of the trustees with the Trust Lands Trustees, who are in a better position to improve this fine domain.
which was formed in 1892 by Major Donald, has forty members. The officers (1896) are: Messrs. W. H. Beetham (president), W. J. Welch (captain), and J. Williams (secretary and treasurer). The Club has been very successful in competitions, having been only twice defeated.
was opened in the early days in Mrs. Hacker's store, the first mail being carried by an old settler, Mr. G. W. Woodroofe, J.P. The present building at the corner of Queen and Hall Streets was erected about 1876. It is a wooden edifice, containing public office for money orders, post and telegraph work, etc., with private office for the post-master and his staff of assistants, including two clerks, two cadets, two letter-carriers, two messengers, and a lineman. Mails are received and despatched both north and south twice daily by train.
Postmaster-in-charge of the Masterton Post and Telegraph Office, was born in 1838 in Derby, Nottingham, England, and came to New Zealand per ship “Zealandia” in 1859. Joining the Postal Department in 1865 in Christchurch, Mr. Johnston was promoted to the position of postmaster at Kaiapoi five years later, and remained till 1895, when he was transferred to Masteron. In 1862 Mr. Johnston was married to a daughter of the late Mr. James Whitehead, of London, and has four sons and four daughters.
Clerk and Telegraphist at the Masterton Post-office, and Deputy-Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages for the district, was born in Liverpool in 1869, coming to New Zealand in 1874. He was educated in the public school and at the Masterton High School. In 1885 he entered the Telegraph Department at Wellington as a cadet, and was subsequently transferred to the Masterton Post-office under Mr. Bagge, formerly chief postmaster at Blenheim. At that time the post and telegraph were separate departments, but upon the amalgamation in 1890 Mr. Gillespie was appointed post and telegraph clerk at Masterton. When the chief postmaster is absent Mr. Gillespie has full charge of the office. For the past six years Mr. Gillespie has acted as deputy-registrar of births, deaths and marriages for the district. He is also in charge of the mail-room. As secretary to the Wesleyan School for many years the subject of this sketch has done good work. He has for a great many years been the superintendent of the Masterton Juvenile Rechabite Lodge, being the first to fill that office. In social circles Mr. Gillespie is well known, being admired for his many genial qualities.
—a wooden building of four rooms, to which are attached three cells and a watchhouse—was established in 1868. The office, which is very central, adjoins the post and telegraph office on one side and the magistrate's court on the other. The district under the control of the local officer embraces the borough and suburbs of Masterton.
the Officer in charge of the police district of Masterton, who ranks as a second-class sergeant, was born in Cork, Ireland, in 1855. Coming to Wellington per ship “La Hogue” in 1872, he was on the West Coast goldfields till joining the force in 1875. Sergeant Kiely has been successively located in Picton, Blenheim, Renwicktown, Nelson, Auckland, Wellington, and Tauranga. He entered on his duties in Masterton in May, 1896. Sergeant Kiely was married in 1883 to a daughter of the late Mr. A. Regan, of Papatoitoi, and has three sons and two daughters.
—a two-roomed wooden structure—was specially built on a portion of the Magistrate's Court site in 1896. The whole of the Wairarapa district and Pahiatua are controlled from this office, the health of stock and the stamping out of the rabbit pest being specially considared by the department. The total number of sheep in the district in June, 1896, amounted to the grand total of 1,470,196. The staff includes a chief inspector residing in Masterton, an inspector in Carterton, three rabbit agents and several rabbiters.
Inspector of Stock for the district, was born in Otago in 1859, and was educated at Dunedin High School and at Barrett's Private Collegiate School. Mr. Miller's father, who came to the Colony in the early days, and had large properties in Otago, was brought up among stock in Scotland. After leaving school, the subject of this notice had two years experience in a merchant's office. Entering the Government service in July, 1883, as sheep inspector, he was successively stationed at Dunedin, Palmerston South, Queenstown and Oamaru, and after eleven years service in the South was placed in his present position in 1894. Mr. Miller leases a small farm on the Upper Plain, where he keeps horses, of which he is very fond, and with which he has taken prizes in the show-ring in the hackney classes. As a poultry fancier he has been successful in winning prizes for Brown Leghorns, and Gold-pencilled Hamburgs at Dunedin, Oamarn, and Timaru. Mr. Miller, who was married in 1878 to a sister of Professor Long, formerly instructor of gymnastics to the Dunedin High School, has three sons and two daughters.
Rabbit Inspector under the Stock Department, was born at Dunedin in 1854. His parents shortly afterwards came to the Wairarapa, where Mr. Rutherfurd received his education, first under a tutor, and subsequently at the public schools in the district. Choosing a country life, he was engaged on various stations, rising to the position of manager of a run. After several years, Mr. Rutherfurd was appointed in 1892 to the position he now occupies. As a sportsman Mr. Rutherfurd is well known, he having been very successful, particularly in deer-stalking, in which sport he possesses a record not easily surpassed. Assisted by his brother, Mr. Rutherfurd was instrumental in forming a rifle club in Carterton, which club still flourishes, and has had much success in its public rifle matches.
which is a second-class station, was established in 1880. The buildings, which are of wood and iron, include stationmaster's and public offices, vestibule, two waiting-rooms, baggage and parcels and lamp rooms, a large goods shed, and an engine shed. The passenger platform is completely asphalted: there are coal stages, a large loading bank, a stationary crane, the usual water services, and one of the finest stock-yards in the Colony. Large numbers of cattle and sheep are passed through these yards on their way to and from the markets and freezing works.
the Stationmaster and Telegraphist at Masterton Railway station, has been in charge for some twelve years. Born in 1855 at Waterford, Ireland, and educated at Waterford College, Mr. Couburne came to Port Chalmers, per ship “Taranaki,” in 1878, and in the following year he joined the service at Wellington as clerk. Shortly after-wards Mr. Couborne was placed it charge of Petone Station, where be remained till transferred to Masterton in 1884. The subject of this sketch was one of the six foundation members of Lodge Leinster, N.Z.C., Wellington, and as an Oddfellow he was secretary of the Petone Lodge at the time of its formation. In 1883 Mr. Coubourne was married at Petone to a daughter of Mr. J. D. Benge, one of the oldest Wellington settlers, and has two daughters.
which is situate on the north side of the Waipoua River, on the road to Tinui, about half a mile from the township, is a single story wooden building. It contains six wards, having fourteen beds in all, in addition to the medical attendants' and operating rooms, and custodian's quarters. The office-bearers (1896) are: Messrs. J. C. Boddington (chairman), G. Heron, J. C. Boddington, E. Feist, J. Iorns, J. B. Keith, and Rev. J. McKenna (trustees), W. H. Hosking, M.R.C.S.E. (surgeon), W. Dey, M.B., Greytown (hon. surgeon), J. Williams (custodian), Mrs. Williams (matron), and W. Sellar (secretary). From seventy to eighty patients pass through this institution each year.
Officers (1896): Messrs. R. T. Holmes (chairman), C. E. Cockburn-Hood, R. D. Dagg, W. Perry, E. Feist, and W. H. Beetham (committee), T. Duncan (secretary). Established in 1878 as a local institution supported by voluntary contributions and subsidised by the Government, this body was constituted under the Hospitals and Charitable Aid Act under its present name in 1885. The Society undertakes the administration of charitable aid in the Wairarapa North County.
which was established about thirty years ago, occupies one of the highest sites in the borough, at the south end of Queen Street, the land extending right through to Chapel Street. The large wooden building, which has a spacious infant department, eight class-rooms, teachers' sitting-room, and an office for the headmaster, was erected in 1881, being enlarged to the present size in 1894. The area of the section is three acres. Playgrounds have been provided at the back, while the front grounds are ornamentally laid out and planted. An improved sanitary system has been adopted, and a plentiful supply of pure water is conveyed through iron pipes from a spring twenty or thirty chains away. Liberal grants are made by the Town Lands Trustees, and this school is better supplied with apparatus for science teaching than any other school in the district. There are 609 names on the school roll—slightly more boys than girls—the average attendance being 510. The teaching staff includes the headmaster, five assistants, and six pupil-teachers, who are nearly all certificated. A large two-story residence, occupied by the headmaster, is situated opposite the school, in Chapel Street.
Headmaster of the Masterton Public School, was born in 1858 in Oldbury, near Birmingham. Educated at the Oldbury National school and at Messrs. Chance Brothers' School, Mr. Jackson entered the teaching profession in the Old Land. For five years ending 1876 he was pupil-teacher and assistant at Oldbury National School, and after obtaining a Queen's Scholarship was for two years subsequently a student at the Saltley Training College. At the final examination he obtained a high position in the “first division.” Until
which was established about ten years ago, is held in a wooden building of the usual design, which was erected in 1893, and contains a large and a small class-room. The land occupied, which is about an acre, and extends from Victoria to Wrigley Streets, provides two large playgrounds. The children on the roll number 105, with an average attendance of 85, and are instructed up to the first standard, the head-mistress being assisted by two pupil teachers.
Headmistress of the Masterton Infants' School, was born in Victoria, where she was educated. Arriving in the Colony in 1876, Miss Keeling was appointed assistant at Te Aro Main School, Wellington, two years later, and after a few months was transferred to Masterton to a similar position. In 1886, when the infants' school was established, Miss Keeling was placed in charge. Her spare moments are devoted to painting in oil colours, sometimes from nature, her special favourites being flowers.
Masterton, is situated in Queen Street behind St. Patrick's Church. The school has been established a great many years, the building being of wood, with accommodation for eighty children. There are seventy-two children on the roll, the average attendance bring about sixty. The institution is supported by fees and voluntary contributions, with a grant from the Masterton Trust Lands Trust. Its maintenance costs about £200 a year, the teaching staff being a master and one assistant.
Master of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic School, Masterton, was born in Sligo, Ireland, in 1874. He came to Wellington in 1893 and received his present appointment the same year. A gold medallist of the Intermediate Education Board of Ireland, he was first in English out of 4488 competitors. He also holds several South Kensington certificates, and is a singer, swimmer, oarsman and cyclist.
(Mrs. and Miss Sheppard, principals), Queen Street, Masterton. This school, which was established in 1879 in Napier, was removed to Masterton in 1891. The two-story wooden building occupied contains twenty-two rooms, accommodating twelve boarders and about sixty day pupils. The principals are assisted by about ten teachers.
Masterton, stands on a block of ground one acre in area, purchased in 1863 from the Wairarapa Small Farms Association for the sum of £5. In the very centre of the town, at the intersection of the two main streets, and opposite the post-office, there is probably at the present moment no more valuable acre of land between Wellington and Napier. The church, built in 1864, originally small, but enlarged and consecrated in 1874, is quite unworthy of the site. It has accommodation for some 230 worshippers; but further enlargements are about to be made. The area of the parish is about 300 square miles, the population being about 8000, of whom 3600 are in the borough, and about 2000 are resident in what may be called the suburbs. As a parish, Masterton is of recent formation. In the sixties the resident clergyman was the Rev. W. Ronaldson, the C.M.S. missionary to the Maoris. Mr. Ranaldson's circuit extended from the Rimutaka Range to the Hawkes Bay province, and from Palliser Bay to the Tararua Range. On his tramp from pah to pah, Mr. Ronaldson attended to the spiritual wants of the European settlers, and is still held in affectionate remembrance by the old Maori and European residents. Mr. Ronaldson's mission work in the Wairarapa lasted from 1855 to 1868. In 1868 the European population was placed under the spiritual charge of the Rev. A. Knell, whose death is attributed to the hardships of his work in this district. Prior to his death Mr. Knell was placed at Greytown, and the huge district previously worked as one was divided, the Rev. J. F. Teakle being placed in 1875 at Masterton in charge of the North Wairarapa, then a parochial district. In 1880 the Diocesan Synod constituted the parish of Masterton, restricting the area, and forming the northern portion of its original area into the separate parochial district of Tinui. Upon the formation of the parish the nominators made choice of the Rev. W. E. Paige to the cure of the parish of Masterton, and Mr. Paige remained in charge from 1881 to 1894, when he retired and returned to the Old Country.
the Vicar of St. Matthew's Church, Masterton, was appointed in 1894. Educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, Mr. Yorke was ordained deacon in 1883, and priest the following year, and filled the office of curate at Rockhampton, Queensland, in 1883, becoming curate-in-charge of St. Laurence, Rockhampton, in 1884. The reverend gentleman was successively appointed to Bodalla, New South Wales, St. Mark's, Fitzroy, Victoria (as assistant curate), St. Matthew's, Dunedin, and St. Peter's, Queenstown.
was established over thirty years ago, the present wood and iron building, which was erected in 1871, having been twice enlarged. It occupies a capital site of an acre in extent at the corner of Queen and Hall Streets, and is seated for 250 people. Behind the church there is a very comfortable ten-roomed manse. It is probable that at an early date this building will be removed to a good site of an acre and a half in extent, which has been secured in Worksop Road. That the whole of the Church property owned by the Presbyterians in Masterton should be free from debt is a fact worthy of record. At Dreyerton, about eight miles from Masterton, there is a branch Church which will hold 100 people. Services are also held at two other country preaching places. The total attendance at the services of the Presbyterian Church in the district is some 420. In connection with the Masterton Church there are three Sunday schools with 240 children and twenty-three teachers.
the Minister in charge of the Masterton Presbyterian Church, was born in 1853 in Leith, Edinburgh, where he received his primary education. In 1877, per ship “Wanganui,” he arrived in Port Chalmers as a student to assist the Rev. Lindsay Mackie in Congregational work in connection with First Church, Dunedin. Mr. Wood took the full literary course at the Otago University and the Theological Hall, Dunedin, and became licensed in November, 1884, being called and ordained six weeks later. During his residence in the southern city, Mr. Wood organised congregations at South Dunedin and Mornington, which are now independent churches. From 1884–1890 he was minister of Lower Mataura Congregation in Southland. Since 1890 Mr. Wood has ministered to the Church in Masterton, the congregations having made steady progress, and the balance of old debts having entirely disappeared. The new Church at Pahiatua, lately established, has been greatly assisted in its establishment by Mr. Wood's efforts. For three years the reverend gentleman was convener of the committee of the Presbyterian Assembly on the state of religion and morals, and for the last two years he has acted as northern editor of the Christian Outlook. Mr. Wood was married in March, 1888, to a daughter of the late Mr. James Miller, coffee planter, of Ceylon.
situate in Quueen Street, Masterton, is a fine wooden building, having a spire which contains a single bell. The services prior to 1878 were held in a small cottage, the district being under the care of visiting clergy. The church, which will accommodate 300 people, is built on an acre section, and the grounds are well kept. Behind the church stands the minister's residence, a comfortable nine-roomed house. There is also a day and Sunday school, the roll number of pupils being eighty-five. The rector has charge of St. Mary's (Carterton), St. Theresa (Featherston), St. Anthony of Padua (Martinborough), the Sacred Heart (Greytown), and St. Joseph's, Tinui, besides the Masterton Church, the total adherents in his district numbering over 500, exclusive of children.
Irremovable Rector of St. Patrick's Church, Masterton, was born in 1860, at Newpark, Kilkenny, Ireland, and educated at the Carmelite College, Knocktopher, and at St. John's College, Waterford. Ordained in 1883 at Waterford, he came to the Colony via Australia, and was first stationed at St. Mary's Cathedral, Wellington as curate. He spent some time in Rangiora, and returning to Wellington in 1887, was appointed to Masterton, being made irremovable rector early in 1896.
is situated on a valuable section at the corner of Hall and Chapel Streets. It is a comfortable wooden building with an iron roof, seated for about four hundred. There is also a large schoolroom adjoining, the attendants at Sunday school being reported as nearly 250. Besides the local church, the ministers-in-charge holds services at Wangaehu, Rangitumau, Weraiti, and Taueru, the total number of attendants at public worship being 850, the members of the church being returned as ninety-eight.
the Minister-in-charge of the Masterton Circuit, was born in 1845 in London, and was educated at the Highbury Normal School, and at Didsbury College. The reverend gentleman arrived in Auckland per ship “City of Auckland” in 1870, and was ordained in Edinburgh two years afterwards. He has successively ministered in Port Chalmers, Wellington, Napier, Christchurch, Springston, Dunedin, Waimate, and Kaiapoi, having been appointed to Masterton in 1896. For one year Mr. Smalley was connexional evangelist for the Colony, and for three years he was in England. During his trip he visited Palestine and Egypt for educational purposes, and since his return to New Zealand has delivered popular lectures as the result of his tour. In 1874 Mr. Smalley was married to the third daughter of the late Mr. John Donald, J.P., of Edinburgh. Mrs. Smalley, who, like her husband, is a temperance advocate, is an accredited local preacher in the Wesleyan Church, and large audiences are attracted when she is announced to preach.
(President, W. H. Beetham; Hon. Treasurer, J. C. Boddington; Secretary, William Sellar), Chapel Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This popular club meets in a convenient wooden building of one story, having about 1000 square feet of space available. The accommodation consists of readingroom, committee and meeting-rooms, and billiard-room, containing a first-rate table. The custodian resides in rooms upon the premises. The whole is well fitted up and adapted as a gentleman's club for the Wairarapa district. The membership is about eighty The club was established in 1877.
of which the late Mr. Joseph Masters, after whom the borough was named, was the first master, was established in the early days. The Masonic Hall was erected in Bannister Street at a cost of £400 on land presented to the Lodge by Mr. Masters; a harmonium, together with a cheque for £25, being given by Mr. W. Lowes, and a legacy of £25 being left by the late Mr. C. A. Vallance. The officers (1896) are: Messrs. W. C. Cargill (W.M.), F. H. Ibbitson (immediate P.M. and treasurer), W. H. de Lisle (S.W.), E. H. Eton (J.W.), and W. Sellar (secretary). Meetings are held on the second Wednesday in each month.
I.O.O.F., M.U., No. 6263, meets fortnightly in the Foresters' Hall, Queen Street Secretary, Mr. R. Krahagen.
No. 119, U.A.O.D., Masterton, meets in the Foresters' Hall, Queen Street, on alternate Tuesdays. Secretary, Mr. G. Cork, Lincoln Road.
Ancient Order of Foresters. Officers (1896): Messrs. R. Brown (C.R.), G. Dixon (S.C.R.), W. Candy (treasurer), T. Duncan (secretary), W. Blinkhorn (S.W.), W. H. Cole (J.W.), J. Hanley (S.B.), and G. T. Beaumelberg (J.B). The Lodge holds meetings on each alternate Friday in the Foresters' Hall, which is on the upper floor of a two-story wooden structure situate in Queen Street, Masterton, the ground floor being let as a shop.
I.O.G.T., No. 203, Masterton, meets on Wednesday evenings at 7.30 o'clock. The Lodge has been established many years, and has a large membership.
I.O.R., No. 38, meets of alternate Wednesdays at 8 p.m. in the Foresters' Hall, Queen Street. Secretary, Mr. J. J. Falk. The Juvenile Branch meets at 7.30 p.m. Secretary, Mr. F. Temple.
holds two meetings in the year—one in spring and the other in autumn. The meetings are held in the Masterton Park Oval.
was established in 1876, the late Mr. C. A. Vallance being the first president, and the late Mr. J. Gallighan the first vice-president. The officers (1896) are: Messrs. E. W. Dorset (president), J. Harvey and A. McLeod (vice-presidents), W. Lowes (hon. treasurer), W. Sellar (secretary), and over thirty directors. The annual sports, which are held each New Year's Day in the Masterton Public Park, usually attract from 2000 to 8000 people, prizes to the amount of £100 to £120 being distributed among the competitors for amateur and professional events.
who has filled the office of Secretary of the Caledonian Society for eighteen years, was born in 1850 in Aberdeen, where he was educated. Arriving in Lyttelton in 1874 per ship “Star of India,” he became bookkeeper to Messrs. Edmondson, Sellar and Co., warehousemen, of Wellington, for three years. With Mr. F. W. Hales, of Flat Point station, he commenced business in Masterton in 1877 as a general storekeeper, under the style of Sellar and Hales, but after three-and-a-half years the business was wound up, Mr. Sellar commencing his career as a commission agent, which he still continues. Mr. Sellar has been prominent as secretary of many local institutions for long periods, notably of the Masterton Hospital Committee, the Masterton School Committee, the Masterton Park Trustees, and the Masterton Club, for fourteen years each, and of the Masterton Masonic Lodge for eight years. As a member of the craft, the subject of this notice has held office in the Lodge from 1881 to the time of writing. In 1878 Mr. Sellar was married to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Corbett, provincial engineer, who laid off the township of Masterton, and has two sons and three daughters.
consists of delegates from the football clubs in the Wairarapa. The colours are red and blue. Secretary, Mr. F. D. McGovern.
President, Mr. A. W. Cave; captain, Mr. F. McGovern; secretary, Mr. C. W. Perry, Masterton.
holds its annual meeting in March. President, Mr. A. Walker; captain, Mr. J. Morris; secretary and treasurer, Mr. F. J. Butement.
holds its annual meeting in the first week in August. Secretary, Mr. N. D. Bunting.
Officers (1896): Messrs. J. J. Mackersey (president), W. Wardell, J. A. Hives, and J. M. Meredith (vice-presidents), E. M. D. Whatman, A. P. Whatman, W. Scott, W. J. Feist, W. Broderick, J. Longstaff, J. C. Walker, T. H. Thompson (committee), J. M. Meredith, and W. Wardell (handicappers), and T. Duncan (secretary). This Club, which was established in 1886, holds four meetings each year.
Officers (1896): Messrs. A. W. Cave (president), J. Macara and J.
the President of the Masterton Racing Club, is one of the early settlers in the Wairarapa, having arrived in the district in 1862. Born at Gloucester in 1840, and educated at Dursley Grammar School, Mr. Cave adopted the life of a farmer, and left in 1862 per ship “Maria” for New Zealand. For eight years he was engaged in the carrying trade between Wellington and Wairarapa when the roads and bridges were very defective. Mr. Cave had many rough experiences. Upon one occasion a bridge broke down, precipitating himself and his waggon some twenty feet into the stream below. In 1870 Mr. Cave purchased 900 acres at Te Ore Ore, which was named “Woodleigh,” where he has a charming residence within a few miles of Masterton. As a breeder of sheep, cattle and race horses, he has been sucessful. He has bred, owned and raced “Sea Serpent,” “Seal,” “On Dit,” “Rose Fisher,” “First King” and “Katofeldto”—the mother of these six well-known racehorses being “Rumour.” In the local meetings Mr. Cave's colours have often forged their way to the front, the wins being always most popular. At “Wood-leigh “there is a splendid private training track, on which the horses are prepared for the engagements. Mr. Cave's farm may be considered a model one. His flock consists of Lincoln sheep—1200 in number—in addition to about 100 head of cattle. Besides racing, Mr. Cave takes a keen interest in field sports of all kinds, and has been president of the Masterton Football Club for many years. His father (who is ninety years of age at the time of writing) resides at “Woodleigh.” Mrs. Cave is a sister of the well-known and popular Masterton auctioneer, Mr. Iorns, and a granddaughter of the late Mr. Jas. Masters, after whom Masterton is named.
holds its annual meeting in June or July. Secretary, Mr. William Lowes.
holds its annual meeting in June. Secretary, Mr. Jas. A. Robertson.
situate in Chapel Street, Masterton, which are among the leading attractions for tourists in the district, are considered to be the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. The land, which comprises thirteen-and-a-half acres, held under lease, and situated in one of the highest portions of the borough, is securely enclosed, the road frontage having a high wooden fence and macrocarpa hedge. There is a splendid water supply all the year round, which flows from several large springs, and is of an even temperature for hatching and rearing the young fish. The hatching house contains hatching boxes, which, at the time of the writer's visit (August, 1896), were full mostly of young fish in various stages of development, some, however, containing the eggs or ova. Outside this house there are ponds and rearing races, where large numbers of fish disport themselves. These ponds are so constructed that each can be emptied for cleansing purposes independently of any other. This interesting establishment was founded in 1885, and in the following year, when the present curator took charge, about 15,000 ova were dealt with. In 1895 the total was 1,532,000, and in the present season no less than 2,045,000. These figures speak volumes. Large quantities of young fish are sent from these hatcheries to all parts of New Zealand, and to many places in Australia. The original ova, which was procured from England, includes the English brown, Loch Levan, Scotch burn, American rainbow, American brook, and Carpione trout, besides the real salmon. The curator has conducted some experiments in crossing, and has succeeded in producing brown and rainbow trout hybrids. He also undertakes the rearing of ducks of the following varieties: English mallard, pochara, and Gadwall, New Zealand paradise and grey, as well as Carolina teal. The Society have also a pheasant rearing establishment at Greytown, under the supervision of Mr. Knowlton, who is an expert in this branch of the work.
Curator of the Trout Hatcheries, who is a son of one of Otago's early settlers, Mr. Peter Ayson, was born in 1855 in Otago, where he was educated at the public schools. Brought up to the calling of a farmer, he commenced to make experiments in fish hatching by way of diversion in 1880. His success was such that he became a thorough master of the methods of hatching and rearing, and his appointment to the position he now holds has been abundantly justified by the results shown. Energy, coupled with untiring industry, have been essential to Mr. Ayson's magnificent success as curator of the splendid establishment over which he presides. During the season he has
was established in 1893, the officers (1896) being: Messrs. W. H. Hosking, M.R.C.S.E. (president), M. Caselberg (vice-president), D. R. Robinson (chairman), W. Dougall, M. O. Meadows, and B. P. Ginders (committee), W. Sellar (secretary), A. K. Von Keisenberg (conductor), and J. Candy (leader of orchestra). The Society has already produced “The Sorcerer,” “Lea Cloches de Corneville,” and at the time of writing the “Mikado” is being prepared.
Music Teacher and Professor of Singing, Church Street, Masterton. Mr. Von Keisenberg was born in Saxony in 1857, and educated at the Civil College in Darmstadt, studying music under the well-known composer, Herr Schmidt, who taught, among others, the late Prince Henry of Battenburg. After completing his education at a military college in Berlin, Mr. Von Keisenberg passed the necessary examinations, and was appointed an officer in the German army, in which he served four years. After a visit to England, he came to New Zealand in the ship “Euterpe,” and established himself as professor of music in Lyttelton. In 1881 he settled in Masterton, in which he has a large number of pupils, as well as in the surrounding district. He was the conductor of the first Operatic Society in Masterton, and bas been connected with a great many of the local societies.
Pianist and Teacher of Singing, “The School of Music,” Masterton. A son of Surgeon-Major-General Meadows, the subject of this notice was educated at Edinburgh University. Originally intended for the medical profession, and having almost completed his course of study as a throat specialist, Mr. Meadows resolved to abandon his studies in order to devote his attention to the musical profession, which proved more attractive. For this purpose he studied singing and voice production under the well-known Herr Bach, and made rapid progress. Coming to Australia he joined the professional ranks, and for some years toured Australia with various operatic companies. After further dramatic experience in the sister colonies, Mr. Meadows resolved to make New Zealand his headquarters, and settled in Masterton as a teacher. His services are in great demand for all local entertainments, and as conductor, scene painter, and performer, he is one of the mainstays of the local opera company. In athletic circles he is well knownn as an enthusiastic cyclist, and as deputy-captain of the Amateur Athletic Club. Both as choirmaster and teacher Mr. Meadows is most sucessful, and has a large and increasing number of pupils.
Teacher of Music, Lincoln Road, Masterton. Since 1884 Miss Pearson has been engaged in teaching, in which she has been most successfuly a large number of her pupils having passed the Trinity College Examinations. Besides teaching elementary singing, Miss Pearson thoroughly grounds her pupils in harmony, theory of music and counterpoint. At the early age of five years Miss Pearson commenced the rudiments with her mother, and then took lessons from Miss Jean Morrison, and afterwards studied under the celebrated Mrs. Cross, R.A.M., of London. The subject of this notice is considered a most successful teacher, and hence she has large numbers of pupils. As a pianist she has always been willing to give her services to local concerts.
(Joseph Payton, proprietor), Church Street, Masterton. Telegraphic address, “Daily, Masterton.” P.O. Box 52. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence of proprietor, Victoria Street. The Daily, which is issued every evening, was established by Mr. Payton in 1878. Politically the journal has decided leaning to the Conservative side. In circulates throughout a wide district embracing the whole of the Wairarapa and Forty-mile Bush, and is a capital medium for advertisers. The proprietor is a subscriber to the New Zealand Press Association, thus securing the latest cablegrams for the numerous subscribers and casual readers of the Wairarapa Daily Times. The machinery includes all necessary plant, and is driven by a gas-engine of one-and-a-half horse-power. Mr. Payton is an importer of paper bags, picture almanacs, and other materials. Born in Warwickshire, England, he came to New Zealand in 1865 per ship “James Lister.” For a time he was in partnership with the late Mr. Richard Wakelin, of Greytown, commonly known as the father of New Zealand journalism.
(Proprietor and Editor, William Clement Cargill), corner of Queen and Hall Streets. Telegraphic and cable address, “Star, Masterton.” P.O. Box 19. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Agents and correspondents throughout the North Island. On arrival in the Colony, in 1888, Mr. Cargill decided to see something of New Zealand before locating himself. It was not till 1892 that the Wairarapa Star became the property of Mr. Cargill. The paper dates back from 1881, since which time it has regularly been issued. The building occupied by the Star, as it is familiarly called in the Wairarapa, is a two-story building, built of wood and iron, containing about 3000 square feet of floorage space. The motive power is a gas engine of two-and a-half-horse-power. The machinery includes a double royal printing press for the paper, guillotine, and smaller presses for general jobbing work. From fourteen to twenty hands are employed in the composing, machining and delivering of the dailies and weekly. The paper circulates throughout the entire Wairarapa, as well as through the Forty-Mile Bush. The papers have extensive circulations in the districts where they are local, and are also sent as exchanges to the various newspapers of the Colony. Mr. Cargill is a direct importer from England and America of paper suitable for the requirements of his business. Having established first-rate connections with some of the best houses in the “world's metropolis,” Mr. Cargill is enabled to buy “rigbt,” which is indeed an all-important matter, and one that will tend almost more than any other to the success of an office. As an advertising agency, the Wairarapa Star is a grand medium, circulating throughout the length and breadth of a vast and fertile district. It is equally good for the local business notice, as well as for the merchant or manufacturer at the seaports of the Colony, while for British firms seeking to do a trade with New Zealand, it has few superiors. The Star is published daily as an evening paper. It has four pages, and measures twenty-eight by forty-five inches. Mr. Cargill has been successful in his management of the Star, which has espoused the Liberal cause freely and forcibly. On all matters of local politics, the Star sheds a bright light, ever seeking to lead the public sentiments in the direction of real improvement, while at the same time endeavouring to restrain from all rash ventures. It is essentially a local paper, and as such its columns contain interesting items from the numerous correspondents in the various centres of population. Telegrams from the chief towns of the Colony, and cable-grams from the great world beyond, all find a place in the columns of the Star, and there is no wonder that it continues to grow in public favour and support. In conjunction with the Star, Mr. Cargill publishes the Eketahuna and Pahiatua Mail daily, at 11 a.m., in time for the morning train. The Weekly Star is issued each Thursday. It is a sixteen page journal, thirteen-and-a-half by seventeen inches, and contains a vast fund of information, instructive and amusing. A supplement, containing a well-written serial story, science notes, and other matter, is issued with the Weekly Star.
the acting Editor of the Wairarapa Star, who is he second son of one of the earliest settlers in the Wairarapa, was born in Masterton in 1867, and educated locally. Apprenticed in the Wairarapa Daily Times office, after five years he went to Victoria, and, at the age of twenty, was appointed manager and editor of the St. Arnaud Mercury. Mr. Vile returned to New Zealand in 1889, and for three years acted as sub-editor of the Wairarapa Daily Times, being appointed in 1893 to his present position. Mr. Vile takes a keen interest in local public matters, being elected in 1893 to the Trust Lands Trust by a large majority. As a member of that body he used his influence to secure a town hall for Masterton. Chiefly through his efforts a measure was passed through Parliament authorising the ratepayers to borrow £2500 for the purpose. After two years fighting, the proposal to raise the loan was carried by a large majority of the ratepayers. In recognition of his efforts, Mr. Vile has been called the “father of the town hall.” He has served on the local school committee, and was the promoter of the Wairarapa Liberal Association, of which he is also secretary. He has also taken a keen interest in technical education, and is a member of the Technical School Committee. He has been correspondent for the leading provincial papers for several years. Mr. Vile is married, and has two children.
which was established in the old provincial days—over thirty years ago—occupies a good position not far from the Post-office corner. For a long time the Masterton Court was the sole court for the whole of the Wairarapa district, but in 1890 local courts were established at Featherston, Carterton and Greytown, constable clerks being appointed. The new courthouse—a convenient wooden structure—which was built in 1884, contains a large court-room, together with District Judge's and Stipendiary Magistrate's, clerks', solicitors', and jury rooms, besides library, the old court being used as occasion requires. Civil sittings of the Court are held fortnightly by the Stipendiary Magistrate, police and special business being taken in his absence by the local justices. The District Court, which is presided over by Judge Kettle, sits quarterly, Mr. Hutchison, S.M., has seven Courts under his supervision in addition to Masterton, viz., Featherston, Carterton, Greytown, Eketahuna. Pahiatua, Woodville, and Tinui.
Stipendiary Magistrate for the Masterton district, who is also Judge of Assessment Court, Sheriff and Returning Officer for the Wairarapa, and Chairman of the Wairarapa and Masterton Licensing Committee, was born in Dundee, Scotland, in 1855, and arrived in Auckland in the early sixties. Mr. Hutchison's education was commenced in Ireland, and finished at the Otago University. After studying law under his brother, Mr. George Hutchison, M.H.R., he was admitted a barrister of the Supreme Court by His Honor the Chief Justice in 1876. In April, 1893, after practising his profession in Wellington and Hawera for many years, Mr. Hutchison was appointed to the position he now holds. He was married in 1882 to a daughter of the late Mr. C. F. Hales, of Flat Point station, and has four sons and a daughter.
Stipendiary Magistrate, was born in London in 1830, and educated at Stock's School in that city. Having married Miss Thorne, of Staines, he came to Auckland in 1855, in the ship “Merchantman.” In October of that year he was appointed magistrate in charge of the district extending from the Wairoa River to the East Cape, his headquarters being Tauranga, Poverty Bay. After five years service he was appointed resident magistrate and sheriff of the Wairarapa district, which position he held for about twenty-five years, when he was appointed to the Wellington district. Upon leaving the Wairarapa to enter on his new charge, he was presented with a piece of silver plate and an illuminated address, which testified to his services in preserving peace in times of native excitement. In 1888 Mr. Wardell retired on his pension, but still acts as relieving magistrate for the Colony. Acquiring Te Whiti station on lease in 1873, he subsequently secured the freehold. The estate, which comprises about 4000 acres of hilly country between the Ruamahunga and Taueru Rivers, is leased to his sons as a sheep run. Mrs. Wardell died in 1887, and three years later Mr. Wardell married the widow of the late Mr. John Sheehan. His family consists of three sons and four daughters by his first wife, and one daughter by the second. Two of Mr. Wardell's sons live at Te Whiti, three daughters being married, viz., Mrs. Norman Beetham, Mrs. John Macrae, and Mrs. George Pearce. Mr. Wardell was one of the founders and the first president of the home for the Aged Needy in Wellington, and is a vice-president of the Wellington Fine Arts Society. He is now the senior magistrate on the bench in New Zealand.
Clerk of the District and Magistrate's Courts, Clerk of the Licensing Committee, Returning Officer, Registrar of Electors, and Deputy Sheriff, is the
Barrister and Solicitor, Queen Street, Masterton. P.O. Box 66. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Branch at Carterton. Private residence, corner of Cole and Chapel Streets. Mr. Beard was born in Shropshire, England, and belongs to a Sussex family. Coming to New Zealand in the year 1868 per ship “Excelsior,” he was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in March, 1874.
Barrister and Solicitor, Queen Street. P.O. Box 38. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. London agents, Baker and Nairn, solicitors. Private residence, Worksop Road. Mr. Bunny is a native of Newbury, Berkshire, and arrived in the Colony in 1854 with his parents, per ship “Duke of Portland,” from London. His articles, which were completed in December, 1875, were served with Adams and Kingdon, of Nelson. In January, 1876, Mr. Bunny, having passed the stipulated examination, was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. He at once selected the Wairarapa and settled in Masterton, establishing himself in business the same year. Mr. Bunny holds quite a number of prominent appointments, among which are the following:—Borough solicitor to Masterton Council, solicitor to the Deputy Official Assignee, Masterton Trust Lands Trustees, Bank of New Zealand, Masterton Hospital Trustees, and the Government Stock Department for Wairarapa. Mr. Bunny is one of the trustees of the Masterton Public Park, and likewise of the Masterton Cemetery. For some years he has been a director of the Masterton Investment and Building Society, and is the oldest director on the present Board.
Barrister and Solicitor, Queen Street. P.O. Box 6. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Upper Plain. Mr. Gawith is a native of the city of Wellington, where he served his articles with Messrs. Izard and Pharazyn. He completed his articles in 1875, and having passed the necessary examinations, was admitted the same year as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. Immediately upon admission, Mr. Gawith decided upon Masterton as a place of residence, and at once established himself in his present practice. Mr. Gawith is solicitor to the Masterton Permanent Investment and Building Society.
Barrister and Solicitor, Perry Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Dixon Street. Mr. Jackson was born at the Lower Hutt, and was articled to the Hon. P. A., now Sir Patrick Buckley, Completing his term in 1886, Mr. Jackson continued for a year with Messrs. Buckley, Stafford, and Fitzherbert, and then established himself in his profession at the Lower Hutt. In 1890 he took offices in Wellington, where he remained until March 1893, when he removed to Masterton, and located himself as above. Mr. Jackson was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in 1887.
Barrister and Solicitor, Queen Street, Masterton. P.O. Box 73. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Chamberlain Street. Mr. Pownall was born in Auckland, but came to Wellington with his late father's family when quite young. He was educated at the Thorndon School and Wellington College, and matriculated at the New Zealand and Cambridge Universities. Mr. Pownall was articled to Mr. W. B. Edwards (now Mr. Justice Edwards), of Wellington, and completed his articles in 1887. During the same year he established himself as above, and has done exceedingly well. He is solicitor for the Government Life Insurance Department and Crown Advances to Settlers Office. Mr. Pownall is popular in the district, having been thrice elected to the honourable position of mayor of Masterton. He is captain of the Masterton Rifle Volunteers, and “Worshipful Master” of the Masonic Lodge.
Barrister and Solicitor, Queen Street, Masterton. Branch at Eketahuna. Private residence, Kintoss Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Skipper is a native of Cambridgeshire, and was educated at Marlborough College. He was articled to Digby and Son, Lincoln's Inn Fields, and was admitted as a solicitor in 1860 in England, and as a barrister in 1876 in New Zealand. He came to the Colony in 1875 per ship “Lactura.” His London agents are Pierce, Jones and Co.
M.D., M.R.C.S. (England), and L.S.A. (London, 1877), Physician and Surgeon, Perry Street, Masterton. This medical practitioner was educated in England, and studied for the profession in London, where he gained his diploma. Arriving in the Colony, per ship “Wanganui,” in 1879, Dr. Beard settled in Masterton and commenced the practice of his profession.
J.P., M.B., B.Ch. (New Zealand), M.R.C.S. (England), L.R.C.P. (London), Physician and Surgeon, “Avalon,” Hall Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales, P.O. Box 51. Dr. Butement was born in Dunedin in 1866, and was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch. In the University of Otago he graduated, taking the degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 1890. He was in charge of the Dunedin Hospital for some time in 1891, and later acted as locum tenens in Wellington for twelve months. In the following year he went to England, where in 1893 he gained his diplomas as M.R.C.S. (England), and L.R.C.P. (London), returning to New Zealand in July of that year. He then settled in Masterton to practise his profession. Dr. Butement is surgeon to various local benefit societies, and is interested in all field sports. being a vice-president of the Wairarapa Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club, and of the New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association.
M.R.C.S., England, L.S.A.L., L.R.C.P., and L.M.I., Physician and Surgeon, Church Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Dr. Hosking is a native of Cornwall. He was educated at Falmouth and Taunton, and studied at the Charing Cross Hospital Medical School, obtaining his English qualifications. In 1863 Dr. Hosking came to the Colony per ship “New Great Britain.” He practised at Campbelltown and Rose till 1873, acting as surgeon to Ross Hospital. In 1875 he established himself in Masterton. He has been surgeon to the local Hospital since its establishment. Dr. Hosking is a Justice of the Peace.
Surgeon and Mechanical Dentist, Hall Street. Mr. Ginders is a son of Dr. Ginders, resident medical man in charge of Rotorua Sanatorium. He was educated at Wellington College, and studied his profession with Mr. Hoby in Wellington. Having passed the prescribed examinations on the 20th May, 1890, the requisite certificate under the Dentists Act was issued. Mr. Ginders was for some time with the late W. H. Skeat, dentist, of Auckland. The present business was founded in October, 1891. In athletics, Mr. Ginders is an enthusiastic footballer, and was captain of the Red Star Club, Masterton, in 1891. He is a native of Yorkshire, and reached the Colony per ship “Lady Jocelyn,” in 1879.
Surgeon and Mechanical Dentist, Chapel Street. P.O. Box 69. London agents, Ash and Sons, Golden Square, Broad Street, E.C. Mr. Moffitt, who hails from Northumberland, came to New Zealand in 1843, per ship “Louisa Campbell,” with his parents. He was educated at St. John's College, Auckland, under Bishop Selwyn, and studied dentistry with his father, Mr. C. H. Moffitt, in Auckland and Wellington. He commenced practice in 1859, and has continued ever since. The present business was established in 1890. Mr. Moffitt is a lieutenant in the Colonial Militia, and served during the Maori War, having charge of companies on two different occasions of threatened outbreak.
Chemist and Druggist, Queen Street, Masterton. P.O. Box 61. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Eton began business in Masterton in the year 1884; but prior to that he had extensive experience in Wellington, in Christchurch, and in Birmingham. It was in Birmingham that he learned his profession. His imports are mainly from England and America. Of course he stocks all the noted patent medicines, and has quite a number of his own proprietary articles. Among the most important of these are—Eton's cough emulsion, cough linctus, neuralgia cure—said to be marvellously effective—hair forcer, dandelion and sarsaparilla blood mixture, and many others. For the blood mixture, Mr. Eton has found a particularly large demand—a most satisfactory evidence of its efficacious qualities. The shop is well stocked and tastefully fitted, presenting an appearance that some of the city shops would do well to imitate. It occupies a fine site in the very centre of the business part of Masterton. The consulting room is also large and well-appointed. Being the public vaccinator under the Government, Mr. Eton has wisely made suitable provision for all requirements in this department. Mr. Eton is the sole agent in the Wairarapa for Mr. N. Lazarus, the oculist and optician, of London and Calcutta, and has every convenience and appliance for sight testing, and can supply lenses to suit any sight. A good dwelling is attached to the shop; urgent cases may therefore be attended to at any hour. Mr. Eton has spared no pains to make his establishment attractive and convenient, and evidence is not wanting to show that his efforts in this direction are appreciated by his many friends and the general public of Masterton. Mr. Eton was born in London, and arrived in New Zealand in 1880, per ship “Piako.”
Pharmacentical Chemist, Medical Hall, Queen Street, P.O. Box 53. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. London agents, Evans, Lescher, and Webb, 60 Bartholomew Close, E.C., Private residence, Perry Street. Mr. Mason was apprenticed to J. A. Allan, of Lambton Quay, completing his term in 1874. He subsequently acted as manager for some Napier establishments. The present business was established in 1870 by the late W. H. Skeet, Mr. Mason becoming proprietor in 1878. The building, which is of iron, and two stories in height, was built for the purpose of the business, the freehold being Mr. Mason's property. The architect was Mr. G. Fannin, and Mr. J. Montgomery was the contractor. The total floorage space available is over 2000 square feet. The shop is beautifully fitted up with every convenience in the shape of show-cases, with plate-glass fronts. The engraving below is a faithful representation of this well-known establishment. Mr. Mason is a direct importer of drugs of the finest quality from the best markets of the world. He also keeps a considerable stock of perfumery and toilet requisites, as well as patent medicines. The business extends throughout the Wairarapa district.
Pharmaceutical Chemist, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. This business, which has only recently been opened, promises to become a successful one. Mr. Wood has had considerable experience in his profession, having passed the New Zealand Pharmacy Board's examination in April, 1894. He is a second son of the late Mr. James Wood, founder of the Hawkes Bay Herald, and was born at Roseneath, Taradale, Hawkes Bay, in 1870, and was educated at the Auckland College and Grammar School. On completing his educational career, he served four years with Mr. T. A. Crawford, chemist, Newton, Auckland. After completing
Hardie, G. M., and Co., Herbalists, Queen Street, Masterton, Branch of main business at Wellington.
which was established in Masterton in November, 1875, is situated in the heart of the town. The business of the branch was first conducted in a small building which was replaced by a large wooden structure early in 1879. These premises were destroyed by fire shortly after possession was taken. A contract for a substantial brick edifice was almost immediately let, the present commodious single story building—finished in December, 1879—being the result. The Queen Street frontage is used as banking chamber and private office, a five-roomed residence for the manager forming the back portion of the premises.
Manager of the Branch of the Bank of Australasia, was born in 1852 in Port Lincoln, South Australia, where he was educated. Entering the Bank of Australasia in his native place as a junior in 1866, Mr. Smith was four years later transferred to Adelaide as junior clerk. In 1874 the subject of this notice came to New Zealand, being stationed in Christchurch and holding the position of bill clerk. The following year he became teller at the Wellington office of the Bank, from which he was soon afterwards removed to Napier as accountant. In April, 1876, Mr. Smith was promoted to the position of manager and took charge of the Waipawa branch, remaining three years. He was subsequently for five years in Marton, receiving the appointment he now holds in 1884. As a member of the Masonic fraternity, though presently unattached, Mr. Smith joined Lodge Tavistock at Waipukurau, and was afterwards a member of the Lodge at Waipawa, where also he joined the Order of Oddfellows. As a youth Mr. Smith was a cricketer; his recreations since settling in Masterton have been angling, shooting, and cycling.
was established in Masterton in 1885, in temporary wooden premises, the present two-story wooden building in Queen Street being erected two years later. The ground floor front is occupied as banking chamber and manager's room, the remainder of the building forming a nine-roomed residence for the manager. The Bank has a large mercantile and squatting connection in the Wairarapa. The local staff includes four officers in addition to the manager.
the Manager of the Masterton branch of the Bank of New South Wales, who was born in London in 1856, arrived with his parents during the same year in Auckland per ship “Gipsy.” Educated at Parnell Grammar School, Auckland, under the Rev. Dr. Kinder, and at the Napier Grammar School, under the Rev. W. Marshall, Mr. Tabuteau entered the Government service in the office of the Registrar of Deeds at Napier. Joining the Bank of New South Wales in 1873, he remained at the Napier office for five years, when he was promoted to the position of manager at Hawera. After two years he was removed to Gisborne, where he remained a like period. He was accountant at Wellington for the following four years, and in 1886 Mr. Tabuteau became manager of the Masterton branch. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, his mater Lodge being the Victoria Lodge, E.O., of Napier. He is at present unattached.
Masterton, was established in 1874, the two-story wooden building now occupied being erected shortly afterwards. The ground floor front of the Bank is used as banking chamber, into which the manager's room opens. Behind, and on the upper floor, there is a residence of eight rooms, in which the manager resides. The staff consists of manager, accountant, teller, ledger-keeper, and a junior.
Manager of the Bank of New Zealand, Masterton, is the second son of Mr. Sidney Brandon, late manager of the Bank of New Zealand at Napier, and a nephew of the late Hon. A. de B. Brandon, M.L.C., of Wellington. Mr. J. P. Brandon was born at Lyttelton in 1861, and educated at Wellington College. After a law and insurance experience in the Empire City, he entered the service of the Colonial Bank of New Zealand in 1890 at Wellington. For some time he was manager of the Palmerston North branch of the Bank, and on the amalgamation with the Bank of New Zealand, he joined the staff, being appointed to the position he now holds in 1896.
(incorporated under the Building Societies Act, 1880). Directors, Messrs. J. C. Boddington (chairman), A. R. Bunny, J. Elliott, W. Lowes, J. Macara, J. Payton; solicitor, C. F. Gawith; manager, J. B. Keith. Offices, Queen Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This Society was established in 1876.
who has been chairman of the Masterton Building Society for seventeen years, was born in 1841 at Hampstead, near London. Arriving in -the Colony at the age of sixteen months with his father, the late Mr. James Boddington, of Compton Grange, on the Porirua Road—now known as Khandallah—the subject of this notice was educated in New Zealand. After two years in a mercantile office he joined the Union Bank in 1858, the Bank of New Zealand in Wellington in January, 1862, and successively occupied the position of accountant at Nelson, Wellington, and Dunedin, manager at Kaiapoi, Lyttelton, and Masterton, where he arrived in January, 1879, and retired on pension in 1896. During his residence in the Wairarapa Mr. Boddington has been prominent as a trustce of the Park Trust for seventeen years, of the local hospital for seventeen years, for the past fifteen of which he has been chairman; as chairman of the school committee for eight years, and as honorary treasurer of the Masterton Club for sixteen years. The subject of this notice married a daughter of Mr. William Henry Staunton, of Hampstead, and has three sons and four daughters.
Commission Agent, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in 1896. Further particulars of Mr. Boddington's career will be found under Masterton Building Society, of which he is chairman.
Land, Estate, and General Commission Agent, Perry Street. Mr. Chennells is a native of Hertfordshire. He was brought up to mercantile life in Luton, Bedfordshire, and came out to New Zealand in 1883. On arrival he settled in Masterton, and for twelve months was with the Wairarapa, Daily Times. In 1884 he established the present business, which has steadily extended as the years have passed away. For several years Mr. Chennells acted as hon. secretary to the Masterton Horticultural and Industrial Society, but was compelled to resign the position, by reason of the pressure of his business engagements. Mr. Chennells is Deputy Official Assignee for the Wairarapa, and is also agent for the Public Trusts. He acts for the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company, the London and Lancashire Fire Insurance Company, and the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Company. Mr. Chennells is agent for the Mercantile and Bank-ruptcy Gazette of New Zealand, and is secretary to the Masterton Blacksmith and Wheelwright Ma infacturing Company, Limited. Mr. Chennells undertakes the managenment of estates for absentees and others, and may be safely trusted in all matters relating to the purchase and sale of properties.
Land and Insurance Agent, Perry Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, “The Laurels,” Chapel Street. Mr. Dalrymple is descended from a very
Wairarapa representative of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, Masterton. Mr. Ewart, who is a cousin of Dr. Ewart, of the Wellington Hospital, was born in 1858, in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. Arriving in Port Chalmers in 1878, he was farming in Southland till 1886, when he entered the service of the Loan and Mercantile Company as station-manager in Hawkes Bay. From 1889 to 1892 he engaged in the stock agency business, becoming stock buyer for the Gear Company for two years ending 1894, when he was appointed representative for his Company in the district. Mr. Ewart was married in 1892 to a daughter of Mr. A. H. Ross, of Dunedin, late M.H.R. for Roslyn, and has a son and a daughter.
(Robert Edward Hornblow), Auctioneers, Land, Loan, and General Commission Agents, Queen Street, Masterton. P.O. Box 92. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Branches, Eketahuna, Carterton, and Tinui. Private residence, Worksop Road. Mr. Hornblow established the above business in 1894, but he was no stranger in the Wellington district. Born in the Empire City in 1861, at the early age of ten years he went into the printing office of the late Mr. J. Wakelin, of Greytown, and at the age of seventeen, when boys now-a-days are in the first year of their term, Mr. Hornblow had completed his apprenticeship and was recognized in the trade as a fully-fledged printer. After a long and varied experience in connection with such well-known newspapers as the Wairarapa Standard, of Greytown, the Wairarapa Daily Times, of Masterton, and the New Zealand Times, of Wellington, Mr. Hornblow deciled to enter business on his own account in Masterton as a general printer. It was while thus established that Mr. Hornblow occupied the position of borough councillor for the usual term of three years. In 1894 he contested for the mayoralty of the town, but was unsuccessful. In 1884 Mr. Hornblow made a most decided change in his business career. Wisely severing his connection with printer's ink, he embarked in what was to him at that time quite a new occupation. Success, however, of no mean order has resulted from this change, for not only has his ordinary business prospered well, but he has been enabled to take advantage of rare opportunities for speculation. In this way Mr. Hornblow has become a very considerable landowner, and that in a part of the country where lands are rapidly increasing in value. The premises in which Mr. Hornblow conducts his business are large and conveniently arranged. He claims to have put up the largest auction mart in the Wairarapa, in which he has done very well, his popular weekly sales drawing large crowds every Saturday. The building has a frontage to Queen Street of 33 feet by a depth of 60 feet. Mr. J. Montgomery was the builder, and the late Mr. G. K. Bond prepared the plans and specifications and superintended the erection. Sales of landed and other properties are frequently held, and of drapery furniture, works of art, etc., at regular intervals. As a land and commission agent Mr. Hornblow's intimate knowledge of the districts stands him in good stead. There are very few visitors in search of properties who do not make his office the first place of call. The agencies held include the United Insurance Company, the Southland Chemical Works, and some of the financial firms of Wellington and other cities of the Colony. The branches of the business at Eketahuna, Carterton, and Tinui are under capable management, and contribute to the success of the establishment. On all counts Mr. Hornblow is to be congratulated on the success of his venture.
Licensed Native Interpreter, Perry Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Te Ore Ore. The subject of this notice, who is a son of the late Mr. Richard Iorns, one of the early settlers, was born In Wellington in 1849, and has been a resident in the Wairarapa since he was five years old. Mr. Iorns was educated in Masterton, and having associated with the Maoris since his early days he acquired their language, becoming a licensed native interpreter in 1884. Since this time Mr. Iorns acted for both Europeans and natives, and has been successful in dealing with a large quantity of land. He is well known in the Wairarapa district, and will undertake commissions in native matters in any part of the Colony. Mr. Iorns has acted as clerk of the course for the Masterton-Opaki Jockey Club since its inception.
Land, Estate, Commission, Financial and Investment Agent, Accountant, Shipping and Insurance Agent, Queen Street. Cable address, “Keith, Masterton,” code ABC. P.O. Box 63. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Keith is a native of Scotland. He was brought up to mercantile life in Liverpool, and came to New Zealand per ship “Oamaru,” in 1875. For a short time he resided in Dunedin, and subsequently occupied a responsible position in Cargill, Gibbs, and Co.'s house in Invercargill. He then entered the service of the N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agerncy company, with whom he continued for twelve years, during the last ten of which he made all the valuations required by the company in Masterton. The business was established in 1892. Mr. Keith is agent for the Victoria Fire and Marine Insurance Company, and secretary to the Masterton Permanent Investment and Building Society. He makes a specialty of arranging loans on mortgage of freehold and leasehold properties, and acts for both borrowers and lenders. He also makes advances on approved chattel securities. He has had a very large experience in book-keeping, and his services are therefore in demand as an accountant. He also undertakes the auditing of the accounts of public companies and private concerns. Mr. Keith is a member of the Hospital Board.
(William Lowes), Auctioneers, Stock and Station Agents, Public Valuators, Insurance and Financial Agents, Queen Street, Masterton. P.O. Box 58. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Branch at Eketahuna. Private residence, Stoneyeroft, Manaia. This large business was founded In 1879 by Mr. Iorns, who worked up a considerable trade, and was joined by Mr. Lowes in 1882. The business was conducted in co-partnership till 1890, it having assumed large proportions. In the latter year Mr. Iorns retired, leaving Mr. Lowes sole proprietor. The firm are the oldest in the line in the district. Their specialty is land and stock auctioneering. They hold fortnightly sales of cattle and sheep, and monthly sales of horses at their Masterton yards. At Eketahuna a monthly sale of stock is held, and special clearing sales as when required. Mr. Lowes, by long experience, has become a splendid judge of stock, and this knowledge may be turned to good account for customers of the firm in any part of the colonies. Messrs. Lowes and Iorns buy and sell largely in stock by private treaty, as well as at the hammer, and will undertake to purchase on commission any class that is required. The firm are agents for the National Fire and Marine Insurance Company, the Australian Mutual Provident Society. Messrs. Reid and Gray, and for quite a number of sheep dip manufacturers They are also large importers of farm requisites, and especially seeds. Their operations extend throughout the entire Colony. The auction mart and offices of the firm are centrally situated in Queen Street, the building being of wood and iron and two stories in height, containing upwards of 26000 square reet of floorage space. Mr. Lowes is a native of Northumberland, and reached the Colony in 1865, per ship “Ramsay.” He was brought up to farming, but on arrival entered into business in Wellington as an importer of saddlery and saddler's ironmongery, continuing the same till 1873. Mr. Lowes has purchased and profitably disposed of several large properties in the Wairarapa district. Politically, Mr. Lowes has occupied a seat in the Wellington Provincial Council, and also on the Education Board. He is now chairman of the Masterton Town Lands Trust, and holds a seat as a director of the local building society.
(John Mowlem and John Gordon Eliott), Stock and General Auctioneers, Station, Land, Estate, and Commission Agents. Auction rooms and offices, Queen Street, Masterton. Private residences: Mr. Mowlem, Manaia; Mr. Eliott, Church Street. Mr. Mowlem, who is a son of Captain John Mowlem, of Palmerston North, is a native of New Zealand. He was brought up to farming, and has had considerable experience in the management of stations and the breeding of cattle and sheep. He is recognised as a capital judge of stock of all kinds. The present business was founded in 1894 by Messrs. Simms and Mowlem. In May, 1896, Mr. Simms retired, and the present firm was constituted. Mr Eliott, who is a son of Mr. H. J. H. Eliott, Under-Secretary for Mines, was born in the Empire City, where he was educated at Wellington College. After eight years experience in the Colonial Bank, and afterwards in the Bank of New Zealand, Mr. Eliott retired and joined Mr. Mowlem in the present business. Mr. Mowlem acts as auctioneer and visits the farming districts, where he comes into personal contact with the farmers and breeders. The building occupied by them, which appears in the illustration, was specially built for the auctioneering business. It is of wood and iron, and contains nearly 2000 square feet of floorage space. Messrs. John Mowlem and Co. have secured a splendid site for their cattle and sheep sale-yards—situated between the two branches of the Waipoua River, in Queen Street, and very
Land, Estate, and Financial Agent Star Block, corner of Queen and Hall Streets, Masterton. Bankers. Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Worksop Road. This business was established in 1896. All kinds of agency work is undertaken, and special attention given to the financial department. Further particulars regarding Mr. Simms will be found as a Councillor of the borough of Masterton.
Land, Estate, Financial, Insurance and General Commission Agent, Queen Street, Masterton. Telegraphic address: “Waddington, Masterton.” P.O. Box 64. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Broadway, Upper Plain. Mr. E. H. Waddington established his general agency business some twelve or thirteen years ago, and is well known and well patronized throughout the district. Beginning in a rather small way, he has worked up an extensive connection, and holds a number of most important agencies. Among these may be mentioned the North British and Mercantile Insurance Company, the North German Insurance Company, and the National Mutual Life Association of Australasia. For the purposes of his general business, Mr. Waddington has agents and correspondents in all parts of the Colony. In local public matters Mr. Waddington takes an active interest. Among the secretaryships which either are or have recently been in his hands are those of the Masterton and Opaki Jockey Club, the North Wairarapa Gun Club, the Ancient Order of Foresters, the United Ancient Order of Druids, the Charitable Aid Board, and the North Wairarapa Benevolent Trustees, Numerous other evidences of Mr. Waddington's popularity with the settlers and townspeople might be given. The subject of this article was born at Wakefield, the capital of the West Riding of Yorkshire. Educated in his native land, Mr. Waddington was induced to emigrate to this Colony in 1873, during which year he left London per ship “Hydaspes,” under command of Captain Babot, now so well known in the Empire City. Prior to establishing himself as above, Mr Waddington had considerable banking experience, being for some seven years in the employ of the Bank of New Zealand. At the time of writing (August, 1896), Mr. Waddington was enjoying a trip to the Old Country.
Cullen, William Edward, Sewing Machine Dealer, Queen Street, Masterto Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1882.
Duncan, Thos., and Co., Land, Estate, Financial, and General Commission Agents, Temple Chambers, Queen Street, Masterton.
Architects and Civil Engineers, Perry Street, Masterton. P.O. Box 14. This is a branch of the Wellington firm, referred to on page 582 of the Cyclopedia, and was established in 1893. Messrs. Penty and Forde have been more than usually successful, and have erected some of the best buildings in and around Masterton. The residence in Masterton of Messrs. J. F. and R. Maunsell, of Tinui, was erected from their plans, and at the time of writing (1896) they are engaged in the erection of the Masterton Town Hall. Mr. Forde represents the firm in Masterton, while Mr. Penty attends to the business in Wellington.
Rawson, Alfred Pearson, Surveyor, Hall Strect, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
Frasi, Percy Caspar Surveyor, Queen Street, Masterton.
McLachlan, Duncan, Surveyor and Civil Engineer, Queen Street, Masterton.
Photographer, Masterton Studio, Queen Street, Masterton. P.O. Box 89. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Branches at Greytown and Carterton. Private residence, Hall Street. Mr. Price, who established the business he now conducts in 1879. has a considerable connection throughout the Wairarapa. He is a Justice of the Peace, and has taken part in local politics as a member of the Borough Council of Masterton.
Photographer, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Masterton. This business was established in March, 1895. Mr. Wilton is an all-round photographer, able to take landscapes as well as portraits and groups, and as a retoucher he has gained an excellent reputation. Since commencing he has steadily gained the confidence and support of the public. His premises, Queen Street, comprise vestibule (where many fine specimens of his art are displayed), waiting and work-room, with large and well lighted studio, fitted up with the latest instruments and accessories. Born in Masterton, he is a son of Mr. C. Wilton, an old settler in the district, and there can be little doubt that he will meet with success in his native town.
Manufacturing Confectioners and Tea Dealers, Queeu Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales., This business was established in August 1892, and must have made rapid progress. It is a fine large shop with two good windows, the frontage to the main street being thirty-two feet. The total floor space is upwards of 2000 square feet. It is a two-story building, and its appearance is decidedly inviting. The site is one of the best in the town, being next shop to the Post-office. Pleasantly screened from the public gaze is a neat little temperance bar, where liquors of a refreshing but not intoxicating character are kept in great variety. Everything here as elsewhere throughout the shop is scrupulously clean. Mr. Hood attends to the business personally. He is obliging and quick—a most important point in any business, but especially in one of this nature. Mr. Hood was born in Oamaru, and served apprenticeship to the jewellery trade in Dunedin with the well- known firm of G. and T. Young. This apprenticeship was completed in 1885, and soon after that he established himself as a jeweller in Oamaru. The fact that Mr. Hood was not brought up to his present business makes his success therein all the more creditable. It is a house in every way deserving of encouragement. Messrs. Hood and Co. hold the agency for the Dresden Piano Company, and have a special establishment, also in the main street, for the purposes of this business.
Hunter, Peter, Baker, Chapel Street, Masterton.
Winchester, Colin, Baker and Confectioner, Dining and Refreshment Room Proprietor, The Blue House, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established by present proprictor in 1888.
Wickens. J., Baker and Confectioner, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Conducted by present proprietor since 1889.
Gerneral Building Contractor, Iron and Timber merchant, Queen and Chapel Streets, Masterton. Telegraphic address, “Daniell, Masterton.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence. Chapel Street. Mr. Daniell was born at Malvern, Worcestershire, England, and after his school days had the advantage of a thorough training in the practical working details of an extensive building business carried on by his family in Monmouthshire, where he married, and was in business on his own account for some three years before deter- mining to emigrate to New Zealand. He, in company with his wife and two children, arrived, per “Scottish Prince,” in Wellington in January, 1880, and immediately settled in Masterton, The district was then suffering severely from the collapse which followed the land boom, consequent on the Vogel public works policy. The building business was at a standstill, but with characteristic self-reliance he took the first work to hand, and after a few years of persistent effort, secured a footing in the district, and is now looked upon as one of the leading business men of the Wairarapa. Some eight years ago Mr. Daniell bought the first portion of his present extensive business premises in Queen and Chapel Streets, adding each year, till now the ground covered is more than one-and-a-half acres in extent, largely covered with substantial buildings, the balance to every available corner being stacked with timber and other building materials. The sheds for storing dry timber and mouldings are of
Contractor and Farmer, Lower Manaia, Masterton. As one of the leading contractors and builders in the Wairarapa, Mr. Montgomery erected the Kurupuni Hall, Te Whitu, Dreyerton and Eketahuna Public Schools, master's residence at Eketahuna, the Mauriceville School, and additions to the schoolhouse, Messrs. Dixon's well-known cordial factory, the town hall at Gladstone, also the Gladstone Hotel, and a large number of shops and private dwelling-houses in Masterton. Born in Ireland, he came when very young to Australia with his parents. He was educated at Warrnambool and afterwards served his time with Messrs. Crowle and Winton. In 1875 he came to New Zealand and was engaged for a considerable period on the construction of the “largest wooden building in the world,” the Government Departmental Buildings in Wellington. Resolving to establish himself in Masterton on his own account, Mr. Montgomery has had no cause to regret having made his home in the Wairarapa. In local politics he served for several years as chairman of the Licensing Bench. He was a member of the committee of the Catholic school. For sixteen years he has been attached to the Hibernian Lodge. He is a
Carpenter, Miriam Street, Masterton. As a well-known and respected resident, Mr. Ralph has been prominently identified with church work in the district. Born in Merizion, Cornwall, in 1826, he left his native place at eight years of age, and worked in Messrs. Nettle Bros.' chairmaking establishment at Cambourne for some time. His next experience was as a sawyer with a younger brother for about ten years. In the Nicaragua goldmines in Central America he worked for three-and-a-half years under an engagement to a London company. Returning to England, he left in 1870 with his brother Stephen for Victoria, where he was employed at quartzmining for a number of years. After six months at railway construction in Tasmania, he returned to Victoria, coming to New Zealand in 1878. Mr. Ralph engaged in sawing at Tauhautanui for six months, when he commenced business as a carpenter at Masterton, where he still resides. He was married in 1852, and has seven surviving children and thirty grand-children. Mr. Ralph—a strict teetotaller of forty-five years standing—has been a member of the Wesleyan Church for forty-three years, a great part of which time he has been a class-leader and Sunday school teacher. He was a member of church choirs in England and Australia for over twenty years.
Hoar, Zephaniah Mark, Builder and Undertaker, Chapel Street, Masterton.
Coachbuilder, Blacksmith, and Manufacturer of Woolpresses, Stumping Machines, etc., Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, King Street. Marlborough Agents, for the sale of woolpresses and stumping machines, Messrs. Fell Bros., Blenheim. This business was established in 1884 by Mr. James Ewington, father of the present proprietor, under the style of Ewington and Son. It was then a small concern as compared with its present dimensions. In fact it is a much more important establishment than outside appearances would lead one to suppose. The premises are of wood and iron, and, with the yards, occupy half an acre of ground in the main street. The site is near that of Messrs. Pinhey Bros., livery stable keepers, and almost opposite the Occidental Hotel. In 1891 Mr. Ewington senior, the founder of the business, retired on account of ill health, leaving his son, Mr. J. C. Ewington, the sole proprietor. Mr. Ewington and his family arrived in New Zealand in 1874, per ship “Wellington,” from London. Mr. Ewington has all the necessary machinery for successfully carying on his business, the operations of which extend throughout the whole of the Wairarapa. He employs from seven to ten hands, and sometimes more in the very busy season. Vehicles of every description are manufactured on the premises. Lamps, fittings, trimmings, and such other things as cannot yet be made in the Colony, are imported direct from the Old Country. Two special lines for which Mr. Ewington's factory is noteworthy are woolpresses and stumping machines. They are both patented, and though Mr. Ewington has to pay a royalty, it is satisfactory to know that the money does not leave the district. The patentee is Mr. Wrigley, of Masterton, and Mr. Ewington is the sole manufacturer. The woolpresses are turned out by the score, and are in demand far beyond the Wairarapa district; and the same may be said of the stumping machines. That the Wairarapa can take the lead in two such important appliances as woolpresses and stumping machines, is a matter for congratulation; and it is to be hoped that the people of the district will patronize these articles to the fulle
(W. B. Chennells, secretary), Perry Street, Masteron. P.O. Box 54. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This Company, which was established in 1890, undertakes the making and repairing of vehicles of every description. The premises occupied include a large iron building, having a floor space of considerably over 10,000 square feet. A large number of skilled hands are employed in the various departments of the business. The Company buys largely in Wellington, importing only special lines from the best markets. On the 1st of August, 1896, the business of Mr. J. Muir was purchased by the Company, which now undertakes the manufacture of Zealandia and Cockatoo woolpresses.
Working Manager of the Masterton Blacksmith and Wheelwright Company, is a native of Wellington, where he was apprenticed to Mr. J. Fitchett, completing his term in 1868, after which he worked with Mr. Black, now Rouse and Hurrell,
(Thomas Wagg), Coach Builders, Masterton Carriage Factory, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Worksop Road. This factory was established about 1874, and has been conducted by the present firm since 1891. The proprietor is referred to on another page of this volume as a member of the Masterton Borough Council.
Bannister, Thos., Wheelwright, Bentley Street, Masterton.
Bennison, Geo. Robert, Coach and Livery Stable Keeper, “Club” Stables, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia.
Cole and Bartlett (Henry Cole and Ralph Bartlett), Coach Proprietors, Queen Street, Masterton.
Reeves, William, Coachbuilder, Criterion Carriage Works, Hall Street Masterton. Established 1896.
(Joseph Dixon and Edward Shepherd Dixon), Aerated Water and Cordial Manufacturers, Chapel Street, Masterton. P.O. Box 62. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Branch depôt, Eketahuna. Private residence, Chapel Street, adjoining factory. This thriving business was established in 1881 by Mr. Joseph Dixon, and in 1892 Mr. E. S. Dixon was admitted to a partnership, when the present name of the firm was adopted. Messrs. Dixon Bros, import all their own chemicals and requi
(Leonard James Hooper), Bon Marche, Drapers, Clothiers, Tailors, Clothing Manufacturers, Dress and Mantle Makers, Milliners, etc., Queen Street. P.O.Box 93. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This extensive business was established in 1878. The premises are large and imposing, the floor space being about 8000 square feet. The building is of wood, and was erected many years ago; but, being constructed throughout of the heart of totara, every board is still thoroughly sound. Mr. Thos. Turnbull, architect, of Wellington, drew the designs and superintended the erection. The front is fitted with ten large panes of plate glass 12 x 5 feet, which give the premises a very handsome appearance. The centre of the shop is provided with a magnificent lantern light, 24 x 24. The height from floor to ceiling is between 30 and 40 feet, the object being to give their patrons the very best light and ventilation. The Bon Marche is the name of the establishment, and is situated in the best business portion of the town. The operations of Messrs. L. J. Hooper and Co. are large. They are direct importers of everything in the soft goods lines, and their trade extends throughout the length and breadth of the Wairarapa—right into the borders of Hawkes Bay. They employ from twenty-five to thirty hands. The success attained by the founder of this business is a remarkable example of what may be done in this Colony by a judicious exercise of ability, enterprise, and energy. Mr. Hooper was born in Nelson, and learned his business there; but like all Nelson boys soon found his native place too quiet for him. He was only twenty when he started his present business. Prior to that he had gained experience in the Wellington establishments of Messrs Kirkcaldie and Stains, and Mr. James Smith, of Te Aro House. It is evident that he must have been a recognised man of business where very young. His success in Masterton is due to his excellent business abilities. For the past fifteen years he has been ably assisted in the management of the concern by his brother, Mr. Vincent Hooper, and judging by the large amount of business being daily transacted, Messrs. Hooper, Bros are being well repaid for their energy and exertions.
Draper and Clothier, Queen Street, Masterton. Barkers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Worksop Road. Mr. Pragnell, who was born in London in 1870, spent his youth in various pursuits in the city of Southampton. Arriving in the Colony in 1885, per s.s. “Rimutaka,” on the first trip of this popular steamer, he was employed by Messrs. Wickerson and Wagland, of Masterton, for about twelve months. For several years Mr. Pragnell was employed by the late Mr. P. Dickson in the Wholesale Drapery Co., rising from the position of cashier to that of manager of the Danevirke branch of the business, which he opened for the Company. Mr. Pragnell had twelve months experience in Wellington at Messrs. Warnock and Adkin's, where he acquired considerable knowledge of the general drapery trade. Returning to Masterton in March, 1892, after another thirteen months with the same firm, he started in his present commodious premises. The building, a two-story wooden structure, is well fitted up, being stocked with the latest goods imported. About a dozen hands are employed on the premises, engaged as shop assistants and in dressmaking and millinery, in which two latter departments Mr. Pragnell's reputation stands deservedly high, he being particularly successful in these branches of his business. As secretary of the Masterton Mutual Improvement Society, he is noted for his hardworking and painstaking abilities, whilst in the local Foresters' Lodge he has been a prominent member for several years.
Draper, Clothier, and Boot Importer, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established in 1895. Mr. Radford was previously for three years in business in Pahiatua, and for ten years in Napier.
Bell, Wm., Draper and Clothier, Queen Street, Masterton. Established 1879.
Langton, Edward G., Draper, Hall Street, Masterton.
Murray, J. L., Hatter, Hosier, Mercer, and Clothier, Queen Street, Masterton. P.O. Box 12. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Church Street. Established 1892, and conducted by present proprictor ever since.
Smith, C., and Co. (Henry Owen. manager), Drapers, Queen Street, Masterton. P.O. Box 86. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Branch established in 1883.
Syverston. Sven, Clothier and Outfitter, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Cole Street. Established 1889, and conducted by present proprietor ever since.
Whitton, Frank, Draper, Miriam Street, Masterton.
Milliner, Dressmaker and Draper, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This lady, who is a sister of Messrs. Charles, Edward, and George Seagar, of Wellington, was born in Southampton, and learned her business principally as a milliner in London, where she gained large experience. Coming to New Zealand in 1880, Mrs. Goodall went to Melbourne, where she was for some years in business on her own account. On her return to the Colony she opened her present establishment in Masterton. Her shop, which is situated within a few doors of the post-office, contains an assorted stock of general drapery, and in the dressmaking and millinery departments Mrs. Goodall employs four or five assistants.
Merchant Tailor, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence. Worksop Road. Mr. Henderson was born in Clackmannanshire. Scotland, and was apprenticed to the tailoring with Mr T. Ritchie, of Kincardine, Perthshire. On completion of his term in 1876, he went to Edinburgh, where he had some three or four years' experience in the leading establishments of that fine city. In 1884 he came to New Zealand per s.s. “Doric,” from the Cape of Good Hope, where he had spent four years as cutter for Messrs. Edmeades Brothers. On his arrival in the Colony, Mr. Henderson went into business in Otaki, and remained there for about six years. In 1891 he established his present business, and has done exceedingly well. His shop is a good size, and he employs several first-class men all the year round.
Broom, Henry, Tailor, Colombo Road, Masterton.
Lister, G., Tailor, Perry Street, Masterton.
Webb, James, Tailor, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1888.
Warner, Thos., Tailor and Habit Maker, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Cole Street. Established 1879.
Pearson, Henry, Tailor, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established by present proprietor in 1876
(Alfred Hoar), Cabinet-makers and Upholsterers, Queen Street, Masterton, Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, corner of Chapel and Wrigley Streets. Established in 1889. This business was conducted jointly by the partners until 1892, when Mr. Hoar purchased Mr.
Cabinetmaker, Upholsterer, and Picture-Framer, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Whitt is a native of Schleswig, Germany. In his native land he was apprenticed to the trade, and had the advantage of skilled instructors, and speedily displayed considerable ability in all departments of manufacture. He became expert in the making of all kinds of household and office furniture, and subsequently he thoroughly mastered the upholstering branch of his trade, completing his term in 1851. Mr. Whitt was employed in his native town for some time, but as he thought a larger scope was open to his abilities in England he removed to Yorkshire, and entered into business in the town of Brighouse. For about fourteen years he continued in the same place, where he did an extensive trade. Hearing, however, of the superior climate and other advantages offered in the Britain of the South he disposed of his business, and came to the Colony in 1884. He arrived by the s.s. “Bombay” from London in the latter year, and at once selected the Wairarapa, and settled in Masterton. Commencing in a comparatively small way, Mr. Whitt's trade has gradually opened out and developed. Larger premises eventually became an absolute necessity, and the present central shop and factory were secured. The building, which includes a large double-fronted shop and show-room, is built of wood and iron, and is two stories in height, and affords a total floorage space of about 3500 square feet. Mr. Whitt is a direct importer of picture frames (in the manufacture of which he does a considerable trade), tapestries, cretonnes, damasks, and other materials for his industry. The time was when few people were satisfied without obtaining English-made furniture. Now, however, things are changed, and our local industries furnish a plentiful variety of the choicest. Indeed the beautiful native woods enable manufacturers who understand their business to turn out most lovely articles that have the merit of durability in addition to their beauty. Mr. Whitt makes a specialty of New Zealand woods, and undertakes to manufacture anything that may be desired. Besides a large order trade he also keeps a large stock of the produce of his works, which is open for selection. The writer noticed some splendid drawingroom and bedroom suites, which are a credit to the maker. Any description from the plainest and most serviceable to the most elegant and dainty can be undertaken, and turned out with promptness. Mr. Whitt has a standing advertisement in the work of his factory at the Club Hotel, Masterton, which he furnished throughout. A visit will satisfy the most particular as to the quality of workmanship and style. Mr. Whitt's business is the most extensive in his line in the district. He employs eight competent hands, and pays from £80 to £100 per month in wages. His connection extends throughout the whole of the Wairarapa district.
Berry, Joseph Henry, Upholsterer, Queen Street, Masterton.
Edwards, Alfred, Cabinetmaker and French Polisher, Wrigley Street.
Jago, Thos. Sampson, Cabinetmaker and Upholsterer, Queen Street, Masterton.
Robins, William Henry, Cabinetmaker, Cole Street, Masterton.
(Joseph Mandel, proprietor), Queen and Bannister Streets, Masterton. Telegraphic address, “Club, Masterton.” P.O. Box 25. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. This really fine hotel has been established about a quarter of a century. It is situated in the very heart of the town, and has always had the reputation of a first class hostelry. The table is excellent, and all the internal arrangements are convenient. The “Club” has been selected by the Commercial Travellers' Union as the hotel for their members when in Masterton. Mr. Mandel, well and favourably known in Wellington, purchased the “Club” in October, 1893, and immediately made extensive alterations. The plans for the additions were drawn by Mr. Thos. Turnbull, of Wellington, and satisfactorily carried out by Mr. J. Montgomery, whose tender for building and joinery work done was £720. This sum is barely half the total expenditure for improvements and renovation. The new part includes a spacious and most elaborate entrance shut off from the hall by folding lead-light doors of stained and figured glass. The hall is nine feet wide, and about forty feet long, from which the first floor is gained by means of a handsome six-foot stairway. Above are drawing-rooms for ladies, and a splendid bridal chamber, luxuriously fitted. Of bedrooms, there are no fewer that twenty-eight single, and twelve double; there are six sitting-rooms, farmers' club-room, private commercial-room, a fine dining-room, and two billiard-rooms. The private billiard-room needs to be seen to be appreciated. It is simply splendid. The table is one of Allcock's best, with all the latest fittings. Behind the stairs and near the billiard-room is a handy lavatory. The cabinet and upholstering work and the general furnishing were entrusted to Mr. W. Whitt, who carried out his contract to Mr. Mandel's entire satisfaction. The carpet's linoleums, etc., were purchased at the well-known house of Messrs. L. J. Hooper and Co. There can be no doubt that under the excellent management of Mr. Mandel, the Club Hotel, Masterton, will continue to be extremely popular.
(H. Phillips, proprietor), Queen Street, corner of Cricket Street, Masterton. Telegraphic address “Occidental, Masterton.” P.O. Box 74. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. The Occidental Hotel which became the property of Mr. Phillips in 1885, occupies a unique position for a good family hotel. It is within a minute's walk of the Post-office, and therefore quite close to the centre of the town, and its distance from the public park is not more than a hundred yards. The “Occidental” affords ample and excellent accommodation for about thirty visitors, though on occasions of great festivals a much larger company is “put up.” Mr. Phillips conducts his house with scrupulous attention to details, and succeeds in making his visitors unusually comfortable. The dining-room is very large, and by a convenient arrangement the tables may be turned into one large dining table of horseshoe shape, at which may be seated upwards of 100 guests. The parlours and drawing-room are tastefully and elegantly furnished and decorated, and the bedrooms are large and well-kept. Mr. Phillips has his own poultry-yards, the beneficial effects of which are very noticeable and well appreciated at the dining table. The tariff at the “Occidental” is reasonable, and the table good. Mr. Phillips, the proprietor, has been well known throughout the Wellington district and other parts of the Colony for many years. A native of Poland, he left the land of his birth when a young man, and shortly after wards sailed from London for this Colony, per ship “Bombay,” explain Sellars. His business experience includes some two years in the Arcade, Dunedin, as a haberdasher and several years in Invercargill and other parts of Otago Leaving the South Island, Mr. Phillips established himself as a storekeeper in Greytown, where he had the misfortune of being burnt out. Removing to Palmerston North, and engaging in the same occupation, he was burnt out a second time, again losing very heavily. The many friends, however, whom he made in these towns and their surrounding districts have not failed to bestow upon him their patronage when travelling, and in that way, and by their recommendations, have contributed in no small degree to his success at Masterton. Prior to purchasing the Occidental Hotel, Mr. Phillips conducted the Prince of Wales Hotel, Wellington, for some seven years.
(Proprietor, John Tucker), Queen Street. Telegraphic address, “Prince of Wales, Masterton.” P.O. Box 82. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The Prince of Wales Hotel is said to be the oldest in the whole of the Wairarapa, having been opened in 1864. Mr. Tucker took possession in January 1894, and immediately spent £600 in improvements. It stands on an acre of ground in the very centre of Masterton—right opposite the Bank of New South Wales and adjacent to the Bank of New Zealand. It contains seventeen bedrooms, two dining-rooms (one private for families), a commercial club-room, a settlers' club-room, a private bar, a billiard-room, a smoking-room, private sitting-rooms for ladies and families, three splendid sample-rooms, outside lavatory, stablery and all needful conveniences, including hot and cold baths. The general dining-room may be entered direct from the right-of-way, a convenience taken advantage of by the townspeople dropping in for dinner. The sample-rooms are exceedingly large, conveniently shelved and fitted with gas. The price for the use of the sample rooms varies from two shillings and sixpence to four shillings per day. A really good table is kept; and the whole of the establishment is exceptionally clean and well regulated. It is remarkably quiet, and free from gambling. Electric bells are placed throughout. All wines and spirits are direct from the customs bond at Wellington. Devonshire cider and Bass' ale always in supply. The “Prince of Wales” is the depôt for the Royal Mail line of coaches. Besides numerous visitors there are a considerable number of private boarders, who patronize the “Prince of Wales.” Every attention is given to visitors, and the charges are very moderate — six shillings and sixpence per day. Mr. Tucker is most attentive in every way, and well deserving of support. The yards are in thoroughly good trim; and the kitchen and fruit gardens are very attractive. The latter contains a Swiss horse always available for visitors.
(Wm. Redmond and Mrs. Whelan proprietors), Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. The Queen's Hotel, which has been established about twelve years, was acquired by the present proprietors in 1894. It is well situated, and most commodious. The hotel contains in all thirty-two rooms. The dining-room, a large and well-appointed apartment, will seat a considerable number of guests. There is a fine commercial room, several comfortable sitting-rooms, and a private bar, the whole house being well furnished in every particular. Behind the house ample stable accommodation is provided. Besides numerous visitors, there are generally a number of permanent lodgers who patronise the “Queen,” and whose wants are well looked after by Mrs. Whelan. Mr. Redmond has had large experience in catering for the needs of the public and in hotel management in both islands. Born in Ireland, he served his time with a large wine and spirit firm in that country. On his arrival in New Zealand in the year 1879, i.e obtained the management of a large hotel in Christchurch, in which position he remained for about ten years. In Pahiatua he managed the well-known Commercial Hotel for several years, and finally, in conjunction with Mrs. Whelan, took over the present well-appointed house. Every attention is given to visitors, and the tariff—four shillings per day—is very moderate, special arrangements being made with those who contemplate making a long stay. Mr. Redmond, from his early apprenticeship to the hotel business, is a very good judge of what is necessary to the successful management of a large hostelry. He is most attentive to his guests, and is deservedly popular in the district. He is a member of the local Order of Foresters, and takes an active part in social movements in the borough.
(William Wellington Scott, proprietor), Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Scott established his Temperance Hotel in 1886, and from the beginning it has been thoroughly well patronised. The hotel is prominently placed in the main street and conveniently near the centre of the town. It contains no fewer than
Temperance Hotel (Bart. McVicar, proprietor), Hall Street, Masterton. Established 1896, and conducted by present proprietor since 1883.
Empire Hotel (Thos. Thompson, proprietor), Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1874, and conducted by present proprietor since 1883.
Royal Hotel (Jeremiah O'Meara, proprietor), Queen Street, Masterton. Conducted by present licensee since 1896.
(Mrs. Emily Rayner, proprietress), Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mrs. Rayner has had large experience in catering for the public in Wellington and at Taita, and in the Empire Buffet possesses an establishment which, in point of size and furnishing, will compare most favourably with any other boardinghouses in Masterton. The building, which is situated in the main business street of Masterton, has ample accommodation for a very large number of lodgers. It contains fifteen bedrooms, three sitting rooms, and a very large dining-room, which will seat fully a hundred people. Mrs. Rayner, who attends to the cuisine personally, has had considerable experience in providing banquets, and may be relied upon to give her guests every satisfaction. The charges at the Empire Buffet are most moderate, whilst the attendance leaves nothing to be desired by the weary traveller who decides upon making his home under Mrs. Rayner's kindly roof.
(Edwin Street and Henry Crowder, proprietors), Hall Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia and Bank of New Zealand. This well known boardinghouse has been in the hands of the present proprietors for the last two years, during which time Messrs. Street and Crowder have greatly improved the house and the business. The building is a substantial two-story structure, and is situated in Hall Street, opposite the Post-office, in the very centre of the borough. The Railway Boardinghouse has accommodation for a large number of boarders and visitors. There are eighteen bedrooms, which are all comfortably furnished and well kept. The dining-room is convenient and well appointed, having chairs for twenty-eight persons, the table being maintained in really good style. Separate private sitting-rooms are provided for ladies and gentlemen. In all cases the charges are most moderate. Anyone staying at the Railway Boardinghouse can rely upon receiving every attention from the proprietors, special terms being made to permanent lodgers. Before embarking in his present line of business, Mr. Crowder was well known throughout the Wairarapa district as a farmer, having resided in the vicinity of Masterton for very many years. Mr. Street, the senior partner, was also previously engaged in agricultural pursuits. Born in Warwickshire, England, he engaged in farming in his native country till he was twenty-eight years of age, when he decided to come to the Colony with
Bulpitt. James, Boardinghousekeper, Devonshire House, Victoria Street, Masterton.
Francis, Wm., Restaurant and Boardinghousekeeper, Queen Street, Masterton, Established by present proprietor 1890.
Maltby, Arthur Raymond, Restaurant Keeper, The Trocadero, Queen Street, Masterton.
Marley, Mrs., Boardinghousekeeper, Carnarvon House, Chapel Street, Masterton. Established about 1884.
Mould, Ed., Universal Boardinghouse, Queen Street, Masterton. Established by present proprietor in 1893.
Prisk, Mrs., Boardinghousekeeper, Church Street, Masterton.
Wholesale and Retail Tinsmith, Plumber and Gasfitter, Queen Street. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Beale came to the Colony when very young, with his parents. He was brought up in Wellington, where he served his apprenticeship to the trade with T. Garland, of Molesworth Street. After completing his term in 1887, he continued to work as journeyman at the same place till 1892, making twelve years in Mr. Garland's service. The present business was established by L. W. Nicholson, in 1885. Mr. Beale purchased the business in 1892, and under his energetic management, the trade has steadily grown. The premises
Veterinary Shoeing Forge. Queen Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Lansdowne. Mr. Welch is a native of New Zealand, and was apprenticed to Mr. G. Dixon, of Masterton, completing his term in 1890, when he purchased his employer's business, as farrier and general blacksmith, and has successfully conducted the same ever since that time. The premises occupied are centrally situated in the main street. The building is of iron, and comprises about 1100 feet of floorage space Mr. Welch works for farmers and other residents in Masterton and all other parts of the Wairarapa. He is an expert at his business.
Allen, George, Blacksmith, Miriam Street, Masterton.
Bradford, Alf., Gunsmith and General Jobbing Smith, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established by present proprietor in 1877.
Cameron, Wm. Farrier and General Blacksmith, Bannister Street, Masterton. Private residence, Worksop Road. Established by present proprietor in 1885.
Cole, Henry, Junr., Blacksmith, Cole Street, Masterton.
Crawford, Robert, Blacksmith, Queen Street, Masterton.
Findlay, Robert, Blacksmith, Queen Street, Masterton.
Kingdon, S., Plumber, Gasfitter, etc., Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1877.
O'Leary, Humphrey John, Blacksmith, Queen Street, Masterton.
Owen, Arthur, Blacksmith, Cole Street, Masterton.
Pickering, David, Plumber and Tinsmith, Masterton Plumbing Works, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established by present proprietor in 1876.
Pybus, Arthur, Blacksmith, Queen Street, Masterton.
Pybus, John, Blacksmith, Queen Street, Masterton.
Saddler and Harness Maker, Queen Street, Masterton. Branch establishment, Pahiatua. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Wrigley Street. Mr. Elliot has been in business as above since the year 1880. During that time he has succeeded in working up a really good trade, both local and country. He keeps an excellent stock, and there is a business air about the place that gives the appearance of progress. Vehicles of every description are constantly stopping, while their drivers call to have some want attended to. Mr. Elliott's country trade extends as far as Hawkes Bay. Besides manufacturing saddles and harness of every description, he is a direct importer of everything needed for his business. His imports are mainly from the house of Messrs. Charles Greatrex and Sons, though by no means exclusively. At the shows of 1894, both at Masterton and Carterton, Mr. Elliott obtained first prize. His experience tells him that the quality of his work is the best advertisement, and with this view he is careful to stamp every article manufactured on his premises. In fittings, whips, and oiled clothing, Mr. Elliott deals extensively. His shop is a good one, with about 1200 square feet of floorage. Mr. Elliott is a native of Longford, Ireland, where he learned his business with Mr. John Watson. In 1879 he came to this Colony per ship “Warrick,” from Plymouth. During the time he has been in Masterton he has become more than ordinarily popular, and been more than ordinarily successful.
(George Arnold Townsend), Saddlers, and Harness Makers, Queen Street. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Albert Street. This flourishing business was established in 1872 by Messrs. Watson and Winteringham. It was a small affair then as compared with its present dimensions; but Masterton itself was small in those days. In 1887 Messrs. Townsend and Cowper became possessed of it, and in their hands the trade rapidly increased. The partnership subsisting between them expired by effluxion of time in 1893, and then Mr. Townsend bought out his partner's interest. It is still carried on under the name by which it is so well known. The premises are large, the floor space being 2900 square feet; but a part of this space is let off to various tenants as offices. The building is of wood and iron, and two lofty stories. Messrs. Townsend and Cowper are direct importers, as well as manufacturers, of saddlery and harness of all descriptions. Their business has grown with the town and district. Their trade extends throughout the whole of the Wairarapa and the East Coast to Hawkes Bay, and there is always a busy business look about the whole establishment. They hold first prize certificates from the Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Townsend is a native of Gloucestershire, and arrived in this Colony in the year 1872, per ship “Conflict,” from London. He was apprenticed to Mr. R. G. Williams, a late saddler of Masterton, completing his apprenticeship in 1882. Mr. Townsend enjoys the goodwill of the Wairarapa folks in no limited extent. He is attentive to his business and obliging with customers, and in every way deserving of support.
(Robert Hannah), Boot and Shoe Makers, Queen Street, Masterton. P.O. Box 71. Manager, Mr. H. Petersen. Private residence, Miriam Street. Mr. Petersen conducted the business on his own account for several years, when it was purchased by the above well-known Wellington firm.
Boagey, John James, Saddler, Queen Street, Masterton.
Carpenter, J., Bootmaker and Importer, Central Boot Warehouse, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1876.
Cowper, Charles Richard, Saddler, Worksop Road, Masterton.
Hounslow, H., Bootmaker, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1888 by present proprietor.
Morris, Geo., Bootmaker, Chapel Street, Masterton.
Styles, Ernest Samuel, Bootmaker, Queen Street, Masterton. Established 1896.
Thompson, Thomas Henry, Saddler and Harness Maker, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Lansdowne. Established 1891 by present proprietor.
Vollheim, Carl, Bootmaker, Queen Street, Masterton. Established by present proprietor in 1892.
Watson, George, Saddler and Harness Maker, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1876.
General and Produce Merchants, Ironmongers, Drapers, Grocers, Milliners, Dressmakers, Boot and Shoe Vendors, and Dealers in Paints, Oils, and Farm and Station Requisites. Head office, Queen Street. P.O. Box 5. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Shipping office, Featherston Street, Wellington. London office, 18 Fenchurch Buildings, Fenchurch Street, E.C. Branches, Greytown, Pahiatua, Tenui, and Carterton. This Company was registered in 1892, the business having originally been established in 1863 by the present popular managing director, Mr. M. Caselberg. This gentleman conducted a steadily growing concern for nearly thirty years, and during the latter portion
(Giles Edinburgh Chamberlain and Edmund Edinburgh Chamberlain), Flour Millers, Grain Merchants, Bread and Biscuit Bakers and Confectioners, Threshing Machine, and Traction Engine Proprietors. Roller Flour Mills and Offices, Albert Street; Bakery and Retail Shop, Queen Street, (South end); Retail Branch, Queen Street, Masterton. Private residence,
Grain and Produce Merchant, corner of Hall and Church Streets, Masterton. P.O. Box 43. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Kuripuni. For about seventeen years Mr. Heron has conducted this business; his connection extends throughout the Wairarapa, his supplies being drawn mostly from the South Island. Further particulars of Mr. Heron's career are given elsewhere in this volume as Mayor of the borough of Masterton.
Grocer, Fruiterer and Wholesale and Retail Manufacturing Confectioner, Queen Street, Masterton. Telegraphic address, “Kearsley, Masterton.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Dixon Street. Mr. Kearsley was born in Wellington in 1850, his father, Mr. James Kearsley, arriving in Port Nicholson in 1842, per ship “George Fife.” Educated at the Church of England School, under the late Mr. Holmes, Mr. Kearsley entered the employ of Mr. William Anderson, grocer, of Wellington, who subsequently sold his business to Mr. S. S. Griffiths. Thus Mr. Kearsley learned the business of grocer, and when Mr. Griffiths embarked in the manufacture of confectionery the assistant learned also that branch of his business. When Mr. Griffiths' establishment became the property of the Wellington Biscuit and Confectionery Company, Mr. Kearsley continued with that firm also, severing his connection therewith so recently as March, 1896, when he immediately established himself as above in Masterton. The business is growing rapidly, and the plant is being greatly extended. It already includes all kinds of machinery for the manufacture of every description of boiled confectionery. Besides these goods, Mr. Kearsley has placed upon the market several special confections of superior quality. “Rinfresco di Modena” is the name of a cooling and refreshing effervescent drink which Mr. Kearsley has introduced, and which is fast becoming popular as a summer beverage. As a musician, whose principal instrument is the French horn, the subject of this sketch has long been well known in Wellington, and in taking up his abode in Masterton was promptly placed in charge of St. Patrick's choir, where his son, Mr. Joseph Kearsley, ably fills the position of organist. In 1872, Mr. Kearsley was married to Miss Purcell, daughter of Mr. Roderick Purcell, of Templemore, Ireland, and his family consists of a son and a daughter.
(Robert Folkes Temple), General Storekeeper, Queen Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Temple is a native of Norfolk, and had the advantage of a thorough training in business habits in early life. He gained a general knowledge of mercantile affairs that has been of material assistance to him in his life in the Colony. He reached New Zealand in 1887 by s.s. “Arawa.” For about two years Mr. Temple found employment in general business, taking care to learn all he could, as he
Grocer and General Storekeeper, Kuripuni Store and Post-office, Kuripuni, Masterton. Telegraph address, “Wyeth, Masterton.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Wyeth was born in Wellington in 1841, and is the son of Mr. Robert Wyeth, of Masterton, who arrived in Port Nicholson on the 3rd of January, 1840, by the New Zealand Company's survey vessel “Cuba.” Mr. Wyeth was then a single man. Among the passengers by the “Duke of Roxburgh,” which arrived on the 7th of the following month, was a single lady passenger named Miss Runalls. Though the young people had never previously met, they soon agreed to make a home in the new land, and were married two months later, and in the following March their son was born. Educated in Wellington, Mr. Wyeth soon gained experience of country life, engaging in busshfelling and other pursuits in and around the Hutt Valley until 1883, when he removed to Masterton and established his present business. Mr. Wyeth's is the only store in Kuripuni, and being well liked in the neighbourhood, he does a good steady trade. Mr. Wyeth was married in 1896 to Miss Mary Horsefall, formerly of Yorkshire, England, but more recently of the South Island.
Graham, J., and Co. (John Graham), General Storekeepers, corner of Queen and Bannister Streets, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established about 1872, and conducted by present proprietors since 1882.
Rive, Philip Alfred, General Storekeeper, Perry Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1893.
Rayner, Thomas Charles, Grocer, Queen Street, Masterton. Estab. about 1894.
Sail and Tent Maker, Queen Street, Master. ton. Telegraphic address, “Sage, Masterton.” Private residence, Clifton Lodge, Upper Plain. Mr. Sage is a native of Clifton, Bristol, England, and. was apprenticed to the trade of a sailmaker, etc., with Messrs. Evans, Son and Co., shipbuilders and sailmakers, of Bristol, completing his term in 1864. During the currency of his indentures, be was allowed several sea voyages, that he might become more practically acquainted with the sailmaking branch. In 1866 he arrived in the Colony per s.s. “Rangitoto,” from Melbourne, and some eight years later started business on his own account in Wellington as tent, tarpaulin, and waterproof clothing manufacturer. Removing to Masterton in 1884, he established his present business, and has done fairly well, his business being the only one of its kind in the Wairarapa. One of Mr. Sage's sons is employed on his farm at the Upper Plain, which is at present under cultivation. One of the family, which numbers thirteen, is married.
Shaw, William, New and Second Hand Dealer, Hall Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Kuripuni. Established by present proprietor in 1885.
Sillars, James, Dealer in New and Second Hand Goods, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1882, and conducted by the present proprietor since 1892.
Livery Stable Proprietor, Prince of Wales Horse Repository, Queen Street, Masterton. P.O. Box 44. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Cole Street. This business has been established a quarter of a century, and was conducted by the present proprietor in the Club Hotel stables till 1895,
(John Southwood Pinhey and Reginald Pinhey), Carriage Repository, Queen Street. Telegraphic address. “Pinhey's Stables, Masterton.” Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residences: J. S. Pinhey came Chapel Street; R. Pinhey, Queen Street. Both partners are natives of Devonshire. Mr. J. S. Pinhey came to the Colony in 1886, per s. s. “Kaikoura,” and Mr. R. Pinhey in 1888, per s.s. “Ruapehu,” and both were connected with the same line of business in England. The splendid new stables used by the firm are built of iron and wood, Mr. G. E. Daniel being the contractor. These stables are much admired and considered the most modern in Masterton. The whole floor, which contains nearly 7000 square feet of space, is floored with substantial timber. Ladies' and gentlemen's waiting-rooms, with water and gas laid on, have been fitted up for the use of customers. The firm established themselves in 1894, and have been well patronized by the following:—His Excellency Lord Glasgow, Hons. Walter Johnston, Rolleston, and Messrs. Beetham, Hogg, and Buchanan, M.H.R.'s. The firm have ten traps, consisting of landaus, broughams, drags, buggies, gigs, etc., which are always available with quiet horses and skilled drivers whenever required.
Watchmaker, Queen Street, Masterton. Coming to the Colony in 1863, Mr. Broadbent worked for a short time in Dunedin, and in the following year removed to the West Coast, where he remained for about ten years. In 1874 he removed to Wellington, establishing a shop in Cuba Street. Here he did a good trade until 1879, when he removed to Carterton. Two years later he settled in Masterton, and has since conducted a business there.
Watchmaker, Jeweller, and Optician, Queen Street. P.O. Box 90. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in 1884 by Messrs. W. Littlejohn and Son, of Lambton Quay, Wellington, as a branch of their city business. About a year afterwards, Mr. Dougall purchased it, and under his management it has made rapid strides. It is a really first-class business. An excellent stock is kept, and is well displayed. The shop is large and handsomely fitted. There are four hands regularly employed, and such time as Mr. Dougall can be spared from the counter, he is at the bench, personally attending to the most difficult work. He is a thorough tradesman, having learned the business with William Harvey, of Sterling. Mr. Dougall is an importer of watches, clocks, jewellery, optical appliances, etc., and in all these lines, he keeps the latest novelties. He is evidently popular and enjoys the reputation of having the best business in his line in the whole of the Wairarapa district. Mr. Dougall is a native of Scotland, being born at Bannockburn. He arrived in this Colony in 1882, per ship “Dunedin,” from Greenock.
Watchmaker and Jeweller, Queen Street, Masterton. P.O. Box 90. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Lincoln Road. Mr. Henderson established his present business in Masterton in 1884. His premises are centrally situated, the stand being among the very best in the town; and his shop is fairly large and convenient, presenting a good appearance, and comparing favourably with many of the jewellers' shops of the Empire City. During the twelve years that Mr. Henderson has been in business he has worked up a good connection. He is personally popular, both with the townspeople and the country settlers, an especially good proportion of the latter being among his regular customers. The stock is replete with all kinds of clocks, watches, jewellery, and optical appliances, in all of which lines Mr. Henderson is a direct importer. Among his specialties is a watch recently introduced and named the “Perfection Watch.” It is nickel cased and keyless, and, being a really good timekeeper, suitable for rough wear, and purchasable at the very low price of twenty shillings, it is not surprising that Mr. Henderson has made “a good hit” with his “Perfection Watch.” In repairs, as in sales, Mr. Henderson does a good business. He is careful and reliable, while his charges are exceedingly moderate. Mr. Henderson was born and educated in Dunedin, and served his time in that southern city with the well-known watchmaker, jeweller, etc., Mr. John Hislop. He completed his apprenticeship in 1869, and during the five years prior to his establishment in Masterton, he had excellent
Dupré, Frank J., Watchmaker and Jeweller, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1895.
Presswood, George Housley, Watchmaker and Jeweller, Queen Street, Masterton. Established 1885.
Wood Turner and Chair Maker, Masterton Steam Turnery Works, Hall Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Carey has been established since 1884. Besides a house and store, the turnery itself contains about 1000 square feet of floorage. The machinery includes a twelve-foot lathe, a six-foot lathe, and a still smaller lathe for foot work, a circular saw, and other appliances. The engine and boiler were supplied by Mr. Walter Brown, machinery importer, of Wellington; and Mr. Carey speaks of both in the highest terms of praise. Mr. Carey supplies all the builders and cabinet makers of the town and district. He is able to turn circles for ventilators and similar purposes up to six feet in diameter, so there is no need to send any turnery work out of the district. In a store-room near the works, Mr. Carey has a large stock of table legs, drawers and sofa stumps, colonial sofa rails and stumps, Yankee bedsteads, double and single, and fancy work for duchess tables, washstands, etc. Mr. Carey was born in Bristol, where he was apprenticed to Nailer and Co. In 1862 he arrived in the Colony, from Melbourne, after working there for a year or so at his trade. He was in business in Dunedin for several years.
Pragnell, Wm., Timber and Coal Merchant, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 188s.
Butement, John, Brewer, Bottler, and Maltster, Eagle Brewery, Michael Dixon Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Worksop Road. Established 1884, and conducted by present proprietor since 1890.
Hoffeins, Hans M., Dairyman, Akura, near Masterton, Estab. about 1880.
Thompson, Miss Jane, Dairykeeper, Kuripuni Dairy, Queen Street, Masterton. Established 1894.
Mitchell, C. H. Signwriter, Decorator, and Painter, Queen Street, Masterton Established 1894.
Green, George Havelock, Tobacconist and Hairdresser, Queen Street, Masterton. Established 1895.
Rea, Hugh, Tobacconist and Billiard Saloon Keeper, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established by present proprietor in 1891.
White, A, and Co., Tobacconists and Hairdessers, Central Hairdressing Saloon, Queen Street, Masterton Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established by present proprietors in 1892.
Williams, J., Wholesale and Retail Tobacconist and Faney Goods Dealer, Fishing Tackle Depôt, Queen Street, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia, Established by present proprietor in 1879.
Elley, J., Pork Butcher, Queen Street. Masterton. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established about 1882 by the present proprietor.
Holloway, Frederick, Butcher, Queen Street, Masterton, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1892, and conducted since that time by the present proprietor.
Stempa, Augustine, Butcher, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1895.
Stone, James, Nurseryman. Waipoua Nursery, near Masterton about 1878.
Taylor, Edward, Nurseryman and Fruiterer, Masterton, Estab. about 1889.
Elliott, Jas. Pollock, Bookseller, Stationer, and Musicseller, Cole Street, Masterton. P.O. Box 27. Bankers. Bank of New South Wales. Established in 1891 by Mr. John Watt, and conducted by present proprietor since 1895.
Gillespie and Co. (Thos. Gillespie). Printers and Lithographers, Perry Street, Masterton. P.O. Box 56. Bankers. Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Kuripuni. Established 1893.
Holmes, R. T., Bookseller and Stationer, Queen Street, Masterton P.O. Box 11. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Lincoln Road. Estalished 1879. Conducted by present proprietor since 1890.
Humphrey, Mrs. H., Fancy Goods Dealer and Registry Office, Queen Street, Masterton. Established 1892.
O'Connor. Fergus, Printer Queen Street, Masters, Bank of N.W South Wales. Established 1895.
Produce Farmer, Mount Pleasant, Masterton. Born in the north of Ireland in 1825, this old settler came to Auckland in 1846, per ship “Jerva,” having enlisted in the Imperial service the previous year. He took his discharge at Wellington in 1850, and settled in the Wairarapa, having resided in Masterton district for forty-six years. Mr. Adams's farm—over eighty acres in extent—which was originally covered with flax, titree and bush, is now good agricultural and grazing ground. During the period of native disturbance, the subject of this notice served in the Masterton Rifles for three years, and was afterwards in the militia. He is of a retiring disposition, and has not taken part in public life. In 1864 Mr. Adams was married to a daughter of the late Mr. M. Dixon, of Masterton, and his eight son; and eight daughters, of whom three sons and five daughters are married, the grandchildren numbering twenty-five.
Sheepfarmer, The Brae, Masterton. Born in Surrey in 1853, Mr. Beetham came to Weillington with his parents at the age of two years, per barque “William and Jane.” He was brought up to a country life at Brancepeth station, where for ten years he gained experience in sheepfarming. In 1880 Mr. Beetham settled in Hawkes Bay on Te Apiti station—14,50) acres in extent, which carries 23,000 sheep, and is still owned by him. In public bodies he has taken interest as a member of the Oeo Road Board, the Hawkes Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Society, the National Association, and the Free Employers and Employees' Association. In 1881 Mr. Beetham was married to a daughter of Mr. H. S. Wardell, of Te Whiti, Masterton, and has two sons.
Settler, Masterton. Born in Scotland in 1819, Mr. Bentley came to Wellington—an A.B. on the ship “Lord William Bentinck”—arriving on the 19th of May, 1841. With five companions he ran away from the vessel, being subsequently arrested as a deserter, and discharged on promising to join a coasting vessel. Soon after arrival in Wellington, he entered the Wellington Customhouse. After the Wairau massacre, Mr. Bentley left the Government brig “Victoria,” on which he had worked for some time. Subsequently he served in the militia, and afterwards joined the armed constabulary, serving against the notorious rebel chiefs Rauparaha and Rangihaeata. Settling at Karori, Mr. Bentley remained till 1853, when he visited the Australian goldfields, from which he speedily returned, and selected land at Masterton. In 1855 he took his wife and family to their new home, then in the bush. During the Maori scare that followed, Mr. Bentley served as lieutenant in the volunteers. For over forty years he has been identified with every movement for the advancement of the district. Some years ago Mr. Bentley was tempted to go into an extensive business speculation, which turned out unfortunately, and since that time he has lived a quiet life.
Flour-miller and Farmer, Starwood Farm, Upper Plain, Masterton. Born in 1838 at Northampton, the subject of this notice came to Port Nicholson at the age of four years, per ship “London,” with his father, the late Mr. Thomas Chamberlain, who died shortly after settling in the Wairarapa in 1855. Mr. Chamberlain's farm at Upper Plain—eighty-one acres in area—was mostly bush when purchased. About thirty acres have been cleared and ploughed, the stumps of which are extracted by means of a traction engine—a five-foot root being taken out in this way in about twenty minutes. During the Maori troubles Mr. Chamberlain served in the Masterton Cavalry Volunteers for seven years, when the corps was disbanded. He has been ready to serve on public bodies, having acted as a member of the Masterton Road Board, and cheerfully giving his assistance to the local Agricultural and Pastoral Society. Mr. Chamberlain is a member of the firm of Chamberlain Bros., flour-millers. He was married to a daughter of Mr. Joseph Whatton in 1865, and has five daughters and two sons.
Settler, Mania, Masterton. This old settler was born in 1828 in Kinneswood, County of Kinross, Scotland, where he was educated. In 1852 he came to Wellington with his parents by the ship “Agra,” and soon got employment with Mr. Rutherford, of the Lower Valley, where he remained for twelve months. Having leased 100 acres from Mr. Russell, of Ahia Ruhi, Mr. Cockburn bought some of the first sheep that were landed in the Colony, at twenty-five shillings a head. He afterwards leased 10,000 acres from the Government, living on this for five years during the time of the Maori War, of which he relates some stirring incidents. His operations were successful, and he is now a large property-holder. Having leased his estates, Mr. Cockburn lives on a homestead of twenty-eight acres, devoting his spare time to looking after his various ventures. He is interested as a shareholder of the Wellington Woollen Company and the Wellington Meat Export Company. His father, who was also born in Kinneswood, was one of the very few men who have lived to see a century, being in his 105th year when he died. The old gentleman was remarkably hearty, and had got both his second sight and second hearing, and enjoyed excellent health until a few days previous to his death in 1879.
Settler, Viewfield, Masterton. P.O. Box 49. Born in Cavendish, Suffolk, in 1821, the subject of
New Zealand Colonist and Spectator newspapers, and subsequently acted as manager at Flat Point and Whareama stations successively. In 1876 Mr. Everett purchased the holding of 100 acres on which he resides, which has been reclaimed from its natural state, and is now used for grazing purposes. During his residence in the district he has taken a deep interest in horticulture, acting as president of the Masterton Horticultural and Industrial Society for about ten years. On his retirement, by reason of private matters, Mr. Everett was elected a life member of the Society in recognition of his valuable services. A historical relic of the early printing trade of Wellington was shown to the writer: it is a casting of an eagle belonging to the old Columbian press on which the first newspaper—New Zealand Gazette—was printed at Petone, and afterwards in Wellington, by the late Mr. Revans. Mr. Everett was first married in 1843 to a daughter of Mr. Becker, of Marylebone, London. This lady died in 1885. The present Mrs. Everett is a daughter of the late Mr. Edwin Bannister, who was the second apprentice to the printing business in Wellington.
(Roderick Gray and Farquhar Gray), Sheep Breeders and Farmers, “Fairburn,” Masterton. This well-known farm of nearly 1200 acres, which was brought into cultivation by the late Mr. Farquhar Gray, who settled in the district in the early sixties, and to which his sons have succeeded, is famous for its stud sheep. Messrs. Gray Bros. are the most noted prize-winners for the Romney Marsh variety, having gained the champion prize for a ram at the last Wellington show. During the past few years no less than twenty gold medals have been won by their exhibits of sheep, cattle, and horses at the various shows in the provincial district, besides several silver trophies and medals. The senior partner, Mr. Roderick Gray, was born in 1870 in Masterton, where he was educated. He learned farming under his father's guidance, and on that gentleman's death in 1893, with his brother, he took over the management of the property. He has earned a reputation as an athlete, being considered the best mile runner in the Wairarapa. In 1893 he was one of the New Zealand representative football team that visited Australia. He is now vice president os the Parkvale Football Club, a member of the Masterton Football Club, of the Wairarapa representative team, and of the Wairarapa Caledonian Society. The firm are, of course, supporters of the various pastoral and agricultural societies.
Farmer, Kuripuni, near Masterton. The fourth and youngest son of Mr. Henry Jones, whose career is referred to in these pages, the subject of this sketch was born at the Hutt in 1854, and came with his parents to Masterton when two years old. Educated in the district he worked for his father till 1878, when he started in business on his own account. He is now occupied in farming pursuits, and has a chaff-cutting establishment besides a six-horse-power traction engine and complete machinery and fittings, which cost nearly £1000. He is a prominent member of the Masterton Wesleyan Church.
Settler, Masterton. This old gentleman was born in Northamptonshire, England, in 1811. Coming to New Zealand in 1842, in the ship “London,” he settled at Wadestown, and afterwards removed to Karori. Mr. Jones experienced the vicissitudes incidental to pioneer settlement, but with untiring industry he persevered until he secured a competency. While at Karori he held cottage services, which were greatly valued by the settlers at that time. In 1856 he bought a farm in Masterton, which he worked for many years. In 1870 he sold out, and with his daughter, Mrs. Collett, took up his residence in the township. Mr. Jones, who may be said to be self-educated, was a local preacher for twenty-eight years in the Wesleyan Church, in which he has filled all the offices open to a layman. For many years he was one of the prominent pillars of the Wesleyan Church in Wellington Province, rendering signal service in establishing churches and founding Sunday schools. Mr. Jones was married in 1832 to Miss Mary Willetts, who died a few years ago. His family numbers twelve children, fifty-two grand-children, and fifty great grand-children—a grand total of 114.
Farmer, Boyne Terrace, Masterton. Born at Taratahi in 1865, Mr. McKenzie was brought up to farming by his father, the late Mr. Alexander McKenzie, whose widow owns the snug little farm, which is leased to her son. Mr. McKenzie engages chiefly in agricultural farming, having had a general colonial experience in Australia as well as in this Colony. He takes an interest in field sports as a member of the Masterton Football Club, on behalf of which he used to play forward.
Sheepfarmer and Stock-dealer, Burnside, Manaia, Masterton. One of a family of sixteen who are all living at the time of writing, Mr. McKenzie was born in Argyleshire, Scotland, in 1859. His father, Mr. Kenneth McKenzie, of Stony Creek, near Palmerston North, who arrived in Wellington with his family by the only trip of the ship “Queen of the Avon” in 1861, brought up his son to the life of a settler. The subject of this notice, who has done a good deal of stock-dealing since the age of thirteen, has been well known as a leading stock buyer in Masterton since 1884. He leases 1116 acres of land, on which he resides, and has usually from 3000 to 4000 sheep on the estate, as many as from 70,000 to 80,000 sheep having passed through Mr. McKenzie's hands in a year He has been a member of the committee of the Wairarapa Agricultural and Pastoral Society for several years, and as a judge of stock he is generally called on to act at the Hawkes Bay, Palmerston North, and Hawera shows. In 1886 Mr. McKenzie was married to a daughter of Mr. F. Shaw, of Te Ore Ore.
Sheepfarmer, “Ditton,” Wangaehu. Mr. Mawley possesses a magnificent property of some 3700 acres of fine limestone country, laid down in English grasses, and well planted with shelter trees. “Ditton,” which may be safely
(William and Joseph Walter Perry), Sheep Breeders and Farmers, “Penrose,” Masterton. This well-known breeding farm was established in 1859 by the late Mr. Bennett Pascoe Perry, one of Wellington's earliest settlers, who arrived in the Colony in 1841, and died in 1894. The property—about 3800 acres of land, which is very well suited for the breeding of stud Lincoln sheep, has been managed since 1882, when the late Mr. Perry retired, by his two sons, who were brought up on the estate. Mr. William Perry, the senior partner, was born on the farm in 1863, and received his education in Masterton. He is acknowledged to be an authority on Lincoln sheep, and is frequently called upon to judge sheep at different shows throughout the North Island. A Lincoln ram bred on the farm gained first prize at the last Wellington show, beating the champion ram for Canterbury and Hastings shows. The sheep have also taken prizes at the various shows held in the district during the past few
Farmer, Kaumoana, Masterton, is a remarkably fine specimen of the native race. Descended from a long line of famous fighting chiefs, Mr. Te Tau is the chief of the Tumapuhia tribe well known throughout the Wairarapa. He and his wife are English in everything but name, the fine two-story house named “Kaumoana” (“From over the sea”) testifying to that fact. Valuable Maori curios, weapons, mats and specimens of beautiful native carving and a flag presented by the Duke of Edinburgh to Mr. Te Tau's father on behalf of the Wairarapa natives, are among the objects of interest in the house. At the back of the house are large and extensive stables for the accomodation of the racehorses, which number among them “Ned Kelly,” “The Duchess,” “Lady Gorton,” “Rahotu” (bred by Mr. Te Tau) and several others. He is the owner of large farms situated in Gladstone, Lower Valley, on the East Coast, Taueru and Lower Taueru, besides property in other parts of the Island. Mr. Te Tau was born in the Lower Valley, and on the death of his father he became chief of the tribe and assumed the management of the numerous properties belonging to his father and mother. As a footballer and huntsman he is well known and justly popular.
Settler, Victoria Street, Masterton. Born in Yorkshire in 1825, and educated at a private school, Mr. Wrigley learnt the shoemaking trade with an uncle, and worked about seven years at his trade in Manchester. In 1852 he came to New Zealand in the same ship that brought the Gilliss family and Major Richardson to Otago. Mr. Wrigley came to Wellington, and after two years settled in Masterton on land bought through the Small Farms Association. Mr. Wrigley was the first bootmaker to start business in Masterton, and worked at his trade in Queen Street for some time. Having been successful, he retired about eighteen years ago. During the great earthquake of 1855, he had some alarming experiences. As a volunteer he served in the Masterton Rifles. He has also been a member of the Trust Lands Trust and of the school committee. He is interested in local affairs as a member of the Agricultural and Horticultural Societies of Masterton. Mr. Wrigley was married in 1866 to a daughter of Mr. Bennington, one of the earliest settlers in Masterton, and has three sons and three daughters.
(Alexander Yule, proprietor; Charles B. Press, manager), Waianawa, Masterton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1886. Mr. Yule's private residence is at Carterton. This business was established by Messrs. Williams and Beetham, and was taken over by Mr. Yule in 1895. The business premises at Waianawa are very extensive. The Company undertakes to supply Wellington City with fresh meat, slaughtered at its works and forwarded daily by rail. Two butchers' shops—one in Molesworth Street and the other in Manners Street—retail most of the meat sent to the City. An idea of the extent of the business done by this firm may be obtained when it is stated that their premises cover about two acres, and in the busy season, with some forty men employed, seventy bullocks, 800 sheep, and a large
was established about thirty-five years ago in a small building now used as a Sunday school. The first portion of the present convenient wooden building was built in 1871, and twice since it has been necessary to enlarge the premises, which now contain three rooms, each having accommodation for fifty pupils. There is a large play-ground and a comfortable six-roomed residence for the teacher, the land occupied being some two acres in extent. The school roll numbers 115, the average attendance being ninety. The headmaster is assisted by one certificated and one pupil teacher.
the Headmaster of the Fernridge Public School, is a Yorkshireman. Born in Skipton in 1844, and educated at Bath, Mr Gover came to New Zealand, per ship “Haddon Hall,” in 1875, and joined the Wellington Education Board, his first appointment being at Taratahi School, from which he was transferred after a year to the position he now holds. In 1882 Mr. Gover was married to a daughter of Mr. M. R. Ashwin, of Eltham, Taranaki, and has two sons and a daughter.
Farmer, Serpentine Farm, Fernridge, near Masterton. Born in 1813 in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where he was educated, Mr. Burnett came to Lyttelton in 1863 by the “Brothers' Pride,” after a most eventful and terrible voyage, Of 349 adults who embarked, fifty-one died from fever during the passage, and the trip occupied 140 days. After a period of quarantine, Mr. Burnett was engaged in road-making for two years, and subsequently in farming at Temuka, Canterbury. In 1873 he came to the Wairarapa and took an hotel at Taueru, also working a sawmill in the vicinity. After three years he sold out of the hotel, and till 1895 was engaged in farming and sawmilling in the Masterton district. Having sold his mill he devoted his attention to the management of the farm of 500 acres at Fernridge on which he resides. Mr. Burnett is married and has two children.
a small farming district in the Wairarapa North County, is seventy-four miles from Wellington, and seven miles from Masterton. The nearest railway station is Kopuaranga, and the conveyance thence is by road. In educational matters the wants of the rising generation are provided for by a public school, at which the average attendance is about forty. Mails for Dreyerton close at Wellington daily at 6.45 a.m., arriving at Dreyerton at 12.30 p.m. The return mail for Wellington closes at Dreyerton daily at noon, arriving at Wellington at 7.50 p.m. The residents in the district are chiefly engaged in farming pursuits.
Farmer, Koukopuranga Farm, Dreyerton. Born in 1844 in Scotland, where he was educated, Mr. McKay came to Port Chalmers in 1867 by the ship “William Davy.” After working some years as a shepherd he went to Wellington, becoming manager for the late Mr. George Hunter, of Island Bay, eight years later. He settled in the Wairarapa, acquiring the present farm, on which he has resided for many years. Mr. McKay is married and has five children. He is in local matters interested as a member of the Caledonian Society, and of the Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Society.
Farmer, Myrtle Farm, Dreyerton, Mr. McKenzie is a well-known and respected settler. Born in 1836 in Ross-shire, Scotland, where he was educated, Mr. McKenzie left for the Antipodes in 1860 by the ship “British Trident.” After ten years in New South Wales, he came to New Zealand and settled in the Wairarapa in 1871. For some time he was engaged in contracting, but afterwards took up 100 acres of land and became a farmer. His sons, who have added to the property, have taken over the management of the farm. Mr. McKenzie has eight children, two of his daughters being married.
is distant from Wellington seventy-five miles, and from Masterton eight miles. It is situated in the North Wairarapa County, and in the electoral district of Masterton. The conveyance from Masterton is by road, and the nearest telegraph office is at Masterton. The majority of the residents are farmers. A public school provides education for the children of the district, and the average attendance is about 30. Mails for Opaki close daily at Wellington at 6.45 a.m., arriving at Opaki at 12.5 p.m.; the return mail closes at Opaki at 1.30 p.m.
Farmer, Burnside, Opaki, Masterton. A son of the late Mr. W. Buick, who came to Wellington per ship “Arab,” the subject of this sketch was born in 1842 in the Empire City, and after many years experience in farming at Petone, he settled in the Wairarapa. In 1881 Mr. Buick purchased the property—2000 acres—which he now farms. This fine estate is all fenced, and will keep three sheep to the acre. Mr. Buick is a believer in Romney Marsh sheep, of which his flock mostly consists. He takes an interest in horse-racing, being a member of the local jockey club, and is interested in sports generally, and is a supporter of the Caledonian Society. Mr. Buick, who is a Mason and an Oddfellow, was married in 1865 to a daughter of the late Mr. Henry Collett, of the Hutt, and has four sons and two daughters.
Sheepfarmer, “Ngaratanui,” Upper Opaki, Masterton. The subject of this sketch is a well-known figure in the Wairarapa. Sportsmen will remember him as the breeder of such well-known racing stock as “Ngaratanui,” “Shamrock,” and
Sheepfarmer, Rangitumau, Opaki, Masterton. For over thirty years Mr. Harvey has been a colonist having arrived in Wellington per ship “Albimar” in 1862. Born in Kintore, Rossshire, Scotland, in 1838, he was brought up to agricultural and pastoral pursuits, and for seventeen years after settling in New Zealand filled the position of working overseer on a large station in Hawkes Bay district. In 1881 Mr. Harvey came to the Wairarapa, becoming manager of the Akiteo station, which position he held for nine years. The Rangitumau estate of 510 acres, acquired by Mr. Harvey in 1890, is all in grass, and carries from 1000 to 1700 sheep, mostly of the crossbred variety, besides a few dairy cows and young stock. In 1876 the subject of this notice was married to a daughter of Mr. Hamilton, of Larkhall, Lanarkshire, Scotland, and has four sons and five daughters.
Sheepfarmer, Hawkhurst, Opaki, Masterton. This old settler, who was born in Southampton in 1842, came to Wellington per ship “London” with his parents in the following year. For a quarter of a century Mr. Herbert was engaged in sheepfarming at Cape Turnagain, Hawkes Bay, where, in conjunction with a brother, he owns 2800 acres of land, which carries about 4000 sheep. In 1884 Mr. Herbert came to the Wairarapa, purchasing the estate of 670 acres on which he now lives. This property, which is mostly under native and European grasses, supports a flock of 1000 sheep. As a Mason, he is attached to the Bideford Lodge, I.C. In 1878 Mr. Herbert was married to a daughter of the late Captain Thoms, of Wellington, and has two daughters.
Settler, Longlea, Opaki, Masterton. Born in Prussia in 1841, Mr. Kumme came to Wellington in 1867 per ship “Commodore” with his wife and child. After four years in the Wanganui district, he settled in the Wairarapa, purchasing in 1880 the farm of ninety acres on which he now lives. Mr. Kummer was a member of the Masterton Licensing Committee for a year, but has not otherwise taken office. His family numbers seven—two sons and five daughters.
Farmer and Stock Breeder, To Rangitumau, Opaki. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Stuckey is a native of Somersetshire, and reached New Zealand in 1870. He was for about seven years sheep-farming in Canterbury.
a small farming settlement in the Wairarapa North County, is seventy-nine miles from Masterton. A coach runs from Masterton as far as Taueru, and the journey thence may be made on horseback, or by carriage or other conveyance. Most of the residents are engaged in farming and similar pursuits. For the education of the young there is a public school, at which the average attendance is about twenty. Mails for Bideford close at Wellington on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 6.45 a.m., arriving at Bideford at 5 p.m.; and close at Bideford on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 7.30 a.m., arriving at Wellington at 7.50 p.m.
the well-known station of the late Mr. W. H. Levin, is a magnificent estate on the Taueru River of 12,600 acres. It is well fenced, subdivided into well-watered paddocks and carries 15,000 sheep and 800 head of cattle. The homestead is charmingly located, surrounded by beautiful clumps of trees in great profusion and is justly considered one of the loveliest spots in the Wairarapa.
J.P., Manager of Bollands, hails from Scotland, having been borne in Perthshire in 1857. He was educated at Inverness Academy, and, after gaining considerable experience in the management of stock, he came to the Colony in 1876. In Otago as overseer of one of the New Zealand and Australian Land Co.'s estates, and as manager for six years of Messrs. Handyside and Roberts' station, and of the Akitio and Glencoe stations in the North Island, Mr. Macrae had ample opportunities of adding to his knowledge. In 1887, after an enjoyable trip to Britain, he was appointed by Mr. Levin to the position he now holds. In public life Mr. MacRae sits as a Justice of the Peace and as a member of the local Road Board and School Committee. He is fond of hunting, and takes an interest in sport as a member of the Masterton Racing Club. Mr. MacRae is married to a daughter of Mr. H. S. Wardell, and has one son and two daughters.
a settlement in the Wairarapa North County, is seventy-eight miles from Wellington, and about eight miles from Masterton. The residents of the district are chiefly employed in pastoral and agricultural pursuits. Education is provided for the rising generation by a public school, at which the average attendance is about fifty. There is no telegraph office, but a telephone connects with Masterton. A coach leaves Masterton for Taueru on Tuesdays and Fridays at 7.30 a.m., and carries mails and passengers. Mails for Taueru close at Wellington on Mondays and Thursdays at 2.50 p.m., arriving at Taueru on Tuesdays and Fridays at 9.30 a.m. The return mails close at Taueru on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 12.20 p.m., arriving at Wellington at 7.50 p.m.
a settlement in the Wairarapa North County, is 108 miles from Wellington, and thirty miles from Masterton. It lies on the sea coast, between Wellington and Napier, and steamers make occasional trips there, especially in the wool season. There is no telegraph service, but a telephone connects with the nearest telegraph office. On Tuesdays and Fridays a coach leaves Masterton at 7.30 a.m. for Castlepoint, and carries mails and passengers. Wool-raising is the chief industry of the settlement. Mails, which are carried overland via Masterton, close at Wellington at 2.50 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays, arriving at Castlepoint at 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. The return mail closes at Castle-point at 7.30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays, arriving at Wellington on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 7.50 p.m.
is a small settlement in the Wairarapa North County, and is ninety-five miles from Wellington and about twenty-five miles from Masterton. A coach leaves Masterton for Tinui on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, at 9 a.m., and carries mails and passengers. There is a post and telegraph office in the village. The education of the rising generation is provided for by a public school, at which the average attendance is about thirty. The settlers are chiefly engaged in pastoral and agricultural pursuits. Mails for Tinui close at Wellington on Mondays and Thursdays at 2.50 p.m., arriving at Tinui on Tuesdays and Fridays at 1.45 p.m.; and close at Tinui on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 8.30 a.m., arriving at Wellington on the same days at 7.50 p.m.
the Agent for the Agricultural Department, Tinui, Las a very large district under his charge, a district extending from the Whareama River northward to the top of Puketoi Ranges on the Hawkes Bay boundary, and from the east coast to a line drawn from Taueru to Alfredtown. This area embraces some exceedingly rough country, roads being few and bad and bridges hardly dreamt of. The swollen condition of the rivers and streams during the rainy seasons often renders travelling highly dangerous. Floods and fires, however, seem to have no effect in checking the increase of rabbits, and it is necessary therefore for the agents of the Agricultural Department to persistently cover the areas under their charge at all seasons, and at all hazards. From conversations with runholders and others best able to give a reliable opinion, the writer is able to record the interesting fact that the rabbit pest in Mr. Webb's districts has, during the two years of his control, steadily abated. There are now thousands of sheep living on pasture lands which hitherto were incapable of supporting half the number. Mr. Webb was born in Monmouthshire, England, in 1861. He is the son of the late Mr. Thomas Webb, of Oamaru, and nephew of Mr. M. R. Millar, the well-known auctioneer of Napier. Educated at Oamaru and Dunedin, Mr. Webb became a cadet in the service of Mr. J. Gemmall, of Wairoa, Hawkes Bay, with whom he remained some nine years, continuing as manager of the estate after its sale to Messrs. Mein Bros. He afterwards managed an estate known as Prior Park in the Hawkes Bay district for the Bank of New Zealand for about two years. After a term in the employ of the Assets Company as buyer, Mr. Webb was appointed to his present position in 1894. Though his principal duties are connected with the extermination of the rabbits, he is expected to advice farmers and runholders in all matters appertaining to their lines of life, and for this part of his work his long experience particularly fits him. Mr. Webb is a member of the Tinui School Committee, a Past Chief Ranger in the Order of Foresters, and an energetic member of the Tinui Amateur Dramatic Club. In 1881 Mr. Webb was married to Miss Sargent, daughter of Mr. Henry Sargent, of Wairoa, Hawkes Bay, and his family consists of two girls and a boy.
is situate some fourteen miles north of Tinui, and adjoins the run of Messrs. Williams and Beetham, known as Annedale. Its area is 6560 acres, mostly good pastoral land, though some portions are still covered with bush, scrub, and toitoi, and there is a large swamp known as Tent Flat, at present useless for stock-carrying, but which, when drained, will provide about a thousand acres of rich agricultural land, than which no better could be found. Notwithstanding that so much of the estate remains in its natural condition, it carries 3500
the Manager of the Waitiwhiti Estate, was barn in the agricultural county of Berwick-shire, Scotland, on the 3rd of March, 1857. Educated in his native land, he came to New Zealand in 1874, per ship “Canterbury,” landing at Lyttelton. After a year in the employ of Mr. Macfarlane, of Coldstream, near Rangiora, Mr. Galbraith removed to Kaikoura, where he was for sixteen years with Messrs. Bullen Bros., occupying the position of under-shepherd for two years, that of head-shepherd for seven years, and that of manager of a smaller estate belonging to his employers for the remaining seven years, Leaving the South Island in 1891, Mr. Galbraith went into farming on his own account near Feilding in the Rangitikei district; but some two years later was induced to accept his present position. In 1885 Mr. Galbraith was married to Miss McFadzen, daughter of Mr. McFadzen, the manager for Messrs. Budden Bros., of Green Hills, Kaikoura. Mrs. Galbraith died in July, 1894, leaving two sons and one daughter.
a settlement in the Wairarapa North County, is 114 miles from Wellington and thirteen miles from Eketahuna, with which latter place it is connected by a coach service. The majority of the residents are engaged in sheep-farming, and in other rural pursuits. A telephone connects the village with Eketahuna. There is a public school, with an average attendance of about fifteen. Mails for Alfredton close at Wellington at 6.45 a.m., arriving at Alfredton at 5.15 p.m.; and close at Alfredton for Wellington at 9.45 a.m., arriving at Wellington at 7.50 p.m.
is 136 miles from Wellington, and lies in the Wairarapa North County. The nearest railway station is at Masterton, from which a coach runs as far as Whakataki; but for the remainder of the distance—about thirty miles—there is no regular means of conveyance. A telephone connects with the nearest telegraph office. The settlers are chiefly engaged in sheep and cattle farming and similar pursuits. Mails for Akitio close at Wellington on Mondays at 2.50 p.m., arriving at Akitio at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays; and close at Akitio for Wellington on Thursdays at 8 a.m., arriving at Wellington on Saturdays at 7.59 p.m.
a Scandinavian settlement eighty-three miles north-east of Wellington, on the railway line, is in Wairarapa North County, and the electoral district of Masterton. The settlement consists of Mauriceville East, on the railway line, and Manriceville West, two-and-a-half miles from it. Dairy farming and lime burning are the principal industries of the place. The lime kilns supply lime to all parts of the North Island. The market towns of the settlement are Eketahuna and Masterton. The local governing body is the North Wairarapa County Council. The settlement, though in the heart of dense bush, has good roads. Education is represented by two schools, and there is a Lutheran Church in Mauriceville West. Cottiss's Hall is the principal hall, though many meetings are held in the schools and the Settlers' Club. The settlement declared for Prohibition several years ago, and consequently there are no licensed hotels, but ample accommodation is provided at Cottiss's Temperance Hotel and at several restaurants. The settlers are a hard-working and prosperous class, and spend their evenings mostly in debating clubs and social gatherings. There is no lock-up or policeman in the district.
is situated about two-and-a-half miles from Mauriceville Railway Station. The building is of wood, and was opened as a post-office in 1880. It is connected by telephone with Eketahuna and Masterton. Money order and savings bank business is transacted. Mails close for the north and south at 11 a.m., and arrive at 3 p m. daily.
at Mr. Gundersen's store, is a branch office from Mauriceville West. It is open only while Mr. Gundersen is at the store for a few hours daily. Mails close for the north at 11.45 a.m., arriving from the south at 12.14 p.m., and from the north at 3 p.m. daily.
J.P., Postmaster, Mauriceville, was born in Denmark in 1835, and came to New Zealand in 1873. He possesses a farm of forty-six acres and a general store at Mauriceville. He is chairman of nearly all the local public bodies, and holds offices in the remainder. He is married and has eight children and twenty-three grandchildren.
is on the Wellington-Eketahuna Railway line, and is eighty-three miles north-east of Wellington. The building is of wood, and has three rooms: the stationmaster's office, general waiting-room, and ladies' waiting-room. There is also a goods-shed, and the water-tanks are supplied from a spring on the hill above. Four trains pass the station daily. There is a public telephone office at the station, and the stationmaster is local registrar of births, deaths, and marriages.
Stationmaster, Mauriceville, was born in Wellington in 1866, his father being a well-known builder there. He was educated in a private school, and joined the Railway Department in 1882, when he was given the charge of Pipitea, Kaiwarra and Ngahauranga stations. For six years subsequently he was booking clerk in the Wellington Railway Station. From there he was sent to take charge of Ngahauranga station, where he remained three years until getting his present appointment in 1893. In that year Mr. Quin married Miss Tyer, daughter of Mr. Alfred Tyer, tanner, of Ngahauranga. When this lady was fifteen years of age, she gained considerable distinction for an excellent exhibit in the Home Industry section at the Wellington Exhibition of the time, taking first prizes in every class, and winning the medal offered. They have two children. (Since the above was in type Mr. Quin has been transferred to the stationmastership at Greytown North, Mr. R. H. Simons, Goods Clerk at Oamaru, taking his place at Mauriceville).
was formed in 1894. There are ten members, and the band plays at local gatherings when required. The bandmaster is Mr. John Fraser, Mauriceville.
controls the local cemetery, which is situated near the Mauriceville West public school. The members of the Trust are Messrs. G. Gundersen (chairman), F. Yagerhorn and J. Yespersen. The cemetery is ten acres in extent.
is situated about two-and-a-half miles from Mauriceville Railway Station. It was established in 1873. The building will accommodate 150 children. There are sixty children on the roll, and the average attendance is forty-five. The grounds around the school are four acres in extent. The school has a good library of 350 volumes, and has the advantage of a magic lantern and slides for teaching geography and history. The old school at the rear of the present building is to be used for technical instruction. The strong feature of the school is the excellence of its singing. The headmaster Mr. Charles R. Joplin, is assisted by Miss Franklin.
was opened in 1892. The school, a wooden building of one room, is about a quarter-of-a-mile from the Mauriceville Railway Station. The school grounds are two acres in extent, and there is a commodious play shed and porches, which are occasionally used for class-rooms. The school is well appointed in every way, and has a library of 300 volumes. The technical instruction given is a feature of the school work. The headmaster is assisted by Miss McKenzie.
Headmaster of the Mauriceville East Public School, was born in Burnley, England, in 1854, and educated first at the local grammar school with Dr. Butler, and then at the national school. He began teaching in a school near Burnley, where, after serving as a pupil teaching he was appointed assistant master. Coming to New Zealand in 1878 he hold appointments in various schools under the Wellington Education Board, and came from Carterton to his present position. Mr. Kay takes a keen interest in technical education, and occasionally delivers lectures on that subject. He holds a captain's commission on the retired list of New Zealand Volunteers, and is a Past Master in the Masonic order. He is married and has four children.
is a handsome wooden building standing on an eminence in Mauriceville West. Accommodation is provided for about 200 worshippers. Services are held weekly. The Rev. Mads Christensen is the minister in charge.
Mauriceville, has a membership of about thirty, and meets fortnightly on Saturdays in the Mauriceville West schoolroom. The officers for 1896 are: Messrs. J. Lawson (chief ranger), Last Matson (secretary), and Geo. Q. Tillotson (treasurer).
holds an annual gathering on the Sports Ground. Mauriceville, when a capital programme is submitted. The principal event is the Mauriceville Handicap, of three distances. There are thirty-two members in the Club, and the annual subscription is 5s. The Club's officers for 1895–96 are: President, Mr. Gunder Gunderson; vice-presidents, Messrs. J. F. Heckler and C. H. Smith; secretary, Mr. George Franklin; treasurer, Mr. GunderGunderson; judges, Messrs. J. Gleeson, C. Brooks, C. H. Smith, P. Gleeson, H. C. Petersen, Fritz Kummer, R. Carroll, J. Cottiss, G. Gundersen; handicappers, Messrs. R. Carroll. P. and J. Gleeson; starter, Mr. R. Brooks; auditors, Messrs. Quin and Kennedy.
is a unique institution. It is established for debating and social purposes, and possesses a fine building in which meetings are held weekly on Wednesday and Saturday evenings. There are sixty members. The entrance fee is 5s., and the subscription 2s. 6d. quarterly. The Club's officers for 1896 are: Messrs. Jno. Youngson (president), G. Gundersen and T. Hellis (vice-presidents), and Jno. Kay (secretary).
Mauriceville West, was established in 1891, and is open in the summer and autumn months. It is the property of the Mauriceville Dairy Company, and is let to the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, Wellington. The building, a substantial wooden structure, contains five rooms as follows: the receiving room, 12ft. by 14ft.; the separator room, 10ft. by 20ft., in which there are two separators of Danish make with a capacity of 500 gals, an hour; the butter room, 12ft. by 30ft., which is provided with a revolving box churn of three hundredweight capacity, made in Wellington, and the latest appliances for butter-working; the store-room, 12ft. by 12ft, and the engine-room, 15ft. by 30ft., in which there is an eight-horse-power engine. The factory, when working, turns out four hundredweight of butter daily, and the output for the season is about twenty-five tons. The milk is paid for by test. Part of the butter is sold in Wellington and some is exported.
Manager, Mauriceville Dairy Factory, was born in Elsinore, Denmark, in 1865. and educated there. After leaving school he worked for several years at farm and dairy work, and was chosen to assist at the Remcolde Co-operative Dairy Factory under the management of Mr. P. Jensen, formerly Danish Government Dairy expert. He worked in Sweden for six months, and then came to New Zealand in 1891. Landing at Wellington, he went to Palmerston North, and worked at
Challenge Lime Kiln, Mauriceville East. Established 1887. Wellington agent, W. Chute. This lime kiln, which is situated close to the railway station, has an output of fifty tons monthly. There is a field of limestone ten chains long by three chains wide, and about 200 feet deep. Mr. Brenchley employs four men. Crushed burnt lime for agricultural purposes and Brenchley's Patent Insecticide are manufactured at the works. Mr. Brenchley is an old man-of-war's man, and holds the South African war medal.
General Storekeeper, Mauriceville. This business has been conducted by Mr. Gunderson since 1880, in which year it was established by him. A good stock is kept, and in addition to his general business, Mr. Gunderson conducts the post-office and telephone bureau.
Sheepfarmer, “Snowden,” Mauriceville. One of the owners of the “Snowden” estate of 1800 acres at Mauriceville, Mr. Cameron has a flock of 4000 Lincoln sheep and about 200 head of cattle. The property, which has been in the occupation of Messrs. Cameron Bros, for eight years, is in fine order and has ample buildings. Mr. Robert Cameron was born at Pahana in 1856, and was educated in the Colony. After gaining experience of farm life, he spent several years as a station manager before acquiring his interest in Mauriceville. In all local affairs Mr. Cameron takes a keen interest, being a member of the Wairarapa Agricultural and Pastoral Society, and a member and director of the Caledonian Society. Mr. Cameron married the daughter of Mrs. Clark, of Auckland, and has one daughter.
“Kopuaroa,” Mauriceville. One of the best athletes in the North Island in football, cricket, wrestling, stone putting, hammer throwing, and tossing the caber, Mr. Kummer has a good record. A man of powerful physique, he is well known in football circles as centre forward of the Masterton team, which twice won the senior championship, and also well known in the Red Star Football Club. In wrestling, he beat the celebrated professional wrestler, Mr. W. Uru, the South Island champion. As a rifle shot Mr. Kummer has won many valuable trophies, and in 1894 he was a member of the Wellington district representatives, who won the Interprovincial Challenge Shield. In local politics he was treasurer and secretary to the Mauriceville East School Committee for five years, and has been a member of the Mauriceville Road Board for some time. Mr. Kummer's property at Kopuarao, 600 acres in extent, contains a seam of coal about three feet wide, which is likely to prove payable when more thoroughly prospected. Born in Prussia, in 1866, Mr. Kummer came to New Zealand with his parents in the following year. Educated at Wanganui and at Fernridge School, near Masterton, he chose a country life. Mr. Kummer is an almost total abstainer, believing this course necessary to keep his body in good trim for his numerous and remarkable feats of strength. He is very fond of chess and music, and is a leading member of the Mauriceville and Hastwell Brass band.
Sheep and Cattle Farmer, “The Bend,” Mauriceville East. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1838, and educated at the Aberdeen, College and Grammar School, Mr. Youngson entered a lawyer's office in Edinburgh. In 1869 he came to Port Chalmers by the ship “Otago.” After experience in goldmining, sawmilling and contracting, he became a teacher, serving twelve years altogether at Milton, Otago, and Brooklands, Canterbury. In 1885 Mr. Youngson came up to the Forty-Mile Bush, where he had taken up 270 acres. Having started an orchard, Mr. Youngson was the first to grow strawberries in the locality, in which he met with great success. He also entered into the dairy industry. His flock now numbers thirty head of cattle and about 600 sheep. The slab whare originally erected on the property has been displaced by a handsome wooden residence, one of the best homesteads in the district. Mr. Youngson, who is the president of the Mauriceville Settlers' Club, was for some time chairman of the Mangamahoe School Committee. Mr. Youngson is married and has seven children.
Jensen, Nicolai, Coachbuilder and General Blacksmith, Mauriceville East.
Jorgensen, Jens, Tailor, Mauriceville East.
Jensen, Mathes, Accommodation House, Mauriceville West. Estab. 1880
Temperance Hotel (James Cottiss, proprietor), Mauriceville East.
Henderson, Alex., Blacksmith, Mauriceville East.
Rasmussen, Neils, Blacksmith and Wheelwright, Mauriceville West. Bankers, Bank of Australasia.
Aulin, Henri, General Storekeeper. Branch store, Mauriceville West. Established 1872.
Chisholm, Walter, J. P., General Storekeeper, Mauriceville West. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1890.
Brooks Bros. (Charles Brooks and Richard Brooks), Limeburners, Mauriceville. Established June, 1895.
a farming district in the Wairarapa North County, is eighty-seven miles from Wellington, from which city it is reached by rail. Education for the rising generation is provided by a public school, at which the average attendance is about twenty-five. Mails for Man-gamahoe close at Wellington daily at 6.45 a.m., arriving at Mangamahoe at 12.50 p.m. The return mail closes daily at 1.50 p.m., arriving at Wellington at 7.50 p.m.
derives a good deal of its importance from the fact of its being the present terminus of the Wellington-Wairarapa Railway; and while this has doubtless been of some advantage, it is not by any means certain that a great loss of trade will follow the displacement of the coaches by the further opening of the line. Eketahuna is not actually the terminus, the railway having been recently opened to Newman, but practically it is, as the coaches still start from there, and there is at present no hotel or accommodation house at Newman. The town is most peculiarly laid out. If continued, the present business street, which may be said to compose the town, might be in the form of an octagon, some four or five sides of which are already built upon, and contain but few, if any, blanks. The business premises are in good order—many of them quite new; but it cannot be said that there is a brisk business air about the place. One or two of the stores are fairly large concerns, and there are
It cannot fairly be said that Eketahuna strikes the stranger as one of the earth's beauty spots, and yet on a closer acquaintance it is not difficult to find really beautiful natural scenery. Quite close to the town winds the Makakahi River, and the great basin it has scooped out for itself, though picturesque, is quite sufficient to prevent the spread of the town in that direction. The flat within this basin is being cultivated, and is, of course, most fruitful ground, the soil being a rich alluvial deposit with a substratum of shingle. The road from Eketahuna to Mauriceville and Masterton dips into this basin within a hundred yards of the Eketahuna Hotel, and follows pretty closely the course of the river. Visitors arriving at Eketahuna by train can form no idea of the picturesque character of this road.
The lands around Eketahuna have, in many cases, been taken up within the last few years, and a great deal of hard work has been done in the way of preparation. The settlers are now beginning to reap the returns from their labour, and there is little doubt that Eketahuna will advance with the surrounding country. The Alfredton, Parkville, and other roads converge at Eketahuna, and no doubt the town will be greatly benefited by the progress of these districts. The railway station is fairly handy to the town, which is endeavouring to spread in that direction.
Eketahuna is not lacking in social and mercantile institutions. It is true that the bank opens only twice a week, and that the newspaper is published only on Wednesdays and Saturdays; but there are branches of the Masonic, Oddfellows', and Foresters' Orders; and of the Episcopalian, Roman Catholic, and Wesleyan Churches; and there is a farmers' club. There are no resident lawyers, but Mr. G. Harold Smith, the well-known solicitor of Pahiatua, has a branch in Eketahuna; and there is a resident physician, Dr. Murray-Aynsley, and a resident minister, the Rev. Mr. Ryan, of the Wesleyan denomination.
As in Pahiatua, a great many of the business premises are the property of Mr. T. C. Williams, of Wellington, whose picture and notice appear on page 773 of this volume.
was established in 1886 through the instrumentality of Mr. Anderson, who is the present chairman of that body. The jurisdiction of the Board extends throughout the Eketahuna district, and many miles of formed roads are under its control.
J. P., Chairman of the Eketahuna Road Board, has been a member of the Board since its inception. Born in Dumbarton in 1833, and educated there, Mr. Anderson, on leaving school, worked for some years on his father's farm. When nineteen years old he went to America, but returned to Scotland in 1855, and remained there for about twenty years Having decided to come to New Zealand, he set sail in 1875 in the good ship “Kinbanns Castle,” and landed in Wellington in the same year. For about six years after his arrival he was in the employ of Mr. Nathan. In 1880 he took up land in Eketahuna, whither he removed in the same year. The property consists of 800 acres, and was, when Mr. Anderson settled there, all dense bush. It has, however, been cleared, and now carries a large flock of sheep and a number of cattle. Mr. Anderson was a member of the school committee for seven years, for five of which he was chairman, and was also for many years chairman of the licensing committee. Mr. Anderson's homestead is pleasantly situated on the side of the valley, and is about two miles from Eketahuna. In 1885 he was appointed a Justice of the Peace by the Stout-Vogel Government. Mr. Anderson, whose wife died some time ago, has one child surviving.
who is a member of the Eketahuna Road Board, was born near Birmingham England, in 1840, and was educated at the Sutton Coldfield Blue Coat School. Before coming to Wellington in 1879 he was engaged in farming in Staffordshire. On landing Mr. Bayliss came to the Wairarapa,-taking up the land on which he now resides, he being the first Englishman to settle in Eketahuna after the arrival of the Scandinavians. The district was at that time a solid block of bush from Eketahuna to Alfredtown. Mr. Bayliss was elected chairman of the local Road Board at its inception in 1886, and has been continually a member with the exception of one term. In church matters he is attached to the Wesleyan Church, in which he holds the office of circuit steward. Mr. Bayliss is married and has two sons and three daughters. His brother, Mr. William Bayliss, who has been in the district for some years, took a prominent part in public affairs till 1895, and is a local preacher in connection with the same church.
Mails for Wellington close at Eketahuna daily at 1.30 p.m., arriving at Wellington at 7.50 p.m. On Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday an extra mail leaves Eketahuna at 5.35 a.m., arriving at Wellington at 11.50 a.m. Mails for Eketahuna close daily at Wellington at 6.45 a.m., arriving at Eketahuna at 1 p.m. On Saturday an extra mail closes at Wellington at 2.50 p.m., arriving at Eketahuna at 9.10 p.m. Mr. Thomas Lewis is the postmaster.
is a building of the usual design, and is situated near the centre of the town. The constable in charge is Mr. Chas. Grey.
eighty-eight miles from Wellington, which is situated on the fringe of the town of Eketahuna, is the present terminus of the Wellington-Woodvile line of railway, so far as traffic is concerned, although the line is completed for some distance further north. This station, which was opened in 1889, is constructed of wood and iron, the stationmaster being assisted by two clerks, three porters, one guard, and a telegraph messenger; three engine-drivers, two firemen and a cleaner are also located in Eketahuna. In the season the traffic is very heavy, the principal freight being timber, wool, and butter. The business of the post, telegraph and money order offices is conducted at the station, and is under the charge of the stationmaster. Eketahuna is also in telephonic communication with Masterton, Pahiatua, and Alfredton.
the Stationmaster and Officer in charge of the Post and Telegraph Office at Eketahuna, was born at the village of Colwinstone, Cowbridge, Glamorganshire, South Wales, in 1855. Educated at the Bridgend Grammar School and afterwards at the Normal College, Swansea, South Wales, Mr. Lewis came to New South Wales in 1877, arriving in New Zealand in 1879. He joined the railway service in 1880 as porter at St. Andrews, Canterbury, was promoted to the position of guard in 1880, and to that of stationmaster at Rangitata in 1885. He was transferred to the Upper Hutt in 1890, and after remaining there three years, to Eketahuna. Mr. Lewis, who is a member of the Eketahuua Masonic Lodge, takes a great interest in church matters, having acted as lay reader of the Anglican Church since 1894. Gardening is his favourite hobby, Mr. Lewis is one of those who, on this section, started the desirable oractice of cultivating flowers around the railway station. In 1886 Mr. Lewis married the eldest daughter of Mr. E. Tipler an old and respected settler of North Canterbury, and has four children. Uniformly courteous and obliging to all who come into contact with him, it is no wonder that the public are satisfied with the way in which their interests are considered.
is situate in the heart of the township, near to the public library. The number of pupils on the roll is 172, while the average attendance is 150. The school was, till August, 1896, under the control of Mr. Joseph Harrison Worboys, who exchanged places with Mr. George S. M. McDermid, of the Kilbirnie School, and whose career is referred to on page 800 of this volume. Mr. McDermid is assisted in the working of the school by four assistants and pupil teachers. The building has four rooms, and a very good corridor, the head master's residence being adjacent to the school.
Eketahuna, occupies a good site about midway between the railway station and the main business centre of the town. The cause was started in 1880, but it was not until eight years later that the church was erected. The size of the building is forty feet by twenty feet, and the seating accommodation is sufficient for 130. It is well filled in fine weather, and a new church to hold 250 is shortly to be erected at a cost of £350. The Sunday school is composed of about sixty scholars, four teachers and a superintendent—Mr. Jones, the well-known storekeeper.
the Resident Wesleyan Minister of Eketahuna, was born in Jersey, Channel Islands, in 1870, and is the son of Mr. Lawrence Ryan, of Christchurch, who came to the Colony in 1870. The reverend gentleman was educated at the Normal School, Christchurch, and at Way College, Adelaide, S.A. His first circuit was the lake district of Central Otago, where he remained for a year, when he was called to Eketahuna, in April, 1896. He is now in his last year of probation, two years being allowed in consideration of his special work during his college term.
No. 92, which was founded in 1893, meets every month in the Masonic Hall, Eketahuna, at 7.30 p.m. on the Friday nearest full moon. The installation of officers takes place in December. The officers for 1896 are: W.M., Bro. W. B. Abbott; S.W., Bro. H. Johnson; J.W., Bro. J. R. Juggins.
M.U., I.O.O.F., No. 6795, meets in the Oddfellows' Hall, Eketahuna, fortnightly. The Juvenile Lodge also meets fortnightly. Mr. J. Carter is the secretary of the Lodge.
A.O.F., No. 8382, holds regular meetings at Eketahuna. Mr. J. R. Juggins is the secretary.
was formed in 1896, with the object of promoting entertainments in aid of local charities. There
is the principal hall in the township. It adjoins the Eketahuna Hotel, and is constantly in use for concerts, balls, theatrical performances, and political and other meetings. It is used also by churches, three distinct sects holding services there. Mr. Pelling's charges are reasonable, and applications by post or wire receive prompt attention. The sitting accommodation is sufficient for about 300; and the stage is well provided with scenery.
is the only paper published in the district. It was established in August, 1894, is published twice a week, and consists of four pages, each containing seven columns of nearly two feet in length. It is well advertised, and in politics maintains an independent course. Mr. T. W. Sparks is the enterprising proprietor and editor.
Solicitor, Eketahuna. Mr. Smith is referred to at greater length in the Pahiatua section, his head office being in that town.
L.R.C.P., London; M.R.C.S., England, etc., Alfredton Road, Eketahuna. Dr. Murray-Aynsley is the son of Mr. Hugh Percy Murray-Aynsley, of Canterbury, an ex-M.H.R. for Lyttelton, who was for many years the senior partner in the Colony of the well-known firm of Miles and Co. merchants, of Lyttelton. The doctor was born in Lyttelton in 1860, and was educated at Twyford School, near Winchester, England, and at the Rev. C. Turrell's school, near Christchurch, completing at Christ's College, Canterbury. Studying at St. George's Hospital, London, he successfully passed all examinations and became a Licentiate of the Royal College of Physicians in January, 1889, and a Member of the Royal College of Surgeons in the following May, and was appointed House Surgeon of Belgrave Hospital for Children, London. Dr. Murray-Aynsley was then appointed surgeon to the R.M.S. “Kaikoura” on her outward trip to this Colony. This was in 1890, and on reaching his native province, the doctor entered upon private practice at Opawa, Christchurch. A year or so later he was appointed superintendent of Christchurch Hospital, which position he retained until May, 1896, and in the following month established himself as above in Eketahuna. Both here and in the Old Land Dr. Murray-Aynsley has been prominent in all matters connected with his profession, and has also taken more than a passing interest in outside affairs. As an officer of militia in 1882, he held the position of subaltern in the Seventh Battalion Rifle Brigade, rising to the office of captain prior to his resignation in 1888. In this Colony he was surgeon of Christ's College Rifles. Among a number of important positions held in connection with the medical profession may be mentioned the secretaryship and subsequently the presidency of the Canterbury Branch of the New Zealand Medical Association, and the general secretaryship of the Association. Dr. Murray-Aynsley was also general secretary of the New Zealand Branch of the British Medical Association, and joint-secretary with Dr. Brown, of Dunedin, to the surgical section of the Intercolonial Medical Congress held in the southern city. He was a member of the Philosophical Institute and of the Savage Club in Canterbury, and of the Caledonian Society. He was a member also of the Bowling and Golf Clubs of Christchurch and vice-president of the Canterbury Association Football Club. The doctor's removal to Eketahuna necessitated his resignation from many of these positions, but he still has a good deal of extra work besides his private practice. He is examiner in pathology to the University of New Zealand, and medical referee to the Australian Mutual Provident Society, the Government Life Insurance Department and the National Mutual Life Association. He is public vaccinator for the Eketahuna district and medical officer for the Oddfellows and Foresters. In 1891 Dr. Murray-Aynsley was married to Miss Key, daughter of Dr. Key, of Montrose, Scotland.
Eketahuna, has been established for some time, and is open on Tuesday and Friday of each week.
(E. R. Kibblewhite and W. M. Wilson), Coachbuilders, Wheelwrights, and General Blacksmiths, High Street, Eketahuna. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This well known business was established in 1891 by Mr. Edward Richard Kibblewhite, who had been for ten years previously in business in Masterton. The building, which is spacious, consists of blacksmith's shop, coachbuilding department, paint room and office. A fair share of the business of the district comes to the establishment, the work turned out giving general satisfaction. All kinds of vehicles, including buggies, traps, timber waggons, business
Pictures of Messrs. Kibblewhite and Wilson appear on the following page. Both gentlemen are well known. Mr. Wilson's father and brothers have long resided in Wellington, where he himself has many friends, who will readily recognise his portrait.
(Duncan Morrison, managing partner), Tailors, Eketahuna. This is a branch of the firm of Plenderleith and Co., of Willis Street, Wellington, particulars relating to which will be found on pp. 642–3 of this volume.
Hairdresser, Tobacconist and Confectioner, High Street, Eketahuna. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Marenzi's business, which was established two years ago, is the only one of this kind in the township. He keeps a very nice assorted stock of pipes, tobaccos and fancy goods. The saloon is kept in splendid order, and is under his personal supervision, the confectionery and the shop trade being supervised by his wife. A Freemason and an Forester, he is also a good violinist, and takes an interest in local sports, occasionally presenting a trophy for competition.
(John Carter, proprietor), High Street, Eketahuna. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The Eketahuna Temperance Hotel has been prominent among the hostelries of Eketahuna for many years. It was established in 1883, and Mr. Carter became proprietor some ten years later. It occupies a position in the very centre of the town, and has a good frontage to the main street. The property is Mr. Carter's freehold, and the hotel contains upwards of forty rooms. Commercial-rooms, sample-rooms, sitting-rooms and private drawing-rooms are provided for patrons and all are neatly furnished and well-kept. From thirty to forty visitors can be comfortably accommodated. The hotel is well patronised, and ladies and gentlemen who have stayed there are loud in their praises. It has the name throughout the Wairarapa, and also in the capital city, of being a very great improvement on the ordinary run of temperance hotels. Notwithstanding the first-class table kept and the excellent style of the establishment the tariff is very low, six shillings per day being the charge for visitors and one pound per week for permanent boarders. The proprietor, Mr. Carter, was born at Netherseal, Leicestershire, England, and was educated at Measham, in Derbyshire. He came to the Colony in 1879 per ship “Bebbington,” landing at Wellington. After some three or four years of market gardening in the Hutt Valley, Mr. Carter removed to Eketahuna and took up land in the Mangaone Valley. He greatly improved the property, and after ten years' occupation sold out and purchased the above hotel. In his present position Mr. Carter finds his experience as a market-gardener most useful; and the table delicacies he is enabled to provide are greatly appreciated by his numerous patrons. In the management of his hotel, Mr. Carter is most ably assisted by his wife, and every effort is made which can in any way promote the comfort of visitors and patrons. The writer has every confidence in recommending Mr. Carter's Temperance Hotel as a clean, well-kept and quiet house.
(Frank Dearing Pelling, proprietor), High Street, Eketahuna. Telegraphic address, “Pelling's, Eketahuna.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This is in every sense the first hotel in Eketahuna. It was built originally on a much smaller scale than at present, but some six years ago it was razed to the ground by fire, when Mr. Thomas Parsons, the ground landlord, rebuilt it in first-class proportions and of handsome
(Mrs. E. J. Lowe, proprietress), Eketahuna. The Railway Hotel is so named from its nearness to the station, it being the first building met with on the way into the town, and but only a few yards from the station property. The Railway Hotel was burnt down in September, 1895, and was re-built in April, 1896. It is a fine hotel, and commands a good site. The rooms are all splendidly furnished and well kept. There are eighteen bedrooms all well ventilated, and four or five sitting-rooms, besides drawing and dining-rooms. All appurtenances such as kitchen, pantry, sculleries, etc., are in good style and particularly convenient and clean. Mrs. Lowe, the proprietress, is well known, having previously kept the “Crown” at Norsewood, the “Star” at Master-ton, and others. Visitors and permanent boarders are made exceedingly comfortable at the Railway Hotel.
Club Hotel (M. Kelliher, proprietor), Eketahuna.
Universal Hotel (Henry Timins, proprietor), Eketahuna. This house has been up about ten years, and the present occupier has been there a few months.
Tinmith, Plumber, Bellhanger, Sheet Iron and Zine Worker, Eketahuna. Mr. Tonkin began business in 1892, and has a firm hold of the crade of the district. It was uphill work at first, and there were those who thought he would not succeed; but he has proved that there was room for a good plumber in Eketahuna. His shop is conveniently fitted and supplied with such machinery and tools as is needed for the manufacture of tanks, dairy utensils, hot water fittings, etc., and for general house plumbing. Mr. Tonkin has set a good example by erecting one of the prettiest little houses in the township. Mr. Tonkin was born in Liskeard, Cornwall, and served his time in Auckland with Mr. George McCaul, of Wellesley Street West. Prior to removing to Eketahuna, Mr. Tonkin was in business in Reefton for two years. He takes an interest in musical matters, and holds the position of secretary of the Eketahuna Brass Band, of which he was a promoter. He is also a member of the Eketahuna Minstrels. In Oddfellowship he is the elective secretary. He certainly deserves the support of the district.
Boot and Shoemaker, High Street, Eketahuna. This is the principal boot and shoe shop in the town, and was established in 1894 by the present proprietor. Mr. Steer does a very good business in the manufacture of boots and shoes, as well as in repairing and soleing and heeling. He has a couple of first-class machines for the manufacture and sewing of uppers. He learned the trade with his father, who had long conducted business in the same line at Greymouth. Mr. Steer came to the Wairarapa in 1893, and worked for twelve months with Mr. Peters, of Carterton. He came to Eketahuna in the early part of 1894, and lost no time in starting in business on his own account. As a member of the local band he plays the euphonium, and he also takes an active part as a member of the Eketahuna Minstrel and Dramatic Society
Hansen, Hans, Bootmaker and Importer, High Street, Eketahuna. Established 1889.
Butcher, High Street, Eketahuna. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Wiwaka. The above business is the principal butchering establishment in Eketahuna, and was established in 1886 by Mr. Turnor in conjunction with Mr. A. Selby, who retired from the firm in 1893. The subject of this notice was born at Dartmouth, Devonshire, England, in 1865, and received his education at All Hallows School, Honiton. After twelve months in the office of Messrs. Scrutton and Sons, the well-known shippers, he went to America, where for three years he was farming in Kansas. Coming to New Zealand in 1886 by the s.s. “Tongariro,” he founded the business as above. His farm at Wiwaka consists of 900 acres, where he breeds sheep and cattle. In social and athletic circles he is prominent as a member of the Masterton Masonic Lodge and of the local Lodge of Oddfellows, as president of the Eketahuna Football and Cricket Clubs, of the Eketahuna Minstrel and Dramatic Society, and as one of the vice-presidents of the Wairarapa Rugby Union. Mr. Turnor is married and has two children.
Harrison, John, Butcher, High Street, Eketahuna.
(James Jones), General Storekeepers Eketahuna Store, High Street, Eketahuna. Telegraphic address, “Jones, Eketahuna.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Carter Street. This business was established in 1881. The town was then in its incipient stage, and Mr. Jones's trade has extended with the district. The premises have been enlarged three times, and now present quite a handsome appearance. Behind the front shop is a large store, and here corn-crushing and chaff-cutting are carried on, the machinery for these purposes being driven by a six-horse-power steam-engine. The departments of this business include grocery, drapery, ironmongery, crockery and glassware, boots and shoes, and produce. Among the agencies held by the firm may be mentioned that of the New Zealand Insurance Company. Mr. Jones is ably assisted in the management of this business by his wife, who is recognised as an exceedingly capable business woman, and by his son, Mr. Leonard Walter Jones, who, having been brought up in the business, is well acquainted with it in all its many branches.
Aulin, H., J.P., Storekeeper, Eketahuna.
Herbert, A. H. and Co. (Alfred Hanry Herbert and Frank Cowla'n), General Storekeepers, Eketahuna.
Sail, Flag, Tent and Cover Maker, Eketahuna. Mr. Crone was born in Denmark in 1832, and was educated in Copenhagen. In 1858 he passed the London Board of Trade examination and sailed for Queensland as chief mate of the “Rita.” Three years later he became captain of the “Flying Squirrel,” and though she was the smallest craft that was ever known to cross the Tasman Sea, Captain Crone made what was then a record trip—thirteen days. Since then he was captain of the “Undine” and others, and has spent ten years of his life as a lighthouse-keeper. Before establishing himself in Eketahuna in 1894 he had been in the same line of business for several years in other parts of the Colony.
Livery Stable Proprietor, The Eketahuna Stables, High Street, Eketahuna. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. These well-known and popular stables have only recently been taken over by Mr. Iggulden. Established in 1883, they are the principal livery and bait stables in the township. There are fourteen stalls besides a large loose-box, the building being large and lofty. Fourteen horses are kept on the premises for the use of customers, among them being some very fine animals. There is also a good choice of vehicles. A coach from the establishment plies regularly to and from the station, meeting every train. Mr. Iggulden keeps a spacious and roomy drag which may be used for picnics and excursions, the ribbons being generally handled by the owner, who in well known as an expert whip. The stables are situated in the centre of the township adjoining the establishment of Messrs. Jones and Co., merchants and storekeepers. Mr. Iggulden considers it a part of his duty to see that his patrons are well looked after; and visitors to Eketahuna who wish to see something of the surrounding districts cannot do better than call in at the stables and have one of the proprietor's comfortable vehicles. The cost will be found most reasonable, and the outlay will well re-pay the tourist, as there are some delightful drives within a short distance of the township. The saddle hacks are a specialty at the Eketahuna Stables, where a competent staff are always in attendance. Mr. Iggulden, who was born at Wellington in 1860, is the youngest son of the late Mr. Edward Iggulden, one of the early Part Nicholson settlers, who was in business as a draper in Lambton Quay, Wellington, in the fifties. Mr. Iggulden was educated in the capital, and, having learnt his business, engaged in the carrying line for three years in Masterton. In 1893 he removed to Eketahuna and bought a carrying business, and in 1896 bought his present business. In athletics he made a name for himself in the district while playing with the Red Star Football Club of Masterton, having for some years been picked to represent the Wairarapa in representative matches. On the occasion of his leaving Masterton to take up his present business at Eketahuna, he was presented by the members of his old club—the Red Stars—with a handsome marble clock in recognition of the services rendered to the club. Mr. Iggulden is married and has three children.
Watchmaker and Jeweller, Eketahuna. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Reeve served his time with Mr. G. T. Shilton, of Christchurch, and began business in Eketahuna in 1893. He is agent for the Dresden Piano Company and the Standard Insurance Company.
Kelso, Hugh Andrew, Chemist, Eketahuna. Established 1895. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
Brenmuhl, Ernest Charles, Baker, Grocer, and Restaurant Keeper. Eketahuna.
Hunter, Thomas Gilman, Baker and Confectioner, Eketahuna.
Peterson, George, Baker and Confectioner, High Street, Eketahuna.
Benjamin, J., Dealer, Eketahuna.
Wright, Arthur Herbert, Blacksmith, Coachbuilder and Wheelwright, Eketahuna Coach Factory, Eketahuna.
The Wellington Special Settlement No. 1 is generally known as
The town consists of 840 acres, made up of 109 town acres and 114 suburban sections, averaging about four acres each, besides roads and several reserves. There are two recreation reserves, one of seventeen acres and the other about half that area; the cemetery reserve is nine acres, and the waterworks reserve is fourteen acres. This last is among the hills, but it is not likely that any use will be made of it for many years, as splendid water is to be found at a depth of about five feet, and this notwith-standing that the river has worn a course for itself not less than seventy feet below the level of the town, or sixty-five feet below the line at which water is invariably reached. Within a few feet of the river bank the water is still obtainable at a depth of five or six feet. This very great advantage is accounted for by the fact that at that depth the papa foundation is struck, and the superstratum of gravel and alluvial soil acts as a perennial filter.
In 1886, the site of Newman, with its surrounding hills, was dense bush, but the ringing blows of the axeman have been heard to some purpose, and are now followed by the cow-boy's whistle and the ploughman's cheery call. It is true that most of the land is still unstumped, but there are several smiling paddocks and gardens which would seem to deny all recent connection with the primeval forest.
The township is by no means large, being composed of the post-office and telephone bureau, the school and school-house, a blacksmith's shop, a general store, a public hall, and a number of neat cottages and villa residences. There are about fifty bonâ fidè settlers in the district. They are, in the main, doing fairly well, and may now reasonably expect to reap the reward of past toil.
Newman forms a part of No. 1 ward of the Eketahuna Road Board, represented by Messrs. Bourke and Mowbray. A good deal of road making has been accomplished, the greater part of it being done by co-operative labour. The rates are light, and property is rising rapidly in value.
Newman, is at the private house of Mr. F. W. M. Dowsett, and is furnished with a telephone. Telegrams received there are telephoned to Eketahuna and then dispatched by wire in the ordinary way. The mail for Wellington is made up daily at noon, and the mail from the head office arrives at 1.55p.m.
the Postmaster, Telegraphist and Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages for Newman, was for many years well known in Wellington. Mr. Dowsett was born in Herefordshire, England, on the 26th of February, 1841, and was educated in Essex and Surrey. He landed in Wellington on the 15th of May, 1857, and immediately found employment with Mr. Walter Freeman, baker. In 1860 he joined the man-of-war “Victoria” as steward. Three years later he was again in Wellington after an experience in several parts of the South Island. For ten years Mr. Dowsett was in the employ of Mr. G. H. Vennell, auctioneer, and then started as a baker in Tinakori Road. It was during this time that Mr. Dowsett held the position of chairman of the Karori-Makara Road Board, and took so active a part in the Terawhiti goldfields. He built a store at Terawhiti with the idea of being first on the spot; but the venture was ill-considered and Mr. Dowsett lost over a thousand pounds from his hard-earned savings. In 1888 he cast in his lot with Special Settlement No. 1, and has no cause to regret his decision. He has sold off his rural sections and bought up town acres. His holding now consists of thirty acres extending from the main road to the
consists of two fairly large and very comfortable rooms, furnished liberally with all school requisites. The school was started in 1892 with nineteen scholars. There are seventy children on the roll, and the average attendance is fifty. All the standards from I. to VII. are taught, and the headmistress, Mrs. Nelson, is assisted by Miss Robinson.
the Headmistress of the Newman Public School, was born and educated in County Cork, Ireland, and came to the Colony as Miss Sullivan in 1883. After a few months at the Mount Cook Infants' School under Mrs. Francis, she was appointed assistant teacher at Mauriceville, where she remained some six or seven years. Removing thence to Eketahuna for a year, Mrs. Nelson, who was married during her residence in Mauriceville, was in 1892 transferred to Newman on account of her husband having taken up land in that neighbourhood.
Shoeing and General Blacksmith, Newman. Mr. Hobman is a native of the Wairarapa, having been born in 1863 at Greytown, where his father, the late Mr. Luke Hobman, carried on the business of a bootmaker. Mr. Hobman was apprenticed with Mr. Richard Bright, and before establishing himself as above he had a sawmilling experience of some six or seven years. His premises in Newman are freehold, and his business is improving with the advance of the district. His smithy is well kept and well provided with all the tools needful for a good general business. When in Greytown, Mr. Hobman was a cricketer of some note, and represented the district as a footballer. In 1891 Mr. Hobman was married to Miss Tom, daughter of Mr. William Tom, of Dalefleld, near Carterton.
General Storekeeper, Newman. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Eketahuna. This is the only general store in Newman, and a good trade is done, goods being delivered in all directions for several miles. Mrs. Crook is agent for the London, Liverpool and Globe Insurance Company.
Sawmiller, Newman. The mills are fitted with the latest machinery, and a large quantity of timber is turned out. About twenty men find regular employment in cutting and preparing timber. Mr. Baillie came to the Colony in 1860, landing at Dunedin, and tried his luck for some time at gold-digging, but was not successful. Returning to Dunedin, he worked there for a while, and then removed to Wellington, subsequently settling in Greytown.
Proprietor, Albion Sawmill, Newman; Timber Yards at Petone. Mr. Price's mill, which is the largest in the Fourty-mile Bush district, is supplied with logs which are drawn by a locomotive along a steel tramway over five miles long. The sawmill is fitted with two travelling benches and twin saws, a ripping bench, breast bench, and planing machine, which are driven by a twenty-five horse-power engine. The principal timbers used are totara, rimu, matai, white pine, and rata. Mr. Price was born in Liverpool in 1838, and came to Nelson when four years old in the ship “Olympus” with his parents. After a residence of about thirty years in Wakefield, in the Province of Nelson, where he worked with his family, Mr. Price married and came to Wellington some five years later. Removing to Carterton he commenced business as a general storekeeper, which he carried on successfully for about five years, when he sold out and started business as a sawmiller at the south of Carterton, and subsequently erected a mill at Dalefield, which he worked for twenty years before removing to Newman. In Carterton Mr. Price took an active interest in church matters as a vestryman of St. Mark's, and in military affairs as a volunteer. A Freemason and Oddfellow of long standing, he is also an enthusiastic cricketer. Mr. Price has one son and one daughter.
is the first calling-place for the coaches between Eketahuna and Woodville. It is about seven miles from the former town. There is a fairly commodious hotel, a store, and a blacksmith's shop. In the daytime the public school affords almost the only sign of life; but when the curtain of night is drawn over the settlement, the neighbourhood of the hotel often presents a busy scene. The Maoris from a contiguous pah are frequently assembled there in strong force, and the bushmen and sawmill hands find congenial excitement and companionship.
A good deal of the land around Hamua is Maori property let to the white population on long leases. The population of the neighbourhood may be imagined from the fact that about eighty scholars attend the public school.
Until quite recently Hamua was known as Hawera, but the name was wisely changed to avoid confusion with the well-known town of that name in the Taranaki province.
The public school is decidedly the most creditable feature of the settlement. It was opened on the 29th of May, 1893, and, though a fairly large building, it is already slightly overtaxed, with the number on the roll steadily increasing. The playgrounds are in excellent condition considering that they were so recently covered with dense bush. The number on the roll in September, 1896, was seventy-four, and it happened that on the day of the writer's visit every scholar was present. The average attendance was sixty-eight. There are some eight or ten Maori children at the school, and Mr. Hopkirk, the headmaster, speaks highly of their abilities as scholars, especially in arithmetic and other subjects not detrimentally affected by their habit of thinking in their native language. All the standards up to the seventh are taught, and Mr. Hopkirk is assisted by a pupil
Headmaster of the Hamua Public School, is a son of Mr. Alexander Hopkirk, of Gleuburn, Ashurst, and was born at Markinch, Fife, Scotland, in 1867. He was educated in Wellington at the Mount Cook School under Mr. Hardy, and holds the certificate D2. After a term as pupil teacher at Mount Cook Boys' School, Mr. Hopkirk was appointed first assistant at Featherston. His next move was to Pirinoa, where he had charge from 1891 till the opening of the Hamua School some two years later. Mr. Hopkirk's hobby is photography, and he has produced some very excellent pictures, several of them being reproduced in this volume. In December, 1893, Mr. Hopkirk was married to Miss Pilcher, daughter of Mr. H. J. Pilcher, of Wellington, and their family consists of two sons.
Sawmiller, Hamua. Private address, Pahiatua. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The subject of this notice is a native of Wellington, having been born there in 1840. His parents came to the Colony by the ship “Bengal Merchant,” the third immigrant vessel to arrive at Port Nicholson. He was brought up to farming pursuits on his father's farm at the Hutt, and in 1864 came to the Wairarapa. He started sawmilling in 1877, and successfully engaged in that occupation for about nine years, during which time he was working near Carterton and Masterton. In 1887 he removed to the Forty-mile Bush and took up the present property at Hamua. The production of timber at the mill is about 20,000 feet per week.
Farmer, Strathaen, Hamua. Mr. Yule occupies 1100 acres on lease from the Maoris. About three-fourths of the estate is already cleared, sown with English grasses and well stocked with sheep and dairy cows. The grounds around the homestead include both orchard and flower and other gardens, and the house is a pretty villa of six rooms. The proprietor was born in Featherston in 1868, and is the second son of Mr. Robert, and the grandson of Mr. Alfred Yule, who came to this Colony in 1840, and whose picture appears herein. Educated in Featherston, Mr. Yule learned farming with his father. In 1893 he married Miss Catherine Willis, daughter of Mr. William Willis, recently of Featherston, but now settled at Scarborough, near Pahiatua. Their family consists of two girls.
a farming district in the Pahiatua County, is 106 miles from Wellington, and four miles from Pahiatua. Conveyance is by rail to Eketahuna or Woodville, and thence by coach. Education for the rising generation is provided by a public school, at which the average attendance is about thirty-five. Most of the residents are engaged in farming pursuits. Mails for Makakahi close at Wellington daily at 6.45 a.m., arriving at Makakahi at 3.30 p.m. The return mail closes daily at Makakahi at 11 a.m., arriving at Wellington at 7.50 p.m.
This school consists of one good, well-lighted room, 26 feet by 21 feet. It was opened on the 2nd of June, 1891, by Miss A. Falla, with an average attendance of seven. The average has now reached forty-seven, with a roll strength of fifty-eight. The standards up to the sixth are taught. Since May, 1894, the school has been in charge of Mr. Walter Britland, who is assisted by Miss Annie Gregg, daughter of Mr. Richard Gregg, sheepfarmer, of Glengregg, Makakahi. The inspectors have been pleased to report well of the school, and Mr. Britland and his assistant evidently take great interest in their work.
Headmaster of the Makakahi Public School, was born in Wellington on the 9th of March, 1870, and was educated at the Newtown School under Mr. Lillington and Mr. Hulke. In 1894 he obtained his certificate, D2, and was appointed to the above school. He was trained in his profession a the Newtown School, Wellington, where he taught for nine years. Mr. Britland is a son of Mr. Joseph Britland, of the Rock Road, Makakahi, one of the many sheep farmers of that district.
Farmer, Mahakaki, about six miles from Pahiatua. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The subject of this notice is the fourth son of Mr. George Avery, senior, one of the early Wellington settlers, and was born at the Hutt in 1858. The early part of his life was passed on his father's farm, and when twenty-three years of age he came to Pahiatua, taking up some land,
Sheepfarmer, Glengreg, in the Makakahi district, Pahiatua. Mr. Gregg, who has had experience in many lands, is the youngest son of Mr. Robert Gregg, of Ballynascadden, County Donegal, Ireland, where he was born in 1854. In 1871, at the age of seventeen, he went to the United States, where he was employed by his uncle, Mr. Daniel Gregg, owner of one of the richest oil producing farms in Oil Creek, Pa. He joined the United States army in 1872, and served for a term of five years under the American flag, being in several engagements with the Indians in Wyoming, Montana, and Dakota territories, notably in 1876 under General Crook in the war with the Sioux tribes under their famous war chief Sitting Bull. It was in this campaign, on the night of the 15th of June, that General Custer, with his 7th United States Cavalry, made the celebrated attack on Sitting Bull's village, from which neither he nor any of his men ever returned. Crook's army, on their return, suffered great privations, marching a distance of nearly 400 miles in a period of nine days through unknown country, subsisting for several days entirely on the flesh of the half-starved cavalry horses. It was then that they captured a village of thirty-five lodges under the chiefs American Horse and Roman Nose, the latter being killed and the former taken prisoner. Mr. Gregg returned to Ireland in 1877, remaining at his father's
home for one year, with the exception of a few months, when he took a second trip to the United States. He left for this Colony in the ship “Lady Jocelyn,” sailing from Belfast with Mr. G. Vesey Stewart's Kati Kati settlers on the 20th day of May, 1878, and arriving in Auckland on the 17th of August of that year. He immediately transhipped for Lyttelton, where he remained nearly seven years in the employ of Messrs. H. Hawkins and Co. In 1885 he removed to the North Island, and settled at Pahiatua in the Forty-mile Bush, which in those days well deserved its name. Mr. Gregg's holding consists of 540 acres, originally all heavy bush, but now felled and grassed, with the exception of a few patches left for shelter. His venture has been successful, and the reward of his labour is now at hand. His sheep are crossbreds of the long-woolled varieties. Mr. Gregg has taken his share of public duties, having served on the local Road Board for two years, taking an active part in the formation of the County and the merging of the Road Board into
Sheepfarmers of Makakahi, hold 950 acres, all grassed, and about four acres ploughed. Their 2600 sheep are of the Romney-Lincoln variety. Their stud flock of sixty breeding ewes (Lincoln) is referred to on page 23, Vol. I., “New Zealand Flock Book, 1895.” Messrs. Quirk Bros. are also breeders of pure shorthorn cattle and horses of the Clydesdale breed. Their father, who died in September, 1896, came to the Colony in 1858, and was for many years well known in the Ohariu Valley.
Settler, Man Read, between Makakahi and Pahiatua. Mr. Verry has a dairy farm of 215 acres, about equally divided by the road. It is all flat and well grassed, and a field of a few acres has been stumped and ploughed. Mr. Verry has about seventy milch cows, and though within easy reach of the creamery, he prefers making his own butter, having, in fact, a creamery of his own. His land is rich and well watered. Mr. Verry was born in Reading, Berkshire, England, in 1835, and came with his parents to Nelson, per ship “Clifford,” in 1812. Educated and trained as a farmer in that province, he remained there until 1890, when he sold his farm at Waimea, Spring Grove, and removed to Pahiatua. In 1865 Mr. Verry was married to Miss Gibbs, daughter of Mr. James Gibbs, of Lone Oak Farm, Wakefield, near Nelson, and eleven of their twelve children survive: one of the six boys died a few years ago. In his dairying business, Mr. Verry is ably assisted by those members of his family resident on the farm.
In many respects
Pahiatua is about seventeen miles from Eketahuna, on the main road to Woodville, some ten miles further north. Quite recently the railway has been opened to Newman (two miles north of Eketahuna), and the people of Pahiatua
via Woodville, Palmerston and the West Coast. By the former route the journey will occupy about seven hours, and by the latter, perhaps half-an-hour less. It is said to be the intention of the Government, however, to run a special express train from Wellington to Woodville and on to Napier as soon as the line now under construction is completed. Not only is the speed to be greater, but the number of stoppages will be reduced. This saving of time will be of immense advantage to the Wairarapa line. The fares to Pahiatua will be slightly in favour of the Wairarapa route; but the difference will be unworthy of consideration. This choice of routes should be of great convenience to Pahiatua, for the variation in the time tables will be such as to give a fairly effective double service. Whether the convenience of taking the round trip at anything less than full single rates will be granted remains to be seen. It is probable that no change in that direction will be made until the Company's line be taken over by the Government, when no doubt every reasonable inducement will be held out to travellers and tourists.
On entering Pahiatua the stranger is surprised to find a town of such imposing proportions. The main street is three chains wide, and the shops are in fairly large blocks. Rows of trees divide the principal street into three parts, and though the traffic is thus well spread, a good deal of grass grows even in the most thickly populated
When Main Street was laid off, it was expected that the railway would be laid down the centre, and that all trains would thus run through the town; but, unfortunately for both Pahiatua and the railway, this very sensible proposal is not being carried out. Passengers and goods for Pahiatua will be dropped at Scarborough, or thereabouts, and all the inconveniences and expense of cabs, 'buses, expresses, drays, etc., will be ruthlessly cast upon the people, unless, indeed, they indulge in the luxury of a tram service from Scarborough to Pahiatua. This would be a bold undertaking, but the people of Pahiatua are stout-hearted, and great things may be fairly expected from them.
Pahiatua is the natural centre of a very fine stretch of country, and as such it must continue to grow in size and importance. It has already so far out-paced Eketahuna that places equidistant—and even those somewhat nearer Eketahuna—look upon Pahiatua as the town round which they group. The opening of the railway may in a measure detach some of these; but all such rising districts as Ballance, Nikau, Scarborough, Mangaone, Kaitawa, Ngaturi, Makuri, Makairo, and Tiraumea, must ever make Pahiatua their centre. And the land comprising all these is of such quality that there can be no doubt about the profitable continuance of its cultivation. Fortunately for all concerned, the holdings around Pahiatua are small enough to admit of the resources of the country being thoroughly developed, and yet large enough to admit of that development being remunerative to all engaged therein.
Wool, mutton, and dairy produce are the staple exports of the district, though the timber industry is of considerable importance. Among the sheepfarmers may be found all classes of colonists, from those born in New Zealand, who have made their wealth here, such as the Messrs. A very and others, to recent arrivals like the Messrs. Bayley and Mr. Breeds, who brought their wealth with them, and such experience of rough colonial life as was to be gained in the Colleges of Cirencester and Oxford. The attention of readers at the Antipodes is particularly called to the articles in the following pages describing the farms and farmers of this newly occupied district. What these gentlemen have done may still be done by others. Of men with fair capital, willing hands, and stout hearts, New Zealand can accommodate a practically unlimited number, and few districts offer attractions equal to those of Pahiatua.
In the opinion of shrewd investors and speculators, Pahiatua has a steady future. When such experienced capitalists and colonists as Mr. T. C. Williams take sufficient interest in a country town to erect extensive blocks of brick buildings, others of less experience may safely risk something on the stability of that town and district.
The most remarkable climatic feature of the Pahiatua county is the abundance of rain. The townspeople think they have too much rain; but the dairy-farmers and run-holders, who well know the advantages of green grass and plenty of it throughout the dryest season, are slow to condemn the abundant moisture. For some years it was thought that the denuding of the hills would diminish the quantity of rain, but the effect so far has been hardly noticeable, and there is every reason for believing that while the Tararuas exist droughts will be unknown in Pahiatua. The winds are not remarkable either for prevalence or force, and the climate generally is more equable than in many other parts of the Wairarapa.
The scenery in the immediate vicinity of the town can hardly be called pretty. It was all beautiful before the bush was felled, but the charred stumps and logs will for several years yet be somewhat unsightly. Even now, however, some patches of acclimatised trees relieve the bareness, and plainly foretell that at no very distant date Pahiatua will be not far from beautiful. The Mangatainoka River winds round the back of the town on the western side, and as its banks become clothed with willows the effect will be more marked. The river is too wide in proportion to its depth to have much beauty about it. Though a large volume of water rumbles over its broad acres of stones, there are places where it can be crossed even in winter without finding a greater depth than two feet. In other parts, however, little stretches of smooth water relieve the monotony of the rapids. Advantage has been taken of one of these, at a spot near the town, for the erection of a bathing-house. In the very hottest weather the water of the Mangatainoka is surprisingly cold, and, therefore, particularly refreshing. The bridge across this river, on the way to Scarborough, Mangahao, Nikau, and Ballance, is one of the finest in the
The public hall or concert room adjoins Mr. Sullivan's Commercial Hotel, and is a part of the property. It is a comfortable, well-appointed hall, and is well patronized. The residents of Pahiatua are never so completely engrossed with politics that they cannot enjoy a good concert, and in this respect the various musical and other societies cater well for the public. The Burns Society concert, held annually in the early spring, is always most successful, and it is generally the precursor of what is known as a “long night.” The Scotsman is no stranger in Pahiatua, but he is hardly so well represented as a visitor might be led to suppose by the crowded gatherings at the Burns Festivals: for there are men of all other nationalities, who have never seen the bonny hills of Scotland, or read a page of Burns, and who yet have no objection to the somewhat peculiar manner of perpetuating the “inspired ploughman's” memory. The Burns banquet in Pahiatua is something not to be missed, though doubtless there are some who would miss the next day if they could. On the whole, however, the Pahiatua folks are sober, intelligent, and industrious; and, although there are four hotels, all well patronised, hard drinkers are reported to be few and far between.
One of the most important of the commercial institutions is the Farmers' Auctioneering Association. The title in this case is in no way misleading, for the farmers themselves not only subscribe the capital, but undertake the actual management, and prove by experience that an outside middleman is not a necessity as a medium between buyers and sellers of stock and produce. The picture of the Society's yards was taken on the opening day, and represents a busy scene. Mr. Charles Avery and his co-directors have taken a great interest in the affairs of the Farmers' Auctioneering Association, and are determined to achieve success. The sales are held on Saturdays
Wednesday is the day chosen for the half-holiday in Pahiatua, and it is very closely observed. Many of those not affected by the Act close regularly on that day, the whole town indulging in sports and milder varieties of recreation. In football matches the enthusiasm runs high, especially those between the players of Pahiatua and of the neighbouring town of Woodville, the rivalry between the two being very keen, probably because Woodville is so much older and the younger town is rapidly catching up in the matters of growth and general development. The recreation ground is near the town on the Eketahuna main road, and is well cared for and well patronised.
The Press is represented in Pahiatua by an exceedingly well advertised and well conducted paper, published thrice weekly by the editor and proprietor, Mr. Alexander Baillie. The Pahiatua Herald is in its fourth volume, and has incorporated the Pahiatua Star. It consists of thirty-two columns, each about two feet long; and being connected with the Press Association, every issue contains all the latest cable and telegraphic news. Doubtless one of the early results of the increasing population of the district will be the daily issue of the Herald.
Visitors to Pahiatua will not, for some few years, find many pretty walks; but there is a fine variety of drives, and the roads, in good weather, are very much better for cyclists than the streets of the Empire City. Ballance, Nikan, Kaitawa, Ngaturi, Tiraumea, Makairo, Woodville, and several other places may each be comfortably visited in less than half a day, but, a whole day is needed for a trip to Makuri. In all directions the scenery is very good; but the Makuri drive carries off the palm for beauty and grandeur, the Makuri Gorge being considered by many to be much superior to that which makes the mighty Manawatu so famous. This favourite gorge is also within easy reach of Pahiatua, the drive to Ashurst via Woodville
As is the case with most country towns—and especially the infant centres, which are so much in need of bridges, roads, and railways—the people of Pahiatua are all politicians; and the recent changes resulting from the addition of an electoral district have greatly increased the interest and excitement. If the Pahiatua-Woodville constituency had to supply the members for the whole Parliament, it is probable that there would be no dearth of candidates. The necessity for only one member brought nearly a dozen aspirants into the field; and the largest party meeting ever held in Pahiatua was recently called upon to select one out of seven in the interests of the Opposition. That 150 electors belonging to that party—besides scores who were known to favour the Government—could be got together in Pahiatua in the daytime to talk politics, shows how high party feeling runs; and how greatly the real interests of the people are affected by changes of policy in such departments as “Lands” and “Public Works.”
Of institutions for the improvement and assistance of the people, Pahiatua has its fair share. The library and free reading room are highly appreciated. The Debating Society flourishes, as also the chess, rifle, cricket, and football clubs, and the Masonic and Friendly Societies.
The picture above represents a meet of the Hunt Club. This club is very popular with the residents in and around Pahiatua, and great enthusiasm is shown at the meets. On some occasions every horse in the district is pressed into the service, and the whole town turns out to see the “throw off.”
has jurisdiction over an area of 750 acres, containing 229 dwellings, and ratable property of the annual rental value of £7929. The borough rates for all purposes amount to 1s. 3d. in the pound. The population in 1896 was 1158. The members of the Borough Council in October, 1896, were: Mr. David Crewe, mayor; Messrs. H. Knight, A. W. Sedcole, and John Mackinlay, representing east ward; Messrs. Joseph Burrows, H. W. Briggs, and J. D. Wilson, representing west ward; and Messrs. A. W. Gould, W. Holstead, and W. W. McCardle, jun., representing south ward. Mr. J. W. Beaufort occupies the positions of clerk, treasurer, engineer, rate collector, returning officer, inspector of buildings, etc.
J.P., began his public career in Pahiatua when the site of the now flourishing township was dense bush, with the exception of the immediate margins of the high-road to Woodville; and it is but fair to say that to Councillor Briggs's energy and foresight many of the privileges now enjoyed are mainly due. In 1886 he became a member of the Town Board, and three months later was elected chairman of that body, which position he held for some three years. During his control of the Town Board's affairs Mr. Briggs gained so intimate an acquaintance with the details of the office that he was asked to accept the clerkship to the Board, and he resigned his position of chairman for that purpose. Three years later, when the borough was formed, Mr. Briggs was returned as a councillor, and he still holds a seat there, being unopposed at two of the three elections. Councillor Briggs was born at Moulton, Lincolnshire, England, in 1854, and educated at the National School of Terrington, St. Clements, Norfolk. After a short experience at farming in Norfolk, he secured a position in the counting house of Messrs. Meekings and Co., London, a wholesale soft goods firm, employing upwards of 1500 hands. During his three years connection with the house Mr. Briggs held various and improving positions, but on attaining his majority he decided to visit the colonies, and with that object sailed for New Zealand per ship “Rangitikei,” Captain Scotland. The first half of his colonial life was spent in Canterbury, where he had varied experience both in his present lines of business and in farming pursuits. In February, 1886, Mr. Briggs settled in Pahiatua and established himself as auctioneer and land and estate agent. For some time now, however, he has closed his auctioneering branch, and his sale-yards are leased to others. Being so closely associated with the affairs of Pahiatua, and much interested in its advancement, there have been few movements of importance which have not been either initiated or ably supported by Councillor Briggs. He was the originator of the public library, and is a life member of it. It was at his suggestion that the main street has been planted with trees. He was the principal promoter of street formation, and is now urging upon the Council the a advisability of raising a loan of £6500, to be spent within the borough in street formation and metalling, and in an effective drainage scheme. Mr. Briggs is confident that the money can be secured at par on debentures bearing 4 1/2 per cent, interest. As a financial agent of experience, his opinions and assistance in this matter are valuable. Mr. Briggs has great confidence that the district surrounding Pahiatua will be unsurpassed as a grazing country. He is therefore of opinion that nothing should be left undone which can promote settlement and aid the operations of those already in the district; and he is ever ready to do all in his power in these directions. The erection of the Mangatainoka bridge—one of the finest, if not the finest, in the district—was largely due to the efforts of Councillor Briggs, and the same may be said of many other undertakings. He is a member and one of the promoters of the Fire Brigade, and also of the Swimming Club. To all outdoor sports and pastimes he has given his support in a variety of ways. The cricket, football, jockey, and athletic clubs all claim
was born near Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, England. In 1873 he removed to Sheflield, where for six years he held a responsible position in connection with mercantile pursuits. He married after he had been in Sheffield welve months, and in 1879 came with his wife to the Colony per ship “Otaki,” whose destination was Dunedin. Mr. Burrows went on to Canterbury, and for two years was moving about in different portions of that province, spending part of his time in Christchurch. In 1881, he came to the North Island, and was employed by Mr. Beetham of Masterton, on whose station Mr. Barrows gained important experience. While in this situation, he helped to make fish-ponds, and was the first man to strike a blow at this work. After a few years here, he came to Pahiatua, and in 1886 purchased some sixty acres of land in the present township. This land is now very valuable, having a frontage of five chains to Main Street. Some ten acres of this land was sold as town sections, and realist a price very considerably in advance of its original cost. The remaining area is exceedingly fertile and provides an ample supply of food for about twenty-five cows, though only some fifteen are usually kept. Mr. Burrows sends all his milk to the factory, and manages his farm with such success that he nets a profit during the summer months of £1 per cow per month for four months, 15s. per cow per months for three months, and 10s. for the last milking month, or a total of £6 15s. per year from each. His cows are half-bred Ayrshire, and their milk is above the standard demanded by the factory, an advantage which is allowed for in the measurement. In all public affairs Mr. Burrows takes a large share. He was a member of the Town Board from the time of its inception until it was merged in the Borough Council, and has since been a member of the Council without intermission. In his first term he represented the whole town, but is now a member for the west ward. He was for twelve months on the licensing bench, and was at one time treasurer of the United Methodist Free Church. It was Mr. Burrows who presented to that body the quarter-acre section on which the church was first erected. Councillor Burrows is chairman of the Cemetery Trustees.
is a New Zealander by birth, having been born at New Brighton, near Christchurch. He went with his parents to Pahiatua in 1883, where he was educated, and there he learnt the business of butchering. Though a very young man, Mr. McCardle takes a great interest in public affairs. When the borough was formed, he was elected a member of the first council, and has served continuously, with the exception of one term, up to the present time. He is secretary and treasure of the Pahiatua Rifle Club, and is considered one of the best shots in the club, having won numerous trophies, both in the district and elsewhere. He was married to Miss C. J. Sedcole, daughter of Mr. A. W. Sedcole, of Pahiatua, and has three children.
of the Pahiatua Borough Council, was born in the parish of Hougham, near Dover, Kent. He came to this Colony with his father's family in 1855, arriving in Lyttelton on the 4th of January. They spent some three weeks in that town before coming on to Wellington, thereby escaping the earthquake by some three or four days. From Wellington Mr. Sedcole went on to Napier, where he remained for two years, returning to Wellington in 1858. In 1861 he went to Gabriel's Gully, where fortune smiled on him, and his affairs began to prosper. In 1862 he left Wellington for Canterbury, and spent no less than twenty years in the southern province, marrying there Miss Margaret Martin, daughter of Mr. Martin, shipwright, of Kaiwarra, Wellington, who was lost at sea in the year 1816. About the year 1882, the land in the Forty-mile Bush was thrown open for sale, and after visiting the place, Mr. Sedcole determined to take up land in Pahiatua, removing with his family from Lyttelton in July of that year, and he has resided there ever since. In conjunction with his brother and Mr. W. W. McCardle, Mr. Sedcole decided to cut up some of the land on the Main Road, and thus was started what is now known as the borough of Pahiatua. Mr. Sedcole has always taken a prominent part in public affairs, and has displayed great energy in the formation of public bodies for the better conduct of matters in general; notably, the Road Board, County Town Board, and finally the borough. Mr. Sedcole acted as village steward under the Ballance Government for a considerable period. He at all times kept in view the improvement of his farm, and finally settled down to dairying, sending the milk to the butter factory. For some considerable time Mr. Sedcole has acted as land valuer for the Public Trustee and the Government Life Insurance, and, since the inception of the Government Advances to Settlers Act, has acted in the capacity of land valuer of the securities offered by the settlers for advances.
Town Clerk, Treasurer and Rate Collector for the borough of Pahiatua, is an officer whose varied experience well qualifies him for the efficient discharge of the duties devolving upon him. Born in Dublin in 1846, and educated at Malborough College, in Wiltshire, England, Mr. Beaufort fitted himself for a seafaring life, and when only sixteen years of age secured the position of midshipman of the “Mermaid,” a vessel in which he came to New Zealand in 1862. Being engaged for the return trip, he took an early opportunity of revisiting the Colony, and in the following year landed at Port Chalmers per ship “Stornaway,” of which vessel he was third mate. He soon found employment as a cadet in the Survey Department, and was quickly in the Manawatu district assisting in the survey of the town and district now so well known as Palmerston North, but then called Papaioia. After some four or five years surveying, Mr. Beaufort joined the Kai-Iwi Cavalry, and under the leadership of Mr. John Bryce, took part in Titokowaru's war, and subsequently joined in the general hunt after Te Kooti, on the opposite coast. At the close of the war, Mr. Beaufort returned to the Survey Department, and was engaged in various parts of the North Island till 1871, when he accepted the position of engineer to the Feilding Corporation. Three years later he again returned to his former occupation, surveying in the Masterton district until 1885. Mr. Beaufort having surveyed the greater portion of the Pahiatua district, and being thoroughly qualified, it was natural that when the Pahiatua Road Board wanted an engineer he should be the successful candidate. When the Town Board was instituted, he was reappointed to the body, and when the Borough was formed he became engineer to the Borough Council, the clerkship being added in 1895, on the resignation of Mr. J. A. Kennedy. Mr. Kennedy left for the Old Country in search of health, and his many friends will be glad to hear that since his return to his native land his health has greatly improved. Mr. Beaufort is a chessplayer of some prominence, and as a cricketer has played in many test matches in Wanganui, Rangitikei, and other districts on the West
is in a thriving condition. The property is vested in the Borough Council and the rooms are connected with the Council Chambers. The accommodation is somewhat overtaxed, for both the Library and the free reading-room are well patronized. There are about 1200 volumes in good condition; but it must be admitted that the taste of the reading public of Pahiatua is decidedly in favour of the lighter classes of literature. About 100 subscribers pay ten shillinges per annum, and the funds so raised are used to increase the stock of books, the Borough Council paying the salary of the librarian. Mr. F. T. Redman is secretary of the Library.
the Librarian of the Pahiatua Public Library, was born in Dunedin in 1860, and was educated at the Middle District School. A son of the late Mr. George Dryden, grocer, of Russell Street, Dunedin, he was for several years employed in his father's business. In 1880 Mr. Dryden joined the Railway Department, and in fourteen years successively occupied the positions of porter, shunter, signalman, assistant stationmaster and guard. Besides filling the post of librarian he is the night watchman for Pahiatua. In 1888 Mr. Dryden was married to Miss Emmett, daughter of the late Mr. Christopher Emmett, of Riddiford Street, Wellington.
was promoted by a few ardent spirits in Pahiatua in 1892, the first captain being Mr. D. A. Pickering. The present strength of the brigade is twenty three all told. The apparatus is one of Shand and Mason's sixteen-men curical machines. The members practise regularly when weather permits. The station is situate in Palmerston North Road, Pahiatua, and is constructed of wood with iron roof. The brigade le receives an annual subsidy of £20 from the Borough Council. The officers for 1896 are:—Captain, Mr. William Brown; lieutenant, Mr. G. T. Avery; foreman, Mr. James Henderson; secretary. Mr. William Beale.
was established in 1890, and consists of fourteen members. The bandmaster is Mr. H. J. Starkey, under whose leadership the band has become most proficient. It meets at the local fire brigade room; on Mondays and Thursdays. The band is much in requisition, and does all the playing at recreation sports and charitable performances. When it was formed in 1890, the band was of very ordinary merit, and consisted of only four instruments, but when Mr. Starkey took it in hand he set to work and brought the band to its present satisfactory condition.
Bandmaster of the Pahiatua Volunteer Fire Brigade Band, was born at Sutton, Coldfield, near Birmingham, England, in 1858, and was educatep in London Coming to New Zealand in 1873 by the ship “Clarence',” he settled in Napier, where he learned the cabinetmaking trade with Messrs. Langley and Newman, and was for several years afterwards in their employ. It was at Napier that he developed a talent for music, studying the violin and cornet for many years. While in that town he was a member of the Garrison Band under Major Withers, and on leaving for Pahiatua was the recipient of a gold medal from the members of the band. In addition to his other musical engagements, he is stage manager for the Pahiatua Dramatic Society. On his arrival in Pahiatua he established a cabinet-maker's business, and turns out excellent work. Mr. Starkey is married, and has six children.
Ex-Mayor of Pahiatua, was born in 1845 at North Curry, Sommersetshire, England. He is the son of Mr. John Vile; one of the oldest residents in the district, both parents being alive and hearty, and living in-quiet retirement in the township of Pahiatua. In 1856 Mr. Vile, senior, brought his family to this Colony. Prior to that time the subject of this sketch had some six-years tuition in one of the London board schools, and though only eleven years of age, he must have made good progress, as his school days en led on leaving the Old Country. The trip to New Zealand was made in the ship “Anne Wilson,” and occupied 121 days. On arrival in Wellington, Mr. Vile first settled in the Hutt, but the flood of 1858 decided him to leave that district, and he removed to Carterton, or, as it was then known, the “Three-mile Bush.” After a residence in this place of some two years, Mr. Vile and his son were employed on the Huangaroa Station, near what is now called Martinborough. The station and the surrounding lands
via Manaia, Opunake, and Parihaka. This, perhaps, is the longest run of coaches running in the Colony. The distance between these two centres, Hawera and New Plymouth, being nearly one hundred miles. By train it is, of course, much shorter, as that line goes across country, whereas the coach line runs round the coast, the two lines completing the circle around Mount Egmont. This run of nearly one hundred miles is accomplished every day, and requires a very large and expensive plant. A few months back this plant, with all contracts for mails, etc., was sold by Mr. Vile to Mrs. Andrew Young, a name well-known in connection with coaches for the past half-century. Mr. Vile occupied the mayoral chair for two terms, being first elected to the office in 1892. It was at this time the borough of Pahiatua was formed, Mr. Vile being the prime mover in its inauguration and proclamation. The honour of first occupancy of the mayoral chair was contested, but Mr. Vile was returned by a majority of exactly fifty per cent, of the votes polled by his opponent, the ratepayers thus emphatically shewing their appreciation of his services in this direction. Mr. Vile was also first chairman of the Pahiatua County Council, a position which he occupied for two years (1888–90). For the three following years he continued as a hardworking member of the Council. Mr. Vile is certainly one of the fathers of Pahiatua. Indeed, his whole life has been devoted to the interests of the Wairarapa and surrounding district. He was a member of the first council of the borough of Masterton, and took an active part in the formation of that borough in 1876, was one of the first to make application to Mr. Ballance, as Minister of Lands in the Stout-Vogel Government, under the special settlement regulations, and was, with others, successful in founding the Masterton-Mangahao block, which is now one of the most progressive settlements in the Colony. The Parkville special settlement was also established through the untiring efforts of Mr. Vile, and he occupied the post of secretary as long as it was necessary for anyone to fill that office—in fact, he is still connected with it in that way. In 1867 Mr. Vile was married to Miss Ellen Rayner, of the Hutt, and their children number a dozen, of whom eleven are sons, and one, the youngest, a daughter, exclusive of two daughters and one son who are dead. The eldest son is away farming, the second is editor of the Wairarapa Star, the third is in business in Pahiatua, and the fourth has for the past two years had charge of the Taranaki coach line, the remaining seven sons being either at school or in situations in the district. Mr. Vile's father and mother celebrated the jubilee of their wedding in 1894, which was attended by the four
generations. For the past quarter of a century Mr. Vile has been a faithful temperance advocate, and is at the present time “chief ruler” of the Pahiatua Rechabite Lodge. Probably there is no name that is better known, and whose possessor is more widely respected throughout the whole of the Pahiatua and Wairarapa counties than that of Mr. Job Vile.
who was Mayor of Pahiatua for the year 1893–4, is the son of Mr. John Valentine Smith, of Masterton. He was educated at Nelson College and Wellington College, and studied for his profession privately, passing his examination under Sir George Grey's Law Practitioners Act, when only nineteen years of age. He was admitted in 1888. Mr. Harold Smith is very popular in the district, and was elected to the mayoral chair without having previously served as a councillor. As a cricketer and especially as a footballer, Mr. Smith has been prominent, having captained the Wairarapa and Taranaki representative football teams. For two or three years he was a representative of Wellington in the interprovincial football matches. Mr. Smith is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and takes more than a passing interest in all matters of a public and semi-public nature.
who for some time occupied a seat as councillor of the borough of Pahiatua, was born at Wimborne Minster, Dorsetshire, his father, the Rev. Thomas Taylor Redman, being the officiating Baptist
who held a seat in the Berough Council from September, 1893, to September, 1895, was born at Parsonstown, King's County, Ireland, and left there for New Zealand in 1880, arriving in Port Chalmers per ship “Loch Eck” during the same year. Immediately on arrival he went to Timaru, where he entered into the employment of his brother, Mr. J. Sullivan, the late proprietor of the Royal Hotel. After a few years Mr. Sullivan came to Christchurch, and was for four years with Mr. McNamara, of the City Hotel. Arriving subsequently in Wellington he had further business experience of some three years, and then removed to Wakatane on the East Coast, where he managed an hotel of that name. After this Mr. Sullivan returned to Timaru, and was for four years the proprietor of the Royal Hotel there, and for a further period of two years was proprietor of the Melville Hotel, Timaru. In 1891 he came to Pahiatua, and in conjunction with Mr. Corby purchased the Commercial Hotel, of which popular hostelry he is now sole proprietor. Mr. Sullivan is a steward of the Pahiatua Jockey Club. Further particulars of his career will be found further on in this section under “Commercial Hotel.”
The County of Pahiatua was declared in 1888. On the formation of the Council Mr. Job Vile was chosen chairman, and occupied the position for two years. Mr. Samuel Bolton succeeded Mr. Vile, and held the chairmanship three years, when Mr. George Whitcombe was elected as Mr. Bolton's successor. Mr. Joses Griffiths is chairman at the time of writing (October, 1896). The area of the County is 280 square miles, and the population upwards of 1583. Nearly 400 miles of roads have been surveyed, of which about half have been formed. The County debt is £42,000, and the annual payments for interest amount to nearly £2000. The County rate of 1 1/2. in the £ of capital value produces an income for the Council of about £3000. The County reserves include an acre in the Borough of Pahiatua, nearly five acres at Mangahao, and a little more than an acre at Ballance township. The loans are all under the “Loans to Local Bodies Act,” and are allocated in about forty separate funds, each for some special road or bridge. The members of the Council for 1896 are: Messrs. J. Griffiths (chairman), S. Bolton, P. J. Murphy, G. Whitcombe, J. B. Tait, A. Ross, F. E. Perry, A. Yule, and J. McCarthy. The officers of the Council are: Clerk and treasurer, Mr. George Moore; engineer' Mr. De G. Fraser; assistant engineer and overseer, Mr. A. E. Barrowclough. Mr. A. Yule, one of the County Councillors, is referred to under “Hamua,” on pages 1007–8, where his picture will also be found.
Chairman of the Pahiatua County Council, is a son of the late Mr. John Griffiths, one of the early settlers of the Colony, who arrived in 1843. The subject of this sketch was born in Nelson in 1845, and was educated there. Brought up to farming pursuits, he acquired a farm in Nelson in 1868. Here he remained until 1891, when he removed to his present property at Makakahi.
who for some time occupied the honourable position of chairman of the Pahiatua County Council, was born in Devonshire, England, a few months before his parents left there for India in 1854. His father, Mr. Henry Whitcombe, was a civil engineer, and had been a pupil of Brummell, of the Great Western Railway. He remained in India until 1857 in connection with the Great Indian Railway, but returned to England and then came to New Zealand per ship “Blue Jacket,” landing in Lyttelton towards the end of 1858. Settling in Canterbury, Mr Whitcombe, sen., was employed there under the Government, and in 1863 was sent on an exploring expedition to the West Coast. This expedition proved fatal to him. His only companion was a Swiss known as Jacob Louper. Mr. Whitcombe and his assistant attempted to cross the Teremakau River in a canoe, which was in a very bad condition, and when in mid-stream the position became so critical that Mr. Whitcombe, who was able to swim, struck out for the shore in order to relieve the canoe of his weight, as his assistant was a non-swimmer. Old Jacob, as he is now called, clung to the swamped canoe, and was saved, but Mr. Whitcomb's noble act cost him his life. The body was recovered and interred at Hokitika, where a monument erected by the Government now marks his resting place in common with that of Charlton Howitt, who was drowned in the river Brunner, and George Dobson, who was murdered by the Kelly gang. Thus the father was suddenly cut off from his family, but the latter were pretty comfortably provided for. The subject of this article was educated partly at Canterbury, and partly at the Brentwood Grammar School, England, returning to the Christchurch College, and finishing at the University of Dunedin. In 1872 Mr. Whitcombe joined the Government survey staff in Canterbury, and publicly and privately he was employed in surveying until 1883. He then came to Pahiatua, purchasing his present farm of 1200 acres, and settling down to the hard work of bush life. His land was at that time all dense bush, and now 1000 acres have been cleared, burned, grassed, and stocked with upwards of 2000 sheep and about fifty head of cattle, more than half the latter being dairy cows. The grasses which Mr. Whitcombe recommends as most suitable for this country are rye, timothy, cocksfoot, clover, crested dogstail, and sheep's fescue, with a mixture of turnips and mustard, to give the pasturage a good start. The first named of all these is, of course, the basis, the proportions being left to the good judgment of the sower. In 1888 Mr. Whitcombe was married to Miss Sedcole, daughter of Councillor Sedcole. Mr. Whitcombe has taken a very great interest in the building up of the district. For a short time he was engineer to the original Road Board, of which he was afterwards a member, and subsequently chairman, and he has been a member of the County Council from the inauguration of that body in 1888, representing throughout that time the Mangaone riding. Of that council he was for some time the respected chairman. For a considerable time he was chairman of the Kaitawa School Committee.
is a sheep and cattle farmer. Born in Bilboa, County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1858, and educated there, Mr. McCarthy arrived in New Zealand in 1876, and proceeded to Wanganui, where he remained a few years. After carrying on business for some time as a contractor in the Hawkes Bay and Wellington districts, he took up a farm in Pahiatua, on which he raises sheep and cattle. Mr. McCarthy is a member of the Pahiatua County Council, and was one of the promoters of the Pahiatua Farmers' Co-operative Saleyards, of which latter corporation he still acts as a director. A lover of sport, he has been a steward of the Pahiatua Racing Club since its inception. Mr. McCarthy is married, and has three children.
Clerk and Treasurer to the Pahiatua County Council, was born in London, and was educated at one of the grammar schools of the Metropolis. His father, Mr. Charles John Moore, was for many years in the Tithes Commission office. For several previous generations the family had been connected with printing, and Mr. Moore was trained in London for journalism. Before leaving for the Colony he filled important positions, including the editorial chairs of the Marlborough Times and the Folkeston Free Press. As a reporter he was on the staff of the Birmingham Money; News, the Worcester Journal, the Wolverhampton Chronicle, and others.
is Engineer to the Pahiatua County Council, and, like his brother officer, Mr. Moore, his appointment dates from the declaration of the county. Mr. Fraser is the son of the late Colonel Thomas Gamble Fraser, of the One Hundred and First late Bombay Fusiliers, and was born at Kurachee, in British India. He was educated at the Marlborough College, England, finishing at Sydney College, Bath. He studied for his profession under his cousin, Colonel Thomas Fraser, of the Royal Engineers. At the early age of eighteen Mr. Fraser passed his examinations as an engineer, and subsequent to his arrival in New Zealand gained his certificate as a surveyor. Arriving in Dunedin in the year 1870, he joined the Government Survey Department some two years later, and was for nine years under Mr. J. W. A. Marchant, then Chief Surveyor of the Wellington District. After this Mr. Fraser had large experience in the Taranaki district, surveying chiefly from the Waitotara northwards. At this time he had charge of a party that met some difficulty with the natives. It was the cook of Mr. Fraser's party, John McLean, who was murdered by the native Hiroki, who escaped to Parihaka, and was not captured until the taking of that Maori stronghold. From 1882 to 1886 Mr. Fraser was engaged in private contract work, and, in conjunction with Mr. Edward Tregear, surveyed and formed many of the roads of the Waitotara and Waverley districts. For three years Mr. Fraser was employed by the Government on the West Coast Commission service, surveying the native reserves, under Sir Wm. Fox, after which he was engaged in conjunction with Mr. Norman McDonald, in private contracts at Hunterville and Hawera, and then at the Tiraumea Special Settlement, the Woodville-Mangahao and the Woodville-Mangatainoka districts. In his present position Mr. Fraser has formed about 135 miles of road in the Pahiatua County; and has designed and constructed no less than fourteen large and important bridges. The Ngaturi bridge over the Tiraumea, which has just been completed, is 244 feet long, which is taken in two spans of 122 feet each. At the time of writing a bridge is being thrown across the Mangahao river, in three spans, two spans of forty-three feet, and a centre one of 120, and a similar one over the Tiraumea, about three miles north of Ngaturi bridge. During the time that Mr. Fraser has held office upwards of £60,000 has been spent in the construction of roads and bridges in this district. Mr. Fraser's certificates and testimonials are of a very high order indeed, and bear the signatures of Mr. G. W. Williams, Chief Surveyor of the Southland district, Mr. J. W. A. Marchant, Chief Surveyor of the Canterbury district, Mr. Thomas Humphries, Chief Surveyor of the Napier district, Mr. H. Lufkin Skeet, Chief Surveyor of the West Coast Royal Commission, etc. Mr. Fraser is also a member of the Institute of New Zealand Surveyors, is licensed under the Land Transfer Acts, and holds a certificate of authorisation from the Surveyor-General. The Pahiatua County Council is to be congratulated on retaining the services of a gentleman so well qualified by experience to watch over the interests of the district.
was formed in 1893 by some of the rifle shots of the district. The present strength of the Club is about thirty. The captain is Mr. J. C. Taylor. Mr. W. W. McCardle, junr., is the secretary and treasurer. The rifle range is situate on the properties of Messrs. Maxted and Bottomley, and is within easy distance of the town. Meetings are held every Wednesday afternoon during the summer months. The Club can boast of having some splendid shots among its members, and great interest is always taken in the various shooting competitions held from time to time.
with which is connected a money order office, is the central office for a large district. It is connected by telegraph with other parts of the Colony,
has been established several years. The officer in charge is Constable Charles Cooper.
an Inspector of Roads, Railways, and Bridges, in the Public Works Department, is well known throughout the North Island of New Zealand, having, in the discharge of his duties, visited almost every part of it. Mr. McGonogle was born in Armagh, in the North of Ireland, on the 4th of October, 1844, and landed in Auckland with his father and family on the 10th of May, 1848. His father, Mr. William McGonogle, was an Imperial pensioner, and lived for many years at Otahuhu, near Auckland. Here Mr. McGonogle was educated at the Rev. Mr. Ward's school. After a turn at carpentering in the Papakura district, he went to the Thames in September, 1867, very soon after the proclamation of the goldfields. Then he was engaged in the erection of batteries for Mr. John Gibbons, of Onehunga, assisting in the erection of “The Big Pump.” In 1872, leaving the Thames, Mr. McGonogle found employment as an overseer with Mr. John Taylor, the contractor for the Auckland Harbour Works. To name all the breakwaters, bridges, roads and railways in which Mr. McGonogle has been employed as foreman or inspector would occupy more space than the writer has at command, and a few, therefore, must suffice. One of the first was the Onehunga-Mangere Bridge, one of the longest in the Colony. Then followed the extension of the Auckland Breakwater in 1874-5, the New Plymouth-Waitara Railway, constructed by the well-known firm of Brogden and Sons, the Wanganui-Kai Iwi Railway and numerous other large undertakings. Before entering the Public Works Department as inspector in 1880, Mr. McGonogle was for some time contracting on his own account, his operations being chiefly confined to the erection of bridges and buildings. Both before and since receiving his Government appointment, Mr. McGonogle was and has been the recipient of a great many most valuable testimonials from such gentleman as Mr. James R. Davis, of the Auckland and Waikato Railway; Messrs. John Brogden and Sons, Mr. James Stewart, district engineer for Auckland; Mr. J. D. Gillies, assistant engineer in the Public Works Department, a number of resident engineers, including Mr. Gerald FitzGerald, of Wellington, and many others. One of the works undertaken by Mr. McGonogle, of which he is especially proud, was that of floating the “Hauraki” off the North Spit of the Waitara River. For this he received an honorarium of £25 and a vote of thanks from the directors. As a colonist Mr. McGonogle has by no means restricted himself to paid performances. He has done a great deal of honorary work on school committees and in the Volunteer Force, besides taking part in the Maori wars around Auckland. In 1863 he was under fire with No. 1 Third Battalion of the Auckland Militia, and assisted in the building of the Galloway Redoubt on Thorpe's Farm, Wairoa, about twenty miles south of Auckland. Until recently he was lieutenant in the Palmerston North Rifles; and at Ashurst and Ohingaiti, he was a most energetic member of the school committee. As a verse-maker Mr. McGonogle has written both humourous and heroic compositions. For a patriotic song addressed to the Prince of Wales, he received His Royal Highness's acknowledgment and thanks. In 1871 Mr. McGonogle married Miss Martha Goodwill, daughter of Mr. Charles Goodwill, of Otahuhu. Mrs. McGonogle died in January, 1895, leaving six daughters and two sons. Two of the daughters are married—the eldest to Mr. Charles Clare, of Patea, and the second to Mr. Ernest Pratt, of Hunterville.
the Rabbit Inspector for Pahiatua County, is a gentleman well known not only in his present district, but throughout the eastern half of the province. He is a son of the late Mr. Henry Welch, of Opaki, near Masterton—who came to the Colony with his parents early in 1840–and therefore a member of the renowned Welch family. The late Mr. Henry Welch and his three brothers settled in the Hutt Valley in the early days, and in 1873 removed into the Masterton district. That they were of the genuine material needed for the subduing of rough country may be inferred from the fact that their sons, now mainly resident in and around Masterton, constitute one of the most formidable football teams to be found in any county in the Colony. The Masterton Football Club, which on at least one occasion beat the Christchurch Club, succeeded only in drawing the game with the Welch family. The accompanying group shows eighteen members of the family. Seven are the sons of the late Mr. Henry Welch, five are sons of the late Mr. Wm. Welch, three of Mr. J. R. Welch, himself one of the party, and two of the late Mr. Richard Welch. In cricket the prowess of the family is only less remarkable. The cricket matches in which they have engaged have been mainly against private teams, such as the Wairarapa Farmers' Association Club, but in all cases the Welch family have proved victorious. In all athletic exercises the members of the Welch family have been prominent, several championships
This school is situated almost in the centre of the Pahiatua township, and immediately opposite the Post-office. The number of children in the district has so increased of late that it was found necessary to enlarge the school, and its accommodation has been very much improved. The schoolhouse and grounds are particularly fine, part of the latter having been converted into a beautiful flower garden by the late teacher, Mr. C. W. Lee, now in charge of the Waihenga School (Martinborough). There is a vegetable garden, too, in splendid condition, but this is the result of hard work on the part of the resent teacher, Mr. Thomas. As in all new settlements, the number of young children at Pahiatua, seems very large when compared with the number of settlers, and the roll number of this school is now no less than 317. With an average attendance each day of 250 girls and boys. The intelligence and manners of the children are very good, and in all things they compare favourably with their city counsins. All the necessary comforts of the school are provided by a considerate school committee, of whom Mr. George Moore is chairman. The other members of the committee are: Messrs. Bogle, John Dawson, De J. Fraser. H. Godfrey, and Reeve. The teaching staff consists of the head master, two assistants, and three pupil teachers.
is the Headmaster of the Pahiatua School, a position he has held since October, 1894. Mr. Thomas was born at Aughneskeagh, County Down, Ireland. He left the Emerald Isle, with his father's family, for the colonies, in 1852, and arrived in Lyttelton during the same year, per ship “Queen of the Mersey.” Mr. Thomas was educated at Ashley School, in the Canterbury district, throughout which district his father, Mr. Samuel Thomas, is very well known as a thriving farmer. Two years at the Training College, Christchurch, completed Mr. Thomas's educational career, and by this time he had distinguished himself in a very marked degree. He successfully went up for various examinations, in the end winning a certificate which takes very high rank in the order of teaching certificates, namely C1. This he obtained in the year 1890. Before joining the Training College, Mr. Thomas had served his apprenticeship as a pupil teacher at Ashley, and after obtaining his certificate, was appointed assistant teacher at Pleasant Point, South Canterbury. He was next in charge of the Aylesbury School, then master at Wakanui, near Ashburton, and later on assisted at Richmond, Christchurch. Mr. Thomas then came to Wellington, where he received an appointment as assistant at the Te Aro School, shortly after being transferred to Mount Cook Boys' School, a position which he retained until he accepted the charge at Pahiatua. When in Wellington, Mr. Thomas was a member of the council of the Acclimatisation Society. He is at present a member of the sub-committee of the Pahautanui branch, and takes great interest in the distribution of the trout, and other acclimatisation work.
Pahiatua, occupies a good position in the town. At the time of writing (Dec. 1896) the cure was vacant.
was opened in 1895. Previously the place was a preaching station connected with Woodville Presbyterian Church, services being held in the town hall. The church is a wooden building designed to seat about 180 people, and it has an organ and choir under Mr. Henry Turnbull. Services are held every Sunday at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. The Sunday school attached is attended by sixty-five children. The church has preaching stations at Alfredton, Makakahi, Ballance, Kaitawa, Makuri, and Ngaturi.
Minister in charge of the Paihatua Presbyterian Church, was born in Edinburgh, and educated there. His first ministerial charge was the Congregational Church, Harray, Orkney, where he was ordained in in 1877. He subsequently joined the Free Church, and was appointed as Presbyterian minister in the
Pahiatua. The church of St. Bridget is situated in Wakeman Street, at a distance of about 100 yards from the main street, and forms a part of a very large parish, which includes Mataiwi, Hastwell's, Mauriceville, etc. This parish is presided over by the Rev. Father Thomas McKenna. The Presbytery is near the church, and occupies some six-and-a-half acres of land, which was bought many years ago by the congregation. The bush has been felled and burned, and the land is now covered with a fine sward of grass. The presbytery, which contains some nine rooms, was built in 1894, and is one of the most picturesque houses of Pahiatua.
who is in charge of the above church and district, was born at Callan, County Kilkenny, and was educated at St. Kieran's College, Kilkenny. He arrived in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1888, per s.s. “Austral” to Melbourne, completing his journey by the “Mararoa.” Father McKenna spent the first three years of his colonial life in Masterton, and then a similar period in Patea, taking up his residence in Pahiatua in February 1894. Though the resident clergyman of Pahiatua, Father McKenna has churches in Woodville, Eketahuna, and Hawera (Forty Mile Bush). He also holds occasional services at Alfredton, Kaitawa, Makuri, Mahawhera, Kumuro, and Ballance. Notwithstanding these many duties, Father McKenna finds time to enter into the healthy, though hard work, of logging, burning off, and otherwise improving the estate, and was engaged wielding the axe on the occasion of the writer's visit. Father McKenna is very popular in the district, and takes a great interest in its advancement.
Pahiatua, was built in 1888. Services were previously conducted in the town hall. In 1894 Pahiatua was opened as a ministerial charge, the first minister being the Rev. John Wesley Griffin. The church is in the main street, and seats 140 worshippers. It has a choir and organ, and services are held every Sunday at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. The Sunday school attached is attended by over 100 children, and a Christian Endeavour Society meets on Wednesday evenings. The Church has preaching stations at Ballance and Kaitawa, where there are churches, and at Makakahi, Ngaturi, Nikau, and Makomako. The charge was originally a United Free Methodist one, but came in at the Methodist union to the Wesley an Church.
Minister in charge of the Pahiatua Wesleyan Church, was born near Dublin in 1854, and educated at a private school. He came to New Zealand in 1874. and after serving in the ironmongery business in Auckland, Christchurch, and Napier, took home mission work for a few years in Auckland province, and was then appointed to the Free Methodist Church ministry in 1894. He is married, and has seven children.
No 67 (New Zealand constitution). This Lodge was founded at Pahiatua in 1889, the first W.M. being Mr. A. Black, who was at that time proprietor of the Pahiatua Star. The meetings of the Lodge are held in the Masonic Hall, Sedcole Street, Pahiatua, on the Wednesday nearest the full moon in each month. The installation takes place in October. The officers for 1896 are:—W.M., Bro. J. D. Wilson: S. W., Bro. Jacob Manson; J.W., Bro. Thomas Hewat; secretary, Bro. A. Baillie; treasurer, Bro. James Henderson; organist, Bro. H. H. Godfrey.
M.U., I.O.O.F., holds regular meetings in Pahiatua. Mr. H. Wainwright is the secretary.
No. 6730. Meetings of this Lodge, which was established in 1886, are held in the Foresters' Hall, Sedcole Street, Pahiatua, on alternate Mondays. There are 135 on the members' roll. The officers for 1896 are: Chief ranger, Mr. George Matthews; sub-chief ranger, Mr. F. G. Moore secretary, Mr. G. F. Gelderd; treasurer, Mr. G. Hyle.
No 56, I.O.R. holds regular meetings in Pahiatua. Mr. F. Knewstubb is the secretary, and Mr. S. Griffin is the secretary of the juvenile branch.
holds its annual meeting in November. Mr. W. Tesswill is president, and Mr. G. Moore secretary.
holds its annual meeting in March. Mr. N. J. Tone is president, and Mr. J. M. Levin is secretary and treasurer.
has about sixty members on the roll. The officers for the season of 1896-7 are: Patron, Mr. W. A. Warren; president, Dr. Gault; vice-presidents, Messrs. Crewe, Iunes and Job Vile; secretary, Mr. F. Y. Watty; treasurer, Father McKenna; auditor, Mr. W. J. Reeve.
holds its annual meeting in March. Mr. G. Bottomley is president, and Mr. E. E. Lewis is secretary and treasurer.
has a large number of members, and holds regular meetings during the season. A picture illustrating a meet of the hounds will be found on page 1018.
Founder and First Master and Secretary of the Pahiatua Hunt Club (now merged in the Woodlands Hunt Club), was born at West Dulwich, Surrey, England, on the 26th of February. 1852. He came to New Zealand with his parents by the ship “Sebastian,” and was educated at Nelson College. During the last Maori War he joined the New Zealand Forces, and served on the East Coast, and was one of the detachment that went to the Chatham Islands. Mr. Helps was afterwards engaged in various callings for some years in Canterbury, and was clerk of the Magistrate's Court and Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages at Lyttelton, and came to the Pahiatua district in 1893. Since 1886 he has been engaged in the service of the Mutual Life Association of Australasia, during which time he has held the positions of inspector of agencies for the South Island, manager of the Hawkes Bay district office, and has recently been appointed superintendent for the South Island. While a resident of Pahiatua, Mr. Helps has been instrumental in forwarding the interests of the district in many ways. To
The first meeting of the Club, which has a membership of about fifty, was held on the 4th of January, 1894. The officers for 1896 are : Messrs. R. Smith (president), W. Tosswill (vice-president), J. Breeds (judge), G. Bottomley (clerk of scales), J. E. Henry (handicapper), D. Knight (starter), J. B. Whyte (treasurer), J. Harris (totalisator clerk), H. W. Briggs and A. Caselberg (auditors), A. Lucas (secretary), J. McCarthy, G. Bottomley, D. Gault, D. Crewe, A. Yule, C. Avery, and E. Sullivan (committee and stewards). At the meeting of 1896, £225 was given in stakes.
holds its annual meeting in March. Mr. H. Turnbull is the secretary. Concerts are held annually under the auspices of the Club, and invariably succeeds in attracting large crowds.
holds its annual meeting in June. Mr. J. Vile is president, and Mr. J. Thomas secretary.
This Hall was built in 1890, and became the property of the present proprietor, Mr. Edward Sullivan, in 1891. In 1895 Mr. Sullivan spent some £300 on improvements, including new scenery by the well-known scenic artist, Mr. Thornton. The hall is capable of seating 500 or 600 and the stage is twenty-five feet by forty feet. Two very large dressing rooms are contiguous to the stage, and all the appointments necessary for theatrical or other performances are provided. The charge for the use of this hall has been fixed at the very small price of £22s. per night, including light and piano.
was established in August, 1895, and immediately put “The Pirates of Penzance” into practice, and the opera as produced was a very creditable performance. The officers for 1896 are: Messrs. G. Harold Smith (president), G. Innes, B. G. M. Harrison, A. Baillie (vice-presidents), A. Lucas (conductor), F. P. Wilson (secretary), M. Wood (treasurer), H. J. Starkey (stage manager), Miss E. Wood (assistant stage manager), Miss L. Falconer (pianiste), Messrs. G. Avery, MacKinlay, W. Bray, C. Morris, Misses F. Knight and A. Gowing (committee). The members number about fifty.
the Conductor of the Pahiatua Musical Society, was born at the Yan Yean, near Melbourne, Victoria, in 1887. He received his education at the Daylesford Grammar School, and came to New Zealand in 1883 to take the position of articled clerk to Mr. Hartley McIntyre, solicitor, of Blenheim, from whence he came to Pahiatua in 1893. In 1895 he passed his solicitor's examination, and is now managing clerk to Mr. G. Harold Smith, solicitor. He has been interested in music all his life. At the age of fourteen he had a sweet alto voice, which has, however, turned to tenor. All the cantatas and operatic pieces which have been performed by the Pahiatua Society since 1893, were conducted by him. In 1893 he was married to Miss Rica, daughter of the late Mr. H. G. Clark, late Commissiner of Crown Lands, Blenheim, and has two children.
(Mr. Alex. Baillie, proprietor). The history of the Pahiatua Herald is really a continuation of that of the Pahiatua Star, which latter paper is incorporated with the former. The Pahiatua Star was established in 1886 by Mr. Alex. Black, and was first published twice a week. After a short time it appeared three times a week, and continued to do so until its absorption by the Herald. In April, 1893, through a series of misfortunes, Mr. Black was compelled to relinquish the business, and the Star was sold in the following month. Meanwhile, between these dates a number of ocal people decided to start another paper, and on the 24th of May, 1893, the first number of the Pahiatua Herald appeared. The directors of the company were: Messrs. W. Tosswill (chairman), H. W. Briggs, J. Vile, D. Crewe, and A. Baillie. Mr. Black was appointed manager, and Mr. Baillie editor. At the end of the year Mr. Black severed his connection with the company, and Mr. Baillie took up his duties. On the 6th of September the Pahiatua Star was purchased by the Herald Company and incorporated with the Herald. The paper had an open field for a couple of years, but in September, 1895, Mr. J. Ivess started an opposition journal, The Argus, which, however, expired after a feeble life of six months, leaving the Herald once more alone. In April, 1896, the business was purchased by Mr. Baillie, and the Pahiatua Newspaper Company, Limited, was dissolved after an eventful existence of three years. The Herald has been several times enlarged, and is one of the most progressive country papers in the North Island. It is a subscriber to the United Press Association, and is thereby enabled to give its readers the latest intelligence from all parts of the world. The journal is the only one published in the Pahiatua county, and serves a large and thriving district.
the Proprietor and Editor, was born near Reefton in 1870, and served his apprenticeship to the printing trade in the office of the Wairarapa Daily Times, Masterton. On completing his term of apprenticeship, Mr. Baillie left New Zealand for New South Wales, where he soon exchanged the “stick” for the pen. He served on the reporting staffs of several metropolitan and country journals in Victoria and New South Wales, and was for some time teacher of shorthand, under the Department of Public Instruction, at the Technical College, Armidale (New South Wales). In 1893 he returned to New Zealand and took up the editorship of the Pahiatua Star, relinquishing that position to take up a similar one on the Herald, which paper he purchased in April, 1896.
is a handsome new building situate in King Street, off the main street, at the southern end of the township. On the right side of the vestibule are situate the public office, clerk's office and magistrate's room, while on the left are the bailiff's office, witness' room, and law library. Mr. T. Hutchison, S.M., is the magistrate, and sits monthly, while the J.P.'s have sittings as occasion requires.
Clerk of the Court. Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages, and Registrar of Electors, is the fifth son of the late Mr. Thomas Reeve, who was a farmer at Gebbies Valley. Banks Peninsula, Canterbury. He was born at Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire. England, in 1855, and came with his parents to New Zealand in 1858, landing at Lyttelton. Educated in the Canterbury district, he was for some time engaged in farming with his father, after which he took a situation as schoolmaster near Waimate, South Canterbury, where he remained for two years. He shortly afterwards received the appointment of clerk of court at Waian, North Canterbury, and held that position for six years. At the same time he was clerk of the Licensing Courts of Amuri and Cheviot, and clerk and treasurer of the Amuri County Council for five years. On the 9th of March, 1891, he was appointed clerk of the Court at Pahiatua, and also filled a similar position at Eketahuna for twelve months, and was clerk to the Licensing Court at Pahiatua until it was abolished. He is a member of the local school committee, and is secretary and treasurer to that body, and also secretary of the local literary and debating society, and auditor to the Pahiatua Athletic Society and Cricket Club. He is married, and has a family of seven children.
Barrister and Solicitor, Main Street, Pahiatua. For some years Mr. Gould occupied a seat on the Pahiatua Borough Council, but resigned his position towards the end of 1896.
Solicitor, Main Street, Pahiatua. Branch, Eketahuna. P.O. Box 49. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Tiraumea Road. Mr. Harold Smith was admitted a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in 1888 by the late Mr. Justice Richmond, and has practised his profession in Pahiatua since that time. His officers are situated in a block of brick buildings in the heart of the town, and yet within easy distance of the S.M. Court. Mr. Smith is solicitor for a large number of public institutions, and is credited with having the principal legal business in the county. Further particulars of Mr. Smith's career are given under the heading “Ex-Mayors.”
Barrister and Solicitor, Main Street, Pahiatna. Mr. Tosswill was admitted to the bar in 1878, and has practised his profession in Pahiatua since 1888.
Macloskey, G. E., Barrister and Solicitor, Pahiatua.
Physician and Surgeon, Pahiatua. Dr. Ganlt was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, and received his education at Queen's College, Belfast, and at the Royal University. He was successful in obtaining his degrees in the year 1880, and during the ten succeeding years, he was engaged on the medical staff of the Royal Hospital, Belfast, and other similar institutions elsewhere. Dr. Gault came to the colonies per ship “Austral,” which brought him as far as Australia, from whence he transhipped to New Zealand, arriving in Auckland in 1890. He immediately removed to New Plymouth, where he practiced for eighteen months, at the end of which time he paid a visit Home. Dr. Gault returned to New Zealand per ship “Kaiser Wilhelm,” in 1892, taking up his abo le in Pahiatua. Here he is medical officer for the Forester's Lodge, the Rechabites, the Oddfellows, etc.
Chemist, Druggist, Sergion-Dentist, and Public Vaccinator for Pahiatua and district. The Dispensary, Main Street, Pahiatua. Telegraphic address, “Ridd, Pahiatua.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, attached to business premises. Agents: London Messrs. Burgoyno and Co.; Wellington, The New Zealand Drug Company, Messrs. Sharland and Co., Mr. W. C. Fitzgerald, the Pharmacy, Willis Street, Mr. R. Ayers, Herbalist, of Cuba Street, and Mr. G. W. Wilton, of Adelaide Road. Mr. Coleridge Ridd, whose portrait accompanies this article, was born at Winsham, Somersetshire, England, and was educated in that county. He was specially trained for his profession by his father, Dr. Francis Ridd, of High Bridge, Somesetshire, and, subsequent to the death of his father, he continued his studies with his brother, Mr. A. H. Ridd, registered chemist, etc., of Peckham, S.E. Since that time Mr. Ridd has had experience with quite a number of medicos and chemists of the Old Land. For four years he was dispenser and assistant with Drs. McPherson and Woodroffe, of Mildmay Park, Stoke-Newington, and was for a still longer period assistant to Drs. Loane and Allen
Bulkley, Downes and Eames, Dentists, Main Road, Pahiatua. Resident partner, Mr. H. J. Eames. This is a branch of the main business at Wellington.
Main Street, Pahiatua. This Bank is the only one with a branch at Pahiatua. Prior to 1891 the business was done by the Woodville branch sending an officer to Pahiatua twice a week, but in that year a branch was opened in the town and Mr. George Innes appointed manager, which position is still held by him. Mr. Innes is very popular in the district, and does much for the welfare of the Bank's business by his ever courteous and obliging manner.
Auctioneers, Mangahao Road, Pahiatua. Head office, Palmerston North. This is a branch of Messrs. Abraham and Williams's business at Palmerston North. The saleyards are situated about a quarter of a mile from the Pahiatua Railway Station, and regular sales of cattle and sheep are held.
Land and Estate Agent, Main Street, Pahiatua. Telegraphic address, “Briggs, Pahiatua.” P.O. Box 25. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private
Auctioneer, Land, Stock, Station, and General Commission Agent, etc., Main Street, Pahiatua. Branches, Makuri and Eketahuna. Telegraphic address, “Crewe, Pahiatua.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Harridge House, Pahiatua. Mr. David Crewe established himself in Pahiatua in 1884, and has since that time been much more than ordinarily successful. His business enterprises generally have turned out well, and he either owns or has an interest at the present time in a good share of freehold property in and around the town. Though a certificated mining engineer, Mr. Crewe has not engaged in his profession since leaving the Old Country, though doubtless the experience there gained has been of much use to him, both in his own business and as a councillor. His late father was prominent in the iron and coal trade of Dudley, being a manufacturer of iron, both of the pig and finished material, and a colliery proprietor in the Midland counties. Having great faith in the fertility of Pahiatua county, and in Pahiatua as a township likely to rise rapidly, Mr. Crewe entered heartily into the business with a determination to do his share in the building up of the place. In March, 1891, Mr. and Mrs. Crewe and family (son and daughter) took a trip Home to see their friends and to enjoy a good holiday, and while there Mr. Crewe took a very great interest in the matter of New Zealand products in the Old Country. He was enabled to expose many and glaring frauds, his examinations leading to the discovery of large quantities of frozen meat from River Plate and other places being sold as having come from New Zealand. Moreover, he was able to trace New Zealand products, and discover them being sold as English and Welsh products. In butter, cheese, etc., he also found many instances of misrepresentation, and exposed them. Mr. Crewe made arrangements with many of the best firms in the Old Country for consignments of produce, and in such a manner as to insure its being sold for what it really is. Mr. Crewe's auction mart is centrally situated, being next door to the Club Hotel, the freehold of which is also his property. The building is of brick, and two stories high. The front portion of the downstairs is occupied by the auction-room, the office being immediately behind. Miscellaneous and produce sales are held at the mart every Saturday, and consignments of almost every kind find their way for public disposal. The principal stock sale-yards are in Pahiatua, about 200 yards from the mercantile premises. At these yards stock sales are held every alternate Tuesday. At the Eketahuna yards Mr. Crewe holds sales every fourth Friday, and at those at Makuri every fourth Wednesday. He also holds sales at Hamua every alternate Friday. His attention to business is strict, his terms are liberal, and therefore his patronage is considerable. Mr. Candy is the agent for the transaction of Mr. Crewe's business in Eketahuna, and Mr. Olliver holds the same position in Makuri. Entries are forwarded either to these gentlemen or to the head office in Fahiatua. Mr. Crewe's agencies embrace the Victoria Fire Insurance Society, the Mutual Assurance Society of Victoria, Messrs. Booth Macdonald and Co., of Christchurch, Messrs. Andrews and Beaven, of Christchurch, Boyd and Son's bicycles, Brenchley's insecticide, and many others. Mr. Crewe's business operations extend throughout the Colony, and his exports are sent direct to the Home markets. It is his opinion that, notwithstanding all the care that has of recent years been taken to insure honest dealing in connection with New Zealand products, a very great deal of fraud is still going on, and that measures should be taken to stop this by the establishment of depôts in all the large manufacturing centres of Great Britain. Pahiatua owes much to the energy, enterprise, and business capacity of its leading business men, in the first rank of whom must be placed Mr. David Crewe. Further particulars of his career as a colonist, and especially as a public man, will be found under the heading of Pahiatua Borough Council.
Land and Estate Agents, Surveyors and Licensed Land Brokers, Pahiatua. Branch at Eketahuna Messrs. Greville and Co. conduct a good business, and have at all times a large number of properties on their books.
Land and Estate Agents, The Pahiatua Land Agency, Main Street, Pahiatua. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Ernest Beauchamp Hare, manager. Telegraphic address, “Helps and Co., Pahiatua.” The business, which was established in 1893, is chiefly in the sale of town and country properties. Mr. E. B. Hare, the manager of this enterprising firm, was born at Dublin in 1854, and in 1855 came to New Zealand with his parents, who were among the earliest of the Wairarapa settlers. When a youth he worked on his father's farm, afterwards entering into business for himself as an insurance and commission agent. He is secretary to the Pahiatua Farmers' Association, and the firm are agents for the Standard Fire and Marine Insurance Company, the Mutual Life Assurance Society of Australasia, the Scottish Metropolitan Accident Insurance Company, and the Pahiatua Farmers' Association. Mr. Hare is married, and has five children.
Photographers, travelling through New Zealand. Mr. De Loree is a native of Belgium. He left there in 1844 for London, from whence, in 1848, he sailed for Victoria. He arrived in Otago in 1861. He is a grandson of Marie Schelling, who, impersonating a French soldier, fought for eleven years in the Grand Army of Napoleon, and was, on the discovery of her sex, decorated with the Legion of Honour by the Emperor's own hand. Messrs. De Loree and Son take with them a complete portrait and landscape plant and a moveable studio. Their pictures shew a quality truly surprising. The specialties of the firm are slides for lime-light views. Besides selling these in large numbers, the firm carries the appliances for their exhibition. Mr. De Lorce is seventy-three years of age, and he himself delivers the lectures. This interesting business firm is now engaged in the southern portion of the North Island, having already covered a good extent of the Colony.
Builders, Sash and Door Manufacturers, and Timber Merchants, Mangahao Road and Arthur Street, Pahiatua. This firm was established in 1886 by Messrs H. H. Godfrey and John Robertson, and erected many of the best buildings in the district in 1888. Mr. Robertson being attracted to the Mahakipawa diggings in 1889, Mr. Godfrey was left by himself until 1891, when he was joined by his father, who had been for about thirty-five years carrying on business in Papanui, near Christchurch. Mr. H. W. Godfrey was born in London in 1832, and received his education at the London Philosophical School. He served his apprenticeship to the cabinet-making with his father, the late Mr. W. Godfrey, of Lyttelton. Coming to Lyttelton in May, 1851, by the “Dominion,” he worked at the building trade there until 1856, when he started business in Papanui, where he was the principal builder. It is worthy of note that many of the first buildings erected by him are still standing as monuments of honest substantial workmanship. He moved to Pahiatua in 1891 and joined his son, who had been in business since 1886. He was on the school committee continuously from 1872, when the Act came into force, until leaving in 1891, and served on the vestry of St. Paul's, Papanui, for a number of years. He was also for some time secretary of the Papanui Ploughing Match Committee. He was made a Mason in the Concord Lodge, Papanui, in 1881, and has since joined his lot with the Tavarua Lodge, Pahiatua. He was also one of the first members of the Loyal City of Christchurch Lodge of Oddfellows, and went through the chairs. He has always supported the Liberals in politics. Though now nearly sixty-five years of age, he is still as strong and wiry as ever. Mr. Godfrey married Miss Anne Rapley, daughter of Mr. William Rapley, of Papanui, and has a family of nine boys and three girls, eleven of whom are alive and doing well. Mr. H. H. Godfrey was born in Papanui in April, 1860, and received his education at St. Paul's School. He learnt his trade with his father, and worked with him until 1883, when he was employed on the Lyttelton Times buildings in Christchurch, afterwards leaving Christchurch with the contractor for those buildings, Mr. Henry Taylor, who had two large contracts in Taranaki — the Waitara freezing works and the Bank of New Zealand, New Plymouth. He settled in Pahiatua in 1886, where he has resided and worked ever since. In 1892 he married Miss Christina Duncan, daughter of Mr. Robert Duncan, of Loburn, Canterbury, and has one daughter and two sons. He has taken a certificate in the advanced class of building construction. South Kensington, and his knowledge as a draughtsman is a very valuable acquisition to his trade. He is a Past Master of the Tararua Lodge of Freemasons, of which he is a charter member, and at present secretary and organist, and a Past Grand of Loyal Mangatainoka Lodge of Oddfellows, of which he is also a foundation member, having joined the order as a foundation member of the Loyal Papanui Lodge in 1880. In politics Mr. Godfrey is a supporter of the present Government. At the time of writing (November, 1896), Messrs. Godfrey and Son were building a neat and substantial dwelling for Mr. H. W. Godfrey, senr. They have also lately built a large infant school at Pahiatua, and previously to that erected the large class-room at the same school. Latterly they have supplied the Education Board with the furniture for all their country schools at this end of the province. In sashes and doors and frames, etc., they do a considerable business, and in adding the supply of timber to their business are laying the basis of a good general building supplying trade. At the present time they claim to be able to draw the plans, supply all the timber, piles, etc., sashes and doors, build the house, and fit up with venetian blinds without going outside their own premises for either the skill or the material.
J.P., Contractor and Bridge Builder, Main Street, Pahiatua. Mr. Dawson was born in Tasmania in 1843, and followed the occupation of a farmer. He came to New Zealand in 1869, and at the age of twenty-six entered as an apprentice to the carpentering trade with the late Mr. D. Reese. Before he had served half his time he became foreman, and carried out many of the large railway station buildings and sheds on the Southbridge and Ashburton lines. Within a few years he became architect and contractor, designing and constructing many of the buildings in East Christchurch, including Ward and Co.'s brewery buildings. After this he removed to Greytown in the North Island, but finally settled in Masterton, where he tendered for some of the most important works and bridges, and carried out all his undertakings to the satisfaction of those concerned. In 1889 he removed to Pahiatua, where he now resides in a very comfortable two-story house in the main street. He is very popular in the district. In public affairs he was chairman of the Pahiatua Town Board for two terms, and was also a member of the Borough Council. He is a member of the Masterton Licensing Committee, and of the Pahiatua Lodge of Freemasons. In his younger days he was for some years champion sculler of New Zealand, and was never beaten until he lowered his colours to Hearn at Kaipoi. He is married and has seven children.
(James A. Shaw, proprietor). Main Street, Pahiatua. This business was established by Mr. James Kennedie in 1895, and was taken over by the present proprietor in 1896. The work turned out is first-class. Repairing, painting, and trimming are among the special features done on the premises. Mr. Shaw does a very fair share of the work of the town. Born in Canterbury in 1872, he served his apprenticeship to the trade with Mr. William Reeves, of Rangio
Merryweather, William, Coachbuilder, Main Street, Pahiatua.
Nicholls, D. D., Coach Factory Proprietor and General Smith, Main Street, Pahiatua.
(Proprietors, Messrs. Cook and Gray). Manager, Mr. William Holstead. Central factory, Hall Road, Pahiatua. Tributary creameries, Woodville, Kaitawa, Mangatainoka, Makakahi and Hawera (Forty Mile Bush). The Pahiatua Butter Factory is a fine building and stands upon a section three acres in extent. The machinery is driven by a ten-horse-power horizontal engine, the power for which is supplied by a twelve-horse-power boiler, both being from Messrs. Nevin and Co., Spit Foundry, Napier The manager, Mr. Holstead, speaks very highly of both engine and boiler. A Delaval separator is used, capable of skimming 400 gallons of milk per hour. Two cherry churns by Gisborne, of Victoria, a butter worker by Bradford, and a refrigerator known as Hall and Son's Patent Carbonic Anhydride system, comprises, with the handy steam-pump, the machinery of the establishment, the whole of which is in the most satisfactory order in every respect. The cooling chamber is fourteen feet square, by a height of seven feet, thoroughly insulated and fitted up with brine walls and pipes. This factory was erected and opened in November, 1894. Previous to that time the principal operations had been carried on at Mangatainoka.
Manager of the Central Dairy Factory, Pahiatua, was born in Denmark, where he was educated and learned his business under the Royal Agricultural Society of that country. He then left for New Zealand, arriving in Wellington per ship “Reichstag” from Hamburg in 1875. In those days there was no employment for him whatever in his own line, there being no such dairy factories in the Colony. He was therefore employed in general work until 1881, when he was appointed manager of a dairy farm in Marlborough. At the end of 1882 he removed to Riversdale, near Greytown, and was appointed manager of Mr. G. S. Manson's creamery and butter factory. This factory was the first in the North Island to use the De Laval separator. After two years in this position Mr. Holsted took a farm on his own account and carried it on for several years. For about eighteen months he was manager at Messrs. Doddridge's Ballance factory. He then held a similar appointment at Mangatainoka under the same firm. When the proprietary of this firm was changed, Mr. Holsted continued in the employ of the Pahiatua Dairy Factory as manager of the central factory and tributary creamenies both at Mangatainoka and Ballance. Mr. Holsted was married in 1881, and is a member of the local school committee. He is evidently well acquainted with his business and is personally popular throughout the districts in which the operations of the company extend.
Painter, Glazier, Signwriter, House Decorator, Grainer, and Paperhanger, Main Street, Pahiatua, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in 1895 by Mr. Smith, who previously had been in business in Wellington. The shop is newly stocked with all the latest and best goods,
Levin, John Mauritz, Painter and Glazier. Main Street, Pahiatua.
Tailor and Outfitter, Main Street, Pahiatua. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Blair is a native of Lanarkshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1865. He was educated there, and served his apprenticeship to the tailoring business at Biggar, in the County of Lanarkshire. On completing his indentures, he worked as journeyman for some of the principal tailoring firms in Scotland. He afterwards went to South Africa, returning to his native land in 1886. Turning his attention to the Antipodes, he came to New Zealand, and worked at his trade for some time in Dunedin. He afterwards went to the Hawkes Bay district, and spent some time at Waipukurau and at Marton. In 1890 he came to Pahiatua, and started in business as a tailor and outfitter. He conducts a first-class business, and is an employer of labour. The work turned out by him is all hand-sewn, and the cut and finish are considered equal to anything in the Colony. The latest patterns are kept, and he has a splendid stock of English, Scotch, and colonial tweeds. Mr. Blair is very popular in the district, and his straightforward and pleasant manner helps in the success of his business.
Isaacs, D., Tailor and Outfitter, Main Street, Pahiatua.
Cabinetmaker, Upholsterer, and General House Furnisher, Main Street, Pahiatua. The premises are situated at the northern end of the town. Mr. Starkey does work for the principal people of the district, and does a fair share of the business of the town. Further particulars about Mr. Starkey will be found under the heading “Pahiatua Band.”
Falconer, W. S., Cabinetmaker and Architect, Main Road, Pahiatua.
Hyde, George, Cabinetmaker, Main Street, Pahiatua. Established 1891.
Tobacconist. Hairdresser, and Fancy Goods Dealer, Main Street, Pahiatua. This business was established in 1893 by Mr. J. Eccles, and was purchased by Mrs. Watty in July, 1896. The premises are of brick, and most centrally situated. The shop and saloon are commodious and tastefully decorated, and a
Quirke, Michael, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Main Street, Pahiatua. Established 1893.
(Robert Seymour, proprietor), Main and Wakeman Streets, Pahiatua. T'egraphic address, “Club, Pahiatua.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This hotel was established in 1887 by Mr. D. Crewe, who, after carrying it on for a short time, disposed of it to Mr. P. Spillane. Mr. Spillane conducted the business till August, 1893, when it came into the hands of the present proprietor, Mr. Robert Seymour. The Club Hotel stables and grounds cover one-and-a-quarter acres of land. The building contains fifteen bedrooms, two dining-rooms, three sitting rooms, billiard-room, commercial-rooms, sample-rooms, and two drawing-rooms. In connection with the hotel is a large fruit and vegetable gard in, which bountifully supplies the “Club” with all seasonable articles. There is also a fine stable, with eight stalls and two loose boxes, and horses and traps may be hired at all times. The Grab Hotel is a most comfortable one, and Mr. and Mrs. Seymour do all that lies in their power to render their visitors thoroughly at home, a fact which is recognised throughout the district. Mr. Seymour was born in London. He came to Australia in 1870, and for three years was in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, coming on to Wellington in 1879. For some time following his arrival here, Mr. Seymour chose a seafaring life, and was in the employ of the Union Steamship Company. For about five years he was a well-known man throughout New Zealand, particularly in Wellington, as secretary of the Seamen's Union, and of the Wharf Labourers' Union and Trades Council. As a mark of respect, he was elected president of the Tailoresses' Union, a position which he occupied till a suitable successor could be found. Mr. Seymour was nstrumental in forming the Bakers', Plumbers', and several other societies in Wellington. He is a subscribing member of the local athletic society, a member of the jockey club, of the Masonic Fraternity, of the Ancient Order of Druids, and of the Burns Club, the meetings of the last named being held at the Club Hotel.
(Edward Sullivan, proprietor) Pahiatua. Telegraphic address, “Commercial, Pahiatua.” P.O. Box 38. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This fine hotel was the first hostelry to be established in Pahiatua. It was built in 1887 by Mr. Crewe, auctioneer, who carried it on for some little time and then sold it to Mr. Stewart. In 1891 it was purchased by Mr. Corby and Mr. Sullivan, who conducted it in conjunction for some few months, when the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Sullivan became sole proprietor. It is a fine buiding of two stories, and is freehold. It contains some thirty-five beds, a splendid dining-room, a detached billiard-room, and two-and-a-half acres of garden, stabling, and paddocking. Mr. Sullivan's private family residence is some two and-a-half miles from Pahiatua on the road to Eketahuna, he having purchased this property for the purpose of keeping his young family away from the hotel. Mr. Sullivan is also the owner of a farm of some 352 acres at Makuri, two thirds of which has been grassed and stocked. This farm is in charge of a married couple, and supplies meat, milk, butter, eggs, poultry, etc. for the hotel. It is also one of the finest fruit gardens in the district. Mr. Sullivan has had a very large hotel experience, and he is assisted in the management by his brother, Mr. J. Sullivan, from Chicago. In that wondering city city Mr. Sullivan, junior, occupied a post of importance in Palmer House, one of the largest hotels in the United States. At Palmer House it is not an uncommon thing for 1600 visitors to be there at the same time.
(John Carmody, proprietor). Main Street, Pahiatua. Telegraphic address, “Carmody, Pahiatua.” Bankers. Bank of New Zealand. The Post-office Hotel is a two-story structure of wood and iron, and was erected in July, 1891. It is a very comfortable house, and comprises fourteen bedrooms, drawing-room, dining-room, commercial-room, parlour, bath-room, and every convenience. The numerous visitors to the hotel find in Mr. and Mrs. Carmody a most attentive host and hostess. Good stabling adjoins the hotel, and the paddocking is appreciated by travellers. Mr. Carmody was formerly proprietor of the Central Hotel. Palmerston North, where he resided for some twelve years. He is by trade a contractor, and has done work for a great many local bodies in the North Island, and has also executed several Government contracts.
Empire Hotel (Michael Ryan, proprietor), Main Street, Pahiatua. Estab. 18
Benzie's Temperance Hotel (Mrs. A. Benzie, proprietress), Main Street, Pahiatua. Established 1889. Rebuilt in brick 1896.
General Blacksmith and Farrier, Main Street, Pahiatua. This business, which is the principal establishment of its kind in the district, was founded by Mr. Henderson in 1886. The premises are large and commodious, having a frontage to the street of 66 feet by a depth of 165 feet.
(Thomas Pickering and Sam Naylor), Farriers and General Blacksmiths, Main Street, Pahiatua. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established by Mr. Edward Naylor, and was the first blacksmith's shop in Pahiatua, and at the present time does the principal business in the town. Mr. Thomas Pickering was born in Birmingham, England, in 1867, and when a child came to the Colony with his parents. In 1884 he was apprenticed to the trade with Mr. M. Horrick at Oxford, Canterbury, and came to Pahiatua a few years ago. In 1894 he bought the present business from the original proprietor, and in 1896 took Mr. Naylor into partnership. He belongs to the local Lodge of Oddfellows. Mr. Naylor was born in Yorkshire, England, in 1864, coming to the Colony in 1879. He served his time to the trade with his father. He is married, and has six children. He is a member of the Foresters' Lodge.
Plumber and Tinsmith, Main Street, Pahiatua. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private address, Arthur Street. This is the oldest established business of its kind in Pahiatua, having been started in 1891 by Mr. Pickering, and is known as the Pahiatua Plumbing Works. The premises are nearly opposite the Post-office, and occupy a frontage of 24 feet by 50 feet. The workshop is behind the shop, and contains complete tinsmiths' machinery. Milk cans, cream cans, telescope and bottle-neck cans, and all kinds of dairy utensils, are manufactured on the premises. Estimates are given for fitting up dairy factories. In the plumbing department all kinds of work are done, and baths, sinks, tanks, ridging and spouting, are
Plumber, etc. Main Street, Pahiatua. Telegraphic address, “Taylor, Pahiatua. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence attached to business premises. Wellington agents, Messrs. John Duthie and Co., Limited. The business of Mr. J. C. Taylor was established in 1892, and it has grown amazingly. The building is of wood and iron, two stories high, and the plant embraces all that is needful for the carrying on of an extended business. Many of the largest plumbing operations of the district have been undertaken and successfully carried out by Mr. Taylor. Among them may be mentioned the Borough Council Chambers, the two business blocks in brick of Mr. T. C. Williams, the Empire Hotel, Ballance Dairy Factory, Motorua Dairy Factory, the Pahiatua Dairy Factory, the offices and warehouse of the Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, the residences of Mr. A. Williams, Councillor Tosswill, Mr. Carruthers (late engineer-in-chief), Mr. Suisted (late of Karori, Wellington), Mr. Crawford, Mr. Hodgins, Messrs. Porter Bros., Mr. Alexander Mitchell, Mr. Revel, Mr. Joseph Milne, Doctor Gault, Mr. Gifford, Mr. Charles Avery, Mr. David Taylor Mr. Russell, of Tutaekara; Mr. T. Hughes, Mrs. Baker, Mr. McCardle, Mr. Kennedy, Mrs. Jenson, Mr. Redman, Mrs. Wall, Mr. Quirke, Mr. O'Brien, Mr. Broome (manager of the Ballance Co-operative Dairy Co., Ltd.,) and others. Mr. Taylor's business operations extend throughout a large district, and, as the above list of names amply show, he is the favourite plumber of that part, the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Messrs. Cook and Gray, the Dairy Factory proprietors, etc., being among his regular customers. Mr. Taylor, whose picture is given herewith, was born at Trawalla Bridge, Victoria, and came to Invercargill, in this Colony, in 1868, since which time he has lived in Westport, Nelson, Dunedin, and Wellington, gaining his education in these various places. In 1880 he completed his apprenticeship with Mr. J. E. Hayes, of Wellington, and was immediately appointed plumber in charge of the railway workshops and stores at Christchurch. Soon after this he was transferred to Wellington, and promoted to the position of plumber for the Parliamentary Buildings. Here he remained for a period of twelve years, during which time he had experience of much value to him in his present business. It was with a view to establishing himself as above that Mr. Taylor resigned his post under Government, and with the financial result of the change Mr. Taylor is well satisfied. He is a member of the Pahiatua School Committee, and captain of the local rifle and swimming clubs. Mr. Taylor is married, and has four children. In 1889 he won the Wellington Naval Artillery's Champion Belt for the highest aggregate score for the season.
(James Elliott and Frederick H. Vile), Saddlers and Harness Makers, Main Street, Pahiatua. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was originally a branch of the Masterton business of Mr. Elliott, and was established in Pahiatua in 1888. In 1891 Mr. Vile bought Mr. Elliott out and carried on the business himself till 1893, when he again joined with
Brown, William, Boot and Shoe Maker, Main Street, Pahiatua. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1892.
Parkes, William, Bootmaker, Main Street, Pahiatua. Established 1888. Wratt, William, Saddler and Harness Maker, Pahiatua.
Butcher Main Street, Pahiatua. Telegraphic address, “McCardle, Pahiatua.' Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, King and Sedcole Streets. Mr. McCardle established himself in business in Pahiatua in the year 1891. His premises are freehold, and are sufficiently large for the conduct of a good business, which extends over a very large district. The slaughter yards are situated on the main road, about half-a-mile out of the town. Further particulars of his career will be found under the heading “Borough of Pahiatua.”
Bottomley, Godfrey, Family Butcher, Main Road, Pahiatua. Estab. 1886.
General and Produce Merchants, Ironmongers, Drapers, Grocers, Milliners. Boot and Shoe Vendors, and Dealers in Paints, Oils, Farm and Station Requisites, Main Street, Pahiatua. This business has its head office at Masterton, where it is more fully described. The premises at Pahiatua are centrally situated and carried on in a handsome new bulling, for which Messrs Penty and Ford were the architects. The local manager is Mr. Alfred Caselberg, who is the fourth son of Mr. M. Caselberg, referred to in the Masterton section. Mr. Alfred Caselberg was born at Greytown, and educated at the Wellington College. On leaving school he went into the employ of his father, and has worked his way up to his present position. He takes an active interest in local sporting matters, is a great enthusiast in cricket, and was for a term secretary of the Pahiatua Cricket Club, and of the Bush Cricket Association.
Bookseller, Stationer, Fancy Goods Dealer, and News Agent, The Premier Bookshop, Main Street, Pahiatua. Telegraphic address, “Moore, Pahiatua.” This business was established in 1888 by Mr. E. A. Haggen, of The People, and was purchased by Mr. Moore some two years later. The shop is
Waipawa Mail, completing his term in 1884, after which he remained with his employer some six years. Mr. Moore is popular in the district, and does a fair business. He was for a time secretary to the local school committee. He has at the rear of the shop a job printing department, and turns out some first-class work.
General Storekeeper, Main Street, Pahiatua. Telegraphic address, “Graham, Pahiatua.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This is the oldest general store in Pahiatua, being established in 1883. Ten years later Mr. Graham purchased it from Mr. Gregory, and the change of proprietorship has been followed by a large increase in the business. Mr. Graham imports his own stocks, and the departments include ironmongery, draperv grocery, crockery, boots, and house furnishings. For the delivery of these goods in town and country, Mr. Graham has special facilities, and his conveyances are at the same time used in the collection of goods for export. These include seeds, butter, and all the other lines commonly grouped under the term “colonial produce.” Being in a position to conduct an interchange of trade with the settlers, Mr. Graham is in this way able to double his turnover without any great increase of expenses, an advantage of which he gives his customers their fair share. The premises in which Mr. Graham conducts his business are commodious and convenient, and occupy a good site in the main thoroughfare, adjoining the Borough Council Chambers and Library. An efficient staff is employed, both for the sales departments and the office, and the business is conducted on well established principles. Mr. Graham was born in Perthshire, Scotland, and was educated at the parish school, Crieff. On leaving school he was apprenticed to the grocery business with the well-known firm of Messrs. John Mitchell and Co., of Glasgow. After the completion of his apprenticeship he entered into business on his own account, as a grocer in Crieff. Leaving “The Land o' Cakes,” Mr. Graham went to the United States, and thence came to this Colony in 1880. After a brief experience in Canterbury and Otago he removed to the North Island and settled in Masterton, where he managed his father's business until 1893, when he established himself at Pahiatua as above. Mr. Graham is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and when in Masterton held the office of Junior Warden. He is an enthusiastic member of the Burns Club, Pahiatua, and takes an interest in all movements for the advancement of the town and district.
Brenton, B. E., Grocer, Main Road, Pahiatua.
(William Henry McPhail and William James Fly), Livery Stable-keepers, Commercial Stables, Pahiatua. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Messrs. McPhail and Fly claim that their stables are the largest in the Wairarapa. That Pahiatua, one of the youngest towns of the district, has the largest stables, may be doubted by those who have had no actual experience of them. There are larger buildings in Masterton, for instance, but in Pahiatua all the stables belong to the one firm, which is not the case in the other towns. Messrs. McPhail and Fly's principal place is at the rear of Mr. Sullivan's Commercial Hotel, and the branches are situate one at the rear of Mr. Seymour's Club Hotel, and the other also in Main Street, opposite the Bank of New Zealand. Mr. J. Devonshire was the last proprietor, Messrs. McPhail and Fly having had possession since 1895. There are in all thirty-five stalls and ten loose-boxes; and the vehicles for hire include sulkies, gigs, dogcarts, single and double-seated buggies, expresses, drags, four-in-hands, coaches, etc. The horses are good, and well suited to the surrounding country. Though Messrs. McPhail and Fly have the monopoly of the livery stable business in Pahiatua, their charges are exceedingly moderate, and the attention cheerfully paid to customers is all that the most fastidious could exact. Tourists placing themselves in the hands of Messrs. McPhail and Fly may rely on seeing all the points of interest, as both partners are thoroughly acquainted with the district, and personally attend to the driving if required. Ballance, Nikau, Mangaone Valley, Kaitawa, Ngaturi, Makuri, Makairo, North Tiraumea, and many other new and interesting places are within easy driving distance, and the scenery met with is all too good to be missed. Mr. McPhail was born in Dunedin in 1861, and was educated there. He is familiar with the whole of the South Island and the greater portion of the North, and is therefore well able to advise tourists and others as to the best parts of the Colony from their point of view. Mr. Fly was born near Portsmouth in Hampshire, England, in 1865, and came to the Colony with his parents per ship “Peeress” in 1874. He was educated at Geraldine, near Timaru, and gained experience in his present line of business, in the employ of Mr. Archibald Hall, of Wellington Tramways fame, with whom he remained about eight years. He then began business on his own account at Eketahuna. Selling out there, he removed to Pahiatua, and after a short business career, joined Mr. McPhail as above. Both partners are married, and have four and three children respectively. From a fair experience, the writer has pleasure in recommending Messrs. McPhail and Fly to anyone needing their services. They are the proprietors of the coaches running to Ngaturi and Makuri, and are in a position to execute all business with which they may be entrusted.
(Benjamin Budden, proprietor), Mangahao Road, Pahiatua. Telegraphic address, “Budden, Pahiatua.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The above premises are situated next to Messrs. Abraham and Williams's sale yards, and occupy about ten acres of land, three of which are taken up with the stables, attachments, and Mr. Budden's residence. There is stable accommodation for thirty horses. Goods of every description are received from and delivered to all parts of the district, and through his agencies to all parts of the world, and travellers with samples or luggage are carried anywhere. Coaches, buggies and saddle hacks are kept for hire. Mr. Budden personally superintends the whole of the business, and where there is a dangerous journey to be made he goes himself, and it is a well-known fact that he rarely meets with an accident, which speaks well of his ability as a driver, considering the rough condition
of the roads and tracks. He is agent for the New Zealand Express Co., Messrs. F. W. Cotterill and Co. and J. J. Curtis, and all orders entrusted to him are promptly executed. Since the butter industry started in the district Mr. Budden has done the whole of the carrying of the machinery for the factories belonging to Mr. H. Chester, Dolleridge and Co. Messrs. Cook and Gray, and the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co.; he also carries the butter from the factories to the railway stations for shipment to Wellington. In addition to the general carrying business Mr. Budden runs the mail coach to Ballance, and is at present engaged in erecting the telegraph from Pahiatua to Ballance. Mr. Budden was born at Netherbury, Dorsetshire, England, in 1855, and entered into the business of general store and carrying whilst very young. Selling out he came to Auckland in 1874, and in the following year removed to Wellington, where he was engaged in carrying out several contracts. Whilst building the Karori Reservoir, he was buried, and but for his strong constitution, must have succumbed to his injuries. As it was, about a year elapsed before he was able to again enter into business. Soon afterwards he went to Nelson, where he joined the firm of Messrs. Holdaway Bros., agricultural machinists. He stayed two years with this firm, and then, removing to Masterton, bought land on the Te Ore Ore plain. It was here he had the honour of entertaining Tawhio, the Maori king. While in Masterton he again had the misfortuneto meet with an accident, being nearly killed by one of his prize boars. Selling the farm at Te Ore Ore after six years, he bought a property at Mangamahoe, Forty-mile Bush, where he first established the carrying business, securing the trade between Masterton and Woodville, and doing a good deal of carrying for the Mangamahoe-Eketahuna section of railway. When the railway was opened to Eketahuna, he sold his horses and retired from active business for four years, after which he sold the Mangamahoe
Coach Proprietor, Pahiatua. A line of coaches runs daily between Pahiatua and Woodville to connect with the trains to Napier and Palmerston North. Another line runs from Pahiatua to Eketahuna to connect with the trains to Wellington. Particulars of Mr. Vile's career will be found under “ex-Mayors of Pahiatua” on p. 1021.
(William Proctor and George Mason), Timber Merchants, and General Builders, Sash and Door Factory, Main Street, Pahiatua. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This important and thriving business was established by the present proprietors in 1894. The workshops and timber yards are situate at the northern end of the town, and occupy a quarter of an acre. Special facilities are afforded by the complete plant on the premises. A principal feature in the business is the manufacture of doors and sashes. Mr. William Proctor, whose name comes first in the style of the firm, is a native of Black Burton, Yorkshire, England. He came to New Zealand in the year 1893, and was associated with Mr Mason prior to the establishing of the present business. In the early part of 1896 he visited England, and returned to New Zealand towards the end of the same year. Mr. George Mason was born in Derby, England, in 1831, and came to New Zealand in 1856. Landing at Nelson, he proceeded to Marlborough and started in business as a builder, remaining there until 1893, when he came to Pahiatua. During his residence in Marlborough he devoted much of his time and money to the development of the flax industry, being one of the first to start in that business. He is married, and has a family of nine children living. In 1894 he joined with Mr. Proctor in the present business, and the firm has met with good success. Several hands are employed, and the work turned out is considered second to none in the district. A large quantity of timber is always kept on hand, and is well seasoned and ready for use.
Donaldson, James, Post-office Bakery, Main Street, Pahiatua. Estab. 1894.
Gelderd, G. F., Fruiterer and Confectioner, Fancy Goods Repository and Circulating Library, Main Street, Pahiatua. Established 1888 by present proprietor.
Hicks, Thomas, Baker, Main Street, Pahiatua. Established 1884 by present proprietor.
O'Keefe, Stephen Thomas, Manufacturing Confectioner, Main Street, Pahiatua. Established 1892.
Holder, Frank, Cordial Manufacturer, The Pahiatua Cordial Factory, Palmerston North Road, Pahiatua. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Estab. 1890.
Blair, R. and Co., Drapers and Importers, Main Street, Pahiatua.
Moncrieff, Mrs. A., Draper and Fancy Goods Dealer, Main Street, Pahiatua. Established 1892.
Trewby Bros. (Peter Trewby), Drapers and Importers, Main Street, Pahiatua, Established 1890.
Hamilton, Mrs. M., Fancy Goods Repository and Registry Office, Main Street, Pahiatua. Established July, 1896.
McBain, John, Watchmaker and Jeweller, Main Street, Pahiatua.
Farmer, Pahiatua. The first settler in Pahiatua, Mr. Hall arrived in the district on the evening of the 28th of February, 1881, and was followed on the morning of the 1st of March by Mr. John Hughes, who may therefore fairly claim to be a twin brother of Mr. Hall's in the cause of “Pahiatua pioneering.” In May of the same year he was followed by Mrs. Hall, who was thus the first woman in the district. Mr. Hall was born in Lincolnshire, England, in 1832, and was brought up to farming, near Leeds Yorkshire, in 1863 he took first prize against all comers, in ploughing at Morley. Before coming to this Colony, in 1876, he had a few years experience of the iron trade in Yorkshire. His passage to New Zealand was made in the “Hurunui” as far as Plymouth, and thence by the “Carnatic” after a few weeks spent at that port in quarantine. For the first few months of his colonial life, Mr. Hall worked on the estate known as “Blair Logie,” belonging to Mr. John Morrison, of Wareama. He and Mrs. Hall then entered the employ of Mr. Buchanan, M.H.R., Mrs. Hall acting as housekeeper. On arriving in Pahiatua, Mr. Hall had to pitch his tent on the roadside until sufficient bush could be removed to make room for a hut. During the year following his arrival at Pahiatua, Mr. Hall had the misfortune to lose his eldest son, Mr. John Henry Hall, who, with his father and two brothers, was bush felling, when a very heavy limb, itself the size of a fairly large tree, broke off and instantly killed him. Mr. Hall has not taken a very active part in public life, but he was a member of the Road Board from its inception until it was abolished in favour of the County Council, and he is now a director of the Farmers' Auctioneering Association. As a farmer he has been successful. Some opinion of the quality of his land may be formed from the fact that it has returned twenty-two tons of potatoes to the acre. He was the first to bring a plough into the district and to commence work. Mr. Hall was married in 1855 to Miss Handley, daughter of Mr. John Handley. Of their family of nine, only three sons and a daughter survive, the daughter being the wife of Mr. Thomas Avery, referred to in this section.
J.P., Mr. McCardle, who holds undisputed laurels as the founder of Pahiatua, is well known in many parts of the Colony, but particularly in the Wairarapa. He was born in Kirkeudbrightshire, Scotland, on the 1st of April, 1844, and was educated in the grammar school of his native county. While quite a lad he had the misfortune to lose his father, and this event was soon followed by such other reverses of fortune that at the age of eighteen he decided to come to this Colony. Arriving in Lyttelton per ship “Chariot of Foam,” he found employment on a station at Ashburton, where for two years he made good use of the knowledge of sheepfarming gained in his native land. He was then for a similar period in the employ of Mr. John Greenaway, nurseryman, of Christchurch, from whom he acquired both a knowledge of and a taste for gardening and orcharding in all their branches. In 1866 Mr. McCardle married Miss Janet C. Martin, daughter of the late Captain James Martin, master of the unfortunate coaster “Margaret”—a vessel built at Kaiwarra in the Wellington Harbour in 1845, and so completely lost on the way to Lyttelton in the following year that no vestige of either ship or cargo was ever again seen. Removing to Dunedin in 1869, Mr. McCardle commenced business on his own account as a nurseryman, and some six years later sold out and established himself in the same line in Masterton. “McCardle's apple orchard”—stocked with its hundred fruit-bearing varieties—was soon the talk of the Wairarapa. In 1884, however, he removed to Pahiatua, and though he has discontinued the nursery business, he has, at his pretty homestead on the banks of the Mangahao, a very fine orchard of some twelve acres and a flower garden containing the best collection of rhododendrons in the Colony. His dairying stock consists of about forty head of well-bred cattle. Mr. McCardle's holding contains 180 acres, and the main portion of it is set apart as a stud sheep farm. His stud flock of 300 Lincoln ewes are of the purest strains, having descended from the prize flocks of Mr. Hare, of Wanganui, and from imported ewes bred by Mr. Turner, of Lincolnshire, the sires being bred by Mr. Reid, of Eldersley, the Hon. Mathew Holmes, and other prominent breeders. Though Mr. McCardle's private achievements have been considerable, it is as a public man that he is best known. Pahiatua owes not only its name, but its very existence, to Mr. McCardle; and he was a hard worker for the public good before “The Home of the Gods” was thought of. Twenty years ago he began to agitate for land reforms, and is credited with having powerfully influenced the passing of the Land Act of 1877, and its amendment of 1879. As a member of the first Council of the borough of Masterton he did good work, and as a member of the Masterton Trust Lands Trust, he introduced the principle of full compensation for all permanent improvements effected by lessees of the trust property. As a member of the Masterton Park Trust he introduced the scheme for the laying out of the park, and himself carried it out. For seven years Mr. McCardle was a member of the Masterton School Committee, during which time he fought hard and successfully for the large new school which was at that time erected. As a member of the Wairarapa North County Council, Mr. McCardle, in company with Mr. George Beetham, represented the Alfredton riding, and got the present county of Pahiatua formed into a separate riding of the Wairarapa North County, christening it “Pahiatua”—a name which, correctly pronounced, is decidedly musical, and which in its meaning (“The
J.P., Settler, Pahiatua. Mr. Reese, whose portrait will be recognized throughout the length and breadth of the province, was born at Motherwell, Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1843. His education has been mainly self-sought, for at the age of nine years he was working at the Mossend Ironworks, working alternately in the night shift. Here he learned the trade of iron manufacture in all its branches—a department of industry in which up to the present there has been no demand for labour in this Colony. Arriving in New Zealand in 1867 per ship “Himalaya,” Mr. Reese got employment in Christchurch as a carpenter. His first work was on the building now used as St. Paul's Prosbyterian Sunday School, but then used for the church. For about eleven years he worked for his brother, the late Mr. D. Reese, of Christchurch, and in 1878 removed to Wellington. After a
Farmer, Pahiatua. A typical New Zealand farmer, Mr. Avery was born at the Lower Hutt on the 19th of November, 1851, and was educated at the old Provincial Government School, Taita, where his aged father still resides. In those days the children of the bush were early inured to toil. At the age of twenty-one Mr. Avery was managing one of his father's farms at Taratahi,
near Carterton, a farm which was afterwards sold to the late Mr. Farquhar Gray, the father of Messrs. Gray Bros., referred to in the portion of this volume devoted to that part of the country. About fifteen years ago Mr. Avery took up land in the Forty-mile Bush, and entered upon its subjugation with the experience born of a practical and life-long attention to the details of the business he had in hand. His estate covers about 300 acres. About forty acres have been stumped and ploughed, and the remainder is sown in English grasses. He runs upwards of 500 sheep; he has recently relinquished dairying in favour of the less worrying, if also less profitable branch of fattening cattle for the meat markets. Though a busy man on his own farms, Mr. Avery has found time to do a good deal of hard work for the district, and many important positions have been, and still are, held by him. He was a member of the first Road Board and of the first County Council. A promoter of the Pahiatua Farmers' Auctioneering Association, he is still a director of that body. The sheep and cattle saleyards of the Association were designed by him. In his young days he was a successful athlete in such matters as running, jumping, etc.; and when the time was ripe for the formation of an athletic society in Pahiatua, Mr. Avery was one of the chief movers. His efforts in this matter have been fitly recognised by his election as a vice-president
Farmer, Brightfield Farm, about three miles from Pahiatua. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. George Avery is the second son of Mr. George Avery, of the Hutt, and was born at Taita in 1853. He received his early education there, and was brought up on his father's farm. Removing to Pahiatua some years ago, he took up the present property of 477 acres. The farm was then bush and scrub, with hardly enough grass to feed a horse. The land, however, was soon cleared and sown with English grass, and is now a splendid dairying and sheep farm. The cowsheds are kept in perfect order, and about 130 cows are milked daily. Mr. Avery has taken no active interest in public affairs, but has given his whole time and energy to developing his farm. He is a director of the Pahiatua Farmers' Co-operative Association. His residence at the farm is a new villa of eight rooms, and is situated close to the main road. He is married, and has a family of ten children.
Sheep-farmer, “Clifton,” about two miles from Pahiatua. Mr. Beetham
Sheep Farmer, “Fernside,” about two-and-a-half miles from the township of Pahiatua. Mr. Puckle is the eldest son of Mr. Frederick Payne Puckle, of Richmond, Surrey, England, and was born at “Tulse Hill,” Brixton, Middlesex, in 1866. He received his education at Dane Hill House, Margate, and came to New Zealand, per s.s. “Coptic,” in 1884. For some years he served as cadet to Mr. H. H. Bridge, of Ascot, Hawkes Bay, and in 1888 came to Pahiatua, taking up the present farm of 240 acres overlooking the town. The whole of the farm, with the exception of a few shelter patches, is cleared, grassed, and stocked with a flock of long-wools of the Romney breed. Mr. Puckle takes a great interest in local affairs. He is ranger and also treasurer to the Pahiatua branch of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society, and secretary and treasurer of the Pahiatua Cycling Club. He is an ardent angler, and spends his spare time in the open season in piscatorial pursuits.
Farmer, Onslow Park, Pahiatua. Few men in New Zealand are more widely known or more thoroughly popular than Mr. Robert Smith of “Onslow Park.” He is familiarly
New Zealand Mail (Christmas. Number, 1896) says:—“The farm is an alluvial flat on the Mangatainoka River, the soil being very rich. With the exception of a small piece of picturesque bush for shelter purposes, the land is all in grass and subdivided into twenty paddocks.” His sheep and cattle are of excellent quality, the former being pure bred Lincolns, while the latter are principally of the shorthorn variety. Mr. Smith has won many prizes with both his cattle and sheep, including the prizes for champion cows, champion shorthorn cow, and champion Lincoln ewe. As a breeder, he has exhibited prize cattle in many parts of the Colony. But, while he has been, and still is, both successful and prominent as a farmer, it is as an out-and-out Scotchman that Mr. Smith attains the position of a celebrity. The family name of both his parents was Smith. His mother's father's name was Donal Rhuagh Gow, or, in English, Red Donald Smith, and his tombstone bears the statement that the farm of “Croftmore” had belonged to the family for more than 500 years. “Mrs. Smith,” says the authority above quoted, “who is just as popular as her good husband, is descended from the Clan Grant on her mother's side. Her maiden name was Catherine McGregor, and her father and two brothers are well known in the north of Scotland as the firm of McGregor and Sons, of the Inver-Gordon, Ross-shire, nurseries. Mr. Smith is what is known as a good Strathspey, his ability with the bagpipes being unquestioned. He has played at all the principal Caledonian sports in Napier, Wellington, and other parts, and in 1892 was chosen to escort Lord and Lady Glasgow to the Caledonian ball. Not only has he assisted to ensure the success of the various Caledonian Societies: but he was the principal inaugurator of the Hawkes Bay Society. Again quoting from the from the New Zealand Mail:—“Mr. Smith has taken a laudable interest in local affairs since he went to the bush. Amongst other positions, he has been chairman of the Tutaekara School Committee, president of the Pahiatua Burns Club, president of the Pahiatua Racing Club, and vice-president Bush Rugby Union.” Two of Mr. Smith's sons (Messrs. William and Campbell Smith) have already become celebrated dancers, having taken several prizes, whenever they have competed. A picture of Mr. Smith, who is a member of the Pahiatua County Council, appears on page 1053.
Sheep Breeder and Farmer, Makairo, about eight miles from Pahiatua. Mr. Williams, who is the eldest son of Mr. Justice Williams, was born in Christchurch in 1870. He was educated at a private school at Akaroa under Mr. T. S. Baker, and completed his education at the High School, Dunedin. On finishing his education he went into the National Bank of New Zealand for two years, in order to gain commercial knowledge. He was after that a cadet on the Akitio and Aohanga stations on the east coast, Wairarapa. In March. 1896, he purchased the farm of 600 acres at Makairo, a considerable portion of which is cleared and sown with English grasses. He is a member of the Pahiatua Club, and of the Woodlands Hunt Club.
is a small settlement two miles from Pahiatua. The nearest telegraph office is at Pahiatua. Mails for Scarborough close at Wellington on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6.45 a.m., arriving at Scarborough on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 9 a.m. The return mail closes at Scarborough on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 11.30 a.m., arriving at Wellington on the same days at 10 p.m.
Scarborough. Mr. F. W. Greville, managing director; Mr. Angus Cameron, manager. This factory was established in 1895, and is fitted up with all the latest appliances for the making of butter. The output is about a ton and a half per week. The manager, Mr. Angus Cameron, was born in Blenheim in 1876, and educated in that town. He learnt the butter-making trade at the Blenheim dairy factory, and soon acquired a knowledge of the business. For about a year he was in charge of the Koromiko factory, and in 1896 came to the North Island to take, the management of the Scarborough factory.
The special settlement of Ballance was named after its originator, the late Hon. John Ballance, who, as Minister of Lands in the Stout Vogel Government, introduced the legislation under which a number of the special settlements have been formed. The township is about eight miles from Pahiatua in a westerly direction, and is reached by a very good but rather narrow road. After crossing the Mangatainoka bridge, and passing the Pahiatua railway station—still in embryo—the road winds over a hill somewhat after the manner of the Wadestown road from Wellington. On descending into the valley of the Mangahao, a fairly large area of level land is met with. The road as far as the Mangahao bridge leads also to a district called Nikau, but at this point the road diverges, Ballance being on the right and Nikau on the left.
With the exception of one or two cottages, the dairy factory gives the first sign of the township. It is not only the first to be seen, but the first and most common topic of conversation, for the Ballance dairy factory and the Ballance butter are renowned throughout the whole district. The manager, Mr. T. J. Broome, takes unusual interest in the conduct of the factory, and it is no exaggeration to say that all classes of the Ballance community are proud of the dairy factory and its popular manager. The prosperity of the settlement is on all sides attributed to the phenomenal success of this dairying venture
The settlers of Ballance are a hard-working, go-ahead community. The church and public hall have been built by volunteer labour, and the people are bent on self-improvement. The schoolmaster, Mr. Anderson—a gentleman of wide experience, and possessing exceptional facilities for acquiring a knowledge of the facts—speaks very hopefully of the future of Ballance. The people, he says, are sober, industrious, and intelligent, and their children are being trained to make good settlers.
Tourists and others visiting Pahiatua, and having a day, or even a few hours, at their disposal, should certainly drive over to this progressing settlement, for there is much of interest on every hand. Where but seven years ago the silence of the forest reigned supreme, may now be heard the lowing of cattle, the merry laughter of children, and the friendly ring of the builder's hammer.
was established in 1891, and is conducted by Mr. Andrew Anderson, headmaster, assisted by a pupil teacher. The number on the roll in September, 1896, was eighty-two, with an average attendance of sixty-four. All the standards from I. to VII. are taught, and the school is steadily increasing.
the Headmaster of the Ballance School, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and educated in Geelong, Victoria. He was trained for the profession of teacher at St. Paul's School, Geelong, and matriculated at the Melbourne University in 1871. For some four years Mr. Anderson was second assistant in the Errard Street School, Ballarat, the largest in that fine city, whose schools are its pride. Coming to this Colony in 1874, he was in command of the Waitahuna School for a period of nine years, after which he removed to the North Island and took the care of the Waipukurau School, Hawkes Bay, where he remained for seven years. For the past three or four years Mr. Anderson has been under the Wellington Board of Education, and was appointed to the Ballance School in May, 1896. Mr. Anderson's classification is D2.
Directors: Messrs. J. B. Tait (chairman), A. Cooper (secretary), J. T. Marriott, John Sinclair, H. McLeod, T. F. Reeve, Williamson, J. B. Eaton, F. Groves, and A. Eddie. Manager, Mr. T. J. Broome. The Ballance Dairy Factory has the name of being one of the best, if not the best, in the Colony. It was erected and provided by the
the popular Manager of the Ballance Dairy Factory, was born in Christchurch in 1864, and was educated at Lincoln School. In that district he also learned the art of butter and cheese making, being for some ten years on a farm where the industry was carried out on a large scale. This, however, was by the old methods; and it was chiefly at Dunedin, in the employ of the New Zealand Dairy Supply Company, under the management of Mr W. J. Birch, that Mr Broome became acquainted with the methods now in vogue. After fourteen months engagement, he left to take charge of the Hampden creamery; he was appointed factory manager by the Karamea Co-operative Dairy Company, and when the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company decided to erect the Ballance Factory, Mr. Broome was engaged to superintend its erection and manage it for a period of two years. In this position of trust and responsibility, Mr. Broome gained the good opinion of his employers, an opinion cordially expressed in a special reference by Mr. Hanna, the Wellington manager for the Company. In 1895 Mr. Broome was married to Miss Saywell, daughter of the late Mr. William Saywell, farmer, of Greytown.
General Storekeeper, Ballance, Mr. Murphy fulfils the duties of postmaster. There are three mails a week, which arrive in the township on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at ten o'clock, and are despatched on the same days, but an hour later. Mr. Murphy was born in Kerry, Ireland, and came to the Colony in 1866. For many years he worked as a miner on the West Coast, and about four years ago took up a holding of 114 acres at Ballance, where he also engages in dairying. One of Mr. Murphy's daughters is a teacher in the local school.
a farming district in the Pahiatua County, is 100 miles from Wellington and another four miles from Pahiatua. Conveyance is by rail to Eketahuna or Woodville, and thence by coach. A public school provides education for the children of the district. Mails for Kaitawa close at Wellington on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 6 a.m., arriving at Kaitawa on the same days at 3.45 p.m.
The Kaitawa School was opened by the present headmistress, Mrs. Swan, in 1890. It is situated quite close to the township, and is at present large enough for all requirements. The attendance, however, is almost trebled since its establishment, and there is every probability that increased accommodation will soon be needed. At present the number on the roll is sixty, with an average attendance of forty-five.
has charge of the Kaitawa Public School, which position she has held from the opening. Mrs. Swan was born in Tipperary, Ireland, and left there in 1873, arriving in Wellington, New Zealand, in 1874. A year later Mrs. Swan, or rather Miss Bourke, for that was her maiden name, began teaching, her first appointment being at the Roman Catholic School, Wellington. Here she remained for about a-year-and-a-half, when she entered the Buckle Street School as a teacher under the Board of Education. After three years in Buckle Street, Miss Bourke resigned her position as a teacher under the Board and was married to Mr. Swan, gaoler, of Timaru. Mrs. Swan was then appointed to the office of matron of the Timaru Gaol. On the 9th of August, 1889, Mr. Swan died, leaving his widow with five children to provide for and educate. Returning to Wellington, Mrs. Swan was re-engaged by the Education Board, and was sent to Kaitawa to open the school as an aided school. During the first month the attendance was twenty-three, and in the second month the requisite twenty-five needed to remove it from the list of aided schools was secured. Since then the attendance has gradually increased, and under Mrs. Swan's popular management will no doubt continue to do so. On arrival in Kaitawa, Mrs. Swan bought land in the vicinity, where she is having a house built. During her residence there she has taken great interest in all matters concerning the welfare of the district.
(Proprietors, Messrs. Cook and Gray, Wellington). The Kaitawa Butter Factory was erected and fitted up in November, 1894, under the direction of the manager and engineer, Mr. Olson. The Delaval separator is used, and all the machinery is of the latest description. The capacity of the factory is about 1000 gallons, but at present only about a third of this quantity per day is put through. Everything about the factory is scrupulously clean and well cared for.
General Storekeeper, Post-office Store Kaitawa. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand Mr. Milne established himself in Kaitawa in 1891, but his hopes concerning the district have not been realized, in consequence of the bridge over the Tiramea river— some two or three miles to the north of Kaitawa township—diverting the Makuri traffic. Mr. Milne was born in Aberdeen, and left in 1861 for the Victorian goldfields. Prior to settling in Kaitawa he lived some twelve years at Wright's bush, almost twelve miles from Invercargill, and before that for five years in Groper's Bush about twelve miles to the west.
(John Yatman and Henry Edward Venner), Sheepfarmers, “Chelsfield,” Kaitawa, near Pahiatua. This splendid property of about 2000 acres is situated in the Mangaone Valley, and was taken up by the Messrs. Crawford in 1891. About 1700 acres are cleared and sown with English grasses. The stock is principally the Lincoln-Romney breed of sheep, and a few cattle are also bred on the farm. The homestead is a very comfortable building of five rooms, with outbuildings, woolshed and orchard.
is a small settlement, eight miles from Pahiatua and 118 miles from Wellington. Most of the residents are engaged in sheepfarming. The nearest telegraph office is at Pahiatua. There is a public school, with an average attendance of about twelve. Mails for Ngaturi close daily at Wellington at 6 a.m., arriving at Ngaturi at 4 p.m. The return mail closes daily at Ngaturi at 10.45 a.m., arriving at Wellington at 10.5 p.m.
(W. H. and G. O. Bayley), Sheepfarmers, “Kohinui,” Ngaturi. Messrs. Bayley Bros. represent a class of settlers of which New Zealand possesses all too few. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and educated at Cirencester College, they came to this Colony via Australia about ten years ago, bringing with them the capital so much needed for the breaking in of new country. Though entire strangers to the hard, rough work of pioneering, they two years later purchased 4500 acres of bush country — at that time beyond almost every sign of civilisation, — and have now about half the area under grass. The accompanying picture of their homestead shows that a great change has been effected. On the flat surrounding the house the ploughman has found employment. This is almost the only level portion of the estate, being the old bed of the river, which here makes such a sweep round as almost to convert the flat into an island. It will soon be in a high state of cultivation, and the soil, being a rich alluvial deposit, is admirably adapted for either root or cereal crops. Though much of the run is decidedly hilly, it is by no means unsuitable for pasture lands. Upwards of 6000 sheep are maintained during the summer season, but the number is reduced to 5000 in the winter. They are of the Lincoln and Border-Leicester breeds. Though avoiding dairying, the Messrs. Bayley have a number of cattle, mostly of the shorthorn variety. These are kept for home use, and for meat markets. As far as their own neighbourhood is concerned, Messrs. Bayley Bros, are pioneers indeed, for they were the first to cross the Tiraumea River, and their country was as wild as any in the Colony. Their example has been followed already, and it is not unreasonable to expect that their success will tempt others of their class to these shores, and in that way give much-needed encouragement to the right kind of immigration. What the Messrs. Bayley Bros, have done may still be done by thousands, and that without in any way curtailing the profits of those already similarly engaged.
Runholder, Ngaturi. Mr. Breeds belongs to the class of colonists much needed in New Zealand. Only a few years ago he was at College in Oxford, and he is now a sucessful pioneer in what was until recently as wild a part of the country as any in the island. The estate consists of 1600 acres originally dense bush, but when Mr. Breeds purchased in 1889 about 300 acres had been felled. With the exception of 400 acres of standing bush, the whole is cleared, fenced, and grassed. About 2000 sheep of the Romney-Lincoln variety and thirty head of cattle find good pasturage. The neat and stylish residence of seven rooms stands surrounded with trees, the grounds in the vicinity including an orchard of an acre in extent. Mr. Breeds is the youngest son of the late Mr. James Breeds, of Hastings, Sussex, England, and was born in 1861. He was educated at Dulwich and at Brazenose College, Oxford. After a year spent in Australia, gaining colonial experience, he came to this Colony in 1888, and twelve months later decided to settle in Ngaturi as above stated. Mr. Breeds is exceedingly popular throughout the Pahiatua district, and he has ever given valuable assistance to all kinds of field and other sports. He is a member of the Wellington and Woodville Agricultural and Pastoral Societies, of the Pahiatua Acclimatisation Society, and of the Pahiatua Racing Club. Mr. Breeds is married to a daughter of Mr. J. B. Way, of Christchurch.
Sheepfarmer, Ngaturi. A son of Mr. Thomas Burgess, of Hampden, Hawkes Bay, Mr. Burgess was born at Hampden in 1863, and was educated at the public school at Havelock, Hawkes Bay. Accustomed during childhood to hard work, Mr. Burgess at the age of eighteen was driving his own bullock teams as a general carrier between the Maraekakaho—the station of the late Sir Donald McLean—and the surrounding townships. In this enterprise Mr. Burgess was particularly fortunate, and when he sold to his successor in 1894, he had every reason to be well pleased with the success of his venture. Some ten years prior to the last-mentioned date he had taken up 600 acre of bush land at Ngaturi, adjoining the farm of Messrs. Milne and Son, and when he relinquished his carrying business, it was with the object of subduing and cultivating his estate. Already it is felled and grassed with the exception of a few acres of shelter, and stocked with 1500 crossbred sheep of the long-woolled varieties, besides about 100 head of cattle. Though Mr. Burgess manages his farm at Ngaturi and engages heartily in actual work upon it, his home is in Woodville, where he has about fifty acres of land on the Masterton Road. In 1882 Mr. Burgess was married to Miss Tyler, daughter of Mr. William Tyler, of Ashley-Clinton, Hawkes Bay, and their family consists of two daughters and a son.
(Henry Holmes Miller and William Nicholson Miller), of “Tauroa,” Ngaturi, have an estate of about 1250 acres. It was all dense bush when they purchased in 1888, but is now all green with English grasses and well stocked with sheep and cattle. The pretty villa residence of nine rooms presents a snug appearance, and is surrounded by all the accessories of a comfortable homestead. The Messrs. Miller are the sons of the Hon. H. J. Miller, M.L.C., Speaker of the Legislative Council, whose picture and sketch appear on p. 96 of this volume. The elder brother, Mr. H. H. Miller, was born in Dunedin in 1866, and was educated at Christ's College, Canterbury. Prior to settling in Ngaturi he cadetted on several stations in the South Island. He was married on the 10th of April, 1895, to Miss Caroline Greville, daughter of Mr. J. H. Greville, of Pahiatua.
Sheep and Cattle Farmers, Ngaturi, near Pahiatua. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Milne came to the Colony in 1860 from Aberdeen, Scotland, where he was born. He engaged for some time in farming at Rangiora, Canterbury, but as the low prices were against him he resolved to try his luck in the North Island, and took up a station in Hawkes Bay. After some years he sold out and came to Ngaturi, where he bought the present property of 900 acres. His son, Joseph Alexander, was born in Christchurch in 1861, and educated in Canterbury. He then entered into farming pursuits on his father's farm, and is now a partner in the firm. He has developed a talent for crayon and oil painting, and is considered a rising artist. In 1889 he took a trip to Europe, during the time of the Paris Exhibition, and, touring the different parts of the Continent, visited all the principal galleries, and gained considerable knowledge. Since returning to New Zealand he has received orders for the painting of pictures of Mr. J. Vile, of Pahiatua, and several others. In addition to his other talents he is a very fine scenic artist, and has painted the scenery for the new town hall at Ballance. He is a natural carpenter, and is not afraid to tackle work of any kind, several of the outbuildings at the farm being erected by his own hands. The garden surrounding the homestead is a perfect picture, everything being kept in excellent order. He is a member and secretary of the Ngaturi School Committee.
is a farming district seventeen miles from Pahiatua, and 123 miles from Wellington. Conveyance from Wellington is by rail to Eketahuna or Woodville, and thence by coach. The nearest telegraph office is at Pahiatua. Mails for Makuri close daily at Wellington at 6.45 a.m., arriving at Makuri at 7 p.m.
Sheepfarmer, “Makuri Iti,” Makuri, about seventeen miles from Pahiatua. Mr. Anderson, who is the only son of Captain S. C. Anderson, of the Defence Department, Wellington, was born in Wellington in 1870, and educated partly at the Wellington and the Wanganui College. On leaving school he was for some years in the ironmongery business, first with Mr. William Dawson and afterwards with Messrs. John Duthie and Co. Having taken a liking for a farming life, he came to Pahiatua in 1890 and took up the present property of 640 acres, which was at that time standing bush. In 1896 he had 400 acres cleared, and now turns his attention to breeding Romney-Lincoln sheep. He is chairman of the Makuri School Committee. In local matters he is always to the fore, and has been the prime mover in establishing the local social functions.
in the Makuri Valley, which is the property of Mr. W. J. Birch, of “Erewhon,” Hawkes Bay, and managed by Mr. Bertram Harrison, consists of 3000 acres, 2000 acres of which during the last few years have been felled, burnt and sown with English grasses. It maintains 3500 sheep of the Romney Marsh breed, and about a hundred head of cattle. The villa residence bears the name of “Bungalow House,” and the grounds surrounding it include a fine orchard.
the Manager of the “Tuscan Hills” estate, is the youngest son of Mr. Charles Harrison, of Messrs. Harrison and Crosefield, Tower Street, London. He was born at Sydenham, in Kent, in 1868, and was educated at Berkhamstead, Hertfordshire. After cadetting in Scotland for some two years, Mr. Harrison came to this Colony per s.s. “Rimutaka” in 1886, and five years later was appointed to the management of the above estate. Mr. Harrison is president of the Makuri Cricket Club, takes an interest in sports generally, and is popular throughout the district.
Sheep Breeder and Farmer, “Tataramoa,” Makuri, near Pahiatua. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Tylee is the fifth son of the late Mr. J. T. Tylee, who was Commissioner of Lands for the Hawkes Bay provincial district under the Provincial Government. The subject of this notice was born at Napier, Hawkes Bay, in 1865, and was educated partly at Hawkes Bay and partly at Nelson. On leaving school, he served as a cadet on several stations. He then went for a trip to the Argentine Republic, and was for some time at the River Plate increasing his knowledge of the sheep industry. He returned to New Zealand in 1887, and in 1889 took up the present run of 1200 acres. The property at that time was standing bush, and Mr. Tylee had a most trying time getting it cleared. The so-called roads were but tracks, and in winter he had, in order to get to Pahiatua, to send his horse through about ten miles of bridle track, six feet wide, and two feet deep with mud, the ten miles generally taking about seven hours to traverse. He has now a considerable part of his estate sown with English grasses, and is a large breeder of Border Leicester and Lincoln sheep. He is a
is the name by which the township between Pahiatua and Woodville is known. With the exception, of course, of Pahiatua, it is the largest coach calling place on the Eketahuna-Woodville line. Notwithstanding this distinction, it is by no means large, and may be roughly described as consisting of a fine public school, a Salvation Army Barracks, an hotel, a temperance hotel, a creamery, a brewery, a farrier's shop, one or two stores, a boot shop,
This is the most northern of the eastern districts in the Wellington province; but its nearness to Pahiatua (about four miles) must always stand in the way of its becoming an important centre. It will, however, be much better served by the railway than its more extensive neighbour, for the closing in of the surrounding hills has compelled the “iron horse”—so timid of the towns in the Wairarapa—to draw very close to Mangatainoka.
strikes the visitor as being an unusually large school when compared with the township of which it forms so conspicuous a part. It consists of four very fine large rooms, and the roll strength in September, 1896, was 210, with an average attendance of 175. The school was opened in 1889 with about 100 in attendance. Mr. Henry Wilson, B.A., is aided by a staff of three certificated assistants (one male), and two pupil teachers. There are fine large playgrounds, and but for the logs and stumps in the adjoining school paddocks, one might imagine oneself in a town school. The staff is composed of Mr. Jones, Miss Wilson (daughter of the headmaster), Miss McKenny, Miss Sicely, and Miss Cowles. The inspector's reports, submitted to the writer, are exceptional and reflect the greatest credit upon the school.
B.A., the Headmaster of the Mangatainoka Public School, was born in London, but was educated in the Colony at the Canterbury College. After an experience of some two years at Karori, near Wellington, four years at Pareora, a similar period at Belfast, near Christchurch, seven years at East Oxford, Canterbury, and a few months at Masterton, Mr. Wilson entered upon his duties at Mangatainoka at the time of opening the school. He gained his B.A. degree in 1885.
Farrier and General Blacksmith, Mangatainoka. Mr. London established his business in 1893, and has secured the trade of the district of which Mangatainoka is the centre. The proprietor was born at “The Grove,” near Picton, in 1871. Removing to the Rangitikei district, he served his apprenticeship in Feilding, and subsequently worked for about three years with Mr. Naylor, of Pahiatua, after which he launched out for himself as above. Mr. London is married and has a family of two.
Parker, R., General Storekeeper, Mangatainoka.
Gibson, Mrs., Boardinghousekeeper, Mangatainoka.
Morell's Boot Palace, Mangatainoka.
As the preceding pages prove, the eastern portion of the Wellington Province is composed of valuable country and rapidly-growing towns. Taking only those portions of the Western districts which lie within the same parallels of latitude as are covered by the eastern districts, there can be no doubt that the latter have a very great advantage in the matter of development. Palmerston is further north than any part of the Eastern districts; and yet until within the last ten or twelve years almost the whole of the West Coast railway was north of Palmerston. So meagre was the development of the southern portion of the Western districts that the Government could not be prevailed upon to construct a railway south of Foxton; and but for the enterprise and energy of the promoters of the private railway of the Wellington and Manawatu Railway Company, it is more than likely that the splendid country through which it runs would to-day have been almost as wild as it was then. Notwithstanding the wonderful advance made in this portion since the construction of the “Manawatu Railway,” as it is familiarly called, it is still of small importance when compared with the older-established parts to the north.
When comparing the two railway routes from Wellington, city people who are not very familiar with the country are greatly surprised at the northerly directness of the Western line. It seems incredible that Plimmerton, eighteen miles, is as far north as Featherston, fifty miles, or forty-five miles allowing for the extra mileage to cover the additional cost of haulage over the Rimutaka incline. The journey to Featherston occupies three hours, while the same latitude is reached by the other line in an hour. The visitor at Carterton is astonished to learn that after paying for sixty-three miles, he is not so far north as Paikakariki, twenty-seven miles. Waikanae is further north than Masterton, but from this point the Eastern railway runs more directly northward than any considerable part of the Western line. This unfortunate indirectness of the southern portion of the Wairarapa line is a very serious drawback, detrimentally affecting the whole line both for its own traffic with the Capital and the through traffic from Woodville, whereas the advantage thus given to the Western line affects only the through traffic. The distance to Woodville, and therefore to Napier and other places on the East Coast is fourteen miles shorter by the Western than by the Eastern line, while the distance to Palmerston, and therefore to Wanganui, New Plymouth, and other places on the West Coast, is fifty miles shorter by the Western line. Even the magnificent scenery of the Rimutaka line will be unable to attract an appreciable share of the Western through traffic, and yet the Western line will get nearly the whole of the Eastern through traffic.
The railway communication between Wellington and Wanganui is fairly direct, though it is possible that the present 151 miles may some day be reduced to about 130 by following more closely the coast line, instead of running inland to Palmerston. When this has been accomplished, and, aided by greater speed and fewer stoppages, a three-hours' service between Wanganui and the Capital has been established, the present nine-hours' journey will be looked back upon with interest unmingled with regret. That so important and beautiful a town as Wanganui should be so effectually and unnecessarily isolated from Wellington is the cause of discontent in both these centres. The journey from Christchurch to Oamaru (a trifle greater distance) is done in six hours, while the same distance out of Dunedin, where the elevations are about as variable, occupies only seven hours. Though these are all painfully slow, they compare most favourably with the Wellington-Wanganui timetable.
The only portion of the Western district where railway construction is being carried on is on that part of the North Island Trunk Railway unofficially known as the Hunterville section. It is opened as far as Mangaonoho, twenty-three miles from Marton, or seven miles beyond Hunterville. The whole route has been surveyed, and the Makohine viaduct, about twenty-five miles from Marton, has been quite recently commenced; but as this is a very large undertaking, and
The lands of the Western districts of Wellington are described in the article dealing with the Province as a whole, and therefore little need be said here on that point. This interesting portion of the Colony has its extensive plains of first quality land, its beautiful mountains pereunially snowclad, its picturesque rivers, its highly cultivated “broad acres,” its almost unexplored miles of forest, and, consequently on all this, its wonderful variety of charming scenery. Every year some development increases the interesting features so seductive to tourists, and every year improved inducements are offered to settlers.
As will be demonstrated in the following pages, all the towns of the Western Districts are extending more or less rapidly. Wanganui—most decidedly the prettiest town in the Province, and hardly beaten in the whole Colony—is a very favourite place of residence, and as communication becomes more perfect, the beauty of Wanganui and its delightful climate must greatly accelerate its rate of progress. It is most fortunate that so desirable a place is so near the capital.
Though so many of the towns in this part of the Colony are very young, there are others of maturer years, and some few about which cling reminiscences of the earliest times. Native disturbances were never very serious in the more immediate neighbourhood of Wellington, but there are many still living in these parts who remember with what caution the “white man” had to extend his operations on the south-west coast of the North Island, when Porirua, Waikanae, and Otaki were the strongholds of the dreaded Te Rauparaha and his son-in-law Rangihaeata. To form some idea of the strained relations between the two races, and the slender ties by which peace was held, it is needful only to remember that but for the accidental discharge of a rille the Wairau Massacre would probably not have happened. Wairau is on the opposite side of Cook Strait, but the perpetrators of the massacre were the above-named chiefs. That the Maoris refrained so well as they did from active hostilities in the neighbourhood of Wellington was no doubt largely due to the influence of such good, wise, and brave men as Bishop Hadfield and the late Dr. Featherston.
In Wanganui are many reminders of the old war times. Not only in the cemetery are there tablets sacred to the memory and setting forth the deeds of brave soldiers and volunteers: in the public reserves of the town handsome monuments have been erected, and give a military air to the place. Some of the most notable historical events are referred to in the following pages in connection with the districts in which they occurred.
the first station from Wellington on the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company's line, is in the borough of Onslow, and is about three miles from Wellington. It is pleasantly situated in an elevated position—307 foot above sea level—in a valley on the Kaka hill, and is a favourite resort for picnic parties. At present there are not many residents in the village, but as the City grows Crofton will, no doubt, become a popular suburb. There is no post or telegraph office, and the nearest school is at Khandallah.
Settler, Crofton. For nearly thirty years the subject of this sketch has been a resident in this pleasant little valley. He was born in 1844 at Lime Regis, Dorsetshire, England, and was brought up to farming pursuits. Entering
Engineer and Settler, Crofton. This gentleman, who was a member of the Wellington Harbour Board for some years, was born in 1825 in Middleton, Lancashire. In 1814 he married a daughter of the late Mr. Henry Horsfall, of Todmordan, Lancashire, settler, and came to Wellington per ship “Oliver Laing” in 1858. After a short time in the capital, Mr. and Mrs. Chew settled in Crofton, where 212 acres of land were purchased. The property included a sawmill, the bush having been nearly worked out. During a heavy freshet which occurred a few years later the mill was washed out to sea. Mr. Chew continued to follow his business as an engineer for some years, employing labour to work his estate, to which he had added 200 acres of leasehold. For over twenty years the property has been let. Mr. Chew died in 1888; his widow, who was born 1823, now occupies the homestead. The family consists of a son and six daughters, who are all married and settled.
the second station on the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company's line, is in the borough of Onslow, and is five miles from Wellington, and 492 feet above sea level. It is situated near the hill once known as Mount Misery—a name now quite inappropriate, for Khandallah is a very pleasant spot, and is rapidly growing in favour as a residential suburb. From the summit of “The Kaka”—a hill on the western side of the railway station—a fine view of Cook Strait and Mount Egmont may be had. Khandallah has a public school, with an average attendance of about thirty, a telephone bureau, and a post-office. Reference is made to the school, of which Mr. Jenkins is headmaster, on the following page. Mails for Khandallah close at Wellington daily at 6 a.m., arriving at Khandallah at 6.50. The return mail closes at Khandallah daily at noon, arriving at, Wellington at 1 p.m.
which occupies the highest site in the township, stands on a large section of nearly three acres of land. The building is specially well finished and remarkably well lighted by handsome windows on all sides. The two class-rooms are divided by large folding doors, which, when opened, convert the school into one large room. The Knandallah School was commenced in January, 1893, the new building being occupied in April of the following year. There are forty children on the roll, the average attendance being thirty-four. The teaching staff consists of the headmaster and one pupil teacher.
Headmaster of the Khandallah Public School, is a native of Wiltshire, England, where he was born in 1860. Educated at Devizes he came to Australia in 1879 per s.s. “Norfolk,” and crossed over to Wellington by the “Ringarooma.” Mr. Jenkins soon afterwards became first assistant at the Newtown School, then but just established, and after four-and-a-half years he was transferred to Feilding. Four years later he was promoted to the position of headmaster at Turakina, and after another four years in this school, he accepted in 1893 the appointment he now holds. Mr. Jenkins is musical, his instrument being the violin. During his residence in Feilding and Turakina he took a leading part in local choirs and succeeded in organizing and conducting concerts in which cantatas were rendered. In 1888 Mr. Jenkins was married to a daughter of the late Mr. T. Lightbown, of Manchester, engineer, and has one son and two daughters.
Dairy Farmer, Khandallah. As one of the Councillors of the Borough of Onslow, Mr. Casey has served the ratepayers for about three years, and still holds a seat at the Council Board. He was born in 1868 in the house he now occupies, having succeeded on his mother's death in 1895 to the fine little farm of ninety acres with its snug homestead left by his father, the late Mr. John Casey, who for some years was an officer of the Defence Department. Educated in Wellington, Mr. Casey was brought up to the life of a settler, and has seen great improvements made in the condition of the property which he now owns. In 1891 Mr. Casey was married to a daughter of Mr. Cornelius Donovan, of the South of Ireland, and has three sons.
Dairy Farmer, Khandallah. A native of Scotland, where he was born in 1846, Mr. Nairn landed in Port Chalmers per ship “John Duncan” in 1863, and after two years at the Otago diggings he settled in Wellington. Two years later he acquired the sixty-six acre farm which he now works. Mr. Nairn has been several years a member of the Onslow Borough Council, and has also acted on the Khandallah School Committee. He married a daughter of the late Mr. John Chaplin, of Petone, farmer, in 1866, and has eleven children—six sons and five daughters.
the third station on the Wellington-Manawatu Railway line, and distant from Wellington some seven miles, has many attractions for tourist or traveller, poet, painter, or artist, and may be reached either by rail or road; if by the former rare peeps of hill and dell, mountain and rock, ocean, and the dancing waters of tortuous rivulets are vouchsafed en route, together with the charming little centres of Crofton and Khaudallah; while if by road, which is capital for vehicular traffic, the traveller, after leaving Ngahauranga, negotiates some three miles of picturesque gorge with an agreeable grade and gains the township some 450 feet above the Empire City. The accommodation here is fairly good, and the sights are the mountains, grassed and bush-clad, immediately above and around. From the top of an easily-gained hill at the back, or southern side of the main street capital views of Wellington City. Port Nicholson, its shipping, and all its natural surroundings are obtainable
Johnsonville, although a farming centre, boasts amongst its immediate nooks and vales several villa residences of prominent Wellingtonians. It has two churches, one State school, two hotels, and several other business places. The sheep-farmers surrounding it are well-to-do, and the land to be found in the vicinity is good and easily kept.
Johnsonville is a town district in the Porirua riding of the Hutt County, and at the census of April, 1896, had a population of 493—249 of which were males and 244 females. Its distance from Wellington by rail is seven miles, and by road about eight. The other settlements adjacent are Tawa Flat and Porirua, four and seven miles respectively to the north and Ohariu Valley to the north-west.
The little cemetery is situated on the English Church reserve. The town is on a natural slope, and needs no artificial drainage. The staple products are wool, and mutton for freezing and the meat markets.
The educational requirements are provided for by the State school, further mention of which will be made in the following pages. There is only one resident minister, the Rev. J. W. Chapman, of the Anglican denomination.
Mails for Johnsonville close daily at Wellington at 6 a.m. and 12.45 p.m., arriving at Johusonville at 7.20 a.m, and 1.55 p.m.
which was established in 1877, has a population of 438, the number of dwellings being eighty-three, and the ratepayers eighty-nine. The area of the township is 780 acres, the total value for rating purposes being £47,040, on which an annual rate of one halfpenny in the pound is levied. The income of the Board is about £95 from rates, £80 from licenses, and over £20 Government subsidy. The members of the Board for 1896 are:—Messrs. W. Dawson (chairman), J. Rod (treasurer), J. Ricketts, E. G. M. Corlett, and J. Moore, Mr. W. Anderson acting as secretary.
Chairman of the Johnsonville Town Board for the period 1894–1896, is an old salt who, after nearly forty years of “life on the ocean wave,” has found a “snug harbour” in his pretty little estate of three acres on Woodland Road, Johnsonville. Born in the county of Durham, England, Captain Dawson went to sea in 1857, and had many experiences in many parts of the world till his retirement in 1893. After several years in American ships, during which he worked his way up from the forecastle to the position of chief mate, he passed his examination as second mate under the English Board of Trade, and at once joined the ship “Clasmardon,” 1598 tons, in which he went to Aden. This vessel was engaged in the transport service during the Abyssinian War, at which time, on the death of the chief officer, Captain Dawson was promoted to the vacant post. The ship foundered in a cyclone near Akyab, East India, and Captain Dawson with five other survivors was exposed for thirty-six hours lashed to the cuthead before being rescued. In 1872 he become master in Sydney of the brig “Derwent,” in which he visited many New Zealand and Australian ports. In 1874 in Sydney he took command of the brigantine “Hannah Broom-field,” which had been purchased by Messrs. Greenfield and Stewart, of Wellington, and brought her to that city, since which time his home has been in the Colony. Remaining in charge of the “Hannah Broomfield” till 1879, he joined the New Zealand Government steamer “Stella” as second mate, from which he was transferred to the s.s. “Hinemoa.” Cantain Dawson was afterwards in command of the s.s. “Stormbird,” and of the p.s. “Manawatu,' in which he remained until the sale of the Wellington and Wanganu line of steamers. He was then employed by the late Captain W. R. Williams as master of one of his barques and afterwards of his steamers. On the sale of his vessels to the Union Steamship
has been a member of the Johnsonville Town Board for three years, in which capacity he his rendered good service to the ratepayers. In educational matters he takes considerable interest, and has acted as a member of the local School Committee since 1893. Mr. Moore is a settler residing in Main Street, Johnsonville.
who was a member of the Johnsonville Town Board for twelve years, for three of which he was chairman, was born in Wellington in 1853. He has lived in the district since he was a year old, having succeeded to the farm which his father occupied before him. Mr. Bould was one of the founders of the local Lodge of Oddfellows, in which he holds the positions of Master and Trustee. He was also a member of the Johnsonville School Committee for two years. In 1878 Mr. Bould was married to a daughter of Mr. James Bryant, of Ohariu Valley, and has two sons and two daughters.
is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and is very well supported by the residents of the township. The librarian is Miss E. Stone.
is situated at Mr. W. Cook's store, Main Road, Johnsonville. For about thirty years there has been a post-office in the district, the present postmaster having held office since 1879. Two years later the office was removed to Mr. Cook's store.
Postmaster and Telegraphist in charge of Johnsonville Post-office, was born in Brignmaugh, Wales, in 1850. When but a year old he came out with his parents to Melbourne, where he learned his trade as a baker. In 1870 Mr. Cunliffe crossed the Tasman Sea to Auckland by the s.s. “Hero,” and after three years in the Northern City and a like period in Napier, he settled in Johnsonville. Entering Mr. Cook's service as manager of that gentleman's branch store in 1881, Mr. Cunliffe has retained the office of postmaster up to the time of writing. The subject of this sketch has been prominent in local politics in Johnsonville—on the Town Board he held a seat for two years, and for several terms a he was a member of the local school committee. He is a member of the Oddfellows' Order, being a past officer of the Loyal Combination Lodge. Mr. Cunliffe was married in 1880 to a daughter of Mr. John Janner, settler, of Nelson, and has three sons and three daughters. It may be mentioned that Mr. Cunliffe is interested in a farm of 1000 acres at Nelson, where Mrs. Cunliffe and family reside.
which is seven miles distant from the Wellington Station, though only reckoned as six miles for the purpose of suburban traffic, is one of the oldest stations on the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company's line. The station building is of wood, and contains a comfortable ladies' waiting-room, general waiting and ticket lobby, office for the station officials, lamp room, etc. Johnsonville is the chief stock station on the Company's line, and large numbers of cattle, sheep, and pigs are landed at the extensive yards, which are fitted up with all conveniences for the purpose. The stock which are brought under the hammer by the well-known stock auctioneers, Messrs. F. R. Jackson and Co., each alternate Wednesday, at the large sale yards adjoining, and those intended for the Wellington Meat Export and Freezing Company, are lauded at Johnsonville. The average number arriving every month totals nearly 300 head of cattle, close on 14,000 sheep, and over 200 pigs. The whole of the work of the station is performed by the energetic stationmaster, Mr. R. P. Cook, assisted, since April, 1895, by Mr. Frederick Cording as cadet.
Stationmaster at Johnsonville Railway Station, has filled the office he now holds since the early part of 1888. Mr. Cook is a son of Mr. John Herman Cook, farmer, of North Makara, who was well known for many years in Wellington as the senior partner in the firm of Cook and Son, tailors, of Lambton Quay. Born in the Empire City, in 1866, and educated at the Thorndon Public School, under Mr. Mowbray, he learned the business of a grocer at Messrs. Logan and Wallace's store, Wellington. Subsequently he was for three years in the employ of Mr. T. Whitehouse, grocer, and was afterwards with Mr. A. W. Brown. In January, 1887, Mr. Cook entered the service of the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company as
which stands on one of the numerous eminences in the town, was established about twenty years ago. It is a comfortable wooden building, having four rooms, with accommodation for 180 scholars. The playgrounds, which surround the school building, are about one acre in extent There are 143 pupils on the roll, the average attendance being 131. The headmaster is supported by two certificated teachers and a pupil teacher.
Headmaster of the Johnsonville Public School, is a Scotchman, born in 1862, who came with his parents to Lyttelton when only two years old. He was educated in Geraldine, where he became a pupil teacher at fifteen, gaining his first certificate three years later. Mr. Bethune was after-wards assistant master at the Temuka High School, and at the Masterton Public School, and was promoted in 1885 to the position of headmaster of Pleasant Valley School, where he remained two years. After a year at Carterton he was appointed to Manakau in 1888, where he remained till 1896, when he was trans ferred to Johnsonville. In 1891 Mr. Bethune was married to a daughter of Mr. N. Dunlop, of Geraldine.
Johnsonville, was originally established about forty years ago. The present building, which is of wood and has a spire and bell, was erected some fourteen years ago to replace a building, which, like the first church, had been destroyed by fire. The church is seated for 140 persons, and a Sunday school of about seventy children assembles in the edifice.' The glebe attached to the church consists of about thirteen acres, in which a capital parsonage of ten rooms is pleasantly located. The vicar holds periodical services at Ohariu Valley, where there is a wooden building having accommodation for eighty, where also a Sunday school—of about forty children—assembles; and at Tawa Flat a small church built of wood, seating sixty persons, is utilized also for a school on Sundays, about thirty scholars attending.
Vicar of St. John's Church, Johnsonville, is an Englishman. Born in 1859, he came at an early age to Melbourne, where he was educated at Wesley College and the University of Melbourne. In 1887 Mr. Chapman was ordained deacon, and three years later priest. He was stationed at St. Mark's, Wellington, for a year, at Christchurch and Wanganui for four years, and at Waimate Plains, Taranaki, for three-and-a-half years, being appointed to his present charge in August, 1896. Mr. Chapman was married in 1888 to a daughter of Mr. Arthur Nicholson, of Whareama, settler, and has one son and two daughters.
Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, No. 6191. The meetings of the Lodge are held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Johnsonville. The members meet on every alternate Wednesday.
I.O.R., No 46, Johnsonville. This Lodge meets on alternate Thursdays. Secretary, W. Ange.
(Benjamin P. Walker, proprietor), Main Street, Johnsonville. The Railway Hotel is well situated, being close to the Railway Station, and a good business is done with the travelling public. It is a wooden structure of twenty-two rooms, and is in excellent condition. There are good stables, paddocking, and all conveniences. The proprietor, Mr. Walker, who has recently taken possession, was born at Newcastle-on-Tyne, and arrived in this Colony per “Claud Hamilton” from Sydney in 1865. For some sixteen or seventeen years he kept the Newcastle Hotel, Hokitika, and is therefore well known to the travelling community.
Johnsonville Hotel (Thomas Bould, proprietor), Main Street, Johnsonville Established 1876.
Farrier and General Blacksmith, Main Street, Johnsonville. This business, which was established in 1877, has been very successful, and ranks as the most important of its kind in the township. The proprietor was born at the Hutt, where he was apprenticed to Mr. Jones. He was initiated a member of the Foresters' Order in 1868, and has continued an active member up to the time of writing. In 1871 Mr. Styles was married to the second daughter of Mr. T. W. Hall, Government bookbinder, of Wellington.
Retter, Frederick William. Blacksmith and Wheelwright, Main Street, Johnsonville. Established 1894.
Baker and General Storekeeper, Main Road, Johnsonville. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Head office and store, 38 Molesworth Street, Wellington. Branch at Kaiwarra. Manager of Johnsonville branch, Mr. J. E. Cunliffe. This branch of Mr. Cook's business was established about twenty years ago. The premises, which are freehold, comprise a large store with convenient bakehouse, and Mr. Cook's residence behind, For the past fifteen years the Johnsonville post and telegraph office, to which a telephone bureau has been added, has been situated at Mr. Cook's store, the manager, Mr. Cunliffe, being the postmaster. For further particulars respecting Mr. Cook's business see pages 739 and 740.
Chapman, J. W., Storekeeper Main Street, Johnsonville
Braid, David, Baker and Grocer, Main Street, Johnsonville. Anderson, Andrews, Bootmaker, Main Street, Johnsonville.
Chapman Bros. (Joseph and Albert Chapman), Tanners and Fellmongers, Johnsonville. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1889. Baker, Frank, Butcher, Main Street, Johnsonville. Established 1892. Rod, John, Butcher, Main Street, Johnsonville.
Settler, Woodlawn Farm, near Johnsonville. The subject of this notice was the son of the late Mr. William Bannister, coal pit owner and ironfounder, of the firm of Bannister, Banks, and Bannister, Wolverhampton. Born at Dudley Castle in 1827, he came to New Zealand with his parents, per ship “Bolton,” in 1840, and was apprenticed to Mr. F. Revans of the New Zealand Gazette newspaper. Subsequently he worked on
Spectator and Cook Strait Guardian, The Independent, and the Evening Post. Mr. Bannister afterwards joined the staff of the Government Printing Office, where he remained till retiring from active city life to his pretty homestead. During his long residence in the Empire City he was an enthusiastic Oddfellow, his native lodge being the Brittannia, M.U. Mr. Bannister was one of the founders of the Loyal Antipodean Lodge, of which he was secretary for forty years, and acted as provincial corresponding secretary for the Wellington District, No. 7, retiring only because of failing health, when he was the recipient of various presentations testifying to the value of his long and ardent services. For his genial and obliging disposition, as well as for his readiness to assist others, he was well known and sincerely respected in Wellington, and his death on the 31st of May, 1895, at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. W. Rowlands, of Fitzherbert, Palmerston North, was the cause of profound regret. Mr. Bannister left a widow and seven daughters and four sons. He was the last of his family, but his name is very unlikely to die out, as the grandchildren now number over forty.
Settler, Pine House, near Johnsonville. Born in Westlerk, Nottingham, in 1819, Mr. Bramley was brought up as a professional gardener. Coming to New Zealand, he worked three or four years in Otago, and afterwards removed to Wellington. Mr. Bramley has retired to his estate near Johnsonville, where he has 100 acres of land, and a homestead of three acres, on which Pine House stands. In 1863 Mr. Bramley was married to Miss Glover.
Sheepfarmer, Johnsonville. The father of the subject of this notice—Mr. Thomas John Drake—was one of the earliest Port Nicholson settlers, having arrived by the first ship, the “Aurora,” on the 22nd of January, 1840. He had purchased land from the New Zealand Company before leaving England, and after about ten years in Wellington he settled on the farm of 350 acres in the Johnsonville district, which is now worked by his son on behalf of his widow. Mrs. Drake, née Ceres Selina Walters, who was born in 1813, was married to her late husband at St. Paul's, Deptford, Kent, in 1836. The family consists of five sons and three daughters, and there are eighteen grandchildren. Mr. Walter Drake, who looks after the farm on his mother's behalf, was born in Wellington in 1851 and was brought up to a country life on his father's farm. The estate is in good heart, and carries 700 sheep in the winter, and 900 in the summer.
Settler, Johnsonville. Born in 1834 at Kilbarchan, Renfrewshire, Scotland, and apprenticed at the age of ten years to a baker, after serving five years, Mr. Orr worked at his trade in Glasgow for four years, when he shipped for the Crimea on a transport ship engaged in conveying troops and sick and wounded soldiers. For a quarter of a century he followed the sea, becoming cook on sailing vessels and on steamers, visiting many Australian and New Zealand ports till 1872, when he settled in Wellington. As a restaurant keeper he was in business for five years in Lambton Quay opposite Barrett's Hotel. In 1877 Mr. Orr built the Buffet, a wood and iron building, which was burnt down on New Year's Day, 1888. The present substantial three-story brick structure, nearly twice as large as the first, was conducted by him with success till March, 1896, when the property was leased. In 1892 Mr. Orr purchased the property—twenty-four acres in extent—in which he resides at Johnsonville. The house and grounds are among the most prominent in the district, a large vinery having been added. Mr. Orr has been married twice—in 1856 to Miss Margaret Anderson, of Greenock, who had five children, of whom three sons survive—and in 1877 to Miss Manson, of the Shetland Isles, by whom he has three sons and three daughters.
is ten miles from Wellington, and about three miles west from the Johnsonville Railway Station. The residents of the Valley are chiefly engaged in pastoral and agricultural pursuits. There is no telegraph office, but a telephone connects with the nearest telegraph station. Education for the young is provided by a public school, at which the average attendance is about fifty. Mails for Ohariu Valley close daily at Wellington on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6 a.m., arriving at Ohariu on the same days at 4 p.m. The return mail closes on Tuesdays and Fridays at Ohariu Valley at 2 p.m., arriving in Wellington at 10.5 p.m.
occupies a central position in the district, being pleasantly situated on an eminence opposite the Anglican Church. The building is a substantial wooden structure, adjoining which the master's house is situated. Between forty and fifty children attend the school, the headmaster being assisted by a pupil teacher and a sewing mistress.
who filled the position of headmaster of the Ohariu School from 1891 to 1896, was born in 1837 near Bonar Bridge, Sutherlandshire, Scotland. After attending the local Free Church school he served five years as a pupil teacher, and went to the Glasgow Free Church Training School for two years, gaining a second-class certificate. Subsequently for three-and-a-half years before leaving the Old Land, Mr. Munro was in Ross-shire. In 1863 he landed in Lyttelton by the “David G. Fleming,” when he was appointed to teach at a private school. For twelve years afterwards he was at the Hampden Public School in Otago, being transferred to Orari in South Canterbury, where he remained for several years. In 1888 Mr. Munro was appointed headmaster of Kaitoke School, where he remained till transferred to Ohariu Valley He was married in 1863 to a daughter of the late Mr. D. Campbell, of Creich, Bonar Bridge, settler, and leaves a son, who is married and settled. Mr. Munro died suddenly on the 21st of September, 1896, his widow surviving him.
Farmer, Ohariu Valley. The son of the late Mr. George Best, the subject of this article was born in the Valley in 1861, and was brought up to a country life. He purchased the farm of 200 acres he now occupies in 1884, and has added 200 acres of leasehold since that time, his flock numbering 700 sheep, besides cattle and horses. In 1885 Mr. Best was married to a daughter of Mr. James Taylor, settler, Tawa Flat, and has two sons and two daughters.
Settler, Ohariu Valley. One of the oldest settlers of the band of pioneers who arrived in Port Nicholson in 1840, Mr. Bryant still survives hale and hearty, notwithstanding his great age. Born in Sharphan, Devonshire, England, in 1812, he became foreman gardener of Sir William Molesworth's estate at Pencarrow, Cornwall. Coming to New Zealand per ship “Duke of Roxburgh,” on which he acted as doctor's mate, he was for about two years employed as superintendent of Mr. Francis Molesworth's estate at the Hutt. For twenty years Mr. Bryant resided in the Hutt Valley, during which he laid out the gardens on Mr. Molesworth's property—now owned by Mr. Riddiford. He was eleven years in Mr. Ludlam's service, and laid out and planted his gardens—better known as “McNab's.” Afterwards he leased a large garden and orchard, but as he could not obtain the freehold. Mr. Bryant removed to Johnsonville, where he had an hotel for three years. In 1862 he settled in the Ohariu Valley, purchasing fifty-three acres of land, which he still holds. Shortly before embarking for New Zealand in 1839, Mr. Bryant was married to Miss Pollard, a native of Cornwall, who died in 1862, leaving six sons and four daughters—all married—of whom four sons and four daughters still survive. Mr. Bryant has forty-six grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
Sheep Farmer, Ohariu Valley, near Johusonville. One of the old Port Nicholson settlers who came out under the auspices of the New Zealand Company per ship “Lord William Bentinck” in 1840, Mr. Fisher has been a resident in the Valley for eight years, and was previously in the Hutt and Porirua districts. Born in 1829 in Berkshire, England, for some years after his arrival he was a master whaler. During the native troubles he served as a volunteer, being present at several skirmishes in 1845. Before the Manawatu district was opened up for settlement Mr. Fisher was one of the first men to carry his swag through that part of the Colony.
J.P., Farmer, Ohariu Valley. Born in Tipperary, Ireland, Mr. Kelly came out to Melbourne in 1858, and three years later to Otago, where he was at Gabriel's Gully rush, subsequently taking part at Hokitika. He settled in Ohariu Valley in 1866, acquiring twenty-five acres of land. The homestead he now occupies, which is situated on a lovely knoll, is all that could be desired. In 1867 Mr. Kelly was married to a daughter of Mr. Thomas Bassett, of Ohariu Valley.
Farmer, Ohariu Valley. A native of Staffordshire, England, where he was born in 1843, Mr. Majendie came to the Colony, per ship “Rangitoto,” in 1866. In the following year he settled in the Valley, in which he has since lived, with the exception of five years in Sydney and Hawkes Bay. Mr. Majendie has been prominent in local politics: as a member of the Hutt County Council, chairman of the Ohariu Valley School Committee, president of the New Zealand Counties Association—of which he was one of the promoters—and member of the United District Hospital Board, representing Horowhenua County, he has done good service. He has also taken interest in the Wellington Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and as an exhibitor of horses and dogs he has carried off prizes. Mr. Majendie was married in 1890 to the widow of the late Mr. William France, of Ohariu Valley.
Four miles north from Johnsonville by rail, and rather more by coach road, brings the traveller on to
Tawa Flat is blest with a flag station on the Wellington-Manawatu railway line, the train stopping only when signalled to pick up or set down passengers. The population of thirty-eight souls, are chiefly engaged in farming and pastoral pursuits. The settlement is part of the riding of Porirua, in the Hutt County, and the nearest towns are Porirua village, three miles to the northward, and Johnsonville about four miles south. It is 123 feet above sea-level, and the climate is naturally dry, but windy.
Tawa Flat has a public school, over which Mr. Herbert Sanson presides, and a church, where services are held periodically.
Mails for Tawa Flat close daily at Wellington at 6 a.m., arriving at Tawa Flat at 7.30 a.m. The return mail closes daily at Tawa Flat at 10.30 a.m., arriving at Wellington at 1 p.m.
Sheepfarmer, Tawa Flat. Mr. Earp is all but a colonial, having been born shortly before his father, Mr. William Earp, set sail for New Zealand in 1855, per ship “Putsey Dawson.” Educated in the Colony, and brought up to a country life, Mr. Earp succeeded, on his father's death, in 1888, to the splendid property—600 acres in extent—with its well kept live fences and beautiful lawns and flower borders. The estate, which is one of the best in the district, carries 1400 sheep. In 1888 Mr. Earp was married to a daughter of Mr. George Shand, of Taieri, Otago, and has three children–two daughters and a son.
M.A., Sheepfarmer, Tawa Flat. Mr. Nott is a son of the of the earliest Tawa Flat settlers—the late Mr. William Nott, who arrived in Wellington by the “Birman” in 1842. Born at Johnsonville in 1864, and educated at Wellington College, Three Kings College, Auckland, and at the Auckland University, Mr. J. T. Nott gained his B.A. degree in 1889, and his M.A. with honours in biology in the following year. After four years. at the Kings, Mr. Nott was accepted as a probationer in the Wesleyan ministry, being appointed to Riverton, where he remained two years. He was then transferred to Christchurch, where two years later he resigned, having determined to devote his time to a country life. Mr. Nott's hobby is in biological studies, on the results of which researches he often lectures, being ever willing to lend his services to any worthy object.
Farmer, Tawa Flat. Born on the 17th of August, 1823, at Tunbridge, Wells, England, and educated in his native land, Mr. Taylor came to Port Nicholson with his father, the late Mr. William Taylor, per “Martha Ridgway,” in 1840. The subject of this notice settled in Johnsonville as early as 1844. Three years later he removed to Pahautanui, where he started a small dairy farm, and in 1849 he became a pioneer settler in Tawa Fiat, then a dense forest. The section Mr. Taylor acquired at that time is still in his possession, his farm consisting of 276 acres of freehold and 112 acres of leasehold. In the early days Mr. Taylor represented Porirua district for eight years in the Wellington Provincial Council, and was for twelve years afterwards a member of the Hutt County Council. Before the County took over the Road Board he was the representative of Porirua Ward on the latter body, and for many years since he has been a member of the Tawa Flat School Committee. During the native troubles of the early days Mr. Taylor took his share of duty, and for fourteen years was associated with the volunteer movement, first as lieutenant of the Porirua, and after wards as captain of the Pahautanui Rifles. As a member of the Primitive Methodist Church, Mr. Taylor estabished a Sunday School on the first Sabbath spent in the district, and is still superintendent of the Tawa Flat School. He was married in 1844 to Miss Hook, of Wellington, and has seven sons and six daughters, who are nearly all married and settled. Mr. Taylor has fifty-four grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
One can pleasurably spend a day or so here if of sporting tendencies. There are the creeks of the brown and mountain trout, there are the numerous fish of the salt water harbour, offering premiums to fly or hook, whilst the neighbouring hills abound in quail, hares, rabbits, and other game. Immediately overlooking the township from rising ground to the north-west is the Porirua Asylum, treating hundreds of unfortunates of the less violent type.
Fairly good accommodation is offered here at the only hotel, which is situate near all points of interest. Wellington cyclists and jaunting parties out for a holiday frequently select the charms of the route, for Porirua is one of the pleasantest of resorts. Porirua has, of course, its place of worship, post and telegraph office, railway station, and public school. Away around on the northern side of the bar, or harbour, a large portion of which is a mere mud-flat at low water, a Mormon mission station, under the control of Elder Barton, jealously teaches the native population the doctrines of Joseph Smith, and if a visit be paid to his home hard by the shores of the harbour, he will show, among other interesting things, capital photographic views of chief Mormons and their homes.
The post and telegraph office is managed at the local store by Mr. B. P. Payne.
The total population of Porirua Village, Porirua Asylum, Porirua Road, Porirua Vicinity, and Porirua Bay is 631. The height of the village above sea level is twelve feet.
stands on an eminence about a mile distant from the Railway Station. The institution was originally established in 1887 to relieve the general pressure which unfortunately existed in the various Asylums of the Colony. A wooden building capable of accommodating about thirty patients had been erected, but soon proved to be totally insufficient. In 1891 the handsome two-story brick building now used was ready for occupation. This edifice contains thirty-eight rooms, exclusive of bathrooms, kitchen, scullery, and other offices. In the south front the medical officers' quarters, surgery, offices, and waiting and storerooms are situated. The north front consists of two wings, which are occupied respectively by the male and female patients, and the attendants. The central portion of the building contains a large dining hall, kitchen, scullery, etc. At the time of the writer's visit (1896) a new wing, capable of accommodating seventy patients, with carpenter's, engineer's, and plumber's shops, was in process of erection. Attached to the establishment there is a farm of about 900 acres of land, on which a large flock of sheep and cattle are depastured. The Porirua Asylum is lighted throughout by electric light; a compound condensing engine by Messrs. Cable and Co., indicating eighty-five horse-power, drives a dynamo by Siemens and Co., of London. There are 220 lights. mostly sixteen candle power: the machinery, however, is capable of supplying 850 lamps. The steam is generated by two multitubular boilers, made by Messrs. Cable and Co., tested to 100 pounds of steam to the square inch, all heating and cooking being accomplished by steam. The total number of patients in October, 1896, was 236 130 males and 106 females. The resident medical officer, Dr. King, is assisted by Mr. A. McLean, head attendant and storekeeper, Miss M. A. Sullivan, matron, and eleven warders and nurses. The machinery is under the charge of Mr. J. H. Anderson (engineer), Mr. C. Dunbar being manager of the farm.
Assistant Medical Officer of the Mt. View and Porirua Asylums, residing at Porirua, has had large experience in the management of such institutions. Having studied at the University of Edinburgh, he gained his diploma as a doctor of medicine in 1868. Before leaving for the Colony, Dr. King was medical officer successively at Morning-side Asylum, Edinburgh, at the New Cheshire County Asylum, and at the Neweastle-on-Tyne Asylum. Arriving in New Zealand in 1881, he was appointed medical superintendent of Mt. View Asylum, and subsequently occupied a similar position at Seacliff, at Hokitika, and at other Asylums. Resigning his office in 1891, Dr.
Matron of the Porirua Asylum, was born in Cork, Ireland, and was educated at the Cork Convent. She arrived in Wellington in 1884, per s.s. “Ionic.” In January, 1890, Miss Sullivan joined the staff of the Mt. View Asylum as a nurse. Gaining promotion step by step, she became senior nurse, and in 1893 she was appointed to the above position.
Head Attendant and Storekeeper at the Porirua Asylum, was born in 1862 in Inverness, Scotland, where he was educated. Coming to Wellington, per s.s. “Aorangi,” in 1888, Mr. McLean joined the staff at Mt. View Asylum as a warder in the following February. In March, 1891, he was transferred to Porirua, and after serving about two years, returned to the Wellington institution. Mr. McLean was promoted to the position he now fills in June, 1894.
Chief Engineer at the Porirua Asylum, is a Scotchman. Mr. Anderson served six years apprenticeship at Messrs. T. Aimers and Son's Waverley Ironworks, completing his term in 1880. Five years later he joined the Union Company on board the s.s. “Mararoa,” by which vessel he came to New Zealand. He rose to the position of second engineer. He was appointed in September, 1893, to the position he now holds.
Manager of the Porirua Asylum Farm, is a native of Morayshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1862. Brought up to country life in the “land of brown heath and shaggy wood,” he came to the Colony via Melbourne in 1888, and after a short time in Dunedin he removed to New Plymouth. For several years Mr. Dunbar was engaged in country pursuits in the Wanganui district, being appointed to the office he now holds in March, 1895.
was established at least thirty years ago. The old building, which served as a school room for many years, is still standing in the township, the school house—a five-roomed dwelling—being situated on an eminence behind it. The convenient school now used, which was erected about 1885—is a wooden building, and contains two rooms, having accommodation for 100 children. There are sixty-six pupils on the roll, the average attendance being fifty-one. The headmaster is assisted by an ex-pupil teacher. Attached to the school there is an acre of land, which is divided into play-grounds for the boys and girls.
Headmaster of the Porirua Public School, hails from Bridgeworth, Shropshire, England. Born in 1853, he was educated at the local grammar school. Coming to Wellington in 1874, per ship “Langstone,” shortly after arrival he joined the Wellington Education Board as assistant at Thorndon School. Subsequently he was successively headmaster at Upper Tutaenui, Masterton, Wainui-o-mata, and Taueru, being appointed to Porirua in 1890. Mr. Pilkington was married in 1881 to a daughter of Mr. W. Luxford, of Wellington.
Porirua. This Lodge meets every alternate Saturday in the Oddfellows' Hall, Porirua.
Settler, Okariai, Porirua. Born in 1837 in Somersetshire, England, the subject of this notice was brought up to business as a butcher from the age of ten years. After arriving in Melbourne in 1857, he was employed at his trade for four years, and came over to the Gabriel's Gully rush in Otago in the early sixties. Eighteen months later Mr. Gear came to Wellington and established himself in Lambton Quay, taking a shop opposite Mr. George Moore's wharf. About two years afterwards he bought a business conducted by Mr. Ling, which had been originally founded by Mr. Luxford, who established the first butcher's shop in Wellington. Subsequently Mr. Ling joined Mr. Gear in a partnership, which subsisted for many years. After Mr. Ling finally retired from the firm Mr. Gear carried on a large and growing business, to which the meat preserving branch was added. The trade became so considerable that Mr. Gear decided on the formation of a public company—the Gear Meat Preserving and Freezing Company of New Zealand, Limited—of which he has been managing director since the date of its incorporation in 1882. Mr. Gear has steadily declined to enter local politics, his time and energies having been fully absorbed in his large business, which was considerably increased by the acquirement of the Te Horo station—referred to elsewhere in these pages. In 1890 he was unanimously elected patron of the Wellington United Butchers' Association, which office he still holds.
In 1879 Mr. Gear was married to a daughter of Mr. Joseph Milstead, of Wellington, settler, and has a son and two daughters.
Farmer, Porirua. Born in 1853 in the district, where also he was educated, Mr. Mitchell was brought up to farming pursuits, and after remaining with his grandfather (who was also his guardian) some few years, he started upon his own account in 1876. His farm of 450 acres at Porirua carries about two-and-a-half sheep to the acre. He also has a 500 acre farm at Longburn, which is capable of carrying five sheep to the acre, and is under the management of his son. A keen, pushing business man, Mr. Mitchell has been the promoter of two butchering businesses, both of which are still doing a large trade. In local polities, he is a member of the local school commitee. In 1876 Mr. Mitchell was married to a daughter of Mr. Eli Allen, farmer, of Tawa Flat, and has eight children.
Payne, George Pentecost, Baker and General Storekeeper, Porirua Road, Porirua. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Mr. Payne is the local postmaster and telephonist.
Postmaster Hotel (Louis Henry Eilers, proprietor), Porirua Road, Porirua, Bankers. Bank of Australasia. Established 1866. Conducted by present licensee since 1895.
Dixon, Joshua, Farrier and General Blacksmith, Porirua Road, Porirua
is a farming district, twenty miles from Wellington and four miles from the railway station at Paremata, from which it may be reached by coach. There is a public school with an average attendance of about forty. A telephone connects with Porirua. A feature at Pahautanui is the Oyster Fishery, which is referred to on the following page. Mails for Pahautanui close daily at Wellington at 6 a.m. arriving at Pahautanui at 8.30 a.m. The return mail closes daily at Pahautanui at 4.30p.m., arriving at Wellington at 10.5 p.m.
meets at the Pahautanui Hotel on alternate Saturdays.
No. 14. The officers for 1896 are: Messrs. Francis Taylor (Arch Druid), John Sinclair (Vice Arch Druid), George Watson (J.P.A.), John Harvey (secretary), and A. Grey (treasurer). Meetings are held weekly on Saturday evenings at 7.30 o'clock.
Pahautanui. Office, Colonial Bank Buildings, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Mr. E. H. Beere, secretary and managing director. This is a limited liability company, which was established in 1894. and is the first attempt on a large scale in New Zealand to cultivate the oyster. The Company acquired 412 acres leasehold from the Government, and although but a small beginning has been made, it is merely a matter of a little time before the whole will be under cultivation. Mr. J. Harvey is the manager of the fishery.
Manager of the Oyster Fishery, Pahantanui, was employed in this industry in Essex, where the cultivation of the oyster has been carried on by his family for generations. Five years ago he came to New Zealand, and soon learnt that the coasts of New Zealand were well adapted for his business. As soon as the above Company was formed, Mr. Harvey was selected as manager and expert.
J.P., Sheepfarmer, Pahautanui. This well-known and much respected settler, who was born in 1833 at Kent Road, Greenwich, England, came to the colony with his parents per ship “Adelaide” in 1840. His father, Mr. Francis Bradey, who died in 1872, was a settler in Wellington for many years. Brought up to a country life the subject of this notice settled in Pahautanui in 1855, taking up over 2000 acres of land, then wholly, covered with bush. This fine property is now fully cleared and in cultivation and carries over 5000 sheep besides cattle and horses. In 1872 Mr. Bradey joined the Pahautanui Rifle Volunteers as sub-lieutenant, afterwards becoming successively lieutenant and captain. He continued in command of the company until it was disbanded some years later. In local polities Mr. Bradey has long been prominent—first as chairman of the Pahautanui Domain Board and School Committee, and afterwards as a member of the Wellington Education Board, the Wellington Harbour Board, the Hutt County Council, the United District Hospital Board, the Benevolent Trustees, the United District Charitable Aid Board, the Technical School Committee, and as Justice of the Peace from 1882. Most of these offices he still holds: he is also a member of the Wellington Diocesan Synod. Mr. Bradey was married in 1855 to a daughter of the late Mr. Richard Stuart, who came to New Zealand by ship “Birman” in 1842. His family consists of four daughters, two being married, and five sons, four of whom are married and settled as sheep farmers in the Pahautanui district: the grandchildren number thirteen.
Farmer, Pahautanui. Born in Merton, Surrey, in 1846, Mr. Carter arrived in New Zealand in 1850. He devoted his attention to sawmilling, with sheepfarming as an adjunct, until a few years ago, when he relinquished the sawmilling, and gave his whole mind to sheepfarming. Mr. Carter is a very old resident of the district, having resided at Pahautanui for some thirty-seven years. In 1882 he married a daughter of another very old colonist, Mr. T. H. Stace.
is a small farming district, nine miles from the railway station at Paremata, and five miles from Pahautanui. There is a public school with an average attendance of about thirty. The post-office is conducted at the school-house. Mails for Judge ford close at Wellington on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 6 a.m., arriving at Judgeford at 9.30 a.m. on the same days. Mails close at Judgeford on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9.15 a.m., arriving at Wellington on the same days at 10 p.m.
is a small building of one room, capable of seating forty children. There are forty children on the roll, with an average attendance of twenty-seven. Miss Graham is the teacher.
J.P., Farmer, Pahautanui. Post-office address, “Judgeford.” Mr. Pearce, whose father was engaged in agricultural pursuits, hails from the County of Norfolk, and at the age of sixteen decided to try his fortune on the high seas. After voyaging to many parts of the world, he arrived in Wellington in the ship “John Bunyan.” in the year 1862, and resolved to settle in the country. He obtained employment in the sawmill of Plimmer and Haslem, at the Upper Hutt, and remained there for some time. Early in 1865 he removed to Porirua, entering the employ of Messrs. Chew and Wagg, who were starting a new mill there. In 1867 Mr. Pearce took up the land upon which his present homestead stands: the farm now consists of 300 acres. When coaling steamers by steam was introduced by Messrs. Dransfield and Gannaway in 1870, Mr. Pearse was engaged to drive the engine on the hulk “India,” a position which he filled for two years. He took his share of militia and volunteer duties during the native troubles, and in 1886 re-visited England. He takes a keen interest in Oddfellowship, being a member of the St. George Lodge, Pahautanui. I.O.O.F., M.U., is a member of the Hope of Wellington Tent, I.O.R., having been a total abstainer for eighteen years, and is a member of the Otaki Licensing Committee. In 1863 Mr. Pearce married Letitia. youngest daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Lawson, who arrived in New Zealand in 1856. He has a grown-up family of five daughters and two sons. In 1885 he was commissioned as a Justice of the Peace, and is perhaps, the best known and most respected man in the district.
is sixteen miles by rail from Wellington, and is situated on the seashore. The bay abounds with fish, and fully twenty men find employment in the fishing industry. Large quantities are cured and sent to the Wellington and Sydney markets. There is no telegraph office, and the nearest telephone bureau is at Porirua—three mails away. Mails for Paremata close at Wellington daily at 6 a.m., arriving at Paremata at 8 a.m. The return mail closes at Paremata daily at 5 p.m., arriving at Wellington at 10.5 p.m.
a seaside station, eighteen miles from Wellington by rail, is a favourite watering place, and is much frequented in summer by visitors from all parts of the province of Wellington. The surroundings are very pleasant, the beach is good, and for bathing purposes the bay has few rivals. Plimmerton House, which is referred to below, is the chief place of importance in the neighbourhood. Mails for Plimmerton close at Wellington daily at 6a.m., arriving at Plimmerton at 8.15 a.m. The return mail closes at 11.15 a.m., arriving at Wellington at 1 p.m.
(Charles Plimmer, proprietor), close to Railway Station, Plimmerton. This fine building, for which a license has been sought—so far without success,—is a two-story wooden structure containing thirty two rooms. The bedrooms, all well and tastefully furnished, number twenty; the dining-room seats sixty comfortably, and there are five good sitting rooms. The house is worthy of more paronage; though it is always full to overflowing in the season, which lasts from December to March, it is all but empty for the remaining eight months of the year. Plimmerton House was opened in 1894, and the splendid beach and charming surroundings make it a most attractive marine resort for the denizens of the Empire City and many other parts of the Colony. Mr. Charles Plimmer, the proprietor, is a son of Mr. John Plimmer, well and popularly known in the Capital City as the “Father of Wellington,” who has spent several thousand pounds in making this pretty spot available for healthful recreation and change.
From Porirua to
The township of Paikakariki, having all the attractive features of a seaside resort, is much patronised by pleasure-seekers and invalids, the hotel accommodation being good,
Paikakariki is distant from Wellington twenty-seven miles by the Manawatu railway line, and is twenty-three feet above sea-level.
Mails for Paikakariki close daily at Wellington at 6 a.m., arriving at Paikakariki at 8.30 a.m. The return mail closes daily at Paikakariki at 7 p.m., arriving at Wellington at 10.5 p.m.
a wooden building containing station master's office, ticket lobby, general waiting-room, and ladies' waiting-room, has a substantial asphalted platform for passengers. There are two through trains each way every day; in addition to which a train starts for Wellington each morning, returning in the evening. A large engine-shed which will hold four locomotives has been erected to provide accommodation for the engines which are kept at Paikakariki, where all trains change engines.
Stationmaster at Paikakariki, and post-master and telephonist, is a son of Mr. Alfred Blackburn who served twenty-five years on the New Zealand Government Railway, acting as Stationmaster at Rakaia, Canterbury, for nineteen years. Born in 1866, at Christchurch, the subject of this sketch was educated at public schools and joined the Railway Service in the Telegraph Department at Rakaia in 1878. After four years he resigned and entered a merchant's office, where he remained nine years. Mr. Blackburn was subsequently in a mercantile office in Sefton for a year, and joined the Wellington-Manawatu Railway, in the Wellington Goods Office, in February, 1893. He was promoted to the position of stationmaster at Paikakariki in September, 1895. Mr. Blackburn was married in 1888 to a daughter of Mr. Francis Lewis, of Tinwald, Canterbury, veterinary surgeon, and has two sons.
Leading Engine Driver at Paikakariki, is a Scotchman, having been born in Forfarshire in 1854. After serving eight, years as fireman on the Caledonian Railway, northern section, he came out to Queensland, where he stayed two years. Arriving in Auckland in 1883, Mr. Ritchie was engaged in pile-driving and bridge building in Te Aroha till 1886, when he came to Wellington and joined the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company as fireman. In January, 1892, he was promoted to the position of driver, and two years later he became leading driver. Mr. Ritchie was married in 1886 to a daughter of the late Mr. William Threadgill of Occold, near Eye, Suffolk, England.
Engine Driver, between Wellington and Paikakariki on the Wellington-Manawatu Railway, is an Englishman. Born in Dartford, Kent, in 1862, he accompanied his parents to Lyttelton in the ship “Mermaid” at the age of three years. He served his time as a blacksmith and engineer at Prebbleton and Rakaia, and joined the Company which he now serves in 1886 as cleaner. Early in 1888 he was promoted to the position of fireman and in October, 1893, having taken the Government certificate as driver he was employed in that capacity. As a Mason, Mr. Alsop is attached to the United Manawatu Lodge, E.C. Palmerston North. He was married in 1888, and has two sons and two daughters.
Engine Driver, between Paikakariki and Wellington, is a native of Maidstone, Kent, where he was born in 1861. He was brought up to railway work in Wellington, where he arrived per ship “Douglas” in 1874, and entered the Government service in the railway traffic branch in 1878. Three years later he was transferred to the locomotive department as cleaner and fireman. In 1882 Mr. Gibson left the Government service and joined the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company, continuing as fireman till 1889, when he became a driver.
which was opened on the first of April, 1886, with seven children, is a wooden building of a single room containing accommodation for sixty pupils. The number on the roll is thirty-three, with an average attendance of twenty-nine. The land attached to the school is an acre and a quarter in extent on a portion of which the schoolmaster's house is situated.
Headmaster of the Paikakariki Public School, was born in Needham Suffolk, England, in 1868. Educated in England, and in New Zealand, where he arrived in 1879 per ship “Jessie Redman,” Mr. Bedingfield became a pupil teacher at Norsewood, Hawkes Bay, in 1882. Four years later he went to the National Training School at Christchurch. He has acted as headmaster since 1888, having been at Takapau, Hawkes Bay, and at Kaitoke, before accepting the appointment he now holds.
(Charles Slight, proprietor), close to Railway Station, Paikakariki. Established in the early forties by an old whaler, this hostelry has been continuously conducted with but a short break up to the time of writing. Three times was the house burnt down, the first portion of the present building having been erected in 1883, and the front portion six years later. There is ample accommodation for the travelling public, and in the summer time the house is usually full, and many of the leading families of Wellington spend some time in the locality. Mr. Slight, the landlord, whose father landed with the 65th regiment at Paremata in 1846, was born in 1851 in Wanganui. He has had a varied experience as a farmer, carpenter, police officer, and hotel-keeper. While in charge of the Pahautanui Police Station he arrested James White, a notorious horse stealer, at Te Horo, and was commended for his bravery. White is the man who stole the yacht “Dido” from Wellington, and was arrested at Lyttelton. Mr. Slight has conducted the Paikakariki Hotel since 1889.
J.P., Sheepfarmer, “Emerald Glen,” Paikakariki. Mr. Lynch, who has been a settler in the district for thirty years, owns 1500 acres, which is all under grass with the exception of the swampy land. The estate carries 4500 sheep, chiefly of the Romney Marsh breed. When Mr. Lynch settled in the district, there was no road to the property, which was in a state of nature. Born in the Hutt, he was educated in Wellington, and taking to a country life, he has been a prominent settler for many years. Mr. Lynch was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1882.
is one of the youngest settlements on the Wellington-Manawatu Railway, and is thirty-three miles from the Capital. The land was offered for sale in 1889, and every town and suburban section was bought. A few years ago the district was standing bush, but it is now nearly all occupied. The settlement is much in need of roads, but an attempt is now being made to remedy that defect. The sea-beach is excellent, Kapiti Island being right opposite, and breaking the force of the west wind. There is no hotel in the settlement, but an accommodation house is kept by Mrs. Wise. The Wesleyan and Roman Catholic Churches are represented at Paraparaumu, and the children of the settlement receive their education at a public school, at which the average attendance is about forty. There is a post and telegraph office. Mails for Paraparaumu close daily at Wellington at 6a.m., arriving at Paraparaumu at 8.50 a.m. The return mail closes daily at Paraparaumu at 10 a.m., arriving at Wellington at 1 p.m.
which is situated in Ruapehu Street, is a wooden building containing one large schoolroom, having an entrance and vestibule at each end. This convenient structure is erected on a section of four acres in extent. The first school was a small building which only held about fifteen children. The present schoolroom has accommodation for seventy-five scholars, and there is an average attendance of fifty-three. The headmaster is assisted by a pupil teacher.
Settler, Bloomsbury Farm, Paraparaumu. Mr. Davies is a native of North Wales, having been born in 1852. Educated at Timperley, near Manchester, he came to Wellington per ship “Halcione.” He was successively employed as carpenter, builder, and farmer, and was afterwards a partner in the Hawera Sash and Door Factory for several years. In 1890 Mr. Davies purchased 328 acres at Paraparaumu. The whole of this property has been felled and 600 sheep are depastured thereon. In local politics he is a member of the school committee. In February, 1876, Mr. Davies was married to a daughter of Mr. Wootton, of Nelson, and has had twelve children, of whom three sons and four daughters survive.
Sheepfarmer, Wharemanuku, Paraparaumu. The son of the late Mr. John Howell, the subject of this notice was born on board the ship “Lord William Bentinck” while passing through the Bay of Biscay on her way to the Colony in 1811. Mr. Howell was brought up to a country life, and become one of the first settlers in the Horokiwi Valley. When he came to Wharemanuku in 1878, the estate of about 2000 acres, which he acquired, was all swamp and scrub. Considerable improvements have been effected in the property, which now carries 2000 sheep. Mr. Howell was for some time a member of the local school committee, and generally takes a great interest in the district. In 1866 he was married to a daughter of the late Mr. John Gilbert, of Edinburgh, tailor, and has six sons and six daughters, his grandchildren numbering half a dozen.
J.P., Sheepfarmer, “The White-lands,” Paraparumu. Born in 1853 in London, where he was educated, Mr. O'Brien was on the London Corn Exchange for twenty-four years, during eight of which he was in business on his own behalf. In 1891 he came to New Zealand via Australia, and purchased 420 acres of land partly improved, settling as above. Mr. O'Brien has laid down the whole in the test English grasses, the bush having been all felled. The residence, which is a credit to the district, is surrounded by well laid out lawns and flower borders, a fine orchard of 200 choice trees having been planted behind the house. The establishment supports 1000 sheep of the best Romney and Hampshire varieties, about fifty head of cattle, and some horses. Mr. O'Brien has some very fine Berkshire pigs, to the breeding of which he pays great attention. He has erected a substantial cowshed, woolshed, sheep-yards, and other conveniences, the whole property being in first rate-order. He takes considerable interest in local matters, being chairman of the school committee, and is a director of the United Farmers' Co-operative Association, and a member of the committee of the Wellington Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. O'Brien was married in 1888 to a daughter of Mr. T.F. Quin, of London and West Africa, merchant and shipowner, and has two sons and two daughters.
Settler, Paraparaumu. The only son of Mr. W. T. L. Travers, solicitor, of Wellington, Mr. Travers was born in Hythe, Kent, in 1844. Coming to Nelson in 1850 with his parents in the ship “Kelso”, he was educated at Nelson College. After a good deal of experience in natural history, and some insight into the law, he chose a country life, eventually settling as above, his property comprising 150 acres, which is used for general agricultural and pastoral purposes. Mr. Travers made two trips to the Chatham Islands to collect botanical specimens, the first in 1864, at the request of Sir F. Von Mueller on behalf of the Victorian Government, Mr. Travers, sen., defraying expenses, and the second six years later on his own behalf when he supplemented his former researches, and paid considerable attention to ornithology, discovering a new genus, now extinct, and three new species. In New Zealand Mr. Travers has also spent a long time in similar studies.
—a flag station on the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company's line—is situated thirty-five miles from the Empire City and forty-nine miles from the terminus at Longburn junction. There is a considerable proportion of bush, a large part of which has been felled and sown down in English grasses. Otaihanga is a portion of the Hutt County, and is in the electoral district of Otaki, Paraparaumu being postal town.
Sheep-farmer, Manawak
Settler, “Ard Craith,” Otaihanga. The subject of this sketch was born in India in 1850. He comes of a military family, And in 1868, after passing through the Royal Military College at Sandhurst, he entered the 24th 2nd Warwickshire Regiment—now known as the South Wales Borderers—as ensign. It may be of interest to remark that Mr. Magrath's regiment was subsequently “cat up” in Zululand, during the war in that country. Leaving the army in 1871, he came to Wellington in the following year per ship “England.” After some years spent in the Rangitikei, Wanganui and Wairarapa districts, during which he was at times a teacher under the Wellington and Wanganui Education Boards, Mr. Magrath retired to the life of a settler at Otaihanga. His estate, “Ard Craith,”—Craith's or Magrath's hill—is beautifully situated, commanding a fine view of Kapiti and the adjacent coast of the South Island, and is about half cultivated. The property in the locality, which is some 400 acres in extent, is devoted to the breeding of horses, cattle, sheep and pigs of good varieties. He has some property in Donegal, Ireland, which is leased to a neighbouring landlord. In 1871 Mr. Magrath was married in Wanganui to a daughter of the late Captain Magrath, of the 65th Regiment, and has three sons and three daughters.
is a lovely spot in which to spend an hour or two during the intervals of the railway time-table. Its natural attractive features consist of the sunny sloping uplands, its river meandering through the evergreen, well-wooded lands of the lower country, and its occasional precipitous rocks. Away out through an open glade the crown of Kapiti half fills the sky, whilst on very clear days the sugar-loafed apex of lofty Mount Egmont is sometimes seen from the vantage ground of Waikanae, which is 102 feet above sea level, and distant from Wellington thirty-seven miles.
Waikanae has no hotel, but fairly good accommodation may be obtained at the one local store hard by the railway station.
Mails for Waikanae close daily at Wellington at 6 a.m., arriving at Waikanae at 9.15 a.m. The return mail closes daily at 9.40 a.m., arriving at Wellington at 1 p.m.
Storekeeper, Waikanae. Born at Bedford, England, in 1851, Mr. Hall arrived in Melbourne in 1872, but after eighteen months in that city, came to New Zealand. Settling on the West Coast, he engaged in the business of store-keeping at Greymouth, but sold out in 1893 and took the Club Hotel, Greymouth, which he conducted for nine months. Two years ago he sold out of the hotel and bought the business of Mr. Cruickshank, storekeeper, Waikanae, which he has carried on successfully since that date. For fourteen years Mr. Hall was secretary of the Greymouth Lodge of Oddfellows. He is also a Mason and a Druid.
(Norman Campbell, proprietor), Waikanae. The mills are situated within a stone's throw of the Railway Station. Mr. Campbell, who is a native of Auckland, has been in this business for fourteen years, and employs upwards of thirty hands. It is estimated that there are at least 30,000,000 feet of first-class building timber yet to be cut out at these mills.
J.P., Sheepfarmer, Arapawaiti, Waikanae. A surveyor by profession, Mr. Field was born in Wanganui, where he was educated. He has always lived in the country, and has seen a great deal of the Maoris, acquiring a good knowledge of native affairs and a thorough mastery of their language. He has been a licensed native interpreter for about eight years. In 1878 Mr. Field acquired the farm of 1000 acres which he now works, and which supports 1500 sheep. In local politics he is a member of the Hutt County Council, to which he was elected in 1893. Mr. Field was appointed a Justice of the Peace in
Farmer, Waikanae. A native chief, Mr. Wi Parata was born in 1834 at Kapiti, and is of the Ngatitoa-Ngatiawa tribe. Descended from a powerful and warlike tribe on his mother's side, while he claims to be the grandson of an Englishman named Stubbs, who arrived off Kapiti in the early thirties, he is a man of great influence among his own people, and owns about 6000 acres of rich land at Waikanae, half of Kapiti, and a large block of land at Porirua. He was a member in the House of Representatives from 1870 to 1879, and was Native Minister during the Governorships of Sir George Bowen, Sir James Fergusson, and the Marquis of Normanby. He was a Justice of the Peace for ten years. In 1852 he married a daughter of Pukehi, of the Ngatiraukawa-Ngatitoa tribe, and has a family of nine. His eldest son manages all the farming operations. His fine large house at Waikanae gives evidence of much taste and natural refinement.
eldest son of Mr. Wiremu Parata, was born in Otaki in August, 1852, and is a fitting representative of his father's house. He is a man of good sound common sense, keen discernment, and good judgment, and in every way capable of taking the management of the large estate of the family. His commodious house exhibits more than ordinary taste and a keen sense of the fitness of things, the best room being furnished in a very superior manner. Upon the estate, of which he is the manager and his father the owner, he has three double-furrow ploughs, reaper and mower, thrashing machine, and other machines of the latest design. In connection with the farm, the young chief dabbles largely in blood stock, not only of cattle, but horses, and has built a fine stable, replete with modern conveniences. At the time of writing (October, 1896), he has quite a number of blood horses in training. In 1876 he married a daughter of Hoani Taipura, then an M.H.R., and has one child. In 1879 his wife died.
a daughter of Mr. Wiremu Parata, is a charming Maori belle of the Waikanae district, and speaks English fluently. Like most of the native race, she has great taste and a fine ear for music.
is a small settlement on the Wellington-Manawatu Railway line, and is forty-three miles from the Capital. The residents of the district are chiefly engaged in farming pursuits. Education for the rising generation is provided at a public school, at which the average attendance is about thirty. The nearest telegraph office is at Otaki, which is four miles to the north. Mails for Te Horo close daily at Wellington at 6 a.m., arriving at Te Horo at 9 a.m. Mails close daily at Te Horo at 9 a.m., arriving at Wellington at 1 p.m.
consists of five wardens, and controls the district between the Otaki River and Waikanae. There are about twenty miles of formed roads, and a rate of three-eights of a penny in the pound is levied on rateable property to the value of £185,000. The members of the Board for 1896 are:—Messrs. W. H. Simcox (chairman), H. B. Horsbrough, H. Win-Hey, E. H. Bugg, and H. J. Richards.
which is erected on a good section of two acres of land presented to the Board of Education by Mr. James Gear, is a capital building of the usual design. There are 39 scholars on the roll, the average attendance being 33. The headmaster, Mr. Alexander McBain, has been successful in passing his pupils at the various examinations, in the last instance all save one child having succeeded with credit to themselves and their teacher.
adjoins the Wellington-Manawatu Company's line, the Te Horo Railway Station being very near to the homestead, which appears in the engraving herewith. This fine estate, which belongs to Mr. James Gear—wellknown as one of the pioneer butchers of Wellington, and whose name is prominent in connection with the frozen meat industry—was originally mostly a huge swamp. This has been thoroughly drained. The main drain, which is two miles in length, extends to the beach: it measures twenty-five feet at the top and eleven feet at the bottom, and has admirably served the purpose intended. A considerable portion of the farm has been ploughed, sown down in English grasses, and sub-divided into convenient sized paddocks. About 10,000 sheep are depastured on the property, special attention being given to breeding and fattening for the London and local markets. The stock are sent to the Gear Co.'s freezing works at Petone, which are fully described on pages 826 and 827 of this volume.
Manager of Mr. James Gear's farm at Te Horo, was born in 1859 in Roxburghshire, Scotland, where he was educated. Arriving in Port Chalmers in 1881, per ship “Oamaru,” Mr. Waugh was employed as a shepherd for three years on Mr. Riddiford's station on the East Coast, where there were 34,000 sheep and 5000 head of cattle. After twelve months at Featherston he came to Te Horo to take charge of Mr. Gear's farm, which has been greatly improved under his energetic management, the stock carried having since been increased from 800 to 10,000 sheep. In 1886 Mr. Waugh was married to Miss Urquhart, of Inverness, and has five sons and a daughter.
the largest township since setting out from the Capital, is well situated, and near the sea coast, and although under Maori rule, as it were, is yet destined to become an important town, for, apart from the fact that the town and district have many elements of prosperity, there is every reason for believing that Otaki will become a resort for invalids, globe-trotters, and people seeking relaxation from the cares of city life. Down by the seaside, which is distant from the town some two miles, extensive premises have been erected for the use of those seeking retirement, and yet, large as is this building at Rangiuru-by-the-Sea, it is found to be quite inadequate. The hotels of Otaki are capitally conducted, the table d'hôte being really refreshing, and landlords spare neither pains nor expense in providing for the comforts and convenience of the visitors. The streets of Otaki are clean, but not straight. Otaki town is situate in the Otaki Riding of the Horowhenua County, in the Provincial District of Wellington. It has a population of 836, is forty-five feet above sea level, and forty-seven miles north of the Capital.
Mails for Otaki close daily at Wellington at 6 a.m. and 12.45 p.m., arriving at Otaki at 9.40 a.m. and 5.10 p.m. Mails close daily at Otaki at 8.30 a.m. and 5 p.m., arriving at Wellington at 1 and 10.5 p.m.
Rangiuru-by-the-Sea—a watering-place situated at the mouth of the Otaki River—promises to become a seaside resort of permanent importance. Founded only in 1895, it has progressed rapidly, and already possesses some good buildings, while others are in progress.
Among its attractions may be mentioned its splendid beach extending for miles, its fresh and salt water bathing, and its fishing and boating, whilst the good roads in the district give every opportunity for riding, driving and cycling. Rangiuru House is a most comfortably appointed and well-conducted establishment, where seaside visitors will find all they need. The site of the township is fraught with interesting Maori traditions, and was for generations occupied by native tribes.
The views on all sides are varied, extensive, and beautiful, and comprise the green flats, the high central ranges, snow-clad in winter, the ever-varying sea, with Kapiti, a prominent feature, in the foreground, and the South Island in the distance. The sunsets are frequently very beautiful. In very clear weather, there may be observed the Kaikoura Mountains in the south, the cone of Egmont apparently in the middle of the ocean, and the great Ruapehu to the north. The climate is particularly genial, and the air most pure and salubrious.
member of the House of Representatives for the electoral district of Otaki, is the eldest son of Mr. H. C. Field, well-known in Wanganui, and was born in that district in 1852. He entered the Government service as a cadet in 1868, and qualified as a surveyor in 1872. With his cousin, Mr. D. H. Monro, of Christchurch, Mr. Field undertook, on behalf of the Government, the survey of the Upper Wanganui and Taupo districts, and it was while engaged on this and more recent surveys that he gained the extensive experience which rendered him so valuable a witness before the Main Trunk Railway Commission. Further reference to Mr. Field, who is a staunch supporter of the Seddon Government, will be found on page 1085 of this volume and his picture appears on page 1101.
who continuously held a seat in the House of Representatives from 1881 to 1896, is a Scotchman by birth, having been born at Hawick, in 1849. He was educated at Bruce Castle, Tottenham, and at the London and Edinburgh Universities. In 1870 Mr. Wilson came out to Victoria, and four years later crossed the Tasman Sea to New Zealand, settling down to the life of a sheepfarmer in the Rangitikei district. From the first he took an interest in politics, and as early as 1881, entered the political arena as a candidate for the Foxton seat in the House of Representatives. On this occasion he had five opponents, viz:—Dr. (now Sir Walter) Buller, Dr. Newman, and Messrs. Izard, G. R. Russell, and France, but notwithstanding this he was returned at the head of the poll. He represented this electorate until 1890, and at the General Elections of that year, he was elected to represent Palmerston North. In 1893 he stood for Otaki against Mr. Donald Fraser, whom he defeated by 199 votes. At the time of writing (Nov. 1896), Mr. Wilson has intimated his intention of retiring from political life. Mr. Wilson was popular on all sides of the House, and was a member of the present Opposition. The N.Z. Mail (Christmas Number, 1896), speaking about Mr. Wilson, says—“As a sportsman he is very popular, and has done much to assist in popularising polo in the Rangitikei. A good settler in every way, he has taken a special interest in matters affecting the agricultural and pastoral industries, and has from time to time contributed valuable articles on the choice of grasses, insect pests, etc., to the papers in his district. His wife, who shares his popularity throughout the Rangitikei, is possessed of great literary culture. Her poems, written under the nom de plume of “Austral,” have been accorded high praise by the Spectator, Saturday Review, and other literary
journals of established authority; and she has also written a novel, which has been most favourably noticed by the English papers.
consists of seven wardens, and controls the district from the Waiatawa to the Waikanae River. There are about twenty miles of formed roads. A rate of three-fourths of a penny in the pound is levied on rateable property to the value of £204,000. The members of the Board for 1896 are: Messrs. S. W. Swainson (chairman), W. Thompsitt, J. J. Booth, J. Death, H. Freeman, T. Smith, A. Drake.
Clerk of the Otaki and Te Horo Road Boards. Mr. Eagar, who is a son of the late Mr. Richard Eagar, was born in Sydney, New South Wales, in 1837, and was educated at Bradley's School, Parramatta, after which he entered into a clerkship with Messrs. Baumes and Keele, with whom he remained for nearly four years. Coming to New Zealand in 1842, he stayed a short time in Wellington, when he returned to Sydney and back again to Wellington in 1854. Mr. Eagar was storekeeping from 1854 to 1862. He then tried his luck on the Oamaru diggings,
which was founded about 1872, contains 1300 or 1400 volumes of selected works. It is managed by a committee of seven, of whom two are ladies, Mr. D. M. Yeats being the chairman.
held its first meeting on the 24th of January, 1885. The county is divided into four ridings–Tokomaru, Wirokino, Otaki, Te Horo — which in turn contain the Otaki, Te Horo, and Wirokino Road Board districts. The given rateable value of the county, including all Native and Crown lands, is £1,059,586, on which general rates are levied up to three-farthings in the £. Some fifty miles of main roads have been formed and metalled within the district. Loans to the amount of £18,747 have been obtained under the Local Bodies Loans Acts, and a further loan of £2000 has been obtained for completing the main road and erection of a bridge over the Tokomaru stream. The townships of Otaki, Manukau, Ohau, Levin, Shannon, and Tokomaru are within the county boundaries. The offices of the County Council have hitherto been located at Otaki; recently, however, an agitation has been set on foot to remove the headquarters to the township of Levin. The councillors for 1896 are: Messrs. J. Kebbell (chairman), G. H. Engels, F. W. Venn, J. Hurley, W. Tompsitt, T. Smith, J. Davies, H. J. Richards, and S. M. Sly; Mr. J. McCulloch being county clerk. A general election takes place for the County Council before the close of 1896.
Chairman of the Horowhenua County Council, in which body he represents the Riding of Tokomaru, where his principal property, the Mangore estate, adjoining the township of Shannon, is situated, was the pioneer settler of the Fitzherbert district, and represented that locality on the Munawatu Road Board, and the Oroua County Council previous to 1885. Mr. Engela was born in Holland in 1842, arriving in New Zealand per ship “Ravenscreig,” in 1864, landing in Nelson about the end of that year. He had a short experience at goldmining in Hokitika, and saw some military service during the Tarauaki troubles, before he came to Manawatu in November, 1866. He was the first to take up land in Fitzherbert, where he still resides at “Kahuterewa,” named after the stream running through the property. Mr. Engels was elected Chairman of the Council in November, 1890.
County Clerk, Returning Officer and Rate Collector, has for nearly ten years filled these responsible offices. Born in Larne, County Antrim, Ireland, in 1835, Mr. McCulloch came to New Zealand in 1856 after having had some years experience of a seafaring life. Spending a short time in Napier, he was appointed clerk of the Manawatu County, and resided in Foxton for nine years, receiving his present appointment in 1887. In 1873 Mr. McCulloch was married to a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Crowther, of Wainui-o-mata.
a wooden building, containing public lobby, post and telegraph office, and postmaster's residence, is situated on the road leading from the township to the Otaki Beach. It is over twenty-five years since a post-office was first established in Otaki. The office is connected by telephone with Manakau, Ohau, Levin, and Shannon, and two mails daily are received and despatched north and south. There is a postal delivery by letter carrier daily, receiving boxes being fixed at Mr. Dunn's chemist shop, on River Bank Road, and at the railway station.
the Postmaster, has been in charge of the district since May, 1894. Born in Surrey, England, in 1851, Mr. Clark came to the Colony by the ship “Mystery” eight years later, receiving his education in New Zealand Joining the post-office at Kaiapoi in 1871, as messenger, he has seen service in Wellington, Napier, Taupo, Waiuku, and at other places in the North Island, and at Rakaia in Canterbury. Mr. Clark was married in 1875 to a daughter of Mr. W. H. Barnard, of Carterton, and has four sons and two daughters.
on the Wellington Manawatu Company's line, is forty-seven miles from the Empire City, thirty-eight miles from Longburn, and forty-three miles from Palmerston North. The buildings, which are of wood, include stationmaster's and booking office, refreshment-room, ladies' waiting-room and ticket lobby: there is also a goods shed and engine house, the residence of the officer in charge being situated conventently near. Ten minutes are allowed passengers at Otaki to partake of refreshments.
the Stationmaster at Otaki, was born in 1857 in Tasmania, and came to New Zealand per ship “Titania” at the ago of six years. He was educated at Tokomairo (Milton) Grammar School, and on completion of his educational career entered the service of a local auctioneering firm, with whom he remained for seven years, gaining much valuable mercantile experience. Subsequently Mr. Ayre was accountant to Messrs. McKenzie and Co., of Balclutha, whom he left to join the Railway
a convenient wooder building—is situated in Mill Road. The old schoolhouse was destroyed by fire in 1894, the present building, which contains three rooms and has seating accommodation for 200–children, being erected soon afterwards. The Otaki School was established in 1878, the headmaster's residence being erected in Post-office Road four years later. There are 115 pupils on the school roll, the average attendance being under 100. One certificated and one pupil teacher find employment in addition to the headmaster.
who is in charge of the Otaki Public School, was born in 1848 in Aberdeen, and was educated at the Grammar School and the University in that place. Coming out to Melbourne in 1871, Mr. Yeats took up the profession of teaching. Six years later he crossed. over to New Zealand, and after about three years in a private school he secured employment in the public schools of the Colony. Mr. Yeats was successively at Kilinchy and Makikihi, in Canterbury, and at Tinui and Pahiatua, in the Wellington district, before being appointed to Otaki in January, 1890.
(Mrs. Frances Emma Jennings, principal), Otaki. This institution was established in the early days, shortly after the fine church was erected. It is endowed by a grant of 600 acres of fertile land, close to the township. The building contains eleven fine apartments, in addition to a very large schoolroom As many as one hundred boarders have been accommodated in past years. At the time of writing (July, 1896) there are forty pupils on the roll, the average attendance being twenty-eight. The principal, Mrs. Jennings, is unassisted. The college is inspected periodically by the Native School Inspector.
in Otaki was founded as a mission to the Maoris under the auspices of the Church Missionary Society of London in 1839 by the late Rev. Henry Williams, afterwards Archdeacon of Waimate. It is now nearly fifty years since the interesting old church, one of the sights of Otaki, was erected. At that time there were no roads and no means of transit other than that available by Maori labour. The roof of the building is supported by three solid totara trunks each about two feel thick and forty or fifty feet in height. It is a mystery how the natives succeeded in bringing these a distance of some twelve miles to the site of the building, and more wonderful still to imagine how they were placed in position. The walls of the Church are adorned with native mats alternating with fine stained slabs, each about thirty feet
the Clergyman in charge of the Maori Mission under the Church Missionary Society of England, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1842. Arriving in Wellington per ship “Agra” in 1853, Mr. McWilliam received instructions from Bishop Abraham, the first Bishop of Wellington, by whom he was ordained as deacon in 1867. Four years later the reverend gentleman was ordained priest by the now venerable Bishop Hadfield, whom he succeeded in the charge of the Maori Mission at Otaki. For some years before this Mr. McWilliam occupied the position of schoolmaster at the Native College, assisting meanwhile in the conduct of the Maori and European services in connection with the church. Mr. McWilliam was married in 1873 to Miss Emily Nevill, and has four surviving children—one son and three daughters.
Otaki. This Church was opened as a Maori mission in 1844 by Father Comte, who still lives at the ripe age of eighty-five. At present Father Melu is in charge, and is assisted by Father De Lach. In connection with the Church there are a convent and school, where standards from I. to VII. are taught, as well as needlework, music, and painting. In 1894 the jubilee of the Church was celebrated, when a large cross and a Maori house, with beautiful carvings, were erected to commemorate the event.
who is in charge of the Roman Catholic Presbytery at Otaki was born in 1855, and came to New Zealand in the beginning of 1884. He spent a short time at Jerusalem, on the Wanganui Rive, in missionary work among the Maoris, and was also in the Hawkee Bay district in the same cause for a brief period. Towards the end of 1885 he received the appointment at Otaki, which he still hold at above.
is situated on a corner section in River Bank Hoad. It is a wooden building consisting of church and vestry, the measurement being forty by twenty feet, and the seating accommodation for 120 people. The first services in connection with the Wesleyan Church were commenced by Mr. W. McCulloch—the present circuit steward—in March, 1887, and were held at the residence of the late Mr. F. H. Cockrell. In the following year, a home missionary was appointed to Otaki, but the first quarterly meeting was not held till October, 1889. The church was completed in April, 1891, at a cost, including the land, of £220. At the Conference of 1896, Otaki was constituted the head of a new circuit, to extend from Paraparaumu to Kereru, a distance of some forty miles.
the Wesleyan Minister in charge of the Otaki circuit, was born in Northumberland, England, and received his primary education in the “Old Land.” Arriving in Auckland in 1886 by the ship “Northumberland,” Mr. Dawson went through his college course of study in Dunedin, and at the Three Kings College, Auckland. He was accepted as a probationer at the Wesleyan Conference of 1894. During his first year, Mr. Dawson supplied for the Rev. Mr. Rishworth, of Richmond, Nelson, for eight months, and ministered at Feilding during the remainder of the year. In 1895 he was appointed to Inglewood, Taranaki, being transferred to the charge of Otaki circuit in April, 1896.
was established in 1891, the barracks being erected two years later.; The building, which is situated on Mill Road, measures fifty by twenty feet, and is seated for 150. There are over twenty soldiers and recruits, including Maoris, half-castes and Europeans. The officers in charge are Captain Maggie Wells and Lieutenuts Kate Gillies and Hera Stirling.
No. 72, N.Z.C., which was founded in 1891, has a membership of twenty-six. The officers (1896) are:— Messrs. W. H. Simcox (W.M.), J. W. Swainson (S.W.), C. W. Swabey (J.W.), and A. Clark (secretary).
No. 50, I.O.O.F. The members meet every alternate Wednesday. Mr. H. F. Eagar is secretary.
of which Mr. W. Lee is secretary, holds its meetings every alternate Wednesday.
which was founded in 1886, holds its annual meeting on St. Patrick's Day. The sports are well patronised, some 700 paying for admission at the gathering of 1896, when £70 was distributed in prizes. The—officers for the year named are: Messrs. W. H. Simcox, J.P. (president), G. McBeath (treasurer), and B. Brown (secretary).
whose officers for 1896 are:—Mesns. W. H. Simcox (patron), Ropata Te Ao (president), and H. F. Eagar (secretary), holds meetings on Queen's and Prince of Wales' Birthdays each year, the prize money in the spring and autumn of 1895–6 having been respectively £250 and £450, This Club boasts of having a record as regards the number of nominations for a hack race meeting in New Zealand, which totalled nearly 170. It also claims to have never made a loss at any meeting held. The racecourse was formed at a cost of £250, and £170 has since been spent on the stewards'
situated in Mill Road Otaki, which, according to native custom, bears a name—Raukawa—is a large building which displays a good deal of carving. It is used for tribal meetings, for the practice of the local Maori band and for entertaining native visitors, who use the building for sleeping and general purposes.
(Frederick Unwin, Henry A. Solomon, and Frank Peun, proprietors), Mill Road, Otaki. This journal, which was started about 1892, under the name of the West Coast Mail, was acquired in 1895 by the present firm, who have changed the name as above. The paper, which is issued on Tuesday and Friday every week, is of four pages of twenty-two inches deep containing each seven columns of thirteen “ems” wide. In polities, the Otaki Mail claims to be independent, local and general news being its special features, It has a considerable circulation in the Horowhenua county and on the West Coast generally, and it is not surprising that it should be well supported as an advertising medium. The proprietors have a first-class jobbing plant, and can undertake general commercial printing. The building occupied, which adjoins the Bank of Austrlasia, is a single-story wooden structure.
is a neat wooden building, which serves the purposes of the Native Lands Court, as well as of the civil and police sittings of the local court, under the visiting magistrate, Mr. R. L. Stanford, S.M., of Palmerston North, who holds a court for civil business twice a month. A large staff of Justices, residing within a radius of some nine miles, are available for the sittings of the Police Court, which are held as required.
the Police Constable in charge of the district, also acts as Clerk of the Court, and fills several other official positions. Born in Kerry, Ireland, in 1859, for a time he followed farming pursuits. Coming to Wellington some fifteen years ago, by the s.s. “Ionic,” on her first trip to the Colony, Mr. O'Rourke joined the Police Force under Inspector Shearman, and after about seven years service he was appointed to Otaki, where he has remained in charge, with the exception of a short term at Ross, Westland. Mr. O'Rourke is a married man, and has five children.
(Richard Clement Kirk, Edmond Tudor Atkinson and James Wilson), Barristers and Solicitors. Otaki branch, Mill Road, Otaki. Head office, Wellington. Mr. E. T. Atkinson, who resides at Rangiuru-by-the-sea, is the resident partner. Further particulars respecting this firm appear on pages 475–6.
M.D., F.C.S., D.P.H., Camb.), Otaki. Born at Arbroath, Scotland, in 1864, Dr. Mason studied
corner of Mill and River Bank Roads, Otaki, was opened as an agency in December, 1892, and as a branch in April, 1894. Prior to these dates, since about 1884, there had been a receiving house of the Bank, which was attended weekly. The single story wooden building now occupied was erected when the agency was opened. A receiving house at Levin is worked from the Otaki branch.
Manager of the Otaki Branch of the Bank of Australasia, was born near Belfast, Ireland. Educated at the Royal Academical Institute in Belfast, he came to Wellington per s.s. “Ruapehu” in 1886. He entered the service of the Bank as a junior in Napier soon after landing, and became teller at Palmerston North in 1888, being promoted to the position of agent at Otaki in 1892, and as manager two years later.
Auctioneer and Commission Agent, Mill Road, Otaki. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Jubilee Road. Mr. Brown established himself in this business in 1893, and is the only resident auctioneer in Otaki. His rooms, which are centrally situated, contain the usual assortment of goods ordinarily seen in auction rooms.
Licensed Native Interpreter, Mill Road, Otaki. Mr. Cook was born in Foxton, where his father, Mr. T. N. Cook, still resides. Educated at Mr. Finnimoor's School in Wellington, and at Foxton under the Rev. Mr. Duncan, the subject of this notice lived for some years at Waotu, where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits. Having diligently studied the Maori language, he passed the perscribed examinations in Wellington, and became enrolled as a licensed native interpreter in November, 1891, when he established himself in business in Otaki. Mr. Cook undertakes commissions for either Europeans or Maoris, and has already carried through many negotiations for the sale and lease of consider able areas of native land. He often has to travel in the interests of his clients, and has visited the Waikato on several occasions.
Licensed Native Interpreter and Licensed Native Agent, Jubilee Road, Otaki. Mr. Knocks is a son of the late Mr. J. A. Knocks—an old settler who arrived in Port Nicholson, per ship “Minerva,” in 1826, soon afterwards settling in Otaki. Born in the district in 1852, the subject of this sketch was educated in Wellington. After many years spent in farming pursuits, in the course of which he was brought into close contact with the Maoris, Mr. Knocks passed the prescribed examinations as a native interpreter, obtaining his license in 1890, when he established himself in business. Two years later he became a licensed native agent. Mr. Knocks takes a prominent part as an interpreter and native agent in Otaki, acting for Europeans and Maoris. He has already had a great many transactions touching the sale or lease or native lands. His residence on Jubilee Road is picturesquely situated on the borders of a pretty bush, part of which is on the twenty acres Mr. Knocks owns and farms. He has served as a member of the Otaki Road Board for two years, for the latter half of which he occupied the position of chairman.
J.P., Authorised Surveyor, Otaki. This gentleman, who is well known throughout New Zealand, was born in 1846 in Nelson, and educated at the local college He qualified as a surveyor under the Wellington Provincial Government, and has worked for many years as a trigonometrical surveyor in various parts of the Colony. He has also been engaged in the survey of many of the townships in the Provincial District of Wellington.
Bennett, Francis, J.P., Surveyor, Otaki.
(John Benjamin Gordon, George Gordon, and Thomas Gordon), Carpenters and Builders, River Bank Road, Otaki. Mr. John Gordon, the founder of the firm, has resided in Otaki for over forty years, many of the public and private buildings having been erected by him. Born near Chester, England, he came to Auckland in 1852 per ship “Cashmere,” and two years later settled in the district.
Warn, William John, Carpenter, Builder, and Undertaker, Mill Road, Otaki. Established 1889.
Coachbuilder, Wheelwright, and General Blacksmith, Otaki Coach Factory, Otaki. Mr. Freeman was born in Norwich, England, and served his apprenticeship in
(Alexander Thompson and Alfred Maurice Lewis), Aerated Water, Cordial, and Golden Ale Manufacturers, Otaki Branch, off Mill Road. (H. Knox, manager). District head office and factory, the Crystal Springs Mineral Water Works, corner of Lorne and Argyle Streets, Wellington, with factories at Dunedin and at Wanganui. The Otaki branch of this large business was established in 1893: the works are situated in a building of wood and iron, containing about 2000 square feet of floorage space. A three-horse-power steam-engine drives the machinery, which is of latest pattern, several hands being employed in the business.
Manager of Messrs. Thompson, Lewis and Co.'s Otaki Factory, was born in Kent, England, and arrived in New Zealand, per ship “Zealandia,” in 1871. For three years he was employed in the large confectionery works of Mr. R. R. Murray in Dunedin, gaining a thorough knowledge of the various departments of the business. Mr. Knox was appointed manager of the Otaki Cordial Factory on its establishment in 1893.
(Hakaraia Te Whena, proprietor), Mill Road, Otaki. This hotel, which is of modern construction, was built in 1893. There are seventeen rooms in this house without the bar, five being sitting-rooms, one of which is specially-set apart as a ladies' private sitting-room. There is a balcony, which adds greatly to the appearance of the hostelry. A large dining-room, as well as a billiard-room with a full size table, deserve special mention. Stables, which consist of six loose-boxes and eight stalls, are situated at the rear. Mr. Hakaraia Te Whena, who was born in Otaki in 1852, was brought up as a farmer. He is a member of the Foresters' Order and holds the office of judge of the Otaki Maori Racing Club events. He is popular among those he comes in touch with in the district.
(J. E. McDermott, proprietor), Mill Road, Otaki. This fine hostelry was established in 1883, the present landlord having acquired the premises early in 1896 Situated in the centre of the township, the Family Hotel is a prominent object. The house contains twenty-eight rooms, all told, including nineteen bedrooms, which are completely furnished, five sitting-rooms, two of which are set apart for the use of ladies and families. There are two dining-rooms, which together afford seating accommodation for fifty guests. The building, which is constructed of wood, is a handsome two-story structure, finished in excellent style Each bedroom is supplied with a strong rope as a means of escape in the event of fire; and, in addition to this precaution, a wooden staircase outside the building affords a means of exit from the upper floor to the ground. There is a fine piano in one of the sitting-rooms upstairs, and another is placed in one of the parlours below. For travellers there is a good commercial-room and a large sample-room. At the back of the hotel there are large stables, comprising ten stalls and nine loose-boxes. These have been specially constructed for the use of the racing fraternity, who frequent this house in large numbers at the time of the several race meetings. Mr. McDermott, the host, was born in Wellington, and after some years, during which he was engaged in farming pursuits, he settled in Halcombe, where he was a wood merchant for about ten years before taking up his abode in Otaki.
(George McBeath, proprietor), Jubilee Road, Otaki. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established in 1890 by the late Mr. James Thomas, whose widow Mr. McBeath married in 1894. the Jubilee Hotel is the leading hostelry in the district. Erected on a freehold section of five acres, it is a two-story wooden building having a verandah and balcony, containing fifteen bedrooms, six sitting-rooms, commercial-room, and a good dining-room that will seat thirty guests. The stabling accommodation comprises four stalls and eight loose-boxes, with two good paddocks adjoining. There are also two large tennis courts, which are leased to the local tennis club. The Otaki Club has for four years past had its club-room in the Jubilee Hotel. As the conveniences were inadequate, the proprietor has recently erected a handsome two-story club-house with balcony and verandah. This fine building, which is detached, will provide a club-room nineteen feet by twenty-four and a billiard-room twenty-four feet square. These rooms, which are situated on the ground floor, are furnished as elegantly as the best city club rooms. The building is leased to the Otaki Club. The Masonic Hall upstairs, which is thirty-four by twenty-four feet, and is provided with a separate entrance, is sub-let to the local Lodge. The genial host is to be congratulated on the finish and appointments of the new building. Born in the Orkney Islands in 1834, Mr. McBeath came to the colonies in 1852, and had many years experience on the Victorian, New South Wales, Otago, and West Coast goldfields. On leaving Notown and Nelson Creek, in Westland, Mr. McBeath was the recipient of illuminated addresses testifying to his zeal in public matters. Before becoming licensee of the Jubilee Hotel, Mr. McBeath had the Telegraph Hotel, and afterwards the Family Hotel in Otaki.
Railway Hotel (D. Quill, proprietor), Otaki. Established 1892.
Telegraph Hotel (H. W. Sharp, proprietor), corner of Mill and Post Office Roads, Otaki. Established 1875
Farrier and General Blacksmith, near Railway Hotel and Railway Station, Otaki. This business was established early in 1896 by the present owner, who served his apprenticeship with Mr. W. T. Wood, blacksmith, of Palmerston North. Completing his term in 1893, Mr. Giles continued in the same establishment, gaining valuable experience, until deciding to commence on his own account in Otaki. His smithy, one of the finest in the district, is equipped with all the latest appliances. Mr. Giles is an expert tradesman, and bestows personal attention on the conduct of his business. He has already considerably extended his trade, having established a branch shop at Te Horo, where he attends one day in each week.
Farrier and General Blacksmith, Otaki. Mr. Lorigan was born in Hawkes Bay, served his apprenticeship with Mr. Lawton, of Taradale, and was for ten years in business on his own account in Napier. The present business was established in 1888. The wood and iron building occupied contains 500 square feet of floorage space.
Mason, H. A., Plumber, Mill Road, Otaki. Established 1896.
Williams, Charles Henry, Plumber and Tinsmith, Mill Road, Otaki. Private residence, River Bank Road.
Boot and Shoemaker, Otaki. Mr. McCleland was born in Gu
Saddle and Harness Manufacturer, Mill Road, Otaki. Established 1881. The subject of this sketch is a native of Stanley, England, and served his apprenticeship to the trade with Mr. Dickson, of North Froningham, near Driffield, England. After acquiring the highest skill in his trade, he sailed for New Zealand in the ship “Bombay,” under the command of Captain Nuller, and arrived in New Zealand in 1861, and was at once so favourably impressed with the Colony that he determined to make it his home. Some time after he proceeded to Auckland, and readily secured an engagement with Mr. Crowther, then the leading livery stable proprietor (who has since retired from that busines, and undertaken the more honourable occupation of representing that district in the House of Representatives). During the seven years' engagement with Mr. Crowther, Mr. Pepper held the highest position of trust and esteem, and whilst there had the honour of preparing the horses and vehicles for the reception of H.R.H. the Duke of Edinburgh on his visit to this Colony. The excellence of Mr. Pepper's workmanship has made such a reputation for him that he has repeatedly had to decline very remunerative engagements with leading manufacturers in this Colony. He conducted for some considerable time businesses at Lyttelton, the West Coast, Palmerston, and Foxton, finally establishing the first saddlery business in Otaki. Mr. Pepper has not confined his efforts to this business only, but, colonist-like, has put in considerable time on the goldfields—the West Coast and the Thames. It was while on the latter field that he held a full share in the “John Buck” mine at Tararu Creek, which has made its name notorious in the history of the Colony, but, unfortunately for him, he sold out his interest before its success was assured. Taking all things into consideration, Mr. Pepper has been a good colonist, and is now doing a fair business a the trade in which he excels, and which is not confined to the town, but extends to the surrounding districts. Mail contractors, such as Messrs. Young, McCarrow, A. Hall, and others have sent work to Mr Pepper as far as 100 miles.
(Herbert Parks Swainson and William John Mason), Wool Scourers, Fellmongers and Wool Buyers, Otaki. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This business, which was established by Mr. Walter Stackwood in September, 1894, was conducted under the style of Stackwood and Mason till July, 1895, when Mr. Swainson bought the founder's interest. Mr. Mason was born in London, and came to the colonies per R.M.S. “Ballarat” in 1891. He was a cadet for three years, and obtained a good general knowledge of station life, joining Mr. Stack wood in the fellmongery and wool scouring business shortly after its establishment. The firm have erected large buildings of wood and iron, which afford a total floorage space of over 2000 feet. An eight-horse power steam-engine is used on the works for driving the machinery. A fine Californian pump is utilised to supply the large quantity of water that is used on the premises. A powerful woods-press of the latest design is also brought frequently into requisition. Messrs. Swainson and Mason employ a competent staff of workmen to assist in the business, and one of the best known experts in wool-classing has been retained by the firm, and is permanently engaged on the works. The produce of the establishment is about thirty bales per month, which is exported to the markets of the Old World. The firm make a speciality of the fellmongering branch of the business, and intend at an early date to erect a complete boiling-down plaut. Their trade mark is the letters “S” and, “M.”
Neary, William, Saddler and Harness Maker. Mill Road, Otaki. Estab. 1895. Wright William. Boot and Shoemaker, Mill Road, Otaki. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1889.
Butcher and Farmer, corner of Mill and Post-office Roads, Otaki. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. In 1877 Mr. W. Bell established this butchery, which does the leading business in the district, Mr. Ryder having acquired the business some nine years ago. About four bullocks and thirty sheep are killed weekly at the slaughter-yards on Mr. Ryder's farm. Meat is delivered daily from Ohau to Waikanae. Mr. Ryder, who is a self-made man, was born in Nelson, being brought up.
Chorley, Alfred, Butcher, Post Office Road, Otaki, Established 1827.
General Storekeeper, corner of Jubilee and River Bank Roads, Otaki. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This business, which was established in 1893, is conducted in a convenient wooden building of one story in height, which comprises a large shop and a commodious dwelling. The departments of the trade include drapery, grocery, ironmongery, crockery, and boots and shoes, in all of which lines an up-to-date stock is kept. Mr. Brown is an experienced buyer, and draws his main supplies from local markets, importing occasionally as opportunity offers. Born in Perthshire, Scotland, he was brought up to the engineering trade, and came out to the Colony in 1875 under engagement to the Napier Gas Company. Arriving by ship “City of Cashmere” in Dunedin, he at once went to Napier to take up his duties. Before leaving the Company about four years after, Mr. Brown had the satisfaction of completing the erection of the plant, which he left in good working order. For fourteen years subsequently he was in business in Wairoa, first in the blacksmith and engineering trade, and afterwards as a storekeeper. During his residence in that district he was a member of the Wairoa Town Board, and of the Wairoa Harbour Board.
General Storekeeper, Mill Road, Otaki. This business, which was established about 1876, was acquired by the late Mr. Cockrell seven years later. The original store was destroyed by fire in 1885, the present commodious premises being erected soon afterwards. Mrs. Cockrell, widow of the late proprietor, conducts the business, which extends over a wide area.
Warehouseman and General Storekeeper, the Manawatu Cash Store, Mill Road, Otaki. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. P.O. Box 18. This business, which was founded in 1882, was acquired by the present owner in 1894. 'Mr. Greenlees keeps a good general stock of drapery, grocery, ironmongery, crockery, and boots and shoes, and does a considerable business.
Roxburgh and Bills (William Roxburgh and Fredreck A. Bills), Storekeepers and Traders, Otaki.
Coach Proprietor, River Bank Road, Otaki. Established in 1886, this business was acquired by the present proprietor in 1893, three coaches and twenty horses being employed. The coaches ply regularly between the Railway Station and the township, all trains being punctually met. Mr. Knocks makes a specialty of catering for the requirements of picnic, wedding, and other parties. Born in Waikanae in 1860, Mr. Knocks, who is a brother of Mr. A. Knocks, the native interpreter, spent some years as a settler before taking up the coaching trade.
Bell, Charles, Livery Stable and Coach Proprietor, behind Telegraph Hotel, Otaki.
Webber, John. Coach and Livery Stable Proprietor, Family Hotel Stables, Mill Road, Otaki.
Sawmillers, Hautere, near Otaki. Mr. W. H. Scott, manager. This firm's principal mill is situated at
Manager of Messrs. Prouse Bros'. branch mill at Hautere, near Otaki, was born in 1861, at Richmond, Nelson, where he was educated. He learned his trade with Mr. W. T. Good, builder, of Nelson, and was afterwards in the employ of Mr. Andrew Brown of the same place. During the time that the Nelson Cathedral was lighted by electricity, Mr. Scott was in charge of the plant. As foreman and engineer of the antimony mines in the sounds, he served for nearly seven years. He then accepted an important position at one of the mills of the Hawkes Bay Timber Company. Messrs. Prouse Bros, entrusted the erection of their Hautere mill to Mr. Scott, and it is worthy of remark that in less than five weeks the plant was in full swing. Mr. Scott has served in the Volunteers, in which he was most enthusiastic.
Dann, Alfred Sutton, Chemist and Druggist, River Bank Road, Otaki. Banker Bank of Australasia. Established 1892
Frost, Arthur, Baker and Confectioner, Mill Road, Otaki.
Morris, Thomas, Fruiterer and Confectioner, Mill Road, Otaki.
Robinson, John, Baker and Confectioner, Mill Road, Otaki. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1892.
Neary, Mills M. A., Dress and Mantle Maker, Mill Road, Otaki.
Walkley, Herbert, General Draper, River Bank Road, Otaki. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Establised 1892
Roxboroug, Alian, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Otaki.
Whiteborn, Arthur Goodwin. Brick Manufacturer. Taken over by present proprietor in July, 1896, from Mr. W. F. Eagle who established the business in 1894.
Moller, C. F., Watchmaker, River Bank Road, Otaki. Established 1896.
Farmer, Otaki. The second son of the late Mr. W. Bills, and brother of Mrs. Bright, of Otaki, the subject of this notice was born in 1849 in Wellington, where he was educated. Apprenticed as a carpenter, he afterwards conducted the Paikakariki Hotel for some years, and was subsequently a storekeeper at Pahautanui, and later at Otaki. When Mr. Bills purchased his farm on the banks of the Otaki River it was all bush. Now, however, it is in good heart, and easily supports about thirty milch cows and bears other stock. Mr. Bills served for some years as a member of the Horowhenua County Council and Otaki Road Board, from which he resigned for business reason. As a member of the craft he is attached to Otaki Lodge, No. 72, N.Z.C., and is now the treasurer, and as an Oddfellow he has passed through all the chairs. Mr. Bills is fond of racing, and often keeps horses, having been fairly successful in the sport. He has been prominent in such matters in the district, and was a member of the late Horowhenua Racing Club. In 1872 Mr. Bills was married to a daughter of the late Mr. A. Dowsett, of Wellington, and has two adopted children.
Settler, Otaki. This old colonist was born in 1833 in Essex, England, where he was educated. For several years he was engaged in the butchering made in London before coming to Wellington, per ship “Indian Queen,” in 1857. After working three years at his trade, including some time on the Collingwood diggings, Mr. Bright entered into business in the Empire City as a pork butcher. In 1863 he started a trade in live stock with Otago, and afterwards undertook stock buying on the West Coast of the North Island for Mr. J. Gear. Subsequently he lived for several years as a settler at Paikakariki, where he kept an accommodation house, and at Pukerua, where he worked a farm. In 1875 Mr. Bright removed to Otaki, where he took the Telegraph Hotel, after conducting which for three years he again went on to his farm. The Family Hotel — one of the most prominent buildings in Otaki — was erected by Mr. Bright in 1881, and conducted by him for six years. For nearly ten years he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits — his holdings consisting of about 1000 acres in the district and some 300 acres at Pukerua. His residence is a fine two-story villa near the railway station, known as Kaingariki. In 1863 Mr. Bright was married to the eldest daughter of Mr. F. W. Bills, and has three daughters and two sons. As an Oddfellow, Mr. Bright has been a member of the Antipodean Lodge, Wellington, for thirty, five years.
(better known as D'Ath), Sheep-farmer, Otaki. Mr. Death was born on the parish of Drinkstone. Suffolk, England, and arrived in New Zealand on January 20th, 1862, by the ship “Wild Duck,” under Captain Bishop. To gain farming experience he accepted an engagement at Waiwetu, near Lowry Bay, and two years later, in conjunction with his brother, bought out his employer's stock and goodwill. Four years after this his brother took up land on his own account in the Hutt district, where he is still located. Mr. J. Death, after two years more, went to Otaki with 800 sheep. Here he leased land, which he subsequently purchased, and from time to time added to his estate as his flocks increased. His sheep now number about 5000, mostly descended from
Settler, Otaki. Mr. Eagle was born in London, and came out to New Zealand per ship “Gleaner” in 1871. In his earlier days he was engaged in farming pursuits. For some eight or nine years he resided in the Wairarapa district, where he was well known. He subsequently removed to Karori, and from thence to Ohariu, where he remained till 1882, when he removed to the Otaki district. Mr. Eagle has thirty-five acres of freehold land, besides ten acres of leasehold. After living for twelve years in Otaki. he decided to establish himself in business as a brick manufacturer. He undertook the trade without previous knowledge or experience. His extensive and varied career in the Colony had been the means of developing the practical side of his nature, and being very determined to succeed in all he undertook, he despised all difficulties, and surmounted them one by one. At first Mr. Eagle made bricks by hand, which were usually called “stop-made bricks.” Such, however, was his success, that he decided to import suitable plant to provide for the manufacture of large quantities of superior bricks. In 1894 he imported a fine steam-engine of eleven-horse-power, which was set up by himself, and worked perfectly. In the same year Mr. Eagle procured a brick-making machine, capable of turning out 3000 bricks per day of eight hours. This, together with circular saw and other plant, was fitted up by the energetic proprietor in first-rate style. After working this business for some time with great success, Mr. Eagle sold out, and is now located in the district as above.
Settler, Otaki. Born in Queensberry, Isle of Sheppey, Kent, in 1815, Mr. Jenkins was apprenticed at the age of nine to a smack called “Betsy,” on which he remained six years. In 1834 he came to Hobart on a mission voyage in the “Henry Fielding,” which vessel shortly afterwards visited New Zealand. For about forty-five years Mr. Jenkins was engaged in the whaling trade on the New Zealand coast, and the bones of the last whale killed by him are in the Colonial Museum at Wellington.
Sheepfarmer and Stock Producer, Otaki. Mr. Swainson's parents arrived in Port Nicholson in the early days of settlement in New Zealand, and because settlers in the Hutt Valley, where the subject of this notice was born. Mr. Swainson established himself in 1888, on the fine farm of 2000 acres now occupied, since which time he has effected many improvements. It is known as one of the leading stock and sheep stations of the district. Mr. Swainson is well known as an energetic settler who has been prominent in furthering the advancement of the Otaki district by improving his own holding, as well as by taking part in public matters as a citizen.
Sheepfarmer, Otaki. Born in Otaki in 1864, Mr. Tewhiwhi is a son of Parawhanake. his grand-father being a man of great renown among the natives of the West Coast. According to tradition among the people at Otkai, Martin's great grandfather came from Kawhia, and fought with and conquered the natives on this coast. He died in Otaki a very old man, and had the largest “tangi” of any yet held in that part. In 1874 Mr. Tewhiwhi married Miss M. Johns, of Little River, Canterbury, and has one child. Although he comes from such a warlike people, neither he nor his father have shown any military ability. In fact, his father used his influence and time to make peace between the English and native races. He owns land in Kapiti and on the West Coast, and at the present time has nearly 3000 sheep on Kapiti.
is fifty-two miles from Wellington on the Wellington-Manawatu railway line. Although the township itself is small, there is yet a busy appearance about it, and the streets and by-ways are clean and well laid out. A mile or so out of the village, to the eastward, some noble-looking terraces and well-grassed haunch-backed hills lend a picturesqueness to the country. The settlers have all carved their now richly-grassed lands out of the forest, and are well-to-do, a characteristic which may be said to be general of the industrious farmer all through the Manawatu.
Manukau has four divisions, and at the taking of last census contained 336 souls, divided as under:—Manukau Village, 149; Manukau Road, 101; North Manukau Road, 43; South Manukau Road, 43. It is 97ft above sea-level, and situate in the Otaki Riding of the Horowhenua County.
Mails for Manukau close daily at Wellington at 6 a.m., arriving at Manukau at 9.30 a.m. Mails close at Manukau for Wellington daily at 8.15 a.m., arriving in Wellington at 1 p.m.
—a building of two fair-sized rooms, with master's residence and spacious playground attached—has a roll number of eighty-three with an average attendance of fifty-nine scholars. The teaching staff consists of headmaster, Mr. W. Foster, assistant master, Mr. Farmer, and pupil teacher, Mr. Bennett.
Headmaster of the Manakau Public School, who is an under-graduate of the New Zealand University, was appointed to the position in October, 1896. He was born in 1866 in Christchurch, where he was educated, and after a term as a pupil teacher at East Christchurch School he gained his D1 certificate in 1883. After five years at Leithfield School, he spent four years as first assistant at Campbell Street School, Palmerston North, being appointed headmaster at Paraparaumu School in 1892. Mr. Foster was married in 1891 to a daughter of Mr. J. B. Banks, of Christchurch, and has two sons.
Civil Engineer and Anthorised and Licensed Surveyor, Manakau. Mr. Carkeek, a son of the late Mr. Stephen Carkeek, was born at Nelson in 1843 where he was educated. He took part in several encounters with the natives at Tokaanu, Puriri, and Taupo, and was present when the last prisoners were taken in 1870. He was at that time awarded the Victoria Cross, being the third man in New Zealand to gain that honour. In his younger days he was an enthusiast in boat racing. An old cricketer, he still umpires for his district in county matches. For three consecutive years he was the winner of the county shield presented by Mr. Wilson, ex-M.H.R. Mr. Carkeek has been employed on the Provincial and General Government staff for some years past. He is well known as a thoroughly competent and reliable engineer, and has passed many examinations, including those authorising him to act in the capacity of a fully qualified surveyor.
Coachbuilder, Blacksmith, and Wheelwright, Manakau Coach Factory, Manakau. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This thriving industry was founded by the energetic proprietor in 1894. The factory building is a structure of wood and iron, of one story in height, affording ample space for the conduct of a large trade. It is fitted up with all necessary machinery for the business. Mr. Anderson's customers reside in all parts of the district, many of them travelling long distances to secure his services. Born in Denmark, Mr Anderson was apprenticed to the business near his native town, where he soon became a skilful workman. In 1874 he came to the Colony, per ship “Loch Aird,” landing at Auckland, where he readily seemed employment at Messrs. Fraser and Tinney's Foundry. Subsequently he removed to Wellington, and was for some time employed at the leading coach factory. About 1880 he started in business at the Lower Hutt, and continued for about three years, when he removed to the Manawatu district. For five years he worked a sawmill in Manakau, which he eventually sold and commenced the present line. An eight-horse-power engine has recently been added to his workshop. Mr. Anderson, who is an enterprising settler, has been able to find time to assist in local matters, having served as a member of one of the school committees.
(William Tompsitt, proprietor) Manakau. This fine hostelry was established in 1890. It is a handsome two-story wooden structure, and contains in all twenty-nine rooms. On the ground floor will be found a convenient dining-room, well appointed in every respect; there are also sitting-rooms and parlours. The excellent bedrooms, for which Tompsitt's Family Hotel is noted, are situated on the first floor. Behind the hotel are splendid stables. A full staff of servants will at all times endeavour to make travellers and visitors comfortable during their stay at the hotel. Mr. Tompsitt, the popular host, is well and favourably known in the Colony, and particularly through the Manawatu district. He is colonial, having been born in Melbourne. At the time of the West Coast rush he crossed over the Tasman Sea, arriving in Hokitika in 1866. After some years of experience in the Colony, Mr. Tompsitt established himself as a storekeeper in Otaki, and subsequently founded the first business in Manakau. He has for years been a farmer and grazier in the district, and has been successful in the rearing of thoroughbred stock. In racing he has long taken keen interest, and has attained celebrity as a handicapper. Mr. Tompsitt has also taken a lively part in shooting competitions. As a public man he has served the ratepayers for six years as a member of the Otaki Highway Board, of which he was for some time chairman. For five years he was a member of the Horowhenua County Council, and at different times he has been elected a member of school committees. Mr. Tompsitt has been most active in procuring the formation of roads in the township.
Bootmaker, Manakau. This business was established in 1888 by Mr. Smith, who came to the Colony fourteen years previously. He has had forty years' experience in the trade, and was manager for Messrs. Ashton and Jacobs and Mr. Pallant in Wellington, Mr. Smith was also for some time with Messrs. W. and J. Staples and Co., whom he left to commence business on his own account at Manakau. He keeps a small but well-assorted
General Storekeeper, Post Office Store, Manakau. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Adam's parents arrived in the early days of colonization and settled first in Nelson and afterwards in Blenheim, where the subject of this notice was born. When quite young he gained his knowledge of the general storekeeping trade, and made such progress that he was early employed as a traveller. He had great success in his efforts to extend his employer's trade. Subsequently Mr. Adams was for three years in business with a partner at Spring Creek, Marlborough. He took over the Post Office Store in 1893, and is prominent as a business man. Mr. Adams has come to the conclusion that nothing short of hard work and persistent perseverance can ensure success, and in this opinion many will agree. Besides conducting a rapidly expanding trade, Mr. Adams is post master and telephonist.
Houghton, R. P., Storekeeper, Manakau. Established 1888.
Morris, Joseph, Storekeeper, Cash Store, Manakau. Established by present proprietor in 1892.
Smith, Christopher Richard, General Storekeeper, Manakau Established by present proprietor in 1894.
(Charles Gardner, David Brown and John Tuck), Sawmillers, Manakau, and also Eketahuna. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Founded in 1892, the business of this firm has rapidly extended. They are now owners of two mills, and have a part interest in
Farmer, Manakau. This gentleman, who is described as the oldest settler in the district, was born in Yardington, Shropshire, in 1840, and was brought to New Zealand by the “Lady Nugent” in 1841. He had the misfortune to lose his mother on the voyage out. His father was induced to come to the Colony by the glowing accounts given from time to time of the bright future that awaited those who would throw in their lot with the Now Zealand Company. Mr. Bevan, senr., paid the Company for 500 acres of land, which was to be their future home, only to find on his arrival that the land was in the possession of the natives. Mr. Bevan was a ropemaker by trade, and, bringing a plant from England. he established himself in Te Aro. In 1842, however, the trouble with the Maoris cut off the supply of flax, and in the following year he removed to Waikanae, where he again set up his ropewalk. In 1845 his children, who had been left in Wellington, were brought up the coast by a Maori, whom Mr. Bevan had engaged for the purpose. After the death of his father the subject of this sketch carried on the business till 1881, and took many prizes at Dunedin, Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Vienna. Mr. Bevan has a fine freehold section of excellent land, on which is erected a substantial homestead overlooking the township of Manakau, which he has made his home for the last fifteen years. A garden and orchard occupy a few acres round the house. Mr. Bevan has a large family, of whom three are married and settled in the district. Very interesting accounts of the early days of settlement are given by Mr. Bevan.
some four miles north of Manukau, affords food for author and artist and pleasure for the tourist, for here is variety in open glade and forest land, hill and dell, and lake and river scenery, the last being unsurpassed for the beauty of its blue pellucid waters, its lordly islets, and superbly forest-clad hills, sloping down to the margin of the waters on Sir Walter Buller's lake. The writer spent a day paddling over its sheeted surface in an historical war canoe, bearing time-honoured gashes and dents of the bloody massacre on the island of Papaitonga in 1824, in which the victorious Ngatiraukawas, under the leadership of the dreaded Ti Tiki, did to death over 800 of the warlike Mahopokos. On the south-west headland of Papaitonga stands a wondrous monument commemorative of the spot where the last remnant of a once powerful tribe fell. It is about thirty feet high, made of totara wood, cunningly carved by order of a great Rangitira of the Wanganuis, and erected there by the hospitable knight, who owns both
Mails close daily at Wellington at 6 a.m., arriving at Ohau at 9.40 a.m. Mails close daily at Ohau for Wellington at 9.30 a.m., arriving at 10.5 p.m.
Contractor, Cuckoo Road, Ohau. Born in Heligoland in 1846, from his early life Mr. Hobson followed a sea-faring life. At sixteen he ran away from his ship and joined another vessel, and continued at sea till twenty-nine years of age, trading between San Francisco, Glasgow and South Shields. Mr. Hobson was then smitten with the gold fever, and successfully spent some time on the Californian diggings. He afterwards shipped as mate on a brig bound for Melbourne, and was present at the first rush in the Long Plain diggings in Tasmania, and at the Bendigo, Ballarat, Kimberley, Manning and Collingwood diggings in Australia. Subsequently, with the aid of two of his fellows, he opened the famous Cornstalk claim, and was on the Blue Range diggings in 1866. He finally settled in New Zealand, and went to the Balclutha goldfields for two years. At the time of writing (1896), Mr. Hobson is employed in contracting for Mr. W. Gillett, Ohau.
Sawmiller, Ohau Sawmills, Ohau, near Manakau. Telegraphic address, “Lawrence, Manakau, Manawatu.” Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established as a sawmiller thirty years ago, Mr. Lawrence claims to be the oldest still actively engaged in the work in the Wellington Provincial District. He also lays claim to having been the first pioneer in the sawmilling industry in Queen Charlotte Sound, as he cut the first timber, for which a circular saw was used, in August, 1861 Mr. Lawerence started as circular benchman at the Upper Hutt in February, 1859, continuing as such till 1865, when he started the Mungaroa Mill, near the Upper Hutt, which he conducted for many years. Subsequently for twelve years no carried on business in the Wairarapa, and for about three years afterwards was at Pakaratahi, near Kaitoke, before starting the Ohau mills in 1893. The Ohau mill is modern in every respect, all the latest appliances being included, such as breaking-down, frame, and circular saws. A fine steam-engine of eight-horse-power was specially imported by Mr. Lawrence for the mill. A staff of about a dozen hands is employed, the product of the works being very considerable. The specialty is red pine, which finds a ready market in and near the Empire City. The subject of this notice was born in London, and came to New Zealand in 1857, per ship “Southern Cross,” landing in Wellington.
Saint, H., Butcher, Ohau.
Settler, Ohau. Born in 1860 in Makara, Wellington, where he was educated, at thirteen years of age, Mr. McLeavey went to Rangitikei to gain experience in sheep and cattle breeding. Remaining for nine years, he went to Otaihanga, where he remained three years. For four years subsequently he was manager of Messrs. Pascoe Bros'. station at Kereru. Settling in Ohau he leased 400 acres from Sir Walter Buller, which he now farms, having excellent pasturage for 1600 sheep and fifty head of cattle, the homestead being a comfortable eight-roomed house. In 1890 Mr. McLeavey was married to Miss Murphy, of County Kerry, Ireland, and has two sons and a daughter.
At an elevation of 119 feet above sea level, and fifty-nine miles north of the Empire City in the Wirokino Riding of the County of Horowhenua, stands the picturesque and thriving town of
At the town the accommodation is capital, either at the Levin or at the Wereroa Hotel, where special care is taken of the tourist. There is a post and telegraph office, and the Banks of New Zealand and Australasia open twice a week for business. Levin has also two churches, a State school, a newspaper and a creamery, which buys up all the milk of the dairy farms. The industries are sheep and dairy farming and agriculture; sawmilling is also carried on very largely, Messrs. Bartholomew's mill
One of the many praise-worthy efforts which have been made by the Liberal Government of the last six years to put the unemployed in the way of earning a living, is the State Farm at Levin, on the Wellington-Manawatu Railway, about sixty miles from Wellington. This settlement was established in 1894, during the Hon. W. P. Reeves's occupancy of the office of Minister of Labour. The aim was not only to provide temporary shelter and labour for the unemployed until they were able to obtain work, but also to teach those of them who were unused to rural occupations how to use spade and axe and pick and shovel, and to do the ordinary work of a farm—in short, to fit them to earn a living for themselves and their families in the country. The laud selected for the purpose of this scheme is about a mile-and-a-half from the Levin Railway Station, towards the sea, and formed part of the notorious Horowhenua block. The area between the railway and the farm is occupied by a flourishing village settlement. The State Farm consists of a rectangular block, 800 acres in extent. A narrow strip of about thirty acres fronting the beach road, is stony soil, the rest is bush land, which, when the block was purchased by the Government, was heavily timbered. The work of cultivating the clear land and clearing the bush land began little more than two years ago. It was done under the co-operative system—men forming themselves into small parties, and being allotted sections of the bush to fell at prices which varied according to the nature of the work. About 550 acres have been felled and burned off. The land is excellently grassed, providing pasturage for large herds of cattle, and ten acres at the lower end of the block have been cleared and planted as an orchard. A main road has been formed longitudinally through the middle of the block, and midway a crossroad has been laid off, and will be formed as opportunity offers. The block thus consists of forty acres laid in crop, ten acres orchard, 550 acres felled bush in course of burning, and 200 acres standing bush. The bush is being cleared a chain wide back from the road, and the remainder will give labour as required, from time to time. The suitable timber is contracted for by the owner of the adjacent saw-mill, who pays royalty, thus helping the revenue. Shelter belts of ash, larch, beech, and walnut trees have been planted, and are coming along splendidly, and will some day be a source of profit to the farm. The buildings on the farm are mostly situated near the front of the block, being erected on the stony land before mentioned so as to be out of danger of bush fires. The first dwellings built were small and very plainly constructed, and were situated along the verge of the bush, near enough to be sheltered, and far enough to be out of danger from fire. They were mostly two-roomed cottages, and each had a plot of ground for a garden. Some of these gardens are very nicely kept and well stocked with vegetables, fruit bushes, and flowers, all of which grow luxuriantly. Poultry and ducks are also kept by the residents, not forgetting the ever-useful “Dennis.” The more recently erected buildings include a substantial structure, comprising a stable with four double stalls, harness-room and granary. This is built in an enclosed yard, in which are also sheds for implements and vehicles, the location being near the entrance to the farm. The manager's house is a plain verandah cottage of four rooms, with requisite outbuildings, including a small detached office. The house is so situated as to command a view of the whole of this part of the farm. A small garden is attached, in which the meteorological registering instruments are placed. Some extraordinary calculations have been published as to the cost of these instruments to the farm, and the time required to record the observations. Actually, the whole outfit is one of those established in various parts of the country by the Meteorological Department, for the purpose of obtaining reliable data, and the cost to the farm was the value of a few feet of 3 x 2 timber as stays and a few nails, and the time occupied is about two minutes at nine o'clock each morning. Several chains to the rear of the manager's house are the cow-yards, milking shed, and dairy. The yards will be shingled as opportunity offers, only the part near the entrance to and exit from the shed being so treated. The shed has stalls for twenty cows, which are bailed up and released by an ingenious contrivance acting from behind the animal. The floor is cemented, sloping towards a drain, so that it can be flushed out with water daily. The drainage flows into a tank a sufficient distance away, and, peat not being available, saw-dust is used as an absorbent, and the manure thus formed is removed and used on the farm. The dairy, or milk-house, is excellently designed. The ground on which it stands is cemented. The building stands on piles about 60 inches high, the floor is formed of levelled battens, with the narrow edge downward, and the sides are louvered. Thus a free current of air through the dairy is secured, and with the hose every speck can be washed through the floor, and from the cemented area into a drain. The milk is carried up an easy incline into the dairy, and the bottom of the dray in which it is taken to the creamery is on a level with the floor of the house. The appliances for washing the pails, cans, etc., are close by, the whole milking accommodation being particularly well arranged. The yards for the grazing cattle are a little distance away. They are well adapted for dealing with bush cattle, and include a crush of new design, by which a beast can be bailed up by the bail being acted upon by a cord pulled from behind the beast, and the sides of the crush can then be opened to permit of any part of the animal being closely examined. This crush and the dairy buildings were designed by Mr. Forbes Burn, the working overseer of the farm, and they form a model for settlers who are engaged in dairy farming or stock grazing. The dairy buildings were built of the timber which was used for the temporary dwellings erected when a large number of men were employed on the farm. A calf-house is close to the cowsheds, and pig-yards and sties, with slaughter-house, are situated in a convenient yet isolated position. Four cottages have been lately built fronting the main road through the farm. They are of a better description than those built at the start of the farm, having four rooms each, and being well finished. Each cottage has a quarter of an acre of ground allotted, so that the residents can grow all their own vegetables, keep poultry, etc. The school occupies a central position amongst the buildings. It consists of one room 30 x 24 x 16 feet, and is lined throughout, well ventilated, has windows on both sides, and, taking it altogether, is one of the nicest little schoolrooms in the district. The average attendance is about
Manager of the Levin State Farm, was born at New Plymouth in 1852. When a few months old he was taken on horseback to Wanganui, where his school days were spent. He gained his farming experience and knowledge on his father's farm at Aramoho, some few miles from Wanganui. During the trouble with the Maoris on the West Coast of the North Island, Mr. Walker served in the Militia, being then only sixteen years of age. After being in the grocery business for twelve months in Wanganui and for some years in New Plymouth, he was obliged, owing to failing health, to give it up. Mr. Walker then spent a few years farming on the Brunswick line, Wanganui, and in 1896 received the position of manager to the State Farm at Levin.
occupies a convenient site in a central position likely to be suitable to the course of settlement in this rapidly developing district. The building is of wood, and contains two fairly large rooms, which, however, are inadequate, necessitating additional accommodation, which the committee have already arranged to supply. Since 1892 the number of pupils attending the school have increased from fifty to 167. The headmaster is assisted by an assistant and two pupil teachers.
Headmaster of the Levin Public School who was born in 1866, came to Wellington with his parents when only two years of age. Educated at Mt. Cook Boys School in the Empire City, he afterwards became a pupil teacher, remaining for five years. After passing his examination at the Wellington Training College, Mr. McIntyre was appointed first assistant teacher at Petone Public School, which position he occupied for two years. In 1890 he was transferred to Newtown Public School, where he stayed till promoted to the charge of Levin School two years later. Mr. McIntyre was married in 1895 to Miss Sophia Fox, of Wellington, and has one son.
meets at the Town Hall every alternate Wednesday. The annual meeting is held on the 1st of January. Mr. H. Mills is the secretary.
(William Reidy and John McKillop, proprietors). This paper was established on the 4th of April, 1896. It has two pages, and is published twice a week. Politically the paper is opposed to the Seddon Government.
Baker and General Storekeeper, Manawatu Co-operative Store, Levin. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. The Manawatu Co-operative Store was established by its enterprising proprietor in 1891, and since its inception it has rapidly extended and developed. The large one-story building used is constructed of wood and iron, and provides ample accommodation for the demands of the business. A first-rate bakehouse has been erected on the premises, and a skilled baker has this department under his care. The bread provided has already become favourably known throughout the district, and is consequently in good demand. The Manawatu Co-operative Store is well stocked with the great variety of articles usually found at a general store, and Mr. Gardener does all that is possible to meet the wants of the district. The owner of this popular store was born in Oldham, Lancashire, where he gained experience with his parents, who were in the ironmongery line Coming to New Zealand in 1879 per ship “Halcione,” Mr. Gardener was for some seven years in business in the Empire City as a grocer. He devotes his close attention to the management of the Manawatu Co-operative Store, and it is not surprising that success has crowned his efforts.
Draper, Tailor, and General Storekeeper, Levin. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in 1893. The premises occupied, which are of wood and iron, and one story in height, are large, and centrally and conveniently situated. Mr. Fosella keeps a good general stock, and is assisted by skilled hands in the various departments of his trade. Mr. Fosella came out to Wellington in 1875, per ship “Guttenberg,” the passage occupying 100 days, and the vessel narrowly escaping wreck on a reef of sunken rocks off Stewart Island. After trying several trades, he established in 1884 a shirt and clothing factory, where he keeps many hands actively employed in turning out work for the wholesale houses. Mr. Fosella has contributed to several exhibitions, and was awarded a silver medal at
the New Zealand Industrial Exhibition of 1885, a bronze medal at the Indian and Colonial Exhibition of 1886, and a silver medal, as collaborateu
Clark, W. M., Draper, Te Aro House, Levin, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Established 1894.
Issacs, D., Tailor, Levin, Established 1893
James, John., Tailor, Oxford Street, Levin.
Hairdresser, Tobacconist, and Billiard-room Proprietor, Levin. This business was founded in 1894. The billiard-room, a spacious and comfortable apartment, contains a fine table of Thurston's make. The hair-dressing saloon is well appointed, and the shop is stocked with a good assortment of cigars, pipes, cigarettes and fancy goods. Mr. Keen, the freeholder, is a native of King's Cross, London, and came to New Zealand with his parents many years ago per ship “Carnatic.” He was apprenticed to Mr. W. H. Chittam, of Palmerston North. Mr. Keen is musical, and wherever he has been has lent his ready aid to help forward any musical event. In Napier he was a member of the band for three years, in Feilding one year, and while in Foxton he was leader.
(Robert Buckeridge, proprietor), Levin. This fine hotel was established by Mr. Peter Bartholomew in 1890, Mr. F. L. Garland purchasing it in 1893, and the present proprietor taking it over some time later. The Levin Hotel is a two storied building of wood and iron, having in all thirty-five rooms. It is the sole hostelry in the township and is in every respect a comfortable and convenient place at which to stay. Large parlours and sitting-rooms and a specially commodious dining-hall, together with the bar, are all on the ground floor. The upper portion is devoted to sleeping accommodation, and here are a goodly number of apartments exceedingly well furnished. Immediately adjoining the hotel is situated the Town Hall, which is well fitted up with stage and scenery, and is in every respect suitable for the needs of the district.
Temperance Hotel (Mrs. Buddle, proprietress), Oxford Street, Levin, Established 1893.
Wereroa Hotel (J. G. Campbell, proprietor), Levin.
Plumber, Tinsmith, and Brazier, Levin Plumbing Works, County Road, Levin. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Wilkinson hails from Scotland, having first seen the light in the great city of Glasgow. He came to the Colony per ship “Conflict,” which arrived in Wellington in 1874. His knowledge of the trade was originally gained as an apprentice with Mr. J. T. Glover, of Boulcott Street, Wellington. On the completion of his term, Mr. Wilkinson was for some time employed by Mr. J. Piper, of Christchurch, and subsequently gained considerable experience in the service of various firms within the Colony. In 1885 he went to Australia, where for four years he was enabled to add largely to his general knowledge of the trade. During this time he occupied the responsible position of foreman of Messrs. Rashleigh and Co.'s works. Returning to the Colony, Mr. Wilkinson worked for a short period on the Mahakipawa goldfields, and subsequently removed to Otaki, where he engaged in bushfelling by contract. In 1889 he established the present business in Otaki, and conducted it for upwards of four years. The one-story wood and iron building now occupied was erected and completed by Mr. Wilkinson early in 1894, when the business was removed from Otaki to that rapidly extending township of Levin. The premises, which afford about 600 square feet of floorage space, are fitted up with all necessary machinery for the plumbing and tinsmiths' business. Mr. Wilkinson has met with considerable success, and employs a number of hands in connection with his trade.
Andrews, Oscar, Farrier and General Blacksmith, Levin Shoeing Forge, Levin. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1892.
Anstice, Henry, Blacksmith and Carriage Builder, Oxford Street, Levin.
Butcher, Levin. This business— established in 1894—was formerly carried on under the style of Ryder Bros. When Mr. John Ryder retired, the business was continued by the present proprietor in his own name. Mr. Ryder is well known throughout the district, and has established a reputation for selling only the primest goods. The meat is chiefly bought from the farmers in Levin, and is delivered by horse and cart. Small goods are made under the proprietor's personal supervision. Born in Nelson, Mr. Ryder was educated at Riwaka, where he learnt the butchery business in his father's shop. He subsequently commenced business for himself in Otaki, but after two years removed to Levin.
Timber Merchant, Wereroa Steam Sawmills, Wereroa, Levin. Telegraphic address, “Bartholomew, Levin.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Levin. Agents, Stewart and Co., Wellington. These large mills were erected under the direction of the proprietor in 1887. The main building is a fine two-story structure of wood and iron, containing ample accommodation for conducting the large trade done by the owner. Two large boilers, made by Mr. Seagar, of Wellington, are used to generate the steam, two engines each of thirty-horse-power nominal having been made by Messrs. Haigh and Co., of London The plant is of the most complete and modern type: there is a large travelling circular saw bench, besides machinery of divers kinds. Mr. Bartholomew has imported a very useful band-saw, specially adapted for heavy work. About forty-five hands are employed at the Wereroa Steam Sawmills, and a large quantity of timber is shipped to all parts of the Colony. Mr. Bartholomew came from the “Land o' Cakes,” having been born in Stirlingshire. He embarked per good ship “Wansfall,” for Queensland in 1862. Five years later, attracted by the news from the West Coast goldfields, he crossed the Tasman Sea, intending to go to Hokitika, but the weather proving unpropitious, he landed at Nelson. Coming on to Wellington, Mr. Dartholomew entered into the timber trade, and has been associated with the industry since that time. He has been in business in Palmerston North. Fedding, Halcombe and Ashurst, finally locating in Wereroa as above.
(James Prouse, Richard Prouse, John Prouse, and John Wright), Timber Merchants, Wereroa Saw Mills, Levin. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Wellington yards and office, Dixon Street. Telephone 907. The late Mr. Richard Prouse, father of three of the partners, arrived in Port Nicholson in the month of
Andrews, Henry Thomas, Sawmiller, Queen Street, Levin.
Ambler, Sebright, Coachbuilder, etc., Oxford Street, Levin.
Bentley, E. F., Bootmaker, Wereroa, Levin.
Bentley, F., Bootmaker, Levin.
James, Thos., Bootmaker, Levin Boot Mart, Levin. Established 1892
Middlemiss, Jas. Wood, Saddler and Harness Maker, Main Street, Levin, Private residence, Oxford Street.
Smart, Mrs., Bookseller, Levin.
Hamilton, John, Storekeeper, Wereroa, Levin.
Barnard, Charles Leonard, Watchmaker, Levin.
Settler, Levin. Mr. Garland was born in Christechurch, his parents having arrived in the early days of the Canterbury settlement. He was for ten years in the employ of Messrs. Sargood, Son and Ewen; but, leaving that firm, went to South Africa, where he was on the Stock Exchange and acted as secretary for gold mining companies in Johannesberg in its early days. After some four years he came back to New Zealand, visiting Madagascar and Mauritius on the return journey. Mr. Garland takes great interest in the pastimes of the people, being a member of the Sporting Club and also of the Levin Cricket Club. In 1893 Mr. Garland took over the Levin Hotel, and conducted it with great success for two or three years, at the end of which time he sold out to Mr. Robert Buckeridge and settled down in the district.
Settler, Trehovir, Levin. The second son of the Ven. Archdeacon Palmes, of York, the subject of this sketch was born at Weston, Yorkshire, in 1853. Educated at St. Peter's School, York, he was apprenticed to Messrs. Hawthorne and Kitson, locomotive engineers, of Leeds. In 1874, having decided to engage in sheep and cattle breeding, Mr. Palmes went to Yackandandah, Victoria, and travelled considerably in New South Wales and Queensland. Returning to England after five years absence, he became a pupil of the late Mr. John Ryder, the well-known actor. Mr. Palmes came to New Zealand in 1881, and settled on a small farm in Otago. After several years he bought a farm of 236 acres in the Manawatu district, three miles from Levin, where he is engaged in sheep and dairy farming. A convenient seven-roomed homestead stands on an eminence, from whence a fine view of the surrounding country is obtainable. In 1881 Mr. Palmes was married to Elizabeth Jane, youngest daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Manning, of Bryanston Square, London, and has two sons and a daughter.
is a small farming district, sixty-five miles from Wellington on the Wellington-Manawatu Railway line. There is a public school, with an average attendance of about twenty-five. The nearest telegraph office is at Otaki eighteen miles to the south. Mails for Kereru close daily at Wellington at 6 a.m., arriving at Kereru at 10.35 a.m. The return mail closes daily at Kereru at 7.30a.m., arriving at Wellington at 1 p.m.
Engine Driver for the Wellington-Manawatu Company, between Wellington and Kereru, is a Devonshire man. Born in 1867 in Winkleigh, and brought up to a country life, he went to the Cape of Good Hope at the age of thirteen. Starting as an office boy in the Table Bay Harbour Works, he was afterwards employed as cleaner on the Cape Government Railways, and on the Harbour Works. In 1885 he came to Wellington per s.s. “Ruapehu,” and was engaged in platelaying on the Manawatu line between Johnsonville and Pukerua, and subsequently in the construction of the permanent way. After a time as cleaner in the engine sheds, Mr. Mair was fortnightly employed as driver, being promoted to the position of permanent driver in April 1896. In 1892 Mr. Mair was married to a daughter of Mr. Issac Gillbanks of Barrow-in-Furness, and has three sons.
Engine Driver on the Wellington-Manawatu Company's Line, was born in Canada in 1854. At the age of sixteen he enterel the service of the Waverley Coal Mines Railway, and from 1871 to 1874 he was employed by the Waterous Engineering Works Company, Ontario, as engineer, and received a valuable testimonial on leaving. For three and a half years ending 1878 Mr. McLeod was on the Grand Trunk Railway of Canada, where he rose to the position of driver. He was on the Tangier Goldfields, and tried to cross over the plains to the Black Hills, a new digging, when the Indians attacked the party, twelve being killed out of thirty-two, the rest escaping on a raft down the Little Horn River. After ten months in Nevada Mr. McLeod came to New Zealand by the San Francisco mail boat in 1879. He had a goldfield experience on the West Coast of the South Island, and joined the Wellington-Manawatu Company in October 1884. For some time he was engaged in erecting engines in the Company's yard, and after a short time as fireman he became driver, which responsible office he has filled for about eleven years. Mr. McLeod was married in 1890 to Jessie, eldest daughter of Mr. John Watson Liddell of Foxton, architect,
Muggleton, Mrs. Sarah, General Storekeeper, Post-office Store, Kereru, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
Lee, Wright and Carter (John William Lee, Arthur Wright and France's John Carter). Sawmillers, Kereru Sawmills, Kereru, Established early in 1895.
Sixty-Nine miles of railway line bring the traveller from Wellington to Manawatu Farmer, a tri-weekly newspaper. Good roads connect Shannon with Levin to the south-west, and Palmerston North in the opposite direction.
Mails for Shannon close daily at Wellington at 6 a.m. and 12.45 p.m., arriving at Shannon at 10.30 a.m. and 6.30 p.m. The return mail closes daily at Shannon at 7.15 a.m. and 5.10 p.m., arriving at Wellington at 1 and 10.5 p.m.
is situated sixty-nine miles from Wellington, and nineteen miles from Palmerston North. The building, which includes stationmaster's office, ladies' waiting-room, and ticket lobby, is built of wood, and has a large concrete and gravelled passenger platform.
the Stationmaster of the Shannon Railway Station, was born in 1854 in London, where he was educated. After five years at sea, he came to New Zealand, and followed various pursuits till 1884, when he joined the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company at Wellington, and acted as stationmaster respectively at Johnsonville, Paremata, and Paikakariki, taking charge of Shannon Station in 1893.
was established in July, 1889, about which time the township of Shannon rose into importance. The school is a wooden building consisting of two rooms and a porch. There are 103 children in attendance. The headmaster is assisted by a certificated mistress and a pupil teacher. The course of instruction includes standards I. to VII. The premises are well situated on a slight elevation, and have a large playground, including two shelter sheds and horizontal and parallel bars. The school reserve, which is five acres in extent, is planted with macrocarpa. In connection with the school is a paddock of an acre and a half, where children (many of them come from a distance) can turn their horses during school hours.
the Headmaster of the Shannon Public School, is a native of Ballarat, Victoria. Coming to New Zealand when quite young, he was educated at Kanieri and Kumara on the West Coast. In 1880 he was appointed pupil-teacher at the Kumara Public School, and he passed with credit all the annual examinations for promotion. After five years Mr. Voysey took charge of the school at Gillespies, and twelve months later he was removed to a large school at Donoghues. Owing to a change in the Westland Education Board's regulations in 1889, Mr. Voysey resigned his position, and was appointed teacher of the Shannon Public School under the Education Board of Wellington. He takes great interest in the young charges committed to his care, and is deservedly popular.
No. 52, Independent Order of Oddfellows, A.C. Officers (1896): Messrs. W. Sherman (N.G.), W. C. Nation (V.G.), H. Pollard (permanent secretary), T. Lind (hon. treasurer). This Lodge meets every second Wednesday in their own hall, which is capable of holding 100 people comfortably. The building contains an Oddfellows' library, which has a well, assorted stock of books and periodicals, and is well patronised.
was formed in 1896, the officers being:—Messrs. F. W. Venn (president), D. Fraser, A. McDonald, and G. N. Wood (vice-presidents), J. Wallace (treasurer), and M. Moynihan (secretary). There are sixty-five members already. The property on which the racecourse is situated is leased from Mr. G. N. Wood. At the first meeting, which took place on the 10th of April, 1896, £40 was paid away in prize-money, £23 odd being netted by nominations and acceptances.
(Henry Fitchett, proprietor). The hall, which was built in 1895, is of wood, with an iron roof. There is a dancing space of sixty tent by thirty feet, a stage twenty feet by thirty feet, and two dressing rooms ten feet by twelve feet. The front portion of the hall consists of two offices. The building is a substantial one built of rimu, with sixteen feet studs. It has an imposing appearance, and is quite a landmark in the township.
is well supported and appreciated by the inhabitants. The annual meeting is held on the 1st of October. Mr. C. M. Richards is the librarian.
(proprietors, William Charles Nation and Charles Cecil Nation, trading as Nation and Son), Ballance Street, Shannon. This journal was established by the present proprietors in 1893, shortly before the general election took place. The parer—a two page “news” of twenty-eight columns, issued tri-weekly—has a wide circulation from Paraparaumu to Palmerston North. A branch office has been established at Levin, the headquarters of the travelling reporter. Politically the paper supports the Seddon Government. As a journal, it is devoted to the interests of commerce, industry, and agriculture, and contains a variety of interesting matter. The leaders are neat and smartly written, chiefly from the pen of Mr. W. C. Nation, the paper being also recognised as a first-class advertising medium throughout the district, in which it is well patronised. Messrs. Nation and Son also print the Foxton Telegraph for the proprietors of that journal, which is run much on the same line as the Manawatu Farmer.
the senior partner in the firm of Nation and Son, who was born at Sydney, New South Wales, in 1840, is the son of Mr. William Nation, who founded the Nelson Colonist in 1857. Prior to this he was printer of The Sydney Press, Dr. Lang's paper, and others well known throughout Australia. The subject of this sketch began his career in his father's office as a runner. In 1857 he came to New Zealand, and spent seven years on the Nelson Colonist, then he was employed on the Christchurch Press for eleven years. When the New Zealand Times became the property of Mr. Chantrey Harris, Mr. Nation accepted a position in that office, where his energy and perseverance soon gained him promotion, he being placed in charge of the jobbing, machinery, and news departments. In 1880 he took over the Wairarapa Standard from Mr. Richard Wakelin, which he carried on for thirteen years, during which the Standard came greatly into prominence. After selling to Mr. Roydhouse in 1893, Mr. Nation came to the West Coast of the North Island, settling at Shannon and establishing the Manawatu Farmer. The institution of Arbor Day in New Zealand is credited to Mr. Nation, who published an able leader in the Wairarapa Standard of the 16th of April. 1890, and convened a meeting to consider the advisability of planting the streets around Greytown with trees. A letter from the Mayor, thanking Mr. Nation for having set the project on foot, and for having taken such a practical interest in the movement, was shown to the writer. The streets of Shannon are now being lined with trees owing principally to Mr. Nation's enthusiam in this direction.
This Association, which embraces the principal ratepayers of the district, holds meetings on the first Saturday in each month to discuss matters affecting the district. Mr. A. Cassie is secretary and treasurer.
Coachbuilder, Wheelwright, and Farrier, Shannon. Mr. Lind was born in 1851 in Denmark, where he was educated. He was apprenticed to his trade, and served under several masters before coming to New Zealand. Arriving in Napier in 1873, per ship “Fritz Ruyter,” he worked at his trade as a journeyman for three years under Mr. Charles McKirdie. In 1876 he came to Foxton and entered into business as coachbuilder and wheelwright, continuing for fifteen years, when he removed to Shannon owing to the falling off in the flax industry. The premises occupied by Mr. Lind are freehold, and consist of a one-story building of wood and iron, having a frontage of forty feet, the total floor space being about 2000 square feet. Mr. Lind, who is well known as a first-class farrier, is liberally patronized by the townsfolk of Shannon and the settlers of the surrounding districts. He has adopted as his motto, “good workmanship, prompt attention, and moderate prices.”
(August Hoffman, proprietor), Shannon. The “Albion” was the first hotel erected in the young and rising town of Shannon. It was built in the year 1889, and acquired by the present popular proprietor some years later. The Albion Hotel is a tine two-story building of wood and iron, containing fourteen rooms in all. A large and convenient commercial-room, well found in every respect, is set aside for the use of travellers. The dining-room, situated on the ground floor, is well lighted and attractively furnished. Besides parlours and bar there are nine good bedrooms in the house.
Club Hotel (Michael Moyniban, proprietor), Shannon. Established by Mr. G. O'Loughlin in 1888.
which belongs to the New Zealand Farmers' Dairy Union, was established in 1894. The building has been conveniently planned, and is built of wood, affording ample floorage space for the work of separating the cream from the large quantities of new milk delivered daily by the farmers of the surrounding districts. There are two separators—Alpha de Laval—capable of turning out 400 gallons per hour, which are doing excellent work; they are worked by a steam-engine, built by Messrs. Luke and Sons, Limited, of Wellington, of four-horsepower nominal, which works up to six-horse-power.
Manager of the Shannon Creamery, was born at Queenstown, Otago, where his parents, who came from Glasgow in 1862, per ship “Arima,” had settled. Educated in the public schools of the Colony, Mr. Matheson was brought up to agricultural and pastoral pursuits, in connection with which he spent a considerable portion of his earlier years. Subsequently he gained considerable insight into the woollen trade, learning most of the processes of manufacture and becoming generally acquainted with the various machines employed in cleaning, spinning, weaving, and finishing. Mr. Matheson has found his knowledge of machinery very useful since his appointment in 1894 to the position he now holds.
Gordon, Thomas, Chemist, Shannon.
Powell, J. H. and Co., Drapers and General Merchants, Shannon. The duties of postmaster are conducted at the store by Mr. Powell.
Broderson, Henry, Boardinghousekeeper, Shannon.
Tilly, Daniel, Boot and Shoemaker, Shannon. Established 1895.
Turley, Wallace William, Engineer and Blacksmith, Vance Street, Shannon. Established 1892.
Carter Bros. (Charles F. and Samuel W. Carter), Butchers and Graziers, Ballance Street, Shannon. Established 1894.
Fuller and Co. (Wm. A. Fuller and Dugald Campbell), Butchers, Shannon.
O'Connor, J. M., General Storekeeper, Ironmonger and Bootmaker, Shannon. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1893.
Farmer, Summer Hill, Makerua, near Shannon. Born in the early forties in a rural district of England, Mr. Venn worked as a factory lad until fourteen years of age, when he obtained employment in a woodworking establishment, After serving his term at this business, he signed articles on the ship “Maori,” bound for Auckland. For ten years altogether he was at sea, and in 1874, having in the meantime married, he determined to settle down in New Zealand, which be considered unequalled. He spent two years in Wellington, leaving to start a wood-working establishment at Palmerston North, which at that time, 1876, was almost a wilderness. As the place was settled and the town grew, Mr. Venn's business thrived, and his wares became well-known along the Coast. In 1890 he relinquished business and took up the land now known as Summer Fill. Whilst in Palmerston North Mr. Venn sat as a borough councillor, and is now (1896) serving a third term on the Horowhenua County Council. In 1892 he revisited the Old Country, after an absence of nearly twenty-five years.
Farmer, Kingston Road, Shannon. Born in Marlborough, Mr. Welford was educated at Wellington College. After three years station life with his uncle, Mr. Alex. McBeth, of Marton, where he gained a good deal of experience, chiefly among sheep, Mr. Welford took up 640 acres in the Waituna district as a sheep run. Seven years later he sold out and removed to Shannon, purchasing 246 acres, which he now holds. At the time of the writer's visit Mr. Welford had only just taken possession, having some 500 sheep—chiefly Lincoln breeding ewes—on the property. The homestead, which was being enlarged and improved, and is surrounded by ornamental trees, is about four miles distant from Shannon. The subject of this sketch, who is a true lover of sport, and a prominent member of the Rangitikei Hunt Club, came to the front as a pedestrian some years ago, when he won the Feilding 100 yards flat race from scratch.
Sheep-Farmer and Grazier, Otauru Station, Shannon. Mr. Wood, who ranks as one of the old settlers-of the Manawatu district, was born about four miles from Stowhouse, in Buckinghamshire, England He came out to New Zealand, per ship “Surge,” in 1834, with his parents, when very young, and received his education entirely in the Colony. At the time when the Venerable Archdeacon (afterwards Bishop) Hadfield was in charge of the Church of England Mission School, in Otaki, Mr. Wood was one of his scholars. He owes much to the care and attention-that was bestowed by the good Bishop and his coadjutors in those early days in imparting useful knowledge. After an educational course of five years at this establishment, Mr. Wood was appointed to the charge of the Mission Station farm. In performing his duties in this position, he displayed such diligence and assiduity that he retained the appointment for a period of five years. It was while occupying this position that Mr. Wood gained the knowledge of cattle and sheep which has been of such service to him. After leaving the Mission Station at Otaki, the subject of this notice settled at Moutoa River, Foxton, and took a farm of 400 acres, which he worked successfully during many years. In 1882 he removed from Moutoa to Shannon, and purchased the fine land which now constitutes the Otauru station. The area of the farm on which Mr. Wood resides is 900 acres, which, when selected, was all virgin forest. The task of reducing this bush land to a smiling homestead was no easy one; plenty of hard labour was called for, in addition to large experience. Mr. Wood bent all his energies to the task, and has been enabled personally to clear a considerable portion of the 800 acres, which has been brought into cultivation during his occupancy of the land. Otauru station is now in a high state of cultivation, and like a good deal of the land lying between Otaki and Longburn is excellent alike for agricultural and pastoral purposes. Mr. Wood has been a breeder of Lincoln sheep for the past seven years. Among his flock are some really excellent sheep, which are a credit to their enterprising owner, as well as to the district in which they have been reared. Of cattle, Mr. Wood has a flock numbering 200, which includes forty pure bred Shorthorns for stud purposes. He has also a few good horses in addition to those kept for use on the station. Mr. Wood, whose portrait is given herein, has proved himself a successful colonist. He was the first to take up land and settle in the district, and may fairly be regarded as the founder of the town of Shannon.
one of the small farming centres of the Manawatu District, is distant some seventy-two miles from Wellington, and three miles from the Shannon Railway Station and Telephone offices. A passenger coach runs daily between Shannon and Montoa, meeting the trains.
Mails close in Wellington daily for Moutoa at 6 a.m., arriving at 11.30 a.m. Mails close at Moutoa for Wellington daily at 4.30 p.m., arriving in Wellington at 10.5 p.m.
which is situate between Foxton and Shannon, is a one-story wooden building having one class-room capable of accommodating from thirty to forty pupils. The master's residence is situated on the property, which is one acre in extent, and includes a large playground. There are twenty-four pupils on the roll, the standards ranging from one to six.
the Master in charge of the Moutoa Public School, was born in Antrim, Ireland, where he was educated. Mr. McCosh came out to the colonies in 1890, settling in Victoria, where he had charge of a school in Gippsland for three years. He has occupied the position he now fills since 1893. when he came to New Zealand.
which is carried on at the general store of Mr. E. Ashby, is the centre of the business locality of the settlement. Mr. Ashby, the Postmaster, is referred to below.
the Postmaster at Moutoa, is a native of Northamptonshire, England, and followed the calling of a draper with his brother for some years. He landed in New Zealand in 1880 and subsequently purchased land in Moutoa, but sold out owing to the excessive damage caused by continual floods. He has been a prominent member of the school committee for the past twelve years, and has only of recent years been appointed to his present position.
The small and picturesque settlement of
Mails close at Wellington daily for Tokomaru at 6 a.m., arriving at 11.10 a.m. Mails close at Tokomaru daily for Wellington at 6.30 a.m., arriving at Wellington at 1 p.m.
which was established in 1893, has forty children on the roll, with an average attendance of thirty-three. A playground of six acres adjoins the school. Mr. Frederick William Gregory is the teacher.
which was established in 1894, handles about 600 gallons of milk daily. The cream is sent every morning by rail to the New Zealand Farmers' Dairy Factory, Wellington. Mr. Edward Griffiths is manager.
the northern terminus of the Wellington-Manawatu Railway line, is also connected with the Government line from Foxton. It has one church, an hotel, excellently conducted by Mr. Alick Campion, a bakery, two stores, a boot shop and a smithy. All the surrounding country is composed of rich fertile lands, on which agricultural and pastoral pursuits are followed successfully by the settlers. Eight, miles northwards, and in the thick of the dairy farms, is the Kairanga Creamery, a branch of the New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Union, which was inaugurated on the 10th of November, 1893. The roads are good, but the land, being low-lying, is liable to floods, and sometimes the whole country for miles is under water from the neighbouring Manawatu River, which flows down the valley. But notwithstanding this drawback, sheep-farming appears to be a prosperous undertaking hereabouts, and some of the heaviest wool-clips of the Manawatu County have been sent away from this part. Some years
Mails close daily at Wellington at 6 a.m., and 12.45 p.m. arriving at Longburn at 11.15 a.m., and 7.20 p.m. Mails close daily at Longburn at 6.30 a.m., and 4.15 p.m., arriving in Wellington at 1 and 10.5 p.m.
which is under the control of the New Zealand Government, is situated at the junction of the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company's line and the Foxton-New Plymouth Section of New Zealand Government Railways. Trains to and from Wellington arrive and depart twice daily. One train arrives and departs daily, connecting with Foxton, and on Thursdays and Saturdays an extra train is run both ways. The Longburn Station is a busy scene particularly on Tuesdays and Fridays, when the through trains run and a great deal of transhipping takes place during the wool season. During the season 1895 some 60,000 sheep were trucked to Wellington, chiefly for the Gear Meat Company at Petone, and the greater portion of these were transhipped at this station.
the Station-master at Longburn, was born in Bristol and landed in Australia in 1878. He subsequently came to this Colony, joining the Railway Department at Wanganui. In 1881 he was transferred to Palmerston North, remaining for nearly five years, when he received his present appointment.
Leading Engine Driver on the Wellington-Manawatu Company's line, stationed at Longburn, hails from Jarrow-on-Tyne, where he was born in 1857. Brought up to engine work from the age of sixteen, he became a driver shortly before leaving England in 1880. After various experiences in Victoria and New South Wales, he settled in New Zealand in 1885, and has been employed mostly on the company's line up to the time of writing. After the opening of the railway he was for some years a fireman, receiving promotion as driver in 1887, and as leading driver four years later. Mr. Foster was married in 1890 to a daughter of Mr. F. Nelson, of Christchurch, accountant, and has a son and three daughters.
Engine Driver, between Wellington and Longburn, on the Wellington-Mamawatu Railway Company's line, is a native of Kent, England, where he was born in 1813. After having considerable experience in connection with cleaning, firing, and driving traction engines, he came to Wellington by ship “Waikato” in 1874. Mr. Fryer spent three years in Taranaki, where he was working stone-crushing machinery, and in 1877, six months after the commencement of the train service from the Empire City, he became a driver on one of the steam motors. When these were dispensed with in 1881, Mr. Fryer joined the Government Railway Service as fireman, and two years later he was employed by the contractor on an engine engaged in filling in the site of the present railway station. On completion of this work Mr. Fryer joined the Wellington-Manawatu Company as fireman, being promoted in 1887 to the position of driver. In 1872 Mr. Fryer was married to a daughter of Mr. W. Wise, of Kent, and has three sons and two daughters.
Engine Driver, between Longburn and Otaki on the Wellington-Manawatu Company's line, was born in Dunedin in 1865. After a short experience as cleaner on the Government railways in Otago, he entered the present company in 1886 in the same capacity. Two years subsequently he became fireman, being promoted to the position of driver in 1892.
Engine Driver, between Wellington and Longburn on the Wellington-Manawatu Railway, hails from Wiltshire, England, where he was born in 1854. Brought up to engine work in the Old Land, he was employed on the Taffvale Railway in South Wales, for four years, rising to the position of fireman. The ship “Rakaia” brought Mr. Trueman to Wellington in 1879, and soon afterwards he joined the Government Railway Service. After a short time as platelayer he was transferred to the Locomotive Department as cleaner, and subsequently became fireman. In 1885 Mr. Trueman joined the Wellington-Manawatu Company as driver, which position he has filled up to the time of writing, with the exception of a short period in 1895, when he resigned, rejoining the Company before the end of the same year. On his resignation he was the recipient of a framed testimonial and several valuable presents from his fellow employees. Mr Trueman holds the Humane Society's Medal for gallantly saving the life of a child at Silverstream a few years ago, for which heroic-action he was warmly commended by the local press. The train was moving at about ten miles an hour, and the child would certainly have been killed had not Mr. Trueman jumped off his engine and rushed to the rescue of the little one. Mr. Trueman was married in 1878 to a daughter of Mr. J. Edwards, of Somersetshire, England.
—a two-roomed building, which is lofty and well ventilated, and is capable of accommodating 150 children—is situated in the Longburn district. The headmaster has an assistant and a pupil-teacher, the classes
the Headmaster of the Karere Public School, was born in Hartford, England, and was educated at Deal College. Mr. Hankin, who holds a D certificate, is an undergraduate of the New Zealand University. He arrived in the Colony in 1881, and has since been teaching at Auckland and Wanganui (Momohaki) prior to becoming headmaster of the Karere School.
which was erected about 1882, is a one-story wooden building, having accommodation for about forty children. The school, which is lofty and well ventilated, is situated in an acre paddock, on which has been erected shelter sheds. There are thirty-one children on the roll.
the Headmaster of the Jackeytown Public School, was born at Mount Stewart, Awahuri, where he was educated. Passing the Certificate Teachers' examination in 1895 under the Wanganni Education Board, he obtained an E certificate, which was increased in January, 1896, to a partial D.
(Alexander Campion, proprietor), Longburn. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. The Junction Hotel is well known as a comfortable and well-conducted hostelry. It was one of two hotels that were established in 1892, and soon afterwards it was taken over by Mr. Campion. Mr. T. Frazer was the contractor for the building, which is two stories in height, of wood and iron. There are nineteen fine rooms, including dining, sitting, and commercial rooms. The bedrooms on the first floor are well furnished, light, and airy. The hotel, which is not far from the post-office and railway station, is most pleasantly situated, and has every convenience for tourists, travellers, and visitors. An efficient staff of servants is employed to attend to the requirements of the public. Mr. Campion was born in the Rangitikei district, his parents being among the settlers who arrived in 1842. From his earliest days he has known the district, and remembers Palmerston North before a single house was erected. He was in Longburn many years ago, and as one of the founders of the township, assisted in its rise, progress and development. Mr. Campion has been in business for about a dozen years or so altogether, and is well and favourably known throughout the district.
Longburn Hotel (Karen Mullens, proprietor), Longburn.
(William Parkes), General Blacksmiths, Longburn. Mr. Parkes was born in Nelson, his parents having arrived in the Colony in the year 1840. He was apprenticed to the trade with Mr. Watson, of Renwicktown, Marlborough, and completed his term with Messrs. Gorrie and Son, of Nelson. Mr. Parkes has had large experience at his trade in various parts of the Colony. He was employed sue cessively by Mr. Hamilton, of Wanganui, by Mr. McLeod, of Waverley, and by Mr. Bennett; of Sandon, as blacksmith. After wards he was for three years foreman smith with Mr. W. T. Wood, of Palmerston North, and resigned his position to take over the business in Longburn in 1894. Mr. Parkes has made a special study of horse-shoeing, more particularly in light work for racehorses. He is well known throughout the district as an expert farrier, having been successful as a prize winner at competitions in Wangnni in 1881 and 1882, when he took first prizes. In 1883 be took first and second prizes, and in 1887 at the Jubilee Exhibition be again carried off the first prize.
(The National Mortgage and Agency Company, Limited, of New Zealand, proprietors), Longburn. These works, which started operations in November, 1889, were erected by the Longburn Freezing Company, Limited. The land comprises twenty-six acres of freehold, and is situated alongside the Wellington-Manawatu Company's line, from which the necessary sidings connect with the works. The buldings are substantially constructed, the engine and boiler rooms being of brick, and the other extensive structures of wood, the roofs being of corrugated iron. The chimney stack, 84 feet from the base, is well built in brick. There are two fine Lancashire boilers, each 30 feet x 8 feet built by Messrs. Cable and Co., of Wellington, and one of Haslam's duplex refrigerating machines capable of producing 120,000 cubic feet of cold air per hour. The entire works are lighted by electricity generated by one of the Gulcher Company's dynamos, which is driven by an horizontal steam engine. A powerful light of 300 candle capacity has been fixed outside the building so as to provide for loading the frozen carcases into the insulated meat vans, of which there are seven, having accommodation for 300 sheep each. The four freezing chambers have space for 650 freezers each, while the cool chambers, which also number four, have room for 18,000 carcases. In the sheep-slaughtering department there is space for fifteen butchers and also necessary pens, the beef-killing being large enough to treat thirty-four bullocks daily. The whole of this fine establishment has solid concrete floors, well drained and supplied with plenty of fine artesian water. The plant includes boiling-down, which has three large digestors, fell-mongering, capable of a very considerable output, and manure departments. The expenditure on these works totalled £36,000, and they are capable of an enormous turnover in each department. Centrally situated in a district which carries immense numbers of sheep and cattle, the Longburn Freezing Works are capable of supplying frozen mutton for many thousands of the population of the Old Land.
Manager of the Longburn Freezing Works, is a New Zealander by birth. He is a son of Mr. John Anderson, sheepfarmer, Temuka, Canterbury. Born in Milford, near Timaru, in 1865, and educated at Winchester, he was brought up to a country life on his father's farm. In 1890 he entered the South Canterbury Company's Freezing Works in Timaru, and became manager of the Gisborne works on the 1st of January, 1895. He was appointed to the position he now holds in 1896. Mr. Anderson was married in 1886 to a daughter of Mr. James Dryburgh, of Edinburgh, one of the superintendents of the North British Rail way, and has two sons and a daughter.
Chief Engineer of the Longburn Freezing Works, is a native of London, where he was born in 1855. Brought up as an engineer in Falmouth, he afterwards had three years at sea as a marine engineer. Settling in New Zealand in 1879, he followed his calling for some years, two of which he spent at Makotuku, Hawkes Bay, were he had a fitting-shop. Mr. Bailey
Croucher, Henry, Baker, Longburn.
Collis, Charles, J. P., Butcher, Longburn.
Tapper, Geo. A. and Sons, Wholesale, Retail, and General Merchants, Longburn.
McBeath, G. and Co. (Hugh Rose McBean), General Storekeepers, Main Road, Longburn. P.O. Box 77. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Estab. 1891.
Sheepfarmer, Longburn Farm, Longburn. Born in Norfolk, England, Mr. Row followed the sea till 1857, when he arrived in Wellington, per ship “Rose of Sharon.” For the first seventeen years of his colonial life he was in the Rangitikei district, where he worked for Major Marshall for six years during the native troubles. For three years, while resident in this district, Mr. Row was a member of the local Road Board. Removing to Foxton, and subsequently to Palmerston North, he lived for about twelve months in each place, and filled the office of member of the Manawatu Road Board for a time. Mr. Row finally settled in Longburn, and purchased 240 acres, of which he presented eighty acres to his son, Mr. W. J. Row, retaining 160 acres. Mr. Row has a good flock of sheep, chiefly of the Romney Marsh variety. He has met with success as a colonist. not by good luck, but as the result of industry and perseverance. His family numbers nine, viz., six sons and three daughters.
which was opened in 1888, has sixty children on the roll, with an average attendance of fifty. The headmaster is Mr. D. Martin, who is assisted by Miss Reval. A playground of two acres is attached to the school.
which is superintended by the New Zealand Farmers' Dairy Union, was established in 1893, and handles over 1000 gallons of milk daily. Mr. William Toomath is manager.
Farmer, Kairanga. Born in the Isle of Sky, Scotland, in 1830, and educated at the parish school, Mr. Matheson followed farming pursuits in his early days, and in 1852 sailed from Liverpool to Geelong in the ship “Flora.” He proceeded at once to the Victorian Goldfields, where he remained for nine years, and in 1861 crossed the Tasman Sea to join the Otago diggers. Abandoning the diggings he acquired land in the Lake district, but when the rabbits invaded Otago, he sold out and in 1881 removed to the Manawatu district and acquired his present property. A portion of the land has been stumped and cropped with good results. Mr. Matheson has always taken an active part in public affairs, and has rendered the district good service as member of the Road and Drainage Boards, and as chairman of the school committee. In 1867 he married Miss Macdonald, daughter of Mr. Ronald Macdonald, and has seven sons and two daughters.
Settler (father of Mr. William Toomath, manager of the Kairanga Creamery). Mr. Toomath, who may be regarded as the father of education in New Zealand, was born in 1817. Educated at the Battersea Training Institute, he spent a few years as a soldier, and after teaching for some time in London and Northampton, he was selected by the Society for the promotion of Christian knowledge as the first certificated teacher for New Zealand. Landing in Wellington in 1850 he severed his connection with the Society after two years, and opened private schools in Wellington and Greytown. He was the promoter of the present system of free education, although other hands did the work, and was the first inspector of schools. The Thorndon Normal School (since abolished) was promoted by him, and he was, until the time of his death, a member of the Wellington Education Board. In politics he was a Liberal and sat for some time in one of the early Parliaments. He interested himself in stock-raising, and introduced long-woolled sheep to the Colony, grazing them on the section now occupied by the Wellington Club. A successful speculator, he took an active part in establishing the Wellington tramways and other ventures. Mr. Toomath was twice married. His first wife died of cholera within twenty-four hours of marriage. His second wife, who survives him, was Eliza Jane Battersby, a passenger by the ship “Cornwall,” in 1850. By her he had four sons and four daughters, of whom three sons and two daughters survive. He died in 1885. His third son, Mr. William Toomath, was born at Greytown in 1865. Having passed the sixth standard at a very early age, he completed his education at the Wellington College, where he gained a scholarship. For some years he successfully followed the life of a teacher, but owing to ill-health he was compelled to seek other work. After farming for a time he sold out, and is now manager of a creamery under the New Zealand Farmers' Dairy Union, at Kairanga.
Farmer, “Jimmy's Farm,” No. 1 Line, Kairanga, near Longburn. Born in St. Andrew's, Scotland, in 1838, Mr. Walker came to the Colony as a lad, in the “Arab Bristol,” with his father, the late Mr. James Walker, who was a partner in the firm of Walker and Meech, shipwrights, at Pipitea Point, Wellington. The subject of this sketch was brought up to farming pursuits. Mr. Walker has been prominent in aquatic circles as captain of the “Dolly Varden” in Wellington, winning the inrigger fours for three years, and the champion fours at Wellington and Nelson. On retiring he was presented by his club with a handsome tea and coffee service. For the greater part of the period from 1847 to 1890, Mr. Walker lived at Paremata, Plimmerton and Taupo, where he is well known and respected. He still holds a run of 2550 acres in the district, which is leased to his nephews, the Messrs. Sinclair Bros. Mr. Walker's homestead consists of 600 acres of the best pastoral land in the Longburn district, which he uses exclusively for fattening stock. Mr. Walker's mother, who is still hale and hearty, resides at Pahautanui, and has attained the advanced age of ninety-nine.
Some eighty miles from Wellington and four miles from Longburn is situated
was established in 1889, and has about forty children on the roll. The playground attached to the school consists of five acres. Mr. A. Evans is the headmaster.
The settlement of
Mails close daily at Wellington for Oroua Bridge at 6 a.m., and at Oroua Bridge for Wellington at 9.15 a.m.
which was erected in 1891, is situated on a two-acre play-ground. There are fifty-four children on the roll, many of whom come from a distance of seven miles by train. The inspector's report regarding the discipline of the Maori children (many of whom attend) was excellent. Mr. George Nye is the headmaster.
General Storekeeper, Oroua Bridge, near Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Palmerston North. The premises consist of shop and dwelling of one story, having a frontage of 24 feet. A large sized window affords Mr. Meldon an opportunity of displaying the general goods with which this steady, enterprising storekeeper deals. By keeping strictly to his business Mr. Meldon has gained for himself the patronage of the surrounding settlers, together with the trade of the flaxmills. The drainage works in this district have also brought him a good deal of business. Mr. Meldon does not engage in public affairs in any way, finding his business takes up all his time. He is a native of Roscommon, Ireland, and came to the colonies in 1875, settling at Oroua Bridge in 1889.
This small place is distant by rail some 101 miles from Wellington and two miles from Foxton. Sheep and cattle farming and flax milling are the principal means of employment to those who reside in the vicinity.
Mails close at Wellington on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 6 a.m., and Thursdays and Saturdays at 12.45 p.m. Mails close at Oroua Downs for Wellington daily at 8.30 a.m.
Sheepfarmer, Tunstall, Oroua Downs. Mr. Robinson was born at Foxton in 1816. He received his earlier education locally, and subsequently was for some time a student at Christ's College, Christchurch. After leaving school Mr. Robinson was brought up to station life, to which he has devoted his attention ever since. His farm consists of 950 acres, which is all securely fenced and in good cultivation. He runs about 2000 sheep, principally of the Romney breed, in addition to 200 head of cattle. Mr. Robinson has proved from his experience that the Romneys are best suited to the district which he occupies. He has had the farm for about seventeen years. When originally purchased it was covered with manuka and flax, a good portion being swampy. A considerable expenditure has been necessary to reclaim the land by draining and fencing. There is a large and convenient family residence, which is charmingly surrounded by trees and the beauty of which is greatly enhanced by a lovely little lake of some acres in extent. Mr. Robinson has for a long time been a prominent member of the Manawatu County Council. He is the son of the late Captain Francis Robinson.
Farmer, “Abbotswood Farm,” Manawatu. Born in Worcestershire, England, in 1843. Mr. Rowland followed agricultural pursuits until 1864, when he left, England for New Zealand in the ship “British Empire.” Arriving in the Colony he turned his attention to the West Coast diggings, and worked there and on the Wakamarina field with varying success. Tired of the goldfields he betook himself to the occupation of his earlier days, buying his first land in the North Island in 1867. He has made several purchases since then, and his farm now consists of 400 acres. Mr. Rowland married Miss Corinedia, of Ohau, and has five sons and three daughters.
The port township of
Mails close daily at Wellington for Foxton at 6 a.m. and Thursdays and Saturdays at 12.45 p.m. Mails close at Foxton for Wellington daily at 3 and 8 p.m., arriving at the Capital at 1 and 10.5 p.m.
was established and held its first meeting on the 21st May, 1888. The rateable annual income of the district is £6971, and the annual income for the year 31st March, 1894, £991 11s. 9d., derived from a general rate of 1s. 3d. in the £ and a library rate of 1d. The Foxton borough has no specific loans of its own other than a proportion of the loans of previous local bodies which it had to take over at the date of the establishment of the council. The number of rate payers is 211, and the estimated population of the district 1120. The borough possesses a good library of 620 volumes, and have a light and convenient reading-room, which is well supplied with illustrated and other papers, and is free at all times to the public.
who at the end of 1896, entered upon a second term as Mayor of the Borough, was born at Lewes, Sussex, England. He came to New Zealand per ship “Oriental” (after which Oriental Bay, Wellington, was named). Leaving Gravesend 15th September, 1839, he landed at Petone beach on the 31st January, 1840. The “Oriental” was one of the first three ships despatched by the Colonisation Company, the two others being the “Aurora,” after which Aurora Terrace was named, and the “Adelaide,” which served a like purpose for Adelaide Road. Mr. Nye as a boy accompanied Colonel Wakefield, the representative of the New Zealand Company, with an interpreter, to Taranoki, in January, 1841, when the block of 80,600 acres on which the town of New Plymouth now stands was purchased from the Maoris, in exchange for blankets, fronmongery, guns, and goods of divers kinds. Mr. Nye remained at New Plymouth for about two-and-a-half years, during which time he was connected with a whaling venture, which proved a failure. He with four other men then walked down the coast to Waikanae, occupying fourteen days, during which he subsisted on shellfish and the
was born in Staffordshire, England, and came to the Colony in 1866 per ship “Columbus,” arriving in Auckland. Mr. Westwood spent his early days on the Thames goldfields, where he was educated. He was brought up to business in Foxton, and is the proprietor of the Red House Co-operative Store. He was elected a member of the Foxton Borough Council in 1894.
Town Clerk, Rate Collector, and Valuer to the Foxton Borough Council, was born in Knaresborough, Yorkshire, England, where he was brought up to the business of an ironmonger, engineer, and tinsmith. For seventeen years Mr. Gibson was in business in Knaresborough, where he had one of the principal business establishments in the town, with branch establishments at Green Hammerton and Little Ouseborn. He conducted a large and successful business for many years, but owing to periodical attacks of bronchitis, he was compelled to seek a milder climate, as he was almost an invalid, having to remain in his rooms the whole of the winter months. In 1879 Mr. Gibson came to Wellington per ship “Northumberland,” and took up 200 acres of land at Motua, seven miles from Foxton. Subsequently Mr. Gibson sold about one hundred and fifty acres, retaining fifty acres. He carried on farming for about eight years, until a flood came and destroyed his property. He was appointed to his present position on January 1st, 1889. He has a good knowledge of property in the district, and is in the best position to advise intending settlers as to value and position. He is agent in Foxton for Mr. J. H. Haukins, of Palmerston North, and for the New Zealand Insurance Company.
who for two successive terms occupied the high position of chief magistrate of the borough of Foxton, preceding Mr. Nye in that office, was born at Tenby, South Wales, in 1840. After being educated in England he was put to the soft goods trade, and emigrated to New Zealand with two of his brothers in 1863, where he arrived in Auckland per ship “Queen of the Mersey.” He readily found employment at his trade in the well-known house of Messrs. A Clark and Sons. Subsequently Mr. Williams became traveller for Messrs. J. H. Burnside and Co., representing them on the East and West Coasts. After leaving this firm he had an experience of a couple of years in Sydney in the retail branches of the firms of Messrs. Thompson and Giles, and Messrs. Farmer, Painter and Pope, George Street. About 1867 Mr. Williams went to Queensland, having been attracted by the accounts from the gold-fields. After three years spent there, he left owing to ill-health. Returning to the Colony, the subject of this notice spent a short time at the Thames, but soon left to take up a position in Wellington with Messrs. Warmoll and Co., who had premises on the site now occupied by the Evening Post. When this firm closed up their business, Mr. Williams entered the employ of Messrs. Jacob Joseph and Co., afterwards Joseph Nathan and Co. For ten years he represented the last-named firm in the warehouse and on the road as traveller, visiting periodically the West Coast of both Islands and Nelson and Marlborough. About 1880 Mr. Williams settled in Foxton, commencing business as a general storekeeper, in which he continued for some three years, when his premises were destroyed by fire. After this untoward event, he went into the hotel trade, becoming licensee of the Old Manawatu Hotel, which he conducted for six years. While in the hotel Mr. Williams put money into the flax business, for which Foxton is famed, and eventually he sold out of the hotel and went heart and soul into this industry. His mill was unfortunately burnt down on three occasions. After the first and second conflagrations, Mr. Williams pluckily re-erected and re-fitted the mill. On the third fire happening, however, he decided to give up the trade; his misfortune on this occasion was accentuated by the fact that seventy bales of dressed flax, which would have been shipped but for the boat being bar-bound, was also destroyed. Within about eighteen months Mr Williams lost some £2000 by fires, having no insurance, and it is not surprising that he was disheartened. Since this time he has engaged in dairy farming. A large portion of Mr. Williams's time
ex-councillor, was born in London, where he was educated. He came to the Colony in 1857 per ship “Indian Queen,” landing in Wellington, and was in business on his own account as an engineer for some years in Wellington. About 1883 he came to Foxton, and occupied a seat on the Borough Council for about five years. He was at one time chairman of the licensing committee. As a flaxmiller Mr. Austin has been established since 1889. His mill, known as Paretao, is on the river bank, and is replete with all the latest machinery, and is driven by a ten-horse-power portable steam-engine. Owing to the depression in the flax trade, it has been closed for about one-and-a-half years, but is ready to start at a few hours' notice. Mr. Austin has twelve horses and five drays ready to begin work at any time. He has three sons, who assist him in connection with the business. He has fifty acres of land, specially purchased for bleaching purposes.
ex-councillor, was born in Bolton, Lancashire, and educated at the local grammar school. Mr. Hamer came to the colonies in 1890, per ship “Oratava,” to Sydney. He was elected as a member of the Borough Council in the month of September, 1893, and was an active member of that body during his term of office.
ex-councillor, was born in Flintshire, North Wales, and educated in the old city of Chester, where he also served an apprenticeship to the trade of painter and plumber. Completing his time at twenty-one years of age, he came to New Zealand per ship “Cathcart” in 1874, arriving at Lyttelton. He worked for a short time at his trade in Christchurch. Subsequently Mr. Jenks visited Auckland and Ohinemuri, and settled in Foxton, 1876, after having worked on the first hotel in Woodville, and on some of the earlier buildings in Palmerston North. Soon after settling in Foxton, Mr. Jenks was elected to a seat on the Town Board. On the foundation of the borough, Mr. Jenks was elected to a seat, and has mostly been a member ever since. In the various elections which he has contested, he has frequently polled within a very few of the highest number of votes. Mr. Jenks is an ex member of the Foxton School and Licensing Committees.
which has been established for some years, is under the care of Mr. H. Blake, who was appointed librarian in 1886.
the Librarian of the Foxton Public Library, was born in Leamington, Warwickshire, and came to New Zealand by the Cape of Good Hope, having resided about seven years at Cape Colony. Not long after arriving in the Colony, Mr. Blake embarked at Onehunga on a vessel for the Buller, but on the voyage down the coast the vessel was wrecked at Foxton, and but for this fact the subject of this notice might never have seen the district, in which he has resided for twenty-two years. Mr. Blake has held the position of librarian for the last eight years. For some time prior to this he was engaged chiefly in contracting for roads and wooden bridges, and in the course of his business he made the main street in Foxton, and did all the curbing. He also used to do a good deal of contracting work for the late Captain Robinson. Mr. Blake has a son and daughter, the latter of whom is married to Mr. William Keys, who is in charge of Mr. N. Reid's farm at the Upper Hutt.
is situated in a central position adjoining the Stipendiary Magistrate's Court. Mr. John Gillespie is the constable in charge of the station, and he also holds the positions of clerk and bailiff to the S.M. Court, and inspector of licensed houses for the Otaki district.
is the terminus of the New Plymouth-Foxton section of New Zealand Government Railways. Since the construction of the Manawatu Company's line a good deal of the traffic which used to pass through Foxton has of course been diverted. When the flax trade is brisk there is a large traffic in that commodity.
the stationmaster in charge, was born in Perthshire, and served his apprenticeship to the railway service in Scotland. For some years subsequently he followed the sea, between New Zealand and Melbourne, eventually settling in New Zealand. Mr. Imrie joined the Railway Department in 1884, and in the following year was appointed stationmaster of Greatford, where he remained for one year. He was subsequently for five years at Waitara, and has been in charge of the Foxton Railway Station since August, 1889.
Engine-driver on the Foxton-Wanganui section of New Zealand Government Railways, was born in 1843 at Hockworthy, Devonshire, England, where he was educated. After nine years experience as a fireman on the North London Railway, he came to Napier, per ship “Halcione,” in 1874, and joined Messrs. Brogden and Sons as a general hand. Twelve months later Mr. Stephens was engaged by Mr. Passmore, then engineer-in-chief, as driver, which position he has since held. He is a member of the society of engine-drivers and firemen of Great Britain.
was established about the year 1877. It is a large wood and iron building, containing three lofty and convenient rooms, one being devoted to the infants, another to the boys and girls of the first two standards, and the third for standards three to six. The head master, Mr. Washington Smith Stewart, B.A., is a Graduate in Arts of the Royal University in Ireland, and holds the classification of B1 under the New Zealand Department of Education. There are 252 children on the roll, the average attendanc being 202. There are fine large playgrounds surrounding the school, which is centrally situated in the district, and the headmaster's residence has been erected on the property.
is situate in Main Street, Foxton. It has been built about twenty years. It is a wooden building with iron roof, and has sitting accommodation for one hundred and twenty. There is a Bell American organ to lead the singing. The congregation numbers about one hundred. The church is erected on a section of three-quarters of an acre in extent. In connection with the church is a Sunday school having eighty children on the roll. Services are held in connection with the church at Shannon and Levin. The parsonage is erected on a section of six acres, and another section of equal acreage belonging to the church is used by the minister.
Vicar of All Saints', Foxton, was born in Sunderland, England, in 1843, being educated at Tatham Street Academy in his native town. For some years before leaving for New Zealand in 1879, Mr. Young was in business as a merchant. Arriving in Wellington per ship “Wairoa,” he became a local preacher in connection with the Wesleyan Church, and subsequently accepted the position of home missionary, successively at Greytown North, Opunake, and Motueka. In 1893 Mr. Young was appointed Curate of Palmerston North, and after three years took up his residence at Foxton as Vicar of All Saints'. The reverend gentleman is a musician, his instrument being the clarionet, which he has played in connection with the Palmerston North Orchestral Society, of which he has been an active member, and was one of the founders. During his residence in Palmerston North, Mr. Young has been closely associated with hospital work as a regular visitor. He was married in England to a daughter of Mr. John Eggers, contractor, of Sunderland, and has three daughters and two sons.
is situated in Main Street, and was erected in 1867 to the order of Messrs. G. Nye and I. Cameron, at a cost of £440. The church was opened by the Rev. James Duncan, who has been in charge ever since.
Minister in charge of the Presbyterian Church, Foxton, was born in Airdrie Scotland, in 1813, and educated at the Glasgow University, also studying at the Theological Hall. He was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1842 by the Glasgow Presbytery, and arrived in the Colony in 1843 in the ship “Phœbe.” In 1844, he went to the Manawatu, where he has resided ever since, except three years. The Presbyterian Church in Main Street, Foxton, was erected through his efforts. Mr. Duncan was married to Miss Struthers, of Blackness. Scotland, in 1842, the lady dying in Foxton in 1884. The issue of the marriage was four daughters, one of whom survives.
is in Main Street, Foxton. The building, which is constructed of wood and iron, was built about the year 1876, and provides accommodation for about 170 people. There is a Sunday school in connection with the Church, numbering 100 children. The Primitive Methodists also hold services at Shannon, where they have a wood and iron building, and a Sunday school having eighty children on the roll. They also conduct services at Tokomaru and Moutoa in the State schoolrooms. The minister in charge is Rev. S. Barnett.
(Ernest Stephen Thynne, Proprietor), Manawatu Herald Office Main Street, Foxton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. P.O. Box 4. The Manawatu Herald was established on the 28th of August, 1878, by Messrs. J. and G. Russell Mr. Thynne has been the proprietor since 1889. The Manawatu Herald office was built for the business by Messrs. Russell Bros. on freehold land well situated in Main Street. The total floorage space afforded by the commodious wood and iron building is about 1400 square feet The Manawatu Herald is a tri-weekly newspaper of 23 by 34 inches in size. It is issued on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The machinery comprises a wharfdale press by Annabell and two or three good jobbing presses. There is a very complete printing plant, and splendid work is turned out from this establishment. Four hands are employed exclusive of runners, &c. Politically the Manawatu Herald is a liberal Conservative, and represents the views more particularly of landowners than the business people of Foxton. Generally its views are against the present Government. The proprietor, Mr. Thynne, is also a sheepfarmer, his private residence being on his farm at Kawaroa about four miles from Foxton. The latter adjoins the celebrated Motua Estate. Mr. Thynne was born in Westminster, London, and was educated at the King's College School, London. He served his articles as a civil engineer with Mr. J. Bailey Denton, of Parliament Street, Westminster, S.W., completing his term in 1865. He followed his profession until 1868, when he came to the colonies by one of Messrs. Wigrams' vessels to Melbourne. In the same year he settled in the Foxton district, and in 1869 was elected to represent the district in the Wellington Provincial Council. He was made a J.P. about the same time. Mr. Thynne served for three years in the provincial council, and at the next election was
Chemist, Druggist, and Aerated Water Manufacturer, Corner of Main and Clyde Streets, Foxton Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Hamer studied for the medical profession in England, being apprenticed to Dr. William Court, of Bolton. Subsequently he went into the drug trade in Manchester, and for some years was manager of various establishments in different parts of England. On arriving in Auckland Mr. Hamer proceeded to Wanganui, and for seven months was in the employ of Messrs. Williamson and Co. as dispenser. When he came to Foxton he purchased a branch of the business of Mr. R. Leary, of Palmerston North. He is the only chemist in Foxton, and does a considerable dispensing business. His knowledge of medicine has proved very useful in his career in Foxton. Mr. Hamer has a capital aerated water plant, including a machine by Tyler. He makes first-rate cordials and aerated waters of all descriptions. The writer can speak from ex-experience of the splendid quality of these lines. Mr. Hamer is an importer of most of the stock required in the business, and intends to erect a convenient factory for the purposes of the aerated water
Shipping, Commission, and General Agent, Main Street, Foxton. Mr. Overend is agent for the “Queen of the South”—an iron vessel—owned by Messrs. Levin and Co., Limited, of Wellington, which trades between Wellington and Foxton, making regular trips. Mr. Overend was born in Wellington in 1867, and entered into mercantile life in 1882 under Mr. Edward Pearce, who afterwards joined the firm of Messrs. Levin and Co. In June, 1896, Mr. Overend was appointed to represent his firm in Foxton. He is a member of the Order of Oddfellows, and takes an interest in athletic movements.
Young, F. R., Shipping and Commission Agent, Main Street. Foxton. Established by present proprietor in 1888.
Surveyor and Interpreter, Norbiton Road, Foxton. Mr. Alzdorf is the son of the late Baron Alzdorf, who was killed in the old Wellington Hotel in the big earthquake of 1855. He was born at Petone in the year 1841, and claims to be the first European born in Port Nicholson. Mr. Alzdorf was educated in the Colony, and served his apprenticeship in the Survey Office at Wellington, completing his term 1861. He was subsequently employed by the Provincial and General Governments as a surveyor, and between the years 1866 and 1869 laid out a portion of the town of Foxton, and most of the township of Palmerston and Fitzherbert, afterwards 200,000 acres in Manawatu and Wanganui. Mr. Alzdorf had done a good deal of surveying in his time, and is well qualified to undertake all work entrusted to him.
(C. H. Harrison, proprietor), Avenue Road, Foxton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The Manawatu Hotel is one of the oldest established houses in the district, having been founded about the year 1868. It comprises a large two-story structure, built of wood and iron, which contains some twenty-five rooms. There are sixteen comfortable bedrooms, containing twenty-one beds, and there are four large sitting-rooms. The dining-room is all that can be desired, being light and well ventilated, and excellently found in all necessaries. In the large billiard-room is one of the well-known tables made by Messrs. Wright, Ranish and Co., of Wellington. The Manawatu Hotel affords excellent accommodation for commercial men, for whose convenience a fine sample-room is kept. Mr. Harrison was born at Water-of-Leith, Dunedin, and was brought up to the ironmongery business. He has had a varied experience, having been for two years in Melbourne, where he was chiefly engaged in poultry-farming. He is now settled in Foxton, and has managed the Manawatu Hotel in a most satisfactory manner. Mr. Harrison is the son of the late Mr. W. H. Harrison, who was well-known as the editor of the Wellington Independent for many years. Mr. Harrison, sen., was associated with journalistic enterprises in several other parts of New Zealand. At one time he was the proprietor of the Grey River Argus, and while resident on the West Coast contested the Grey-mouth seat in the House of Representatives, defeating Sir Patrick Buckley. Mr. Harrison sat as member for the district in two or three parliaments. He was a Liberal in politics, and his memory will ever be fresh in the minds of those who were interested in political matters during the early days of the Colony.
(Carl Mortensen, proprietor). Main Street, Foxton, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. P.O. Box 20. The Post-Office Hotel is a handsome two-story building of wood and iron, erected on leasehold land right opposite the post-office. It was originally the old Aberdeen store, conducted for some years by Mr. Gray. The Post-Office Hotel was built in 1891, and contains twenty large and convenient rooms, of which eleven are bedrooms, affording accommodation for twenty or thirty people ordinarily, but more on special occasions. There are five good sitting rooms and a large and well-furnished dining-room. The billiard-room is one of the most convenient in the town, being supplied with one of Allcock's best tables. Adjoining the main building is a comfortable cottage, which has been added to the hotel, so as to provide increased accommodation. Behind the hotel are stables containing two stalls and three loose-boxes. There is also a good sample-room for commercial men.
(John Rainbow Stansell, proprietor), Main Street, Foxton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. P.O. Box 32, Telegraphic address, “Stansell, Foxton.” This imposing two-story building is situate within five minutes walk of the Railway Station. It contains thirty rooms, exclusive of the bar and the private parlour used by the family. There are two private sitting-rooms upstairs, and three parlours on the ground floor. The billiard-room is furnished with one of Alcock's full-sized tables. There is a large sample-room for the use of travellers, the house being well known by the “commercials.” Every comfort is found in Whyte's Hotel under the supervision of the host, who is ably supported by Mrs. Stansell and family. Mr. Stansell is the proprietor of a line of coaches, which leave daily for Levin, arriving in time to catch the morning train to Wellington, and return immediately on the arrival of the Wellington train. Attached to the hotel are most complete stable, including loose-boxes capable of accommodating
Foxton Family Hotel (Henry Border, proprietor). Main Street, Foxton. Established many years ago by Mr. T. U. Cook, and conducted by present proprietor since 1890.
Engineer and General Blacksmith, Main Street, Foxton. Private residence, Easton Street. Mr. Barber was born in 1864 in Wellington, where he was educated. Apprenticed to Messrs. Robertson and Co., of the “Phœnix Foundry,” he remained nine years in the pattern-making, turning, and fitting departments. Mr. Barber settled in Foxton in 1889, and commenced business on his own account. His shop is a one-story building of wood and iron, having 900 square feet of floor space. Mr. Barber is considered “the handy man” of the district, tinsmithing, wheelwright work, and numerous other jobs being committed to his care. He is agent for Cable and Co.'s flax-milling machinery, and sub-agent for the famous Planet J.R. machines, together with numerous other lines.
Plumber and Painter, Foxton. Mr. Jenks founded the present business in 1875. The freehold premises occupied by him were built for the purpose of his trade in 1882, and afford fully 1000 square feet of floorage space. He has been prominent as a tradesman in the district, and has worked on all the local churches and public buildings, both inside and outside. Mr. Jenks undertakes plumbing and painting, including signwriting in all its branches, and may be relied upon to do his work thoroughly.
Wilson, Simeon, Blacksmith, Foxton.
Butcher, Main Street, Foxton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Easton was born at Peckham, near London. His eldest brother was foreman to a large butchery business carried on by Mr. James Smith in Melbourne in the early days. The subject of this notice came out to his brother soon after finishing his apprenticeship, but only remained in Melbourne a short time. Attracted by the news from the goldfields of Otago, Mr. Easton crossed over, and was all through the Otago diggings, at Gabriel's, Waitahuna, and Tuapeka. Leaving the goldfields, Mr. Easton worked at his trade for some time in Dunedin, until the West Coast rush broke out. For some time afterwards he had mining experience on the West Coast goldfields. Subsequently for three or four years Mr. Easton had a shop in Wellington, after which he removed to the Foxton district, and established the present business in 1874. The premises now occupied by him comprise a unique and handsome building, affording about 3000 square feet of floorage space, which is erected on freehold land. The building was constructed from Mr. Easton's own designs, Messrs. Morley and Fry being the contractors. They have been completed nearly twenty years. Mr. Easton's convenient slaughterhouses are situate on twenty-four acres of land owned by him, where also he has a boiling-down establishment. He has several farms, including 175 acres in the Foxton district, where he carries on a dairy business, and milks thirty-five cows. He has a fine paddock of sixty acres in the district for the purpose of running sheep, and a horse paddock of six acres. At Birmingham Mr. Easton has 150 acres where he runs cattle, and at Campbelltown 237 acres where he runs his stock. Mr. Easton's turnover is from sixteen to twenty bullocks a month and about eighty sheep. He has four sons, who assist in the business, of whom one is married. A daughter of Mr. Easton's is married to Mr. A. H. Knowles, manager of the Bank of Australasia at Foxton. Mr. Easton took a prominent part in connection with the establishment of the Anglican Church in the Foxton district, and assisted materially in getting the church built.
Walsh and Howan (J. W. Walsh and J. H. Howan), Butchers, Main Street, Foxton. Established 1880, and conducted by present firm since 1892.
Flaxmiller, Star Hemp Mills, Harbour Street, Foxton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Main Street, Foxton. The three buildings which comprise the Star Hemp Mills at Foxton are of corrugated iron, and have a floor space of over 1300 square feet. The motive power is a “Ruston and Proctor” ten-horse portable steam engine, which works up to a pressure of seventy pounds to the square inch. The strippers, by Messrs. Booth and McDonald, of Christchurch, give every satisfaction. There is a very complete scutching plant on the premises, which were erected about seven years ago. Mr. Coley employs nearly thirty hands in the mill, exclusive of those who are engaged in cutting and carting flax and firewood on contract. The output of dressed fibre averages at the rate of about a ton per day, for which Mr. Coley finds a ready market in Wellington. The flax is shipped per “Queen of the South” to Wellington, consigned to Mr. G. H. Scales, who gives Mr. Coley every satisfaction. The dressed fibre from the Star Hemp Mills has never been specially exhibited, but Mr. Coley informed the writer that he intended to be an exhibitor at the Welligton Industrial Exhibition of 1896. Some of the dressed fibre produced by Mr. Coley at his Star Hemp Mills is of remarkable length and quality, some samples shown measuring four feet, and being of a beautiful silky texture. Mr. George Coley, the proprietor of the well-known Star Hemp Mills, was born in 1862 in Auckland, where he was educated. Prior to 1889—when he commenced business in the flax industry—Mr. Coley was a carrier between Wanganui and Wellington, where he was well known among the early settlers. Mr. Coley commenced in a small way as a carrier, and satisfied his customers by his diligent attention to their interests together with punctual delivery of goods entrusted to his care. For
Engineer at the Star Hemp Mills, is a son of Mr. Henry Hutchison, engineer, of Darlington, where he was born in 1849. After four years at the Gainford Academy, where he passed all his examinations with merit, he qualified as an engineer, becoming second engineer on the ironclad “Mahomed Ali.” Subsequently he had charge of Messrs. Bland and Co.'s erecting shop, Stockton-on-Tees, where over 400 hands were employed. Mr. Hutchison came to the Colony, per ship “Fern Glen,” in 1876, and was employed in Wellington by Messrs. E. W. Mills and Co. and afterwards by Mr. Seagar. He took charge of Messrs. Bell Bros.' sawmills at Kereru in 1887, where he remained for four years, and was afterwards at Mr. Wylie's Ohau sawmills. In November, 1893, Mr. Hutchison, after taking an active part in the erection of the machinery of Messrs. Bartholomew and Co.'s sawmills at Otaki, including the band-saw, came to Foxton under engagement to Mr. Coley. Mr. Hutchison holds first-class certificates as engineer, and is consulted by the residents of the district. His employer good naturally allows Mr. Hutchison to attend to the machinery of others engaged in the trade when mishaps occur.
Austin Bros. (Robert Austin), Flaxmillers, Foxton.
General Storekeeper, Main Street, Foxton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Telegraphic address, “Rhodes, Foxton.” Mr. Rhodes was born in the Colony. He was educated in Napier, and brought up to mercantile life. The present business was established in 1885, and has been conducted by Mr. Rhodes solely since 1894. The building occupied for the business is a structure of wood and iron, one story in height, affording ample accommodation for the demands of the business, which extends within a radius of twenty miles from Foxton. Mr. Rhodes has a capital and well assorted stock of the kind usually kept by a country storekeeper. He has done a large business as a buyer of flax, of which he has exported a considerable quantity. He is willing at any time to purchase flax on commission, and is in a position to buy at lowest rates. He is agent for the Standard Insurance Company, for the flax machinery made by Mr. R. M. Crosbie, of Nelson, and Messrs. Booth, McDonald and Co., of Christchurch. He is also agent for the Evening Post, New Zealand Times and Mail, Auckland Weekly News, and Weekly Press and Referee. Mr. Rhodes is well known and popular in Foxton, where he has resided for about six years. He gives
personal and energetic attention to his business, and also finds some time to take an interest in the recreations of the people. He is a steward of the Foxton Jockey Club, and a member of the rowing, tennis, and cricket clubs.
(Thomas Westwood, proprietor), Corner of Main Street and Whyte Street, Foxton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. P.O. Box 12. Telegraphic address, “Westwood, Foxton.” Private residence. The Avenue. The Red House was established on the 1st August, 1894, that day being the birthday of the enterprising proprietor. The convenient premises were erected for the purposes of the business on the present site, which is leasehold, with a purchasing clause. The building, which is one story in height, is constructed of wood and iron, and contains a large shop with a store-room behind. The frontage of the building is twenty-five feet to Main Street, by forty-eight feet to Whyte Street, the total floorage space being upwards of 1200 square feet. Behind the main building is a large iron produce shed. Mr. Westwood keeps a large and general stock of grocery, ironmongery, crockery, and other lines. He was one of the successors to the business conducted by the late Mr. C. Honore. Mr. Westwood is well known in the Colony, and particularly in the Foxton district. He has had business experience of seventeen years' duration in the district, and was for four years a member of a local firm before establishing the Red House on his own account. Mr. Westwood is a direct importer of crockery, the other goods in which he deals being purchased in the Colony. His trade extends to Sandon, Cambelltown, Carnarvon, and Shannon. Two horses and carts are employed in the business, one being specially used for town delivery, and one for the country. Mr. Westwood's private residence is situated on freehold land, in the Avenue, Foxton. The engraving on the following page gives a good idea of the handsome and convenient premises occupied by Mr. Westwood.
Hennessey and Co. (Philip Hennessey), General Storekeepers, Main Street, Foxton. Established by Mr. J. W. Liddle in 1867, and conducted by present proprietors since 1894.
General Carrier, Grain and Produce Merchant, Avenue Road, Foxton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Spelman established the present business in 1866. His central premises are of wood and iron, erected on freehold land. There is an eight-horse-power portable engine by Messrs. Richards and Watts, the water for which he raises from a fourteen-foot well by means of a force-pump, and all necessary machinery, such as circular saws, chaff-cutter, corn-crusher, and corn-kibbler. Mr. Spelman undertakes cutting and crushing for farmers chiefly. He also buys and sells on his own account. Mr. Spelman was born in Ireland, and came to New Zealand per ship “Hudson,” arriving in Wellington in 1878. He had learned the carrying business, and at once settled in Foxton. He employs seven horses and carts in connection with his business, and has four acres of land in the Avenue Road, where he resides, as well as one hundred and six acres at Pohangina, which he farms. He has been a member of the Foxton School Committee for some five or six years, and occupies the position of keeper of the Foxton Pound, which duties he has performed for about nine years past.
Kerr, Archibald, Baker and Confectioner, Main Street. Foxton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established about 1884. and conducted by present proprietor since 1893.
Loveday Bros. (Frederick Eure, manager), Drapers, Foxton.
Osborne, Edmund John Burnard, Draper, Main Street, Foxton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established by present proprietor in 1880.
Ennis, Stuart, Tailor, Main Street, Foxton. Established 1889.
Jonson, Andrew, Cabinetmaker, Builder, and Undertaker, Main Street, Foxton. Established 1870.
Osborne, E. P., Cabinetmaker and Undertaker, Foxton. Established 1887.
McCloskey, Henry Thompson, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Foxton.
Harris, John, Bootmaker, Foxton.
Little, William Thomas, Saddler and Harnessmaker, Main Street, Foxton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Conducted by present proprietor since 1892.
Fraser, Alfred, Bookseller, Stationer, etc., Foxton.
River Bank, Foxton. Mr. Cook is one of the oldest settlers in the district. He purchased land from the Colonization Company in 1839, and came out in one of the three earliest ships, the “Adelaide,” arriving in Port Nicholson in 1840. Mr. Cook settled in Foxton in the year 1854, but came into possession of a considerable amount of land through his wife, who was a native, by whom he has had fifteen children, of whom ten are still alive, and all but one have been married. Mr. Cook's eldest daughter resides in England with a family of nine or ten children. Another daughter is married to Mr. Hickson, Treasury Department, Wellington. Mr. Cook has in all about forty grandchildren. His landing in the Colony is thus described in his own words: “On the ‘Adelaide’ dropping anchor in Port Nicholson Harbour towards evening, several of the passengers made a request to the captain to allow them a boat to go to shore, Mrs. Smith, the wife of the surveyor-general, being very anxious to meet her husband, who had previously arrived in one of the first ships. Several of us volunteered to pull the boat if the captain consented. He endeavoured very strongly to dissuade us from doing so, as a southerly gale was coming up. We started, however, and landed on the Petone beach after several narrow escapes from capsizing, the gale being very terrific, and the rain coming down in torrents. When we landed it was pitch dark, and in some manner myself and Baron Alzdorf got separated from the others. After wandering about for a time we discerned a light, which we made for, and which came from a hut occupied by immigrants. There we were kindly treated and provided with a bed. Such was my experience of my first night in New Zealand.” Mr. Cook has engaged in many pursuits since settling in the Colony. He has been in the ship building trade, has also been a storekeeper, and was one of the first sheepfarmers in the Wellington provincial district. As an hotel-keeper, Mr. Cook erected the Family Hotel in Foxton between thirty and forty years ago, and had the first licensed house in the Foxton district, which he called the Adelaide Hotel. The place is now occupied as a private residence by Mr. Cook, who is in his seventy-ninth year, and is deservedly respected by the inhabitants of the district.
J.P., Settler, Foxton. The subject of this notice was in the Marine service in his younger days, afterwards acting as paymaster in Bombay, from which position he was compelled to retire by ill-health. He came to Wellington in 1811, per ship “Mandarin,” and became one of the first colonists in the Manawatu district. After residing in Wellington, Captain Robinson came to Foxton, where he subsequently settled permanently. After a short visit to Australia, he settled on 400 acres in Foxton, which he had purchased in London before coming to the Colony, and on getting possession of his land, proceeded with the work of a pioneer settler. Subsequently he took a Maori lease of about 20,000 acres, being a portion of the Himatingi Block. This block must originally have been heavy bush, as timber has frequently been found embedded in the earth in the process of digging wells. The late Captain Robinson spent a great deal of money in draining, the swamp being so soft in many places that it was necessary to put down planks for the men to stand upon before the drains could be constructed. To the late Captain Robinson, whose portrait appears in the engraving, Foxton is indebted for the progress of the district. He was a successful settler, and always prominent in furthering the welfare of the district. Captain Robinson was chairman of the late Foxton Road Board, at that time the only local body, and on his death in November, 1888, at the advanced age of 82, left six sons and four daughters. All his children are married, with the exception of two
Farmer, Carnarvon, near Foxton, Born in the Metropolis of the World in 1843, Mr. Barber was educated at Dover Road School. After spending many years in the butchery business in the Old Country, Mr. Barber shipped on board the barque “Arabello,” and landed at Wellington on the 3rd of January, 1862. He was engaged in the meat trade at Wellington in the firm of Barber and Co. for many years, also in the Wellington Meat Export Company. On severing his connection with the firm, Mr. Barber took up the large tract of country he now possesses at Carnarvon, on which he breeds many thousand sheep, as well as several hundred head of cattle. The property is fenced and subdivided, and contains a substantial homestead and numerous out buildings.
Farmer, No. 2 Line, Foxton. Born in 1847 in Kilkenny, Ireland, Mr. Bowe was apprenticed to a flour-miller, with whom he served four years. Going to America at the age of seventeen, he found employment in the leather trade at a “currying” shop. Mr. Bowe came to the Colony per ship “Stephena,” landing at Auckland in 1865. He was given employment by Mr. John Curtis, who was the contractor in Mr. Henry Holland's brickyard. After eighteen months the West Coast gold rush set in, and Mr. Bowe went to Greymouth, and was very lucky as a digger for seven years. Flushed with success, he made a twelve months pleasure trip to Australia, and returning in 1875 he commenced contracting at Wanganui with Mr. Alex. Walker (now at Waverley) under Messrs. Pell and Parker. This continued about six months, and the firm of Walker and Bowe, after doing well, took a second contract for harvesting 160 acres for Messrs. Taylor and Watt. Coming to Foxton in 1875, Mr. Bowe worked for eighteen months under Mr. Henry Dawson on the Moutoa estate, after which he bought the freehold farm on which he now does a large dairying business, and fattens cattle for the market, besides engaging in agriculture. He sells his milk chiefly to the Foxton creamery. Altogether Mr. Bowe may be considered a successful farmer.
Ferryman, Wirokino, near Foxton. Postal address, Foxton. Born on the 5th of October, 1843, he joined Her Majesty's Navy in 1859. In 1862 he joined the merchant service, in which he continued for four years, and traded in the Baltic and Mediterranean Seas to Africa, and twice to New Zealand, landing on the last occasion in January, 1867. Mr. Hillary was engaged in various pursuits in the Manawatu district for twelve months, when he was appointed ferryman on the Manawatu River by the Wellington Provincial Council, where he continued till the County Act came into force in 1877. He ferried the first royal mail coach that ran between Wellington and Wanganui, and during the five years he made many improvements in the ferrying service, for which he was compensated by the Council when that body took it over. Mr. Hillary lost the tender during 1879 and 1880, but was engaged to refit the Lower Gorge ferry, which had been destroyed by a flood. In 1881 he was successful in obtaining the Foxton ferry for a lease of three years, and in 1883 he erected a new ferry at Wirokino, which he worked in conjunction with the Foxton one. On the completion of the Wellington-Manawatu Railway the traffic fell off so considerably that the Foxton ferry was closed in 1888, and the plant was removed to Wirokino and there used, the Wirokino plant being subsequently fitted up by Mr. Hillary at a place chosen by him for the Shannon people. He conducted both ferries for a time. In 1890 he leased the Wirokino ferry for twelve months, and the Shannon ferry from September, 1891, till September, 1893. In April, 1895, he took a lease for three years of the Wirokino ferry. Mr. Hillary has had a long experience in the business, and was the
Farmer, No. 1 Line, Foxton. The son of the late Mr. William Satherley, the subject of this sketch was born at Nelson in 1842, and after an experience of twenty-two years in the Nelson district on his father's farm, he came to Foxton. He was overseer for fifteen years on the Moutoa estate—a run of 10,000 acres, belonging to the Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Satherley commenced a dairy farm in 1889, and runs some thirty cows on his freehold property. They are fed during the winter months on oats, hay, and mangolds. At that season Mr. Satherley makes his own butter, which commands a sale locally. During the summer months the milk is sent to the creamery.
Farmer, No. 1 Line, Foxton. Born in Kent, England, in 1845, Mr. Whibley worked the greater part of his time on his father's farm till 1875, when he sailed in the “Berar” for Wellington. Arriving safely, they were quarantined at Somes Island for fourteen days, when he proceeded to Wanganui, and was employed at the Tutaenui bridge for some months, and afterwards brickmaking on the Oroua Downs, having had some four years experience in the County of Kent. Mr. Whibley came to Foxton in November, 1875, and was employed by Mr. Thynne on his farm, where he stayed twelve years. He then purchased his present freehold property. Recognising the dairy industry to be a profitable business, Mr. Whibley invested in some twenty head of cows, and sells milk to the local creamery. The success of his farming is the result of hard work on the part of Mr. Whibley, who is well supported by his wife and family.
This important borough occupies a natural clearing in the midst of what was originally a dense bush. Since its establishment rather more than a quarter of a century ago, settlement has progressed by leaps and bounds, every year witnessing substantial progress in the work of subduing the wilderness.
The town is well laid out, one of its striking features being the fine square—planted with ornamental
The borough is lighted by gas supplied by the local company, which has a steadily-increasing number of consumers. A capital water supply has been brought in from the Tiritea Stream, and is available in case of fire under the local brigade. There is a splendidly equipped Hospital, which is controlled by a representative committee, chosen from the various districts benefitted by it.
Palmerston North is sometimes spoken of as the “Chicago of New Zealand” and its large weekly sales of live stock, and its annual show under the auspices of the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association, which has already become a notable New Zealand event, tend to justify the cognomen. The post and telegraph office and telephone bureau—situate in the Square—are important institutions in the township. A handsome new courthouse has recently been erected to provide for the sittings of the District and Magistrate's Courts.
Hotel accommodation is abundant in Palmerston North, the wants of travellers and tourists being well supplied. Besides private schools, there are three fine public schools, viz., Campbell Street, College Street, and Terrace End, which are well attended. Among the public halls may be noted the Masonic, Oddfellows' and Foresters' Halls, the Theatre Royal and the Drill Shed. The usual Friendly Societies and a considerable number of clubs are among the institutions of the borough, which may fairly be classed as a progressive town. There are two daily papers published within the Square—the Manawatu Times and the Manawatu Standard. Churches are represented by the Anglican, Presbyterian, Wesleyan and Roman Catholic.
Palmerston North, which returns a member to the
Some of the residences of the local mercantile and professional men are particularly choice, both in location, finish and surroundings. A perusal of the articles which follow on its public men, its institutions, and its local governing bodies, will afford a good idea of this highly interesting town.
M.H.R. for the electorate of Palmerston North, is a colonial by birth, and was born in the year 1859. He is a printer by trade, having completed his apprenticeship in the Wanganui Herald office, when that paper was owned by the late Mr. John Ballance. Like many printers, Mr. Pirani graduated to journalism, and now owns (in partnership with his brother) the Manawatu Daily Standard, a flourishing morning paper in Palmerston North, one of the largest inland towns in the North Island, and the centre of one of the finest agricultural districts in the Colony. Mr. Pirani has served a lengthy apprenticeship in local bodies, commencing in Blenheim, where he was a member of the school committee when he was twenty-three years of age. Arriving in Palmerston North more than twelve years ago, he very soon shared in the work of local government, and has acted as Chairman of the Palmerston School Committee, Chairman of the Licensing Committee, member of the Wanganui Education Board, Wellington Land Board. and Middle District University Council, President of the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association, etc., while he was the only member returned at the last licensing committee election for the electorate of Palmerston on the Temperance ticket. At the 1890 general election, Mr. Pirani contested the Palmerston seat (which then included most of the present Otaki electorate) with Mr. J. G. Wilson, the sitting member, and was defeated, after a triangular contest, by 57 votes. In 1893 Mr. Pirani contested the seat with Mr. G. M. Snelson and Mr. J. P. Leary, and was returned by a majority of 203. Mr. Pirani has taken a prominent part in athletics, and in fire brigade and friendly society matters, and was a frequent victor in Wan ganui in his teens, while he is proud of his record of fifteen years' active service in fire brigades. In this connection it is worth mentioning that he was presented a few years ago with a service of plate and a marble clock, as a token of the appreciation and regard of his fellow-citizens.
which was incorporated in August, 1877, the provisions of “The Rating Act, 1882,” being adopted in 1887, is one of the most important inland towns in the Colony. Its area is 4595 acres, and the population at the census of 1896 was returned at 5910. There are 2500 reteable properties, including 1232 dwellings in the Borough, owned by 900 ratepayers, the total rateable value in 1896 being £554,500, which is more than double the amount in 1887. The Council has raised £50,000 at five per cent. in London, on which there is an accrued sinking fund of £1829, and in the Colony £1200 at the same rate. A very important work was accomplished in 1888 in the shape of a high-pressure water supply, the Tiritea stream in the Fitzherbert dsitrict being utilized for the purpose. Two-hundred-and-sixty chains of seven-inch mains convey the water from the river to the reservoir, which has a capacity of 300,000 gallons and is situated about 100 chains on the other side of the Manawatu River at a height of 195 feet above the town. The water comes into the Borough by nine inch mains, at a pressure of eighty-five pounds to the square inch, which extend for 220 chains in length. The street mains—about ten to twelve miles in length—are of four to eight inches in diameter, with the exception of a few miles of one inch piping. The total cost of the Palmerston North waterworks was £20,000, the water rate being seven per cent. on six per cent of the capital rateable value, with one shilling per thousand for extra supply, the ordinary and special (to provide interest and sinking funds on Loans) rate being 2 3/8 d. in the £. The councillors for the borough (Dec. 1896) are:—Messrs. Edgar Barnaby Pearce, Frederick Aisher and David Bowen Harris (No. 1 Ward); James Robert Montague, Joseph Charles Nathan and William Park (No. 2 Ward); Solomon Abrahams, Henry Haydon and George Caird (No. 3 Ward.)
was elected to the high position he now holds in 1895. Born in Hobart, Tasmania, on the 11th of June, 1854, he was apprenticed to his trade with Mr. John Wilmot. Mr. Wood came to this Colony in 1872, and worked with various firms in Dunedin. In 1875 he went to the West Coast, and there in Kumara established himself in business. It was at this time that the gold-diggings broke out, and Mr. Wood was doing well when he sold out in 1879 and came to Palmerston North. He was first returned as a borough councillor in 1880, which position he has filled nearly every year since. Mr. Wood was also for many years a vestryman in the Church of England, and has been a parishioners' warden. He has been a member of the school committee for four years, and chairman for two years. Mr. Wood also assisted in the establishment of the Loyal Manawatu Lodge, I.O.O.F., M.U., and holds the office of Past Provincial Grand Master. Mr. Wood was one of the founders of the Fire Brigade, and also of the Druids Lodge in Palmerston North, and holds the office of first Past District President. He is vice-president of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, the Manawatu Racing Club, and the Cricket and Cash Cycling Clubs.
who represents No. 1 Ward on the Palmerston North Borough Council was born in 1856 in Swansea, Wales. Educated in Aberystwyth at the Welsh University, Mr. Harris qualified as a chemist in England. Coming to New Zealand in 1874 per ship “Normal,” he entered the service of Messrs. J. Hatch and Co. in Invercargill, subsequently removing to Wellington, where he was employed by Messrs. Kempthorne, Prosser and Co. In 1886 Mr. Harris commenced business as a chemist and druggist in Willis Street, Wellington, and after three years he sold the business and went to Australia. Returning in 1890, he settled in Palmerston North, establishing the business
an old settler, who, until recently, declined to enter public life—was returned in 1894 in the interests of No. 1 Ward to the Palmerston North Borough Council. A native of Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, where he was born in 1829, Mr. Pearce was educated in Oxford, and after serving seven years in the Money Order Department of the General Post-office, London, came to New Plymouth per ship “St. Michael” in 1852. Remaining two years he went to the Australian goldfields, and in 1857 took a trip to England, travelling by the “Oliver Laing,” which vessel made a record passage of sixty-eight days. Returning the same year to Melbourne, Mr. Pearce came to Nelson, and after a time on the West Coast goldfields, established himself in business as an auctioneer in Christchurch in 1861. Two years later he removed to Dunedin, and after some time as a commission agent he returned to the West Coast, where he followed farming pursuits till 1871. He then settled in Palmerston North, opening “Pearce's Land Mart,” which he has now conducted for over a quarter of a century. Mr. Pearce is a member of the Masonic Order, his mater lodge being Oamaru Lodge, No. 1111; he is also a member of the Oamaru Lodge of Oddfellows, A. C. In 1866 Mr. Pearce was married to a daughter of the late Mr. John Beechey, of Bampton, Oxfordshire, England, and has three surviving daughters, a daughter and a son being deceased.
J.P., who represents No. 2 Ward in the Palmerston North Borough Council, has long been well known in the district. As an auctioneer and general house furnisher he is referred to at length among the business firms of the town. As a councillor he holds the office of chairman of the Waterworks Committee, and takes a lively interest in everything that affects the progress of the Manawatu. Mr. Montague is a member of the Palmerston North Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, the Manawatu Racing Club, the Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge of Free Masons, also the Royal Arch Chapter, vice-president of the Cycling Club, director of the Caledonian Society, honorary member of the Fire Brigade, was first lieutenant in the Palmerston North Rifle Corps, is a member of the committee of the Racing and Trotting Clubs, and of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association.
of the Borough of Palmerston North, is a son of the late Mr. Henry Nathan, who was a member of the Wanganui Borough Council for a quarter of a century, and only retired from the mayoralty a year before his death in 1893. Born in Wanganui in 1846, and educated at the old Collegiate School, Councillor Nathan was brought up to the business of a contractor, and for twenty-five years conducted business on his own account on the West Coast of the North Island, retiring two years ago. He was returned as one of the representatives of No. 2 Ward in July, 1896, against Mr. A.
who was elected to represent No. 2 Ward of the Palmerston North Borough Council in 1896, is referred to elsewhere in this section as an ex-mayor, as chairman of the Charitable Aid Board, and as a bookseller and stationer.
who represents No. 3 Ward, was born in 1847 at Bodmin, Cornwall. His early days were spent at sea, and he first saw New Zealand in 1863. In 1874 Mr. Haydon became master, and he followed his profession until 1888, when he came to the colony and settled down at Palmerston North, commencing business as a grocer. Mr. Haydon is married, and has five sons and one daughter.
who was elected to a seat on the Palmerston North Borough Council in 1896, is a native of Arbroath, Scotland, and came to this Colony in 1862 per ship “Gannonoque,” from London. He was apprenticed to his father, Mr. G. Caird, of Arbroath, and completed his term in 1860. Soon after his arrival, Mr. Caird went to the goldfields of Westland, where he was digging for seven years. He then removed to the Canterbury district, where he spent some fourteen years engaged in various pursuits. On the whole Mr. Caird's career in the colonies has been fairly successful. He has travelled a good deal, and is personally acquainted with many of the most startling incidents in the history of the Colony for the past thirty years. He is now comfortably settled in Palmerston North, and has every prospect of a successful career. Mr. Caird carries on business as a general storekeeper in Main Street, and in that connection he will be found referred to further on in these pages.
Town Clerk of the Borough of Palmerston North, and Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages was born in Liverpool, England, and was educated and brought up to a general mercantile life in Birmingham. He came to New Zealand per ship “Minerva” in 1859, and gained his colonial experience in the manner most usual in the early days of settlement. Mr. Keeling settled in Palmerston in 1872, taking up the duties of schoolmaster of the first school. He began with but eight scholars. Now there are three large schools with more hundreds than the units with which Mr. Keeling started the educational course of the town. On the establishment of the Local Board in 1875, Mr. Keeling was appointed clerk, and on the incorporation of the borough he became town clerk, and has occupied that position ever since. As a member of the United Manawatu Lodge of Freemasons, Mr. Keeling has passed through all the chairs, his mater lodge being the old St. Andrew Kilwinning, of New Plymouth, in which he was initiated thirty years ago. He is also a member of the Foresters Order, Court Manawatu, in which he has held the various offices. In 1868 Mr. Keeling was married to a daughter of the late Mr. George Hoby, of New Plymouth. Mrs. Keeling died in 1894 at the age of forty-six years, leaving six sons and three daughters.
Borough Solicitor to the Palmerston North Corporation, is the younger son of the late Hon. Sir William Fitzherbert. Born in Wellington in 1851, he was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and at the Melbourne University. His professional career is more fully referred to hereinafter as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court. Mr. Fitzherbert was appointed legal adviser to the Borough Council in 1892. He has always taken a great interest in the volunteer movement, having served as captain of the Petone Navals for five years, and now ranking as captain-commandant of the New Zealand Naval Artillery on the Active Unattached List. As a member of the Diocesan Synod, he represented the Hutt parish, and also had a seat on the General Synod of the Church of England, held in Wellington. In 1876 Mr. Fitzherbert was married to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Baillie Muir, of Dunedin, and has four sons and three daughters.
Inspector of Works and Waterworks for the Palmerston North Borough, was born in 1860 in Devonshire, England, where he was educated. Arriving in Lyttelton, per ship “Cardigan Castle,” in 1875, he was for a number of years engaged in surveying in Hawkes Bay, Taranaki, and Wellington provincial districts, and in 1895 he was appointed to the position he now holds. Mr. Bastin was married in 1886 to a daughter of the late Mr. T. Smith, of Wellington, farmer, and has one son and two daughters.
Inspector of Nuisances, Cabs and Bye-laws, and Ranger and Registrar of Dogs for the Borough of Palmerston North, Ranger and Inspector of Slaughter-houses and Nuisances for the Manawatu Road Board, and Special Constable for the prevention of cruelty to animals, was born in 1854 in Nelson. Brought up to general farm work, he was afterwards a gaol warder at Dunedin, Lyttelton, and New Plymouth, and had charge of the native prisoners, acting as Maori interpreter when required. Retiring from the service early in 1891, Mr. Deblois accepted the appointment he now holds under the Borough Council. He was married to a daughter of Mr. Donaldson, settler, of Otepopo, Herbert, and has seven daughters and two sons.
was formed in 1887; previous to that year a small bucket brigade did duty in coping with the fire fiend. Before the high-pressure water supply was laid on by the Borough Council, in 1888, a manual engine was employed. The station—a wooden building with a bell-tower—is situated in Coleman Place, adjoining the Square, and contains engine and reel-room, three bedrooms, and a library and reading-room, being connected with the telephone exchange, and by a special wire with the hospital. The plant at the main station includes two hose-reels and a ladder carriage and reel combined, with about 4000 feet of hose, the usual fittings, and a manual engine. At the sub-station in Main Street, Terrace End, where two men sleep each evening, there is another reel and 1000 feet of hose. Palmerston North does not possess a free public library and reading-room, strange to say, an oversight which it is difficult to understand in so large and prosperous a town. The officers of the Volunteer Fire Brigade have, however, done a good deal to remedy this defect. A few years ago a suggestion was made that honorary members should be enrolled who should contribute £1 per annum to the funds of the Brigade. In 1894 a library was established for honorary and working members. Beginning with sixty members, £40 worth of books was purchased during the first year; the number of subscribers at the time of writing (1896) is 210, and £400 worth of books—numbering 3000 volumes—is now in hand, the weekly exchange being over 1200 volumes. The Palmerston North Volunteer Fire Brigade numbers thirty-six, including officers, besides two messengers, the officers being: Messrs. A. Tingey (superintendent), F. W. Dunderdale (lieutenant), W. A. Browning, W. R. Hall, and T. W. Lovejoy (foremen), and W. H. Collingwood (secretary and hon. librarian).
of the Palmerston North Volunteer Fire Brigade, was born in London in 1861, and arrived in the Colony, per ship “Tibernia,” the following year with his father, Mr. William Tingey, commercial traveller, of Auckland, who died in 1870. Educated in New Zealand, Mr. Tingey learned his trade with Messrs. R. and E. Tingey, painters and decorators, at Wanganui, and settling in Palmeston North in 1880, he became manager of the local branch of the firm's business. The subject of this notice, who is mentioned elsewhere in these pages as an ex-member of the Borough Council, joined the Fire Brigade on arrival, becoming lieutenant, and eight years later he was promoted to the office he still holds. He is a member of the order of Druids, being attached to the Oroua Lodge. In 1886 Mr. Tingey was married to a daughter of Mr. C. W. Roberts, of Stoney Creek, settler, and has two daughters.
of the Palmerston North Volunteer Fire Brigade, was born in 1864 at Thorne, Yorkshire. In 1879 Mr. Dunderdale was sent out to Melbourne by the Home house of Messrs. Coates and Co., Limited, and remained there for ten years, when he
was established in 1890. The object of the corps is to assist the Brigade in protecting goods from damage during outbreaks of fire. The officers (1896) are: Messrs. W. H. Cox (captain), J. Deblois (first lieutenant), G. Hill (second lieutenant), W. Ebden (secretary), and W. Ryan (treasurer).
who was the first Mayor of Palmerston North, and held office from 1877 to 1880, and on two occasions since that time, was born at Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire, England, in 1837. He was brought up to the ironmongery business in England, and landed in Wellington in 1861. After ten years with Messrs. E. W. Mills and Co., in Wellington, Mr. Snelson settled in Palmerston North, where he has resided for a quarter of a century. He has been in business as an auctioneer and commission agent, and is well known throughout the whose district. Mr. Snelson was the first chairman of the Manawatu Road Board; for two years he was a member of the Manawatu County Council; for a like period he was chairman of the Hospital Board, and for about five years he represented the district on the Wanganui Education Board. Mr. Snelson was a candidate for Parliamentary honours on two occasions, but was unsuccessful. As a Mason he is attached to the Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge, in which he has passed all the chairs. In the Order of Foresters he initiated the first Court in Palmerston North, and succeeded in obtaining a grant of land from the Wellington Provincial Council for Court Manawatu. Mr. Snelson was married in 1865 to a daughter of the late Mr. Henry Buck, of Wellington, but has no family. Mr. Snelson was elected the first captain of the Palmerston North Rifles and his commission dates from the 8th of September 1879.
who was Mayor of Palmerston North for three terms, is a native of Dumfries, Scotland. He arrived in Australia in the “fifties,” and came to New Zealand in 1860. Working on the diggings at Queenstown, Otago, for some years, he experienced the “ups and downs” of goldmining life. In 1871 Mr. Linton settled in Palmerston North, where he has resided ever since. He is what might be termed one of the fathers of this prosperous brought, and has always taken a deep interest in its advancement. During his term of office as mayor he was successful in obtaining a loan of £50,000 for the town, to enable the water, sewerage and other schemes to be carried out. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Wellington-Manawatu Railway from the inauguration of the Company, and was appointed a director when the work was commenced, retiring just prior to its completion.
was Mayor of the Borough of Palmerston North in the year 1886–7, Her Majesty's Jubilee celebration taking place during his term of office, and was a member of the Council for eight years. Born in 1846 in Denmark, he was educated at a college on the Island of Falster, and at the Agricultural and Forestry College of Copenhagen. Arriving at Lyttelton, per ship “Matoaka,” in 1868, Mr. West came to the North Island, and has been a settler in the Manawatu since that time. He has shown great interest in the prosperity and advancement of the district, and during his period of service in the Council he took a leading part in securing the high pressure water supply from the Tiritea stream, which has proved so valuable to the town. Before the establishment of the Palmerston North Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, Mr. West was a member of the Wanganui Hospital Board. As a member of the Order of Freemasons he is attached to the Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge, which he joined at the time of its establishment, and as a Forester he belongs to Court Manawatu No. 5655, in which he has passed all the chairs, and has twice been elected C R. In 1878 Mr. West was married to a daughter of the late Mr. E. Bannister, of Johnsonville, who died in 1891, leaving five daughters and two sons; in 1894 he again married, the lady being a daughter of Mr. C. W. Greenwood, of Akaroa, by whom he has a son. Further particulars of Mr. West's career will be found in his notice as an architect.
ex-mayor of the Borough of Palmerston North, is mentioned an another part of the Cyclopedia
who occupied a seat on the Palmerston North Borough Council from 1887 to 1894 inclusive, was born in 1862 at Cooma, New South Wales. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and in 1878 entered mercantile life in the establishment of Mr. F. Cross, ironmonger, Christchurch. Three years later Mr. Cohen joined Messrs. J. Nathan and Co in Wellington, and soon became manager of the Palmerston North branch of their business. On the incorporation of the Manawatu Farmers' Co-operative Association, he was appointed managing director of the company, and when the society became merged in the United Farmers' Co-operative Association, he became manager of the branch at Palmerston North—the largest and most important establishment of the company. In musical circles Mr. Cohen is well known as a very fair violinist, and while in New South Wales was for many years connected with the Sydney Musical Union. In Wellington he belonged to the Orchestral Society, and he is the energetic conductor and one of the founders of the local Orchestral Society. In masonry he holds office as D.G.S.W. of the District Grand Lodge, E.C., and has been twice master of the United Manawatu Lodge, having also taken the Arch Purple Degree. In public matters Mr. Cohen was one of three gentleman who urged separation from Wanganui and the establishment of a hospital in Palmerston North: he has been vice-president of local cricket and football clubs, and now holds a similar position in the Manawatu Polo Club. In 1887 Mr. Cohen was married to a daughter of Mr. J. E. Nathan, of Wellington, and has one son.
who retired from the representation of No. 2 Ward on the Palmerston North Borough Council in 1896, after having served three-and-a-half years, was born in 1847 at Guernsey, in the Channel Islands, where he was educated. Arriving in Wellington per ship “Collaroon” in 1867, he remained in the Empire City, where he found employment as a professional gardener. In 1875 Mr. Hill settled in Palmerston North, and has since engaged in road contracts and in gardening. For fifteen years he lived in Main Street, opposite the gasworks, when his land was taken for railway purposes. He now lives in Ferguson Street, where he has a capital four-acre section. As a member of the Foresters' for twenty-six years he has passed most of the chairs, being attached to Court Manawatu. In 1870 Mr. Hill was married to a daughter of the late Mr. Montgomery, of Wellington, and has seven surviving children—four sons and three daughters.
who was returned to the Borough Council of Palmerston North in 1887, sat continuously as a member up to the close of 1896, with the exception of one year. Mr. Luxford is the eldest son of Mr. G. H. Luxford, of Wellington, in which city he was born in 1854. He was educated in Jersey, Channel Islands, and
J.P., who served as a member of the Palmerston North Borough Council for two years, has had a prosperous and interesting career. A native of Swanage, Dorsetshire, where he was born in 1840, he spent his twelfth birthday in India, having been put to a seafaring life at an early age, serving five years in the Indian trade. After two years on a vessel engaged in carrying horses from the Cape to India, during the Indian Mutiny, Captain Mowlem served as third, second, and
who for nine years (1883–92) held a seat on the Palmerston North Borough Council, representing the ratepayers of Nos. 2 and 3 Wards successively, is a colonist of fifty-four years standing. A native of Essex, England, where he was born in 1827, Mr. Rush went to sea when ten years old with an uncle, who was a sea captain. In 1843 the family came out to Wellington in the schooner “Esther,” via Sydney, and settled in the Hutt Valley. During the Maori disturbances of 1845–6, the subject of this notice served in the Hutt Militia, subsequently being the recipient of the Imperial medal. For nearly forty years Mr. Rush was engaged in farming at the Taita, and in 1882 he retired from the more active duties of his calling and settled in Palmerston North, building a home in Broad Street. He was appointed to a commission as Justice of the Peace in 1892. Recently he has acquired six acres in Avenue Road, where he has a comfortable residence, which he has named “Aveley,” after his native village. For eight years Mr. Rush was a member of the Palmerston North Licensing Committee, being chairman for the last three years of that period. He also served on the local school committee for three years. In 1847 Mr. Rush married his first wife, who died in 1886, leaving three sons and four daughters. In 1887 he married a daughter of Mr. E. Kusach, of Tipperary, Ireland.
ex-councillor of the Borough of Palmerston North, whose career is more fully given under the Volunteer Fire Brigade, of which he is superintendent, was elected a member of the Council in 1893. Mr. Tingey, who sat as a member of the Reserves Committee, takes a lively interest in the affairs of the Corporation and in the advancement of the district in general, with which he has so long been connected.
Caretaker 'of the Cemetery, Palmerston North, was the one selected out of thirty-nine applicants to fill the position three years ago, and has transformed this, then a dreary wilderness, into one of the prettiest spots in the district. Mr. Person has done all this work almost single-handed. The gardens surrounding his residence, which he has appropriately named “Paradise Villa,” are prettily laid out. Many obstacles have been encountered. The soil is poor, and the want of
for 1896 consists of Messrs. R. L. Stanford, S.M. (chairman), G. M. Snelson, R. S. Abraham, F. Pirani, M.H.R., S. Abrahams, F. Bryant, D. Buick, R. Edwards, and J. Stubbs; Mr. W. Matravers is the clerk. The district under the Committee's jurisdiction is co-terminus with the Palmerston North Electoral District.
constituted in 1894, controls the middle and lower portions of the Aorangi district, its object being to drain a large swamp previously untouched. Loans amounting to £6245, under the Loans to Local Bodies Act, have been secured for the purposes of the Board. The members (1896) are:—the Hon. W. W. Johnston, Messrs. T. R. Hodder, J. M. Leigh, and W. Coombs, Mr. E. J. Armstrong, C.E., acting as secretary and engineer.
was constituted in 1889, when it was separated from the Manawatu Road District. The area under the Board's control is 53,450 acres, and the rateable property £308,104, on which a rate of 3/4d. in the £ is levied. Since 1889 about £9,500 has been borrowed for the construction of roads, of which there are about fifty-six miles. The members of the Board for 1896 are:—Dr. Charles Lemon (chairman), Capt. J. D. R. Hewitt, R.N., and Messrs. W. P. Kendall, S. Green, Wm. Coombs, and H. Andrewartha. The engineer and secretary is Mr. J. S. Bruce.
Chairman of the Fitzherbert Read Board, but better known as late Superintendent of the New Zealand Postal and Telegraph Service, received his education at the Technical College, Kensington—the only one of its kind then in England. He attributes his knowledge of electricity to the experience he gained whilst at this institution. Leaving England he came to New Zealand, and was appointed postmaster at Oamaru in 1863, was promoted to general manager of the telegraphs in 1867, and became superintendent of the Postal and Telegraph Department in 1881. He occupied this responsible position until 1894, when he retired after thirty years of splendid service. Dr. Lemon has a world-wide reputation as an authority on electrical telegraphs, and as far back as 1874 he introduced the system of duplex telegraphy, which resulted in a large saving to the Colony. He rendered valuable assistance to the scientific party which came to the Colony in connection with the transit of Venus, and had the degree of Doctor of Philosophy conferred upon him by the Hamilton University, U.S.A., in recognition of his services. Dr. Lemon is now settled upon his farm at Fitzherbert, enjoying well-earned repose after a life of valuable service to his adopted country.
whose district is co-terminus with the Manawatu Road District—excluding the Aorangi No. 2 Native block on the west, which constitutes a separate district, and the Stoney Creek land on the east—was constituted in 1893. It was incorporated to construct and maintain the drains of the district. An approved scheme exists to construct the outlet drain to the Manawatu River and the connecting drains at a cost of £7600, which has been arranged under the Loans to Local Bodies Act. The members of the Board (1896) are:—Messrs. D. Buick (chairman), S. Sanson, W. Knight, P. Stevens, R. Matheson, L. R. Bryant, and H. T. Flyger; Mr. E. J. Armstrong, C.E., being the engineer, and Mr. W. Rutherfurd the secretary.
—established in 1872—is the local body which controls a district of about ninety-six square miles, situated in the angle formed by the junction of the Manawatu and Oroua Rivers, the northern boundary being the Foxton-New Plymouth Government Railway line. The borough of Palmerston North is bounded on three sides by the Manawatu Road District, in which there are 170 miles of formed and metalled roads. The Board has borrowed under the Loans to Local Bodies Act the sum of £10,206, which has been fully expended, the total rateable value of the district being £567,504. The members (1896) are:—Messrs. D. Buick (chairman), S. Sanson, W. Knight, W. Simpson, H. Bryant, S. W. Luxford, and D. L. Smith; Mr. G. L. R. Scott being the engineer, and Mr. W. Rutherfurd the secretary. The ward system prevails, the district being divided into seven wards, each of which is entitled to elect one member of the board to look after the interests of the ratepayers.
J.P., Chairman of the Manawatu Road Board, was born at Karori, Wellington, in 1818 and is the son of the late Mr. William Buick, who arrived in the Colony, per ship “Arab,” in 1841. His parents removing to the Hutt in 1852, Mr. Buick received his education there. He worked on his father's farm at the Hutt till 1867, when he took possession, the place since being known as “Greenvale Farm.” Removing from the Hutt in 1885, Mr. Buick went to Palmerston North and purchased some 550 acres of first-class grazing land, situate about one-and-a-quarter miles from The Square. He has a fine stud flock of Romney Marsh sheep, and confines himself chiefly to breeding ewes. He has erected a substantial dwelling on the farm, and surrounded it with ornamental trees and shrubs. At all times Mr. Buick has been a prominent member in local bodies. Whilst residing at the Hutt he was selected as the first member for the Road Board, and also held the position of lieutenant in the Petone Navals during 1883 and 1884. He is chairman of the Manawatu Road Board and Drainage Board, which positions he has ably filled for some time past. Mr. Buick, having been requisitioned by a large number of constituents, contested the Palmerston seat in the House of Representatives at the general election, 1896, but was defeated after a gallant fight. Mr. Buick is an unattached mason, is president of the Caledonian Society, and of one of the local football clubs.
which was established in 1894, governs the district embracing the lower portion of the watershed on the north and west of the Oroua River in the Manawatu County. Its object is to drain what was originally a large swamp, but which is now occupied for settlement purposes. The area was partly drained before the incorporation of the Board, whose duty is to complete and maintain the system of drainage, for which purpose a loan of £3080 has been obtained under the Loans to Local Bodies Act. The members of the Board (1896) are:—Messrs. C. Dunk (chairman), J. Beale, M. Morrison, F. G. G. Couper and R. H. Macmillan, Mr. E. J. Armstrong, C.E., being secretary and engineer.
J.P., Chairman of the Sluggish River Drainage Board, was born in 1849 at Horton Priory, Kent, and was educated at Woodchurch and at Mr. John Clark's Grove House Academy, Folkestone. Brought up to country life, he was on his father s farm till 1874, and, until leaving for Melbourne in 1882, farmed the same on has own account. Coming to Melbourne in 1882 by the “Liguria,” he crossed the Tasman Sea, and after a short tour in the Colony settled in the Manawatu district, purchaseing 1500 acres on the Foxton line (now known as Bainesse), after which the railway station is named. The farm carries about three sheep to the acre, besides cattle and horses. In public and social affairs Mr. Dunk takes great interest as captain of the Manawatu Mounted Rifles which he organized in 1891, and as a member of the committee of the local Agricultural and Pastoral Association. An unattached Mason, he was initiated in Prince Edwin Lodge, No. 25. E.C., one of the old Cinque Port Lodges at Hythe, Kent. In 1874 Mr. Dunk was married to a daughter of the late Mr. T. A. Davonport, of Boulogne-sur-mer, France, and has two daughters and a son.
one of the members of the Sluggish River Drainage Board, is a sheepfarmer who resides on his station “Knockinnow,” Rongotea, where he has 1621 acres, carrying 4200 sheep. Born in 1868 in Hawkes Bay, and educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and at Wellington College, he was brought up to the business he now follows. Settling in the Manawatu district he purchased his estate— part of the Oroua Downs—in 1891, and it is now in fair cultivation. In public matters Mr. Couper acts as a trustee of the Rongotea Hall site, and as a member of the committee of the Rongotea Public Library. He was married in March, 1892, to a daughter of Mr. W. Lowes, auctioneer, of Masterton, and has a son and a daughter.
which were formed in 1891, are supplied with Martini Hemi rifles. In addition to the annual Easter camp, they go under canvas for a week during the month of January. Colonel Newall's latest report, 1896, showed that there were fifty members in the company. The officers consist of Captain Dunk, Lieutenants D. Pringle and A. S. Aldrich.
This corps is under the command of Mr. J. E. Hall, and is in an efficient state.
is situated at the corner of Main Street and The Square. It is a large wooden building, and is fitted up with private letter boxes and other conveniences. At the rear of the main building stands the Telephone
who has been Postmaster at Palmerston North since August 1875, joined the service on the 1st of March 1866. He is a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, where he was educated and brought up, and came to the Colony in 1864 in the sailing ship “City of Dunedin.” After obtaining the position in the Government service, he resided in Otaki and other parts of the colony prior to being removed to Palmerston North.
which adjoins the new Magistrate's Court in Main Street, consists of a residence for the officer in charge, together with office and lock-up. The Station is connected with the Telephone Exchange, the number being 40.
Sergeant-Major of Police in Palmerston North district, was born in Kerry, Ireland, in 1837, where he was educated. In 1855 he came to Australia in the ship “Champion of the Seas,” and after arriving in Melbourne he visited the Bendigo and Beechworth gold-diggings, where he prospered exceedingly well. At the end of five years he returned to Ireland, eventually coming back to the colonies in 1863. After a short service in the police force, Mr. Scanlon retired and engaged in the goldmining industry, during which time he was present at some of the famous rushes on the West Coast. He has also taken an active part in the administration of the affairs of local bodies, having been a member of the Okarito County Council and Road Board. Mr. Scanlon re-entered the police force in 1872.
was opened on the 20th of October, 1876, being originally situated in the centre of The Square. In March, 1891, the station was removed to the present commodious wooden building in Main Street. The accommodation comprises public ticket office and vestibule, ladies' and general waiting rooms, luggage office, porters' quarters, and a large refreshment room. A fine asphalted passenger platform of about eighteen chains in length—said to be the longest in New Zealand—has two docks, from which the trains start simultaneously every day for the north and south. As the junction of the Foxton-New Plymouth, Foxton-Napier, and Wellington-New Plymouth and Napier lines, Palmerston North is destined to become an increasingly busy station. Two through trains leave daily for Wellington, three for Wanganui, one for Foxton, one for Napier, and one for Dannevirke, besides local and short distance trains. There is a large goods shed and offices, also an engine shed with foreman's office.
the Stationmaster at Palmerston North, is the son of Mr. W. J. Bowles, of Rangiora, Canterbury, who was for many years in the service of the London North Western Railway Company. Educated partly at private schools in England, and partly at public schools in New Zealand, he came to the Colony with his parents in 1876. Joining the railway service as a cadet in Christchurch in 1878, Mr. Bowles was appointed a stationmaster in 1882. From 1885 to 1890 he was clerk in the traffic manager's office, Christchurch. Then till June, 1896, he held the position of chief relieving officer in the Canterbury district, when he was appointed stationmaster at Palmerston North. Mr. Bowles was married in 1893 to the eldest daughter of Mr. C. Vincent Clarke, of Waimate, Canterbury.
the Clerk in charge of the Parcels and Booking Office at Palmerston North Railway Station, was born in 1869 near Whitham, Essex, England. Educated at Trinity School, East London, he came to Lyttelton in 1883, per ship “Waitangi,” and entered the Railway Department as a cadet in Christchurch in the following year. In 1885, Mr. Horsnell was transferred to Hinds, and was afterwards stationed at Selwyn, Addington, Papanui, Ashburton, and Lyttelton, being promoted to the position of clerk in charge of parcels office in Christchurch in 1892. After two years he was transferred to the goods department at Christchurch, and in 1895 he was installed in the office he now holds. Mr. Horsnell was married in 1893 to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Newcombe, of Addington, settler, and has a son and daughter. He holds the secretaryship of the Cuba Street Wesleyan Choir, the Palmerston North Railway Library and Railway Cricket Club. He is in charge of all telegraph work done at the station, and whilst at Lyttelton was one of a class of telegraph instructors.
Clerk in charge of the Goods Department at the Palmerston North Railway Station, was born in 1865 at Port Chalmers, and was educated in Otago. Entering the Railway Department as a cadet in 1884 at Port Chalmers, he was promoted in 1890 to the charge of the goods department in Palmerston North. A Freemason, Mr. Louden is attached to Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge, having been initiated at Invercargill in Southern Cross Lodge, No. 9. He is considerably interested in all field sports.
Railway Storeman at the Palmerston North Railway Station (Goods Department), was born in 1853. in Aberdeen, where he was educated. Arriving in Wellington, per ship “Zealandia” in 1879, he joined the Railway Department as porter in Wanganui, being promoted to the position he now holds in 1886. As a Forester, Mr. Buchan is attached
Driver in charge at Palmerston North, was born in 1834 at Newcastle, England. As cleaner, fireman, and driver, he served some years on the North Eastern Railway, resigning in 1861 to accept the position of locomotive engine-driver on the Great Southern of India Railway (Madras Presidency). For nearly thirteen years he was running the Company's fast service, and otherwise was acting locomotive foreman. In 1874 Mr. Stephenson arrived in Lyttelton, and was appointed engine-driver under the Canterbury Provincial Government, being promoted to the position of driver-in-charge by Mr. A. D. Smith. He has successively been stationed at Ashburton for thirteen years, at Timaru for five years, at Napier twelve months, and at Palmerston North since 1891. Mr. Stephenson is a prominent member of the Masonic brotherhood, having been initiated in 1864 in Emulation Lodge, Neagapatam, India. In New Zealand he was one of the founders of the Somerset—now Ashburton—Lodge, becoming the second W.M. Having passed through the various chairs of the order, he holds office as a member of the Supreme Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Scotland, and is a Past Z. of the same. He is also an Excellent Master S.C., and a Mark Master E.C. In Palmerston North, Mr. Stephenson was one of the founders, and is one of the principals of the Manawatu Kilwinning Royal Arch Chapter. He is also a member and Past Officer of the District Grand Lodge of Canterbury, E.C. In 1854 the subject of this notice was first married, his wife dying in 1862, leaving two sons and a daughter; five years later he was married to Miss Sheaham, by whom he has two daughters.
Engine-driver on the Napier-Taranaki section of Government Railways, stationed at Palmerston North, was born in 1853 in Sudbury, Suffolk, England. He served seven-years as a gas-fitter in his native place, and came to Wellington in 1872, per “Star of India.” Joining the service as cleaner in 1874 at Palmerston North, he was promoted to the position of driver after four years, and has since been stationed successively at Foxton, Eastown, Hawera, and New Plymouth, returning recently to Palmerston North. In 1873 Mr. Downey was married to a daughter of Mrs. Smith, of Sudbury, and has six sons and three daughters.
Engine-driver on the Napier-Taranaki section of New Zealand Government Railways, stationed at Palmerston North, is a native of Leamington, Warwickshire, England, where he was born in 1839. Having served an apprenticeship in Leamington to the locksmith and bell-banging business, he went to sea in H.M.S. “Dragon” in 1855 as a first-class boy, after passing through a course of training on board H.M.S. “Excellent” at Portsmouth. Arriving in Australian waters, Mr. Feasey was transferred to H.M. frigate “Iris” as smith screw, from which he returned to England in H.M. brig “Elk” as armourer, in 1860, when he was paid off. For fourteen years he was employed on railway lines in England as engine-driver, coming to Wellington in 1874 by ship “La Hogue.” In September of the next year he joined the Railway Department as engine-driver on the Picton-Blenheim section, where he remained four years. After a year at Halcombe, Mr. Feasey was stationed at Palmerston North in 1880. As a member of the craft, he is attached to Lodge Unanimity, No. 1236, Blenheim, and as an Orangeman, to Palmerston North Lodge, No. 48. Mr. Feasey was married to a daughter of Mr. G. Gazey, of Weston (under Wetherley), near Leamington, Warwickshire, and has six daughters and four sons surviving, nine children being deceased.
which was constituted in 1892, administers charitable aid and manages the local hospital, which is more fully described below. The members of the Board—ten in number—are representative men from the various parts of a wide district, their names (1896) being: Messrs. W. Park (chairman), G. W. Ravenhill, and D. B. Harris, of Palmerston North; F. Y. Lethbridge and E. Goodbehere, of Feilding; V. C. Ransom, Rongotea; H. Hammond, of Sanson; T. R. Taylor, of Kiwitea; H. J. Booth, of Makino; and G. Kendall, of Fitz-herbert. The offices of the Board are situated in Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North, Mr. W. Rutherford being the secretary.
Chairman of the Palmerston North District Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, is a New Zealander, having been born in Otago. His mercantile life in his native land has demonstrated his abilities, and the large success which has followed upon the thoroughness of his work is the best evidence of his fitness to occupy the high position to which he has attained. Some idea of the energy which Mr. Park possesses may be
Secretary of the Palmerston North District Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and Secretary to the Manawatu Road Board and the Manawatu Drainage Board, hails from Scotland, where he was born in 1861. Educated in the Glasgow High School, Mr. Rutherfurd was brought up to banking, and came to the Colony in 1881, settling in Palmerston North in the following year. For some time he was managing clerk to Mr. J. H. Hankins, solicitor, but in 1890 he established himself in business as a commission agent, being subsequently appointed to the three secretaryships which he now holds. In local affairs Mr. Rutherfurd takes a keen interest, having served as chairman of the Palmerston North School Committee for three years, and he now acts as hon. treasurer of the Caledonian Society. A member of the craft, he is attached to the Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge, No. 47, of which he is a Past Master, and as an Oddfellow in the American constitution, he is a P.G. of Lodge Orient, No. 42.
which is situated in Terrace Street, occupying a fine site of ten acres of land, was opened in November, 1893. The buildings are of wood, with iron roofs, and contain one large ward, two small wards, and two isolated wards for fever patients, besides most complete and comfortable accommodation for the matron, nurses, and servants. The whole of the walls are plastered and finished in first-rate style, the various wards, rooms, and corridors being lofty, well lighted, and fully ventilated. The large ward, which contains seventeen beds, is a really fine apartment: the smaller wards, one of which is named after the late Mr. J. L. Wiltshire, who bequeathed £1200 to the institution, have three and five beds respectively, while the fever wards have six beds altogether. The hospital is fitted with first-class baths in each department, hot and cold water being laid on out of the legacy left by Mr. Wiltshire for the isolated ward in 1896. A very complete laundry—which is provided with drying-room—has been constructed, besides several improvements on the original designs. The matron's rooms are situated on the ground floor, the nurses' quarters—five bedrooms and bath-room—are upstairs, and the servants' apartments adjoin the kitchen, provision having been made for the warder and gardener in a building at the back. The grounds are being tastefully laid out and adorned with well grassed lawns and ornamental shrubs, most of the vegetables required in the establishment being grown on the estate. The cost of the main building was £3450, and of the fever ward £450. Drs. McIntyre and Wilson are the medical officers, Miss E. Dougherty being the matron.
Matron of the Palmerston North Hospital, was born at Port Underwood, and was educated in Wellington. She began her hospital career as a nurse at the Wellington Hospital in 1885, and two years later received her certificate from the committee for physiology and nursing. Miss Dougherty soon secured promotion, becoming head nurse of the accident ward, which position she retained for about five years. In October, 1893, she was appointed to the responsible position which she now holds. Miss Dougherty gained her senior anatomy and physiology certificates, which are signed by Dr. Ewart, of the Wellington Hospital, in 1895. She is also a member of the Royal Nurses' Institute of Britain.
Palmerston North, was the original school of the district, and was established many years ago, Mr. Keeling, the present Town Clerk, being the first master. At one time it ranked as the largest school in the educational district of Wanganui, but a new school was built on more modern lines in College Street, and this drew away a great number of the pupils for a time, but the tide has turned, and the school has now 478 names on the roll, of whom 240 are boys and 238 girls, and is again the largest in the borough. The large wooden building has seating accommodation for 550 children. The headmaster, Mr. Francis Edward Watson, is assisted by four teachers and five pupil teachers. Surrounding the school is a splendid recreation ground, the girls and boys being separated during play hours, as is usual in mixed schools.
Headmaster of the Campbell Street School, is a son of a Senior Chaplain of the Bombay Presidency, India. He was born at St. Helena while his parents were going to England on furlough. Mr. Watson received his education partly in India and later in Tasmania. After a course of study in New Zealand he obtained his D1 certificate and has been teaching since 1876. He was assistant master of the old Wanganui Boys' School, and third master of the Wanganui High School now abolished. Mr. Watson has been in charge of the present school for fifteen years. He is interested in all athletics, especially cricket and tennis, and finds the exercise a great relief from school work. Mr. Watson is musical and is a member of the various choral societies. He is also greatly interested in stock-raising, Jersey cattle being his favourites. Of these he has a first-class herd, with which he has been successful in winning first prizes at the local shows. Among his Jerseys Mr. Watson has a fine imported bull.
First Assistant Master of the Campbell Street School, Palmerston North, who was born in 1871 in Scotland, came to Port Chalmers, per ship “Auckland,” in 1880. He is a son of Mr. Alexander Mitchell, of Dunedin, settler, and attended the Otago University, becoming a pupil teacher at Caversham School in 1887. Mr. Mitchell gained his D certificate in 1892, and subsequently passed the first section of the B.A. degree, entitling him to the C certificate. In 1893 he was appointed to the position he now fills.
Palmerston North, which was founded in 1892, is conducted in a fine wooden building, having five class-rooms, surrounding and opening into an enclosed quadrangle with asphalted floor, which is very convenient for assembling the entire school. There are two private rooms, for the use of the headmaster and his staff. The playground is particularly large, and being laid down in lawn grass, it furnishes one of the best cricket grounds in Palmerston North. There are 350 children on the roll, the average attendance being 310, very nearly evenly divided between boys and girls. The headmaster has three certificated and one junior assistant, besides three pupil-teachers.
Headmaster of the College Street School, Palmerston North, was born in Banffshire, Scotland, in 1857. Educated at Perth and Glasgow, he came to Wellington by the ship “Zealandia” in 1876, and for three years studied under private tutors, subsequently matriculating at the Otago University, which he attended for four years, passing the medical preliminary examination. He also completed the curriculum of the Divinity Hall of the Otago Presbyterian Church. In 1885 Mr. Grant adopted teaching as his profession, being appointed to Fordell by the Wanganui Education Board, and afterwards to Turakina and Sandon successively. At the opening of the College Street School, he was appointed to the position he now fills. Mr. Grant is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and renders good service as a lay preacher in many of the local churches, As a total abstainer, he advocates the cause of temperance and the legislative suppression of the liquor traffic by the will of the people, and for three years he has filled the office of secretary of the Wellington, Hawkes Bay, and Taranaki Divisional Executive Prohibition Council. In 1884 Mr. Grant was married to a daughter of the late Mr. A. Duthie, one of the pioneer settlers of Tokomairiro (Milton), Otago.
First Assistant Master at the College Street School, Palmerston North, was born in 1869 in Otago. In 1886 he became a pupil teacher at Roxburgh, and two years afterwards he gained his first certificate. After two years at the Normal Training School, Dunedin, and two years at the Otago University, where he passed the first section of the B.A. examination, Mr. Tamblyn joined the Wanganui Education Board, and was placed in charge of the Hurleyville School, gaining his C certificate. In 1896, he was appointed to the position he now holds.
situate in Terrace Street, Palmerston North, was established in 1885, when the first portion of the large wooden building was erected. It has since been considerably enlarged, and now contains one large class-room and three smaller ones, in addition to the headmaster's office. Separate play-grounds for boys and girls surround the building, the area of the land being two acres. The number of pupils on the roll is 320, the average attendance being 280. Four certificated assistants and three pupil-teachers, together with the headmaster, compose the staff of the school.
Headmaster of the Terrace End Public School, is a New Zealander by birth and education. He is the fifth son of the late Mr. Richard Fairbrother, J.P., of Carterton, where the subject of this notice was born in 1863. Educated in his native place, and, as a teacher, at the Wellington Normal Training School, after serving as a pupil-teacher in Carterton for nearly four years, Mr. Fairbrother gained his certificate in 1884. At the Terrace School in Wellington he served as second assistant, 1884–6, when he was appointed to the charge of Kilbirnie School, returning the following year as first assistant to his old school. In 1890 Mr. Fairbrother left for Melbourne,
Palmerston North, was established by Mrs. Von Blaramberg in 1891. It is prettily situated in grounds off Grey Street, which contain a tennis court and other means of amusement for the scholars. The school is mainly intended for girls, but boys up to ten years of age are admitted. The course comprises a very liberal education, amongst the many subjects taught being French, German, Music, &c.
(Miss Fraser, principal), Queen Street, Palmerston North. Established in 1892, this school has from forty to fifty pupils, including about a dozen boarders. The lady principal is assisted by three permanent and four occasional teachers.
(Kenneth Wilson, M.A., principal), is a private school, situated in Rangitikei Street. The Palmerston North High School was established by Mr. Kenneth Wilson, M.A., in 1891, and he has carried it on with considerable success up to the present time. Mr. Wilson was born at Leeds, England, and was educated at Leeds Grammar School, under Bishop Barry, afterwards Bishop of Sydney and Primate of Australasia, and now Canon of Windsor. He finished his educational course at St. John's College, Cambridge, where he gained the degree of B.A. and subsequently that of M.A. with mathematical honours. Mr. Wilson was then appointed second master to the King Edward VI. School, Southampton, but in 1874 he resolved to come out to the colonies, and took passage, via Melbourne, for New Zealand. He came to Wellington under an engagement as Principal of the Wellington College, and occupied this position for seven years. He then opened a private school in Wellington, which he ultimately relinquished for the purpose of establishing the school in Palmerston North as above. This is really a secondary school, though Mr. Wilson has admitted some junior pupils. He has had the educational training of upwards of 1000 boys in the Colony, and with such an experience as this, Mr. Wilson is competent to express an opinion on the colonial children as compared with their compeers in the Old Country. He does so, and his opinion is that in general intelligence, colonial boys are slightly superior to the youth at Home, but are not quite so well trained in matters of behaviour.
is situated in Church Street, Palmerston North. The English Church was established here about sixteen years ago, the foundation-stone of the present building having been laid in 1881. The building has, on two occasions since its erection, been enlarged, the last addition being put to it some four years ago. The accommodation of the church is now sufficient for five hundred worshippers. In connection with All Saints' Church there are two Sunday schools, which have something like five hundred children on the roll. In that part of Palmerston North known-as Terrace End, there is another Anglican Church known as St. Peter's, which will accommodate one hundred worshippers. This building was erected some years ago.
M.A., Vicar of All Saints' Church, Palmerston North Parochial District, was born in 1853 in Birmingham, and was educated at the Merchant Tailors' School, London, and at Jesus College, Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. in 1874, and M.A. in 1881. Ordained deacon in 1876, and priest the following year, the reverend gentleman was successively assistant curate of St. John the Evangelist, Newbury, 1876–81, of St. Giles', Reading, 1881–2, of St. Mary the Virgin, Reading, with charge of St. Saviour's Mission District, 1882–8, and assistant chaplain of St. Mary's Home, Reading, 1885–8. Appointed by the Bishop of Brisbane, he became rector of Southport, Queensland, 1888–9, of St. Andrew's, South Brisbane, 1889–92, and of Allora, Darling Downs, 1892–5. He came to New Zealand in 1895, receiving his present appointment. In 1888 Mr. Hunt was married to a daughter of Colonel Horne, of the Royal Horse Artillery (Indian Army), and has two sons.
Assistant Curate of All Saints' Church, Palmerston North, is a son of the Rev. W. Earée, Rector of Alphamstone, Essex, Educated at Dorchester Missionary College, near Oxford, he was ordained in London in 1891. Leaving immediately for Queensland, he was appointed to the staff of the Cathedral, Brisbane, with special charge of St. John Baptist, Bulimba. On his ordination as priest, Mr. Earée became assistant curate of the parish of Lutwyche, but was recalled to England owing to the failing health of his father. Till lately he has been assistant curate at Alphamstone. Mr. Earée was married in June, 1896, to a daughter of the Rev. W. H. E. R. Jervis, Rector of Bures, Essex.
Palmerston North, is situate in Church Street, and was erected in 1892 at a cost of £1100. It was opened the following year by the Rev. James Paterson, of Wellington. There is seating accommodation for 500 or 600. The Rev. Mr. McGregor was the first Presbyterian minister in Palmerston North, officiating in the old church which was erected about 1876. It now does duty as a Sunday school, having over 200 children attending.
Minister in charge of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Palmerston North, was born in 1862. He studied under the parish schoolmaster, who was a University scholar, and prided himself on the number of his pupils who went from the parish school to the University. After completing his course at the parish school, Mr. Thomson continued his studies for two years at the Royal Academy, Inverness, and the Grammar School, Old Aberdeen, after which he entered the University of Aberdeen. Mr. Thomson completed the classical part of his studies in Aberdeen, and went to St. Andrew's for the philosophical part of an art's course. In 1887 he began his theological studies in the Free Church College, Aberdeen, where he remained during the four years of the course, and obtained two bursaries, one of the value of £15, and one of £32, each of them tenable for two years. In 1891 he completed his theological course, and was licensed by the Free Church Presbytery, of Inverness, in May of the same year. In December he left England for New Zealand, and received a unanimous call to the pastorate of St. Andrew's Church, Palmerston North, in April, 1892. In May of that year he was ordained by the Presbytery of Wanganui.
This church is most pleasantly situated in Broad Street, Palmerston North, and adjoining it is the presbytery, where the Rev. Father Patterson resides. The Roman Catholic Church has been established in this district for the last sixteen years, and during that time the number of its adherents have so increased that it was found necessary at first to add to the size of the original building, and about four years ago to discard it altogether as a place of worship, and erect a new church. This was done, the old chapel being used as a school, and a very handsome structure took its place, with tower and spire 130 feet high. The interior of the church is most beautiful, and is ornamented with very handsome carvings; gilding and paintings being also conspicuous, executed by Father Patterson. The cost of this elaborate decoration has been very great, and he has bestowed on it a great deal of labour, and gone to considerable expense to make it the artistic building which it now is. It possesses some exceptionally beautiful stained glass windows, and painted panels, while the altar is simply a marvel of chaste and elegant work. Father Patterson's district is a very extensive one, and in addition to St. Patrick's Church, he holds service in Roman Catholic churches at Foxton, Feilding, Ashurst, Campbelltown, and Halcombe. His district is about sixty-one miles long by fifty-two miles broad, in which there reside about 800 Catholics. Of this number, 150 dwell in the immediate vicinity of Palmerston North. The day school in connection with this church is conducted by Sisters of Mercy, under the able management of Father Patterson, the attendance being about 130 children.
who resides at St. Patrick's Presbytery, Broad Street, is a native of the North of England. In 1877 he was sent throughout England, as a deacon, by the late Cardinal Manning, to preach for St. Joseph's College, London, and the propagation of the faith. Two years later the reverend gentleman was ordained by the present Archbishop of Westminster, Cardinal Vaughan. In the year 1881 Father Patterson came out to the Australian colonies, and preached throughout New South Wales for the same college and the propagation of the faith till 1884, when he reached Auckland, in order to visit the Maoris of the North Island. With the Very Rev. Fathers O'Reilly, of the Thames, and F. Luck, of Kihikihi, Father Patterson travelled through Te Aroha, the Lake District, and the King Country. The result of this mission is shown by the fact that there are now seven priests solely devoted to the Maori work through the kindness and influence of the present cardinal archbishop of Westminster. Father Patterson wrote a report in book form to the cardinal, when he returned to England for about twelve months. In 1885 Father Patterson came to reside in the Colony per s.s. “Austral,” via Melbourne and Sydney, and received his present appointment to Palmerston North, where he has resided ever since, with the exception of some six months, when he went as chaplain to Archbishop
Broad Street, was built about 1884. It is a wooden building with seating accommodation for 500, having a gallery at the back, the choir being situated in front of the pulpit. The Church is noted for the excellent orchestra which adds greatly to the attractiveness, particularly of the evening service. Beside the Church is a large schoolroom, which will hold 1000 people. There is a good Sunday school, which is attended by 500 children. Services are held also at Longburn, Bunnythorpe, and Ashurst, where there are small wooden churches, and in the hall at Pohangina, the total number of adherents, exclusive of children, being about 600.
the Wesleyan minister in charge of the district, was born at Chiltern, in the colony of Victoria, and was educated at Queen's College, University of Melbourne. In the year 1894 he crossed the Tasman Sea with the intention of settling in New Zealand. At the conference of the Wesleyan body held in Nelson, Mr. Richards was received as a probationer, and was appointed to the charge of the Birmingham district, and two years later he was stationed at Palmerston North (Broad Street), in charge during the absence of the Rev. W. Lee in England.
at the corner of Cuba and Domain Streets, Palmerston North, was built in 1892, services having been held for a year previously in another building. Owing to the increase of population it has been found necessary to enlarge the Church to twice its original size, so that now (in 1896) it has seating accomodation for nearly 200 people. Taking into consideration the size of the Church, the choir is exceptionally good. The Sunday school held in the Church is well attended.
the Minister in charge of the Wesleyan Church, Cuba Street, Palmerston North, was born near Falmouth, Cornwall, in 1864, and came to New Zealand in 1888. He was ordained in January, 1892, by the Rev. John Crewes and appointed at Belfast, and Banks Peninsula, and in the Christchurch circuit at Cromwell, (Central Otago), at different times. In 1894 he received the call to his present important position for which he is well qualified, the Church making rapid strides under his care. He journeys to Oroua Bridge and Taonui occasionally, returning to Palmerston North in time to conduct his evening service.
is situated in Church Street, adjoining the Square. The building is, from an architectural point of view, an acquisition to the town, and is fitted up with all the requirements of a first-class club. The lawn facing the street has been neatly laid out, and an asphalt footpath leads up to the front entrance. Mr. R. H. Whalley is custodian.
Secretary of the Manawatu Club, is a Guernseyman and was educated at Cheltenham College. He landed in the Colony in 1885, coming to Palmerston North six years later. He has occupied the position of secretary since the Club removed to its new quarters.
No. 47, of the Order of Freemasons. Officers (1896): Messrs. W. H. Smith (W.M.), J. Hocking (I.P.M.), H. Burmester (S.W.), S. Thacker (J.W.), J. F. Olsen (secretary), W. Beck (treasurer), R. Edwards (I.G.). R. Lambert (S.S.), J. Banbury (J.S.), H. E. Gunter (organist), and A. Hill (tyler). The secretary's address is “The Square Palmerston North.” Monthly meetings of the Lodge are held at the Masonic Hall, Broad Street, every month on the Wednesday before the full moon at 7.30 p.m. The annual installation takes place in April.
No. 1721 (Palmerston North). This Lodge meets on the Friday nearest full moon in each month, the installation taking place in October. W.M., Mr. L. A. Abraham; secretary, Mr. G. Woodroofe, Main Street, Palmerston North.
I.O.O.F., M.U., No. 6420, Palmerston North. This Lodge, which is a branch of the Wanganui Society, was established in 1878, and holds fortnightly meetings on each alternate Thursday in the Oddfellows' Hall, Cuba Street. Mr. S. J. Watson, Andrew Young Street, Palmerston North, is the secretary of the Lodge.
of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, No. 42 (Palmerston North), meets every alternate Thursday. Secretary, Mr. Allan France.
U.A.O.D., No. 5, Palmerston North. Established in 1884, the local lodge of Druids assembles on each alternate Tuesday in the Oddfellows' Hall, Cuba Street, Palmerston North. Mr. S. J. Watson acts as secretary, his address being Andrew Young Street, Palmerston North.
U.A.O.D., meets every alternate Tuesday. The secretary of the Lodge is Mr. Thos. Bastin, care of Mr. S. J. Watson, Andrew Young Street.
A.O.F., No. 5655, was established at Palmerston North in 1874. The officers (1896) are:—Messrs. T. Wilson (C.R), W. Hudson (S.C.R.), W. Dixon (treasurer), M. Cavanagh (S.W.), J. Aitchison (J.W.), T. Albert (S.B.), J. Drury (J.B.), and A. Buchan (secretary). The meetings are held every alternate Tuesday in the Foresters' Hall, which was erected in 1880 on freehold land in Main Street, at a cost of £600.
Directors:—Messrs. H. Wollerman, F. H. Cooke, T. B. Crump, L. A. Abraham, W. Beck, C. J. G. Still and J. O. Batchelar. Secretary, Mr. T. B. Crump. This progressive company is the outcome of a movement originally suggested by the secretary, the flotation being accomplished by the efforts of Mr. H. Wollerman. It was incorporated to provide a recreation ground for all classes of field sports for the district of Palmerston North. The company leased a suitable piece of land—twenty-and-a-half acres in extent—from the Borough Council for a term of twenty-one years. This land forms a part of the Borough Reserve, and is situated adjoining the Esplanade, on the bank of the Manawatu River fronting Fitzherbert Road, near the bridge. Twelve acres were levelled and a bicycle track, consisting of two straights and two semi-circles, one-third-of-a-mile in extent, has already been made, and is considered to be one of the best in New Zealand. A half-mile trotting-track has been formed outside the cycle track. The whole of the land has been fenced, and a grandstand, capable of seating 600 people, has been erected at a cost of £300.
which was established in 1891, holds an annual gathering on the recreation ground, Fitzherbert Road, on the Prince of Wales' Birthday. A good deal of enthusiasm is displayed at the meeting of the Society, a considerable sum being distributed in prizes and medals. The officers (1896) are: Messrs. D. Buick (president), W. T. Wood, W. Park, J. Linton, and A. Macpherson (vice-presidents), G. J. Scott (director of music), W. Rutherfurd (treasurer), J. O. Batchelar, W. Dixon, A. Jack, A. Buchan, J. R. Montague, S. Thacker, H. R. McBean, R. Smart, C. H. Maclean, H. Gillies, W. J. Walters, S. Greer, and G. W. Ravenhill (directors), and W. H. Collingwood (secretary).
This Association is the controlling power in cricket matters for the Manawatu district. It arranges the matches, selects the representative team, and generally supervises cricket in the district. The Association was founded by Messrs. A. H. Tompkins and H. P. Lance, who called the first meeting in 1895. There are six clubs belonging to it—Feilding, Palmerston North, Colyton, Carnarvon, Cheltenham, and Birmingham, and the membership is 200. The colours are light and dark blue, and the annual subscription is a guinea. The headquarters for practice and cricket matches are the county grounds, Feilding. The officers for 1896 are: President, Mr. F. Y. Lethbridge, M.H.R. (Feilding); vice-presidents, Messrs. C. A. J. Levett (Kiwitea), C. J. G. Still (Palmerston North), and C. H. Burnett (Colyton); treasurer. Mr. A. G. Carty (Feilding); secretary, Mr. A. H. Tompkins (Fowlers).
the Secretary of the Manawatu Cricket Association, was born in Wellington in 1864, and received his education at Sandon. He is the son of Mr. John Tompkins, one of the oldest identities in the Manawatu district. From his boyhood Mr. Tompkins has been a lover of outdoor sports; he is a patron saint of everything where true sport is concerned. As the indefatigable and hard-working secretary, he is the right man in the right place, and the success that has attended the Association is the outcome of his untiring energies. Mr. Tompkins is also captain of the Birmingham Cricket Club, which position he has held for nearly three years. He is referred to elsewhere under the heading of “Fowlers.”
has a membership of fifty. The Club plays on the Manawatu Sports Association's grounds. The officers for 1896 are: President. Mr. W. Park; vice-presidents, Messrs. W. Dixon, C. J. G. Still, and J. R. Tripe; captain, Mr. T. B. Crump; secretary and treasurer, Mr. J. B. Wither; auditor, Mr. Barelay.
Palmerston North. This Union includes two branches: the Rangitikei branch—Marton, Hunterville, Ohingaiti, and Rata; the Oroua branch—Cheltenham, Ruahine, Birmingham, Apiti, and Colyton. In all, there are over twenty clubs (both junior and senior) associated with the Union, representing a membership of over 1000 footballers. In interprovincial matches the Union has played Wanganui, Taranaki, Nelson, Canterbury, South Canterbury, Wellington, and the Bush Union, with varied success. The greater number of these visits have been returned. The delegates from the various clubs are:— Marton, Messrs. J. Lock and G. Stafford; Hunterville, Messrs. A. Cameron and W. L. Young; Rata, Messrs. J. Barry and A. Foster; Ohingaiti, Messrs. A. Craig and T. Mounsey; Cheltenham, Mr. R. S. Fowler; Birmingham, Mr. A. W. Harrison; Apiti, Messrs. John O'Reilly and—Blake. The officers for 1896 are:—President, Mr. J. H. Hankins, P.N.F.C.; vice-presidents, Messrs. L. A. Abraham, P.N.F.C., J. E. Hall (Pirate), A. E. T. Nixon (Foxton), E. Goodbehere (Feilding), W. Dixon (Red Star), C. H. Bowater (Rongoten), W. Broughton (Awahuri). Vice-president to N.Z.R.U., Mr. J. H. Hankins. Delegate to N.Z.R.U., Mr. G. Elliot. Senior match committee, Messrs. Fake, Eyre and Giesen. Junior match committee, Messrs. Kiwi, Brinkman, and Penny. Executive committee, Messrs. Storey, Fake, and Eyre. Protest committee, Messrs. Hankins, Hall, Goodbehere, Proctor, and C. H. Bowater. Colours, white and green. Auditors, Messrs. D. B. Harris and A. Mahon. Hon. secretary and treasurer, Mr. Harry Palmer, P.O. Box 134, Palmerston North.
Secretary of the Manawatu Rugby Foothall Union, who has rendered valuable service to the Union since he accepted the office, was born in Auckland in 1871, and is the son of Mr. Frank Palmer, well known in connection with racing matters, who went to India with Mr. John Stevens in
Palmerston North was established in 1892 as a junior club. In 1894, owing to continued success, it was admitted by the Rugby Union as a senior club, and has since upheld its reputation. The officers for 1896 are:—Messrs. J. E. Hall (patron), D. Buick (president), H. Burmester, W. Dixon, W. Cox, T. Procter, J. L. Kimbell, M. Hodgins (vice-presidents), W. Robinson (secretary), H. Nash (treasurer), N. Rush (captain), C. Rockley (vice-captain), J. E. Hall (vice-president to M.R.U.)
This Club has had a particularly successful career of late years. It includes some first-class tennis players, who won several important games for the Club during the 1895 season. The officers for 1897 are:—Messrs. J. L. Barnicoat (president), A. P. Webster (vice-president), H. Mellsop (secretary and treasurer), T. B. Crump, Connell, Foy, Price, Sim, and Wither (committee).
which was founded in 1894, has an influential membership, the officers for 1896 being:—Messrs. F. Pirani, M.H.R. (president), D. Buick, W. T. Wood, D. B. Harris, J. R. Montague, F. Dunstone, and J. M. Johnston (vice-presidents), J. B. Clarkson, H. Nash, A. Barker, D. E. Robertson, F. Meyrick, L. George, V. C. W. Lewis, and Captain T. Kitchen (committee), and J. F. Manning (secretary). The club-room is at the Commercial Hotel, The Square, the secretary's address being Magistrate's Court, Palmerston North.
was established in 1880, and has secured a fourteen years lease (ten years unexpired) of eighty-six acres, part of the borough reserve, about a mile-and-a-half from Palmerston North. Here a good course has been laid out, having a straight run of nineteen chains. A splendid grandstand has been erected which will seat about 800 people, luncheon, stewards' and ladies' rooms being underneath, while there is a separate office for the secretary, which has a stand for members overhead, over £2500 having been expended within the past five years. Race meetings are held annually on Boxing and the following day, and again during the mouth of March, the stakes in the season of 1895–6 being £1965. The officers for 1896 were:—Messrs. H. Gillies (president), J. C. Nathan and W. T. Wood (vice-presidents), T. Knight (judge), D. Pringle (treasurer), W. Randall (clerk of scales), R. Stevens (timekeeper), J. Knight, L. A. Abraham, S. Greer, F. S. McRae, R. S. Abraham, J. H. Hankins, J. E. Hall, J. M. Johnston, D. Buick, J. R. Macmillan, and W. Randall (stewards and committee).
which was founded in September, 1895, is the Society that governs trotting matches in the North Island of New Zealand. The officers for 1896 are:—Messrs. R. Edwards (president), W. Adams and C. F. Mark (vice-presidents), and delegates from each club, Mr. C. C. Miles being the secretary.
which was established in 1892, is arranging to hold its meetings on the Cycling Association's ground, about half-a-mile from The Square, Palmerston North. Two meetings are held each year, the stakes in the season of 1895–6 amounting to £400. The officers, for 18896 are:—Messrs. R. Edwards (president), W. Ryan and W. F. Brown (vice-presidents), T. Knight (judge), J. F. Manning. J. Fleming, G. M. Snelson, T. V. Procter, E. W. Secker, M. Hodgins, P. A. Hermann, J. R. Montague, J. R. Macmillan, and C. C. Miles (stewards and committee), R. Stevens (timekeeper), J. Fleming (treasurer), and C. C. Miles (secretary).
is considered to be the most important society of its kind in the North Island, the grand annual show of 1895 being visited by 13,000 people. The first circular in connection with the formation of this successful organisation was issued on the 23rd of October, 1885, by the late Mr. D. H. Macarthur, M.H.R., Mr. G. M. Snelson being the hon. secretary. In the following year the Society was formally established, and its history has been one of rapid and continuous development. The show-grounds, which are within three minutes walk of the Palmerston North Railway Station, contain sixteen-and-a-half acres of land, having been nearly doubled in size during the past two years. The estate is all enclosed, mostly with a nine feet iron fence. The buildings include four grandstands, with seating accommodation for 500 persons each, a large
Secretary of the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association, was born in 1849 in Durrington, Wiltshire, and was educated in Marlborough, England. For some time before leaving the “Old Land,” Mr. Miles was a medical student at St. George's Hospital, London, but he did not qualify, not liking the profession. In 1883 he came out to Melbourne, per s.s. “Lusitania,” and crossed over to New Zealand. After two years in a merchant's office in Wellington, he settled in Palmerston North and commenced business as a wines and spirit merchant, which he soon discontinued, opening an office as a commission agent. In 1886 Mr. Miles became secretary to the Manawatu Racing Club, which position he held till 1896, when he resigned, having become proprietor of a totalisator. He was appointed to the office he now holds as above in 1888, and four years later accepted the seretaryship of the Palmerston North Trotting Club. He still conducts business as a general commission agent and sharebroker. In 1884 Mr. Miles was married to a daughter of the late Mr. G. J. Good, of Ford House, Salisbury, farmer, and has one daughter.
Hon. Treasurer of the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association, was born in 1860 in Glenavy, County Antrim, Ireland. He was educated at the Royal Academical School, Belfast, and in the north of England. The ship “Lady Jocelyn” brought Mr. Johnston to Auckland in 1878, when he joined the Bank of New Zealand, in whose service he continued for seventeen years, during which he was some years on the Otago and West Coast goldfields, rising to the position of manager. After seven years in charge of the Marton branch of the Bank, he resigned in order to accept the position of agent at Palmerston North for the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co. Mr. Johnston has long been prominent in local affairs; as a steward of the Manawatu Racing Club, vice-president of the Cycling Association, hon. treasurer of the Palmerston North Club, member of the committee of the Golf Club, and, while resident in Marton, as secretary of the Rangitikei Hunt Club, he has always rendered good service. A member of the Masonic order, he was S.W. of Lodge Ruapehu, Marton. Mr. Johnston was married in 1891 to a daughter of Mr. J. F. Clapperton, late manager of the Union Bank, Palmerston North, and part proprietor of the Dunedin Evening Star, and has a son and a daughter.
is about two years old. The officers for 1896 are:—Rev. H. F. Hunt (president), Messrs. H. S. Fitzherbert and J. Grace (vice-presidents), M. Cohen (conductor), and J. H. Burmester (secretary). There are twenly-three performers, and the Society having proved a pronounced success, such music as Beethoven and Hadyn's Symphonies and Mendelssohn's concertos for the pianoforte and orchestra have been satisfactorily rendered. The concerts are very popular with the public, and large attendances are secured, resulting in financial success. The conductor, with Messrs. G. J. Scott, A. Drew, and A. Turner were the founders of the society.
is the outcome of a band known for some five years as the Fire Brigade Band, and afterwards as the Palmerston North Rifle Band for twelve months, and as the Palmerston Town Band for two years. The present name was given to the Band, which is limited to ten members, in 1896, the officers being:—Messrs. B. Holben (treasurer), C. Pickering (secretary), and F. Meyrick (bandmaster).
Bandmaster of the Trilby Band, was born in 1868 in Wellington, where he was educated. He served his time as a plumber with Mr. W. Rawlings, of Palmerston North, and has continued since completing his term as a journeyman, having been altogether sixteen years in the firm's employ. He has a natural taste for music, but was never under a master with the single exception of Mr. R. Careen, Bandmaster of Wirth's Circus. He plays the cornet and conducts with great success, having acted as bandmaster for five years. Mr. Meyrick was married in 1891 to a daughter of Mr. W. T. Watts, hotelkeeper, of Feilding, and has three sons.
Pianoforte Teacher, Carroll's Law Chambers, The Square, Palmerston North. Born in Dorsetshire, Mr. Gunter was educated at Harlow College, Essex, and studied music under Dr. Bradford, the celebrated London organist and composer, and under Professor Mortimer. He came to Australia in 1896, and accepted the position of organist at the “Cyclorama,” Adelaide, where he taught the pianoforte for two years, after which he travelled with the Albu Concert Company throughout Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. Leaving the company, Mr. Gunter established himself in 1893 as a teacher of the pianoforte, in Palmerston North, where he has a wide connection. Mr. Gunter is pianist to the Orchestral Society, and is well known throughout the district, as a good pianist and sound teacher.
Teacher of the Violin, Princess Street, Palmerston North. The subject of this sketch was born in Marlborough. His parents removing to Wanganui he received his education there at the Boys' High School. For three years Mr. Kitchen served in the New Zealand Clothing Factory and came to Palmerston in 1889, where he was in the employ of Mr. J. B. Hamilton for some years. During the daytime he attends to his duties in the United Farmers' Co-operative Association, devoting his evenings to violin instruction. Mr. Kitchen has already secured a sufficient number of pupils to ensure the success of his career as a teacher, and no doubt in the near future more will be heard of this rising musician, who, at the time of writing, had been studying music less than two years and plays the first violin for the local Orchestral Society. It is Mr. Kitchen's intention to make a bid for musical honours. He is also one of the more prominent cyclists of Palmerston
Professor of Music, the Academy of Music, Duke Street, Palmerston North. Born in 1835 in London, where he was educated, Mr. Parker studied under Goffrie, and James Turle, organist at Westminster Abbey, and under Mrs. Anderson, pianiste to the Queen. Before leaving London he commenced to teach music. In 1855 he arrived in Melbourne, where he practised his profession till 1870, then removing to Auckland. Five years later Mr. Parker came to Wellington, where he was well known as a teacher for over ten years After a short time in the Wairarapa he settled in Palmerston North in 1888. Mr. Parker has a large connection as a teacher in Palmerston North, Feilding, Rangotea, and surrounding districts.
(Fred Pirani, M.H.R., and David Pirani, proprietors). The Square. Palmerston North. Established by Mr. A. McMinn about twenty years ago, the present proprietors have conducted the journal successfully since 1891. The Standard is a morning daily, the four page sheet being twenty-eight by forty-four inches, technically known as double royal. Liberal Independent in polities, it circulates largely in the Manawatu District and in Hawkes Bay, Taranaki and elsewhere, and claims to be the recognised journal for stock sale advertisements on the East and West Coasts. The machinery includes a fine Wharfdale press, made by John Kelly and Co., capable of printing 1300 copies per hour. Messrs. Pirani's offices and printing establishment are situated in a two story wooden building, the offices being on the first and the composing and machine rooms on the ground floor.
the editor and manager of the Manawatu Daily Standard, was born in Victoria in 1863, and came to New Zealand at five years of age. He was educated in the Colony, and has been engaged in journalism in Poverty Bay, Hawkes Bay and Palmerston North In 1888 in conjunction with Mr. T. R. Roydhouse, editor of the Sunday Times, Sydney, he started the Woodend Star, at Woodend, Victoria, and afterwards the Eaglehawk Standard. Having sold out satisfactorily Mr. Pirani returned to New Zealand, settling in Palmerston North in 1890.
is an evening newspaper published in Palmerston North. It was first issued in October, 1875, by Messrs. Leary and Bond, as a bi-weekly journal, the first published in the district between Marton and Wellington. Mr. J. B. Dungan subsequently purchased the paper, which he conducted till his death. The Times was bought from the executors by Mr. G. W. Russell, lately M.H.R. for Riecarton, who occupied the editorial chair for two year. The paper was purchased from him in June, 1884, by the present proprietor, Mr. W. H. Smith, who has had a lengthy journalistic experience. In conjunction with a partner he established the first newspaper in Masterton in October, 1874. which was subsequently purchased by Messrs. J. Payton and Co., and is now the Wairarapa Daily Times. Mr. W. H. Smith was in 1880 appointed editor of the Marlborough Times, a bi-weekly journal. Under his control the Times was increased to a tri-weekly, which eventually merged into a daily newspaper. Mr. Smith removed in 1882 to the Manawatu district, and was on the literary staff of the Manawatu Daily Times till its purchase by him in 1884. The Times takes an independent stand in politics. It is undoubtedly one of the best advertising mediums on the Coast. Special prominence is given in its columns to pastoral and agricultural industries.
J.P., Sub-editor of the Manawatu Daily Times, was born in 1856 at Launceston, Tasmania, and was educated at Finnimore's School, Wellington. After nine years on the Evening post, Wellington, during which time he rose to the position of publisher, Mr. Russell started the Manawatu Herald, Foxton, in conjunction with his brother, Mr. G. W. Russell, late M.H.R. for Riecarton. Two years later Mr. Russell disposed of his interest in the Herald and embarked in the flax industry, and three years afterwards he removed to Palmerston North and accepted the position he now holds. During his residence in Foxton, Mr. Russell showed his interest in sport by acting as secretary to the local Racing Club. For ten years he has held the position of a Justice of the Peace. Since the above was in type, Mr. Russell has obtained the lease of the Tomes].
which was established early in 1879, is now held in a handsome new courthouse fronting Main Street, with an entrance at the back to Church Street. The building, which was completed in January, 1895, is a wooden structure, having a large and lofty room, lighted by windows on three sides, where the sittings of the District and Magistrate's Courts are held. Surrounding the court are comfortable rooms for the district judge, stipendiary magistrate, clerk of court, witnesses, juries, and prisoners, besides strong-room, library, lavatory, &c. The District Court sits on the first Thursday in each month, District Judge C. C. Kettle presiding. Mr. R. L. Stanford, S.M., presides at the civil sittings on two days each week, criminal cases being taken almost daily, as required, by the local justices. The magistrate visits the Courts at Marton, Bulls, Hunterville, Feilding, Foxton, Levin, and Otaki, in addition to his duties in the borough. Statistics show that the Court at Palmerston North banks third for its volume of business in New Zealand, being only exceeded by Wellington and Dunedin.
B.A., L.L.B., J.P., the Stipendiary Magistrate in charge of the Palmerston North District, who is also chairman of the Rangitikei, Palmerston, and Otaki Licensing Committees, and judge of thirteen Assessment Courts, was born in Buckinghamshire, England, in 1839, and was educated at Cheltenham College and at Exeter College, Oxford. In 1862 Mr. Stanford took his B.A. degree at Oxford, and two years after he came to Dunedin, per ship “Chili.” Having studied for the legal profession, he was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court in Dunedin in 1883, and practised his profession for many years, the firm being Stanford and Milne. In 1884 Mr. Stanford gained his L.L.B. degree at the New Zealand University in Dunedin. He was appointed S.M. at Palmerston North on the 15th of November, 1894, and at once took up his duties. As a member of the Masonic fraternity he was initiated in Apollo Lodge, Oxford. Mr. Stanford was married in 1864 to a daughter of the Dean of Leighlin, in Ireland, and has five sons and five daughters.
Clerk of the Palmerston North Magistrate's Court, Registrar and Returning Officer of the Palmerston Electoral District, Clerk to the Licensing Committee, and Interpreter to the Court, was born in 1846 in Somerset, England, where he was educated. Arriving in Auckland, per ship “British Trident,” in 1864, he served in the Defence Force and afterwards in the Armed Constabulary. Leaving to join the civil service in 1877, Mr. Matravers became clerk of the Maketu and Rotokino Courts, and, after a time as accountant at Wellington, was stationed for ten years as clerk of the court at Tauranga, and was subsequently at Feilding and Foxton, being appointed to the offices he now holds in 1891. As a member of the craft, he was initiated in the Tauranga Lodge, I.C.
Bailiff of the District and Magistrate's Courts at Palmerston North, is the eldest son of Sergeant Manning, who was for many years bailiff of the above Courts. Born in Surrey, England, in 1867, he came to Wellington with his parents, per ship “Edwin Fox,” in 1875, and was educated in the Colony. Prior to entering the civil service as bailiff in 1892, he was for eight years assistant bailiff under his father, In 1894 Mr. Manning was married to a daughter of Mr. George Hathaway, of Southland. He is interested in cycling, and acts as secretary of the local Cycling Club.
(Arthur Southey Baker and Frank Herbert Cooke), Barristers and Solicitors, the Square, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Telephone 18; P.O. Box 61. Private residences: Mr. Baker, Awapuni; Mr. Cooke, Amesbury Street. Mr. Baker is a native of Cranbrook, Kent. He was educated at Lancing College, England, and came out to New Zealand in 1877. He was articled to Messrs. Izard and Loughnan, of Christchurch, and was admitted as a barrister in 1881. Mr. Cooke was born in Melbourne. He was educated at Tonbridge School, Kent, and came to New Zealand in 1879. He was articled to Mr. Denniston (now Judge Denniston), of the well-known firm of Stewart and Denniston,
Barrister and Solicitor, The Square, Palmernton North. Telegraphic address, “Crump, Palmerston North;” P.O. Box 107. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Branch establishment, Levin. London agents, Messrs. Fell and Armstrong; Wellington agents, Messrs. Levi and Bolton. Private residence, Rangitikei Street. Mr. Crump studied in the Colony, being admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in the year 1889, and the following year he established himself as above.
Barrister and Solicitor, Law Chambers, The Square, Palmerston North. Telegraphic address, “Fitzherbert, Palmerston North.” Telephone 11; P.O. Box 95. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Agents: Wellington, Mr. George Hutchison; Auckland, Messrs. Hesketh and Richmond; Wanganui, Messrs. Fitzherbert and Marshall; Hawera, Mr. E. S. Barton; Napier, Messrs. Sainsbury and Logan; Christchurch, Messrs. Stringer and Creswell; Dunedin,—Messrs. Smith, Anderson, Chapman, and White. Private residence, Broad Street. He was articled to the late Mr. Gordon Allen, Wellington, and Messrs. Smith and Anderson, Dunedin, and was admitted in 1875. He practised fifteen years in Wellington as a member of the firms of Messrs. Barton and Fitzherbert, and Buckley, Stafford, and Fitzherbert, and later solely. While in Wellington he held the office of revising barrister for Friendly Societies, and for electoral rolls. Mr. Fitzherbert was twice elected M.H.R. for the Hutt, 1884 to 1890. He was president of the Petone Working Mens' Club, and for twelve years was a steward of the Wellington Racing Club. He is now Crown solicitor under the Government Advances to Settlers Act, 1894, borough solicitor, legal adviser to the local sash and door company, and to the Licensed Victuallers' Association. He is president of the Manawatu Club, and holds many similar offices.
Barrister, Solicitor, and Notary Public, The Square, Palmerston North. Telephone 24; P.O. Box 38. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Agents: London, Messrs. Paine and Company, 14 St. Helen's Place, E.C.; Wellington, New Zealand, Mr. C. P. Skerrett; Dunedin, Messrs. Haggitt Bros. and Brent; Christchurch, Messrs. Wynn, Williams and Son; Auckland, Messrs. Whittaker and Russell. Private residence, Te Rimu, Stoney Creek. Mr. Hankins was articled to Mr. Charles Edward Button, now of Auckland, and admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand at Wellington in November 1878. In 1881 he began practice in Palmerston North. Mr. Hankins is solicitor for the Bank of New Zealand, the Union Bank of Australia, the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, the Manawatu County Council, the Pohangina County Council, the Fitzherbert Road Board, etc.
Barrister, Solicitor, and Notary Public, The Square, Palmerston North. Telegraphic address, “Hawkins, Palmerston North.” P.O. Box 29. Bankers, the Union Bank of Australia. Agents: London, Mr. Charles Saxton, Somerset Street, Partman Square; Wellington, Mr. Henry Hall, Brandon Street; Wairoa. Hawke's Bay, Mr. W. B. Hawkins; Auckland, Messrs. Devore and Cooper. Mr. Hawkins was educated under the Rev. Thornthwaite at the college, Margate, and served under Mr. William Elliott Olliver, of Bridge Street, Blackfriars. He was subsequently law clerk to Messrs. Duerden, Brouck-horst, and Smale, of Collins Street, Melbourne. In 1877 he was admitted a barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. Mr. Hawkins is also solicitor to the Supreme Court of Fiji. He was a councillor for the borough of Palmerston North for two terms, and was solicitor for the inhabitants of Palmerston North in the famous Court of Appeal case on the question of opening Pitt and Cook Streets, which had been closed by the Railway Commissioners, Messrs. McKerrow, Hannay, and Maxwell. The case lasted about two years, and was finally won for the Palmerston North people by Mr. Hawkins.
Solicitor, Main Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Fergusson Street. Agents: Messrs. W. R. Haselden (Wellington), T. I. Joynt (Christchurch), Cotterell and Humphries (Napier), Standish and Kerr (New Plymouth), and Treadwell and Lloyd (Wanganui). Born in 1863 in Newry, County Down, Ireland, he reached Oamaru, per ship “Coeleno,” under the care of his father, Mr. Charles Gifford Moore, C.E., at the age of two years. Educated in Oamaru and at Chirst's College, Christchurch, he joined the South British Insurance Co. in Oamaru as a junior in 1878, and entered the post-office a year later. After six years, during which he was mail agent on the San Francisco steamer for one voyage, he left the civil service and travelled as agent for a patent light. For two years Mr. Moore was a station hand and groom in North Canterbury, and in 1888 he entered into the business of a flaxmiller in Ashburton, which he conducted for four years. Having studied law in Christchurch, Mr. Moore was admitted as solicitor of the Supreme Court by Mr. Justice Denniston in 1889. He practised his profession in Hokitika for six months in 1891, and in Ashburton till June, 1892, when he removed to Palmerston North. While in North Canterbury Mr. Moore was a prominent member of the Ashburton Hounds, and was also well known as an amateur cross country rider.
Barrister and Solicitor, The Square, Palmerston North. P.O. Box 99. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Campbell Street. Agents: Messrs. Kirk, Atkinson and Wilson (Wellington), Fell and Atkinson (Nelson), and Borlase and Barnicoat (Wanganui). Mr. Wither was born at Richmond and educated at Nelson College. He studied law with Messrs. Fell and Atkinson, being admitted in Nelson as a solicitor in 1892, and as a barrister in 1895. In 1893–4 he practised in Greytown North, and in the following year he established his practice in Palmerston North.
Guy and Haggitt, Barristers and Solicitors, The Square, Palmerston North. Established 1890, and conducted by present proprietors since 1894.
Hurley, E. O., Barrister and Solicitor, Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Established 1890.
Innes, J. P., Solicitor, The Square, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
B.A., M.B., M. Ch., (Trinity College, Dublin), Physician and Surgeon, Rangitikei Line, Palmerston North. Dr. MacCarthy is a son of the late Dean MacCarthy, Rector of St. Werburgh's Parish, Dublin. He is a
M.R.C.S. L.S.A, Physician and Surgeon, Broad Street, Palmerston North. Telephone 67. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Dr. Macintire was educated at Jersey College, Jersey. He obtained his L.S.A. degree in 1876, and the one conferring on him the right to the letters M.R.C.S. in the following year. He established his present practice in 1884, and is now surgeon to the Palmerston North Hospital, and to the Foresters', Oddfellows', and Druids' Societies. Before leaving England, he was honorary surgeon, physician and accoucheur at the Middlesex Hospital, and afterwards occupied the position of resident medical officer at the Bristol Roya Infirmary.
L.M., L.S.A., Physician and Surgeon, Church, Street, Palmerston North. Telephone
M.B., C.M., (Edinburgh), Medical Practitioner, Main Street, Palmerston North. Telephone 72. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Dr. Wilson was born in Glasgow, and was educated in Edinburgh, Berlin, and Prague. He gained his diploma in Edinburgh, and holds the degrees of M.B. and C.M. His first appointment was that of assistant to Dr. Ronaldson, of Edinburgh. During 1887–88, Dr. Wilson held the post of resident physician to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, and was subsequently for some six months resident physician of the Edinburgh Children's Hospital, afterwards commencing practice in Glasgow in 1891. In 1892 Dr. Wilson came to New Zealand, per steamship “Aorangi,” from London, and immediately established himself in Palmerston North.
The Square, Palmerston North, with branches at Wellington and Christchurch. The Australian Dental Institute was established in order to bring dentistry well before the public at a reasonable charge, thereby enabling the poor to obtain the advantage of the profession which was hitherto confined to the richer classes. Fitted with all the latest appliances for dentistry, this institute is well able to hold its own, and does business throughout New Zealand. Mr. Morford Cottle, the head operator for the firm throughout the Colony, is in charge. He is a native of Devonshire, England, and came to the Colony with his father the late Rev. H. W. Cottle in 1863. He was educated at Auckland College, and spent two years with Messrs. Sharland and Co., chemists. Mr. Cottle was subsequently a pupil of Dr. Kempt, of Auckland, and was the first student to pass the dental examinations in New Zealand, held at the Otago University (26th of April, 1883.) He was duly registered in August of the same year, and commenced the practice of his profession in Wanganui, where he continued for over ten years. Mr. Cottle was honorary dental surgeon to the Wanganui Hospital for many years, and in recognition of his services was awarded several first-class certificates. Mr. “Harry” Harding Sayers is the head of the mechanical assistants, and has oecupied that position since the Institute commenced business. He is a native of Australia, and was brought up and educated in Melbourne, where he served seven years with the London Dental Institute. Mr. Alexander Fraser, who is referred on page 484 of this volume, is the business manager for all branches.
Dental Surgeon, Princess Street. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Mr. Hooper established himself at Palmerston in June 1892, immediately on his return from England, whither he went in search of experience. This he gained in the best possible school—the Dental Hospital of London, where he went through the post-graduate course, having secured his certificate from the University of New Zealand just prior to leaving the Colony. Mr. Hooper was apprenticed to Mr. A. L. Smith, surgeon-dentist, of Auckland, completing his term early in 1891. He is a native of England, and was educated there and on the Continent (Switzerland principally), finishing at the Marischall College, of Aberdeen. In 1885 he came with his brothers, per s.s. “Tongariro,” to Auckland, for the benefit of his health. Mr. Hooper is a son of the Rev. Wm. Hooper, M.A., D.D., who subsequently visited this Colony, and for some time had charge of the Episcopal Church at Mount Albert, Auckland. Dr. Hooper has returned to India, where his life's ministerial labours have been mainly performed; and he is now engaged revising the translation of the Old Testamen in the Hindi vernacular
Surgeon and Mechanical Dentist, Broad Street. Telephone 71; P.O. Box 50. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Branch at Feilding.
Chemist, Druggist, and Optician. The Square, Palmerston North. Telephone 7; P.O. Box 11. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Leary is a native of New South Wales, where he was apprenticed to the business, and after completing the usual term in 1866 gained additional experience in the sister colony till 1875, when he removed to New Zealand, On arrival Mr. Leary decided to settle in Palmerston North. The same year he established the present business, which has steadily grown from its inception, and ranks with the foremost in the Colony. Mr. Leary is a direct importer of pure drugs, chemicals, and optical goods. He has complete arrangements for obtaining shipments from leading firms in England and America. As an optician Mr. Leary has had an extended experience. He has complete appliances for fully testing the eyesight, and is likewise able to adjust lenses to any peculiarities of vision. He has numerous agencies for medical contrivances, patents, and other medicines. He is public vaccinator for the district. His business extends throughout the Oroua county, and down the Manawatu line. The splendid freehold premises occupied by Mr. Leary in The Square were specially built for the purposes
Pharmaceutical Chemist (by examination), The Square. Telegraphic address, “Lissaman, Palmerston North.” P.O. Box 138. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. London agents, Burgoyne, Burbidge and Co.; Wellington agents, Kempthorne, Prosser and Co.'s New Zealand Drug Company, Limited. Mr. Lissaman began as above in 1890, and has, during the interval, established a really good business. His stand is an excellent one, being near to the Post-office, and his shop is large and tastefully fitted, a good trade being done both in town and throughout the surrounding district. The building is of wood and iron, the portion used by Mr. Lissaman containing about 1200 square feet. The part of the building not at present needed for the business is let off. The English, Continental, and American goods are imported direct from those markets. Mr. Lissaman is the proprietor of quite a number of specialties, many of which have already made a name for themselves and a reputation for their manufacturer. Of these may be mentioned, “May Dew Lotion,” “Quinine Hair Tonic,” and “Carbolic Dentifrice.” It is claimed for the “Hair Tonic” that it is an effectual remedy for scurf and a powerful strengthener of the hair. The “May Dew Lotion” is said to be reliable and pleasant as a remover of freckles, tan, and sunburn. Numerous other proprietary articles are among Mr. Lissaman's list of specialties, for all of which there is an increasing demand. Mr. Lissaman is a native of England, and was educated at Coventry and Oxford. He was apprenticed to Mr. A. H. Masser, of Foleshill, Warwickshire, and successfully passed the examinations of the English Preliminary and the English Apothecaries' Hall, London. On his arrival in the Colony in 1883, per ship “Waimea,” he immediately passed the New Zealand standard examination, and then went into business in Southbridge, Canterbury, where he remained some six years. Mr. Lissaman appears to enjoy the confidence of the Palmerstonians, and his splendid site must ever be of great advantage to him. He holds a bronze medal for botany and materia medica, securing in both these branches the maximum number of marks. Mr. Lissaman studied under the late Professors Redwood and Bentley.
Harris, D. B., Chemist and Druggist, The Square, Palmerston North. Private residence, Broad Street. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1884. Conducted by present proprietor since 1889.
Eclectic Medical Herbalist Specialist in the treatment of Organic diseases, The Square, Palmerston North. Telegraphic address, “Hepworth, Palmerston North.” Private residence, Church Street. Mr. Hepworth is a native of Yorkshire, England, and arrived in this Colony in 1883, per ship “Crusader,” from London. He studied under Dr. Skelton, of Leeds and was for some twelve years in business in Batley, Yorkshire. Mr. Hepworth dispenses all his own medicines, and has, of course, a large number of proprietary articles, all of which have proved most valuable for the particular diseases for the cure of which they have been compounded. He is agent for Neill, of Dunedin whose herbal preparations are known throughout the world. Mr Hepworth has a good shop, conveniently situated within a few doors of the Club Hotel, and his private house is but a few yards away, thus enabling him to attend to urgent cases with the least possible delay.
Palmerston North, which was established in June, 1875, in a small building on the opposite side of Broad Street, was subsequently removed to the site now occupied across the road, and forms a portion of the present premises. The front portion of the Bank building, which was erected about 1880, is a wooden structure of one story, comprising banking chamber, manager's office and strong room. Considerable additions have since been made, providing a seven-roomed residence for the manager, the allotment, a quarter-of-an-acre in extent, being at the corner of The Square and Broad Street.
the Manager of the Bank of Australasia at Palmerston North, hails from Dundee, Scotland, where he was born in 1859. He is a son of Mr. James Webster, of North Moeraki, Canterbury, farmer, who came to the Colony with his family per ship “Cameo” in 1859. The subject of this notice was educated at the Church of England School, Riccarton, and at Christ's College, Christchurch, where he gained the Somes Scholarship in 1871. Joining the Bank of Australasia in March, 1876, as a junior at Christchurch, Mr. Webster rose to the position of ledger-keeper, and was promoted to Masterton as accountant in November, 1880, filling the same office at Wangnui two years later. In 1883 he became manager at Feilding, and was transferred to Ashburton in 1886. A year afterwards Mr. Webster took charge of the branch at Patea, remaining till March, 1894, when he was appointed to the position he now fills. As a member of the committee of the Palmerston North Tennis Club, he takes an active interest in healthy recreation, and is also a member of the Palmerston North Choral Society. In 1885 Mr. Webster was married to a daughter of the Rev. Basil Taylor, of Putiki, near Wanganui.
(Palmerston North Branch), was established in 1881, the building now occupied having been completed in July of the following year. A single-story wooden building, situated at the corner of The Square and Broad Street, it contains banking chamber, manager's room and strong-room, and a nine-roomed residence. The staff consists of accountant, teller, ledger-keeper, and a junior, in addition to the manager. This is the only branch of the Union Bank between Auckland and Wellington.
the Manager of the Union Bank at Palmerston North, is the second son of the Hon. J. W. Barnicoat, M.L.C., and was born in 1856 in Nelson. He was educated at Nelson College, and entering the branch of the Bank in his native city, he has passed right through the service. In 1887 he became manager at Greymouth, and after four years he was transferred to Blenheim, taking up his duties in Palmerston North in 1893. Mr. Barnicoat is interested in out-door recreation, and acts as president of the Palmerston North Lawn Tennis Club.
(Palmerston North Branch), occupies an important corner section at the junction of The Square and Fitzherbert Street. The building, a two-story wooden structure, contains some fifteen rooms, the banking chamber and manager's office being at the corner. This is the most important branch of the Bank of New Zealand on the West Coast of the North Island, three sub-offices, Manukau, Levin and Ashurst, and three other receiving houses, Tokomaru, Shannon, and Kereru, being visited twice weekly by the staff, which numbers eight officers, in addition to the manager.
the agent of the Bank of New Zealand at Palmerston North, who is
Main Street, Palmerston North. President, Hon. Walter W. Johnston; vice-president, Mr. A. Follet Halcombe. The other directors are:—Messrs. John Mowlem (chairman), J. Nannestad. Richard Leary, J. P. Leary, and George J. Scott, Managing Director. This society has been in existence for twenty years, having been established in 1875. According to the last report of the society, the policy adopted by the directors has been attended with great success, and the results of the society's transactions during the past twenty years prove that its shares must be considered a profitable and reliable means of investing small savings; and the directors are of opinion that the monthly system of subscription adopted by the society is one which should be recommended to all would-be investors. The profits for the year amounted to ten per cent., and the society has declared its intention of continuing to pay a liberal interest on a limited amount of deposits for fixed periods
—an American organisation—was originally a secret trade society, and was brought to New Zealand for that purpose. It gradually came to be realist that by strikes the objects aimed at could not be attained, and the Society has now developed into a political association rather than a trade society. The principles adopted, which embody many socialistic doctrines, are set forth in printed leaflets, which can be obtained from the secretary. The officers (1896) are: Messrs. T. Hyde, Woodville, N.M.W.; J. A. Andrew, Ormondville, N.F.; W. Hildreth, Wellington, P.N.M.W.; and W. Welch, Palmerston North, N. secretary and treasurer.
J.P., Past National Master Workman New Zealand National Assembly Knights of Labour, was born in 1856 in Melbourne, where his father was a member of the firm of Barker and Co., saddlers' ironmongers. Mr. Hildreth comes of a Chartist family, his grandfather being wounded in a Chartist riot. Arriving in New Zealand with his parents when but five years old, he was educated at the Anderson's Bay School, Dunedin, and entered the waste product business in Filleul Street, Dunedin. Joining the Pioneer Lodge, I.O.G.T., in Dunedin, Mr. Hildreth soon passed through all the chairs. In 1872 he became a member of the Dunedin City Guards, and remained for about three years. Leaving Dunedin in 1880, he came to Wellington and joined his father in the waste product business, still being carried on by them. The subject of this sketch joined the Wellington Local Assembly of the Knights of Labour, and was appointed R.S. to the Assembly, a position he has held continuously since. In 1893 he was sent as delegate of the Wellington Local Assembly to the District Assembly, and at the second district meeting he was elected W.D. Foreman, and a year later he became District Master Workman. When the District Assembly gained the status of a National Assembly in July, 1895, Mr. Hildreth became the first National Master Workman of New Zealand. He is a member of the St. Andrew's Lodge of Freemasons, and is a married man, having seven children
(Richard Slingsby Abraham and Alick Williams), Stock and Land Auctioneers: Chief office and yards, Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North. Branches, Pahiatua and Levin. Cable and telegraphic address, “Abraham, Palmerston North.” Telephone 43; P.O. Box 67. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. F. L. Jackson, son of Mr. Freeman Jackson, of Wanganui, is the auctioneer of the firm. The Palmerston North offices and yards are situated in Rangitikei Street, and were specially designed and built for the business. The yards were planned by Mr. L. G. West, architect, and built by Mr. W. Watts, builder, of Feilding. They are constructed on the circular principle, and so adapted that the stock are returned after being sold to their own pen without any confusion arising. The yards and offices occupy about two-and a-half acres of land. Accommodation is available for 24,000 sheep and from 800 to 1000 head of cattle. The sales are held every Thursday, and horse sales each Saturday. Messrs. Abraham and Williams have also yards at:—
In addition to these regular sales, Messrs. Abraham and Williams hold an annual ewe fair (for sheep only) at Palmerston North about the middle of February, and a ram fair under the auspices of the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association about the end of January each year. Messrs. Abraham and Williams make liberal advances on stock consigned for sale by auction or private contract, as well as on tallow, wool, and produce. They also negotiate loans on security of real estate, and undertake valuations of land and stock. Messrs. Abraham and Williams are agents for the Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Company, the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Society, the Northern Steamship Company, Limited, of Auckland, the Toxa Company, of Dunedin (rabbit and bird poisons), White's sheep dip, Peacock's lung-worm specific, Muir's Zealandia and Cockatoo wool press, etc., etc.
the Auctioneer for Messrs. Abraham and Williams, of Palmerston North, is the eldest son of Mr. Freeman Rayney Jackson, ex-mayor of Wanganui, and senior partner in the firm of F. R. Jackson and Co. Born in Riverton in 1859, he was educated at Wanganui College, and has had many years experience in connection with the large auctioneering business of which his father is the senior partner, besides which he spent four years in one of the banks. For several years Mr. Jackson represented his firm in Wellington, having charge of the large yards at Johnsonville, where he conducted the stock sales. In 1893 he accepted the position which he now occupies under Messrs. Abraham and Williams.
Live Stock Salesman and General Auctioneer, Palmerston Live Stock Auction Market: Offices, and yards, Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North. Telegraphic and Cable address, “Matthew Henry, Palmerston North.” P.O. Box 75. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Cook Street. Mr. Henry hails from the Highlands of Scotland, where he was brought up as a farmer. In 1877 he came to the colonies, and gained experience of stock on a large station in Australia. Arriving in New Zealand he accepted the position of overseer for the New Zealand and Australian Land Company, on Acton Estate, in Canterbury. In consequence of the death of his brother in Scotland, he was suddenly called to the Old Country, and resigned his appointment with the Land Company, from whom he holds excellent credentials. For eight years after his return, or until the expiring of his lease, Mr. Henry was farming in Ross-shire, Scotland. During these years, and indeed from his boyhood, he has had every opportunity of becoming fully acquainted with the breeding, rearing, and feeding of stock. He was associated with prominent agriculturalists, many of whom were directors of the foremost institution, the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, and of which he himself was a member. On leaving Scotland in 1889, in order to settle in this Colony, Mr. Henry was the recipient of testimonials of the highest character from well-known stock owners and breeders of the above standing, testifying to his knowledge of every branch of stock rearing, and agriculture. Indeed for the raising and feeding of stock he was considered second to none in that highly cultivated district, making early maturity of stock a special study. Mr. Henry visited the Southern American States, of Colorado, Texas, and Old Mexico, previous to coming to New Zealand in the latter year. In 1892 Mr. Henry estabished the present business. The yards are erected on a large leasehold section in Rangitikei Street, containing nearly 70,000 square feet of space. The plans were drawn by Mr. L. G. West, from Mr. Henry's own design, Mr. McColl being the contractor. These yards are circular in shape, with sale ring, which is forty feet in diameter, and seating gallery to accommodate 400 to 600 people, and temporary office in the centre, under one roof, which is 60 feet in diameter. The sale ring is lighted by sky-lights, and a central glass dome. Outside this building are the cattle pens, which surround the same, and beyond these a continuous circular race, with which all the pens are connected. Further away from the centre are a ring of sheep pens, and beyond these another race connecting with the same, as well as with the inner race and cattle pens, and also with the sheep drafting yard, outside the circular part of the yards. In conducting a sale, the yards are worked in sections, beginning with sheep pens one to twelve, section A, and continuing in order along sections B, C, and D, or vice versa, as the auctioneer may desire. Prior to the commencement of the sale, the first pen to be offered is put into the ring, the following lot being then put into the forwarding pen. The next in order is put into the circular race right against the sliding gate, that divides the circular race from the forwarding pen. The stockmen have thus a start of the
salesman, which they are generally able to keep up to the close of the sale. By this means, the sale is usually concluded much sooner than under the old objectionable system of cramming the pens in such a manner-that buyers have no fair opportunity of examining what they are about to purchase. As the stock from each pen are put forward towards the ring, the pen gate is locked across the circular race, and when sold, they are driven out of the ring by the opposite gate to that by which they entered for sale, and the first stop they encounter is their own pen gate, which turns them into their original pen. By manipulating a folding hurdle, which fastens on to a sliding gate, pigs are also brought into the arena, and disposed of in the same way as cattle and sheep, with little trouble or delay. Although these yards are specially designed for the handling of sheep and cattle, the sale ring cannot be beaten for the showing and disposal of horses, whether broken or unbroken. One of the main advantages of the building yards
Auctioneer and General House Furnisher, The Square, Palmerston North. Telegraphic address, “Montague, Palmerston North.” P.O. Box 131. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence. London Street. Mr. Montague was born in London, in October, 1850. Here he was educated, and here, too, he was apprenticed to Messrs. Jackson and Graham, upholsterers, cabinetmakers, and general house decorators, of Oxford Street, London. In 1880 he determined to leave England and emigrate to the colonies, and arrived in Auckland in 1881. Not finding a suitable opening here, Mr. Montague resolved to visit Australia, and spent a short time in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, subsequently returning to New Zealand, and taking up his abode in the Empire City, where he commenced business as a cabinetmaker and general dealer, and after-wards as auctioneer in the large Central Arcade, Manners Street. In 1891 he removed to Palmerston North, and established his present business, carrying it on with great success. The building, comprising the auction room and offices, is of wood and iron, and has quite recently been greatly increased in size. The floorage space, which was formorly 2970 square feet, is now 5120 square feet. Mr. Montague was his own architect and builder, the original premises which he occupied having been destroyed by fire. In the house-furnishing department of his business, Mr. Montague makes a specialty of sideboards and overmantels, the carving of many being very fine. He has all the necessary machinery for the trade, such as a band-saw, circular saw, lathe, boring and sharpening machine, flock carder, etc., and uses a seven-horse-power gas-engine. A very work shop containing 3000 square feet of ground floorage space has just been added, besides an extensive yard for the proper seasoning of the timbers used in the factory. From eight to twelve hands are employed on the premises, and Mr. Montague is a direct importer of crockery, cutlery, and upholstering requisites, besides which he has a large stock of carpets, linoleums, bedsteads, mattresses, and a general assortment of good furniture. He conducts sales at private houses or elsewhere, in any part of the district, besides holding regular auction sales at his Central Auction Mart, in the Square. He employs none but first-class workmen who can be implicitly relied upon for executing orders in a superior manner. Suites of furniture are re-upholstered, and beds and mattrasses are re-made. Mr. Montague takes a great interest in all matters concerning the district, and is very popular. He is a Justice of the Peace, and a hardworking borough councillor. He is also a prominent Mason, being a member of the Manawatu-Kilwinning Lodge and of the Royal Arch Chapter. His methods of advertising are very ingenious, and he has kept himself well before the public by the issue of many novelties in the advertising line. He is thoroughly enterprising, and does a good business. As a councillor of the borough of Palmerston North in the interests of No. 2 Ward, further reference to Mr. Montague, chiefly as to his public career, will be found on page 1144.
Auctioneer, Land, Estate, and Commission Agent, Valuer, Arbitrator, Native Interpreter, and Native Land Agent, The Square. P.O. Box 47. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Fitzherbert Street. Mr. Preece is a native of the Colony, and was brought up to the civil service in he served twenty-eight-years. For twelve years he occupred the which honourable position of resident magistrate at Napier. He was also in the military service of the Colony as a captain of the militia, and in the armed constabulary as a sub-inspector Mr. Preece is a recipient of the New Zealand Cross for distinguished services. His auction rooms and offices, which were erected for the purpose of the
Land, Estate, and Commission Agent, and Accountant, Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North. Telephone 53; P.O. Box 35. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, College Street. Mr. Rutherfurd founded this business in 1890, and has a connection throughout the district. He acts as agent for the Public Trustee. He is more fully referred to in another page in his official capacity as secretary of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board.
J.P., Land and Estate Agent, Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North. Private residence, Hokowhitu. Particulars regarding Mr. Snelson's career will be found under the heading of “Ex-Mayors.”
Accountant, House, Land, and General Commission Agent, Main Street, Palmerston North. Telephone 51; P.O. Box 86. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Broad Street. Mr. Scott established his present business in 1888, but his experience of colonial life is of much longer duration than that. He was born at Dundee, Scotland, where he was educated. Mr. Scott had considerable mereantile experience both in his native town and in London. He left England for the colonies in 1866 per ship “Electra,” and on his arrival in New Zealand was at once engaged by the well-known firm of Taylor and Watt, of Wanganui. Mr. Scott held the position of accountant to this firm for some ten years, when he left Wanganui and became manager for Messrs. J. and C. Bull, of Bulls, subsequently vacating this position in order to-establish himself on his own account. Mr. Scott is a member of the Incorporated Institute of Accountants of New Zealand. He is the managing director of the Manawatu Permanent Equitable and Investment Society, the meetings of this body being held at his office in Main Street. Mr. Scott is Deputy Official Assignee in Bankruptcy for Palmerston, in which position his extensive mercantile knowledge is most useful. He takes great interest in educational and social mothers, and is chairman of the Terrace-end School Committee and is chairman of the Presbyterian Church. He holds the agencies for the National Fire and Marine Insurance Company, the Australian Mutual Provident Society, and others.
Linton and Mowlem, Land, Estate, and Financial Agents. The Square, Palmerston North.
Mowlem, James. Land, Estate. and Commission Agent, The Square. Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1891.
Pearce, E. B., Land and Financial Agent and Valuator. Pearce's Land Mart, The Square, Palmerston North. Bankers. Bank of New Zealand. Estab. 1889
Civil Engineer and Architect, Central Chambers, Main Street, Palmerston North. Telegraphic address, “Bruce, Palmerston North.” P.O. Box 106. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Featherston Street East. Mr. Bruce came to the Colony in 1869 per ship “Matoka,” from London, and at once commenced the practice of his profession. He was a pupil of Mr. Frederick Barry, M.I.C.E., of 31 Great George Street, Westminster, and prior to that a pupil of Mr. C. J. Shoppee, F.R.I.B.A., of 61 Doughty Street, London. Mr. Bruce first established himself in Christchurch. As engineer for the Springs and Lincoln districts, and the Kowai and Ashburton districts, Mr. Bruce has made more roads and bridges than any other engineer in New Zealand. Under his diection were formed the Rakaia-Mount Hutt Road of twelve-and-a-half miles; the Rakaia and Alford Forest Road, five-and-a-half miles; Black's Road, Jackson's Road, McLean's Road, the last eight-and-a-half miles; Longbeach Road, sixteen miles; Alford Forest Road, Coldstream Swamp Road, through a peat bog; a portion of the Main South Road, through the Ashburton county; the Elgin Road, Cochrane Road, a part of the Main South Road, in the Kowai district, for the Provincial Government, and many of the streets of Ashburton. His experience in connection with railway and road formation in both England and Ireland was of much use in New Zealand. Mr. Bruce has superintended the building of bridges in all parts of Canterbury, and in the architectural branch of his profession he has successfully undertaken most important works, of which the following are a few:—The house of George Hart, Hereford Street West, Christchurch; that of Mr. William Maddison. Selwyn; of Captain Willis, Southbridge; additions to Mr. John Grigg
Architect, Sanitary Engineer, and Proprietor of the Borough Swimming Baths, Main Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Duke Street. Mr. Edwards is one of the most enterprising men of this district, and, notwithstanding the excessive demands of his private business, he has found much time for the service of the public, which he has rendered and is rendering in a variety of ways. For six years he was a member of the Borough Council, and for the year 1892–93 he filled the Mayoral chair. He was a member of the Hospital Board and the Charitable Aid Board for four years, and was instrumental in promoting the Bill creating Palmerston North a separate district, thus enabling the hospital to be located in the town. As a member of the School Committee and the Licensing Bench, Mr. Edwards has done good work. He is still a member of the Licensing Bench, having been elected to that office in 1894. In the past he successfully used his influence in securing the water supply, of which all Palmerston is now so justly proud. His labours in this direction have lately met with a well-merited reward. Wellington has been agitating the city baths question for many years, but Mr. Edwards has made a private enterprise of it for Palmerston, and the council has recognized his pluck by granting him important concessions for eighteen years. The Borough Baths, as they are called, are a credit to the town, and to the Colony indeed, or the North Island at any rate, for the whole of the cement used in the concrete was from the cement works of Messrs. J. Wilson and Co., of Auckland. Mr. Edwards is prepared to risk his reputation as an engineer and architect on his assertion that the so-called Portland cement ordinarily imported into this Colony is inferior to that of Messrs. Wilson and Co. For the construction of his baths he has used even less than the regulation proportion, and with results the most satisfactory. The main hath is 72 feet long, and 25 feet wide, while its depth when full varies from three feet at the steps to 7 feet 6 inches, some 10 feet beyond the centre, from this point gradually shoaling to 6 feet 5 inches at the further end. The centre being slightly below the drain level, the last few inches of water must be ejected, and for this purpose a patent ejector is used. In the cellar, and contiguous to the ejector, is a large water heater by Keith, of Arbroath, for improving the natural temperature in the winter. A dozen well-appointed dressing rooms are provided, besides an elegantly carpeted and furnished ladies' room, with easy chairs and large mirror, pretty tables, etc. Two large bath-rooms, with special vapour and plunge baths, occupy with other conveniences the opposite side of the entrance to that taken up by the ladies' lounging room. It is claimed for these baths that they are the most complete in the Colony. The writer had an opportunity of witnessing the opening ceremony performed by his Worship the Mayor, Mr. W. Park, in December last, and of noting the appreciation of the public. Mr. Edwards has done well for Palmerston, and it remains for Palmerston to “return the compliment.” The borough drainage design was the work of Mr. Edwards, and as an architect many of the houses and shops in the town and district have been erected by him. Mr. Edwards was born in Geelong, and arrived in New Zealand in 1869, per ship “South Australia,” from Melbourne. He learned his business with Mr. Murdock, and Mr. Eddie, architects and civil engineers, of Victoria.
Architect and Civil Engineer, The Square. Telegraphic address, “Larcomb, Palmerston North.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Duke Street. Mr Larcomb is a native of London, and was educated at St. Saviour's School, now at Ardingly. He studied his profession from fifteen with an uncle, who was chief draughtsman at the War Office, London. After qualifying, Mr. Larcomb came to New Zealand, per ship “Corona,” in 1874. He at once entered the Civil Service, and had large experience in the Public Works Department for about seven years. Owing to the reorganization and the completion of works, Mr. Larcomb's services were dispensed with in 1881, he having previously been permitted to undertake work for the Wellington Corporation. In the latter year Mr. Larcomb removed to Palmerston North, and established the present business. Ever since taking up his abode in the district, Mr. Larcomb has received a large share of the work in Palmerston. He has designed and superintended the erection of at least six of the local churches, among which may be named the Wesleyan, Anglican, Catholic, and Presbyterian. About eighteen hotels in the locality are from Mr. Larcomb's plans,. A few may be named as among the most noteworthy, such as the Club, Occidental, Empire, and Albion. Mr. Larcomb designed and erected the Union Bank of Australia in The Square, and three other banks in the district, and also the Palmerston North Hospital. About half of the shops and business premises in The Square were erected under Mr. Larcomb's oversight. Three substantial structures are worthy of mention, viz.:—the fine buildings of the United Farmers' Cooperative Society and Messrs. Ireland and Co., and the Law Chambers. Mr. Larcomb has put up many fine private houses: the residence of Mr. William Park, which appears on page 1192 of this volume, is one of the best. Mr. Larcomb served for eight years as a member of the Borough Council. He is also a member of the local school committee.
Architect, Fire Insurance and General Agent, and Valuer, Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North. Telephone 25; P.O. Box 45. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Fitzherbert Street. In 1868 Mr. West settled in the Palmerston district, which was in a state of nature, and almost covered with bush. He was one of the party of settlers who made the famous exit from Upper Manawatu in 1868 when the news was spread that Te Kuti and the Han Haus were coming through from Hawkes Bay, after which he joined the cavalry volunteers, P.Y.C., in the Maori war, returning early in 1869. At this time there was no town of Palmerston North. there being only a dozen white people in the district, and only one building erected, which was deserted. Mr. West claims to be the oldest resident in the town. He remembers the early beginning of settlement, and has noted with considerable pride the progress that has been made. In the course of his business as an architect, Mr. West has designed and superintended the erection of a large number of shops and private residences in and around the Square. Amongst these may be named Mr. Hankins's office, the Bon Marche, Messrs. Ross and Sandford's premises, Mr. C. E. Waldegrave's residence, Mrs. Cooper's house, The Terrace, and Messrs. Baker and Cook's offices. Mr. West also drew the plans for the sale-yards of Mr. Matthew Henry, and Messrs. Abraham and Williams. These yards have proved very useful for the purpose for which they were built. They are especially valuable in preventing confusion even at the busiest sales. Mr. West also planned and built the Phœnix Hotel, the Foresters' Hall (Court Manawatu), and designed and supervised the rebuilding of the Theatre Royal. Mr. West is agent for the North German Fire Insurance Company of Hamburgh. He is valuer for several financial institutions. Mr. West, who founded the present business in 1880, is referred to in these pages as an ex-mayor of the Borough.
C.E., Authorised and Licensed Surveyor, Queen Street, Palmerston North. Mr. Wylde is a native of Renfrew, Scotland, and a son of Mr. James Wylde, the well-known civil engineer in New Zealand. He arrived in the Colony at an early age, was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and studied under his father on the West Coast, subsequently passing his examination as an authorised surveyor for New Zealand and Tasmania. Amongst the many important works carried out by Mr. Wylde may be mentioned his supervision of the underground tunnel work in connection with No. 2 Sludge Channel on the West Coast. Since taking up his residence in Palmerston, in 1892, he has been engaged in surveying work for the Government, and also privately. Mr. Wylde has compiled a very useful work, entitled “Field tables for surveyors, engineers, mine managers, etc.,” which should prove of great assistance to engineers and field surveyors. Mr. Wylde is a cousin of Sir Charles Douglas Fox, vice-president of the Institute of Civil Engineers, Australia, whose name is so well known in engineering circles throughout the Australasian colonies.
Flyger, W. H. R., Surveyor, The Square, Palmerston North. Private residence, Main Street East.
Scott, G. L. R., Surveyor, The Square, Palmerston North. Private residence, Fergusson Street.
(Thomas Attwood and Thomas Reginald Attwood), Artists and Photographers, Gilders, and Picture
Photographer, The Square, Palmerston North. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. The business, which was established in 1889, was originally carried on in the name of Billens and Bunting, but in 1894 Mr. Bunting bought his partner out. A branch is also conducted at Feilding.
(Charles John Erenstrom and William Reid Andrews), Bread and Biscuit Bakers, Confectioners, etc., Model Bakery, Main Street. Telephone 37; P.O. Box 80. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Wanganui agent, Mr. W. S. Dustin; Palmerston agents, Barraud and Abraham. This flourishing business was established in 1880 by Mr. C. Whitehead, for many years well known as a baker and confectioner in Wellington; and it became the property of Messrs. Erenstrom and Andrews in the early part of 1893. Though the front shop is by no means small, it gives a very inadequate impression of the concern. To get an idea of the business done, one needs to see the bake-house at the back. This room alone contains 1200 square feet of floor space. The ovens are large, and in splendid order, one being the usual furnace oven, and the other what is known as a “Bailley-Baker Patent.” The machinery comprises two broad and biscuit mixers of large size, a biscuit-cutting machine, a machine known to the trade as a brake, a press for a special biscuit called the “Rout,” a fruit cleaning machine, peel cutting machine, a circular saw for the cutting of firewood, and a derrick for the hoisting of flour. The power for driving these machines is derived from a fine horizontal otto gas engine, nominally five horse-power, but frequently driven up to eight-horse-power. In separate buildings behind the business premises are the stables and three rooms for the men and boys employed. Messrs. Erenstrom and Andrews do a really good business, and claim to have the finest bakery in the Manawatu district. Eleven hands are constantly employed in the business, and no fewer than five delivery carts are kept going. Their goods are in demand in all parts. The refreshment rooms of the United Farmers' Co-operative Association are supplied by Messrs. Erenstrom and Andrews. The contract for the supply of the hospital has been in the hands of the firm since its opening. Mr. Erenstrom, who attends to the out-door work, is a native of Sweden, but has practically spent the whole of his life in the Colony, arriving per ship “London” in 1870. Mr. Andrews, who manages the business inside, was born in Scotland, where he learned his trade. In 1888 he came to New Zealand per steamship “Kaikoura.
Baker and Confectioner, Biscuit and Lolly Manufacturer, Main Street, Terrace End, Palmerston North, Telegraphic address, “Heaton, Palmerston North.” Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Heaton was born in America, and left that part of the world for the colonies in 1853, per ship “Glance,” Captain Taylor, arriving in Melbourne. After about ten years spent in Australia, during which time he visited the principal goldfields, Mr. Heaton came on to this Colony by the ship “Pearl,” which was wrecked on reaching New Zealand, and now lies in Jacob's River. This was in 1864, and during that year the subject of these lines went to Wanganui, and served an apprenticeship under Mr. John Hurley (successor to Mr. Joseph A. Burnett), general baker and confectioner. He completed his term in 1867, and went to Bulls, starting in business there on his present lines, and conducting it most successfully for a period of twelve years. During this time Mr. Heaton amassed a small fortune, being the possessor, at the end of the time specified, of no less than £10,000, which sum he subsequently lost in unfortunate land speculations. He had, indeed, to start life afresh; even the fine house which he had built for himself having to be given up, and it is now in the occupation of Mr. John Stevens, the present member of the House of Representatives for Rangitikei. The failure of the Glasgow Bank and the consequent wave of depression which reached these shores was the climax to Mr. Heaton's misfortunes. But he is not a man to be entirely crushed, no matter how severe the blow, and in 1879 he removed to Palmerston North, and began the business described above. His premises are large, and contain, besides the shop, some nine or ten rooms. The shop in itself measures thirty feet by sixteen feet, while the rest of the establishment is convenient and roomy, including a large bakehouse, stables, etc. All the machinery necessary to the business is possessed by Mr. Heaton, and comprises a brake, two mixers, a rolling machine for boiled lollies, and many other appliances. The business done both locally and in the outlying districts is very extensive, the products of the establishment being popular throughout the entire district. His specialties are fancy biscuits and lollies. In politics, Mr. Heaton is an advanced Liberal, but has declined all invitations to allow hinself to be nominated for a scat in Parliament, notwithstanding the fact that on one occasion the request emanated from so distinguished a politician as the late Hon. John Ballance. Mr. Heaton is still in the prime of life, and there is no reason why he should not yet take a prominent part in directing the affairs of the Colony. He has proved himself to be a man of remarkable energy and perseverance, and the admirable way in which he set to work to rebuild his shattered fortunes after losing the fruits of twelve years toil, by sheer misfortune which would have crushed many a man utterly, gains for him the esteem and commendation of all who know him. It is quite within the bounds of possibility that Mr. Heaton will eventually be succesful, if not in raising quite so large a sum as he once possessed, In at least being enabled to retire on a well-morited
Baker and Grocer, Post-office Store, Main Street. Telegraphic address, “Todd, Palmerston North.” This business was established in 1881, and came into the hands of the present proprietor thirteen years later. The premises are of wood, and one story. The shop has a good appearance, and is well looked after. Mr. Todd locks after the business outside, and his wife attends to the shop during the day. Mr. Todd is a native of Edinburgh, but learned his trade in Maidstone, Kent, where he lived several years. He came to New Zealand per ship “Strathnavar,” from London, in 1874. Before coming to Palmerston, he was in business for a few years in Gisborne. For the past two years, Mrs. Todd
Baker, Confectioner, and Refreshment room Proprietor, Main Street, Palmerston North. Telegraphic address, “Whitehead, Palmerston North.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Whitehead is a native of England, and reached the Colony per s.s. “Rimutaka” in 1888. He learned his business with C. Grubb and C. Whitehead, with whom he was for five years. After becoming an expert at his trade
Aisher, Fred., J.P., Confectioner and Fruiterer, Palmerston Confectionery Works, The Square, Palmerston North. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Established 1888.
(Samuel Dowdall), Sculptor and Monumental Mason, Palmerston North Monumental Works, Main Street, Palmerston North. Telegraphic address, “Dowdall, Palmerston North.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Broad Street. Agents:—Marton, Mr. Snellgrove; Feilding, Mr. Shearer. Founded by the present proprietor in 1890, this business has steadily progressed. The premises occupied consist of a valuable freehold section, having thirty-three feet frontage by a depth of ninety nine feet, on which, offices, sheds and all necessary buildings have been constructed, the material used being of wood and iron. Mr. Dowdall was born in Southampton, England, and landed in the Colony from the good ship “Aldersgrove” in 1879. He was apprenticed to Mr. James Tait, the Well-known monumental mason and building contractor in Christchurch, with whom he completed his term in 1888. During the period of his indentures nine other youths commenced to learn the business at Mr. Tait's monumental works, but Mr. Dowdall was the only one out of the ten apprentices who persevered in learning the trade. He took up his duties with a determination to succeed, and bent all his energies to master the details of the work, including modelling and the construction of arches and columns, and it is not surprising that he should have succeeded. After finishing his apprenticeship Mr. Dowdall spent two years in Australia, where he greatly increased his experience of every branch of the trade, being engaged in executing carving on many fine and prominent buildings. On his return to New Zealand he decided to settle in Palmerston North, founding the present business, which is the only one of its kind between Wellington and Wanganui. Mr. Dowdall is a direct importer of marble, granite, and other choice stones from the best sources of supply, including the Vermont Marble Company, and other firms. He undertakes to supply in any design every discription of monumental work, including headstones, columns, or other similar mementos of the departed, marble mantels, tables, wash-stands, fenders, hearthstones, etc. Already his customers are found throughout the greater portion of the Wellington, Hawkes Bay and Taranaki Provincial Districts, and there can be no doubt that the career so auspiciously begun, is likely, under ordinary circumstances, to continue prosperous.
Coach Builder, Manawatu Carriage Works, Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North. Bankers Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Broad Street. Mr. Bett is a native of New Zealand, and learned his trade in the Colony. Prior to the 11th of September, 1894, his carriage factory was the most extensive and complete in the district. First-rate machinery was in going order, and a large stock of vehicles and materials was on hand. On this ill-fated day the fire fiend swooped down, and danced a war dance, utterly destroying this hive of industry, despite all efforts to save the premises. Palmerston North, like many other New Zealand towns, has been noted for the frequency and extent of its disastrous fires. Mr. Bett fortunately had some insurance, though not by any means commensurate with his loss, which was very heavy, not only in value destroyed, but particularly in the disorganization of his business and loss of time. Many a man has been crushed under the stroke of a lesser calamity; not so Mr. Bett. Forthwith he set about re-building the factory, and incredibly short period the new building, which is represented in the engraving below, was in course of
erection. After about a month, the Manawatu carriage works were once more in operation. Too much credit cannot be given to Mr. Bett for the plucky manner in which he faced this difficulty, and it is to be hoped that better fortune is in store for this important industry. The main building, which fronts Rangitikei Street, includes a large show-room, wood shop, and smith's shop. The area is considerably over 5000 square feet. A gas-engine of four-horsepower drives the various machines. Behind the principal building are situated the turning shop, paint shop, and a large store. The average number of hands employed is about eighteen, and to these a sum of £160 is paid monthly. The products of these extensive works are sent to most parts of the North Island, Mr. Bett having won a name for the excellence and quality of his make. He is a direct importer of carriage wares, hickory spokes, and other necessaries for the trade. Mr. Bett makes every description of carriages to order and stock, but especially light work. There is no doubt that
Coachbuilder, Wheelwright, Farrier, General Blacksmith, and Undertaker, Fitzherbert Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Linton Street. Mr. Hall was born in the Lower Hutt district, and came to Palmerston with his father, Mr. Thomas Hall, who carried on a thriving business for many years. It was in this establishment that the subject of this notice learned his trade. Following his father's footsteps, Mr. Hall has, by dint of perseverance and strict attention to his business, gained for himself a steadily increasing trade. Mr. Hall is a skilled workman, and turns out nothing but first-class work, doing business in Feilding and beyond Ashurst. This establishment turns out work of every description, undertaking being one of its chief branches. These freehold premises consist of two buildings of wood and iron, and have a floorage space of about 1800 square feet. At a recent show Mr. Hall entered a spring dray, but as there was no special heading under which it could be classed, it could not command a prize, but received special mention. Mr. Hall intends to exhibit specimens of his work again, and is confident of success. He is auditor for the Foresters' Lodge, Court Manawatu, of which he is a member. He is also a member of the Trotting Club, and a shareholder in the Sports Ground Association.
Coachbuilder and Shoeing and General Smith, Fitzherbert Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Doddington Street. Mr. Watson
Browning, W. A., Coachbuilder and General Smith, Main Street, near Railay Station, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Estab. 1883.
Aerated Water and Cordial Manufacturer, Fitzherbert Street, Palmerston North. Telegraphic address, “Beck, Palmerston North.” Telephone, 32. P.O. Box 51. Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Beck has been in Palmerston North since 1883, but the business was established eight years prior to that date by Mr. William Deards. The premises are large and convenient, and occupy a good position, being only a few yards distant from the square. The buildings are constructed of wood and iron, and contain some 5000 square feet of floorage space. Mr. Beck's private residence adjoins the factory, which is a matter of no small importance to the good conduct of the business, for Mrs. Beck has a thorough knowledge of the manufacturing, and on occasions of her husband's temporary absence from Palmerston, she is able to superintend the establishment. Mrs. Beck is a daughter of the late Mr. Edward Dixon, the well-known cordial manufacturer of Wellington. All the latest machinery in the aerated water and cordial business is to be found on the premises, the extent of which may be realist when it is known that the premises were originally built for a wool storage depot. A large local trade is done by Mr. Beck, and his beverages are popular throughout the district, including Ashurst, Longburn, Linton, and other towns more or less distant. Two carts are constantly employed in the delivery of the cordials, the larger one being used in the town, while the smaller conveyance is for the country trade. Mr. Beck imports all the machinery and chemicals used in his business direct from the Old Country, and upon terms most satisfactory to the vendors, which enables him to compete very successfully with the trade throughout the district, and independently of his personal popularity, which is very great. Mr. Beck is agent for the Standard Fire and Marine Insurance Company, and for the celebrated Puriri waters from Messrs. Ehrenfried Bros., of Auckland, who are the sole proprietors. These waters are highly common led by the faculty for indigestion, gout, and all diseases of the bladder and kidneys, the trade mark being an anchor. Mr. Beck is a large manufacturer of horehound beer, horehound tonic (which is not aerated), football punch, kola champagne, champagne cider, orange champagne, hop tonic (aerated), zolakone, lemonade, ginger ale, soda water, and every description of cordials, and of tonic water and potass water; also a new table mineral water called “Biaris,” registered, prepared by W. J. Bush and Co., London, and bottled solely by him, having secured the sole right to do so. The kola champagne is quite a recent invention, and there is an immense run on it, it having at once become a popular beverage. Mr. Beck was born in Victoria, and came to New Zealand in 1862 per ship “Lightning” from Melbourne, landing at Dunedin. He came on to Wellington, and learned his business with the late Mr. George Dixon, his brother-in-law, He afterwards went to Nelson, where he for some time managed the business of Mr. Dixon, returning ultimately to Wellington, and purchasing his present premises. Mr. Beck is held in high esteem throughout the district, and has met with marked success during the twelve years he has conducted his business, which is in a most prosperous condition. He is a Past District Deputy Grand Master of the American Order of Odd-fellows, and holds the office of treasurer to the Manawatu Kilwinning Lodge of Freemasons, New Zealand Constitution. He is also treasurer to the Manawatu Arch Chapter, and treasurer to the Palmerston Club.
(Joseph Bell, Edward William Isaac Collins, and William Stock), Aerated Water and Cordial Manufacturers, Rangitikei Line, Palmerston North. This factory, which is remarkably clean and well drained, has the most modern machinery and is supplied with a six-horse power Hayward and Tyler's gas engine. A notable feature in the production of this firm's goods is the fact that the gas is specially purified twice. The water is supplied by an artesian well from a depth of 200 feet. Messrs. Bell and Co. are direct importers of essences, bottles, and all other materials used in their trade. Their patent blue-top goods are eagerly sought after by the surrounding residents, the soda water being a speciality. The firm claim to supply by far the greater portion of Palmerston North. Messrs. Bell and Co. also conduct a corn-crushing business, and have one of Andrew and Beaven's corn-crushers. Mr. Bell, the senior partner of the firm, is a native of Hull, Yorkshire, where he was born in 1844. He arrived in New Zealand about 1876.
Aerated Water and Cordial Manufacturer, Taonui Street, Palmerston North. P.O. Box 74. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. London agents, Messrs. William Ashby and Co. Mr. Lyon is a native of London, and arrived in New Zealand in 1856 per ship “Westminster.” He learned his trade with the late Mr. G. Gower, and Mr. R. Evans, of St. Hill Street, Wanganui. In 1880 he entered into business on his own account, and two years later removed to Palmerston North. His premises are situate within easy distance of The Square, occupy about an acre of ground, and include a dwellinghouse, outhouses, and very pretty garden and shrubbery, besides two or three cottages which are let off. The property is all freehold. The machinery comprises one of Barnett and Forster's prize medal aerated water machines, bottling machines by McEwans, Bratby, and Hincheliff, and Barnett and Forster, a cork rack by Barnett and Forster, a capsuling machine, etc. The trade mark is a lion. A capital business is done throughout the town and district. All chemicals for the trade are imported direct from the Home agents, Messrs. William Ashby and Co., the senior partner of which firm is well known throughout New Zealand as the popular Captain Ashby, of the ship “City of Auckland,” and others. Most of the essences are purchased from the well-known firm of Messrs. W. J. Bush and Co. Mr. Lyon's principal manufactures are:—old-fashioned brewed ginger-beer, hop beer, horehound beer, football punch, anti-Burton herbal beer, ginger ale, kola tonic, champagne kola, champagne cider, and orange champagne, besides, of course, soda water, lemonade, cordials, and syrups of all kinds. For many of these lines, especially the football punch, kola champagne, and the old-fashioned ginger beer, there is a very large demand. Mr. Lyon is thoroughly well known and respected throughout the district, and during the time he has been in business he has been more than ordinarily successful.
(Palmerston North branch). General manager, Mr. J. Young; manager of factory, Mr. G. M. Valentine, Fitzherbert Road, Palmerston North. This factory is worked by a horizontal steam-engine of twelve-horse-power nominal, capable of twenty-horse-power effective. The refrigerators were manufactured by Messrs. J. and E. Hall; a powerful separator and two large churns, capable of treating from 1200 to 1400 pounds of cream at a time, and a butter-worker, are all in good order and condition. Eight creameries, located at Bunnythorpe, Kairanga, Stoney Creek, Ashurst, Pohangina, Rangitikei Line, Foxton, and Sandon, send in their cream daily.
General Manager of the New Zealand Farmers' Dairy Union, was born in 1852 in Lanark, Scotland, where he was educated. Arriving in Victoria in 1871, he was engaged in dairy farming and as manager of dairy factories, gaining a large experience, till 1895, when he came to New Zealand to assume the position he now holds. A member of old St. John's Lodge of Freemasons, Lanark, he is unattached in New Zealand. In 1884 Mr. Young was married to a daughter of the late Dr. Hearn, chancellor of the Melbourne University, and has three sons.
Painter, Paperhanger, and House Decorator, King Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Church Street. Mr. Turner was born in Wellington, and was apprenticed to Messrs. Button and Patton, of Christchurch, completing his term in 1868. He was subsequently in business in Wellington for fifteen years, during which time he undertook contracts for the painting and papering of some of the finest establishments in the city, St. George's Hall and the ministerial residence being of the number. While in Wellington Mr. Turner was largely employed by the principal contractors of the district—Messrs. James Lockie, Schoular and Archibald, Barry and McDowall, Murdock and Rose, and many others. In Palmerston North he has recently painted and decorated, in excellent style, the private house of Mr. George Howe, and several business houses and hotels. For many years Mr. Turner was corporal and acting quarter-master sergeant of the D Battery of Artillery, Wellington. In Christchurch, when but a youth, he was ensign of St. John's Cadets, and has always taken an active interest in volunteering. When quite a lad he was the means of averting a most terrible accident, which would have resulted in the loss of many lives. Two horses with a gun carriage by some means evaded control, and were fast approaching the cliff in Lyttelton, and in a few seconds would most inevitably have gone over but for the timely aid of young Turner. This was on a public holiday, when on the beach below were gathered a large number of people watching the regatta, many of whom must have been killed. At great risk to himself he rushed to the heads of the affrighted animals and turned them into a safe direction, when but a few feet from the edge of the cliff.
Tozer, E. J., Glazier, Gilder, etc., Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1887 and conducted by present proprietor since 1892.
(Charles Macintosh Ross), Drapers and Clothiers, Bon Marché. The Square, Palmerston North. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia, Limited. Private address, Featherston Street. P.O. Box 27. This business was
first rank of direct importers. All intermediate profits being thus avoided, customers at the Bon Marché not only secure the latest goods of best qualities, but also at Rock Bottom prices, a fact which has made the Bon Marché the popular resort of drapery buyers which it has become, the reliability of both goods and prices at this establishment being proverbial throughout a large district. The Bon Marché is a two-story wooden building (the freehold premises of Messrs. C. M. Ross and Co.), having a frontage to The Square of forty-eight feet, and a floor space of over 8000 square feet. One entrance leads to the gentlemen's outfitting and clothing and tailoring departments, the other to the family drapery, hosiery, haberdashery, mantle, dress, and millinery departments. The ladies' showroom deserves special mention, it being one of the best on the Coast. It is 48 x 25 feet in size, is splendidly lighted, and abundantly supplied with mirrors and all the most approved fittings for the display of the large and superior stock of goods kept in this department. The millinery and dressmaking departments have always received prominent attention. The firm employ only first class talent, and have consequently secured a widespread reputation for the excellence of their results, which has done much to popularise their business throughout the district, Mr. Ross is a native of Tain, Ross-shire, Scotland, where he received his early education, and was duly apprenticed to a drapery firm of the same name, after which he succeeded in obtaining an appointment in the well-known house of Marshall and Snelgrove, London, where he remained for four years. Arriving in New Zealand in the ship “Leucadia” in 1878, immediately on arrival he entered the employment of the late wholesale house of Turnbull Smith and Co., Wellington, taking charge of the fancy drapery department, a position he retained until entering on the present business in Palmerston North. He has a large connection, and is doing a thriving and prosperous business, which has necessitated several additions to the premises of late years.
Dress and Mantle Maker, Main Street, Palmerston North. Mrs. Green is a native of England, arriving in New Zealand when very young with her parents. She learned her trade at New Plymouth, and was fifteen years in business in Nelson. The premises occupied are of wood and two stories high, containing about 3000 square feet of floorage space.
Tailor, The Square, Palmerston North. Mr. Johnson began business in Palmerston North in 1891. He has a fine establishment with two large windows, one side being used as a fitting-room. The stock of tweeds and other materials is good, and he employs from four to six hands. He has a large range of customers, some of them being as far away as Wanganui and Taranaki. Mr. Johnson is a native of Devon shire, and has been in New Zealand since 1854, arriving in that year per ship “Egmont” from Portsmouth. Prior to leaving he served his apprenticeship with his father at Sheepwash, Devonshire, which he completed in 1847. In his younger days Mr. Johnson had a good deal of experience as a soldier, and can while away the time very pleasantly in recounting the military exploits of his youth. He has always taken an active interest in associations having for their object the improvement of the people. For twenty years he was superintendent of the Sydney Street Primitive Methodist Sunday School, Wellington. He is a “past grand” of the Manchester Union of Oddfellows, “past chief ruler” of the Rechabites, and “past grand worthy chief templar” of New Zealand. For upwards of twenty-one years he was in the employ of Mr. W. Cook, tailor, of Wellington.
George, Albert Wilberforce, Draper, Clothier, Milliner, etc., The Square, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established by Mr. D. M. George, senr., in 1883.
Hansen, Mrs. C. J., Corset and Surgical B
Hatch, F. C., Drapery and Fancy Goods Dealer, The Square, Palmerston North. Manager, Mr. Charles Brown. Established 1892. This is a branch of the Wellington house.
Simmons, Leopold, Draper, Milliner and General Outfitter, The Square, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1890.
Warnock and Adkin (Lancelot George, manager), Drapers and Clothiers, The Square, Palmerston North.
Hallenstein Bros. (Henry Burmester, manager), Clothiers and Outfitters, The Square, Palmerston North. Established 1883.
Stubbs, John, Hosiery Manufacturer, Main Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1889.
De Luen Bros. (Frederick De Luen and William De Luen), Tailors, The Square, Palmerston North. Established 1882, and conducted by present proprietors since 1893.
Olsen, E. O., Tailor, The Square, Palmerston North. Private address, Main Street. Established 1890.
Barrett, Mrs, Milliner and Dressmaker, Fergusson Street, Palmerston North, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
Fife, Misses, Anglo and Parisian Dressmakers, Palmerston North.
Merriman, Miss, Dressmaker, Main Street, Palmerston North.
Meyer, Miss A., Dress and Mantle Maker, Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North.
Undertaker and Builder, Main Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in 1889; but the proprietor had been well and favourably known in and around Palmerston for fifteen years prior to that time. In 1891 Mr. Anstee, of Palmerston, was taken into the business, and for a year-and-a-half it was carried on under the title of Anstee and Griggs. Mr. Griggs then bought out his partner, and has since then carried it on under his own name only. As a builder, Mr. Griggs has done good work. Besides building a number of houses in all parts of the district, he has built four shops for Mr. Waldegrave, two for Mr. Cox,
Upholsterer, Undertaker, Frame Maker, and Venetian Blind Manufacture, The Square, Palmerston North. Mr. Lambert established himself as a polisher and upholsterer some thirteen years ago, and has since added the branch as mentioned above. He is a native of Wellington, and was apprenticed to Mr. William Nicholson, cabinetmaker, of Cuba Street. He completed his apprenticeship in 1872, and for some time he was a partner of the firm of Nicholson and Son. Mr. Lambert has always taken a very great interest in all matters connected with fire brigades, of which body he was lieutenant for some time. He was one of the promoters of the Wellington Navals, in which corps he rose to the position of warrant officer. He went with the famous Parihaka expedition. After settling in Palmerston North, Mr. Lambert was for a while a colour-sergeant of the rifle corps there. In cricketing, too, he has always taken a lively interest.
Cabinetmaker, Upholsterer, Builder, Joiner, and General Contractor, The Steam Furniture Warehouse. The Square. Telegraphic address, “Pegden, Palmerston North.” Bankers. Union Bank of Australia. This leading business was established in 1882 by Messrs. Simmonds and Pegden, and after a successful career of some six years, the senior partner retired from the firm, his interest being purchased by the continuing partner. Mr. Pegden's shop is a credit to Palmerston. It has a handsome exterior, as will be seen from the picture here given. It is thirty-six feet wide by a depth of fifty-five feet, and behind are the offices. In the rear of this again, and in separate buildings, are the upholsterers' and polishing shops, and a fine large machine shop, with the joiners' and fitters' shops on the first floor. The manufactures of this firm will bear comparison with those of any furniture shop in the Colony. The splendid overmantels and sideboards, all more or less elegantly carved, with which the shop is well stocked, would reflect credit on any establishment. It is satisfactory to Mr. Pegden to know that his efforts to produce art furniture are being appreciated both in Palmerston and the surrounding districts. It is no uncommon thing for him to receive orders for sideboards and other elaborate articles of furniture from the various towns round about, even to the distance of New Plymouth. The machinery, which is driven by an eight horse-power steam engine, comprises lathes, circular saws, planing, mitring, boring, tenoning, moulding machines, etc. Many of the best houses in the district have been furnished by this firm, to whom was also entrusted the fitting and furnishing of the Union Bank of Australia, and the Colonial Bank of New Zealand. The Union Bank was also built by Mr. Pegden, besides many other business houses and private residences. The firm's own premises were both designed and built by him. By the disastrous fire of 1891, he suffered a loss of upwards of £2000. The night previous to the fire, he met with an accident, by which his leg was broken, and in that dangerous condition he was removed from the burning building. In many ways, even outside his ordinary business, Mr. Pegden has been a large employer of labour. The number of hands regularly employed is about twenty; but this number is often very largely exceeded when building contracts are undertaken. For some time the firm had a flax mill attached to the present premises, and Mr. Pegden has at various times employed a good deal of labour in connection with flax mills in different parts of the district in which he was interested. In every way this is a house worthy and deserving of the highest recommendation. The proprietor is a native of London, and arrived in New Zealand, per ship “Halcione,” Captain Bishop, from London, in 1874. Mr. Pegden had previously learned his business in the world's metropolis
Squires and Co. (William Squires), Cabinetmakers, Main Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
Tobacconist, Hairdresser, Fancy Goods Dealer, Confectioner, and Turf Commission Agent, “The Corner,” The Square, Palmerston North. P.O. Box 8. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. An old colonist, Mr. Fleming is a native of Portsmouth, England, and arrived in Auckland in 1863, per barque
Donnelly, Jas. Francis, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, The Square, Palmerston North. Private residence, Rangitikei Line.
Giorgi, L., Hairdresser and Tobacconist, The Square, Palmerston North.
Leslie, Alex., Hairdresser and Tobacconist, The Square, Palmerston North.
Levy. A. N. T. L., Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Main Street, Palmerston N.
Lyons, M., Tobacconist, The Square, Palmerston North.
Sadd, Henry, Hairdresser and Tobacconist. The Square, Palmerston North.
(Mrs. Susan Manson, proprietress), opposite the railway station, Main Street, Paimerston North. Telegraphic address, “Cafe, Palmerston North.” Telephone 80. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mrs. Manson hails from the North of Ireland, arriving in 1886. For five years she was hostess of an hotel at Kaiwarra. The fine building occupied as above was built in 1893. It is in every respect up-to-date, and contains no less than thirty-eight rooms, which are large and lofty. The bed rooms, twenty-eight in number, contain thirty-five beds. There are six sitting-rooms besides a large cheerful dining-room. A handsome staircase leads from the spacious hall on the ground floor to the family and residential apartments. There are two fine baths supplied with hot and cold water. Excellent livery and bait stables are situated at the back of the hotel. Mrs. Manson has conducted the hotel since 1894. Visitors will find the “Cafe” a convenient and comfortable home.
(William Ryan, proprietor), corner of The Square and Main Street, Palmerston North. Telephone 3; P.O. Box 56. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This fine two-story building, which is within a few minutes walk of the railway station, has only recently been taken over by the present proprietor. The hotel has long been known to the travelling public as one of the best houses in the Manawatu district. It is replete with all the latest conveniences, a special feature being a letter-box in the hotel, which is cleared before the closing of every mail. There are forty-four rooms, twenty-two of which are bedrooms capable of accommodating fifty visitors. On the ground floor there are six sitting-rooms, a commercial-room, a club-room, and a billiard-room with a full size billiard table in first-class order. The dining-room is large and well furnished. On the first floor there are three ladies' sitting-rooms and a drawing-room. Three large sample-rooms have recently been re-fitted throughout, so as to enable commercial travellers to display their goods to the best advantage. The hotel is well supplied with lavatories, bath-rooms, etc., and is fitted throughout with electric bells. In connection with the hotel there is a ten-stall stable, which is rented to Mr. George Maddison, and is used for training purposes, and also as a livery stable. Mr. Ryan was born in Tipperary, Ireland, in 1861, and came to New Zealand in 1876. After following various pursuits for some years, he commenced hotelkeeping in 1889. He has always been an enthusiast in racing matters, and at the time of writing is vice-president of the Palmerston North Trotting Club, a member of the Manawatu Racing Club, of the Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and of the Caledonian Society and the Salvage Corps. Mr. Ryan also owns the Phœnix Hotel, which he conducted successfully for six years.
(Thomas V. Procter, proprietor), Main Street, Palmerston North. Established in 1890 by Mr. Dureen, the present landlord entered into possession in January, 1896. The Empire Hotel is a two-story wooden building having twenty-four rooms, including fifteen bedrooms, seven sitting-rooms, and a large dining-room, which will seat ninety persons. Behind the hotel the stables contain seven stalls and five loose boxes.
(W. F. Brown, proprietor), corner of The Square and Fitzherbert Road, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This fine hostelry, which is well known by its square clock tower, was re-built after being destroyed by fire some five years ago. It contains about thirty-five rooms, including four sitting-rooms, large commercial-room, handsome dining-room, and twenty-eight well furnished bedrooms. There are also three good sample-rooms. The host, who was born in Warwickshire, England, in 1847, lived for twenty-two years in the locality of Timaru, where he had the Grosvenor Hotel for over six years, and previously the Masonic Hotel at St. Andrews for five years. The house is well conducted and is a very central and convenient place for travellers and for tourists generally.
(Michael Hodgins, proprietor), corner of Rangitikei and King Streets. This fine hostelry is large and commodious, containing thirty-four rooms, twenty of which are bedrooms. The dining-room has seating accommodation for fifty people, but is capable of holding 100 comfortably. There are two private sitting-rooms and a commercial-room. The house is well known throughout the district for keeping nothing but the best liquors, and consequently a good bar trade is done.
(John E. Hall, proprietor), The Square, Palmerston North. Telephone 11; P.O. Box 17. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Agent at Teneriffe for supply of Madeira wines. The “Royal” is one of the oldest hotels in Palmerston North, having been established about the year 1871. It is situated on the corner of The Square and Rangitikei Street, and presents an imposing appearance, as is evident from the engraving below. The building, which has been repeatedly enlarged and improved, is composed of wood. It is two stories in height, and is divided from adjoining buildings by a substantial brick party wall. The property is freehold, the building ranks as one of the largest hotels, the total floorage space exceeding 33,000 square feet. The “Royal” has fifty rooms, every one of which was inspected by the writer. The dining-room is very large, lofty, and commodious; it is handsomely furnished and decorated. The whole of the silver in this house, which is massive and elegant, was specially imported from one of the most noted manufacturers in England. Of parlours there are ten, including two or three drawing-rooms, which open respectively into elegant bedrooms, thus constituting excellent suites for ladies or wedding parties. The billiard-room is a fine apartment, with every convenience for lovers of the game. The bedrooms number thirty-six, and contain forty-six beds. The latter are specially comfortable, wire wove spring mattrasses having been imported so as to make the accommodation perfect in this particular. The toilet-ware in these bedrooms is also worthy of special mention, it being so handsome as to attract the writer's careful attention. The proprietor of the “Royal” has evidently intended to make his house second to none in the Colony for convenience, and has likewise had a thought for the safety of his guests. The splendid bath-rooms, furnished with a regular supply of both hot and cold water, with patent closets adjoining, testify to the former, while the laying on of a water supply with those attached ready for any emergency on the various landings, staircases, and passages, proves the latter. The bar is a model of neatness and convenience. Of Mr. Hall, the genial host, who is a native of the Colony, and was brought up to the business with Mr. George Howe, his step-father, everyone speaks in the highest terms. Mr. Hall knows how to contribute towards the happiness of his customers, and in this matter he is largely aided by Mrs. Hall. The “Royal” is a popular house, as it could not fail to be with so jolly a landlord. Judge Kettle, Mr. Brabant, S.M., Colonel Newall, Inspector Pender, and visitors from all parts of the colonies, and indeed of the world, testify their satisfaction by staying at the house. Mr. Hall is captain of the Palmerston North Rifles, a position he has held for five years, and an active member of the fire brigade.
Albion Hotel (J. Fleming, proprietor), Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1890.
Central Hotel (Joseph Smith, proprietor), The Square, Palmerston North. Established 1888.
Club Hotel (B. Herrman, proprietor), The Square, Palmerston North. Established 1882.
Post Office Hotel (J. Fitzgerald, proprietor), Broad Street, Palmerston North. Established 1893.
Princess Family Hotel (Mrs. M. Clifford, proprietress), Terrace End, Palmerston North. Established about 1875, and conducted by present proprietress since 1884.
Railway Hotel (Mrs. O'Leary, proprietor), Main Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1892.
Star Hotel (Frederick Hiley, proprietor), The Square, Palmerston North. Established 1889.
Travellers' Rest Hotel (J. Kitchen, proprietor), Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North. Established 1891.
Boardinghouse and Restaurantkeeper, Anderson's Boardinghouse, David Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Anderson's freehold building, which is quite new, is a substantial two-story wooden structure, containing twenty-two rooms. There are fourteen bedrooms containing twenty beds, two sitting-rooms, one large comfortable dining-room, kitchens, and out offices. There is a good bath, supplied with hot and cold water, while every sanitary provision has been made for visitors. The rooms are lofty, well lighted, and furnished, and the premises are opposite the railway station. The charge is reasonable, being three shillings by the day eighteen shillings per week.
(William and Edward Dawick, Proprietors), Rangitikei Street. Telegraphic address, “Dawicks, Palmerston North.” Telephone 13. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This commodious temperance hotel and restaurant was built by the late Mr. S. Dawick, father of the present proprietors. The architect was Mr. E. Larcomb, and the contractor Mr. J. Freeland. It is a substantial two-story structure with a total floorage space of 8500 square feet. Besides the large dining-room, which is furnished in a superior manner, there are five sitting-rooms and a smoking-room. The kitchen is large and well fitted with all appliances. Water and gas are laid on throughout the entire premises, which are clean and comfortable. Visitors to the buffet have the convenience of a good bath, and the sanitary arrangements are perfect. Every care is taken to provide for the comfort and quiet of those who patronize the buffet. The writer had an opportunity of seeing every room in the building, and can testify to the excellent manner in which the entire establisment is managed and conducted. The proprietors are natives of the Colony, and have had large experience in the business.
(Walter Freeman, proprietor), Palmerston North. Since taking over the refreshment rooms, Mr. Freeman has left no stone unturned to make this fashionable place second to none of its kind in the Colony. All the small goods in the luncheon rooms are made under Mr. Freeman's own personal supervision, and he is no novice at the trade. The writer can speak from experience and invites comparison. At all times the hungry passenger will be rapaid by a visit to this establishment, for Mr. Freeman is in a position to cope with the rush that is often a feature of the refreshment rooms on account of the heavy railway traffic in Palmerston North. A first-class table is kept, and well supplied, not only with the necessaries of life, but also with a great many of the luxuries. Mr. Freeman was born in London, and embarked on board the “New Era” with his parents, arriving in Wellington in 1855. He was educated principally under Mr. Mowbray, at the Thorndon School. By dint of perseverance he succeeded in acquiring the art of catering, under his father and mother, who kept the well-known Bank luncheon rooms on Lambton Quay, Wellington, for twenty-six years, and were subsequently for three years in Mulgrave Street. The subject of this sketch was the host of Barrett's Hotel and of the Island Bay Hotel, Wellington, at different times. He afterwards took over the business of his father on Lambton Quay, then removed to the Manawatu, and in 1886 succeeded in his endeavours to get the Manawatu Railway Company to put the dining-car on the lines. With the exception of three years he has ever since been the lessee of this valuable convenience to the travelling community. It is now tendered for yearly, but the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company, recognizing the valuable services of Mr. Freeman, and of the courteous and obliging staff which he employs, granted him the lease of the car till September 1897.
Plumber, Gasfitter, Bell-hanger, and Electric Light Fitter, Main Street, Palmerston North. Telegraphic address, “Jack, Palmerston North.” P.O. Box 131. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, College Street. In 1889 Mr. Jack came to Palmerston, and brought with him a colonial experience of some fifteen years. Though not in business for himself before that, he held most responsible positions in several of New Zealand's leading firms, such as Anderson and Morrison, of Dunedin (now Morrison and Co., Limited.), and J. E. Hayes, and Geo. Remington, of Wellington. When in the employ of the Dunedin firm mentioned, he was sent on their behalf to New Plymouth to carry out the whole of the plumbing for that important undertaking—the New Plymouth Water Works. On Mr. Hayes's account, he had charge of all the gasfitting work for the General Post Office at Wellington, erected in 1886, and destroyed by fire 1887. For about five years prior to commencing in Palmerston, he held the position of foreman for Mr. Remington, and in that capacity had charge of a number of large and difficult contracts. His premises in Palmerston are fairly large, and conveniently arranged. There is a good front shop well stocked and carefully kept, with a neat office, and a store for gas, water and steam fittings. Behind these are the large workshops, containing about 1200 square feet of floorage. Here are the principal machines, embracing a fine shearing and punching machine for iron of any thickness up to three-eighths, and a similar implement for lighter work; an adjustable screw-cutting machine, ranging in its operations from 1/8in. to 3in.; a good sized lathe, a curving machine for corrugated iron, a screw-cutting lathe, and numerous smaller appliances. A smelting forge for brass castings is conveniently placed in a corner of the main workshop, and another portion is occupied by a new and complete electro-plating plant, by Canning, of Birmingham. Perhaps the most interesting
Farrier and General Smith, Cuba and Rangitikei Streets, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr Wood, who is more fully referred to as Mayor of Palmerston North, established himself in his present business in 1879.
Allman, George, Farrior and General Blacksmith, Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Established 1891.
Hosking and Son, Iron Founders and Range Makers, Main Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established by Mr. Hosking, senr., in 1875, and conducted by present proprietors since 1886.
Jackson, F. H. L., Blacksmith, Main Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Established 1896.
Kirk, William, Plumber, Main Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1896.
Poad, John, Blacksmith and Farrier, Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1893.
Rawlins, William, Tin and Coppersmith, Plumber and Gasfitter, Main Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1883.
Engineer, Gunsmith, Locksmith, and Machinist, Broad Street. Telegraphic address, “Bergersen, Palmerston North.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Terrace End. Mr. Bergersen is a native of Norway, where he was brought up to the trade of a cabinetmaker with his father. He came to New Zealand in 1870, per ship “Selina,” from London, and settled in Palmerston North, there being at that time but one single house within the boundaries of the present borough. Mr. Bergersen turned his attention to engineering work on arrival in the Colony. The business was founded by the present proprietor in 1886. The premises, which are freehold, include a wooden building of one story, containing over 1300 square feet of floorage space. A water moter of two-and-a-half-horse-power drives the lathes (of which there are two), boring, emery, punching, shearing, and other machines. Mr. Bergersen makes models for patents, and all kinds of agricultural implements and machines are made or repaired to order on the premises.
Cycle Engineer, Broad Street. Mr. Pickering is a native of Birmingham, England, and came to New Zealand, per s.s. “Tongariro,” in 1889. He was apprenticed to Mr. Kent, cycle engineer, of Christchurch, and completed his term in 1893. The building occupied by him is of wood, and contains about 1200 square feet of floorage space. Mr. Pickering is a direct importer of cycles, and holds an agency for the Rudge Company of Coventry. He undertakes to repair bicycles when required. The business was founded in 1893 by Lisle and Pickering. The latter has conducted solely since early in 1894.
Barry, R. S., Ironmonger and Hardware Merchant, The Square, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1893.
Burgess, Adam, Agricultural Implement Maker, Coach and Waggon Builder, Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1892.
Boot and Shoemaker, Main Street. Palmerston North. Private residence, Pascal Street. Mr. Ford is a native of England, and came to New Zealand in 1866 with his parents, per ship “Glenmark.” He was apprenticed to Mr. W. H. Ford, of Invercargill, completing his term in 1883, when he went to New South Wales. During his absence Mr. Ford worked for eight years at his trade, returning to New Zealand in 1893. The building occupied is of wood, having a floorage space of about 400 square feet. Mr. Ford's specialties are bespoke work and repairs.
Boot and Shoemaker and Retailer, The Square, Palmerston North. Telegraphic address, “Thacker, Palmerston North.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Cuba Street. This business was established in 1887 by Thacker and Pallant, who conducted it till April, 1893, when the latter retired from the firm. Mr. Thacker is a native of Dunedin, where he served an apprenticeship of five years, completing his term in 1884. For three years thereafter Mr. Thacker continued to work as a journeyman till starting in business as above. The premises occupied are conveniently situated in The Square, opposite the Bank of Australasia, which is one of the best positions in the town. The building leased by Mr. Thacker is constructed of wood, one story in height, the floor space being equal to about 800 square feet. The markets of Great Britain and the Continent of Europe are laid under contribution to supply the varied assortment of boots and shoes kept in stock at this establishment. All classes of colonial-made goods are likewise open for customers, and every class of boots and shoes is made to order on the premises, and repairs likewise receive attention.
Colville, C. G., Boot Manufacturer, Main Street, Palmerston North. Bankers Bank of New Zealand. Established 1882.
Colville, John, Saddler and Harness Maker, The Square, Palmerston North. Private residence, Linton Street. Established 1891.
French, Chas., Saddle Manufacturer, Main Street, Palmerston North. Established 1895.
Garrett, B. R., Boot and Shoe Manufacturer, The Square, Palmerston North. Established 1894.
Henderson, John, Boot and Shoe Maker, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1891.
Kitchen, G., Saddler and Harness Maker, The Square, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1896.
Pallant, W. J., Leather and Grindery Merchant, Main Street, Palmerston North. Established 1894.
Pringle, D., Saddler and Harness Maker, The Square, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Broad Street. Established 1882.
Wray, T., Saddler and Collar and Harness Maker, The Square, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1875.
Butcher, etc., The Square, Palmerston North. Telephone 19; P.O. Box 78. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Lombard Street. This business was established in 1872, and was purchased by the present proprietor in 1885. Mr. Bryant has two shops in the town, and a boiling down works about two-and-a-quarter miles distant on the Rangitikei line. The floorage space of the principal shop contains upwards of a 1000 square feet. The building is of two stories, and constructed of wood and iron. Mr. Bryant does a large business both in town and country. He was born in Auckland, but has been for many years in this district. He is “worshipful master” of the United Manawatu Lodge, No. 1721, E.C., has been a member of the local school committee for several years, and is a churchwarden of All Saints' Church. At the time of writing (1896), Mr. Bryant is a member of the Palmerston North Licensing Committee.
The Cash Butchery, corner of Alexandra and Main Streets, Palmerston North. Private address, Church Street. This business, which was established in 1895 under the style of Clarkson and McGregor, was taken over by the present proprietor in October, 1895. By adhering strictly to the cash system, Mr. Clarkson is enabled to sell at prices much below others in the meat trade of Palmerston North. His monthly turn-over runs into large figures, and this is the result of supplying the best quality of goods at a cheap rate. Mr. Clarkson has little or no expense in connection with his business, as he does not run any hawking carts.
General Butcher, The Square (next Fire Brigade Station), Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in 1878 by the present proprietor, who has been prominent as a business man in the district from the first. His specialties are the manufacture of small goods of every description, English and Continental, and the curing of hams and bacon by the new mild cure process, in which he has gained celebrity. Mr. Morgan was born in London, and came out to Victoria in 1852. He came to New Zealand in 1861 landing at Dunedin, where he conducted a business till 1864. He then went to the West Coast, where he stayed for many years, afterwards starting a business in Wellington. While a resident in Westland, Mr. Morgan was an energetic colonist, and took considerable interest in the development of the district. He is well known in Palmerston North as an amateur theatrical, in which capacity he has often assisted for charitable purposes with good effect. He was at one time manager of the local Working Men's Dramatic Club.
Butcher, Main Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Lombard Street. This business, which was established in 1890, has an extensive connection in and around the borough of Palmerston North. The one-story wooden building occupied, which is centrally situated close to The Square, has a convenient shop, which is well supplied with meat of the very finest quality procurable. Three horses and carts are used to deliver to customers who patronise this establishment. Mr. Siddels was born in Auckland, and there he learned his business, subsequently gaining experience with Messrs. Gear and Ling in Wellington, with Mr. Asher and Mr. Dornwell in Dunedin, where he remained ten years, and with Messrs. Nelson Bros. at Tomoana during four years. For two years he was manager of the Longburn Freezing Works, and conducted business for two years on his own account at Makotuku before commencing the present business.
(Edward Noel Barraud and Lionel A. Abraham), Seedsmen and General Merchants, Commission and Insurance Agents, Rangitikei Street. Cable address “Braham, Palmerston North.” Code ABC; Telephone 12; P.O. Box 12. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Branch, Feilding (Mr. Ormond Cooper, manager). London agents, R. T. Turnbull and Co., 5 East India Avenue, E.C. Private residences: Mr. Barraud, Broad Street; Mr. Abraham, Park Road. This large business was founded in 1882 by Messrs. Stevens and Gorton, and conducted by them till 1892, in conjunction with that of stock auctioneers and station agents. In the latter year Messrs. Barraud and Abraham purchased the seed and general goods department of the business. The freehold premises occupied by the firm have recently been enlarged to afford room for an extending trade. The total floorage space of the wood and iron building, including the bulk store in Fitzherbert Street, is over 5000 square feet. The specialty of the business is colonial grown seed, which the firm grow under contract, and purchase from growers in the district. They have machinery for the purpose of the seed business and are largely adding to their plant, Mr. Abraham having visited England to select the latest appliances. Messrs. Barraud and Abraham are direct importers of seeds, farm and station requisites. Their operations in seeds and grain extend throughout New Zealand, in which they have a large sale, any surplus being exported. The firm are agents for the New Zealand Shipping Company, the China Traders' Marine Insurance Company, the Victoria Fire and Marine Insurance Company, the United Fire Insurance Company, Booth, Macdonald and Co.'s implements (Christchurch), the Massey Harris harvesting machinery, Cooper's, Little's, and Owen's sheep dips and other lines. Mr. Barraud is a native of the Colony, and was nine years in the employ of Krull and Co., merchants, of Wellington, and later for twelve years as
junior partner of the firm of Barraud and Abraham, Palmerston North, is the son of Canon Abraham, of Suffolk, where he was born in 1865. His uncle was the first bishop of Wellington, and is still living (1896) at Litchfield, England. After spending seven years at Charterhouse School, Surrey, Mr. Abraham went to Germany to undergo a course of tuition with a view to joining the army. Changing his plans, however, he returned to England, and, having determined to adopt farming pursuits, studied for some time at the Royal College of Agriculture, Cirencester. In 1883 Mr. Abraham left England in the s.s. “Ionic,” and arrived in New Zealand in the same year. After spending some time on the estate of Mr. John Rolleston, in the Rangitikei, he joined his brother, Mr. R. S. Abraham, in the firm of Stevens and Gorton, Palmerston North. When this partnership was dissolved in 1892, Mr. Abraham, in company with Mr. Barraud, took over the general merchandise portion of the business, his brother retaining the remainder, under the style of Abraham and Williams. Mr. Abraham takes a warn interest in out door sports. and is a director of the Sports Ground Association, secretary of the Golf Club, treasurer of the Polo Club, and a member of several other clubs. In 1890 he married a daughter of the Rev. Chas. Martin, of Suffolk, England.
Soft Goods Merchant, Wholesale Manufacturer of Ropes, Tents, Horse Covers, Tarpaulins, Oilskin Clothing and Shirts, and Sole Proprietor of Dahl's Patent Butter Mould. Principal establishment, Main Street, Palmerston North. Telegraphic address, ‘Dahl, Palmerston North.” Telephone 54; P.O. Box 41. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Mr. Dahl began business in Palmerston in 1882, and since then he has progressed at a rate truly surprising. Even the long list of departments mentioned above but inadequately sets forth the extent to which Mr. Dahl's business has grown. The picture here given shows only a few of the hands employed, and only the front shop. Besides the 3000 square feet of floor space in this building, there is at the rear a large two-story drying house, capable of holding hundreds of oilskin coats. This house was specially erected for the purpose of drying the oiled clothing, the manufacture of which is carried on by Mr. Dahl on a scale said to be unapproached elsewhere in the Colony. It is the custom in this line to dry the oiled goods artificially, to economise space, and to save the necessity of preparing so far ahead of requirements; but Mr. Dahl has departed from this rule, though at a very heavy outlay, because he is satisfied from experience that the naturally-dried goods are vastly superior in the matter of strength. “Hercules” is the registered trade mark, an evidence that in this all-important point of strength, Mr. Dahl defies the world. Some idea of the output from this establishment may be gained from the facts that two travellers are constantly “on the road,” and that in the North Island a single customer takes from two to three hundred oiled coats annually. The whole Colony is covered by the travellers, who, of course, carry samples of all the lines mentioned above and a good many others. Mr. Dahl's rope and cordage works are in Grey Street, occupying a considerable space. Altogether about forty hands are employed, and a large amount is monthly paid away in wages. Mr. Dahl imports largely in the soft goods lines and in saddlery, but experience tells him that not infrequently ready money has a wonderful buying power inside the Colony. It is not an unusual thing for him “to pick up a line” from five to ten per cent. less than its landed cost. In the shirt department a large trade is done, no fewer than fifteen sewing machines being constantly employed in this and other work. The finest of these is Singer's latest improved button-hole machine, laid down at a considerable cost. In December, 1894, Mr. Dahl completed a contract for the supply to Fitzgerald Bros., the well-known circus proprietors, of sufficient tents to accommodate two thousand people. Large marquees are made to order, and kept in stock for sale or hire. At a moment's notice tent accommodation may be provided for a thousand people. A large assortment of flags of all nations are also ready at any time for hire or sale. In horse covers a very big trade is done; every year several thousand of them are manufactured and disposed of to saddlers and storekeepers all over the country; the Hercules brand in this, as in all other lines, being in great demand. Dahl's patent butter mould is a marvel of simplicity, efficiency, and cheapness. Want of space precludes description, but the handy time-saver may be had for 8s. 6d., or post free to any part of the Colony for 10s.; and the writer's advice to the butter man is, “Get it—honestly if you can, but get it.” It will pay for itself in a very short time. It is a clever conception, but the price is stupidly low for a patented article which will enable a smart man to reduce a cartload of butter to “exact pound pats” at the rate of ten a minute. Perhaps there is money in it at 8s. 6d., but there would be a fortune at 15s., while to the user it would return a grand rate of interest on fifteen pounds. All the testimonials are alike: “Would not on any account be without it,” is the ruling expression. Mr. Dahl, the fortunate proprietor of this wonderful contrivance, is a native of Denmark. He went by the American ship “Henrietta” from London to Melbourne in 1877, and shortly after came on to this Colony. He has devoted all his energies to his business, and has himself thoroughly mastered every one of its many branches. Given a continuance of health and strength, it needs no prophet to predict for Mr. Dahl a most successful course. His establishment is a credit to Palmerston, as it would be to any part of the Colony.
(Palmerston North branch), Rangitikei Line, Palmerston North. Telephone 79; P.O. Box 94. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. District agent, Mr. J. M. Johnston. Head office, Wellington. The Company's offices and stores comprise a large wooden building of one story, containing over 5000 square feet of floorage space. The district worked by this branch extends from Tokomaru to the sea on the south and as far as the Rangitikei River on the north, embracing the towns and settlements of Palmerston North, Feilding, Bunnythorpe, Colyton, Ashurst, Pohangina, Halcombe, Sandon, Rongotea, Birmingham, Beaconsfield, Cheltenham, Pemberton, Rangiwahia, Waituna, and Carnarvon. The manager also supervises the Rangitikei district.
the Manager of the Palmerston North branch of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., Limited, is well known in business circles, having been seventeen years in the service of the Bank of New Zealand. Previous to his present appointment he was for seven years in charge of the Marton branch of the Bank. He is more fully referred to on page 1163.
Produce and General Merchant (next to Club Hotel), Palmerston North. Telegraphic address, “Secker, Palmerston North.” Telephone 33; P.O. Box 59. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Church Street. The business being now successfully carried on by Mr. E. W. Secker, was established in 1887 by Mr. W. Luxford. In January, 1894, it was purchased by the present proprietor. The premises are large, the building, which is of wood and iron, containing nearly 5000 square feet. It was built by Mr. S. Ewing. Mr. Secker has a good general business, delivering his goods throughout the district, coal, firewood, lime, and general produce being among his specialties. He is agent for the National Mutual Life Association of Australasia, Limited. Mr. Secker is a native of London, and came to this Colony in 1880, per ship “Dunbritton.” He has spent a considerable time in the Manawatu district, being for five years in the employ of Messrs. Stevens and Gorton, stock and station agents, seedsmen, etc., and continuing for about a year in the same business with Messrs. Parraund and Abraham, when the latter firm bought out the former. Mr. Secker is both well known and popular, and there is every appearance of prosperity about his establishment
Storekeepers, General Produce Dealers, Seed and Grain Merchants. Head office, Wellington. Palmerston North branch, The Square. Manager, Mr. Mauríce Cohen. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Telephone 31. Manager's residence, Grey Street, Palmerston North. The Palmerston North establishment is the largest and most important of this thriving co-operative Society's branches. It was originally founded in 1877, by Messis. J. Nathan and Co., merchants, of Wellington, and was successfully conducted by them till 1892. In that year, the Manawatu Farmers' Co-operative Association Ltd., was established; that Company carried on an increasing and successful business till the amalgamation with the United Farmer's Alliance, Limited, and the registration of the Company in 1895. The premises are of brick, and were erected by Messrs. Greenhow and Ransom, from plans drawn by Mr. Chatfield, architect, of Wellington. Since that time, very considerable additions have been made to the buildings by Mr. A. R. Munro, under the direction of Mr. E. Larcombe, of Palmerston North. The departments of this most extensive establishment are divided off into those of hardware, furnishing, drapery clothing, men's mercery and tailoring, millinery and dressmaking, grocery, boots, and bottling, and include almost every conceivable line that is of immediate importance for the comfort of mankind. The various departments are divided from each other by large iron doors—a precaution against loss by fire. Refreshment rooms for ladies and gentlemen are features of the establishment. About fifty hands are regularly employed on the premises, where, as far as possible, the various articles are manufactured for the business. Everything that can be obtained in New Zealand has a preference over Home productions, the latter only being imported when it is not possible to secure them satisfactorily in the Colony. The Company holds a large number of agencies, and represents the firm of Messrs. Reid and Gray, noted for their agricultural machines. They are agents for the Buckeye harvesting machines, the Alexandra separator, Brooke's dips, Lawes' dip, Longburn and Gear Companies' manures, Excelsior butter workers, Noble's explosives, Yalumba wine, Boomerang brandy, Ruenart's champagne, McNab's Scotch whisky, Salter's earmarkers, Defiance churns, Elliott's Champion sheep drench, and other patent drenches, Johnston's Yarmouth oiled clothing, Scott's ranges, and the Union Packing Company's teas. The business extends throughout the whole of the Manawatu District. It is carried on upon co-operative principles, under which shareholders of the Association participate in the profits. The various departments are under experienced managers, whose thorough knowledge of local requirements enable them to conduct the business of the most economical and satisfactory basis. The valne of such an institution is evidently quite apparent to the settlers, for the list of shareholders includes a large number of the farmers in the district, who find that it affords them great facilities for the investment of savings, with the accompanying benefit of profit-sharing as consumers. The Association also finds a local sale for the produce of the farmers of the district at as small expense as possible, and the farmer is in return able to make all his purchases at the establishment.
Manager of the United Farmers' Co-operative Association, Palmerston North, is referred to as an ex-councillor of the Borough. Mr. Cohen was appointed manager of the Association in 1895, the year of its registration.
Secretary of the United Farmers' Co-operative Association, Limited, was born at Roscrea, Tipperary, Ireland, in 1862, and was educated in Dublin. Entering mercantile life in the capital city of his native land, Mr. Dempsy qualified as a book-keeper, and for nine years held the position of accountant for the firm of Jameson, Pins and Co., brewers. He was subsequently with the Phœnix Brewery Company in a similar capacity for three years. Leaving Britain, Mr. Dempsy went to New Calabar, on the West Coast of Africa, as trading representative for Messrs. Harrison and Co., merchants, of Liverpool, remaining two years. In 1889 he came to New Zealand, travelling by s.s. “Orient” to Sydney. Early in the following year he entered the service of Messrs. J. Nathan and Co. in Palmerston North, as accountant. On the incorporation of the Manawatu Farmers' Co-operative Association, Mr. Dempsy was appointed secretary of the Company, which position he retained till the amalgamation with the United Farmers' Alliance and the establishment of the United Farmers' Co-operative Association, Limited, of which he became secretary. As a member of the craft, he was initiated in Lodge Manawatu, No. 1721, E.C., and as an Oddfellow he belongs to the local lodge under the Manchester Unity. Mr. Dempsy was married in 1890 to a daughter of the late Mr. Francis Falkner, merchant, of Dublin, and has two daughters.
Manager of the Drapery, Clothing and Boot Departments of the United Farmers' Co-operative Association at Palmerston North, is a son of Mr. Samuel Watchorn, of Edmondthorpe, whose farm is situated partly in the three counties of Lincolnshire, Rutlandshire and Leicestershire. Born in Wymondham, Leicestershire, in 1858, and educated at Edmondthorpe and Stamford, he was apprenticed to the drapery in Oakham, and subsequently was a salesman in Stamford. Afterwards he gained further experience with one of the largest firms in Leicester—Messrs. Morgan and Squires—and later with Mr. F. Gorringe, of Buckingham Palace Road, Pimlico, London. In 1880 Mr. Watchorn landed in Wellington, per ship “Maraval,” and after two years with Mr. P. Bell, of Wanganui, he settled in Palmerston North, having accepted a position with Messrs. J. Nathan and Co., proprietors of the Ready Money Store. With the exception of a year, during which he was traveller for part of the North Island for Messrs. Bing, Harris and Co., the well-known warehousemen, Mr. Watchorn has continued in the same house. On the incorporation of the Manawatu Farmers' Co-operative Association in 1893, he became manager of the departments which he now controls for the present Company. He is a member of the United Manawatu Lodge of Freemasons, and holds the office of treasurer in the Oroua Lodge of Druids. In 1887 Mr. Watchorn was married to a daughter of Mrs. D. Sinclair, of Palmerston North, and has two sons and a daughter.
Cutter at the United Farmers' Co-operative Association, Palmerston North, is a native of Devonshire, England, where he was born in 1851. Educated in his native place, he was apprenticed as a tailor at Tavistock, and left for Canada and the United States in 1871. During the five or six years which he spent in America, Mr. Kerslake became an expert cutter, and arriving in Wellington in 1877 he worked at his trade for two years. Settling in Palmerston North in 1880, he commenced business on his own account, conducting a steadily growing and successful trade till 1893, when he sold his good-will and business to the Manawatu Farmers' Co-operative Association, becoming manager of the tailoring department. On the incorporation of the present Company, Mr. Kerslake was requested to continue in the same position. He is a Past Master in the Masonic order, being attached to the United Manawatu Lodge, No. 1721, E.C.; as an Oddfellow he belongs to Lodge Manawatu. In 1891 Mr. Kerslake was married to a daughter of the late Mr. George Best, of Ohariu Valley, settler, and has two sons and three daughters.
Fruiterer and Confectioner, The Square. This business was established in 1894, and is curried on by Mrs. Donglas. Mr. Douglas is a professional gardener, and is at present engaged in that capacity in the employ of Mr. Baker, solicitor, Palmerston North. He is a native of the parish of Killyleagh, Ireland. He arrived in New Zealand in the year 1875, per ship “Conflict,” from Belfast. He learnt his profession at Home in the garden of the Rev. David Anderson, of Ashvale Peninsula, County Down. Mr. Douglas has been employed by several of the best families in Canterbury, and holds recommendations from Messrs. Nairn and Sons, of Christchurch, Mr. E. G. Rhodes, of Meadow Bank, Christchurch. Mr. Douglas has had experience further South on the estate of Mr. H. D. Buchanan, Kinlock. Mr. and Mrs. Douglas both work hard, and are deserving of encouragement.
(Alfred Mayo, Joseph Mayo and Joseph Mayo, junior), Nurserymen and Seedsmen, Main Street,
Fruiterer and Confectioner, Main Street, Palmerston North. Private residence, Linton Street. Established in 1896. Mrs. Runge gives personal attention to the shop.
Harty, Henry Kew, Fruiterer and Confectioner, Oyster and Supper Rooms, The Square, Palmerston North. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Estab. 1892.
Brick, Tile, Pipe, and Flower-pot manufacturer, Church Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Fergusson Street. Mr. Edwards is a native of Manchester, and arrived in New Zealand per ship “Hindostan,” from London. He was brought up in Manchester, where he served an apprenticeship to his father, Mr. Frederick Edwards, builder. He arrived in the Colony in 1872, and for about eight years followed his father's calling, in which he had been engaged at Home. In 1886, however, he established the present business in Palmerston North. His yards, which are freehold, cover an area of some four-and-a-half acres, and are fitted up with all the necessary appliances for the conduct of a good business. He has two kilns, one with an up and one with a down draught, having a combined capacity of about 60,000 bricks. Mr. Edwards's goods are all of a very high class, and he receives orders from persons residing at very considerable distances, some of his patrons living at Stratford, Taranaki, and others at Hastings, Hawkes Bay. His brickyards and pottery are so complete that he can compete successfully with any other brickmaker in the district. His agencies include that of the Milburn Lime and Cement Company, Limited, whose lime received first award at the South Seas Exhibition. Mr. Edwards's specialties are bricks and flower-pots, and wherever any of the latter have been shown they have invariably carried off the prizes. He keeps a good stock of bricks, tiles, drain pipes, butter crocks, flower pots, garden borders, fire bricks, lime, cement, etc., always on hand. Mr. Edwards is a man well liked throughout the district, and is doing a flourishing business.
Smith, William, Brick and Tile Maker, Church Street, Palmerston North. Established 1872.
(G. H. Bennett and A. Amos), Booksellers, Stationers, and News Agents, The Square, Palmerston North. Telegraphic address, “Bennett. Palmerston North.” P.O. Box 138. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Main Street. This business was established in 1889 by Mr. John Watt, lately of Masterton, but for many years a thriving bookseller of Wellington. As a branch establishment, however, it was not a great success, and notwithstanding its exceptional site—quito close to the Post-office—it cannot be said to have gone ahead at all until it came into the hands of the present proprietors in 1891. It is a neat and pretty shop, splendidly kept in the matters of quality, quantity, and arrangement of stock. The depth of the shop is 40 feet by a width downstairs of some 16 or 18 feet. The show-room upstairs is about five feet wider. The establishment of Messrs. G. H. Bennett and Co. is one to be commended in every way. Prompt and pleasant, but not fussy, attention is paid to customers, and the business generally is thoroughly well looked after. Mr. Bennett is a native of Auckland, and well-known throughout the Colony. For five years he was a partner in the firm of M. E. Porter and Co., of Wellington.
Wholesale and Retail Manufacturing Stationer, The Square, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Broad Street. Mr. Butler is a native of Dublin and came out to New Zealand in 1889 via Melbourne. He acquired his business in London. His premises occupy a prominent position in the Square, being but a few doors from the Colonial Bank. The frontage is thirty-two feet by a depth of thirty-six feet. The building is two stories. The ground floor is occupied by the shop and the heaviest of the plant, the upstairs being mainly used for manufacturing purposes Mr. Butler employs several hands, and does a good deal of work for the trade. His specialties are school stationery and the manufacture of account books and non-corrosive and damp-proof butter envelopes for dairy factories. Mr. Butler is honorary secretary of the Palmerston Volunteer Brass Band.
(Isabella Essex), Booksellers, Stationers, Fancy Goods Dealers, and Tobacconists, Main Street, Palmerston North. Telegraphic address, “Essex, Palmerston North.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Branch, book-stall at railway station. London agents, White, Ridsdale and Co., Hounsditch. Mrs. Essex is a native of Scotland, and came to New Zealand in 1884. She established the present business in 1891, and has successfully conducted the same since that time. The freehold premises occupied by the firm consist of a one-story wooden shop and dwelling, offording over 1800 square feet of floorage space. The building has been enlarged and adapted to the growing trade. Mrs. Essex imports direct all classes of books, stationery, toys, and fancy goods from the best markets, and is thus able to supply customers at reasonable prices. The firm have a lease of the railway book-stall for three years from November, 1894.
Printer, Publisher, Rubber Stamp Maker, etc., Main Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, This business was established in 1891, and has during that time made considerable progress. Both the premises and the plant have been largely increased. Being so recently purchased, all the latter is in excellent order, a fact well evidenced by the specimens printed for circulation. Of these, 124 are samples of plain and ornamental types, followed by numerous specimens of blocks in great variety. The premises are freehold, and are built of wood and iron. The floorage space of the part used for the printing business is nearly 1000 square feet. The contract for the building was carried out by Mr. Frank Anderson, from plans by Mr. T. B. Jacobson. The machinery includes a crown wharfedale, foolscap folio arab platen machine, guillotine, and hand press, the motive power being derived from a two-horse-power gas-engine. Mr. Hart employs four hands, and does work for all parts of the district. He is
Bookseller, Stationer, Newsagent, Importer of Fancy Goods, Toys, and Musical Instruments, The Square, Palmerston North. Telegraphic and cable address, “Park, Palmerston North.” Telephone 20; P.O. Box 137. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. London agents, Sampson Low and Co., publishers, Fleet Street, E.C. Private residence, “The Wattles,” College Street. Mr. Park learned his business in Hokitika with Mr. John Crerar, now of Napier. After completing his knowledge of the trade he speedily rose till he was entrusted with the position of manager of Mr. John Manson's establishment in Hokitika, which he conducted for three years till 1882, when the present extensive trade, which was founded in 1878, was purchased. When Mr. Park found himself in possession of the nucleus of this business he realized that energy, steady plodding, and perseverance would be required to make the concern a success. He, therefore, brought his powers of concentration into requisition and determined to do everything thoroughly. The result of years of steady planning and toiling has been the development of the trade to its present dimensions. Some years ago the necessity for increased accommodation for the business became apparent. It was then that it was decide to build the present handsome and commodious building. Mr. E. Larcomb, the well-known architect, prepared the plans and superintended the erection, Messrs. France and Stubbs being the contractors. The large double-fronted shop, with plate glass windows, is completely filled with a very valuable stock of books, toys, fancy goods, musical instruments, etc. The total floorage space included in the two-story building of wood and iron, which is erected on freehold land, is over 8000 square feet. Mr. Park is a direct importer of all lines from such leading and well-known publishing houses as Casselland Co., and Thomas Nelson and Sons. He has a sole agency for the district for Collard and Collard's pianos, and imports instruments from the leading manufacturing firms. Mr. Park also makes a specialty of cricketing, football, and tennis goods. His connection extends throughout the Manawatu district, the Forty Mile Bush, Feilding, and into Hawkes Bay. The stock is certainly one of the
Printer, Palmerton North Printing Works, the Square, Palmerston North. Telephone 22; P.O. Box 11. Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. London agents, John Haddon and Co. Private residence, Princess Street. This business was established in 1875 by Mr. J. P. Leary. who conducted it most successfully for about eleven years, and during this time took the greatest interest in it. The plant is consequently not only wellchosen, but was thoroughly well kept. On the retirement of Mr. Leary it was purchased by the late Mr. J. J. Cherrett, a gentleman for many years well known in connection with the Government Binding Department. He remained in the business in Palmerston for about eight years, but in 1894 he died, and his widow sold the business, plant, etc., to the present proprietor, Mr. J. J. Smith, who has had over twenty years' experience as a printer. The premises are situated in one of the busiest parts of the Square, and next door to the Manawatu Daily Times office. The building is of wood and iron, and affords a floorage space of 2500 square feet, and is literally crowded with machinery, A large stock (over £200 worth) of stationery, fancy cards, etc., is always kept on hand. The office has always done the leading trade of the district, and does work for such firms as the United Farmers' Co-operative Association, Messrs. Ireland and Co., Ross and Co., Longburn Freezing Company, etc. All classes of work are executed on the premises Manawatu Daily Times was first printed in 1875), a guillotine, an embossing machine, a stapling machine, a numbering machine, and a treadie perforating machine; a ruling machine, under the charge of a competent ruler and bookbinder, is also on the premises. The machinery is driven by an Otto gas-engine of one-and-a-half horse-power. Mr. Smith has sufficient work for from six to eight hands regularly, a very great deal of printing outside the district being executed by him. He is the recognised printer for the Manawatu and West Coast Pastoral and Agricultural Society, and does all the work for the Manawatu Racing Club. He is the contractor also for the Horowhenua County Council's printing, the Wirokino Road Board, and the Palmerston North Hospital Board, and also executes printing for the Manawatu Road Board, Fitzherbert Road Board, and also for the Sluggish River Drainage Board, the Aorangi Drainage Board, and the Manawatu Drainage Board. On the occasion of the writer's visit to Mr. Smith's establishment, a very extensive contract for draper's counter-books was being executed. Until quite recently this class of printing has always been sent out of the district, but counter-books are now obtainable on the spot in any number and of any qualities, thanks to the enterprise of Mr. J. J. Smith. Theatrical printing is a specialty with Mr. Smith, and he claims that his is the only office between Wellington and Wanganui capable of turning out large posters and general colour printing. Mr. Smith (who is a brother to Mr. W. H. Smith of the Manawatu Times) is a native of Wellington, Shropshire, England. He came to the Colony in 1864 per ship “Sir William Eyre.” He was apprenticed to Mr. A. K. Arnott, of the Wairarapa Mercury, a newspaper published in Greytown, and now known as the Standard, which name was given to it on its coming into the hands of Messrs. Wakelin and Payton. Mr. Smith afterwards entered into partnership with Mr. A. W. Hogg, the present member for Masterton, and started in conjunction with that gentleman, in 1881, the Wairarapa Star, a paper which grew rapidly into the public favour. On the dissolution of the partnership, which existed for about eleven years, the-business was sold for about £2500. At the same time Messrs. Smith and Hogg were proprietors of the Weekly Star and South Wairarapa Advocate, and the Eketahuna and Pahiatua Mail. Mr. Smith has always taken a deep interest in all public affairs and has played an active part in matters political as well as social. He was a prominent member of the Masonic Lodge, and also a member of various Friendly Societies, and was highly respected and esteemed throughout the district.
Fearne, Mrs., Fancy Goods Dealer, Art Needlework Emporium and Registry Office, The Square, Palmerston North.
Welch and Co., Booksellers and Stationers, Broad Street, Palmerston North Established 1884.
General Storekeeper, Terrace End Post-office Store, Main Street, Palmerston North. Telegraphic address, “Caird, Palmerston North.” Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. This business was established in 1802, and came into the hands of the present proprietor a year later. It is a fine establishment with a dwelling-house attached, and occupies a corner site with a handsome window to each street. It is a good general store, the departments comprising hardware, drapery, grocery, general produce, etc. Mr. Caird does a good trade, and keeps a cart constantly delivering his goods throughout the district. Considering the short time this business has been established, really good progress has been made. Mr. Caird has a seat on the local Borough Council, and further reference to him will be found in that connection.
Grocer and Storekeeper, The Square, Palmerston North. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. This business, which was established in 1896, and is conducted in centrally situated premises, is developing rapidly. Mr. Johstone keeps a well assorted stock of grocery and general stores. Born in the Shetland Isles in 1871, he came to Wellington, per ship “Houra,” at six years of age with his father, Mr. L. Johnstone, a retired schoolmaster, who settled in the Wairarapa. Having gained colonial experience, Mr. Johnstone commenced business as above. Mr. Johnstone takes active interest in politics, the debating society, and draughts, and is a member of the Theosophical Society.
(William Lewis Luxford), Grain Merchants, Church Street. Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Hokowhitu. Originally established in 1885 as timber and grain merchants, the former branch of the business was sold in 1892 to the Palmerston North Sash and Door Company, Limited, the latter business being still conducted by the firm. For some time after the timber portion of the business was sold to the Palmerston North Sash and Door Company, Mr. Luxford acted in the capacity of manager. Further particulars concerning Mr. Luxford's career will be found under the heading of “Ex-Councillors.”
(John Christian Richter, Jacob Nannestad, and Fritz Jenssen) Roller Flour Millers, Grain Merchants, and Sawmillers, Hokowhitu Siding. Telegraphic and Cable address “Richter, Palmerston North.” Telephone 69; P.O. 20. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residences: Mr. Richter, Broad Street; Mr. Nannestad, Main Street; Mr. Jenssen, Napier, H.B. This large business was founded in 1872 by the present proprietors, who have successfully conducted a growing trade ever since. The freehold mill that is in the possession of the firm, is built of wood, and contains upwards of 21,000 square feet of floorage space. The machinery in the mill comprises the latest roller milling plant specially imported from the well-known Manchester maker, Henry Simon. The plant has a capacity of five sacks per hour, and the firm are enabled to deliver right on to the railway trucks at the Hokowhitu Siding, which runs into the mill. The brand is “Manawatu Roller Flour.” The machinery is driven by a six-horse-power horizontal steam engine, and wood and coke is used for fuel. The mill is lighted by electricity, which is generated by a dynamo driven by a four-horse-power steam-engine. Seven hands are employed in the flour mill, and about £100 monthly is paid in wages. In addition to this large business, Messrs. Richter, Nannestad, and Co. have four sawmills, one at Dannevirke, two at Makatoku, and one at Tahorite. They have 36,000 acres of bush land in the vicinity of these sawmills, which produces vast quantities of fine timber. About one hundred hands are employed in and about these mills and the bush, and to these from £200 to £300 per month is paid in wages. The out-put of sawn timber is very considerable, and it is mostly sold locally, the surplus being exported. It is anticipated that at no distant date, there will be a very large export trade in all kinds of timber. The firm have already cleared and sown down a good area of land in English grasses. They have from three to four thousand sheep and a lot of cattle on the land. As grain merchants they procure a large quantity of wheat from the South. They are in a position to supply grain as well as flour and timber, and their operations are very large. All the partners are natives of Norway. Messrs. Jenssen and Nannestad came to New Zealand together via Melbourne in 1867, and Mr. Richter a year later. The partners have continued associated together in business just as they began over twenty-two years ago Mr. Jenssen was at one time mayor of the Borough of Palmerston North. Mr. Nannestad is a director of the Palmerston North Building Society.
Archer, W. J., Grocer. The Square, Palmerston North, Bankers, Bank of Australasia, Established 1893.
Charker, Daniel, Grocer, Main Street, Palmerston North. Established 1896.
Grove. Edwin, Storekeeper. The Square, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1889, and conducted by present proprietor since 1892.
Haydon, H., General Storekeeper, The Square, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. private residence, Main Street. Established 1870, and conducted by present proprietor since 1889.
Milverton and Son (Edward Joseph and Joseph Milverton), Produce Dealers, Main Street, Palmerston North. Established 1885.
Miller, James, General Storekeeper. The Square, Palmerston North. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Established 1884.
Revans, Claude, Storekeeper, The Square, Palmerston North. Estab. 1893.
(Directors: Dr. Collins (chairman). Dr. Fell, and Messrs. D. Jones and H. Hume). Manager of works, Mr. F. W. Dunderdale, corner of Short and Main Streets, Palmerston North. Telephone 2; P.O. Box 84. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Registered office, 11 Brandon Street, Wellington. Secretary and general manager, Mr. A. H. Truebridge. This Company was formed in 1891 to take over the works which had been constructed by Coates and Co., Limited, of Melbourne, who supplied the gas to the consumers for eighteen months. They consist of suitable buildings containing eleven retorts and two large gas-holders. About 1000 tons of coal are used annually, the consumers having increased considerably since the inception of the Company. The energy and good management of Mr. Dunderdale have resulted in placing the company in a splendid position.
Livery Stable Proprietor, Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North. Mr. Metcalfe is an Englishman who came out to the goldfields of Australia in 1854, arriving at Gabriel's Gully rush, in New Zealand, in 1862. He was all through the Otago and West Coast goldfields. Mr. Metcalfe acquired the present business, which was established in 1889, over two years ago. The stables, which are of wood and iron, contains about 4000 square feet of floorage space. They have thirty-two stalls and five loose boxes, and are conveniently situated for farmers and others attending the live stock sales. Mr. Metcalfe has a good paddock adjoining the stables.
Livery and Bait Stable Proprietor, Palmerston North. Mr. Neilsen was born in Sweden, near the Finlands, and first commenced work on his father's farm in that country. In 1882 he came to the Colony, and obtained work at the Mataura sawmills, afterwards being employed at Cruickshank's sawmill at the Hutt. Mr. Neilsen then followed his old vocation for a time, taking up land at Campbelltown, in the Manawatu District, but he subsequently leased some land at Waikanae, where he resided some five or six years. After a short residence again in Campbelltown, on property which he purchased, he came to Palmerston and took over the stables in Rangitikei Street, formerly owned by the late Mr. J. R. Harper. The property is one of the largest and finest of its class in the Manawatu district. The stable contains ten loose boxes and about twenty stalls, and there are two large lofts for storing hay. Mr. Neilsen's enterprise is being duly appreciated, the country settlers according him liberal patronage. A man is always in attendance at the stables, and there is no delay in serving customers.
Smith and Hall (John F. Smith and Geo. R. Hall), Livery and Stables, Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Established 1881. Conducted by present proprietors since 1894.
Jeweller and Watch maker, The Square, Private residence, Hokowhitu Mr. Hugli is a native of Switzerland, and was apprenticed in Chaux de Fonds, the largest watch manufacturing town in that interesting Republic. He served five years in the schools, and thoroughly mastered his trade. Mr. Hugli came to New Zealand, per ship “Calypso,” in 1879. The business was founded in 1880. The handsome brick shop, which was built from Mr. Hugli's own design, contains about 700 square feet of floorage space. All classes of goods are imported direct for the purpose of the business.
Drew, Alfred, Watchmaker, Jeweller and Optician, Church Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. private residence, Fitzherbert Street. Established 1886.
Ganstad, J. J. Watchmaker, Jeweller and Opticain, The square, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1890.
Haybittle, H. W., Watchmaker and Jeweller, The Square, palmerston North. Bakers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1880.
Merriman, Albert Victor, Watchmaker and Jeweller, The Square, palmerston North. Private residence, Fergusson Street. Established 1894.
Wood and Wishart (Albert Edwards Wood and John Briggs Wishart), Watchmakers, Jewellers and Engravers, The Square, palmerston North. Estab. 1892.
Cooper and Packing-Case Manufacturer, Palmerston Cooperage, Main Street. Telegraphic address, “Cook, Palmerston North.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Cook has been established since 1879. It was in quite a small way that he began, his premises at that time being but 16 feet by 32 feet. Now the main building is 73 feet by 32 feet. Mr. Cook has done his own building and been his own architect, and in many other ways has, by his ingenuity, greatly increased his power of production. The motive power employed is supplied by a six-horse-power steam-engine, by Mr. David Robertson, of Wellington, who also supplied the boiler. Mr. Cook speaks highly of both. The machinery includes a hoop-splaying and bending machine; a cutter and puncher, made from Mr. Cook's own pattern, by Mr. T. Martin; a band saw; a head-cutting machine, by Mr. Oakey, of New Plymouth; a shaper; a planing machine to take an eighteen inch board and plane three edges at once, by Haigh and Co., of Oldham, through Messrs. E. W. Mills and Co, agents; a circular saw; a swing saw; a circular rip saw; a steam chest; and a hand-windlass for hauling the staves into shape until the hoops are fixed. Mr. Cook's specialties are butter boxes and tallow casks, but his trade is by no means confined to these. Among many other useful lines is that of churns, on a principle greatly improved by the manufacturer, Mr. Cook is a native of the Lower Hutt, and learned his business with his brother Mr. T. Cook, of Petone. In windmill tanks and brewery appliances Mr. Cook does a good trade; among other breweries fitted by him are the Marton brewery; the Eagle Brewery, Palmerston; and the Burton Brewery, Palmerston.
(Olaf Möller, manager). Directors:—Captain J. Mowlem, J. P. (chairman), Messrs. G. Howe, J. Nannestad, H. S. Fitzherbert, R. Leary, R. S. Barry and W. F. Greenaway. Factory, Hokowhitu Siding; Sawmills, Matahiwi and Oringi, Hawkes Bay. Telephone, Factory 35; P.O. Box 79. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Manager's private residence, Broad Street. This thriving industry is the outcome of a sawmill established in 1870 by Richter, Nannestad and Co., and a timber-yard founded by Mr. W. L. Luxford in 1886. The company was incorporated in 1892. The factory, which is erected on four-and-a-half acres of the company's freehold, is built of iron. The machinery is driven by a splendid horizontal steam-engine of thirty-horse-power. For many years the old proprietors used to tip their shavings at the rear of the mill; and this large accumulation was used as fuel for the boiler, the manager having adapted the fires accordingly, thus effecting a great saving in cost. The plant is of the latest pattern, having been completed in 1893. There are three planing machines and three lathes always going, in addition to many other beautiful appliances, which work perfectly. One specialty is the butter-box trade, for which white pine is used. The out-put is 7000 boxes per month, each capable of holding 56lbs. of butter and weighing 11lbs.; these are turned out at
(Christian Nicholai Clausen, proprietor), Palmerston North. Althouth only nine months have elapsed since Mr. Clausen opened a timber yard in Palmerston, his business has rapidly extended, and his time is fully occupied in attending to the requirements of customers. The premises in which the business is carried on are very suitable, and are near the railway station. Of the space utilized by Mr. Clausen, half-an-acre is set apart for seasoning timber, and on another portion stands the office. Mr. Clausen deals in all kinds of timber, and carries on a large business, and his patrons can therefore rely on receiving the best value for their money. He buys very largely from the leading mills in the district, and being well known his name is a sufficient guarantee that the material he sells is the best procurable. Mr. Chausen is a native of Denmark, and came to the Colony in 1875 in the ship “Terpsichore.” After his arrival he engaged in contracting for many years, and then followed up farming pursuits, residing at Maharahara, where he was a member of the Road Board for a considerable time, and chairman for twelve months.
Timber, Produce, Coal, and Flax Merchant, Main Street, Palmerston North. Telegraphic address, “Wylds, Palmerston North.” Telephone 39; P.O. Box 15. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Saw-mill at Cheltenham. Private residence, Ferguson Street East. Mr. Wylds is a native of Bath, and went to Melbourne in 1865, where he stayed a few weeks and then left per s.s. “Lady Darling” for the West Coast of New Zealand. Here he spent eight years, and had experiences common to goldfield towns in rather an uncommon degree, and on one occasion he made the acquaintance on the ranges near Hokitika of Messrs. Sullivan and Levy, of West Coast bush-ranging fame. In conjunction with his friend Mr. Hawkes, he was “stuck up” by these two men on the range between Ross and Douchnes, who were waiting for Mr. Kerr, the manager of the Bank of New Zealand, who was expected to pass by during the afternoon. Their mates, Burgess and Kelly were on the beach below, so whichever way Mr. Kerr should elect to take he was sure to fall into the hands of two of the gang. Messrs. Wylds and Hawkes were robbed of all they had upon them and were allowed to pass on. These two gentleman were the last the Kelly gang “stuck up” without murdering. They of course made all haste to Rosstown and were just in time to stop Mr. Kerr, whose movements were somewhat delayed, and thus saved his life. In 1876 Mr. Wylds established himself as above. He does an export trade of timber to all parts of Australia, including Torres Straits, Townsville, Bowen, Rockhampton, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Port Pirie. Mr. Wylds is agent for the Grey Valley Coal Company and the Westport Coal Company. As sub-contractor under Mr. McCurdy, Mr. Wylds drove the first tunnel on the Wairarapa line and did about half a mile of his tunnel work.
Coles, H., Importer of Musical Instruments and Music, The Square, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
Gattsche, Joseph, Brewer, Eagle Brewery, Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Established 1891.
Kuhtze, J. Son, brewers and Bottlers, Palmerston North Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1892.
Kirk, E., Furniture and New and Second-hand Goods Dealer, Main Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1892.
Higham, R. and Co. (Robert Higham), Umbrella Manufacturers, Main Street, Palmerston North. Established 1891.
Hutchinson, Matthew, Soap Manufacturer, Fergusson Street, Palmerston North. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Established 1893.
Abrahams, Solomon, Pawnbroker, The Square, Palmerston North. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Established 1872.
Settler, Palmerston North. Born in Waterford, Ireland, in 1833, where he was educated, Mr. Carroll came to the Colony in 1854, landing at Melbourne whence he proceeded to Bendigo, Castlemaine, and Maryborough gold-diggings with prosperous results. In 1862 he sailed for New Zealand in the vessel “Aldringo,” commanded by Captain John McLean, and immediately went to the Waitahuna diggings, near Milton, Otago. After twelve months work at goldmining at Waitahuna, Mr. Carroll joined the gold escort at the latter end of 1863 in the Tokomaru district, Milton, the leader of which was Mr. Dalgliesh. Retiring after ten years, Mr. Carroll served six years in the police force in company with the present Earl of Limerick and Mr. Colin McDonald, the last-named now being in charge of the Oamaru
Sheep Breeder and Importer, Raukawa, Palmerston North. Born at Ivychurch, Romney Marsh, England, and educated at Hailebury College, Hertfordshire, Mr. Cobb studied farming with his father, Mr. Thomas Cobb, stud breeder, of Romney Marsh. Coming to Wellington in the ship “Wairoa” in 1878, Mr. Cobb purchased land at Moutoa, now known as the Okaua Estate, and immediately commenced importing from his father and other breeders, pure-bred Romney Marsh sheep. In 1889 he sold his Moutoa property to Messrs. Oliver Bros., and purchased the Raukawa Estate, to which his flock was removed. For fifteen years he has exhibited at New Zealand and Australian shows, and has secured a large number of prizes, including the champion prizes for rams and ewes at the New South Wales shows, in which colony a number of his sheep have been purchased, and are highly spoken of. The advantages claimed for this breed are that they are strong-constitutioned sheep, adapting themselves to all kinds of country, are less liable to foot-rot, more prolific, and require less feed. Although slightly, if anything, inferior in weight of fleece, they are more profitable to keep for the reasons stated, the wool being liner than Lincoln, and commanding a higher price. Mr. Cobb's property at Raukawa is six miles from Palmerston and two miles from Ashurst. One of the several outbuildings is a large woolshed, which is fitted with sheep-shearing machines worked by an oil engine. Mr. Cobb owns a herd of shorthorns of first-class pedigree, bred from stock procured from Mr. Larkworthy's Carnarvon Estate, and from the Oroua Downs Estate and has fifty cows on the estate, the milk being supplied to the Stoney Creek Creamery.
Settler, Palmerston North. A native of Black heath, Kent, where he was born in 1843, Mr. Eyton is a son of the late Captain Thomas Eyton, of the Royal Navy, who retired on half pay, and was known for some years as superintendent of the training ship “Iphigenia and Venus,” Mr. Eyton was educated at the Royal Naval School, Newcross, near London, and subsequently attended the Felsted Grammar School, He was successful in pa sing an examination entitling him to a clerkship in the Trinity House, where he remained for two years, and then, becoming tired of office life, decided to try his fortune in the Colony, and arrived in Otago in 1862 in the ship “Bombay.” After working for eighteen months on a large sheep and cattle station at Ida Valley, near Dunstan, Mr. Eyton was promised a commission in the Waikato Militia, but on arrival in the Auckland district in 1864 he found a large number of applicants. He therefore decided to join the Otahuhu Volunteer
Setter, “Fairholme,” Broad Street, Palmerston North. Mr. Hirst was born in 1821 at Digley Mills, Huddersfield. Educated at the city schools, he was apprenticed for five years to the cloth-finishing trade, after which he joined his father and brothers, John Hirst and Sons, woollen manufacturers. Mr. Hirst arrived in Wellington in April, 1857, and established a fellmongery, tannery and currying trade at Kaiwarra. He sold out the business in 1876 to Hirst and Co., and took a trip to the Old Country. After two years he returned to the Colony and lived in Wellington for five years. Mr. Hirst subsequently removed to Palmerston North to enable him to look after some land he had purchased in the district. He has a comfortable home close to The Square, with gardens and grounds laid out to the extent of seven acres. The beautiful well-kept gardens and surroundings present a very pleasing appearance.
Farmer, Karere, near Palmerston North. Born in Nelson, after two years experience in his father's office in Canterbury, Mr. Hodder took up land in the Waimea district, Nelson, where he remained five years. Coming to Longburn, he was fortunate in securing 500 acres of fertile land in the Manawatu, 300 of which is at Kairanga and the remainder at Karere. Mr. Hodder's flock, which numbers over 2000, is chiefly of the Lincoln variety, which thrive well and fatten readily. Besides fattening sheep, Mr. Hodder runs about twenty head of cattle and six horses on the homestead, which is sheltered by native trees and surrounded by the Mangaone stream, which runs through the greater part of the property.
Farmer, Riverlea Farm, seven miles from Palmerston North, Mr. Lancaster owns 207 acres, which eleven years ago was covered with dense bush, but is now cleared, fenced, well subdivided, and partly stumped and cropped, with excellent results. The carrying capacity of the land is five sheep to the acre. Mr. Lancaster is an enthusiastic breeder of stud stock, and at the Manawatu Agricultural and Pastoral Association's show in 1895 he gained twenty-one first, fourteen second, and nine third prizes. A few weeks later, at
Farmer, six miles from Palmerston North. Mr. Lancaster's farm consists of 219 acres, on which he raises sheep, cattle, and horses. The property was acquired by the present proprietor about eleven years ago, and was at that time dense bush, but is now cleared, fenced, subdivided, and cropped, with excellent results. Born at Karori, Wellington, Mr. Lancaster was educated at the public school, and at the Wellington College. In his early years he worked on his father's farm at Karori, during which time he was a member of the Makara Rifle Volunteers, and won Mr. Charles Johnston's Cup. Mr. Lancaster married. Miss Bowen, of Makara, and has three sons and one daughter.
Settler, College Street, Palmerston North. Mr. Leary has been in the Manawatu for over twenty-one years, and has rendered valuable service in Council and other matters. He was educated and brought up in New South Wales, where he followed the trade of a general printer. Later on he became
connected with several papers published in that colony, and for a time had charge of a paper known as the Lachlan Miner. He came to Auckland at the end of 1863, and accepted a position on the Herald, whilst awaiting the opening of the Government Printing Office. In 1864 he received his appointment under Mr. J. L. Wilson, who was the first Government Printer. The seat of Government was after ten months removed from Auckland to Wellington, where Mr. Leary retained his position in the office for over ten years, and for some time had charge of the Hansard printing staff. About 1874, in conjunction with Mr. J. L. Kirkbride and others, he established The Rangitikei Advocate. The support which attended this enterprise induced Messrs. Leary and Kirkbride to start The Manawatu Times. After a few years the firm dissolved partnership, Mr. Kirkbride retaining the Advocate and Mr. Leary the Times. A very successful run accompanied the latter, when in 1880 Mr. Leary sold out, retaining only the commercial printing business connected with the paper. In 1893 he received a very earnest, solicitation from a large number of people, representing all classes of the community, to stand for a seat in parliament. To this Mr. Leary acceded, but was unsuccessful in the contest which ensued. He has served as a Borough Councillor, and on several occasions has occupied the position of chairman to the Licensing Committee. When the whole of the schools in Palmerston North were conducted by one committee, Mr. Leary held the position first of secretary and afterwards of chairman for many years. He is also a Christian worker, devoting a great deal of his time to the Wesleyan Church.
Settler, Glencurse, Palmerston North. Born in Rosshire, Scotland, Mr. Munro passed his early years in that county. Coming to Melbourne in the good ship “Twilight,” he remained there for some time, and subsequently crossed the
Settler, The Pines, College Street, Palmerston North. Mr. Nicholson who was born on the 5th of March 1857, at Halifax is a son of the late Joseph Nicholson, foreman for thirty-five years at Messrs. John Crossley and Son's Carpet Works, Halifax. Mr. Nicholson started in life in the carpet business under his father, with whom he worked until apprenticed to the cabinetmaking in Halifax. After serving his time at the trade, Mr. Nicholson was in business successfully on his own account for ten years, losing heavily however, in an invention of his father's. He came to New Zealand in June 1859, and established himself in business in Cuba Street, Wellington, as a cabinetmaker, remaining there for twenty-nine years. Business prospered, and Mr. Nicholson succeeded in acquiring the freehold of some valuable properties. In church work he takes a lively interest, and acted as organist at the opening of the Wesleyan Church, Manners Street Wellington, continuing in that position for nine years. He is an old member of the Pacific Lodge, but owing to slight deafness was prevented from accepting office in that and other institutions. Mr. Nicholson visited England in 1889 and again in 1893. Since May, 1894, he has resided in Palmerston North, in which town he has made a great hobby of showing how timber should be properly cut, and how the grain can be made to run, having rendered signal service in this respect at the Palmerston North Exhibition in 1896.
Settler, Palmerston North. Born in Dartmouth, Devon, in 1847, Mr. Seale, after a course of private tuition, came to the Colony in 1864 per ship “Devonshire.” Landing at Lyttelton, he was for five years in charge of the station at Rakaia Forks, owned by Mr. N. Neave, and then went to Hawkes Bay, where he took charge of the Risington Estate, at that time the largest in the North Island, and owned by Messrs. Robert and Co. When, eleven years afterwards, this valuable property was cut up, Mr. Seale, in conjunction with others, bought a large section. After twelve months he returned to New Zealand, and took up his abode in Palmerston North in February, 1886. Since then Mr. Seale has entered into various businesses.
Settler, Palmerston North. Mr. Still is a native of Bridport, Dorsetshire, and a son of Captain James Charles Still, late of the 3rd Dragoon Guards. He was educated at a private school after which he went to Caius College, Cambridge. In 1894 he decided to settle in the Colony, and with that object in view he left England in the “Valetta.” On arrival at Sydney he completed the remainder of the voyage in the “Mararoa.” Since taking up his residence in Palmerston North, Mr. Still has purchased a fine property in Ferguson Street, where he has erected a very handsome residence. The grounds are well laid out, as the adjoining engraving will show, and are quite an attraction in themselves. In the Old Country Mr. Still took a keen interest in sport, and he displays the same spirit in the town in which he now resides. He is one of the directors of the Manawatu Sports Association, which has been responsible for the completion of one of the finest athletic grounds in the Colony, and he takes a warm interest in cricket and all sports.
Farmer, Awapuni, near Palmerston North. Born in Sydney in 1854, Mr. Waldegrave is a son of the late Mr. John James Waldegrave, one of the pioneers of the Manawatu, who settled there in 1872. Mr. Waldegrave, senior, arrived in the Colony in 1855, and was residing in Wellington when the sensational earthquakes occurred. Mr. Harry Waldegrave was educated partly at Wellington and partly at Pahautanui, and was also engaged at the latter place in farming pursuits. He came to Palmerston North when it was dense bush, but, possessing the true spirit of the settler, he took up land at Awapuni, and in a few years had the satisfaction of knowing that he owned one of the finest properties in the Manawatu. The farm includes some of the best grazing land obtainable, the soil being exceedingly fertile and eminently suited for sheep and cattle. The homestead is situated about half-a-mile from the Awapuni Railway Station, and is connected with Palmerston by a good metalled road.
One of the earliest settlers of Palmerston North, Mr. Waldegrave was the son of Mr. Burton Waldegrave, of Bay Hall, Bennington, near Boston, Lincolnshire, where he was born. In 1855 he arrived in Wellington, where he carried on business as an importer for a few years, and then took up farming pursuits at Porirua, and afterwards at Pahautanui. In 1872 he moved on to the new settlement of Palmerston North, where he resided until his death in 1891, at the comparatively early age of fifty-seven, having left considerable property. Mr. Waldegrave took no active part in local or general politics, though he followed the course of public events with, keen interest. He left three sons— Mr. H. E. Waldegrave, of Awapuni, who is referred to elsewhere in this volume, Mr. C. E. Waldegrave, J.P., who lived for some years at Fitzherbert, but removed to Palmerston North at his father's death to take charge of the business, and Mr. F. G. B. Waldegrave, Under-Secretary of Justice, Wellington. The late Mr. Waldegrave had one daughter, who married Mr. F. S. McRae, of Blairichburn, and died in 1894.
which was established in 1888, has about thirty children on the roll. Adjoining the school is a playground about an acre in extent. Mr. J. F. Thurston is the headmaster.
Fitzherbert, which was established in 1895, has thirty-five children on the roll. The playground contains about three-and-a-half acres. Mr. J. O. Lilly is the headmaster.
Farmer, Fitzherbert, seven miles from Palmerston North. Mr. Farmer took up his present farm of 212 acres in 1889, and the land was at that time covered with dense bush, but is now cleared, fenced, sub-divided, and a small portion stumped and cropped. The carrying capacity is three sheep to the acre. Born in Staffordshire, England, and educated there, Mr. Farmer came to the Colony in 1875 in the ship “Helen Denny.” Soon after his arrival he commenced work as a station hand in Hawkes Bay, and came to the Manawatu in 1878. In 1881 he married Miss Relf, daughter of Mr. Relf, of Palmerston North, and has three sons and four daughters.
Farmer, Merry Creek, Fitzherbert. Mr. Honore, is the third son of the late Rev. Abraham Honore, who arrived in New Zealand in 1818 as a missionary, under the direction of the North German Missionary Society. He was a native of Denmark, his ancestors being French Huguenots, who removed from France to Germany during the persecution about a century ago. The subject of this sketch was born in Stewart Island, and, coming to the Rangitikei when he was twelve years of age, followed farming pursuits. In 1881 he settled on his present farm, which was at that time covered with dense bush but is now cleared, fenced, partly stumped, and cropped, and carries
Sheepfarmer, Reith, Fitzherbert, Palmerston North. Mr. Kendall was born in Reith, Yorkshire, England, where he was educated. In 1875 he came to Wellington, per ship “Edwin Fox,” and gained experience in farming on a sheep station at Wainui-o-mata. After six years Mr. Kendall had a trip to the Old Land, and returning to the Colony in 1883 he settled in the Manawatu district. For ten years he had the management of Captain Hewitt's station, and during this period, in conjunction with his brother, Mr. W. Kendall, he purchased 600 acres in the Fitzherbert block. The land was in its natural state, being mostly bush: it has since been felled and laid down in English grasses, the whole being fenced and improved, and a comfortable homestead
Farmer, Fremington, Fitzherbert. The subject of this sketch was born near Richmond,
was erected in 1871, and in 1889 the increase in attendance necessitated the addition of a second class-room. Mr. Georgensen was the contractor, and Miss Stevens the first teacher in charge. It is a well ventilated wooden building, having forty-eight children on the roll, with an average attendance of forty-two. The playground is divided into two sections for boys and girls, shelter sheds being erected for the use of each.
Headmaster of the Stoney Creek Public School, was born in 1863 at Lincolnshire, and was educated at East Kirby School, where he subsequently served a term of five years as a pupil teacher. He was then promoted to second assistant at the Grantham (Spittlegate) Boys' School, where he remained for nine years. Mr. Ironmonger passed many examinations, including drawing and science. Coming to New Zealand in 1891, per ship “Ionic,” he was at Christchurch for eighteen months, when he came to Wellington and received his present appointment four months afterwards.
Situated on the Foxton-Napier section of New Zealand Government Railways at an altitude of 238 feet above sea level, distant ninety-six miles from Wellington, 103 miles from Napier, and nine miles from Palmerston North,
The township has the usual complement of churches and a local public school, under the guidance of a committee elected annually by the householders. Tourists and travellers will find the several hostelries convenient, and their hosts civil and obliging.
is conducted at Mr. G. Crichton's store by Mrs. Wilson. A Post-office savings bank, money-order office, telegraphic office, and Government insurance office, undertaking the collection of premiums, land and income tax, etc., is conducted locally by the postmistress. All the conveniences of a much more pretentious establishment may be had at the Ashurst post-office—even private boxes being provided, which are largely patronised by the business people of the town.
was opened on the 7th of March, 1892, having been used as a flag-station for about a year previously. There are two trains daily each way. Timber was until recently the stapie industry, but has now fallen off. A considerable quantity of wool and general merchandise passes through the station.
which is conducted in a wooden building of three rooms, has accommodation for 230 children, there being 210 on the roll. The school was opened in 1878 and the staff consists of a headmaster and five teachers. Mr. William Jeffrey Andrew, the headmaster, was born in 1865 in Victoria, where he was educated and commenced his scholastic career. Mr. Andrew was appointed to Ashurst in 1895.
(Rimmer and Craven, proprietors) Pohangina and Feilding Roads, Ashurst. Ashurst possesses a theatre and concert hall of which many a larger town might well be proud. It is thirty-three feet wide, by a depth of sixty feet, exclusive of the stage, which adds other nineteen feet to the length, and two fine dressing rooms, still further in the rear. The whole length of the building is 110 feet. It was built in 1893 by the proprietors, Messrs. Rimmer and Craven, the well-known builders and ironmongers, and it forms a part of their premises, the entrance being between their shop windows. It is all on the ground floor, well built, and well ventilated. It will comfortably accommodate 400, leaving a passage of some seven feet down the middle. The stage is well appointed, all the scenery being painted by that well-known artist, Mr. Thornton. The drop scene is after the manner of that in the Wellington Opera House, being covered with well painted advertisements of the business men of Ashurst, Palmerston North, Feilding, etc. The acoustic properties of the building are excellent, and it is in every way creditable to the town The very reasonable charge of one pound per night includes lighting, and the use of a very good piano. There is an orchestra of three instruments, led by Mr. Rimmer himself, whose services may be obtained for a concert or for theatrical purposes at the rate of ten shilling each for three performers. For a ball or other long night, double this charge is
Land, Insurance, and Commission Agent, Bookseller, and Stationer, etc., Main Street, Ashurst. Telegraphic address, “Freeman, Ashurst.” P.O. Box 6. Bankers,
Vincent, John Howard, Commission Agent, Ashurst. Established 1892,
(Thomas Rimmer and John Craven), Builders, Ironmongers, and Timber Merchants, corner of Feilding and Pohangina Roads, Ashurst. Telegraphic address, “Rimmer, Ashurst.” P.O. Box 8. Bankers,
Draper and Clothier, the Cash Drapery House, Main Street, Ashurst. Telegraphic address, “Clarke, Ashurst.”Bankers,
(Thomas Dunnill Clapham and John Newsome Clapham), Tailors and Habit Makers, corner of Main and Guilford Steets, Ashurst. Telegraphic address. “Clapham, Ashurst.” Bankers,
(Thomas Taylor, proprietors corner of Mulgrave and Main Streets, Ashurst. Bankers,
(James Williams, proprietor). Feilding Road, Ashurst. Telegraphic address, “Masonic, Ashurst.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The Masonic Hotel was erected in 1893, since which time it has been conducted by Mr. and Mrs. Williams in a manner most satisfactory to all concerned. The building is fairly large and has a fine appearance, the builders being Messrs. Rimmer and Craven, of Ashurst. There are eight fine bedrooms, besides drawing-rooms, sitting-rooms, parlors, and a dining-room, the whole being very comfortable and tastefully furnished. The dining-room is a specially pleasant and comfortable apartment. Everything about the hotel is scrupulously clean and tidy, and the best attention is paid to visitors. The table is exceptionally good. The proprietor, Mr. James Williams, is an American, being born at Cincinnati, Ohio. In very early life he took to seafaring, and in that way has seen most of the civilized world. In 1872 he arrived in New Zealand per “Shehalyon,” and twenty years ago kept a boardinghouse in Old Customhouse Street, Wellington. Many years prior to opening
Manawatu Gorge Hotel (W. McPhait, proprietor), Ashurst.
Empire Hotel (J. Shechy proprietor) Ashurst.
Shooing and General Blacksmith. Coach-builder, etc., Victoria Shoeing Forge, Feilding Road, Ashurst. Telegraphic address, “Paton, Ashurst.” Bankers,
Shoeing and General Blacksmith, etc., Criterion Shoeing Forge, Main Street, Ashurst. Private residence, Salisbury Street. This business was established in 1890 by Messrs. Ingram and Paton, who conducted it for some three years. Mr. Wilson took possession in 1895, and during the interval the premises changed hands several times. They are now, however the property of Mr. P. Hanlon, livery stable keeper, a brother-in-law of Mr. Wilson's, and there is every probability that the present proprietor will be rewarded with greater success than that which fell to the lot of his predecessors. Mr. Wilson was born at Rosedale Abbey, Yorkshire, and left England for New Zealand in 1887, arriving in Wellington per ship “Edwin Fox” during the same year. He almost immediately came on to Ashurst, where he has remained ever since. He learned his business with Mr. Paton, of the old firm of Messrs. Ingram and Paton, of Ashurst, completing his term in 1892, and from that time till he established himself as above, he continued in the employ of his master. He has a fine large shop, with two forges and all the necessary appliances for the conduct of a thoroughly good business, including a tiring-bed, drilling machines, screwing machines, stocks, dies, etc. Mr. Wilson is bandmaster of the Ashurst Brass Band. He is well known and much respected throughout the district, and though only so recently established, he has already worked up a good business. His premises are situated in the very centre of Ashurst, and his operations extend over a large district. In every way Mr. Wilson is to be commended, and is thoroughly deserving of encouragement.
Saddler and Harness Maker, Main Street, Ashurst Telegraphic address, “Wycherley, Ashurst.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Palmerston Road. Mr. Wycherley was born at Weymouth, Dorsetshire, and left there with his father's family in 1886, arriving in Auckland during the same year per ship “Jessie Readman.” He learned his business with his father partly in the Old Country, but mainly in Wellington at the well-known establishment of Mr. C. W. Wycherley. In 1890 the above business was established, since which time it has been carried on with marked success. The building is of wood and iron, and two stories high, and was built for him by the late Mr. Powley. A fine stock of saddlery is kept, all the English goods being imported from Home by Mr. C. W. Wycherley, of Wellington, to the evident advantage of both houses. Mr. Wycherley is the only saddler in the Pohangina-Ashurst district, and the establishment is well patronised. The picture given above shows the building to be of good size and handsome appearance.
Butcher, Ashurst Butchery, Main Street, Ashurst. Telegraphic address, “Rumble, Ashurst.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, adjoining business premises. Mr. Rumble was born in Victoria, his parents arriving on the Bendigo diggings in the year 1853. He was educated at Epsom, near Bendigo, and for some time worked in the mines there. In 1878 he came to New Zealand, and the following five years were spent in Carterton, for the last twelve months of which he was in business on his own account. In 1883 he established himself as above, and has since that time made a good name for himself throughout the district. He is widely respected, and has been more than ordinarily successful as a business man. His premises are freehold, the buildings being erected by Mr. John Vile, from plans by Mr. Rumble himself. The sausage-machine is driven by a four-horsepower horizontal steam-engine. His trade extends throughout the Ashurst-Pohangina district. Mr. Rumble has a freehold receiving paddock, and also a freehold farm of some twenty-seven acres, at a distance of about two miles from Ashurst, where he grows his own horse-feed and otherwise carries on the business of a farmer. It is here that he does his slaughtering. Mr. Rumble is, at the time of writing (1895), treasurer of the local Foresters' Lodge, and holds the same honourable position in the Ashurst-Pohangina Racing Club.
Seedsman, Fruiterer, etc., Ashurst. Seed Store, Main Street, Ashurst. Telegraphic address “Brewer, Ashurst.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private
Manufacturing Chemist, Ashurst. Mr. Gallichan is the proprietor of well-known and extensively used remedies for various dangerous and annoying disorders of the system. The proprietor claims that all his medicines may be relied on by the purchasing public as being genuine.
Among the patent lines is Bee Ointment, which may be used on the weakest baby or strongest man for croup, bronchitis, colds, sprains, bruises, chapped hands, piles, and numerous other prevalent disorders. Besides being used for human beings, a special manufacture of Bee Ointment is used for horse and cattle dressing. Farmers will find the ointment useful for cows' sore teats, and cuts, girthgalls, broken knees, heat lumps, greasy heels, sore shoulders, and harness chafes on horses, are all speedily cured by a few applications of this ointment. Another of Mr. Gallichan's patent lines is the “A.C. Corn Cure,” which has had most wonderful success in very stubborn
General Storekeeper, Ashurst Post-office Store, Ashurst. Telegraphic address, “Crichton, Ashurst.” Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. This business, which has for the last eight years been so successfully carried on by Mr. George Crichton, was established in 1884 by Messrs. Bray Bros. It is one of the largest stores in the district, its dimensions having been considerably increased lately by Mr. Maunder, one of the builders of Ashurst, from plans by Mr. William Crichton, of Wellington, second son of the subject of this notice. The property, which is freehold, has a frontage to the main street of Ashurst, of about 200 feet Attached to the store is an exceedingly comfortable and commodious dwelling-house. Mr. Crichton was born in that hive of industry, Glasgow, but left there in 1844, when quite a young man, for Cornwall, where he married and went into business as a draper, clothier, tailor, outfitter, etc., having learned the business with Mr. Robert Dunn, of Redruth, Cornwall. In February, 1879, Mr. and Mrs. Crichton arrived in Wellington per ship “Chili,” and at once began business in Molesworth Street, afterwards opening a branch on Lambton Quay, as drapers and fancy goods dealers. After some four years experience in the Empire City, Mr. and Mrs. Crichton removed to Feilding, and a few years later came on to Ashurst. For twenty years Mr. Crichton was superintendent of the Baptist Sunday school at Redruth, and was for a good part of that time a deacon of the Baptist Church. On arrival in Wellington, he was one who assisted to secure the erection of the Baptist Church of that city, and during his residence there was one of the deacons. When at Feilding, the Baptists not being represented there, he was elected to the management committee of the Presbyterian Church, and at Ashurst was for many years superintendent of the Wesleyan Sunday School.
Central Storekeeper, Main Street, Ashurst. Telegraphic address, “Page, Ashurst.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, on the premises. This business was established by the late Mr. G. H. Page in 1883. The premises, which are freehold, have a fine frontage to the main street of Ashurst in its busiest part, and the trade extends throughout a large district, one cart being constantly employed in the delivery of goods. Mrs. Page is a native of Manchester, England, and came to New Zealand with her husband in 1877, per ship “Hereford,” arriving in Wellington during the same year. For about eleven years the business was conducted by Mr. Page with considerable success, and, though left with quite a young family, Mrs. Page has been enabled to keep
Hart, William, Storekeeper, Ashurst.
Lambert, Charles Colton, Storekeeper, Ashurst.
Warne, Charles, Cheese Factory Proprietor, Pohangina Road, Ashurst. Established 1894.
Livery Stablekeeper. Telegraphic address, “Hanlon, Ashurst.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Main Street. Mr. P. Hanlon is a native of County Louth, Ireland. In 1876 he crossed over to Liverpool where he remained for some three years. He then came to New Zealand per ship “Rakaia,” arriving in Wellington in 1879. Coming into the Manawatu district he spent several years in contracting for road formation, mainly on the road between Feilding and Ashurst. After this he was in the employ of a survey party under the Manchester Road Board and subsequently employed by the Government. In 1893 he established himself as above. He has fine stables of wood and iron containing sixteen stalls and three loose boxes, besides several outbuildings for buggies, gigs, brakes, waggons, drays, ploughs, etc. The only hearse in the district is the property of Mr. Hanlon. Carting of every description is undertaken, including the removal of furniture, for which special waggons are provided. His premises, both business and residential, are freehold, and his business is about the best in the district. The coach to and from the railway station, which meets every train, is run by Mr Hanlon.
Farmer, Ashurst. Mr. Acheson-Gray possesses what may be regarded as one of the prettiest little properties in the Ashurst district. “Waiwiri,” as Mr. Gray calls his place, is situated on the road leading from Ashurst to Feilding, and when the present owner has completed his improvements the farm will he a really beautiful place. At the present time extensive alterations are being made in the house, which is being transformed into a most picturesque homestead. On the property is a fine greenhouse, and the garden (in which Mr. Gray takes great interest) is being planted with choice and valuable trees. Born in the old cathedral city of Winchester, in the year 1874, Mr. Acheson-Gray received his education at Reading, Rochester College, and completed his studies at Malvern College. In 1890 he came to New Zealand by the “Tongariro,” and, having resolved to adopt pastoral pursuits, proceeded to the Colyton district for the purpose of acquiring colonial experience. He afterwards purchased two sections in the Harbour Board Block, which are now leased. “Waiwiri” consists of some 310 acres, all good ploughable land, and carries some 1000 crossbred sheep, and a good number of cattle. Mr. Gray breeds all his own riding horses. At school Mr. Gray was noted as a good mile runner, and succeeded in carrying off a large number of trophies. In 1895 he was captain of the Feilding Association Football Club, and is one of the committee, and also a steward of the Ashurst-Pohangina Jockey Club.
Farmer, Ashurst. Mr. Hopkirk has leased from his father (a well-known resident in the Empire City) the compact little freehold estate known as “Glenburn.” This property consists of about 254 acres, and is well grassed, fenced, and watered. On the property are some 200 well bred sheep and about twenty dairy cows, Mr. Hopkirk being a large supplier to the Stoney Creek Creamery. Mr. Hopkirk was born in Roxburghshire in 1863, and came to Wellington with his parents when ten years old. He received his education at the Wesleyan School in that city. He then served his time as carpenter and joiner, and was employed by Messrs. Waddel, McLeod and Weir for several years. Mr. Hopkirk then established himself as a flaxmiller in the Wairarapa district, and afterwards near Shannon, where he remained for three years. Some three years ago he leased his present place from his father, and has been devoting himself to agricultural pursuits with great success. For a number of years Mr. Hopkirk was connected with the Literary Society attached to St. John's Presbyterian Church in Wellington, to which society he rendered his assistance and support upon every occasion. He is married to a daughter of Mr. Barron, of Wellington, and has one daughter.
Farmer, Ashurst. Mr. Orr is the owner of the property, situated near Ashurst, known as “Te Kupenga,” consisting of 300 acres of really good land, which carries some 700 crossbred sheep and twenty head of cattle. The homestead is a comfortable single story building, containing eight rooms. At the back of the premises are the usual farm buildings, including a commodious woolshed and sheep dip. Mr. Orr was born at Glasgow, and came out to New Zealand with his parents at the age of six years. After spending five years in the employ of Mr. Lawrie, a well-known old colonist, Mr. Orr joined his father in the Waterloo Dining Rooms—rooms which are well known to all old residents in Wellington. From these dining-rooms Mr. Orr went to the Buffet Hotel, where he remained as manager for his father for a period of thirteen years. He finally retired from this business for the purpose of taking up his present holding in the Ashurst district. In volunteer circles in Wellington Mr. Orr was well known, having been one of the first members enlisted in the Wellington Guards, when that corps was commanded by the Hon. Captain Johnston. Mr. Orr is married to a daughter of Mr. Areus, the well-known boatbuilder of Oriental Bay, Wellington, and has one son.
Farmer, Watershed Road, Ashurst. Mr. Walker came to the Colony in the early sixties, and had some very rough experiences. Among them may be mentioned the fact of himself and his wife having tramped their way along the Coast from Wellington right up to the Manawatu in order to take a billet on a Mr. Perry's station, to which Mr. Walker had been appointed. This was only one of many very rough experiences which were undergone by Mr. and Mrs. Walker in their early experience of colonial life. Mr. Walker was born in Aberdeenshire in 1836, and was educated at the local schools. He then went farming till 1853, when he joined the 94th Regiment, in which he served some years. After visiting Melbourne he crossed to New Zealand and obtained a situation with Mr. J. D. Kebbel, a runholder in Manawatu. Some four years subsequently he became manager of Mr. Manson's station at Kairanga, and while there was a member of the Manawatu Road Board. He now has an excellent property on the Watershed Road, near Ashurst, which consists of about 100 acres. Here Mr. Walker, a remarkably erect, wiry, and hale old Scotchman, resides with his wife and daughter. Mrs. Walker, who was evidently the right sort of woman for a settler's wife, is a daughter of Mr. Gerrie, of Aberdeenshire.
Eight miles by road from Ashurst, in the midst of what was but a very short time back a dense virgin forest, the new township of
is situated in the township of that name, about ten miles north of Ashurst, from which place there are three mails a week each way. The office is also open for money-order and telephone business. Mr. C. G. Culling, storekeeper, is the postmaster. This office was formerly known as Upper Pohangina, and is about two-and-a-half miles from the Raumai post-office, formerly known as Pohangina.
Farrier and General Blacksmith, Pohangina Main Road, Pohangina Township. Mr. Pearce is a native of London, and left in 1864 per ship “Egmont” for Lyttelton. He was apprenticed to Mr. McPherson, of Lincoln, Canterbury, and completed his apprenticeship in 1876. For some time subsequently Mr. Pearce travelled in various parts of the Colony working at his trade and gaining experience. He is one of the pioneers of the
General Blacksmith, Pohangina Main Road, Pohangina Township. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand, Palmerston North. Mr. Tibby was born in Victoria, and came to New Zealand about the year 1870. He was apprenticed to Mr. Sherrett, of Greymouth, with whom he completed his term in 1877. Mr. Tibby had subsequently a large experience in various parts of New Zealand. He has worked at his trade in several large shops in Canterbury, and for fifteen years subsequently was in business on his own account in various townships in New Zealand. For five years prior to establishing the present business, Mr. Tibby was well-known as a tradesman in the Stratford district. On the opening of the Pohangina township, Mr. Tibby decided to cast in his lot with the district, and purchased a large and prominent section in the centre of the township, where he has erected a most substantial blacksmith's shop. This large and lofty building is constructed of wood and iron, and is supplied with every necessary for the conduct of a considerable trade. Mr. Tibby's business extends over a wide range of country, his specialty being horse-shoeing. He is also well-known as a maker of colonial ovens, for which there is a considerable demand in the district. Mr. Tibby undertakes all kinds of general blacksmithing work, and may be depended upon to execute any orders that may be entrusted to him. Adjoining the shop he has erected a very comfortable and convenient five-roomed dwelling house which is a credit to the township.
General Storekeeper, corner of Moa and Pohangina Main Road, Pohangina Town ship. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Palmerston North. Mr. Culling is a native of Somerset, and came to the Colony about 1875. For some time he was known in business circles in Palmerston North, being in partnership with Mr. W. L. Luxford in the corn and produce trade, and subsequently with Mr. G. A. Tapper as general storekeepers and wine and spirit merchants, thee firm being Tapper and Culling. The present store was erected in November, 1894, from Mr. Culling's own designs. It is a building of wood and iron, erected on freehold land, and one story in height, and occupies the most prominent corner in the township. Mr. Culling has a large and general stock, and makes every line a specialty. His Trade extends all over the district within a radius of ten miles from the township. Mr. Culling is a member of the Pohangina School Committee, and takes a great interest in the welfare of the district.
Sawmiller, Pohangina Main Road, Pohangina Township. Mr. Adsett is a native of London, and left there in 1872, per ship “Salisbury,” for Wellington. He was brought up to the sawmilling business in the Colony with his father, Mr. He Adsett, who is the proprietor of a large farm at Colyton. Mr. Adsett established himself as a sawmiller in 1873, and for four years carried on his business in Sandon, subsequently removing his mill to the Feilding district. He was well known as a sawmiller for sixteen years in the latter place. To Mr. Adsett is largely due the credit of having opened up the Pohangina township, where he has built a large mill, which is driven by a portable steam-engine of twenty-two horse-power, made by Marshall and Sons. The mill is fitted up with circular and breaking down saws, planing machines, and everything necessary for a large business. About twenty-two hands find employment, and a large quantity of timber is supplied from the mill to the district between Wellington and New Plymouth. Many of the large collar ties for the piles on the Wellington Wharf have been supplied from this mill. Mr. Adsett has shewn great energy in establishing his mills. At Pohangina township he has secured the right of cutting timber over a large area of country, and it is estimated that from five to six years will have elapsed before the supply is exhausted. The timber is chiefly rimu, totara, and
A Flag station on the Longburn-Wanganui section of New Zealand Government Railways, situated ninety-five miles from Wellington, at an altitude of 179 feet above the sea level, the township is divided by the railway line, one portion being included in the Manchester and the other in the Manawatu Road District. There is one hotel, a public hall, and the usual business establishments, besides a dairy factory. The local post-office is also a telephone bureau and an office for the issue of postal notes, mails being daily received and despatched. Churches are represented by the Anglicans and the Wesleyans, and the public school, under the Wanganui Education Board, is well attended. Bunnythorpe, which is in the County of Oroua, and in the Palmerston Electoral District, is surrounded by a considerable population of small settlers, who seem to thrive exceedingly well in this fertile locality.
is situated in Mr. Henry Richardson's store, which is a wooden building centrally situated in the township.
the Postmaster at Bunnythorpe, was born in 1849 at Nelson, and was educated at the public schools of his native city. After an experience of nine years
which is held in a wooden building of the usual description, has an average attendance of 116 children. It is under the control of a local school committee, and is within the jurisdiction of the Wanganui Education Board.
the Headmaster of the Bunnythorpe Public School, was born in 1862 at Eggleseliffe, Durham, where he was educated. After teaching for five years at St. James' School, Stockton, he came to New Zealand, per ship “Pareora,” in 1882, and was appointed to Bunnythorpe in 1886.
Chairman, Mr. P. Scheidt; Secretary, Mr. G. H. Espiner. This hall, which is a large and prominent building, was erected in 1888. It is built of wood and iron, and affords a floorage space of 1100 square feet, the sitting accommodation being for 200. There is a good stage, with all accessories, including ante-rooms. The hall has been found a great convenience to the district.
which is situated in a wooden building, thirty feet by forty feet, with an iron roof, is strongly supported, there being some forty suppliers from all round the district. The machinery is driven by a six-horse-power engine.
the Manager of the Bunnythorpe Creamery, was born in 1866 in Stirlingshire, Scotland, where he was educated. Me was occupied in farming in his native land until about 1888, when he came to New Zealand. Prior to his present engagement, Mr. Gillies, was manager of the Pohangina Creamery, run by the same company as the Bunnythorpe establishment. Mr. Gillies is married to a daughter of Mr. Hopkirk, of Wellington.
General Storekeeper, Ingleby Street, Bunnythorpe. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia, Palmerston North Mr. Scheidt was born in Rheinland, Germany, and came to New Zealand in 1876, per ship “Terpsichore,” from Hamburg, arriving in Wellington. Mr. Schedit came up to Palmerston North, where he resided for some time, and settled in Bunnythorpe in 1879. His private residence and farm in Ingleby Street, comprise seventy-five acres of land, on which there is a good orchard of one-and-a-half acres in extent. The store was established in 1892. The large double-fronted shop being built of wood and iron, comprises over 1200 feet of floorage space. The premises are freehold, and a convenient stable and out offices have also been erected. Mr. Scheidt's connection extends for miles around. Besides conducting the farm and store he undertakes the carting of timber, etc., throughout the district. Mr. Scheidt is a good colonist. His family numbers ten, of whom several are assisting in the business.
General Storekeeper, corner of Ingleby and Railway Streets, Bunnythorpe. Mr. Tremewan was born an Cornwall, and came to New Zealand per ship “Star of India,” arriving in Lyttelton in 1874. He was brought up to farming pursuits, but on arriving in New Zealand went to the goldfields for several years before engaging in the Colony. In 1890 he sold his farm and established himself as a general storekeeper in Bannythorpe. The premises occupied by Mr. Tremewan are erected on a freehold section, one of the most prominent corner lots in the township. The buildings include a substantial store and dwellinghouse comprising about 1600 square feet of floorage space. Alongside the store and dwelling a new factory has just been erected, which affords about 1500 square feet of space. Here Mr. Tremewan manufactures his splendid Excelsior Baking Powder, which is considered by experts to be one of the best brands of this useful commodity manufactured in the Colony. He also makes the celebrated Excelsior Sauce in two qualities, the one mild and the other piquant, and his Excelsior Vinegar is excellent quality. As a manufacturer he has been very successful, and the demand is steadily increasing for his various manufactures, of which the word “Excelsior” is the trade mark. Mr. Tremewan packs his goods in neat and attractive packages, with printed directions for use. Behind the dwellinghouse he has a capital garden and orchard.
Humphries, D., Baker and Confectioner. Bunnythorpe Bakery, Bunnythorpe. Established 1893.
Nearle, T. W., Storekeeper, Post-Office Store, Bunnythorpe. Established 1893.
Reeves, Harry, Butcher, Ingleby Road, Bunnythorpe. Established 1890.
Smith, R. P., Farrier and General Blacksmith, Bunnythorpe, Established 1891, and conducted by present proprietor since 1891.
Wiggins, Henry, Blacksmith, Bunnythorpe. Established 1992.
Sheepfarmer, Bunnythorpe. “Matsubara” (“Pine Plain”) is the Japanese name of the fine property owned by his father, Mr. A. S. Aldrich, senor, close to Bunnythorpe, which consists of 800 acres of freehold land. There is also
Farmer, Leamington Farm, Bunnythorpe. Born in 1840 in Oxfordshire, Mr. Hazell's younger days were spent first in a hay and corn merchant's, and then in various brewing establishments in different capacities, until 1873, when he sailed for New Zealand in the “Euterpe.” Acting on the advice received through the Colonists' Aid Corporation, he proceeded to Feilding, subsequently going to Palmerston, where he spent two years, chiefly carpentering. Mr. Hazell now has a compact little farm, situated four miles from Feilding, and one-and-a-quarter from Bunnythorpe, with a neat homestead, standing in nicely laid out grounds. There is a good orchard on the property, and the outbuildings include woolshed, dip, etc.
Sheepfarmer, Bunnythorpe. Mr. Manson's farm is situated on the road leading from Bunnythorpe into Palmerston, and is close to the road. The place has been in the occupation of Mr. Manson and his family for the last ten years. There are about 400 acres of first-class land, running 1250 good crossbred sheep. The homestead is a cosy one, containing eight rooms, and was built to Mr. Manson's special design. The subject of this sketch was born at Kilmarnock in 1848, and received his education at the academy in his native city. He was then apprenticed to his father to learn the business of builder. After serving his time, Mr. Manson went to Canada, and, with his brother, established sawmilling works in the Dominion. Dissatisfied with Canada, he resolved (early in 1875) to come out to New Zealand, and took passage by the ship “Timaru,” landing in Wellington. Soon after his arrival he obtained the sub-contract for the building of the Palmerston Railway Station; besides this work, he erected the Presbyterian Church in Palmerston, and also built the Foxton Railway Station. These, and many other contracts, were carried out by
Farmer, Bunnythorpe. The subject of this article was born in Suffolk, England, in 1830. He served his apprenticeship with his father and brother, who were in business as builders and contractors, and when his time was up went to London, and completed his knowledge of building there. When the war with Russia broke out, he joined the Army Works Corps, and served at the Crimea, returning home in 1856. Shortly afterwards, hearing of the fabulous tales of gold-finding in Australia, he made up his mind to go there, so sailed for the Antipodes. Arriving at Melbourne at the end of 1856, Mr. Ranson went straight to Bendigo, where he worked at the building trade for some months, and did very well. When the great Ararat rush took place in 1857, he was the first to take timber there, and sold the whole lot at a handsome profit. Then, lured by the splendid reports of the great finds being made, he joined in the rush, and started mining, with the result that he lost all the money that he had made. After various vicissitudes, he left Melbourne for Dunedin, New Zealand, in 1861, and was working at his trade for some years in various parts of the South Island. At one time in Queenstown, Mr. Ranson had a contract to erect buildings at Maori Point, all materials for which had to be conveyed on pack horses at a cost of two pence halfpenny per pound. In 1874 Mr. Ranson settled in Wellington, and has erected many of the most prominent buildings in the city, among which are the Club and Melbourne Hotels, and many buildings in Cuba Street. He built the Opera House in brick in 1886, and two years later the building was re-constructed by him. Subsequently he erected Messrs. Scoullar and Chisholm's and Messrs. P. Hayman and Co's premises, and many others. Mr. Ranson retired, partly through ill-health, in 1889. He was married in Melbourne, and has a family of two sons and one daughter. His eldest son is in business in the country, having a general store and bakery, while the other superintends the working of the farm.
Farmer, “Bute Farm,” Taonui, near Feilding. Mr. Campbell, better known as Captain Campbell, who was one of the earliest colonists in New Zealand, landed in Wellington in May, 1856. Born on the Island of Bute—after which his farm is named—he followed the sea at the age of fourteen in the ship
—Situate in the district of that name—is controlled by the Wanganui Education Board, and has a roll-number of fifty-six scholars. The headmaster, Mr. G. W. McCaul, who has been in charge of the school since 1894, has one assistant.
the Headmaster, was born at Wanganui in 1872, was educated at Wanganui College, and passed his examinations as a pupil teacher in 1889–1890. Mr. McCaul was for two years engaged in pupil-teaching at the Wanganui Public School, and was afterwards successively appointed to Foxton for eight months, to Rongotea for one year, and thence to Wanganui again for eighteen months, when he received the appointment of headmaster at Hiwinui. He has been very successful in the performance of his duties. Mr. McCaul takes an active interest in all branches of athletics, and in the recreations of the people generally. He was for two years a member of the Wanganui Debating Society, and he is an enthusiastic cyclist, frequently making trips on his machine through the surrounding districts. Mr. McCaul, who is quite a young man, is an ardent advocate of Prohibition and Temperance reform, and is imbued with an earnest desire for the advancement of his of strict.
The Colonial headquarters of the colonisation scheme, instituted in 1869 by the Colonists' Land and Loan Corporation, Limited, which was formed by a number of noblemen and other influential men, headed by His Grace the Duke of Manchester, via Hawkes Bay, and thence through the fairyland country of the hot springs. Surrounding on every side stretch the most fertile of lands in the Colony, which annually yield enormous crops of grain and produce, and support thousands of sheep. It is the market town for the weekly sales of live stock from the runs and stations for many miles around. Its streets, roads, and bridges are all kept in capital repair, and its mail and telegraph
Feilding Star, a very readable paper published every evening. Capital municipal chambers, where fortnightly meetings of the Feilding Borough Council are held, were built in 1895, and attached to them are commodious public library and reading-room, where all the best literature of the day caters to the reading public. The other public places are:—Kiwitea County Council Office, the Banks of New Zealand and Australasia, Drill Hall, the Assembly Theatre, State school, and Anglican, Presbyterian, Wesleyan and Primitive Methodist churches. In the way of out-door amusement Feilding has its cricket, football, athletic, cycling, and racing clubs.
M.H.R. for the Rangitikei Electoral District, was born in New Plymouth in 1852, his father being one of the earliest settlers there. After attending a private school for a time, the subject of this notice went to Nelson Public School, then to the Boys' High School, Christchurch, and finished in a private school in Wellington. After leaving school he went to work on his father's farm, till in 1876 he can be to Feilding to take charge of his present run, which is held in the name of Lethbridge and Sons (George Y., John P., Harry H., and Frank Y. Lethbridge). The estate is 7000 acres in extent, principally pastoral country. On the front part of it are the first racing track used in Feilding, the golf links, the polo ground, and the cricket and football clubs' ground. There are about 6000 sheep, 600 head of cattle, and a number of horses on the run. Some twenty men are employed, and there are the usual station buildings and a dwellinghouse, over-looking Feilding. Mr. Lethbridge has been prominent in public life for some years. He first came before the public as one of the original members of the Manawatu County Council, and was treasurer of that body for a year. The other public positions he has held are as follows:—member of the Manchester Road Board for fourteen or fifteen years, and chairman for six years, one of the first councillors of the Borough of Feilding, and mayor in 1882 and 1889; and a member of the Feilding School Committee for several years. He is now a member of the Wanganui Education Board, Palmerston North Hospital Board (of which he was the first chairman); member of the committee of the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association, president of the Feilding Jockey Club, Polo Club, Golf Club, Cricket Club, member of the Bowling Club, Football Club and vice-president of the Cycling Club. He was captain for several years of the Manchester Rifles, and was a lieutenant in the militia. He married his cousin Miss Lethbridge, of New Plymouth; and has three children. In politics he is what is known as a Conservative. In 1893 he contested the Rangitikei seat with Mr. J. Stevens, being defeated by 178. At the general election in 1896, he defeated Mr. W. Bailey, by a majority of 271.
ex-M.H.R, for the Rangitikei district, was born in East Lothian, Scotland, and spent his early years in Ireland. At an early age he went to sea, and while still in his teens worked on the goldfields in New Zealand and Queensland. Not being successful, he again went to sea, sailing chiefly in American ships, and was also for two years on the great American lakes. Deciding to settle down, he came to New Zealand in 1877, taking up land in the Paraekaretu district, where he remained for six years. He then took a trip Home, working his way before the mast from Sydney. Returning to the Colony in 1884, he was elected member for Rangitikei, and was again returned in 1887. In 1890 he was defeated by Mr. Geo. Hutchison for the Waitotara electorate, and in the following year by Mr. F. McGuire for Egmont. At the bye-election in 1892 for Rangitikei he was again elected for that constituency, but did not stand at the general election of 1893. At the general elections of 1896 he contested the Manawatu seat, being defeated by sixty votes. Mr. Bruce is a staunch Freetrader, and a brilliant orator.
ex-M.H.R. for the Rangitikei district, whose death took place at Feilding on May 24th, 1892, was inseparably connected with the districts of Rangitikei and Manawatu, but more particularly so with the township of Feilding. He represented Rangitikei in two Parliaments, defeating Mr. J. Stevens in 1887, and the Hon. F. Arkwright in 1890. As an authority on finance in the House he had few equals, and one of the best measures at present on the Statute Book—the Government Loans to Local Bodies Act—owed its inception to him. Mr. Macarthur was respected and his ability recognised by politicians on both sides of the House. He was offered a position in the Atkinson Government of 1887, but did not accept it owing to the opinions he held on the Customs tariff. Born in 1839 at Edinburgh, he arrived in New Zealand in 1856. For some years he worked his farm near Collingwood, and was also a miner on the Marlborough, Otago, Westland, and Nelson goldfields, where he was moderately successful. When the settlement of the Manchester Block was inaugurated, he received from the London office the appointment of sub-agent to the Corporation. under Mr. A. F. Halcombe, the chief representative. When the latter gentleman was appointed to the management of the Patetere settlement, Mr. Macarthur took up the duties of the position. From the time of his arrival in the district he took the keenest interest in its welfare, and threw himself into all local matters. He held at various periods the following positions:—Chairman of Manawatu and Oroua County Councils, and of the Manchester Road Board, district coroner, first mayor of the borough of Feilding. (which office he held for three years in all), vice-president of the Feilding Jockey Club, patron of the Football Club, captain of the Manchester Rifles, member of the Foresters' Lodge, and a distinguished brother of the Masonic order. His public and private character cannot be too highly estimated. Mr. Macarthur left a widow and three daughters.
who represented Rangitikei in the House of Representatives in 1880, was born in 1840 in Sussex, England. He was educated at Eton, and joined the army as an ensign. In 1862 he came to New Zealand with his regiment, and shortly afterwards was appointed Magistrate in the Wairarapa. Two years after his arrival he sold out, and purchased an estate near Marton, now known as Woodendean, which is still in the possession of his widow. Major Willis was at one time Resident Magistrate for Marton, his district extending to Otaki and Awakino. He died in 1884, leaving a widow, three sons, and seven daughters.
has its office in Kimbolton Road. The Council is composed of Messrs. W. A. L. Bailey (mayor), John Gould, Edmund Goodbehere, G. W. Fowles, W. G. Haybittle, P. Thomson, J. W. Bramwell, W. G. Shearer, W. Reid, and G. H. Saywell (councillors). Mr. G. C. Hill occupies the position of town clerk. The Feilding Borough Council was incorporated in 1881, and held its first meeting on the 15th of August of that year. The total value (annual) of the property in the borough amounts to £15,105, the area of the borough being 3,500 acres. Within this area is a population of 2045 inhabitants, and the number of dwellings erected within the town boundaries is 365. At the Council's offices in Kimbolton Road is the Free Public Library and Reading Room, plentifully supplied with illustrated papers and magazines, and appreciated by the residents of the place as such institutions always are. In 1895 the present handsome municipal buildings were erected, at a cost of £1000. There are five room, including the council chamber, which is very large and often used for public meetings.
was born in Tasmania in 1843, his father being chief clerk in the Controller's office there. After receiving a primary education in Hobart, at the age of twelve he was sent to London, where he completed his education. Leaving school, he was apprenticed to Wadie and Co., the well-known surgical and veterinary instrument-makers of Kensington. Here he remained four years, and then returned to Australia. From Melbourne he followed the gold rushes in Victoria and New South Wales for three years, and then came over to New Zealand. Landing at Wellington, he went to work with his brothers in their sawmill at Pahautanui for a year. From there he went to Canterbury and followed sawmilling on Banks Peninsula for seven years. He then came to the Rangitikei district, and in 1878 started business as a timber merchant with his brother at Taonui. In 1890 the firm opened business in Halcombe, and two years later transferred the business to their present premises in Feilding, where, with Mr. Cornfoot, they trade as the Manawatu Timber Co. The firm has five sawmills in operation in the Hunterville and Birmingham districts. Mr. Bailey was married in 1862 to Mrs. Webb, of Canterbury, and they have two sons and three daughters. Mr. Bailey's private residence is on his farm at Taonui. Here he has some 400 acres of good agricultural land, on which he breeds sheep and cattle. The farm is managed by his eldest son. Mr. Bailey is a Past Master in the Masonic order, and a captain on the retired list of New Zealand Volunteer officers, having had control of the Manchester Rifles for some years. He is chairman of directors of the Feilding Building Society, chairman of the Racing Club Committee, chairman of the Taonui School Committee, a post he has held for ten years, president of the Feilding Bowling and Football Clubs, and vice-president of many other pastime organisations.
of the Feilding Borough Council, was elected to a seat in 1886, and has continued to represent the ratepayers on that body up to the time of writing, 1896. Mr. Fowles has also occupied a seat on the Kiwitea Road Board, and sat for some time as a member of the Kiwitea County Council. More extended notice of Councillor Fowles, who carries on the business of a watchmaker and jeweller in the township, appears in the business part of this section.
has long been prominent in social and business circles in Feilding. Besides conducting his business, Mr. Goodbehere has found time to serve the town, with which he is so closely connected, in various capacities. In 1883 he was elected to the honourable position of mayor of the borough, and for six years since that time he has occupied a seat as a member of the Borough Council. Mr. Goodbehere is also a member of the Feilding Hospital Board, on which he has sat for two years past. He is also an ex-member of the Feilding Licensing Committee, and for nine years has satisfactorily filled the responsible office of secretary to the Kiwitea County Council. Not only in civic matters does Mr. Goodbehere take an active part, but also in respect to the recreations of the people. For years he acted as secretary to the Feilding Athletic Sports Committee, and has for a long time been a member of the jockey club. He also filled the position of secretary to the local Horticultural Society. Mr. Goodbehere has for many years past been manager of the Feilding Building Society, an institution which has done much to assist in the development of the town. Mr. Goodbehere's bus ness extends throughout the entire Colony, and he may at all times be relied upon to supply all needful information and place his services at the disposal of clients.
was elected to the Feilding Borough Council in November, 1890, and has held a seat there since. He was born in Broom, Warwickshire, England, in 1844, his father being a stockdealer there. After completing his education at the village school, the subject of this notice was apprenticed to the baking trade with Mr. Crow, of Alcester. On the completion of his apprenticeship, he worked as a journeyman in
of the Feilding Borough Council, has been a prominent member of that body since 1890. Full reference to his career is made as an ex-mayor of the Borough.
of the Feilding Borough Council, was born at the Hutt in 1853. and was educated there and in the Wairarapa. He came to Feilding in 1879 and purchased the property he holds at present. As a prominent member of the Council, Mr. Reid has rendered valuable service.
of the Feilding Borough Council, was elected to this position at a comparatively recent date. As a cabinetmaker he is more fully referred to further on in these pages.
C.E., Town Clerk to the borough of Feilding, served his time as an engineer cadet under the Government, and passed both Civil Service examinations. He was employed for nine years on the construction of railways and other public works, and gained a wide experience. About 1881, Mr. Hill accepted the appointment of town clerk, and has filled the same office ever since. He also carried out the duties of borough engineer during twelve years of that time. He is agent for the Imperial Insurance Company. Mr. Hill, who has special qualifications for the duties of his office, is referred to under the heading “Architects.”
is supported by the Feilding Borough Council. There are twenty members in the brigade, and the officers for 1896 are: Messrs. A. Wilson (captain), W. Gosling (lieutenant), and A. W. Parker (foreman). The brigade station is just off Kimbolton Road, close to the Free Public Library, and the fire-bell is in Manchester Square. The brigade has a fire-engine and reel of the latest pattern. The effectiveness of the Brigade is Brigade is attested by the fact that though many fires have started there has never been any very serious conflagration in the town.
was established in 1886, and possesses a valuable town section of a quarter-of-an-acre behind the borough chambers, on which they have erected a fine hall of 1200 square feet of floorage space. Practices are held regularly, the members taking great interest in the Band. They have been competitors on only one occasion, when they were content to take third place, in Easter, 1892. Entertainments are given regularly on the rotunda, and are well attended and greatly appreciated by the Feildiag public. The principal instruments of the Band are: Solo cornet, Mr. R. F. Haybittle; soprano, Mr. G. Haybittle; trombone. Mr. Eustace Haybittle; euphonium, Mr. S. Daw; bass, Mr. H. Bilderbeck. Its members number twenty-two. The officers for 1896 are: Conductor, Mr. Richard F. Haybittle; band-master, Mr. Samuel Daw; secretary, Mr. H. Bilderbeck.
the Conductor of the Feilding Brass Band, was born in Wellington in 1854, and is the son of Captain Haybittle. He was educated privately, and went to Invercargill, joining the service of Cowper and Wilson, general ironmongers, having charge of the wholesale and implement part of the business for several years. He then went into the employ of Messrs. Guthrie and Larnach, remaining in charge of the heavy ironmongery and woodware departments for three years, when he came on to Feilding under engagement to Mr. W. G. Haybittle, with whom he remained as bookkeeper till 1894, when his brother retired from business. Mr. Haybittle was a prominent member of the Invercargill Band when it won the annual competition, held in 1887 in Oamaru, beating the Oamaru Band for the final result; he was also bandmaster of the Blue Ribben in Band, and won the solo cornet competition in Queenstown, when members from ten different bands competed Since Mr. Haybittle's arrival in Feilding he has done much to promote musical matters generally. He is the lessee of the Feilding Assembly Rooms, and supplies an orchestra from his own family, with the assistance of two others. He is a Freemason, and was choirmaster of the Wesleyan Church for four years. Mr. Haybittle is married to a daughter of Mr. Caleb Cull, who was the well-known host of the Freemason's Hotel, Wellington.
occupied the mayoral chair of Feilding on three occasions, the last being in 1887. He was born in London in 1819, and comes of a family noted for longevity. The first five years of his school life were spent in a preparatory school, where he was a fellow-scholar with the late Mr. Justice Richmond. After another five years at a boarding-school, he was articled to law with Messrs. Taylor, Sharp, and Field, of Bedford Row, London. On leaving that firm he was admitted on the roll of attorneys and solicitors in 1813, and having studied for a time with a conveyancing barrister he became managing Chancery clerk to Messrs. Pemberton, Cawley and Gardener, solicitors to Her Majesty's woods, forests, land revenues, and works and buildings. After severing his connection with them, he began practice on his own account in Birmingham, where he married and lived for some time. In 1880 he came to New Zealand and settled at Feilding. Here he followed the practice of his profession alone till 1889, when he took into partnership Mr. Alfred Richmond, a son of the late Mr. Justice Richmond. Recently Mr. Goodbehere retired from active practice. His family consists of two sons and four daughters. His eldest son is Mr. E. Goodbehere, accountant, of Feilding; the other is engaged with the Manawatu Timber Co. One daughter is married to Mr. F. de J. Clere, architect, of Wellington, and the other to Major Liddle, of Linton.
who was Mayor of Feilding during the years 1890 and 1891 was born in London in 1850. In 1853 he came to New Zealand with his father, who was engaged for several years in maritime work in Wellington Harbour. After completing his education in Finnimore's school, Mr. Haybittle went into the drapery trade with Mr. Owen, of Wellington. He went to take up an engagement in a general store at Bulls in 1872. Two years later he was sent to open a branch of that business in Feilding. After managing the business for four years, Mr. Haybittle entered into partnership with Mr. R. London, as London, Haybittle and Co., general storekeepers. Their first premises were on the site now occupied by the Manchester Hotel. When the Parihaka difficulty required the attendance of the Manchester Rifles there, Mr. Haybittle, who was a lieutenant, went with the company. The night he left Feilding his business promises were burned down. On returning, the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Haybittle opened on his own account in a new shop. Two years later he acquired premises in Fergusson Street, which were also burned by a fire originating in a shop adjoining. Mr. Haybittle re-built in concrete, and continued in business till 1892, when he sold out to Messrs. Bramwell Bros. He then joined the firm of Bartholomew Bros., timber merchants and sawmillers, as a partner, and retired from the firm and from business in 1896. He owns a farm of 550 acres in the Wanganui Harbour Board Endowment Block. He has been a councillor for about six years, is prominent in many local public affairs, and has been a member of the Palmerston North Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. He is at present secretary of the Feilding School Committee, churchwarden in St. John's Anglican Church, a member of the local bowling club, and a Forester and Past Master in the Masonic Order. His private residence is in Grey Street.
ex-councillor of the borough of Feilding, is a very large landowner in the Feilding district, possessing
an ex-councillor of the Feilding Borough was born in Belfast Ireland, in 1816, and educated there. After learning the cabinetmaking trade, he worked for seven years in the Queen's Island Shipyards, Belfast. He came to New Zealand in 1874 in the ship “Douglas,” landing at Wellington, and afterwards proceeded to Feilding, where he followed the business of a carpenter and builder. Amongst the contracts executed by him are several railway bridges. the Wanganui Gaol, and the Anglican Church. Patea. Securing 200 acres of good land on Kimbolton Road, he gave up building and started dairying in 1892. He keeps 110 cows, and is making a specialty of the Ayrshire and Jersey crossbred cattle. His dairy is fitted with all the latest dairying appliances, and in summer the weekly output of butter is from four to five hundredweight, all of which is sold in the province. The work of the farm is done by Mr. and Mrs. Thompson and their family.
sat in the Feilding Borough Council for about ten years and finally retired in 1896. He was born in Horsham, Sussex, England, in 1838, his father being a gardener there On completing his education at the Horsham Free Grammar School, he went to London and took up the occupation of a gardener. He came to New Zealand in 1874 in the ship “Ocean Mail,” coming out as an emigrant under the Feilding Emigration and Colonists' Aid Association, and took up an acre section in Queen Street, and soon afterwards secured a forty-acre section. This latter he has since disposed of. For the first few years in the new settlement he was engaged principally in bush-felling, and for fifteen years was engine driver in a sawmill owned by Messrs. Bartholomew Bros. at Levin. Upon leaving that he resumed gardening as an occupation, which he still follows. He has two acres planted as a nursery in Queen Street. Mr. Worsfold is a Past Master in the Freemasons, is treasurer of the Feilding Foresters' Lodge, secretary and treasurer of the local fire brigade, custodian of the bowling green, member of the Feilding Athletic Club, and has been chairman of the local school committee for two years. He is married, and has four sons, all grown up.
which was formed in 1892, having previously to this exercised the functions of a road board, is made up of the following ridings:—Makino, Apiti, Hautapu, Waituna, Kimbolton, Ongo, and Oroua. The annual rateable value in 1892 was £396,482, which in 1895 had increased to £29,000. The members for 1896 were:—Messrs. W. F. Jacob (chairman), J. J. Williamson, H. G. Shannon, Price-Jones, Wm. Morton, A. H. Tompkins, and Jas. Read. Mr. Chas. Bray is clerk to the Council, the meetings of which are held on the third Saturday in each month.
Chairman of the Kiwitea County Council, was born in Dublin in 1852. Mr. Jacob received private tuition, and served his time in his father's biscuit factory. Coming to the Colony in 1882 for the benefit of his health, he was so favourably impressed with the country and climate that he determined to throw in his lot with his friends in New Zealand. Nine months were spent in looking for the farm which was to be his future home, and he finally took up his present property of 620 acres of freehold land, on which he grazes 1500 Romney sheep and over 100 head of cattle. Abundant shelter is provided by bush, and the property is watered by a never-failing stream. The house and grounds are among the pleasantest in the Kiwitea district.
has its offices in Manchester Street, Feilding. The members of the Board are:—Messrs. F. Y. Lethbridge, M.H.R. (chairman), Feilding; James Purkiss, Halcombe; G. C. Wheeler, Stanway; H. J. Booth, Makino; W. G. Pearce, Colyton; and D. Thomas, Ashurst. Mr. Charles Bray, sen., is the secretary, valuer, returning officer, and engineer. The Road Board was established in 1879, and with the exception of the borough of Feilding, the whole of the Manchester Block, comprising an area of 106,000 acres, comes under its jurisdiction. The rateable capital value is £878,592. The Board's income amounts to about £2500 per annum. A general rate of 8d. in the pound, with a special rate of three-sixteenths of a penny in the pound, is levied by the Board. The district is divided into six wards, each of which returns one member to the Board. Some of the wards have special rates which apply to them only. There are about 700 ratepayers in the district.
the Secretary of the Manchester Road Board, resides in Grey Street, Feilding. He was appointed to the position of secretary, engineer, etc., in 1879, on the foundation of the Board. He was born in Cornwall, and came out, per ship “Palmyra,” to Nelson in 1858. Mr. Bray commenced his colonial career in Nelson. He had afterwards a considerable experience on the West Coast and Otago diggings. As a contractor, he subsequently undertook the formation of roads and construction of bridges for about eleven years.
The officers of the Company (with dates of their appointments) are:—Captain George Kirton (4th of October, 1893), Lieutenants Charles Bray (6th of April, 1892), and John Edward Barltrop (4th of July, 1894), and Surgeon-Captain John Sorley (14th of July, 1892).
to which is attached the Telegraph and Telephone Bureau, the Government Life Insurance Department, the Advances to Settlers office, the Public Trust office, the Savings Bank, and the office of the Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, was opened about 1875. The office was originally in the Colonists' Land and Loan Co.'s buildings, and was removed from there to the railway station, then to a building in the town, and in 1880 it was finally located in the present substantial wooden building on the railway platform. The building contains three rooms—the public room, mail room, and postmaster's office. The office is the circulation and supervising office for twenty-five country offices, and eight coaches leave daily with mails. Mails arrive from Wellington at 7.15 a.m. and 12.15 p.m., closing at 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., and for Wanganui at 7 a.m., 12.15 p.m. and 6 p.m. The post-office staff consists of Messrs. J. H. Stevens (postmaster), W. McKee (assistant), Martin Diamond (counter clerk), John L. Walton (letter carrier), Walter Worsfold and Arthur Ross (messengers).
was born in Rangitikei in 1856, his father being an “1840 settler.” The subject of this notice is entirely self-taught. After working on his father's farm for some time, be joined the postal service as messenger at Bulls. From there he was transferred to White's Bay cable station, and went back to Bulls as postmaster. He remained there four years, going thence to Feilding, where he has been stationed since 1880. Mr. Stevens is married and has four children, and is a brother of Mr. J. Stevens, M.H.R. He takes a lively interest in local social matters, and is chairman of the Feilding Free Public Library Committee, vice-president of the Feilding Debating Society, and treasurer of the local Masonic Lodge. Mr. Stevens engages somewhat extensively in farming pursuits. He has a farm of 2000 acres at Pohangina, managed by Mr. F. Richards, a brother-in-law, with whom he is in partnership. On the farm he has a substantial homestead, and 2500 sheep and about 100 head of cattle.
The police station, in Eyre Street, consists of the usual wooden lock-up of two cells and a four-roomed dwelling for the police officer in charge. The courthouse is a wooden building of three rooms, in Kimbolton Road. The Stipendiary Magistrate from Palmerston North sits for the trial of civil and other business every second Friday in each month. Local justices sit for the trial of criminal cases as required. The clerk of the court is Constable J. J. Tuohy, and he has the assistance at the police station of Mounted-Constable F. J. Healy.
Officer in charge of the Feilding Police Station, was born in
A.M.I.C.E., (England), Resident Government Engineer, Feilding, was born in London in 1856, and received his education at a private school there. In 1871 he came to Wellington with his father, and worked for a few months in the Government Printing Office as a clerk. The following year he joined the Public Works Department as a cadet, serving on the West Coast of the South Island. He was promoted to the position of assistant engineer in 1876, and came to the Manawatu district to take charge of the construction of railway works going on there. When that was finished he surveyed the line between Bunnythorpe and Manawatu Gorge. He appointed resident engineer in charge of the Taranaki district in 1879. a position he held till the Taranaki and Wanganui districts were amalgamated in 1883. He then took charge of part of the Napier district for a few months, and left there to take charge of the exploration surveys in connection with the Taranaki Great Trunk Railway route. He was next engaged in locating the northern end of the central route, locating the Woodville to Eketahuna railway route, back to the central line, then making detailed surveys of the Taranaki Trunk Railway route, and then went on exploration service in the Lake districts of Otago. After that he was appointed resident
in twelve miles from Palmerston North on the Wanganui Railway line. The building is wooden, of the usual design, and divided into a public waiting-room, ladies' waiting-room, stationmaster's office, and luggage room. There is a large goods shed, and there are also water-tanks at the station. Six trains pass Feilding daily. The local post and telegraph office is on the railway platform. The station staff consists of Messrs. E. G. Wilson (stationmaster), M. McNicol (clerk), and F. Towler and A. E. Beechey (porters).
Stationmaster, Feilding, was born in 1861 in Rangiora, Canterbury, where his father was a storekeeper. He was educated at the local public school, and entered the railway service as cadet at Rangiora. After being four years there he was transferred to Selwyn, where he remained one year, and was then sent to Rangitata for a year. He was first appointed stationmaster at Ealing, and subsequently was stationed at Washdyke thirteen months, Burnham two years, Albury five months, Fairlie six months, Leeston five years, Greymouth fifteen months, Brunner two-and-a-half years, and he has been three years at Feilding. Mr. Wilson takes an interest in volunteering, and is a member of the Manchester Rifles. He is married, and has four children.
is situated in Manchester Street, very close to the centre of the borough. The school was established about the year 1875, when the oldest portion
Headmaster of Feilding School, was born at Ludlow, Shropshire, and came to New Zealand per ship “Zealandia,” arriving in Wellington 1878. He was educated at Bitterley Grammar School and became a teacher at the Public School, Leominster, but he was subsequently at the training college for teachers at Bangor, North Wales, where he acquired an English certificate equivalent to the D certificate in New Zealand. Soon after coming to the Colony, Mr. Hill joined the Board of Education and received his C certificate in consequence of his having passed the first B.A. examination in connection with the New Zealand University. The first school held by Mr. Hill in the Colony was at Wainui-o-mata. Subsequently he was at Taonui, Normanby, Crofton, Okoia, and Waverley. In the latter town he remained as headmaster for five-and-a-half years. Mr. Hill has had charge of Feilding School since 1880. He is interested in chess, and has done good service in the interests of recreation. Mr. Hill finds in cricket that relaxation which is so necessary to one who has the strain of school duties upon him. He has a farm at East Road, near Stratford, of 1000 acres, of which about a third is cleared, and which affords pasturage for 700 sheep.
is situate at the north end of Makino Road, Feilding. The parochial district was established about 1875, the church being erected about 1883. It is a handsome cruciform structure of wood, including a tower. There is a lovely stained glass window in the chancel, which has been placed in the church in loving memory of Mrs. H. L. Sherwill. A brass tablet has also been put up in the church in memory of Mr. Alfred Dawson, the late manager of the Bank of Australasia, who was drowned at Long Beach, Canterbury; also a marble tablet in memory of the wife of Rev. A. Hermon, for six years in charge of the district. A considerable sum of money was raised for the purposes of the Church by a bazaar. The English friends of the cause contribute I largely. The reredos is of black maire, and was designed and presented by the Diocesan architect, Mr. Clere, who was also architect for the building. The altar-cloth, which is a very beautiful piece of work, was executed by Lady Louisa Feilding, and was presented by the late General Feilding in memory of his brother, Rudolph, the eighth Earl of Denbigh. General Feilding also gave the communion vessels, is, which are very massive. The font, which is of Oamaru stone, was the gift of Mr. Haultaine. The first clergyman (Rev. Joshua Jones) was appointed to the district in 1878–9, before the erection of the church. The vicarage, which is large and convenient, is erected on a site of an acre of land, given by Mr. Halcombe on behalf of the Corporation, who established the Manchester Block, of which Feilding is the centre. The church and vicarage are now free from debt. The adherents in Feilding number about 300. There is a Sunday school in connection with the Church in Feilding, with about 120 on the roll. In connection with the parochial district there is a small church (St. Agnes) at Kiwitea, which will hold from fifty to sixty, and another (St. James) at Halcombe, which will accommodate about eighty. New churches are to be built at Colyton and Stanway. The site for the former has been presented by Mr. Simpson. Messrs. H. L. Sherwill and C. Bray, senr., have been the churchwardens for many years.
the Vicar of St. John's Anglican Church, was born at Darley Abbey, Derbyshire. He was educated at Pembroke College, Cambridge University, and came to the colonies per P. and O. liner “Australia,” landing in Melbourne in 1883. Mr. Innes Jones studied for the Church at the Theological College, Nelson, and was ordained deacon in 1884, and priest the following year. Mr. Innes Jones resided in Brunnerton as curate for one year, and subsequently he was in charge at Reefton for three years. He was afterwards for nine months locum tenens at Richmond, and for one year subsequently he was in charge of Feilding. He then accepted the position as curate in charge of Bulls, which he occupied for three years. He has resided in Feilding permanently since 1893.
Anglican Clergyman, Clare Lea Farm, near Feilding, was born in 1846. The subject of this sketch was educated at a Proprietary School, near Leeds, and at Cambridge University. For several years he was principal of Tower College, Saffron Walden, Essex, preparing and passing pupils for the professions. In 1877 Mr. Wilks came to New Zealand, under instructions received from the Hon. and Rev. Latimer locum tenens at St. Albans, when Archdeacon Lingard was absent from the Colony. Mr. Wilks then received an appointment to Papanui, and was for five years headmaster of Lower Heathcote School, and then took charge of Manaia Public School for seven years, taking part in clerical duties at Opunake, Otakeho, Hawera, and Manaia. Coming to Feilding he was made headmaster of the Feilding School, and commenced farming two years afterwards. The farm consists of 200 acres, within easy distance of Feilding, on which is situated a comfortable homestead. In 1891–2 Mr. Wilks assisted in the House of Representatives as secretary to one of the committees.
is situated in Grey Street. The cause was originally established in 1879, the church being built two years later. The Colonists' Land Corporation gave the acre site at present occupied by the Church, which is a wooden structure, with a hell tower, affording sitting accommodation for 180. The congregation usually numbers from 100 to 150, there being about 200 adherents resident in the district. There is a Sunday school in connection with the church, which has about seventy children on the roll. In connection with the cause services are held in the district periodically. The manse adjoining is part of the church property, the land occupied being about one acre.
Minister of the Feilding Presbyterian Church, was born in London, his father being a bookseller there. The early part of his education was received in a private school, and he afterwards studied in connection with London University. Entering the Ministry of the Presbyterian Church, he was settled in Newcastle for several years, and afterwards had a charge in Dudley. From the latter place he came to New Zealand with a commission from the Free Church of Scotland to the Presbyterian Church of New Zealand. He was called to succeed the Rev. H. M. Murray in the Feilding Presbyterian Church in 1896. The reverend gentleman takes an active interest in cricket and cycling, and also in temperance and social reform movements. He married a daughter of Mr. John Morgan, of Studley Manor House, Warwickshire. Mrs. Stubbs is a harpist of considerable ability. They have three children.
Senior Minister, is a native of Glasgow, and came to New Zealand per ship “William Davy,” Ian ling in Port Chalmers. Mr. Murray was educated and studied for the ministry at Glasgow University, and Divinity Hall Free Church, completing his college course about 1837. For some years he acted as a minister in connection with the Free Church in the Old Country. After landing in New Zealand Mr. Muurray worked in Canterbury for about seven years, and was ordained early in the year 1880, when he received his appointment to Feilding, where he has resided continuously ever since. In 1896, through ill-health, the reverend gentleman was obliged to relinquish his charge, but remains in Feilding as senior minister, emeritus.
Feilding, is in the Sandon and Feilding circuit. The first church was erected in 1876, and the present building in 1894, the old church being now used as a schoolroom. The church seats about 400 people, and is provided with a very fine organ. Mr. Alfred Eade is choirmaster, and Mr. S. S. Moore organist. There is a good Sunday school under the superintendency of Mr. J. Cobbe, the attendance being about eighty. The Christian Endeavour Society, the only one in Feilding, meets weekly on Tuesdays. The church officers are Messrs. J. G. Cobbe, J.S. Milson, and W. Carthew, with a strong body of trustees. Preaching stations in connection with the church have been opened at Cheltenham and Nikau.
Minister in charge Feilding Wesley Church, was born in Allendale Town, Northumberland, in 1867, and was educated at Middlesborough Wesleyan School. After some slight experience as a clerk, he entered the Rev. Thomas Champness' Joyful News Home for Evangelists. For five years he remained in connection with this home, travelling all over England on evangelistic work. Eventually he became associated with the Forward Movement in the Leeds mission, staying there two years. He was sent by Dr. Stephenton to the Wesleyan Church of New Zealand in 1893, and after fifteen months in the Malvern and two years in the St. Albans circuits, in Canterbury, was placed in his present charge. Mr. Harrison takes a keen interest in Prohibition and anti-gambling crusades, and is secretary of the Feilding Young Men's and Boys' Club. He is a live, up-to-date parson.
is situate in Manchester Street, Feilding. The cause was established in 1875, the church being completed and opened in April, 1876. It is a wooden structure with an iron roof, having accommodation for about 180. It was enlarged in 1895, during the pastorate of Rev. J. Cocker, by the addition of a T 35 feet long by 18 feet wide, to accommodate 100 more persons. The section on which the church stands is one-and-a-half acres in extent. An American organ is used to lead the musical portion of the services. The congregation numbers 110, and there is a Sunday school of about fifty scholars. The parsonage is situate in Church Street, on a section of two-and-a-half acres. The building is a comfortable one, containing eleven rooms. There are smaller churches in connection with the Primitive Methodist cause at Rongotea, Colyton, and Awahuri. The Rongotea church affords sitting accommodation for about 180, the congregation numbering about 150. There is also a Sunday school having sixty-six children on the roll. The church at Colyton accommodates 140. The congregation number is about 100, and the local Sunday-school numbers fifty-two children. Sunday schools are conducted at Makino, where there are thirty children, and Cheltanham (forty-three children), and Midland Road (twenty-five children).
Minister in charge of the Primitive Methodist Church, Feilding, was born in Calver, Derbyshire, England, in 1862. He completed his education at Manchester Primitive Methodist College and Theological Institute. From school he went to farm work for a time, and afterwards became a local preacher. In 1890 he came to New Zealand, and took up the charge of Ashburton, Canterbury, where he remained till transferred to Feilding, in 1895.
was established in 1891. Up till the end of 1896 it was located in the Feilding Hotel, but it now occupies a nine-roomed building in Kimbolton Road, erected at a cost of £900. The Club has ninety-six members, the entrance fee and subscription for town members being five guineas, and country members three guineas. The secretary is Mr. H. L. Sherwill.
(Feilding), meets on the Monday nearest to full moon at 8 p.m. The installation takes place in July. The officers (1896) were:— W.M., Mr. Win. H. Hartgill; S.W., Mr. C. A. J. Levett; J. W., Mr. E. Goodbehere; and secretary, Mr. T. W. K. Foster.
meets on alternate Fridays in the Foresters Hall, Feilding. Mr. A. W. Parker is the secretary of the Lodge.
(Feilding). Secretary, Mr. T. W. K. Foster.
was established in 1875, and has held sports meetings every year since. The prize-money given in 1896 was £170, the principal event being the Manchester Handicap of £20. The sports, which generally number twenty-four events, are held on the Feilding Oval. The Club is managed by a committee of twenty, and Messrs. H. L. Sherwill and W. G. Haybittle are secretary and treasurer respectively. The Club refuses to allow intoxicating liquors to be sold or brought on the ground at any of its meetings.
was established in 1895, and has sixty members. The Club's officers for 1896 are:– Messrs. W. A. L. Bailey (president), W. A. Sandilands (vice-president), H.L. Sherwill (secretary), E. Goodbehere (treasurer), P. Thomson, J. Maclaren, C. Bray sen., W. Dixon, W. G. Haybittle, J. Scott, W. Light, J. D. Yates, and A. R. Curtis (committee). Since its formation the Club has played several matches on its own green, all of which it won.
is one of the oldest institutions in the town, and all the leading business men have at one time or another been actively associated with it. The membership stands at seventy, and is steadily increasing. Excellent facilities for a small town are possessed in the matter of grounds, and for these the Club is indebted to the president, Mr. F. Y. Lethbridge, M.H.R.
has been in existence for several years, and its meetings are largely attended by the local and outside public. Officers (1896):–President, Mr. F. Y. Lethbridge, M.H.R.; secretary, Mr. E. Goodbehere; treasurer, Mr. E. J. Allen.
was established in 1896 in Glasgow House, Manchester Street, where seven rooms are rented. The Club is open every evening. Rooms are set apart for reading and amusements; and there is a well furnished gymnasium. There are 150 members, the subscription being one penny a week, though most pay half-a-crown a quarter. The Club is managed by Messrs. J. Greenwood (president), Rev. C. C. Harrison (secretary), H. Franklin (treasurer), and a committee of representative citizens. The promoters hope in time to establish a file band, cadet corps, savings bank, library, and various classes.
Teacher of Music, “Wodonga,” Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Mr. Moore was born in Queensland in 1872, and was educated at Newington College, Sydney. After a few years of office life at Townsville, he came to New Zealand, and proceeded to Feilding, where he accepted the position of organist to the Wesleyan Church. As a teacher he has secured for himself a good connection, and is well patronised by the surrounding inhabitants, some of his pupils coming from a distance of several miles. Mr. Moore is an enthusiast in football playing for Feilding for three seasons. He is also a member of the local Cycling Club.
(George Kirton and Auguste Robert Curtis, proprietors), Manchester Street, Feilding. Telegraphic address, “Star, Feilding.” P.O. Box 15. Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Kirton, Derby Street; Mr. Curtis, Manchester Street. The Feilding Star was established in 1878, and is consequently in its seventeenth year of publication. The building is a substantial structure of wood and iron, and one story high, erected on a large freehold section having sixty-six feet frontage to Manchester Street, and 130 feet to Bowen Street. The floorage space afforded is equal to 1500 square feet. The plant includes a horizontal steam-engine of two-horsepower, which, with the steam boiler, were made by Mr. D. Muiray, of Wanganui. The printing machines, type, and appliances, are up-to-date in every respect, and include a large and complete jobbing plant. The Feilding Star is a daily paper, issued every afternoon at 3 o'clock. The size of the sheet is double royal measurement, being forty-two by twenty-seven. The paper circulates throughout the town and suburbs of Feilding, and Kiwitea, Oroua, Pohangina, and Manawatu counties, in which it has a large and extensive connection, and is well supported by advertisements. In politics the Star is Conservative.
(Samuel Goodbehere and Alfred Richmond), Barristers and Solicitors, Manchester Square, Feilding. Telegraphic address, “Richmond, Feilding.” P.O. Box 86. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. London agents, Messrs. Torr and Co., 38 Bedford Row, W.C. Wellington agents, Messrs. Bell, Gully and Izard. Private residences: Mr. Goodbehere, Manchester Street; Mr. Richmond, Derby Street. The senior partner is a native of London, where he served his articles with Messrs. Taylor, Sharp and Field, being admitted in 1843 in England. Arriving in New Zealand via Melbourne in 1880, Mr. Goodbehere was enrolled in the same year in the Colony. Mr. Richmond is a son of Mr. Justice Richmond, and was articled to Messrs. Fell and Atkinson, of Nelson, and subsequently to Richmond and Richmond, of Wellington. He was also secretary to Judge Richmond, being admitted in 1888. The business was founded in 1889 by Mr. Goodbehere, who was joined by Mr. Richmond in 1889. The firm are solicitors to the Kiwitea County Council, the Colonists' Laud and Loan Corporation, and the Bank of Australasia. Mr. Goodbehere was mayor of Feilding in the years 1887 and 1888.
Barrister and Solicitor, Furgusson Street, Feilding. Telegraphic address, “Prior, Feilding.” P.O. Box 67. Bankers, Bank of Zealand. London agents, Prior, Church, and Adams, 61 Lincoln's Inn, Leeds. Wellington agents, Messrs. Bell, Gully and Izard. Private residence, Campbell Street. Mr. Prior is a native of Oxford, and reached the Colony by ship “Orpheus” in 1873 or 1874. He was educated privately, and was articled to Messrs. Prior, Church and Adams, being admitted a solicitor in England in 1886. For some time he was managing clerk to a London legal firm, and for six years he practiced his profession in Kidder minister. In New Zealand he was admitted as a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court, March 18th, 1878. Mr. Prior was the first solicitor to take up his residence in Feilding. He is solicitor to the Borough Council of Feilding, and to the Horse-shoe Drainage Board. Mr. Prior is also solicitor to the Bank of New Zealand.
Barrister and Solicitor, Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Telegraphic address, “Read, Feilding.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Reade was born in India, and arrived in New Zealand in the year 1869, per ship “Challenger,” from London. He was articled to Mr. Gibson Kirk Turton, of Dunedin, barrister and solicitor, at one time a partner in the well-known firm in Dunedin of Harris, Macassey and Turton, but in October, 1873, by mutual consent he became manager for Mr. E. A. Julius, a well-known solicitor in Oamaru, with whom he completed his term in 1875. On the 23rd day of August of the same year he was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. In December, 1886, Mr. Reade was appointed commissioner of the Supreme Court, Tasmania, and in September, 1889, a similar title was conferred upon him for New South Wales. He was perpetual commissioner for the acknowledgement of deeds by married women, prior to coming into force of “The Married Women's Act.” As an old interprovincial cricketer between Otago and Canterbury he is remembered up to date. He is a Mason of considerable rank, and occupied the position of “master” of the Southern Cross Lodge of Invercargill, 1879–80. M.E.Z. of the Southern Cross Royal Arel Chapter, 1884–85, and “master” of St. John's Lodge of Marl Masons, Invercargill, 1886–87. In 1884 Mr. Reade was elected mayor of East Invercargill, which borough he previously served for six years as a councillor.
Barrister and Solicitor, Fergusson Street, Feilding. Telegraphic address. “Sandilands, Feilding.” P.O. Box 78. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Branch office, Birmingham. Private residence, Kimbolton Road. London agent, A. R. Fletcher-Jones, 12 Old Jewry Chambers, E.C. Mr. Sandilands was born in Melbourne and educated at the Church of England Grammar School and the Scotch College in that city. In 1879, having completed the firm for which he was articled with the late Hon. Robert Stirling Anderson, of Melbourne, he came to New Zealand, and in July, 1882, was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of this colony. A year later, Mr. Sandilands moved to Feilding. He is solicitor to the Manchester Road Board, the Cheltenham Co-operative Dairy Company, Halcombe Dairy Company, Campbelltown Co-operative Dairy Company, the Feilding Building Society, the Colonial Bank, etc. In November, 1894, Mr. Sandilands was elected, unopposed, mayor of the borough, after having served some seven years in the council. He is president of the Feilding Cycling Club, and a steward of the Feilding Jockey Club.
M.B., C.M., L.A. (Edinburgh, 1885), Medical Practitioner, Feilding. Dr. Charlton has practised in Feilding for some considerable time. Some few years ago he re-visited England, but returned to Feilding and resumed his practice.
L.K.Q.C.P., L.R.C.S.I.,
L.R.C.P., Edinburgh, Physician and Surgeon, Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Dr. Johnson is a native of Scotland. He was educated at Glasgow and Edinburgh, and took his degree in the year 1867. He came to New Zealand the following year per ship “Viola,” arriving at Port Chalmers. For three years subsequently Dr. Johnston resided at Waitahuna, and for four years in Blenheim. His present practice was established in 1875. Dr. Johnston was surgeon to the Manchester Rifles, and accompanied the troop on the Parihaka expedition. The doctor is an ex-councillor of the Feilding borough, having occupied a seat for three years. He was president of the Feilding Acclimatisation Society, before its affiliation with the Wellington society.
M.R.C.S., England, “The Camp,” Feilding. P.O. Box 13. Bankers,
M.B., C.M., Physician and surgeon, Kimbolton Road. Feilding. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Dr. Sorlay is a native of Australia, and is a son of Dr. Henry Sorley. He was educated at the High School, Dunedin, and studied medicine at the Edinburgh University. Dr. Sorley took his degree in 1881. He resided and practised his profession in Wanganui for nine years, removing to Feilding in 1890. Dr. Sorley was for some years surgeon to the Wanganui Hospital. He is medical officer to the Foresters' Lodge and medical referee to the A.M.P. and Government Life Insurance, and honorary surgeon to the Manchester Rifles and the Feilding Fire Fire Brigade. In addition to these Dr. Sorley is public vaccinator for the district.
Dental Surgeon, Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Telegraphic address, “Greenwood, Feilding.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Greenwood has had upwards of thirty years experience in his profession. After completing his term with the late Henry Rawson, dentist, of Wellington, he established himself at Greymouth in 1868, and continued there till 1879, when he transferred his operations to Wanganui, and, after a similar period of eleven years in that town, he disposed of his practice, and ultimately settled in Feilding in 1893. His rooms are centrally and pleasantly situated. Mr. Greenwood is a native of Mitcham, Surrey, England, but came to the Colony with his father, Dr. Greenwood, and family in 1843, per “Phœbe.” In the very early days of Nelson Dr. Greenwood, during an interesting career, was inspector of schools, then he became editor of the Nelson Examiner, then principal of the Nelson College, and finally Sergeant-at-arms for the House of Representatives at Wellington. The subject of this article shared the toils and struggles of the early settlers, and completed his education at St. John's College, Auckland, under Bishop Selwyn, with whom he made several voyages. Mr. Greenwood was a Justice of the Peace for thirty years, but resigned a few years ago, being unable to spare the time. He has held various offices, such as visiting justice to Her Majesty's Gaol, member of the
Manchester Street, Feilding, was established about 1878, and the present building was erected some time after. The front portion of the building is devoted to the banking chamber and the manager's office. The rear is occupied by the manager as his residence. The bank staff consists of Messrs. E. A. Barton (manager), H. B. Dyer, F. T. H. Brabant, and Alexander Farmer.
Manager of the Bank of Australasia, Feilding, was born in Hampshire, England, in 1863, and educated at Surrey County School. Leaving school, he came to New Zealand in 1880, and joined the Bank of Australasia that year in Waverley. After serving as junior at Waverley for two years, he saw service in several of the bank's branches on the West Coast of the North Island, ultimately taking his present position in 1887. Mr. Barton is a prominent tennis player in Feilding. He is married, and has three sons.
Feilding, is a handsome building of wood and iron on the corner of Manchester and Fergusson Streets. The bank is of modern design, and well-appointed in every respect. The staff consists of Messrs. E. F. Blundell (agent), C. E. Bryce (accountant), P. O. Clark (teller), H. E. D. Morshead (ledger-keeper), and G. M. Kebbell (junior clerk).
Agent of the Bank of New Zealand, Feilding, was born in Nelson in 1854, and educated at Nelson College. After serving in the Government Survey Department for a few months, he joined the Bank of New Zealand in Nelson as junior in 1873. He was sent to Picton for a brief period, and soon after, returning to Nelson, was transferred to Timaru, where he remained ten years. During this time he rose in the service till he was appointed accountant at Oamaru. After four years there, he was transferred to Wellington, where he was assistant accountant for eighteen months. He was then appointed agent at Bulls, where he remained seven years. He left Bulls to take up his present appointment in June, 1896. While in Nelson and Timaru, Mr. Blundell was prominent in different branches of athletics. He was several times in the Nelson representative football, cricket, and tennis teams, and is a well-known all-round athlete. He holds several cups and trophies for short distance running and jumping. He held for many years the New Zealand Amateur record for the long jump (20 feet 8 1/2 inches), and the standing high jump (4 feet 9 inches). Since coming to the Rangitikei district he has become a prominent polo player, and was No. 4 in the Rangitikei polo team which won the Saville cup in 1894 and was second for it in 1895. Mr. Blundell is married, and has three children.
Edward Giesen, manager, and W. B. Giesen, accountant, Kimbolton Road, Feilding. New Zealand director, Mr. Edward Pearce, of the firm of Levin and Company, Wellington. Bankers. Bank of Australasia, Feilding, and National Bank of New Zealand, Wellington. The head office of the corporation is at Dashwood House, No. 9, New Broad Street, London, E.C. The directors are: Lieut.-General the Honourable William Feilding, chairman; The Right Honourable Sir James Fergusson, Bart, K.C.M.G., G.C.S.I., M.P., formerly Governor of New Zealand; Sir Charles Clifford, Bart., formerly speaker of the House of Representatives, New Zealand; Henry Kimber, Esq., M.P.; John Balfour. Esq.; E. Pearce, Esq., Wellington, New Zealand. The Colonists' Land and Loan Corporation was established in England in 1869, its object being to purchase and settle land in New Zealand. A contract was made with the New Zealand Government for the purchase of 106,000 acres of land known as the Manchester Block. The corporation subdivided the whole of this block, made all the roads, and constructed the bridges, settled people on the sections, and then, in order to enable them to purchase stock and work their holdings, advanced money on the security of their improvements. The terms on which the land was settled were that the selectors should have the first three years occupation without any payment at all to the corporation, but they should do improvements to the extent of thirty shillings per acre during that time. The corporation then advanced to the settlers, on the improvements made during their three years' occupancy, at six per cent., for the first three years, and seven per cent, for the seven succeeding years. The Corporation now lends money on other properties. The whole of the vast block thus secured has been sold and settled, with the exception of a few small sections in the townships of Feilding and Halcombe. The corporation has made numerous grants of land by way of endowment to the various churches, including Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, Episcopalian, Wesleyan. and also to public bodies in the townships of Feilding and Halcombe. The Association has recently made an offer of assistance to the Borough Council of Feilding in the matter of suitable municipal buildings and offices. The offer is to erect a structure in the centre of Manchester Square, at a cost of £800, to fence off and improve, by planting ornamental trees and laying down in grass, other parts of the Square, charging only 6 per cent. on the cost of the building, and accepting payment in instalments of £100 a year, or such other amount as the City Council can pay, to include both interest and principal. By this means the Borough Council would, in a few years, be possessed of very fine offices, and would have the imposing Square in the centre of the town, very much beautified and improved. Up to the date of writing, the Council has not seen its way to accept this handsome offer. An idea of the operations of this large, influential, and successful company may be gained from a perusal of the chairman's speech at the twenty fifth annual meeting of the corporation held in London on the 20th July, 1894, at the head office, Dashwood House, at which General the Honourable William Feilding, chairman of directors, presided. He reviewed the operations and progress of the company from its inception, and in the course of his remarks said: “Although our company has had an uninterrupted successful career, it is very little known in commercial and financial circles, and, with the object of making it better known, I will give you a brief history of the company. For that purpose I will first deal with the share capital. Twenty years ago this company had less than £4000 of share capital paid up, and no debentures. We began to make our first issue of share capital beyond that originally subscribed by a small number of friends who started this company, in 1875, when it was increased to £22,889, but in the meantime the late Duke of Manchester, who was then our chairman, had lent us £15,000 on mortgage. This was shortly afterwards repaid. In 1877 the share capital was again increased to £45,500, while in 1878 it was further increased to £52,000, and in that year my brother, the late Earl of Denbigh, lent us £70,000. In 1879 the share capital stood at £53,400, but £10,000
(Permanent), registered under the Building Societies Act, Manchester Square, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Directors:—Messrs. W. A. L. Bailey (chairman), Charles Carr, Henry Cornfoot, C. Bray, George Kirton, E. N. Barrand, and O. Cooper. Mr. E. Goodbehere is manager. This useful society was established in August, 1893, and it has been so successful in its undertakings that it has paid seven per cent. dividend on the capital invested to its fortunate shareholders. The Society is established on so sure and sound a basis that its capital is gradually increasing, the number of shareholders, too, becoming greater every year. The Society offers considerable advantages to those who are desirous of acquiring homes for themselves and families, and many are deriving no small benefit from its existence.
Land, Stock, and General Auctioneer, Valuator, and Stock Agent, Kimbolten Road, Feilding. Telegraphic address, “Carr, Feilding.” P.O. Box 95. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Carr is an Englishman, and was brought up on the London Stock Exchange, and had a general experience of mercantile life, coming to New Zealand in 1876 per ship “St. Leonards.” In 1880 Mr. Carr was manager of the Bank of Australasia, on the West Coast. He was subsequently for seven years with Mr. F. R. Jackson, and more recently acted as auctioneer for the United Farmers' Alliance. The business was originally founded by Halcombe and Shed will in 1879, Mr. Carr taking it over in 1893 from the Alliance. Mr. Carr has yards at Birmingham, accommodating about 4000 sheep and 150 cattle; sales on the second Tuesday in each month. His Feilding yards, which will hold 15,000 sheen and 1560 head of stock, are used monthly on the second Friday, while at the Rangiwahia and Cheltenham yards periodical sales are held. Mr. Carr's sales are large and well patronised.
Land, Estate, Commission, Insurance, and General Agent, Valuator, etc., Manchester Square, Feilding. Telegraphic address, “Goodbehere, Feilding.” P.O. Box 45. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, North Field. Mr. Goodbehere is a son of Mr. Samuel Goodbehere, solicitor, of the firm of Goodbehere and Richmond, of Feilding. He was born in Birmingham, England, and came to New Zealand by the Orient line of steamers, via Melbourne, arriving in 1880. Having been brought up to mercantile life, in which he had considerable experience in the Old Country, Mr. Goodbehere established the present business in 1881. Since the latter date he has been prominent in the commercial me or the town and has conduction a considerable business ever since. Mr. Goodbehere is agent for the Australian Mutual Provident Society and the Commercial Union Fire Insurance Company. He also undertakes every description of insurance business. As a valuer Mr. Goodbehere has a wide experience. For the past nine years he has been employed to make the valuations for the Property Tax and Land Tax Departments. In making these valuations Mr. Goodbehere has become acquainted with every portion of the wide and fertile district of which Feilding is the centre. He is therefore fully qualified to afford reliable information as to the most suitable properties that are open for settlement in the locality. The subject of this notice has made complete arrangements for carrying on a large financial business, and is prepared to negotiate loans to any extent at lowest current rates of interest. Further reference to Mr. Goodbehere's public career will be found under the heading of “Feilding Borough.”
Licensed Land Broker, Land, Estate, Financial and Insurance Agent, Kimbolton Road. P.O. Box 46. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Grey Street. Branch, The Square, Palmerston North. Mr. Sherwill is a native of Scotland, and came to New Zealand in 1859. He was brought up to mercantile life, having a thorough training in all branches. Mr. Sherwill came to Feilding in the early days of the settlement of this fine district, founding his present business in 1878. He has been a prominent figure in the business fife of the town since settling in the district. Soon after the incorporation of the Feilding Borough Council, he was elected a councillor, and on two occasions subsequently he has satisfactorily occupied the position of mayor. For ten or twelve years Mr. Sherwill has been a Justice of the Peace. In athlatices he has for many years taken a keen interest, and is secretary of the Feilding Athletic Sports Committee. As a Mason he has taken every office in connection with the local lodge. Mr. Sherwill's business extends throughout the entire Colony. It is well known that he can be trusted with any confidential business. All classes of land and estate agency transactions are promptly negoiated, but the speciality of his business is as a licensed land broker. Mr. Sherwill is one of the oldest on the Coast, having commenced about sixteen years ago, and as such prepares deeds and mortgages under the Land Transfer Act. He is agent for the Phœnix Fire Office, of London, and the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company.
Woolbroker, Land and Commission Agent, Bartholomew's Buildings, Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Denbigh Street. Agent for the Royal Exchange Fire Insurance Company, Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Company, Messrs. Laery and Co., Limited, Wellington. Messrs. Rouse and Hurrell, Wellington, and the Cheltenham Dairy Factory. Mr. Watson is also Registrar of Electors for Rangitiket, secretary and treasurer of the Free Public Library, and clerk to the Pohangina County Council. His business premises consist of a large produce warehouse, with office attached, in Bartholomew's Buildings. He conducts a continually expanding grain and farm produce distributing agency. Mr. Watson was born in Lanark, Scotland, in 1855, and came out to Queensland when a boy. After engaging in sheep-farming pursuits there and in New Zealand, he opened an auctioneer's business in Blenheim, which he gave up in 1894 to come to Feilding. While in Blenheim he was prominent in the public and social life of the place. He is married and has three children.
(Alexander and Samuel Wilson), Woolbrokers, Warwick Street, Feilding. Established 1892. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This firm conduct an extensive trade in wool, hides, and skins. Their wool store is some sixty feet by thirty feet, and is generally filled to the doors. The fellmongery business is in Wanganui, where the firm scour large quantities of wool every year. Messrs. Wilson export wool, hides, pelts and tallow, and have a large turnover in these lines. Mr. Samuel Wilson was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1836, and educated there. After leaving school, he learned the business of a woollen-draper with a relative, and then spent some time on his father's farm. In 1861 he came to New Zealand, landing at Lyttelton. He started wool-buying in Canterbury, and during the period from 1870 to 1876 was one of the largest shippers of wool in that province. He is an expert wool-classer, and still does all his own classing. He is married and has one son and three daughters. Mr. Alexander Wilson, his son, was born in Sefton, Canterbury, in 1865, and educated at Rangiora. On leaving school he went into business with his father, and has continued with him ever since. He is captain of the Fielding Fire Brigade, a member of the Manchester Rifles, and an Oddfellow. His private residence is in Manchester Street.
Ratcliff Bros. (Alfred Edmund Ratcliff and Sidney Septimus Ratcliff), Land, Estate, and Commission Agents, Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1892.
Architect, Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Kimbolton Road (about a mile east of business premises). Mr. James began business in Palmerston North in the year 1889, and remained there for four years, during which time he designed and erected some of the finest buildings in the district. The Colonial Bank at Palmerston North, one of the handsomest buildings in Palmerston, was erected under the supervision of Mr. James. The private residence of Mr. J. R. Johnson, finished in lath and plaster, and one of the finest houses in the district, is also among those designed and erected by Mr. James. In conjunction with Mr. Clere, of Wellington, Mr. James won the prize for the best design for the Palmerston North Hospital, but this building was erected and supervised by another architect. On his own account he was successful in winning the first prize in the competition for the Grand Stand, Palmerston North, thus winning two of the three competitions for which he has entered. The Oddfellows' Hall, the shop of Mr. Hugli, Palmerston North, and the private residence of Mr. Hankins, were designed and built by Mr. James, as also were the premises of Messrs. Hallenstein Bros. at Dannevirke and Feilding. Important additions to Mrs. Hastie's Feilding Hotel have recently been made under Mr. James' supervision, and from plans prepared by him the
Authorised and Licensed Surveyor, Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Mr. Owen was born in Dulwich, England, in 1851, and after attending a private school he completed his education in Dulwich College. When fifteen years of age he went to sea, and was engaged for two years on a vessel trading between London and Wellington. He left the vessel at Wellington and worked on the wharves there for about a year. He eventually joined the surveying staff with Mr. E. J. Campion, and for several years was engaged in surveying with that gentleman and Mr. T. W. Downes in the Wellington Province. In 1870, when the Manchester Block was surveyed and opened. Mr. Owen, who had been engaged on the survey of the block, decided to strike out for himself. He secured quantity of surveying work on the West Coast of the North Island from the New Zealand Government. When that was finished he opened an office in Feilding, from which he now conducts a large business, extending about fifty miles up the coast. He gets work from the Kiwitea County Council and Manchester Road Board, and obtains numerous engagements throughout the district. Mr. Owen was present with the Manchester Rifles at the Parihaka native difficulty. He is married, and resides in Feilding.
C.E., Architect and Land Agent. Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Private residence, Denbigh Street Mr. Hill founded the present business in 1881. He has twice valued Feilding for the Property and Land Tax Departments in the triennial assessments, and is valuer for the borough for local rating purposes, the latter position having been held by him for fifteen years. Mr. Hill knows the district thoroughly, and undertakes the leasing and selling of dwellings, shops, and farms. As a civil engineer he undertakes the laying-off of roads, and the designing of bridges and similar works. Those who desire any information concerning Feilding and district will find the subject of this article at all times able and willing to satisfy their requirements. Further particulars of Mr. Hill will be found under the heading of “Feilding Borough Council,” of which he is town clerk.
Baker and Confectioner, Manchester Street, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Coles is a native of Hampshire, reaching New Zealand in 1872, via Melbourne. He has for years been a farmer in Palmerston North, and more recently at Makaretu, H. B. While in the latter district Mr. Coles was chairman of the Ashley-Clinton Road Board and the School Committee. He was also a member of the Library Committee and Cemetery Trust. The present business was founded by Mr. Matthews in 1882. Mr. Coles purchased in 1894, and employs an expert tradesman as baker. The wooden building occupied contains about 1800 feet of floorage space.
Baker, Denbigh Street, Feilding. Mr. Gould established his present extensive wholesale and retail bakery business in 1884. Further reference to Mr. Gould will be found under “Feilding Borough.”
Cornish Bros. (Thomas Richard Cornish and John Cornish), Fruiterers and Confectioners, Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Established 1896.
Builder and Contractor, Bowen Street, Feilding. Private address, Makino Road. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This business was established by Mr. Pope in 1874, and was afterwards carried on by Messrs. Pope and Pearson. Mr. Pearson retired in 1892, and since then Mr. Pope has continued on his own account. A large quantity of seasoned timber is at all times kept in stock, so that Mr. Pope is in a position to supply the trade generally. Mr. Pope was born in 1824. His father, a well-known City draper, died when the subject of this sketch was quite young. Educated at the Grammar School, Hanley, Staffordshire, by his grandfather, Mr. John Pope, a retired gentleman, he entered the service of Coxon and Son, large architects and builders, and after remaining in the office two years was apprenticed to the same firm, where he served a term of five years. It may be mentioned that in those days an architect had to learn the trade of a carpenter, stonemason, bricksetter, etc. He then entered into business on his own account and erected the shops of Parliament Row, High Street. In 1845 he commenced building the town of Northwood now a flourishing city—where he erected numerous dwellings. It was not till 1869 that Mr. Pope left Northwood, and during that time whole streets were built by his firm, which was latterly styled Pope and Stedman. A new town then sprang into existence—Barrow-in-Furness—where Mr. Pope spent five years in the building trade, and was afterwards employed in the shipbuilding for a short period. He then resolved to make New Zealand his home, and landed in Wellington in November, 1874, per ship “Douglas,” and came on to Feilding with the Colonists' Land and Loan Company. Since Mr. Pope established his business in Feilding, he has built the Manchester, Empire, and Hastie's Hotels, besides other large buildings. The late General Feilding, on his recent visit to the Colony, personality congratulated Mr. Pope on being an old and prosperous settler. Mr. Alexander Pope, F.R.I.B.A., is a nephew of Mr. Pope, from whom he gained his early experience. His son, Mr. Harry Pope, late of the Evening Post, Wellington, is well known in athletic circles.
Watts, Walter, builder, Fitzroy Street, Feilding.
Aerated Water and Cordial Manufacturer, Gladstone Street, Feilding. Telegraphic address, “Summers, Feilding.” P.O. Box 35. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This old-established business was started in 1878, under the style of Summers and Mayhew. Since the death of his partner in 1884, Mr. Summers has carried on the business on his own account, and it has grown to such an extent that the premises include a floorage space of nearly 3000 square feet. The machinery used by Mr. Summers is well up-to-date, and judging from the excellent
opinion that is held by the Feilding people, it would appear that he does by far the largest trade in the district, extending on to Balls, Halcombe, and Sandon. The plant includes a two-horse-power Shipman's oil engine. Bratby and Hincliffes No. 1 Criterion, for aeraeing purposes, capable of turning out sixty dozen per hour, besides which there is a large slate tank for keeping the water cool, which is put through a Rapid filter before using. There is a very complete icing machine on the premises, which has lately been erected in order to supply a long-felt want in the district. Two carts are kept continually going, which are barely sufficient to keep pace with the delivery. Mr. Summers was born in Wiltshire in 1856,
Hodren, Walter, Aerated Water and Cordial Manufacturer, Feilding. Steam Works, Queen Street, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1892.
(James and Alexander Watson), Painters, Paperhangers and Decorators, Kimbolton Road. Feilding. Established 1890. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Messrs. Watson Bros., who are both natives of Rangiora, Canterbury, have a well-stocked shop with a frontage of about twenty-two feet to Kimbolton Road. From this they conduct an extensive business in their line, and have executed many large contracts in the Feilding district. The painting, glazing, and decorating of several of the churches, the Feilding Club, Feilding Hotel, and several large business establishments, have been entrusted to this firm. Their stock comprises several thousand pieces of paper and a large assortment of paints, oils, glass, artists' requisites and mouldings. Picture-framing is a branch of the business which brings much credit to the firm, and their graining and marbling is of a high order.
(Hallenstein Bros., proprietors), Manchester Street, Feilding. Local manager, Mr. George E. Johnson. The Feilding branch of this large concern was established in 1892.
Tailor and Habit Maker, Manchester Street, Feilding. Telegraphic address, “Williamson, Feilding.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Williamson is a native of the Shetland Isles, and reached New Zealand about 1874. He was apprenticed to John Martin, of Napier, and subsequently he went to Australia, where he learned to be an expert cutter under Mr. Silk, of Holly's. Mr. Williamson was afterwards at leading establishments, such as David Jones and Co., of Sydney, and Southwill Coultis, of Melbourne, where he had a large experience. He founded the business in 1891, and has conducted a growing trade ever since. The building, which is built of wood, contains about 1200 square feet of floorage space. Mr. Williamson's stock is considerable, and he is intending to arrange for regular importations of the best qualities of British tweeds. His specialty is bespoke work of the best style and quality.
Cobbe, John George, Draper, Clothier and Fancy Goods Dealer, corner of Manchester Street and Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1888.
Spence and Spence (William Spence and Geo. Spence), Drapers, Milliners and Clothiers, Fergusson Street, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1884, and conducted by present proprietors since 1893.
Flyger, Geo., Tailor and Habitmaker. Manchester Street, Feilding. Bankers Bank of Australasia. Established 1894.
Martin, Edward, Tailor and Clothier, Manchester Street, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1890.
Cabinetmaker, Central Furnishing Warehouse, Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Established 1890. Mr. Brent's warehouse is a wooden building, with a frontage to Kimbolton Road, and is well stocked with everything in the furnishing line. The various articles of furniture are displayed to advantage in a well-lighted show-room. Behind the show-room is the workshop and store-room. Mr. Brent is a native of prince Edward's Island, where his father worked as a builder. In 1855 Mr. Brent came with his father to Nelson, New Zealand. Upon leaving school he served an apprenticeship to a cabinetmaker. In 1890 he came to Feilding and opened his present business. Mr. Brent takes an interest in church matters, and is a trustee of the local Wesieyan Church.
Cabinetmaker, Upholsterer, and Undertaker, Manchester Street, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Denbigh Street. Mr. Shearer was born in Australia, and served his apprenticeship with Mr. George Tiller, of Wellington, He has a complete plant, consisting of a circular saw, lathes, and other machinery. Mr. Shearer makes all classes of furniture both for stock and order. He has had large experience in the North and South Islands, having been manager of a local business for three years, and for a similar period in Woodville on his own account. His business was established in 1888. He is an importer, and has a good connection. Mr. Shearer is a member of the school committee. He takes great interest in musical matters, and has conducted the singing in the Prasbyterian Church for many years. He is the leader of the temperance choir.
(William Light, proprietor), Feilding. The Denbigh Hotel is one of the oldest established in Feilding, having been in existence for twenty years, the last ten years of which time it has been occupied by the present proprietor. The house is most commodious, and is replete with every comfort and convenience. As showing in what estimation Mr. and Mrs. Light are held, it may be mentioned that the Commercial Travellers' Association voted their support and patronage to the Denbigh. The house itself is very comfortable, and consists of some twenty bedrooms, large dining-room, reading-room, commercial room, and several parlours. In the rear of the building are commodious sample-rooms and stables, besides numerous other out-buildings. An experienced man is in charge of the stables. The tariff of this first-class hotel is eight shilling per day, with special terms to permanent lodgers. Mr. Light, the proprietor, was born in Surrey, England, in 1833, and after completing his education he entered the mercantile marine, in which service he remained for fourteen years. After passing through many perilous adventures, he resolved to make his home in New Zealand, and soon entered the hotel business.
(James S. Palmer, proprietor, Fergusson Street, Feilding, first hotel from the railway station. Telegraphic address, “Empire, Feilding.” P.O. Box 5. Bankers. Bank of New Zealand. The Empire is conveniently situated within, one minute of the station. It is a comfortable two-story wooden building, containing twenty-nine rooms available for the public. The bedrooms, numbering seventeen, contain twenty-four beds. There are two good sitting rooms upstairs, available for ladies and families while five well furnished parlors are found on the ground floor. The dining-room is of large size, and is well appointed. In connection with the hotel there is plenty of good stabling accommodation, whiel is well kept and attended. This house was established in 1880.
(Mrs. Hastie, proprietress), Manchester Square and Kimbolton Road, Feilding, Telegraphic address, “Hastie, Feilding.” P.O. Box 66. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This fine hotel was established in 1875. The present proprietress has conducted it with singular success since 1880. The premises, which are complete in every particular, are freehold. The hotel is a substantial two-story wooden structure of
chef, whose cooking is superb. One portion of the hotel was, until recently, set apart for the gentlemen's club, which occupied a splendid suite of rooms beautifully upholstered and furnished. As a commercial house Hastie's Hotel knows no superior. The rooms set apart for gentlemen who are engaged in business, are numerous and well supplied with every convenience. Flowers are to be seen everywhere; even the interior rooms are so contrived that strips of garden run in between them, imparting a fragrance everywhere noticeable. The sample-rooms of the Feilding Hotel are said to be the best on the West Coast of the North Island. One is built of brick so as to provide the best possible security against fire. Adjoining the hotel, Mrs. Hastie has had a large Assembly Room erected, which is available at all times for theatrical purposes, entertainments, or meetings of any description There is an excellent stage, with scenery, dressing-rooms, and all conveniences for performances, rehearsals, banquets, etc. It is used for the purposes of practising by the local musical societies and others. Commercial men and other visiting Feilding always have a good name for the Feilding Hotel and its interprising proprietress. There are two separate billiard-rooms on the ground floor, which contain two very fine tables, one being manufactured by the well-known makers, Messrs. Alcock, and the other by Messrs. Burroughes and Watts. At the back of the hotel are large and convenient stables. The land on which the hotel is built is about an acre in extent, and contains a large orchard, besides many beautiful ornamental and shelter trees. There are snug summer-houses and seats in the shade, where visitors may enjoy the cool, refreshing breezes as they play among the trees and flowers. Besides the regular stream of commercial and other travellers flowing in and out, Mrs. Hastie has a permanent number of boarders, many of whom are gentlemen well and popularly known in the district, whose presence lends an additional charm both to casual patrons and to those whose visits are recurring. The Feilding Hotel was the one patronised by the late General Feilding on the occasion of his visit to the Manchester settlement in 1895. The water-supply for the hotel is obtained by means of a fourteen-foot wind pump. The store-room is separate from the main building, and many hundreds of pounds worth of stock is regularly kept on hand. The kerosene store is also on another part of the section; and in order that meat and other provisions used in the hotel may be kept cool, a large brick meat safe
(Mrs. M. A. Toy, proprietress), Kimbolton Road, Feilding. The Feilding is situated at the corner of Kimbolton Road and Stafford Street. It was established in 1891. The hotel is fairly large, containing nine bedrooms with the necessary complement of sitting and other rooms; but the accommodation is a ready fully taxed, and must soon be increased. The tariff is exceedingly reasonable eighteen shilling per week for regular boarders and “a shilling all round” for casual visitors. Mrs. Toy is very attentive to her customers. The hotel is neatly fitted up, and is particularly clean and comfortable. There is a five stall stable in connection with the hotel, and good paddocking is also provided.
Manchester Hotel (William Thomas Watts, proprietor), Feilding. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
Boardinghousekeeper, Manchester Street, Feilding. The restaurant and boardinghouse now being conducted by Mr. Worsfold, was established in 1876 by Mr. J. Pollock, who successfully carried it on for some fourteen years. Mr. Worsfold purchased it in 1890, and in 1984 rebuilt the premises and furnished them new throughout. It is a fine house, containing fifteen rooms, with sitting and drawing-rooms, etc., and a front shop in the main street. The building is of wood and iron, and two stories. There is a bakery attached to the establishment, and confectionery of all kinds is displayed. Mr. Worsfold's tariff is what is known as “a shilling all round,” or 18s. per week for permanent boarder. The Louse is scrupulously clean, and well kept. Mr. Worsfold is a native of England, and arrived is New Zealand in 1874, per ship “Ocean
Clerke, Mrs. Boardinghousekeeper, London Boardinghouse, Fergusson Street. Feilding. Established 1895.
Farrier and General Black smith, Manchester Shoeing Forge, Manchester Street, Feilding. Telegaphic address, “Sheehy, Feilding.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Manchester Street. Mr. Sheehy is a native of New Zealand. He was apprenticed to Mr. W. Parks, of Wanganui, completing his term in 1888. He founded his business in 1892. His freehold premises, which have 900 square feet of floorage space, are built of wood and iron. Mr. Sheehy gives special attention to shoeing racehorses. He is an Oddfellow, and takes an active part in football and horse-racing.
Baker, W. and Co., Blacksmiths and Wheelwrights, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, West Street. Established 1881.
Parr, Robert, Coachbuilder and General Blacksmith, Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1887.
Taylor, John, Farrier and General Blacksmith, Manchester Square, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1884.
Saddler and Harness Maker, Manchester Street, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Queen Street. Mr. Belfit is a native of Middlesex, and arrived in New Zealand in 1874, per ship “Golden Lea,” from London. He was educated in the Manawatu district, and learned his business there. He has a fine shop in the main street of the town, the floorage space being thirty-two feet by forty-five. His property is freehold, and such portion as he does not need for the business he lets off. The building is of wood and iron. Mr. Belfit has a good business, which gives employment to some three or four hands, and supplies a large district. He has taken a considerable interest in public affairs, and is a member of the Ancient Order of Foresters, in which society he has passed all the chairs, and now holds the office of “past chief ranger,” He has long been a member of the Feilding Fire Brigade in the position of lientenant.
Saddler and Harness Maker, Kimbolten Road, Feilding. Telegraphic address, “Collins, Feilding.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Collins has had many years of experience in New South Wales, and various parts in New Zealand. He was in business in Carterton for four years. The present business was founded in 1888, and has been conducted by Mr. Collins ever since. The convenient freehold owned and occupied by him consists of a two-story building of wood and iron, containing 3300 square feet of floorage space. Mr. Collins imports direct from Messrs. Brace and Co., and Butler Bros., of Walsall, and other firms. He makes all his own collars on the premises, and has a good name for saddlery and harness. His business extends over a radius of fifty miles.
Boot and Shoe Importer and Manufacturer, Manchester Street, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Kimbolton Road. Mr. Jackson began business in Feilding in 1892. His shop is a good one, containing a 1000 square feet of floorage space, with a fine large window, nicely dressed. The building is wood and iron, and is situated in the very centre of Feilding. Though Mr. Jackson's principal trade is done in the sales department, he does a very fair business in the bespoke work. He has sufficient in this line to keep one hand regularly employed. Considering the short time he has been established, his progress has been very creditable. He is attentive to his customers and enterprising, and with a reasonable assistance from Dame Fortune should do very well. Mr. Jackson is a native of Sussex, England, but came to New Zealand when very young, in 1875, per “Carnatic,” from London. He learned his business with the well known firm of Suckling Bros., of Christchurch, completing his term in 1881. Though so recently established in Feilding, Mr. Jackson has been chesen secretary of the Manchester Lodge of Oddfellows, and F secretary of the Hope of Feilding Lodge, I.O.G.T.
Boot and Shoemaker and Importer Fergusson Street, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Pearson came from London, his native place, in 1874 per ship “Douglas.” He was apprenticed in Feilding. He founded the business in 1888. The floor space occupied is nearly 1500 square feet.
Boot and Shoe Importer and Manufacturer, Manchester Street, Feilding. Telegraphic address, “Svendsen, Feilding.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, East Street. Mr. Svendsen is a native of Norway, where he learned his trade with T. Pedersen of Kongs teen Street, Stavanger, completing his apprenticeship in 1870. In 1873 he came to this Colony per Norwegian ship “Hovding,” direct from Christiana. After spending a couple of years at his trade in Waipawa and Wellington, Mr. Svendsen began business on his own account in Palmerston North in 1876. Two years later, in 1878, he opened in Feilding, and is doing well. He imports boots and shoes of all kinds. The office of treasurer to the Manchester Lodge of Oddfellows, Feilding, is held by Mr. Svendsen.
Healey, George, Saddler and Harness Maker, Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1896.
Trewin, James, Boot Importer and Manufacturer, Kimbolton Road. Feilding Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1894.
(A. R. Nevill Hayne and Walter Birch Lloyd), Land, Estate and Commission Agents. Fergusson Street, Feilding. Telegraphic address, “Hayne, Feilding.” P.O. Box 77. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Both Mr. Hayne and Mr. Lloyd are Englishmen. The above business was founded in 1894, and in 1895 Mr. Lloyd was Admitted as a partner. The firm undertake general commission business, and the ready sale properties find in their hands has largely increased the business, which extends throughout the large and fertile district, of which Feilding is the market town. They represent the Shaw, Savill and Albion Co., Messageries Maritimes, North Queensland Fire Insurance Company, The Scottish Metropolitan Accident Assurance, and John Haddon and Co., of London, wholesale export merchants. Both are young men of considerable energy, and these qualities will no doubt bring success.
Storekeepers, General Produce, Seed, and Grain Merchants, Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Manager for Feilding, Mr Henry Whitworth Davy. P.O. Box 3. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Manager's residence, Beattie Street. This old established business was founded in the early days of settlement in Feilding, by Mr. D. R. Lewers. Subsequently it fell into the hands of Mr. S. J. Thompson, who conducted the business for about eight years, till in 1892 it was purchased by Messrs. Davy and Mills. The building, which is of wood and iron, has been considerably enlarged, and now affords fully 5000 square feet of floorage space. When the Manawatu Farmers' Co-operative Association amalgamated with the United Farmers' Association, this business was acquired, the services of Mr. Davy
Coal, Lime, and Drain-pipe Merchant, Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Telegraphic address, “Dunlop, Feilding.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Warwick Street. Though Mr. Dunlop has been but a few years in Feilding, his experience of the Colony spreads over a period of twenty years, and for some eighteen years prior to that he was in Melbourne, Victoria, where he was mainly occupied in the manufacture of machinery of all kinds. His premises at Feilding are fairly large, and most centrally situated, and though he has only been established since 1892, he has quite a large business. His premises have a frontage to Kimbolton Road of about forty feet, exclusive of yards and sheds for the reception and storage of various kinds of goods. Among the agencies held by Mr. Dunlop may be mentioned those of the Wellington Meat Export Company, Mr. Brook's Mauriceville lime, and Mr. R. O. Clark's Auckland drain pipes. The manures of the Wellington Meat Export Company are in considerable demand, the bone manure being one of the specialties of the firm. The Mauriceville lime is well known to be of excellent quality, and Mr. Brooks may be congratulated on securing an agent in Feilding so generally popular as is Mr. Dunlop. Mr. Dunlop is a native of Ayr, Scotland, where he was educated and learned his business In 1858 he left the “Land o' Cakes,” allured to the great Southern Continent of Australia by the almost fabulous reports of the rich finds of gold which were daily occurrences in those times. He came over to New Zealand in 1876, and, still following the golden thread, Mr. Dunlop found himself on the West Coast, where his Australian experience was very useful to him. After a sojourn of some years in that part of the country, he removed to Kaikoura, and there turned his attention to sawmilling. To call to the mind of New Zealanders the wonderful advance that has been made in the intercolonial steam service, it is only necessary to mention that when Mr. Dunlop came to this Colony from Melbourne in 1870, per “Arawata,” he travelled by what was then one of the finest of the steamers of that line.
Bookseller, Stationer, Fancy Goods and Musical Instrument Dealer, Manchester Street, Feilding. Telegraphic and cable address, “Carthew, Feilding.” P. O. Box 28. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. London agents, Sampson, Low and Co., “St. Dunstan House,” Fetter Lane, Fleet Street, E.C. Private residence, East Street. Mr. Carthew was born in Cornwall, where he was brought up to mining. Arriving in New Zealand in 1864 per ship “Mermaid,” he was engaged in gold mining on the West Coast. Subsequently he was deputy mining inspector at the Thames for two years. He was also manager of the D'Urville Island copper mine at one time. Settling in Feilding, Mr. Carthew established himself in business as above in 1879. His freehold premise afford ample accommodation of about 2000 square feet of floor space. Mr. Carthew's specialties are pianos, which he imports, as well as many other lines in waich he deals. He is agent for the New Zealand Insurance Company. In 1894 Mr. Carthew was mayor of Feilding, also chairman of the school committee. He started the Oddfellows' Society in the district and was “worthy grand” for two years. Mr. Carthew is also a “past master” mason.
Bookseller, Stationer, and Fancy Goods Importer, Manchester Street, Feilding. Telegraphic address, “Milson. Feilding.” Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Grey Street. Mr. Milson began as above in 1892. He has a good shop, well stocked and carefully kept. The building is of wood and iron, and was built by Mr. J. D. Valentine. Mr. Milson is a direct importer of all goods required in his line, and his trade covers a large district. He is agent for several professional music teachers, and is also agent for Miss M. Bacon's fancy needlework establishment, of Palmerston North. Mr. Milson is a native of London, but came to New Zealand in 1874, per ship “Rakaia.” He has had a large experience in mercantile life, and has undertaken a good share of public duty. He is a trustee of the Wesleyan Church, a trustee of the Drill Hall, auditor for the Foresters, and a volunteer of ten years' standing. For the past four years he has been secretary and color-sergeant for the Manchester Rifles.
Coppin, Mrs. A., Fancy Goods and Stationery Dealer, Fergusson Strect. Feilding. Established 1895.
(Thomas Richard and Edward Herbert Chamberlain), Flourmillers, Cornelius Roller Flourmill, Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Telegraphic address, “Chamberlain, Feilding.” P.O. Box 25. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This business was established about the year 1897, by the father of the present proprietors, and at the present time, 1897, has a very
General Storekeeper, Manchester Street, Feilding. Telegraphic address, “MacKenzie, Feilding.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. MacKenzie is a native of Birmingham, England, where he was educated and learned his business, being apprenticed to Messrs. Villiers and Jackson, the well-known silversmiths, of Hockley Hill, Birmingham, which apprenticeship he completed in 1879. In 1893 he came to New Zealand per s.s. “Arawa” from London. During the next year he established himself in Feilding as a general storekeeper and importer of crockery, electro-plated goods, cutlery, etc. His shop is centrally situated and has a very large frontage to the Main Street, being no less than sixty feet. The building is of wood and iron and one lofty story. It was built in the early days of the town and has undergone considerable alterations in order to meet the requirements of the present proprietor. Mr. MacKenzie has had large experience in the various branches of his business, and there is every appearance of prosperity about the establishment.
Bramwell Bros. (W. F. Bramwell), General Storekeepers, Grain and Produce Merchants, Fergusson Street, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Est. 1874.
Clementson, Joseph, Grocer, Fruiterer and Confectioner, Manchester Square, Feilding, Established 1896.
Darragh, Joseph, Ironmonger, Grocer, Grain and Produce Dealer, Manchester Street, Feilding, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Established 1888.
Thompson, Robert J., General Storekeeper, Kimbolton Road, Feilding, Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1874.
Livery Stablekeeper, Manchester Square, Feilding, immediately behind Bastings's Manchester Hotel. Telegraphic address, “Younger, Feilding.” Bankers
Berry and Trevent (Thomas C. Berry and H. D. Trevena), Livery Stablekeepers and Coach Proprietors, Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1872 and conducted by present proprietors since 1893.
Watchmaker, Surveyors' Instrument-maker, and Machinist, Manchester Street, Feilding. P.O. Box 37. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Fowles was born in Warwickshire. He learned the manufacture of survey instruments with Elliott Bros., Strand, London. He also learned the watchmaking business in the world's metropolis. Completing his term in 1866, Mr. Fowles gained enlarged experience by working at his trade till 1874, when he came to the Colony per ship “Salisbury.” Mr. Fowles at once settled in Feilding, and has seen the town grow from one wooden building to its present dimensions. The premises, which are freehold, and are of wood and iron, afford over 700 square feet floorage space. Mr. Fowles has all needful plant for the purposes of his business, and undertakes the mending and repairing of all kinds of complicated machinery. His connection extends within a radius of about forty miles. He is an amateur photographer. As a member of the Foresters' society he has passed through all the offices.
(Henry Cornfoot, William Bailey, and Walter Bailey), Timber Merchants, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales, Wanganui. Private addresses: Mr. H. Cornfoot, P.O. Box 31, Halcombe; Messrs. Bailey, Taonui. This business was established in 1890, but the partners had been working together for several years prior to that time. They have mills at Feilding, Rata, Silverhope, and Mangao noho. The business is wholesale and retail, and extends over a very large district. In all about 120 hands are employed. The firm are agents for the Wanganui Sash and Door Company, Limited, and their specialties are totara, rimu, matai, and kahikatea, timbers. Mr. Cornfoot is a native of Fifeshire, arriving in New Zealand in 1859 per ship “Queen of the Avon,” from London. Messrs. Bailey were born in Tasmania, but came to this Colony in the early sixties.
Higgin, M. H. (J. F. Day, Manager for the trustees), Kimbolton Road, Feilding, Estab. 1878.
Woollams, F. G., Chemist and Druggist, Manchester Street, Feilding, Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1891, and conducted by present proprietor since 1893.
Ross. David, Hairdresser and Tobacconist. Fergusson Street, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1880.
Hosking, Chas. Henry, Engineer and Machinist, Manchester Street, Feilding. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1888.
Feilding Bacon Factory (William Retemeyer, proprietor), Feilding.
Feilding Steam Laundry (Mrs. Leach, proprietress), Kimbolton Road, Feilding. Established 1896.
Kimbolton Brick and Tile Works (David Black, proprietor), Kimbolton Road, Feilding.
Farmer, Feilding. Mr. Davies is the owner of the well-known property “Penbryn,” a Welsh name meaning “top of the hill,” and which is certainly applicable in this instance, as the house stands at the top of a long and steep hill. The house is snugly situated, and is sheltered from the prevailing winds by trees, and, being high, commands an extensive view over the Kiwitea and Cheltenham districts. In addition to the “Penbryn” property, which consists of 500 acres of fine freehold land, Mr. Davies possesses another block of 500 acres in the Onga Ward. Both these properties are felled, grassed, fenced and well watered, and carry 2000 crossbred sheep and about 100 head of cattle. The farm buildings are numerous and well appointed, and include a concrete dip. Mr. Davies was born in the Welsh county of Cardiganshire in 1839, and was educated there. He then visited London, where he was apprenticed to the trade of builder and carpenter. After thoroughly learning his business Mr. Davies resolved to try his fortunes in New Zealand, and accordingly took passage in the ship “Sir George Pollock,” arriving at the Bluff early in 1863. For the next ten years Mr. Davies followed his trade in all parts of New Zealand, besides having a turn at goldmining on the West Coast. Finally he decided to adopt the life of a farmer, and bought a property in the Sanden Black and remained there for seven years. He then purchased his present properties, and has been in the district for the last eighteen years. Mr. Davies is one of those hale and sturdy pioneers to whom New Zealand owes so much. He has always been greatly interested in his own district, and has done all that lay in his power to forward its welfare. He was a member of the Kiwitea Road Board for a number of years, and has been an active member of the Beaconsfield School Committee. In Friendly Society matters he was for a long while a member of the American Order of Oddfellows. He was married in 1866 to Miss England, of the Lower Hutt, and has five sons and seven daughters.
Settler, Feilding. This well-known gentleman, who was the eldest son of Mr. Donald Manson, teacher, Relugas, Forres, Morayshire, Scotland, was born in 1820, and received the rudiments of his education under his father. When eleven years old he was sent to the Nairn Academy, where he gained some of the highest prizes awarded. He was apprenticed to the drapery trade, subsequently being employed in the largest retail house in Dublin, where he remained for about five years. He afterwards obtained similar positions in London and Glasgow. A short time after the discovery of gold in Australia he left Glasgow with his brother William for Melbourne, Victoria, taking a large stock with him. He at once opened a drapery establishment in Bourke Street, Melbourne, and afterwards at Peechworth and Chiltern, Victoria, and at Forbes and Parkes, in New South Wales. Some time after the opening of the goldfields on the West Coast of New Zealand, he also established branches of his business in Hokitika and Greymouth. When the Manchester Settlement, of which Feilding is the centre, became known to him, he purchased large blocks, mostly of forest land, there and in other districts of the North Island, comprising in all about 13,000 acres. With his characteristic energy, he rapidly cleared the land, sowing thereon the best English
Farmer, Feilding. Mr. Millner possesses a fine property of 1100 acres of good pastoral country in the Feilding district, which carries 3000 Lincoln sheep and 700 head of cattle. The homestead at Te Rake Hon contains nine rooms, and was built about thirty years ago. Born in the Empire City in 1848, Mr. Millner received his education there, and commenced pastoral life on the station of the late Mr. McKelvie, where he remained for ten years. He then acquired a property at Carnarvon, but afterwards removed to Makino, in which district he was one of the earliest settlers. Mr. Millner has always taken great interest in local affairs, and for a number of years occupied the office of chairman of the Stanway School Committee. He has also been a prominent Oddfellow for many years, and is a member of the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association. Mr. Millner is married to a daughter of Mr. T. Amon, a very old and respected settler in the Lower Rangitikei, and has one son and seven daughters.
Settler, Kawakawa, Feilding. Mr. Roe is one of New Zealand's oldest identities, having resided in the Colony for over half-a-century. Born in 1832 in Carrington, Hammersmith, he came out with his parents to the Colony, per ship “Adelaide,” landing on the Peton, beach in 1840. The family resided for a time in “whares,” made of raupo, the locality being named “Cornish Road.” Barracks were then erected between Kaiwarra and Ngahauranga and they resided there for a few months, when Mr. Roe, senr., removed to Te Aro flat, and there set up as a printer. When Messrs. Samuel Revans and Robert Wade dissolved partnership he took over the New Zealand Gazette, establishing himself in business on the “beach” (now known as Lambton Quay) for two years. In 1848 he purchased a farm at Karori, and three years later took part in the gold rush to Victoria, and worked on the Bendigo and Ballarat diggings. He returned in 1854 and took over his father's interest in Barrett's Hotel, which was then close to the sea shore. The earthquakes twelve months later were so severe that the hotel was abandoned. About this time there were many wrecks within the vicinity of Wellington Harbour. Among those fresh in the memory of Mr. Roe may be mentioned the “Sobraon,”
with 500 souls on board, and H.M.S. “Pander.” In 1859 Mr. Roe, in conjunction with Messrs. J. and E. Bull, published and printed the New Zealand Advertiser. Leaving the firm in 1862, Mr. Roe worked on the Hansard staff for seven years. In 1874 he came up to the Manawatu District and settled in Feilding. He built the Denbigh Hotel, and carried on the business for fourteen years, when he retired and removed to “Kawakawa,” where he has a conveniently situated farm, a mile from the township. The homestead consists of a fine large house of nine rooms with lawn and carriage drive, the whole protected by means of ornamental trees.
Some eight miles north-east of Feilding, and on the Kimbolton Road, rural
has been in existence ten years, and consists of a lofty wooden building of two class-rooms, situated in an acre paddock, used for the playground. The number of the children on the roll is sixty two, while the average attendance is about forty-eight.
the Headmaster of the Cheltenham Public School, was born in England, and came to New Zealand some few years ago.
Directors:—Messrs. W. Mitchell (chairman), John Bruce, W. G. Pearce, G. R. Jones, R. Burne, W. P. Buchanan, and W. Jones. This Company, which has been three years in existence, has a freehold three-acre section on which the dairy is erected, and has a large contract in the Old Country, which absorbs the greater part of the butter produced. The price obtained during the season 1895–6 was 9d. per lb., f.o.b., Wellington. The premises consist of a wooden building, roofed with iron, having a concrete floorage space of over 1300 square feet. Burmister and Wain's machinery was used for some time, but is now replaced by De Laval's, with Hall's freezing apparatus. The whole is worked on a gravitation principle. The apartments include cream and butter rooms, and cooling chamber. The cream is ripened in large vats capable of holding 200 gallons, the output in the season being half-a-ton daily. Cleanliness prevails throughout, and a small creek runs through the rear of the section. Excellent water is also obtained from a depth of sixty-two feet by means of a pump.
is Chairman of the Directors of the Cheltenham Co-operative Dairy Company, Limited, and a farmer at Kiwitea, where he has resided since 1880. He is a
son of the late William Mitchell, of Horokiwi Valley, and was born in Wellington in 1860. The subject of this sketch had several years of farming under his father, after which he came to Cheltenham and purchased this valuable freehold property. By dint of perseverance and hard work, Mr. Mitchell has succeeded in seeing his labours
Manager of the Cheltenham Co-operative Dairy Company, Limited, was born in Shropshire in 1858, and educated at the Grammar School, Dedham Essex, finishing his studies at Liverpool College. Landing in New Zealand, per ship “Goron,” in 1879. Mr. Niceolls commenced farming on his own account in the Mahurangi district. After four years experience, he journeyed to Australia, and established himself in business with Gregg and Murray, auctioneers, Queen Street, Melbourne. Returning to New Zealand, he opened the Belfast Dairy Factory for Mr. G. Jakins, initiating his son in the business. Mr. Jakins, junr., took charge when Mr. Niccolls left and come to Cheltenham, and superintended the construction of the premises of the Dairy Company, taking a practical part in the laying of the concrete floors and drains.
the Secretary of the Cheltenham Co-operative Dairy Company, Limited, has held the position since its inception. Born in Canterbury, he was educated at Christ's College. Mr. Templer was farming for some years, when he removed to Kiwitea, where he was engaged in school-teaching and afterwards to Cheltenham, in the some capacity. He returned to farming, and is now engaged in the dairy industry. Courteous and obliging, he has rendered valuable service as secretary of the local football and cricket clubs.
Situate on the main road between Cheltenham and Birmingham, in the County of the same name, and 112 miles north-cast of Wellington, this little settlement is in the Electoral District of Rangitikei. It is a school district under the Wanganui Education Board, the nearest telegraph office being at Cheltenham, four miles distant. There is daily communication by coach to Feilding, which is the market-town, and mails are received and made up daily.
is conducted in Mr. Foster's store. Mr. Foster was born in Devonport, England, and came to the Colony per ship “La Hogue,” settling at Foxton in 1874. He took over the store with the post-office in 1893.
which is situated on an acre section, was erected in 1891, and has a roll number of forty, There is one class-room, which is well ventilated, and the school is well conducted.
the School-master of the Kiwitea Public School, is a native of King's County, Ireland, and the son of Mr. T. B. French, C.E. Educated at Trinity College, Dublin, for four years, where he ranked as a Senior Sophister, he came to the Colony, per ship “Lusitania,” in 1886. After spending four years in various pursuits, he received his present appointment in 1890.
Farmer, Silver Terrace, Kiwitea. Born at Johnsonville in 1853, Mr. Barrow was engaged in farming with his father at Pahautanui till the age of twenty-one. Removing to Hawera and Normanby for four years, he gained further experience. In 1878 he purchased his present valuable freehold property of 300 acres, and came to settle in the Kiwitea. He was accompanied by several others, who had determined to carve out homes for themselves in this district, which at that time was a dense forest with no
Farmer, Kiwitea. Mr. Morton was born in Yorkshire in 1849, his early days being spent on his father's farm. He left, the Old Country per ship “William Cargo,” and landed in Wellington in 1870. Mr. Morton came to Raugitikei to gain his colonial experience, and was engaged on various places till 1882, when he purchased his farm of 150 acres at Birmingham, adding 220 acres to it nine years later, Mr. Morton pastures about 700 sheep and over 100 head of cattle. He milks about twenty cows, disposing of the milk to the local creamery. He has ever taken a prominent part in all local government affairs, and is at present a member of the Kiwitea County Council.
The late. Mr. Perry, who settled in the Kiwitea district in 1877, was born in Wellington in 1852, his father coming out to the Colony with the 65th Regiment. His early days were spent on his father's farm at Turakina, where he had a sound and practical training. When Mr. Perry took up his holding of 900 acres, in the Kiwitea, it was all standing bush, there was no road to Feilding, and he had to endure the hardships incidental to a pioneer's life. The farm is now all improved, and there is a substantial homestead in well laid-out grounds. Mr. Perry was married in 1877 to Miss Hempseed. He was at one time a member of the Kiwitea Road Board, and by his death, which took place in August, 1894, the district lost one of its best settlers. Mrs. Perry, with her family of five sons and four daughters, still resides on the property, and is greatly assisted in the management of the farm by her two eldest sons, John and Alexander.
J.P., Farmer, “Oak-lands,” Kiwitea. Mr. Taylor was born in 1843 in Staffordshire, England, and completed his education at Warner's Commercial Academy School, Wolverhampton, after which he spent a few years in farming and cattle-dealing in the neighbourhood of Birmingham. Being favourably impressed with the reports of New Zealand, Mr. Taylor embarked on the ship “Merrington,” and after an eventful voyage of 141 days, landed in 1867. Smitten with the gold fever, he proceeded to the West Coast, and was fortunate in securing a valuable claim, which he worked at for five years; he then spent two years supplying the mines on the Mile Beach from a water-race. Through an illness Mr. Taylor was ordered to a change of climate and took a trip to fiji to recruit his health, being engaged there for eighteen months in managing a large butchery which had the contract for the supplies of meat to the British Navy. Returning to the Colony, Mr. Taylor proceeded to Turakina, and there established himself in business as a general storekeeper, and prospered so well that he was able in 1877 to purchase his present property, consisting of 380 acres. It was not until twelve years after that Mr. Taylor came to live on the place. During part of that time extensive works were being carried on: the railway line was in the course of construction, and the contract for the supplies of stores was entrusted to him. Mr. Taylor was chairman of the Kiwitea Road Board for twelve years, which position he resigned in 1894. He was a director of the United Farmers' Alliance and a member of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board for many years, In 1893, he was created a Justice of the Peace, and is an unattached member of the Masonic fraternity. In 1876 Mr. Taylor married a daughter of Mr. Robert Verry, of Turakina, and has five sons and a daughter.
From Cheltenham to
The post-office, which is also a telephone bureau, an office for the issue of money orders and postal notes, and a post-office savings bank, is conducted at one of the local stores, mails arriving and closing daily. The township is in the Oroua County, and in the electoral district of Rangitikei. It is also a school district under the Wanganui Education Board. There is a resident minister, the Rev. S. H. D. Perryman, of the Wesleyan denomination.
Fowlers, was organised in 1895 by Mr. William Johnston, and is now thirty-five strong. This Club is not under the New Zealand Government, although allowed to shoot at the New Zealand annual meeting. The uniform is Fox's blue serge, No. 2, Norfolk jacket and Glengarry cap. For shooting competition for the first year Captain William Johnston presented a gold medal and the vice-captain (Mr. Wm. Banks), a silver medal. The officers for 1896 are: —President, Mr. C. A. J. Levett; vice-presidents, Major Moore, Messrs. A. H. Tompkins. Alfred Dick, and A. W. Harrison; captain, Mr. William Johnston: vice-captain, Mr. William Banks; secretary Mr. A. Matheson.
of the Birmingham Rifle Club, was born at “Bonny Glen,” Turakina, in 1868, where he received his education. He is the son of Captain
The Birmingham settlers have but one church at present in their midst. This they owe to the Wesleyan Methodist conuexion, who deserve credit for endeavouring to supply the spiritual needs of the people of this district. A capital site was presented by Mr. Thomas Lowes, of Birmingham, and this gentleman further subscribed liberally towards the building fund. The Birmingham people raised a considerable sum by voluntary offerings and a neat wooden church, with accommodation for about 200 persons, was completed in 1891. The services are well attended, particularly on Sunday evenings. The Rev. T. R. Richards was the first minister appointed to the charge of the Birmingham district. At the time of writing (1897), the Rev. S. H. D. Perryman is in charge.
a branch of which was established in Birmingham in 1895, has its offices in a wooden building, and is the only banking institution in the township.
the Manager of the Birmingham branch of the Bank of New Zealand, was born in Invereargill in 1868, and is the son of Mr. Donald Matheson, a well-known merchant. Mr. Matheson joined the Colonial Bank on having school, and when the amalgamation of that bank with the Bank of New Zealand took place, his services were retained. He was appointed to his present position in 1896.
Baker, Confectioner, and General Storekeeper, Land and Insurance Agent, Kimbolton Road, Birmingham. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Anyon is an Englishman by birth, and came to New Zealand in 1884, per s.s. “Aorangi,” arriving in Wellington. He was brought up to mercantile life, and for five years after settling in New Zealand, resided in Ashurst. He established the present business in 1890. His trade extends throughout the large district of which Birmingham is the natural centre. He employs seven horses and two carts, a great deal of the goods having to be packed to the various settlers. Mr. Anyon is agent for the Feilding Star and Manawatu Times, Phœnix Fire Insurance Company, Mr. H. L. Sherwill, licensed land broker, and Mr. W. A. Sandilands, solicitor, both of Feilding. Mr. Anyon is a member of the order of Druids, and also a Mason. He is a prominent member of the Wesleyan Church, and has been largely instrumental in the establishment of the cause in Birmingham. He holds the office of local preacher in connection with that body.
General Storekeeper and Produce Dealer, Birmingham. Postal address, “Fowlers.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence,
Birmingham Saddlery, Tent, Horse-Cover, Oilskin, and Portmanteau Depôt, Birmingham. Postal address, “Fowlers.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business, which was established by Mr. Hawthorne in 1894 in a small way, has now grown to be a fairly large and prosperous concern. Born in Kent in 1851, he is the son of the late Mr. M. C. Hawthorne, master tailor, who, up to the time of his death, had the contract from the Government for the supply of clothes to the Woolwich Garrison at Woolwich. The subject of this sketch is a self-educated and self-taught man, and joined the Navy at the age of fourteen, but left through an accident after six years service. In New Zealand he proceeded to the Waikato District, and worked for a time at a flaxmill belonging to Captain Hutton, now (1897) the Government Geologist. In 1875 Mr. Hawthorne was married, and took up a farm at Akaroa, also entering into partnership for road contracting. Whilst the former turned out very satisfactorily, the latter was quite the reverse, so that after twenty years Mr. Hawthorne was compelled to sacrifice his property in order to meet the liabilities of the firm. On his arrival at Birmingham, Mr. Hawthorne's means were very limited. He occupied a tent in the main street for many months, where he plodded on in his untiring efforts to obtain for himself a suitable stand. The public recognised in Mr. Hawthorne a good workman, and also found that the prices paid for goods hitherto were exceptionally high. He is gradually securing for himself a good connection, his goods being known throughout the surrounding districts, and he is now doing a steady business in Birmingham.
(Mr. Jno. Jarvis, managing partner), Sawmillers, Birmingham. Postal address, “Fowlers.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The machinery is driven by a ten-horse-power Ruston and Proctor's portable engine, with a sixty-pound steam-pressure gauge. There are vertical and breast bench saws, with a complete planing machine capable of turning out all kinds of dressed timbers. Mr. Jarvis has a large staff of hands regularly employed, the bush-felling being now let by contract. Horses and bullocks are employed in large numbers in drawing the timber to and from the mill. The sawn timber is disposed of in the surrounding district, Mr. Jarvis finding a ready sale for his rimu, and among the many works he has supplied, the totara used in building the Kiwitea Bridge might be mentioned. He has also a freehold property of 110 acre at Pohangina, seventy-five acres of which is cleared and grassed. The whole is now leased, being well fenced and watered, and carrying three sheep to the acre. Mr. Jarvis is a self-taught man. He was born in Somersetshire in 1846, and went to sea at the age of fourteen. After being employed for three years on a small schooner in the coasting trade, he shipped on board a clipper which was engaged in the tea trade between England and China. For eleven years Mr. Jarvis followed a seafaring life, but ran away from the “Cooney Coyle” when in Auckland in 1866. Ever since he has been engaged in the sawmilling business. For five years he was employed by Mr. Henry Russell, Napier, subsequently by Messrs. Bull and Wylan in Hawkes Bay, and latterly by Messrs. Wratt and Anderson, Makino. In February, 1892, he entered into business on his own account. Since then he has cut out the timber on many properties, including a great quantity of totara, being employed for eighteen months in cutting totara close
Sandeman, E., Solicitor, Kimbolton Road, Birmingham. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1893.
Syms, William, Chemist and Druggist, Birmingham. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1894.
Jones, William, Coachbuilder and Wheelwright, Kimbolton Road, Birmingham. Established 1893.
Stokes, Stephen, Tailor, Birmingham. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1893.
Alpe, A., Hairdresser, Tobacconist and Fancy Goods Dealer, Birmingham. Established 1896.
Argyle (Donald McNair, proprietor), Birmingham. Established 1890.
Family and Commercial Hotel (A. H. Harrison, proprietor), Birmingham. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1887, and conducted by present proprietor since 1895.
Barlow Bros. (Frank H. Barlow and Walter Barlow), Plumbers and Tinsmiths, Kimbolton Road, Birmingham. Established 1893.
Conder, W., Farrier and General Blacksmith, Birmingham. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1893.
Barlow and Gordon, Boot and Shoemakers, Birmingham. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1890, and conducted by present proprietors since 1895.
Harris, William, Boot and Shoemaker, Birmingham. Established 1896.
Richardson, J. H., Saddler and Harness Maker, Kimbolton Road, Birmingham. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1892.
Jackson, Thos. Mackwood, Butcher, Birmingham. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1889.
Bailey, James A., Swamiller and Contractor, Birmingham. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
Farne; “Glen Warlock,” Birmingham. Mr. Dick, who was born in 1819, is a son of Mr. Charles Dick, a large brewer, of Edinburgh. In 1866 he went to the Argentine Republic, where he was for two years engaged in farming. After visiting Australia he settled in New Zealand in 1869. Mr. Dick has had a varied experience. In the South Island he was manager for two years of the Clarence Run, between Nelson and Marlborough, and subsequently for Messrs. Sutton Bros. at Waitaki; in the North Island he was for thirteen years a member of the firm of Messrs. Beckett, Hammond, and Dick (afterwards Beckett and Dick), merchants, in Marton. Mr. Dick settled in 1890 on his present property of 1242 acres, half freehold, half leasehold. It has all been cleared and grassed, and 2200 Lincoln sheep and 100 head of cattle have been wintered on it. For eight years Mr. Dick was captain of the Marton Fire Brigade, and was master of the Rangitikei Hounds for about seven years, and starter to the Marton Jockey Club. He is married to a daughter of the late Mr. Alex. Milne, of “Rosebank,” Marton. Mr. Dick was awarded the Royal Humane Society's bronze medal in 1877, for an act of bravery in saving the lives of a woman and child from drowning in the Marewhenua River, Otago.
Farmer, Birmingham. Mr. Fowler (after whom the postal district of Fowlers is named, in order to distinguish it from Birmingham in England) was one of the earliest residents in Birmingham, and opened the first store in 1887, where he remained for two years. He then leased the fine property, consisting of 400 acres, situated within a mile of Birmingham township, from Mr. Lowes. This property is capable of carrying two-and-a-half sheep to the acre all the year round, besides grazing a number of horses and some eighty head of shorthorn cattle, thirty of which are dairy cows. Mr. Fowler is a large supplier to the local creamery, and owing to the well-bred stock he obtains a high percentage for his milk. The fine residence, which was erected in 1892, consists of a handsome building, replete with every convenience, situated near the roadside, and surrounded by ornamental trees, with a good orchard and neatly laid-out flower garden. A large woolshed and sheep dip, with all the necessary out-buildings are found on this well-appointed farm. Born in Scarborough, Yorkshire, in 1865, Mr. Fowler was privately educated, and came to the Colony on the death of his father in 1885, per s.s. “Ruapehu,” landing in Wellington. For two years Mr. Fowler was engaged in various occupations, principally acquiring his colonial experience in connection with farming. He was the first secretary of the Birmingham School Committee, and was instrumental in having the schoolhouse erected. Mr. Fowler has refrained from taking any part in public affairs. He was married in 1891 to the eldest daughter of Mr. Thomas Lowes, and has one child.
Farmer Fowlers (Birmingham). Mr. Haythorne, who is a son of the late Hon. R. P. Haythorne—for many years a Canadian Senator—was born in 1863 on Prince Edward Island, Canada, and was educated at Middleton College, Cork. After three years' farming in Canada, Mr. Haythorne returned to England, where he spent twelve months, after which he came to New Zealand in 1883, per P. and O. liner “Ballarat” on her first voyage, and entered into partnership with Mr. Revington-Jones, taking up 600 acres of good sheep-grazing country at Taonui, close to Feilding. The partnership was dissolved after three years, and Mr. Haythorne took up 600 acres, within a mile-and-a-half of Fowlers, where he pastures sheep and cattle. Partly improved when he took it over, he has since had the remainder felled, fenced, and subdivided into paddocks, and a large part is now under cultivation. A comfortable homestead has been erected on the farm, to which a lawn has been added, the whole being well sheltered by ornamental trees. Mr. Haythorne has resigned from the Kiwitea County Council, and devotes his spare time to making improvements
Settler, “Te Owhanga,” Birmingham. Mr. Hodge, who is a son of the late Rev. Chas. Hodge, was born in Nottinghamshire in 1841, and arrived in the Colony at the age of sixteen. His first years of colonial life were spent in Canterbury and Otago. In 1864 he took up a run, in conjunction with his brother, of 30,000 acres in the Te Anau district, but sold out after twelve years, taking up another of 5000 acres close to Lake Wakatipu, with his brother as a partner. After two years' experience on this run he left the South Island and finally settled on his present holding, a compact farm of 200 acres. Mr. Hodge was married in 1875 to a daughter of the late Rev. Taylor-White, of Nottinghamshire.
Farmer, “Shieldaig,” Birmingham. Postal address, Fowlers. The farm is 539 acres in extent, and will soon be all felled, grassed, and subdivided into paddocks. Although Mr. Scott had been only eighteen months on the property at the time of writing, the farm had undergone great changes, having been nearly all standing bush on his taking it up. At present 300 acres is grazing about two-and-a-half sheep to the acre, besides thirty-five head of cattle. The whole is well watered by a number of never-failing streams. Mr. Scott was born in 1872 in North Scotland, and spent nearly five years at Fette's College, Edinburgh, after which he entered the Clydesdale Distillery Company, Limited, Wishaw, of which his father is still the managing director. Although offered. he declined to accept his father's position and left to come to New Zealand, landing in March, 1890, per “Kaikoura.” Three years were spent in Turakina, where Mr. Scott gained his experience with sheep. He is married to a daughter of Mr. J. H. Day, saddler, Turakina.
Farmer, “Meadow Bank,” Birmingham. Postal address, Fowlers. Mr. Stanley farms two properties—“Meadow Bank,” consisting of 300 acres situated within four miles of the Birmingham township, and “Fairfield,” situated three miles distant, consisting of 200 acres. These farms are well adapted for farming purposes. The whole is grassed, subdivided into many paddocks, well watered, and carries three Lincoln sheep to the acre. The sheep are nearly pure-bred, having originated from stock owned by Messrs. Moore and Currie, of Kai Iwi. There is also a number of shorthorn cattle grazing on the farm. Owing to the lightness of the soil it is very easily got under cultivation, the results—more especially for root crops—being very encouraging. The house and grounds are well protected by ornamental trees, a magnificent view being had from the rear of the homestead. In the distance lies the Oroua River, wending its way among the grassy meadows, the surrounding hills adding greatly to the picturesque appearance of the scene. A young orchard, well planted with choice trees, thrives well. Mr. Stanley was born at Nelson in 1861, and educated at Nelson College. He is a son of the late Mr. John Stanley, formerly of Calcutta. Two years were spent in the Wanganui district surveying with Mr. H. C. Field, when the subject of this notice took charge for five years of the “Tad more Lodge” estate, a fine property of 4000 acres in Upper Motueka, which belonged to his late father. On the death of his mother the property was sold, and Mr. Stanley removed to Birmingham, taking up “Fairfield” and annexing his present homestead, “Meadow Bank,” a few months later. He is an unattached member of the Masons, and is married to a daughter of Mr. Hitch, of Timaru.
This little settlement, which has been somewhat eclipsed by the more favourably located village of Rangiwahia, which is but two miles away, is 133 miles to the north-east of the Empire City of the Colony. The settlement is part of the Kiwitea County and in the Rangitikei Electoral District. The local storekeeper conducts the business of the postal department; mails are received and despatched by the coach, which arrives and departs tri-weekly, Fowlers (Birmingham), sixteen miles distant, being the nearest telegraph station.
is situated in a playground of two acres, and is five miles from the Rangiwahia School, and between eight and nine miles from the Ruahine School. There are thirty children on the roll, with a first-lass average attendance and a good annual report, more especially as regards discipline and percent age of passes. The playground is being rapidly cleared by the master and scholars, who hope to have a good cricket pitch at no distant date.
the Headmaster of the Mangarimu Public School, who is the son of Mr. J. R. Stansell, the well-known host of Whyte's Hotel, Foxton, was born at Burke's Pass, McKenzie Country. in 1875. In 1887 he was appointed pupil teacher at the Wai-iti School, where he was educated. He became assistant in 1890 at the Foxton School, remaining there for two years, when he took charge of the Pemberton School. The local post-office is conducted by Mr. Stansell. As an enthusiast in sport he has done much to help such matters in the district. He is secretary of the Rangiwahia Sports and Cricket clubs and of the Bush Cricket Association.
near Pemberton, the property of Mr. R. E. Beckett, of Marton, comprises 2300 acres of freehold, 1500 acres of which is felled, cleared, and fenced; 3000 crossbred sheep were shorn last season. The country in the vicinity of the property is undulating, and of a light loamy nature.
the Manager of the Station, who is a son of Mr. Wm. Craig, of Wanganui, was born in Dunedin in 1860, and received his present appointment in 1894. Previously he had been employed as manager of various runs in the Wanganui District. For the past sixteen years he has been an enthusiast in football, and played against the first New South Wales team which visited New Zealand; he is now a member of the Ruahine Club. Mr. Craig is also well known as a marksman, and at the New Zealand Rifle Meetings has succeeded in carrying off several prizes.
Farmer, “Nortury,” near Pakihikura. “Norbury,” which is situated between Hunterville
Farmer, “Te Ruae,” Hinau. This freehold property aggregates 1600 acres. It is situated within two-and-a-half miles of Pemberton, and is capable of carrying two-and-a-half shepp to the acre all the year round, in addition to about 200 head of cattle, principally shorthorns. Mr. McGregor, who is a son of the late Mr. P. McGregor, of Glasgow, was born in Wellington in 1852, and was educated in Wanganui. Before settling at Hinau, he carried on farming in the Wanganui and Taranaki districts for several years. In local politics Mr. McGregor has been prominent as a member of the Taranaki County Council, the Stratford County Council, and as chairman of the Wanganui Road Board. He was also a member of the Alexandra Cavalry. He married a daughter of Mr. Strachan, of “Lornty,” Wanganui, and has three sons and three daughters.
Farmer, “Te Hekenga,” Hinau, near Pemberton. Mr. Marshall, who has owned this property for twenty-seven years, was one of the pioneer settlers of the district. Nearly 5000 sheep are shorn every year, and a herd of 200 head of shorthorns also grazes on the run. A son of the late Major Marshall, Mr. Marshall was born in 1852 at Kaiwarra, where he was educated. He is a member of the Masonic craft, and takes a keen interest in all public matters. Mr. Marshall is married to a daughter of Mr. W. J. Swainson, and has two daughters.
Lay, Geo. L., General Storekeeper and Postmaster, Post-Office Store, Pemberton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1892.
Occupying a natural clearing in the midst of what was recently a virgin forest, the little settlement of
—situated about five miles from the Mangarimu School, and the same distance from Wairaki—has thirty-seven children on the roll, with seating accommodation for forty. The school was opened in 1895.
the School master at Rangiwahia, was born in Cambridgeshire in 1860, and educated in the Church of England schools at Balcham. He landed in the Colony in 1881, per ship “Mary Low,” and was relieving master at various schools under the Wanganui Education Board before taking charge of the Rangiwahia Public School.
which was established in 1892, is only in its embryo state, but the prospect is encouraging to the organisers. The patron is Mr. John Stevens, M.H.R., and the officers for 1896 were:—President, Mr. James Mitchell; vice presidents, Messrs. G. L. Lay, T. Moffatt, and M. Bielski; captain, Mr. W. Stevens; vice-captains, Messrs. J. Moran and W. F. Stansell. The colours are dark blue and black, and the annual subscription is five shillings. The membership is forty-five.
holds its meetings on the Recreation Ground, an enclosure of ten acres, which is said to be one of the prettiest spots in the North Island. The sports are held annually on St. Patrick's Day, and a large sum is given away in prize-money. As many as 120 nominations were received in 1896, competitors coming from as far as Wellington and Napier. The Club is in a good financial position, having a substantial credit balance. The patron is Mr. John Stevens, M.H.R, and the officers for 1896 were:—Messrs. James Mitchell (president), G. L. Lay, T. Moffatt, and M. Bielski (vice-presidents), J. Carey, F. Saywell, P. J. Moran, and Walter Stevens (committee), W. F. Stansell (secretary and treasurer).
(J. G. Mitchell, proprietor), Kimbolton Road, Rangiwahia. The Pemberton Hotel is a convenient building of wood and iron which has been held on lease since the 21st of December, 1893. The building contains thirteen rooms, of which eight are bedrooms, containing about fifteen beds. There are two comfortable sitting-rooms, and a large and convenient dining-room. Behind the hotel is a five-stalled stable and other out-offices.
Farrier and General Blacksmith, Kimbolton Road, Rangiwahia. Mr. Saywell was born in the Wairarapa, and was apprenticed to Mr. W. T. Wood, of Palmerston North, completing his tern with Mr. J. J. Jensen, of Feilding, in 1889. For five years Mr. Saywell was in partnership with his brother in the coach building trade in Feilding. The partnership having been dissdived in 1894, Mr. Saywell established the present business, which he has conducted since that date. The lease-hold premises occupied by him include a bailding of wood and iron, which affords about 400 square feet of floorage space. Mr. Saywell is a member of the Rangiwahia Cricket Club, also of the Manchester Rifles and the Ruahine Rifles. He is a good shot, and won the champion cup from scratch right through at Feilding 1893–4.
(Alexander Watt and Walter Stevens), Butchers, Kimbolton Road, Rangiwahia. This business was established in 1890, and has been conducted by the present proprietors since 1894. The premises occupied by the firm adjoin the Pemberton Hotel. They are large and convenient. They is a slaughterhouse erected on a leasehold section of twenty-five acres. They do a considerable trade throughout the entire district, from Ruahine to the State Farm, where there is 1560 acres of land, which has been felled on the co-operative principle. The proprietors, Messrs. Watt and Stephens, employ six pack-horses in connection with their business. Their trade is chiefly in beef, being about eight bullocks per month, to twenty-four sheep. Mr. Watt was born in Rangitikei, and was brought up to farming. He has resided on the Pemberton block for about three-and-a-half years, owning and occupying a farm of 200 acres, which is well stocked with sheep. He is a member of the Pemberton Rifle Corps. Mr. Stevers is a native of Tunbride Wells, Kept, and has had fourteen years' experience in connection with the butchery business. He came to New Zealand per ship “Douglas,” landing in Wellington in 1874. He has been a member of the Feilding Rifle Corps for the last six or seven years, and has won one or two medals for shooting. He is also a member of the Rangiwahia Cricket Club.
General Storekeeper and Carnier, Baker and Accommodation-house Keeper, Post-office Store, Kimbolton Road, Rangwahia. Bankers, Bank of Australasa, Feilding. Branch at Ruahine. Mr. Moffatt came to the Colony when very young, and was in the Wairarapa in the early days before the road was constructed over the Rimutaka. For nine years he was in business in Palmerston North a a butcher. He is one of the pioneers of the Pemberton block, and established himself in business seven years ago when there were no roads, all supplies having to come by a bush track eighteen miles in length. The present convenient store and accommodation house was erected in 1892. The buildings, which afford a total floorage space of between 2000 and 3000 square feet, are ercted on a large freehold section, and have convenient sheds behind. The accommodation is very convenient, there being eight rooms available for the public. Mr. Moffatt keeps a large stock of all kinds of merchandise, and has a considerable number of pack horses, which are used in the delivery of goods over an extended area of bush country. Mr. Moffatt is agent for the Phœnix Insurance Company. He has twelve children, of whom five are now assisting in connection with the business.
After a pleasant journey of seventeen miles to Fowlers, better known as Birmingham, the traveller has a further distance of thirteen miles to traverse before reaching this settlement. Situated in the County of Kiwitea and in the Electoral District of Palmerston, Apiti is 129 miles from Wellington. The local post-office, which is also a telephone bureau and an office for the issue of postal notes, receives and despatches mails on three days in each week, when the coach arrives from and departs for Feilding, the market town of the district.
was opened in 1892. There is a daily mail service to Feilding.
which was erected in 1891, has eighty-five scholars on the roll, with accommodation for ninety. The grounds are two acres in extent, and include a paddock where the scholars—many of whom ride from a distance—can keep their horses during school hours.
who has charge of the Apiti Public School, has occupied the position since 1892. At the annual examination held in 1896, every scholar presented was successful in passing.
Apiti. Rankers, Bank of New Zealand. Directors:—Messrs. E. Nix (chairman), E. Miller, C. Miller, B. Oshorn, J. Johnston. T. J. Clapham, and W. Vicary. Secretary, Mr. B. A. Miller. These large and complete premises have a total floorage space of over 3000 squace feet. During six months in 1895 over thirty tons of cheese was produced, and the output is expected to be increased to at least forty tons. A four-and-a-half horse-power engine by Messrs. Robertsion and Co., of Wellington, drives the plant, the hoiler being eight and half horse-power. There are two large vats, with a total holding capacity of about 1300 gallons, receiving cans, and cheeso presses.
Manager of the Apiti Co-operative Dairy Company, Limited, hails from Kilmarnock, Scotland, where he was born in 1870. Coming to New Zealand in his early days, he was brought up in Oamaru, where his father, Mr. Geo. Brownlee, is a well-known seedsman. After ten years' experience of farming, he was apprenticed to the Sterling Cheese Factory, near Balclutha, where he obtained a thorough knowledge of the business in all its branches. He has had charge of the Apiti Factory since its inception.
Baker and General Storekeeper, Main Street, Apiti. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The shop is a one-story wooden building, with residence attached, and Mr. McMcekan has succeeded in establishing a business which is steadily increasing throughout the surrounding district, goods being delivered by pack-horses in the back-blocks. Born in Springston, Canterbury, in 1870, he was employed by Messrs. Howard and Dartnall, merchants, at Springston, with whom he served seven years. In the North Island he established himself in Levin, but sold out after twelve months, starting his present buisness in March, 1896. He is a member of the local school committee and the Apiti Sports Club, and is captain of the local cricket club. Mr. McMcekan holds the position of agent for the South British Insurance Company. Mrs. McMeekan is a daughter of Mr. J. Kime, Springston. Canterbury.
Boardinghousekeeper, Apiti. The boardinghouse—a two story wooden building—was built in 1893, Extensive additions having been made, it now contains twenty one rooms, sixteen being bedrooms, in addition to ladies' private sitting-room, dining-room, and bath-room. Mr. Cartwright was born in Glasgow in 1864, was educated at the Highland Society's Schools, and came to New Zealand, per “Margaret Galbraith,” in 1885. Before taking over his present business in 1893, he had the “Royal George” Hotel at Christchurch, which he conducted for over three years.
Buchanan. John, Draper. Clothier and General Outfitter, Main Street, Apiti. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established November, 1896.
Apiti Hotel (E. F. Eagar, proprietor), Apiti. Established 1892.
Rankin, George, Farrier and General Blacksmith. Apiti. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1896.
J.P., Farmer, “Ferndale,” Apiti. Mr. Vicary is said to own one of the model farms of the district. There are seventy head of well-bred Ayrshire and shorthorn cattle grazing on the farm. Forty cows are milked during the summer months, and a great quantity of cocksfoot is grown on the estate. Mr. Vicary was born in 1850 in Devonshire, where he was educated and brought up to a country life. For three years he travelled in Canada, and on his return, after three months in the Old Country, came out to Lyttelton in 1875, per ship “Cicero.” For over fourteen years Mr. Vicary was in the South Island before settling in Apiti. He became a member of the Pohangina Road Board, and when that local body was altered to a County Council he was elected unopposed. Mr. Vicary exerted himself to forward the interests of the district in the matter of the construction of the Apiti Bridge over the Oroua River, and also in obtaining a telephone for Apiti. He also acts as a director of the Apiti Co-operative Dairy Company. Mrs. Vicary is a daughter of the late Mr. T, Ware, of Okain's Bay, Banks Peninsula, who came out with the Canterbury pilgrims in 1850. There are three sons and two daughters.
Traversing six miles of good road from Feilding, the tourist reaches
Farrier and General Blacksmith, Taonui Road, Colyton. Private address, Ashurst Road. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Feilding. This business was established by Mr. T. J. Smith in 1886, and taken over by the present proprietor in February, 1896. The premises have a frontage of 30 feet and a floorage space of 600 square feet. Being a skilled tradesman, and by closely studying the wants of the public, Mr. Hight has gained for himself a good steady trade. Born in Christchurch in 1866, he is the son of the late Mr. David Hight, one of Canterbury's oldest identities. Shortly after leaving school he was apprenticed to his trade, and was for four years in the employ of Mr. James Armstrong, Waddington, and for a like term with Mr. John Fraser, Springfield. After spending a few years at different places, Mr. Hight established himself in business at Kimberley, where he had a successful run of five years, but was induced to come to the North Island, and, hearing good accounts of Colyton, took over the present business. He is well patronised by the surrounding settlers, who recognise in Mr. Hight an experienced and persevering workman.
Farmer, Manchester Farm, Colyton. The residence is a fine one-story building, within easy distance of Colyton, and about four miles from Feilding, and may well be considered among the best in the district. The farm consists of 500 acres of freehold land, situated on either side of the road leading from Feilding to Colyton, via Taonui. There are 2500 sheep running on this property during the summer months, with about fifty head of cattle, principally shorthorns, and some ten horses. The sheep are fed on hay during the winter months. The farm was at one time a totara reserve, the timber of which has been cut by Mr. Adsett A fine orchard, planted with choice fruit-trees, is in a thriving condition. The farm is well watered by a never failing source, and is subdivided into twenty paddocks. Mr. Adsett was born in Sussex in 1841, and spent his early days in London. He went to sea at the age of twelve, per ship “Rob Roy,” and was on various vessels for five years, trading between London and Alexandria during the Russian War, supplying coals for the fleet. After a trip to Coquimbo, in South America, he returned to England, and was engaged in shipbuilding yards in London till 1873, when he decided to throw in his lot with the
Farmer, Berkshire House, Reading Farm, Colyton. Born in 1844 at Reading. Berkshire, Mr. Burton was apprenticed to the carpentering trade, but after about three years gave it up, and engaged in the plastering trade, working at that for eighteen years, when he left England for New Zealand, arriving in 1873. He spent three months in carpentering at Wanganui, and then returned to Wellington, establishing himself as a plasterer. Mr. Burton, who retired in 1895, carried on this business for over twenty years, having partners with him at various periods. Among the many buildings in Wellington that testify to his ability as a tradesman may be mentioned:—the National Mutual Buildings, Sargood, Son and Ewen's, Ross and Glendining's, P. Hayman and Co.'s, Sharland and Co.'s, and the Supreme Court, Government Life Insurance Buildings, Briscoe, MacNeil's, City Buffet Hotel, and various others. His farm at Colyton consists of 204 acres of freehold land, on which he has erected a handsome residence. It is a one-story building, massive in appearance, the rooms being large and lofty, and plastered throughout in diff rent tints. The dairy and out-buildings are all up-to-date, and there is a fine orchard.
Hawker, Edward henry, Baker and Confectioner, corner of Ash and Taonui Roads, Colyton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia, Feilding. Established 1896.
Ivess, John, Boot and Shoemaker, Ashurst Road, Colyton. Established 1893. Bramwell Bros. (David Wilson, Manager), Storekeepers, Colyton.
a pretty little rural village situate by road some four miles north-east of Feilding, is not wanting in attractiveness. Tourists viewing the Manchester Block are wont to drive or ride out this way, all the surroundings being naturally picturesque. Gaining the Mangaone Saddle, capital views of the fertile valley of the Makino are attainable. It is all studded with brightly-hued farm lands and foreign plantations, through which peep gaily-painted cot and villa, and the beautiful homes of the wealthier squatters. Makino Road—a flag station — is the ninth station from the Longburn Junction on the Wanganni rail way line. It is fourteen miles from Palmerston North, its elevation being 337 feet above sea-level. There is a post and telegraph office at Makino, conducted by Mr. J. P. Cowie, at the local store, and mails are received and despatched daily. The village is in the Electoral District of Rangitikei and County of Oroua. It is the centre of a school district, having its public school under the jurisdiction of the Wanganni Education Board.
which was established in 1886, is conducted in a two-roomed building, having seating accomodation for 100 pupils. There are seventy-eight children on the roll.
Headmaster of the Makino Road School, was born in Kaiapoi in 1863, and was educated in Canterbury. He has been engaged in teaching about nine years. Mr. Wyllie married a daughter of Mr. Thomas Allen, of Taranaki, and has one son and one daughter.
Dairy-farmer, Makino. Mr. Corpe is the owner of the large butter factory at Makino, where he carries on a very large business, being supplied with milk by the settlers for many miles around the country. He was the first to start this industry in the district, and it can be easily seen what an immense amount of help an institution of this kind is to the small farmers. The brands manufactured by him are well known, amongst them being “Safe” brand, “Top” and “K” brands. He uses the Alexander Cream Separator, box churns, and all latest appliances, whilst the factory itself is a perfect gem of neatness. Mr. Corpe was born in Somersetshire in 1836, and received his education in that county. On its completion he went to Windsor and there carried on a business with his brother as provision merchants for several years. In 1858 Mr. Corpe resolved to come to New Zealand, and accordingly took passage in the ship “Robert Small” and landed in Wellington. He received an appointment as clerk to the Nelson Brewery, in which position he remained for six years. He then obtained a position as station manager in the Pelorus Valley for three years. Mr. Corpe then went to the Wairarapa, where as farmer and sawmiller he was well known for the next seventeen years. Then he proceeded to Feilding, where he busied himself in establishing butter factories in various parts of the district. He is the owner of property in the Pohangina and Kiwitea districts. When in the Wairarapa, Mr. Corpe took great interest in all local affairs, and was for five years chairman and treasurer of the Clareville School Committee. He was for twelve years a member of the Taratahi and Carterton Highway Board. Mr. Corpe is married to a daughter of the late Mr. John Crease, of Milverton, Somerset, and they have one son and one adopted daughter. As a settler in the early days in Marlborough, Mr. Corpe saw some very rough times, and he relates how he was the first to drive a cow across the notorious Maungatapu Ranges, carrying his blankets on the animal. He was also one of the first at the famous Whakamarina gold rush, but soon returned to his own business.
Farmer, Makino. Mr. Reid's valuable farm of 360 acres of freehold property, on which he winters over 1000 Romney sheep, which have sprung from five pure-bred Romney rams imported by Mr. Reid from the Wairarapa at great expense, is situated in the borough of Feilding, two miles from Manchester Square. In addition to the stud flock, Mr. Reid has a herd of fifteen Alderney cows, and is a large supplier to the local creamery. He breeds a useful stamp of farm horse, in exhibiting which he has been remarkably successful at the agricultural shows. Of the farm, sixty acres are under cultivation, and the results are very encouraging. A fine homestead is situated on this property, and also wool-shed and all the necessary out-buildings.
Farmer, Makino. Mr. Roots is the owner of the well-known “Ti Grove Farm,” situated at the junction of the Makino and Stanway Roads. The property consists of about 437 acres of first-class sheep-grazing country, carrying some 1200 crossbred sheep, besides a number of cattle. The house is a well-built, comfortable structure of two stories, containing eight rooms. The usual woolshed, stables, stalls, loose-boxes, sheep-yards, and dip, are within easy reach of the main building. Mr. Roots has occupied his present home for the last ten years, and is well known in the surrounding district. In the Stanway district he may be regarded as one of the early settlers in connection with that thriving pastoral country. Mr. Roots has done a great deal of good in the Feilding district, where, in the early days, he erected many of the leading buildings, among others being the well-known Glasgow House. He also induced many of the best settlers to take up their permanent residence in that thriving town. Mr. Roots was born in London in 1836, and came to the Colony with his parents in 1841, per “Stains Castle.” He received his education in Wellington, and for several years was farming in that district. He was engaged for some years in preaching in the Wairarapa, and afterwards established a large sawmill near Feilding. Afterwards he decided to again adopt pastoral pursuits, and acquired his present property, on which he has resided for the last ten years. It may be interesting to note that Mr. Roots in his younger days was an adept at cricket, and was a member of the first representative team which left Wellington. In those times Mr. Roots had the reputation of being one of the smartest fields and best bats in the Wellington Province. Even now, though past sixty years, Mr. Roots might well pass for a man twenty years younger, and both his actions and conversation bespeak a man of active mind and habits. He was one of the founders of the old Porirua Rifle Club, and was reckoned one of the crack shots of the same. Mr. Roots is married to a daughter of Mr. Reid, well-known in Wanganui, and has one son and a daughter.
Attwood, William, Rope, Twine, Sail and Horse-Cover Manufacturer, Makino. Established 1894.
The postal name of this settlement appears to have been derived from Mr. W. C. Cunningham, who acts as postmaster, mails arriving and departing tri-weekly. The district, which is more commonly known as Beaconsfield, is in the Electoral District of Rangitikei and in the County of Kiwitea. It is eleven miles distant from Makino, which is the nearest telegraph office and railway station. The Beaconsfield School District is under the Wanganui Education Board. The surrounding district is settled by well-to-do farmers.
Farmer, Beaconsfield. Mr. Levett is the owner of the pretty property known as “Fairview,” situated on the Beaconsfield Road, a long and somewhat rough journey from Feilding. The property consists of about 640 acres of freehold land, all fenced, grassed and well watered, and runs about 900 good crossbred sheep. A great portion of the land will be ploughable in a few years. The homestead is of quite recent erection, having been built two years ago, and is situated on a small flat overlooking the Kiwitea River. The house is very comfortable, and contains eight rooms. At the back are stables, stalls, loose-boxes, etc. Mr. Levett was born in Derbyshire in 1867, and was educated at Home. In 1891 he came to New Zealand by the s.s. “Orient,” and joined his brother in the Kiwitea, with whom he resided some time in order to acquire a knowledge of sheepfarming. On his arrival in the Colony he purchased his present property, and some time ago went to reside there with his wife, who is a daughter of Mr. W. Barwick, of Lund Head, Yorkshire. In the Old Country Mr. Levett was a member of the Rughy Masonic Order, No. 502.
Farmer, “Thistledeane,” Beacons-field. Mr. Pickering, who hails from Liverpool, where he was born in 1863, arrived in the Colony in 1886. After about five years' experience of farming he acquired his present property, consisting of 500 acres of first class land, currying 1600 sheep and twenty head of cattle. There is a nine-roomed house on the farm. Mr. Pickering is a member of the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association, and takes a keen interest in polo. He is married to a daughter of Mrs. Beattie, of Feilding.
Situate 115 miles from Wellington and fourteen miles from Makino—the nearest telegraph office—on the Foxton-New Plymouth Railway line, this settlement is in the Waituna Biding of the Kiwitea County and in the Electoral District of Rangitikei. It has, however, its local post-office, which is also a telephone bureau, a daily mail being received and despatched by coach. The Waituna School District is connected with the Wanganui Education Board. The district is noted for its lovely farms, smiling homesteads being dotted here and there, surrounded by well-kept gardens and orchards. Feilding and Marton divide honours as market town for the district.
(James Ranson, senior, and James Rauson, junior), Storekeepers, Waituna. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Feilding. Telegraphic address, “Ranson, Waituna.” The store is a large and well-appointed two-story building, with dwelling-house containing eight rooms attached at the back. In addition to the store is the bakery, which turns out a large quantity of loaves per week, and supplies the settlers with their “daily bread” for many miles around. The shop contains all classes of goods, and many a well-appointed business place in a city could not show a more complete or better selected stock. Mr. Ranson, junior, who
Sheepfarmer, Waituna. Mr. Gemmell has a fine property consisting of some 3769 acres of first-class sheep country, and runs a flock of 9500 Lincoln sheep, and a herd of 250 shorthorn cattle. The estate (which was originally part of the well-known Cluny Hills estate) is subdivided into paddocks, and well grassed and watered. The homestead is a handsome two-story building facing the main road. The usual farm buildings are situated at the back of the house, and some distance away is a large woolshed, erected on piles five feet above the ground; shearers' cottages, flower garden, and half-an-acre of orchard comprise the rest of the home portion of this splendid property. Mr. Gemmell was born in Ayrshire in 1847, and was educated in his native shire. In 1865 he resolved to make New Zealand his home, and, coming out by the “Paeroa,” landed in Dunedin. His first start in colonial life was the purchase of a fast little schooner known as the “Janet Ramsay,” in which vessel he for several years carried on an extensive and successful trade on the West Coast. On retiring from the sea, Mr. Gemmell came to the North Island and with a partner (Mr. Shields) purchased a run of 20,000 acres in the Hawkes Bay province. This property he retained some three years. Then, in partnership with Mr. M. R. Miller, he took a property of 25,000 acres at Wairoa, where he remained for nine years. Whilst there he took a prominent part in public matters, being chairman of the County Council, and of the School Board, member of the Wairoa Harbour Board, and a leading member of the Wairoa Jockey Club. In 1866 he was offered and accepted the position of manager (on behalf of the Bank of New Zealand) of the well-known Chesterhope and Prior Park estates in Hawkes Bay, in which position he remained for six years. On the sale of these large properties Mr. Gemmell purchased his present estate. In Masonic circles Mr. Gemmell has for a long time been attached to the Victoria hodge of Hawkes Bay. He is married to a daughter of Mr. T. Webb, well-known in Oamaru, and has four sons and five daughters.
Farmer, Waituna. Mr. Macdougall is a very old settler in the Rangitikei District, having resided there for some twenty years, during the last eight of which he has lived at Waituna. He was born in Argyllshire in the year 1847 and received his education in the Board schools. He then spent some sixteen years in agricultural pursuits in his native country, and in the early sixties came to New Zealand in the ship “West Australia.” Immediately on his arrival in New Zealand he went up to Rangitikei, and after spending some four years on different stations, acquired a property of some 200 acres, where he remained for the
Sheepfarmer, Waituna. Mr. Murray's property is situate in the Waituna Valley, and is an extensive and valuable lease and freehold estate, consisting of 1226 freehold and 1100 leasehold of first-class sheep-grazing country. A flock of 6000 Lincoln sheep and 200 head of mixed cattle constitute the stock now running on the estate. The Waituna River runs through the property. At the time of writing (1896) a large woolshed was in course of erection, besides numerous and extensive alterations in the farm buildings. In front of the homestead, which is a nine-roomed house, is nearly an acre of fine orchard in good condition. The property was originally in the possession of Mr. Murray, senior, who has since retired to Marton, and his son carries on the station. The subject of this sketch was born in Wanganui in 1866, and received his education at the Wanganui Academy and Wanganui Collegiate School. He assisted his father in the general storekeeping line, and remained with him for some time. He takes a keen and practical interest in his district, and is always willing and anxious to further its interests in every way he possibly can. He has acted as one of the trustees for the cemetery, and has several times been asked to become warden of the Otamakapua Block, on which he has a good farm. He was for many years secretary of the President Garfield Lodge in Wanganui, and was an enthusiastic member of the Rifle Association. He takes delight in hunting, and follows the hounds with the Rangitikei Club, of which he is a member.
Sheepfarmer, Waituna. Mr. Short possesses a fine property situated in Waituna, known as “Parorangi.” The estate consists of about 3100 acres, both free and leasehold, and runs 11,000 sheep, chiefly of the Romney breed, and 250 head of Hereford and shorthorn cattle. The homestead of nine rooms faces the main road, and there are good stables and loose box, a large woolshed, and a sheep dip, the last of which is supplied from a tank capable of containing 19,000 gallons. Mr. Short was born in Wellington in 1872. His parents removed to Feilding, where Mr. Short received his education at the public schools, and after completing his course joined his uncle, Mr. W. Baker, of Makino, in agricultural farming. With this gentleman he remained for several years. Some eight years ago he acquired the greater portion of his present property, to which he has gone on adding from time to time till it has reached its present size. Mr. Short is a member of the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association. He is married to a daughter of Mr. J. Ashworth, who was the discoverer and one of the promoters of the well-known antimony mine at Endeavour Inlet. Mr. Short's family consists of two sons.
Distant 103 miles from the capital city of New Zealand, and about five miles by a good road from Feilding, this township is in the Manawatu County and in the Rangitikei Electorate. Regular daily coach lines ply to and from Feilding and Palmerston North, the local postmaster receiving and despatching mails every day. The district is always in touch with the outside world by means of its telephone bureau. Sales of cattle and sheep are held twice a mouth at the local yards. The district around Awahuri is all closely settled. To the west, sheep and cattle farming predominates, to the north (towards the Mount Stewart Range) grain is grown, while to the south potato and root crops are the principal products. Within a shortdistance is the Awahuri Bridge, over the Oroua River.
is situate on the Palmerston-Sandon Road, Awahuri. The school was established about the year 1878. The building occupied is of wood and iron, with good accommodation. The present number of children on the roll is seventy, with an average attendance of forty-five. There is a convenient playground attached to the school. Mr. E. H. Rogers is the headmaster.
(M. O'Reilly, proprietor), Awahuri, This hotel, which was established in 1875, occupies one of the two prominent corners in the township. It is a large building of two stories, constructed of wood and iron, on leasehold ground. It contains twenty-two rooms, of which sixteen are bedrooms. There are two sitting-rooms, one of which is remarkably large. There is a capital dining-room, and a good bath with hot and cold water laid on. Behind the hotel are stables containing five stalls and seven loose-boxes. Mr. O'Reilly, who has been in possession since 1896, was born in Tipperary, and came to New Zealand per ship “Waitangi,” arriving in Lyttelton. He joined the Armed Constabulary force in September. 1880, continuing in connection with the service until April, 1890, being stationed at Wellington, and at Opunaki during the Maori disturbance. Subsequently, Mr. O'Reilly returned to Wellington, and was afterwards for three years in the Taupo district, during which time the road round Lake Taupo was being constructed by the force. At the time of the Russian scare Mr. O'Reilly was one of fifty men sent to Wellington to mount guns, and subsequently was transferred to Lyttelton for the same purpose. At the time of the Te Kooti scare Mr. O'Reilly was in Poverty Bay. Subsequently in Lyttelton he was transferred to the gaol as a warder, and afterwards occupied a similar position at the Wellington gaol until April, 1894, when he retired from the service. Mr. O'Reilly has been prominent as an athlete, and while resident in Canterbury, was a member of the old Sydenham Football Club, and in 1887–8 was reputed to be one of the best forwards, and played as a representative of Canterbury against the English, Otago, and Maori teams. While in Wellington Mr. O'Reilly was a member of the famous Poneke Club.
General Storekeeper, and Postmaster, Post office Store, Awahuri. Telegraphic address, “Tarrant, Awahuri.” Bankers, Union Bank of Australia, Palmerston North. This business was established in 1871 by Mr. Henry Bennett, the present proprietor having conducted the same since April, 1893. The Post-office Store is situated opposite the Endymion Hotel, on one of the two most prominent corners in the township. It is a handsome building, constructed of wood and iron, elected on freehold ground, and has fully 3000 square feet of floorage space. Mr. Tarrant's trade extends within a radius of five miles, his supplies being purchased in the Colony. He is agent for the New Zealand Insurance Company, and is a member of the local school committee. Mr. Tarrant was born at Clunes, Victoria, and left there for New Zealand in 1877. He learned his business with Messrs. Ross and Sandford, drapers, of Palmerston North, with whom he remained for seven years. Subsequently Mr. Tarrant managed the Foxton branch for his old employers, and later on was entrusted by the firm to open their branch at Woodville. Some years later he opened a branch business for Messrs. H. Wickett and Co., at Foxton, and another at Hastings, where he remained till burnt out by the great fire on February 9th, 1893.
Lucas, G. H., Farrier and General Blacksmith, Awahuri. Established 1893.
Stewart, H. G., Farrier and General Blacksmith, Awahuri. Established 1877.
the County town of the Manawatu County, in the Sandon Riding, with a population of 255, lies nearly midway between the towns of Palmerston North, Foxton, and Longburn. It has a State school, two churches, a creamery, and a hostelry, the public offices of the Manawatu County Council, and a post and telephone office from which mails arrive and depart daily. There is one resident minister in Sanson, the Rev. Wm. Keall, of the Wesleyan denomination. Like Rongotea, its products are wool, grain, and dairy produce, the land being very rich and suitable for the purposes enmmerated. Palmerston North, which lies to the south-east of the township—about sixteen miles distant—may be reached by coach; and passing en route over Mount Stewart, capital views may be obtained of the surrounding country, including the village of Awahuri, the land around Rongotea, Longburn to the south, Palmerston North to the south-east, and Feilding to the east.
holds its monthly meetings at the County town, Sanson. Members (1897):—Messrs. V. C. Ransom, H. Hammond, W. Taylor, T. Masters, A. Strang, J. G. Wilson, and R. McLennan. The ratepayers number 500, and there are 719 rateable properties. The county is divided into seven ridings, and embraces a large area. In 1895 the Council's offices at Sanson were burned down, and these have been replaced by suitable buildings. Mr. F. Purnell, a son of Mr. J. Purnell, town clerk of Wanganui, was appointed clerk to the Council in 1896.
which was founded in 1874, has 138 children on the roll, with an average attendance of 117. The present building was erected in 1882, and contains three rooms. The playground is seven acres in extent, and is divided into two parts. The headmaster, Mr. D. W. Low, is assisted by Miss Roberta Thomson, and two pupil teachers.
(Sandon), meets on alternate Mondays. The secretary is Mr. R. Bowater, and the treasurer Mr. A. Cockburn.
which was established in 1894, is fitted with the best machinery, and puts through about 700 gallons per day during the best part of the season. The manager is Mr. Robert Henderson, who, in addition to his other work, conveys the cream daily to Palmerston, a distance of nineteen miles.
Farmer, Sanson. The subject of this sketch was born in Wellington in 1864. His father—one of the pioneers of the Colony—arrived in the year 1842, and was one of the first to settle in Sandon. Mr. Phillips devoted himself to farming from his youth, and has been successful in his career. The homestead is beautifully situated on a rising ground, commanding a grand view of the surrounding country and the Tararua Ranges. Mr. Phillips married Miss Hammond, one of the Hammond family so widely-known and respected in Rangitikei.
formerly Campbelltown, is a lovely farming centre, some eighteen miles north-east of Foxton, and about six miles from Carnarvon on the Foxton Tramway, and a similar distance west of Palmerston North. It is on the Oroua River, and is a portion of the Oroua Downs Estate. The town itself, with a population of 153 inhabitants, is prettily laid out and well situated, and the roads are capital, the land being chiefly occupied by dairy farmers, who are fairly prosperous. The creamery and butter factory of the town is jointly owned by the suppliers, who manage the concern so well that they are enabled to get three pence per gallon for all the milk they can supply. Rongotea has a post and telephone office, with moneyorder, postal-note, and post-office savings bank, and daily mails, a public State school, and four churches—the English, Wesleyan, Primitive Methodist, and Roman Catholic. The communication from Foxton, Palmerston North, Greatford, Sanson, and Longburn, is by mail coach. There is a fairly good boardinghouse, but no hotel. The products of the district are wool, grain, butter, and cheese. Rongotea is in the County and Electorate of Manawatu.
which was opened in 1881, has 165 children on the roll. The playground consists of six acres, and is divided into three paddocks. Mr. C. H. Bowater, the headmaster, is assisted by Miss Hill and Mr. Opie.
was established in 1893, and was acquired by the present Company in 1895. A large quantity of milk is put through the factory, and it is anticipated that the amount treated for the season 1896–97 will be 720,000 gallons, producing 310,000 lbs. of butter. The officers of the Company are:—Factory manager, Mr. Jas. Wood; managing director, Mr. V. C. Ransom; treasurer, Mr. Carl Anderson; secretary, Mr. Samuel Knight. The factory's brand for pat butter is “Makino” and for bulk butter “Milkmaid”. The suppliers number sixty.
General Storekeeper, Postmaster, and Telegraphist, Campbelltown North. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Failding. Mr. Canning is a native of Ireland, and came to New Zealand per ship “Martaban,” landing in Auckland. Mr. Canning established the present business in 1886. The premises comprise a wood and iron building of one story, erected on freehold land, which was built for the purposes of the business, and affords about 1500 square feet of floor space. The trade extends to all parts within a radius of ten miles. Mr. Canning is agent for the Standard Insurance Company and various colonial newspapers. He has had considerable commercial experience in the Colony, and while resident in Auckland was for two years in the colonial militia.
Glover, John, Farrier and General Blacksmith, Rongotea. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Bulls. Established 1890.
Alderson, Martin, Butcher, Rougotea. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Bulls. Established 1885 and conducted by present proprietor since 1894.
Darragh, W., General Storekeeper, Rongotea. Established 1893.
Hickford, A. G., Coach Proprietor, Carrier and Commission Agent, Rongotea. Established 1890.
Farmer, Rongotea. Born at Loch Awe, Argyllshire, Scotland, in 1831. Mr. Buchanan passed his early years in his native district, and joined the 92nd Regiment of the Gordon Highlanders when under sixteen years of age, serving with that regiment for the next five years in Ireland, during
Settler, Rongotea. An early and prominent settler, Mr. Ransom arrived in the district in 1878, at a time when there were no roads. Though the country at that time was covered with dense bush, Mr. Ransom soon made his mark. This land is now cleared, fenced, subdivided, and covered with a thick sward of grasses, and supports a fine herd of dairy cattle. As settlement advanced Mr. Ransom took a prominent part in public affairs, and was chairman of the school committee, the county council, and the cemetery board, and is at present (1896) chairman of the dairy factory. He also took a leading part in securing Prohibition for the district. Born in London in 1852, Mr. Ransom came to the Colony in 1854, in the ship “Cornwall.” Landing at Wellington, he removed to the Hutt, where he was educated. In 1875 he married Miss Knight, of the Lower Hutt, and has six boys and three girls.
Three miles' ride along the Mangaone saddle, starting from a vantage point overlooking Makino village, immediately under foot to the south, brings the wayfarer down to
after whom the settlement of settlement of Halcombe was named, has had a career of over forty years in the Provincial District. He has been prominent as a public man, having taken part in the Wellington Provincial Government from 1864 to 1870, during which time he was Provincial Secretary and Treasurer. He afterwards held office under the general Government as Emigration Officer, from which position he retired in 1872. Mr. Halcombe was then appointed attorney and agent for the Emigrnats and Colonists' Aid Corporation, formed to settle the Manchester Block in the Manawatu District, the town of Feilding being the principal settlement. On him devolved the sole responsibility for the arduous and complex work entailed in settling the large tract of country which had been acquired. During the period of nine years in which the district was under his management, Mr. Halcombe had the pleasure of watching the progress of the various townships. From a dense bush the process of evolution went on steadily, despite the many hardships and drawbacks of a pioneer's life in the virgin forest. The bush clearings with their rough slab huts were replaced by well grassed paddocks and smiling homesteads, while the principal townships rapidly developed, streets and squares being laid off, the more prominent corners of which were soon occupied by hotels and business places, private houses meanwhile springing up like mushrooms. In 1881 Mr. Halcombe retired from this onerous position, and removed to Taranaki, where he became a settler, and here he has since remained with the exception of a short time, during which he was in business in Feilding with his son, Mr. J. W. F. Halcombe, under the style of A. F. Halcombe and Son, as land and commission agents. Mr. Halcombe has ever been known and respected as a large-hearted and cultivated gentleman of strict integrity and great business capacity.
is the body in which is vested the care of the town. Six members are elected by the ratepayers. The area under the jurisdiction of the Board is 640 acres, or exactly one square mile. The annual rateable value of the property amounts to £850, and the revenue totals £85. There are five miles of formed and metalled roads in the district; the roads are kept in an excellent state of order. Mr. Jas. Purkiss acts as secretary to the Board, and the offices are located in Stanway Road.
is a convenient wooden building, situate 1 at a short distance from the railway station. It was erected some sixteen or seventeen years ago, and the increased number of scholars has necessitated its being considerably enlarged. The accommodation is now sufficient for 200 children, and there is not far short of this number on the roll, the last returns showing that there were 191 children attending school, of whom ninety-eight were boys, and ninety-four girls. The teaching staff is composed of a head master, Mr. S. Strachan, two assistants, and a cadet.
is the headmaster of the Halcombe Public School. He is a native of New Zealand, and was educated at the Wanganui Boys' High School. After going through a thorough course of training as a pupil teacher, Mr. Strachan took his E2 certificate in the year 1888. He was appointed assistant-master at the Clive Public School, and held the position for three years, when he was transferred to a similar position at the Feilding Board School, where he remained for the same length of time. On leaving Feilding, Mr. Strachan was appointed to the head-mastership of the Halcombe School, where he is doing good work in training the; young. Mr. Strachan is himself an enthusiastic lover of sport, hunting, and all active pastimes. For years he has performed the laborious duties of secretary to polo, cricket, and tennis clubs. He is now a member of the Feilding Polo Club and of the Halcombe Sports Committee.
was established in 1882, and at the present time there are some sixty-three children on the roll. The building is of the usual Government school type, and consists of two rooms capable of seating 100 children. Close by the school is the master's residence—a comfortable and roomy house.
Headmaster of the Stanway Public School, was born at Queenstown in 1868, and received his education in the public schools of Palmerston North. After passing his examination as pupil teacher, his first appointment was to the Linton school, of which he had charge for six years. He was then promoted to the Stanway school, and has been in charge ever since. In volunteer circles Mr. Mathuson is well known, having been a sergeant in the Manawatu Mounted Rifles, and in 1894 he was awarded the gold medal for best accoutred and mounted man in the troop. In football he played for a number of seasons with both Mortion and Feilding Football Clubs. In shooting and swimming Mr. Matheson has always taken great interest, and at the present time (1896) is busy in forming a local rifle club. Recently Mr. Matheson married a daughter of the late Mr. Ferguson, of Marton.
(Halcombe). Mr Alex, Williamson is the secretary.
Coachbuilder, Wheelright. Farrier, and General Blacksmith, Stanway Road, Halcombe. Telegraphic address, “Williams, Halcombe.” Private residence, Willoughby Street. Mr. Williams is a native of Brecknockshire, Wales, where he was apprenticed and thoroughly mastered all details of the business. He completed his term as long ago as 1858, and for many years worked at his trade in the Old Country. In 1876 he decided to come to New Zealand, and embarked in the good ship “Wamea” from London. On arrival he settled in Halcombe, and founded the business it 1878, which he has conducted ever since. The premises occupied by Mr. Williams are central and extensive, affording about 3000 square feet of floorage space. Mr. Williams does a considerable trade in all departments of his business. In local politics he has long held the position of a member of the Halcombe Town Board. Mr. Williams is also interested in the various friendly societies, and has held all the important offices in the local branch of the Foresters' Society.
Boardinghouse Proprietor, Halcombe Restaurant, Willoughby Street, Halcombe, Mr. Cowdrey is a native of Wiltshire, England, and in 1877 decided to settle in New Zealand. Before leaving for the Colony Mr. Cowdrey selected a section of land in Halcombe, at an office in Queen Anne's Gate, in the city of London. He came out to New Zealand per ship “Northamptonshire” in the above year. For eight years Mr. Cowdrey conducted the business of a baker in Halcombe, at the same time cultivating his farm. In 1894 the Halcombe Restaurant was founded. The building contains eight rooms, including a comfortable parlour and a large dining-room. Mrs. Cowdrey attends personally to the requirements of visitors.
Stationer, Newsagent, Land, Estate, and Commission Agent, Stanway Road, Halcombe. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Purkiss hails from Essex, England, and arrived in the Colony per ship “Ardenernig” in 1862. He was brought up to a seafaring life; but the glamour of a gold digger's experiences lured him away. He went right through the Otago and West Coast goldfields, and in 1880 settled in Halcombe. The freehold premises occupied by him contain about 750 square feet floorage space, the building being constructed of wood. Mr. Purkiss is agent for the Commercial Union Fire Insurance Company. He is registrar of births, deaths, and marriages, and is the secretary of the Halcombe Town Board. Mr. Purkiss has had many years experience in matters affecting property in his district. He is fully acquainted with all parts, and is in the best position to advise intending settlers. He has a good assortment of farms on hand for sale, and is also in a position to give reliable valuations of any lands in the locality.
General Storekeeper, Corner of Willoughby Street and Stanway Road, Halcombe. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Levin Street. Mr. Bell's store is one of the oldest and best in Halcombe. It was established by him in 1880, and the departments comprise grocery, crockery, drapery, ironmongery, and patent medicines. Mr. Bell does a large reciprocal trade with the farmers, selling them general merchandise, and exporting their butter in very large quantities. He is a director and treasurer of the Halcombe Dairy Company, and agent for the New Zealand Insurance Company. Mr. Bell, who has had a most eventful career, was born in Linlithgowshire, Scotland, educated at Bathgate Academy, and arrived in New Zealand, per ship “Stormbird,” from Glasgow, landing at Dunedin, when that now great city was a settlement about two years old. He remembers the site of Dunedin when it was so boggy that a team of bullocks “got stuck” in what is now the very heart of the town. Narrow escapes figure prominently in Mr. Bell's history. Joining in the West Coast rush, he tried hard for a passage thither in the “City of Dunedin,” but as she was filled up for three trips, he decided to go overland. After a most exciting ride, during which he was pulled through the river at his horse's tail, he arrived there not very pleased with his decision, until he learned that the “City of Dunedin” was lost, and that all on board had perished. At another time he walked over the exact spot near Greymouth and Notown, where, three days after, Burgess, Kelly, and Levy committed one of their nefarious murders. Mr. Bell saw some very rough times on the diggings. He drove the first team of horses (his own property), into Gabriel's Gully, where he had a store, and was among the first to arrive on the West Coast fields. In 1875 he visited Melbourne, having done very well on the diggings, and stayed in Victoria till 1879, when he returned to the Colony and prepared to start in business as above. Mr. Bell is well respected in Halcombe, where he is chairman of the school committee, and ex-chairman of the Town Board.
Tyler, Mrs. W., Baker and Fruiterer, Stanway Road, Halcombe. Estab. 1895.
King, John, Boardinghousekeeper, Willoughby Street, Halcombe, Established 1887.
Wahle, Robert, Farrier and General Blacksmith, Willoughby Street, Halcombe. Established 1894.
Bennett, Chas, James, Saddler and Harnessnaker, Stanway Road, Halcombe. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1890.
Colville, John, Bootmaker, Stanway Road, Halcombe. Established 1891.
Runciman, Geo. Mitchell, General Storekeeper, Halcombe. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Feilding. Established 1895.
Williamson, Alex., General Storekeeper, Stanway Road, Halcombe. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1878, and conducted by present proprietor since 1894.
Farmer, Halcombe. Mr. Callingham is the owner of a compact little property on the Halcombe Road, and has resided in the district for the past fifteen years. Mr. Callingham was born in Sussex in 1858, and received his education in his native country. In 1871 he decided to come out to New Zealand, and upon his arrival in the Colony
Sheepfarmer, Halcombe. “Burnside,” the station belonging to Mr. Riddiford, is situated on the main road from Stanway to Halcombe, and stands back some distance from the road. The property comprises 2000 acres of first-class grazing country, carrying 6000 odd Lincoln sheep and 150 head of Polled-Angus cattle. Mr. Riddiford's estate has the reputation among buyers of producing some of the best fat stock in the district. The subject of this sketch was born at the Lower Hutt in 1859, and received his education at Uppingham Public School, in the Old Country. In 1878 Mr. Riddiford returned to New Zealand, and spent several years on his father's run in the Wairarapa. About fourteen years ago he acquired his present estate, and has lived at “Burnside” with his wife and family ever since. The house is a handsome two story building, which contains fifteen rooms, and has a fine commanding outlook. At the back is very complete stabling accommodation for Mr. Riddifford's numerous polo ponies and hunters. In hunting and polo circles Mr. Riddiford's name is well known, he having acted as master of the Rangitikei hounds for many seasons. As captain of the Rangitikei Polo Club, he has a good sporting record, having skippered his club in 1894 when they won the Saville, Cup, and again in 1895 when they were the winners of the All-round Challenge Cup. As master of the hounds he has led the way for many a dash over stiff timber and tough country. He breeds all his own polo ponies, and is the possessor of some excellent animals. In all forms of sport Mr. Riddiford takes the keenest interest, being a good shot and angler. He is also a steward of the Marton Jockey Club, and for many years was a member of the council of the Munawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association, of which society he is still a leading member. Mr. Riddiford is a Justice of the Peace for the county, having been appointed many years ago. He is married to a daughter of the late Mr. John Glennie, of New South Wales.
The ninth station from Palmerston North on the Foxton New Plymonth section of railways,
which is twenty-six miles from Palmerston North, and stands at an altitude of 311 feet above sea-level, is the stopping place for Bulls. The Luildings are of the usual description, and afford all the necessary conveniences for the travelling public.
the Stationmaster and Postmaster at Greatford, where he has been about eighteen months, was born at Oamaru in 1865, and was educated at the Dunedin High School. He joined the Survey Department as a cadet, and had three years' service in the field, but in 1884 joined the Railway Department as clerk. After six years in Auckland he was sent to Oamaru, and shortly afterwards was appointed to the position of stationmaster at Mokihinui, where he resided for about eighteen months, and whence he came, to Greatford. As a footballer Mr. Baker represented the Otago Province during the season of 1889. In volunteer
which was opened in July, 1875, has an average attendance of thirty-six.
Headmaster of the Greatford Public School, was born in Staffordshire in 1856, being educated at Rugby and Oxford. Coming to New Zealand in 1882 he became a teacher three years later, and was appointed to his present position in 1893. Mr. Hall married a daughter of Mr. Stanisbury, of Surrey, and has one daughter.
Farmer, “Ellengowan,” Greatford. Mr. Taverner was born in India, and educated at Winchester College, and at the Royal Agricultural College of England. He became a certificated surveyor, but made chemistry his special study. In 1887 he came to the Colony, and passed the first two years gaming further experience on the best and largest farms and runs in Canterbury and Otago. In 1889 he bought the Ellengowan Estate, which contains some of the best land in the district, and carries a well-bred flock of sheep and a large number of cattle. The homestead is nicely sheltered from the prevailing winds by a fine plantation of useful and ornamental trees. Mr. Taverner married Miss Graham, of Dunedin, and has one son.
Some six miles northwards of Sanson, and forty miles south-east from Wanganui, is the town of
of which Dr. Bennett is chairman, and Messrs. D. Coughlin, R. Brynnt, E. H. Levett (treasurer), F. J. Mansell, W. Green, and A. H. Sutcliffe are members, has its offices in High Street. Mr. T. King acts in the capacity of clerk to the Board. The Board was established in the year 1873, and the total rateable annual value of properties in the town amounts to £3695, the annual income being about £423. The Board subsidises the Clifton Public Library and Reading Room.
J.P., Chairman of the Bulls Town Board, settled in New Zealand in 1884, and was soon afterwards appointed a Justice of the Peace. He has been a member of the Town Board of Bulls since 1890, and chairman for the greater part of the time.
who succeeded to the secretaryship of the Town Board on the decease of Mr. C. W. Maclean, is a native of Ireland, and came to New Zealand in 1876 per ship “Candidate” to Port Chalmers. He was brought up to the Civil Service in England, but resigned after six years owing to ill-health. Having recovered strength, Mr. King was for some years storekeeping in Palmerston North. He settled in Bulls about 1886, and held an appointment as accountant for Messrs. Gorton and Son from that year until receiving the appointment he now holds. Mr. King has been a member of the town board for seven years, for six of which he was treasurer. He is one of the oldest masons in the Colony, and acts as secretary of the local lodge, of which he is also a “past master.” Mr. King is also interested in sporting and athletic pastimes. He is the paased clerk of scales, a position which he has held for many years without any disputes having occurred. Both the Rangitikei and Sandon clubs retain his services in this respect.
who has been a member of the Bulls Town Board since 1892, when he also became treasurer, a position which he fills at the time of writing (1897), is a native of Staffordshire, England, and was brought up to military life. Leaving the army he came to New Zealand in 1881 per ship “Waitangi,” and settled in the Rangitikei District. For ten years he was farming in the locality. Mr. Levett is a member of the Anglican Church, and fills the office of clergyman's churchwarden in the local vestry. As a member of the Masonic Order he ranks as a “master mason.” In mercantile life Mr. Levett is clerk to Messrs. Gorton and Son.
who was for some years a member of the Bulls Town Board, was born in 1817 in London, where he was educated. He came to New Zealand about 1876, and joined his brother in Bulls, where he managed for a number of years the store established by Mr. James Bull. On severing his connection with this firm he established himself as a brewer close to the town, and rapidly acquired a most successful business, which he carried on for ten years. Mr. Bull died in 1890, and left a son and two daughters. His widow, who is a daughter of Mr. G. Worsfold, of Chelsea, has since carried on the business in her late husband's name. As a member of the Town Board in Bulls he was well known as an energetic worker, and had the best interests of the place at heart.
who was for some years a member of the Bulls Town Board, was a native of Ireland, where he was brought up to farming. Arriving in New Zealand by ship “Opawa” in 1878, for some time he followed the calling of a shepherd. From 1889 to 1892 he resided in Waverley, and in the latter year he went to Bulls and took over the Rangitikei Hotel. This he successfully conducted for some years, and at the time of his death (towards the end of 1896), was the popular proprietor of the Criterion Hotel. Besides fulfilling his duties as a member of the Town Board, Mr. O'Halloran found time for recreation, and was a member of the local racing club and the Oddfellows' Lodge.
Officer in charge of Police, Bailiff of S. M. Court, Inspector of Factories, and Registrar of via Australia in 1874. For some time he was contracting in Auckland, and formed a good part of Queen Street in 1875. He joined the force in 1877 under the Provincial Council, but retired after twelve months service, rejoining again in Wellington in 1879. He was in charge of the native hostelry in Molesworth Street, and subsequently for ten years had charge of the Wellington Botanical Gardens. He was also in charge of the Clyde Quay station, Wellington, and afterwards was on the West Coast for some time. Constable Gleeson was appointed to his present position on June 21st, 1893.
is situated on a sunny spot in close proximity to the centre of the town. There are 134 scholars on the roll, made up of an equal number of boys and girls, and the daily attendance averages about 110. The total capacity of the school is for 200 children. The teaching staff is composed of a head-master, Mr. Arthur Gifford, an assistant teacher, and a pupil teacher, the two last mentioned being ladies.
M.A., Headmaster of the Bulls Public School, is a native of London, and received his early education at Somersetshire College, Bath. He came to the Colony in 1877 per ship “Lady Ruthven,” and studied at the New Zealand University, taking his M.A. degree in 1886. The same year Mr. Gifford took his A2 certificate under the Board of Education. He was for some time a tutor in the Auckland Training College. In 1888 Mr. Gifford was first assistant master at the Napier Boys' High School. He is also a solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand, having passed the prescribed examination, securing enrolment in 1889. Mr. Gifford was assistant master at the Boys' High School at Wanganui, from 1890 to 1892. He was appointed to the Bulls public school in 1893. Mr. Gifford is a member of the local chess club, and has displayed considerable ability as a player.
is situated in Turakina Road, Bulls. It was erected about the year 1882, and has seating accommodation for 120 worshippers. There is a Sunday school in connection with it, numbering no less than 120 children on its roll. A convenient and nicely-finished parsonage has been built for the use of the resident clergyman, who also conducts services at Sandon, Greatford, Campbelltown, Parawauni, Heaton Park Station, and Carnarvon. About 300 adherents of the church are scattered throughout this wide district.
Vicar of St. Andrew's, Bulls, is a native of Hendon, Middlesex. He was educated at select schools in Harrow and Watford, and, before leaving for New Zealand in 1889, passed the Oxford local examination, taking honours in mathematics. Arriving by the s.s. “Tongariro,” he studied for the ministry in the Colony, heading the first-class list in grands I., II., and III. of the Board of Colony theological Studies, and so winning the exhibition in the two latter grades. He is now studying for the fourth and final grade. Mr. Russell was ordained to deacon's orders in December, 1891, at Napier Cathedral. He had charge of St Stephen's Church, Opotiki, for two years and five months. This church is known as that of the Rev. Mr. Volkner, who was murdered by the Maoris. Mr. Russell was ordained to priest's orders in January, 1893, at St. Faith's Church. Rotorua. The reverend gentleman was appointed to the charge of Bulis district in November, 1893. He is zealous in the performance of his duties, and is deservedly respected by all clases of the public.
of which an illustration appears herein, is situated in Daniel Street, Bulls. It was erected in 1875, and prior to that time services had been conducted in the Town Hall. A very comfortable manse was built two years before the erection of the church. Both manse and church, however, have been considerably enlarged since then, and in 1886 the shurch was made to accommodate 250 worshippers though it is quite capable of holding 300 on an emergency. The buildings are of wood, and are both free of debt. The minister, the Rev. J. Doull, has under his care a small church at Parawanui, and another at Carnarvon, each of which is capable of accommodating a congregation of eighty adults. In connection with the church, Bulls possesses a Sunday school with a roll number of fifty-nine children, and an average attendance of about forty. The number of adherents of the Presbyterian Church throughout the district is about 250.
Minister of Presbyterian Church, was born in Ceylon, and brought up in Scotland. He was educated at the Edinburgh University, and was ordained in the year 1865. Mr. Doull is a life member of the Edinburgh University Council, and as such he has a vote for the election of a member to the British House of Commons. Mr. Doull was a minister of the Free Church of Scotland in the Shetland Isles for seven years. He came to New Zealand in 1873 per ship “Brechin Castle,” and was at once appointed to Bulls. Mr. Doull has ministered to the people of the district for over twenty years with great ability. He has seen the progress of settlement from the first, the population having multiplied four times over during his ministry. In addition to the duties devolving upon the reverend gentleman he holds the important position of clerk to the Wanganui Presbytery, which has jurisdiction from Foxton to New Plymonth.
No. 38, was established in 1880, and has a hall of its own in Bulls. Mr. D. H. Guthrie is W. M., and Mr. Thos. King is hon secretary. The meetings are held on the Wednesday previous to the full moon in each month.
(Bulls), holds its annual meeting in December. The officers (1896) were:—D.D.G.M., Mr. J. E. Walker; secretary, Mr. Wm. Snell.
is one of the oldest in the Colony, having been formed about 1866. Its first president was the late Major Marshall. The appointments of the Club are in every way admirable, and the stakes given away for the two days' meeting on the 1st and 2nd of January in each year run into close on £1000. This Club was the first, outside of hack clubs, to recognise the ability of Mr. J. Henry as a handicapper. The following are the officers for 1897:—Colonel Gorton (president), Messrs. J. Stevens, M.H.R. (judge) and J. G. Wilson (vice-presidents), T. King (secretary), J. McDonald (clerk of the course), D. Campion (clerk of the scales), J. Henry (handicapper), and F. J. Mansell (hon. treasurer).
Music Teacher Bulls. Mr. Ward is well known throughout the Rangitikei as a most painstaking and successful artist in voice production and tuition on the violin, and has a large number of pupils in Marton, Hunterville, Sandon, Turakina, and Bulls. He also holds the position of music teacher at the Classical College at Turakina, and is choirmaster of St. Andrew's Church, Bulls. Mr. Ward was born in Wellington in 1866, and was educated at the Christchurch High School. On leaving school he studied music assiduously, and soon qualifying as a teacher, followed his profession in Christchurch, Ashburton, Wellington, Palmerston, and Marton.
Finally he settled in Bulls, from which centre he travels to his large circle of pupils in all parts of the district. He has ever been closely connected with musical matters in any place he has resided in, and has belonged to various musical societies, orchestras, and harmonic societies. In singing, Mr. Ward has also been to the fore; and has taken a leading tenor part in many of the great musical festivals. His annual concerts, held in Bulls, are looked upon as great musical treats; he is assisted by a large orchestra, including his leading pupils. When in Wellington, Mr. Ward was an enthusiast in volunteer matters, and was a member of
L.R.C.S.I., L.M., Physician and Surgeon, High Street, Bulls. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Dr. Bennett, who has had nearly forty years' experience as a medical man, is an Irishman by birth. Educated at Dublin, where he studied medicine at Trinity College, he gained his diplomas in 1857. Dr. Bennett had twenty-five years' experience in the army, and was through the New Zealand and second Afghan wars, besides spending four years in India. Dr. Bennett is further referred to in these pages as chairman of the Bulls Town Board.
Bulls. This branch was opened in 1874, in a small building on the site of premises now occupied by Mr. Stevenson. A year afterwards the present bank was erected in the main street of the township. The building consists of banking chamber and manager's room, attached to which is the manager's residence, containing six rooms.
Manager of the Bank of New South Wales at Bulls, has occupied his present position since 1895. He was born in London in 1855, and received his education in the Old Country. His first experience in life was as commercial reporter for various newspapers in England. In 1876 he came out to New Zealand and in the following year entered the service of the Bank in Dunedin. The next eleven years were spent in various towns throughout Otago as bill-clerk, teller, etc. Then he spent a year in Christchurch as accountant, and was afterwards appointed manager of the Temuka branch, in which position he remained five years. Twelve months ago he was promoted to Bulls as manager. Mr. Herbert has entered enthusiastically into the life of the district, and is an active member of the chess, the golf, the tennis, and the jockey club, a member of the committiee of the horticultural society, and also a member of the school committee. Mr. Herbert is married to a daughter of Mr. Johnson, of Dunedin, and has two sons.
(Lieutenant-Colonel Edward Gorton, Norman B. St. G. Gorton), Stock Auctioneers, Commission Agents and Valuators, Bulls, Rangitikei; Telegraphic address “Gorton, Bulls” P.O. Box 22 (Bulls), and 47 (Feilding). Bankers, Bank of New Zealand; branch, Fergusson Street, Feilding. This thriving business was established originally by Messrs. Stevens and Gorton in 1878, but has been conducted by the present firm since 1892. Their field of labour is a wide one, and the firm have sale yards at Feilding, Awahuri, Hunterville, Sandon, Marton, Waituna and Campbelltown, in addition to their very large yards at Bulls. Colonel Gorton is a native of Suffolk, and came out to New Zealand to join the 57th Regiment in 1861 per barque “Mersey.” He was then captain of the regiment, and had considerable experience at the time of the disturbances with the natives during the sixties. The honour of being a Justice of the Peace has belonged to Colonel Gorton since 1863 The firm are agents for the New Zealand Insurance Company, and the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Association, and conduct a very large business generally.
Surveyor and Civil Engineer, Bulls. Mr. Downes was horn in London in the year 1833. and received his education in the Old Country. He learned the profession of surveyor and civil engineer under the Board of Ecclesiastical Commission. Early in 1857 his parents decided to come to New Zealand, and young Mr. Downes accompanied them to Picton. Shortly afterwards he received the appointment of drawing-master at the Nelson College. Three years later Mr. Downes was attracted by the reports of the Southland diggings, but after some experience he discovered that fortunes were not to be had, and having received the offer of a good appointment in the Survey Department at Wellington, he removed to the latter place. This was in 1861, and he remained in the service of this Department for ten years. He the joined the Public Works Service, where he remained for the following three years. Mr. Downes then came to Bulls, where he has lived since, and is engaged in the practice of his profession in that place. For many years he was a member of the Bulls Town Board and of the Bulls School Committee. He is a member of the Synod, and acts as lay reader at the Anglican Church of St. Andrew's in Bulls. In his early days in Wellington Mr. Downes was an enthusiastic volunteer, and was a member of Company No. 1, Lower Hutt Rifles. He was also a member of both Oddfellows' and Foresters', but at present is unattached. He is married to a daughter of the late Justice James Harringotn, formerly judge of the Supreme Court in the Island of Jamaica. Mr. Downes' father was for many years Resident Magistrate at Picton. Mr. Downes has two sons and one daughter.
(Mrs. Alice S. Cranmer, proprietress), Bridge Street, Bulls. P.O. Box 19. Bankers. Bank of New South Wales. The Criterion is a very popular hostelry, and contains
(Robert Bryant, proprietor), coiner of High and Bridge Streets, Bulls. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. The Rangitikei Hotel contains twenty-eight rooms, which include three convenient, well-furnished sitting-rooms, besides a large and well-appointed dining-room. The bedrooms number seventeen, and contain twenty-eight beds, all being clean and comfortable. The large and well-lighted billiard-room on the ground floor has a first-rate table by Alcock. Mr. Bryant was born in Auckland, and was brought up to business as a butcher with the Gear Company in Wellington. After working at his trade for three years in Palmerston North, he bought the oldest business of its kind in Bulls, which he conducted till entering into possession of this house in 1895. He is interested in sports, and acts as a member of the Rangitikei Racing Club, as well as of the local cricket club. Mr. Bryant has also a seat as a member of the Town Board of Bulls, and serves his fellows by devoting a good deal of his time to the consideration of local matters.
Clifton Hotel (W. i. Hunter, proprietor), Bulls. Established 1862.
(Charles Frederick Langdon, proprietor), High Street, Bulls. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. This house is centrally situated, and contains good bedrooms, ladies' room, dining-room, and every convenience. As many as forty can be accommodated when necessary. Mr. Langdon is also well known as a baker. His oven is one of the oldest in the district, and he does a considerable trade. Coming to New Zealand per ship “Cartvale” in 1874, from Leamington, his native place, Mr Langdon was farming for fourteen years, afterwards working as a baker, which trade he learned in London. Mr. Langdon served as a member of the Hutt school committee.
Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Main Street, Bulls. Mr. Main has a good stock, and secures a large meed of local support He was born in London, and educated at the London University, afterwards studying art. After a number of years spent in India and Australia. Mr. Main came to New Zealand, and carried on his business in Nelson for some years. In 1894 he removed to Bulls, where he established his present business. As an Oddfellow he was well known in Nelson, and in the East Indies was an ardent volunteer. In 1867 he married a daughter of Mr. A. G. Betts, of Nelson, and has three sons and four daughters living
Wheelwright and General Black-smith, High Street, Bulls. Telegraphic address, “Stratford. Bulls.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The factory of Mr. Stratford stands on the original site occupied by Messrs. J. and C. Bull, after whom the town was named. It has a frontage of 114 feet to the main street, by a depth of 150 feet, and contains a body making shop, smithy, paint-shop, and a large show-room. In the conduct of this large and general business Mr. Stratford is ably assisted by his son. Mr. Stratford was born in the North of Ireland, where he was apprenticed to his father, and where he after “wards gained considerable experience in railway carriage-building. After this for some years he worked in several of the first class establishments in London. In 1867 Mr. Stratford came to New Zealand, per ship “Aldinga,” from Melbourne, having gone there per ship “Blue Jacket.” After visiting various parts of the Colony, he started the business in Palmerston now so successfully carried on by Mr. John Bett, and known as the Manawatu Carriage Factory. After selling out there, he went into the flax-dressing, and this venture proving unsuccessful, he resumed his own trade, and began the above business in 1890. [Since the above was in type Mr. Geo. Stratford has taken over the business.]
Shoeing and General Blacksmith, Bridge Street, Bulls. Telegraphic address, “Westwood, Bulls.” This business was established many years ago, being one of the oldest smithies in the district. In April, 1894, Mr. Westwood purchased it from Messrs. Spry and Green. The shop is a good size, 30 feet by a depth of about the same. Mr. Westwood was born at the Thames, in the Auckland district, and served his apprenticeship with Mr. W. F. Wood, of Palmerston North. After working for about three years with one of the local farriers, Mr. Westwood began on his own account its above. He is well known and well liked throughout the district. His premises are most centrally situated, being opposite the Criterion Hotel, and quite close to the Bank or New Zealand. Considering the short time he has been in business, Mr. Westwood has worked up a really good little trade. He works hard, thoroughly understands his work, and is in every way deserving of support.
Scales, C., Shoeing and General Blacksmith, Bridge Street, Bulls. Bankers. Bank of New Zealand. Established by present proprietor in 1879.
Saddle, Harness, and Collar Manufacturer, High Street, Bulls. Telegraphic address, “Bullard, Bulls.” Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Bullard is a native of Surrey, and came to New Zealand in 1875 per ship “Rooney.” in 1887 he began as above, and has succeeded in building up a good business. He imports all kinds of saddlery and harness, with all the minor articles usually kept in a first-class saddlery establishment, his specialties being ladies' and gentlemen's saddles. Mr. Bullard is a member of the Masonic Order, a Vice-Grand of the Oddfellows, and Lodge Deputy in the I.O.G. Templars. He is an enterprising, hard-working man of business and well deserving of encouragement and support.
General Storekeeper, High Street, Bulls. Telegraphic address, “Mansell, Bulls.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Bridge Street. This business was established in 1879. The premises are of wood and iron and are two stories in height, containing an area of about 2500 square feet. They were built originally by Mr. James Bull, but have since been considerably added to. For some time Mr. Mansell had a branch at Makino. He has now sold the business though the retains the property. Mr. Mansell has a good trade throughout the district, and is agent for the Northern Insurance Company. has specialties are stationery, school requisties, novelies, and fancy goods. He is a native of London, and arrived in New Zealand in 1871, per ship “Golden Lea.” He was apprenticed to the well-known firm of Messrs: Burroughs and Watts, billiard-table makers, Soho Square, London. Mr. Mansell is secretary of the Horticultural Society, and as a deacon of the Masonic Order, and also an ex-member of the Town
Storekeeper. Bulls. P.O. Box 23. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Sutcliffe, is the proprietor of a neat and compact general store, and does a large business in Bulls. All kinds of goods are stocked by Mr. Sutcliffe, who imports a great many of his stores direct. The shop is well stocked with every requisite in the way of crockery, jewellery, groceries, and clothing. Mr. Sutcliffe was born in Manchester, and at an early age came with his parents to Australia, and was educated in Rockhampton and New Zealand. His first start in life was in Marton in the livery stable business, but he remained in this only about eighteen mouths. He then entered his father's general store, and received his business training there. Ten years afterwards, his father having disposed of his business to Mr. McEldowney, Mr. Sutcliffe, junr., was sent to Bulls to open a branch for that gentleman. In 1893 Mr. Sutcliffe decided to purchase his employer's interest, and since that date has had a successful career in Bulls. In public matters in the town, Mr. Sutcliffe takes a leading part, being a member of the Town Board, of the Oddfellows' Lodge, and Rangitikei Masonic Lodge, of which he is organist; he was for many years bandmaster in Bulls. Whilst in Marton he was a volunteer, also a member of the Marton Brass Band. For a period of seven years Mr. Sutcliffe acted as organist for the church of St. Stephen's in Marton. He is also a leading member of the Bulls Cricket Club. In 1896 Mr. Sutcliffe had the honour of being appointed a J P. for the Colony of New Zealand. He is married to a daughter of Mr. Haybittle, and has four sons and one daughter.
Jones and McGregor, General Storekeepers and Merchants, Bulls. P.O. Box 14. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established by Messrs. J. and C. Bull at the foundation of the township. Conducted by Messrs. R. M. Begg and Co. from 1882 to 1895, and by present proprietors since latter date.
Coughlin, Danl., Coach Proprietor and Livery Stable Keeper, Bridge Street Bulls. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1874.
Stevenson and Son (Hugh D. and John Stevenson), Tailors and Habit Makers, High Street, Bulls. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1875.
Downes, T. W., junr., Cabinetmaker, Bulls.
Farmer, Pukehoe, Rangitikei. The subject of this sketch was born in Argyllshire Scotland, in 1835, and came to the Colony with his parents in 1840 in the ship “Benbow,” his father having an appointment with the New Zealand Company. Mr. Fraser received his education in Wellington, where he remained until 1851, leaving Wellington for Rangrtikei to work on his father's farm. In 1856 he went to the Victorian diggings, and two years later returned to Rangitrkei, which he again left early in 1859 for Hawkes Bay, where he remained till August, 1860. Leaving Hawkes Bay he went to the Otago diggings, where he spent six months with better success than on the Victorian diggings, returning to Rangitikei to manage his father's farm. Mr. Fraser subsequently bought land adjoining that of his father, and now possesses a fine estate. He has always taken a keen part in the public mutters of his district. As a breeder of blood stock, his name is well known in the North Island. In 1893 Mr. Fraser unsuccessfully contested the Otaki seat with Mr. J. G. Wilson.
Bulls, bounded on the west by the sea, on the north by the Turakina River, and on the east and north by the Bulls-Turakina Road and Bulls-Marton Road respectively, contains 26,000 acres freehold and 5000 leasehold. Mr. Robert Wilson, the manager, was born in Scotland and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1840. Educated in Wellington, he removed to Turakina with his father, who took up land in the
Pinus Maritima for planting along the coast line of the estate; to prevent the further inroads of the sand he is also using the Murram and Lupinus Arboreus with success, and it is only a matter of time when considerable tracts of the sand-hills will be covered with vegetation. In ram breeding Mr. Wilson has achieved more than a local reputation, and he is generally able to dispose of them without sending them to the sales. The woolshed and other out-buildings on the estate are most completely fitted up. The homestead is beautifully situated on a site overlooking a large lake, on which wild duck and other water fowl disport themselves unmolested, and fine views of Mounts Egmont and Ruapehu may be obtained.
Settler, “Flock House,” Lower Rangitiki. This old colonist, who was born in Scotland, came out to Australia in 1836 in the ship “Raglan,” and crossed over to New Zealand in 1853. He was very successful in his undertakings, and his estate in Lower Rangitikei is one of the best in the district, some of the rich flats and drained swamps carrying as many as six sheep to the acre. As a cattle country, too, it would be' hard to find its equal. The homestead is built on one of the pretty hills, surrounded by a plantation of useful and ornamental trees, with a fine avenue leading up to the house. Mr. McKelvie. who died in 1893, left two sons and six daughters. The estate is now managed by the eldest son, Mr. Jas. McKelvie.
Farmer, Pointzfield, Paraewanui, Bulls. Born at Pointzfield, Invergordon, Rosshire, Scotland, Mr. McKenzie followed farming pursuits. In 1839 he sailed from London in the ship “Oriental,” and landed at Petone in the following year
under the auspices of the New Zealand Company. He never saw the land for which his father paid before he left London. After some years in Wellington Mr. McKenzie removed to Turakina, where he took up land and remained for three years. Subsequently he removed to his present holding on the banks of the Rangitikei, for which he paid at that early period of the Colony £3 per acre. During the native trouble Mr. McKenzie maintained at his own expense eight men with their horses to secure the peace of the district. In
Settler, “Willow Bank,” Bulls, Mr. Scott is the son of one of the pioneers of the Colony, his parents having arrived in Wellington in 1841, where they settled for a few years. Subsequently, removing to Rangitikei, they settled at Scott's Ferry, called after Mr. Scott's father, who had large contracts, among others being that of carrying the mails between Wellington and New Plymouth. The subject of this sketch was only three years old when he came to Rangitikei, and, growing up with the settlement, he soon became of material help to his father, especially in carrying out his mail contracts. Mr. Scott thus at an early age came to know the value of a good horse, and has since been breeding horses for thirty-five years. He has bred and owned some of the best horses in the Colony. Among others may be mentioned Ahua, Parvenu, Omaha, Tornado, Adventurer, Waitangi, Fallacy, Cordelia, King Don, Flintlock, Lady Mary, Cornelia, Kahurangi, etc. Mr. Scott now has several youngsters running on the property, of which more will be heard in the future. Mr. Scott married Miss Higgie, of Wanganui, and has six boys and five girls. One daughter is married to Mr. McKelvie, of Flock House, and one of the sons married Miss Fraser, daughter of Mr. Donald Fraser, of Pukehoe.
Although the starting-point of the Hunterville Branch Line of Railway, now open for twenty-three miles, ending at Mangaonoho,
On the Hunterville Branch Line, seven miles from Marton Junction, at an altitude of 539 feet above sea-level, is the flag station known by the above name. The surrounding country is chiefly agricultural, there being no village, unless the small schoolhouse, with one or two residences, may deserve that name.
which is situated about five miles from Marton on the banks of the Rangitikei River, is one of the oldest schools in the district. The building—a wooden structure of one room has accommodation for forty pupils. The roll numbers thirty-six, the average attendance being twenty-seven. One acre of land, presented to the Board by Mrs. Cockburn, forms a fine playground.
sole teacher in charge of the Porewa Public School, was born in Dunedin, in 1874. He was educated at the Timaru High School, and at the Wanganui Boys' School, and entered his scholastic career as a cadet at Ashurst, in 1890. After serving at Palmerston North, Foxton, Kakaramea, and Pohangina, Mr. Buchler was appointed to Porewa School in 1896.
Three miles further up the Hunterville Branch Line, at a distance of thirty-four miles east of Wanganui, the flag station named
which is also a Telephone Bureau, is situated at the store of Mr. J. B. Pybus. Daily mail communication with all parts is maintained.
a two-roomed building which will seat seventy children, is replete with the most modern conveniences. The building was completed in 1889; the number of scholars on the roll is seventy-one, with an average attendance of forty-two. The master has the services of an assistant mistress.
who has charge of Rata School, came to New Zealand from his birth-place—Lincolnshire—in 1866. After three years as a pupil teacher at Brookside, he studied at the Normal School, Christchurch, and afterwards at Canterbury College. In 1886 he became master of Fernside School, and was afterwards at Westerfield, near Ashburton, before removing to Rata in 1894.
I.O.G.T., meets every Wednesday at 7:30 o'clock. The officers for 1896 were:—Chief Templar, Mr. J. W. Salisbury; secretary, Mrs. D. Gill.
Barrister and Solicitor, Te Hou Hou, Rata. Born in London, Mr. Cuff came to New Zealand in 1853, and was admitted to the bar in 1868, having served his articles with Mr. Slater, of Christchurch. He has practised his profession in various parts of the Colony, and has likewise been engaged in sheepfarming.
General Storekeeper, Rata. Born in London in 1853, Mr. Pybus is the eldest son of Mr. John Pybus, of Ladbrooke Grove, London. After a thorough education at King's College, London, he entered the office of a broker on the Stock Exchange, with whom he remained over five years. Hearing so much of New Zealand, he resolved to seek his fortune in this paradise of the Southern Hemisphere, and landed in Wellington in 1877. Finding nothing of a paradise in the Empire City, he removed to the country, and was engaged in various occupations in the Manawatu until going into business at Halcombe as a general storekeeper. Here he remained for over sixteen years; then, selling out at Halcombe, he bought Mr. A. Bell's store at Rata, where he has been engaged ever since, conducting a most successful business. In 1881 Mr. Pybus married a daughter of Mr. J. Nicholls, of Richmond, England, and has one son. During his four years' residence in Rata, he has made himself very popular, all regarding the genial storekeeper as a straightforward and kindly man. For ten years he has been a Mason, and also takes a keen interest in football and cricket.
Farmer, Rata. Mr. Hammond is the third son of Mr. R. Hammond, of York farm, a native of Bradford, England, and a pioneer who landed in Wellington in 1842, and some fourteen years after settled in the Rangitikei District, where the subject of this sketch was born in 1857. Mr. John Hammond was educated at Christchurch Boys' High School. Leaving school, he was for ten years farming with his father, and about 1884 he took up land adjoining the Hunterville Railway Line. He has 3600 acres, which run to within twenty chains of Rata Railway Station. Coming into the country in its virgin state, Mr. Hammond has left nothing undone to improve his farm. All the bush is now felled except a small clump reserved for shelter and timber. The whole is fenced and in grass, with the exception of 200 acres yet unburnt. There is a fine large house upon the property, and in
Farmer, Rata. Mr. Rhodes was born in 1860 at Clive Grange, Clive, Hawkes Bay, and educated at Napier Grammar School and Christ's College, Christchurch Upon leaving school, he gratified his desire for a farming life by placing himself as cadet at Spring Hill, Ruataniwha. Here was laid the foundation of that knowledge of farm work which has enabled Mr. Rhodes to produce from a state of chaos quite a model farm. As soon as he left Spring Hill he took up land on the Rangatira Block, and was the first settler on that block of land. Since taking up the 508 acres in 1883, the whole has been cleared and fenced, and twenty five acres are already under the plough. He is also proprietor of a small farm on the Te Ngei road line to Hunterville. There is a fine large dwelling upon the property, and splendid woolshed and other out buildings. Mr. Rhodes grows wool principally, the farm carrying nearly four sheep to the acre. The subject of this sketch is the fourth son of Mr. J. Rhodes, a brother of the late Mr. William Barnard Rhodes, well-known as one of Wellington's oldest identities, and was married in 1890 to a daughter of Mr. W. H. Holmes, of Wellington, late headmaster of the Te Aro Public School.
Farmer, Rata. A Maori chief, Mr. Utiku was born at Otamakapua, Rangitikei, in 1836, and is of the Hauiti-Ngatiraukawa tribe. During his boyhood, which he spent at Waikato and Rotorua, he came but very little in contact with Europeans, and therefore he clings to the old Maori forms and ceremonies. The farms owned by him he leases, subjecting his tenants to certain improvements. He started a sawmill at Utiku (formerly called Kaikora), which he has also leased. When a young man, Mr. Utiku was several times fighting in the tribal wars, the last one of which was during the forties, at which time he met Sir Donald McLean. He also fought against the Hau Haus, and was with Colonel Whitmore's party. In 1870 he married a daughter of Ihakara, by whom he had one daughter, but was unfortunate in losing his wife two years later. In 1874 he married a sister of Mr. Broughton, of Hawkes Bay, and at the time of writing (1896) has a family of ten — six of whom are boys. Mr. Utiku sees the great advantage of intercourse with Europeans, and is giving all his children a good education at the best schools. He has built a large ten-roomed house at Rata. and furnished his best rooms regardless of expense. The property at Rata, which is all cleared with the exception of a small clump reserved for firewood, timber, etc., is fenced and subdivided. Mr. Utiku also claims land in the Waikato, Kaikoia, on both side of the Hautapu, and the left side of the Rangitkei River.
This small settlement, which is in the Paraekaretu Riding of the Rangitikei County, and in the Electoral District of the same name, has a population of seventy-one. It is a flag station thirteen miles from Marton Junction and three miles from Hunterville, the altitude being 733 feet above sea-level.
which was opened in 1886, is held in a, wooden building, having a playground of about an acre of land attached. There are forty-five pupils on the roll, the average attendance being thirty-eight.
who is in charge of the Silverhope School, was born in the Rangitikei District, where also he was educated. He holds an E4 certificate under the Wanganui Education Board. As an athlete, Mr. Roache has ever taken an active part in all sports, more particularly in football. He has often played in representative matches, and holds two medals, gained respectively at Patea, in 1893, and at Hunterville, three years later.
Farmer, Silverhope. Born in 1834, at Gairloch, Rosshire, Scotland, Mr. McLean spent his early years, first in farming and later “before the mast.” He arrived in Wellington in 1864, and was engaged soon after as a shepherd by Mr. C. Campion, of Lower Rangitikei. The West Coast goldfields proved too strong an attraction, however, and he threw up shepherding for gold-digging. His efforts in this direction were not rewarded with success, and he returned to Rangitikei, but soon left for Auckland, where he spent six years in contracting. Rangitikei was his loadstone, and he finally settled at Silverhope, and now possesses a fine freehold farm within a quarter of a mile of the Silverhope Railway Station. Mr. McLean married Miss McKenzie of Rosshire, and has four sons and six daughters.
is a rising and go-ahead township, situated in a hollow among the hills, which immediately surround it. It is also a station on the Hunterville branch of the Wellington-New Plymouth Railway, being distant 129 miles from Wellington, and fifty miles from Wanganui. The latitude is 40° 3′ South, and the longitude 175° 30′ East. Its staple industry is wool-growing, farming and pastoral pursuits being successfully carried on in the richest of soil. It is 876 feet above sea-level, and the rain seems particularly devoted in its attentions to the locality. The roads are being put in passable order, and as the railway is extended into the interior, beyond Mangonoho to Ohingaiti, settlement is progressing rapidly all around the outlying districts of Rewa, Sandon Block, Mangaweka, Rata, Porewa, Cliff Road, etc. Hunterville has its State school, two places of worship, good accommodation in hotels and boardinghouses, two public halls, an agency of the Bank of New Zealand, and a tri-weekly newspaper, the Paraekaretu Express. The townsfolk and the farmers all appear thrifty and well-to-do. The Hunterville Postal-Telegraph, Money Order and Savings Bank offices are combined with the Railway offices, there being a daily service.
The township, which is partly in the Paraekaretu and partly in the Ohingaiti Riding of the Rangitikei County, is now included in the newly-constituted Patea Electoral District, its population at the census of 1896 being 546.
where the business of these two important branches of the public service is conducted, was opened in June, 1890. Mr. J. B. Campbell, the stationmaster, postmaster, and telegraphist, is assisted by Mr. Arthur James, as clerk, Mr. Ernest Inch, as railway porter, and Mr. Arch. Henderson, as telegraph messenger. Letters are delivered daily in Hunterville, and mails are regularly made up for all parts.
Police Officer in charge of the Hunterville District, was born in 1844 in County Down, Ireland. His curly years were spent in farming, but in 1864 he joined the Royal Irish Constabulary, and served in Tyrone and Belfast. After four years' service he landed in Lyttelton, and tried his luck on the West Coast diggings, joining the police force two years later. Mr. Crozier has at different times been in charge of various stations on the West Coast of the North Island. He was appointed to the Hunterville District in 1891, and had his hands full in dealing with cases of sly-grog selling. In 1893 no less than forty-seven cases were heard, out of which thirty-five convictions were recorded, eight cases being withdrawn and four dismissed, the fines ranging from £2 10s. to £50. Mr. Crozier is also inspector of weights and measures, bailiff, and collector of agricultural statistics and taxes. He is descended from an old French Huguenot family, and his father was a kinsman of Captain Crozier, of the ship “Terror,” in the Franklyn Expedition. Mr. Crozier is married, and has two sons.
consists of Messrs. A. Simpson (chairman), A. Dalziell, M. Hale, C. R. S. McDonnell, and W. A. Floyd.
which was founded in 1886, has about ten acres of land under its jurisdiction. The members for 1896 were:—Messrs. Norris (chairman), Valder, Meldrum, Ashcroft, Wilson, Ross, Suteliffe, Johnston, and Pawson. The funds are provided by public subscription.
which was opened in 1887, was designed to accommodate fifty children. It has been considerable enlarged since that time, and will now comfortably seat 150. The roll number is 170, and the average attendance about forty less. The headmaster is assisted by two female teachers and a cadet.
who has charge of the Hunterville Public School, hails from London, where he was born in 1864. Coming to New Zealand in search of health, he followed farming pursuits for some years. In 1885 he joined the Wanganui Education Board as a probationer, and was successively at the Beaconsfield and Awahuri schools, receiving his present appointment in 1890.
near Hunterville, was opened in 1892, and has an average attendance of nine. Miss M. Cooper is the teacher.
Hunterville, was erected in 1886, and has accommodation for sixty worshippers.
who is in charge of the above church, was born in September, 1856, near New Plymouth, and was educated at St. John's College, Auckland, where he was ordained deacon by the Bishop of Auckland in 1887, and priest by the late primate, Bishop Hadfield, in 1891. Mr. Devenish's first charge was at the Upper Hutt and Pahautanui, and at various other places in the Wellington diocese, including Johnsonville. Mr. Devenish took charge of his present district (the largest in the diocese) in 1893.
Hunterville, occupies a fine site on a natural terrace. The ground was purchased in 1887, and two years later the church was opened. It is of wood and iron, and has accommodation for 160 worshippers; the manse was built in 1894.
Minister in charge of the Hunterville Preshyterian Church, was horn in County Down, Ireland, and was educated at Queen's College and the Assembly College, Belfast. Mr. Martin arrived in New Zealand in 1892, and his first charge was at Patea, after which he was transferred to the Hunterville District. Mr. Martin was married in 1895 to Miss McWilliam, of Fordell, and has one daughter. He holds services at Hunterville, Poukiore, Silverhope, Ngaruru, Rewa, and Rata.
No. 71, N.Z.C., which was established in 1891, holds its meetings on the Friday nearest the full moon in each month, at the Masonic Hall, Hunterville. The officers (1897) are:—Messrs. T. B. Insoll, W.M.; W. H. Bowick, S.W.; J. C. Smith, J.W.; A. E. Ashcroft, S.D.; J. Roper, J.D.; F. J. McLean, I.G.; H. J. Whitelaw, T.; W. G. Thompson, treasurer; and A. S. Brooker, secretary.
No. 7508, A.O.F. (Hunterville), meets on the last Monday in the month. The secretary is Mr. F. Marshall.
I.O.G.T. (Hunterville). Mr. Allan S. Brooker is the secretary.
(Joseph Mitchell, proprietor), Milne Street, Hunterville, Telegraphic address, “Argyle, Hunterville.” This fine hall is built of wood and iron and has sitting accommodation for about 400. The stage and scenery are well adapted for the purpose intended. There are two dressing-rooms, and in the front of the building there are two offices. The whole is splendidly ventilated by six large windows. There are also back entrances and every convenience. Mr. Mitchell will at all times be glad to make any reasonable arrangements with any theatrical company that may communicate with him.
(Hugh C. Thomson, proprietor and editor), Express office, Bruce Street, Hunterville. Telegraphic address, “Express, Hunterville.” P.O. Box 13. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This paper was established in 1893 by Mr. Joseph Ivess, lately M.H.R., who has probably established more papers than any other man in New Zealand. The building is of wood and iron, one story in height, and containing about 900 square feet of floorage space. The machinery consists of a double-royal machine and foolscap folio treadle. About five hands are employed in connection with the paper. The circulation is extensive along the route of the central railway, and, in fact, throughout all parts of the Rangitikei county. Mr. Thomson is a native of County Down, Ireland, and left for Victoria in 1861, per ship “Donald McKay.” He learned the business of a printer in Victoria, and left that colony for Hokitika in 1867. On arriving in New Zealand he was for some time on the staffs of the Evening Star and West Coast Times at Hokitika, and about 1871 started the Inanguaha Herald with Messrs. Ivess and Mirfin. In 1872 he accepted a position on the New Zealand Times in Wellington, and worked his way up from the rank of reporter to that of editor. For some time he was editor of the Wellington Evening Chronicle, subsequently he started the Waipawa Mail, and later on he edited the Christchurch Telegraph and South Canterbury Times, and the Ashburton Mail. For the last seven years he edited the Poverty Bay Herald at Gisborne, and succeeded early in 1095 to the Parackaretu Express.
Barrister and Solicitor, Milne Street, Hunterville. Telegraphic address, “Meldrum, Hunterville.” P.O. Box 2. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Milne Street Agents, Wellington, Messrs. Kirk and Atkinson. Mr. Meldrum is a son of Mr. A.
L.R.C.P.E., L.R.C.S.E., L.F.P.S.G., Physician and Surgeon, Hunterville. Mr. Smith is the eldest son of the late Dr. Smith, of Greytown North, where he was born. He was educated at Wellington College, where he passed the Junion Civil Service, Matriculation, and Medical Preliminary examinations of New Zealand University. Dr. Smith then went to Dunedin and attended classes in Faculty of Arts and Medicine, also Dunedin Hospital during 1886 and 1888. He then proceeded to Surgeon's Hall, Edinburgh, and completed his medical education by passing final examination Triple Qualification in 1891. While in Edinburgh he attended Royal Infirmary, Simpson Memorial Maternity Hospital, and Marshall Street Dispensary, &c. He obtained honours in several classes and was third for the gold meda in anatomy and medallist in pharmacy during session 1889–90. While in Edinburgh Dr. Smith was a member of the Edinburgh Australian Social Club, composed of colonials only, and committeeman during year 1890–91. He played in the first fifteen of Edinburgh Football Club during seasons 1890–90–91; was a member of Dunedin University Football Club while there; played in all inter-collegiate matches while at Wellington College, and was a good athlete while at college, being a boxer, gymnast, and member of cadet corps. Dr. Smith first practised in Greytown North and then removed to Marton, and in 1893, receiving a substantial guarantee from the residents of Paraekaretu, proceeded inland to Hunterville, where he has since resided He is surgeon to the local Foresters, and is a member of the Masonic order. In 1896 he married Margaret Vance, third daughter of Mr. G. V. Shannon, customs inspector.
Hunterville. This branch was opened about 1891. The establishment is in charge of Mr. Alfred Barnes.
(John Hensleigh Norris and Albert Edward Ashcroft, Land Agents, Surveyors, and Wine. Spirit, and General Merchants, Milne and Bruce Streets, Hunterville Telegraphic address, “Norris, Hunterville.” P.O. Box 27. Banker Bank of Australasia, Marton. Private residences: Mr. Norris, Miln Street; Mr. Ashoroft, Bruce Street This large business was established by the firm in the year 1892. Mr. Norris, who is a native
Cane, F. Herbert, Land, Estate and Commission Agent, etc., Hunterville
Baker, Confectioner, and Boardinghouse Proprietor, Victoria Buffet, Hunterville. The Victoria Buffet was established in 1887 by Mr. Dudding, who claims to be the oldest baker now in business in Hunterville. The baking department includes a comfortable shop and a large bakehouse, fitted with most modern appliances. A large turnover is made in this branch of the business. The “Buffet” is a large two-story wood and iron building of seventeen rooms, built under Mr. Dudding's direction. It contains good accommodation for boarders and visitors, besides the shop and bakery, and every effort is made to make the house comfortable and attractive. Mr. Dudding was born in Lincolnshire, England, and for seven years before coming to the Colony led a seafaring life. In 1858 he landed in Wellington from the good ship “Rose of Sharon.” For some years he was farming in Canterbury, with varying success. In 1886 Mr. Dudding returned to the North Island, and settled in Hunterville. Though very busy with the conduct of his business, Mr. Dudding finds time to serve his fellows as a member of the local school committee.
Ellis, W. F., Baker and Pastrycook, and Billiard-room Proprietor, Hunterville.
Coachbuilder and General Black-smith, Hunterville Shoeing Forge, Hunterville. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This forge was established in 1885, the one story building of wood and iron being created by Mr. Duncan McKay, who conducted the business till 1893, when the present proprietor purchased it. There are two forges and drilling and other machinery necessary to the trade. Mr. Ross employs a number of skilled hands to assist in the various departments of his business. Although the work is chiefly in the general blacksmithing line, Mr. Ross is in a position to turn out vehicles of all descriptions that may be required. The trade extends throughout the entire district, many of the customers living at a distance of seventeen miles away from Hunterville. Mr. Ross hails from “bonnie Scotland,” having been born in Aberdeen, where he learned his business. He came to the Colony per s.s. “Ionic,” arriving in 1884, and readily found employment, which he had no difficulty in retaining till acquiring the Hunterville Shoeing Forge.
Cummins, Geo C., Coachbuilder, Hunterville.
Street, Henry, Blacksmith and Agricultural Implement Manufacturer, Hunterville.
Cabinetmaker, Upholsterer and Undertaker, Hunterville Furnishing Warehouse, Bruce Street, Hunterville. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Onga Road. Mr. Morris is a native of Wellington and learned his business with Mr. James Gilbert, of Auckland, who was the founder of the Sash and Door Company. Mr. Morris completed his term in 1861 and for many years thereafter had a large and general experience in connection with his business. For seventeen years he was in business in Christchurch as a builder, and for two years subsequently worked in connection with his trade in Wellington. Settling in Hunterville in 1887 he established the Hunterville Furnishing Warehouse, which is a building of wood andiron, two stories in height, erected on leasehold ground and built by himself from his own designs. His trade extends all over Paraekaretu district. Mr. Morris has no speciality in his business, but makes everything required in the furnishing line. He is an ex-member of the local school committee, and a member of the Oddfellows' court.
Wilson, A H., Builder, Cabinetmaker, Upholsterer, and Undertaker, Mine Street, Hunterville. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1886.
(Joseph Mitchell, proprietor)
(David Sullivan, proprietor), Hunterville. P.O. Box 5. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This fine house, which contains thirty-two rooms, was established by Messrs. Hammond Brothers in 1887. It is an imposing building of two stories, and is built of wood and iron. On the ground floor there are very comfortable parlours and sitting-rooms, and a large well furnished dining-room. The hotel is under the personal management of Mr. Sullivan, who is assisted by a large staff of servants. The table is well supplied with all the luxuries in season, and every thing possible is done to make visitors happy and comfortable. Mr. Sullivan was born in Dunedin, his parents being among the enterprising colonists who arrived in the early days. He has had considerable experience in several of the colonies, as well as in different parts of New Zealand. For about eighteen months he was the landlord of the Criterion Hotel at Invercargill. In 1884 Mr. Sullivan went to New South Wales, where he remained five years. After returning to the Colony he visited Victoria, but soon came back to his native land, becoming the proprietor of the Hunterville Hotel in 1894. Mr. Sullivan has long been associated with sporting matters, being presently a member of the Hunterville Caledonian Society.
Tinsmith and Plumber, Hunterville Tinsmithing and Plumbing Establishment, Main Street, Hunterville. Telegraphic address, “Coltman, Hunterville.” Private residence, Main Street. Mr. Coltman is a native of Aldershot, and left in 1880 per ship “Waimate.” arriving in Lyttelton in 1881. He learned his business with Mr. Ogilvie of Oamaru, completing his term in the year 1888, and subsequently working as a journeyman until 1891. In the latter year he decided to settle in Hunterville, and established the above business. The building occupied by him is erected on freehold land, and was built under his direction from plans designed by himself. It is constructed of wood and iron, and is one story in height, and contains a floor space of about 500 square feet. Mr. Coltman has all the usual plant necessary to enable him to carry on a large and progressive business. His trade extends throughout the entire district. He undertakes every branch of the business, including dairy utensils and household requisites of every description, and makes a large number of tanks, which are in great requisition in this locality. Mr. Coltman is a member of the Anglican Church vestry, was “lodge deputy” of the Good Templar Order for some two or three years, is “tyler” to the Masonic Lodge, and a member of the Hunterville School Committee.
Boot and Shoe Manufacturer, Universal Boot Depot, Bruce Street, Hunterville. Mr. Bowck's parents came to New Zealand among the Canterbury pilgrims, and may fairly be ranked as pioneer settlers on the grand plains of the South Island. Mr. Bowick was born in Canterbury, where he learned his business. Before coming to the North Island he gained large experience in the employ of several well-known firms. Coming to Wellington in 1888, by way of variety Mr. Bowick had a turn at bush-felling, and thus drifted into the vicinity of Hunterville. It was not long, however, before he decided to return to his own proper business. In 1892 he established himself as above, beginning in a small shop at the opposite side of the town. The trade rapidly increased, and consequently, larger premises were an absolute necessity, hence the Universal Boot Depot was opened. Here a capital stock of British, Continental and Colonial boots and shoes are temptingly displayed. Mr. Bowick, however, makes a specialty of bespoke work, and retains a staff of competent hands
(F. J. and W. A. Ellis and H. Valder), Storekeepers and General Merchants, Hunterville. The firm have been established for some years at Hunterville, and the local business is under the management of Mr. Valder. The firm have branches at several of the settlements further inland.
Smith, R. J. General Storekeeper, Hunterville. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1888.
Vickery, Mrs., Grocer and Fruiterer, Hunterville.
W. C. Dudding, proprietor), Milne Street, Hunterville. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. These stables were established in 1887 by Mr. Dalziell, Mr. Dudding succeeding in 1892. He is a New Zealander by birth, and was brought up as a farmer by an uncle. Having been constantly among horses from his youngest days, he has had large experience, especially as a horse-breaker, in which he has been very successful. He does considerable business in buying and selling horses. The Argyle Stables contain twenty-two stalls and four loose boxes. About twenty horses are used in the business. A large coach, several buggies, and other vehicles are always available for hire when required. Mr. Dudding was for six years in business as a butcher in Hunterville before entering into this business. He is a member of the local Foresters' Court.
McDonald, John, Livery and Bait Stable Proprietor, Hunterville.
Remington, A. E., J.P., Chemist and Druggist, Bruee Street, Hunterville. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1890, and conducted by preset t proprietor since 1894.
McEldowney, J., Draper (H. Sutcliffe, manager), Hunterville.
Brooker, Allan S., Tailor, Hunterville.
Ryan, Patrick, Tailor, Hunterville.
Bray, J., Hairdresser, Hunterville.
Pawson, Jas. Arthur, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Hunterville.
Morine, T. A., Boardinghouse-keeper, The Railway Boardinghouse, Hunterville, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Conducted by present proprietor since 1992.
Whitelaw, Herbert Jas., Saddler, Hunterville.
Young, W. L., Saddler, Hunterville.
Morris and Hunter (George Morris and John Hunter), Butchers, Ham and Baconcurers, Milne Street, Hunterville. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1885, and conducted by present proprietor since 1894.
Robb, David, Butcher, Brace Street, Hunterville. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1885.
Berry, F. C., Watchmaker and Jeweller, Hunterville. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
Farmer, Reaby, Hunterville. Mr. Chubbin, who claims the Isle of Man as his birthplace, arrived at Lyttelton in 1853, and went to Southland, where he was engaged some years as a runholder. Selling out, he re-visited the Old Country, but soon left its shores for South America, where he travelled a good deal. After a brief stay in England he went to Victoria, and soon afterwards to New Zealand. Mr. Chubbin took up a run near Hawera, but on the outbreak of war was compelled to abandon it. When peace was proclaimed he found his stock all gone, but set to work to right matters. He remained on this run for eight years, and then sold out to go to California. He was soon satisfied that there was no place like New Zealand, and returned to it for good, finally settling down on his present property. He was the only settler in the district for years, and had to cut his own track to his farm. Mr. Chubbin is married, and has two sons and nine daughters.
Farmer, Halewood, Hunterville. Born in 1843 in Essex. England, Mr. Hale came to Wellington with his parents when a child, and received his education in that city. For some years he worked in the Hutt District, when he took up 160 acres of land at Carnarvon. This he improved and sold to advantage, and then settled on 300 acres below Hunterville, which he improved and subsequently sold. In 1886 Mr. Hale took up his present holding of 836 acres. There were no roads to the property, and his first three tons of grass-seed were carried to the farm on horseback. He has now 600 acres in grass, the estate being fenced and subdivided, with a comfortable homestead. Mr. Hale was the prime mover in getting his fellow-settlers to take advantage of the Act to borrow £500 to road their land. In the early days he took an active part in volunteering, and served in the Hutt corps for many years. In 1881 he married Miss Aiken, of Norwood (since deceased), and has three daughters.
Farmer, Wentworth, Hunterville. Born in Manchester in 1866, and educated at Oswestry Grammar School, Mr. Humphry came to Wellington in 1881, and became a cadet on Mr. N. Fitzherbert's estate in the Turakina
Settler, Badenock, Hunterville. Born in 1853 at Matarawa, near Wanganui, and brought up to farming pursuits, in 1876, in company with his three brothers, Mr. McGregor took up 1500 acres of virgin land in the Hunterville District. Being the first settlers, they had to cut tracks to their property and keep them open for many years. Other settlers followed, who were received by the McGregor Brothers with open arms, and their hospitality became proverbial. In 1886 the brothers dissolved partnership, Mr. Malcolm McGregor buying his brother Ewen's share. He has since made other purchases, his holding now amounting to 2500 acres, Mr. McGregor is ever ready to give his services for the advancement of the district. He holds church services at the Ben Nevis schoolhouse every second Sunday, and occasionally at Fordell and other places. In 1887 Mr. McGregor was married to Miss Hockley, and they have one son and three daughters.
Farmer, Puriri, Hunterville. A native of Applecross, Rosshire, Scotland, Mr. McLeay was brought up to farming pursuits on his father's farm, and is but a recent arrival in the Colony, having landed in Wellington in 1895. His farm consists of some 600 acres, carrying 1500 well-bred Lincoln sheep and a number of cattle. The carrying capacity of “Puriri” can be greatly increased with very little outlay. There is a good road to the property.
Farmer, Rataiti, Hunterville. Born in 1872 at Wanganui, where he was educated, Mr. McLean was engaged on his father's farm till he took up a block of 1000 acres, covered with dense bush, in the Turakina Valley, known as “Ruakaka.” About half of this block is now cleared, grassed, fenced, and subdivided, with a carrying capacity of two-and-a-half sheep to the acre. Mr. McLean has since bought other properties, his present holding consisting of 3000 acres freehold and 1000 acres leasehold, carrying a large flock of well-bred Lincoln sheep and a herd of shorthorn cattle. The homestead at “Rataiti” is situated at the junction of the Ongo and Mangahoe roads.
Farmer, Rata Flat, Hunterville. Born in 1850, near Stirling, Perthshire, Mr. Morrison came out to the Colony with his parents in 1858, his father being under a three years' engagement to Mr. Blyth, of Wanganui. At the conclusion of this term, Mr. Morrison, senr., started farming on his own account, taking up land in 1864 on the Fern Flats, which were then in their natural state. Here the subject of this sketch spent his early years until 1836, when he took up his present holding of 1225 acres, then covered with dense bush. The property is now highly improved, and departures a choice flock of Lincoln sheep and a herd of cattle. Mr. Morrison served in the volunteers for twenty-three years, and takes an active part in Masonry, being a P.M. of Ruapehu Lodge. A few years ago he visited the land of his birth, and enjoyed a very pleasant time. Mr. Morrison is unmarried.
Farmer, Mistletoe Farm, Hunterville. A native of County Roscommon, Ireland, Mr. Nolan passed his early days on his father's farm, until 1870, when he left for America. His health failing, he returned in 1874 to Ireland, but six months later left
Farmer, Otaimata, Hunterville. Born in Dunedin, Mr. Richardson was educated at Wanganui. He joined the Survey Department while in his teens, serving for ten years. Mr. Richardson acquired his holding of 330 acres in 1891, then all covered with dense bush. Most of this has disappeared before the axe and the fire, and is replaced by a thick sward of nutritious grasses, which is grazed over by a well-bred flock of sheep, and a fine herd of shorthorn cattle. As the pioneer settler of the Maungakaretu Block, Mr. Richardson had many of the hardships incidental to early days of settlement to contend with. He had to cut his own track, and carry his stores on his shoulder for over twelve months, there being no grass to keep a horse. Mr. Richardson has always taken a lively interest in everything that tends to advance his district. In 1894 he was married to Miss Carroll, of Wanganui, and has two sons, the elder of whom was the first child born in the Manugakaretu Block.
J.P., Settler, Hunterville. Born in 1856, at Newbridge, County Kildare, Ireland, Mr. Thompson was educated at Briwood School and at Rugby, and spent his early days at sea. He arrived in Australia in 1876, and was engaged until 1881 in gold-mining, share-broking, etc., when he returned to England, remaining for two years. Landing in Wellington, Mr. Thompson settled in Rangitkei in 1883, and worked on the Silverhope Estate until 1888, when he bought a farm. Mr. Thompson has taken an active part in local politics, having been a member of the Rangitikei Licensing Bench and the Hunterville Domain Board. He held the position of W. M. of the Rangatira Masonic Lodge for three years. He was the second Justice of the Peace in his district. In 1895 Mr. Thompson married a daughter of Mr. A. Ingram, of Marton.
The terminus of the Hunterville Branch of the railway line between Palmerston and Wanganui, at the time of writing (1897),
is used as combined railway and postal-telegraph offices. When the line is opened to Ohingaiti, it is possible that Mangaonoho Station, now a terminus, may become a flag station. Mr. Edmond Burke is the stationmaster at Mangaonoho.
which was established at a comparatively recent date, has an average attendance (1836) of twenty-seven, The school is in the charge of Mr. J. E. Thwaite.
Farmer and Sawmiller, Orangopongo Sawmills, Mangaonoho. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Born at Matarawa, near Wanganui, in 1861, and educated at Wanganui Grammar School, Mr. McGregor was brought up to pastoral pursuits. Settling in the Paraekaretu District in 1883, he acquired 7000 acres of land, which he afterwards sold to advantage. His holding at Orangopongo is 1000 acres, besides which he has 1000 acres of casehold, 4500 acres of which is in grass. On his station and at his mills, Mr. McGregor employs forty hands, producing 250,000 feet of sawn timber per month. He has stretched a cable over the Rangitikei River, by means of which timber can be brought across. A cage is run in connection with the cable, and this is placed at the disposal of the public without charge. In public life he has been a member of the local licensing committee since 1890.
From Mangaonoho, the last station opened on the Hunterville Railway Line, four miles of mountainous coach road requires to be negotiated, and when
which is also an office for the issue of money orders, postal notes, and the transaction of savings bank business, is at the store of Messrs. Ellis Bros, and Valder, daily mails being received and despatched. Mr. John Spencer Carver is the officer in charge.
which is situated in Main Street South, was opened in 1893 by Constable O'Leary. The officer in charge of the district at the time of writing (1896) is Constable Black.
Overseer, Railway-works, Utiku, Ohingaiti. Born in the Empire City in 1856, his parents having arrived in Wellington on the 22nd of January, 1841, in the “Slains Castle,” Mr. Floyd went to Rangitikei in 1872, where he worked on a farm, subsequently buying land near Mount View, where he lived for some years. On disposing of this property, Mr. Floyd became a contractor completing several large works for the Rangitikei Highway Board and the Rangitikei County Council, besides some Government contracts, and was eventually appointed overseer on the railway-works of the branch line to Hunterville. Later on he was sub-inspector of works for the Rangitikei County Council, and subsequently Mr. Floyd conducted the Argylo Hotel, Hunterville, and afterwards the Royal Hotel, Ohingaiti, for about eighteen months. As a public man in Hunterville, he was chairman and secretary for several small farm associations, president of the rifle club, organiser of the Foresters' Lodge and Masonic Lodge, member of the domain board and school committee, and one of the first Justices of the Peace in the Paraekaretu District. He is also president of the Rangitikei Liberal Association. Mr. Floyd has been requisitioned at two elections to stand for Parliament, but has declined. On leaving Hunterville he was presented with an illuminated address, numerously signed.
which is controlled by a local committee, acting under the Wanganui Education Board, has an average attendance of eighty-five scholars. The building is of the usual design, and affords ample convenience for the purposes intended.
Headmaster of the Ohingniti School, was born in Holmfirth, Yorkshire, in 1853. Educated at Cleveland College, Darlington, and Wellesley College. Sheffield, he matriculated at London University in 1872. Arriving in New Zealand in 1881, Mr. Brooks had some experience as a farmer, and joined the Wanganui Education Board in 1890 as relieving officer, being subsequently appointed to Ohingaiti. Before leaving England, he was connected with the Volunteer movement, in which he held the rank of Lieutenant. He appears in the illustration in the uniform of his company. Mr. Brooks is married, and has six children.
holds services in the Ohingaiti Public School every Sunday, Messrs J. P. Aldridge and C. M. Pedder acting as lay readers. The district is included in the Hunterville Parish, the Rev. J. M. Devenish being the clergyman in charge.
Ohingaiti, is under the pastoral oversight of the Rev. Mr. Griffiths. The building is a neat-little structure, seating about 100.
holds monthly services in Ohingaiti, conducted by visiting priests, in Wells and Hentze's Hall.
Ohingaiti, holds two services every Sunday and one every Thursday. Mr. Bourne, of Marton, is the home missionary.
No. 7246, I.O.O.F., M.U., Wanganui District. Meetings are held fortnightly. The officers for 1896 were:—N.G., Mr. G. Thurgood; V.G., Mr. S. Wanton, jun.; secretary, Mr. A. T. Coates; treasurer, Mr. J. S. Carver, P.G.
No. 7924, A.O.F. Meetings are held monthly at the Club Hotel. The officers for 1896 were:—Chief Banger, Mr. J. Lambert; sub-chief ranger, Mr. J. Cumin; treasurer, Mr. J. Hicks; secretary, Mr. Summers.
L.R.C.S. (Ireland, 1885), Physician and Surgeon, Main Street North, Ohingaiti. Mr. Davenport is a native of Derbystire, and qualified in 1885.
J.P., Chemist and Druggist, Ohingaiti. This business was established in 1893 by the present proprietor, who in 1856 began to learn his business with Messrs. C. and F. Barraud, the first chemists of Welfington. Subsequently he was in business in Napier on his own account, and dispensing for Dr. Grace, and afterwards he acted as assistant to Mr. John Allen, in Wellington. A son of the Rev. R. Carver, who for thirty years laboured first in the Wesleyan, and afterwards in the Church of England mission under Bishop Spencer, the subject of this sketch was born at Malnattam, near Madras, India, in 1838. After his father's deeply-lamented death, he went to England with his widowed mother, and was educated at the Manchester Grammar School and “All Saints,” Margaret Street, London. He came to New Zealand in 1853 as a cadet, and has had considerable experience of country life, having at one time managed the Tuki Tuki Sheep-station, Hawkes Bay, for Mr. Henry St. Hill, then Resident Magistrate of Wellington. In musical matters Mr. Ind-Carver has been prominent as organist of St. John's, Wellington, for three years, and as a music-teacher there and in the Wairarapa. While living in Napier as chemist, in 1866 he took part as a militiaman in the Omarumn engagement against the Hau Haus, for which service he holds a war medal, and after, in 1868–69 as a volunteer, was in active service at Poverty Bay and Mohaka massacres. Mrs. Carver is a daughter of Mr. Thomas Nicholas, builder, of Wellington.
Builder, Onslow Street, Ohingaiti. Established in 1892. Mr. Crump is also carrying on the business of cabinetimaking and undertaking. Born in Lyttleton in 1869, and educated at Oxford. Canterbury, the subject of this notice left school at the age of fourteen, and was apprenticed to Mr. John Brown, builder, Oxford; during the five years he gained a thorough knowledge of every branch of his trade. As soon as he had completed his apprenticeship, he started in business for himself in the North Island as a builder, and has successfully executed many large and important contracts in Woodville, Feilding, Dannevirke, Palmerston, and Wanganui. In 1888 he thought he would try him luck in Australia as work became somewhat slack in New Zealand, and for five years engaged in business in Newcastle, New South Wales, but finding that the heat had an injurious effect upon his health, he resolved to return to New Zealand, and finally settled in Ohingaiti. Here, again, success has attended his business. Mr. Crump is now adding sash and door-making to his general business, and is putting in a plant for that purpose. In 1888 he was married to Miss Lee, of Hunterville, and now has five children.
Aerated Water Manufacturer, Ohinguiti Cordial Factory, Main Street. Ohingaiti. This factory is well found in every respect, and supplies a large district with cordials and non-intoxicating drinks. Mr. Connon, who hails from Aberdeen, where he was educated at the local grammar school and at King's College, became one of the chartered accountants of Scotland in 1864. He settled in the colonies owing to heavy losses, caused by the failure of a well-known institution in his native land. In local politics Mr. Connon takes great interest, having for some years filled the position of chairman of the school committee.
(W. H. Wells and J. P. Hentze, proprietors), Main Street, Ohingaiti. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This hostelry, which is patronised by most of the commercial men visiting the township, has twenty-one bedrooms, five parlours, and a large dining-hall which will seat fifty people. Good stables are attached to the house, and there is also a very comfortable hall, provided with stage and accessories, suitable for theatrical performances. The proprietors have had considerable experience in catering and hotel-management, and the requirements of travellers are carefully studied by them. Both partners were formerly in business in Marton, where Mr. Hentze established the
(John Coyle, proprietor), Main and Onslow Streets, Ohingaiti. This hotel, which has recently been completely renovated, possesses fourteen large, well-ventilated bedrooms, seven sitting-rooms, and a fine dining-room with chairs for thirty guests. There are twelve loose-boxes, which afford ample accommodation for horses, and vehicles are on hand for hire on the shortest, notice. Mr. Coyle is a native of Auckland, and was brought up to the business. Early in life he entered the police force, and continued for twenty-three years in the service, the last sixteen years of the term having been spent in the Rangitikei District. Mr. Coyle has acted for many years as handicapper for local racing clubs, and is said to be one of the best in the Colony. He retired in favour of Mr. Henry, the professional handicapper, but still acts for the Rangitikei Hunt Club, and for the second day's races at Feilding. Mr. Coyle is very popular as a host, as well as in his personal relations.
Clab Hotel (J. Curran, proprietor), Main Street, Ohingaiti. Established 1893.
(F. J. and W. A. Ellis and Hy. Valder), Storekeepers, Ohingaiti. Head Office, Hunterville; branches, Taihape and Moawhango. The Ohingaiti branch is under the management of Mr. F. J. Ellis, who has had many years' experience in connection with country business.
Buckley, George, Baker, Main Street, Ohingaiti. Established, 1891.
Laing, J. M., Draper, Ohingaiti.
Holt, Peter, Tailor, Ohingaiti.
Riddiway, J., Hairdresser, Ohingaiti.
Makohine Accommodation-house (Mrs. Hefferman, proprietress), Ohingaiti.
Sigley, Frank, Blacksmith and Wheelwright, Main Street, Ohingaiti. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1892.
Mills, Samuel, Saddler, Ohingaiti.
Martin, Siman, Batcher, Main Street, Ohingaiti. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Established 1893.
Farmer, Waterfalls, Ohingaiti. Born at Gipping, near Strome, Suffolk, Mr. Ellis spent his youthful days in farming, and came out in 1859, per ship “Mary Ann,” to Lyttelton. For ten years he carried on a dairy farm at Akaroa and Little Akaroa, but sold out and removed to the Canterbury Plains. Soon afterwards he was appointed manager of Mr. Travers station at Amuri, where he remained four years, then returning to Christchurch to manage an auctioneering business. Subsequently he became manager of Mr. Reess's farm, on leaving which Mr. Ellis settled on the Waimate Plains, finally taking up his present property in 1886. The land was then dense bush, but is now in a highly improved state. Mr. Ellis first stocked his place with dairy cattle, milking as many as twenty-eight cows daily. A fine stream running through the property was utilised as a motive-power for driving separator, churn, etc. However, in consequence of the low price of butter, the distance from a market, and the fact that outside labour had to be employed, operations in this particular direction have been suspended, the power now being used in driving chaff-cutting and sawing machinery.
Sheepfarmer, Pouwhakarua, Ohingaiti. The son of a very old identity, who landed in Wellington in 1841, by the “George Fife,” M. Hammond was born in Kaiwarra, and was educated at the Wellington Grammar School. Brought up to farming pursuits, he is interested with his brother, Mr. H. V. Hammond, in York Farm, near Marton. The Ohingaiti property consists of 1200 acres, which is all felled and grassed, and carries three sheep to the acre, besides 150 head of cattle. Mr. Hammond takes an interest in out-door sport, and is particularly fond of racing.
Originally known as “Three Log Whare,” this settlement is likely to come into prominence, by the extension of the Hunterville Branch Railway Line, of which it will be the terminus. At/name> the time of writing (1897), it is the scene of operations of a large co-operative labour party.
The population of the township, by latest census returns, is 349. The local post-office is also an office for the issue of postal notes and money orders; it is likewise a post-office savings bank. Sawmilling and pastoral pursuits are among the leading avocations of the surrounding settlers.
is held at Mr. Thomas Munro's store. Mails north and south arrive at and leave the office daily.
was opened on the 5th of March, 1894, by Mr. T. R. Bowden, with a very small roll number. The present building, which was designed to accommodate sixty, was opened on the 26th of February, 1896, and has the usual modern conveniences. The headmaster is Mr. E. W. Tompkins, who is assisted by a pupil teacher, Mr. E. Jarvis. The number now on the roll is ninety-eight, and there is an average attendance of seventy-three.
who has charge of the Mangawaka School, is the third son of one of Wellington's early settlers, Mr. John Tompkins. After three years as master of the Goal Valley and Porewa schools respectively, and a period as relieving teacher under the Wanganui Education Board, Mr. Tompkins was appointed to Manageweka in 1895.
holds services in the Public School at Mangaweka, on alternate Sundays, under the charge of Mr. Arthur Hopper, Home Missionary. This is the centre for Kawhatan, Ruahine, Kaikora, Taihape and Moanwhango.
Mangaweka, which is attached to Mrs. E. Stokes' boardinghouse, is situated in a centeral position in the township, and consists of a fine large hall suitable for dancing.
(E. F. Levy, proprietor), Main Street, Mangaweka. Established September, 1896. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Bulls. A really good stock of all kinds of drugs and patent medicines and sundries in kept, and in connection with the dentistry
department there is a first-rate set of forceps by Hutchison, of Sheffield, of the latest and most improved pattern. There is a handsome dispensing screen, with carvings, etc., and shop drawers, manufactured by Messrs. Scoullar and Chisholm, of Wellington. The consulting room at the back of the shop is nicely furnished for the use of visitors. Dr. Smith, of Hunterville, attends here every Tuesday from 2 to 5 p.m. The room contains a small library of standard medical works. Mr. Levy is the agent for Messrs. Leith and Ross, homœpathic chemists, of Vere Street, London, and a handsome
Drapers, etc., Main Street, Mangawaka. This is a branch of the main business in Wanganui, Mr. J. H. Hicks being the local manager. Further particulars of this large concern will be found in the Wanganui section of the Cyclopedia.
Boardinghousekeeper, Private Boardinghouse, Mangaweka. Erected in March, 1895, having six bedrooms and a large dining-room seated for twenty persons, this convenient house has also a pleasant sitting-room for the use of boarders and visitors. The establishment is cleanly and well kept, and the proprietor does his utmost to satisfy the travelling public.
(Thomas Gordon, proprietor), Main Street, Mangaweka. Established 1893. This is a most commodious place, and is adapted to execute all kinds of shoeing and smithing work. There is a wheelwright's shop attached, and a capable man is employed. Mr. Thomas Gordon, the proprietor, was born in Glasslough, thirty-five miles from Belfast. After receiving an education in his native town, he was apprenticed to his father, who then carried on a very large agricultural and general implement concern. Upon the death of his father, he resolved to come to New Zealand, and first went into business in Wanganui with Mr. Leslie, buying the business of Mr. Bell. He has at different times started in business at Waitotara and Patea, both times selling out to good advantage. Having a taste for farming, Mr. Gordon turned his hand to that, and for four years farmed at the Goat Valley, near Wanganui. It was when leasing the farm that the opening for business presented itself at Waitotara, but upon selling out there he was employed by Mr. Bishop, of Feilding, and remained for six years. Mr. Gordon is a good all-round workman, and understands every branch of the iron trade. All the members of Mr. Gordon's family are grown up, and in first-class positions in Wanganui, the eldest son being chief clerk in the office of Messrs. Burnett and Co., solicitors, of Wanganui. In 1865 he entered the Volunteers under Captain Finnimore, and was in action against the Maoris, fighting side by side with the late Hon. John Ballance.
(Eli Caselberg and — Stephens), General Storekeepers, Mangaweka. Established in 1890, when the site of the settlement was all standing bush, and the only means of communication was by a back-track to Hunterville, Mr. Caselberg first used a tent as a store. Three years later, when trade had developed considerably, Mr. Stephens joined the business, and soon afterwards a commodious store was erected. This was unfortunately demolished by fire, the firm being heavy losers. Undaunted, they speedily rebuilt, and the illustration will give some idea of the convenient promises now occupied by them. The founder of the firm, and the pioneer of the township, Mr. Caselberg was born in Bristol, in 1856, and was educated and learned the clothing trade in Wales. Landing in the Colony in 1874, after engaging in various pursuits he came to Mangaweka, as above described.
(Thomas Munro, proprietor), Mangaweka. Established 1894. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales, Bulls. This business covers all the district from Manaonoho to Taihape. Mr. Munro carries a very large stock of every kind—crockery, grocery, ironmongery, and drapery - with a full assortment of all patent medicines. The post-office is also conducted here. Mr. Thomas Munro, a native of Rosshire, Scotland, was born in 1837, and educated at Dingwall School. Leaving school after passing every form, he was apprenticed to the drapery business, and served three years in Scotland and another three years in London. Hearing the glowing accounts of the “goldfields” at Bendigo, Ballarat, he left the Old Country in 1856, and for a long time carried on a successful business on the goldfields. As soon as the gold fever had commenced in New Zealand, Mr. Munro came over and spent some time at the Dunstan, and in fact opened the pioneer store in that place. Afterwards removing to Deep Creek, and Hokitika, he was again successful at storekeeping. Twenty-five years ago he came to the North Island, settling in Bulls, and was there till 1894, when, selling out, he took up 1000 acres in the Mangaweka District and commenced a general store. Here a successful business is being carried on. Mr. Munro has always taken the keenest interest in local politics, and for a long time served on the Bulls Town Board and School Committee. He was married in 1880, and has three children.
Store and Accommodation-housekeeper, Mangaweka. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established in 1893, as the pioneer boardinghouse of the district, good accommodation is available, there being thirty beds, three comfortable sitting-rooms, and a large, cheerful dining-room. Mrs. O'Drisoll, who has had considerable experience in this business, is most attentive to her customers. Attached to the premises there is good stabling, as well as secure paddocks.
Storekeeper, The People's Depôt, Mangaweka. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established in 1894 as a branch of his business then located in Ohingaiti, where the premises were destroyed by fire, Mangaweka has now become Mr. Officer's headquarters. A large country trade is conducted, goods being packed to customers resident many miles inland. The youngest son of Mr. James Officer, of Belfast, the proprietor of the People's Depôt arrived in the Colony per s.s. “Kaikoura,” in 1892, and, settling in Hunterville, entered into business as a carter, becoming interested in town sections, on which he erected buildings. Mr. Officer married in 1895, and has one child.
(P. J. McCann, proprietor), corner of Main and Kawa Kawa Streets, Mangaweka. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. These coaches run regularly to Ohingaiti, connecting daily with the line to and from Mangaonoho. As a livery stable keeper, Mr. McCann, who came to the Colony in 1879 from the north of Ireland, supplies saddle-horses and vehicles as required. He has had a large experience in the business, and is known as a careful driver. [Messrs. Berry and Trevena have (1897) purchased the coaching business from Mr. McCann.]
A small Government township, situate at the junction of four roads, each being the highway to a large district,
(Fred. Ely, proprietor), Taihape. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established in 1898, having as good accommodation as can be found in the township, the house has ten bedrooms, besides a good dining-room and ladies' parlour. Having lived in the district for eleven years, eight of which were spent at Moawhango as a saddler, Mr. Ely is well known, and visitors may rely on every attention being paid to their needs.
Storekeepers, Taihape. Head Office, Hunterville; branches, Ohingaiti and Moawhango. This branch was opened in 1896, when the firm bought a business
About ten miles beyond Mangaweka, on the main coach road to the Hot Lakes District,
which was completed and opened in October, 1896, was raised by public subscription, supplemented by labour famished by a few residents. It is a convenient building, having seating accommodation for about 100.
(Maurice Thompson, proprietor), Utiku. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This hostelry, which was completed and opened in May, 1896; contains seven bedrooms, two parlours, and a dining-room to seat twenty. The stables of five stalls and large loose-box are supplemented with an excellent paddock, which is specially available for travelling stock. Tourists are considered in every way, and their wants receive personal attention from the proprietor. Born at Saltwater Creek, Canterbury, Mr. Thompson became proprietor of the Railway Hotel, Hunterville, in 1894, and successfully conducted that house till opening at Utiku. He is a member of the Oddfellows' Order, being attached to the Ohingaiti Lodge.
Situate in the Erewhon Riding of the County of Hawkes Bay, while a part of the newly-constituted Electoral District of Rangitikei, via Kuripapanga, which communicates also with Pipiriki on the Wanganui River, the coaches between Ohingaiti, Tokaanu, and the Hot Lakes, running twice a-week. Many influential natives live in Moawhango and its vicinity—a large tract of open country, extending from Taupo to the Ruahine, and the Rangitikei River, and estimated to contain 20,000 acres of land, being owned by them.
Sheep farmer, Ngaurukehu, Moawhango. Mr. Adamson passed his early years at Wanganui, where he was born in 1847. Visiting Otago on the breaking-out of the goldfields, he soon found his way to Auckland, where he joined the Militia at the age of fifteen, under Captain Roberts. He was afterwards in the Land Transport Corps and in the Forest Rangers, on the East Coast, under Major Brassey, and in an expedition to the Urewera Country. Mr. Adamson was one of an expeditionary force under Colonel McDonnell, which took part against Titokowaru, and he afterwards joined Colonel Whitmore's forces as a scout, in which capacity he was more or less engaged during this war. He took part in no less than twenty-five pitched battles, receiving the Victoria Cross for his bravery in carrying his wounded mate out of reach of the enemy's fire, while suffering personally from four bullet-wounds. He also received the New Zealand war medal.
J.P., Sheep-farmer and Storekeeper, Moawhango. The pioneer of this settlement, Mr. Batley, who was born at Yarmouth, Norfolk, was educated at Portsmouth, and leaving Home as a sailor was wrecked on the coast of Hawkes Bay in 1863, from the ship “Royal Bride.” After five years' experience at sheepfarming in Hawkes Bay, for the most part on Sir Donald McLean's estate, he went inland, and was for ten years in the employ of Messrs. A. and W. Birch, the latter part of this period as manager of their Erewhon Estate. Subsequently, he established the large business which he still successfully conducts, wool-carting being an important part of it. Upwards of 1200 bales were taken to the nearest railway station (Mangaonoho), and 600 to Pipi-riki, during the last season. At his sheds about 30,000 sheep, belonging to Mr. Batley and his clients, were shorn last season. As an employer, he has twenty hands engaged permanently, the number being more than double during the summer. During his long residence inland Mr. Batley has acquired a very fair knowledge of the Maori language. In 1877 he paid a visit to the Old Country, where he was married to a daughter of Mr. W. A. Snelling, of the Royal yacht “Osborne,” and has five sons and one daughter.
Sheepfarmer, Erewhon, Moawhango. Born in 1842 in Oxfordshire, and educated in England and in Germany, Mr. Birch arrived in the Colony at the age of eighteen. After three years as a cadet in Hawkes Bay, with his brother, Captain Birch, he took a small run at Waimaramara, Hawkes Bay, but soon afterwards the brothers crossed the Ruahines, becoming the first white settlers in the district, which they named “Erehwon,” which, if spelt backwards, fittingly describes the state of the country at that time. Vast improvements have been made in the property, 5000 acres being under the plough, 100 miles of fencing completed, and a very pretty homestead erected. As a member of the Hawkes Bay County Council, Mr. Birch takes a keen interest in all local matters. All field sports are supported by him, his name appearing as patron of racing and other clubs. During the Te Kooti trouble he served in the Volunteers under Colonel McDonnell; Captain Birch was acting as Brigade Major. In 1874, while on a visit to England, Mr. Birch was married to a daughter of the Rev. W. Larden, Arkel Rectory, Shropshire.
Farmer, Ngáurukehu, Moawhango. Mr. Jones was born in 1862 at Wanganui, where he spent his early years in farming pursuits. He took up his present holding of 3000 acres in 1878, in its virgin state. The property has been greatly improved, being well grassed, fenced and subdivided, with neat and comfortable buildings, carrying 3000 cross-bred sheep besides cattle. Mr. Jones' outlet was, for many years, via Moawhango and Napier, but it is now by Ohingaiti.
The municipality of Otago Witness, in the following words:—
Marton, which has a population of 1151, is the chief town of the Rangitikei County, of which it forms a part, the Electoral District being that of Manawatu. Two miles out of the borough, towards Feilding, is Marton Junction, which is the starting-point of the line to Hunterville sixteen miles inland—and Ohingaiti; this may at some future time be a through route to Auckland. The post and telegraph office—destroyed by fire in the early part of 1896—is to be substantially re-erected. Mails are received and delivered twice daily, the office being available for money
Rangitikei Advocate. There are four hotels, besides several boardinghouses, the accommodation being comfortable. For religious services in the township, four places of worship exist—Episcopal, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Wesleyan. Altogether, Marton is a very pleasant place at which to stay, the roads also being good for tourists, equestrians, pedestrians, or cyclists. As Marton is the headquarters of the newly-formed Manawatu Electorate, a sketch of Mr. J. Stevens, who defeated Mr. R. C. Bruce at the General Election of 1896, is given below.
M.L.C., who was called to the Upper House in 1895, has been a resident in the Rangitikei District since 1881. The son of the Rev. G. Arkwright, he was born in Derbyshire in 1846. Mr. Arkwright represented East Derbyshire in the House of Commons from 1874 to 1880. He contested the Rangitikei seat in 1890 against the late Mr. D. H. Macarthur, being defeated by thirty-five votes. His estate, “Overton,” a few miles from Marton, is charmingly situated on the banks of the Rangitikei River.
as newly constituted under Act of the Session of 1896, includes the townships of Levin, Foxton, Shannon, Tokomaru, Rongotea, Sandon, Bulls, Marton, and Turakina, and the country surrounding each place. The office of the Registrar of Electors, who is also the Returning Officer for the District, is situated in Broadway, Marton.
is the member for the district. He is a Licensed Native Interpreter and Native Agent, and resides at Somerset House, Turakina Road, Bulls. Mr. Stevens is a native of Wellington, and has spent most of his time in Rangitikei, having resided there since 1854, with the exception of three years, during which he took two cargoes of New Zealand horses to India, and visited Ceylon and Australia. For some years Mr. Stevens was auctioneering. He founded the business of Stevens and Gorton, which is now conducted by Abraham and Williams, and Gorton and Son. He has held a certificate as native interpreter for twenty-two years. Mr. Stevens organized the first cavalry corps in Rangitikei, and held the commission of cornet (now obsolete). He was subsequently lieutenant and captain. He served for twelve months under General Cameron, and was one of the Wanganui Volunteer Cavalry under Captain Cameron. The Rangitikei Cavalry, under Captain Stevens, took the first honours for the gallop past in 1886–7. Mr. Stevens has always been interested in the sports and pastimes of the people. He was one of the organizers of the local jockey club, and rode two races in 1858, winning both. He is a member of the hunt and polo clubs. Mr. Stevens is also a master Mason, and a member of the Oddfellows and Foresters societies. He is also a J.P. of many years' experience. Politically, Mr. Stevens is a Liberal. He sat in the 'House of Representatives as member for Rangitikei in the 1881–4 Parliament. At the next and all subsequent elections he was defeated, till 1893, when he was again returned for the same electorate. Mr. Stevens was a member of the Royal Commission, composed of the Hon. Mr. Larnach and others, to consider the revision of the Custom's Tariff and report to the session of 1895.
consists of nine councillors, exclusive of the mayor. The rateable annual value of the borough is £10,300. The rates are a general rate of one shilling in the pound, a library rate of one penny in the pound, and a special rate of one shilling in the pound, the total rate income being about £1000 per annum. There are about 250 rate-payers in the borough, the population being about 1200, and the number of dwellings 230. The special rate is levied to cover the cost of water-supply, for the purpose of which two large dams have been constructed about a mile-and-a-half out of the town, at a cost of about £5000. The reservoirs hold about thirteen million gallons of water. The library is well kept, and includes about thirteen hundred volumes, and additions are frequently made. Mr. D. C. Tennent is the mayor, and the councillors are:—Messrs. J. Anderson, B. Goile, H. Henderson, E. H. Humphrey, E. Read, J. Richardson, J. F. Siceley, W. Saywell, and S. Skerman. The council keep their account with the Bank of Australasia.
was elected to that position in November, 1896. A native of London, Mr. Tennent came to the Colony in 1864, per ship “British Empire,” landing at Lyttelton. For eleven years he was with the late Mr. R. Levien, of Nelson, where he acquired his knowledge of mercantile business. Mr. Tennent left Nelson to purchase his present business, which he conducted for six years, Mr. Simpson then joining the firm, under the style of Tennent and Simpson, auctioneers, stock and station agents. Since Mr. Simpson's retirement, Mr. Tennent has relinquished the auctioneering, and confines himself to the above lines. Although leading a very busy life, Mr. Tennent has found time to serve his fellows. He was for some time a member of the Marton Borough Council, and has for nine years served on a local school committee.
has been for six years a member of the Marton Borough Council. He is also a member and treasurer of the Marton Fire Brigade, a member of the Caledonian Society, and a trustee of the local Foresters' Court. For six years Councillor Anderson served as a member of the local school committee. He is a native of Scotland, and came to New Zealand per ship “Black Swan,” arriving in Wellington in 1866.
who has held a seat on the Marton Borough Council in the years 1892–93–94–96, was born in Posen, Prussia, in 1845, his father being a tailor. Coming to South Australia with his parents when only two years old, he was educated in that colony, and worked on his father's farm till 1861, when the family removed to Marton. Here he eventually acquired a farm of his own, of about 140 acres, which was so neatly kept as to earn the name of the “Model Farm.” This he sold in 1893, removing to his beautiful residence in Marton, with its prettily designed garden and neatly-kept grounds. In 1876 Mr. Goile married Miss Gundop, who is a native of Germany. Mr. Goile is an elder and the secretary of the Lutheran Evangelical Church, and is widely respected in the district.
is a member of the firm of Henderson Bros., Marton Roller Flour Mills. The family have been prominent in Marton for many years, and Councillor Henderson has been a member of the Marton Borough Council for the last four years.
is a native of Eastbourne, which he left when very young, and for some years lived in Hastings until 1874, or thereabouts, when he sailed for New Zealand in the ship “Waimea,” arriving in Wellington during the same year. He at once came into the Rangitikei district, taking the steamer to Foxton, and thence travelling overland. For ten years Mr. Humphrey was in business in Marton as a timber merchant. In the year 1887 he married Miss Follett, whose father was one of the first settlers in the Rangitikei and the purchaser of a large piece of ground in the centre of the town of Marton, having a large frontage to Broadway. Mr. Humphrey is at present a member of the Marton Borough Council, having occupied the seat for about four years. He has been a member of the local Foresters' court for the last thirteen years, and has taken a considerable interest in volunteer matters, being a member of the Royal Rangitikei Rifles, and when the celebrated Parahaki expedition was undertaken, Mr. Humphrey was one of the party, being six weeks away from home.
who entered the Marton Borough Council in 1892, was born in Hastings, England, in 1834, and came to New Zealand in the ship “Arab” in 1841. He received most of his education at Finnimore's School, Wellington, and joined his father in the building trade, eventually starting business for himself. After some experience in Willis Street, Wellington, he came to Rangitikei in 1866, where he worked till his retirement in 1893. Councillor Richardson now lives in Oxford Street, Marton, with his son Harold. During his residence in Marton he has identified himself with many of the public institutions of the place, and has been especially prominent in church work.
is a native of Kent, from whence as a lad he removed to Essex to the care of his grandfather, in consequence of his father having to go to the Crimean war in 1855 Mr. Sicely went to sea, in a merchant vessel, and followed a sailor's life until 1868. He was on board the “Blue Jacket” on her last touching at a New Zealand port, and left at Lyttelton, having elected to remain in the Colony, a most fortunate occurrence for him, as the vessel was burned at sea on her homeward trip. Mr. Sicely was master on board a coasting vessel trading at New Zealand ports for some years, but decided to leave the sea in 1870. Councillor Sicely was a member of the Marton Borough Council from 1885 to 1888, and was again elected in 1893. He has contested the mayoralty on two or three different occasions, and in each instance was defeated, though by a small majority.
who is also an ex-mayor of Marton, was born in Essex, England, in 1855. Educated at Bedford Grammar School and at King's College, London, he matriculated in 1872, and qualified as a medical practitioner in 1876. Coming to New Zealand a year later, he settled in Marton in
Town Clerk, Borough Valuator, Rate Collector, Returning Officer, Registrar of Dogs, Inspector of Nuisances, and Librarian for the Marton Borough Counch, is a native of Bromley England, and came to Wellington, New Zealand, per s.s. “Rimutaka,” in 1890. He afterwards obtained a position on the railway, and on the death of Mr. Harris, the late Town Clerk, received the appointments above mentioned. Mr. Wilson is secretary of the local chess club.
is situate in the new Borough Council Chambers in High Street. During the past few years the library has made rapid progress, and Marton may be said to now possess a library equal to any town of its own size in the Colony. In the reading-room all the principal papers of the Colony are filed, as well as the leading
is one of the oldest institutions in the township. The station and fire-bell are situated opposite the White Hart Hotel. Although the water-pressure is somewhat low, the brigade has done good service.
was established about thirty years ago by Captain Heywood, so well known throughout New Zealand in connection with the Invercargill Band. In the first instance, the Marton Band was attached to the Rangitikei Royal Rifle Volunteers, with which corps it continued till about 1892, when it became detached. The band, which is a credit to the town, is well known on the West Coast, having been engaged to perform at the Palmerston North Agricultural and Pastoral Show of 1896, and elsewhere. There are nineteen active members in regular practice, and the band competed at the Wellington Exhibition (1896–97) Band Contest. Mr. W. J. Smith is the bandmaster, and Mr. T. J. Lound fills the office of secretary.
Bandmaster of the Marton Brass Band, was born at Woolwich in 1862. Educated in England, he came to the Colony per ship “Star of India,” landing in Wellington in 1876. Mr. Smith developed a love for music early in life, his favourite instrument being the cornet. For about twelve years he has acted as bandmaster, first in connection with Woodyear's Electric Circus Brass Band, which he conducted for two years, and for nearly ten years in Marton. Mr. Smith has been successful in producing three operas in Marton—“Pinafore,” “Pirates of Penzance,” and “The Yeomen of the Guard.” He was married in 1888 to a daughter of Mr. W. Adams, builder, of Wellington, and has two sons.
who died on the 31st of December, 1896, occupied the position of mayor of the borough for four years, and had sat as a councillor previously for six years. A native of Wandsworth, Surrey, he came to New Zealand per ship “Canard,” arriving in 1859 at Wellington. He was apprenticed to the undertaking business at Wandsworth, completing his term in 1839, and worked at the trade as a journeyman until 1846. On arrival in Wellington he worked for Mr. Mills, Mr. Archibald, Mr. Carter, and several others, and established his business in Marton in the year 1869. He was the principal undertaker of the district, in which line, at the time of his death, he was supposed to have been the oldest in the Colony actually in business. Before leaving the Old Country he was in business on his own account in Pimlico, London, as an undertaker for twelve years. For several years he was minister's churchwarden of St. Stephen's Church, Marton. He had four sons and four daughters, all now living and settled in the district, of whom two sons and one daughter are married. Mr. Snellgrove's farm, known as “Flowerdale,” consists of forty-two acres, and that at Wandsworth of 375 acres, all freehold land. He was a good and successful colonist, and was at all times willing to help forward any good work. He was a Justice of the Peace.
who was Mayor of Marton from 1893 to 1896 (three terms), was born in 1858 in Stirlingshire, Scotland. When eight years of age he came to New Zealand in the ship “Black Swan,” his father settling and opening a tailoring business in Marton. The subject of this notice was educated at the Marton Public School, and afterwards joined his father in the business, which was carried on under the style of McDonald and Son. In 1887 Mr. McDonald, senr., died, and the
who was for some time a member of the Marton Borough Council, was born in 1836 in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, and landed in New Zealand in 1857, almost immediately taking up his residence in the Rangitikei. The country was then in its natural state; there were no roads, and all haulage was done by bullocks, there being only three horses in the district. In 1861 Captain Johnston joined the Volunteers, was soon gazetted ensign, and subsequently attained the rank of captain, a position which he held for eleven years, his total service amounting to twenty-four years. His farm, “Bellevue,” is situated near Marton, but besides this he has an interest with his sons in several properties in different parts of the district. He is married to a daughter of Mr. John Crawford, and has five sons and four daughters.
who was a councillor of the Borough of Marton for some three or four years, and on the first road board elected in Rangitikei, is a son of the late Lieutenant Harrison, of the 16th Queen's Light Dragoons. Born at Canterbury, Kent, England, in 1815, he was brought up to a country life, and came to Wellington per ship “Nancy Dawson” in 1855. For the first five years Mr. Harrison was settled on the Porirua Road, on land purchased there, and in 1860 he purchased 2300 acres at Mt. View, near Marton, which he named “Woodbury.” For some years he worked this estate as a cattle-station, but subsequently went in for sheepfarming. He has sold the greater portion of the property, retaining only 400 acres, where he resides. As a chairman of directors of the old New Zealand Steam Shipping Company, Mr. Harrison was well known in Wellington some years ago. In 1845 he was married to a daughter of the late Lieutenant Knibbs, of the 29th Regiment of Foot, and has had six children, of whom three sons survive. Mr. Harrison has two grandchildren.
J.P., who was for several years a member of the Marton Borough Council, was born in Paisley, Scotland, in 1841, and came to New Zealand with his father on the first trip of the “Tyne” in 1842, settling at Karori for a time, and afterwards removing to Wanganui, where the subject of this sketch finished his school course. After a few years in Mr. Kells' store, he had some experience on the Otago goldfields, after which he returned again to Mr. Kells' employment. Later on he opened a store of his own in Ridgway Street, Wanganui, which he kept for about five years, then engaging in farming. In 1872 Mr. Murray opened a general store in Marton, which ten years later he leased and bought his present farm, “Ellerslie.” Shortly afterwards he bought a bush-farm at Waituna, on which he-lived for eight years, but indifferent health compelled him to relinquish it to his son. In 1865 Mr. Murray was married to Miss Hannah Hammond, daughter of Mr. Matthew Hammond, of “Killimoon,” a well-known settler at Bulls, and has four sons and two daughters. Mr. Murray was a member of the first Borough Council of Marton, and held a seat on it for several years. He was a member of the
consists of nine councillors, of whom Mr. J. W. Marshall is chairman, the other members being:—Messrs. R. Aldworth, Silverhope; Thomas Holden, Hunterville; R. E. Beckett, Marton; F. H. Haselden, Hunterville; J. T. Dalrymple, Bulls; A. McGregor, Hunterville; E. Newman, Makohau, Turakina; and R. K. Simpson, Marton. The officers are:—Mr. H. H. Richardson, clerk and rate collector; Mr. Alex. R. Mackay, engineer; Mr. A. Thoms, road inspector; and Mr. D. C. Tennent, returning officer. The rateable value of property in the county is £1,440,258. There are 1000 ratepayers in the county, exclusive of boroughs. The number of rateable properties is 1264, and the rates are three farthings in the pound. The loans raised amount to £25,000. The Council has assets valued at £4748. Numerous public works have recently been carried out in the county, and some splendid bridges have been erected.
the Chairman of the Rangitikei County Council, who has occupied that position since 1886, is a son of the late Major Marshall, paymaster of the 65th Regiment, which landed in Wellington in 1846. In all matters affecting the welfare of the district Mr. Marshall takes a keen interest. He resides on his station, known as “Tututotara,” which consists of 2500 acres of fine land, part of which was a natural clearing. The estate, which is in an advanced state of cultivation, is ten miles from Marton, and but one mile from the Porewa Railway Station, on the Hunterville Branch Line.
J.P., of the Rangitikei County Council, who was born at Frilford, Abingdon, Berkshire, and educated at Marlborough College, came out to New Zealand in 1882 to manage the Silverhope Estate, owned by Mr. Silver. The property is 6400 acres, and at the time of purchase was all bush. There are now 4000 acres cleared, grassed, fenced, and subdivided, carrying 10,000 sheep and 350 head of cattle. In felling the bush, patches for shelter have been reserved in every paddock, and the best of grasses only have been laid down. Mr. Aldworth, who has at all times taken great interest in every movement for the advancement of the district, was the first Justice of the Peace appointed there, and is president of the Marton Racing Club and of the Rangitikei Hunt Club. He was the prime mover in applying for the Silverhope school, and is a lay-reader in the Church of England at Silverhope, Tututotara, and Hunterville. Mr. Aldworth was married in England to the only daughter of Captain Wright, and has two sons and one daughter living.
who has been a member of the Rangitikei County Council for several years, was born in 1855 in London, and was educated at the London University School. Mr. Beckett arrived in the Colony in 1873, and commenced business in Marton two years later as an auctioneer and general merchant. He has ever taken the keenest interest in matters effecting the town and district, and in local government has been specially prominent. For three years he was mayor of the borough; and he is also honorary secretary of the Marton Jockey Club.
who was elected to the Rangitikei County Council in 1896, has a fine estate of 5500 acres in the Paraekaretu District. His first experience in colonial life was gained in Victoria in 1869, where he remained for twelve months. The next ten years he spent in Northern Queensland, where he worked in the Flinders River District, cattle-droving, mining, exploring, and prospecting. Mr. Holden took out the first mob of cattle to the Palmer River. He came to New Zealand in 1880, and finally settled down on his present estate, “Braemore.” Mr. Holden married Miss McGregor, and has two sons and three daughters.
entered the original Highway Board of the Rangitikei District in 1863, and has represented the same section of ratepayers in the Council since the Board was abolished. He was born in Argyllshire, Scotland, in 1837, and educated privately at Morven. Upon leaving school he joined his father in sheepfarming. In 1859 he came to New Zealand in the ship “Queen of the Avon,” landing in Wellington. He immediately resumed sheepfarming as managing partner in the firm of Cameron and Simpson, who had acquired about 20,000 acres of native land at Turakina. Building a stockade, Mr. Simpson, with the assistance of friendly natives, lived there and kept his property intact through all the Maori troubles. In 1862 he married, and the next year he purchased the Closeburn Estate of 450 acres, and went to live on it. Since then Mr. Simpson has acquired the following estates, which he still holds:—Patikipapa, 1500 acres; Glenmorvan, 2200 acres; and Dalvey, 1170 acres. Mr. Simpson was Inspector of Sheep for Rangitikei and the West Coast for twenty-six-and-a-half years, and retired on compensation when the Seddon Ministry took office, being senior inspector in the Colony at the time. His connection with public bodies has extended over thirty-three years, most of which time he has been county treasurer. He has served the public in many capacities. He has eight sons and two daughters.
the County Engineer to the Rangitikei County Council, was appointed to his present position in 1891. During Mr. Mackay's term of office several important works have been carried out in the way of new bridges and roads.
Clerk and Rate Collector to the Rangitikei County Council, was born in New Zealand, and was educated at the Wanganui College. On leaving school he turned his attention to general official work, and was for some years assistant in the offices of the Rangitikei County Council, and Marton Borough Council, under the late clerk Mr. Harris. Having gained a large experience in connection with these offices, he succeeded to the positions on Mr. Harris's death, about 1892, but resigned the Borough Council clerkship, and has continued to hold the other office ever since. Mr. Richardson is a member of the local chess club, in which he takes considerable interest. In musical matters he is a member of the orchestra connected with the Wesleyan Church.
M.A., Solicitor to the Rangitikei County Council, was born in 1863 at Cooma, New South Wales, and came to New Zealand with his parents at an early age. He was educated at the West Christchurch Public School, and at Christ's and Canterbury Colleges, gaining junior and senior scholarships at the New Zealand University examinations, and becoming exhibitioner of his college. In 1882 Mr. Cohen graduated B.A., taking his M.A. with double honours in the following year. Articled to Mr. T. I. Joynt, of Christchurch, he was admitted to the bar in 1886, and after practising for several years in the “City of the Plains” he removed to Marton in 1893, and became a member of the firm of Cash and Cohen. He has acted as solicitor to the Council since settling in the district. As a member of the Masonic fraternity, Mr.
Road Inspector to the Rangitikei County Council, was born in 1869 in the Rangitikei District, where he received his education. For a few years he followed farming pursuits, but in 1890 he was appointed assistant to his father—the late Mr. Chas. Thoms—who was road inspector and engineer, first to the Rangitikei Highway Board, and then to the Rangitikei County Council, from 1865 up to his death in 1891. The subject of this sketch was appointed to his present position in January, 1890. In addition to being road inspector, he is also inspector of slaughter-houses for the County. Mr. Thoms was married in 1894 to Miss Aitken, and has one son.
who was a member of the Rangitikei County Council for six years, is a son of the late Dr. J. Allison. Born in 1863 in Wanganui, where he was educated, soon after leaving school he took up his present property at Ongo, three miles from Hunterville. The farm of 1450 acres is highly improved, and possesses a fine homestead with a large orchard. Besides having represented his riding in the County Council, Mr. Allison has been a member of the Ongo School Committee for three years. In 1885 he was married to Miss Towgood, and has four sons and two daughters.
who was a member of the Rangitikei County Council for nine years, was born in 1839 on the ship “Adelaide,” on the passage from Liverpool to Wellington. Amongst the passengers on the ship were Colonel Wakefield, Captain Daniells, Dr. Evans, and the principal officers of the New Zealand Company. Coming with his parents to the Rangitikei in 1856, Mr. Galpin worked on his father's farm for some years. He joined the Volunteers in 1863, became lieutenant in 1865, and captain in 1869, resigning from the corps in 1881. Mr. Galpin has always taken a keen interest in local politics, and was at one time a member of the four local bodies. Upon the death of his brother Alfred, Mr. Galpin found he had enough to look after on the farm; he therefore resigned his public positions. In conjunction with his brother William, he introduced the first reaper and binder into the district, and he now has the latest and most complete outfit of agricultural implements in the Rangitikei, including one of McLaren's horse-power traction engines. What is now known as Sedgcombe Farm, on which Mr. Galpin resides, was originally in the possession of his father. In 1863 Mr. Galpin was married to Miss Small, and has three sons and three daughters.
which claims to be the oldest corps in the Colony, has a membership of between fifty and sixty.
of the Rangitikei Royal Rifles, Marton, was born at Heaton Norris, near Stockport, Cheshire, England. Educated locally till about thirteen years of age, he went into the employ of Mr. John F. Hindley, of Ashton-underline. In 1854 he enlisted in the Queen's Own 4th Light Dragoons, and went out to the Crimea, where he landed on the 15th of June, 1855. At the close of the war he returned to England, receiving the Crimean and Turkish medals, with the clasp of Sebastopol. On the reduction of the army he obtained his discharge, and entered the Manchester Police Force, from which he retired after twelve months' service, and went to live in Droylsden, where he joined the 70th Lancashire Rifle Volunteers. He was appointed colour-sergeant, and served four years in the corps. Captain Sutcliffe was married in 1858, at Oldham, Lancashire, to the second daughter of Mr. John Harrison, surveyor, of Fairfield, and has two sons residing in the Rangitikei District. He left England for Queensland in 1863, and whilst there had experience with bushrangers. He served as camp sergeant in the native police force on the McKenzie River, and was with the mounted police escort on the Peak Downs. The subject of this notice came to New Zealand in 1870; he started business in Marton, and in 1876 opened a general store, retiring in 1888. He joined the Rangitikei Royal Rifles in 1875, and was appointed lieutenant in 1881. In 1893 he was elected captain of the company, and in January, 1897, was awarded the New Zealand Medal for long and efficient service. In the early days he served on the local school committee for many years, and was also a member of the Borough Council from 1888 to 1891.
which were recently destroyed by fire, had not been rebuilt at the time of the writer's visit, in October, 1896. The business of the post and telegraph office was being conducted in premises on the opposite side of High Street. It is understood that the Government intends to erect substantial brick buildings on the site formerly occupied.
is the Postmaster and Registrar of Baths, Deaths, and Marriages. Officer in charge of Telegraphs, Government Life Insurance Agent, and Native Land Purchase Officer. Mr. Chaney was born in Dover, Kent, which he left in 1875, per ship “Langstone” for New Zealand, and landed in Lyttelton on the 10th of December in the same year. Mr. Chaney was brought up to the merchant service in the office of Messrs. Anderson, Thompson and Co., of Billiter's Court, London. About six years after he entered the Imperial Post-office, and was at various places in England, including Leeds, where he resided for five years. Mr. Chaney joined the Post-office at the time when the transfer of telegraphs was effected from private companies to the Government. In April 1876, he joined the New Zealand Post-office, in connection with which he has served in Wellington and Westport, subsequently holding the position of postmaster at the Lyell for two years, and at Hawera for six-and-a-quarter years. At the latter place Mr. Chaney's health broke down owing to pressure of work during Te Whiti's trouble. In consequence of this he was transferred to the Bay of Islands, and during his residence there he went to San Francisco in charge of the mail. After a few years at the Bay, Mr. Chaney was appointed to Marton in February, 1889, and has occupied the position since that time.
is situate at the back of the site lately occupied by the Magistrate's Court and Post and Telegraph Office.
is the officer in charge of the Marton sub-police district. He was born in Brighton, Sussex. He was educated at the Brighton college, and subsequently at a German military school. His father was in the Royal Artillery, and was in Canada. Mr. Moon is a good linguist: he can speak French, German, and Maori fairly. He went to sea when young, and came to New Zealand per ship “Electra,” and landed at Wellington in the year 1867. His first colonial experience was in shearing, but he was soon attracted to a military life, and volunteered for the colonial forces under Colonel Fraser, joining No. 1 company (mounted). After two months experience, he was raised to the rank of sergeant, and saw active service on the East Coast, Uriwera, Taupo, and Waikato. Sergeant Moon received a medal for long service, and also one for military service. During the course of the war he was through the Uriwera country under Colonel Whitmore. Sergeant Moon was subsequently transferred into the police force, taking the rank of constable. He was in charge at Foxton, and subsequently resided at Wanganui, and for some time he was on street duty in Wellington. He was appointed to Marton in the year 1887. He is a quick military sketcher, and used to take etchings of the fights in which he was engaged. His ability is frequently used in connection with criminal cases. Constable Moon is also probation officer, customs officer, truant inspector, inspector of factories, and also of weights and measures, and holds other offices under the Government. He was also for some time a mounted scout.
is classed as a third-class station. The building, which is old, contains a public and ladies' waiting-rooms, stationmaster's and booking offices, store and porters' rooms. The engine-shed is at Marton Junction—a mile-and-a-half distant. The goods-shed is of the usual size and design. Ten trains pass the station every day. The stationmaster is assisted by Messrs. G. W. Bennett (clerk), J. Matheson (storeman), H. Martelli and G. Stanley (porters).
Stationmaster at Marton, was born in Nelson, where he entered the railway service in 1878. After several years he was transferred to Wanganui, and subsequently successively served at Foxton, Hawera, and New Plymouth. He came to Marton in 1892, after three years' service as stationmaster at Waitara.
is one of the oldest institutions in the district, having been erected about 1866, the building has been enlarged as the population increased. It is still beyond the requirements of the town, there being 300 children on the roll, with an average attendance of 250. The school library contains about 150 volumes, and there is also a gymnasium. The teacher in charge is assisted by four assistants, two pupil teachers and a cadet.
Headmaster of Marton Public School, was born in England, and came to New Zealand in the early days of settlement. After some experience of teaching in Canterbury, he relinquished the profession for a time to engage in commercial pursuits, but soon resumed it, and has held his present position for many years.
which was established in 1878, contains two rooms arranged to seat eighty pupils. It is situated in the pleasant hamlet of Crofton, about one-and-a-half miles from Marton, and has an average attendance of seventy-three. The headmaster is assisted by the Misses Harrison and Mossman.
the Headmaster of the Crofton Public School, received his professional training in the Colony.
near Marton, has been conducted since 1876. The building occupied contains one large room, and is built of wood. A large playground, some two acres in extent, is available for the recreation of the children A five-roomed cottage for the teacher is attached to the school. The number of scholars on the roll is twenty, the average attendance being sixteen.
who has charge of the Mount View Public School, joined the Wanganui Board in 1893, as master at Makirikiri, and was transferred after two years to the position he now occupies.
which was founded about 1871, has fifty children on the roll, with an average attendance of forty. The playground is about half-an-acre in extent.
the Master of the Tutaenui School, was born in England, and educated in the grammar and primary schools. He holds a D3 certificate.
which is situated about five miles from Marton, was established some thirty years ago, and became a State School in 1877. The number of children on the roll is thirty-six.
the Master of the Makirikiri School, is a native of Auckland, where he was born in 1852. He was educated at the Wesley College, and entered the service of Messrs. A. Buckland and Co., with whom he remained five years. From 1871 to 1877 he was trading in the South Sea Islands, and on his return to New Zealand he became teacher at the Beresford Street School, Auckland. He has since served in various parts of the North Island, with an interval devoted to farming, and took up his present position in 1895.
(Charles Percival Mather, principal). This school, which was established in 1894, is well supported, a good education, including English, Modern Languages, Classics, and other subjects, being imparted. Mr. Mather, who was born in 1868 in Staffordshire, England, and was educated in Winchester, came to Wellington per s. s. “Aorangi” in 1886. For three years before opening the school, he was tutor to Mr. Fullerton-Smith's family. As a musician he is the leader of St. Stephen's Church Choir.
late Primate of New Zealand and Lord Bishop of Wellington, is now residing at Edale, Bond Street, Marton, where he settled immediately on his retirement from his ecclesiastical office. The reverend gentleman was born at Bonchurch, Isle of Wight, and educated partly in France, but on his return to England became a student at the Charterhouse School, Godalming, London (the chairman of whose managing board is the Archbishop of Canterbury), completing his educational course at Pembroke College, Oxford. He also studied for a time under his elder brother, who was then curate of Whitchurch, Hampshire. In 1838 Bishop Hadfield came out to Sydney, at which place he was ordained a deacon in the same year. After a short residence in Australia, the then Rev. Mr. Hadfield crossed over to New Zealand, arriving at the Bay of Islands on the 21st December, 1838. This was before the British Government was
established in New Zealand. In 1839, the Colony's future Primate left the north, and, coming down to Port Nicholson, immediately began his arduous labours amongst the Maoris. He very soon acquired their language, and for many years the rev. gentleman's life was one of hardship and responsibility, especially during the numerous disturbances which arose between the natives and the settlers. On many occasions he was the means of quelling, by his influence and taca, what might have developed into very serious war between the two races. He ministered at Waikanae and Otaki and the surrounding district until the end of 1849, when he was created an archdeacon; after which he still resided at Otaki for some years in charge of the Maori mission. Subsequently Archdeason Hadfield came to Wellington, and in 1870 was consecrated Bishop of the Diocese. He was appointed to the primacy in 1889, but age and the
Marton, was founded in 1872, when the foundation stone was laid, though ten years elapsed before the church was finally completed. The church was named St. Stephen's in memoriam of Major Willis first wife, who died on St. Stephen's Day. The very beautiful altar cloth was executed by handwork by the Holywell sisterhood in Oxford, and is the gift of Miss Willis. Major Willis contributed largely to the funds of the building. A good deal of the interior of the church, including the sanctuary and chancel, was groined and ribbed by the Ven. Archdeacon Towgood, also the baptistry, which is in memory of Dr. Taylor, as is signified by the handsome brass plate. The stone font was given by Mr. Stewart. The church is about 100 feet in length, and 50 feet to the ridge-pole, while the height to the top of the bell-turret is 79 feet. The vestry is under the sanctuary, being part of the old redoubt on which the church was built. The ordinary sitting-accommodation provides for about 240, but 300 have been crammed into the church on a special occasion. There are about ninety church families in Marton, representing some 450 adherents.
who is in charge of St. Stephen's, Marton, was educated at Sherborne and St. John's College, Oxford, and after a year at Cuddesdon, under the present Bishops of Lincoln and Grahamstown, who were at this time respectively Principal and Vice-Principal of the College, was ordained in June, 1865 at Exeter by the great Bishop Philpotts, whose voice, in spite of his great age of eighty-seven, easily filled the cathedral. Mr. Towgood's health breaking down shortly after, he left for New Zealand in the “Donna Aruta,” and landed at Nelson in February, 1866. Returning to Nelson a few months later from the North Island, he took duty in the neighbourhood for some eighteen months. It was during this time that the celebrated Manugatapu murders took place, an event which was as remarkable for the pertinacity with which the young men of Nelson searched the mountains for the missing men, as for the audacity of the criminals. After a couple of years spent in retirement, Mr. Towgood commenced work in the Rangitikei in November, 1868. He was the first English clergyman to settle in the district, and has been there ever since. His work at the time comprised Bulls and Sandon, and subsequently Turakina and Hunterville; but it has of late years been reduced to its original dimensions of St. Stephen's, Marton, and St. John's, Tutu Totara. Mr. Towgood was made Archdeacon of Wanganui, by the late bishop, Primate Hadfield, on his retirement from office.
is situated in Broadway, Marton. It is a wooden building, with seating accommodation for about 200, and was rebuilt in 1870. The Sunday school is held in the church, there being 131 on the roll, and an average from ninety to 100 in attendance. The church holds services at the Upper Tutaenui, about six miles from Marton, where they have a wooden building, which has been erected for about twenty years, and accommodates 120 persons. There is a small Sunday school of about twenty. The Presbyterians count about 300 as the number of their adherents in this district.
B.A., Presbyterian Minister of Marton, is a native of the North of Ireland He was educated at Belfast, and took his degree in 1882 at Queen's College, which, with the colleges of Cork and Galway, formed the university which is now known as the Royal University of Ireland. The reverend gentleman studied for the ministry at the Theological College, Belfast, and was ordained as minister of Conlig congregation, County Down. After ministering to this congregation for eleven years, he came to New Zealand per s.s. “Tongariro,” landing in Wellington in the year 1884. On his arrival he was inducted into the Marton Church. Mr. Gordon is president of the Blue Ribbon Union in the district. He is married and has a family. His eldest daughter took an Education Board scholarship which entitled her to two years' education at the Wanganui Girls' College, where she was further successful in taking a second scholarship, and in 1894 was dux of the college.
is erected in Wellington Road, Marton. It is a fine building with a handsome spire, and was completed in 1894. Accommodation is provided for 300, The adherents in the township number about 200. There is a good Sunday school of about ninety children. The Wesleyans also hold services at the Upper Tutaenui, where their congregation is about eighty. At Porewa they usually have a congregation of about forty, Beaconsfield about 100, Crofton thirty, Rata forty, and at Silverhope forty.
was educated at Horton College, Ross, Tasmania, where he studied for the ministry. He was admitted as a probationer in 1871, and was ordained the same year in the York Street Church, Sydney, in order that he might go to the mission field. He was appointed to Tonga and landed in Nukualofa. For one-and-a-half years he ministered at Hihifo, and four-and-a-half years at Neiafu Vavau. Owing to impaired health he returned to the colonies, and had one year's rest at Hobart. Subsequently he travelled in the Latrobe-Mersey circuit for three years, in Deloraine for three years, and in Beaconsfield for one year, being transferred to New Zealand in 1885. In this Colony he has ministered in Richmond for three years, Whangarei for three years, and Hamilton and Waikato for three years, and has been resident minister in Marton since 1894.
Marton, a pretty building seating 100 worshippers, was erected in 1876 and enlarged in 1883. It is situated near the railway station. A day-school meets every Saturday in the Church, when the scholars are instructed in the German language and Lutheran doctrine by the pastor. The church has a fairly good choir and a “Palace” organ. The office-bearers are Messrs. J. Zajonskowski and G. Volkerling.
the Pastor of St. Martin's Lutheran Church, was born at Stemman, in Hanover, and educated at Hermannsburg. He was ordained a minister and came to New Zealand in 1880, and was the next year placed in charge of the Lutheran Churches at Marton, Halcombe, Palmerston, and Rongotea.
—which was founded in 1891, as a result of a difference in the Marton Lutheran Church—seats about sixty worshippers, and was erected in 1893. The Rev. Christian Dierks, Maori missionary at Waitotara, is the pastor. The church secretary is Mr. B. L. G. Goile.
Marton. Officers (1896):—Messrs. F. C. Remington, W.M.; W. McGill Nutt, S.W.; J. J. McDonald, P.M.; H. C. Grônn, J.W.; C. G. Esam, P.M. (secretary); S. Gibbons, P.M. (treasurer). This Lodge, which was founded in 1885 by the Hon. F. Arkwright, M.L.C., R.W. D.G.M. of the Wellington District, has about forty financial members. The meetings are held on the Thursday nearest the full moon. A comfortable hall, which seats 120, has been erected in Wellington Road, at a cost of £200.
Marton, was founded in 1893 by Mr. E. R. Morgan. It has now seventy-two members, and holds meetings fortnightly in the White Hart Assembly Rooms. The officers for the second term (1896) were:—Messrs. O. Pedersen (A.D.), J. Dawbin (V.A.), J. W. Thompson (secretary), G.Duck (treasurer), S. Gibbons, T. Funston, and W. Beatson (trustees.)
No. 4528, A.O.F., Marton. Officers (1896):—Messrs. S. Gibbons, J. J. McDonald, and J. Anderson (trustees), A. Black (C.R.), H. Stewart (S.C.), T. F. Lound
Secretary of Court Little John, is a native of Maidstone, Kent, England, where he was born in 1850. Brought up in his native country as a gardener, Mr. Kitney came to Wellington in 1874 by the ship “Wennington.” He entered the service of the late Sir William Fox, as gardener of his estate, “Westoe,” on the banks of the Rangitikei River, and continued in the employ of that gentleman for thirteen years. Mr. Kitney is now caretaker of the reservoir for the Marton Borough Council, and works a section of land adjoining on his own account. He has long been an enthusiastic Forester, having joined the order in England, and for over twenty years has been attached to the lodge of which he now holds the office of secretary. Mr. Kitney was married in 1873 to a daughter of the late Mr. Thomas Ashby, of East Farleigh, Kent, and has three sons and five daughters.
is a continuation of the old Caledonian Society, which was merged into the Club in 1893. An annual sports meeting is held in Marton Park, and over £100 is distributed in prize-money. Most of the principal residents in the town are members and officers, the secretary being Mr. Joseph Temperley.
Headquarters, Marton. This Club was started in July, 1893, and has forty-five members. The Hon. F. Arkwright, M.L.C., is the president, and the vice-presidents are:—Dr. Skerman, of Marton; Mr. W. Meldrum, of Hunterville; and Mr. Aldworth, of Silverhope. The secretary is Mr. F. C. Wilson. This is a live Club, and so far as the senior team is concerned, they have practically an unbroken record. In the Championship Tournament of 1895–6, Mr. Meldrum, of this Club, won the Championship of New Zealand, while Mr. O. C. Pleasants, of the same Club, took the second place.
which was re-organised in 1896, with a membership of sixty, charges seven shillings and six pence as an annual subscription; its colours are blue and white. The Club, which plays in Marton Park, was at one time premier club of the district. The officers for 1896–1897 are:—Messrs. R. E. Beckett (president), F. M. Deigbton, S. Skerman, R. Aldworth, and D. C. Tennent (vice-presidents), F. C. Remington (secretary and treasurer), A. Hawke, F. C. Remington, W. L. Little, R. W. Comyns, and J. Temperley (committee).
which was established many years ago, and was re-organised in 1896, has from thirty to forty members. The Club has supplied representatives, who have played in New Zealand and Intercolonial teams. The officers are: Messrs. E. F. lveson (captain) and A. Way (secretary and treasurer).
Officers (1896):—Ven. Archdeacon Towgood (president), Messis. J. Stevens, M.H.R., J. Mayo, and J. J. McDonald (vice-presidents), F. Hunt, junr. (captain), J. Kerr (vice-captain), A. Way (secretary and treasurer), G. M. Gamble, S. J. Gibbons, J. Bell, J. Boyce, and J. Robson (committee). The Club, which was established in 1892, has about fifty members.
Vice-Captain of the Rangitikei Cycling Club, who is a son of Mr. James Kerr, of Coromandel, mine manager, was born in 1871 at Shotts, near Edinburgh. Arriving in New Zealand with his parents in 1876, he was educated at the Thames, Auckland, where he entered the Telegraph Department as messenger in 1883. Seven years later Mr. Kerr was promoted to the position of operator, and after a short time in Wellington he was transferred to Marton. In 1892 Mr. Kerr was married to a daughter of Mr. D. Thurston, of Marton, settler, and has a son and a daughter. [Mr. Kerr has (February, 1897) been transferred to Wanganui.]
which has been established for the past twenty years, holds a two-days' meeting at “York Farm” in September of each year. Included in the programme are several hunters' events for members of the Rangitikei Hunt Club. Mr. R. E. Beckett is the secretary.
Clerk of the Course, who resides in Wellington Road, Marton, was born in Middlesex in 1841, and came to Melbourne in 1855. His father started a line of mail coaches to Malvern Hills, and the subject of this notice worked in the business till 1861, when he arrived at Dunedin and went to the Dunstan Rush. After a short experience on the diggings, he started the White Star Line of expresses in Dunedin, in 1863. Subsequently, at the Whakamarina Rush, he started a line of pack-horses from Canvas Town to Deep Creek. In Wellington, he started a line of Albert cars, running them in conjunction with others, the firm being Hanna, Prosser and Pierey. Subsequently, he ran a line of mail coaches to the Hutt and Pahautanui for several years. Mr. Prosser was elected vice-president of the first seamen's union in Wellington, and on retiring received a handsome presentation and a flattering address from the members. In 1868 he took the hotel now known as the “Star,” in Wellington, and then the Telegraph Hotel, in Otaki, and afterwards went to Martinborough and bought the Club Hotel, which he leased in 1886, removing to Wellington. Subsequently he took Ashton's Hotel in Greymouth, and has since conducted various hotels in the Wellington Province, eventually settling in Marton. Mr. Prosser has been a member of the Marton Borough Council, and was captain of the Marton Fire Brigade for several years. He was married in 1867, and has five children.
(James McChesney, proprietor), Broadway, Marton. This fine two-story wood and iron building, lately known as the Foresters' Hall, has just been re-built by its enterprising owner. It is adapted to seat from 550 to 600, and has extensive stage conveniences, with comfortable dressing-rooms. Underneath the stage there is a large supper room, which is well fitted up. The fine drop scene, which is the work of a local artist, represents Windsor Castle, and has been very much admired. Mr. McChesney has provided for the ventilation of the theatre by eight large windows. In addition to the main entrance, three other outlets are available in case of fire or panic. The proprietor is glad to make reasonable arrangements for letting to any company visiting Marton.
Musical Instrument and Music Dealer, and Stationer, Broadway, Marton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Smith, who is referred to in this volume as Bandmaster of the Marton Brass Band, established this business in 1896.
(Proprietors, Nicholas Andrew and Francis Phillip Kellow). Advocate offices, High Street, Marton. Branches at Feilding and Bulls. Telegraphic address, “Advocate, Marton.” P.O. Box 8. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Andrew, High Street; Mr. Kellow, Bulls. The Advocate was founded in 1875 by Mr. J. L. Kirkbride. The present proprietors have had the paper since 1890. The imposing buildings, which are of wood and iron, are two stories in height. They are erected on leasehold land in High Street. The offices and composing-room are situated in the front, and contain 1800 square feet of floorage space. The brick machine-room, which was crested by Mr. Kirkbride on the back portion of the allotment, has 1200 square feet of floorage space. The machinery is driven by Tangye's horizontal steam engine of four-horse-power. The machine is a wharfdale press of latest design About sixteen or seventeen hands are employed in connection with the business. The Advocate circulates in the Rangitikei, Manawatu, Kiwitea, and Pohangina counties. It is the official advertising medium for these counties, as well as for the Manchester Road Board. Tue size of the paper is forty-four by twenty-eight inches, and the proprietors claim to have the largest circulation of any paper on the West Coast. Mr. Andrew is a native of Devonshire, and Mr. Kellow of Cornwall, and both came to New Zealand per ship “Carnatic,” in 1874. Messrs. Andrew and Kellow have had a large and varied colonial experience on the West Coast of the South Island, and in other parts of the Colony, where they saw a great deal of coal and gold-mining. Prior to becoming proprietors of the Rangitikei Advocate, both partners were on the staff of the paper for some years.
Part Proprietor of the Rangitikei Advocate, was born in Cornwall, England, in 1852. He was educated in a Wesleyan private school till about ten years of age, when he went to work at mining, at which he continued
Rangitikei Advocate as bookkeeper and reporter, and in 1890 became a part owner of the paper with his brother-in-law, Mr. Andrew. Mr. Kellow has a farm, on which he erected a residence in October, 1896, adjoining the Marton Railway Station. Since coming to New Zealand, Mr. Kellow has taken a keen interest in public matters. He was a member of the Sandon Highway Board till it was merged into the Manawatu County Council. He has been a local preacher in the Wesleyan Church for fourteen years, and is a prominent Prohibition worker in Marton. Mrs. Kellow is vice-president of the local branch of the W.C.T.U. At the General Election of 1896, Mr. Kellow unsuccessfully contested the Manawatu seat as an Independent.
Editor of the Rangitikei Advocate, is a native of Perthshire, Scotland, and was born in 1847. Arriving at Port Chalmers in 1861, he went later on to Invercargill, where he commenced his journalistic career, occupying the position of reporter on the Southland Times for four years. After a term on the Christchurch Press, Mr. Christie became editor of the Ashburton Mail, and subsequently for eleven years he was editor of the North Otago Daily Times. During the session of 1890 he was engaged in Parliamentary work in Wellington. Mr. Christie was afterwards one of the proprietors of the Thames Advertiser for two years, and after that he joined the staff of the Wellington Evening Press, first as chief reporter and afterwards as sub-editor. At the close of the sessional work of 1895 he accepted the office he now holds.
Sittings of this Court are held fortnightly, the presiding magistrate coming from Wanganui.
is the Clerk of the Stipendiary Magistrate's Court for Marton, Bulls, Halcombe, and Featherston, and Clerk of the Licensing Committee for the Rangitikei Electoral District. Mr. Deighton was born in Cambridge, England, and left for the Colony in 1854 per ship “Josephine Willis,” on her first and last voyage, she being wrecked in the Channel on her next trip, when seventy lives were lost Arriving in New Plymouth in January, 1855, just after the great. earthquake, Mr. Deighton took the road through Wanganui, having on his journey to camp at Maori settlements or on sand hills, fish and potatoes being the only food obtainable. He was one of the first settlers in Rangitikei, and has witnessed the growth and development of the district. At the time of the Gabriel's Gully rush, Mr Deighton visited the goldfields, remaining about a year. Subsequently he had charge of a station in Oamaru, but was not long before he came back to Marton. In 1873 he was appointed clerk to the R.M. Court, and has held the position ever since. Mr. Deighton was in the-Wanganui Cavalry during the war, and subsequently was lieutenant in the militia in Marton. He passed through all the exciting times, and assisted in the building of the Marton redoubt, on the site of which the St. Stephen's Church is erected.
Barrister and Solicitor, High Street, Marton. Born in 1853, in Wellington, Mr. Bishop is the second son of the late Mr. William Bishop, who came o New Zealand per ship “London” in 1841. Educated at the Otago Boys High School and at the Wellington College, he was articled to Messrs. Travers and Ollivier, of Wellington, being admitted to the bar in 1876. After practising in Wellington, Palmerston North, and Feilding, he settled in Marton.
(Thomas Richards Cash and Louis Cohen, M.A.), Barristers and Solicitors, High Street, Marton. Branch, Bulls. Telegraphic address, “Cash, Marton.” P.O. Box 17. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residences: Mr. Cash, Marton; Mr. Cohen, Broadway, Marton. London agents, Pilgrim and Phillips, 19 Coleman Street. Wellington agents, Brown and Dean; Christchurch, Garrick, Cowlishaw and Fisher; Dunediu, Stout, Mondy and Sim; Auckland, Hesketh and Richmond. This old established business was founded about 1872 by the senior partner, Mr. T. R. Cash. The present partnership dates from 1803. The firm are solicitors to the Rangitikei County Council, the Bank of Australasia, and the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company in the Rangitikei district. Mr. Cash was admitted as barrister and solicitor in the year 1867, in Auckland. Mr. Cohen is referred to elsewhere in this volume as solicitor to the Rangitikei County Council.
Barrister and Solicitor, Wellington Road, Marton. Telegraphic address, “Fullerton-Smith, Marton.” P.O. Box 31. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand and Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Thryberg, Marton. London agents, Messrs. Redpath and Holdsworth, Bush Lane, Cannon Street, E.C.; Wellington agents, Messrs. Bell, Gully, and Izard, Mr. Fullerton-Smith is a native of Yorkshire. He was
Esam, C. G., Barrist a Soli, High Street, Marton.
M.R.C.S., L.S.A., Physician and Surgeon, High Street, Marton. Further information regarding the career of this gentleman appears in the pages devoted to the Marton Borough, of which Dr. Skerman was for some time mayor.
M.R.C.S., England, L.R.C.P. and L.M., Edinburgh, Physician and Surgeon, Grey Street, Marton. Dr. Tytheridge was born in Bayswater, London, in 1849, and after having practised in England for some years, removed to New Zealand in 1895, settling in Marton the following year. He is a member of the British Medical Association, and was Police Surgeon to the V Division of the Metropolitan Police, surgeon to the Civil Service Rifle Volunteers, London, and held an appointment on the staff of Epsom Cottage Hospital. He is a member of the Freemasons and Foresters' orders.
Dentist, Broadway, Marton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Kilgour was born at the Thames, Auckland, in 1871, his father being Mr. James Kilgour, M.D., of Auckland. He was educated at the Thames High School and at Queen's College, Auckland, and was apprenticed to Mr. H. F. Windsor, dentist. Mr. Kilgour passed the New Zealand Dental Surgeon's examination, and gained his diploma. He came to Marton and took over his present business from Mr. A. H. Tripe, in 1895. The premises are leasehold, and the establishment is supplied with a complete dental outfit. Mr. Kilgour enjoys a rising country practice.
(late M. H. Wilton), Chemist and Druggist, Broadway, Marton. P.O. Box 2. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This old-established concern, which is referred to under the name of the former proprietor, was acquired by Mr. Darby in March, 1895. Under his management the business has steadily progressed, the customers being satisfied with the care and attention which they always receive. The new principal, who is a son of Mr. Patrick Darby, well-known in the city of Auckland as an old and enterprising settler, was born in the northern city in 1870. He was educated at the Auckland Grammar School, and on the completion of his educational course he was indentured to Mr. John Edson, a leading chemist and druggist in that town. After serving the full term of his apprenticeship—four years—Mr. Darby, who had acquired a thorough knowledge of the profession, was invited to continue with his master. During the ensuing five years he remained in Mr. Edson's employ, gaining an extended experience in the business. Mr. Darby only left his situation when he had agreed to purchase the present business. He keeps a large stock of the purest drugs and chemicals, and may be relied upon, too, as a competent dispenser.
Chemist and Druggist, Broadway. Telegraphic address, “Wilton Marton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Agents London, Messrs. Evans, Lescher and Webb, manufacturing and exporting druggists Darlington, Messrs Ness and Co., manufacturing chemists; Wellington, Mr G. W. Wilton, chemist and druggist, Adelaide Road. This business was established in 1874 by Mr. H. Lyon, who carried it on until 1881, when the present proprietor purchased it. The shop is a very fine one, as will be seen by the accompanying picture. It is of wood and iron, and of two lofty stories in height, being erected under the direction of Mr. Wilton himself from plans drawn by Messrs. Atkins and Clere. It is a large business, gives employment to four hands, and supplies the whole of the district. Mr. Wilton imports all his drugs, chemicals, and druggists' sundries from the Old World. He is agent for Messrs. Ness and Co., manufacturing and exporting druggists, of Darlington, England. Mr. Wilton has had a most extensive experience, and evidently enjoys the confidence of the Marton public. He has been a member of the Pharmaceutical Society for half a century. He is a native of West Riding, Yorkshire, and was apprenticed to his brother, Mr. John Wilton, chemist, etc., of Castleford, Yorkshire, completing his term in 1845. In 1847 he established himself in business in England and continued there until 1879, when he left for New Zealand, arriving in 1880 per ship “Portland.”
Remington, Frederick Charles, Chemist and Druggist, Broadway, Marton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1890.
High Street, Marton. This branch was established about 1876. The building is a handsome wooden structure, with residence attached. The manager, Mr. W. M. Smith, is assisted by the following officers:—Messrs. E. F. Iveson, P. J. Sladden, and A. E. N. Matheson.
Manager of the Bank of Australasia, Marton, was born in the North of Ireland in 1856, and came to New Zealand in 1869. He was educated at Christ's College, Christchurch, and after serving in the Post and Telegraph Department was engaged in farming in the Wanganui District for a time. In 1882 he joined the Bank of Australasia in Wanganui, and the following year was appointed ledger-keeper at Auckland. Two years later he became teller, then manager at Featherston in 1887, and was transferred to Marton in 1888.
Marton Branch, High Street, Marton, was established in 1875. The building is of wood, and contains the banking chamber, in addition to agent's office and residence. The agent, Mr. F. J. Dignan, is assisted by the following officers:—Messrs. W. S. Russell, W. W. Awdry, and W. S. Chaney.
Agent of the Bank of New Zealand, Marton, is the son of the late Hon. P. Dignan, prominent in the Auckland Provincial Council the House of Representatives, and the Legislative Council. The subject of this sketch is a brother of Mr. P. L. Dignan, Inspector of the Bank of New Zealand, and of Mr. James Dignan, the Secretary to the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Born in Auckland in 1858, and educated at the Auckland College and Grammar School, Mr. Dignan entered the service of the bank as junior, in 1876, and after two years was transferred to Christchurch. Seven years after joining the bank he was appointed agent, and for about eleven years occupied that position in different towns in Canterbury. In 1894 he was transferred from Temuka to Marton. Mr. Dignan married Miss Armstrong, daughter of Mr. George Armstrong, at one time M.H.R. for Akaroa, and has three children. Mr. Dignan is hon secretary of the Rantigitikei Hunt Club, and while in Canterbury was a member of the Geraldine County Acclimatisation Society, and a director of the Temuka Caledonian Society.
incorporated under the Building Societies Act, 1890 (D. C. Tennent, Secretary and Manager), High Street, Marton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. P.O. Box 4). This Society was originally established in 1876 under the Acts of 1866–1869, but it has since been brought under the Act of 1890. It has been a most useful institution since its inception, and the means of many a man building his own house and purchasing his freehold in the district. The working capital of the Society is about £8000, and there are from twenty to thirty proprietary shareholders. These have received dividends of eight per cent., together with bonus additions of from two per cent, to six per cent.
Land and Insurance Agent, Valuer, and Accountant, Wellington Road, Marton. Telegraphic address, “Harris, Marton.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Crofton, Marton. Mr. Harris is an Irishman, and spent fourteen years of his early life in Canada, returning to Ireland for about two years. He finally left in 1867 for New Zealand, via Panama, and joined the Bank of New Zealand, with whom he remained nine years, rising to the position of branch manager. Leaving the bank in 1875, he joined Sir William Stewart Forbes in an auctioneering business, but speedily withdrew, and established himself as an auctioneed in Marton. He had many large sales under the hammer in one day, occasionally as much as 9000 acres of land being disposed of in sections. Mr. Harris has had ample opportunities of becoming acquainted with the Rangitikei county, having for many years been valuer to the Property Tax Department. He is therefore, also well
Grain Merchant, Accountant, Land, Estate and Commission Agent, High Street, Marton. P.O. Box 30. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Grey Street. This business, which was established in 1883, is conducted in a commodious building of wood and iron, containing 2000 square feet of floorage space. The trade extends from Palmerston North to Wanganui Mr. Tennent is manager of the Rangitikei Permanent Land Building and Investment Society. He is agent for the Standard Insurance Company, the Colonial Mutual Life Association of Australasia, the Mutual Life Offices of Victoria. Messrs. Luke and Co.'s ranges (Wellington), and others.
Beckett, R. E., J. P., Auctioneer, Agent, and Produce Broker, Broadway, Marton Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1874.
Simpson, Alexander, J. P., Valuer and Commission Agent, Marton.
Civil Engineer, Licensed and Authorised Surveyor, William Street, Marton. Telegraphic address, “Sicely, Marton” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. In 1871 Mr. Sicely commenced his training as a surveyor, and in the year 1874 he received employment in the government service, settling in the Rangitikei district about the year 1880. After four years residence in Marton, he left the civil service to go into private practice in which he has continued ever since with great sucsess.
Baker, Grocer, and Confectioner, Marton Bakery, Broadway, Marton. Telegraphic address, “Nicol, Marton.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Broadway. This old and well-established business was founded in 1867 by Mr. Charles Nicol, the father of the present owner. After carrying on the business successfully for some fifteen years, Mr. Nicol, senior, died, and the son then managed the business in the interests of his mother for a further period of five years. In 1887, however, the establishment came into the hands of the present proprietor. At the time of writing, the old building—a very good one, considering the time of its erection—was about to be pulled down to make room for a new and handsome edifice, to be built from plans then prepared by Mr. T. S. Lambert, of Wellington. In the new building every attention is being paid to the convenience of patrons. In addition to a suite of refreshment rooms, provision is being made for a large banqueting-hall on the first floor. Mr. Nicol does an excellent catering business, which extends all over the district, even as far as Hunterville. For the ordinary business two traps are constantly on the road delivering goods to all parts within a radius of some ten to twelves miles. All kinds of ornaments for wedding and other cakes, besides many special lines of confectionery and novelties, are imported direct from the Old Country. Mr. Nicol's wedding and other ornamental cakes have a wide reputation, and he claims to have the best assortment of confectionery in the district. He is always to the fore in all matters of business, and ever ready to strike a new idea. Even in the commonplace matter of Christmas calendars Mr. Nicol generally manages to get something by no means commonplace. He is a native of Wanganui, where he was educated, and he learned his business with his late father in Marton. He is a “past junior deacon” in the Masonic Fraternity, and a member of the Ancient Order of Druids.
Fraser, P. J., Baker and Confectioner, Broadway, Marton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established about 1893.
Parker, Henry James, Baker and Confectioner, Broadway, Marton, Bankers. Bank of Australasia.
Coachbuilder, Wheelright, and General Blacksmith, Crofton, Marton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This business was established in 1875 by Mr. Chase. The wood and iron building occupied, which affords 1400 square feet of floorage space, contains two forges, an American mandrill, a tyre-cooling well, and other appliances for the trade. A staff of skilled hands are employed on the premises. Mr. Chase undertakes to build vehicles of any description that may be required. He also repairs agricultural implements, and does general blacksmith's work. Born in Hampshire (Havant), Mr. Chase left his native land in 1874, arriving in Wellington on the 21st of October in that year per ship “E. P. Bouverie.” Having thoroughly learned his trade before coming to New Zealand, Mr. Chase had no difficulty in finding employment on arrival. He had every reason to be satisfied with the favourable impressions which were made upon him, and has never been without satisfactory occupation since he set foot in the Colony. He has conducted the present business for twenty years, and has been successful in working up a good connection. He believes in thoroughly substantial workmanship and moderate charges.
Coachbuilder, Wheelwright, Farrier, and General Blacksmith, Carriage Factory, and Implement Works, Broadway, Marton. Telegraphic address, “Parkinson, Marton.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Hunterville Road. This large business was established by Mr. Robert Bett in 1871, and was purchased by Mr. Parkinson in 1873, soon after the decease of the previous proprietor. The buildings, which are of wood and iron, one story in height, are freehold, and have been largely increased since the present owner took possession. The machinery consists of turning-lathe, tyre-bender, and all needful and useful implements for the purposes of the trade. About seven hands are employed on an average in connection with the business, which extends throughout the entire district. Every class of work is undertaken, including the building of vehicles of all descriptions, and the making and repairing of agricultural machinery of every kind. Mr. Parkinson is a New Zealander, and learned his business with the late Mr. Robert Bett, his predecessor. He occupied a scat for six years as a member of the Marton Borough Council. He is also a member of the local Forestors' Court.
Aerated Water and Cordial Manufacturer, Wellington Road, Marton. Telegraphic address, “Gomez, Marton.” Mr. Gomez having imported a new plant on the latest improved principle, has recommenced business in Marton. His reputation as a prizewinner and a manufacturer of really excellent waters and cordials will doubtless be of much use to him in working up his reestablished business.
Downs, John, Acrated Water and Cordial Manufacturer, Wellington Road, Marton. Established 1895.
Painter and General Decorator, Marton. This business, which was originally a branch of Mr. R. Hughes' Wanganui establishment, was purchased in 1895 by the present proprietor. A large and general stock is available at all times, and contracts are made as and when required. The business is carried on in large and central premises in Broadway.
Painter, Paperhanger, and Signwriter, Broadway, Marton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established by the present proprietor in 1892. The shop, which is in a central position in Broadway, contains an assorted general stock of paints, paperhangings, and artists' colours. Mr. Keen has been well supported since settling in Marton, and usually employs eight hands. Born in England in 1866, he came to New Zealand per ship “Ocean Mail” in 1879, arriving in Wellington. For some years Mr. Keen had the usual experience of the life of a settler. Afterwards he settled in Masterton, where he gained considerable insight into his business. Before starting in business in Marton, he worked at his trade in Wellington, and afterwards at Napier, and was for three years in business on his own account in Marton before taking possession of the premises now occupied. Mr. Keen takes a lively interest in athletics, being a member of the Marton Football Club and the Rangitikei Cycling Club.
Draper and Clothier, Broadway House, Broadway, Marton. Telegraphic address, “McEldowney, Marton.” P.O. Box No. 29. Bankers, Bank of Australasia Private residence, Stuart Street, Marton. The business being so successfully carried on by Mr. McEldowney was established in 1873 by the late Mr. Joseph Sutcliffe. In 1887 it came into the hands of the present proprietor as a general store. Mr. McEldowney, however, contrary to the advice of his friends, decided to discontinue all the branches save those of drapery and clothing. It was the prevailing opinion at that time that a drapery establishment pure and simple could not be made to pay in Marton; the result, however, has falsified all those predictions, and Mr. McEldowney is well pleased with the result of his decision. The building, in 1894, was largely increased, in order to meet the growing trade. A part of the addition is occupied by a very large show room, and altogether the establishment has a good city appearance. The proprietor, Mr. John McEldowney, is a native of Tyrone, Ireland. In 1883 he sailed from London per s.s. “Ionic,” arriving in Wellington on November 8th of that year. Prior to leaving, Mr. McEldowney had very thoroughly learned his business in the well-known establishment of Messrs. J. J. Pollock and Co., of London, completing his term in 1877. From that date to the time of his leaving, he had further experience in other establishments of the metropolis. The four years prior to commencing as above were spent by Mr. McEldowney in Mr. James Smith's Te Aro House, Wellington. Thus fully equipped with both English and colonial experience, his success was fairly assured from the start. Mr. McEldowney imports direct all lines required, and his trada extends throughout a very large district. He speaks well of the land of his adoption, never having suffered a day's illness since his arrival.
Alcorn, Samuel Wesley, Draper and Importer, corner of Broadway and Follett Street. Marton, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Branch at Ohingaiti. Established 1896.
Loveday, Frederick, Draper and Silk Mercer, Broadway, Marton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established and conducted by present proprietor since 1890.
New Zealand Clothing Factory (Hallenstein Brothers—Manager, H. Doggett). Broadway, Marton. Head office, Dunedin. Marton branch established 1894.
Rodwald, Miss Maria, Draper and Milliner, Broadway, Marton. Bankers, ank of Australasia. Established 1896.
Tailor and Habitmaker, Marton. For some time Mr. Gamble was in business in Marton as a partner of Mr. Locke, but in 1895, having retired from the firm, commenced on his own account. Mr. Gamble hails from the City of the Plains, whither his parents had settled many years ago. He was apprenticed to the trade to the old-established firm of Messrs. William Strange and Co., of his native city. In order to increase his knowledge of the business Mr. Gamble went over to Australia in 1888, and worked as journeyman in Shopparton, Benalla, Albury, Sydney, Bathurst, Cootamundra, and elsewhere. Realizing the truth of the adage “there is no place like home,” Mr. Gamble retraced his steps, and found his way back to his native land. He has reason to be satisfied, and as he is a thoroughly skilled workman, and able to undertake every branch of his business, he should do well.
Tailor and Habitmaker, Broadway, Marton. Telegraphic address, “Locke, Marton.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Oxford Street. Mr. Locke began business in Marton in 1894, and has a good shop well stocked with the latest and best materials, and its owner spares no pains in keeping himself thoroughly abreast of the times in all matters of fashion and style. His customers will at all times find him obliging and courteous. Though so recently established, he has already worked up a good business, and has every appearance of doing well. Mr. Locke was born in Lyttelton, New Zealand, and learned his business in Christchurch. He is a member of the Druids, and holds the office of “bard.” Besides being a thorough master of his craft, he has acquired considerable experience and efficiency as an amateur photographer, and spends a good deal of his spare time in the pursuit of that hobby. The picture of St. Stephen's Church in the pages illustrating Marton was taken by him, and at his expense the block has been prepared—a creditable display of interest in the town, which will no doubt be much appreciated.
Merchant Tailer, Broadway, Marton Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The leading tailoring establishment of Marton, which was established in 1866, employs only male hands and pays Wellington rates of wages. The proprietor, whose career is noticed elsewhere in this volume, enjoys the full confidence of a large circle of patrons.
Cabinetmaker, Upholsterer, Undertaker, Ironmonger, Builder, and Contractor, Ironmongery and Furnishing Warehouse, Broadway, Marton. Telegraphic address, “McChesney, Marton.” P.O. Box 30. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Crofton, Marton. Mr. McChesney is a native of Belfast, Ireland. Here he was apprenticed to Mr. Connor, contractor, and after completing his term, in 1868, was for two years in business on his own behalf, and for three years afterwards in Barrow-in-Furness. Having decided on settling in New Zealand, he arrived per ship “Rodney,” in 1875. Almost immediately Mr. McChesney settled in the Rangitikei, entering into business as a contractor. In 1879 he added the other branches to his business as a builder and contractor. The premises occupied are of wood and iron, two stories in height, and contain 2800 square feet of floorage space. Mr. McChesney is a direct importer of ironmongery, and keeps a large general stock. He is well known throughout this grand district, both as a builder and as a man of business, and many of the schools and other large buildings have been erected by him. In local politics Mr. McChesney has taken his full share, having occupied the position
Russell, S. H., Cabinetmaker, High Street, Marton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1870.
Signall and Cobam (George Ernest Signall and Arthur Thomas Cobham), Cabinetmakers, Broadway, Marton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1895.
Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Hair-dressing Saloon, Broadway. Telegraphic address, “Mercer, Marton.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Cubbabballa Street. This hairdressing saloon, which is the principal one in the district was established in 1881 by Mr. J. Donnelly, and came into the hands of the present proprietor in 1888. The building is of wood and iron, and two stories in height. The saloon is admirably fitted with the latest improved American chair and all other appliances, including of course a large variety of hair-clippers. Special attention is paid to the dressing of ladies' hair. As a tobacconist and fancy goods dealer, Mr. Mercer imports a good many of his lines. Behind the shop and saloon, which occupy the frontage, there is a very fine billiard-room fitted with one of Allcock's best tables. The room is large, and comfortably furnished, well supplied and well patronised, the proprietor evidently being a favourite with the Marton public. Mr. Mercer is a native of Kent, England, and left there in 1874, arriving in Nelson, per ship “Adamant,” the same year. He learned his profession with Mr. Fred Main, then of Nelson, and now of Bulls, completing his term in 1879. Mr. Mercer was in business in Wellington for about seven years before starting as above. He is a member of the Ancient Order of Feresters.
Watt, Arthur Heseltine, Tobacconist, Broadway, Marton. Established 1895. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
(James Mayo, proprietor), High Street, Marton. Hankers, Bank of Australasia. The “Club” was founded many years ago by Mr. James Prosser. The present proprietor has had the hotel since 1893. It is a large two-story building, and is built of wood and iron, with balcony overlooking High Street. There are no less than forty rooms in the hotel, of which twenty-nine are bedrooms. There is a bath with hot and cold water laid on. The rooms are cleanly kept and well supplied. There are five sitting-rooms, one of which is upstairs, and is reserved for ladies and families. There is a large billiard-room with one of Alcock's best tables. At the back of the hotel there are stables for the convenience of country visitors. The “Club” has a large connection, and under Mr. Mayo's management is very popular. Mr. Mayo is a native of Dunedin, but was brought up to faming, and was well-known in the Marton District for about seventeen years as a contractor.
(Samuel Gibbons, proprietor), corner of Broadway and High Street, Marton. Telegraphic address, “White Hart, Marton.” P.O. Box 11. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This fine hotel was established in 1866 by Mr. James Bull. It is now the property of the present proprietor, who has conducted the same since the year 1879. The present hotel, which was rebuilt in 1884, is of wood and iron, two stories in height. It presents an imposing appearance, and is one of the most prominent buildings in Marton. The hotel has forty handsome rooms, of which twenty-four are bedrooms, and contains accommodation for from fifty to sixty people. There are two splendid bath-rooms, with hot and cold water supplied, six large sitting-rooms downstairs, and two fine rooms upstairs, one of them being specially devoted to the use of ladies. The large and handsome dining-room has ample provision for a very large number of boarders and visitors. The writer has always made the “White Hart” his home on his periodical visits to Marton for some years past. One thing that has always struck him is the luxurious comfort of the beds. He has ever met with civility and attention, and has complete confidence in recommending the “White Hart” to travellers. Mr. Gibbons, who is a native of the North of Ireland, and reached New Zealand in 1859 per ship “Commodore Perry,” settled in Marton in 1865, and worked at his trade, which was that of a carpenter (occasionally in Wanganui), as well as in the Rangitikei district. In the early days Mr. Gibbons worked for the Government in Port Waikato, and was through the Waikato war. He has been a member of the Marton Borough Council off and on for six years, and has been captain of the local fire brigade for five years. He is a member of the Marton Jockey Club, and also is a member of the Foresters' organization, and one of their trustees. He is also trustee for the Druids, and is treasurer for the Masonic Lodge Ruapehu, 2137, E.C. Mr. Gibbons has a farm of 546 acres, known as Paraekaretu, about five miles from Hunterville, in the Onga riding of the Rangitikei County. Originally the property was entirely covered with bush; it is now all in grass. Mr. Gibbons goes in for mixed farming, having both sheep and cattle.
Marton Hotel (Mrs. M. McKenzie, proprietress), Broadway, Marton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1869.
Railway Hotel (Joseph Northover, proprietor), near Railway Station, Marton.
(Mr. W. A. Carter, proprietor) Signal Street, Marton, near the Anglican Church and Parsonage, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This superior boardinghouse was established in 1872 by Mrs. Bett. Mr. Carter purchased the property in 1892, and, with Mrs. Carter's kindly and energetic assistance, has conducted a successful business ever since. The Gladstone House is a commodious building, built of wood and iron, two stories in height, containing seventeen rooms, of which thirteen are bedrooms, with accommodation available for from twenty to thirty permanent residents. When there is a pressure of visitors to Marton, as many as fifty can be provided by improvising shakedowns. The Gladstone House is a favourite place of residence for gentlemen who are employed in banks, or professionally or commercially in town. The bedrooms are all comfortably and neatly furnished, and kept spotlessly
(J. H. Tartalini, proprietor), High Street, Marton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Tartalini is a native of Italy, arriving in the Colony in the year 1878, per ship “Araby Maid,” from London. He was brought up to a seafaring life, and on arrival in New Zealand was for some time in Wellington. He has been in the Rangitikei district since 1880. For six-and-a-half years he was chef de cuisine at the White Hart Hotel. Mrs. Tartalini has spent twenty years in the Colony she is a native of Warwickshire, and for the last thirteen years has resided in Marton. The Marton Restaurant was established in 1886. It is a two-story building, constructed of wood and iron, and contains fifteen rooms, of which nine are bedrooms, having accommodation for from twenty-five to thirty people. Mr. Tartalini has a splendid bathroom, which is well supplied with hot and cold water. The dining-room is well-lighted, and has sitting accommodation for thirty boarders. There is a fine kitchen with a large range and high-pressure boiler, and every modern convenience. Mr. Tartalini, who has had a large experience in the kitchen, takes charge himself of the culinary department. Mrs. Tartalini, who is an energetic
motherly woman, attends personally to the wants of her visitors, waiting at the table, and generally seeing that all are properly attended to. She takes the management of the house, and, being a thorough business woman, conducts the whole of the correspondence. She takes a great interest in her visitors, and does everything in her power to make the Marton Restaurant comfortable and attractive. The writer, who has had large experience in the various country towns of the Colony, can testify to the comfort, cleanliness, and convenience of the Marton Restaurant, which is in advance of a great many country hotels, and it is one of the most complete boardinghouses that he has visited. The floors are all carpeted or covered with linoleum. The rooms are well ventilated, papered, painted, and varnished, and the Marton Restaurant is indeed a credit to the town. A good many commercial men who have visited the district have made it their home, and have expressed themselves as thoroughly satisfied with the attention and accommodation they have received. The engraving above presents a good picture of this popular establishment. There can be no doubt that the Marton Restaurant, under the painstaking management of Mr. and Mrs. Tartalini, will continue to receive the support which has been so liberally accorded it since its establishment, and that the good name which has already been won by the
The Buffet (James Temperley, proprietor), Boardinghouse, Wellington Road, Marton.
Farrier and General Blacksmith, Broadway Shoeing Forge, Broadway, Marton. Telegraphic address, “Anderson, Marton.” Private residence, Oxford Street. This business was established by Mr. Anderson in 1888. The building, which is of wood and iron, was erected from his own plans and under his own direction, and contains 500 square feet of floorage space. Mr. Anderson's business is chiefly local, and his specialty is horse-shoeing. He served an apprenticeship with Mr. S. Ingram, of Marton, completing his term in 1877, and subsequently working as journeyman for some years.
Armstrong, Thomas, Blacksmith and Veterinary Surgeon, High Street. Marton.
Giscoigne, C. J., Coachbuilder, Broadway, Marton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established about 1894.
Ritchie, James, Farrier and General Flacksmith, Jefferson Line, Marton Established 1896.
(John T. Lound and Ole Pedersen), Ironmongers, Plumbers, Tinsmiths, etc., Broadway, Marton. Telegraphic address, “Lound, Pedersen, Marton.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Broadway. Messrs. Lound and Pedersen began business in 1879 in a very small way compared to their present entensive premises and operations. Both partners are practical, energetic men, and have earned for themselves a reputation in the district. The buildings are very large and conveniently arranged, and present an appearance most creditable to the owners and the town. A part of the frontage is occupied by the shop and a part by the works, and behind and above these are more work shops and storerooms. The machinery includes all the requirements for the trade, namely, corrugated iron and plain curving machines, screw cutting machines, etc. Messrs. Lound and Pedersen do an excellent business, which extends throughout the whole of the Rangitikei district. They are agents for Messrs. Scott Bros., the well-known engineers and range-makers, of Manchester Street, Christchurch, for whose ranges and other manufactures there is an extensive demand. Mr. Lound was born in London, but left there in
Family Butcher, Marton Butchery, Broadway, Marton. Telegraphic address, “Dommett, Marton.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Wellington Road. This business was established in the early sixties by Mr. Hammond, of York Farm, near Marton. In 1892 it came into the hands of Messrs. Hook Bros., and in 1895 Mr. Dommett became proprietor. The building is of wood and iron and one story, the premises being leasehold. It is the oldest butchery in Marton, and a large trade done. The sausage machine is driven by horse-power. The specialties of the firm are pork sausages. Mr. Dommett is a native of London, and arrived in Wellington per ship “Bouverie” in 1873. He is a “past chief ranger” of the Ancient Order of Foresters, and was for two years secretary of the Kaiwhaka Football Club. Though so recently possessed of the business, Mr. Dommett is by no means new to Marton. having spent a large portion of his life there. His manager and father, Mr. George Dommett, learned the business in London with Mr. George Hook, uncle to the late proprietor of the Marton business.
Butcher, Ham and Bacon Curer, and Farmer, Marton. Shop. Wellington Road; farm, Black Hill, Bulls. Telegraphic address, “Read, Marton.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr Read is a native of London, and left there in 1856 for New Zealand, per ship “Alma,” arriving at Wellington early in 1857. He learned his business with Mr. E. Wilton in Wellington, completing his term in 1859. Mr. Read was through the Maori war on the West Coast of the North Island. He was a member of the Colonial Defence Force, in which he served for two years. He was in the engagement at Nukumaru and Karakamia, and was entitled to the New Zealand war medal, which, however, he declined to receive. Mr. Read subsequently served in the Wanganui Yeomanry Cavalry for fifteen months, and ever since that time has been a member of the volunteer force. He served in the Rangitikei Cavalry until it was disbanded. Mr. Read has been farming in the Rangitikei district for about thirty-two years. He owns 100 acres, known as Black Hill, about half way to Bulls, on the Marton Road, on which he has erected a comfortable dwellinghouse and the usual farm buildings. His slaughter-house is situate on the farm. In the year 1837 Mr. Read established the present business in Marton as an adjunct to the farm. The shop, which is erected on his freehold, is built of wood and iron, containing one story. His trade extends throughout the Rangitikei district, his specialties being hams, bacon, and small goods. Mr. Read is an old Rechabite, and a life-long total abstainer. He has gone through all the degrees in that order. He is the son of the late Mr. Macaiab Read, who was governor of the Wellington gaol for many years.
Saywell, W., Butcher, Broadway Butchery, Marton, Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1864, and conducted by present proprietor since 1890.
(Samuel Johnson Davenport and German Martin Davenport), Merchants, corner of Broadway and High Street, Marton. P.O. Box 28. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residences:—Mr. S. J. Davenport, Broadway; Mr. G. M. Davenport, Robert Street. Established in 1868 by Messrs. Taylor and Watt, the business has been successively conducted by Mr. W. G. Watt, Messrs. Watt and Nolan, Watt and Jones, and Mr. T. T. Watt. The present firm purchased the business in October, 1895.
Bookseller, Stationer, and Fancy Goods Importer, Broadway. Telegraphic address, “Bettany, Marton.” P.O. Box 61A. Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand, Wanganui. The shops, stores, and other business premises of Marton would in a general way be a credit to a town of much larger proportions, and few, if any, are more imposing than the well-known book store of Mr. J. H. Bettany. The business was established in 1885 by Mr. Charles Orchard, who sold to Mr. Bettany some three years later. The premises are freehold, and built of wood and iron, and two stories high. They were built by Mr. Zajonskowski from the plans of Mr. H. T. Johns, Wanganui. It is a splendid shop, large, well lighted, lofty, and well stocked, and the position is one of the very best in the town, being in the heart of the business centre. The trade extends throughout the whole of the district, and the bulk of the goods are imported direct from the Old Country. Mr. Bettany is agent in his district for the Rudge cycles. In periodicals and newspapers, from all parts of the world, a large and increasing business is done. Mr. Bettany is a native of Cheshire, England, and arrived in Wellington, New Zealand, per ship “Alma,” in 1853. Like the Colony itself, he was very young in those days. After receiving a good education, he entered upon a mercantile career which took him to all parts of the Colony. His experience, therefore, is all the more extended, and he has also the advantage of being thoroughly well known throughout New Zealand. Mr. Bettany is a good business man, and thoroughly attentive to the wants of his customers. Of public offices he has persistently fought shy, having declined many invitations to enter the arena of local and colonial politics. As a member of the district school committee he did useful work for some three or four years. Mr. Bettany is well to the fore in all matters relative to his business. The latest novelties are always to be found in his establishment, and his large experience in other and kindred trade matters enables him to anticipate the needs of the customers. In every way this is a house to be commended.
Stationer, Bookseller, News-agent, and Ladies' Art Needlework Dealer, The Golden Rule Bazaar, High Street, Marton. P.O. Box 22. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, High Street. Established in July, 1880, by the present proprietor, the trade extends throughout the Rangitikei and Manawatu counties and along the West Coast. Mr. Snellgrove is an importer of cards, books, booklets, calendars, stationery, fancy goods, and toys, and holds agencies for leading colonial newspapers such as the Town and Country Journal, Canterbury and Auckland weeklies, and many others. Born in London in 1858, he was brought to the Colony by his parents in the ship “Canard,” which arrived the following year. He learned the cabinetmaking and undertaking business with his father, the late Mr. Emanuel Snellgrove, and commenced business as above. Mr. Snellgrove is an enthusiastic volunteer. Having joined the No. 2 Company of Militia in October, 1868, he was transferred to the Marton Rifle Volunteers in February, 1871, and in April, 1874, to the Rangitikei Royal Rifle Volunteers. Early in 1883
(William Henderson an Henry Henderson), Millers, Marton Roller Flour Mill, Wellington Road, Marton. Telegraphic address, “Henderson, Marton.” P.O Box 39. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residences, near the Mill. This business was established in 1865 by the late Mr. Samuel Henderson, as a stone flour mill. Mr. Henderson died in 1867, and the business has since been conducted by the sons a above. For twenty-six years the mill was worked on the stone principle with two pairs of stones; but, the firm recognising that these appliances were behind the times, imported a complete roller plant, made by Simon, of Manchester. This plant has been fully completed for some years It is in every respect up-to-date, and able to produce the very finest silk-dressed flour, turning out three sacks per hour. The motive power is a horizontal steam-engine, by Messrs. Murray, of Wanganui The brand is “Silver Gem,” registered. About seven or eight hands are employed in the mill. A considerable portion of the wheat used is imported from Canterbury. The business of the firm extends throughout a very large district.
the Mill Manager of Messrs Henderson Bros.' flour mill, was born in Bishop-Auckland, Durham, England. He was apprenticed to the milling business with Messrs. Scrafton Bros., of Bishop-Auckland, Durham, where he thoroughly learned the routine of the business. After completing his apprenticeship, Mr. Robson worked for three years in Sunderland, in a large mill on the Simon system, and here he largely added to his knowledge and experience. In the year 1888 Mr. Robson came out to New Zealand per s.s. “Doric,” to Marton, to superintend the fine mill of which he is the manager. The works were successfully started on the 27th of November, 1888, and under his direction the mill is turning out flour of the finest quality. Mr. Robson has formed a most favourable opinion of the Colony, and has secured in the borough a freehold of two-and-a-half acres.
Grain and Produce Merchant. The Corn Exchange, Broadway, Marton. This business was established by Mr. Humphrey in 1895. He is the local agent for the Commercial Union Assurance Company, London. Mr. Humphrey's public career is referred to under the heading of “Marton Borough.”
General Storekeeper, High Street, Marton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Ward has been seven years in business at Crofton, and twelve at Marton. His shop is a wooden building, with a frontage of about 36 feet to High Street, and is well stocked with general merchandise. Four hands are employed and two carts deliver goods in the district. Born in Dorsetshire, England, in 1838, Mr. Ward came to New Zealand in 1855, and settled in Rangitikei. After farming experience in that district and
Livery Stable Proprietor, White Hart Livery Stables, opposite the Round Corner, Marton. Telegraphic address, “Gardiner, Marton.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Forest Street. Mr. Gardiner is a native of Northamptonshire, and arrived in New Zealand in the care of his parents when very young. He was brought up to the business in Nelson and Blenheim, and has had about twenty-six years' experience in connection with the management of horses. The White Hart stables have accommodation for over twenty horses. The business was founded a good many years ago. For about thirteen years it was conducted by Mr. Charles Nelson, with whom Mr. Gardiner was for some three years, and on the death of the former he took over the lease of the premises. Buggies and saddle-horses may be had at any time. Mr. Gardiner confines his attention to the livery stable line strictly. He is a member of the Foresters' Order.
McIndo, Mrs. M., Livery Stable Keerer, Broadway, Marton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established about 1875.
Watchmaker, Jeweller, and Optician. Broadway, Marton. Telegraphic address, “Little, Marton.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. For some three years Mr. Little's shop was on the east side of Broadway, but in June, 1894, he removed to the present improved position and premises. The building is of wood and iron, and of two stories, the contractor for the alterations being Mr. McChesney. The new site is exactly opposite the old one. The business is a good one, giving employment to three hands. Among the lines imported are watches, clocks, and optical instruments. Mr. Little has all the appliances for sight-testing, and is thoroughly well qualified in this respect. He fits up spectacles under the direction of the medical men of the district. His stock includes a very great variety of spectacles, from a shilling to a guinea upwards per pair, the system being known as the interchangeable system of glasses. Mr. Little has had large experience in this branch of his business. He learned his profession with Mr. James Craig, of Invercargill, whose establishment is one of the finest in the Colony, completing his term four years before commencing as above. This interval of time was spent in the employ of Messrs. Ludwig and Sons, of Wellington, in their well-known jewellery house. From both of his employers Mr. Little holds very valuable testimonials, which were carefully inspected by the writer, both speaking in the highest terms of Mr. Little as a careful, clever workman. His trade extends throughout the whole of the district, and he appears to be very popular. Mr. Little was born in Glasgow, but left there for Dunedin in the year 1873. He is a member of the Committee of the Marton Cricket Club, a member of St. Stephen's choir, and a member of the Marton Amateur Operatic Society.
Avery, A. W., Watchmaker, Jeweller, and Taxidermist, Broadway, Marton.
Drew, Samuel Henry (Walter Beatson, manager). Watchmaker and Jeweller, Broadway, Marton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
Hilton, F. G., Watchmaker, Jeweller, and Optician, Broadway, Marton, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1895.
(Henry and Frederick Bosselmann), Timber, Wood, and Coal Merchants, High Street and Wellington Road, Marton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The firm, established in 1893, act as agents for the Manawatu Timber Company and for Brooks' lime. The business premises occupy about one-and-a-half acres near the Club Hotel, the building comprising stores and timber sheds, in which a large stock of builders' requisites is kept. The coal sold by the firm is from Coalbrookdale and Newcastle; they also keep Brunner nuts. Mr. Henry Bosselmann supervises the business, and Mr. Frederick Bosselmann the firm's farm of 100 acres at Crofton, near Marton. Messrs. Bosselmann hail from Germany, and came to New Zealand in 1864. The firm have engaged in building, but have relinquished that branch and are content to carry on a sound business in the timber, firewood, and coal line. Mr. H. Bosselmann's private residence is in Morris Street.
(John Leopold and Joseph Zajonskowski), Sash and Door Factory, Wellington Road, Marton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Messrs. Zajonskowski, whose firm was founded in 1892, also conduct an extensive builders and general contractors' business. Their premises are very extensive, and are fitted up with circular-saw benches, band-saws, planing, morticing, shaping, tenoning, and other machines. One room is devoted to glazing, another to joinery, another to planing and sawing, others as store-rooms, and at the rear is a large engine-room. The firm make all classes of joinery work, and manufacture Williams' patent wool-press. As builders, they have erected most of the principal buildings in the district, including several churches, the Marton Borough
Billens, Henry, Photographer, Portrait Studio, Broadway, Marton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1894.
Bett, D. C., Boot Importer, Broadway, Marton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1868.
McGregor, A. K., Saddler and Harness Maker, Broadway, Marton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1889.
Temperley, Joseph, Saddler and Harness Manufacturer, High Street and Broadway, Marton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1883.
Thompson and Scott (John William Thompson and Andrew Scott). Boot Importers, High Street, Marton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1894.
Tinline, William, Mechanical Engineer, Wellington Road, Marton. Established 1896.
Trott, T. C., Boot and Shoemaker, Marton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
Wysocki, M., Boot and Shoe Maker and Importer, Broadway, Marton. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1889.
Young, Frederick Lewis, Fellmonger and Farmer, Upper Tutaenui Road, Marton. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1894.
Farmer, “Hawkestone,” Marton. Mr. Atkinson, who is a very old and respected settler, arrived at Lyttelton early in 1860. Born in 1837 at Scarborough, Yorkshire, educated in his native place, Mr. Atkinson commenced farming shortly after his arrival in Canterbury, where he remained for nearly twenty years. He afterwards settled in Rangitikei, on the Hawkestone Estate, and has resided close to Marton ever since 1878. Mr. Atkinson has sold out most of his interest, retaining 10 acres, on which he has erected a comfortable eight-roomed residence. As a ploughman Mr. Atkinson is able to point to a number of matches in which he proved victor, being the first to win a match in Canterbury with a single-wheel plough. As a judge of these contests, when he retired, his services were much sought after. In 1866 Mr. Atkinson was married to a daughter of Mr. W. Ayrton, Slaidburn, Yorkshire, but has no family. Mr. Atkinson has had many rough experiences as a colonist in both islands.
Settler, Marton. Born in Yorkshire in 1818, Mr. Cawood followed farming pursuits for several years, leaving in 1842 in the ship “Success” for Western Australia, where he leased a farm for nine years. In 1855 he crossed to New Zealand, and for two years worked on the old Puraroa Road for Mr. R. Hammond. Settling in Marton, he purchased a farm which he worked till 1884, when he let it and retired to live in Harris Street, almost opposite his son's residence. Mr. Cawood is a good example of a sturdy English yeoman; his eye is as keen as ever, and as a shot even now he has few superiors. In his younger days he was a noted athlete, and his jumping and shooting powers often brought him into prominence. In 1838 Mr Cawood was married to a daughter of Mr. T. Smith, of Church Fenton, Yorkshire, and has two surviving sons, one at Marton (“Cherry Farm”) and the other living near Feilding.
Farmer, Marton. Mr. Cawood is the owner of a pretty little place known as “Cherry Farm,” near Marton. He was born in Yorkshire in 1842, and when only six months old was taken by his parents to Western Australia, in the ship “Success.” He received his education at a private school in that colony, and after thirteen years in Australia the family came to Wellington. Three years later Mr. Cawood went to the Rangitikei, remaining on “York Farm” for twenty-six years. After several
Farmer, Woodlands, Fern Flat and Dunsinane, Upper Tutaenui. Mr. Coombe is a native of Devon, and left for New Zealand early in 1857, per ship “Heroes of Alma,” arriving in Wellington in the month of May in the same year. Mr. Coombe was born on a farm in the Old Country, and had considerable experience. On his arrival in New Zealand, he carried his “swag” up the coast and settled in Rangitikei. For four or five years he worked upon a station, and subsequently purchased 800 acres of land, on which he is now residing at Fern Flat. The land was covered with bush, fern, and tutu at that time, but is now all grassed and fenced. The Dunsinane property consists of 1020 acres, which is all in splendid cultivation, except some beautiful patches of shelter bush. Mr. Coombe goes in for mixed farming. His flock of sheep number from 4000 to 5000, his cattle about one hundred, and his horses about twenty-five. The sheep are chiefly of the Lincoln variety. Mr. Coombe is married, and has three sons and two daughters, one of the latter being married. This enterprising colonist is an example of what may be accomplished by perseverance and hard work in this fertile district.
Farmer, Mount Curl, Marton, Born in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, in 1827, Mr. Crawford's early days were spent in Kirkeudbright, where he was apprenticed to the building trade. In 1855 he left his native country for Australia, but only remained there for three months; arriving in Wellington at the time of the great earthquakes. Mr. Crawford soon found his way to the Rangitikei, where he took an active part in the formation of the first road board, of which he was elected a member, retaining his seat for several years. He resigned and became a large road contractor, eventually taking up his present holding about 1878. During the Maori trouble Mr. Crawford served with the Union Volunteers, remaining in the corps for twenty years, the last four of which he acted as lieutenant. Mr. Crawford has one son and four daughters, three of whom are married.
Farmer, Woodlands, Marton. Mr. Galpin was born in Wellington in 1841, his parents eventually settling in the Rangitikei District. In 1856, after having a farming experience in the district for twenty years, he took up “Woodlands.” The original holding was comparatively small, but Mr. Galpin has been continually adding to it, until it is now one of the finest estates on the West Coast. The homestead, which was completed in 1895, is a large building splendidly situated, the view taking in Kapiti Island, Egmont and Ruapehu mounts, and the Ruahine and Tararua ranges. Mr. Galpin was the first to introduce the Aberdeen Polled-Angus cattle to the district; in sheep he has tried several breeds, but finds the Lincoln the most profitable. His commodious woolshed is fitted with seven of the Wolseley sheep-shearing machines, driven by a traction-engine of six-horse-power. Mr. Galpin joined the Rangitikei Cavalry when first formed, and served until the corps was disbanded. He married in 1873 Miss Hammond, daughter of Mr. M. Hammond, of “Killimoon,” Bulls, and has five sons and two daughters.
Farmer and Horse Trainer, Crofton, Marton. Born in Parnell, Auckland, his parents having arrived many years ago, Mr. Green left home at the early age of nine years, intending to carve out a career for himself. He was on board the ship “White Swan” at the time when the seat of Government was transferred to Wellington. On board that trip there were several
en route for the embryo Capital. The vessel was wrecked, and Mr. Green's misfortunes led to his being taken into the service of Sir William Fox, in which he remained for twenty years, rising to the position of butler, and afterwards to that of coachman. In 1886 Mr. Green started in business as a storekeeper in Crofton, but soon retired in favour of agriculture. The freehold which Mr. Green cultivates was purchased from Sir William Fox. It is situated within a mile of Marton, and is capable of producing from forty to forty-five bushels of oats, or from twenty-five to thirty bushels of wheat to the acre. Mr. Green has had large experience as a horse trainer, and does a great deal in this direction. He takes a considerable interest in Friendly Societies and has passed through all the chairs in the A.O. Foresters. He is a member of the Crofton School Committee. In the local hunt club Mr. Green holds the position of master jockey, and was successful in winning the silver cup presented by Mrs. R. Lethbridge, in 1834, to the Rangitikei Hunt Club.
Settler, Marton. Born in 1816 and brought up to farming pursuits, Mr. Hammond arrived in Wellington, in company with his brother Matthew, in 1842 per ship “George Fife,” having as fellow-passengers Sir Charles Clifford and Sir William Fox. Both brothers were accompanied by their wives and families. They owned several sawmills in the vicinity of Wellington until 1855, when they took up 3000 acres of Government land in the Rangitikei District, now known as “York Farm.” For ten years they farmed this land, dissolving partnership in 1865, when Mr. Richard Hammond bought out his brother's interest, the latter buying some 3000 acres from the late Captain Daniells, of Bulls, on which he settled. Mr. Richard Hammond left four sons and six daughters, and Mr. Matthew Hammond six sons and four daughters. “York Farm” is situated on the banks of the Rangitikei River, near Marton, and contains some of the best land in the district. The homestead is well sheltered under a terrace, where the native bush has wisely been preserved. The first sheep (Southdowns) put on “York Farm” were purchased from Messrs. Fraser Bros., of Mana Island, and cost thirty shillings per head.
Willow Brook, Tatuenui Road, Rangitikei. Mr. Ingle was born in Knottingley, Yorkshire, and educated at Hull. He left in 1862 for Lyttelton per ship “Echunga.” Mr. Ingle's father was a farmer and lime burner in Yorkshire, and sent limestone to Lowmoor ironworks. For three or four years after his arrival in the Colony Mr. Ingle was farming in Canterbury. About the year 1866 he settled in the Rangitikei district. The Willow Brook Farm originally consisted of 1000 acres, of which 600 have been sold, and 400 are still retained. The whole has, however, been brought under cultivation, notwithstanding that it was in a very rough condition when purchased. The labour needed to accomplish this may be more easily imagined than described. Mr. Ingle is an all-round farmer, but devotes himself mainly to sheep and cattle raising. His sheep are of the Lincoln variety. He is married and has had a family of nine children, of whom eight are living.
J.P., Farmer, Groveley, Marton. Mr. McBeth was born in Wellington in 1844, his parents having come out in the ship “Bengal” in 1840. His father carried on an extensive wholesale and retail business in Wellington until 1854, when he sold out and took up land in the Upper Rangitikei. He was the first to introduce sheep to the district, obtaining two lots from Kapiti, for which he paid twenty-one and thirty shillings per head respectively. Mr. McBeth joined the volunteers, and served in Captain Willcock's company during the Maori disturbances. Redoubts were built where the township of Marton now
Farmer, Forgan Farm, Tutaenui Road. Mr. McBeth was born in Scotland, and left in 1839, per ship “Bengal Merchant,” in company with the Hon. John Bryce, and many other old colonists, landing in New Zealand in 1840. This ship was one of the first five which arrived in Port Nicholson. Mr. McBeth's father did good work in conjunction with Mr. E. J. Wakefield in advancing the settlement of the Colony. About 1860 Mr. McBeth came to Rangitikei. At the time of the maori war he joined the militia, and had to hold himself in readiness to proceed to the front, the instruction being, that his rifle should be kept at his bedside. Mr. McBeth's farm is 250 acres in extent, and all in a high state of cultivation, with the exception of seven acres of bush reserved for shelter. He has a nice flock of short-horned cattle and Lincoln sheep. He is a Liberal in politics, and supports the present Government. He is married, his family being three daughters.
Sheepfarmer, Tokorangi, Marton. Born in Enniskillen, Ireland, in 1847, Mr. McCrea landed in New Plymouth in 1862. He took part in the military operations against the Maoris in Taranaki, serving three years as a military settler and two years in the “Bush Rangers.” In 1868 Mr. McCrea removed to Patea, where he assisted against the rebels. He took up 500 acres of land in the Rangitikei District in 1882, where he has since lived. Mr. McCrea has served as a member of the Porewa School Committee, and as a Forester he is attached to Court Little John, Marton. In 1877 he was married to a daughter of Mrs. Bett, of Marton, and has three sons and two daughters.
Farmer, Highland Farm, Tutaenui, Marton. Born of Scotch parents at Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, in 1836, Mr. McDonald came to Auckland in 1858 in the ship “Bredalbane,” settling at Waiapu, where he was engaged in pastoral pursuits for eight years. In 1866 he removed to Wanganui, which he left for a visit to the West Coast goldfields. On his return he took up 200 acres of bush-land, and subsequently purchased his present farm at Tutaenui, which is now all improved. The homestead is situated on a terrace, which commands a beautiful view. Mr. McDonald, who is an elder of the Presbyterian Church, married Miss Fennar, of Halcombe, and has two daughters.
Farmer, Paraekaretu, Marton. This old colonist claims Wellington as his birthplace, having been born on Te Aro Flat in 1842. His parents removed to New Plymouth, where they stayed for a few years, but returned to Wellington, where Mr. Meads was educated, subsequently settling in the Wairarapa. They were camped on the summit of the Rimutaka during the night of the great earthquake of 1856. During their stay in the Wairarapa the Messrs. Meads had charge of Messrs. Gillies and Wilson's station. The subject of this sketch came to the Rangitikei in 1858, and having taken up land in the Parackaretu, assisted in driving the first sheep to the district. The chief outlet at this period was by Scott's Ferry, and the haulage was all done by bullocks. Mr. Meads during the Maori troubles served with the Union Volunteers, and the Rangitikei Cavalry, and was also in the militia. There is a fine homestead on his property containing twelve rooms. Mr. Meads married Miss Gray, and has six sons and ten daughters, one of the latter being head assistant-mistress of the College Street School, Palmerston North.
Settler, Rosebank, Marton. The late Mr. Milne was born in 1813 at Aberdeen, Scotland, and arrived in New Zealand per ship “Lady Nugent” in 1841. He settled in the Hutt District until 1857, when he removed to the Rangitikei, and took up the property now known as “Rosebank.” In the early days Mr. Milne took an active part in polities, local and general, having been a member of the Wellington Provincial Council and chairman of the Rangitikei County Council. He was a leading member of the Preshyterian Church. Mr. Milne, who died on the 24th of December, 1895, left three sons and three daughters. The property is now in the occupation of his son, Mr. William Milne, who is married and has two daughters.
Marton (the Hon. F. Arkwright's station), is a splendid estate of 1100 acres, which is all grassed and in cultivation; some very choice patches of native bush have been preserved for shelter. The property will carry about 3000 sheep all the year round, besides about fifty head of cattle, and other farm-stock. The manager and his men are provided with comfortable dwellings, with orchards, and paddocks for the proverbial cow. An engraving of Mr. Arkwright's residence appears on page 580 of this volume.
Manager of Overton, is a son of Mr. J. D. Cruickshank, the well-known sawmiller of the Upper Hutt. Born at Kaiwar
Farmer, Graystoke, Upper Tutaenui. Mr. Gray was born at Wanganui. His father settled in the district about 1865 or 1866. Graystoke, which is a beautiful farm of 440 acres, was rough land, mostly scrub, fern, and tutu, in addition to bush, when it was taken in hand by Mr. Gray's father. The subject of this notice was reared and brought up to the life of a country settler. He has had the farm himself since 1880. Every portion of this lovely spot is in a high state of cultivation. The house is charmingly situated on an eminence, behind which is one of the most choice patches of bush the writer has seen The sound of the tui and the blackbird is frequently heard from the house at any time of the day. Mr. Gray has a stock of about 1200 sheep and lambs of the Lincoln variety. He also cultivates about forty or fifty acres of grain. He is a member of the school committee.
Ball Green, Upper Tutaenui. Mr. Griffin is a native of Scotland, and was brought up as a stone mason in Glasgow, where he resided for thirteen years. He left Scotland in May, 1858, for New Zealand per ship “Robert Small,” arriving in Wellington in October of the same year. For six years he was in Wellington with the Hon. John Johnston and Messrs. A. P. Stuart and Co. He settled in Rangitikei in 1866, having selected the present farm two years previously. The area of the farm is 307 acres, which was of rough scrub, fern, and bush, without any road to it when Mr. Griffin came to the district. As the result of his life's toil it is now all in splendid cultivation, being in grass and crops. Mr. Griffin believes in mixed farming, and has from eight to ten cows, and from four to five hundred sheep. He is a Liberal in polities, and a past member of the local school committee. Mr. Griffin gave a valuable corner section of half an acre for the purposes of the local school and headmaster's dwelling. He is in his 76th year, having been born in 1819. He has four sons and one daughter, all save one son being married. He has several grand children. One of his married sons lives on the farm. [Since the above was in type, Mr. Griffin has passed away. He died in 1896.]
Farmer, Marton. Born in 1867 in Rangitikei, Mr. Tapini belongs to the Ngatipikiahu and Ngatiwaewae tribes. His father, Maraenui, was chief of the Ngatipikiahu tribe, and fought all through the Maori war against the English, and opposed the introduction of European customs and schemes. Tapini now takes his father's place as chief of the tribe. He has some 4500 acres of land in a state of semi-cultivation, and deals in sheep, horses, and cattle, devoting some attention to breeding blood stock. In 1880 he married the daughter of an old warrior, Kereopa, and has one son. Maraenui Tapini, like many Maori chiefs, has most of the people of the tribe living upon his bounty.
This township—which is under the authority of the Lethbridge Town Board—with its outlying districts, composes the Otakapau Riding of the Rangitikei County, and has a total population of 584. There are two railway stations, Turakina Platform (a flag station), and the station proper, the latter being a combined post, telegraph, and railway office, Turakina is distant from Wellington 127 miles, is within twenty-three miles of Wanganui, and has the school districts of Turakina and Turakina Valley, which are under the control of the educational authority at Wanganui. It is in daily mail communication by rail with both north and south. There is a local sub-post-office at Mr. Franklin's store in the centre of the township, for the convenience of the public. Turakina, which is in latitude 10° 2″ south and longitude 175° 4″ east, is about five miles from the sea-board, and occupies a site on the left bank of the Turakina River. The Presbyterian, and Roman Catholic churches, and an excellent ladies' school, are notable to the tourist in passing through the settlement, which extends for about a mile along the main north and south road. A large area of land in the vicinity is occupied chiefly for grazing purposes; but some of the
is the local body that governs the district, extending from the Turakina River to the Makirikiri Stream, and including in its boundaries the township of Turakina. It was established about 1876 and named after its much respected chairman, who has held that office for most of the time. The annual value of the rateable properties of the district is £1581, the rate being 8d in the £. The population of the district, as ascertained at the census of 1896, is 251. The members of the Board for the same year were:—Messrs. G. Y. Lethbridge, J.P. (chairman), R. N. Scannell, A. McDonald, G. Franklin, and D. S. Glasgow; Mr. R. J. Knox is the secretary.
is the chairman of the Lethbridge Town Board. He was born at Ivybridge, Devonshire, and came to New Zealand over fifty years ago as one of the early settlers, arriving in Wellington in the early days of the Colony. During the trouble with the natives, Mr. Lethbridge was a contractor for the supplies for the troops, and as such was all through the Taranaki and Wanganui campaigns. Mr. Lethbridge settled in the district about 1867, and has been prominent in all matters concerning the welfare of the district ever since. He has occupied the position of chairman of the Lethbridge Town Board almost continuously from its foundation, and in the days of provincial institutions was a member of the Taranaki Provincial Council. Mr. Lethbridge was the first chairman of the Rangitikei County Council. The railway station at Turakina is situated upon land which was presented by Mr. Lethbridge for that purpose.
who has been connected with Turakina for nearly forty years, has been a member of the Lethbridge Town Board almost since its inception. Born in 1830 in London, where he was educated, and brought up to a mercantile life, he came to Wellington by the ship “Maori” in 1853. Two years later Mr. Franklin settled in Turakina, and in 1857 he founded the business, which he has since conducted, with the exception of four years spent as a farmer on Fern Flats. In 1893 he enjoyed a trip to the Old Country, after completing forty years of colonial life. Mr. Franklin was married in 1867 to a daughter of the late Mr. G. Jackson, of Knaresborough, Yorkshire. Mrs. Franklin died in 1892, leaving four sons and a daughter.
who is referred to in these pages as one of the business men of Turakina, is a member of the Lethbridge Town Board, on which he has occupied a seat for about ten years, and is also a member of the Turakina School Committee. Several years ago Mr. Scannell met with a sad accident, being severely kicked on the leg by a horse; in consequence of this he was laid up for; about seven months, and put to an expense of something like £150.
who was elected a member of the Lethbridge Town Board in 1896, has been associated with the Turakina District all his life. He was born in 1868 on the Edenmore Estate, and was brought up to the
Secretary and Valuator to the Lethbridge Town Board, was born in Edinburgh, and same to New Zealand in 1840, per ship “Martha Ridgway,” being one of the old Port Nicholson settlers. Mr. Knox remained in Wellington until 1846, when he went to Wanganui, residing there for about eighteen months, and subsequently returning for a short time to Wellington. He settled in Turakina in 1856, accepting the management of the Hon. W. B. Rhodes's station. Mr. Knox retained this position for about three years when he took upland in conjunction with the late Mr. James Hogg, about five miles from Turakina. He was engaged in the farming line for about eighteen years, and after the dissolution of the firm he continued on his own account, purchasing an area of 320 acres in Turakina. In addition to the freehold Mr. Knox has a lease of 749 acres. His farm carries about 900 sheep, and fifty head of cattle. Mr. Knox was in March 1875 elected a member of the Town Board, and many years-ago was appointed secretary and treasurer to the Lethbridge Town Board, a position which he holds at the present time. For about eight years Mr. Knox was chairman of the Turakina School Committee.
which was established about 1886, is located in the Turakina Public Hall. There are some 400 volumes in hand, and it is expected that a considerable addition will shortly be made. The committee (1896) were:—Messrs. H. R. Rockel, T. E. Kiernan, R. N. Scannell, R. Glasgow, and D. S. Glasgow; Mr. Rockel is the secretary.
which was opened on the 17th of May, 1877, is erected on land— the gift of Mr. G. Y. Lethbridge. There is a very fair traffic. mostly in wool, sheepfarming being the staple industry of the district.
is the stationmaster, postmaster, telegraphist, representative of the Government Insurance Department, the Public Trustee, and acts as officer under the Advances to Settlers Act, besides occupying many other official positions. Mr. Ford was born at New Plymouth, where he has educated at the High School. He entered the Government service in June, 1883, in the Postal and Telegraphic Department, and was afterwards transferred to the Railway department, being appointed as stationmaster on the 1st of October 1889, Turakina being his only appointment in that capacity.
is one of the oldest in the district, having been established about the year 1865. Originally it was under the old Wellington Board. The school building is constructed of wood and iron, and contains two main rooms. There are sixty-four children on the roll, the average attendance being fifty. There are two playgrounds, for the boys and girls separately.
Headmaster of the Turakina Public School, was born in 1868 in the Lower Rangitikei. He kept two years' terms with the Auckland University College, and took the first section of the B.A. degree. In 1885 Mr. Rockel became a pupil teacher at Bulls, and three years afterwards was placed in charge of the Mars Hill School, near Wanganui, having since been transferred successively to Upokongaro and Rata schools, and appointed in March, 1895, to Turakina. He takes an interest in athletics generally, and particularly in football and cricket. Mr. Rockel was married in 1894 to a daughter of Mr. J. Scott, of Bulls, and has one daughter.
Turakina. Principal, Reverend John Ross, assisted by Mrs. Ross and Miss Christie and Miss Mary Ross. The Ladies' Classical School is beautifully situated on the North Western Road, Turakina. It is a large building, and occupies a charming situation, nestling among the trees. The building has been from time to time enlarged, so as to afford ample accommodation for fourteen or fifteen young ladies, in addition to the principal, his family, and his staff. Every necessary accommodation in the shape of large and airy bedrooms, comfortable school-rooms, parlors, sitting-rooms, bath, and every convenience required in a large establishment is available. The course of instruction inculdes English, Latin, Greek, German, French, mathematics, music, drawing, singing, painting, calisthenics, and plain and fancy needle-work. The principal aim is to impart a thorough sound education, whilst the general and physical training of the pupils is carefully attended to, and every effort is made to make the school-life as homelike as possible. The Ladies' Classical School has been established about
is situated on the North Western Road right in the centre of the township. It is a wooden building with a small turret and spire, the former containing a bell. It was built about the year 1864. The accommodation is for about 140. The Presbyterians are the strongest body in Turakina, and number 400 to 500 adherents in the entire district. They have a neat little church at Bonny Glen a few miles away in the direction of Marton, which has recently been built, succeeding the oldest established church in the provincial district. The foundation stone of the Bonny Glen Church was laid by the Reverend William Ross, of Cowcaddens, Glasgow, brother to the present minister. It was opened free of debt in May, 1893, and will accommodate 100 persons. The local Sunday school at Turakina numbers about fifty scholars, the superintendent being Mr. James Bruce, of Glen Cairn. There are altogether in connection with the Presbyterian cause in the district four Sunday schools, the total number of scholars being altogether 100. The land occupied by the Presbyterian Church and Manse at Turakina consists of five acres, the gift of Mr. Wilson, of Ann Bank. The son of this gentleman still takes an active part in church matters in the district. The Manse is a large and substantial building, and has been built during the present minister's term of office, the first portion having been erected about eighteen years ago. It has been considerably enlarged and added to by Mr. Ross.
is the Presbyterian Minister in charge of Turakina and district. Mr. Ross was born at Caithness, Scotland, where he received his preliminary education. His subsequent education was received at the University and New College, Edinburgh, studying four years at each. He was ordained in 1866 by the Presbytery of Tain, Rossshire, and came to New Zealand in the same year per ship “Resolute,” captain Wallace, from Glasgow. Mr. Ross was first appointed to Masterton, in the Wairarapa, where he was the first resident minister of the Presbyterian Church, his district extending over a wide range of country sixty miles by forty miles wide. Mr. Ross resided in the Wairarapa for five years, when he was transferred by the Presbytery of Wellington to Turakina district, where he has resided ever since. The reverend gentleman is a member of the Wanganui Education Board.
established some years ago, was re-organised in 1896, the officers being Messrs. A. McDonald (president), G. Franklin (vice-president), C. Russell, J. W. Proctor, T. E. Kiernan, T. Hogg, R. Glasgow, and D. S. Glasgow (committee).
Contractor, Turakina Valley. Mr. Maskill was born in 1859 in County Clare, Ireland, but at the age of mine he accompanied his parents to Cumberland, where he remained until fifteen years of age. Coming out to Lyttelton in 1874, he spent eight years in farming in the South Island, and then went to Taranaki, working on the railway for about four years there, and afterwards for three years at Wellington. Farming again attracted him, and he returned to Taranaki and followed his old occupation for five years, but sold out and commenced contracting in the Turakina District. In local politics in Canterbury Mr. Maskill took an active part having been a road board member, school commiteeman, and volunteer. Mr. Maskill married, in 1886, Miss Ataly, of Canterbury, and has a son and daughter.
(Mr. A. McDonald, Proprietor), North Western Road, Turakina. This large hotel, which contains twenty-six rooms, of which fifteen are bedrooms, and four are parlors was established about thirty years ago, and has been conducted by the present proprietor since 1886. The stable accommodation consists of eight stalls and seven loose boxes. The hotel is built of wood and iron, and is the freehold property of the licensee.
(John William Proctor, proprietor) is close to the railway station, Turakina. It was established before there was any railway station site decided upon, but being destroyed by fire later on, the new building was erected in closer proximity to the station than its predecessor. It is a prominent feature of the town, and affords ample accommodation, there being no fewer than thirteen bedrooms, besides the usual complement of drawing-rooms, dining-rooms, sitting-rooms, commercial-rooms, etc. The bedrooms are all light and airy, and the bath-room is very conveniently fitted with all the latest requirements, including, of course, a good supply of hot water. The stables at the back are large and convenient, containing ten loose- boxes, and there is a ploughed training-track connected with the hotel, and every convenience for horse-trainers. Since Mr. Proctor took possession in June, 1896, the house has been renovated, and new beds and bedding have replaced those formerly used, thus making the house all that can be desired for visitors. The genial host, who was born in Picton in 1861, was brought up to a country life. For three-and-a-half years he was manager of the Kakare Estate in the Wairarapa, three years of the Awamate Estate, Wairoa, and as overseer at Carnarvon for eight years. In 1886 Mr. Proctor was married to a daughter of Mr. J. C. Retter, of Levin, farmer, and has one son.
General Blacksmith, North Western Road, Turakina. Mr. Scannell was born in Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland. He came to New Zealand per ship “Rakaia,” landing in Wellington in 1878. Not long after his arrival he settled in Wanganui, where he worked about eighteen months at his trade, establishing himself in business about 1880, in the Valley Road. The present business was established by the late
Kiernan, Thomas Edward, General Blacksmith. Turakina. Established 1890.
General Storekeeper, Turakina. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The premises occupied are situated in the centre of the township, the building being of wood and iron, with the proprietor's residence adjoining. A large stock of grocery, ironmongery, drapery, crockery, glassware, and general merchandise is always available. The business, which is the oldest establishment in the district, was founded in 1857, and for many years was the only one in Turakina.
General Storekeeper, North Western Road, Turakina. This business was established in 1893 by Mrs. McHugh. The building is of wood and iron, and two stories in height, occupying a central position in the township. Mrs. McHugh was born in Auckland, and has been in the Turakina district for about eighteen years. Her husband; Mr. F. McHugh, is a farmer in the Turakina Valley, holding about 600 acres of Maori land. Mrs. McHugh's trade extends right up the Valley, also in the direction of Bulls, and over a considerable area in the district. She keeps a general stock, and is agent for the celebrated Arab and Shah teas. In patent medicines she is agent for Mr. R. M. Gatenby, of Wanganui.
Jermy, W. J., Baker and Confectioner, Turakina. Established 1894.
Hales, Everett, Builder and Contractor, Turakina. Established 1865.
Davis, William Augustus, Boot and Shoemaker, Turakina. Established 1870.
Day, John Hill, Saddler and Harness Maker, Turakina. Established 1886.
Cameron, George C., Butcher, Turakina.
Farmer, “Pembroke Vale,” Turakina. This old colonist sailed from Liverpool for Australia in 1853, and was wrecked some fifteen miles from Port Phillip, losing everything he possessed. His brother George, who accompanied him, died of fever shortly after. In company with his brother James, Mr. Bowen went up to the goldfields to join two other brothers. There he met with varied success, leaving for New Zealand in 1861, with Mr. James Bowen, on the news of the find at Gabriel's Gully. After another short space at gold-digging in the Nelson District, the brothers crossed Cook's Strait, taking up their present holding in the Turakina Valley in 1862. They were among the pioneer settlers of this fertile district, and saw service during the Maori troubles. There are two pretty homesteads on the estate.
Sheepfarmer, Turakina. At the time of writing—1896 this old colonist was in his eighty-ninth year, having been born on the 12th of August, 1808, at Glen Morison, Inverness, Scotland. He landed in Wellington per ship “Blenheim” in 1840, and ten years later settled in Turakina, purchasing 700 acres of land, on which he resided for the best part of fifty years. Mr. Grant considered New Zealand the best country in the world and held the opinion that all who have health, and are careful and industrious, may make a fair living in the Colony. He enjoyed robust health till just before his death, and in 1894 paid a visit to a married daughter in Gippsland, Victoria, with whom he remained three months. Mr. Grant was married in February, 1844, to a daughter of Mr. D. Cameron, of Argyllshire, Scotland, and left three sons and four daughters, a great many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. [Mr. Grant died in January, 1897].
(Messrs. G. Y., F. Y., J. P., H. Y., B. P., and G. Y. Lethbridge, junior), Sheep Farmers, Turakina, and at Ruatangata, Bonny Glen, and Feilding. Messrs. Lethbridge and Sons have a splendid station of 3300 acres of freehold land at Turakina, close to the railway station. The large residence and station buildings were erected about twelve years ago. The flock consists of 8300 big sheep, excluding lambs. The firm go in chiefly for the Lincoln variety, and breed stud rams only for their own requirements. Their run at Ruatangata comprises over 7000 acres, held on lease from the Maoris. This land is securely fenced and in good order, and carries over 17,000 sheep, besides 1000 cattle. At Bonny Glen the firm has from 2500 to 2600 acres of freehold land, which is also in thorough cultivation, and carries over 4000 sheep. The Feilding station includes 7200 acres of freehold land, which is largely bush, a great deal of which has been felled and sown down in permanent grassess, and at the present time carries 700 sheep exclusive of lambs. The firm have been prominent settlers in this large and fertile district for very many years. They have always been forward in furthering the interests of the district with which they are connected. Mr. G. Y. Lethbridge's family consists of five sons, of whom all but one are married, and two daughters. The sons are all members of the firm, and are resident on the various stations and each takes an active interest in the management of the business. The firm of Messrs. Lethbridge and Sons afford another illustration of what can be done in New Zealand by steady and persistent occupation of the land.
Settler, Glen Nevis, Turakina. Born in 1819 in Argyllshire, Scotland, Mr. Lourie followed mining pursuits until 1849, when he left his native heather for New Zealand, arriving in the ship “William and Jane” in the same year. After a month's stay in Wellington he went to Wanganui and settled up the river. In 1862 he took possession of a run in Turakina Valley, of which he was a pioneer settler. He stocked the place with 400 sheep and sixteen head of cattle, but wild dogs destroyed almost the whole of the sheep, and his first wood-clip did not exceed one bale. He had also great difficulties to contend with during the Maori troubles, and twice had to leave his farm to take care of itself for a time. In 1847 Mr. Lourie was married to Miss McMillin, of Glen Nevis, and has one son. The grandchildren number eleven, and the great-grandchildren three.
Farmer, “Flowerburn,” Turakina. A native of Gaithnesshire, Scotland, Mr. McIvor, with his brothers Kenneth and James (the latter of whom afterwards went Home, where he died), took up their present holding of 1200 acres in 1860. It is now highly improved, most of it being under crop. A good flock of Lincoln sheep is depastured on the farm.
Farmer, “Puriri,” Turakina Valley. Mr. McKenzie was born at Ullapool, Scotland, in 1876, and was educated at a public school. He joined the staff of the Great Northern Railway Company in 1893, being employed in London in the invoicing office. After two years in London he was transferred to Glasgow, but left for New Zealand shortly afterwards, arriving in Wellington in 1895. Mr. McKenzie held the farm of Loch Miln, Rosshire, and he is descended from the war-like chiefs of Kinlail, who served in the 72nd, 74th, and 78th Highlanders, in the latter part of last century and the early part of this.
Farmer, “Pokowaru,” Turakina Valley, Turakina. Mr. McLeay was born at Applecross, Rosshire, Scotland, and at the age of thirteen went to sea. For ten years he followed this calling, visiting almost every quarter of the globe. In 1883 he landed in Wellington, having determined to give up a “life on the ocean wave” and engage in farming. Eventually he took up his present holding of 1200 acres, which carries 3000 Lincolns and a herd of cattle.
Farmer, Turakina Volley, Turakina. A native Invernesshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1838, Mr. McPherson left, home for the Colonies in the ship “Tornado,” landing in Auckland in 1859. Here he remained eight years; then, coming to the Turakina Valley, he settled on land higher up the valley than anyone else at that time. He stocked his farm with dairy cattle, and the first produce, was brought down the Turakina River in a canoe. About 1891 he gave up dairying and placed Lincoln sheep on the farm, and he is now crossing them with Border-Leicesters, the result being a good breed of hardy and profitable sheep. Mr. MePherson married Miss McGregor, and has three sons and six daughters, three of whom are married.
Turakina, the property of Mr. Norman Fitzherbert, is under the management of Mr. John Gibson, who was born in Roxburghshire, Scotland. He accompanied his parents to New Zealand in 1860, and his early days were spent on his father's farm on the Conway Hills; subsequently he was on some of the best runs in the South Island, and succeeded to the management of Mr. Fitzherbert's property in 1891. At that time there was considerable mortality among the sheep (Lincolns) on the farm, and Mr. Gibson set to work to remedy this. He crossed the Lincolns with Border-Leicester rams, and the desired result—a good, sound, healthy flock—was obtained. Mr. Gibson married Miss Connor, of Victoria, and has one son.
This district forms a riding of the Rangitikei County, but is a portion of the Wanganui Electoral District, the population being 207. The station (flag), which is but forty-one foot above sea-level, is eighteen miles south-east of Wanganui and 131 miles from Wellington There is a local post-office, where mails are daily received and despatched to and from the north and south, and the nearest telegraph office is Turakina, five miles distant.
is situated nine-and-a-miles by road from Wanganui. Mails close and arrive daily, the office being at the Bridge Hotel, where Mrs. Hillier is in charge as postmistress.
In the Purua Riding of the County of Wanganui,
The station is on the east side of the read, in close proximity to the settlement. The buildings are of the usual description, and there is a goods-shed. The post-office is situated at the station. Wool, agricultural produce, and stock from the Kauangaroa, Mangamahu, Mangawhero, and Upper Wangaehu districts, find an outlet at this station.
Station-master, Telegraphist, and Postmaster, at Fordell, was born at Eton, Buckinghamshire, and was educated at the public school, Eton. He learned his profession of telegraphy at Windsor, spending three years-and-a-half in the department there. He came to New Zealand in 1883, and remained for a time at Port Chalmers,
Fordell. The Warrengate Public School was established about 1883. It is a fairly large building, and has convenient playgrounds, and a good dwelling-house, which is occupied by the headmastes, Mr. L. J. Watkin. The roll numbers sixty-six, with an average attendance of about fifty. It is conducted by Mr. Watkin and one pupil-teacher, but it is anticipated that a third teacher will shortly he needed.
is the Headmaster of the Warrengate Public School, as the school at Fordell is called. He was born in New Plymouth, and is the son of the well-known and greatly-respected Rev. W. J. Watkin, whose father was one of New Zealand's earliest missionaries sent out by the Wesleyan Methodist connexion. Mr. Watkin was educated in various parts of the Colony, finishing at the Auckland Grammar School. He is the holder of the certificate known as D3, and had the good fortune to come out at the head of all his examinations. His first appointment as pupil-teacher was at Hunterville, and he was subsequently in the public school at Bulls as pupil-teacher. Several members of the Rev. Mr. Watkin's family have made reputations for themselves in educational matters. The rev. gentleman himself, under all the disadvantages of early colonisation, has ever been to the fore in all scholastic attainments. His son, Mr. L. J. Watkin, the subject of this sketch, is a worthy representative of his father's family, and is exceedingly popular as a schoolmaster. He is continuing his studies, but his inclinations have led him into the department of art, in which he has already made considerable progress, having passed with marked success several of the Kensington examinations in connection with the Technical School. He is studying under the tuition of Mr. David Blair, F.L.S., of Wanganui Technical School, whose qualifications and eminence in this department are proverbial.
(Isaac: Guthric, proprietor). This hotel is situated some eight miles from Wanganui and close to the Fordell Railway Station, where all wool and other produce raised in the Wangaehu Valley, Maungakaretu, and the Upper Turakina Valley find an outlet. The building contains seventeen rooms eight of which are utilised as bedrooms, the remainder being used as dining-room, sitting-rooms, etc. Good stabling and paddock-accommodation is also provided. Mr. Guthric, the proprietor, hails from the North of Ireland, where, he was born in 1858. At the age of twenty-one he arrived in Otago, and was soon appointed manager of a sheep-run belonging to Mr. F. Ashley. He was subsequently manager for Mr. John Peat, in the North Island, and for the Hon. Mr. Rolleston, in Canterbury. Coming back to the North Island, he managed a run for Messrs. Ellis and Robinson for three years, and prior to taking over the Fordell Hotel was in charge of the Mangamahu Hotel for two years. In 1882 Mr. Guthrie married Miss Dudley, and has two daughters.
(Arthur Ellis, proprietor). This hotel, which was established in 1893, is a wooden building containing twenty rooms—twelve well-furnished bedrooms, four sitting-rooms, a large dining-room, a billiard-room (with one of Alcock's tables), kitchen, etc. The hotel is twenty miles from Fordell, at the junction of three roads—the Upper Wangachu, the Ridge, and Mangamahu Creek roads. Mr. Ellis was born in Yorkshire, and came out to Australia in 1874, returning to England after four years. He came out again in 1879, and soon settled down at Mangamahu. He has always taken an active part, in local politics, having been a member of the road board and of the school committee. Mr. Ellis married Miss Farley, and has two sons and two daughters.
General Blacksmith, Fordell Farriery, Fordell. Telegraphic address, “McLaughlan, Fordell.” Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand, Wanganui. Mr. McLaughlan is a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, but left the Old World for New Zealand in 1875, per “Dover Castle,” and, during the same year, arrived at the Northern Capital. After spending some three years in Auckland and suburbs, mainly Otahuhu, he came South and established himself as above, in 1879. Mr. McLaughlan's premises are fairly large and most centrally situated, next door to Mr. Ciochetto's store, one of the best in the district. Though so long away from Auckland, Mr. McLaughlan has very pleasant recollections of that beautiful city and surroundings, and is well pleased to have his memory refreshed by any old Aucklanders passing through the district.
Settler, “Fassifern,” Fordell. Mr. Cameron was born in 1821 in Argyllshire, Scotland, and accompanied his parents to the Colony in the ship “Blenheim,” which
Farmer, “Summer Vale,” Mangamahu, Fordell. Mr. Cranston is a native of Wanganui, where he was born in 1868. His parents removed to Fordell in 1879, and eight years later the subject of this sketch took up about 1000 acres in the Maungakaretu Block, where he has wince resided. About half the land has been laid down in grass, and it supports a flock of healthy Romney-Lincoln sheep, which Mr. Cranston considers are more robust, come to maturity earlier, and bear closer stocking than pure-bred Lincolns.
Farmer, “The Shades,” Mangamahu, Fordell. Mr. Harper was born in 1868 at Wanganui, and received his education in the neighbourhood. In 1889 he took up land in the Turakina Valley, and had to cut seven miles of track to get to the property. He afterwards purchased Mr. Lewis' interest in “The Shades,” Upper Wangaehu, and with his brother George, whom he took into partnership, now has an estate of 2300 acres, nearly all cleared and grassed, carrying a good flock of crossbred sheep and a herd of shorthorn cattle. The homestead is situated on a site overlooking the Wangaehu River and surrounding country. Mr. Harper was married in 1892 to Miss Young, and has two sons and one daughter.
Farmer, “The Shades,” Mangamahu, Fordell. Born in 1870 at Wanganui, and educated at his birthplace and at Turakina, Mr. Harper entered the service of the Bank of Australasia in Palmerston North, and was subsequently employed in the Bank of New Zealand in the same town. After leaving the banking service. Mr. Harper entered into partnership with his brother, Mr. Thomas Harper, and has now settled down as a farmer. Their estate is described in the article on Mr. Thomas Harper. In 1893 Mr. Harper married Miss McKenize, of Wellington.
Farmer, “Glenalladale,” Mangamahu, Fordell. Born in 1843 in Caithness, Scotland, the late Mr. McDonald came out to Victoria in 1861, and almost immediately crossed over to the Otago goldfields. There he plied with success cattle and sheep-dealing until 1867, when he returned to his native country. He came back to New Zealand in 1869, and was one of the first to take up land on the Waitotara Flat after the Maori war. He was also interested in proportion at Fordell and on the banks of the Turakina River. Mr. McDonald was the pioneer settler of the Mangamahu District, and, in partnership with Mr. Hugh Grant, brought thither the first stock in 1872. He met his death through endeavouring to save a boy, who was surrounded by a bush fire on the property. Mr. McDonald, in his attempt to reach the boy through the fallen bush, was overtaken by the flames and perished. The youth was saved by a man who came in a different direction.
Former, “Denlair,” Fordell. Mr. McKay, who was born in 1836 in County Antrim, Ireland, came to Melbourne in the latter part of the fifties. After five years in Victoria he landed at Port Chalmers, and spent some time on the goldfields, without much success. He afterwards engaged in horse-dealing taking the first mob of horses—thirty in number—to Hokitika. There being neither buyers nor feed, the whole lot perished. Mr. McKay owned the first team of horses in Charleston, and spent three years travelling between there and the Buller River. In 1879 he visited the North Island, and went in for land speculation, several properties passing through his hands. He was married in 1879 to Miss Lynch, and has one daughter. Mr. McKay re-visited his native land some time ago.
Farmer, “Bird Grove,” Puriri, Fordell. Mr. McLean hails from Invernesshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1839. He is a lineal descendant of the famous family of McLeans of Urquhart, known as the “McLeans of the North,” from whom the lands of Urquhart passed into the hands of Grant; and his ancestors on both sides were active supporters of the Stuarts. At the age of twenty-two, Mr. McLean left his native heather for Australia, landing in Melbourne in 1862. The country not suiting him, he crossed over to Otago, where he engaged in sheep and cattle-dealing for six years, subsequently going to the West Coast diggings. After some time he re-visited Melbourne on his way to Scotland, where he arrived just before his father's death. Returning to Port Chalmers in 1869, he eventually came to the North Island, and was the first settler on Waitotara Flat after the Maori war. He took up his present holding in 1872, and now possesses a compact farm. Mr. McLean was married in 1872 to Miss Williamson, of Auckland, and has seven sons and two daughters.
is managed by Mr. Hugh Middleton, who was born in 1863 in Aberdeenshire. His early days were spent on his father's farm in Kincardineshire, and in 1886 became out, to Port Chalmers. After a short, tour of the South Island, he crossed Cook's Strait, and succeeded to the management of the Riverley Station. Mr. Middleton has made great improvements in the breeding of the stock on the property, and also in the practical working of the station.
Farmer, “Glengarr,” Mangamahu, Fordell. Born in 1838 at Dunoon, Argyllshire, Scotland, where he passed his carly years, Mr. Whiteman sailed in 1859 from Bristol in the ship “William Miles,” and landed at Lyttelton, the Canterbury Plains being covered with snow at the time. He went to Otago in company with Captain Baldwin, and purchased a sheeprun on the Molyneux. On the breaking-out of the Otago goldfields, he sold the run and went to Gabriel's Gully, and afterwards to Waitahuna, where he found the first gold, saving ten ounces from the first dish, but very little, afterwards. Mr. Whiteman subsequently took up land in Southland, but after a time sold out and went to Victoria for three years, becoming manager of a cattle-run of 200,000 acres. In 1867 he returned to New Zealand, settling in Hawkes Bay as an auctioneer and cattle-breeder. Mr. Whiteman put up the first sawmill at Te Aute. Removing subsequently to Wangunui, he re-visited his native land, going Home in the ship “St. Leonards.” Coming back to the Colony in 1887, he took up his present holding of 2600 acres. Mr. Whiteman was married in 1862 to Miss McClosky, of Riverton, and has had nine children, of whom four sons and two daughters survive.
(Edward Sutherland), Farmer, Kauangaroa. Born in 1855 in Matatera, Wangaehu, Mr. Sutherland now resides at Kauangaroa, and comes from the Ngawairiki-Ngatiapa tribe, his father being Nat. Daniel Sutherland, a native of Newcastle. In 1866 he, as a boy, followed the native army of Sir George Grey to the Taranaki District. He relates that on the trip up they upon one occasion ran short of “tucker” and resorted to killing the pack-horses, and during this time they had their first “brush” with the natives, wounding three of their chiefs. At the latter end of Titokowaru's time in 1866, a big fight occurred at Ngataotemanui, where the natives, placing themselves on the tops of trees, picked off the officers of the English one by one and afterwards drove them back to Waihi (Hawera). The Europeans returned to bring away the dead and wounded, but found that they had been eaten. Some time later Mr. Sutherland was as the battle of Okotuku, near Waverley, when a good many whites and many more Maoris word killed and scores wounded. A few days after this skirmish the party moved down to Patea, a small company being sent on ahead with the provisions, etc., but they had not gone further than Whenuakura when the enemy attached them, killing the shafter of the dray. As soon as the little band saw the plight they were in they made the best of it, but three ran straight for Patea, when two mounted troopers at Patea, learning what had happened, immediately galloped up to help those surrounded, and the natives upon seeing the dust that was made imagined it was a large party and at once decamped. The next morning they started in pursuit of the Maoris and met them at Otautu. It was a foggy morning, and the natives, after wounding a few of the attacking party, removed before the fog lifted. The Europeans then found a quantity of meat preserved by the native process in oil (Hinu), and when the Maoris of the party were going to eat it they discovered in it the flesh of Europeans, so of course they threw it away. Mr Sutherland has on several occasions been elected speaker for the tribe, and speaks good English. In 1880 he first made his appearance in the Land Court, acting as clerk without fee, and in the same year was clerk to Major Kemp at Murimotu, in Rangipo Block. In 1881 he went up with Major Kemp and a party of ninety for the sittings of the Land Court at Taupo, and the first night saved Major Kemp's life, when Hoani-Te Mutu-mutu attempted to shoot him. He has also given some attention to the horse, and has a number of his own breeding in training. Mr. Sutherland married a daughter of Puki, and has a family of two boys and three girls. He is a large landholder at Turakina, Maputahi, Omurehore, and Aromango.
A flag station on the Foxton-New Plymouth Railway Line, seven miles east of Wanganui, this small settlement is in the County and Electoral District of Wanganui. The station, which is but eighty-four feet above sea-level, is the centre of good farming district, the population being fifty-one. A small school, which is locally managed by a committee, is under the control of the educational authorities in Wanganui.
This pleasantly situated spot, which is about three miles from Wanganui, with which it is connected by rail and by a charming stretch of road by the river bank, along which ‘busses ply half-hourly, is in the Brunswick Riding of the County of Waitotara, and in the Wanganui Electorate. The railway station, known as Aramoho Junction, which is often a busy scene, is separately described in these pages. The population of Aramoho is 600, and there is a good school, managed by a local committee, under the Wanganui Board. Mails are made up and received twice each day in the local post-office. At this point there is a fine railway traffic bridge spanning the Wanganui River and communicating by foot-bridge with Eastown, where there are large railway workshops and a settlement, the population of the village being 228. Eastown is in the Mateongaonga Riding of the Wanganui County, and is closely connected with Aramoho, many of the employés in the workshops living on that side of the river. At Aramoho, within the last few years, several business places have been established.
which was opened on the 17th of May, 1887, is a wooden building containing stationmaster's and booking-office, luggage and porters' rooms, ticket vestibule, ladies' waiting room and lavatory, large refreshment room with bar, and ladies' luncheon-room. There in also a goods-shod. The platform, which is triangular in shape and laid down with shell ballast, is about 100 yards long. Aramoho Station is a busy scene on through mail days—Tuesdays and Fridays—when the north and south trains between Wellington and New Plymouth pass through. The branch line to Wanganui joins the main line at this junction. The station is under the care of a stationmaster, who is assisted by Mr. D. Burrell, as porter.
the Stationmaster in charge of Aramoho Junction Railway Station, was born in 1868 at Lyttelton. Educated at the public school, he joined the service as a cadet in his native place in January, 1883. Mr. Walsh made rapid progress, being the first out of a dozen lads to learn to manipulate the telegraph. About a month after joining he was transferred to Leeston as telegraphist, and subsequently he was stationed at St. Andrews, Hinds, Waitaki, Oxford, and Lyttelton. When but twenty-one years of age Mr. Walsh was appointed stationmaster at Cust, where he remained five-and-a-half years, being transferred to the position he now holds in June, 1895. As a member of the craft, he is attached to Lodge Ashley, No. 28, E.C. An enthusiastic athlete, he rows, plays lawn tennis, lacrosse, and cricket, and fills the dual position of secretary and treasurer to the Aramoho branch of the Union Boating Club and the Aramoho Cricket Club.
situated on the opposite side of the river to Aramoho, comprise five large buildings of wood and iron, covering several acres of ground. All the repairing and a good deal of the rebuilding of the rolling stock of the Napier-Taranaki section of the Government railways is executed here. About seventy hands are employed in the works. A large steam-engine of about forty-horse-power is used to drive the lathes and other machines, which are very numerous.
is the Locomotive Manager, having charge of the Foxton and New Plymouth districts; he is also engineer and supervisor of the railway workshops. Mr. Beattie was born in Yorkshire, where he was educated. He was trained at the railway foundry in Leeds, and completed his apprenticeship in 1873. From 1873 to 1876 he was assistant manager at the same works, and in the latter year came to New Zealand per ship “Helen Denny,” landing at Port Chalmers. Mr. Beattie at once joined the Railway Department in Otago, and for sometime occupied the responsible position of assistant engineer of the Otago railways. In 1885 he was appointed to his present position, which he has occupied ever since that time. Mr. Beattie's private residence is at Riverbank, Wanganui. [In February, 1896, Mr. Beattie was transferred to Christchurch; before leaving Wanganui a banquet was tendered to him, and he was the recipient of a handsome present.]
Workshops Foreman at Eastown Railway Workshops, has had a long experience in connection with large engineering works in different parts of the world. A native of Cumberland, England, where he was born in 1810, Mr. Sewell served a six years' apprenticeship in Carlisle, and afterwards worked in Liverpool, Manchester, Nowcastle-on-Tyne. Hartlepool, and in London, becoming out-door foreman to Messrs Jacobs, Mennell and Co.
Foreman Carpenter at the Eastown Railway Workshops, is a native of Devonshire, where he was born in 1835. He served an apprenticeship of six years at Bradninch, and afterwards worked at his trade till 1864, when he embarked for Lyttelton per ship “Amoor.” In Christchurch Mr. Ellis was engaged on the Jewish Synagogue, on the Roman Catholic Church and School, and afterwards he was employed for twelve months in making six elaborate doors for the Provincial Council Chambers. He worked on the Selwyn Bridge and on several railway buildings, under Messrs. Richards and Holmes, contractors.
Leading Carpenter at the Railway Workshops at Eastown, is a North of Ireland man. Born in 1840, he served nine years learning his trade with his father, and came to Port Chalmers in 1864 per ship “Brachan Castle.” He worked at his trade in Dunedin and on the West Coast goldfields, where he lived for fourteen years. For five years Mr. Ewing was a pattern-maker at Anderson's foundry in Christchurch, and joined the Railway Department in 1884, as a carriage-builder at Eastown. Four years later he was promoted to the leading position in the shop. In 1863 Mr. Ewing was married to a daughter of Mr. D. Craig, of Castlederg, County Tyrone, Ireland, and has four sons and four daughters.
Leading Boilermaker at the Eastown Railway Workshops, is a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, where he was born in 1862. After serving a seven years' apprenticeship at Cardiff, South Wales, Mr. Forbes went out to Cape Colony in 1881 as boiler-maker to the Cape Government Railways, and for five years he was located at East London. Arriving in Lyttelton per s.s. “Aorangi” in 1886, he found employment at his trade in the service of Messrs. Lucas and Sons, in Christchurch. Rejoining the service at Addington, Mr. Forbes continued there till transferred to Eastown in May, 1896, as leading boiler-maker. In 1887 he was married to a daughter of the late Mr. W. Smith, of Glasgow, boiler-maker, and has one son and three daughters.
who is Leading Fitter of the Finishing Department of the Railway Workshops at Eastown, was born at Königsberg, Prussia, in 1846. Apprenticed at the Austendorf Foundry for four years, he subsequently worked at his trade as a fitter on the Berlin - Hamburg Railway and as leading fitter on the Tilsit-Insterburg Railway, and afterwards at the Portland Cement Factory, at Dirschan, as machine master. After serving in the Franco-Prussian war, he shipped as engineer on the ship “Shakespeare,” bound for Wellington. Since arriving in the Colony in 1876, Mr. Kulsch has worked at bush-falling, at Messrs. Richter, Nannestad and Co.'s sawmill, Palmerston North, and as a fitter at Mr. Murray's foundry, Wanganui. He became a fitter at Eastown Workshops in 1880, and was promoted in 1892 to the position he now holds. As a Forester he is attached to Court Roderick Dhu, Wanganui. In 1872 Mr. Kulsch was married to a daughter of Mr. M. Wittenberg, of Danzig, and has two sons and two daughters.
Leading Fitter in the Erecting Branch of the Eastown Workshops, was born in Richmond, Surrey, in 1862. He came with his parents to Auckland by the “John Duncan” in 1869. Mr. Laurie served an apprenticeship of seven years at the Auckland Railway Workshops. After completing his time he had a trip to England, and on his return to the Colony he was engaged as a fitter at the Hillside Workshops, Dunedin, where he remained for over six years, when he was transferred to Eastown as leading fitter. Mr. Laurie is a member of the Amalgamated Society of Engineers. In 1890 he was married to a daughter of Mr. F. Julius, of Milton, settler, and has a daughter.
Leading Fitter at the Eastown Running Shed, New Zealand Railways, has occupied the position he now fills for seventeen years. Born in 1847 in London, and apprenticed to Thornewell and Warham, Burton-on-Trent Iron-works, after nine years' service he became a fitter at Allaopp's Brewery, where he remained three years. During his apprenticeship he assisted in erecting winding-engines for the Cannvek Chase Company, the Rawnsley Company, and the Hednesford Company, at a brewery at Great Braddon, near Chelmsford, Essex, and was also engaged in Derby, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and at Abersoon, in Wales. In 1875 he arrived at Greymouth, and was employed in erecting and working sawmilling plants at Hokitika till 1878, when he came to Wanganui. The local gasworks were erected by Mr. Bartlett, as leading hand for Mr. Ross, and for three months after completion he had charge of the plant. He was then appointed fitter at Eastown, and in the following year he was promoted to the office he now holds. He belongs to the Masonic order, his lodge being Tongariro, No. 705, E.C., and he is also a member of the Railway Sick and Benefit Society. Mr. Bartlett was married in 1878 to a daughter of Mr. E. Burgoyne, of Liskeard, West of England, and has three sons and three daughters.
at Aramoho occupies a wood and iron two-story building with 5000 square feet of floorage space. All the ironmongery stores required in the Napier-Taranaki section of the Government railways are issued fromss this establishment, station masters anywhere on the line having to make requisitions, to the storekeeper, who supplies their requirements. The value of the stock in this establishment is about £10,000.
is the railway storekeeper. He joined the Southland Provincial Government service in the Public Works Department in 1875, from which he was transferred to the Railway Department in 1882.
Driver in Charge at Eastown, has been all his life employed on railway work. Born in 1855 in Norfolk, he commenced life as office boy on the Great Eastern Railway at Stratford, where he also worked for some time as a cleaner and fireman. Arriving at Lyttelton per ship “Appelles,” in 1874, he started as cleaner at Ashburton, was promoted fireman the following year, and driver when he was but twenty-one years old. After being stationed at Timaru, Christchurch, Invercargill, and Dunedin, Mr. Meachen was transferred to the Wanganui Section in 1889, and in March, 1895, he was promoted to his present position. As a Mason, he belongs to Lodge Tongariro, Wanganui; and as a Druid, to the Bishop Lodge.
Engine-Driver on the Napier-Taranaki Section of New Zealand Government Railways, has had a long career in the service of the travelling public—in Scotland and in the Colony. Born in 1848 near Glasgow, he was for nine years on the
Engine-Driver on the Napier-Taranaki Section of the New Zealand Government Railways, stationed at Eastown, was born at Nelson in 1857. Joining the service in 1876, as cleaner at Picton, after two years he was transferred to Wanganui, becoming fireman in 1880. Four years later he was promoted to the position of driver, which he has held for over twelve years. He is a member of the St. Andrew Kilwinning, S.C., Lodge of Freemasons, and Court Rhoderick Dhu of the Order of Foresters. He is interested in farming pursuits, having acquired 230 acres of bush-land in the Waverley District. In 1882 Mr. Giblin was married to a daughter of Mr. J. Hughes, of Waverley, and has two sons and three daughters.
Engine-Driver on the Wanganui Section of New Zealand Railways, stationed at Eastown, was born in Wellington in 1853. He became a fireman on the line in 1876, and was promoted to the position of driver after six years' service, having been employed on the same section for fourteen years. In 1879 Mr. Marshall was married to a daughter of Mr. Jackson, of Birmingham, England, and has two sons and a daughter.
Acting Engine-Driver on the Napier-Taranaki Section of New Zealand Government Railways, stationed at Eastown, was born in 1863 in Shropshire, England, In 1874 he came to Lyttelton with his parents, per ship “Appelles.” After completing his school course, Mr. Boden was employed in Christchurch as a sawmill hand for about eighteen months; and subsequently he was engaged by Messrs. Hawkins and Martin on one of their contracts. Entering the Railway Department in Christchurch in 1882 as a cleaner, he was promoted to the position of fireman after two years' service. In 1890 Mr. Boden was appointed acting engine-driver at Eastown. As a member of the Masonic Order he was initiated in the Crown Lodge, Sydenham, Christchurch. In May, 1895, Mr. Boden was married to a daughter of the late Mr. F. Octgen, of Christchurch, farmer, and has a daughter.
Inspector of Permanent Way on the New Zealand Government Railways between Momahaki and Kakariki, including the Hunterville Section, is a Scotchman. Born in Ayrshire in 1846, he came to the Bluff per ship “Avilla” in 1862. After a short experience on the diggings, Mr. McChesney became a platelayer on the Southland Section of New Zealand Railways. After some years' experience he was advanced to the position of ganger, and in 1888 he became Inspector of Permanent Way at Lumsden. Four years later he was transferred to Wanganui. In 1872 Mr. McChesney was married to a daughter of Mr. A. Clark, of Green Hills, Southland, settler, and has two sons and eight daughters.
was opened in the present convenient building in 1879. For some time previous the children had been taught in the Wesleyan church adjoining. This school has three large rooms, of which one is devoted to the
the Headmaster, was born in Notting Hill, near London, and was educated at the famous school at Rugby. He left for New Zealand in 1865 per ship “King of Italy,” arriving in Auckland. Previous to leaving the Old Country, Mr. Lock had been in Her Majesty's service as a sub-lientenant in the 43rd Infantry, he having passed the necessary examinations before the military authorities at Chelsea Hospital and purchased a commission. Soon after arriving in Auckland, Mr. Lock joined the Armed Constabulary, and was on duty at Opotiki at the time when the Rev. Mr. Volkner was murdered. After the Poverty Bay massacre, Mr. Lock went to Gisborne, where he served for about three years. He took his discharge from the Armed Constabulary, and entered upon his life's work, school-teaching, and has been engaged in this calling since about 1875. Mr. Lock has been headmaster of the schools at Lower Rangitikei, Bulls, and Palmerston North. Subsequently he was assistant at the Boys' School, Wanganui, and later he was first assistant at the Newtown School, Wellington. Mr. Lock was appointed headmaster of Aramoho school on the 5th October, 1883.
which has fifty-two active members, is controlled (1896) by the following officers:— Messrs. M. A. Neill (president), G. H. Norie, T. Coady, W. H. Gibson, G. Watkins (vice-presidents), F. Winter (captain), H. Brown (deputy-captain), and G. J. Walsh (secretary and treasurer).
established some twenty years ago, is a strong body, the officers and committee being (1896):—Messrs. Tilly (president), T. Coady, W. H. Gibson, S. Haywood, C. Millward, T. Mitchell, W. T. Benefield, C. Enderby, F. Giblin, E. Seagar, T. Meachen, J. Wilcock, and J. Sewell (vice-presidents), W. Haywood, W. Veitch, A. Jackson, T. O'Shannessy, J. Holmes, and F. Haywood (committee), M. A. Neill (captain), M. Keegan (deputy captain), and G. J. Walsh (secretary and treasurer).
Pianoforte Importer and Repairer, Aramoho. As a tuner Mr. Gilbert established himself in Wanganui in 1880, and has for years dealt in musical instruments, but about 1894 he commenced to import pianos and organs, and has done a considerable and growing business. Mr. Gilbert drives regularly over the large and fertile districts lying between Opunake and Palmerston North, visiting the various small settlements as well as the larger places. As a tuner and repairer, his connection is very large, he having made a name for himself by his skill in those departments of his business. In 1895 Mr. Gilbert put up a suitable showroom at Aramoho on his four-acre freehold, which faces the river. The building is already too small for the requirements of his trade, and considerable additions will soon be a necessity. Country settlers find it very convenient to give Mr. Gilbert a call when passing north or south by rail, as his place is not far from the Aramoho Junction Station. Arrangements exist for regular shipments of such well-known instruments as those of Messrs. W. G. Evestaff and Sons, Cons and Cons, and J. Spencer, of London, Hirschfield, Gors and Hallman, G. Schwecten, C. Schumann, and Waldman, of Berlin, in pianos, and of the Bell Organ Company and Messrs. Wilcocks and White, in organs. Mr. Gilbert, the enterprising founder of this developing business, is a son of the late Mr. Thomas Gilbert, who came in 1851 to Nelson, where he died in 1885. Born in 1848 in Brighton, England, educated in Nelson, and apprenticed to the cabinetmaking business, he took up the musical line in Sydney, where he became expert as a repairer and tuner. In 1876 Mr. Gilbert was married to a daughter of the late Mr. C. Sampson, settler, of New Plymouth, and has three sons and three daughters.
(Thomas Coady, proprietor). This hotel was established in 1890. The building contains twelve rooms, of which seven are bedrooms. The dining-room and two sitting-rooms are comfortable and commodious.
(Mrs. Gurr, proprietress), near railway station, Aramoho. This convenient house was established some years ago, and has been conducted by the present proprietress since 1892. The house contains eleven rooms, of which eight are bedrooms, containing twelve beds. There is a large, comfortable dining-room, and convenient sitting-room. The house is also provided with a bath-room. The establishment is well-conducted, and very comfortable and convenient for boarders and travellers. Mrs. Gurr was born in Kent, and came to the colony in 1809, per ship “Couer de Lion” to Melbourne, from whence she crossed to Hokitika, where she resided for four years, subsequently for seven years living at Greymouth. Mrs. Gurr has been in Aramoho for fifteen years. About two years ago her husband, Mr. Edward Gurr, died Mr. and Mrs. Gurr were married shortly before coming to the Colony. The family numbers seven, and the eldest daughter was recently married.
Nurseryman, Aramoho Nursery, Aramoho. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This large nursery was established in 1877 by the enterprising proprietor. The nursery occupies twenty acres of land, which is freehold, and when taken in hand by Mr. Benefield was in a very rough condition, Thirteen-and-three-quarter acres are in nursery and orchard, the balance being in paddocks. A comfortable dwellinghouse of six rooms, besides. bathroom and scullery, together with a two-stalled stable, with harness and buggy-house, and large loft over the whole, has been erected on the property. There is a small glass-house, having about 200 square feet of glass, and a new one of not less than 1600 square feet is to be put up during 1895. A beautiful stream of water winds through the property. The permanent orchard trees number 1400, which are in splendid bearing, including Japanese plums and persimmons. The writer was struck with the immense quantity of fruit under which the trees appeared to be groaning. The crop of apples is estimated at forty tons for the season. The nursery stock numbers from 100,000 to 150,000 trees, including every known variety. In camelias Mr. Benefield claims to have a larger stock than any other nursery in the Colony. About a quarter-of-an-acre is devoted to roses, which are a specialty. Mr. Benefield has a farm at Fordell of 250 acres, where he has a manager in charge, one of his sons being employed on the property He has planted ten acres of this in orchard. Mr. Benefield was born in Kent, and came to New Zealand per ship “Waikato” in 1873, arriving in Wellington. He at once settled in Wanganui, and by diligence and hard work has shown what can be done in the Colony. He. Benefield was chairman of the Waitotara licensing bench for three years, and is a member of the Aramoho school committee, on which he has occupied a seat for many years. He has been a member of the Oddfellows' Order for twenty-four years, having passed through all the chairs, and in 1885 was Provincial Grand Master of the Order.
(Fergus Alexander Murray), General Storekeepers, Aramoho. This business, which was established by the present proprietor in 1896, is conducted in a double-fronted wooden building, erected on freehold land, opposite the Railway Bridge. A good general assortment of grocery, drapery, hardware, and other stock is kept, and a bakery is attached to the establishment. Mr. Murray is a son of Mr. A. Murray, one of the oldest settlers in the locality, whose career is given in these pages.
Storekeeper, River Bank, Aramoho. Telegraphic address, “Neill, Aramoho.” Bankers, Bank of New South Wales, Wanganui. Mr. Neill was born in Wellington, and came to Wanganui in 1857. He learned his business with Mr. R. McLean and Mr. Felix McGuire, completing his term in 1868. For some six or seven years subsequently Mr. Neill worked with Mr. George Calman, Wanganui, and established the present business in 1892. The local post-office and telephone bureau is in Mr. Neill's charge. He is also agent for the Phœnix Fire Insurance Company. He keeps all lines usually kept by a country store, and his trade extends throughout a considerable district, of which Aramoho is the centre. Mr. Neill is a lieutenant in the Wanganui Naval Artillery, and has been connected with the volunteer movement since 1881. He holds a long-service medal.
Bus Proprietor, Aramoho. This business has been conducted by the present proprietor since January, 1895, having been established in 1893. The plant consists of three large and convenient buses, and eighteen horses. The service is half-hourly between Wanganui and Aramoho, between the hours of eleven and six. The trips are performed every hour on Saturday evenings, and start at the hour up to 11 p.m. Mr. Gibson has ample stable accommodation for the horses required in his business. He is a native of Plymouth, Devonshire, and came to the Colony with his parents when very young, practically having been brought up in the Colony. For some years Mr. Gibson was farming in the Waitotara district, and he has dealt in horses, cattle, and sheep.
C.E., Settler “Tutaeheka,” Aramoho. Mr. Field was born in Hampshire in 1825, and was educated at Stockwell Grammar School, at the City of London School, and at King's College, where he was an articled pupil of Sir John Rennie, the great engineer who built London Bridge. In 1845 Mr. Field took a position in the railway service, continuing till 1851, when he came to New Zealand per ship “Simla.” On his arrival he was appointed clerk and engineer to the Wanganui Town Board, subsequently becoming engineer to two road boards, and consulting engineer to the Rangitikei Road Board. When he retired in 1884, he had constructed under various local bodies over 2000
miles of roads, including “Field's Track” to Karioi, explored and surveyed by him. Mr. Field is the author of “Ferns of New Zealand”—an illustrated work published in 1890—and other works on scientific subjects. He contributes astronomical and biological sketches to the Al supplement of the Wanganui Chronicle, of which he is a director. Mr. Field has been a member of the Diocesan Synod for twenty years, and of the General Synod since 1886. He was for many years vice-president of the Wanganui Horticultural Society, and president of the Wanganui Harmonic Society. Mr. Field has five daughters and six sons, one of whom is member for Otaki Electorate.
Settler, Aramoho. Mr, Murray, who was born in 1826 at Paisley, landed from the ship “Tyne” in 1841 at Pipitea Point, Wellington, with his father, the late Mr. John Murray. He was one of the earliest colonists to acquire and occupy land on the river bank at Aramoho, where he was the first to build a house. His father, who came to the Colony under the auspices of the New Zealand Company, was engaged in sawing timber at Karori for some years, in which work the subject of this sketch assisted till 1851. During that year he walked from Wellington to Wanganui, encountering on the way the rebel chief Rangihaeata, who was on a fishing expedition, and who treated him in a kind and friendly manner. Having purchased land, Mr. Murray settled in the district, and for many years worked his holding as an agricultural farm. When the railway was constructed, a large portion of his estate was taken under the compulsory clauses of the Public Works Act. The progress of settlement has made the remaining thirty-three acres very valuable. Mr. Murray has resided continuously in the district, with the exception of two years spent on the Otago gold fields, where he was unsuccessful. He married a daughter of Mr. J. Cameron, of Morayshire, Scotland, and has three sons.
J.P., Settler, “Haumoana,” Aramoho, near Wanganui. Mr. Stewart, who was born in 1827 in Rothesay, Scotland, was apprenticed to a civil engineer in Glasgow, and in 1852 left England for the colonies, landing in Melbourne. In 1855 he came to New Zealand, and three years later was employed by the Government. He surveyed (in 1859–60) the native blocks purchased by the Government in the Manawatu and Waitotare districts. Afterwards, till 1870, Mr. Stewart was surveyor and engineer in the employ of the Wellington Provincial Government. He planned, and
Farmer, Brunswick Line, Aramoho, near Wanganui. Well known throughout the district as a breeder and owner of horses, the lease of the aristocratic thoroughbred “Catesby” (full brother in blood to the world-famed “Trenton”) has added still further to the reputation of this studmaster. Mr. Walker is the owner of “Vanguard” (at present stationed at “Middle Park,” Christchurch), also “Sou'-wester” (with the Catesby Stud Company, Blenheim), and “Ruatangata,” in the Wanganui District. Mr. Walker, who is a son of Mr. John Walker, of Aramoho, was born in England in 1850, and five years later he arrived in Nelson by the brig “Queen Margaret.” Shortly afterwards the family settled in Wanganui. For many years Mr. Walker was engaged on his father's farm, and while with him made a name as a successful horseman, winning many events throughout the district, including the Wairarapa Volunteer Cup, on a well-known mare—“Poultry.” He afterwards joined the Alexandra Cavalry, and showed his prowess as a marksman by winning the Champion Belt two years in succession. About the same time Mr. Walker achieved a reputation as a crack pigeon-shot, and took part in various athletic gatherings, being considered a fast sprinter up to 200 yards, for which he gained many prizes; he also competed at vaulting and jumping. In 1875 Mr. Walker took up a section of land in the Wanganui District, on which he remained for five years, when he sold out, afterwards acquiring 100 acres for stud purposes, where he is presently located. He married a daughter of the late Mr. James Richardson, and has two sons and six daughters.
Hamilton, Mrs. E., Boardinghousekeeper, Aramoho.
Buckley, Charles Henry. General Blacksmith, Aramoho. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1894.
Culver, John, Butcher, Aramoho.
Kendrick Bros. (Alfred and David Kendrick), Brick Manufacturers, Aramoho. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Branch at Marton.
Hogg, Mrs. D. M., General Storckeeper, Aramoho. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
Whitlock, Frederick, Sauce and Pickle Manufacturer, Aramoho. Bankers National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1881.
The first recorded account of an attempt to settle in
The Wanganui of 1897 is a charming spot, desirable alike as a place of residence or as a health resort. The old settlers, who bore the burden and heat of the day during the anxious days when houses were first robbed and then fired, farms wrecked and lives sacrificed, have mostly passed away. Little is known by the present generation of the hardships endured by the pioneers, who braved the dangers and endured the privations which fell to their lot, and thus paved the way for the advantages of these later times.
Situated in latitude 39°57″ south and in longitude 175°5″ east, and being distant from Wellington 151 miles by rail and 102 miles by sea, the borough is on the right (or north) bank of the Wanganui River. It forms the main centre of the Wanganui Electorate, and is surrounded by the Waitotara County. The population of Wanganui, as disclosed by the census of 1896, was 5936. This would, however, be much increased by including the suburbs, not forgetting those on the south bank of the river, with which the borough is connected with a splendid iron bridge, 600 feet long, supported on seven cast-iron cylindrical piers, and constructed at a cost of £32,000. The borough proper contains about 1000 acres of land and 1081 habitations, many of which may fairly be classed as mansions. Wanganui
An important station on the Wellington and Napier to New Plymouth railway lines, there is regular communication with all parts of the North Island inland, in addition to the steamer traffic by the West Coast. Well laid out, with clean broad streets, well-watered, and under a most salubrious climate, with fair harbour accommodation, a rich loamy soil inside the town, and sin rounded by wealthy farms and landed estates—the pick of the North Island—having many other natural advantages added to all those social and commercial ones always present in English civilised centres, small wonder then if town and country be livible places. Referring to this sunny spot, a writer in the Otago Witness says:—“Suddenly sweeping round a bend of the hillside road you have been shooting down for the last ten minutes, lovely Wanganui and its stately river, spanned by the cylinder bridge, and all the spires and homes among the plantations, come into view; and after the visitor has admired the natural charms of the place his next impression is a firm conviction that Wanganui has all the elements of a vigorous, prosperous, and contented town. The vigorousness is indicated by the fact that there is not grass enough in the streets to starve a turkey; the folk can't find time to say good-day; and all the pavements are as worn as patriarchal Pompeii; by the roar of the vehicular traffic; the healthy hum of the mills, the breweries, the factories, and all the other industries.” In the matter of religion, politics, education. law and justice, postal and telegraphic conveniences, defence and friendly societies, sport, music and drama, Wanganui affords ample and varied facilities. It is unnecessary to go fully into details, as the various institutions of this prosperous community are separately dealt with in the succeeding pages of this section.
It would, however, be an omission not to refer to the four public parks with which the inhabitants have been so liberally provided. Cook's Gardens, on the west of the Avenue, where there is a firebell located, have been laid off, and on the flat portion a capital bicycle and athletic track was in course of construction at the time of the writer's visit. Eastward of the main artery of Wanganui the visitor will find the splendidly situated Queen's Gardens. Originally a succession of sand dunes, where in
The suburbs of Wanganui are Aramoho, a small village some three miles up the Wanganui River to the eastward, St. John's Hill, a lovely rurality, north-east, at the basis of which Victoria Avenue, pride of Wanganui, ends, Moss-town and Springvale, two other pretty suburbs to the north and west, while Durietown and Taylorville lie on the south bank of the river, across the bridge, and at the Heads, about four miles away, is the marine suburb of Castlecliff.
The population of the Electoral District of Wanganui, according to the census of 1896, is 10,207 actual and 11,468 nominal. The district is bounded towards the west, north, and east generally by the Patea Electoral District, and on the south by the right bank of the Wangaehu River. The area of the electorate was considerably altered in the redistribution of electorates in September, 1896, a large portion of country being placed in the Patea Electorate. A noteworthy circumstance in connection with the representation of the electorate (as will be seen from the names which follow) is the fact that some of the most distinguished politicians the Colony has seen sat at different periods for Wanganui.
J.P., who was returned as Member of the House of Representatives for Wanganui at the General Election of December, 1896, was born at sea, on board the good ship “Jane Gifford,” on her way to Auckland in the year 1842, while his parents were emigrating from Scotland to the Colony, and he thus escaped the honour of New Zealand birth by about a fortnight. Mr. Carson was educated in Auckland, where he spent his young days. He learned his business with Messrs. Williamson and Wilson, of the old New Zealander office, Auckland, completing his term in 1863, shortly after which the position of manager was conferred upon him, and this he held when the offices were burned down. Mr. Carson served with the Auckland volunteers at the time of the Maori war, and assisted in the building of the Waiora redoubt under Colonel Lyon. He was
Hansard reader in the Government Printing Office. In 1874 Mr. Carson purchased the Wanganui Chronicle, and has been associated with the management of that journal ever since. Mr. Carson is a life-long total abstainer, and is ever ready to do his best in the interests of temperance. He is a forcible speaker, and likewise uses his pen to further this and every other good cause. Mr. Carson has previously contested the Wanganui seat in the House of Representatives on four successive occasions, but in each case he was defeated. On the second occasion he was but twenty-seven votes behind the late Hon. John Ballance, and but for the fact that some forty electors went to an adjoining district to vote, he would in all probability have been returned. Further reference to this gentleman's public career appears under Wanganui Borough Council.
was the first member returned to the House of Representatives for this seat after the establishment of responsible government in 1854. He continued a member for various constituencies till 1871. Further reference to this distinguished politician appears on page 68 of this volume.
K.C.M.G., sat for Wanganui in 1856–60, 1877–9, and 1880–1. A sketch of his career appears on pages 57 and 58.
represented the constituency of Wanganui during the third Parliament (1861–5) and the greater part of the succeeding one (1867–70). Born in Wake-field, Yorkshire, in 1810, Mr. Harrison came to Port Nicholson, with his family and a large retinue of servants, in 1840 in the ship “Bolton.” Some time afterwards he removed to Wanganui—then the principal main settlement of the West Coast—where he took part in the native war of 1847 as captain of the militia, afterwards serving for some years as captain of the Alexandra Cavalry. Mr. Harrison represented Wanganui in the Wellington Provincial Council, and his name is identified with all the progressive movements of his time. He was one of the founders of the Wanganui Acclimatisation Society, and was a leading member of the Wanganui Jockey Club, over which he presided for a long period. Mr. Harrison was a graduate of Cambridge University. He died in Wanganui on the 3rd of July, 1892, leaving four daughters and two sons.
was member for the electorate of Wanganui in 1866, and again from 1871 to 1881. He is referred to as Minister of Native Affairs and Defence on page 80 of this volume.
K.C.M.G. whose history is given on pages 60, 61, and 62 of this volume, represented the constituency of Wanganui in 1876.
sat as member for the Wanganui Electoral District in the eighth Parliament, 1882–4.
whose career as a Minister of the Crown and as Premier of New Zealand is given on pages 64 and 65 of this volume, represented Wanganui in the House of Representatives from 1884 to 1892.
who represented the Wanganui Electorate from the death of the Hon. J. Ballance in 1893 till 1896, was born in Middlesex, England, in the year 1842, his mother being an Englishwoman, and his father, who died soon after his birth, an Edinburgh man. On the death of his mother, some years later, Mr. Willis left England to try his fortune in New Zealand. He worked his passage to Auckland by ship “Dinapore,” landing in 1857, with empty pockets and all the world before him. Mr. Willis worked at his trade as a printer in various parts of New Zealand. He was the originator of the Hawkes Bay Herald, and has been closely associated with the profession ever since. On the breaking out of the Otago goldfields, Mr. Willis was seized with the “gold fever.” He was at the celebrated Gabriel's Gully for about six months, but was soon satisfied, and decided to turn his attention again to ordinary business pursuits. About thirty years ago Mr. Willis settled in Wanganui with the intention of starting a newspaper, but on the very day he arrived the native trouble broke out, and one of the first things he heard was that he must at once be sworn in as a militiaman. Mr. Willis was for some time in partnership with the late Hon. J. Ballance as proprietors of the Wanganui Herald, and hence the friendship that existed between the two, and ended only with Mr. Ballance's death. Mr. Willis was a member of the Wanganui Borough Council for six or seven years, and was instrumental in accomplishing a good deal during his time of office, among which may be named the securing of the reserve of 1200 acres for the town, and, in conjunction with Mr. J. G. Sharpe, the planting of the town with trees. Mr. Willis was also a member of the Harbour Board, and during a portion of the time occupied the position of chairman. When the office was vacant he was the only member that would accept the position, as the board was almost in a bankrupt condition, and six months after his accepting the office the financial affairs were put in such a satisfactory state that from that time to the present the board has been in a thoroughly healthy condition. Mr. Willis has also been a member of the school committee, and whatever position he has occupied he has always filled with credit to himself and profit to the ratepayers. As a member of the House, Mr. Willis was honoured by being asked to move the Address-in-reply in the first session of the last Parliament, and in answer to a question, stated that the particular reason for the Government suggesting this was for the purpose of giving first honour to the successor of the late worthy Premier.
The Corporation of Wanganui occupies offices at the Council Chambers, St. Hill Street, Wanganui, which were built in 1881 by Mr. Johnston, from plans drawn by Messrs. Ross and Wright, of Wanganui. The borough was incorporated in 1872, and there are about fifteen miles of roads formed within the boundaries. The total number of ratepayers is 755, and the estimated population in March, 1894, 5500. There are 1050 dwellings within the borough, the rateable properties being 1320 in number. The total annual value of property in the borough is £37,700. The general rate is 10d. in the pound, in addition to special rates of 1s. 8d. The area enclosed by the town belts is 1000 acres. The loans of the corporation amount to £55,000, at five per cent., of which £43,000 is consolidated. At the end of 1894, £42,000 was available for new works, £4500 being for sewerage, £3500 for water-works extension, £3000 for street improvements and £1000 for public baths, which have since been opened. The corporation has spent about £5000 to protect the river bank, and £2000 more is now needed, and probably much more will be required before the bank is
is the eldest son of the late Mr. John Stevenson, of Glasgow, Scotland, where he was born in 1848. He came to New Zealand when six years old, and was educated at the Wanganui Collegiate School, then under the management of the Rev. C. H. Nicholls. Entering mercantile life, Mr. Stevenson has for many years been in the grocery trade. He married Miss Helen Parkes, eldest daughter of Captain Frederick Parkes, who took an active part in the Maori war, and who is one of Wanganui's oldest settlers. Mr. Stevenson, who has done much for the advancement of his district, is a member of the Wanganui Harbour Board; chairman of the directors of the Castlecliff Railway Company; chairman of the Chamber of Commerce; a director of the Wanganui Gas Company; treasurer of the Orchestral Club; a P.M. of the St. Andrew's Kilwinning Lodge of Freemasons; he also for some time filled the office of chairman of the Wanganui School Committee. He is ever ready in assisting in promoting entertainments for charitable and other purposes. In 1893 Mr. Stevenson had a trip round the world, visiting the Holy Land, Turkey, Egypt, Greece, England, and the Continent, and paying a visit to the great World's Fair at Chicago. He wrote quite an interesting account of his trip abroad, and had it published and circulated among his friends.
was born in New Plymouth, Taranaki, where, though too young for active service, he with his parents passed through the exciting vicissitudes of the native war. In 1868, allured by the exciting reports from the Thames goldfields, he left his native town for that district, where he remained some three years, part of the time following his trade as a carpenter. He then returned to Taranaki and entered into business there with Mr. R. Rundle, sen., as general contractors. Some years later, the firm of Rundle and Bassett securing the contract for the Wanganui Railway Bridge, councillor Bassett established his headquarters in that town. In 1880 he constructed some seven or eight miles of permanent rail way in the district between Stratford and Eltham. At a later date he was again the successful tenderer for the construction of the line between Hawera and Mokoia, a distance of seven or eight miles. The railway bridge at Pohangina was also undertaken by him. This is an iron structure of 640 feet in length. Councillor Bassett's private residence is at St. John's Hill, and, though still continuing his business as contractor, he has recently established himself in Wilson Street as a timber merchant. He has served the public as a member of the local school committee, and of the Licensing committee.
J.P., who has for many years taken a prominent part in the local governing bodies of Wanganui, and still sits as a member of the Borough Corporation, is now the Member of the House of Representatives for the district, in which capacity further information is given in this volume. Councillor Carson held the position of Mayor of Wanganui for three years consecutively. He has also been chairman of the Harbour Board and of the Hospital Board. Councillor Carson is the oldest sitting member in the present Municipal Council. He is chairman of the Board of Governors of the Girls' College, and, until February, 1897, was chairman of the Education Board, on which body he sat continuously for many years. He is also chairman of the Public Library, and of the trustees of the Museum.
of the Wanganui Corporation, was born in 1839 at Portsmouth, England, where he was educated. Until his twenty-fourth year he was at sea, having risen step by step till gaining a captain's certificate. Subsequently he joined the pilot service for the port of Tien-tsin, North China, in which he was engaged for thirteen years. He was also the founder of the Taku Tug and Lighter Company. In Mongolia he did a good deal to develop the wool industry, and
who has served two terms in the Wanganui Borough Council, was born in 1846 at Port Macquarrie, New South Wales, and came to New Zealand in 1859. As a business man he was one of the pioneers of the flax-dressing industry, was some time engaged in the business of soap-manufacturing, and now conducts a large and successful grocery and provision trade, under the name of Cummins and Co. During the native troubles of 1868–9, Mr. Cummins served on the West Coast with the Wanganui Cavalry Volunteers as a sergeant, and subsequently as troop sergeant-major. As a prominent rifle-shot he held the Carbine Championship of the Colony in 1872. For thirty years Mr. Cummins has been associated with the Wanganui Volunteer Fire Brigade, being captain for most of the time. He was one of the founders of the Fire Brigades' Association of New Zealand, and has filled the offices of president and vice-president. It is not surprising that he was the prime mover in furthering the Council's building regulations in the matter of brick-dividing and party-walls.
J.P., was born in Devonshire in 1843, and left there for New Zealand with his parents, arriving in Wellington in the year 1856. As a lad he visited the South Island, and spent some time in Christchurch when it consisted of two buildings—the White Hart Hotel and Mr. Bishop's store. He is largely self-educated, having studied a great deal privately, and has had a very interesting experience in the Colony generally. On the West Coast, during the Maori war, Mr. Liffiton was a member of the Wanganui Cavalry, and was a recipient of the New Zealand war medal, having been through both General Cameron and General Chute's campaigns. For fourteen years he held the position of clerk to the Wanganui County Council. Councillor Liffiton has been a member of the Borough Council since 1888, and has had a seat on the Wanganui Hospital and Charitable Aid boards for four years past. He was appointed a J.P. in May, 1882.
was born in the Orkney Isles, in the most Northern Island of Britain. Attracted by the accounts from the Victorian diggings, Mr. Manson left his native land for Sydney in 1856 He was all through the Australian goldfields, and endured many hardships in the early days among the snowy mountains of that great continent in search of the precious metal. In 1862 Mr. Manson came over to the Shotover rush in Otago, New Zealand, where he remained for about two years. In 1864 he settled in Wanganui, and has been a resident in that district ever since. Wanganui was but a small place when Mr. Manson first remembers it, and he has seen it grow to its present considerable dimensions. In the exciting times of early settlement in the Colony, Mr. Manson was the issuer of rations to the troops, and also had charge of the stores department all through the war. Mr. Manson saw a great deal of fighting, and was in many skirmishes For fifteen years past Councillor Manson has been a member of the Wanganui Corporation, and in every election that he has contested he has been successful, each succeeding one having shown more satisfactory results. In 1894 he was elected to the Licensing Committee, being the second on the poll. He resides in Taupo Quay.
has been connected with public life in Wanganui for the past ten years. He has been mayor of the borough, and has sat in the council almost continuously since first entering it. Mr. Parsons is, perhaps, better known as chairman of the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, with which body he has been connected for several years. In 1893 Mr. Parsons stood for the Wanganui seat, but was unsuccessful.
is a native of Bath, and left there in the year 1859 per ship “Magdalene” for Port Adelaide, South Australia. After some years' residence in that colony he removed to Victoria, and spent about two years on the Bendigo goldfields. In 1864 Mr. Perritt came over to Otago, and was again' engaged in goldmining for another period of two years at Garbriels Gully. Removing to the West Coast, Councillor Perritt went into the butchery business, having learned that trade in Bendigo with Mr. Frank Allsworth. For a period of about fourteen years he was thus engaged at Hokitika, Charleston, and other parts of the West Coast. Councillor Perritt has been a member of the Wanganui Corporation for some four years, and has taken his share in public affairs generally. He is vice-president of the Wanganui Bowling Club, and holds a similar office in the Wanganui Trotting Club. He is member of the Masonic fraternity. Councillor Perritt is the proprietor of the City Butchery, and a description of his business appears under that head.
J.P., was born in New Zealand, his parents being among the pioneer colonists who arrived in the early forties. In 1867 Mr. Spurdle came to Wanganui, and has resided in the district ever since, with the exception of about eighteen months spent in the Fiji Islands. He was first elected to a seat in the council of Wanganui
Town Clerk and Treasurer to the Wanganui Corporation, Returning Officer, Rate Collector, and Valuer, was born and educated in London, and came out to the Colony with his father at the end of 1856, per ship “Chatham,” to New Plymouth. Mr. Purnell, senior, had been foreman of pattern-makers at Napier's great engineering works. The construction of some of the gunboats that were built for the Crimean war was superintended by him. The family found life in New Zealand a wonderous change from what they had been accustomed to, particularly Mr. Purnell, senior, who had been used to the control of men in large numbers, only needing to ring a bell to have his wants supplied. However, he did as best he could under the changed conditions, working for the late Sir Harry Atkinson in the bush, but only lived for about twelve years after arrival. The subject of this sketch worked in the shop of Mr. Carrick, in New Plymouth, for some time, and then went to bush life for about four years. He came to Wanganui at the end of 1871, and was assistant town clerk and rate collector to the Wanganui Corporation from 1877 to 1888. In the latter year he was appointed town clerk, and has held the same ever since. Mr. Purnell joined the volunteers in February, 1862. He was all through the Taranaki war, and present at seven different skirmishes as a non-commissioned officer. He holds medals for active service and long service. He at present holds the rank of major on the unattached active list. Major Purnell won the rifle bolt for New Zealand in 1880. He has been second four times, viz., in the years 1880, 1882, 1885, and 1892. He is a member of the Druids' Order, has occupied all the chairs, and is therefor a “past arch Druid.” He was a Grand Lodge representative to Wellington on the occasion of the opening of the Grand Lodge for the North Island, 4th February 1895, at which meeting he was elected District Grand Secretary.
is the foreman of Works and Water-works Officer. Mr. Gilmour was born in the village of Bely Walter, County Down, North of Ireland. He is a shipwright by trade and served his time on the Clyde, subsequently working as a journeyman for two years before leaving for New Zealand in 1862. He arrived in Port Chalmers per ship “Lady Raglan,” at the Otago rush, and was a short time at the Dunstan. In 1863 Mr. Gilmour went to the Wakamarina. He left there in 1864 for Wellington, where he worked at his trade for a few months. Subsequently he joined a steamboat as ship's carpenter, and for about two years was so employed. About 1864–5 Mr. Gilmour settled in Wanganui and worked at his trade for about ten rears. In 1874 he Joined the Corporation of Wanganui as foreman of works, a position which he has held satisfactorily ever since that time. Mr. Gilmour has seen more than half the town of Wanganui built, and since 1875 the Corporation have not employed an engineer, the work that is usually done by that official being satisfactorily performed by Mr. Gilmour himself. He has laid off a large number of the streets of Wanganui and most of the earthenware drains in the town have been laid under his direction, and the whole of the pipes for the water works have been put down by him. During the progress of these works as many as sixty-five hands have been employed at one time.
Sanitary Inspector to the Wanganui Corporation, which office he has filled since 1894, was born in West Meath in 1856, and came to Auckland with his parents in 1863, per ship “Helvellyn.” After seven years in Australia, he was educated at West's Grammar School, Wanganui. Mr. Copeland is a member of the Caledonian Society, is an old football representative, and is well known on the West Coast as an athletic handicapper.
which is incorporated under the “Public Libraries' Act, 1875,” has been established for eighteen years. The directors are Messrs. G. Carson (chairman), J. Ball, C. Burnett. A. Martin, F. G. Newcombe, J. H. Nixon, F. Powell, F. M. Spurdle, E. Withers, J. T. Stewart (hon. secretary), and H. E. Dymock (hon. treasurer). The library and reading-room occupies a convenient building in Ridgway Street. It is free from debt, and has a credit balance in hand. The Borough Council gives an annual grant of £25 towards the support of the institution, which is very popular in Wanganui. There is a large number of subscribers, and the reading-room is well patronised. The public room is supplied with the latest papers, is well-lighted, and orderly, and every person frequenting it may have a book to read in the public room from the lending library, on application to the librarian.
is the Librarian; he is also Deputy Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages. His office is at the library, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Mr. Hylton was born in Great Yarmouth, and left there for New Zealand in 1874, per ship “Edwin Fox,” arriving in Wellington in 1875. He was brought up to the wholesale soft goods trade in London. He settled in Wanganui in 1875, and for some time was interested in forming. He was appointed to his present position in 1885, and has held the same ever since.
is one of the oldest in the Colony, having been founded in 1866. The station, which is situated in St. Hill Street, is replete with all the latest fire-saving appliances, which are well kept. The brigade, which is an efficient one, is under the control of Captain C. V. Powell, assisted by Lieutenant T. H. Battle and Foremen G. Spriggens, D. Kitchen, and J. Carrell. There is a substation in Keith Street, the caretaker of which is Fireman R. Sharpe.
situate in St. George's Gate, were opened on the 21 st of February, 1895. They measure 82 feet by 42 feet, and have splendid appointments. The water, which is obtained from an artesian well and Lake Virginia, is constantly running in and out, while the baths are thoroughly cleaned out twice a week. The inhabitants of Wanganui largely patronise the establishment, which is justly popular.
the Custodian and Instructor of the Wanganui Swimming Baths, was born in London
who was Mayor of Wanganui during 1879 and 1880, hails from Scotland, where he was born in 1831. He arrived in the Colony in 1856 per ship “Hastings,” and started business (that of a blacksmith) the following year in Wanganui. Mr. Bamber has ever taken great interest in the development of Wanganui. During his term of office as mayor the reclamation of the foreshore was begun, the drillshed was opened, and the foundation of the river training-walls was laid. For some time he was chairman of the Harbour Board, and he also sat on the Wanganui Licensing Bench. Mr. Bamber is both a Mason and an Oddfellow. In connection with the latter order, he joined the Wanganui lodge at a very early period, and for many years managed the affairs and looked after the capital of that body.
J.P., ex-mayor of the Borough of Wanganui, was born at Riccall, Yorkshire, and left England for New Zealand in 1851 per ship “Sir George Pollock,” arriving in Lyttelton the same year with the Canterbury pilgrims. He explored the southern part of the South Island, and was on the site of Invercargill and of Riverton before either of those towns were laid out. As a member of the Provincial Council of Southland, Mr. Jackson sat for a term of about three years in the early sixties. He settled in Wanganui in 1867, ever since which date he has been a resident in the locality. For twenty years past Mr. Jackson has conducted a large stock and station agency and auctioneering business. During the Maori war he served as a member of the Wanganui Yeomanry Cavalry. Later on he held the rank of ensign in the militia. Mr. Jackson served as a councillor of the Wanganui Corporation for two or three years prior to 1892, in which year he was elected to the chief magistracy of the town, and occupied that position from that date till the end of 1896. Mr. Jackson's residence is on the River Bank, one of the prettiest parts of the town. Mr. Jackson has occupied the position of secretary to the Wanganui Jockey Club for over twenty years.
who has been a prominent citizen in Wanganui for nearly forty years, is an ex-councillor of the borough. He is a Scotchman—a native of Edinburgh—and landed in Wellington per ship “New Era” in 1855. Mr. Bell settled in Wanganui soon after landing in the Colony, and was a participator in the vicissitudes of the early sixties. Two years after locating in the district, in conjunction with his brother, Mr. D. Bell, he founded the drapery house of D. and P. Bell. In 1872 the establishment was taken over by Mr. P. Bell, who conducted a considerable business till 1893, when he sold out. The premises known as Victoria House, in Victoria Avenue, were erected under Mr. Bell's direction, being in his occupation for many years after completion. Before the institution of the Wanganui Corporation, the local governing body was a town board, of which Mr. Bell was a member. He has since sat on the Borough Council, having been elected a councillor on more than one occasion, retiring from office in 1896. Mr. Bell has always taken a great interest in educational matters, and was for a long time a member of the Wanganui School Committee.
who held a seat on the Wanganui Borough Council for four years, was born and educated in Wellington, where his father, Mr. T. H. Clapham, arrived in the ship “Birman,” one of the first ships of the Port Nicholson contingent, early in 1842. After leaving school in 1869, Mr. Clapham served four years in the office of Messrs. W. B. Rhodes and Co., where he gained considerable experience in mercantile life. In November, 1873, he entered the employ of Messrs. W. and G. Turnbull and Co. as purser in their steamers. Leaving this a year later, he took a situation in Mr. John Duthie's office in Wanganui,
was born in Wanganui in the year 1860. His father, the late Rev. David Hogg, was a Presbyterian minister, and arrived in the Colony in 1848. The rev. gentleman was born at Haddington, near Edinburgh, where he was educated and trained for the ministry. He was the first Presbyterian minister to settle in Wanganui, but unfortunately was obliged to retire from the ministry on account of ill health. In consequence of the retirement of her husband, Mrs. Hogg, who was born at Catrine, Ayrshire, began business in the drapery line, and it is this business, now grown to a large concern, of which the subject of this article is a co-partner. Mr. Hogg has always taken an active interest in all matters connected with the welfare of the district, and has been identified with almost every public matter of importance. He was elected a member of the Wanganui Corporation on the abolition of the wards by a large number of ratepayers. Mr. Hogg was re-elected, and his term expired in 1896. Mr. Hogg is a member of the committee of the Wanganui Jockey Club, and a very hard-working member of the Pastoral and Agricultural Association.
who for three years served as a councillor of the Borough of Wanganui, is a native of Newport, Monmouthshire, his parents leaving there for the Victorian goldfields in 1852, when he was but a child. Mr. Williams is well-known as late proprietor of the Wanganui Brewery, which, with Mr. Garner, he established in 1878. After the business had been thus carried on for about fourteen years the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Williams was sole proprietor until 1895, when he disposed of the business to Messrs. Gibbons and Hole, and retired to the life of a settler. He owns the Pointum Estate, which is referred to further on in these pages.
Chevalier of the Imperial German Orders of the Red Eagle and the Crown, whose picture is given herewith, is the senior German Consul for the Colony of New Zealand, having been appointed to the office on the 3rd of July, 1861, the appointment being ratified by Her Majesty on the 5th April the year following. Mr. Krull was born in Mecklenburg, Strelitz. He was educated and brought up to mereantile life in Germany, and left for New Zealand per Swedish ship “Equator,” arriving in Wellington on Anniversary Day, 1859. Immediately on arrival he established the business which was carried on until 1881 under the title of Messrs. Krull and Co., merchants, of Wellington. Mr. Krull made many and fast friends, the esteem in which he was held as Consul for Germany being only equalled by his popularity as a merchant and a gentleman, in 1881 Mr. Krull removed to Wanganui, and on the 1st January, 1886, joined Mr. Freeman R. Jackson in the firm of which he is still a partner. Mr. Krull received three separate appointments for the office which he holds, the second being by the North German Confederacy, 16th July, 1868, the third by the German Emperor on the 25th August, 1871. On removal to Wanganui Mr. Krull resigned his appointments, but in consideration of his long service and great popularity in the office, the authorities declined to accept his resignation and persuaded him to continue in office, even though it would be necessary to appoint a successor for Wellington. Mr. Krull was for some six years a councillor for the city of Wellington, and was one of the first members of the Harbour Board, in which body he represented the Wairarapa district. He was also for many years chairman of the Wellington Gas Company, and a member of the council of the Chamber of Commerce from the inception of that society. The chairmanship of the Chamber of Commerce was held by Mr. Krull for the customary period.
This body, which exercises control over the port of Wanganui, which extends from the Heads to the limit of tidal water, a point about fourteen miles inland from the mouth of the river, was formed in January, 1877. Having obtained borrowing powers from Parliament, the Board floated in London £60,000 worth of debentures (part of the
the Chairman of the Wanganui Harbour Board, was born in Kincardineshire, Scotland, where his father was engaged in farming. After receiving his early education at the local parish school, he completed his studies at Montrose, and entered a lawyer's office, where he remained about four years. Having decided to settle in the colonies he came to New Zealand in the year 1858, landing in Wellington. He worked in various capacities for some time, and then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, establishing himself on a good farm in the Wanganui District. With his brothers, James (who had followed him to the Colony in 1860) and Alexander, he worked several farms, transforming the natural bush into a state of cultivation and neatness. Mr. Peat was not long in the district before he was pressed to serve his fellow-settlers in public matters, and he has, during his residence in Wanganui, filled many offices in connection with local public bodies, having occupied the position of chairman of the above board for several years. His services have always been given ungrudgingly to any movement or institution benefitting the district.
has been a member of the Wanganui Harbour Board since 1887. For many years he has taken a prominent part in public affairs in Wanganui, having been a member of the corporation for six years. In 1886 Mr. Hatrick was asked to become a candidate for the mayoralty of the borough, and, having consented, he contested the election, which resulted in a tie, the returning officer deciding the issue by giving his casting vote, after tossing a coin, in favour of Mr. J. L. Stevenson, the present occupant of the office.
who is a member of the Wanganui Harbour Board, has long been prominent as a public man. He was chairman of the Wanganui County Council, of which he still continues a member, and also acted as chairman of the Wangaehu Road Board, for some time. Mr. Higgie is a member of the Wanganui Licensing Bench, of which he was sometime chairman, and was also a member of the Wanganui River Trust Board, and the Wanganui Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. The son of the late Mr. Thomas Higgie, who came to the Colony in 1841 and died in 1886, the subject of this notice was born in Wellington in 1845. Educated and brought up to a country life in the district Mr. Higgie has long been a farmer on No. 2 Line, where he resides on his estate of 800 acres, which he has named “Blink Bonny,” and which carries 2000 sheep, besides 150 head of cattle and horses. He has also 2200 acres at Tokorangi, Wangaehu, where 4500 sheep and 300 head of cattle are depastured. Mr. Higgie is well known throughout New Zealand as a judge of horses, his services being in requisition at all shows in the district, and in Wairarapa, at Auckland (1894), and at Hawera (1896). He is a steward and member of the committee of the Wanganui Jockey Club, and president of the Warrengate Jockey Club and of the Matarawa Rifle Club. Mr. Higgie joined the Wanganui Cavalry Volunteers in 1861, under Captain Cameron, of Marangai, and afterwards the celebrated Alexandra Cavalry, as sergeant, being subsequently elected captain, a post which be held up to 1888, when he resigned. In 1887 Mr. Higgie was married to a daughter of the late Mr. T. Scott, of Lower Rangitikei, and has four daughters and a son.
who has been a member of the Wanganui Harbour Board for several years, was born at Glasgow. Arriving in the Colony with his parents in 1855, he was educated in Wanganui, For ten years he was an officer of the Bank
who has occupied a seat on the Wanganui Harbour Board for three successive terms, was horn in 1848 near London. Educated in his native town, he entered mercantile life in the office of Messrs. Lewis and Peat, colonial and foreign brokers, of Mincing Lane, but left their service owing to ill-health and went to sea. Arriving in New Zealand waters per s.s. “Ahuriri” in 1864, he left the vessel at Napier, joining the Hawkes Bay Volunteers at the time of the Hau Hau rebellion. He served in the operations against Te Kooti, and afterwards in the Chatham Islands, and was complimented for his courage in the field and for his excellent conduct in camp. He afterwards went to sea as purser and provider of various steamers till 1882, when he settled in Wanganui, joining the firm of Hogan and Co., which in 1890 was incorporated under the Companies Act, and of which he has since been managing director.
The remaining members—Messrs. G. Carson (M.H.R. for the district), J. L. Stephen (mayor of the borough), J. R. Commercially (chairman, Wanganui County Council), J. Laird (chairman, Waitotara County Council), and A. Legit (Collector of Customs)—are referred to in those capacities.
J.P., SWanganui Herald. In the year 1857 he entered in partnership with the late Ho. John Balance, and continued one of the proprietors of the Herald until 1882, when he established the present business. Mr. Normans connection extends all over the Colony. As agent for absentees he holds several powers of attorney, under which he has the management of considerable properties. He is agent for the Commercial Union Insurance Company and the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company. Mr. Norman has occupied a seat as a member of the Wanganui Corporation, and has been chairman of most of the local bodies. For eleven years he was a member of the Wanganui Education Board, and at the time of his resignation in 1895 was chairman. He has been a prominent figure in Wanganui for many years past, and has been closely associated with the development of its social and municipal life.
who is clerk to Mr. John Norman, was born in the Wanganui District. He is a son of Mr. Edward Garner, an old resident of Wanganui, who is well known in the district. He was educated in the town, and has been in Mr. Normans office ever since leaving school.
Harbourmaster and Pilot at Wanganui, was born at Larwick, Shetland Islands, in 1835. He went to sea when a lad, and in 1856 found his way to Australia, coming over to New Zealand in the “Stormier” four years later. Mr. Irving was with the New Zealand Steam Navigation Company, of Wellington, for nine years, rising to the position of chief mate. In 1872 he came to Wanganui and took charge of the locally-built vessel “Tongariro,” and afterwards was in the “Geminate.” After six years he was employed as foreman of works on the South Spit for eighteen months, and was appointed pilot in 1878, shortly afterwards becoming harbourmaster and pilot. Mr. Irving is married, and has eight children.
Deputy-Harbourmaster at Wanganui, was born at Liverpool, England, in 1854, and went to sea when fifteen years of age on the Black Ball Line, trading to Australia. Having sailed to most parts of the world, Mr. Pope settled down in New Zealand, and was for many years with different companies in the Colony. Prior to receiving his present appointment in 1892, he was for eight years with the Wellington Steam Packet Company. Mr. Pope, who lives in Wilson Street (a few minutes' walk from the wharves), is married and has six children.
Wharfinger, Wanganui, who took up his present duties in 1893, was born in Canterbury thirty years previously. Educated at Summer College, he entered the service of the Railway Department in 1882, and has been stationed at different branches throughout the Colony. Whilst at Mapper and Canterbury he went in enthusiastically for athletics, but owing to the pressure of his duties on the Wanganui Wharf he has been unable to indulge in out-door pastimes since settling in the district, except as a member of the Wanganui Rowing Club.
controls the hotel licenses for the Wanganui District, and is elected every three years. The committee for 1896 were:—Messrs. C. C. Kettle, S.M. (chairman), T. Pamper, F. A. Cruel, T. D. Cumins, S. H. Manson, S. Neill, A. Higgie, W. Ritchie, and Rev. T. B. Maclean; clerk, Mr. A. D. Thomson. The meetings, which are fixed by the returning officer, Mr. Morton Jones, are held within the first ten days in March, June, September, and December in each year.
consists of eight members, viz., Major Joe Reginald Sommerville (chairman), and Messrs. David G. Polson, Alex. Higgie, J. C. Paterson, A. M. Georgetti, D. Ross, E. E. Fletcher, T. W. Howie, and J. McGregor. The Wanganui County is bounded by the Taupo, Rangitikei, Hawkes Bay, and Waitotara Counties. The are about 250 miles of made and unmade roads in the county. The rateable value exclusive of Crown and Native Lands is £789,758, and the Annual income by a rate of three farthings in the pound is £1467. The loans of the county amount to £1480. The Council contributes towards the interest and sinking fund on the splendid bridge across the Warganui river, which is £130 per annum, and in addition one third the cost of maintenance. The population of the county is about 3000, and the number of ratepayers 440.
who is Chairman of the Wanganui County Council, is also a member of the Wanganui Harbour Board, the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, chairman of the Kaukatea Road Board, and member of the Wanganui River Trust Board. He is a son of the late Sergeant C. Sommerville, of the 65th Regiment, who came to New Zealand in 1846 and fought in the war with the natives at the Bay of Islands, at Pahautanui, and Horokiwi. He left the service in 1851, and was drowned in the collision between the, “Pride of the Yarra” and “The Favourite,” in Dunedin Harbour in 1863. Born in 1843 in Ireland, and educated in Wanganui, Major Sommerville was brought up to a country life. Entering the Volunteer force in 1859 in the Wanganui Cavalry, and passing through all grades in the service, he was subsequently promoted to the rank of major, and in now in command of the Wellington Battalion Mounted Rifles, and is known to all Volunteers and shooting men throughout the Colony as chairman of the New Zealand Rifle Association. Major Sommerville has been connected with local bodies ever since the Counties Act came into force in 1876, and was placed on the Commission of the Peace in 1881. Possibly he is connected with more local bodies than any other man in the Colony. Major Sommerville farms 130 acres on No. 2 Line, known as “Ash Grove,” where he resides, and 700 acres named “Fairview” on No. 3 Line. These two fine properties depasture 1800 sheep, besides cattle and horses. In 1869 he married the daughter of Mr. Thomas Dew Jones, a settler in Marlborough, and has seven sons and five daughters.
joined the Kaitoke Road Board at its inception, and has represented Kaitoke Riding in the Wanganui County Council since 1895. He was born in 1855 in Lincolnshire, England, and after some experience in farming he came to New Zealand in 1877, taking up land in company with his brother at South Karori. For several years he was engaged in contracting in the Wairarapa. His estate— “Gracefield”—about nine-and-a-half miles from Wanganui, is about
who is a member of the Wanganui County Council to which position he was elected in 1896, has been a member of the Mangawhero Road Board for about seven years, for two of which he was chairman. He was born in 1866 near Wanganui, and learned sheepfarming in the district. The station at Upokongaro, known as “Whataroa,” contains 2000 acres of improved land, and carries 3000 sheep. Besides this Mr. Georgetti leases 2358 acres at Waipakura, where he has 2000 sheep. He is interested generally in the recreations of the people, and is a member of the local polo club. In 1893 he married a daughter of Mr. Joseph Smith, of Waitotara, who was for several years chairman of the Wanganui County Council, and has one son.
of the Wanganui County Council, to which he was elected in 1893, is the owner of the well-known properly “Gordon Park,” which he inherited from his father, the late Mr. William Patterson. Born in Wanganui, educated at the Collegiate School, and brought up to country pursuits, he carries on a large business in stock. The farm, consisting of 400 acres, is particularly well adapted for the fattening of stock; 500 well-bred sheep, in addition to continually varying numbers of cattle, are depastured on the estate, which has been occupied for over forty years. A new residence, which contains eight rooms, replaced the old homestead about three years ago. Mr. Patterson, though a young man, takes a keen interes
who was elected a member of the Wanganui County Council in 1891, was re-elected without opposition in 1896, after five years' service. Born in 1855 in Rosshire, Scotland, where he was educated, the subject of this notice was brought up as a sheepfarmer, and came to Port Chalmers by the ship “Canterbury” in 1877. For three years he worked as a shepherd under the late Mr. Logan, of Kelso, Otago, and served for a like period in Canterbury on Mr. Tripp's Rakaia Estate. In 1883 Mr. Ross removed to the Wairarapa, where he became one of the managers of the Glen Donald Estate. During the five years that he continued in this position great improvements were made in the property. On leaving, Mr. Ross acquired the Kaiwhaike Estate of 2000 acres—partly freehold and partly leasehold—which now carries 3000 sheep, besides 100 head of well-bred shorthorn cattle, for which he has been a prize-winner at local shows. Mr. Ross has for four years been chairman of the Mangawhero Road Board, and for some time of the Upokongaro School Committee. In 1888 he was married to a daughter of the late Mr. H. Barber, a Gloucestershire farmer, and has one son.
who is Clerk to the Wanganui County Council, is the second son of Mr. A. Barns, well known in business circles in Wanganui. Mr. Barns was born in Wanganui, and received his education in his native town. He entered general mercantile life in his father's office, with whom he remained some years. Mr. Barns has held his present appointment for about six years; he is also clerk of the Kaitoke and Purua Road boards. He is a licensed native interpreter of nine years' standing, and undertakes, any business with the natives. Mr. Barns resides in the suburb of Taylorville.
who was a member of the Wanganui County Council for six years, is a member of the Purua Road Board, and for over four years also held a seat on the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. He is a sheepfarmer residing on the No. 2 Line, Wanganui.
who held office for three years ending 1896 as a councillor of the Wanganui County Council, is a native of the Island of Coll, Argyllshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1862. Educated at the parish school, he came to New Zealand via Melbourne in 1877, and gained experience in country life in the Wairarapa, being overseer for Messrs. Handyside and Roberts, at Glencoe Station, Akitio, where he continued five years. In 1887 Mr. Cowan was appointed manager of the Hon. Dr. Grace's stations, “Lismore” and “Aruri,” at Upokongaro, where he still remains. For two years he was a member of the Wanganui Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. In sporting and agricultural and pastoral affairs Mr. Cowan takes a keen interest. He is a member of the committee of the Wanganui Agricultural and Pastoral Association, a member of the Wanganui Jockey Club, the Warrengate Polo Club, and secretary of the Wanganui Polo Club. In 1892 Mr. Cowan married a daughter of Mr. W. Patterson, of Gordon Park, No. 3 Line, and has two daughters.
for many years a member of the Wanganui County Council, and at one time chairman of that body, is the owner of the well-known property named “Marybank,” situated near Wanganui, where he resides. He has a property further out on the same road consisting of 800 acres; and has also a sheep-run at Murimotu, of 7000 acres (native lease), which carries a flock of 5000 sheep. Mr Craig was born in 1833 near Glasgow, where he was educated. In 1857 he came to New Zealand in the ship “Burmah,” and started a dairy farm near Dunedin, which he carried on for five years. For the next fifteen years he was engaged in agricultural pursuits in Otago; he then left that district for Wanganui. Mr. Craig has made his name more particularly in the breeding of prize-stock, having been one of the largest prizewinners in the South Island for shorthorn cattle and draught horses and in the early days of his arrival in Wanganui he was equally successful. In draught stock he has bred the two stallions Sir William Wallace and Sir Robert Bruce, whose progeny are well known throughout the whole of the North Island. As a judge in these matters his services are eagerly sought after, and for many years he has occupied that position at Hawera, Patea, and also in Hawkes Bay. He is an active member of the Wanganui Agricultural and Pastoral Society. In public affairs Mr. Craig was a member of the Wanganui Harbour Board and the school committee, and together with the other positions named has served the public for twenty-five years. Whilst in Oamaru he was a member of the county council for several years. His present wife is a daughter of Mr. Cook, a wellknown ex-Civil Servant, of Dunedin; his children number fourteen.
the well-known sheepfarmer of Bonny Glen Estate, Turakina, was for some time a member of the Wanganui County Council. His father, Mr. John Gower, who landed in New Zealand in 1840, died in 1864, and his mother, twelve years later. The youngest of ten children, he was born on the 22nd of October, 1859, on the fine property of 840 acres he now owns, and was brought up to a country life. Originally
who for seven years was a member of the Wanganui County Council, is a wellknown farmer of Kauangaroa, Fordell. Born in 1846 at Glengarry, Scotland, Mr. McDonell landed with his parents at Melbourne in 1862. He tried his luck on the goldfields, but soon turned his attention to New Zealand, crossing over to Otago in 1863. For nearly two years he worked on the diggings. Coming to the North Island he engaged in various works, including road-contracting, for some years. Subsequently he took up his present run of 1300 acres, which now carries 3000 Lincoln sheep and a good herd of shorthorn cattle. Mr. McDonell re-visited his native country in 1893.
who held a seat on the Wanganui County Council for three years, is a son of Mr. John Morgan, of “Newton Lees,” No. 1 Line, Wanganui, and was born in New Plymouth in 1855. In 1890 and 1891 he filled the responsible position of Government Valuer for the Land and Income Tax Department. He was appointed valuer in 1895 to the Wanganui County Council, and now holds an appointment as valuer under the “Advances to Settlerd Act.” He is sergeant-major of the Alexandra Cavalry, of which corps he has been a member for twenty-three years; and in his youthful days he was an active member of the Wanganui Football Club and Union Beating Club. Mr. Morgan is a member of the United Ancient Order of Druids, in which he holds a high position, and is now D.P. for No. 4 District of the District-Grand Lodge of the North Island, New Zealand. Mrs. Morgan is a daughter of the late Mr. W. S. Bussell, formerly a sergeant in H.M. Artillery, and afterwards landlord of the Rutland Hotel in 1862. There is a family of two sons and two daughters.
was for five years ending August, 1896, a member of the Wanganui County Council. He was born in 1857 in Wanganui, and received his education at Kaitoke School, No. 1 Line. For about seventeen years he was farming in that district and at Waverley. He has cheerfully rendered public service as a member of the Kaitoke Road Board for four years, and during part of his term as a member of the County Council he represented that body on the Hospital and Charitable Aid Board. Mr. Morgan has disposed of his farming interests, and is now the largest shareholder in the firm of M. Hogan and Co., Limited, he having acquired Mr. Hogan's interest in that business.
has jurisdiction over an area of country extending northwards from the confines of the Borough of Wanganui to the boundary of the Patea County Council. The county town is Wanganui. The members for 1896 were:—Messrs. J. Laird (chairman), G. S. Robertson, E. A. Campbell, S. Handley, J. Dempsey, G. Mullins, A. Tawse, and W. Ritchie. The clerk, treasurer and collector to the Council is Mr. H. E. Dymock The ratepayers number 428, owning 529 rateable properties of a value of £659,512; the rate for 1896 was 7/8d in the £. The offices of the Council are situate in Ridgway Street.
Chairman of the Waitotara County Council, was born in 1831 in Forfarshire, Scotland. His father, Mr. Alex. Laird, had a long and extensive experience in nursery matters in Scotland. The subject of this notice came to New Plymouth in 1855, and followed the nursery business for five years. He served in the Maori war during 1860 and 1865, and was awarded the New Zealand war medal. In 1867 he removed to Wanganui, and laid the foundation of the Egmont Nursery, well-known on the West Coast of the North Island. The nursery in Glasgow Street embraces five acres, and contains species of flowering-plants, shrubs, and fruit-trees in endless variety. Mr. Laird has a farm of 115 acres at Westmere, six acres of which is planted with choice fruit-trees. In public matters in Wanganui he has ever been to the fore—as mayor of the borough from 1886 to 1888, and as a councillor occupying a seat in the Borough Council for over fifteen years. Whilst in the Borough Council he was instrumental in the purchase of Lake Westmere for the water-supply. He has been a member of the hospital committee for nearly four years, and by virtue of his office as chairman of the Waitotara County Council has a seat on the Harbour Board. He is also a director of the Wanganui Fruit Evaporating Company, and the Wanganui Loan Company. Mrs. Laird died some twenty years ago, leaving a family of nine, all of whom are settled in the country with the exception of Mr. James Laird, junr., who manages the Egmont Nursery.
who is a member of the Waitotara County Council, is a sheepfarmer and land valuer residing at “Wiritoa,” about four miles from Wanganui. He is the second surviving son of the late Captain Campbell, of the 72nd Regiment, who came to the Colony in 1840. The subject of this sketch was born in 1843 in Wanganui. He is a self-taught man, and one of the oldest born residents. He is chairman of the Wanganui Freezing Company, and was in the chair at the meeting to inaugurate the company. For the past eleven years he has been Clerk of the Scales for the Wanganui Jockey Club, and is a member of the committee. He served five years in the Wanganui Cavalry under General Cameron during the Maori troubles. Mr. Campbell enjoyed a trip to England in 1873–74. He is married and has three children.
J.P., member of the Waitotara County Council, is a settler at Beaconsfield, Wanganui, and at present leases from Mrs. Abbot 130 acres, which he carries on as a dairy farm. Forty cows are milked during the season, and the butter is made up on the homestead under Mrs. Dempsey's personal supervision. This lady has taken the prize for butter at the local show for many years. A great number of young cattle are reared on the farm, which are later on removed to Mr. Dempsey's large grazing run at Tokomaru, consisting of 2254 acres, leased from the Government. About 800 acres have been cleared and sown in grass, and carry two sheep to the acre, besides nearly sixty head of cattle, all the year round. Mr. Dempsey was born in 1842 in Queen's County, Ireland, and was educated at the Brothers' School, Montreagh. He was engaged in farming in Ireland till 1862, when he came to New Zealand in the ship “Constance.” At Napier he took charge of the Mission Station, and subsequently commenced farming on his own account. Prior to leasing his present property, Mr. Dempsey bought and farmed for twelve years 640 acres on the No. 2 Line, which he leased and afterwards sold to Mr. Robert Peake. He was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1892, is a member of the Liberal League, the Caledonian Society, and the Wanganui Agricultural and Pastoral Association.
of the Waitotara County Council, who is a son of the late Mr. William Hair, was born in 1845 at Wanganui, where he was educated. His leasehold property, “Rosemount,” is 4400 acres in extent, and carries 8000 sheep and from 300 to 400 head of cattle, including nearly 100 cows. At one time Mr. Hair had charge of the Mission Station at Goat Valley; this position he relinquished to take up agricultural pursuits. As a member of the Waverley-Waitotara Racing Club, and the Waverley Domain Board, he has cheerfully given his assistance in public matters. Mr. Hair is married to a daughter of Mr. Thos. Higgie, and has five sons and one daughter—Mrs. George Hunter, of Stratford.
who has been a member of the Waitotara County Council since 1892, is the youngest son of the late Mr. John Handley, who arrived in Wanganui in 1841. The subject of this notice was born in 1853 at “Southern Grove,” near Wanganui, and was educated at Wanganui College. Brought up to farming pursuits on his father's farm, he now works his own farm of 800 acres at Nukumaru, about twenty miles from Wanganui. Mr. Handley is married to Miss Brown, a daughter of the late Mr. John Brown, of Wanganui, and has six children. He is well known in sporting circles, and has earned a reputation as a good all-round shot.
recently elected a member of the Waitotara County Council, the eldest son of Mr. Anthony Mullins, one of Wanganui's earliest settlers, was born in the same place in 1862. He received his education locally, and was brought up to farming pursuits on his father's farm. Mr. Mullins resides at Tokomaru, about fifteen miles from Wanganui, where, on his farm of 1000 acres, he makes a specialty of sheep and cattle-breeding. Mr. Mullins is married to Miss Roache, daughter of Mr. M. Roache, of Rangitikei, and has four children.
who has been a member of the Waitotara County Council for the past twelve years and was chairman for one term, was born in 1844 at Kincairn, Scotland, where he was educated. When eighteen years of age he left for Dunedin in the schooner “Wanganui,” 160 tons, and on arrival in the Colony worked at different occupations for some years. He was all through the Maori war, and supplied rations to various contingents of the troops. He has now a compact farm at Westmere, five-and-a-half miles from Wanganui, where he goes in largely for cropping. Mr. Ritchie, who was a first-class athlete in his younger days is a member of the Wanganui Caledonian Society. He is married and has five children.
J.P., who has been a member of the Waitotara County Council for nearly twenty years, was born in Yorkshire. He was educated and resided in Edinburgh and Peebles, till he commenced active life in Liverpool, where he was engaged in engineering works with his uncle, Mr. John Hamilton. Mr. Robertson came to the Colony in 1876 in the “Avalanche,” and purchased the “Waireka” property on the Wanganui River. He takes a great interest in the development of the frozen meat trade, being a director of the Wanganui Meat Freezing Company, and represents the firm of Nelson Bros, in that trade in the Wanganui and surrounding districts. He also takes an active interest in all matters connected with the Wanganui Agricultural and Pastoral Society, and in sporting affairs.
Foreman of the Waitotara County Council—a position he has held for seventeen years— is a Kentish man, and was born in 1828. Largely self-taught, he was brought up to a farming life, and subsequently went to London, where he was for some years employed in connection with gasworks. He came to Wellington in the ship “Alma” in 1857. Settling in Wanganui shortly afterwards, he was employed in road-contracting till 1879, when he accepted his present appointment. It is estimated that about 100 miles of road has been constructed during his term of office, in addition to which he designed and superintended the construction of six large brick culverts. In the Maori war he served in the militia under Majors Cooper, Rooke, and Noake, for two years, and, though not personally present at any engagement, he was at Kai Iwi when men were shot down half-a-mile distant. He resides on his freehold property at Springvale, where he has erected
who was for some years a member of the Waitotara County Council, is a sheepfarmer at “Monte Video,” Waitotara. Mr. Death, who is the eldest son of the late Mr. George Death, of Rattledon, Suffolk, where he was born in 1829, was educated at his native place, and was brought up to farming pursuits on his father's property. In 1853 he arrived in Lyttelton per ship “John Taylor,” Major Briggs, who was murdered at Poverty Bay, being a shipmate. Mr. Death for fifteen years drove on the road between Wellington and the Hutt. He married a daughter of Mr. William Ridler, who came to the Hutt in 1842. In 1870 he adopted farming pursuits at Rangitikei, where he worked with great success till 1882. Coming to Waitotara he acquired his present farm of 720 acres, which is in splendid order, the paddocks being like parks. At the time of the Maori war Mr. Death served as a Volunteer at the Hutt. His family consists of twelve.
forms a portion of the Wanganui County, its boundaries being the Purua Road District on the north, the sea on the south-west, and the Wanganui and Wangaehu rivers on the west and east respectively. The total area of the district is 20,736 acres, of a rateable value of £113,663, the rate being one-halfpenny in the pound. The members of the Board in 1896 were: — Messrs G. Marshall (chairman), E. E. Fletcher, J. Blyth, R. Hughes, and A. Cameron, and Mr. E. Barns as secretary. There are about twenty miles of formed roads in the district, and the ratepayers number seventy-six.
who has been Chairman of the Kaitoke Road Board since its constitution, was born at New Plymouth in 1859, and is a barrister and solicitor practising in Wanganui. He is a well-known member of the Masonic order, having twice occupied the chair of Lodge Tongariro, No. 705, E.C., as W.M., and is a “past senior warden” of the District Grand Lodge. Mr. Marshall, who resides at “Whakamaru,” Putiki, was married in 1890 to the eldest daughter of Mr. W. F. Russell, now of Christchurch, and has two children.
situate within the County of Wanganui, is bounded towards the south by the Purua Road District, on the east by the Wangaehu River, on the north by the Mangawhero Road District, and on the west by the Mataongaonga Riding of the County. In area it has 15,836 acres, which is valued for rating purposes at £72,690, a halfpenny rate being collected annually. The members of the Board for 1896 were:—Messrs. J. R. Sommervill (chairman), B. Tyerman, R. Old, J. N. Jones, and J. R. Wilson; Mr. E. Barns acts as secretary.
which forms a riding of the County of Wanganui, has a population of 715, of whom 200 are ratepayers owning 276 rateable properties, of the aggregate value of £204,071, exclusive of unoccupied Crown and native lands, valued at £291,675, the gross area being 949,103 acres. The annual revenue amounted to over £730 in 1896, of which £434 was contributed by the ratepayers for a rate of 3/4d. in the £, nearly £300 being derived from Government subsidy. The members of the Board (1896) were:—Messrs. D. Ross (chairman), A. Georgetti, D. Mason, D. Fernie, and J. Brownlee; Mr. M. Jones is the secretary.
which is situate within the Wanganui County, is bounded on the north by the Mataongaonga Riding and the Kaukatea Road District, towards the east and west by the Wangaehu and Wanganui rivers, and by the Kaitoke Road District on the south. The area of the district is 15,929 acres, the rateable value being £149,587, the annual rate of 3/4d. in the £ producing a revenue of about £500. The members of the Board (1896) were:—Messrs. W. Reid (chairman), W. Bamber, W. Pickup, W. Rodwell, and D. Higgie, with Mr. E. Barns as secretary. There are about 100 ratepayers in the district.
which is co-terminus with a riding of the Wanganui County of the same name, has an area of 216,911 acres. Of its population of 450, eighty-six persons own 132 rateable properties, of a gross value of £137,303, independent of unoccupied Crown and native lands valued at £60,135. The gross revenue of the Board for the year ending March, 1896, was £1657, of which nearly £700 was granted by Government, £133 being raised by a general rate of 3/4d. in the £, and £545 by special rates. The members of the Board are:— Messrs. R. Lilburn (chairman), D. Grant, W. Todd. S. Addenbrooke, Wm. Kellick, and N. Hearn. Mr. F. H. Allen, of Mangamahu, is the secretary.
Wanganui—one of the oldest corps in New Zealand—has a most distinguished record. It took a prominent part with the British troops in the early Maori wars, and came through many a stiff fight with honour to its members and glory to the corps. Pages might be written about the experiences of
who was born in Wanganui in 1859, is a son of the late Mr. W. H. Watt, of Wanganui. Educated primarily at the local collegiate school, and at Nelson College, the subject of this notice completed his course at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, graduating B.A. in 1881, and subsequently as L.L.B. In November, 1882, he was called to the bar, and practised with Messrs. Stubbard, Gibson and Co., of Leadenhall Street, London, till he came to New Zealand, where he was admitted to the bar in September, 1883. He has since practised his profession in Wanganui. Captain Watt joined the corps in June, 1884, and was elected its captain seven years later.
was formed on the 22nd of October, 1881, at the time of the “Parihaka scare.” On its inception the strength was eighty, the present number being about sixty-five. The corps is under the command of Captain Clapham, who has been associated with it almost the full time of its existence. Weekly practice is held each Wednesday evening at the drillshed. In his last report on the Volunteer Forces of the Colony, Colonel Fox classed the Wanganui Naval Artillery as “very good.”
is at the present time the senior infantry corps in Wanganui. It is commanded by the following officers:—Captain John P. Watt, and Lieutenants R. Hughes and J. Redmond. The Rev. T. B. Maclean is the hon. chaplain. The corps has a high reputation in colonial shooting circles, and has turned out some of the finest shots in the district. The Champion Rifle Belt has been won by its members on more than one occasion. The company has the regulation number, and is in a high state of efficiency.
which was established in 1875, has been a very successful institution in connection with the Volunteer movement in Wanganui. Twenty-five instruments are played by the members of the band. The present bandmaster, Mr. J. C. Richardson, has held the office for seven years, having been connected with the band since its inception.
Hon. Unattached List, New Zealand Volunteers, was born in Ireland, and entered Her Majesty's 65th Regiment of Infantry, in which he served over twenty-three years. He came to New Zealand in 1846, per ship “Pastongeebomongee,” an old East Indiaman, and retired in 1864. Major Neill then joined the volunteer movement, and held the rank of captain for ten years, and that of major for eleven years. He commanded the forces in Patea, Rangitikei, and Wanganui Volunteer districts from February, 1882, to January, 1883, when he retired. Major Neill was at the taking possession of Parakino, on the Wanganui River, in 1865, at Wereroa, at the relief of Pipiriki, and at Pates camp 1868, under Colonel McDonald. He is now in his 71st year.
—an imposing wooden building with a square clock-tower—occupies a prominent corner in the Avenue, at the junction with Ridgway Street. It is an important office, and a large business is done in the various departments, a long counter in the public room being apportioned for the convenience of the public and the counter-clerks. The staff of the post-office includes six clerks and a cadet, in addition to the chief postmaster. The telegraph business conducted at this office is very large, as all cable messages received in New Zealand for the North Island have to pass through Wanganui—the receiving-station at Whakapuaka, Cable Bay, being in direct communication with Wanganui, via Castlecliff. The staff of operators and messengers engaged on this branch of the work numbers sixteen.
Chief Postmaster, officer in charge of Telegraphs, Deputy Commissioner of Stamps, Land and Deeds Registrar. Residence, Kinkazan, No. 1 Line, on the main road to Wellington. Mr. McBeth's father, after whom he was named, was one of the early Port Nicholson settlers who arrived per ship “Bengal Merchant.” Mr. McBeth was born in Wellington, and was educated at private schools, there being no Government schools in those days. He entered the Government service in August, 1864, and has been connected with the post-office ever since. In July, 1867 Mr. McBeth was appointed chief postmaster at Greymouth, a position which he held till 1878, when he was transferred to Wanganui, where he has resided, occupying the above position, to the present time. In the early sixties Mr. McBeth was a member of the Rangitikei Volunteer Rifles, and, with other settlers, was ordered into Wanganui, but the settlers refused to leave their homes and built a redoubt at Fern Flats for their protection. Mr. McBeth was a
Assistant Officer in charge of the Wanganui Post and Telegraph Offices, was born in London in 1854. Coming to New Zealand with his parents at an early age, he was educated in the Colony. He joined the Government service in 1869 as a cadet in Wellington, and after twelve months' experience he was transferred to the Thames, where he remained for four years. For twenty-one years he was stationed at Dunedin, rising to the position of assistant officer in charge, which position he filled for ten years. In 1895 he was transferred to Wanganui station, where under his supervision the entire cable work for the North Island is performed. Whilst in Dunedin Mr. Seagar took an active part in the Volunteer movement, being connected with the Engineer Corps and the D Battery of Artillery. In Wanganui he takes a keen interest in local athletic matters. Mr. Seagar was married in Dunedin to a daughter of the late Mr. Brindley, and his two daughters.
is the Collector of Customs for the port of Wanganui, and Sub-Paymaster of Imperial Pensions. The offices of H.M. Customs are situated opposite the railway station on Taupo Quay. Private residence, Wilson Street. Mr. Elliott was born in Nelson where he was educated. As a youth he entered the Government service in the customs office in Nelson, and has been connected with the department ever since his entry. He has been employed at Westport, Nelson, Napier, and Dunedin as a clerk, and
was landing waiter at Greymouth and Nelson subsequently, receiving his present appointment as collector of customs for Wanganui in February, 1892. His father, Mr. Charles Elliott, arrived at Nelson per “Mary Ann,” about 1842. He was the founder and proprietor of the old Nelson Examiner, which he conducted many years, the plant of which he brought with him. Mr. Elliott, senr., died about fifteen years ago.
is the officer in-charge of the Native Land Court Office, the Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, and the purchasing officer under the Natives Land Purchase Act. Mr. Bates is a native of Wanganui, was educated at the local schools, and entered the Government service in the Native Department in the year 1889. Until 1890 he continued as a clerk in the Native Lands Court Office at Wanganui and in the latter year received the appointment as officer-in-charge as above, a position which he has held with satisfaction since that time.
which is situated in Bell Street, consists of several buildings which are for the most part surrounded by well-kept lawns and flower-borders. The principal officers in charge of the district live on the station premises, and convenient offices are allotted to the sergeant in charge. The station is within a stone's throw of the Magistrate's Court.
the Officer-in-charge of the Wanganui Sub-police District, was born in Ireland, and came to New Zealand per ship “Camperdown,” arriving in Wellington in 1876. Before leaving the Emerald Isle, he was for seven years in the Royal Irish Constabulary, stationed in the north of Ireland. On his arrival in the Colony, he joined the constabulary in Wellington, and after a time was transferred to Blenheim, where he resided for several years. He was afterwards transferred to Timaru, and thence to Napier, being ultimately sent to Wanganui, and appointed to his present position. In July, 1878, he was made a third-class sergeant, in 1886, he was raised to the second-class rank, and in 1893, to the first-class.
stands on a reserve to the south-west of the railway line, and is reached by a road from the end of Maria Place. The gaol is a wooden building, with accommodation for twenty males and five females, and the cells, which are large and airy, are furnished as in other prisons. The ground upon which the prison stands was ten or twelve years ago a desolate sandhill, which has since been levelled and planted with grasses, and is now beginning to get a good sward on it. The gaoler's house, standing about a chain from the prison wall, is surrounded by a pretty flower-garden. For the last seven or eight years the prisoners have been employed on public works in the vicinity of Wanganui, and are at present (1897) making an athletic sports ground in Cook's Gardens.
the Gaoler of the Wanganui Prison, was educated at Rugby, and after keeping two terms at Trinity College, Cambridge, joined the 39th Regiment. After serving some time, he sold out and came to New Zealand. In 1868 he bought a farm in Canterbury, afterwards joining the Armed Constabulary, being stationed at Taupo for two years. In 1872 he was promoted to the rank of sergeant, and went down to Dunedin in charge of twelve men to do temporary police duty, the Provincial “force” having gone out on strike. On his return to Wellington he left the constabulary, and then joined the Dunedin police. In 1879 Mr. Beasley joined the prison service at Dunedin, and after serving as assistant warder and warder he was promoted to the position of principal warder at New Plymouth. Eight months later he was transferred to Addington, and at the end of four years was appointed to his present position. Though Mr. Beasley is a strict disciplinarian, complaints during the last eight years have been limited to one—made by a notorious gaol-bird who succeeded in escaping from custody. Mr. Beasley is also Probation Officer, and Mrs. Beasley is matron of the gaol.
which is pleasantly situated between Taupo Quay and the Wanganui River, is the terminus of the short branch line which joins the New Plymouth-Foxton Section of the New Zealand Government Railways at Aramoho. The station buildings are commodious, providing accommodation for the travelling public, general and ladies' waiting-rooms and ticket lobby, and for the stationmaster and his staff of clerks and porters. The traffic manager and other departmental officials have their offices at the Wanganui Station. There is also a large goods-shed, where a very large quantity of merchandise is received and despatched.
Traffic Manager of the New Plymouth-Foxton section of the Government Railways, entered the Railway service in August, 1874, at Christchurch. The lines in that district were then owned by the Provincial Government of Canterbury, but others were in course of construction by the Colonial Government, and these, as opened for traffic, were worked by the Province in conjunction with its own. The gauge of the Provincial lines was broader than that of the lines built by the Colony, but upon the abolition of the provinces in November, 1876 the Provincial Railways were absorbed in the colonial system, and converted to the standard New Zealand gauge. Mr. Buxton was for some three years employed in the Accountant's Department, and was then transferred to the Traffic Manager's office. He was at various times placed in temporary charge of stations, including junctions of broad and narrow gauge lines; and as experienced men were not always obtainable as additional stations were opened, he was frequently employed in imparting to the newly-appointed officers a knowledge of the work. In July, 1879, he was appointed chief clerk to the Traffic Manager at Oamaru, and upon a re-arrangement of the districts some sixteen months later, was promoted to a similar position at Dunedin. In 1883 Mr. Buxton was selected as a Railway Audit Inspector, a position which he held till March, 1886, when in anticipation of the opening of the Wellington-Manawatu Coy's line, connecting the West Coast Railway with Wellington, he was appointed to his present post, where he has since remained.
the Traffic Clerk for the Wanganui Railway Section, is a Yorkshireman. Born in 1861 at Burley-in-Wharfedale, in the West Riding, he had eight years' experience on the Midland and North-Eastern Railways before coming to the Colony. Arriving at Port Chalmers per ship “British Queen” in 1883, Mr. Mellor soon after joined the service in Dunedin as a clerk. For nine years he held the position of senior relieving officer in Auckland, being appointed to his present position in 1895
Chief Clerk in the Railway Engineer's Department at Wanganui, was born in 1852 in South America. After being educated in Edinburgh, he returned to his native land in 1869, and for six years he was engaged in mercantile pursuits. In September, 1875, Mr. Henderson landed at Lyttelton, and the following year he joined the Bank of New Zealand. Resigning in 1887 he entered the Engineer's Department of the Government Railway Service, and for seventeen years was under Mr. Lowe in Christchurch, Dunedin, and Wellington, as chief clerk for his department. In May, 1894, he was transferred to Wanganui, and has been entrusted with the charge of the department for several months, owing to the death of the late resident engineer. In 1883 Mr. Henderson was married to a daughter of the late Mr. H. C. Raikes, of the Bengal Civil Service, and has five sons and a daughter.
Stationmaster in charge of the Wanganui Railway Station, has for thirty years been an officer of the New Zealand Government Railway Department. In February, 1867, he entered the railway service as clerk in Lyttelton, and was subsequently promoted to the position of stationmaster at Kaiapoi. Mr. McKenna afterwards successively filled similar positions at Ashburton, Invercargill, Gore, Greatford, Halcombe, and Palmerston North. After a lengthy period of service at Palmerston North, Mr. McKenzie was transferred to Wanganui on the 15th of May, 1896. The subject of this sketch served during the New Zealand war, receiving the Victoria Cross for conspicuous bravery.
Chief Clerk in the Passenger Department at the Wanganui Railway Station, was born in 1866 at Glenmark, Canterbury. Educated in Christchurch, for two years he was employed in the Immigration Department, and afterwards by Messrs. G. Gibson and Co., in the City of the Plains. He entered the Railway Service at Christchurch in 1884, and was successively clerk at Rakaia, Ashburton, Lyttelton, and Kaiapoi, being transferred to the position he now holds in 1895. Mr. Mills has been interested in athletics, having taken part in rowing and cycling.
Chief Goods Clerk at the Wanganui Railway Station, is a native of Ross, Scotland, where he was born in 1856. Educated at Tain, he had his first railway experience in the goods, passenger, and shipping departments of the Highland Railway, where he remained for six years. In 1879 Mr. Kennedy came to Port Chalmers per ship “Millwall,” and joined the Railway Service as clerk to the stationmaster at Dunedin. He was afterwards successively engaged in the engineer's office and in the goods department, removing to Wanganui as wharf clerk in 1881. In the following year he became assistant to the stationmaster at Foxton, receiving his appointment as goods clerk at Wanganui in 1883. Mr. Kennedy is a member of the Masonic craft, being attached to Tongariro Lodge, No. 705, E.C. He takes an interest in athletics, and is a member of the United Cricket Club. In 1862 Mr. Kennedy was married to a daughter of Mr. W. Stephens, of Kanieri, near Hokitika, and has a son and a daughter.
was formed about 1883. The line connects Wanganui with the marine suburb of Castlecliff. Most of the traffic is occasioned by the freezing works and pleasure-seekers, the Heads being a favourite resort with holiday-makers.
was established prior to the coming into force of the Hospital and Charitable Institutions Act of 1885, under which it has since conducted its operations. The members of the Board at the time of writing (February, 1897) are:—Messrs. A. J. Parsons (chairman), A. Higgie, J. P. Lethbridge, J. Laird, E. Newman, W, Ritchie, J. R. Sommerville, R. K. Simpson, E. N. Liffiton, and A. Simpson; Mr. A. C. Ritchie acts as secretary. The district includes the counties of Wanganui, Waitotara, and Rangitikei, together with the boroughs of Wanganui and Marton. The revenue of the Board for the year ending 31st of March, 1896, was £3880, including a balance of £536 from the previous year, and a sum of £1972 from the Government. The expenditure amounted to £4053, but this included a sum of £2474 expended on the new hospital building, which is referred to elsewhere.
Secretary to the Wanganui District Hospital Board, was born in 1862 at Lochgoilhead, Argyllshire, Scotland, where he received his earlier education. Arriving in Wanganui in 1874, after a few months at school he went into the country, but soon afterwards returned, entering the service of Mr. A. D. Willis. Subsequently Mr. Ritchie entered the public service as messenger and letter-carrier in the Postal Department, rising steadily in the office till gaining the position of chief clerk. Mr. Ritchie afterwards left the post-office and entered into mercantile life, holding various positions at Napier and in Wanganui till 1890, when he was selected out of a number of applicants for the office he now holds
which has for some years been located on the banks of the Wanganui River in a “worn-out, antiquated building,” to use the official language of the assistant inspector, has been maintained in a state of great comfort by the diligence of the matron, and her staff of attendants and nurses. During the year ending March, 1896, 227 patients were under treatment at the institution, fifteen of whom died, and 196 were discharged, leaving sixteen remaining at that time. There were also 128 out-door patients, who received 656 attendances during that period. By the liberality of an old settler—Mr. Reid—who left a legacy of £5000 to the trustees within the last few years, which has been supplemented by handsome local subscriptions, on which a Government subsidy became payable, Wanganui District now possesses a splendid new hospital which is about being completed. It is situated about a mile out of the town, on the road to Castlecliff, and occupies a healthy, breezy situation on a sandy soil. The buildings, which are of red brick, present a fine example of the modern hospital, being constructed on the pavilion principle. In the centre stands the administrative building, with the men's medical and men's surgical wards on one side, and the women's and fever wards on the other. Both furnishings and fittings are complete and up-to-date in every detail, and the entire establishment is lighted by electricity generated on the premises. Mr. Atkins, a prominent local architect, designed the building, and has supervised the erection.
is in sole charge of the Wanganui Hospital, having been appointed to the position of matron in August, 1894. Miss Warmington was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, and came to New Zealand via Melbourne, arriving in Wellington in 1883. In 1889 she went Home for a visit, and returned in 1891 per s.s. “Rimutaka.” Though contrary to the wishes of her friends, her love for the work of nursing induced her to enter the Christchurch Hospital, where she was trained, and in two years received the final certificate of competency. This was in 1893, and Miss Warmington then entered the Wanganui Hospital as a nurse. In May, 1894, the office of matron became vacant, and to the satisfaction of all, Miss Warmington was appointed on probation for three months. In the interests of the patients and sufferers generally the writer of this article made particular inquiries in all quarters as to the suitableness of Miss Warmington for this important position, with the result that he was convinced beyond all doubt that a more capable or popular officer could not be found. Miss Warmington has that rare capacity for managing without seeming to interfere, and her interest in the patients is so genuine that she is beloved by all. The authorities, the attendants, and the inmates are all to be congratulated upon this fortunate appointment.
exercises jurisdiction over the counties of Wanganui, Waitotara, Rangitikei, and Patea, together with the boroughs of Patea, Wanganui, and Marton. Prior to the coming into force of the Hospital and Charitable Institutions Act of 1885, this body was known as the Wanganui Benevolent Society. The members of the Board (1897) are:—Messrs. A. J. Parsons (chairman), A. Higgie, J. P. Lethbridge, J. Laird, E. Newman, W. Ritchie, J. R. Sommerville, R. K. Simpson, E. N. Liffiton, A. Simpson, J. Patterson, and J. A. McKenna; Mr. A. C. Ritchie acts as secretary. Besides administering relief in the district, the Board is responsible for the conduct of the Wanganui Old Men's Home, known as the Jubilee Home.
The Wanganui Jubilee Home is most pleasantly situated on the banks of the Wanganui River, at a distance of some four miles above the bridge. Like many of the Wanganui institutions, it has a history of its own and by no means uninteresting. It was erected by Mr. Henry Churton for the purpose of a college for Maori girls. No expense was spared in its construction, and during Mr. Churton's lifetime it was by him liberally endowed, but the death of its founder in 1887, and the losses sustained by his estate, which, if accountable, were at least unsuspected, deprived the college of its support. Mr. Churton's philanthropic work finding no successor to carry it on, the inmates of the college were obliged to return to their homes, and the building became unoccupied, and gradually got out of repair. In 1892 the need for a home for the aged needy was urgently felt in Wanganui; indeed, some efforts had been made in this direction prior to that time, and a fund of some £220 was lying at interest, having been collected by the ladies of Wanganui for the purposes of a home. The old college was offered at that time for sale, and the officers of the Benevolent Board seeing its suitability for their requirements, made strenuous efforts to become possessed of it. Mrs. Treadwell, the treasurer of the ladies' fund, was appealed to, with the result that that sum was handed to the board, and application was also made to the trustees of the Fox memorial fund, which resulted in the handing over to the board the sum of £70. Thus nearly £300 was raised, which entitled the board to a bonus from the Government equal to twenty-four shillings in the pound. The negotiations with the executors in the estate of the late Mr. Churton had in the meantime resulted in the transfer of the college to the board for the sum of £555. This sum was paid over for its purchase, the balance of the money being devoted to the furnishing of the home. It is a beautiful home, standing in the midst of about three acres of grounds, the whole of which are used for lawns, flower-beds, and vegetable-gardens. It was erected at a cost of £2500, and, with the grounds, is worth at least £3000. Both the Wanganui people and the Board itself are to be congratulated upon its possession. The inmates number about thirty, and all do what they can to beautify their grounds, and to keep the building in a thoroughly healthy condition.
occupies an important position in Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. This fine institution is governed by a Board of Trustees, of whom the Bishop of Wellington is the chairman. The Industrial School Estate, which was granted by Governor Sir George Grey a great many years ago, furnishes a revenue, which is at present mainly used in paying off mortgages incurred by the erection of the buildings. The college as at present constituted was reorganized about twelve years ago. It is the largest boarding-school in the Colony, about 180 boys receiving their education at the establishment, of which number 135 are boarders. The main college building accommodates about 100, and thirty are well cared for at the large house adjoining, which is under the special care of Mr. F. G. Shields, second master. The Collegiate School is a Church of England school, and there is a chapel attached to it, in which is a fine organ. The fees are about the same as the ordinary High School viz; £12 per annum, while the charge for boarders is £45 per year. The education is up to the university standard, and includes languages, shorthand, music, and all other departments
B.A. is the Headmaster of the Wanganui Collegiate School. He was born in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England, and was educated at the Charter House and subsequently at Trinity College, Oxford, completing his college course in 1880. Mr. Empson took honours in law at Oxford, and gained his B.A. degree in the latter year, after which he came to New Zealand per s.s. “Orient” to Melbourne, landing at the Bluff. For some time after his arrival Mr. Empson resided in Canterbury, and in 1883 was appointed as second master of the Wanganui Collegiate School. He has been closely associated with this large educational establishment ever since that time. Mr. Empson's predecessor in the headmastership was the Rev. Dr. Harvey, who placed the school
M.A., Chaplain-elect of the Wanganui Collegiate School, was born near Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, in 1867. He came to Nelson per ship “Waimate” with his parents in 1876, and was educated at the Wanganui Collegiate School. Mr. Marshall graduated at the New Zealand University, gaining his B.A. degree in 1888 and his M.A., with first-class honours in mathematics and second-class honours in classics, in 1889. He became a master of Christ's College, Christchurch, in 1892, and two years later he went to St. John's College, Cambridge, for a year. Returning to New Zealand about the end of 1895, Mr. Marshall was appointed to the staff of the Collegiate School. In athletics he has played as a representative in Canterbury and in Wanganui football teams, and on several occasions in the West Coast cricket team. In lawn tennis he secured the championship of New Zealand at Christchurch in 1890, and at Nelson in 1896.
M.A., the second master of the Collegiate School, was born in Northumberland, and received his education partly in Scotland and partly in England. He took his University course at Cambridge, gaining his B.A. degree in 1882 and that of M.A. in 1886. Mr. Shields was appointed to his present position in the latter year, immediately upon his arrival in the Colony. He has charge of the large auxiliary house in connection with the college, where he has about 30 boys under his special care.
M.A., Senior Classical Master of the Wanganui Collegiate School, was born in Ipswich, Suffolk. Educated at Shrewsbury and Cambridge, he graduated B.A. in 1885, and obtained his M.A. degree in 1896. While at Cambridge Mr. Orford took a “first-class” in the Classical Tripos, and was also a distinguished athlete—rowing in the University eight, and winning two events in the sports of 1886. Since settling in Wanganui he has taken an interest in the local rowing club, of which he is deputy-captain.
B.A., who is one of the staff of the Wanganui Collegiate School, is a native of London. He was educated at the Godolphin School, Hammersmith, and, after coming to New Zealand, at the Cathedral School and Christ's College in Christchurch. He passed through his University course at Canterbury College, where in 1891 he gained his B.A. degree and the senior scholarship in Latin and Greek. In the following year he passed his M.A degree with honours in classics. Mr. Watson was appointed a master of the school in 1893.
M.A., one of the staff of the school, was born in Christchurch in 1871. Educated at the Wanganui Collegiate School and at Canterbury College, Christchurch, Mr. Bannister graduated B.A. of the New Zealand University in 1892, and took his M.A. with second-class honours in classics in the following year. In athletics he is interested in football and cricket, and was a member of the Wellington Association football team in 1894.
a member of the teaching staff of the Wanganui Collegiate School, was born in 1859 at Buckland, Hertfordshire, England. He was educated in Hastings and at the University School in London, where he studied for three years. In 1880 Mr. Andrews was appointed a master at this school, which position he retained till leaving for New Zealand in 1888. Arriving in Wellington per s.s. “Coptic,” he afterwards became a member of the staff of the Wanganui Collegiate School. He is interested in Association and Rugby football, in cricket, and in tennis; in 1895 he was captain of the Ruahine Association football representatives.
who teaches science, drawing, and technical work generally at the Wanganui Collegiate School, was born in 1861 at Richmond, Yorkshire, England. He was educated in the Old Country, and trained as a teacher under Mr. George Girling, of Peterborough Training College. Previous to his present appointment, Mr. Dunn was teaching for two years at Masterton, and also at the Te Aute Native College for four years. He was appointed to the staff of the Collegiate School in 1888.
one of the masters of the Wanganui Collegiate School, was educated in Dublin, and arrived in Port Chalmers per s.s. “Arawa” in 1887. Shortly afterwards he was appointed a member of the staff of the Collegiate School. In athletics generally he has taken an active part, and he is gymnastic instructor to the school.
is under the direction of a Board of Governors, of whom Mr. Gilbert Carson, M.H.R., is chairman, the following being the gentlemen constituting the Board:—Messrs. H. Sanson, J. H. Fry, J. W. Baker, G. A. Hurley, F. Y. Lethbridge, M.H.R., B. C. Robbins and Rev. J. Ross; Mr. A. A. Browne is secretary to the Board. This splendid college, which is illustrated in the engraving, occupies a fine site of about three acres in Liverpool Street. It was opened in February 1891, and has accommodation for about seventy-five pupils, of whom thirty-six are boarders, and the rest day pupils. The grounds are beautifully laid out, and tastefully planted with ornamental trees, lawns, and flower borders, and lovely walks are charmingly arranged. Each one of the pupils has a small plot of garden allotted to her, and all are encouraged to take an interest in the beautiful surroundings of the college. There is a splendid gymnasium in connection with the college, which was erected in 1894, at a cost of £300, including fittings. The building is about sixty-five feet long, and is probably as complete as any in the Colony. The college is comfortably furnished throughout, and every boarder is found in everything except the clothes worn. The dining-room is a splendid room—large, lofty, thoroughly ventilated, and beautifully finished in native woods, with rimu panels and handsome arched roof. Three massive dining-tables occupy the centre of the room. The Wanganui Girls' College is one of the most successful schools in the Colony. There are lawn tennis grounds, both grass and concrete, with plenty of room to extend them. The present lady principal, Miss M. I. Fraser, is very popular, and has been most successful in her management of the school. She is ably assisted by a competent staff of teachers. All the higher branches of education are taught in the college, and in 1894 one of the pupils went up for and obtained the first section of her B.A. degree, several others having matriculated.
M.A., the Principal of the College, was born in Dunedin, where she was educated chiefly at private schools, until thirteen years of age. For two years subsequently Miss Fraser attended the Normal School in Dunedin, after which she went into training as a teacher, and for some time occupied the position of mistress of the Seacliffe Government School. Miss Fraser subsequently received the appointment of assistant mistress at the George Street School, Dunedin, which was the largest in the provincial district of Otago. On entering the school Miss Fraser was the fifth mistress, and subsequently was appointed third mistress. While fulfilling her duties in connection with this important school, Miss Fraser studied for her degrees in connection with the New Zealand University, and was successful, in 1887, in passing the necessary examinations entitling her to the B.A. degree. In the following year she gained the degree of M.A., with honours in physics. Miss Fraser next received the appointment of assistant English teacher in the Girls' High School in Dunedin, a position which she occupied for four years. The present important position as principal of the Girls' college was conferred upon Miss Fraser in the beginning of 1894.
is the first Assistant Mistress of the College, and teaches music and modern languages. She was born in London, and studied French in Brussels and Paris, Italian in Rome and Florence, German in Switzerland, and music under that great musician, Sir Charles Halle, of whom she is a certificated pupil. In order to perfect her education, Miss Hudson went to Brussels to Madam Kessel's school, which is known as the sister school to the one at which Charlot Bronte was educated. While in Brussels Miss Hudson received lessons from the celebrated Herr Brassin, who was afterwards court pianist to the Emperor of Russia, and is since deceased. After returning to England and holding various private appointments, Miss Hudson came to New Zealand per ship “St. Leonards,” arriving in Wellington in 1879, and was for some years a teacher of music in Nelson. Miss Hudson was one of the first of the staff appointed to organise and develop the college, and has held her present position since 1891.
M.A., is second assistant mistress of the College. Miss Tendall was born in Newbury, and for six years lived in Edinburgh. She came to New Zealand in 1880 with her father, Mr. G. F. Tendall, the Organist of Christchurch Cathedral and lecturer at Canterbury College. Miss Tendall was educated at the High School, Christchurch, where she remained for eight years. Subsequently she studied for four years at the Canterbury College. She took her B.A. degree in 1891 and gained her M.A. degree in the following year with honours in languages. For some time subsequently Miss Tendall was teaching in private schools, and in the year 1893 was appointed to the staff of the Nelson College. She assumed her present position in January, 1895.
the third assistant mistress, who is a daughter of Mr. F. A. Krull, senior, German Consul, was born in Wellington, and educated at the Wellington Girl' High School. She studied and gained her B.A. degree at the New Zealand University in Christchurch, in the
B.A., is the Junior Assistant Mistress of the College. She is a daughter of Lieutenant C. S. Broome, R.N., of Wellington, and was born in Weymouth, coming to the Colony with her father, per s.s. “Ruapehu,” arriving in Wellington in the year 1884. Miss Broome was educated principally at the Girls' High School, Wellington, and took her B.A. degree in 1894. For a year and eight months she was teacher at the Mount Cook Infants' School, Wellington, and for a few months was on the staff of the Clyde Quay School. She was appointed to her present position in May, 1893.
Matron of the Wanganui Girls' College, is a daughter of a very old Auckland settler, the well-known Colonel Haultain. She was born in Panmure, and educated at her father's house. For some four months Mrs. Wood had charge of the Girls' Friendly Society Lodge in Wellington, and on the establishment of this splendid college, was one of those selected to organize and develop the institution. As matron, Mrs. Wood attends to all the household requirements of the teachers and scholars in connection with the college, and her desire has ever been to promote the comfort and happiness of all.
of which Mr. G. Carson, M.H.R., is chairman, and Messrs. H. Sanson (Rongotea), J. H. Fry (Makino), F. Y. Lethbridge, M.H.R. (Feilding), Rev. John Ross (Turakina), J. W. Baker (Fordell), B. C. Robbins (Hawera), G. A. Hurley (Manaia), and F. Pirani, M.H.R. (Palmerston N.), are members, Mr. A. A. Browne being secretary, and Mr. W. H. Vereker-Bindon, M.A., chief inspector, Mr. James Milne, M.A., assistant inspector, controls a large district. This includes the counties of Patea, Hawera, Waitotara, Wanganui, Rangitikei, Manawatu, Oroua, and Pohangina. The whole country from Eltham to Foxton is embraced within the boundaries of the district. No less than 120 schools are managed by this large Board. These schools find employment for 244 teachers, of which 124 are males and 120 are females. In addition to this large number of schools the Board have the management of the Technical School, which is affiliated to the Science and Art Department of South Kensington. The latter school is under the management of Mr. David Blair, F.L.S., as lecturer and art master. [Since the above was in type, Mr. G. Carson has resigned the chairmanship of the Board; Mr. J. W. Baker is, at the time of writing (February, 1897), filling the duties of that position.]
is the chief inspector of schools for the Wanganui Education District. Mr. Vereker-Bindon was born at Old Leighlin, County Carlow, Ireland, in the year 1853. He received his education at the public school known as Ennis College, and subsequently studied at Trinity College, Dublin, completing his college course in 1876, and gaining his B.A. degree the same year. Mr. Vereker-Bindon came to the colonies per s.s. “Kent,” an auxiliary screw steamer of the Money, Wigram line arriving in Melbourne in 1876, in which year he arrived in Auckland. Mr. Vereker-Bindon started as a probationer under the Board of Education in Auckland in February, 1877, and after
M.A., Inspector of Schools at Wanganui, to which position he was appointed in 1895, was born in Aberdeen in 1854, and was educated in his native land. After five years as a pupil teacher at Colestream School, two years in the Training College, Edinburgh, and four years in Edinburgh University, he graduated as a Master of Arts in 1882, becoming assistant master at Denny Public School, Stirling. In 1887 Mr. Milne came to Wanganui, being appointed to Waitotara Public School, and three years later to Waverley. In 1889 Mr. Milne was married to a daughter of Mr. Howitt, of Ellon, Aberdeen, and has two children.
the Secretary to the Wanganui Education Board and to the Board of Governors of the Wanganui Girls' School, is a native of London, his family originally belonging to Devonshire. He was educated partly in London and partly at Orleans College, France. His father was in the East Indian Company's service. Mr. Browne began life in London in a merchant's house, and then went to India and China for three years prior to coming to the colonies at the time when Sir Charles Hotham was appointed Governor of Victoria, with whom he was intimately associated, and, but for whose untimely death, he would probably have acted as confidential secretary. Mr. Browne was about four years engaged in mercantile pursuits in Sydney and Melbourne. After this he was in South Africa travelling, but his health broke down and he returned to England. In the year 1870, Mr. Browne came by the ship “Countess of Kintore” to Auckland. The voyage was some what an eventful one, as the vessel got in among icebergs, of which there were no less than seventy very close to the ship. Mr. Browne came to Wanganui about 1874, and occupied the position of general manager to Messrs. Taylor and Watts's business for about three years. He was appointed to the position of secretary to the Wanganui Education Board about 1878, having been selected from a large number of applicants for the position. Mr. Browne has lately had a very pleasant trip to England. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and has been a Justice of the Peace for three years past.
was erected in 1892 from plans by Mr. A. Atkins out of a fund bequeathed to the boys and girls of Wanganui for ordinary educational purposes by the late Dr. Rees. The cost of the building, with furniture and fittings. was about £1000. The school is supported partly by fees and partly out of the income derived from the balance of the bequest. The objects of the school are to provide instruction in the principles of science and art to specific performance. Science lectures are delivered on practical plane and solid geometry, machine construction practical mechanics, and building construction, experimental and natural science. The course of instruction is similar to that adopted by kindred schools in England. The Wanganui Technical School is affiliated with South Kensington, London. A large num of pupils of this school have passed various examinations from year to year, and by the able management of Mr. David Blair, F.L.S., the pupils have made good progress, a fact that was quite evident to the writer when he had the opportunity of inspecting the work at the exhibition held in 1895.
F.L.S., the Headmaster of the Wanganui Technical School, was born in Dundee, in 1852. He was educated at Birkenhead, Liverpool, and studied at the School of Art in the same locality, winning a scholarship of £50 per year, which entitled him to a course of instruction at Kengington School, London. During the third year's tenure of his scholarship, Mr. Blair accepted the appointment of botanical draftsman at the British Museum, and while holding the latter appointment also accepted the positions of headmaster of the Islington School and examiner at Kensington. These he held until leaving for New Zealand about 1881. He came per ship “Lusitania” to Melbourne, having been selected by Sir Julius Vogel and Mr. Kennaway, Agent-General, out of sixty-seven applicants for the headmastership of the Christchurch School of Art, a position which he held for about six years. He then joined the Education Department of the general Government in Wellington and travelled to different centres of the Colony lecturing to teachers. For some months he was in Invercargill giving a course of lectures on drawing and science, for which purpose he had a set of Professor Bickerton's apparatus. He subsequently lectured in Timaru, Napier, and Wanganui. After a short holiday trip to Australia, Mr. Blair received an offer of the Ballarat School of Art, but declined the same, preferring to accept his present appointment, which he has held since 1892.
usually known as the Boys' High School, under the control of the Wanganui Board of Education is situated in a very prominent position in Victoria Avenue. The site comprises about five acres of land situated on a sandy elevation affording magnificent drainage and being thoroughly healthy in every respect. The school buildings, which were erected about 1879 or' 80 from plans by the late Mr. Toxward, architect, of Wellington, were built by Mr. Tawse, contractor, whose business is now carried on by Messrs. Russell and Bignell. The buildings, which are of wood and iron, are very lofty, being fully 30 feet from floor to ridge. The rooms are thoroughly well ventilated by the windows, which open both from top and bottom, as well as by special ventilators on the roof. The headmaster is assisted by a staff of three certificated teachers, two pupil teachers, and two cadeta. There are 330 boys on the school roll, comprising standards II. to VII, and the average attendance is about 250. There is a cadet corps in connection with the school, numbering forty-two. The officers are Captain Aitken, headmaster, and Lieutenant Stewart, assistant master. There is a good playground with gymnasium, and a large football and cricket paddock for the use of the boys.
B.A., the Headmaster, was born in Scotland, where he received part of his education, matriculating in connection with the London University, in 1881. Mr. Aitken came to New Zealand by the first trip of the ill-fated s.s. “Wairarapa,” arriving in Dunedin in 1882. He at once commenced teaching under the Board of Education, receiving his D3 certificate in consequence of his having matriculated in England. Mr. Aitken was appointed temporary assistant master at the Caversham School, and subsequently temporary methematical master at the Girls' High School, Dunedin. He at once commenced to study for his degree at the New Zealand University, Dunedin. He was appointed head master of the Ravensbourne School in 1883, holding the position until 1887. In 1888, Mr. Aitken gained his B.A. degree He was head master at Geraldine from 1887 to 1892, and in the latter year was appointed to the school over which he now presides.
is situate in Queen's Park. The position is high and the soil perfectly dry and sandy. The School was established about the year 1880, being commenced in the old Infants' School in Victoria Avenue. It soon became so crowded that it was necessary to erect a tent to assist in accommodating the children. The present building, which comprises five large rooms, all of which are lofty and thoroughly well ventilated, is far too small for the number of children that attend. The present roll contain 354 names, the average attendance being about 320. The standards are numbers two to seven. There is a good playground surrounding the school and handsome belts of firtrees grow around the borders of the property. Miss Blyth, the headmistress, is assisted by four certificated teachers besides one pupil teacher. The first assistant is Miss Grant. M.A.
is the headmistress of the Wanganui Girls' School. Miss Blyth was born in Tasmania, and was appointed to her present position in March, 1879.
The Wanganui Infants School, which was inaugurated in 1880, is an establishment of importance. It is admirably managed by Mrs. Hoey and a staff of assistants, to the number of seven. The number on the roll fluctuates from 350 to 400, generally increasing to the latter number about examination time. About a hundred scholars
Wanganui, opened some few years ago, has seating accommodation for 150 children. There are 125 on the roll, with an average attendance of 112.
who is in charge of St. John's Infants' School, Wanganui, was born in Southampton in 1844, and was educated at Stockwell College. She came out to Wellington per ship “Westland” in 1882. Before taking up her residence in Wanganui, Mrs. Brown taught in Te Aro School, Wellington.
is held in a wooden building having one room, which has accommodation for fifty pupils, besides vestibule. The school roll shows twenty names, the average attendance being eighteen. The master's house, which adjoins, has six rooms; the land attached is about two acres in extent, which is available as a playground.
the Teacher in charge of the Matarawa Public School, hails from Brighton, Sussex, England, where he was born in 1849. Arriving in Wellington per ship “Forfarshire” in 1873, he was appointed to the Mission School at Otaki, and afterwards to the Awahuri Public School, which position he resigned after two-and-a-half years to take up the native work at Churton College, Wanganui, where he remained for eight years, until the unfortunate collapse of that institution. He was appointed sole teacher at Matarawa in October, 1889. Mr. Menzies is also a lay-reader for the Wanganui Parochial District, having been licensed to that office in 1882 by Bishop Hadfield. Mr. Menszies' father—Mr. Sutherland Menzies—was the founder of the original St. James' Magazine, and the author of “Political Women,” “Royal Favourites,” “Turkey, Old and New,” and “School Histories,” published by Collins and Co. His brother is at present British Vice-Consul at Liege, Belgium. Mr. Menzies was married in 1874, and has two sons and four daughters.
No. 2 Line, Wanganui, is a wooden building containing a single room, with entrance lobby. There is accommodation for about thirty children, the number on the roll being twenty-two, and the average attendance twenty. A playground of half-an-acre is attached to the school.
who is in charge of the Mars Hill School, was born in Wellington. She was educated in the Empire City and at Carterton Public School, where she became a pupil teacher in 1887, gaining an E3 certificate in 1891. She was appointed to the position she now fills in 1895.
opened in 1870, is situated two miles from the post-office, Wanganui, and a like distance from the Castlecliff School. The school has accommodation for sixty children, but there are only forty-eight on the roll. The playground is an acre in extent.
Master of the Mosstown Public School, is the son of Mr. R. McLean, Wanganui, where he was born in 1870. Educated at the Wanganui High School, he finished his course of study at the Collegiate School, where he won three scholarships. He was pupil teacher at the Wanganui Boys' School, acted as relieving teacher at Okoia, and was for two-and-a-half years at Brunswick, before taking up his duties at Mosstown, Mr. McLean is a member of the Naval Artillery, the Wanganui Rowing Club, and the local tennis club, captain of the Kaiern Football Club, and secretary to the Wanganui Cricket Club.
the principal Anglican Church, occupies a good centre position in Victoria Avenue. The foundation stone was laid on the 10th November, 1865, and the church was opened in 1866. It is a wooden building, and was enlarged in July, 1894. The seating accommodation is for 550. The large organ, having 1000 pipes, cost about £800. The church site comprises about one acre of ground, and the parsonage, which is situated a good deal higher up the avenue, occupies half-an acre. Services also are held at St. John's, which church was built in 1887, at a cost about £250, including seats which accommodate 150 people. At Aramoho a church is being erected, a good site having been secured. The Anglicans have a Sunday school at Christ Church numbering 300, at St. John's about 75, and at Aramoho a similar number.
is the clergyman in charge, and lives at the Parsonage, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui (telephone 104). Mr. Maclean is a native of London, and arrived in New Zealand about 1860 with his parents. His father, the late Mr. Benjamin Maclean, was for many years prominent in Auckland as holding, among other positions, that of provincial auditor. The rev. gentleman was educated at St. John's College, Auckland, chiefly, but for two years subsequently was at Bishopdale, Nelson. He was ordained as deacon in Nelson on August 24th, 1881, and as priest on September 21st, 1883. Mr. Maclean resided in Collingwood for two years, Reefton for eleven months, Greymouth for seven years, Greytown North nearly one-and-a-half years, and has ministered to the Wanganui congregation since October, 1893.
which contains three churches, is under the charge of the Rev. R. Herman. The largest, which is unconsecrated and known as St. John's, at Matarawa, has accommodation for 130 worshippers. St. Mary's, Upokongaro, which has sittings for 120, was consecrated on the 20th of July, 1879, while St. George's, at Turakina, which was consecrated on the 15th of January, 1885, is seated for eighty-five adults.
Vicar of the Wanganui Parochial Missionary District, studied for the Church at St. John's College, Auckland, and at Bishopdale College, Nelson, and there passed the fourth grade of theological studies. He was ordained deacon on the 30th of November, 1885, and priest on the 29th of September, 1887, and after being curate in charge of Waimangaroa and Charleston for two-and-a-half years, and then Ngatimoti, Nelson, for two-and-a-half years, he was appointed to his present charge in 1891.
is situate in the Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. It was built about the fear 1872, and is a handsome structure with a fine spire. There is accommodation for about 600, including the gallery over each aisle on both sides of the transept. A fine organ occupies a position in the recess at the back of the platform and is worked by a pneumatic console in front of the pulpit, the choir being located in this position. There are about 1000 adherents in connection with the Presbyterian Church in and around Wanganui. Of the two Sunday schools in connection with the cause, that in Wanganui has about 225 scholars, while the auxiliary school at St. John's numbers about 150. The Presbyterians employ a home missionary to assist their minister, and thus have been able to take up services at Westmere, Okoia and St. John's weekly, and at Aramoho and Castlecliff fortnightly. The Rev James Treadwell is the Minister of the Church, he having occupied the position for about eighteen years.
Minister at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Wanganui, was born in Gloucestershire, England, and educated at the Edinburgh University and Free Church Hall, being four years in each institution. Mr. Treadwell was licensed by the Presbytery of Blairgowrie, Perthshire, Scotland, in 1859, and was ordained by the Presbytery of Ballarat, Victoria, as minister of Balmoral and Harrow, in the year 1860. He left Victoria in the year 1865 and subsequently was for ten years or so in the Free Church Ministry in Ayrshire, Scotland. The reverend gentleman came to New Zealand in 1876, having accepted the appointment which be now holds as minister of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, and which was offered to him by the colonial committee of the Free Church of Scotland on behalf of the congregation [Since the above was in type the reverend gentleman has passed away, his death taking place in January, 1897.
is in a central position in Victoria Avenue. The land occupied by the church buildings is one-and-a-half acres in extent. St. Mary's is a handsome wooden structure on brick foundations, the foundation stone having been laid April, 1876. The building was opened for divine worship in May, 1877. There are four magnificent stained glass windows, one of which was given by the Very Rev. Father Kirk, one by the Children of Mary, and one by offerings obtained by the sisters, the fourth being the gift of four persons. Two splendid new windows are soon to be erected, one being presented by Mrs. Mayer in memory of her late husband, the other by Mrs. Morrow and Mr. Parker in memory of their father and mother. There is an excellent organ by Bishop and Sons, of London, specially imported, the original cost of which was £700, and generally the church contains a large number of munificent gifts. The actual seating accommodation is 400. The church will, however, hold 600 when crowded. There is a gallery which is used by the choir. The adherents of the church between Wanganui and Bulls number 1000. The Marist Brothers' School in connection with the church is in charge of three brothers, there being about ninety boys under their care. The Convent Select School has ninety-five girls, and some fourteen or fifteen sisters are engaged in the work of the convent and school. Children of all denominations attend both these schools. St. Mary's Parish School is likewise under the control of the sisters. About 130 boys and girls attend the latter school. The Marist brothers teach the boys, and the sisters the girls. There is a large association in connection with the church called “The Association of the Sacred Heart,” which numbers about 250, and tends to keep the people in practical exercise of their religious duties. There is also a Temperance Society, numbering fifty members. The Association of the Children of Mary is for all young women who have made their first communion, and numbers about sixty. There is also a youths' association for reading and amusements, which has a weekly meeting. The Roman Catholics have a church at Turakina, which is built of wood, and accommodates about 150. They have likewise a wooden church at Balls holding 100, and one at Hunterville for about eighty, St. Mary's Church, Wanganui, cost over £3000.
S.M., in charge of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui, was born at Monaghan, where he attended the Diocesan Seminary for four years. He was educated partly in England, and partly in Dublin, and studied at St. Mary's, Leeson Street, Dublin, and later at the Catholic University. He was ordained in November, 1870, as priest in the pro-cathedral, Dundalk. At the time of his ordination the reverend gentleman was Prefect in St. Mary's College, Dundalk. About a year after his ordination Father Kirk was sent out to Sydney as Curate of St. Patrick's. Here he remained for three years and two months and came to Wellington direct in February, 1874. After a short time in the Colony, Father Kirk was appointed to Wanganui, where he has resided continuously since that time. Since taking charge in Wanganui, Father Kirk has worked hard in the interests of his Church. He has had the pleasure of seeing almost the whole of the church buildings erected in connection with his church in the Victoria Avenue. He gave the designs for the wind ws, altars, and seating of St. Mary's. He also acted as architect for the Convent, the Presbytery, and the Marist Brothers' School.
is situate in Victoria Avenue. The church property includes about one and a-hall acres of ground, having a frontage likewise to Wicksteed Street. The church is built of wood, and was completed in 1873, and, with the school behind, cost about £2200. There is a small gallary opposite the pulpit used by the choir. The Wesloyans in Wanganui circuit number about 1100. There is a good Sunday school, numbering About 230. An infants' school is conducted in a separate building from the main school. There is also a church at Aramoho, built in 1877, with a seating accommodation of 120, and of
Minister of the Wanganui Wesley an Church, was born on the 3rd of February, 1848, in County Durham, England. His early education was received in the Wesleyan day school at Houghton-le-Spring. He commenced to preach when quite a youth, and in 1869 was accepted as a candidate for the Wesleyan Ministry. He forthwith went to Richmond College, London, where he remained three years. He arrived in Auckland in the early part of 1873 in the ship “Warwick,” and was sent to Christchurch to be the co-pastor of the Durham Street Circuit with the Rev. James Buller; from that time he has laboured with much acceptance in several important circuits in Canterbury, Auckland, and Nelson. In 1892 he was elected president of the Conference in Wellington by the united votes of ministers and laymen. During his year of office he secured the passing of a Bill by the New Zealand Parliament, to give effect to the legislation of the General Conference extending a minister's stay in a circuit from three to five years. As president of the conference and as chairman of the district, Mr. Bond has filled the highest posts of honour his church could confer on him.
is situated in Ingestre street, Wanganui. The building is of wood, and was erected about 1891, prior to which time, for some eight years, a hall had been used for the services. The church will accommodate about 150. There is a Sunday school connected, which numbers from eighty to one hundred, with a branch school at Castlecliff. The minister is the Rev. Harold Peters.
the Minister in charge, was born and educated at Dunedin. He was accepted as a student for the ministry by the New Zealand Baptist Union, and studied at the Presbyterian Theological College and the New Zealand University College, Dunedin. Throughout his course of study Mr. Peters had the advantage of the friendly assistance of the Rev. A. North, pastor of the Hanover Street Baptist Church, Dunedin. He was ordained in Wanganui in November, 1893, and has ministered to the Baptist Church in Ingestre Street since that time.
was erected in the Domain about 1892. The plans of the building are by Mr. A. Atkins, architect. The total floorage space exceeds 3000 square feet. Wanganui owes its museum chiefly to the energy and ability of Mr. S. H. Drew, the hon. curator. There are few who can equal this gentleman in the all-round knowledge which he possesses, and which has enabled him to deal so intelligently with the various sections of the museum. With few exceptions, the whole of the exhibits, including mammals, birds, fishes, shells, and minerals, have been treated, classified, and actually prepared by Mr. Drew. Skeletons, including those of whales and moas, are effectively grouped in the centre of the room and surrounded by an iron rail. On the right hand, near the entry, there are a multitude of New Zealand fishes of all kinds, sizes, and colours: then a splendid collection of the birds of the Colony in equal variety. There are also shells and minerals, old maori weapons, implements, and curios. On the other side of the museum are a great variety of exhibits which are foreign to the Colony, but are none the less of general interest. The Wanganui Museum is a credit to the district, and particularly to the gentleman who has done so much to make it complete and attractive.
Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. President, Dr. Earle; Hon. secretary, Mr. A. Atkins. The clubhouse, which was built in 1881, comprises rooms for visitors, writing, card, dining, and sitting-rooms. In fact there is a full suite of rooms, including every convenience except bedrooms. There is a fine large billiard-room with a first-rate table. Lunch is provided daily. The members of the Club number about 100, and include a large number of professional and commercial men and settlers in the district. [Since the above was in type Mr. Atkins has retired, and Mr. H. S. G. Harper has been appointed secretary and treasurer.]
Wanganui, was the first working men's club opened in Wanganui. Formed in 1892, it has now 200 members. The late Hon. John Ballance was the first president. The building is the old St. John's Hotel, which has eight rooms on the ground floor, with eleven rooms upstairs, four being reserved for the use of country members. Cricket and quoit clubs are associated with the institution, and there are the usual card, chess, and draughts conveniences. The custodian, Mr. J. R. McGregor, with his wife and family, resides on the premises. The club's officers for 1896 were:— Messrs. J. Duigan (president), W. Hall (vice-president), E. Butler (treasurer), G. Brown (secretary), T. Thatcher and W. Parnell (trustees). The club gives an annual picnic to members and their wives and families on Boxing Day.
Secretary of the St. John's and Suburban Working Men's Club, Wanganui, was born in Wantage, Berks, England, in 1869, and educated at Wantage Grammar School. Coming to New Zealand in 1884, he resided in Wellington for about a year, and then went to Wanganui on the staff of the Colonial Mutual Life Insurance Company. He subsequently entered the service of Messrs. Borlase and Barnicoat, solicitors, where he still remains. Mr. Brown is an all-round athlete of considerable ability, and has distinguished himself in representative cricket, as well taking part in football, baseball, rowing, running, and musical and dramatic performances.
Wanganui, which was established in 1893 for social purposes, had a membership of 550 in 1896. A very suitable building in Campbell Street is fitted up with reading-room and library, chess, draughts, and card-rooms, social hall—with stage—liquor-bar, and the other appurtenances of a well-conducted club. The officers for 1896 were:—Messrs. J. W. Day (president), T. G. Nicholas (vice-president), F. Beavis (secretary and treasurer), E. G. Harding (custodian), and a committee of ten.
Secretary and Treasurer of the Cosmopolitan Club, was born in 1858 in Brixton, Surrey, England, and was educated at Stockwell. He entered his father's grocery business, and afterwards gained further experience in that line at Finsbury Park and Lavender Hill. Coming to New Zealand in 1887, he served with Messrs. Joseph Nathan and Co., of Wellington, for a few years, and subsequently went to the Wairarapa Farmers' Co-operative Association at Greytown and Pahiatua, remaining for about four years. Eventually he opened a fruiterer's shop in Victoria Avenue, Wanganui, which he still carries on. Mr. Beavis, who is a married man with two children, is a Freemason, and was at one time a member of the Pahiatua Fire Brigade.
No. 705 (Wanganui), meets on the third Thursday in the month. Officers (1896):—Messrs. E. M. Clarke (W.M.), E. W. Andrews (S.W.), J. W. Gossett (J.W.), and F. G. Newcombe, P.M. (secretary).
No. 79 (Wanganui), meets on the second Thursday in the month. Officers (1896):—Messrs. J. L. Stevenson (W.M.), J. Fairburn (S.W.), G. Calman (J.W.), and J. W. Muir (secretary).
No. 4738, was established in 1888. This Lodge is one of the wealthiest in the Provincial District, owning a number of buildings, including the hall used as the theatre of the town in Ridgway Street. Fortnightly meetings are held on Mondays in the lodge-room, Ridgway Street, the membership being 180; the permanent secretary is Mr. John Wright.
Wanganui, was established in 1883, and has a membership of 110. Meetings are held on alternate Mondays in the Druids' Hall, at the corner of Ridgway and Bell streets, the property being the freehold of the lodge.
Secretary of the Bishop Lodge, was born in 1873 at Wanganui. Educated locally, he entered the office of Messrs Borlase and Barnicoat, solicitors, Wanganui, where he is still engaged. Mr. Tuffin takes a keen interest in Friendly Society matters, and a justifiable pride in his lodge.
U.A.O.F., No. 4926, Wanganui, was established in 1867. It meets on alternate Wednesdays in Christ Church schoolroom, and has a membership of 184. Mr. Walter Briggs is the permanent secretary.
U.A.O.F., is a juvenile court, and meets on alternate Tuesdays in Christ Church schoolroom, the secretary being Mr. W. Briggs.
U.A.O.F., No. 8262, is a female lodge which was established in 1895, and has about thirty members. It meets on alternate Tuesdays in Christ Church schoolroom, Mrs. J. M. Williamson being secretory.
has been established two or three years. The secretary is Mr. Basil Ferguson, and the vice-president, Mr. J. McNaught, who also acts as starter for all the Club's sports, is referred to below.
Vice-President and promoter of the Wanganui Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club, was born in Gippsland, Victoria, and came to Dunedin when a child, receiving his education at Arthur Street Public School. He served five years at the tailoring business with Messrs. Kirkpatrick, Glendining and Co., and learned cutting with Mr. Frederick Smith, the well-known Dunedin tailor, with whom he remained three years, becoming highly proficient in the art of cutting. In 1890 Messrs. J. Paul and Co., of the Avenue, Wanganui, appointed Mr McNaught to the charge of their tailoring department, a position he still holds. Mr. McNaught is widely known as one of New Zealand's most
is one of the most successful institutions in the town. The gathering is held on the 22nd of January in each year in Victoria Park. Included in the sports programme are bicycle races run under the rules of the N.Z.C.U. The president (1897) of the Society is Mr. T. D. Cummins, and the vice-presidents, Messrs. R. Ross and H. Black. Mr. James P. Watt is secretary.
Wanganui, which was established in 1887, has its sheds on Taupo Quay, the membership being sixty-five. The colours are light blue, and the Club has a good fleet of racing and pleasure-boats. Its representatives have been fairly successful at regattas. Mr. A. Gray is the captain, and Mr. G. Brown the secretary.
was established in 1875, and has a membership of about 100, and a good fleet of boats. The sheds are on Taupo Quay, and the Club's colours are red and black. Mr. D. Bell is the captain, and Mr. A. W. Wigzell the secretary.
is one of the most popular institutions of the town. It was established some years ago, and has a very large membership. A large share of its success is undoubtedly due to Mr. Alfred Gray, for some time its captain.
the late Captain of the Wanganui Swimming Club, is a builder residing in Glasgow Street, Wanganui. Born in 1863 at Dunedin, he came to Wanganui with his parents when two years of age, and was educated at a private school. After three years in the Telegraph Department, he served seven years to the cabinetmaking and building trade. Mr. Gray has been very conspicuous in aquatic circles, both as a rowing man and a swimmer, while his record as a footballer, fireman, cricketer, and rifle-shot are most brilliant, and his achievements too many and varied to be recounted here. He has thrilled the public on several occasions by sensational dives from the top of the Aramoho Railway Bridge into the river—a distance of seventy feet. He has swum from the Town Bridge to Aramoho and back in one effort, and has rendered great public service on many occasions by rescuing drowning persons and diving for bodies. He has an extensive collection of cups, medals, and trophies, won in different competitions. Mr. Gray is captain of the Union Boat Club.
Officers:—Messrs. R. Anderson (president), A. Elliott (vice-president), J. Tawse, D. May, E. Perritt, J. Bennie, J. Graham, R. Russell, J. Purnell, W. H. G. Foster, and W. R. Tuck (committee), J. Notman and F. M. Spurdle (auditors) W. Rodwell, E. Moult, and G. Ross (match committee), W. Rodwell (hon. secretary and treasurer). The bowling green, which is situated in St. Hill Street, is kept in perfect condition by the caretaker, Mr. J. E. Mooseman.
President of the Wanganui Bowling Club, who is the Wanganui manager of the wellknown Auckland house, Messrs. A. Clark and Sons, is a native of Ayr, Ayrshire, Scotland. He came to the Colony in 1878, having had experience in Glasgow with Messrs. J. and W. Campbell. After four years with Messrs. Clark and Sons in Auckland, he was appointed manager of the Wanganui branch on its establishment. Mr. Anderson is an enthusiastic bowler and a lover of sport. He is Consul in Wanganui for the New Zealand Cyclists' Touring Club, a steward of the Wanganui Jockey Club, and takes an interest in amateur photography.
F.I.A., New Zealand, the Honorary Secretary and Treasurer of the Wanganui Bowling Club, was born in 1859, at Hildersham, Cambs., England, and came to Wanganui in 1877. For some years he was clerk to Mr. Edward Churton, accountant, and subsequently entered into business on his own account. He holds powers of attorney for several absentees, is auditor for some of the principal companies in Wanganui, and acts as agent for the Trade Auxiliary Company. In rowing matters he has taken a prominent part, having represented his club at various regattas, besides acting as captain for some years. He was a member of the Wanganui Rifles for sixteen years, occupying the position of colour-sergeant. Mr. Rodwell is married, and has two children.
holds its annual meeting in May. Officers (1896):—President, Hon. J. Bryce; captain and referee, Dr. Hatherly; secretary and treasurer, Mr. H. B. Williamson.
Officers (1896):— Messrs. C. H. Mitford (president), James Watt (captain), W. B. Cave (deputy-captain), L. V. Caldwell (treasurer), and W. H. McLean (secretary). The club, said to be one of the strongest on the West Coast, has a membership of 165. It has had a chequered career since its foundation, languishing and reviving at different periods, but now gives promise of permanent prosperity. Hawera is the only county club with which matches are played regularly. The club's colours are chocolate and gold, and the annual subscription is 25s.
associated with the Wanganui Cricket Club has the same officers and fifty members. There are five grass lawns in Victoria Park, leased from the Caledonian Society. The principal players are Messrs. W. H. McLean, C. H. Mitford. H. B. and L. P. Cave, and J. M. Marshall.
has been established several years. The clubs in the Union include the local town clubs, with their senior and junior teams, as well as those from the country, the district extending from Fordell to Waverley.
which was founded in 1880, has fifty playing members, equally divided between ladies and gentlemen, and fifteen non-playing ladies. The ground in Campbell Street is laid out in four courts, three being turfed and one asphalted. The officers (1896) were:—Messrs. W. H. Barnicoat (president), G. Marshall, J. M. Marshall, D. Meldrum, J. Harold, J. Fairburn (treasurer), and F. V. Kempthorne (secretary), who are all members of the committee.
which was established in 1896, has a membership of thirty. Monthly pigeon and glass-ball shooting matches are held at the rifle range, and a large prize meeting in March each year. Mr. H. S. G. Harper is the secretary.
is the oldest institution of its kind on the West Coast of the North Island. Three meetings are held during the year—in March, May, and October. The course and its appointments are admirable. The following are the officers for 1897:—President, Dr. R. C. Earle; vice-president, Mr. H. N. Harrison; judge, Dr. R. C. Earle; handicapper, Mr. J. O. Evett; clerk of the scales, Mr. E. A. Campbell; clerk of the course, Mr. D. McDonald; timekeeper, Mr. R. Higgie; hon, surgeon, Dr. Tripe; hon. veterinary surgeon, Mr. J. A. Hawke; hon. starter, Mr. C. H. Chavannes; committee, Drs. Connolly and Saunders, and Messrs. E. E. Fletcher, A. Higgie, A. J. Parsons, J. H. Nixon, and R. Anderson. Mr. F. R. Jackson is the secretary and treasurer.
Officers (1896):— Messrs. W. T. Owen (president), H. J. R. Tilly, Hon. Dr. Grace, M.L.C., W. Empson, and R. D'Anvers (vice-presidents), C. Patterson (captain), J. A. Hawke (vice-captain), and L. Cowan (secretary). This club, which was founded in 1894, has been very successful, and numbers from thirty-five to forty members. The Polo Sports held in connection with the Club, on the racecourse, are very popular.
holds its annual meeting in June. Officers (1896):— President and chairman, Mr. W. T. Owen; vice-president, Dr. R. C. Earle; secretary and treasurer, Mr. E. N. Liffiton, Ridgway Street, Wanganui.
—which was established in April, 1890—has thirty-two performing members, and gives three concerts a year in St. Paul's Hall. The committee (1896) were:—Messrs. F. R. Jackson (president), C. C. Kettle (vice-president), J. Stevenson, R. W. Green, W. H. Bird, J. L. Stevenson (treasurer), and W. Hall (secretary). Mr. Herbert Collier acts as conductor.
A.C.V., Teacher of Violin and Harmony Subjects, Bell Street, Wanganui. Born in 1870 at Perth, Western Australia, Mr. Beck was brought as an infant to the Colony. He was educated at the local boys' high school, and at Lord Cowper's School, Herefordshire, England. Returning to New Zealand again he was apprenticed to the mechanical and literary departments of journalism, but having a stronger taste for music he was taught locally. Turning his attention to the study of the violin, for which he has developed a special talent, he went to England in 1892, where he studied under Messrs. Malcolm Heywood, A.R.A.M., and Eugene Polonaski, F.V.C., editor of the London Violin Times. For harmony and theory he was a pupil of Mr. J. L. Gregory, Mus. Bac., F.R.C.O., London, under whom he obtained senior honours at Trinity College in this subject. He also received some practical hints in orchestration from Dr. F. J. Karn. Mr. Beck graduated at the College of Violinists in January, 1894, and in August of the same year was awarded the Associate Diploma of the College of Violinists, returning to New Zealand at the end of the
Teacher of the Piano and Singing and the Theory of Music, “The Oaks,” River Bank, Wanganui. Miss Black was born in Melbourne at the residence of her grandfather, Dr. Thomas Black, of “Cintra,” St. Kilda, and accompanied her parents to Auckland while still an infant. She was a pupil of Mr. J. H. Beale while in Auckland, and subsequently in Wellington of Mr. J. A. Edwards, who was at one time conductor and choirmaster of All Saints' Church, St. Kilda, Melbourne, which was reputed to have the best choir in the Australian colonies. Miss Black was pianist to the Choral Society of Wellington, of which Mr. Elwards was conductor. Miss Black studied singing and voice-production under Signor Carmini Morley, and subsequently returned to Auckland, where she was a pupil of Mr. Angelo Forrest, one of the best pianists in the Colony. For ten years Miss Black taught music in the Girls' High School in Wellington, Mr. Parker and herself being the first teachers appointed to give musical instruction in that school. During her residence in Wellington, Miss Black taught at St. Mary's Convent for four or five years. While resident in Auckland she taught at the Girls' High School. She has resided in Wanganui since 1893, and during the year 1894 was one of the teachers at the Boys' Collegiate School. Sh is one of the appointed teachers on the staff of the Girls' College. Miss Black has been very successful in training pupils for the Trinity College examination, and has a large connection.
Teacher of Music and Singing, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Mrs. Caffry was born in India, and educated in Scotland, Germany England, and France, arriving in Wellington, 1867. She has resided in Wanganui since 1867, and has taught music with success for fully twenty years. Displayed musical tendencies in very early life. Was a member of the Wanganui Harmonic Society, and has a number of pupils.
Professor of Vocal and Instrumental Music, “Aorangi Cottage,” Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Born in the month of March, 1866, in the city of Manchester, England, the subject of this sketch received his primary education at the Manchester Grammar School. Developing a taste for music at an early age, Mr. Consterdine was articled to Mr. R. H. Wilson, then well known as a musician and subsequently as choral director of the Hallé concerts at Manchester. After serving three years, and on completion of a thorough course of training in both theory and harmony, Mr. Consterdine began to teach music in the Old Country. After gaining some experience as a teacher, and having heard a good deal of the conditions of life at the Antipodes, he turned his longing eye towards the Southern Cross. In 1887 Mr. Consterdine determined on leaving his native country, and soon after arrival in Victoria he was appointed organist of St. Paul's Church, Geelong. He retained this position for four years, and at the same time engaged in the practice of his profession. On leaving Geelong he removed to Queensland, and settled in Maryborough, where he became organist of St. Stephen's Presbyterian Church, which office he held for three years. For a short period before coming to New Zealand Mr. Consterdine resided in Sydney, New South Wales, where he was conductor of the orchestra at the Criterion Theatre. In 1895 he landed in the Colony, and soon after settled in Wanganui, where he was appointed organist at Christ Church, Victoria Avenue, which position he held till the following year. Since locating in Wanganui Mr. Consterdine has been busily engaged in teaching both instrumental and vocal music, in which branches he has already been very successful. He makes a specialty of preparing students for the Trinity College examination, and though but a comparatively recent arrival he has already achieved distinction, one of his pupils having been the only candidate in Wanganui to pass the 1896 examination with senior honours. For some time Mr. Consterdine has acted as conductor for the Wanganui Operatic Society. Mr. Consterdine has ever been ready to render his assistance in promoting concerts and other entertainments of a charitable nature. He was complimented in the Wanganui journals for his ability as an author on a recent occasion, when some of his works were rendered by the society under his conductorship. There can be no doubt that, both as a teacher and as a composer, this gentleman enjoys excellent prospects.
Harpist, St. Hill Street, Wanganui. Miss Hatherly is a daughter of Dr. Hatherly, and was born in Nottingham, where she was educated.
Teacher of Music, St. Hill Street, Wanganui, Mrs. Newcombe was born in Pas de Calais, France. Her father was solicitor to the British Consulate at Boulogne-sur-Mer. She was educated in France, and studied music in London and on the Continent. Mrs. Newcombe teaches the piano only, and has been very successful in passing candidates for the London Trinity College examinations in music. She has also harmony classes for junior, intermediate, and senior pupils. Mrs. Newcombe has been a teacher in Wanganui since 1883.
Teacher of the Pianoforte and Singing, Music Studio, Campbell Street, Wanganui. Mrs. Price was born in Sydney, and educated by French, German, and Italian masters, on the continent of Europe. For twelve years past Mrs. Price has been teaching music. In Christchurch she gave several successful concerts with her pupils, under the patronage of Sir William Jervois. In January, 1892, Mrs. Price came to reside in Wanganui. She has now a great number of pupils at the studio, several of them taking the three subjects. She has already given several recitals and concerts, under the patronage of Lord Glasgow. Mrs. Price has three daughters, the Misses Evelyn, Claudia, and Violet, all of whom are highly musical, and are brilliant performers on the piano and violin, also possessing sweet soprano, voices of considerable range. Mrs. Price is also an excellent soprano, and her singing has been much appreciated, frequent encores being the result of every appearance. Mrs. Price's teaching is on the continental method. She prepares pupils for the Trinity College examinations. The studio is centrally situated not far from the ladies' college. Two rooms are especially furnished for the purpose of instruction, four excellent pianos being used.
Teacher of the Pianoforte and Violin, Music Studio, Wanganui. Miss Evelyn Price was born in Melbourne. She was educated at the Ladies' College, Napier, and at Miss Lohse's School for the higher education of girl in Christchurch. Her musical education was derived chiefly from her mother, but she also took violin lessons from Herr Schwarht, and from Mr. F. M. Wallace, of Christchurch. When but fifteen years of age, Miss Price gained ninety-five points out of a possible hundred for playing Chopin's Polonaise in A flat, winning the prize, a silver tea and coffee service, which was presented to her by the Mayor of Christchurch. Miss Price's first concert was given in the Oddfellows' Hall, Christchurch, when she was but sixteen years of age, and was a brilliant success. The Wanganui Chronicle of May 12th, 1892, refering to the concert in the Oddfellows' Hall, Wanganui, says: “Miss Evelyn Price accompanied the solos on the piano with great taste and skill. Miss Price has more than once shown herself to be one of those rare treasuries, a first-class accompanist.” The Wanganui Herald says: “Too much praise can hardly be extended to Miss Evelyn Price for the admirable manner in which she played her solos. Proved by her taste and facility of execution, her undoubted skill as one of the best pianists it has been our good fortune and pleasure to listen to. She also played two excellent violin solos with considerable artistic skill.” Her two sisters, Claudia and Violet have already shown great ability as pianists and violinists, and have received ovations and floral tributes whenever they have appeared in public.
Teacher of Music and Singing, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Private residence, No. 2 Line. Mr. Sparks is a native of London, where he received his musical education. He studied the piano and singing under Dr. O'Mara, Professor of Music, and for the organ under the celebrated F. 'V. Melon, composer of the opera “Victornie,” one of the best organists of the metropolis. While studying under the latter, Mr. Sparks was assistant organist at St. James's Church, Southwark. He was successful in winning a three years' scholarship in music under Mr. Lansdowne Cottell, R.A.M., who is now principal of the London Conservatory of Music. Mr. Sparks was one of the first students to take the harmony lessons under Dr. Bridge, at Trinity College, London. On completing his musical education in 1879, Mr. Sparks left London for the Colony, per ship “Hurunui,” arriving in Wellington. He at once came to Wanganui, and since settling in the district has acted, for about three years, as conductor of the Harmonic Society, and bandmaster of the Patea Rifle Band. Mr. Sparks is deservedly popular as a teacher of music and singing, as evidenced by the fact that his pupils number over fifty.
Music Teacher, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Mrs. Watt was born in Helensburgh, Firth of Clyde, Scotland, and came out to New Zealand in 1863, per ship “Princess,” arriving in Wellington after a passage of 135 days. Mrs. Watt was educated at Helensburgh and Glasgow and studied music as a part of her education, leaving school at the age of eighteen. She came to Wanganui in the early days of settlement, and has watched the growth of the town with considerable pride. For three years and nine months Mrs. Watt was teacher of the Kohi school, Waverley, She has been a prominent teacher of music in Wanganui since 1885, and has been very successful with her pupils. In April, 1894, Mrs
Martin, George Augustus, Professor of Music, Wilson Street, Wanganui.
Teacher of Painting and Drawing, old Colonial Bank Building, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Born in the Colony, this lady is a daughter of Mr. A. McNeill (late of the Royal Engineers), neice of General Sir John McNeill, and a cousin of the present Duchess of Argyll. Her early education was received in New Zealand, but her art studies were prosecuted in London at the studio of Sir James Linton, president of the Royal Institute. Returning to Wanganui early in 1896, Mrs. Jones commenced teaching. She holds special classes in her well-appointed rooms, and has a considerable number of pupils. She teaches painting at the Turakina Ladies' Classical School.
The Wanganui Chronicle Company, Limited, proprietors. Chairman of Directors and Editor, Mr. Gilbert Carson; Manager and Secretary, Mr. James Alfred Young, Chronicle Office, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Telegraphic and cable address, “Chronicle, Wanganui.” Telephones. P.O. Box 104. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This progressive journal was founded in 1856 by Mr. Taylor. Mr. G. Carson purchased the property in 1874, and conducted the paper until 1889, when he disposed of his interest to the Wanganui Chronicle Company, Limited. The present building, which is constructed of wood and iron, is of two stories, and is held on lease. The Company have, however, just purchased a valuable freehold site at the corner of Taupo Quay and Wicksteed Place, on which commodious premises adapted to their requirements will shortly be erected. The Company's printing machinery consists of a wharfedale double imperial press, by William Dawson and Sons, of Otley, Yorkshire, two jobbing platen machines, a hand press, galley press, cutting, stitching and perforating machines, etc., and all that is required for a good newspaper and jobbing house. A vertical gas-engine of three-horse-power, built by Crossley, furnishes the necessary driving power. Besides a large local issue, the Chronicle has an extended circulation throughout the Wanganui and West Coast districts. The Wanganui Chronicle Company issue their paper as a morning journal, with a supplement each Saturday. The supplement is very attractively got up on the Tit-Bits plan, containing chess problems as a special feature, among many others. The size of the daily is twenty-eight by forty-four inches. The Weekly Chronicle is a twenty-page paper, demy quarto. In addition to the daily and weekly, the Company publish the Waimate Witness at Manaia. In politics the Chronicle claims to be Liberal, while it takes the liberty of opposing the present Government. The Company are subscribers to the Press Association, and are thus able to furnish their readers with all late cables almost immediately after they are received in the Colony. Mr. Carson, who conducted the paper for fifteen years on his own account, still acts as editor and chairman of directors. In 1896 the Chronicle removed to new premises erected for the Company at the corner of Taupo Quay and Wicksteed Place, where the business is now carried on.
(proprietors, The Wanganui Herald Newspaper Company, Limited). Chas Walker, Manager. Printing and registered offices, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Herald, Wanganui.” Telephone 43; P.O. Box 87. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Manager's private residence, Taylorville. The Wanganui Herald was established by the late Hon. J. Ballance about the year 1867. Since its inauguration it has been regularly published, and is well known, not only in the Wanganui and West Coast districts, but throughout the entire Colony. In politics the Herald has always advocated Liberal measures. It renders a strong support to the present Government. In its early days the late Mr. Ballance was its editor for many years, and during Mr. Ballance's absence on Parliamentary duties in Wellington, Mr. John Notman for some years acted as editor. The present editor is Mr. Duigan, who has been well known in Wanganui for many years. The Herald is an evening paper, and may fairly be classed among the leading journals of the Colony. It is a four page sheet, twenty-eight by forty-four inches, having nine columns on each page, and is the recognised organ for Government advertising. The weekly issue is known as The Yeoman, a sixteen page covered journal, the sheet being twenty-six by forty inches. The Yeoman circulates mostly in the interior of the district, where mails do not suit for a daily delivery. The new building of the Wanganui Herald Newspaper Company, Limited, has lately been erected on Taupe Quay. It is of wood and iron, two stories in height, and stands on land leased from Mrs. Ballance. The building is admirably adapted to the requirements of the business. The plant includes two wharfdale double royal machines, by Messrs. W. Dawson and Son, of Otley, Yorshire, one being used for the paper and one for the jobbing work,
are held in the Courthouse, which is a wooden building situated in Market Square, at the junction of Ridgway and Bell streets. The building affords accommodation for the officers of the above courts, other Government officials, and for the sittings of the Supreme Court.
presides over the District Courts of Wanganui, Taranaki, and Wairarapa. He is also Stipendiary Magistrate for Wanganui and Taranaki, Registrar of the Supreme Court at Wanganui, with special powers of a Supreme Court Judge sitting in Chambers, Coroner, Judge of Assessment Courts, and Chairman of Licensing Committees. He is the eldest son of the late Mr. C. H. Kettle, of Littleborne House, Dunedin, where he was born on the 4th of June, 1850. Admitted a barrister of the Supreme Court on the 14th of July, 1873, Mr. Kettle practised his profession for seventeen years in Dunedin, and was appointed
District Court Judge for Wanganui and Taranaki on the 21st of February, 1890. Judge Kettle is a persistent advocate of the independence of the Bench of Justice, and has succeeded in thoroughly arousing public opinion on the question, which is strongly in favour of his contention. He has on several occasions petitioned Parliament on the subject, favourable reports from both Houses resulting. (See Hansard, 16th of October, 1894, page 803; and 12th of August, 1896, page 280).
Stipendiary Magistrate and Judge of the Native Land Court of New Zealand, is the eldest son of the late Mr. William Hughes Brabant, solicitor, of Savile Place, London, and of Cannon Hall, Hampstead, Middlesex. He was born in Curzon Street, Mayfair, London, on the 19th of March, 1838, and was educated at private schools and at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge. In June, 1859, he sailed from Plymouth in the ship “Joseph Fletcher,” Captain Pook, and landed at Auckland in September of the same year. He visited Taranaki a year later and served for a short time as a volunteer, but was engaged principally in farming pursuits up to June, 1867, when he entered the New Zealand Civil Service as clerk to the Bench at Raglan, on the West Coast of the Province of Auckland. He was appointed Resident Magistrate at Opotiki, in the Bay of Plenty, in December, 1871, which office he filled up to May, 1876, when he was transferred to Tauranga, remaining there until April, 1888. Mr. Brabant was appointed a Judge of the Native Land Court in December, 1886, and still holds this office. In April, 1889, he was appointed Resident Magistrate at Wanganui, and on the passing of the “Magistrates' Court Act, 1893,” he became a Stipendiary Magistrate of the Wanganui, Hawera, Marton' and several other Courts. Judge Brabant has filled a number of other important offices in conjunction with that of Magistrate. He was gazetted a captain in the New Zealand Militia in 1871. Three years later he was appointed a coroner for the Colony. From 1876 to 1888 he was in charge of native affairs in the Bay of Plenty district, and from 1876 to 1886 (except for a short interval) he was a commissioner under the “Tauranga District Lands Act,” and completed the sub-division of the confiscated lands under that Act in 1886. He was also the first chairman of the Rotorua Town Board, which office he held until the beginning of 1885. In 1893, in conjunction with Mr. District Judge Kettle, he was engaged in the preparation of the rules of practice and formulary under the “Magistrates' Court Act, 1893.”
Clerk of the Wanganui Stipendiary Magistrate's and District Courts, Deputy-Registrar of the Supreme Court, Sheriff, Clerk of the Licensing Committee, and Registrar of Electors, is the eldest son of Mr. Andrew Thomson, of Wanganui. He was born at Napier in 1864, and was educated privately. Joining the Magistrate's Court at Wanganui in 1878 as junior clerk, he was appointed clerk at Feilding in 1882, and relieving clerk in 1886. In 1890 he was appointed second clerk at Wellington, and in 1892 received his present appointment at Wanganui, having previously been admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court. Mr. Thomson was married in Dunedin to a daughter of Mr. F. J. Wilson, solicitor to the Public Trustee at Wellington. In aquatics he has always taken an active interest, having rowed in several races with distinction. As a footballer he has represented Wanganui, Manawatu, and Wellington, and was captain of the latter team in 1890. He is also known throughout the Colony as one of the most fair and impartial referees, with a thorough knowledge of the finer points of the Rugby game.
Barristers and Solicitors, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Telephone 1; P.O. Box 101. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences; Mr. Borlase, Bell Street; Mr. Barnicoat, Keith Street. Agents:—London, Messrs. Paine and Co., 14 St. Helen's Place, E.C.; Wellington, Messrs. Bell, Gully, and Izard; Auckland, Messrs. Hesketh and Richmond; Dunedin, Messrs. Stout, Mondy, Sim and Findlay; New Plymouth, Mr. Oliver Samuel. Mr. Borlase was admitted as barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court at Wellington in 1868, and Mr. Barnicoat at Nelson in 1875. Mr. Borlase is a notary public. Messrs. Borlase and Barnicoat are solicitors for the Bank of New Zealand, Bank of New South Wales, the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Wanganui Loan and Finance Company, the Wanganui Freezing Company, Castlecliff Railway Company, etc., and are agents for Messrs. Paine and Co., London; Messrs. Bell, Gully and Izard, Wellington; Messrs. Hesketh and Richmond, Auckland; Messrs. Stout, Mondy and Sim, Dunedin; and Mr. Oliver Samuel, New Plymouth.
Barrister and Solicitor, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Burnett, Wanganui.” Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Fordell. London agents, Messrs.
B.A. Barrister and Solicitor, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Victoria Avenue. Mr. Caffry was born in Ireland, and educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where he took classical honours. He graduated in 1841, and was admitted a solicitor of the Irish Courts, Easter Term, 1845. He came to the Colony in 1863, and was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand. Mr. Caffry has practised in Wanganui since 1867.
(Samuel Thomas Fitzherbert, M.A., Trin. Col., Camb., and Gifford Marshall), Barristers and Solicitors, Wanganui. London agents, Messrs. Wynue, Holme and Wynne, 10 New Court, Lincoln's Inn. Mr. Fitzherbert, of the Inner Temple, was called to the English bar on the 17th of November, 1871, and is a member of the Western Circuit. In 1872 and 1873 he practised in British Guiana and the West Indies, and arriving in New Zealand in September, 1874, he was admitted as barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in November. He has since practised in Wanganui, and has been Crown Solicitor and Crown Prosecutor for the Wanganui District for many years. Mr. Marshall, having served his articles under Mr. Fitzherbert, was admitted a barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in December, 1882, and joined Mr. Fitzherbert in partnership in January, 1885. The firm are solicitors to the Bank of Australasia and the National Bank of New Zealand at Wanganui, the Wanganui Harbour Board, Wanganui Education Board, Wanganui County Council, Wanganui Hospital Board, and Wanganui and Patea Charitable Aid Board, &c.
(William James Tread-well and Thomas Lloyd), Barristers and Solicitors, Rutland Chambers, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Telephone 21; P.O. Box 50. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Treadwell, Durietown; Mr. Lloyd, Campbell Street. Agents: Wellington, Messrs. Stafford, Treadwell, and Field; Auckland, Messrs. Devore
B.A, L.L.B., Barrister and Solicitor, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Telephone 99; P.O. Box 122. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, St. John's Hill. Agents: New Plymouth, Mr. J. B. Roy; Palmerston North, Mr. T. B. Crump. Mr. Watt is solicitor to the Waitotara County Council. He is captain of the Alexandra Cavalry, and further particulars will he found in that connection.
Cook, Charles, Barrister and Solicitor, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Hogg, D., Barrister and Solicitor, Ridgway Street, Wanganui.
L.R.C.S., (Edin)., L.R.C.P., (Edin.), L. and L.F.M.P. and S. (Glas.), Physician and Surgeon, Campbell Street. Wanganui. This medical man, who was for some time practising in Ashurst, removed to Wanganui where he commenced to practise in 1895.
L.M. (1868), L.R.C.S. (Ireland, 1868), Physician and Surgeon, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Dr. Connolly has for many years practised in Wanganui.
L.R.C.S. (Eng.), L.S.A. (Lond.), Physician and Surgeon, Wicksteed Street, Wanganui. Dr. Earle, who is a native of Devonshire, came to the Colony in 1866 by the ship “Weymouth,” which brought out the Cook's Strait cable, and landed at Wellington in July of the same year. Soon afterwards he settled in Wanganui, and filled the positon of surgeon of the Wanganui Hospital at the time of the Maori war. Dr. Earle is thus one of the oldest medical practitioners on the West Coast of the North Island. As a true sportsman he is, perhaps, almost better known than as a doctor. For thirty years he has been closely connected with the Wanganui Jockey Club, in which he has held the positions of president, judge, and chairman of committee, for many years. Dr. Earle still continues to practise his profession in Wanganui, and is well known and widely respected, both in his capacity as a medical man and as a sportsman. He is a member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, and became a Licentiate of the Society of Apothecaries, London, in 1864.
M.R.C.S., England; L.R.C.P., Edinburgh, L.S.A., L.M., St. Hill Street, Wanganui. Dr. Hatherly was born in London and educated in France at the college of Boulogne. He studied medicine at the Westminister Hospital, London, and in Paris and took his M.R.C.S., L.S.A., and L.M. degrees about 1864. At Edinburgh, about 1870, Dr. Hatherly tool; the L.R.C.P. degree. The doctor practiced in Nottingham from the date of his qualification until leaving for New Zealand, in 1893, per s.s. “Southern Cross.” He was surgeon to the hospital for women in Nottingham, and held many other appointments He has been a frequent contributor to the English medical journals, notably the Lancet, British Medical Journal, and the Provincial Medical Journal.
M.B., London, 1885, M.R.C.S., England, 1884; L.S.A., 1885, Physician and Surgeon, Harrison Place, Wanganui,
M.B., Bach. Sur., Camb. 1889, M.R.C.S., England, L.R.C.P., London, Physician and Surgeon, Campbell Street, Wanganui.
England; L.R.C.P., Edinburgh; Physician and Surgeon, Guyton Street, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Dr. Tripe belongs to an old Devonshire family who trace their ancestors back to the reign of Edward the Fourth. His father was in 1814 surgeon of Her Majesty's ship “Grampus,” 84 guns, line-of-battleship. Dr. Tripe was born in London and educated at the London Hospital College. In 1859 he obtained his M.R.C.S. degree and in the following year, at Edinburgh, that of L.R.C.P. Dr. Tripe came to the Colony (landing at Wellington) in 1862, per ship “Asterope,” one of the Aberdeen clipper line. He practised in Picton and was appointed provincial surgeon until the year 1873, when he removed to Wanganui. He has been prominent there as a medical man ever since. Dr. Tripe has been a J.P. for twenty-seven years, having been appointed in the year 1869. At that time he was made a coroner, which office he held for many years. In 1865 Dr. Tripe was appointed medical officer of the New Zealand Militia in Marlborough. He is senior medical officer of the defence forces for the Wanganui district of the North Island with the rank of brigade surgeon, and the official status of a lieutenant-colonel. Dr. Tripe was honorary surgeon to the Alexandra Cavalry, whom he accompanied to Parihaka at the time of the now historic expedition.
Dentist, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Brookfield, Wanganui.” Telephone 57. Mr. Brookfield studied for his profession with Mr. A. W. Chatfield, dentist, of Auckland, completing his course in 1887. He passed the prescribed examinations at Dunedin and received his certificate from the New Zealand University as a dental surgeon.
Dental Surgeon, Guyton Street, Wanganui. Mr. Forlong passed the necessary examinations and received his certificate from the New Zealand University at Dunedin as a Dental Surgeon about 1888. He purchased the present practice In 1892, and erected the premises now in his occupation.
Greenwood, John Charles, Dentist, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui.
Chemist and Druggist, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Gatenby, Wanganui.” Telephone 5; P.O. Box 44. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Mr. Gatenby established the present business in 1888. His fine shop is centrally situated in Victoria Avenue, and his business extends all over the West Coast of the North Island as well as to other parts of New Zealand. He is a direct importer from London and America of everything required in connection with his extensive business. Mr. Gatenby is proprietor of a very large number of specialties and household remedies, among which are the following:—Gatenby's Podophyllin Pills, Antibilious Pills, Cough Mixture, Santonine Worm Powders, Carbolised Saponaceous Tooth Powder, Nervine, Carbolised and Healing Ointment, Quinine and Iron Wine, Sarsaparilla, Pure Essential Extract of Eucalyptus, Perrodo Corn and Wart Cure, Anodyne Liniment, Little Liver Pills,
Pharmaceutical Chemist, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Telephone 40; P.O. Box 30. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. This business was originally established in 1853, and was carried on for a number of years by Mr. Wakefield, for whom Mr. Kitchen acted as chief assistant. On the death of Mr. Wakefield in 1890, the subject of this notice took over the business, which he has since successfully conducted.
(H. B. Willimson), Chemist and Druggist, Wanganui. Dispensary, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Telephone 45. This old-established business is situate in Victoria Avenue, near the Post-office, and opposite the Butland Hotel. The large and convenient shop is fitted up with handsome show-cases, which contain a large stock of perfumery, patent medicines, and toilet requisites. Mr. Williamson has all the necessary stock to enable him accurately to prepare any prescriptions with which he may be entrusted.
Salek, William, Chemist and Druggist, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
Medical Herbalist, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Nosworthy, Wanganui.” Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. Agents: London, Messrs. Potter and Clarke, 5, 6, and 7 Raven Row, Artillery Lane, E.C.; New York. Messrs. Peek and Velsor, 9 Gold Street. Mr. Nosworthy was born in Plymouth, Devonshire, and left his native town for Melbourne, per ship “Dover Castle,” in 1858. In 1860 he arrived in New Zealand, and has since been engaged in business in various parts of the Colony. In 1890. he began as above. His premises are fairly large, and centrally situated, being close to the Rutland Hotel, and his stock is well kept up by regular importations from England and America. Being the only herbalist in the district, he does a good business. Since beginning in Wanganui, Mr. Nosworthy has been successful in achieving some really wonderful cures, in many cases where the patients have been given up by the doctors as absolutely incurable. Testimonals in support of this statement may be seen in Mr. Nosworthy's shop. A list of some thirty-four preparations shows that Mr. Nosworthy is most energetic in business. The demand of the public for them, and the results which have followed their use, have fully justified him in placing them upon the market, Nosworthy's “Balm of Gilead” is said to be a really wonderful remedy for bronchitis, la grippe, etc., and Nosworthy's Triumph Liverwort Kidney Cure has actually cured a case of Bright's disease that had been given up by all the doctors. Nosworthy's Concentrated Sarsaparilla, for purifying the blood, has also been proved a specially good remedy. The same may be said of his Chronic Headache Cure the Influenza Mixture, the Eye Wash, the Triumph Indigestion Remedy, and many others.
is situated in the centre of the business portion of Victoria Avenue, in close proximity to the post-office. The building—a substantial two-story edifice—contains the usual banking chambers, manager's room, and residence. The manager of the Wanganui branch is Mr. A. Stedman.
The Wanganui branch has been established for several years. The banking chambers are situated in a handsome, two-story, wooden building in Ridgway Street, near the post-office. In addition to the banking offices there is a manager's residence attached. Mr. Edward Turner is in charge of the Wanganui branch.
Wanganui, occupies an imposing two-story structure in the business part of Victoria Avenue. The manager is supported by a staff consisting of an accountant and six officers. The branch was opened in 1862.
the Manager of the Bank of New Zealand, is the eldest son of the late Major John Nixon, who came to New Zealand, under the auspices of the New Zealand Company, in 1840. The subject of this notice was born in 1853 at Nelson, and was educated at the Wanganui Collegiate School. Having passed the Civil Service Examination in 1871, the joined the Bank of Australasia in April, 1872, and after six years in that institution he received an appointment in the National Bank of New Zealand. In 1880 he entered the Colonial Bank, becoming accountant on the establishment of the Wanganui branch. In 1889 he was promoted to the position of manager, and on the amalgamation of the two banks in 1895, he became manager of the Bank of New Zealand at Wanganui. Mr. Nixon's residence—“Sedgebrook Grange”—on the left bank of the Wanganui River, is a very picturesque spot. In sporting circles he is held in high repute, having been a prominent member of the Wanganui Jockey Club for twenty years. He breeds thoroughbred horses, and has a herd of pedigree Jersey cattle, and for some time past has been a large prize-taker at the local agricultural and pastoral shows. Mr. Nixon was married in 1884 to Miss Gray, of Wanganui, and has five children.
Limited, is situated in a two-story wooden building in Victoria Avenue.
Manager of the Nationa Bank at Wanganui, is the fourth son of the late Dr. A. B. Cutfield, who practised his profession in Deal, Kent, where Mr. Cutfield was born in 1854. Educated at Epsom College, he went into the London and County Bank, and was with that institution for eight years—from the 10th of July, 1871, On leaving England for New Zealand he was the recipient of a testimonial from the general manager of the Bank in London. He came to New Zealand on a visit to his friends, and taking a liking to the country he decided to remain. He was appointed teller in 1879 to the New Plymouth branch of the National Bank, and subsequently became manager at Wanganui. Mr. Cutfield is married, and has six children.
(Fire and Marine), Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Telephone, 25; P.O.
Manager of the Wanganui branch of the New Zealand Insurance Company, who was appointed to that position in 1892, is the eldest son of Mr. E. B. Parsons, secretary of the Auckland Gas Company. Born at Dunedin in 1865, and educated at the Auckland College and Grammar School, he obtained his first experience of insurance matters with the New Zealand Accident Insurance Company. In 1881 Mr. Parsons joined the New Zealand Insurance Company, as a junior clerk, eventually rising to the position of chief clerk at the Auckland branch. Mr. Parsons is a churchwarden of the parish of Christ Church, Wanganui, which he represents on the Diocesan Synod. [In February, 1897, Mr. Parsons was promoted to the charge of the Christchurch branch.]
Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Resident agent, Mr. John Fairburn. The Wanganui district agency of this important Government Department has been established for many years.
Resident Agent for the Wanganui District, was appointed in May, 1889. Born in Germany in 1865, he came to the Colony two years later, and was educated in Auckland. He joined the Government Life Insurance Department on leaving school.
Wanganui branch, Victoria Avenue. P.O. Box 15. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Chief office for New Zealand, Customhouse Quay, Wellington. This branch was established in Wanganui about 1893, previous to which time the Company was represented by agents. A large business is transacted between the Rangitikei River and New Plymouth, the sub-agencies numbering twenty.
District Manager of the Phœnix Assurance Company, who is also agent for the Scottish Metropolitan Accident Assurance Company and the New Zealand Plate Glass Insurance Company, was born in 1865 at Dunedin, where he was educated. Entering the employ of Messrs. Neill Bros., general merchants, Dunedin, in 1880, he remained in the business for eleven years. The firm were agents for the Phœnix Company, and when that company opened a branch at Dunedin Mr. Hall became one of the staff. He was promoted in 1893 to the office of manager for the Wanganui District. He is a member of the committee of the Wanganui Fire Insurance Association, and is also a member of the Wanganui Cricket Club, the Football Referees' Association, the Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club, and the Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society.
(Fire and Marine), Wanganui Agency, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Mr. Morton Jones, branch manager. This office, which does business over the district extending from Rangitikei to Ngaire, was opened in 1878, Mr. Jones, the present manager, having held that position since its inception.
J.P., Branch Manager of the South British Insurance Company, was born in Canada in 1839, was educated at St. John, New Brunswick, and came to New Zealand in 1860. He was auctioneering in Auckland till 1878, when he took up his present position.
(Albert Barnes), Auctioneer, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. P.O. Box 3. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Barnes is a native of Lowestoft, Suffolk, and came to New Zealand in 1857, per ship “Midlothian,” landing in Wellington. He has been resident in Wanganui since 1860. The present business was established in 1874 by Messrs. Barnes and Wilson, and has been conducted by Mr. Barnes personally for many years. It is purely an auctioneering and commission agency business, the cattle trade having been established in 1880. The Campbelltown yards accommodate 300 head of cattle and 5000 sheep, the yards at Turakina 100 head of cattle and 2000 sheep, and those at Fordell 150 cattle and 4000 sheep. Mr. Barnes has been a Justice of the Peace for many years. He is an ex-member of the Wanganui School Committee, and was for many years vestryman and church-warden of Christ Church, Wanganui.
Auctioneer and Commission Agent, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Chadwick, Wanganui.” Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Plymouth Street. Mr. Chadwick was born in London, and after following the sea for eight years, came out of Melbourne in January, 1853, per ship “Allapore.” He was brought up as an engineer in England, and was employed in the fitting up of machinery at the London Exhibition of 1851. On his arrival in Australia with his wife and family in January, 1853, Mr. Chadwick was all over the various goldfields, and as an auctioneer sold a considerable number of Government townships within 100 miles of Melbourne. He resided in Victoria and New South Wales altogether about eight years, and came to Dunedin in the 1861 rush. He was at the Dunstan, Lake Wakitipu, Foxes, and other goldfields, and was in business in Dunedin at the time of the Hokitika rushes. He went to Havelock, and after a short stay came on to Wanganui in the year 1865, since which time he has been closely associated with the growth and development of the town. As an auctioneer Mr. Chadwick has been prominent. He despatched the first shipments of cattle to the West Coast and elsewhere, and built the first cattle wharf on the Wanganui River, thus obviating the disagreeable necessity which had hitherto existed of driving the animals into the river, and hoisting them on to the vessel in a wet condition. For
Insurance, Land, Estate, and Financial Agent, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Mr. Ferguson was formerly the Wanganui District representative for the Colonial Mutual Life Insurance Company, and in 1896 received the appointment of district agent. Mr. A. McDuff looks after the property department of Mr. Ferguson's business, the travelling representative being Mr. D. Smart. Possessing special advantages for the disposal of properties, Mr. Ferguson has money for advance on approved security in sums ranging from £5 to £5000. Mr. Ferguson, who was born at Belfast, Ireland, came to New Zealand in 1880, and was in business with Messrs. Matson and Co., of Christchurch, for five years. Since coming to Wanganui he had charge of the works office of the Wanganui Meat Freezing Company for three years. In all out-door sports he is a thorough enthusiast, and acts as honorary secretary for several of the clubs, promoted with the idea of fostering athletic exercises. Mr. McDuff, who is a native of Victoria, has had experience in the property and financial business, for which his early training makes him specially adapted.
(F. R. Jackson, and F. A. Krull), Auctioneers, Stock and Station Agents. Office, Victoria Avenue; Yards, St. Hill Street, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Jackson, Wanganui.” Telephone 16; P.O. Box 100. Bankers,
Auctioneer, Valuator, and Commission Agent, Commercial Sale-Rooms, Victoria Avenue Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Keesing, Wanganui.” Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, St. Hill Street. Mr. Keesing is a native of Auckland, where he learned his business as a plumber, and for ten years after coming to Wanganui he carried on business in that line. For two years previous to that he was in business in One-hunga. In 1886 he established the present auctioneering business and occupies a large one-story building of wood and iron which was altered to suit the business. His trade extends all over the Colony. He is an importer of English furniture and also hardware, and conducts sales in and out of doors as required. Mr. Keesing is known as an amateur-theatrical stage manager. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of which he is a “past master,” and holds the office of Assistant Grand Registrar of the Grand Lodge of New Zealand. Mr. Keesing is a member of the oddfellows' fraternity, and a J.P.
Auctioneer and Accountant, Ridgway Street, Wanganui.” Telegraphic address “Liffiton, Wanganui.” Telephone 21. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Cavie House, Ingestre Street. The present business was established by Mr. Liffiton in 1871, and has been successfully carried on by him since that date. He is agent for the Standard Insurance Company, and represents the Industrial School Estate, which includes about 250 acres in the town of Wanganui. He has also large private agencies. His specialties are land and finance, including the investment of moneys and the management of estates on behalf of absentees. Before establishing the above business Mr. Liffiton was for three years clerk in a mercantile office, and previous to that, for about thirteen years, he was a farmer and farm manager, but owing to an unfortunate accident, in which he and his horse fell over a cliff at Whangarei, Mr. Liffiton had to abandon that class of work.
Land and Commission Agent, Phœnix Chambers, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Lundon, Wanganui.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, corner Ingestre and Harrison Streets. Agents: Wellington, Mr. L. Coupland; Auckland, Messrs. Cooke and Cooke; Christchurch, W. Tonks; Hawera, C. E. Major. Mr. Lundon established himself as above in 1890. His offices are in the very busiest part of Wanganui. Besides his general business, he is agent for Mr. L. Coupland, Wellington; Messrs. Cooke and Cooke, Auckland; Mr. W. Tonks, Christchurch; Mr. C. E. Major, Hawera. Mr. Lundon is sole agent for Mr. J. Provost's now celebrated cider, and has sub-agents all over the Colony and throughout Australia. Provost's cider is said to be of really excellent quality, a fact well proved by the demand which exists for it in the sister colonies. In some parts of the Colony, especially Hawkes Bay, it has an ever ready sale. The manufactory for this cider is at Mosstown, a distance of about two miles from Wanganui. Mr. Lundon is Cook's tourist agent, secretary for the
Get on the soil, young man; get on the soil!” is the advice given by the subject of this sketch, and from the quantity of land which Mr. Lundon passes through annually, there can be no doubt but that many appreciate the wisdom of the injunction. Mr Lundon was born at Otahuhu, near Auckland, and educated at the Auckland Grammar School
F.I.A., N.Z., Customhouse, Commission, Insurance, and General Agent, and Accountant, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Further particulars of Mr. Rodwell will be found under “Wanganui Bowling Club,” of which he is secretary.
Office, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Directors: Messrs. R.M. Gatenby (chairman), H.L. Peake (vice-chairman), G. Calman, G. W. Collins, T. Dickson, J.H. Keesing, N. Meuli, C. W. Poynter, and Dr. Hatherly; solicitor, Mr. C. Burnett; secretary, Mr. C. L. Duigan. This society, which was established in September, 1896, has already met with a large amount of support.
Blake, W. J., Insurance and General Commission Agent, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Established 1885
Vine and Vine (Henry Grafton Vine), Commission and General Agents, Wicksteed Place, Wanganui. Established 1895.
Woon, James Garland, Commission and Customhouse Agent, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.
F.R.I.B.A., Aichiteet and Sanitary Engineer, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Atkins, Wanganui.” Telephone 100. Private residence, Carlton. Mr. Atkins is a native of London, and was educated in that city and in Birmingham. He is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, an Associate Member of the Institute of Civil Engineers,
and a member of the Sanitary Institute. He has practised his profession in Wanganui for about fifteen years. His practice extends over the West Coast, where he is well known. Among the many buildings designed and supervised by him may be mentioned the Wanganui Hospital, the Wanganui Girls' College, the Technical School, Messrs. Sclanders and Co.'s and Messrs. Thain and Wanganui Chronicle buildings, and also a considerable number of the private residences in the district. Mr. Atkins has also designed and supervised the erection of many other works of a special nature, including fell- mongery, “boiling-down,” with all adjuncts, for the Wanganui Meat Freezing Company, also butter factory and creameries for the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company, the Public Baths, and the Museum Wanganui. As architect to the Wanganui Board of Education, Mr. Atkins has designed and supervised the erection of a considerable number of school buildings, of which the schools in Campbell and College Streets, Palmerston North, may be quoted as examples embodying the latest principles of school arrangement.
(William Pinches), Architects and Factors, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Pinches, Wanganui. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, River Bank. London Agent, Mr. John Pinches, Oxenden Street, E.C. Mr. Pinches is a native of London, and left in the year 1873 for New Zealand per ship “Hurunui,” arriving in Wellington early in 1874. He was apprenticed to the well-known firm of Messrs. Harrold and Sons, architects and civil engineers, of London, completing his term in 1870. He was then appointed chief draughtsman for the Colne Valley Ironworks, Essex, which situation he retained until leaving for New Zealand. Mr. Pinches established himself as above in 1880. The offices are centrally situated and commodious, the building being of wood and iron, with two lofty stories. During the time Mr. Pinches has been practising his profession on this coast he has erected no less than sixteen hotels, varying from twenty to fifty rooms each, besides a large number of shops, private houses, stores, etc. Mr. Dalziel's residence, Hunterville, a handsome edifice of twenty-four rooms, Mr. D. W. Palmer's residence in Wanganui, a splendid house of twenty-six rooms, and others, which comprise some of the finest business premises in Victoria Avenue, Wanganui, are among those designed and erected by Mr. Pinches. Messrs. Pinches and Co. have quite recently initiated a most remarkable scheme, and one that is likely to revolutionise the building trade of this part of the Colony. In an exceedingly neat circular of some dozen pages issued by the firm, specifications, plans, and agreements for any kind of home are offered free, on the condition that the firm supply the building materials. By this it is calculated that a saving of at least ten to fifteen per cent. will accrue to those availing themselves of this exceptionally valuable offer. Clients at a distance are furnished with the necessary trial plans and preliminary sketches through the post, it being necessary for the client merely to state the price to which he is prepared to go, and the number and nature of the rooms required. This firm also claim a special advantage, inasmuch as their extended experience enables them to accurately guess and estimate all the requirements in such a manner as to save all extras. As a patent agent, Mr. Pinches has had wide experience in the preparation of drawings and specifications for patents, and being a practical engineer and draughtsman his assistance and advice are naturally of great value.
Garrett, Roland, C.E., Authorised and Licensed Surveyor, Ridgway Street, Wanganui.
Jacobsen, T. B., Architect, Ridgway Street, Wanganui.
Photographer, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Telegraphic address “Martin, Wanganui.” P.O. Box 4. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Martin is a native of England, and came to Lyttelton in 1866, by way of Melbourne. He opened his studio in Wanganui in 1882. He has first-class premises in Victoria Avenue, including a wood and iron building of two stories in height, erected on leasehold ground for the purposes of the business. The total floorage space afforded by the premises exceeds 7000 square feet. There is a splendid vestibule in front, which is literally filled with striking specimens of Mr. Martin's work. Mr. Martin's studio is a very fine workroom thirty-six feet by eighteen feet, constructed on the most approved plan. The upper story of the main building contains seven rooms, each devoted to the various branches of work, and provided with every convenience. Mr. Martin has been long known as a first-class artist, and there are few houses in the vicinity of Wanganui that do not contain samples of his work. His trade extends throughout the Colony. He is an importer of photographic goods, and undertakes both portraiture and landscape work. Mr. Martin was previously in business in Christchurch for about five years.
Photographer, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Partington, Wanganui” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Taylorville. Mr. Partington established himself as above in 1891, and has during that short time worked up a very good business. He was born in Auckland, his parents being among the early settlers. He learned his business partly with Mr. Bartlett and partly with Messrs. Hemus and Hanna, of Auckland. He was subsequently in partnership with Mr. Josiah Martin, one of the leading photographers of Auckland, and in conjunction with that gentleman was the first to introduce into Auckland what is known as instantaneous photography. While still in Auckland he was at a later period in partnership with Mr. Kinsey, who is now in business in Wellington. After this Mr. Partington went into business on his own account in Grey Street, Auckland, where he remained for some seven or eight years, until, in 1891, the block of which his studio was a part was consumed by fire. He then removed to Wanganui, and took his present most centrally-situated premises, being a part of the first floor of Messrs. Paul and Co.'s drapery warehouse. Mr. Partington claims to have introduced artistic protography into this district, and certainly his specimens of portraiture are exceedingly fine. As the people of Wanganui and the surrounding district become more accustomed to high-class work, Mr. Partington's business will undoubtedly rapidly increase. His work will compare well with the best that is produced in this Colony, and his prices are such that no advantage can be gained by passing him over to give preference to the larger establishments of the older cities. His studio is handsomely fitted, and his suite of apartment is equal to all the requirements of the district for many years.
Dunlop, John, Photographer, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Established 1891.
Baker, Pastrycook, and Confectioner, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. The business was established in 1873 by the father of the present proprietor-the late Mr. James Bain—who came to Wanganui in the sixties, and was with Mr. John Hurley, who had the oldest business in the town. The concern was carried on till the end of the lease of the premises in 1895 by Mr. W. Hogg, and in that year Mr. Bain, who had learned the business with the former gentleman, decided to take it over on his own account. The building, which is two stories high, has a frontage of 33 feet to the Avenue, the shop being double-fronted. Miss Bain supervises the retail department. The private sitting and refreshment rooms—one of which is very large—are all well appointed. The Staunton Chess Club meets on the first floor of Mr. Bain's establishment. The factory at the rear is under Mr. Bain's own personal supervision, and here he makes a specialty of the manufacture of confectionery, three hands being employed. Mr. Bain was born in 1872 in Wanganui, where he received his education.
Baker and Confectioner, Bon Accord Bakery, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Mr. Cormack was born in Aberdeenshire, and was brought up to the confectionery business, having served five years, completing his term in 1884. He came to New Zealand per s.s. “Kaikoura,” arriving in Wellington the 27th February, 1887. He came to Wanganui not long after landing, and was with Mr. Hogg for over two years. The present business was established in July, 1889, and has been continued since that time. The large new premises occupied by him in Victoria Avenue comprise a fine shop, a comfortable refreshment-room, and sample accommodation for the private requirements of the family. Behind the main building a large new bakehouse, fitted with a splendid furnace oven, has been constructed. Mr. Cormack has all necessary horses and carts for the delivery of his goods to his customers, who reside within a radius of some miles. Mr. Cormack is a member the Presbyterian Church.
Baker and Confectioner, Devon Bakery, Wicksteed Place, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Dustin, Wanganui.” Telephone 81. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Dustin established himself as above in 1880. He has a fine large establishment of wood and iron and two stories in height, which, with the adjoining shops on either side, is his own freehold. The premises
Baker and Confectioner, Wanganui Steam Biscuit and Confectionery Works, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Telephone 52. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, St. Hill Street. This business, which was established in 1873, is conducted in a building of two stories, the ground-floor being the shop and four refreshment rooms, one of which is of large proportions; upstairs there are two additional rooms, where parties may have their afternoon tea. The premises, which have recently been erected by Messrs. Russell and Bignell, adjoin the Bank of Australasia, and are but a few steps from the post-office. The bakery, biscuit, and confectionery factory, at the rear of the shop, is supplied with a most modern plant, and is personally managed by Mr. Hogg, five hands being engaged. The retail branch is under the supervision of Mrs. Hogg, several waitresses being employed in attending to the wants of patrons. Mr. Hogg was a lad when he came to Wanganui, where he learned the trade.
Wholesale Fruiterer and Confectioner, the Wanganui Fruit Depot, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui; branch at Messrs. Cummins and Co.'s new buildings, Ridgway Street. The very best of chocolates and confectionery are stocked in both shops, including the newest and choicest brands from such makers as Cadbury, Rountree, etc., the result being that a brisk trade is done, and there is a very considerable demand for these toothsome delicacies. Mr. Weatherall, who was born in the year 1859 in Kent, England, received his education in the Old Country, and came to Lyttelton in 1882 in the “Florida.” He entered into business as a wood and coal merchant in Christchurch, where he continued for five years. After disposing of his business he went for a pleasure trip to the Old Country. Mr. Weatherall returned to New Zealand by the “Tongariro” in 1894, having greatly enjoyed his visit, and, coming direct to Wanganui, established himself in his present line of business. Kent, as is well known, is a noted place for its fruits, and during his visit to England Mr. Weatherall gained considerable experience in fruit-growing. He has met with much success in his undertaking in Wanganui, and has now the satisfaction of having the principal establishment of its kind in the town, enjoying, more-over, a large portion of the business of the Wanganui District. He has a number of employes, who are regularly employed, and
Abraham, A., Confectioner, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Established 1896.
Byres, George, Baker and Grocer, Bell Street, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established in 1878 by Mr. W. Hogg.
Hicks, G., Refreshment Rooms, Ridgway Street, Wanganui.
Kraus and Co. (W. H. Kraus), Bankers and Confectioners, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1892.
Riordan, Matthew, Baker and Confectioner, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1878.
Munro, Henry, Baker and Confectioner, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Established 1896.
(Hope Gibbons and Harry W. Hole), Brewers and Bottlers, Wanganui Brewery, Wanganui. Telephone 123; P.O. Box 38. Established in 1878, and purchased from Mr. T. B. Williams by the present proprietors in 1895, the trade is local, but is extending rapidly. The Wanganui Brewery has an excellent supply of artesian well-water, which is used in producing the beer. Five hands are regularly employed in the brewery. Mr. Hope Gibbons has had a large experience as a brewer, and this department, together with the general working of the brewery, is under his management. Mr. Harry Hole, the other partner in this well-known and old-established concern, has had a thorough experience in mercantile matters. For some time he was employed by Mr. Williams as traveller for the Wanganui Brewery. Since joining Mr. Gibbons in taking over the business, Mr. Hole has taken charge of the outside work of the firm, together with the financial management. Messrs. Gibbons and Hole are also bottlers of ale and stout, in which goods they transact a large trade, their brands being stated to be of very fine flavour and quality.
Brewer, Ridgway Brewery, Wilson Street, Wanganui. P.O. Box 133. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. The present owner has conducted this business, which was founded some thirty or forty years ago, since December 1888. The large three-story wood and iron building is well adapted to the purposes of the trade, and a six horse-power steam-engine is used on the premises. The business extends throughout the West Coast from Stratford to Longburn. Mr. Gibbs is a native of Cheshire, England, and came out to the colonies in 1877, by ship “Shannon,” to Melbourne, crossing over to this Colony by s.s. “Albion.” He has, since landing in New Zealand, been engaged in various occupations till purchasing the Ridgway Brewery as above.
the Manager of the Ridgway Brewery—a position he has held for six years—is highly respected, both in business and social circles in Wanganui, where he has resided many years. He is well known all along the West Coast of the North Island, and the success attending the establishment
Builder and Contractor, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Maria Place. Mr. Battle comes from a Trowbridge family, and was born in London. He left the Metropolis in 1874 per ship “Conflict,” arriving in Wellington the same year, and settled in Wanganui in 1875. Mr. Battle learned the business of a cabinetmaker with Mr. D. Ross, of Wanganui, completing his term in 1880. Almost immediately he turned his attention to the building line and built several churches up the river. The present considerable business was established in 1880, and Mr. Battle has conducted a growing trade since that time. The premises occupied by him consist of a leasehold building constructed of wood and iron, affording about 1800 feet of floorage space. On an average Mr. Battle employs about fourteen hands in connection with his various contracts. His trade extends along the West Coast of the North Island. During the course of his business Mr. Battle built the Bank of Australasia at Stratford and a large house for Mr. F. McBeth at Kiwitea. At the time of writing he was engaged in building a large and very beautiful residence in Victoria Avenue for Mr. G. Parker. Both the latter are from his own designs. Mr. Battle has built a large number of private residences in various parts of the West Coast. He is a member of the Volunteer Fire Brigade, and occupied the responsible position of foreman No. 1 for five years. He is now lieutenant and also fire-inspector. Mr. Battle has considerable abilities as a scenic artist, which he has displayed in connection with the Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society, and is besides an amateur photographer.
(Robert Russell and Arthur Bignell), Builders and Contractors, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Telephone 98 and 106; P.O. Box 90. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residences: Mr. Russell, St. John's Hill; Mr. Bignell, “Balgownie,” Heads Road. This, the oldest-established
Bricklayer and Contractor, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Born in 1857 in Kent, Mr. Wilson learned his trade with his father, a well-known contractor of Oxford. He came to Port Chalmers per ship “Sussex” in 1877. In 1895 he established himself in Wanganui and by energy and perseverence has gained a good business.
Abraham Bros., Builders and Contractors, Argyll Street, Wanganui.
Purnell, George, Fruiterer and Contractor, Harrison Street, Wanganui.
Flannary Bros., Contractors, Liverpool and Campbell Streets, Wanganui.
Johns, Henry Thomas, Builder and Contractor, Glasgow Street, Wanganui.
McGill, William and Co., Monumental Masons, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. This is a branch of the main business at Ingestre Street, Wellington.
Meuli, Nicholas, Builder and Contractor, St. Hill Street, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1885.
Oliver, Thomas Henry, Builder and Contractor, St. Hill Street, Wanganui. Established 1894.
Coachbuilder, Engineer, Farrier and General Blacksmith, Eureka Carriage Factory, corner. St. Hill and Ridgway Streets, Wanganui. Telegraphic address “Armstrong, Wanganui.” Telephone 102. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, St. Hill Street. Mr. Armstrong is a native of Newcastle and lived in Birmingham until he was nine years old. He came to New Zealand per ship “Alma” with his father in 1857, landing at Wellington. Mr. Armstrong learned his business with his father in Wanganui. The present large factory was established in 1865 by Mr. John Armstrong, with whom the present energetic proprietor was in partnership subsequently for seven years till 1880, since which time Mr. W. Armstrong has conducted the business on his own account. The freehold premises comprise separate buildings for the coachbuilding, blacksmith and engineering departments. A portable steam engine of eight-horse-power, by Rustin and Proctor, drives the lathes, planing, punching, screwing, drilling and other machinery. From seventeen to twenty hands are employed. The trade extends all over the West Coast of the North Island. Mr. Armstrong is an importer of all materials needed in the coachbuilding line. He is agent for the Deering harvesters, and White and Peerless sewing machines. Mr. Armstrong has several patents, among which may be named a water spreader, a tube cleaner for boilers, and a wire strainer. He is vice-president of the local chest club, a position which he has held for many years.
Coupe, H., Coachbuilder, Taylorville, Wanganui. Private residence, Guyton Street. Established 1879.
Dickinson and Sarten (Sampson Dickinson and Fred Sarten), Coachbuilders and Wheelwrights, Criterion Coach Factory, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1895.
James, John, Wheelwright, Contractor, and Undertaker, River Bank, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1886.
Aerated Water and Cordial Manufacturer, Liverpool Street, Wanganui. P.O. Box 105. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Hodren is a native of Coventry and was brought up chiefly in Birmingham. He came to New Zealand in 1873, per ship “Helen Denny,” and settled in Wanganui
Aerated Water, Cordial, and Golden Ale Manufacturers, “The Crystal Springs Mineral Water Works,” Campbell Place, Wanganui. Particulars concerning this prosperous business and its enterprising proprietors will be found under the Wellington branch on page 612, and under “Otaki.”
Painter and Decorator, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Telephone 63; P.O. Box 22. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Mary Bank. Mr. Hughes was born in Ireland, and left his native land per ship “Ashburton” in 1858 for Wellington. He learned the business with his father in Wanganui, his grandfather having been in the same line in the Old Country. The present business was established in 1860 by Mr. Richard Hughes, who is still living at the advanced age of seventy-six. He conducted the business for over twenty years and in 1880 handed it over to the present proprietor. The freehold premises occupied by Mr. Hughes includes a building of wood and iron and is two stories in height, which was built from plans by Mr. J. R. Wright, under Mr. Hughes's own supervision. A large and general stock of paperhangings and everything required in connection with the painters' and decorators' art is kept on the premises. Mr. Hughes is a direct importer of all lines required in business from the best markets of the Old World. He makes a specialty of importing the newest and most beautiful designs of paperhangings. Mr. Hughes has had the contract for decorating and finishing a good many churches and schools in the locality, and has lately completed the work on Messrs. Sclanders and Co.'s new warehouse in Taupo Quay. For some time Mr. Hughes was a member of the Wanganui School Committee. He has been interested in volunteer matters for about twenty-one years past, and in the old days was on military duty in the neighbourhood of Wanganui. He is at present lieutenant of the Wanganui Volunteer Rifles. As a Mason Mr. Hughes is a “past master” of St. Andrew Kilwinning Lodge, N.Z.C. He is also vice-president of the of the Union Boating Club.
Lipsham, C. E., Painter, etc., Campbell Street, Wanganui.
Sparks, Thomas, junr., Painter, corner of Guyton and Bell Streets, Wanganui. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1881.
Tingey, R. and E., Importer of Paints, Oils, Turps, Colours, Painters' and Artists' Materials, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1869.
(Peter D. Hogg and J. C. Brechin) Drapers, Tailors, Habit-makers, Milliners, Dressmakers, and Direct Importers, Aryeshire House, Victoria Avenue. Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Brechin, Wanganui.” Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residences: Mr. Hogg, River-bank; Mr. Brechin, Plymouth Street. This business was founded by Mrs. Hogg in 1866. The present firm have conducted the trade since 1886. The premises, which are freehold, were built by the firm from plans by Mr. W. Aiken, sen., and afford ample accommodation for the business, the building being of wood and iron two stories in height. From twenty to twenty-five hands are employed in connection with the various departments of the trade, which extends over the West coast of the North and South Islands. Everything required in the business is imported direct. A special buyer in London purchases the millinery. Mr. Hogg was born in Wanganui, and brought up to the business-with the founder. Mr. Brechin is a native of Hamilton, Scotland, and came out to Melbourne in 1853, removing to New Zealand in 1862. Mr. Brechin settled in Wanganui 1864 and was with Mrs. Hogg in this business for over eighteen years. He is a member of the session of St. Paul's Presbyterian Church. Mr. Hogg is an ex-councillor of the Wanganui Corporation, and further particulars concerning his successful career will be found under that head.
Draper, Clothier, and Outfitter, Cash Emporium, Ridgway Street (opposite the Theatre), Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Littlejohn, Wanganui.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence. Wilson Street. Mr. Littlejohn is a native of Ellon, Aberdeenshire, learned his business with Mr. Walter A. Frazer, of Dufftown, Banffshire, and gained further experience in the well-known establishment of Mr. Charles Meekings, of London. In 1879, Mr. Littlejohn left the Old World for New Zealand, per ship “Forfarshire,” and spent his first twelve years of colonial life in the employ of Messrs. Brown, Ewing and Co., of Dunedin. Thus equipped with British and Colonial experience, he soon after established himself as above. During the short time that Mr. Littlejohn has been in business in Wanganui, he has worked up a really good trade. His stock is good and well kept, and is turned over four times every year. He imports mainly from London and Manchester, and by his careful buying and cash system of selling is enabled to place his stock in the hands of consumers at the very lowest remunerative prices. As all classes have to be catered for, all classes of goods are imported. A good town and country trade is done in all branches of the business. The premises are centrally situated, being quite close to the Rutland Hotel and Post-office. The shop is between sixty and seventy feet deep, with a good frontage to Ridgway Street. Mr. Littlejohn is a member of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, but refrains from taking any active part what aver in public matters.
(Joseph Paul and Joseph James Buckrell), Drapers, Clothiers, Outfitters, Tailors, Dressmakers, Milliners, etc., Victoria Avenue and Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Telegraphic and cable address, “Paul, Wanganui.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. London agents, Messrs. Freeman Bros., Wardrobe Chambers, Queen Victoria Steeet, E.C. Private residences: Mr. Paul, “Riverlands,” Wanganui River; Mr. Buckrell, Church Place. The site of the splendid premises of this well-known and enterprising firm, at the corner of Victoria Avenue and Taupo Quay, was many years ago in the occupation of Mr. Abraham Cass, a gentleman who will be remembered by old Wanganui residents as having been in possession of this prominent business position. In 1879, the
Wanganui Herald of Friday, April 21st, 1881, gives the following interesting account of the changes that had been effected at that time:—“Calling in the aid of Mr. Randall, the builder, Mr. Paul has accomplished the works which we are about to describe. On the ground-floor two rooms are knocked into one, and the result is a shop 50 feet by 30 feet. This large apartment (in which, by the way, not an inch of space is lost, every conceivable compartment being filled with goods) is cleverly divided by a central show-case, the result being that not only is every department properly isolated, but that the proprietor (from his arguseyed desk) can survey every line of his multifarious business. Passing through an archway from the general shop the visitor reaches the ladies' show-room, 35 feet by 16 feet, and fitted up with a fine pier-glass, new show-cases, and other novelties bewildering to anything but a female mind. Upstairs Mr. Paul's establishment will be found to be a model arrangement, confirming the opinion (which we have often heard expressed by men of technical experience) that he possesses now the best-appointed, though perhaps not the largest, establishment in the Colony. On the upper floor one finds a reserve storeroom, 16 feet by 35 feet, which, when it possesses its proper fittings, will be indeed a handsome apartment. No. 2 is the blanket room, in which there is a very large stock; and Nos. 3 and 4 are reserved stockrooms, which, judging by the present appearances of Mr. Paul's premises, are never likely to want for tenants. Then comes, perhaps, the most important feature in the building—the ladies' dressing-room. This is to be carpeted, fitted with all necessary furniture (including a large pier-glass), and will enable either ladies or gentlemen to try on the goods they purchase, and thus save both the tradesman and themselves a great deal of trouble. On the upper story also will be found the dressmakers' room (in which several young ladies are deftly plying their fingers), and the tailors' and cutting rooms. Every one of these apartments is fitted up with all the latest improvements; and amongst them, perhaps, we can, in passing, count a first-class cutter whom Mr. Paul has specially imported from Melbourne. It should be said that every room in this very large establishment is lighted by gas, and the sun-lights in the main shop and in the windows are especially effective. These windows, by the way, exhibit a reflecting novelty. Instead of a bald expanse of glass with a calico screen behind it (which is the usual design in drapers' shops), Mr. Paul has sensibly fitted his windows with plate-glass, and divided their space from the shop by plate-glass also. The effect, therefore, of the windows is very striking when lighted up, especially the window at the corner of the Avenue, which, being of very large size, is particularly effective and available for skilful dressing. Upon the whole, it may be said that New Zealand cannot produce a more thoroughly perfect establishment than Mr. Paul's, or one in which a greater assortment of goods can be obtained.” Since the publication of the above notice, many important improvements have from time to time been made in the business establishment of J. Paul and Co., and it is now claimed for the shop and its appointments that it
mode. On entering the shop, the prospective customer is at once escorted to the particular department he or she is desirous of doing business with. While Mr. Paul himself exercises general supervision over the large staff employed, numbering at least thirty, the different departments are in charge of experienced managers, the general portion of this onerous work being undertaken by the junior partner, Mr. J. J. Buckrell. To give an idea of the magnitude of Messrs. Paul and Co.'s operations, it is estimated that fully £15,000 worth of goods is kept constantly stocked, and hardly a steamer comes into Wanganui River without numerous cases bearing the well-known brand “J. P. & Co., Wanganui.” With regard to trade transactions, they extend for many miles: it may be said east, west, north, and south—say from Taranaki, on the one hand, to Hawkes Bay on the other, and right into the heart of the country on both sides. It is almost impossible to ask for any line of goods in the drapery trade which cannot promptly be supplied, and that, too, in any quantity, and at a price which, it is claimed, has made the name of the establishment a household-word throughout the district of Wanganui. As should be in every well-conducted business, method is the predominant feature, and nowhere is this more prominent than in the counting-house, which is under the control of Mr. J. W. Kerby, one of the oldest members of the staff in the firm's employ, and himself at one time a Wellington draper and clothier of repute.
whose residence, known as “Riverlands,” appears in the engraving, was born in Somerset in 1839. Educated at Taunton, he chose a mercantile life, serving his apprenticeship with Messrs. Wooledge and Gibbs, drapers, of Taunton. When half the term of his indenture had been served a dissolution of partnership occurred and he went to London, being there associated with some of the leading drapery and soft-goods houses, where he gained considerable knowledge of the trade. In 1857 he went to Canada, returning to the Old Country the same year; but, having made up his mind for a colonial life, he left in 1859 for New Zealand, arriving in Nelson. After six months' residence in that part of the Colony he took a trip to Sydney, where he entered the employ of Messrs. F. Giles and Co., retail drapers. Returning shortly afterwards to Nelson, he started business on his own account, remaining for four or five years. After three years on the West Coast he removed to Wellington, where he joined the firm of Messrs. J. McDowell and Co., with whom he continued for five years. He
who entered into partnership with Mr. Paul, his uncle, in 1887, was brought up to the soft-goods trade with Messrs J. Brooks and Co., and came out from the Old Country to Mr. Paul in 1875. Outside his well-known business capacity, Mr. Buckrell is best known as a breeder of prize fowls,
who has been before referred to as Mr. Paul's accountant, was born at Somerset, and has been in the Colony some thirty years. During his residence in the Empire City he was secretary of the Wellington Racing Club, and also of the Caledonian Society. Of a most genial disposition, and with so much ability, it is no wonder that he is an all-round popular man, and one whom to know is to thoroughly respect. Mr. Kerby is married, and has five sons and two daughters.
(Robert Henry White), Wholesale and Retail Drapers and Clothiers, Victoria Avenue and Ridgway Street (opposite the General Post-office), Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Telegraphic and cable address, “White, Wanganui.” Private residence, Wilson Street. Although this business, which was founded by the present enterprising proprietor, was only established in the year 1893, it has already become one of the leading drapery houses on the West Coast of the North Island. It is probable that this is largely due to the system adopted by Mr. White in the management of this growing concern. While no business has any chance of success that has not the advantage of securing its stock with regularity and promptitude, and at the lowest possible quotations – at the same time selecting the latest and most modern goods—it is equally true that the terms on which the articles are disposed of must be admitted as a potent factor in promoting the profit or loss resulting to a firm. Recognising that the credit system of modern times is fraught with peril of the most aggravated description, and that in order to build up a substantial and enduring edifice it was imperative that the foundation should be safely laid to bear the superstructure, Mr. White decided from the first to give his patrons the advantage which accrues from buying in the best markets for cash, the only condition being that cash should be paid at the time of purchase, and the business is, therefore, conducted wholly and solely on the cash principle for all goods supplied. In stating this principle to even their best customers, Messrs. R. H. White and Co. have put the matter so plainly, and, withal, so delicately, that it is worthy of being put on record for the guidance of business men who may see the advisability of emulating this progressive house in this all-important matter. The firm have printed memos., which are used when sending goods out on approval—a practice which with certain classes of goods is inevitable, even with the strictest cash system. The following is an extract:—“We are always pleased to send goods to any amount for your inspection, but in all cases must respectfully request our customers not to interpret this as in any way recognising any system of credit, it being distinctly understood that a settlement takes place as soon as the goods are decided on. By the above you will see that it is not a personal matter, or a matter of confidence, but simply our mode of doing business. We have proved that by a strict adherence to our cash system we can serve our clients best in every way, besides placing us in the top-most position as regards our buying.” Having once made the matter clear, Messrs. White and Co. find their customers ready to recognise the principle, because of its manifold advantages to all parties. Any who are not prepared to act in conformity with this emphatic rule of the business constitute a very small minority, and are, of course, free to give their support to other houses who may be disposed to grant the accommodation required. In describing this progressive firm and its operations, the compilers of the Cyclopedia of New Zealand have given prominence to what they consider to be the mainspring which has contributed to the rapid development and advancement of the business under notice. But without proficient and complete arrangement for the systematic
the founder and proprietor, is the youngest son of the late Mr. Robert White, farmer, of “Tidcombe,” Tiverton, who was well known and highly respected in the county of Devonshire. Born in 1864 at Tiverton, where he was educated, he went to the soft-goods trade on the completion of his scholastic course, serving his apprenticeship with Mr. William Henry Coldridge, of Crediton, in the same county. On the completion of his indentures, Mr. White went to London, where for several years prior to leaving England he was in the service of Messrs. Harvey, Nicholls and Co., of Knightsbridge, the famous general drapers and furnishers, whose name is a household-word in England. Being with this firm some considerable time, he largely added to his experience of the trade, and as he was engaged in various departments of this great house, his opportunities were proportionately increased, and these he strove to turn to the best account. The vastness of this important London house may be estimated when it is stated that the whole of their enormous premises have recently been re-built—a work which occupied four years, and which was executed in three sections, details of which appeared, with large illustrations, in a recent number of the Drapers' Record. Mr. White only left Messrs. Harvey, Nicholls and Co. after deciding to travel to the Antipodes. He came to New Zealand, per s.s. “Doric,” in 1884, bearing excellent references received from his Home employers. Immediately on his arrival in Auckland, he secured the appointment of manager of the Manchester department of Messrs. Smith and Caughey's large drapery establishment in Queen Street. Here he remained continuously for ten years, adding an invaluable colonial experience to his knowledge of the English trade. It is hardly surprising that he should have become imbued with the advantages afforded by the strictly cash system of business,
during a decade in the employ of this well-known and highly successful house. Early in 1893 Mr. White decided that he would enter into business on his own account, and after a general survey of the Colony he decided in favour of Wanganui, and on the 8th of March in the same year, he opened business, with the result described. The amount of business already attained has eclipsed Mr. White's most sanguine expectations, and there can be no doubt that the cash lines on which such concerns as Messrs. R. H. White and Co.'s are conducted are correct in principle, and it seems highly probable that at no distant period cash trading will become the rule rather than, as at present, the exception.
Bell, Esam and Co. (William Bell and David J. Esam), Drapers, The Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1896.
Dallas, Mrs., Draper, corner Liverpool and Ball Streets, Wanganui.
Eastwood and Co. (Thomas Eastwood), Drapers and General Clothiers, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1896.
Milliner and Dressmaker, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Mrs. Huckstep is a native of the Colony, having been born in Auckland. She served her time to the dressmaking business with Miss Price, of Onehunga, completing her term in 1863. Subsequently Mrs. Huckstep was in business for about a year at Newmarket, Auckland, and for about six years resided and carried on business at the Waikawau sawmills, Thames. She settled in Wanganui in May, 1894, and has since conducted a growing business. The building occupied is of wood and iron, and two stories in height, affording every necessary space for the business. Mrs. Huckstep's trade is principally local. She undertakes all kinds of millinery and dressmaking, and has made arrangements by which the latest British and Parisian fashions are received by every mail. Every attention and consideration is given by Mrs. Huckstep to her customers, with whom she is deservedly popular.
(Otto Hugo Max Buckendahl, manager), opposite Wesleyan Church, Victoria Avenue. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. These works have only been established since August, 1896, but are fast becoming popular. All work done on the premises is under the personal supervision of Mr. Buckendahl, the manager, who has had a large practical experience in the trade. He was born in 1870 in the vicinity of Berlin, and is the only son of the late Mr. C. A. H. Buckendahl, woollen manufacturer, Berlin. Coming to the Colony when quite an infant the family resided at Foxton, where he was educated. After serving a short time in a draper's shop, he went to Sydney in the latter part of 1889, and became a student in the Technical College of New South Wales, in the electrical engineering branches. Mr. Buckendahl relates that having had a coat dyed, one day he found that on getting wet the dye came through on to his clothes, and he decided to go into the art of dyeing and cleaning. He passed through all its branches. Early in 1896 he went to Victoria to see how the trade was carried on in large centres, and gained a further knowledge of the art of dyeing. He left Victoria in March, 1896, and established himself in business in Wanganui the following August. Mr. Buckendahl guarantees that all classes of goods dyed by him are fast colours, especially in dark black.
Importer of Drapery, Milliner and Dressmaker, D.I.C., Ladies' Emporium, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mrs. Walker occupies a large two-story building of wood and iron in a central position, the shop and show-rooms being on the ground-floor, and the manufacturing department upstairs. She employs about thirty hands, and her trade extends throughout the West Coast. Mrs. Walker is a direct importer of everything required in the business. Her specialties are ladies' outfitting, for which she has attained widespread patronage.
Clark, Miss. M., Milliner and Draper, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1886.
Dall, Mrs. Helen, Dressmaker, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Established 1888.
Dungan, Mrs. J. B., Dressmaker, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Established February, 1896.
Hallenstein Bros. (T. Blennerhasset, manager), The Avenue and Ridgway Street, Wanganui. P.O. Box 24. Established 1895.
Roberts, Mrs. G., Milliner and Dressmaker, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Established 1889.
Rosser, Mrs. Julia, Dressmaker. Market Square, Wanganui.
Wansborough, Miss, Dress and Habit Maker, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui.
Tailor and Habitmaker, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui (a few doors above the Rutland Hotel.) Mr. Clapham is a native of Wakefield, near Bradford, Yorkshire, and arrived in Auckland per ship “Mary Shepherd” in 1865. Prior to leaving he learned his business with Mr. Paget, of Wakefield, and subsequently was employed as a cutter for Mr. Foster, of Newcastle-on-Tyne, and came to the Colony under engagement to that gentleman, who intended starting business in Auckland. On arrival at Auckland, the idea was abandoned, and Mr. Clapham was engaged by Mr. Posseniskie, the well-known gentlemen's tailor of that city, with whom he worked for about a year. He then left for Timaru, and for eight years was in the employ of Mr. Paget, the son of his former master. Mr. Clapham then came to Wanganui, where he has remained ever since, working for well-known firms such as Mr. Flyger, Messrs. Hogg Bros. and Brechin, and Mr. Cribb. For some six years Mr. Clapham carried on a successful business on the opposite side of the Avenue, but was obliged to relinquish it on account of losses disconnected with his business. He has now, after a lapse of three or four years, re-commenced as above, and is again working into good little business.
Tailor, Draper, and Milliner, Denton House, Victoria Avenue, opposite the Convent, Wanganui. P.O. Box 59. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Church Place. Mr. Cribb is a native of Lymington, Hampshire. He arrived in Wellington in 1871, per ship “Salisbury,” having partially learned his business in the Old Country. He competed his knowledge of the trade in the Colony. The present business was founded in 1888. The premises are centrally situated in Ridgway Street, and comprise a commodious two-story building of wood and iron, erected on leasehold ground. There are three departments in the business, the tailoring, millinery, and general drapery, which are kept separate and distinct from each other. Mr. Cribb's trade extends throughout the West Coast of the North Island, and frequently as far as Nelson in the South Island. A large and general stock of drapery of the latest patterns and most approved quality is always on hand. In the tailoring department, which is under Mr. Cribb's personal direction, fit and finish are the main things considered. The goods are all tailor-made, and Mr. Cribb has gained a reputation which places him in a premier position. Mr. Cribb is musical, and has been a member of the Catholic Church choir for about fourteen years.
Tailor, Mercer, and General Outfitter, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private address “Hinemoa Lodge,” near racecourse. Mr. Dickson has one of the most successful businesses in the town. He started in 1890 with two hands, and now has twelve constantly employed, and during the very busy season a larger number is at
Tailor, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Established 1896. Private residence, Wilson Street. Mr. Harris was born in Wanganui in 1859, his father, who is referred to elsewhere in these pages, being one of the earliest settlers in the district. Educated privately in his native town, he joined the railway works, where he met with an accident, in consequence of which he left the service in 1884. He served his time to the tailoring business with Mr. Clapham, of Wanganui, and after eight-and-a-half years with Mr. Cribb, of Wanganui, Mr. Harris opened his present business in Ridgway Street. The shop, a wooden building, is conveniently situated, and an increasing trade is being conducted. Mr. Harris is a good workman, and gives satisfaction to his numerous customers. He is married, and has three children.
Tailor and Outfitter, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Private residence, Wilson Street. This business was established in 1890 by the proprietor, who had previously been in partnership with his father. A well-assorted and fashionable stock, two-thirds of which is imported from the Old Country, is maintained. Mr. Jones, who has had large experience, and does the cutting himself, has a good connection —from fifteen to twenty hands being kept busy in the season. Born in 1864 in London, where his father was in the tailoring business, he, with the others of his family, removed to New Zealand in 1880; and Mr. Jones, senior, started business in Wanganui, where the subject of this notice learned the trade. Socially he is popular, having taken a great interest in local sporting matters. He was a trooper in the Alexandra Cavalry for ten years. Mr. Jones is a widower with two children.
(Aitcheson Oliver, senr., and Charles Oliver), Tailors, etc., Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Guyton Street. The senior partner, who is a native of Scotland, arrived in the Colony in 1842 per ship “Jane Gifford,” landing in Auckland. Mr. Oliver served his apprenticeship with Mr. David Crosby, completing his term in 1851. For some years he remained in Auckland, working at his trade, and subsequently for five years was a member of the firm of Oliver and Wright, who did a large tailoring business in Shortland Crescent. Mr. Oliver was also in the soft goods line in Queen Street, on the present site of the New Zealand Insurance buildings. This business he conducted for about five years. Leaving, Auckland in 1876, he settled in Wanganui, and was with Mr. Peter Bell as cutter and manager of the tailoring department for 18 years. The present business was established in 1894. The firm undertake high-class tailoring bespoke work only. Their trade is chiefly local, but extends to the country around Wanganui. Their premises are in the busy part of the Avenue. Since founding the business the trade has steadily increased. Mr. Oliver, senior, is an ex-member of the Wanganui Borough Council, on which he served for several years.
Harding, Daniel, Tailor and Outfitter. Ridgway Street, Wanganui.
Neverman, Herman, Tailor and Gentleman's Mercer, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1895.
Ross, John, Tailor, Nixon Street, Wanganui. Established 1893.
(Joseph Greaves), Coal, Firewood, Grain, and Produce Merchants, Maria Place, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Greaves, Wanganui.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Maria Place. Mr. Greaves is a native of Yorkshire, and reached Wellington per ship “Fern Glen” in 1879. He was a stone mason by trade in the Old Country. For twelve years after settling in Wanganui Mr. Greaves was head coachman to Dr. Tripe. He established the present business in 1894. The plant consists of a crushing mill, circular saw, &c. A four-horse-power vertical steam
Wood and Coal Merchant, and Commission Agent, Nixon Street, near Railway Wharf, Wanganui. The subject of this sketch was born in Lucknow, East India, in 1836, on the 4th of July. His father spent many years in that country, namely, from 1800 to 1840, when he, with his wife and family, returned to England by the ship “Lady Raffles.” Mr. Wright was educated at Eagle House, Tottenham, London. In 1851 he sailed for New Zealand with the family, and arrived at New Plymouth on the 9th of March, 1852. There he, with his father and brothers, engaged in farming pursuits, which peaceful occupation they followed till 1860, when the war broke out, and the district was placed under martial law. He and other members of the family then took up arms and served in the local forces. Mr. E. Wright, with many others, was burnt out at New Plymouth by the Maoris, and he was afterwards served in a similar manner at a later date when residing at Patea. About 1870 he came to Wanganui, and in 1884 established his present business. His premises contain about 1800 square feet of floorage space, and are fitted up with circular saw, chaff-cutter, and modern bone mill, the latter being the only one in the town. All the machinery is driven by a six-horse-power steam-engine. In addition to this business he holds several agencies. Mr. Wright, as well as being a successful colonist, may justly be placed among the pioneers of the Colony, as an old resident of Wanganui.
Blythe and Co. (William Henry Blythe), Coal and Firewood Merchants, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Established 1896.
Horsley and Co. (R. B. Horsley and A. Harris), General Storekeepers, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1895.
Kennedy, William, Wood and Coal Merchant, Wilson Street, Wanganui. Established 1879.
House Furnisher, Cabinetmaker and Upholsterer, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Anderson, Wanganui.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Wilson Street. Mr. Anderson is a native of Tasmania, which colony he left in 1865 for New Zealand, arriving in Auckland. He was apprenticed to Messrs. Whiteside and Sons, of Hobart, and served for seven years, completing his term in 1865. After arriving in Auckland, Mr. Anderson worked at his trade for about eighteen months, when he decided to settle in Wanganui. He established the present business in 1867, ever since which date he has conducted a large business. The premises occupied by Mr. Anderson are large and central. The building, which is of wood and iron, is two stories in height, and was erected on leasehold ground from Mr. Anderson's own designs, and under his own supervision. Mr. Anderson is a direct importer of soft goods used in connection with his business, and bedsteads and other lines. His shop and show-rooms contain a large and beautiful assortment of furniture. He furnishes houses throughout, and supplies everything that is required. He employs about ten hands in connection with his trade, and is well known in the district as a manufacturer of substantial and well-made furniture. Mr. Anderson is a bass singer of Christ's Church choir. He has always been ready to assist by his musical abilities in any charitable object.
Cabinetmaker, Upholsterer, and Undertaker. Furnishing Warehouse, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Calman is a native of Wanganui, and thoroughly learned his business in Auckland, Sydney, and Melbourne, in all of which cities he gained large experience. For some time Mr. Calman had charge of the upholstery department of the Auckland Furnishing Company. He has been all through the colonies, and in the course of his travels gained very large experience. He established the present business in Wanganui in 1890. He occupied commodious premises as above, the building being of wood and iron, and one story in height, containing a floorage space of about 3000 square feet. Mr. Calman has all the necessary machinery, including turning lathes, etc. He employs from three to six hands, and his trade extends throughout the West Coast. Mr. Calman imports his goods direct from the manufacturers in England, and on the Continent of Europe, and has complete arrangements whereby he is enabled to import everything required. Mr. Calman makes a specialty of the undertaking line, and does a large business, supplying a good deal of the coffin furniture required in connection with the local trade. Being a thorough master of his business, it is not surprising that Mr. Calman should be successful. His furnishing warehouse contains a very large and varied stock of all kinds of furniture, from which selection may at any time be made.
General Dealer, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Coleman was born in New Plymouth, and learned his trade in the Colony. His business was established many years ago by Mr. White, and has been conducted by Mr. Coleman since 1891. The premises are of wood and iron, two stories in height, and are held on lease by Mr. Coleman, who deals in everything, including jewellery, clothing, furniture, books, tools, etc. Mr. Coleman's connection extends all over the North Island. In the early days he served as a volunteer at New Plymouth in No. 2 Company, which was called out on the occasion when Mr. Whitely was murdered at the White Cliffs.
Builder, Cabinetmaker, and General Furniture Dealer, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Cumberland, Wanganui.” Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, St. John's Hill. Mr. Cumberland is a native of Bedfordshire, England, and arrived in Wellington, New Zealand, per ship “Cartvale,” in 1874. A year later he established himself in business as a builder, etc., in Wanganui, and has been successful in securing a large share of the building contracts since that time. The large store of Messrs. Cummins, Sharp and Co., Ridgway Street, Wanganui, and the residence of Mr. F. A. Krull, German Consul, originally erected for the late Mr. F. J. Jones, are among the principal buildings erected by Mr. Cumberland. For the latter, structure Mr. Cumberland also acted as architect. Since beginning in Wanganui, Mr. Cumberland has erected over a hundred different buildings, and in a large majority of cases has been his own architect, his principle being to give plans and specifications free in all work the erection of which is entrusted to him. The general furniture shop in Ridgway Street is well stocked with furniture and household requirements of all kinds. Every description of furniture is manufactured and upholstered on the premises. A good trade is done throughout the district, and about a dozen hands are constantly employed.
Cabinetmaker and Upholsterer, Taupo Quay. Wanganui. In conjunction with a partner, Mr. Ross established this business over thirty years ago. The premises situated in Taupo Quay are large and convenient, with a total floorage space of some 2000 square feet. Mr. Ross is a direct
Cabinetmaker and Upholsterer, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Trussell, Wanganui.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, St. George's Gate. Mr. Trussell is a native of London, but has spent most of his life in Wanganui. He was apprenticed to Mr. D. Ross, cabinetmaker and Upholsterer, Victoria Avenue, and completed his apprenticeship in 1887, continuing to work for Mr. Ross as a journeyman for about twelve months thereafter. The present business was established in 1888. The show-rooms and workshops occupied by Mr. Trussell are situate in Ridgway Street, opposite the Bank of Australasia. The workshop is adapted for the requirements of the business, being fitted with all the necessary appliances. The show-room contains a good variety of furniture, but Mr. Trussell's speciality is order work. He undertakes to make all descriptions of furniture and does a considerable business as a picture framer. He is a direct importer of mouldings, etc., from the best British makers. His trade ex ends within a radius of thirty miles from Wanganui. Mr. Trussell gives personal attention and oversight to his business, and any orders entrusted to him will receive earnest and constant attention. Mr. Trussell is a member of the Druid's Order. His tastes are musical, and he occupies the position of secretary of the Garrison Brass Band. He is always ready to lend his assistance to any orchestra for charitable or amateur performances.
Upholsterer and Undertaker, Matheson Street, Wanganui. Mr. Wild is a native of Devizes, Wiltshire, where he served an apprenticeship to the upholstering business. He came to Wellington in 1868 per ship “Melita,” and joined the defence force. Removing to Auckland, he was employed in the establishments of Messrs. Winks and Hall, T. and H. Cook, and Halliday and Son for about seven years in all. Settling in the Wanganui District in 1874, he worked for nearly twenty years for Mr. D. Ross. As a Volunteer, he served in the Auckland Rifle Brigade, the Auckland Cavalry Corps, and the Hobson Company, and has long been colour-sergeant of the Wanganui Rifles.
Clarke, W. H., Furniture Dealer, Harrison Street, Wanganui.
Dexter, F., Cabinetmaker, Upholsterer, and Undertaker, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1888.
Moult, Edwin, Crockery Importer, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1880.
Tustin, Charles Edward, Cabinetmaker and Undertaker, Victoria Avenue. Wanganui. Established 1893.
Williams, Alfred, Cabinetmaker and Upholsterer, Campbell Place, Wanganui. Established 1894.
(James Crane), Hairdressers, Tobacconists and Cutlers. Hairdressing Saloon, Ridgway Street Wanganui. Telegraphic address “Crane, Wanganui.” Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Guyton Street. Mr. Crane is a native of Norfolk and came to New Zealand in 1886 per ship “Victory.” He was apprenticed in Norfolk and completed his term in 1869. For fourteen years subsequently he was in business in Rotherham, Yorkshire. Mr. Crane established his business in the same year in which he landed in the Colony and has continued it ever since. His trade is local. He has a large saloon, well appointed, and keeps a considerable stock of tobacco, fancy goods, and cutlery. His sons assist him in the business. Mr. Crane is a member of the Oddfellows' Lodge, in which he has passed all the chairs.
Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Messiter, Wanganui.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Messiter is a native of Hobart, and arrived in the Colony in 1870, having served his apprenticeship to Mr. Aldridge, one of the oldest business men in Tasmania. For three years he worked at his trade in Christchurch. In 1877 the present business was founded, and the results have been satisfactory in every way. Hair work is the principal specialty, and in this as well as in the other branches all needful imports are made direct from the Old Country. In his younger days Mr. Messiter was a prominent athlete, one of his winnings being the Upokongaro Points Prize for 1877, valued at £10. About that time he and his brother were the means of saving no fewer than five lives. They were in a dingy on the Lyttelton Harbour, when a boat from the ship “Pleiades” was capsized. They hastened to the rescue, and on reaching the spot were themselves capsized. The dingy, however, was found to be the more manageable boat, and five of the six men belonging to the “Pleiades” were saved. As may be imagined Mr. Messiter is very popular.
Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Redfern, Wanganui.” Mr. Redfern is a native of Sydney, New South Wales, where he was educated and apprenticed to the business with Mr. Anthony Horne, of George Street. Mr. Redfern worked steadily to learn his business thoroughly in all its branches, and completed his term in 1894. In the latter year, having decided to make his home in New Zealand, Mr. Redfern arrived in the Colony and settled in Wanganui. His shop, which adjoins the auction rooms of Mr. J. H, Keesing in Victoria Avenue, is convenient, and the saloon is well appointed in every respect. Mr. Redfern makes speciality of hairdressing and keeps a good and varied stock of tobacconists' goods of every description. His trade is local and is conducted entirely under his personal supervision.
Ferry, T. W., Hairdresser and Tobacconist. Ridgway Street. Wanganui. Goss, John, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui.
(W. R. Tuck, proprietor), Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Newmarket, Wanganui.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This fine hotel, which contains twenty-seven rooms, of which seventeen are bedrooms, was built about 1879. It is of wood, and two stories in height, and has accommodation for from 60 to 70 visitors. There is a good bath, with hot and cold water, and every other convenience, including dining-room and six parlours. The stable accommodation of the “Newmarket” is a great feature. There are fifteen fine loose-boxes. All the leading racing people from Christchurch, Dunedin, and other parts of the Colony visiting Wanganui try to get accommodation at the “Newmarket.” Mr. Tuck is largely interested in racing, and owns a splendid racehorse, “Irish Twist,” the winner of seven races in the season 1894–5. Mr. Tuck is a native of London, and came to New Zealand in 1873 per ship “Beautiful Star,” arriving in Nelson. He was brought up to the hotel business in England. He had the “Occidental” in Wanganui
(Mrs. Scott, proprietress), Victoria Avenue, corner of Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Rutland, Wanganui.” This well-known hostelry, which was established in 1845, occupies a prominent corner opposite the post-office. It is not only well known as a commercial house, but is also supported by large numbers of tourists.
(C. H. Chavannes, proprietor), Victoria Avenue and Maria Place, Wanganui. Telephone 24; P.O. Box 51. This is one of the best-situated hotels in Wanganui, contains thirty-four bedrooms, and is largely patronised by the travelling public.
Albion Hotel (F. J. Tasker, proprietor), Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1865.
Commercial Hotel (Arthur H. Woolley, proprietor), Harrison Place, Wanganui.
Criterion Hotel (H. Morrow, proprietor), Ridgway Street, Wanganui.
Customhouse Hotel (J. Brennan, proprietor), Ridgway Street, Wanganui.
Foster's Hotel (W. H. G. Foster, proprietor), Taupo Quay, Wanganui.
Masonic Hotel (Charles Batt, proprietor), Plymouth Street and Riverbank, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of Australasia.
Pier Hotel (Martin O'Hara, proprietor), Taupo Quay, Wanganui.
Provincial Hotel (Mrs. A. A. Blight, proprietress), Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Established 1895.
Red Lion Hotel (F. L. K. Hill, proprietor), Taylorville, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales.
(J. Shelley, proprietor), corner Wicksteed Street and Campbell Place, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Shelley, Wanganui.” Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. The Empire Temperance Hotel is under the same proprietorship as the Buffet in the Victoria Avenue, and was purchased by Mr. Shelley in order that he might increase his accommodation. The Empire Temperance Hotel was for many years known as the Empire Hotel, and was one of a number whose licenses were discontinued. It contains no fewer than twenty-one bedrooms, besides several sitting-rooms, parlours, bathrooms, etc. There is a fine billiard-room, with one of the best tables in the town, nearly new. Good stabling is always provided. The tarriff, like that of the Buffet, is one shilling all round, and 18s. and 20s. per week. The proprietor, Mr. Shelley, has travelled a great deal, and has had experience in this line of business. The Empire is particularly well-kept and comfortable. Mr. Shelley is a member of the Ancient Order of Foresters. [For description of Mr. Shelley's other establishment, “The Buffet,” see page 1439.]
Mrs. Adelia Henley, Proprietress, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. This fine temperance hotel, the first of its kind in Wanganui, was established about the year 1878. It is a large two-story wood and iron building, containing twenty-one rooms, available for the public. Of these, thirteen are bedrooms, which contain twenty-two beds. There is also a commercial-room and parlor, and a large dining-room, which is well appointed, and will accommodate about forty. Many of the rooms are very large. There is a bath supplied with hot and cold water. The house is comfortable, cleanly, and well kept, and under Mrs. Henley's energetic management, there can be no doubt that boarders and visitors are thoroughly well eared for. In addition to the public rooms there are private rooms occupied by the family, besides large and convenient out offices. The Temperance Hotel is largely patronised by the working classes. The tariff is very reasonable, being eighteen shillings- or for single room, one pound per week. Mrs. Henley is a native of Wellington, and has resided over eleven years in Wanganui, conducting the hotel with general satisfaction and receiving considerable support.
(proprietress, Mrs. E. Rees), Bell Street, corner Campbell Place, Wanganui. The house, which Mrs. Rees has recently taken over for the purposes of a general boarding-house, was formerly known as the Wanganui Hotel. The building is of wood and iron, with about fourteen bedrooms, besides parlours and sitting-rooms, etc., the whole of which have been put into a good state of repair. It is pleasantly situated, quite close to the Ferry Wharf, and opposite to the open grounds of the Law Courts. Tariff, one shilling all round, or eighteen shillings per week for permanent boarders. Mrs. Rees was born in Picton and has been in Wanganui about seventeen years. Her parents are both dead, and in October last the death of her husband necessitated her entry into business in order to provide for herself and family. The late Mr. Rees was a licensed interpreter and commission agent, and was in business in Wanganui upwards of twenty-five years. His father and uncle were both doctors in Wanganui in the early days. A long illness of some two years reduced their circumstances, but the widow made a plucky attempt to secure a livelihood, and it is to be hoped that the success which has hitherto attended her efforts will be continued and largely increased. Mrs. Rees is in every way deserving of encouragement.
(Mrs. Gilberd, proprietress), Ridgway Street, Wanganui. This boardinghouse was established in 1880, and contains twenty-three rooms. There are sixteen bedrooms,
Cooper and Payne, Boardinghousekeepers. Central Dining Rooms, Ridgway Street, Wanganui.
Cooper, John, Boardinghousekeeper, Wilson Street, Wanganui. Established 1870.
Martin, Mrs. J.C., Boardinghousekeeper, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Established 1895.
Railway Dining Rooms (Mrs. Markham, proprietress), Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Established 1894.
Watchlin, Mrs., Temperance Boardinghouse, Ridgway Street, Wanganui.
Plumber, Gasfitter, and Electrician, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Telephone No. 73. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The shop and offices, with workshop at the rear, are centrally situated, and the proprietor does a large and increasing business throughout the district. Mr. Graham, who is a native of Edinburgh, was born in 1842, and was apprenticed to his trade in Glasgow. He came to Auckland in 1862, and served in the Maori war for nearly three years. After a goldmining experience on the West Coast and at the Thames, he settled in Wanganui in 1876. Mr. Graham has been a Volunteer, and as a member of the Wanganui Rifles was considered a good shot. As a bowler he belongs to the Wanganui Bowling Club. Mr. Graham is married, and has four children.
Blacksmith, Wheelwright, and Horse Shoer, Wickstead Place Shoeing Forge, Wickstead Street, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Hood, Wanganui.” Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Wickstead Street. The business now being successfully carried on by Mr. Hood was established about thirty-five years ago by Mr. Robert Gray. It is said to be the oldest of its kind in the district. It is therefore thoroughly well known, and has lost none of its popularity since coming into the possession of the present proprietor. Mr. Hood does a fine town and country trade. He has three forges constantly employed. His machinery comprises drilling, screw cutting, punching machines, etc., besides a new and important addition to the plant known to the trade as a “tire upsetting machine.” This handy contrivance obviates the necessity of “cutting and shutting” tires which have become too large, which was the only way in which loose tires could be dealt with until the “tire upsetting machine” was invented. Mr. Hood was born at Prahran, near Melbourne, but very shortly after, in 1856, his parents and family removed to this Colony. He learned his business in Wanganui, where he has spent the most of his life. The office of grand master of the Independent Order of Oddfellows, Manchester Unity, is at present held by Mr. Hood.
Wanganui Iron and Brass Foundry, and Engineering Works, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. P.O. Box 31. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Wilson Street. These works were founded in the early days by Messrs. Ross and Milne, from whom they were taken over by Mr. Murray in 1868, New and enlarged buildings were erected some fourteen years ago, and now cover about half-an-acre, and contain a very fine assortment of modern tools and appliances for the carrying on of a large business in all the branches of engineering. About twenty-five hands are regularly employed in the works, but twice that number can easily be accommodated in busy seasons. A very large portion of the machinery, engines, boilers, and public works structures in the district bear the well-known name plate, and show that the works have been actively engaged in the past in producing good machinery and manufacturing plates. Mr. Murray, who is a native of Forfarshire, Scotland, was apprenticed to Messrs. J. Carmichael and Co., of Dundee, a celebrated firm of engineers and millwrights. After a few years at sea, he was employed in the works of J. Gourlay and Sons, Dundee, engineers and shipbuilders, and was selected by them for the position of chief engineer on the s.s. “Wanganui,” then building for the Wanganui Steam Navigation Company, on the expiration of the guaranteed period. Mr. Murray, instead of returning Home, and after visiting the other parts of the Colony, decided to settle in Wanganui, and the works as they stand to-day are evidence of his skill and industry.
Shoeing and General Blacksmith, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Harrison Street. Mr. Alexander Thompson was born in Berwickshire, in Scotland, but left the Old Country in 1859, per ship “Evening Star,” arriving at Auckland during the same year. Having relatives in Taranaki, he immediately left Auckland for New Plymouth, and remained there, working for six shillings per day, though wages in Auckland at that time were just double that sum. Prior to leaving Home, Mr. Thompson had learned his trade with Mr. Jaffrey, of Berwickshire, and had worked at Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle-on-Tyne, and other places. Before beginning as above in 1888, Mr. Thompson worked in Wanganui nearly twenty years, five or six years with Mr. David Murray, and about thirteen with Mr. Robert Gray. Mr. Thompson does a good business, and his premises are well situated. He is personally popular, and will doubtless continue to do well.
Breed, Charles James, Farrier and, General Blacksmith, Springvale Road, Wanganui
Edwards, Walter, Farrier, Maria Place, Wanganui. Established 1886.
Gellatly, David, Plumber and Gasfitter, Ridgway Street, Wanganui.
Irvine, John, Plumber Tinsmith, and Gasfitter, Taupo Quay, Wanganui Established 1880.
Paul and Parry, Tinsmiths, Plymouth Street, Wanganui.
Paul, William, Tinsmith, Plumber, and Gasfitter, St. Hill Street, Wanganui
(T. F. Drummond), Iron-mongers, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Drummond, Wanganui.” Telephone 95. P.O. Box 107. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Campbelltown. Mr. Drummond was born in Perthshire, Scotland, and left there in 1864, per ship “Mallard,” arriving in Wellington, New Zealand, the same year. The present business was established in 1879. The premises are of wood and iron, and two lofty stories in height, with a splendid frontage to the busiest part of Victoria Avenue. Prior to leaving the Old Land, Mr. Drummond learned his business in one of the largest ironmongery establishments of the world.
(James Thain, J.P., and William Henry Clapham), Wholesale and Retail Iron and Hardware Merchants. Warehouse and Showrooms, Victoria Avenue and Taupo Quay; Bulk Store, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Telephone 38; P.O. Box 53. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. London agents. Messrs. T. W. and F. Walher, 36 Gracechurch Street, E.C. Private residences: Mr. Thain, Castlecliff; Mr. Clapham, Durietown. This large business, established early in the sixties, was purchased by the present proprietors in 1888. The retail premises include a handsome two-story building at the corner of Victoria Avenue, opposite the traffic bridge over the Wanganui River. The new bulk store, recently erected on the foreshore, provides storage accommodation for the large stock the firm have always on hand. The total floorage space available at these premises exceeds 22,000 square feet. Messrs. James Thain and Co.'s trade extends from Foxton to New Plymouth, where they have a large and well-established connection among settlers, station-holders, storekeepers, and blacksmiths in the various townships. The firm import direct:—agricultural implements, American goods, paints, oils, arms, ammunition, and general hardware. They are agents for the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company, Reid and Gray's manufactures, Shacklock's “Orion” ranges, Quibells” and Cooper's sheep dips, and Wilson's lime and cement. Mr. Thain, who is a native of Aberdeen, where he was educated and brought up to the hardware business by the Copper Company of that city, arrived in Wanganui in 1876. Mr. Thain is a Justice of the Peace, and was for some years a member of the Wanganui Licensing Bench. He has been connected with the Volunteer movement for many years, both in Wanganui and Scotland. During the battalion system, Mr. Thain held the position of captain and quartermaster of the West Coast Battalion, and is at present captain and quartermaster of the Wellington Rifle Battalion. Mr. Clapham's career is referred to elsewhere, as an ex-member of the Wanganui Corporation.
Alderson, Ernest Charles, Surgical Instrument Maker, Guyton Street, Wanganui.
Beale, W. J., Importer of Sewing Machines, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui.
Brown, James, Engineer, Crown Roller Mills, Wanganui.
Hadfield and Chapman, Cycle Repairers and Importers, Ridgway Street, Wanganui.
Ingle, William S., Ironmonger and Hardware Merchant, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1896.
McFarlane, David, Ironmonger and Hardware Merchant, Ridgway Street, Wanganui.
Parsons and Co. (T. W. Parsons), Bicycle Manufacturers, Leo Cycle Works, Wicksteed Place, Wanganui.
Williams, Alfred, Engineer and Gunsmith, Market Square, Wanganui' Private residence, Glasgow Street, Established 1886.
Boot and Shoe Maker and Importer, the Corner Boot Shop, Victoria Avenue and Maria Place, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Ainsworth, Wanganui.” Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Ainsworth is a Manchester man, and served a term of seven years to the trade in his native place, completing his apprenticeship in 1849. Mr. Ainsworth left Liverpool for the Colonies in 1852, arriving in Melbourne [the following year. From 1853 to 1876 Mr. Ainsworth had a varied experience in gold-ruining, combined with business in various colonial goldfields. In Australia he resided in Melbourne and Ballarat until 1862, when he came to Otago goldfields and was in business in Dunedin some three years. Subsequently he was in Hokitika, Greymouth and-Charleston on the West Coast, and finally settling in Wanganui, established the present business in 1876. Mr. Ainsworth has all the needful machinery for the conduct of his business. His trade extends all over the Wanganui district. He is a direct importer of all kinds of English and Continental boots and shoes and keeps a considerable stock of the leading New Zealand brands. Mr. Ainsworth is an old Forester.
Saddler and Harness Maker, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Coe, Wanganui.” Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This large business was founded in 1874 by the late Mr. D. Kitchen, the present proprietor succeeding to the business in 1894. Born in Clapham, England, in 1852, and brought to the Colony as a boy of four years old by his parents, the subject of this notice was early put to work. As he did not like faming pursuits, he was apprenticed to Mr. William Lowes, who was then a saddler in Wellington. Completing his term, he continued to work as a journeyman for some years. Mr. Coe started in business on his own account at the Upper Hutt, but subsequently removed to Bulls, where he joined his brother. From 1877 to 1879 he was managing Mr. D. Cameron's business in Wellington. He was afterwards employed for some nine years as warehouseman and commercial traveller by the well-known firm of Greatrex and Co., of Walsall, who had opened a branch in New
Saddler and Livery Stable Keeper, Commercial Stables, Ridgway Street and Campbell Place, Wanganui, Telegraphic address, “Dallas, Wanganui.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Market Square. Mr. Dallas was born and brought up in Wanganui, and is, therefore, well known throughout the whole district. He learned his business as a saddler with his father, the late Mr. Angus Dallas, of Wanganui. About ten years ago, Mr. Dallas, senior, died, leaving his son in charge of the business. A few years later, conceiving that the saddlery and livery stable business would run well in double harness, Mr. Dallas very wisely decided to incorporate the latter business. Besides several large sheds for the protection of 'buses, brakes, buggies, dog carts, etc., the stables contain no fewer than thirty-five stalls and fifteen loose boxes. Sick and disabled horses are carefully housed and attended to. The amalgamation of the two business lines has proved a great success. Not only is Mr. Dallis able to keep his own saddles and harness in a perfectly safe condition for use, but his customers find it most convenient and economical. Repairs are effected with no trouble at all to customers, and both their time and money are saved in this way. So exceptionally situated, it is not surprising that Mr. Dallas gets a large share of both town and country trade. It is a matter of no small importance to a country client that he can have his harness repaired and his horse and trap taken care of while he runs round the town to do his marketing. The commercial stables are most centrally situated, and their enterprising proprietor well deserves encouragement.
Bootmaker, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This old settler, who established the present business in 1863, served his country as a soldier in the 57th foot in Ireland, Ionia, the Crimea, Egypt, India, and New Zealand, for which services he received three war medals—the Crimean (with Balaclava and Sebastopol clasps), the Turkish, and the New Zealand.
Bird, W. H., Boot and Shoemaker, City Boot Shop, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Established 1893.
Dagg, W., Bootmaker, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Established 1890.
Ellison, George, Saddler, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Established 1893.
Hannah and Co., Boot and Shoe Manufacturers and Importers (Charles Clayton, manager), Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established' 1879.
Hurley, Henry, Boot and Shoe Manufacturer, St. Hill Street, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1887.
Loftus, Peter, Boot and Shoemaker, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Established 1892.
Potto, Henry, Saddler and Harness Maker, Ridgway Street, Wanganui, Established about 1863.
Price, Benjamin Richard, Saddler and Harness Maker, Wicksteed Place, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1898.
Sharpe and Sons (J. G. Sharpe), Boot Manufacturers, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1871.
Turner, William, Boot and Shoemaker, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Established 1887.
Valler, Matthew, Boot and Shoemaker, Bell Street, Wanganui. Established about 1870.
Wilson, F. and Co., Boot and Shoe Importers and Manufacturers, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1890.
(Henry Caddy), Butchers, London Butchery, opposite the Convent, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Caddy, Wanganui.” Telephone 90. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Victoria Avenue. Mr. Caddy was born in Plymouth, and learned his business with his father in that town. He came to New Zealand per ship “Joseph Fletcher” arriving in Auckland in 1860. Shortly after landing, Mr. Caddy removed to New Plymouth, where he was for two or three years working at his trade. Removing to Wanganui, he subsequently obtained the appointment of manager for Messrs. Baily and Co., a position which he occupied for five or six years. In 1873 Mr. Caddy established himself in business in Victoria Avenue. The premises now occupied are built of wood and iron, centrally situated, and suitable for the trade. The motive power used to drive the meat-chopping and sausage machine is a gas-engine of one-and-a-half horse-power. Mr. Caddy has obtained notoriety for his small goods, which are unsurpassed in purity and seasoning. He has been well known in connection with the local butchering trade for over twenty years He is assisted in the business by two sons.
(Thomas Mitchell), Butchers and Meat Preservers, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Factory, Aramoho. Telephones: Wanganui, 53; Aramoho, 54. P.O. Box 94. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. This business was established in 1880 by Mr. Thomas Mitchell, by whom it has been conducted ever since. The slaughterhouse and factory are at Aramoho, and the shop in Victoria Avenue. They are freehold, and were erected for the purposes of the business. Mr. Mitchell is a native of Cornwall, and arrived New Zealand in 1874, and has been well known in Wanganui since settling in the district and establishing the present business.
Butcher, City Butchery, Wicksteed Place, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Perritt, Wanganui.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The business now being successfully carried on by Mr. Perritt was established in the early seventies by the late Mr. F. Hall. In 1831 it came into the hands of the present proprietor. The City Butchery is a fine establishment of two stories in height, stending on a section of 40 feet frontage by a depth of 120 feet. The private slaughterhouse is at Aramoho, and attached thereto is a farm of 70 acres used by Mr. Perritt for the purposes of bringing stock into condition. The receiving paddock (freehold) is 45 acres in extent, and forms a part of the Harris Estate near Lake Virginia, the distance being about a mile from the town. Mr. Perritt's business extends throughout the town and district, three carts being constantly employed. His sausage machine is drivon by a horizontal steam engine.
(William Tucker and Albert Tucker), Family Butchers, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Telephone 108. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. The business, established in 1893 by the present proprietors, is considered the largest in the town. Besides the large shop, there are offices, salting-houses, and sausage-making rooms at the rear, nine hands being constantly employed. Three carts run daily within a radius of ten miles of the town, and a cart goes to Fordell three times a week. The slaughter-yards are at Okoia (five miles from town), where the brothers own 135 acres of land. Mr. W. Tucker came to the Colony in 1892 and started the present business, in which he was shortly afterwards joined by his brother.
(Thomas
Bristol and Coleman (Thomas Swift Bristol and John Nelson Coleman), Family Butchers, The Avenue, Wanganui. Telephone 65. Established 1892.
Heinold, Conrad, Pork Butcher, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Estab, 1896.
Hines, E., Oyster Dealer, Wicksteed Place, Wanganui. Established 1875.
(R. Anderson, manager), Warehousemen. Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Clark, Wanganui.” P.O. Box 33. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The head office of Messrs. Clark and Sons is in Auckland. The premises, occupied by their Wanganui branch include a two-story wood and iron building, affording over 3000 square feet of floorage space. The firm deal in soft goods of every description, saddlery, and boots. The Wanganui branch superintends the business from Foxton to New Plymouth.
(F. J. Johns, Manager), General Merchants, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Telephone 30. P.O. Box 132. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Head office, Nelson, London agents, Messrs. A. L. Elder and Co., 7 St. Helen's Place, E.C. This large business was founded in Nelson about 1855, the present firm taking over the concern in 1880. The Wanganui branch was established in 1891. Messrs. Cock and Co. have regular shipments of general merchandise and drapery periodically arriving. They are agents for the Anchor Steamship Company, the Liverpool, London and Globe Fire Insurance Company, the Thames and Mersey Marine Insurance Company, the Shaw-Savill, and Albion Company and Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company. They are also Lloyds' agents in Nelson. Mr. F. J. Johns, the manager, was born in Wellington, and educated at the Wellington College. On leaving, he was for twelve months with Mr. T. Kennedy Macdonald in Wellington, and in 1879 went to Nelson, joining Messrs. N. Edwards and Co., predecessors of the present firm. Mr. Johns worked his way steadily upwards till he was appointed traveller, performing the duties for seven years, until promoted, on the opening of the Wanganui branch in 1891, to his present responsible position.
(Alexander Hatrick), General Merchants, Wanganui. Offices and Warehouse, Taupo Quay; Bond and Flour Stores, Ridgway Street; Bulk Store and Coal Yards, St. Hill Street. Branches, Pipiriki and Raetihi. Telegraphic and cable address, “Hatrick, Wanganui.” Code ABC. Telephone 41; P.O. Box 34. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Wilson Street. London agents, Messrs. R. T. Turnbull and Co. East India Avenue, Fenchurch Street, E.C. This business was established in 1880 by Messrs. Walker and Hatrick, and four years later Mr. Hatrick became sole proprietor. The buildings are of wood and iron, and contain in all between 4000 and 5000 square feet, the premises being in most cases freehold. The contractor for the building was Mr. Law, and the architect Mr. Cole. The trade of this firm extends throughout the length and breadth of New Zealand, and even into the other colonies. The barquentine “St. Kilda,” running between Wanganui and Sydney, is owned and employed in connection with the business. The firm are proprietors also of the two splendid river steamers “Wairere” and “Manuwai,” plying between Wanganui and Pipiriki, a distance of sixty miles. Messrs. Hatrick and Co. have a number of valuable agencies.
Merchants, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. H. J. R. Tilly, local manager. Telephone 17; P.O. Box 106. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1883. The building is of wood and iron, and two stories in height. (See page 711).
(Thomas Wixcey, Managing Director and Secretary. General Merchants, Taupo Quay. Wanganui. Telegraphic and Cable address, “Hogan, Wanganui,” Code ABC. Telephone 47; P.O. Box 65. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Wixcey's private residence, Bell Street. London agents, Messrs. Vanderbyl, Pratt and Co., Great Winchester Street, E.C. This large business was established about the year 1886 by Messrs. Hogan and Co., who conducted a large and growing trade until 1890, when the company was incorporated. The operations of the company extend all over New Zealand, and to Australia and England. They are importers of general merchandise, and are large purchasers of wool and produce, on which they make liberal cash advances. The Company are also large shippers of wool, grain, and frozen meat. Mr. W. E. Morgan, who purchased Mr. Hogan's interest, is in charge of the wool department, and Mr. F. M. Field, the accountant, controls the clerical work of the Company. The firm are agents of the Shaw, Savill and Albion Company, and the Wellington Steam Packet Company. They are district agents for the Imperial Insurance Company, and for the Commercial Union Assurance Company (Marine Department). The company are also agents for Little's and other sheep dips, and Messrs. J and T. Meek's Oamaru flour, and have many other colonial agencies. They have a patent wire strainer, which commands a good sale amongst the farmers. The company's premises in Taupo Quay include a wood and iron building, partly of two stories, affording ample convenience for their large business, the total floorage space
(John Stevenson, manager), Wool Merchants, Land, Stock and Station Agents, Loan and Mercantile Agency Buildings, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Head office, London; Chief colonial office, Wellington. Cable address, “Mercantile, Wanganui.” Code A.B.C. and private. Telephone 26; P.O. Box 37. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Manager's residence, Bell Street. The branch of this well-known company was established about 1867. The large building occupied by them is of wood and iron, two stories in height, erected on Harbour Board leasehold land, and contains over 10,000 square feet of floorage space. The company has wool-dumping and seed-cleaning machinery, the motive power being an Otto gas-engine of sixteen-horse-power. About thirteen hands are employed in connection with the branch, the trade of which extends from Palmerston North to New Plymouth. The company imports seeds and general merchandise. They are agents for Cannon's, Murton's, Thomas', and other sheep dips, Taylor and Bremner's wool presses, the N.Z. Shipping Company, the Wellington Steam Packet Company, and hold other agencies.
(T. B. Young, manager), General Merchants, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Head office, Nelson. This old established firm commenced business in 1842 in Nelson, where they are still the leading merchants. The Wanganui branch was opened by the present manager in 1885, in the small premises previously occupied by Messrs. Taylor and Watt. The business has extended rapidly, a fact well evidenced by the erection in 1894 of a splendid warehouse and bond. It is a large, handsome structure of wood and iron, two stories in height, comprising nearly 17,000 square feet of floorage space. The building is finished with West Coast rimu, much of the marking being very fine. The whole of the building was erected on labour-saving lines, and has been admirably constructed to serve the purposes of the business. There is a covered yard under the roof of the building, the floor of the warehouse being level with the dray. Mr. Atkins was the architect. The departments of the business are grocery, drapery, boots, and all other lines of general merchandise. They are also part owners and agents In Wanganui for the Anchor Line of steamers of Nelson, which trade with Wanganui, Wellington, Picton, and the West Coast ports of the South Island.
Hogan and Durie (E. Hogan and C. A. Durie), Grain, Produce, and Wool Merchant, Taylorville. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1896.
Brewer and Maltster, Crown Brewery, St. Hill Street, Wanganui. P.O. Box 46. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Wicksteed Street. London agents, Limley and Co., American Square, E.C. The Crown Brewery was established in 1867 by Mr. Duignan. The building is of wood and iron, three stories in height, from plans by Messrs. Barnard and Allen. The output of malt, some 10,000 bushels per annum, is sold throughout the Colony. Mr. Bennie is a native of Glasgow, and came to New Zealand per ship “Jura” in 1862. Since settling in Wanganui, the subject of this notice has been prominent in the district. He was elected to a seat in the Borough Corporation in 1890, but it is in matters concerning the recreations of the people that he stands forward chiefly. He was instrumental in founding the first Wanganui Football Club, and also the local bowling club. Mr. Bennie was one of four representative bowlers in the match New Zealand against Victoria, and holds the gold medal for that tournament, which took place in 1893. He is president of the Wanganui Bowling Club, having been elected for the second team.
J.P., Nurseryman, Egmont Nursery, Glasgow Street, Wanganui. This well-known nursery was founded in 1867 by Mr. Laird, by whom it has been successfully conducted ever since. Mr. James Laird, junior, is the manager. Mr. Laird is fully referred to as chairman of the Waitotara County Council.
Fruiterer and Confectioner, corner of Victoria Avenue and Maria Place, Wanganui. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mrs. Pownall was born in Nelson and removed to Wanganui with her husband, the late Mr. R. W. Pownall, artist, about 1889. Mrs. Pownall established herself as above in the latter year. She occupies a convenient shop in Victoria Avenue, and does a nice little trade.
Vine Grower and Wine Maker, Bell Street, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Soler established himself in business in Wanganui in 1867. He is a native of Spain, and has had large and practical experience of viticulture and wine making on the continent of Europe. To Australia and New Zealand he has demonstrated by his practical experience the possibilities of the wine-making industry, which supports an immense population on the continent of Europe. Mr. Soler's freehold premises comprise two-and-three-quarter acres in Bell Street, Wanganui, where he has been making wine since 1871. He has a large vinery, which consists of a single house 120 feet long, and a double house 150 feet long, including no less than 14,000 square
Bragge, Walter F., Fruiterer and Confectioner, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Harrison Street. Established 1896.
Coburn, Mrs. J., Fruiterer, Confectioner, and Registry Office Keeper, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui.
Provost, John, Wine and Cider Manufacturer, etc., Mosstown, near Wanganui.
Siddle, Jonathan, Fruiterer and Seedsman, Ridgway Street, Wanganui.
Sinclair, J. T., Seedsman, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1891.
Cremer's Art Needlework, Fancy Goods, and Toy Depôt, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Telegraphic, address “Cremer, Wanganui.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Victoria Avenue, corner Dublin Street. London solicitors, Messrs. Emanuel and Simmonds, 57 Finsbury Circus, E.C. Home agent, Mr. W. H. Cremer, London, England, and Neuhamburg, Germany. Mr. Cremer is a native of London, where he lived and prospered for 25 years as an auctioneer, his offices being in Conduit Street, Bond Street, W. For fifteen years he held the appointment of auctioneer to the London, Chatham, and Dover Railway Company, and for the British War Office. In 1881 Mrs. Cremer's health gave way, and removal to a more suitable climate was necessary. The appointments being personal, had of course to be thrown up, but the private business was continued by managers for some ten years after Mr. and Mrs. Cremer had come out to the Colony. In Jubilee year Mr. and Mrs. Cremer went Home for a short visit, but were unable to remain after the summer months. For fifteen years Mr. Cremer was a member of the vestry of St. George's, Hanover Square, and was the representative of that body on the London Board of Works, now known as the London County Council. Mr. Cremer's business in Wanganui is very different from that carried on by him in London; still, it is a long way the best of its kind in the district. The specialties are art needlework and novelties of every kind. Everything is imported direct from the Old World, and bought in the very best markets. The shop in Victoria Avenue is most centrally situated, and presents a fine appearance. For a few weeks before Christmas in each year, in order to cope with the increased business of that time, Mr. Cremer takes special premises as a German Fair for the sale of toys, dolls, games, etc. This is in every sense a house to be commended.
(H. I. Jones), Book-sellers, Stationers, Printers, Bookbinders, and Publishers, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Telephone 71; P.O. Box 93. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, No. 2 Line. London agents, Messrs. George Robertson and Co., 17 Warwick Square, Paternoster Row, E.C. This large business was established by Mr. H. I. Jones, the present proprietor, in 1860. The firm have a splendid plant of machinery, which is driven by an Otto gas-engine, by Crossley. They employ about thirteen hands in the factory and shop, and do a very large trade. They keep a heavy stock of books, stationery, and fancy goods, and make a specialty of cricketing, tennis, fishing, football, and golf materials. Mr. Jones, who lives on his property. “The Wind Grove,” No. 2 Line, was born in 1822 in Oxfordshire, and came to the colonies in 1849. Four years later he settled on the banks of the Wanganui River, where he commenced farming. Soon after establishing the large business now conducted by his firm, Mr. Jones had to devote his time to soldiering. Under instructions from Major Atkinson, then Defence Minister, he raised a company of eighty men for three years' service, find was placed in command, but resigned when the corps was ordered to the East Coast. During his military career he took part in the engagement at the relief of Pipiriki, for which he received the New Zealand war medal. His last military service was in 1866, when he was captain of the company of militia that built Bryce's Redoubt on the Brunswick Line. In local politics Mr. Jones has taken an active part—as member of the first Town Board of Wanganui, of the school committee under the Provincial Government, as member of the first Board of Education
Printer, Publisher, etc., Richmond Chambers, Ridgway Street. Telegraphic address, “Quin, Wanganui.” Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Ingestre Street. Mr. Quin was born in Wanganui where his parents arrived in 1841. His father was a native of Belfast, Ireland, and belonged to the 65th Regiment. His time, however, elapsed while he was in this Colony. and here he decided to remain. Mr. Quin was apprenticed to Messrs. Ballance and Willis, the former proprietors of the Wanganui Herald, completing his term in 1872. Since then he has been foreman of the Chronicle office for a period of four years, in charge of the Herald jobbing department four years, and for ten years foreman for Mr. A. D. Willis. In these situations he made many friends who have not been slow to favour him with their patronage since he has been in business for himself. Mr. Quin's machinery comprises a double news albion press, a foolscap folio platen machine, a Brehmer's patent automatic wire stapling machine, perforator, a Furnival's “Express” guillotine, etc. The platen machine is the kind known as the “Gordon,”—a very neat machine, of which Mr. Quin speaks in the highest terms. The stapling machine is an exceedingly good one, cutting and forming its own staples, and capable of doing work from half-an-inch thick down to a single sheet. The type belonging to the plant is all new and in exceptionally good order, and has evidently been chosen by a man who thoroughly understands his business. Mr. Quin is an enthusiastic jobbing compositor and the best of his work is mainly done by himself, and in a style which reflects the greatest credit upon the town in which he has learned his business. Many specimens submitted to the writer will bear favourable comparison with the best work in many a larger town. The local part of the Presbyterian Monthly Magazine is produced by Mr. Quin. A good share of the local trade falls to his lot, and there is every appearance of prosperity about the establishment. Mr. Quin is a “Past Provincial Grand Master” of the Manchester Unity of Odd-fellows, and has been a volunteer for twenty-four years in the Wanganui Rifles, which claims to be the “crack” corps of the Colony. Mr. Quin is brother-in-law to Mr. Felix McGuire, the member for Hawera.
Bookseller and Stationer, News-agent, General Printer, Chromo-lithographer, Manufacturing Stationer, Bookbinder, and Publisher, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Telephone 85: P.O. Box 5. Bankers. Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Bell Street. Cable address, “Willis, Wanganui.” London agents:—Messrs. William Dawson and Sons, Cannon Street, E.C. Manager, Mr. C. W. Poynter. Many years ago Mr. Willis established a printing office in Wanganui, to which he subsequently added the trade of a bookseller and stationer, having purchased a business which had been conducted by Mr. W. Hutchison for some years. From these two comparatively small concerns the present huge establishment has been evolved. The untiring energy and enterprise of the proprietor, and his persistent application, have been the main factors in this gratifying result, the natural growth and development of this beautiful and wealthy district having, of course, contributed in no small degree. The fine leasehold premises—situated in the busiest part of Victoria Avenue—comprise a large building of wood and iron, with two splendid show-windows opening to the street, under the handsome verandah which spans the footpath. The shop contains an enormous stock of books, stationery, and office
Ferguson, Alexander, Bookseller and Stationer, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Private residence, Nixon Street.
New Zealand Bible, Tract, and Book Society (B. Galloway, manager), Victoria Avenue. Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The Wanganui branch was established in 1890.
General Storekeeper, Grocer and Tea Merchant, Corner St. Hill and Guyton Street, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Bruce, Wanganui.” Telephone 68. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, St. Hill Street. This business was established in 1881 by the late Mr. David Bell, and has been conducted by the present proprietor since 1888. The buildings, which are erected on freehold land, comprise convenient premises of wood and iron used as shop, showrooms and offices, having about 1,600 square feet of floorage space. A bulk store of two stories for grain produce is erected behind the shop and contains about 1,200 square feet. Besides groceries and other stores, Mr. Bruce has a large assortment crockery, glassware etc., and occasionally-imports direct from the Home manufacturers. He makes a speciality of tea blending, having the necessary mixing machinery. His trade extends within a radius of twenty to thirty miles. He is agent for the Man-Chester Fire Assurance Company.
Grocer, Produce and Provision Merchant, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Telephone 67; P.O. Box 32. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Keith Street. Mr. Calman was born in Wanganui, where he has lived most of his life. He learned his business with Mr. J. G. Sharp, and for thirteen years was in the employ of that gentleman. He established the present business in 1881. Mr. Calman occupies a two-story building of wood and iron, which was specially built for the grocery business. He has all the necessary machinery for roasting and grinding coffee, and for working and making up butter for export. Mr. Calman does a considerable trade in produce with the farmers within a radius of fifty miles. He exports heavy shipments of butter, and imports groceries from the world's metropolis. Mr. Calman is agent for Bock's well-known remedies, which include patent medicines, polish, and other articles. Mr. Calman is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and occupies the position of Senior Warden. For two years he was treasurer of that body, and also of the local Druids' lodge.
(Thomas Dick Cummins), Wholesale and Retail Grocers and Provision Merchants, corner of Ridgway and Wicksteed Streets, Wanganui. Telephone 58; P.O. Box 84. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This is one of the oldest-established businesses of its kind in Wanganui, and was known for many years under the style of Cummins, Sharp and Co., the business being now carried on by the present proprietor, in the new, large, and commodious premises situate as above. Mr. Cummins' career is referred to under the heading of “Borough of Wanganui.”
Flour Miller, Crown Roller Mills Nixon Place, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Duigan, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Mount Desert. The Crown Roller Mills were established in 1865 by Messrs. Holland and Sim. Mr. Duigan has been proprietor since 1880. The three-story wood and iron building stands on freehold ground, and was erected for the purposes of the business. In 1894 the latest roller milling machinery by Ganz and Co., Limited, was fitted in the mill at a large cost, automatic lifts being included. A horizontal steam engine made in Scotland furnishes the necessary power. The trade is chiefly local, and wheat is imported from the South. Mr. Duigan is a native of Ireland, and came out to Tasmania about 1850; he has consequently been in the colonies for nearly half a century. Mr. Duigan lived in Tasmania and Victoria until 1867. On arrival in the Colony he joined the telegraph service, and came to Wanganui in 1870. He has had a varied experience as newspaper proprietor, brewer, flour-miller, and editor of the Wanganui Herald. The editorship he has held for about eight years in all, and is still in harness. Mr. Duignan served one term as a member of the Wanganui Municipal Corporation. He was successful in floating the Wanganui Meat Freezing Company, which has done a good deal to forward in the development of the district. Though Mr. Duigan has declined to stand for the House of Representatives himself, he has had a lot to do with political life, and no one has been more prominent in the various contests.
General Storekeeper, Taylorville, Wanganui. Telephone 56. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The Taylorville Post-office and General Store was established in 1870 by Mr. Gillies. Campbelltown is the old name of the place, which is now generally called Taylorville. Mr. Campbell succeeded the founder of the business, and conducted the trade for some time.
General Storekeeper, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Branches at Pipiriki and Raetihi. Telegraphic address, “Manson, Wanganui.” Telephone 61. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. This large business was established by Mr. Manson in 1870, and has been successfully conducted by him since that time. The building, which is erected on Harbour Board leasehold land having twenty-eight years to run, is built of wood on brick foundations, and is two stories in height. The frontage to Taupo Quay exceeds sixty feet, and the total floorage space occupied in the large and convenient premises is little less than 5000 square feet, Mr. Manson is a direct importer of all groceries and provisions, from such well known firms as Messrs. McConochie Pros., London, etc. His trade extends right up the Wanganui River, and very largely in the back country, where settlement is rapidly going on. Mr. Manson has a large general stock at his principalal store in Taupo Quay, and the two branch establishments at Pipiriki and Reatihi.
General Storekeeper, corner of Plymouth and Harrison Streets, Wanganui. Mr. Nichol is a native of the North of Ireland, and came to New Zealand in 1882 per ship “Lady Jocelyn,” arriving in Auckland. Having had a mercantile experience in the hardware trade, Mr. Nichol obtained an appointment in the well-known Auckland house, Messrs. T. and S. Morrin and Co., Limited, which he retained for two years. After this Mr. Nicol came to Wanganui, and accepted a situation in the establishment of Mr. J. W. Horn, where he remained until establishing the present business in 1887. The substantial store and dwelling-house was erected for the purposes of the business, and contains about 1600 square feet of floorage space. Mr. Nicholl's trade is chiefly local. He is an importer of grocery, crockery, and glassware, and keeps a large and varied stock in all classes.
(George Randal), General Storekeepers, Guyton Street, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in September, 1892, by Messrs. Randal and Jones, and on the 31st of March, 1894, the latter retired, leaving Mr. Randal sole proprietor. Mr. Randal has a lease of the premises in Guyton Street, including a corner shop in Victoria Avenue, which he sub-lets. The premises are large and convenient, and admirably adapted to the purposes of the business. Mr. Randal is a direct importer of grocery, and keeps a large stock of crockery and glassware. Mr. Randal is a native of Islington, London, where he was brought up to mercantile life. He came to New Zealand per ship “Eastminster,” landing in Nelson. He speedily came to Wanganui, where he has resided ever since. Mr. Randal has considerable musical ability, and is well known as
Grocer, Provision and Wine and Spirit Merchant, corner of Ridgway Street and Wicksteed Place, Wanganui. Telephone 37;P.O. Box 91. Private residence, Wicksteed Place. This well-known business was established by Mrs. Stevenson, and on her retirement from business her son, Mr. James Lockhart Stevenson, who had managed the business for some years, came into possession. The premises are large and commodious, and are well stocked with a first-class and varied assortment of goods, which would be a credit to any firm in New Zealand. Mr. Stevenson's career is more fully referred to as Chief Magistrate of Wanganui, Mr. Stevenson having been elected mayor of the borough at the end of 1896.
Ball, George, General Storekeeper, Ball Street, Wanganui. Established 1880.
Fowler, Mrs. M. E., General Storekeeper, Barrack Street, Wanganui.
Hodgson, Mrs., Grocer, Guyton Street, Wanganui, Established 1892.
Holden, William, General Storekeeper, corner of Bell and Guyton Streets, Wanganui, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1894.
Jones, Mrs., Storekeeper, corner of Dublin and Campbell Streets, Wanganui. Established 1895.
Keith and Lennard (John Keith and Alfred Charles Lennard), Grocers and Storekeepers, Wine and Spirit Merchants, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Private residences, Wicksteed Street.
Lafferty, Mrs. M. J., Grocer, corner Bell and Liverpool Streets, Wanganui, Established 1866.
Longman, William, Grocer, corner of Dublin and Harrison Streets. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1896.
Mailman, Mrs. L., Grocer, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Established 1892.
Morton, William, General Storekeeper, corner of Victoria Avenue and Gyton Street, Wanganui. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1882.
O'Hara, William Richard, General Storekeeper, corner of Guyton and Nixon Streets, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1888.
Quin, Mrs. J. D., General Storekeeper, corner Bell and Ingestre Streets, Wanganui. Established 1892.
Richardson, J. C., Grocer, etc., corner Liverpool and Ball Streets, Wanganui.
(J. B. Gilberd, William Gilberd and Henry Gilberd), Soap Manufactories, Castlecliff, Wanga nui. Telephone 83; P.O. 11. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. The factory, which is of wood and iron and two stories in height, is erected on freehold land. Every necessary appliance is available for the manufacture of all classes of soap. The trade is chiefly on the west coast of the North and the South Island.
Ship Chandler and Sailmaker, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. P.O. Box 41. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, St. Hill Street. This business was established in 1878 by the present owner, in conjunction with his brother, Mr. Daniel McFarlane, under the style of J. and D. McFarlane, which continued till 1888, when Mr. D. McFarlane retired from the business and three years later went to California. Until 1896 the business was conducted in a wood and iron building, having about 1200 square feet of floorage space, situate on Taupo Quay, within a stone's throw of the Railway Wharf. The new premises lately taken by Mr. John McFarlane are known as Waters'
Buildings. This fine two-story building, which is in every respect suitable for the requirements of the trade, is centrally situated in the Avenue. The shop and show-rooms occupy the ground-floor of the new building, which was erected to suit the convenience of Mr. McFarlane's business, the workrooms being on the upper floor. Five skilled hands are regularly employed in connection with the establishment. Mr. McFarlane has complete arrangements for procuring calico, canvas, sheetings, Irish lines, and Manchester goods, direct from the Home markets. He is, therefore, able to supply his patrons with whatever may be required in his line on the very best terms as to price and quality. As Mr. McFarlane's business is largely with the shipping, a large assortment of ship's chandlery goods is regularly stocked. Mr. McFarlane was born in 1852 at Troon, Ayshire, Scotland, where he was educated, but when still very young he went with his parents to St. John, New Brunswick, where his father started ship-building on St. John's River. After a few years the family returned to the “land of brown heath and shaggy wood”. Mr. John McFarlane was apprenticed to the sailmaking trade with Messrs Miller and Dickie, of Troon, and on completing his indentures had five years' experience at sea, during which time he learnt much that has been useful to him in his business. He visited different parts of the world—including California, New York, the West Indies, and other places—and came to New Zealand in 1874 by the ship “Auckland” (Captain McDougall), landing at Dunedin. Three days after he joined the schooner “Janet Ramsay,” and left her on arrival in Wanganui. Selecting the town as a suitable place in which to settle, Mr. McFarlane worked for three years with Captain Farnie, and gained a knowledge of the district and its people. Like many other young men, he was at the time of the West Coast rush smitten with the gold-fever, but, tiring of life on the diggings, he
Horwood, Thomas, Umbrella Repairer, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Estab. 1872.
(Alfred Smith and Charles F. Millward). General Carriers, Forwarding and Customs Agent, Taupo Quay, opposite the railway station, Wanganui. Telephone 96; P.O. Box 60. Bankers. Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Smith, Wilson Street; Mr. Millward, Guyton Street. Agents, at Home and throughout the colonies, New Zealand Express Company. The business so successfully carried on by Messrs. Smith and Millward was established in 1875 by Mitchell and Earl. It was purchased by the present proprietors in 1894, and under their energetic management it has made rapid progress. The outside work is attended to by Mr. Smith, the senior partner, and the mercantile part of the business is under the sole management of Mr. Millward. Both partners are thoroughly acquainted with the work of their several departments. The firm are agents in Wanganui for the New Zealand Express Company and the Wesport Coal Company. Their business operations are extensive and widespread. Mr. Smith was born at Whan, near Auckland, now named Avondale, and has been from his earliest infancy accustomed to the management of horses. He was for a time on the Thames goldfields, and has been for the last twenty years in Wanganui. Mr. Millward is a native of Liverpool, and came to the colonies via Melbourne, in 1879. He gained his mercantile experience as a clerk in the offices of the Union Steamship Company of Wellington, in which capacity he was thoroughly well known, and was very popular in the Empire City. Mr. Smith has been for several years a member of the Manchester Unity of the Independent Order of Oddfellows.
Cholmeley and Baner, Livery Stable Keepers, Wanganui.
Balmer's Commercial Livery and Bait Stables, Ridgway Street and Campbell Place, Wanganui. Established 1856.
Gordon, C., Livery Stable Proprietor, Taylorville, Wanganui. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1868.
Martin, Edward, Coach Proprietor and Signwriter, Guyton Street, Wanganui. Established 1894.
Watchmaker and Jeweller, Victoria Avenue. Telegraphic address, “Black, Wanganui.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Black is a native of Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where he learned his business. He came to New Zealand in 1876, per ship “Maulesden,” arriving in Port Chalmers. He found employment with the well-known firm of Messrs. G. and T. Young, of Dunedin, with whom he remained for three years, during the greater portion of which time he was manager of that firm's branch at Timaru. Mr. Black was subsequently in business for two and a-half years in Temuka, but removed to Wanganui in 1882, and established the present business. The premises are leasehold, and were built for the purpose of his business, Mr. W. Aitken designing the building. Mr. Black's business extends all over the West Coast of the North Island. He is a direct importer, as found desirable. He undertakes everything in the watchmaking and jewellery line. His shop is well appointed in every respect, and a considerable and divers stock is always on hand. Mr. Black is a member of the Oddfellows' Order, and an ex-member of the Wanganui School Committee.
Working Jeweller, Wilson Street, Wanganui. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Nettleship is a native of London, and came out to Victoria as a lad in 1851, per schooner “Robert and Betsy,” ninety tons, taking eight months on the voyage. Mr. Nettleship claims to have been the first to be apprenticed to his trade in Victoria. He completed his term in 1855. Mr. Nettleship came to New Zealand in 1869, working at his trade off and on for some years. He established the present business in 1879, and has a convenient shop and comfortable dwellings erected on freehold land from his own plans as above. Mr. Nettleship has a complete plant, including rolling mill, lathe, and every appliance His trade extends along the West Coast. He undertakes every description of work that may be required, and may be depended upon to turn out anything entrusted to his care in first-rate style. Mr. Nettleship has been connected with the volunteer rifles in Wellington and Wanganui for about fifteen years.
Watchmaker and Jeweller, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Springman, Wanganui.” Mr. Springman is a native of Eisenbach, Germany. In 1873 he left his native place for London, where he spent some ten years. He was apprenticed to Mr. E. Dilger, watchmaker and jeweller, of 34 Perceval Street, London, completing his term in 1878. He was then for about a year employed by Mr. Ruff, of Goswell Road, London, E.C., and afterwards for some three-and-a-half years with Mr. G. W. Benson, watchmaker, etc., of Ludgate Hill, E.C. In 1883 Mr. Springman left London for New Zealand per s.s. “British Queen,” under engagement to Messrs. Petersen and Co., jewellers, etc., of Christchurch, with whom he remained upwards of three years. He then removed to Opotiki, in the Bay of Plenty, where he established himself in business, but soon removed to Coromandel, where he lived for about three years. In 1890 he arrived in Wanganui, and for one-and-a-half years was in the
Drew, S. H., Watchmaker and Jeweller, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. P.O. Box 83.
Forbes, J., Watchmaker and Jeweller, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Bankers. Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Wicksteed Street. Established 1887.
Salek and Co. (Isaac Salek), Watchmakers and Jewellers, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui.
Wychodil, Anton, Watchmaker, Ridgway Street, Wanganui. Established 1885.
Timber Merchant, St. Hill Timber Yard and Sash Factory, St. Hill Street, Wanganui. Telephone 52; P.O. Box 82. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Guyton Street. This business was established in 1887. The factory, which is a building of one and two stories, built of wood and iron, is of large size, half an acre of land being covered. The machinery is driven by an eight-horse-power steam-engine by Clayton and Shuttleworth, of Lincoln, England. Among the plant may be noted planing and moulding machines, and circular and band saws of the latest pattern, besides many other appliances for turning out well finished goods. Mr. Aiken does a large trade in sashes and doors, and sells immense quantities of timber, chiefly of rimu, totara, and matai. Mr. Aiken's parents arrived about they year 1852, in the early days of Wanganui, and here Mr. Aiken was born. Learning the business with his father, who was in the building line, he launched out on his own account, and has been successful in his enterprise. Mr. Aiken has long taken an active part in aquatics as
Timber Merchant and Contractor, Wilson Street, Wanganui. Telegraphic address, “Bassett, Wanganui.” Telephone 84. P.O. Box 57. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, St. John's Hill. Mr. Bassett commenced business as a contractor about 1874, since which he has secured contracts for the construction of many miles of railway, also for some of the largest bridges in the North Island. He has a specially-designed and complete plant for the manufacture of iron bridges. As a timber merchant he commenced business in 1894. He has extensive yards in Wilson Street, where he keeps a large and general stock of timber, builders' ironmongery, etc.
(W. H. Clapham, chairman; John Notman, secretary; F. M. Spurdle, general manager). Offices, Taupo Quay; factory and yards, Churton, Ridgway, and Wilson Streets, Wanganui. Telephone 36; P.O. Box 66. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Capital, £20,000 in 2000 shares of £10 each; £6 per share called and paid up. The company was established in May, 1883, and took over the business formerly carried on by Messrs. York and Cornfoot as timber merchants and woodware manufacturers. The factory buildings, which are situated at Taupo Quay, extend along Churton and Ridgway Streets, and occupy one-and-three-quarter acres of land, with extensive storage sidings alongside the railway. The total floorage space of the company's premises exceed 15,000 square feet. The company's business extends to all the settlements along the West Coast of the North Island, and also to Wellington, Marlborough, and Nelson. The plant is very complete, comprising all the latest improvements in planing, moulding, and other woodware machinery and is driven by a horizontal steam-engine, specially imported from Scotland for the company. The boiler was made by Mr. D. Murray, of Wanganui. About forty hands are employed in connection with this large factory. All classes of goods are turned out, including tallow-casks, butter kegs, sashes and doors, and all kinds of farmers' and builders' requisites. The company are also manufacturers of Venetian blinds, and are direct importers of glass, oils, etc. This industrial concern is one of the largest in Wanganui and its course has been one of uninterrupted success. Mr. Spurdle, the general manager, is genial and popular. He is a borough councillor, and further particulars of his career are given in that connection.
Cooper, Leonard, Cooper, St. Hill Street, Wanganui. Established 1892.
Green, Robert W., Wood Turner, Venetian Blind Maker, etc., St. Hill Street, Wanganui. Private residence, Plymouth Street. Established 1895.
Harkness, F. A., Wood and Coal Merchant, corner of Wilson and Ridgway Streets, Wanganui. Established 1895.
Robinson, Robert, Wood Turner, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui.
(Herbert and Henry Collier), Music sellers, Piano and Musical Instrument Importers, Wanganui Music Warehouse, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Branch, New Plymouth. Telegraphic address, “Collier, Wanganui.” P.O. Box 111. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Mr. H. Collier-Nixon Street; Mr. Henry Collier, Guyton Street. Both partners are natives of Manchester, and came to New Zealand about the year 1878, when the present business was established. The firm occupy large and convenient premises, very close to the Post-office in Victoria Avenue. The building is of two stories, and erected on leasehold ground, and contains accommodation for a very large and valuable stock. The firm are direct importers of musical instruments of all kinds, as well as music, and they hold sole agencies for the West Coast for Brimsmead and Haake's pianos. The specialties of their business are pianos and organs, in which they do a very large trade between Palmerston and New Plymouth. The firm have also a large tuning connection in the same extensive districts. Mr. Henry Collier has been a prominent teacher of music in Wanganui since 1878. At the time of writing Mr. Herbert Collier was on a visit to England.
(proprietor, J. Shelley), Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Branch, Empire Temperance Hotel, corner Wicksteed Street and Campbell Place. Telegraphic address, “Buffet Wanganui.” Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Empire Temperance Hotel. The Buffet was established in 1887 by Mr. Shelley, who is also proprietor of the Empire Temperance Hotel. The latter he purchased in 1894, in consequence of the scarcity of room in connection with the more central establishment. The Buffet is in the very heart of the town, within a few doors of the Rutland Hotel and but a few yards of the post-office. Meals of good quality are provided at all hours, the tariff being one shilling all round, or for weekly boarders 20s. single rooms, and 18s. double bedrooms. The proprietor, Mr. Shelley, is a native of Greenwich, and was apprenticed to the Eastern Extension Telegraph Company of East-Greenwich. For several years after the completion of his term he continued with the company, and was one of the party sent out with the cable steam-ship “Edinburgh” to repair the cable between Port Darwin and Singapore, and to lay the first cable between Australia and New Zealand. This was in 1875. Mr. Shelley then left the service, and
Settler, Wanganui. Mr. Alexander was born in Scotland in 1818, and died at Wanganui on the 14th of July, 1895. With his brother—Alexander—he landed in Wellington in 1840 per ship “Martha Ridgway,” and subsequently settled in Wanganui. It is largely due to the industry, courage, and foresight of the early settlers that the town and surrounding district owe their present advanced state. Recent arrivals have happily no experience of the privations endured by the hardy pioneers. After a time in the Wairarapa, Mr. Alexander returned to Wanganui and settled down as manager for the late Mr. W. B. Rhodes, to supply the troops in the commissariat department. Subsequently he took the contract himself, in conjunction with Mr. G. Y. Lethbridge, and later on with Mr. David Peat, until peace ensued, the Imperial troops being taken away in 1869. Thence till the end of his life he remained in partnership with his brother-in-law, Mr. David Peat. Mr. Alexander made many trips to the Old Country, and on the last occasion, during the winter of 1894, he contracted a severe cold, from the effects of which he never recovered. He was twice married, and leaves a widow and grown-up son and daughter by his first wife.
Sheepfarmer, Wanganui. This pioneer colonist landed in Wellington in 1840, afterwards settling in Wanganui, where he remained seven years. He then removed to the South Island, taking up a sheep-run in the Wairau Valley. In 1855 he sold out and again came to the Wanganui District. Twelve years later he left the Colony to visit the Old Country, but died on the voyage.
Farmer, “Letham,” Wanganui. A son of the late Dr. Allison, M.H.R., the subject of this sketch was born in 1849 at Boulderbank, Marlborough. He was educated partly at Home and partly at Wanganui. When seventeen years of age his father died on a voyage to England, and Mr. Allison took his place on the farm. “Letham,” which is 200 acres in extent, was part of his father's estate of “Lamb Hill,” and may justly be considered a model farm, its barns, stables, sheep-yards, cow-sheds, plantations, orchard, and garden, being splendidly kept. Mr. Allison breeds stud Lincolns, his flock being fully referred to in the New Zealand Flock Book, page 35, No. 78. Mr. Allison also owns a farm of 480 acres at Marton, which is leased by Mr. W. Old-field. In 1892 Mr. Allison married a daughter of Mr. W. H. Willway, a very early Christchurch settler, and has two sons.
Sheepfarmer, No. 2 Line, Wanganui. The son of an old settler, after whom he is named, Mr. Bamber was born in 1864 in Wanganui, and was educated in his native place. Brought up to a mercantile life, he adopted sheep-farming as his calling in 1888, and leases 400 acres, where he lives, and 640 acres, known as “Rusthall,” running on the two places some 2300 sheep and about fifty head of cattle. In 1887 Mr. Bamber married a daughter of Mr. C. J. Irving, of Russell, Bay of Islands, and has three daughters and a son.
Settler, No. 2 Line, Wanganui. This gentleman was for fifteen years the proprietor of a private school in Boulcott Street, Wellington, and previously was assistant to the late Mr. E. Toomath. Mr. Brann was born in 1827 in Kent, England, and was educated at the public schools. After a short term as a teacher in England, he came to Lyttelton in 1860 per ship “Gannanoque.” Closing his school in Wellington, he joined the service of the Education Board, continuing in it for fourteen years, chiefly at Clareville and Carterton, and retiring in 1894. Mr. Brann was married in 1866 to a daughter of Mr. S. Woodward, of Wellington, settler, and has three daughters and a son.
Farmer, Wanganui. This old colonist, who was born in 1814 at Eydon, Northamptonshire, left England in 1834 for North America, and, after farming near Buffalo for a short period, embarked at New Bedford on a three years' whaling expedition to the South Seas, dipping into New Zealand waters in December, 1837. Landing at the Bay of Islands, he joined the whaler “Harriett,” which on leaving the bay became a total wreck. He then joined the Government cutter “Ranger.” In 1840 he bought some sections at the first land sale of the township of Auckland. In 1843 he came to Wellington and took up land in the Hutt District, but, the Maoris becoming troublesome, he enrolled in the Militia, serving afterwards in the armed police force. Mr. Brightwell was one of 600 men who shipped on H.M.S. “Driver,” the first steam man-of-war that came to the Colony, and landing at Waikanae, where he was stationed with thirteen others for eleven months under Sergeant Mills, they captured a party of rebels. After a stay of twelve years at the Hutt, Mr. Brightwell removed to the Wairarapa, where he spent some years before taking up his residence at Wanganui. He is, at the time of writing (February, 1897), nearly eighty-three, and is still hale and hearty.
Farmer, “Brooklands,” Westmere, Wanganui. Mr. Brightwell's farm of 200 acres, six miles from town, is extremely fertile and well-adapted for fruit-growing, twenty-five acres being so employed. Mr. Brightwell was born in 1845 in Wellington, where he was educated. After working on his father's farm at the Hutt, and then in the Wairarapa, he established himself in business in Wellington in 1870 as a general storekeeper, three years later opening in Palmerston North, where he remained for nine years. He then came to Wanganui, where he became a commission agent, from which he retired in favour of farming and fruit-growing pursuits.
Sheep and Cattle-farmer, Wanganui. Mr. Cameron resides on the well-known estate of “Marangai,” near Wanganui. Mr. Cameron's father, Mr. John Cameron, purchased the property in 1841, and resided there with his family till his death, in 1894. Mr. Allan Cameron was born in 1865 on the estate, and was educated in Wanganui, and also at Wellington College. The property consists of about 1200 acres of fine freehold land, running a flock of 2800 Lincoln sheep and a herd of 100 shorthorn cattle. In addition to the ordinary stock, both Mr. Cameron and his father before him have paid great attention to the breeding of racing stock, and Mr. Cameron, senior, will be remembered as the breeder of the steeplechaser “Norton.” A brother of this celebrated horse is at present on the place. Mr. Allan Cameron was a member of the Kaitoke Road Board for a considerable period. In Volunteer circles he was always prominent, being a member for several years of the well-known Alexandra Cavalry. Mr. Cameron is married, and has a son and a daughter.
Farmer, Brunswick, Wanganui. Born in 1849 in New Brunswick, Canada, Mr. Campbell came to New Zealand in 1853 with his father, who settled in the district and gave it its name. His early days were spent on his father's farm, where he remained until after his death, in 1867. On the outbreak of the Maori war he joined the Kai Iwi Cavalry, serving through the West Coast campaign. After the war he returned to the farm, where he has since resided. Mr. Campbell, in conjunction with his brother, acquired further property, dividing the whole between them. He now has a fine farm of 300 acres, eight miles from Wanganui, well grassed and subdivided into paddocks, and capable of carrying three sheep to the acre. Although he takes general interest in local matters, Mr. Campbell has never been prominently before the public, confining his energies to the work of his farm. He is married to a daughter of the late Mr. J. P. Watt, of “Lily Bank.”
Settler, “Culworth,” Upokongaro. The fifth son of the late Mr. Frederick Samuel D'Anvers, who was connected with the East India Company for many years, the subject of this notice was born at Hornsey, Middlesex, England, in 1844, and received his education at King's College, Canterbury, England. He travelled for some time after completing his college course, and in 1864 came to New Zealand. After a few years in Hawkes Bay, Mr. D'Anvers went to Rangitikei, where he was engaged in farming. In 1892 he settled on his fine estate, situated on a bend of the Wanganui River. For some years Mr. D'Anvers was a member of the Rangitikei Cavalry. In sporting matters he takes a great interest, being a member of the Wanganui Polo Club, and of the Wanganui Jockey Club.
Dairy-farmer, Westmere, Wanganui. Besides forty acres of leasehold property, Mr. Donald has seventy-two acres of freehold, which he uses as a dairy-farm. The stock
Farmer, Wanganui. This old settler, who was born in 1805 at Curranshaw, where he was educated, came to New Zealand by the “Bengal Merchant” in 1840, and proceeded to Wanganui a few months later. The property of 105 acres, about two miles from Wanganui on the opposite side of the river, which was then taken up, is now occupied by one of his sons. Mr. Duncan was one of the earliest to bring sheep and cattle overland from Wellington. The first flock of fifty sheep, which he purchased for £3 per head, were reduced to six before he reached Wanganui, owing to the depredations of the Maoris and their dogs. Mr. Duncan was married in England, and brought his wife out to the Colony with him; she died in 1872, leaving two sons. In 1873 Mr. Duncan married again, and on his death, some years later, he left by his second wife three daughters and one son. He was a very large property-owner, having land in both Islands. During the latter part of his life, he made several trips to the Old Country.
Sheepfarmer, Otairi Station, Otairi. Private residence, Durietown, Wanganui. Mr. Duncan landed in the Colony with his parents in January or February, 1840, having arrived per ship “Bengal Merchant.” For two years after arrival Mr. Duncan, senr., remained in Wellington, owing to difficulties in getting possession of his land from the New Zealand Company. The Otairi station is about ten miles from Hunterville, and consists of 20,000 acres of land. Originally it was all dense bush, but in a period of about 11 years all save about 2000 acres, retained for shelter purposes, has been felled and grassed. This splendid estate now carries 45,000 sheep, which are principally of the Lincoln variety. There are good station buildings, including large woolsheds fitted up with Wolseley shearing machines. During shearing about 1600 sheep are put through these sheds per day, about two months being occupied
Farmers, “Ohimiti,” Kaiwhaike, and “Aberfeldie,” Makirikiri, Wanganui. Both brothers were born at Wanganui, their father, Mr. John Fernie, who was a native of Scotland, coming to New Zealand in 1854. He returned to England, was married, and came out to the Colony again in 1860. Messrs. Fernie Bros. purchased their first land in 1881, beginning in a small way, but by dint of energy, shrewdness, and intelligence they now possess some 6000 acres, all improved, with the exception of reserves. Longwool sheep they find are not suited to their locality, and they are endeavouring to raise a breed adapted to the country.
Settler, Wanganui. Born in 1816, near Plymouth, England, where he was educated, after engaging in farm-work for a few years Mr. Harris came to New Zealand, landing in 1841, under engagement with the New Plymouth Company. For two years he served as chainman on the survey staff in Taranaki, and was afterwards sawing wood in the bush till 1858, when he settled in Wanganui, securing a dairy-farm. When the Maori war broke out he saw service with the Militia, taking part in Stewart's Redoubt and other engagements. His town section in Wanganui was used for an artillery fort, which ultimately gave place to his present residence. After the Maori troubles were settled, Mr. Harris conducted a boardinghouse for many years in Wanganui, till failing health compelled him to retire. Mr. Harris, who was married on the 26th of July, 1841, has twelve children, and a large number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He has held various offices in the Wesleyan Church and different Sunday schools. He is a life-long total abstainer and non-smoker, to which he attributes his wonderful constitution.
Farmer, Fordell. This old settler is the eldest son of the late Mr. H. S. Harrison, who is referred to in these pages as an exmember for Wanganui. Born in Wakefield, Yorkshire, in 1837, he
Settler, Victoria Avenue, Wanganui. Born in Northamptonshire in 1821, Mr. Henson worked on the North Western, the Great Western, and the Eastern Counties railways for a number of years. He took part in the construction of the Paris section of the Paris-Belgium Railway for a number of years, and was afterwards employed in England on the Brackley and Bambury Railway. After four years in business on his own account at Potterspury, Northamptonshire, he came to New Zealand, and settled in Wanganui on the Industrial School Estate, of which he leased a portion for many years. Besides holding the freehold section in Victoria Avenue, where his house is situated, Mr. Henson owns other valuable town properties.
Sheep and Cattle-farmer, Okoia, Wanganui. This old colonist was born in 1841 on board the ship “Olympus,” on her voyage to New Zealand, Dr. Featherston being the ship's doctor. For a time Mr. Higgie's parents resided at Porirua, his father, it is said, being the first contractor doing business in Wellington. In 1849 the family removed to Wanganui, and at the age of twenty-five Mr. Higgie received his share of the family estate. During the second Maori war Mr. Higgie saw a good deal of active service, being guide and interpreter to Colonel Logan. For his services in this direction he was appointed lieutenant of the
Sheepfarmer, “Rosmond,” Matarawa. The son of Mr. Thomas Higgie, an old settler at Okoia, who is referred to in these pages, Mr. M. Higgie was born in 1869 on the station which he now works. Educated at Wanganui Collegiate School, he was brought up to a country life on the Rosmond Estate, which is 400 acres in extent, and now carries 1100 fine Lincoln sheep, besides eighty head of cattle and horses. As a polo player Mr. Higgie is a member of the Warrengate Club, and played in the first Wanganui team for the Saville Cup in 1893; he is also interested in cricket and football.
Sheep and Cattle-farmer, “Waipakura,” Wanganui. Mr. Humphrys was born at Congleton, Cheshire, England, in 1870, and was educated at Oswestry, Shropshire, receiving his farming experience at the Colonial College, Suffolk. He came to New Zealand in 1890 to his brother, Mr. George Humphrys, of Hunterville, with whom he remained for eighteen months, when he bought the freehold of a property, “Ashcombe,” about fifteen miles from Wanganui, consisting of 750 acres. In 1896 he took a lease of the property which he now farms, consisting of 750 acres. In 1896 Mr. Humphrys was married to Miss Ethel Mary Ward, third daughter of Judge Ward.
Settler, “Fassiefern,” No. 2 Line, Wanganui. A native of London, where he was born in 1841, Mr. Lees was educated in the north of Scotland. Landing at Wellington in 1861 per ship “Wild Duck,” he joined his uncle, the late Mr. John Cameron, of “Marangai,” with whom he gained valuable experience as a colonist. Mr. Lees, who has had a varied career on the diggings, and as a farmer at Fordell and at Waverley, is a brother of Dr. Cameron Lees, of Edinburgh, Queen's Chaplain and Dean of the Chapel Royal. In 1866 Mr. Lees was married to a daughter of Mr. J. E. Stent, of London, now resident with his son-in-law.
Settler, Wanganui. The son of a commander in the British Navy, who visited New Zealand as early as 1828, the subject of this notice was born in London in 1838, and three years later arrived with his parents at Wellington. Educated at a private school at the Bay of Islands, he subsequently worked on a survey party, also as a shepherd, and became a well-known rider. Captain McDonnell (as he afterwards became), in conjunction with his brother, now Colonel McDonnell, took up a sheeprun where now stands the town of Dannevirke, but on the outbreak of the Waikato war the run was disposed of, and the brothers left for the seat of action. Captain McDonnell saw service, and was in the most important engagements, throughout the Maori wars—in the Waikato, on the East Coast, Taranaki, and at Wanganui, serving with conspicuous bravery, and being several times wounded. He is now in receipt of a well-earned pension of £150 a year. After his military experiences, Captain McDonnell was for some time prospecting on the Kaimanawa Ranges; he also conducted the negotiations between Messrs. Martin, Studholme, and Russell, and the natives, for
Settler, Wanganui. Among the early colonists of New Zealand, now passed away, must be numbered Mr. Gregor McGregor. Born in the Island of Uist in 1818, he received a sound grammar school education, and was afterwards apprenticed as a carpenter and boatbuilder. In 1840 he came to New Zealand in the ship “Blenheim,” and had the honour of being one of the first colonists to land in Wellington, where he worked for several years. Upon the breaking out of the Maori war, in 1845, he left New Zealand for New South Wales, taking his wife and family, whose lives were in danger, with him. In 1849 he returned to New Zealand, and entered into partnership with Mr. Wilson, taking up a block of 2000 acres in the Turakina Valley, to which other properties were afterwards added. Mr. McGregor was the first sheep inspector appointed in the district. In 1871 he divided his properties among his family, and went to reside in Wanganui, where he remained till his death, in 1876. Mr. McGregor was married in 1841 to a daughter of Mr. D. Fraser, and left eight sons and six daughters, who are settled in the district. He was a man of strict integrity, whose influence for good was always felt, taking a prominent part in any deserving work, and a consistent upholder of the church. His wife also took a leading part in any charitable or christian work.
Farmer, “Fernhill,” Wanganui. Born in Wellington, Mr. McKain's father, who arrived in Wellington by the second ship, being proprietor of the Halfway House at Porirua for many years, the subject of this notice went to Wanganui and became a stockman on a station for some time. After an experience on the Thames goldfields, he settled on the banks of the Wangaehu River, remaining nine years. In 1884 he leased “Fernhill,” which comprises 535 acres, and on which 1000 Lincoln sheep and fifty head of half-bred shorthorn cattle are grazed. In the Volunteer movement he served in the Caledonian Rangers and the Alexandra Cavalry. In 1880 Mr. McKain was married to a daughter of Mr. William Pickup, a very old settler in the province, and has six children.
Settler, Mars Hill, No. 2 Line, Wanganui. A native of Aberdeen, Scotland, where he was born in 1830, Mr. McWilliam came to Wellington in 1853, after spending two years in South Africa and about one year in Victoria on the Bendigo diggings. He has had a large colonial experience, having been engaged in the early days in the erection of flour-mills, driven by water and by wind, in house-building, and many other useful occupations. He was entrusted with the construction of the first printing press used for the Wanganui Chronicle, and a considerable portion of old Wanganui was built by him. At the time of the war, Mr. McWilliam was one of the corps that erected the bullet-proof stockade on Rutland Hill. His property, known as “Mars Hill,” consists of 200 acres, which has been transformed from bush and scrub to a high state of cultivation. He has recently returned from a trip to South Africa, an interesting account of which appeared in the columns of the Chronicle. The writer had the pleasure of inspecting a large number of very fine horns, which were obtained during the trip. In 1854 Mr. McWilliam was married to a daughter of the late Mr. Anderson, of Preston-kirk, Scotland.
Farmer, “War Ora,” Westmere. Mr. Mitchell's property of 970 acres of freehold land, situated six-and-a-half miles from Wanganui, and three miles from Kai Iwi, is capable of carrying four sheep to the acre all the year
J.P., Settler, “Newtonlees,” Wanganui. Born in 1829 at Gillingham, Dorsetshire, England, where he was educated, Mr. Morgan came to New Plymouth in 1850 in the barque “Berkshire.” With the exception of a discouraging
experience on the Otago goldfields, he has been continuously engaged in farming. In 1868 Mr. Morgan was elected to represent Wangaehu in the Wellington Provincial Council, retaining his seat until the abolition of the provinces. He has contested seats for the House of Representatives on two occasions without success. In local politics, he has been chairman and member of various road boards, a member of the Wanganui Harbour Board, agricultural and pastoral societies, dairy companies, and other organisations. He was a member of the first Volunteer corps founded in Taranaki, holding the rank of ensign, and during the native troubles he, with the assistance of his neighbours, fortified his woolshed at “Newtonlees” for the defence of their homes if attacked. His estate of 700 acres, which is three-and-a-half miles from Wanganui, is sown in English grasses. Mr. Morgan claims to have introduced the first portable threshing-machine and mowing-machine to the district. In 1853
Sheepfarmer, “Southern Grove,” Westmere, near Wanganui. The property is 1400 acres in extent, 600 being freehold; nearly 700 acres have been under the plough, and about 3500 sheep and 130 head of cattle and twenty-five horses are depastured on the property. There is a substantial dwelling of eleven rooms, with an orchard of one acre adjoining there are also four acres of orchard planted on another part of the properly. Mr. Murray, who was born in 1849 in Glasgow, was educated at the Glen School in that city, apprenticed to Nelson's Locomotive Works, and was afterwards in Messrs. Randolph and Elder's Marine Engine Works. After two years' experience in America he returned to Scotland for a short time, and came to Dunedin about 1871. A month or two later he came to Wanganui, and about a year afterwards leased part of the property now known as “Gordon Park.” He afterwards removed to Upokongaro, and after a few years went to Taranaki, where he continued farming till 1882. Returning to Wanganui he leased 797 acres, and about seven years later he purchased 600 acres in close proximity to his leasehold. Mr. Murray takes a great interest in agricultural and pastoral matters, and is a member of the Wanganui Agricultural and Pastoral Association, under whose auspices he has successfully exhibited on many occasions. He is also a director and one of the original promoters of the Wanganui Freezing Works, and chairman of the local school committee.
Farmer, “Featherston,” near Wanganui. The property, which is about ten miles from Wanganui, consists of 942 acres on which sheep and cattle are depastured. Mr. Owen came to Wellington in 1852 by the ship “Stately,” and settled in Wanganui in 1857, commencing business as a chemist and druggist.
“Woodlands,” Westmere, Wanganui. The freehold property of 400 acres, six miles from Wanganui, which was purchased by Mr. Palmer in 1892, has been highly improved, and the homestead is an imposing two-story building, commanding lovely views. The son of the late Mr. George Palmer, the well-known shipbuilder of Jarrow-on-Tyne, the subject of this notice was born at Dacre, Cumberland, in 1858, and was educated at Eton. He subsequently joined his father in business as a shipowner. Six years later he retired from this business and farmed his estate in Hampshire. Landing in Wellington per R.M.S. Doric” in 1891, six months afterwards Mr. Palmer removed to Wanganui. He is a great lover of out-door sports, and has rendered able service as captain of the Wanganui Golf Club. Mr. Palmer married a daughter of the Rev. L. Wickham, Twyford, Winchester, and has four sons.
which is the properly of Messrs. Studholme, consists of 4000 acres of land in the Mangamahu District. A few years ago it was all in its native condition; now more than 2000 acres have been cleared and brought into cultivation, being mostly laid down in well-selected grasses. The homestead is delightfully situated on the banks of the Turakina River.
J.P., the manager of the Papanui Station, was born in England in 1856, and was educated at the Royal Naval School, New Cross. He came to the Colony per ship “Crusader,” and landed in Lyttelton in 1873. Joining the Survey Department, he subsequently followed farming pursuits. Mr. Lewis was appointed manager of the Papanui Station
Settler, St. John's Hill, Wanganui. This old colonist was born in London in 1831, and came to New Zealand in 1840 per ship “Aurora,” landing on the Petone beach. In Wanganui his father selected 100 acres of land on St. John's Hill, where the son still resides. During the war scare of 1847 Mr. Parkes was one of the first to enlist in the Volunteers, with whom he remained for seventeen years. He was for many years captain of the Wanganui Rifle Volunteers, and was chairman of the Mosstown School Committee for fourteen years; as an elder of the Presbyterian Church he has held office for many years. Mrs. Parkes is a daughter of the late Mr. George Aitken, of Waverley, and the family now numbers three sons and seven daughters, five having died.
Settler, Plymouth Street, Wanganui. Born in 1832, in Denbigh, North Wales, Mr. Peake came out to Australia in 1852, landing at Melbourne. Twelve months were spent on the goldfields and in gaining a knowledge of station-life, when Mr. Peake came across to New Zealand per barque “Eliza,” arriving in Wellington in 1853. He subsequently visited the Canterbury settlement per s.s. “Ann,” which was a small screw steamer, fitted with fifty-horse-power engines, and sent out by the P. and O. Company to report on the New Zealand trade. On her return, Mr. Peake proceeded to Wanganui and purchased land on the native boundary near Kai Iwi. He joined the Volunteers during the troubles with the natives in 1860, and was appointed lieutenant three years later. In 1865 Mr. Peake was promoted to the position of captain, and was stationed at Woodall's Redoubt, afterwards being engaged in superintending the river transport between Wanganui and Pipiriki; he was also with the colonial troops attached to General Cameron's force on the West Coast of the North Island. During 1868 he served with the Kai Iwi and Wanganui Cavalry under Colonel Whitmore, and received the New Zealand war medal. After twenty-five years of farm life Mr. Peake has retired, and has taken up his residence in Plymouth Street.
Settler, St. John's Hill, Wanganui. Born in 1830 in Denbigh, North Wales, Mr. Peake was brought up as a barrister of the Middle Temple, but disliking the law as a profession came out in 1852 to Australia, and proceeded to the gold-diggings at Bendigo, Ballarat, and Forest Creek, where he remained twelve months with varied success. Coming across to New Zealand per ship “Eliza,” he landed in Wellington in 1853. A few months were spent in looking for a suitable property, when Mr. Peake took up a large tract of country on the native boundary near Kai Iwi, where he lived on friendly terms with the Maoris and farmed a large part of their property. After farming for sixteen years Mr. Peake removed to Wanganui, where he built a fine residence for himself on St. John's Hill; this he subsequently sold to Mr. Peter Bell, who afterwards sold to Mr. A. J. Parsons, the place being known as “St. Leonards.” In 1870 he took a trip to the Old Country, and returned after a holiday extending over six months. In 1873 he sold out his interest in the Kai Iwi property, and when Mr. Bell purchased his residence on St. John's Hill, two years later, Mr. Peake took up 100 acres within easy distance of his former residence, and built a large twelve-roomed house on the property, which is prettily situated and well planted with ornamental trees. From this eminence one may obtain a splendid view of the surrounding country and of the Wanganui River. Mr. Peake continued to farm this property till 1893,
the property of Mr. T. B. Williams, which is situated on the No. 2 Line at Matarawa, consists of 332 acres of fine land, which is in a high state of cultivation. There is a large two-story residence, besides all necessary out-buildings. About 800 sheep are wintered on the farm, in addition to thirty head of cattle and sixteen horses.
Manager of the Pointum Estate, was born in 1865 at “The Grove,” Marlborough. Till attaining the age of nineteen he was engaged in pastoral pursuits, but for four years subsequently he was learning the trade of a carpenter. Returning to a country life, he had charge of Kenepern Estate, Marlborough, for three years; he was appointed to the position he now holds in May, 1895. Mr. Thompson was married in 1889 to a daughter of Mr. John Walls, of Foxton, baker, and has a son and a daughter.
Turf Commission Agent, Maida Villa, Wilson Street, Wanganui. Mr. Poole was connected with the Wanganui Jockey Club for seventeen years. Born in London in 1841, and educated in Kent, he arrived in Auckland when nine years of age by the ship “Monarch.” He went into mining pursuits at the Thames, afterwards going to the West Coast, and finally settling in Wanganui, where he entered into partnership with the late Mr. Frank Hill, as totalisator proprietors. Mr. Poole died in 1895. No one was better known to the racing public than the genial “Joe,” whose sympathy and generosity in cases of distress need no dilating upon. Many miss his unostentatious help, and may say with the immortal bard, “We could have better spared a better man.” Needless to say he was well known as a turf commission agent throughout the Colony, and as a member of the principal jockey clubs. Race-goers will remember his colours, amber and black hoops, and also the many winners running in his name, such as “Strenuous,” “Speculation,” “Cheque,” “Worth,” “Lethe,” etc.
Settler, Plymouth Street, Wanganui. Born on the 11th of June, 1823, in the parish of Banff, Banffshire, Scotland, where Mr. Reid was early engaged in farming pursuits, he gained considerable experience in farming and cattle-breeding on different estates. He came out to Lyttelton in March, 1851, per ship “Travencore,” when there was but one house in Lyttelton and one in Christchurch, viz., Mr. Godly's and Mr. Britton's respectively. The township of Christchurch was then a network of survey lines through a bed of tutu and fern. After working for eighteen months on the Heathcote, Mr. Reid went to Wellington, and thence to Wanganui, in November, 1852. Settling in the Matarawa Valley, he commenced farming with a few cows, ultimately purchasing land on the Wangaehu, of which he still holds 1150 acres, under the managership of his son, James Alexander. Mr. Reid also has two farms on the Waimate Plains, of about 300 acres each. Mr. Reid's town residence, which was erected in 1876, the grounds fronting Plymouth, Campbell, and Bell streets, is one of the best-appointed in Wanganui. Mr. Reid has three sons and three daughters.
Sheep and Cattle-farmer, “Brandon,” Wanganui. The farm of 486 acres of first-class land depastures 800 Lincoln sheep and fifty head of cattle; it has been occupied by Mrs. Rice's family since, 1852. At the back of the homestead lies a fine
Sheepfarmer, “Rusthall,” No. 2 Line, Wanganui. A son of one of the early settlers, who came to the Colony in the forties under the auspices of the New Zealand Company, Mr. Sherriff was born in 1850 in Brighton, England, and came to Wellington per ship “Wild Duck” in 1863. Educated in England and in New Zealand, he was brought up to the life of a sheepfarmer, and has long been a settler as above. “Rusthall” is a valuable property of 700 acres, capable of supporting four sheep to the acre. With the exception of fifty acres, on which is the pretty homestead surrounded by lovely green lawns, the estate is leased. As a Mason, Mr. Sherriff belongs to Lodge Tongariro, Wanganui. In 1887 he was married to a daughter of Mr. G. H. Page, solicitor, of Hay, Brecknockshire, South Wales, and has two sons.
Settler, “Te Korito,” Wanganui. Born in Wiltshire, England, in 1833, this old settler was educated at the University College School, London, where he was a schoolmate of Mr. (afterwards Sir) Julius Vogel. Mr. Smith was articled to a lawyer in London, but took a fancy for farming, and went to an agricultural college till 1859, when he decided to come to New Zealand. Arriving in Wellington by the ship “Hastings,” he came to Wanganui and took up his farm of about 2700 acres. When the war broke out he joined the Militia, afterwards becoming lieutenant. Mr. Smith runs 3000 sheep and 400 head of cattle on his fine property. In local matters he has always taken a great interest, and for many years was a member of the local road board. He made a trip to his native land in 1881, and also in 1893. Mr. Smith is a member of the Royal Colonial Institute, London, and has been a member of the New Zealand Institute since its inception.
J.P., Settler, Wanganui. Born in Anstruther, Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1816, Mr. (better known as Captain) Taylor was drowned in Cook's Strait off the brig “Lady Denison” on the 16th of July, 1871. At an early age he went to sea, where he served his apprenticeship for four years, and prior to coming out to Sydney in 1840, per ship “Planten,” he joined Mr. W. H. Watt, founding the well-known firm of Taylor and Watt. The first vessel (“Catherine Johnson”) purchased by the firm traded between Wellington and Wanganui. The ships “Tyne,” “Governor Grey,” “Edward Stanley,” “Seagull,” “Yarra,” “Lady Denison,” the brigantine “William,” and several others were afterwards added. They acquired the Westmere and Tayforth estates and valuable town properties, and successfully carried on business as wholesale merchants for many years. For some years Captain Taylor occupied a seat on the Town Board, and displayed general interest in the welfare of Wanganui. A shilling subscription was started to defray the cost of a monument to his memory, and, although the subscription list was filling rapidly, his partner, Mr. W. H. Watt, elected to provide a memorial at his own cost. This was unveiled by the late Sir William Fox on the 21st of April, 1872. It stands in the grounds attached to St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, and bears a suitable inscription.
Settler, Bell Street, Wanganui. The eldest son of the late Mr. T. B. Taylor, the subject of this notice was born in 1848 at Wanganui. Completing his course of study at Madras College, St. Andrew's, Scotland, Mr. Taylor returned to New Zealand in 1866. After a few years in Wellington with Messrs. W. and G. Turnbull and Co., with whom he acquired mercantile experience, he returned to Wanganui, and on his father's death in 1871, with Mr. J. P. Watt be took over the business of the firm. The new firm of Taylor and Watt continued for four years, when Mr. Taylor sold out to his partner and became manager for his mother at “Belmont,” near Tayforth, which position he occupied until her death. Mr. Taylor takes a lively interest in all local matters. He is a manager of the Presbyterian Church, and a member of the Sons and Daughters of Temperance Society.
Settler, Wanganui. A brother of the late Mr. W. H. Watt, M.H.R., and a son of Mr. George Paton Watt, of Fife, Scotland, the subject of this notice was born in Dundee in 1825. He arrived in the Colony in 1846, and was for some years captain of the ship “Governor Grey,” trading between Wanganui, Wellington, and Sydney. In 1860 he purchased the fine estate known as “Lily Bank,” where he resided till 1867, when he died leaving four daughters and one son. This property was purchased from the executors by his widow—Mrs. Margaret Watt—who landed in New Zealand in 1850. She survived her husband nearly thirty years, her decease taking place in 1895.
Farmer, Wanganui. This gentleman, who was a son of the late Captain J. P. Watt, was born in 1857 in Wanganui, where he was educated. For several years before his death in 1892, he managed the “Lily Bank” Estate, together with his own property of 500 acres at Tokomaru. He had been ailing for nearly nine years, and was confined to his room for nearly twelve months before his death. Although a young farmer, Mr. Watt was well known on the West Coast as a judge of pure-bred sheep, a noted prize-winner for Lincolns, and a prominent member of the Alexandra Cavalry. He won the troop's champion belt, besides a silver flask and a handsome marble clock. These trophies are greatly prized by his sister—Miss A. P. Watt, of “Lily Bank”. The engraving shows the late Mrs. J. P. Watt (on the left), Mr. W. T. W. Watt, Miss A. P. Watt (on the right), and Mrs. W. K. Stewart (a sister of Mr. Watt) in the foreground.
Ex-Civil Servant, Raoen route. The Rev. Mr. Woon remained in Tonga for about three years, and while resident in Nukualofa, the subject of this article was born. The reverend gentleman and his family then removed to Hokianga, on the north-west of New Zealand, where they remained until the Hone Heke war in the year 1845. About the latter year the Rev, Mr. Woon removed to the Mission Station, Heretoa, on the Waimate Plain, about six miles from Hawera, where he was stationed, till, on account of failing health, he became superannuated, subsequently removing to Wanganui, where be died in the year 1858. Mr. G. W. Woon was apprenticed to Messrs. Williamson and Wilson, of the old New Zealander office, Auckland. He served the full term of five years as an apprentice, and on leaving their employ, started the Taranaki Herald newspaper in New Plymouth in August, 1852. Mr. Woon conducted this journal for some sixteen years, during which period the most notable events in connection with the Taranaki war occurred after the Waireka fight, which occurred in the month of March, 1860, and which was the commencement of the war. Mr. Woon joined the volunteers as a private, and served right through the campaign, subsequently receiving a commission as ensign of the New Zealand Militia, and rising in rank respectively to the position of lieutenant, and subsequently as captain. Captain Woon was in active service on many occasions in connection with this memorable portion of New Zealand's history, and was a recipient of the New Zealand war medal. In 1868 Mr. Woon sold out his interest in the Taranaki Herald to Mr. Henry Weston, the present proprietor. He then returned to Auckland, and joined the Provincial Government service, occupying the position of chief clerk in the Public Works Department, until the year 1876. That year will be remembered as the one in which provincial governments were abolished by Act of the General Assembly. Soon after this Mr. Woon received an appointment as clerk in the Resident Magistrate's Court at Wanganui. He also filled the office of sheriff, registrar of births, deaths and marriages, registrar of electors, returning officer of the electoral district of Wanganui, which positions he held until the year 1892, when he retired on a retiring allowance, in consequence of his having attained the age of over sixty years. Mr. Woon and two of his sons have a farm at Raorikia, about fourteen miles up the Wanganui River nearly 700 acres in extent. This property they have held for a period of about ten years. When first purchased, the land was all in rough native bush, but by perseverance and steady work it has been nearly all brought into cultivation by his sons, and affords pasturage for a considerable flock of sheep. Mr. Woon's third son is employed in the post-office, Wanganui. Mr. Woon is a very old colonist, having been over sixty-one years in the Colony, and, singular to relate, notwithstanding all the advantages afforded by the splendid steamers which trade to all parts of the world, he has never been on the blue water since coming to the Colony in the early days with his parents. Mr. Woon being a Maori linguist he is engaged in Wanganui as a licensed interpreter. [Since the above was in type Mr. Woon has died, passing away in the latter part of 1895, at Wanganui.]
Settler, Guyton Street, Wanganui. Born in 1829 in Coldstream, Berwickshire, Mr. York worked as a carpenter in London for three years. Landing in Brisbane in 1854, after a year he went to Sydney, where he helped to construct the first railway station. As a goldminer he was at the “Woolshed” diggings in Victoria. After his arrival in New Zealand, he was at the Whakamarina diggings for a time. He worked at his trade in Dunedin, and subsequently with the late Mr. John McKenzie in Wellington, where he assisted in the erection of the Government Buildings and the library in the Parliamentary Buildings. In 1866 he established himself in business in Wanganui as a builder, and among the many buildings he erected, the Presbyterian Church calls for special mention. In 1873 Mr. John Duncan admitted Mr. York as a partner, and the firm of Duncan and York carried on the business
The shipping of the port, as seen from Taupo Quay, consists of a number of coastal steamers which ply to and from Wellington and along the West Coast of both Islands, and the steam paddle-wheel boats which constitute the river service as far as Pipiriki. Large cargo steamers anchor off the Heads, where they load and unload with the assistance of tenders.
of the s.s. “Huia,” trading between Wanganui and Wellington, was born in 1846 in Stirling, Scotland. Accompanying his parents to Auckland per ship “Phœnix ” in 1860, he commenced a seafaring life from that port. After four years under the flag of Messrs. Willis, Cern and Co., he joined Captain McGregor's p.s. “Iona” as second mate. He was transferred to the s.s. “Argyle” as mate, and subsequently became master, remaining on that vessel eight-and-a-half years. Captain Crawford was afterwards in command of the s.s. “Waitaki” for three-and-a-half years, and after two years ashore was appointed to the position he now holds in 1888. In 1871 he was married to a daughter of Mr. R. Knaggs, of Mangapai, settler, and has three sons and a daughter.
of the s.s. “Wairere,” which plies regularly between Wanganui and Pipiriki on the Wanganui River, was born in 1865 in Dunedin. He is a son of the late Mr. Joseph Anderson, who was engineer in the Public Works Department on the West Coast of the South Island, and was transferred to Wanganui in charge of the river works. Captain Anderson was for some time a draughtsman and subsequently an assistant surveyor under the Public Works Department at Westport. For some years he was employed in carrying the mails to and from Pipiriki, and in forwarding Cook's tourists. Entering the service of Messrs. A. Hatrick and Co. in 1892 as a deck hand on the river steamers, he was soon promoted to the position of pilot and purser, and has occupied the important office he now fills for two years. Captain Anderson is popular with the travelling public, and holds several valuable testimonials certifying to his ability and consideration for the safety of his vessel.
Chief Engineer of the passenger steamers “Wairere” and “Manuwai,” hails from Motueka, Nelson, where he was born in 1863. Educated at Picton, he served five years at Messrs. Robertson and Co.'s foundry in Wellington. For six years he was engaged on the s.s. “Te Aro,” plying in the Marlborough Sounds, and after over five years as engineer he took a certificate as captain for river and lake service, taking charge of the steamer for about six months. Subsequently Mr. Harris was in charge of the s.s. “Torea,” “Phœnix,” and “Elsie,” in Pelorus Sound. After a general experience in sawmills and on Government surveys and contracts, as a miner in the Ravenscliff Mining Company at Waikakaho for two years, and as engineer to the Golden Gate Alluvial Mining Company at Mahakipawa, Mr. Harris was appointed in May, 1895, engineer of the s.s. “Waitara,” tug-boat at the Wanganui Heads. Six months later he received his present appointment. In May, 1896, Mr. Harris was married to May, third daughter of Mr. John Titter, brick manufacturer, of Mosstown, Wanganui.
opened in 1894, is five miles from Wanganui, and has accommodation for sixty children, there being fifty-five on the roll. The playground is one-and-a half acres in extent. The headmistress, Miss E. P. Laird, is assisted by one pupil teacher—Miss Grace Parkes.
one of the oldest in the district, is situated about eight or nine miles from Wanganui. The present building (erected in 1893) combines all the latest improvements in school architecture. It will accommodate sixty children; the roll number is forty.
Master of the Brunswick School, took up the position in April, 1894. Born in Gloucester in 1871, he was educated at Nelson College, New Zealand, matriculating in 1889, and two years later he obtained 1st section B.A. degree under the Auckland University. Mr. Smith also studied under Mr. Blair, of the Technical School, Wanganui, passing the teachers' examinations for certificates in drawing, and obtaining a South Kensington certificate for model. In Wellington he passed the necessary examinations for teacher's certificate, Class C., in 1893. Prior to taking up his duties at Brunswick, Mr. Smith was engaged at Hope, Awaroa (Nelson), Mosstown, Brunswick (relieving), Mount View, and Aratika (Feilding). He is married to Miss Laura L. Snow, of Nelson, who for some years was a teacher in the State schools. Mr. and. Mrs. Smith, with their genial ways, have made themselves thoroughly popular throughout the whole district.
which was opened about 1866, is six or seven miles from Maxwelltown, and about four miles from the Westmere School. There are twenty-six children on the roll, with an average attendance of twenty-three. It is understood that this school is to be removed to a site at Kai Iwi, where the attendance will probably be doubled.
who is in charge of the Goat Valley Public School, was born in 1871 in Auckland. He is a son of Mr. A. Mackay, J.P., of Waiapu, and took up his duties at Goat Valley in February, 1896.
This little settlement is the marine retreat of Wanganui, from which it is five miles distant, and to which a locally owned railway has been constructed. It is in the Wanganui County and Electoral District, and is the scene of the Wanganui Freezing Company's works, there being likewise a soap and also a butter factory. The hotel and a comfortable boardinghouse provide good accommodation for those who desire a change of air and surroundings. A visit to Castlecliff, which is the entrance to the Wanganui River, is a very popular excursion for the denizens of the Borough of Wanganui. Direct steamers lie in the roadstead, and are loaded by tenders.
(Mrs. A. A. Barker, proprietress), Castlecliff. This fine hotel, which was built in 1885, contains over twenty rooms. There is a good stable adjoining, with stalls for six horses. The hotel is close to the sea-shore, and is largely patronised by tourists and the townspeople.
are situated in close proximity to the Heads Wharf at Castlecliff. The Company was formed about eight years ago, and the works employ a large number of hands. The output is increasing year by year, and the Company's success has been practically assured since its inauguration. A large fellmongery business is run in connection with the works, and the manufacture of manures is another branch industry. Special facilities exist for the loading of the tenders which convey the frozen meat from the works to the Home ships, which lie in the roadstead, where there is a good anchouage.
or Hihuharama, as the Maoris pronounce the word, is situated fifty-one miles north from Wanganui on the left bank of that grand river. It is in the Electorate of Patea and the County of Waitotara. The settlement is considered the most picturesque on the Wanganui River. As the steamer rounds the bend nearing the settlement, the picture unfolded to the eyes of the tourist is that of a grassy knoll studded with Maori whares, quaintly constructed and carved, surrounding a very prettily designed Roman Catholic Church with a tall wooden spire. The Maori pah at Jerusalem has a population of about 200, and on the occasion of the writer's visit a large and motley gathering greeted the return of the “queen of the settlement,” Mother Mary Joseph Aubert. Jerusalem is best known as the headquarters of a French Roman Catholic Mission to the Maoris. Mails are received and despatched twice weekly in the summer months by the river-steamers, the post-office being at the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Mission. A few miles lower down the river is the settlement of Ranana (London).
was established in 1886 by Mother Mary Joseph Aubert, a member of the Roman Catholic Mission, and Superior of the Order of Our Lady of Compassion. Receiving outcast infants from any part of New Zealand, at the time of writing some thirty of these infants were housed in a comfortable home and attended by the lady superintendent and fifteen Sisters of her order. The home is maintained from the proceeds of a 700 acre farm and orchard, owned by Mother Mary Joseph Aubert, and from the sale of her well-known herbal remedies. Gifts of money or cast-off clothing are, however, thankfully accepted from charitably-disposed people, visitors being welcomed at all times. The children are well cared for, and educated when old enough for instruction.
Superintendent of the Foundling Home, came to Auckland in 1860 from Lyons, France, with Bishop Pompalier, to enter mission work among the Maoris. She laboured eleven years in Auckland, and in Hawkes Bay for twelve years, starting a native school in 1883 on the Wanganui River. Having had opportunities of testing the medicinal value of many New Zealand herbs, and finding medicines expensive, she commenced to manufacture remedies for use among the natives. So wonderfully successful were her home-made remedies in dealing with difficult cases of affliction, that she was persuaded to put them on the market, and by the proceeds assist her foundling asylum. She has now five herbal remedies before the public, viz., “Marupa,” for chest affections; “Karana,” a nerve tonic; “Karamo,” a liver and gout remedy: “Wanena,” for wounds and
The Wanganui up-river tourist trip to En route, Kennedy's riverside hotel, central feature of the miniature town on the left-hand bank of the Wanganui, and further up-stream, picturesque Kaiwhaike is passed. From this point upwards the river becomes very tortuous, through wildest and most beautiful country, till Pipiriki is reached. This settlement, which is full of interest to tourist or traveller, is fifty-nine miles north of Wanganui, in the County of Waitotara and in the Electorate of Patea. The local postal authorities receive and despatch mails every week during the winter, and in the summer season twice weekly. There is a considerable and growing tourist traffic to Pipiriki, whence the overland trip to Auckland via the volcanoes and the Hot Lake wonderland is accomplished. The upper reaches of the river beyond Pipiriki are being cleared so as to admit of their navigation by a steamer of light draught.
is situated at the store of Mr. G. Manson. The mails arrive by the river-steamers, and are distributed by the local postmaster.
the Postmaster at Pipiriki, was born on the banks of the river at Ranana in 1868, and was educated in Wanganui. He was appointed postmaster at Pipiriki in 1889, and besides this he fills the offices of collector of census and agricultural statistics, and acts as returning officer for Native elections. As a jockey, when a lighter man, he had few equals, and many were the hurdle-races and steeplechases won by him in his younger days. He was also well known in athletic circles in Wanganui. Mr. Manson has a large tract of country over which to send his mails, and in winter the delivery of letters, etc., is no easy task, owing to the terrible state of the roads. He is married, and has two sons.
(Alex. Hatrick), General Merchants, Pipiriki. Head office, Taupo Quay, Wanganui. The premises at Pipiriki, although of a temporary nature, consist of three large buildings, the store being a one-story wooden building, having a floorage space of over 1700 square feet. Heavy stocks of groceries and general merchandise are kept. In the two large wool stores, large quantities of wool are stored in the season. Messrs. A. Hatrick and Co.'s well-known river-steamers—the “Wairere” and “Manuwai”—are regular traders during the summer season between Wanganui and Pipiriki. During the winter there is a weekly departure from each end. On Sundays and holidays the steamers make special excursion trips, and large numbers of Wanganui
Manager at Pipiriki for Messrs. A. Hatrick and Co., is a son of Mr. W. N. Luxford, of Wellington, and has had considerable mercantile experience. Born in 1869 in the Empire City, he studied at Thorndon School. For a time at Waverley he was engaged in farming, and for five years at Greymouth he was employed by Messrs. S. Roulston and Co. In 1895 Mr. Luxford was appointed to the position he now holds. He has been prominent in football and cricket circles, and was for some time a member of the Wairoa Light Horse at Waverley. Mrs. Luxford is a daughter of Mr. John Ivo Gerse, of Wanganui.
Pipiriki Hotel (Arthur E. Huddle, proprietor), Pipiriki. Conducted by present proprietor since 1891.
Farmer, “Huikunui,” Pipiriki. Of Mr. Cowie's estate of 1200 acres, situated fifty-six miles from Wanganui, about 900 are cleared; 1600 sheep, 140 head of cattle, and twenty horses, amongst them some good hacks, are supported on the property. A two-storied, seven-roomed house, with all necessary out-buildings, has been erected on the farm. Mr. Cowie was born in 1856 at Highgate, London, and was educated at Chomley College, Highgate, and the College, Torquay. After some experience with Messrs. Stewart and McDonald, of Glasgow, he came to New Zealand in 1880 by the ship “Bibbington,” landing at Wellington. Locating in Wanganui, he was employed by Messrs. Peel and Yates for twelve mouths, afterwards engaging in droving and cattle-dealing. Subequently he became manager of a station near Mt. Tongariro. He takes an interest in sporting and is a steward of the Karioi Racing Club. In 1891 Mr. Cowie was married to a daughter of Mr. C. W. Cowper, of Wanganui, and has a son and a daughter.
is a small township seventeen-and-a-half miles north-east of Pipiriki, in the County of Waitotara, and in the Electoral District of Patea. The white settlers number about 400, and as the land for miles around is rich bush country a considerable increase is probable. Government co-operative labourers have been engaged in making roads there. Mails arrive at the settlement once a week in winter and twice a week in summer, the postmaster being Mr. T. Garner, manager of Messrs. Hatrick and Co.'s store. Religious services are held in the township every Sunday afternoon by Wesleyan local preachers, and a good public school has recently been erected. Visitors will find fair accommodation at the boardinghouses. Among the institutions of the place are football, cricket, and sports clubs.
—a wooden building containing two rooms—was opened in June, 1896. The number of children on the roll is thirty-six, with an average attendance of twenty-five. The first four standards are taught. Mr. W. Hird, who is in charge of the Raetihi Public School, was born in Nelson, and received his education there and at Manaia.
Inspector of Roads, Raeithi, was born in 1862 at Paris, and was educated there and at the Channel Islands. He landed in 1874 at Wellington, where he passed the next four years, joining the Survey Department at Wanganui in 1878. In 1885 he was transferred to the Forty-mile Bush, where he served till 1891, when he received his present appointment at
(George Ellis Pike, proprietor). This business was established in 1893. The house is built of wood and iron, and contains fourteen rooms, of which eight are well-furnished bedrooms; there is also a large, well-ventilated, and well-furnished dining-room, capable of seating twenty-eight persons, and a very comfortable sitting-room. The house is patronised by commercial travellers and tourists. Mr. Pike has also a twelve-stalled stable, with secure paddocks for travelling stock.
Punch, Mrs., Boardinghousekeeper, Raetihi.
(Alexander Hatrick), General Merchants, Raetihi (Thomas Garner, branch manager). Head office, Wanganui; branch, Pipiriki.
Manager of Messrs. Hatrick and Co.'s Raetihi business, was born in Wanganui in 1865. On leaving school he became assistant to Mr. O. G. A. Harvey, remaining with that gentleman twelve years. He subsequently moved to Pipiriki, where for two years he managed Messrs. Hatrick and Co.'s store, being appointed to his present position in 1895. Mr. Garner has always taken a lively interest in the Volunteer movement, serving in one of the Wanganui corps for three years, during which time he gained several prizes in shooting. He is a member of the Raetihi Athletic Sports and School committees. In 1888 Mr. Garner married Miss Bullock, and has three daughters.
Bookseller, Tobacconist, etc., Raetihi. Born at Worthing, England, in 1870, and educated at Worthing and at Brighton, Mr. Webberley went to sea in one of the White Star liners, running between Liverpool and New York. He subsequently sailed under the flag of the Hill Line, and worked his way to New Zealand on the s.s. “Coptic,” which he left in Lyttelton, subsequently serving in the “Tekapo,” “Wairarapa,” “Taviuni,” and “Mahinapua.” In 1893, hearing of the far-famed Waimarino Country, Mr. Webberley made his way there, taking up a town section at Raetihi, upon which he has erected a substantial building, and fitted up one of Messrs. Wright, Ranish and Co.'s billiard tables. In another portion of the building Mr. Webberley carries on the business of bookseller, stationer, tobacconist, hairdresser, etc. He is a member of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, and of the Foresters' Court Lilly, West Sussex.
General Storekeeper and Carrier, Raetihi. Born in Collingwood, Nelson, where his father arrived in 1858, Mr. Fletcher was educated in Nelson. After engaging in general work for several years, he opened a store in Raetihi in January, 1895, which he has since enlarged. His business has expanded with the settlement, and he now employs two assistants. Mr. Fletcher acts as agent for the Canterbury Times and the Auckland Weekly Herald. Mr. William Ross, who is chairman of the local school committee, is the manager of the store. In winter, Mr. Fletcher has to bring his goods by pack-horses from the steamer at Pipiriki. In all local sports, but especially cricket, he takes a keen interest.
McInnes,—., Chemist, Raetihi.
Osborne and Meuli, Carpenters and Builders, Raetihi.
Waldron, John, Blacksmith, Raetihi.
Ingram, Samuel, Blacksmith, Raetihi.
Kean, Frederick, Bootmaker, Raetihi.
Bennett and Punch, Sawmillers, Raetihi.
J.P., Farmer, “Highlands,” Raetihi, Born in the Orkney Islands, Mr. Brass in his early years followed farming pursuits, and came to New Zealand about 1866, settling in Southland and Otago, where he remained for some years. Coming to the North Island, he was engaged to manage a farm for Mr. Hazelden, on the Mangawhero River, and he subsequently bought a farm for himself in the vicinity. In 1888 Mr. Brass took up the Huikunui Run of 1200 acres, where he remained until 1895, when he sold out and purchased his present holding of 640 acres. Mr. Brass was the first Justice of the Peace appointed in the district.
Farmer, “Orautoha,” Raetihi. Born in Dunedin in 1866, and educated at the high school, Mr. Leggins was brought up to a farming life. He took up his present holding of 400 acres, which was then all dense bush, in 1893, and has worked hard in making a home for himself. He has now 230 acres in grass, carrying over three sheep to the acre, with a number of cattle. Mr. Leggins has always taken an active part in athletic sports, and is captain of the Raetihi Cricket Club. He is a staunch supporter of the Good Templars' Lodge of the same place.
Farmer, “Konini,” Raetihi. The son of an old settler, who landed in New Zealand in 1841, served through the Maori war, and died at Sandon in 1894 at the age of eighty-four, Mr. Scarrow was born in 1861 at the Hutt. In 1892 he went to the Hunterville District, where he occupied land on the Watershed Road, and a year later he took up his present farm of 300 acres, which was covered with dense bush. Over seventy acres have been laid down in the best mixture of grasses, on which a small herd of well-bred shorthorn cattle are depastured. Mr. Scarrow takes a lively interest in sport, and is a member of the local cricket club. He served for eight years in the Rangitikei Cavalry as trumpeter, and is a member of the Raetihi School Committee. In 1890 Mr. Scarrow married Miss McLean, of Invercargill, and has two sons and two daughters.
Farmer, “Herrington,” Raetihi. Arriving with his parents in Wellington at the age of four years, in the ship “William and Jane” in 1855, Mr. Smith, who wa born at Stepney, London, was brought up to a country life. His father, Captain Smith, owned and occupied land for many years on the Wanganui River. Mr. Smith afterwards tried his luck at Kimberley and other goldfields in Western Australia, but owing to failing health he travelled, visiting China, Japan, India, and many other countries. Returning to New Zealand, he took up his present holding of 1440 acres in 1890, in its rough state, there being no roads except a bad bridle-track to Pipiriki. Mr. Smith, who first stocked his land with sheep, lost large numbers of them through wild dogs. In athletic sports he has always taken an active part, having played in his younger days in almost every important football match in the Colony. He was captain of the Wanganui Club for several years, and is now captain of the Raetihi Club. Mr. Smith served in the Alexandra Cavalry for many years, gaining a lieutenancy. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. In 1873 Mr. Smith was married to a daughter of the late Mr. Meredith, of the Heath, Herefordshire, —who was murdered by the Maoris at Drury, near Auckland, early in the sixties—and has one daughter.
In the County of Wanganui, eighty-four miles from Wanganui and sixty-one miles from Ohingaiti—the nearest railway station and telephone office—
which was opened in 1896, has an average attendance of eleven. The standards are taught up to and including the fifth. Miss Manson is the teacher in charge.
Storekeeper, Ohakune. Born in the Orkney Islands in 1828, his early years being spent at Kirkwall, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London, Mr. Manson came out to Sydney in 1853. When the Otago goldfields broke out he visited Gabriel's Gully, the Dunstan, and the Lake District, and carried on business at Arrowtown, the Lake, and Skippers. He afterwards moved to the West Coast of the North Island, and was in business at Patea, Waverley, and on the Murimotu Plains. In 1893 he removed to Ohakune, with the intention of making it his permanent home. Mr. Manson served in the Patea Light Horse and the Waverley Cavalry. He is married, and has eight children—three sons and five daughters.
Farmer, Ohakune. Born in Worcester, England, in 1864, Mr. Bowater arrived in New Zealand with his parents when he was only two years old. His early days were passed at Wellington and at Sanson, where his father took up land. His first start in life was as a storekeeper, which calling he followed until his father's death. He then went home to manage the farm, and eventually took up his present holding of 302 acres in 1892. The next year he commenced operations, and now has about half of his
This little settlement, which is in the County and Electoral District of Patea, is 107 miles west of Napier, fifty-three miles from Ohingaiti, (the nearest telegraph office), and thirty-two miles by coach road from Pipiriki, on the Wanganui River. Mails are received and despatched to Wanganui twice each week. The village, which is on the line of road from Ohingaiti to Ohakune, is connected by road with Napier, and is surrounded by pastoral farms.
which is the property of Mr. John Studholme, is situated at the base of Mt. Ruapehu, and takes in part of the Kaimanawa Range. There are 140,000 acres comprised in the estate, which supports 47,000 sheep, besides seventy head of cattle. In connection with the station there is a woolscouring establishment at Karioi. The wool is taken to Pipiriki in drays, and thence to Wellington, being shipped through Messrs. Murray, Roberts and Co.
J.P., Manager of the Karioi Station, was born at Hokianga, north of Auckland, in 1842. He is the fourth son of the late Captain Thomas McDonnell, R.N., who settled in New Zealand in 1841–42. Educated at Auckland, he was for five years on the Thames goldfield, after the discovery of the precious metal. In 1874 he came to Karioi to take the management of this large station, and has been there ever since. Mr. McDonnell is a brother of Lieutenant-Colonel McDonnell, who is referred to elsewhere in these pages. In 1896 Mrs. McDonnell died, leaving three children.
Wool-scourer and Sheepfarmer, Karioi. Mr. Stubbing, who was born in Invernesshire, accompanied his parents to New Zealand, landing in Auckland, where he passed his early years. He came to Karioi in 1882, and carried out several Government contracts, subsequently managing a store for a number of years. The wool-scouring works are situated on the banks of the Tokiahura Stream, where there is an abundant supply of soft water. Mr. Stubbing is able to put through about twenty-five bales per day, the output of the surrounding district—some 1200 bales—passing through his works. His farm contaips 1500 acres, and carries a very robust, healthy flock of sheep, and a number of shorthorn cattle. Mr. Stubbing is married, and has three sons and two daughters.
In the electoral district of Patea and the Waitotara Riding of the Waitotara County is the little village of
(Alexander Tawse, proprietor). This hotel, which is a wood and iron building, two stories high, contains twenty rooms, and was built about thirty years ago. It is situated some thirteen miles from Wanganui, on the Great North Road. Good paddocks are provided for persons travelling with stock. The local railway station is within stone's throw of the hotel.
Twenty miles to the northwards of Wanganui, in the Electorate of Patea and in the Waitotara Riding of the Waitotara County, at an altitude of 264 feet above sea-level, is the flag station of Nukumaru, which serves the extensive farming district, better known as
which was erected in 1882, has accommodation for sixty children. There are seventy-five scholars on the roll, with an average attendance of sixty.
Master in charge of the Maxwelltown Public School, was born in Ipswich, Suffolk, in 1849, and came to Auckland per ship “Ben Nevis” in 1879. He commenced teaching at Waiuku, in the Kariotahi District, where he remained for seven years. Afterwards he took charge of the Hiwinui District School for two years, under the Wanganui Education Board, and in 1892 was removed to Maxwelltown, where he also acts as postmaster. Mr. Goldsbury is married to a daughter of the late Mr. Alfred Lambert, of Ipswich, and has three daughters and five sons.
Butcher and Baker, Maxwelltown. An extensive business is done in both branches. The proprietor's carts deliver not only within the immediate vicinity of his business premises, but they travel twice weekly from Brunswick to Waitotara, calling upon customers far and near, delivering goods and receiving orders. Mr. Billinghurst executes large or wholesale orders at reduced rates. He does a considerable trade in sheep-skins, hides, tallow, wool, and other produce, in all which lines he is a cash buyer.
Smith, Charles, Horseshoer and General Blacksmith, Great North Road, Maxwelltown. Established 1892.
Brown, Daniel, General Storekeeper, Maxwelltown. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1871.
Mills, Henry Porter, General Storekeeper, Great North Road, Maxwelltown. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1885.
This township, which is situated 39° 50” south latitude and 174° 40” east longitude, is 170 miles north-west of Wellington, twenty-five miles from Wanganui, and eighty-two miles from New Plymouth. It is a part of the Waverley Riding of the Patea County, and is in the electoral district of Patea. The post-office, which is also a telephone bureau, issues money orders and postal notes, transacting also savings bank business; mails arrive and depart twice each day. The population of the township at the 1896 census was 207, the vicinity having an additional forty-nine. Waitotara, which is only thirty feet above sea-level, lies in a deep valley on the picturesque river of the same name, the railway to Wanganui ascending a steep gradient in the neighbourhood. There is a vast extent of splendid forest country, which is rapidly giving way before the march of settlement.
has jurisdiction over an area extending from the village of Waitotara to Momahaki. The rates from all sources in 1896 amounted to £1110 14s. 4d., whilst the expenditure totalled £971 4s. 5d. The assets in connection with the Board amount to £1208 4s. 6d, the liabilities, including loans, being £3482 7s. 10d. Mr. F. R. Field, surveyor, is clerk to the Board; the offices are situated at Waitotara.
J.P., Chairman of the Waitotara-Momahaki Road Board, whose portrait is given below, though still a young man, was one of the earliest settlers in the Waitotara district; and it is not too much to say that in a variety of capacities he has done more for the building up of the township and district than any resident. More than twenty years ago Mr. Fisher was the purchaser of the first story established in Waitotara—that which is now the property of Mr. A. W. Curry. After conducting this store for many years with considerable success, he went into his present business of land, commission, and native agent. He is a fluent Maori linquist, and is well acquainted with all the Maoris in the Kai-Iwi-Waitotara and Patea districts, having collected the census for native population in these districts on the last two occasions, being alike highly respected by the European and native population. It was the writer's fortune to visit Waitotara on the half-yearly rent day—the day on which the Maoris receive their rents, in proportion according to their interest in the property leased to the pakehas; and he had an opportunity of seeing Mr. Fisher paying away these sums amidst a swarm of Maoris, who buzzed and hovered round him like a hive of swarming bees. The interests of the natives are well looked after by Mr. Fisher, and the offices which he holds, which are in the gift of the white population, show the equity of his business transactions. Mr. Fisher is chairman of the Waitotara-Momohaki Road Board, a member of the Patea County Council, a member of the Wellington District Land board, a member of the Diocesan Synod for Wellington Diocese, and also a Justice of the Peace for the Colony. For a considerable time he was chairman of the local school committee, and a member of the Patea Harbour Board. As chairman of the Waitotara-Momohaki Road Board, Mr. Fisher, assisted by Mr. Field, the popular engineer of the district, has been the main mover for the construction of the roads and bridges surrounding the district, and the efforts of these two gentlemen have resulted in a very great advancement in this direction. Mr. Fisher was born at King's Lynn, Norfolk, and was educated at the National School, Folkestone, Kent. After leaving school he entered the establishment of Mr. John Sherwood, provision merchant, of Folkestone. In 1864 he arrived in Lyttelton per ship “Indian Empire,” and came on to Wanganui and began his colonial life by working for a year on a farm. He then went into the employ of Messrs. Hurley and Cunnabell, general storekeepers, of Wanganui, and after this had further experience with Mr. Edward Lewis, of Turakina. Mr. Fisher has had a good deal of bush life, and is no stranger even to the occupation of bullock-driving. During the time of the war in 1865 he was in this way employed assisting the commissariat transport corps in the conveying of provisions to the scene of action. Mr. Fisher is ever to the fore in all philanthropie and charitable institutions, and may be very properly styled the father of his district. [Since the above was in type, Mr. Fisher has removed from Waitotara to Taranaki, and has consequently retired from the local offices held by him as above.]
(Mrs. Webb, post-mistress). This office, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., is a source of great convenience to the settlers in Waitotara. The office is conducted by Mrs. C. J. Webb in a businesslike manner, and mails are sorted immediately on arrival with care and speed. Mrs. Webb was educated in Paris, and came out to the colonies some years ago.
in charge of the Waitotara district, was born and educated in Ireland, and arrived in this Colony, in Port Chalmers, in the early days of the goldfields. Soon after his arrival he entered the police in Dunedin, and was for several years stationed in the goldfields of Otago. He was then removed to Hokitika, and thence to Greymouth, where he passed a dozen years or more. Since being in the North Island, constable Quinn has been located at Palmerston North, and from thence he was removed to Waitotara. He is attentive to his charge, and universally respected.
which is twenty-six miles from Wanganui, is a wooden building of four compartments, and there is also a goods-shed. The morning trains from north and south cross at this station.
the Sationmaster at Waitotara, was born in 1870 at Lyttelton, and was educated in Christchurch. He joined the Railway Department as cadet in 1884, afterwards becoming clerk in the booking-office. He was appointed stationmaster at Waitotara in 1896.
consists of two large rooms, and is in charge of the head master, Mr. W. Arthur Worsop. It is situated about 200 yards from the centre of the township, and excellent play-grounds are provided. The accommodation is sufficient for about 130 scholars, and the number at present
the Headmaster of the Waitotara Public School, was born in Yorkshire, England, and received his education at one of the London schools, finishing at Oberstein, in Germany. He came to the colonies per ship “Achilles,” in 1870, and took up his abode in Otago, where he was engaged in teaching in Dunedin and other parts of the province for a period of eighteen years. Prior to coming to the North Island, Mr. Worsop had charge of the public school at Naseby, a school with a roll number of 200 children, and after holding this position for eight years, he was obliged to resign on account of his health, which had become very delicate. Consequently he left the outh Island in 1888, and took charge of the rising generation at Waitotara, where he is much respected.
Minister in charge of the Waitotara Parochial District, was born in 1857 in Cape Colony. He is a son of Mr. George Frere, H.B.M. Commissioner at Capetown. Educated at Westminster, he came to New Zealand in 1879 per ship “Poonah,” and settled on the Canterbury Plains for five years. Mr. Frere was ordained in 1887 by the Bishop of Dunedin, and prior to coming to Waitotara in 1895 had charge of the Waitaki and Waikouaiti churches, in conjunction with the Palmerston South District.
(John McDuff, proprietor), Waitotara. Mr. McDuff, the genial host of the Railway Hotel, was for many years in business in Wanganui as a coachbuilder, prior to taking over the above hostelry. Born in Adelaide, South Australia, he was apprenticed to the trade with Mr. Perrott, of Geelong. Mr. McDuff had a business experience in Ballarat, Sandhurst, and Castlemaine. After spending a short time in Melbourne he came to New Zealand, and was in business in Masterton, but settled in Wanganni about 1880. Since starting in his new sphere Mr. McDuff is being well patronisal.
(E. J. Wilson, proprietor), Waitotara. Telegraphic address, “Wilson, Waitotara.” P.O. Box 2 Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. The Waitotara Hotel was established over twenty years ago, and was formerly the property of Mrs. Ormsbee, who owned the freehold and conducted the business for a considerable time. Mrs. Ormsbee is at present in occupation of the Oriental Hotel, Wellington, and is alluded to elsewhere in the Cyclopedia. The hotel came into the hands of the present proprietor in 1894, and is doing a good business. It consists of drawing-room, sitting-rooms, parlours, a good dining-room, and ten bedrooms. Good stabling is attached to the hotel, and capital paddocks rank among its conveniences. The building is of wood, and consists of two stories. Mr. Wilson, the proprietor, is a native of Belfast, Ireland. He left the Old Country for New Zealand in 1875, per ship “Cartvale,” Wellington being his destination. Mr. Wilson is a most agreeable host, and studies the comforts of his visitors to the best of his ability. He takes an interest in the district, and is a member of the Waitotara School Committee.
General Storekeeper, Insurance and Commission Agent, etc., Waitotara Store, Waitotara. Branch, Marohema. Telegraphic address, “Curry, Waitotara” P.O. Box 1. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, adjoining business premises. This business was established in 1867 by Mr. Gibson, and was sold to Mr. T. W. Fisher in 1875. Some twelve years later Mr. Fisher in turn sold to Mr. Curry. The buildings are of wood and iron, two stories high, and are all freehold. The lines imported embrace drapery and oilmen's stores, and Mr. Curry, while recently in the Old Country, made arrangements to import everything in his various lines of business. The agencies held by Mr. Curry include the New Zealand Insurance Company (Fire and Marine), Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Association, Wanganui Chronicle, Herald and Yeoman, Auckland Weekly News, Canterbury Times and Press, the New Zealand Times and Mail (Wellington), and George Bryer, boatman, Waitotara River. Mr. Curry is also contractor for the Upper Waitotara mails, and until recently was secretary to the Waitotara Public Hall Company. The branch at Marohema, or Upper Waitotara, is twenty-eight miles further up the river, communication being by canoe. As an exporter, Mr. Curry deals largely in wool, butter, and fungus. Mr. Curry is a native of Yorkshire, and was educted in Ireland, where he also learned his business with Mr. J. Smallman, of Port Arlington, Queen's County. He left for Wellington per ship “John Gambles” in 1881, and was for several years engaged in mercantile pursuits in the country.
Jago, Joseph, Carpenter and Builder, Kaipo Street, Waitotara. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1872.
Clark, Thomas, Butcher and Baker, Waitotara Butchery, Kaipo Street, Waitotara. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1880.
Cohen, Mrs. M., General Storekeeper, Waitotara. Established 1886.
Train, Frederick, General Storekeeper, Waitotara. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1875 and conducted by present proprietor since 1899.
J.P., Sheepfarmer, “Waihau,” Waitotara. This farm, which is well fenced and well watered by the Waihau Lake, consists of 3000 acres of freehold and leasehold, and carries 6000 sheep, 500 head of cattle, and twenty-five horses. Mr. Brewer was born in 1845 in Birmingham, and came to New Zealand at ten years of age in the ship “Merchantman,” with Governor Browne, his father afterwards holding a position in the Auckland Customs. Joining the Government survey staff for a time, Mr. Brewer came to Waitotara in the early days of settlement and took up land. In 1870 he was married to a daughter of Major Durie, of Wanganui, and has six children. As a member of the Wanganui Cavalry he saw active service under Captain Cameron during the Maori war. He was afterwards, with Mr. Charles Durie, a contractor for meat supplies to the troops. Mr. Brewer is a member of the Waitotara-Whenuakura Road Board, and was a member of the Patea County Council for many years. He has acted as judge for the Hawera Racing Club for a number of years, and is a steward of the Waverley-Waitotara Racing Club, and a member of the Hawera Hunt and Waverley Tennis clubs.
Settler, “Woodlands,” Waitotara. Born in 1828 in Rosshire, Scotland, where he was educated Mr. Mackenzie landed in Victoria in August, 1853, from the ship “Earl of Eglinton,” and for two years engaged in goldmining. He afterwards started a line of 'busses in Melbourne, which he ran for ten years. In 1863 he came to New Zealand, and took part in the famous rush at Gabriel's Gully in Otago. Leaving the diggings he became a coachdriver for Cobb and Co., being six years on the road between Foxton and Wanganui, and three years between Wanganui and New Plymouth. Mr. McKenzie is one of the few surviving drivers of the old school left in New Zealand. Since his retirement to “Woodlands,” where he has 200 acres overlooking Waitotara, he has engaged in local affairs, having been a member of the Waitotara Road Board, and also of the school committee. Mr. Mackenzie is married, and has three sons and four daughters.
Farmer, “Belmont,” Waitotara. Mr. Peat was born in 1840 in Kincardineshire, Scotland, where his father was a farmer. Educated at the parish school, he went to Aberdeen, and eventually found his way to Auckland in 1860. For some years he worked in the district, and was also on the Otago goldfields. During the Maori war of 1865 Mr. Peat served in the transport corps, under Colonel McDonnell, and had charge of the commissariat on the field. On the conclusion of the war, Mr. Peat turned his attention to farming, going into partnership with his brother David and Mr. Alexander, at Wanganui, and finally taking up his present holding of 620 acres. There is a handsome homestead at “Belmont,” standing in well laid-out grounds. Mr. Peat was a member of the first road board on the West Coast of the North Island, and still sits on the Whenuakura Road Board. In 1871 he married Miss Hughes, and has three children.
Farmer, Kapara, Upper Waitotara. Mr. Van Ash was born in Manchester, England, came to the Colony in 1880, and was educated at the Boys' High School, Christchurch. In April, 1894, after having learned the profession of a farmer in the South Island with his father, he removed to Kapara, a district some thirty miles north of Waitotara by road, and fifty by river. Here he purchased 1886 acres of land, all dense forest. So thoroughly did Mr. Van Ash enter into his work, that within twelve months 1050 acres was felled and burned. To sow this, £600 worth of grass-seed was purchased, and Mr. Van Ash having had considerable experience in sheep-farming, it may be of interest to many to know the kind of grass-seeds used. They include rye, cowgrass, white clover, alsyke, trefoil, hard-fesque, meadow-fesque, meadow foxtail, crested dogs tail, ribgrass, yarrow, cocksfoot, poa pratensis, rape, and mustard.
Five miles further northwards from Waitotara, by a steady ascent, the flag station of the above name, at an altitude of 268 feet above sea-level, is reached. It is in the Waverley Riding of the County of Patea, and in the Electorate of Patea, the district containing a population of 108, independent of thirty persons who live at the Momahaki village settlement. Momahaki, which is thirty-one miles from Wanganui, has a local post-office, where mails are received and despatched twice per week. It is the outlet of an extensive farming district, the educational requirements of which are provided for by a public school controlled by a local committee.
which was established by the Government under the control of the Department of Agriculture, is situated about four miles from Waverley. It consists of about 300 acres of land, of which 230 had been cleared before being acquired by the department, the balance being in bush; about half of this has since been felled, leaving a fringe for shelter purposes round the sides of the gullies. The estate has been suitably subdivided into paddocks, and a belt of trees has been planted along the south-western boundary to afford shelter from the strong prevailing winds, which blow from the sea. The swamps have been drained, and the water is led in pipes to the various paddocks, where troughs have been placed to provide for the
is the Officer in charge of the general work of the Momahaki Experimental Station. He looks after the stock, directs the agricultural operations, and acts generally as overseer of the estate. He has had considerable experience in pastoral and agricultural pursuits, and was appointed to the position he holds about two-and-a-half years ago, some two months after arriving in New Zealand. Born in 1857 in Aberdeen, Scotland, Mr. Gillanders was educated in the Old World, and was brought up to farming by his father, subsequently acting as manager on several estates before leaving for the Colony.
the Curator of the Nursery of the Momahaki Experimental Station, was born in 1864 in Glasgow, and was educated at the Glasgow Academy, afterwards attending the London University to study botanic and organic chemistry. After serving five years at various horticultural establishments in England and Scotland, he spent eighteen months in the United States, where he gained further experience in his profession. Mr. Callender studied viticulture in the South of France, and on his return to England he managed a large establishment for supplying fruit and flowers to the Covent Garden market. After seven years in this position the state of his health caused him to seek a more genial clime. On his arrival in New Zealand in 1895, he was appointed to the office he now fills. He is a member of the Royal Horticultural Society; his father is well known in English commercial circles as the founder and organiser of the Callender Electric Cable Management Company, now in charge of Mr. Callender's elder brother.
about two-and-a-half miles east from Momahaki Railway Station, is conducted in a wooden building of two rooms, and has an attendance of about fifty children, almost all of whom ride on horseback to and from school. When school is dismissed, a mob of horses is rounded up and soon mounted by children of all ages, who exhibit great fearlessness in their equestrianism.
the Headmaster of the Momahaki Public School, has a C4 certificate. He has been teaching for four years, his previous appointment being at Goat Valley.
is about three miles west from Waitotara, and is tributary to the Waverley Dairy Factory. The building is of wood, with three compartments fitted and furnished in the usual style, and the cream is sent to Waverley. About 800 gallons of milk are received daily.
the Manager of the Momahaki Creamery, was born in 1862 in London, and after a few years came to New Zealand, working successively as a fireman on steamers, and also in the Wellington Woollen Company's mill, and the Meat Preserving Works at Patea, till entering the service of the Waverley Dairy Company.
Settler, Momahaki. One of the best-known settlers in this part of the Colony, Mr. Dickie was born in 1809 in Ayrshire, Scotland. In 1832 he settled in Galt, Upper Canada, where he engaged in sheep and cattle-breeding, gaining many prizes. After selling out he came to Wellington, New Zealand, in the early forties. Spending nine months at Turakina, Mr. Dickie then bought land at Waverley, and his brother, Mr. William Dickie, who had followed him to New Zealand a year later, acquired the farm adjoining. In 1888 Mr. Dickie gave up his Waverley farm to his son Alexander, and settled at Momahaki, where he died in 1895. The late Mr. Dickie was married in 1837 to Miss Jane McDonald, who hails from Port William, Inverness, where she was born in 1809. At the age of eighty-eight this lady survives her husband, being one of the most active and interesting ladies in the district. The family comprises four sons and three daughters.
Farmer, Momahaki. Born in Canada, the subject of this sketch accompanied his parents to New Zealand at an early age. He was brought up to farming pursuits, and has taken over his father's farm, which consists of 1200 acres, carrying 2000 sheep, 200 head of cattle, and twenty horses. Mr. Dickie is ever ready to take his share of the public burdens, and sits as a member of the Waitotara-Momahaki Road Board.
Farmer, “The Hummocks,” Momahaki. This estate is about 700 acres in extent, and carries 1700 sheep, forty head of cattle, and a few horses. Originally bush land, when cleared it becomes good sheep country. Mr. Rankin, who is the son of a contractor, was born in 1864 in Wanganui, where he was educated. After five years in a solicitor's office, he worked six years on Mr. J. Duncan's Otairi Estate, and five years on Mr. J. Gear's Te Horo Estate, when he took up his present holding.
This township, which is thirty-two miles from Wanganui and seventy-five from New Plymouth, is about three-quarters-of-a-mile from the railway station, which is 251 feet above sea-level, in latitude 380° 45” south and longitude 174° 40” east. It is the principal township in the Waverley Riding of the Patea County, and is a part of the Electoral District of Patea, the population of the Town District of Waverley being 442, and of the outlying districts 558. The school districts of Waverley and Kohi each contain a public school, under the management of locally-elected committees. The postal arrangements at the post and telegraph office, where the business of the savings bank, together with the issue of money orders and postal notes, is carried on, include the arrival and despatch of mails twice daily. A rich agricultural and pastoral country surrounds the township, the settlers being numerous and prospering. Excellent accommodation for tourists and travellers is available at the Waverley hotels, and financial matters may be attended to at the two banks. Besides the usual stores and business premises, there are local flour and sawmills in the vicinity. The township is under the jurisdiction of the Waverley Town Board.
(1896) was composed of:—Messrs. J.B. Taylor (chairman), T. Cathro, W. Dickie, J. W. Thurston, J. E. Palmer, with Mr. F. P. Fookes as secretary. The value of the rateable property in the district is £21,327, on which a rate of 1/2d. in the £ is levied each year. The district has a population of 442. The total revenue of the Board is about £140 per annum, over £90 of which is derived from licenses, Government grant, leases etc. Periodical meetings are held at the Board's office in Main Street, Waverley.
is the chairman of the Waverley Town Board. He was born in Newdeer, Aberdeenshire, and received his earlier education at Aberdeen, finishing at Edinburgh. Mr. Taylor came out to New Zealand in the ship “Duke of Edinburgh,” and arrived here in January, 1874, the journey from London being accomplished in 108 days. Immediately on arrival in Wellington. Mr. Taylor shaped his course for Wanganui, and there stayed for a period of two years, moving from thence to Waverley, where he purchased those well-known premises which are at present in the occupation of Messrs. Taylor and Bremner, coachbuilders, etc. This coachbuilding business was established by Mr. Taylor on his taking up his residence in Waverley, and after working up a good trade in connection with it, he sent Home for his brother and Mr. Bremner to come out to join him. This they did, and on arrival were employed by him for some time in the business, he subsequently leasing the premises to them. After a few years' trial, Messrs. Taylor and Bremner purchased the business, and Mr. Taylor retired from it altogether, and adopted the practice of his own profession, namely, that of veterinary surgeon. In this capacity he had studied in Edinburgh, under Professor Dicks, of Dick's Veterinary College, Clyde Street, Edinburgh, and had been successful in passing the examinations of the Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland, and of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, London. Mr. Taylor holds diplomas from both these bodies, and has a life membership diploma from the Edinburgh Veterinary Medical Society. He is also the possessor of a diploma for valuable contributions, and holds an honorary fellowship. No higher diplomas than these are possessed by any “vet” in the colonies. For writing valuable notes relating to his profession, Mr. Taylor was awarded the second prize. He left Edinburgh for Aberdeen, and purchased the practice of Mr. Sorley, veterinary surgeon, where he remained for nearly three years, during the last two of which he was appointed to an inspectorship under the local authority and Privy Council, owing to the prevalence of pneumonia and foot and mouth disease in the district The loss of his wife as this period had such an effect on Mr. Taylor that he decided to leave the land of his bereavement, and take up his abode at this side of the globe. In the course of his business, Mr. Taylor has travelled the country from Feilding to Opunake, wherever his services were required. He has been a member of the Town Board ever since its inception, with very few breaks, and for the last eight or ten years consecutively has been elected chairman. He is chairman also of the two domain boards in Waverley and Wairoa respectively; for three years, namely, from 1886 to 1889, was a member of the County Council, besides which he has occupied offices of all descriptions throughout the district. Through all these years Mr. Taylor has given much of his time and experience in the service of the bodies with which he has been connected. He is highly respected by all classes of the community, and is honorary velerinary surgeon in the Waverley Mounted Rifles, a position which he has filled since 1876, such a term of office having entitled him to the long service medal, which, of course, he holds.
is in the County of Patea, and has a population (1896) of 195, of whom thirty are rate payers, possessing property valued at £49,995 for rating purposes, the annual rate being a 1/2d. in the £. Of a total revenue of £80, of which £22 was a Government grant, over £66 was spent in public works. The members of the Board at the time of writing are:— Messrs. R. Bremer (chairman), J. McMichin, J. Johnston, J. Riddell, and W. R. Watkins.
near Waverley, which has an area of nearly twelve square miles, contains a population of 144. There are but twenty-three ratepayers, whose properties are valued at £49,455, the last rate being 1/4d. in the £. The gross income for the year ending March, 1896, was £279, of which £226 was derived from Government subsidy and special grant. The Board, which consists of four members, meets only when business arises. The chairman, Mr. George S. Bridge, combines the duties of clerk and treasurer, and Mr. P. Elmslie acts as inspector and foreman of works, and is charged with the carrying out of anything that may require to be done. The battle of Moturoa took place in this district, on the 7th of November, 1868.
in the County of Patea, had a population of ninety-eight at the census of 1896, of whom twenty-eight were ratepayers, residing in twenty dwellings and owning rateable properties valued at £50,534, the annual rate being 5/8d. £. The total annual receipts amounted to over £280, of which about £130 was collected in rates, the balance being derived from Government grants and other receipts. In 1896 the members of the Board were:—Messrs. O. Symes (chairman), F. Wilson, A. Symes, G. Saunders, J. Walker, and J. Hunter.
formed just after the war of 1871, was first known as the Wairoa Light Horse. The headquarters of the corps is at Waverley, where an annual camp for instruction and training is held at the racecourse for one week. The corps ranks third in seniority in the Colony, the present strength being sixty-three. The officers (1896) were:—Messrs. G. Howie (captain and treasurer), G. Johnston, junior, and J. Riddell, junior (lieutenants), and W. Macfarlane, junior (secretary).
of the Wairoa Mounted Rifles, who is a son of the late Mr. Alexander Howie, one of the earliest settlers of the district, was born in Wanganui in 1855. He was educated in his native place, and was brought up to farming pursuits by his father, whose family for generations have been farmers. In 1870 Mr. Howie removed to Waverley, his family being the first white settlers to live outside the town. Mr. Howie's farm of 750 acres is called “Strathmore.” For ten years he has been an officer of the corps, with which he has been connected since 1873. As a marksman he has been a noted prize-winner. In all local matters he takes a great interest, and for eleven years he was a member of the Okotuku Road Board. As a footballer, he represented the county on various occasions. Mr. Howie is married, and has three children.
V. D., late of the Wairoa Mounted Rifles, and now on the New Zealand Unattached List, was born in Auckland in 1848. He went to Napier in 1864, and, entering the militia, took part in active engagements. Subsequently
who is a settler at Whenuakura, near Waverley, is the sole surviving officer in New Zealand of the 65th Regiment, and was born in 1824 in Jersey. He was educated at St. Servon, France. where the famous Millais, the artist, was a school-fellow. Major Turner, who joined his regiment in 1842, becoming lieutenant in 1845 and captain in 1856, served throughout the Maori wars of 1860–3. He took part in several engagements, receiving a rifle shot in the mouth during one battle. In 1867 he retired with the rank of brevet-major, and settled as above, receiving also a grant of 400 acres from the Government for his services. For some years he acted as inspector of the A.C. Force on the West Coast, and for two years subsequently he commanded the Militia in Wanganui. In local matters he has been active in promoting the establishment of freezing companies. Major Turner, whose portrait was taken in 1867, in his uniform as Major, was married to a daughter of the late Lieutenant Paul, of the 65th.
a convenient wood and brick building, is centrally situated. Mails are received and despatched twice each day both north and south. The office is also authorised to issue money orders and postal notes, and to do the post-office savings bank business.
the Postmaster and Telegraphist at Waverley, who also acts as Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, was born in 1852 at Leamington, Warwickshire, England. After fourteen years in the service of the Queensland Government, Mr. Mayne came to New Zealand in 1879, since which time he has been in the public service. He was appointed to Waverley in 1895.
thirty-three miles from Wanganui and twenty-seven from Hawera, is a wooden building of the usual class. On Tuesdays and Fridays six trains pass the station, and four trains pass every other day. The stationmaster is Mr. Charles Horsnell, who was promoted to this important position in January, 1897. A sketch of his career, together with his portrait, appears on page 1153.
which is off the main road in the centre of the township, occupies a site of some two acres in extent, which is kept in very good order, and includes playground, tennis court, and cricket and football grounds. The building, which has four rooms with vestibule, is well ventilated, and the headmaster's residence is adjacent. The roll numbers 220, the average attendance being 195. The staff consists of the headmaster, with two assistants and two pupil teachers.
M.A., the Headmaster of the Waverley Public School, was born in 1853 in London, where he was educated at a private school. He came to New Zealand in 1887, and for five years was teaching in a private school in Auckland. He joined the Government service in 1891, and, before being appointed to Waverley in 1895, had charge of the public school at Goldsborough, Westland, for three years. In 1894 he took his M.A. degree in the Colony. In Waver-ley he is very popular, lending his aid to promote entertainments for the benefit of his fellow-residents. He was instrumental in establishing the Waver-ley Chess Club, and the local reading-room. As a cricketer he shines forth, playing with the first eleven of the Waverley Club, while as a tennis player he is a prominent member of his club.
a fair-sized building of one large room with vestibule, is situated in a dip in the Kohi Valley, about seven miles from Waverley. The headmaster's residence, which adjoins, has a very nicely-appointed tennis lawn in front, on which the ladies and gentlemen of the vicinity hold weekly matches. There are thirty-two names on the roll of the school, the average attendance being twenty-nine.
who has charge of the Kohi School, was born at Wanganui, where he was partially educated, completing his school-days at Waverley. He joined the Education Department in 1888, and was placed in charge of the Kohi School five years later. Mr. Mason, who is married and has one child, takes a great interest in social affairs, and is ever to the fore in organising concerts and other functions for the recreation of the settlers.
No. 205, which was re-opened in 1896, meets fortnightly, on Mondays, in the Waverley Public School, and has a membership of about thirty. Miss Ross is secretary, and Mr. Catanach district deputy.
Officers (1896–7):—Messrs. W. Wilson (president), W. Symes (vice-president), and E. P. Symes (secretary and treasurer).
the Secretary and Treasurer of the Waverley-Waitotara Racing Club, is the ninth and youngest son of the late Mr. Francis Symes, of “West Holm,” Waverley. He was born at Fordell, near Wanganui, and was educated in the district. He worked on his father's farm until the death of his paternal relative, when he became possessor of the property of 400 acres, which now carries 1500 sheep. In 1891 Mr. Symes was married to the second daughter of Mr. D. Hunter, of Patea, and has two sons. As a Volunteer, he was a member of the Wairoa Light Horse for five years. In football he has taken pleasure for fourteen years, and won his place in the Wanganui representative team. He is also an enthusiastic polo player, and has ever taken an active interest in all athletic sports.
Waverley, was established in 1877, the building being situate on the opposite side of the road to the present banking premises. The property, which was purchased from the Bank of New Zealand in 1885, contains banking chambers, manager's room, and dwelling. Mr. W. F. Kemp, the manager, has been in charge of the Waverley branch for over ten years.
the Manager of the Bank of Australasia at Waverley, was born in 1857 in New South Wales, and was educated at King's School, Paramatta. In 1874 he joined the service of the bank in Sydney, and after ten years was transferred to Featherston, New Zealand, as manager. He was subsequently at Patea for a short time, being appointed to Waverley in 1886 Mr. Kemp has always taken a lively interest in athletics. He is an enthusiastic cricketer, and acted as secretary to the first tennis club formed, and he has been associated with the Waverley Jockey Club as a member and auditor. In Volunteer matters, he was for some time in the Patea Rifles. Mr. Kemp married a daughter of Mr. Piper, of Tamworth, New South Wales, and has four sons and one daughter.
(William Macfarlane and William Macfarlane, junior), Builders and Contractors (adjoining the mill), Main Street, Waverley. P.O. Box 17. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. The business conducted by the enterprising firm has been carried on for the best part of a quarter-of-a-century, and ranks as the most prominent of its kind in this fine agricultural and pastoral district. The senior partner in the firm, who came to New Zealand and settled in Wanganui in the early seventies, laid the foundation of this prosperous business in 1874. Beginning in a comparatively small way, he was steadily successful in his operations, and the business prospered and developed, speedily assuming considerable proportions. Mr. Macfarlane hails from the “land of brown heath and shaggy wood; land of the mountain and the flood.” From his early days he had experience as a builder and contractor, and for many years before leaving his native heather he was engaged on very important contracts in Scotland. He was employed by the Marquis of Bute, the owner of what is reported to be the second-best private residence in Great Britain, and which is estimated to have cost no less a sum than three millions of money. Mr. Macfarlane executed a great deal of work for that distinguished and wealthy nobleman at his seat, Mt. Stewart, Bute, and was working in connection with his residence for a lengthy period. The experience gained by Mr. Macfarlane before coming to New Zealand has been of immense value, not only to himself, but also to his numerous customers, who have reaped incalculable benefits from his wide technical and commercial knowledge. The freehold premises occupied by Messrs. Macfarlane and Son in Main Street, are well situated, and afford ample space for the conduct of the business. Suitable buildings have been erected on the section for housing the machinery, which is driven by a capital steam-engine. The plant consists of circular saw, bench, band-saw, planing machine, and cross-cutting and sand-papering machinery, besides all needful labour-saving tools and appliances for the successful carrying-out of every branch of the trade. With so complete a plant, and the ability to undertake building work in any style, it is not surprising that a large number of the settlers in this wide district should have called in the services of the firm. As a matter of fact, a large proportion of the homesteads and farm buildings of the Waverley District, and a good many of the buildings in the township, have been erected and completed by Messrs. Macfarlane and Son. Among others may be mentioned the Claren-don Hotel in Waverley, and Mr. George Death's fine residence. Messrs. Macfarlane and Son are ready at all times to tender for the erection of buildings—public and private—in any part of the district, and should any settler wish to erect premises without the assistance of an architect, the firm are able and willing to draw plans in
which is situated on the main road, Waverley, was established in 1894. The directors are:—Messrs. Johnston (managing director), Nicholson, J. Hearn, J. Bradley, C. H. E. Hope-Johnstone, A. Howie, O. Hawse, and J. Aiken, Mr. J. Johnston being manager, and Mr. W. Whitaker secretary. The building, one of the most complete in the district, is kept in splendid order, five hands being busily engaged. Two creameries supply the cream, besides that which comes direct from the farmers. During the season about 17,500 gallons of milk are dealt with every week.
the genial Manager of the Waverley Co-operative Dairy Factory, hails from Taieri, Otago, where he was born in 1867, and where also he was educated. Mr. Johnston served two years to the grocery business, after which he turned his attention to dairy factory work, spending some years with several of the most important factories in the Otago District. Having become proficient in the business, he was appointed manager of the Waverley Factory in 1896.
which belongs to the Waverley Co-operative Dairy Company, Limited, has been established since 1894. It is situated about seven miles from Waverley, and is replete with the latest appliances for the work. Under the energetic control of the present manager, who has been in charge since its inception, good progress has been made.
the Manager of the Kohi Creamery, was born in 1856 in Rosehearty, Aberdeenshire, where he was brought up to farm life. In 1875 he came to New Zealand per ship “Edwin Fox,” and worked on the railways for some time, afterwards becoming manager of a property owned by Mr. Baker, at
(Harry Edward Andrews, proprietor), Main Street, Waverley. Telegraphic address, "Clarendon, Waverley." P.O. Box 7. The Clarendon Hotel is a newly-built and furnished house of about twenty-one rooms. It is conducted in a thoroughly efficient manner, the proprietor being most obliging and courteous, and ever ready to attend to the wants of his numerous patrons. Born in 1872 at Ashford, Kent, and educated in London Mr. Andrews was brought up to the hotel business with his father, who was a well-known and popular boniface in London. He came with his parents to Australia by the s.s. “Austral” in 1892, and crossing the Tasman Sea to New Zealand, engaged in farming pursuits for two years. In 1894 he took over the hotel from his father, who conducts the Clarendon Hotel at Palmerston North. As a musician, Mr. Andrews excels on the cornet. He is also a great enthusiast in sports of all kinds.
Commercial Hotel (Thomas Ellis, proprietor), High Street, Waverley. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Conducted by present proprietor since 1883.
Shoeing and General Blacksmith, Waverley Shoeing Forge, High Street, Waverley. Telegraphic address, "Clark, Waverley." Private residence, next door to (the business premises. Mr. Clark was born in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England, and arrived in Auckland per “Zealandia” in 1871. He was apprenticed to Mr. James Maekny, coachbuilders, etc, of High Street, Auckland, and subsequently worked some considerable time as coachsmith for Messrs. Cousins and Atkin, the well-known and flourishing coachbuilders, of Auckland. Leaving there, Mr. Clark went to the Waikato, and entered into business on his own account, where he remained for some two or three years. In 1881 he established himself in Waverley and has, by perseverance and good workmanship, got together a good little business. His premises are fairly large, and are quite close to the post-office and dairy factory. In connection with the house there is a fine large grass paddock, which Mr. Clark uses as a run for his cow.
(David Taylor and David Bremner), Coachbuilders, Farriers, etc., High Street, Waverley. P.O. Box 18. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Telegraphic address, “Bremner, Waverley.” Private residences: Mr. Taylor, Brassey Street; Mr. Bremner, Wilson Street. Agents for the sale of wool presses, the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company throughout the Colony, and Messrs. Barraud and Abraham for Palmerston North. The above business is an old established one, having been inaugurated by Mr. Taylor, brother of the senior partner in the firm, shortly after his arrival in New Zealand. It was taken over by the present proprietors in 1882. The premises are large and convenient, and cover a considerable area of ground. The machinery includes three American drills by Wiley and Russell, band saws, etc. A fine tiring bed, equal to the heaviest work, is also among the appliances. In the blacksmith's shop there are four forges constantly going, and the firm employ a competent staff of workmen. Messrs. Taylor and Bremner do a very large business, and the work executed by them is not to be surpassed in the district. At the Wanganui and local shows the firm have repeatedly carried off prizes for their various exhibits, and their celebrated wool presses are known and appreciated all over the Colony. The press for which Messrs. Taylor and Bremner hold their patent is a double acting rack wool press; it is strong, compact, light-running, and quick-acting, with a very ingenious double ratchet motion to operate in the racks. These wool-presses have taken high awards at the Hawkes Bay, Hawera, and Woodville shows. Both partners were born at Aberdeen, Scotland, and both were apprenticed to Messrs. Hay and Cowie, coachbuilders, etc., in their native town. Mr. Taylor completed his term of apprenticeship in 1879, and Mr. Bremner five years later. The two friends and associates then left Scotland together to come to New Zealand, at the instigation of Mr.
Cyclopedia, who had been in the Colony for some years. They took passage per “Arethusa,” and in 1879 arrived in Wellington, and at once made their way to Waverley, where in a short time they established them selves as above.
Bootmaker and Watchmaker, High Street, Waverley. Telegraphic address, “Cathro, Waverley.” Bankers Bank of Australasia. Mr. Cathro is a native of Dundee, Forfarshire, and left there for Lyttelton in 1864 per ship “William Miles,” commanded by Captain Babot, now so well and favourably known as Marine Superintendent at Wellington for the Shaw-Savill and Albion Company. Prior to leaving the Old Country, Mr. Cathro had learned his business with Mr. William Young, of Denhead-of-Gray, Dundee, completing his term in 1852, and had been established in business in Princess Street, Dundee, for twelve years. On arriving in the Colony he went into business in Lyttelton and remained there twenty years, subsequently removing to Wanganui for a year, and then commencing in Waverley as above. Mr. Cathro has a good little freehold establishment of wood and iron, and keeps an excellent stock. He is the only bootmaker in the district keeping stock. He is an importer of all kinds of boots, from the finest shoes to the heaviest watertights. Besides being a first-rate general workman in the bootmaking line, Mr. Cathro has devoted a considerable time to, and has attained much proficiency in, the repairing of watches and clocks. He considers himself equal to the most difficult work in this line, and being the only watchmaker in the district he does the whole of the business. Whilst in Lyttelton Mr. Cathro was a member of several societies, holding the rank of “past arch Druid” and “past master” of No. 1 Orange Lodge. In this position he headed the largest procession of Orangemen ever seen in Canterbury.
Saddler and Harness-maker, Waverley Saddlery Depôt, High Sireet, Waverley. Telegraphic address, “Davis, Waverley.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Bear Street. Mr. Davis is a native of Peel, near Bathurst, New South Wales, and came to Waverley in 1874. He learned his business in the district with Mr. Thomas Reid, and subsequently worked at Manaia for a few months. In 1883 he established himself as above. His premises are freehold, and conveniently fitted. He has two sewing-machines, one Singer's and one Pearson's, and of course all tools in the trade. His trade extends throughout the district, and his Importations consist of saddlers' furniture, spurs, sfirrups, etc. His special lines are saddles, collars, harness, horse-covers, and tarpaulins. In the re-stringing of tennis-rackets, Mr. Davis does a good trade, as he is able to make an old racket as good as a new one for 7s. 6d.
Bookseller, Stationer, and Fancy Goods Dealer, and News Agent, High Street, Waverley. Telegraphic address, “Mitchinson, Waverley.” This business was established in Waverley six years ago by Mr. H. F. Mason, oy whom it was sold in 1894 to Mr. Mitchinson. The building is of wood and iron, the freehold being in the hands of Mr. W. Mitchinson, father of the owner of the business. It was erected by Messrs. MacFarlane and Son, and is a well-built, commodions establishment, an engraving of it being shown herewith. Mr. Mitchinson does a good trade throughout the district, a special attraction being the circulating library (at the low tariff of five shillings per quarter), which contains an excellent assortment of current works of fiction, etc., and which boasts of a goodly number of subscribers. Mr. Mitchinson's agencies include the South British Insurance Company, Canterbury Times, Auckland Weekly News, New
Zealand Mail,
(William Dickie and Robert Dickie) Flour Millers, Waverley Mills, Waverley. Telegraphic address, “Dickie Bros., Waverley.” P.O. Box 19. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence on adjoining estate. This business was etsablished in 1875 by Mr. William Hone, and in 1878 was purchased by Mr. William Dickie, sen., father of the present proprietors, who, after a few years disposed of it to his sons. The buildings are of wood and iron, and, as will be seen from the picture, the mill is three stories high. The whole of the premises are freehold, and the buildings have been very largely increased, the alterations having been made by Messrs. MacFarlane and Son, of Waverley. The buildings, which consist of a grain store and mill, are of a substantial character, the former measuring 20 feet by 38 feet and the latter 24 feet by 36 feet. The mill is driven by a six-feet Pelton water-wheel, made by Price Brothers, of the Thames, Auckland, which works under a head of forty feet, and gives a steady motion to the machinery. The wheat is shot into a bin over a Eureka milling separator for removing all chaff, small shrunk grains, and foreign seeds. It is then elevated into a Cranston scouring machine, with magnetic attachment for polishing and taking out any small pieces of iron that may have got into the wheat. The wheat is then elevated to the top of the mill and passes through a Ganz No. 21 fluted roller mill, to get reduced. From here it is again elevated to the top of the mill into a scalper flour dresser, which separates the bran from the other stock. The bran runs from here through a pair of fluted bran rolls, and is dressed in a centrifugal bran duster, and the bran is now properly cleaned and put into sacks. The stock that comes through the scalper dresser goes into a flour dresser-covered with fine silk, which sifts all the fine flour. The coarser material, or middlings, goes over a middling purifier, which takes out any small bran specks. It is then ground on a pair of stones and the flour dressed out, and then taken to another pair of stones to reduce what coarse particles remain; it is then put over another flour dressing reel to take out the flour. The residue now goes to a smooth pair of rolls along with the fine stock from the centrifugal bran duster, and is then dressed on a centrifugal flour dresser to take out the flour. The residue now goes for pollard, and this completes the dressing and grinding operations. The flour, pollard, and bran is all sacked on the middle floor, from which it can be run down a shoot right into the drays. The material never has to be handled from the time the wheat is emptied over the wheat cleaning machines until it comes down as flour, pollard, and bran, in separate sacks. The dam which supplies the water for the working of the wheel is half-a-mile long, varying in depth to eighteen feet. The work being carried out under the direct supervision of Mr. Robert Dickie, who is a thorough miller, and quite enthusiastic about his business, is done in a thorough style, and the flour manufactured has attained a reputation which enables it to compete favourably with the best Southern brands. The trade of Messrs. W. and R. Dickie extends throughout a very large district. From Stratford in the north, to Wanganui in the south, a really good business is done, and this may be looked upon as one of the promising industrial firms in the Colony. Messrs. Dickie were born in Canada, and left there with their father's family for Liverpool in
General Storekeeper, Wairoa Store, High Street, Waverley. Telegraphic address, “Southcombe, Waverley.” P.O. Box 2. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr. Southcombe was born in Wanganui, and was educated at the Collegiate School there. He learned his business with Messrs. John Duthie and Co., now James Thain and Co., Wanganui, and after this was for some years in the
Leo, James, General Storekeeper, High Street, Waverley. Conducted by present proprietor since 1880.
(George, Henry, and Samuel Johnston), Woolscourers, “Pine Hill,” Waverley. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Agents, New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co. Messrs. Johnston have 300 acres of freehold close to the town of Waverley, and a section of about 200 acres in Momahaki. On the Waverley property they carry on an extensive fellmongery and boiling-down business. From 200 to 300 bales of wool are scoured, and 2500 sheep boiled down in a season. Their premises and plant are kept in first-class order, eight men being usually employed in busy times. About seventy cows are milked on the place, the milk being sent to the Waverley Dairy Factory.
Catanach, Alexander, Painter and Decorator, Waverley.
Muir, John, Draper, Waverley. Established by Mr. A. L. Fookes many years ago.
Fieldes Bros. (Walter Fieldes and William Alfred Fieldes), Tailors, High Street, Waverley. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Established 1893.
Palmer and Deverill (J. E. Palmer and F. H. Deverill), Butchers and Bakers, Waverley. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1879.
(Robert and Louis Bremer), Farmers, “Kohi Noor,” Kohi, near Waverley. The freehold property has about 1000 acres, and carries 250 head of cattle and over 2000 purebred Lincoln sheep. As prize-breeders of pure-bred shorthorn cattle and of sheep Messrs. Bremer Bros, are well known along the West Coast. Mr. Robert Bremer, who is a son of Mr. Philip Bremer, was born in 1854 in Adelaide. He came to this Colony when quite young, and spent part of his early life at Marton. The family removed to Waverley in 1876. and some years later (in conjunction with his brother Louis) Mr. Bremer took over the farm. He has been a member of the Wairoa Light Horse for twenty-two years, has gained the long-service medal, and holds the office of senior sergeant. In local affairs he has been prominent as chairman of the Kohi Road Board for some time, and also as steward of the Waverley-Waitotara Racing Club, and is at present a member of the Patea County Council. Mr. Bremer is married to a daughter of Mr. James Dickie, junr., and has one son.
Parmer, Waverley. Mr. Chowen was born in 1854 in Devonshire, where he was educated. Having been brought up to agricultural life, he came to New Zealand in 1879 and found employment in the district. Three years after his arrival Mr. Chowen joined the late Mr. R. McIntosh as working partner, which position he held till 1890, and on Mr. McIntosh's death in that year Mr. Chowen became possessed of the estate of 340 acres. Mr. Chowen is married to a daughter of Mr. William Guest, who resides with his son in-law. In all matters connected with his district Mr. Chowen takes an intelligent interest, but so far has refused to enter into local politics of any kind, preferring to devote his attention to the management of his beautiful farm.
Farmer, “Emoh,” Waverley. Born in Geelong, Victoria, in 1866, Mr. Coghill was educated chiefly at Wellington College. He became a cadet on a farm, and afterwards acquired his present holding of 329 acres freehold and 140 acres leasehold, which is in an advanced state of cultivation, carrying about 1200 sheep (400 of which are ewes with lambs), thirty head of cattle, and twelve horses. There are forty acres under grain crop, and forty acres under swedes and turnips. Mr. Coghill, who was married in 1893, was at one time a prominent footballer, cricketer, and Volunteer. He played three-quarter in the famous Taranaki team that defeated Stoddart's All England Fifteen, when the latter visited New Zealand in 1888. In Volunteering he has been best
Farmer, “Lake House,” Waverley. Mr. Death is the second son of the late Mr. George Death, farmer, of Drinkstone, Suffolk, where he was born in 1831. Educated at Woolpit,
Sheep and Cattle-breeder, ‘Clairmont,” Waverley. A very picturesque farm of 650 acres, where some of the finest Lincoln sheep and shorthorn cattle in the district have been bred, is owned by this old settler, who hails from Forfarshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1838. His early recollections as a boy were of herding sheep, and before leaving his native heath he was with several of the best breeders of shorthorn and polled-angus cattle. In 1861 Mr. Fleming went to South Africa, where for the greater part of five years he was manager of a large sheep and cattle run. Landing in 1866 at Auckland and finding depression supreme, he went to Hawkes Bay, where he was on the late Sir Donald McLean's station for three years, afterwards farming on his own account for four years. In 1874 he bought his property at Waverley and came to live on it, bringing the pick of his shorthorns with him. Mr. Fleming has taken many prizes for his shorthorns and Lincolns at the various shows. As a public man, he was for nine years in the Patea County Council, and for fifteen years on the Wairoa, Waitotara, and Whenuakura road boards, of the last of which he was chairman till 1893, when he took a trip to see Bonnie Scotland, going through America and spending a week at the Chicago Exhibition, and returning by Suez and Australia.
Settler, Kohi. Born in 1845 in Warwickshire, England, where he was educated, Mr. Hone came to
Farmer, “Putihi,” Karahaka, near Waverley. Mr. Hunter, whose farm consists of 450 acres of fine land, well stocked with sheep and cattle, was born in 1840 in Ayrshire, Scotland, and was educated at the Ayr Academy. For some years Mr. Hunter was in a mercantile house, but in 1876 he came to the Antipodes by the s.s. “Kent,” arriving at Melbourne. He did not stay long in that city, having decided to make New Zealand his home. After settling in Wanganui he kept an hotel for ten years. Mr. Hunter has occupied his farm as above since 1894. In local politics Mr. Hunter is a member of the Wairoa Road Board.
Farmer, Waverley. This well-known and highly-respected settler was born in 1833 in Aberdeenshire, where he was educated, being placed at an early age with Messrs. Duthie, of Aberdeen, to learn the business of ship's carpenter. Remaining with them several years, he left to go to sea as ship's carpenter, but not liking a seafaring life, and hearing some talk of New Zealand, he sailed for the Colony, being among the early arrivals. Landing in Wellington, he went to Wanganui, where he at once started work as a carpenter. In the troublous times that followed, Mr. McIntosh served as a Volunteer. After an experience on the Otago goldfields, where he spent some time and did fairly well, he returned to Wanganui. Hearing of land for selection in the Waverley District, he invested in a block of 300 acres, to which he afterwards added forty acres, and which he named “Pittinkirrie.” In 1879 he erected a commodious and well-appointed residence of eight rooms, which is beautifully situated, and here he settled down to the business of farming. In 1885 he took a trip to England and Scotland, being absent for about eight months, and after his return he lived very quietly until his death on the 2nd of October, 1890. Mr. McIntosh, though never taking any prominent part in public matters, was a man who gained the esteem of all who knew him, and his death was the occasion of widespread regret. He was known as a good friend and neighbour, and a man whose word was his bond. His partner, Mr. Chowen, now lives on the property, which is justly regarded as one of the finest farms in the district.
Farmer, “Mount Pleasant,” Moturoa, Waverley. Born in 1837 in Stanstead, Essex, and educated at the parish school, he joined the Royal Navy and went out to China in H.M.S. “Princess Charlotte” in 1858. He saw considerable service on the China and Indian stations, and was on the latter during the Mutiny. Eventually the vessel he was serving on was sent to New Zealand, and Mr. Palmer was among those landed in Taranaki to fight the Maoris. He took part in a number of engagements, and, when peace was restored, remained in New Zealand about a year, and then returned with his ship to England. In 1865 he came back to New Zealand, and after many varied experiences, soldiering again and driving provisions to the front, he settled in Waverley, where he engaged in farming and butchering. Mrs. Palmer, whose portrait is given here with Mr. Palmer, died in November,
Settler, “Kenilworth,” near Waverley. Mr. Riddell has two farms aggregating 1650 acres, besides a property at Kohi managed by his son James. He shears annually about 6400 sheep and 3000 lambs. He was born in 1831 at Roxburghshire, Scotland, and was educated there. On completing his education he was employed as a shepherd in the North of Scotland, and came to New Zealand in 1859 in the “Matoka.” Arrived at Wellington he was employed by Mr. G. Hunter, and was shepherd and manager for him for fourteen-and-a-half years. He then went to Waitotara and took up some land, which after three years he was compelled to leave owing to Maori troubles, after which the Government exchanged 600 acres near Waverley in equivalent. A few years later he bought 375 acres, also another section of 100 acres, and within recent years he obtained 1048 acres at Kohi. In 1891 he went Home for a pleasure trip. He is a member of the Kohi Road Board. Mr. Riddell was married in Scotland, and has one daughter and three sons.
Sheepfarmer, Kohi, Waverley. In partnership with his father, Mr. Riddell owns a very fine property of over 1000 acres, which carries a flock of 2400 sheep and 100 head of cattle. Mr. Riddell hails from Caithness, where he was born in 1857. Coming to New Zealand with his parents in the ship “Matoka” when two years of age, he was educated in Wellington
Sheepfarmer, “Rata Park,” Kohi, Waverley. “Rata Park” is a compact estate of 374 acres, which carries 700 Lincoln sheep and sixty head of cattle. Mr. Saunders was born in 1851 in Devonshire, and arrived in New Zealand per ship “Bombay” in 1862. After five years as a digger on the West Coast, he went to the Thames, remaining in the Auckland District for three years, and settling in the Waverley District soon afterwards. Mr. Saunders has done good service for his district as a member of the Wairoa Road Board for seven years. He has always assisted local affairs, such as the Farmers' Dairy Union and the freezing companies. Mr. Saunders married a daughter of Mr. A. McDonald, a well-known Auckland settler.
Farmer, “Silverstream,” Waverley. A native of Perthshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1846, this old colonist came to New Zealand with his parents in the ship “Agra,” when but five years old. He was educated in the Colony, and till twenty years ago resided in Wanganui. After ten years at Okoia Mr. Strachan came to Waverley, acquiring his farm of 800 acres, where he depastures about 1400 crossbred sheep and 150 horses and cattle. He is well known as a breeder of horses and cattle, with which he has been successful as a prize-winner. In the early days Mr. Strachan served as a defender of his country, taking part in the fights of Nukumaru and Kakaramea, besides other engagements. He was for many years a member of the Alexandra Cavalry. He has willingly given his service to the public, having acted as a member of the Okoia Road Board and School Committee for several years, of the Patea County Council for three years, of the Wanganui Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and on many other local bodies. He has also taken part as a member of the Wanganui Agricultural and Pastoral Society, and is a steward of the Momahaki Jockey Club. Mr. Strachan married a Scotch lady—Miss Clark—and has five sons and a daughter.
Farmer, Waverley. Born in Somersetshire in 1850, Mr. Symes is the fourth son of the late Mr. Francis Symes, who came to Wellington in 1857 in the ship “Ann Wilson.” The subject of this notice was educated in Taranaki and Wanganui, and spent his younger days on his father's farm. In 1873 he acquired the property known as “Hayes”, comprising 492 acres, and now has a fine estate, shearing from 1500 to 2000 sheep annually, besides having a dairy herd of seventy cows, the milk of which is sent to the Patea Dairy Association Creamery at Whenuakura. In local politics, Mr. Symes is chairman of the Wairoa Road Board, and is also a member of the Patea County Council. He takes great interest in racing, and has been a steward of the Waverley Racing Club since its foundation.
Waverley,—the property of Mr. W. M. Hannay, General Manager of the Wellington-Manawatu Railway Company—consists of 800 acres of freehold land, formerly lush. It is being gradually cleared, and thirty acres are cropped yearly; 2000 sheep, sixty head of cattle, and ten horses depasture on the estate
who was appointed Manager of the Te Pare Estate in 1895, is a native of Aberdeen. Educated at a local parish school, he worked on his father's farm till 1881, when he came to Port Chalmers. Soon afterwards he settled in Wanganui, afterwards serving successively four years with Mr. Matheson, of Waverley, two years with Mr. Moore-Hunter, of Hawera, and four years with Mr. Coghill, at Waverley. Mr. Kemp leased a farm at Waverley, which, however, he relinquished after three years, owing to ill-health. Mr. Kemp was married in 1891 to an Aberdeen lady. He takes a keen interest in Presbyterian Church matters.
who is the son of Mr. W. M. Hannay, proprietor of the Te Pare Estate, was born in 1873 in Glasgow. Coming to Wellington at an early age with his father, he was educated at Wellington College. Mr. Hannay is gaining experience in pastoral pursuits on this fine property. As a footballer he was conspicuous during his term at school, and afterwards played for the Selwyn Club, Wellington; he is presently a member of the Waverley Football Club.
Farmer, Kohi, Waverley. Mr. Walker is the son of Mr. Alexander Walker, who was one of the earliest settlers in the district. Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1857, the subject of this sketch accompanied his parents to New Zealand in his early years. In 1881 he acquired 400 acres at the Kohi, near Waverley, where he has a beautiful farm devoted to the breeding of Lincoln sheep, besides cattle and horses, for the latter of which he has gained much renown. Mr. Walker has been a member of the Wairoa Road Board since its formation in 1888. He is also a member of the Kohi School Committee. Mr. Walker was married to a daughter of Mr. James Riddell, of Waverley, but this lady died in 1894, leaving four daughters and one son to mourn their loss.
Sheepfarmer, Kohi, Waverley. The subject of this sketch has a compact estate of 425 acres, purchased in 1887, in the Kohi District, where he resides with his father. Born in Napier in 1867, and educated at Waverley, he takes a keen and intelligent interest in all local matters. For a
Farmer, “Raithby,” Waverley, The sixth son of the late Mr. J. W. Wilson, solicitor, the subject of this notice was born at Louth, Lincolnshire, in 1855. He was educated at King Edward VI. Grammar School, famous on account of the many distinguished persons who were educated there, including Lord Tennyson, Sir John Franklyn, and Hood, and the present Bishop of Melbourne, who also served his articles in the office of Mr. Wilson's grandfather. After three years in India in a mercantile house, Mr. Wilson came to New Zealand in 1880 to join his brother at Waverley. About seven years afterwards he took up the property of 463 acres which he now works. Mr. Wilson, who takes an interest in sport as a member of the Waverley Jockey Club, enjoyed a trip to England in 1891.
Sheep-farmer, “Brookvale,” Waverley. The subject of this notice is the eldest son of the late Mr W. C. Wybourne, who came to New Zealand in 1842 and settled in Wanganui, where the subject of this notice was born in 1852. Educated in his native town, he was brought up to farming pursuits. In 1873 he acquired his present property of 393 acres in the Waverley District, which is fully cleared and cultivated. He is well known as a breeder of Lincoln sheep, and breeds rams for crossbred purposes. Mr. Wybourne is married, and has seven children.
This is the name of a flag station—the most northerly in the Wellington Provincial District, on the Foxton-New-Plymouth Railway Line—which is 168 feet above sea-level. It is five miles from Patea and thirty-six miles from Wanganui, and is in the Waverley Riding of the Patea County and in the Electoral District of Patea. Purely a farming district, with a population of forty-eight, there is a post-office where mails are received and despatched daily. Waverley, four miles distant, is the nearest telegraph office.
which has been established for twenty-two years, has an average attendance of about fifty scholars. The premises are convenient and centrally situated.
the Master in charge of the Whenuakura Public School, who was appointed in 1891, was born in England in 1857, and educated in France for the Indian Civil Service. He went to India in 1873, and was appointed private tutor to the present Nawab of Bengal. He remained at Moorshedabad, the capital, for about two years, when he resigned his office and became a tea-planter, from which he was compelled to retire by the state of his health. In 1888 he came to New Zealand and entered the Education Department, serving at Tariki and Kaimata schools for some time. In all tea-planting circles in India Mr. Lattey was a prominent figure, and was an enthusiastic
Sheep and Cattle-farmer, “Belle Vue,” Whenuakura. This gentleman is the second son of Mr. George Death, of Waverley, and was born in 1859 at Lowry Bay, the Hutt. He was educated at Marton, and having gained his knowledge of farming with his father has followed agricultural and pastoral pursuits all his life. As a military man, he was in the Marton Cadets for five years, and for ten years was a member of the Wairoa Mounted Rifles. Mr. Death was married to Miss Cole—youngest daughter of the late Captain Cole, of Nelson—and has one daughter.
Sheepfarmer, Whenuakura. The youngest son of Mr. Freeman R. Jackson—one of Wanganui's most prominent citizens—the subject of this notice was born in that town in 1869, receiving his education at Wanganui College. For some years Mr. E. R. Jackson was in the office of his father, where he gained considerable mercantile knowledge, but preferring farming pursuits he took up his present farm of 814 acres, on which he has 3000 sheep and 120 head of cattle. Mr. Jackson married Miss Bertha Peat—daughter of Mr. David Peat, of Wanganui—and has one child.
Settler, Whenuakura. Mr. Williamson's parents came to the Colony early in 1847, staying in Wellington for a short time, and then started farming pursuits at Aramoho, Wanganui, where the subject of this sketch was born in 1854. He was educated at the Collegiate School, Wanganui. Mr. Williamson, when quite a boy, started upon his own account as a breeder of pure-bred shorthorn cattle, and at once came to the
Whenuakura Creamery (Charles Peffers, manager), Whenuakura. Established 1893.
Whenuakura Hotel (George Robert Tasker, proprietor), Whenuakura. Established 1871.
Time is ever bringing changes, and it is not, therefore, surprising that before completing a volume of over 1500 pages—which deals largely with biography—there should be many deaths and numerous alterations in official and business circles to chronicle. The compilers of the Cyclopedia of New Zealand have, therefore, decided to add this section, with a view of bringing the first issue of Volume I., as far as possible, up to date, at any rate, at the time of issue. For their guidance in future editions of this volume, the proprietors will be grateful to any person for information that will enable them to correct any omissions or inaccuracies that are already patent. It is manifestly impossible to mention all the changes that have come about since the earlier portion of the work was put in print, but the alterations in the Government, brought about by various causes, and in the leading Colonial officials, are duly recorded.
the
the Hon.
The changes in the Cabinet, up to the time of writing (February, 1897), include the retirement of the late Hon. Sir P. A. Buckley, K.C.M.G. (see page 43), from the positions of Colonial Secretary and Attorney-General, on the 20th of December, 1895; of the Hon. W. P. Reeves, as Minister of Education and Labour (vide page 43), on the 10th of January, 1896; of the Hon. J. G. Ward, Colonial Treasurer and Postmaster-General (page 47), on the 16th of June, 1896; and of the Hon. W. Montgomery, as a member of the Executive Council, on the 17th of December, 1895. Three new ministers have joined the Cabinet, viz.:—The Hons. W. C. Walker, W. Hall-Jones, and T. Thompson, and the portfolios as now allotted are held as follows:—
Premier, Colonial Treasurer, Commissioner of Trade and Customs, Postmaster-General, Electric Telegraph Commissioner, Minister of Labour, and Minister of Native Affairs.
Minister of Lands, Minister of Agriculture, Commissioner of Forests, and Minister in charge of Advances to Settlers Office.
Minister for Railways and Minister of Mines.
Commissioner of Stamp Duties, Acting Colonial Secretary, and Member of Executive Council representing the Native Race.
Minister of Immigration, Minister of Education, and Minister in charge of Hospitals and Charitable Aid.
Minister for Public Works, Minister of Marine, and Minister in charge of Printing Office.
Minister of Justice, Minister of Defence, and Minister of Industries and Commerce.
M.A., M.L.C., Minister of Education and Immigration, is the eldest son of the late Sir William Stuart Walker, K.C.B., for many years chairman of the Board of Supervision, Edinburgh. Born in 1837, at Bowlandstow, Midlothian, Scotland, Mr. Walker was educated at Trinity College, Glenalmond, Perthshire, and at Trinity College, Oxford, where he graduated in 1861, subsequently
Minister for Public Works and Marine, and Minister in charge of the Government Printing Office, is a native of Kent. Born in Folkstone in 1853, he was educated at English public schools, and served an apprenticeship as a joiner in his native country. Up to the time of his embarking for New Zealand, and for some time after his arrival in the Colony, Mr. Hall-Jones worked at his trade. Landing in 1873 in Port Chalmers he remained for about two years in Dunedin, removing to Timaru in 1875. For six-years-and-a-half Mr. Hall-Jones acted as foreman for Mr. George Filmer, a local builder, and then commenced business on his own behalf, which he continued till the demands of public life necessitated his retirement. His early experiences in politics were gained during about five years as councillor for the Borough of Timaru, and as a member of the Levels Road Board, with which he was connected for some three years. On the death of Mr. Richard Turnbull, Mr. Hall-Jones was elected Member of the House of Representatives for Timaru, at a bye-election in August, 1890. Subsequently he was re-elected for the same constituency, at the General Elections held in December, 1890, November, 1893, and December, 1896, respectively. Mr. Hall-Jones has always supported the Liberal cause, and when the late Hon. J. Ballance came into office, he was appointed colleague to Mr. (now Sir) W. B. Percival, as junior Government whip. On the latter gentleman's leaving to take up the duties of Agent-General in London, Mr. Hall-Jones became senior whip, Mr. W. C. Smith taking the junior position. The honourable gentleman was married in 1876 to a daughter of Mr. H. Purss, of Surrey, England, and has two sons and four daughters.
Minister of Justice and Defence, is a native of Cork, Ireland. Upon the discovery of gold in Australia he came out to Melbourne, landing in 1853, and commenced business as a carrier from Melbourne to the various stores in the interior. Owing to ill-health he came to Auckland and started in the grocery and provision business, from which he retired in 1883. Mr. Thompson has taken considerable interest in the Volunteer movement, and was one of the first to take part in it when started in Auckland, in 1858. He held a commission and served during the native troubles in the early sixties, part of the time with the Imperial troops. He has been chairman of several local bodies, and for many years was a member of the Auckland City Council. He was also for some time a member of the Auckland Harbour Board. In the General Election of 1884 he stood for Auckland City (North), and defeated his opponent, Mr. Joseph Newman, by a large majority. In 1890 he was successful against Mr. S. Vaile—the railway reformer—for the same seat. At the General Election of 1893 Mr. Thompson was defeated, but at the bye-election in the following year, caused by the retirement of Sir George Grey, he was again returned to the House by a majority of nearly 2000 votes against Mr. Monk. In March, 1896, he was appointed Minister of Justice in the Seddon Ministry, and a few months later received the portfolio of Defence. At the 1896 election Mr. Thompson was returned for Auckland City at the head of the poll, there being ten candidates in the field for the three seats.
Private Secretary to the Premier, should have been referred to on page 50 as the younger son of the Rev. Thomas Hamer. The date of Mrs. Hamer's death should have appeared as the 26th of August, instead of September, and the deceased lady was the mother of Mr. Hamer's only son.
retired from the position of Assistant Private Secretary to accept an appointment on the Hansard staff.
who was Private Secretary to the Hon. W. P. Reeves (vide page 52), now occupies the position of Assistant Private Secretary to the Premier.
who was Private Secretary to the late Sir P. A. Buckley (vide page 52), continues to fill the duties of Chief Clerk in the Colonial Secretary's office.
who is mentioned on page 53 as Secretary to the Hon. J. G. Ward, is now an officer of the Lands Department.
who is referred to on page 54, has retired from the position of Private Secretary to the Hon. J. Carroll.
Private Secretary to the Colonial Secretary, Commissioner of Stamps and Minister in charge of Native Affairs, is a son of Councillor Willeston, of the Wellington Corporation. Born in the Capital in 1868, and educated at Wellington College, Mr. Willeston joined the Civil Service in the Railway Department as a cadet in 1884. After some eighteen months he was transferred to the Audit Department, where he served for five years as clerk. In 1890 he enjoyed a trip to England, returning to the Colony early in 1892. Mr. Willeston re-joined the public service shortly afterwards, and here he continued till his appointment to the position he now holds in May, 1896. He takes a general interest in recreation, being attached to various athletic clubs in the city.
Private Secretary to the Minister for Public Works, is the eldest son of Mr. Morton Horneman, farmer, of Hawera, and grandson of Captain Frederick E. Horneman, who emigrated to New Zealand in
Hawera and Normanby Star to learn the trade of a compositor. Nearly three years later Mr. Horneman secured an engagement in the office of Messrs McCutcheon and Co., grain and produce merchants, where he gained a good knowledge of mercantile life during a period of two years. Owing to failing health he went to the South Island, where he found a change of scene and employment on a sheep-station very beneficial. In 1892 he entered the Civil Service in Wellington as a clerk in the Public Works Department. Having learned shorthand during his period of work in the Empire City, he was, in February, 1896, selected for the position of Private Secretary to the Hon. Mr. Hall-Jones. Mr. Horneman lakes considerable interest in athletics generally, and is a member of the Wellington Football Club.
Private Secretary to the Minister for Justice and Defence, was born in Havelock, Marlborough, in 1872. Educated at the local public school, he passed the Civil Service examination, and was appointed to the Treasury in January, 1889. Remaining in that branch of the service till September, 1895, he was transferred to the Department of Justice, to fill the vacancy caused by the appointment of Mr. R. C. Sim to the Registrarship of the Validation Court at Gisborne. Having studied shorthand privately, he suceeded in gaining a speed certificate for proficiency up to 150 words per minute, and, in March, 1896, was appointed to the responsible position he now fills. Mr. Matthews formerly took an interest in Volunteering, and was a member of the Wellington City Rifles for six years. He is also a member of the Wellington Football Club and Star Boating Club, and has represented the latter at various regattas.
The following members of the Executive Council, prior to the establishment of responsible government, should have appeared on page 56:
M.H.R., held a seat on the Executive Council, without portfolio, from the 14th of June to the 2nd of August, 1854. Vide “Past Premiers,” page 57.
M.H.R., held a seat on the Executive Council, without portfolio from the 14th of June to the 2nd of August, 1854. Vide “Past Premiers,” page 60.
M.H.R., who died the 2nd of August, 1896, held a seat on the Executive Council between the same dates as the two foregoing.
The Hon. Sir P. A. Buckley, K.C.M.G., 20th December 1895.
The Hon. R. Pharazyn, 19th July, 1896.
The Hon. Dr. Pollen, May, 1896.
The Hon. Francis Arkwright (vide page 1304), 13 December, 1895.
The Hon. George Jones, 13th December, 1895.
The Hon. Richard Harman Jeffares Reeves, 13 December, 1895.
The Hon. William Cowper Smith, 13th December, 1895
The Hon. Benjamin Harris, 3rd February, 1897.
The Hon. William Kelly, 3rd February, 1897.
The Hon. David Pinkerton, 3rd February, 1897.
is a daughter of Mr. Alexander Shepherd, who was sent to Auckland as the first Colonial Treasurer, and arrived in 1842. She was married to Sir G. M. O'Rorke on the 31st of December, 1858, in Auckland. They have only one son, Mr. Edward Dennis O'Rorke, who at one time was an officer of the House of Representatives; he is married to Miss Rhodes, of Christchurch, daughter of the late Mr. Robert Rhodes. [The above article should have followed the notice of Sir G. M. O'Rorke on page 105].
referred to as Reader and Clerk of Bills and Papers on page 107, has retired from that position.
who is mentioned on page 108, has retired from the position of Chief Hansard Reporter.
(vide page 109), Chief Hansard Reporter, was promoted to the office on the retirement of Mr. Barron.
(see page 51), on his retirement from the position of Assistant Private Secretary to the Premier, became a member of the Hansard staff.
have also been added to the staff.
The dates of the remaining sessions of the twelfth Parliament, incomplete on page 111, are as follows:—
(vide page 118), retired from the office of Agent-General on the arrival of the Hon. W. P. Reeves, who left New Zealand in January, 1896, to succeed him.
who is referred to on pages 43 and 44, as Minister of Education, and who resigned his portfolios and his seat in the House on the 10th of January, 1896, left New Zealand almost immediately, and on reaching London took up the duties of the Agent-Generalship in succession to Sir W. B. Perceval.
K.C.M.G., resigned his office as Colonial Secretary on the 20th of December, 1895.
Acting-Colonial Secretary, who is referred to on page 48, has charge of this Department.
C.M.G. (see page 119), died on the 2nd of August, 1896.
succeeded the late Mr. Fitzgerald as Controller and Auditor-General, to which office he was appointed on the 1st of September, 1896. Some particulars of Mr. Warburton's career are given on pages 644–5 of this volume.
who is referred to as Government Printer on page 123, resigned his office on the 15th of June, 1896.
who was appointed Government Printer in succession to Mr. Samuel Costall, soon after his resignation (about the end of May, 1896), is a Scotchman. Born in 1851 in Fifeshire, he accompanied his parents to Port Chalmers in the ship “Storm Cloud,” at the age of seven years. His father, Mr. Robert Mackay, died in 1886. Educated at the public schools and at the Dunedin High School, Mr. Mackay served five years in the office of the Bruce Herald, Milton, and twelve months at Messrs. Mills, Dick and Co.'s office, Dunedin. Starting business on his own account in 1871, he continued in the trade for fully seventeen years; during a portion of this period he was associated with Mr. McGregor Fenwick, since editor of the Otago Witness, under the style of Mackay, Fenwick, and Co. Having sold his plant to Messrs. Risk, Munro, and Co. in 1888, he went to England and the Continent of Europe, spending six months altogether, during which period he gained valuable information generally as to the printing and paper trades, and returned to the Colony with a better grasp of the entire business. Settling down again in the “Edinburgh of New Zealand,” he accepted the management of the job printing department of the Evening Star, where he remained till the 15th of June, 1896, when he took up his duties in Wellington. Mr. Mackay has always taken a lively interest in educational matters, and was many years a member of the Arthur Street School Committee in Dunedin. In church matters he has been a member of the First Church (Presbyterian) for about a quarter-of-a-century, and was an elder for about half of that period. In 1879 Mr. Mackay was married to a daughter of Mr. D. McCorkindale, of Roslyn, and has one son.
resigned his office as Colonial Treasurer on the 16th of June, 1896.
(vide pages 40–2) now presides over this Department of the public service.
is now in charge of the Department, having succeeded the Hon. J. G. Ward.
J.P. (see page 135), retired from office as Under-Secretary for Justice on the 31st of March, 1896.
who is mentioned as Chief Clerk in the Department of Justice on page 135, succeeded Mr. Haselden on the 1st of April, 1896, as Under-Secretary of the Department, and Registrar of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks.
K.C.M.G., having retired from office as Attorney-General, the office has not been filled up to the time of writing (February, 1897).
who is referred to on pages 142–3 as Registrar of the Native Land Court, was promoted to the position of Judge on the 22nd of April, 1896, his appointment to date from the 1st of May, 1896.
Registrar of the Native Land Court at Wellington, is a son of Mr. Samuel Charles Watson Buckle, barrister-at-law, of Peterborough, England, where the subject of this notice was born in 1855. He was educated chiefly at private schools in Lincolnshire and Northampton, and served five years to the law—three years in the country, and two years in London. Unfortunately, after qualifying for the bar, his health gave way, and he had to seek a more genial clime, and abandon his prospects. Coming to Wellington in December, 1880, with letters of introduction to Chief Judge J. E. Macdonald, who had served in his father's office at Peterborough, Mr. Buckle spent nearly five years in Auckland, during about two of which he was in the office of Messrs. Russell, Devore, and Cooper. In June, 1885, he entered the Native Land Court Office in Wellington as an extra clerk, subsequently becoming a permanent clerk, and advancing step by step till he attained the senior position. In April, 1896, when Mr. H. D. Johnson was elevated to the Bench, Mr. Buckle was promoted to the office of Registrar.
Minister of Labour, succeeded the Hon. W. P. Reeves as Minister in charge of this Department.
(vide page 147) has been promoted from the position of officer in charge of the Women's Branch of this Department, to the position of an Inspector of Factories.
who is in charge of the Women's Branch of the Labour Bureau, is the wife of a gentleman who was a popular citizen and prominent merchant in Dunedin, to whom she was married in April, 1876. She was born in Ballinlane, near Clifden, in the west of County Galway, Ireland, her father—Mr. M. L. Coneys—being a descendant of a very old family, who had resided in those parts for many generations. He had written a good dual, and contributed many clever articles to the papers on the leading questions of the day, and as there was no suitable school near, he personally superintended his daughter's education. Mrs. Staveley came to New Zealand to join her brother, Mr. N. Coneys, of the Peninsula, Dunedin. After some years Colonel Staveley lost his health, through pecuniary and other troubles, and the family removed to Melbourne, where they remained for three years, returning to New Zealand in February, 1891, as the change brought no improvement. Having settled in Wellington, Mrs. Staveley was appointed to the Civil Service in November, 1895, as above. It may be remarked that on her mother's side she is nearly-related to many prominent members of the legal and medical professions in Ireland.
succeeded the Hon. R. J. Seddon as Minister for Public Works, and is consequently in charge of this Department.
who filled the office of Chief Inspector of Machinery, his career being noted on page 150, died on the 31st of January, 1896, and was succeeded by Mr. R. Duncan.
Chief Inspector of Machinery, Principal Engineer Surveyor of Steamers, and Chief Examiner of Engineers for the Colony, is a native of Arbroath, Scotland, where he was born on the 31st of December, 1857. He is the youngest son of Captain Alexander Duncan, shipowner, of Arbroath, and was educated at Arbroath High School. He served his apprenticeship at Messrs. Alexander Shanks and Son's engineering works. in his birthplace, completing his five years' apprenticeship in 1877. Subsequently he worked at Messrs. Lairds Bros'. shipbuilding and engineering works, Birkenhead, the Thames from Works and Shipbuilding Company, Limited, London, and at the Royal Iron Works,
who is mentioned on page 346 as Locomotive Engineer for New Zealand Railways, was transferred to a similar position on the Wanganui Section in February, 1897.
Locomotive Engineer for the Wellington Section of New Zealand Government Railways, was born in 1839 in London, and was educated at Aylesbury Grammar School. He commenced his railway career on the London and North Western Railway, under Messrs. McConnell and Ramsbottom, and became a lending hand. In 1869 Mr. Peterkin landed in Victoria, being appointed manager of the Vulcan Foundry at Geelong, a position he occupied for three years. Subsequently he went to Rockhampton, Queensland, where he was superintending engineer at the building of the Sir Charles Nicholson Meat Preserving Company's works. Mr. Peterkin afterwards established a foundry in that town, which he worked for seven years. He became engineer of the s.s. “Edinburgh,” engaged on special work to pick up the broken English cable. Leaving the vessel at Singapore he brought the s.s. “Agnes” to New Zealand, and soon afterwards settled in the Colony, being appointed in July, 1876, as railway manager at Westport. After periods of service as manager of the Christchurch Tramways and on the Addington and Hillside Workshops successively, he returned to his former position at Westport, remaining for seven-and-a-half years, being transferred in February, 1897, to the position indicated above. Mr. Peterkin is married, and has two sons and a daughter.
who succeeded the Hon. J. G. Ward as Postmaster-General and Electric Telegraph Commissioner, is in charge of this Department.
as Commissioner of Trade and Customs, is in charge of this Department, the Hon. J. G. Ward having retired from the Ministry.
Minister of Marine, is in charge, the Hon. J. G. Ward having resigned the office.
Commissioner of Stamp Duties, is in charge of this Department, the Hon. W. P. Reeves having retired from office.
Minister of Education, is in charge of this Department, the Hon. W. P. Reeves having resigned office in the Cabinet.
whose career is mentioned on page 173 of this volume, resigned his position as Inspecting Engineer of the Mines Department on the 30th of June, 1896, and at the time of writing (February, 1897) his successor had not been permanently appointed.
Minister of Defence, is in charge of this Department, the Hon. R. J. Seddon having ceased to hold the office at the recent redistribution of portfolios.
(vide page 178) has retired from the position of Military Adviser to the Government, and has adopted station life in the South Island.
who has recently arrived in New Zealand to take up the position of Military Adviser to the Government, has had a long experience as an officer of the Royal Artillery, and at the Royal Gun Factory at Woolwich.
who is referred to on page 183 as Auditor of Land Revenue for the Colony, died, whilst on a health-seeking trip to Australia, on the 10th of September, 1896.
(vide pages 340–1) now fills the office as Acting-Auditor of Land Revenue.
Inspector of Stock for the Wellington Subdivision of the Wellington and West Coast District, eldest son of W. L. Rees, Commander, R.N., is a native of Wales, where he was born in 1827. Although educated at the Royal Naval School, New Cross, with a view to service in the Royal Marines, he
M.L.C., who is referred to on pages 251–2, died on the 19th of July, 1896.
who was returned in the Labour and Liberal interest as senior member for Wellington City at the General Election of 1896, is a native of Dumbarton, Scotland, where he was born in 1855. Educated at the Dumbarton Academy, he gained a South Kensington science and art scholarship, which qualified him for a cadetship in naval architecture at Messrs. Denny Bros.' ship-building yards. After about a year, Mr. Hutcheson desired a change, and embarked as an apprentice on one of Messrs. J. and A. Allan's ships. He had the usual experience of “a life on the ocean wave,” visiting the East and West Indies and America, remaining a considerable time in the United States. While in Portland, Oregon, he took part in the Presidential Election contests of Hayes and Tilden. Mr. Hutcheson went to Cuba during one of the periodical uprisings, and had to submit to a blockade of some five months at Santiago. Arriving in New Zealand in 1880, as second mate of the barque “Isle of Erin,” he spent four years as first and second mate of coastal vessels, including the Government steamers “Stella” and “Hinemoa.” Afterwards he was employed for ten years as rigger by Messrs. E. W. Mills and Co., and in 1894 he commenced business on his own account.
K.C.M.G., whose career is given on pages 64 and 259–60, was returned at the General Election of 1896, as second member for Wellington City.
who is referred to as an ex-Minister of the Crown on page 84, was elected junior member for the City of Wellington in December, 1896. A petition was lodged against his return by Mr. A. R. Atkinson, but at the hearing it was found, as a result of a re-count, that his majority was increased from twenty-eight to forty; the petition was therefore dismissed with costs.
who is mentioned under the heading “Legal” on pages 478–9, contested the Wellington Suburbs seat at the General Election of 1896, defeating his opponent, the Hon. T. W. Hislop; but at the hearing of a petition against his return in February, 1897, Mr. Wilford was unseated. The seat is vacant at the time of writing.
B.A., who is mentioned on pages 260–1 as second member for the City of Wellington, declined to offer himself for re-election at the late General Election.
the junior member for Wellington in the late Parliament (vide pages 261–2), did not seek re-election at the General Election of December, 1896.
whose political history appears on page 262, contested the Otaki seat in the General Election of 1896, and was defeated by Mr. H. A. Field, the sitting member.
(
whose career is given on page 541, was elected to a seat in the Wellington City Council, representing Thorndon Ward, in 1896.
a leading boot and shoe manufacturer (see page 699), was returned in the interests of the ratepayers of Lambton Ward at the annual election of 1896.
who conducts business in Wellington as a monumental mason, became a member of the Council for Te Aro Ward at the 1896 election.
(vide page 278) resigned his seat in the Council on the 24th of August, 1896.
who is referred to on page 280 of this volume, was defeated at the election of the 10th of September, 1896.
whose career is given on page 280, was unsuccessful in securing re-election at the election held on the 10th of September, 1896.
The members of the Board for 1897 are unchanged, with the exception of Mr. F. H. D. Bell, as mayor, Mr. J. Hutcheson, M.H.R., Government appointee vice Mr. E. Pearce, and Mr. F. Bradey, returned by the Hutt County Council in place of Mr. C. W. Brown. The whole of the following figures relating to the Board, which are made up to the 31st of December, 1896, will, in comparison with the statistics given in the article appearing on pages 306–316, inclusive, show substantial progress. The revenue was £59,661, the expenditure being £43,459, including £28,206 for salaries and wages, in addition to £2100 added to the Sinking Fund, which stood at £27,366. The sum of £17,872, including £10,608 of money earned and written off for depreciation, was expended on new structures, the balance of assets over liabilities being £140,740. The revenue of the Board from its foundation was £720,795, which, together with £201,984 from loans, made a total of £922,779. The expenditure on working accounts amounted to £552,835; on capital account, £331,880; and for sinking fund, £19,736, making a grand total of £904,451, leaving a cash balance of £18,436 in hand to start the year 1897. The arrivals in 1896 numbered 2099 steamers, of a tonnage of 1,010,522 tons, and eighty-five sailers, totalling 38,690 tons—in all, 2184 vessels, equalling 1,049,212 tons. The tonnage of general goods handed over the wharves was 61,916 tons of foreign imports, 74,118 tons colonial and coastwise, and 61,738 transhipments, making 197,772 tons for the year. The exports in tons were:—4535 frozen meat, 899 preserved meats, 2164 tallow and pelts, 309 leather and basils, 1061 butter, and 743 cheese, eleven bones and horns, and 486 sundries, totalling 10,597 tons. In addition there were of general goods, colonial and coastwise, 44,184 tons; of timber 596,891 superficial feet; of wool and skins 99,569 bales; and of hemp and tow 13,419 bales. Besides the foregoing, the exports transhipped to ships lying at the wharves, over the ship's side, were, of frozen meat 4468 tons and general cargo 2868 tons, delivered to English and foreign vessels; 798 tons of general cargo to colonial and coastwise vessels; of wool and skins 7924 bales; and of coal 60,156 tons. Additions to the property of the Board include the jetty for the convenience of ferry and excursion steamers, and the enlargement of the P store. The charges on hemp have been considerably reduced, and now stand at the tonnage rates as on general cargo. The business of the wharf having outgrown the accommodation for the staff, the Board decided in 1894 to erect new wharf offices, combining with them a store, to relieve the pressure in the Queen's Wharf sheds during the wool season. The buildings were designed by Mr. F. de J. Clere, F.R.I.B.A., and erected on the old boat-harbour site, in brick, by Messrs. R. Carmichael and Son. The view on page 309 shows the building as originally designed, but during its construction the wool-brokers of Wellington decided on holding annual wool sales locally, and to meet their requirements the design was altered so as to provide for an additional story, specially roofed and lighted with vertical skylights, for the convenience of wool-buyers in examining wool. The building, as completed, stands on a piece of ground approximately of triangular shape, and has a frontage to the Queen's Wharf of about seventy feet, by a depth of about 265 feet. The northern end or apex of the triangle is occupied by a semi-circular house, containing a hydraulic accumulator, together with a building in four stories, each floor having an area of about 500 square feet, for use as workshop and stores in connection with the Board's plant. The Queen's Wharf frontage contains a range of offices on the ground, first, and second floors for the use of the book-keeping and wharfinger's staff, and the body of the building is occupied by a large store for use in connection with the adjacent berths and for the storing and dumping of wool. It has a ground-floor area of about 9000 square feet, and has two galleries having together 14,600 square feet of floor area, on which galleries the wool is stacked for exhibition at the times of the annual sales held each wool season.
J.P., retired from the office of chairman of the Harbour Board in February, 1897, Mr. F. H. Fraser being elected to that important position.
J.P., who was re-appointed in July, 1896, one of the Government members of the Harbour Board, was elected chairman of that body in February, 1897. He is referred to at length under Wellington Corporation as a councillor, on page 277.
M.H.R. for Wellington City, was appointed by the Government in June, 1896, to succeed Mr. E. Pearce as a member of the Wellington Harbour Board.
(vide page 317) was succeeded by Mr. F. Bradey as a member of the Harbour Board.
who is referred to on page 1078, was appointed by the Hutt County Council as a member of the Wellington Harbour Board, in succession to Mr. C. W. Brown.
the Deputy-Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages, and also Telegraphist, at Foxton, was born at Nelson, where he was educated at the Richmond Boys' School. He entered the Government service as a messenger in the telegraphic department on the 1st of June, 1883, and on the 1st of July, 1886, was appointed assistant to the postmaster at Richmond. Three years later he was appointed to the position of telegraphist at Wanganui, which he held for six months, and was appointed to his present position in Foxton in the month of January, 1890. About 1893 he was appointed deputy-registrar of births, deaths, and marriages for the district. Mr. Cowles is secretary of the local rowing club, a position which he has occupied for three years. He is also a member of the local tennis and cricket clubs. [Since the above was in type Mr. Cowles has been transferred to an important position on the staff of the Wellington Telegraph Office.]
Locker of H.M. Customs at Queen's Bond, Wellington, was born at Limerick in 1846, and was educated at Kilkenny College. Arriving in the Empire City in 1862, he joined the Militia at Wanganui, subsequently becoming a member of the A Troop, Wellington Defence Force, in which he continued till its disbandment. He was superintendent of the local transport service during General Cameron's campaign on the West Coast, and of the River Transport Corps at the seige of Pipiriki. Mr. Evans afterwards accompanied the expeditionary force to Opotiki to avenge the Volkner murder, and subsequently saw active service under Captain Bryce in the Kai Iwi Cavalry. He is a recipient of the Imperial and New Zealand war medals. In 1870 Mr. Evans went to Ireland, remaining two years, and after eighteen months in America he returned to the Colony. In 1870 he was appointed to the office he has since filled. Mr. Evans was married in 1880 to a daughter of Mr E. G. Osgood, late sub-collector of Customs at Jamaica and Trinidad, and has one son and one daughter.
retired from the positions held by him, as noted on page 339, on the 24th of October, 1896.
was transferred from the charge of the Canterbury District, as successor to Mr. J. H. Baker in the Commissionership of Crown Lands at Wellington, on the 10th of November, 1896.
Road Surveyor and Officer in charge of the Roads Branch of the District Survey Office, Wellington, is the third son of Colonel C. B. Turnor, K.H. (Knight of Hanover), one of the Duke of Wellington's old veterans. Born at St. John, New Brunswick, educated at Upper Canada College, and brought up as an engineer, Captain Turner was engaged in railway construction in America and on harbour surveys on the Canadian Lakes. After an experience as an ensign in the Brockville Rifles, he came to Auckland by way of England, in the ship “African” in 1862, commencing farming at Epsom. In the following year Captain Turner became sub-inspector in the Colonial Mounted Defence Force, under Colonel Nixon, and saw a great deal of service during the native troubles in various parts of New Zealand. He was on duty at Papatoitoi, and at Ngaruawahia, where he captured a spy disguised as a Maori postman. He had charge of the depôt at Papakura, was present at Tauranga immediately after the Gate Pah disaster, marched to the attack of Potoripi Pah, on the Wairoa River, which, however, was found to be deserted, and took part in the fight at Te Rangi, when a great many of the enemy were killed. Subsequently Captain Turner was
Draughtsman in the Wellington District Survey Office, and assistant to the officer in charge of the Roads Department of Lands and Survey, is the third son of the late Mr. F. H. Ibbetson, Deputy Commissary-General for the Colony. Born in 1851 at Corfu, in the Ionian Islands, he was educated in Auckland, where he arrived in 1864. Entering the Public Works Department in 1872, he worked his way to the position of chief draughtsman, and was transferred to Wellington in 1889. Mr. Ibbetson was married in 1873 to a daughter of Captain Bradley, of the merchant service, and has had eleven children, of whom four daughters survive.
Draughtsman in the Wellington District Survey Office, who is a son of the late Captain C. T. Brown, of the Royal Engineers, was born in 1858 at Woolwich, and educated at Chatham. Arriving in the Colony in 1872 per ship “Halcione,” he entered the Public Works Department, where he continued till 1879, when he joined the District Survey Office as draughtsman. As a Volunteer Mr. Brown served many years, being appointed sub-lieutenant in the Makara Rifles in 1880, and lieutenant two years later. He served till the corps was disbanded, and received land-grant-scrip for his services. In 1886 Mr. Brown was married to a daughter of Mr. S. C. G. Vickers, of Khandallah, and has two sons and two daughters.
(vide page 341) was transferred to Napier as District Land Registrar on the 1st of February, 1896.
J.P., District Land Registrar and Registrar of Deeds for the Wellington District, and Examiner of Titles for Wellington and Marlborough, who is the son of a solicitor, is an old Government officer. Born in Kidderminster, Worcestershire, and educated at the local grammar school and privately, he was brought up to the law. Arriving in Wellington in 1864, after a few years' colonial experience Mr Batham became Examiner of Titles for Westland, and subsequently Registrar of the Supreme Court and District Land Registrar, besides other offices. He was transferred to Auckland in 1875, and the following year to Napier, as District Land Registrar and Deputy Commissioner of Stamps. In 1881 he was appointed to Christchurch, and on the 1st of February, 1896, to the position he now holds. In 1878 Mr. Batham was married to a daughter of the late Captain J. J. Symonds, of Onehunga, and has two sons and two daughters.
Traffic Clerk at Wellington Railway Station, is a son of Mr. J. H. Pope, Inspector of Native Schools. Born in 1869 in Dunedin, and educated at the local high school and at Ballarat and Wellington colleges, Mr. Pope entered the Traffic Department as cadet in Wellington in 1885. Five years after he was transferred to the commissioner's office as clerk, becoming traffic clerk at Napier in 1893, and the following year at Wellington. In January, 1895, Mr. Pope was married to a daughter of Mr. J. MacNeil, of the firm of Briscoe, MacNeil, and Co., and has one daughter.
Inspector of Cars and Wagons on the Wellington-Eketahuna Section of the New Zealand Government Railways, was born in Gloncester in 1854. Educated at the British School in his native city, and apprenticed for five years at the local car and wagon works, Mr. Smith afterwards worked at his trade in a similar establishment at Birmingham for over two years. In 1874 he came to Wellington per ship “Strath-Navor,” settling in Wanganui, where he put together the first car and built the first wagon under the Public Works Department. Two years later Mr. Smith entered the service of Messrs. Campbell Bros., railway contractors, Dunedin, for whom he worked in Wellington, Wanganui, Foxton, Christchurch, and again in Wellington. Mr. Smith entered the Government service as a carriage builder at the Petone Workshops in 1878, since which year he has continued in the service, receiving promotion in October, 1895, to the position he now holds.
Chief Goods Clerk at the Wellington Railway Station, is the eldest son of Sergeant John Francis Barlow, of Ashburton, and was born in Christchurch in 1866. Educated at the public schools at Leeston, Southbridge, and Rangiora, and at the Normal School, Christchurch, he entered the Railway Department as a cadet in the goods office in his native city in 1881. Three years later he was transferred to Timaru, where he remained for six years, during which time he was promoted to the status of clerk, and in 1890 was advanced to the rank of stationmaster at Templeton. In 1891 Mr. Barlow was removed to Invercargill as chief goods clerk, and three years afterwards he took up his duties in the Empire City. During his residence in Timaru he was prominent as a cyclist, gaining three cups, one of which was for the ten mile championship of South Canterbury. As a Volunteer he was for five years a member of the C Battery of Artillery,
Clerk in the Locomotive Foreman's Office at Wellington, was born in 1875 at Leeston, and was educated at Canterbury public schools. Becoming a cadet in 1890 in the Locomotive Engineer's Office at Addington, he was transferred to the Locomotive Superintendent's Office in Wellington in 1891, and four years later to the Locomotive Engineer's Office at Petone. Mr. Edwards was promoted to the position of clerk in September, 1895, and three months later took up the duties of the office he now holds.
Engine-Driver on the Wellington Section of Government Railways, is the oldest driver on the line, having been continuously engaged in his important duties for over twenty years. A Yorkshireman, born in 1844 at Hull, where he was educated, Mr. Kemp entered the service of the North Eastern Railway as cleaner in 1858, and until leaving for the colonies in 1874, he gained considerable experience on British lines. After three years he became a fireman, and such was his success in the service that he was promoted to the position of driver before he was twenty. At the time of the strike (1867) Mr. Kemp left the company, and joined the London and South Western Railway Company, in whose employ he continued for two years as fireman and three as driver. Landing in Wellington from the ship “Golden Sea,” he entered the public service as driver during the construction of the line, on which he has since been so well known. Mr. Kemp was married in England in 1866 to a daughter of Mr. Thomas Nowell, of Dewsbury, York, and has one son.
Engine-Driver on the Wellington-Eketahuna Railway, was born in 1850 in Belfast, Ireland, where he was educated. From the age of fifteen till 1878 he followed a sea-faring life, which he left to settle in Wellington. Joining the public service as cleaner, he became fireman for four years, and was promoted to the position of driver in 1883. Mr. Patterson was married in 1878 to Miss Tierman, of Roscommon, Ireland, and has three sons and three daughters.
Engine-Driver on the Wellington-Eketahuna Section of the New Zealand Government Railways, who hails from Wishart, Lanarkshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1855, came to Auckland by the ship “Hydasper” (Captain Babot), at the age of nineteen. In 1878 he joined the railways in Christchurch as a cleaner, and six weeks later became a fireman. After six years' service in this capacity, Mr. Hosie was promoted to the position of engine-driver, and since that time he has done duty on the Wellington Section. Mr. Hosie was married in Wellington in 1879 to a daughter of Mr. W. G. Eldershaw, and has five surviving children—one son and four daughters.
Engine-Driver on the New Zealand Government Railways, Wellington-Eketahuna Section, is a native of St. Arvans, near Chepstow, Monmouthshire, where he was born in 1852. He learned his business in Messrs. Brogden and Son's ironworks, Glamorganshire, South Wales, spending some years in the fitting shop, and as driver of stationary engines on the works. In 1877 Mr. Thomas came to New Zealand per ship “Fernglen,” landing in Napier, and entered the public service almost immediately as engine-cleaner. He was promoted in 1880 to the position of fireman; after five years' service in this capacity Mr. Thomas was advanced to the responsible position of engine-driver. He remained a further period of seven years on the Hawkes Bay Section, being transferred in 1892 to the Wellington Section. Mr. Thomas was married in 1876 to a daughter of Mr. T. Davidson, of Aberdeen, Scotland, and has four sons and four daughters.
Engine-Driver on the line between Wellington and Eketahuna, hails from Leicestershire, having been born at Lutterworth in 1844. Mr. Smith had a considerable experience on British railways before leaving the Old Country. He entered the employ of the London and North Western Railway Company at Rugby as cleaner, afterwards successively becoming fireman and acting-driver, continuing altogether five-and-a-half years in that company's service. After a similar term under the South Western Railway Company, Mr. Smith came to Lyttelton in the ship “Appeles” in 1873. He spent a short time as driver of a threshing machine in Canterbury, and was also engaged in farm-work, and afterwards for about five years he was engine-driver to the Springfield Coal Company. In 1879 Mr. Smith was appointed cleaner at Christchurch, where he afterwards became fireman, and was at a later date driver of a ballast engine, and later on became night foreman. He was subsequently transferred to Oamaru, where he was appointed spare-driver. In July, 1889, Mr. Smith became driver at Wellington. He was married in England in 1870 to a daughter of Mr. J. Townsend, of Yelvertoft, Northamptonshire, and has a son and three daughters.
Engine-Driver on the Wellington-Eketahuna Section of the Government Railways, was born at Silverstream in 1859, and was educated at private schools. In March, 1879, he joined the Railway Department at Invercargill, and two years later became fireman, being promoted to the position of driver in 1894. Mr. Broad served two years at Invercargill, four years at Riverton, five years at Orepuke, three-and-a-half years at Masterton, and a few months at Wanganui, before taking up his duties at Wellington. In 1883 he was married to a daughter of Mr. Thomas Richards, of Invercargill, bricklayer, and has two sons and two daughters.
Acting Engine-Driver on the Wellington-Eketahuna Section of Government Railways, was born in 1852 at Bolton, Lancashire, England. He reached New Zealand in 1879 per ship “Ben Nevis,” landing in Auckland. In the following year Mr. Makin joined the service in Wellington as cleaner, and after serving as fireman he was promoted to the position of acting-driver in 1886. Mr. Makin was married to Miss Cooper, of Bolton, and has three sons and four daughters.
who is referred to on page 351, resigned his position under the Manawatu Railway Company on the 31st of December, 1896.
having retired in June, 1896, from the office of Steward and Secretary of the Wellington Hospital, Mr. W. J. Rountree was appointed to fill the vacancy.
Steward and Secretary of the Wellington District Hospital, occupied the same office for seven-and-a-half years prior to April, 1893, when he resigned. On the retirement of his successor, Mr. Wilkes, in June, 1896, Mr. Rountree was selected to resume this important office.
who is referred to as Headmistress of the Mount Cook Girls' School on page 376, retired from the position towards the close of 1896.
Headmistress of the Mount Cook Girls' School, to which position she was appointed in November, 1896, was educated at the Girls' High School, Christchurch, where she gained a junior University scholarship in 1883, obtaining the degree of B.A., at Canterbury College, four years later, and in the following year that of M.A. In 1886 she joined the staff of the Christchurch Girls' High School, where, at the time of receiving her present appointment, she held the position of assistant mistress in charge of the senior mathematical work of the school.
was opened on the 20th of July, 1896, to supply the needs of the fast-growing population in South Wellington, nearly 300 scholars being enrolled. In February, 1897, there were 420 children on the roll, with an average attendance of 350. The building, which was designed for 300 scholars, stands upon an enclosure of four acres, the situation being probably the best school site in the city. The school is built on modern lines, there being no narrow, intricate corridors, and the
the Headmaster of the Rintoul Street Public School, Wellington, who holds a D certificate, was born in 1851 in the Isle of Wight, where his father was a steward in the Prison's Department. Receiving his primary education at North-wood Public School, where he was afterwards engaged as a pupil teacher for five years, he gained a Queen's Scholarship and entered Winchester Training College. Mr. Flux was subsequently in charge of the Duke of Wellington's School at Strathfieldsaye for three years, when he entered the English Civil Service as schoolmaster in convict prisons. After seven years in this work, his health broke down, and he came to New Zealand in 1884, and has now completely regained his vigour. He has had charge successively of Judgeford, Pahantanui, Clareville, and Greytown schools, and was selected as headmaster of Rintoul Street School on its opening. Mr. Flux is married and has five children. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and takes an interest in shooting matters, having been a member of the Greytown Rifle Club, and president of the Wairarapa Rifle Association during his residence in the country.
succeeded Mr. T. C. Webb, who is mentioned on pages 388 and 447-8, as organist of St. Mark's Church.
(see pages 398-9) was compelled to leave his work as Minister of Thorndon Wesleyan Church, owing to continued ill-health.
the Minister in charge of the Thorndon Wesleyan Church, was born in 1872 at Portsmouth, where he received his earlier education. He accompanied his father—Mr. J. B. Chappell, of Tauranga, contractor—to the Colony, arriving in January, 1881, and completed his school course in New Zealand. Mr. Chappell began to preach in Palmerston North in April, 1892, being recommended by the Wanganui District Meeting (now Synod) of the following year, and accepted by the conference of 1894 as a candidate for the ministry. He acted as supply for the Rev. W. H. Beck at Newtown, Wellington, and for the Rev. J. W. Smith at St. Albans, Christchurch, before acceptance as a candidate. Two years were devoted to training in Auckland–the first at Three Kings and the second at Prince Albert College. In the northern city Mr. Chappell is best remembered for the active interest he took in literary society matters. He was secretary of one of the societies forming the strong City Union; was member and minister of the Union Parliament; took part in the tournament debates of 1895, and in the same year won both impromptu essay and extempore speech contests against allcomers. The first quarter of 1896 he spent in Gisborne, completing the term of a minister who had retired from the work of the Wesleyan Church. The annual conference of that year appointed him to the position he now holds. [At the Wesleyan Conference, held in Wellington in March, 1897, Mr. Chappell was appointed to Christchurch South.]
Courtenay Place (vide page 402), which is now known as the Choral Hall, is leased by the Good Templar Lodge for the purpose of the Helping Hand Mission, which is directed by Mr. R. Crabb. This has come about in consequence of the union of the Methodist Churches in New Zealand.
which is said (vide page 427) to have become a senior club in 1896, had at the time of writing entered for the senior championship, but retired before the competition began.
who occupied the editorial chair of the Post for so many years, and whose career is given on page 459, died on the 19th of April, 1896.
(vide page 460) succeeded Mr Gillon as editor of the Evening Post.
(see page
460) retired from service under the New Zealand Times Company in October, 1896.
Manager and Secretary of the New Zealand Times Company, was born in 1857 in Melbourne, and was educated at King's College, London. After completing his collegiase course he served an apprenticeship on the London Stock Exchange, spending several years in that world-famed institution. Returning to the colonies, Mr. Leicester was some years in the English, Scottish, and Australian Chartered Bank, and in 1881 he entered into business in Port Adelaide as a ship-owner, shipping
agent, and bonded store proprietor. He disposed of this business in 1890, and for the following three years engaged in the wheat trade, travelling most of the time in the various colonies. Mr Leicester joined the New Zealand Times as a clerk in 1893, and on the retirement of Mr. J. F. Buddle in April, 1896, he was appointed secretary, becoming manager six mounths later, on the resignation of Mr. P. S. Cassidy.
resigned his position as Secretary of the New Zealand Times Company in April, 1896 (vide page 461).
whose journalistic career is mentioned on page 463, retired from the position of editor of the Times in December, 1896
Editor of the New Zealand Times, hails from Tasmania, having been born in 1857 in Hobart, where he was educated and brought up to the printing business by his father, Mr. M. Hornsby, general printer. Coming to New Zealand in 1874, Mr Hornsby settled at Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and a little later he took charge of a goldfields paper at Arrow–the Observer. In 1876 he joined the Southland Times at Invercargill as foreman printer, and after several years was engaged on the staff of the Southland Daily News, Mr Hornsby started the Lake County Press at Arrow in 1882, which he conducted till early in 1886; he then became editor of the Napier Evening News, where he remained till August, 1896, with the exception of a year as editor of the Christchurch Star. On leaving Napier he became sub-editor of the Times, and on Mr. Loughnan's retirement in December, 1896, he was promoted to the position of editor. In 1884 Mr Hornsby contested the seat for the Lakes District with the Hon. T. Fergus, and in 1896 he wooed the suffrages of the electors of Wairarapa with Mr. Buchanan, being unsuccessful in both cases. Mr. Hornsby was married in 1876 to a daughter of the late Mr. Dougald Napier, a prominent Glasgow citizen, and has one son.
who is referred to on page 464 as sub-editor of the Times, now occupies the position of chief of the reporting staff.
Sub-Editor of the New Zealand Times, first saw the light in 1865 in Wellington, where he was educated. He began his newspaper career as a “reader” at the Times office in 1881. After a short interval he rejoined in 1886 as shipping reporter, and worked his way to the position of chief of the reporting staff, which office he held from 1891 to 1896, when he became sub-editor of the Hawkes Bay Herald. After a short time he accepted an offer to rejoin the Times as sub-editor. In out-door sports Mr. Marter has long taken a prominent part; he was secretary of the Wellington Cricket Association, and now acts in a similar capacity for the Wellington Rugby Union and the New Zealand Amateur Rowing Association.
The People (vide page 465) was amalgamated with the Weekly Herald, which Mr. Haggen purchased from Mr. Dwan, retaining, however, the former name. For a few months this journal was published, but it ceased to be issued in February, 1897.
was relieved of the duties of his office as Stipendiary Magistrate (vide page 470) and was appointed Public Trustee, in succession to Mr. J. K. Warburton, on the 1st of September, 1896.
who has long been known throughout the Colony as a painstaking magistrate, was appointed to the important position of Stipendiary Magistrate for Wellington City, and took up his duties on the 10th of March, 1897.
Bart., Solicitor, 7 Featherston Street, Wellington. Telephone 31. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, 9 Hobson Street. Sir Kenneth was born in 1868 at Wanganui, and was educated at the Wellington College and at Wanganui Collegiate School. For about six years he was a law-student in the office of Messrs. Brandon, Hislop, and Brandon, in Wellington. He passed his examinations in law in November, 1895, and was admitted as a solicitor in April, 1896, when he commenced to practice as above.
M.A., L.L.B., Barrister and Solicitor, Grey Street, Wellington. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Wallace Street. Mr. Dunn was born in 1872 in Wellington, and was educated at the Wellington College, where he became dux in 1890, and at Canterbury College, where he graduated as B.A. of the New Zealand University in 1893, and M.A., with honours in political science, and L.L.B. in 1894. He was admitted barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of New Zealand in 1895, and established his practice in 1896.
M.R.C.S., Eng., L.R.C.P., Edin., Physician and Surgeon, Wellington South. Born in 1857 in London, Dr. Perkins was educated at King's College School, and trained at Guy's Hospital, where he studied from 1876 till 1882, when he obtained the degrees of M.R.C.S., Eng., and L.R.C.P., Edin. After a voyage as surgeon on the R.M.S. “Eden” to the West Indies, where
(late the Australian Dental Institute), Dentist, 177 Lambton Quay, Wellington, and The Square, Palmerston North. On the 26th of February, 1897, Mr. Alexander Fraser disposed of his interest in the Australian Dental Institute, head office, Wellington (pages 483–4), and the Palmerston North branch (page 1169), to Mr. Cottle, who now conducts the business on his own behalf.
who is referred to on page 510 as General Manager of the Bank of New Zealand, resigned that position in February, 1897, and at the time of writing (March, 1897) the office is vacant.
Accountant of the Bank of New Zealand, Wellington, is an Irishman by birth, having been born in Birr, Queen's County. Educated at Rathmaine's College, Dublin, he got an insight into mercantile life in the Old Country. With the first Vesey-Stewart settlers he came to Auckland by the ship “Dover Castle” in 1875, and for three years he travelled through the colonies before settling down. Joining the Bank of New Zealand as a clerk in Auckland in 1879, Mr. Hobart has passed through various grades of the service, having held appointments at the Thames, Coromandel, Hamilton, Wanganui, Christchurch, and elsewhere. He was promoted to the position of assistant accountant in 1887, and four years afterwards to that of accountant, taking up the duties of his office in Wellington in 1892. During the great financial crisis of 1884 in Auckland, Mr. Hobart was employed by the bank to prepare special reports on several of the large estates which at that time went into liquidation.
(pages 523 and 646) was promoted, on the death of Mr. Warwick Weston, to the position of Inspector of the New Zealand Insurance Company, retiring likewise from the position of Secretary of the Metropolitan Permanent Building Society.
Manager of the New Zealand Insurance Company at Wellington, who is a son of the late Mr. Walter Ewen, of Auckland, was born in 1853 in Birmingham, England. Arriving in the northern city in 1855 with his parents, per ship “Joseph Fletcher” (Captain Foster), he was educated at the Auckland Grammar School, under Mr. Farquhar McRae. After a trip to England in 1870, Mr Ewen entered the Bank of New Zealand at Auckland in 1875, and continued in the service till 1896. He filled the office of agent in various towns in the Colony between 1877 and 1889, when he became assistant manager at Christchurch. With the exception of a break of about 12 months, when he was relieving the manager at Invercargill, he remained in Christchurch until February, 1896, when he was appointed manager of the bank at New Plymouth. On the promotion of Mr. J. C. Hanna to the position of inspector, rendered vacant by the death of the late Mr. Warwick Weston, he was offered and accepted the office he now holds. Mr. Ewen was married in 1883 to a daughter of Mr. Frederick Sutton, late M.H.R. for Napier, and has two daughters.
, Builder, Boulcott Street, Wellington. Mr. O'Loughlin, who is connected with some of the oldest identities of the Empire City, was born in Wellington about forty-nine years ago. He is the youngest of five children, all born in the Capital City, and his sister, Mrs. David Bell (vide page 766), claims to have been the first white girl born in Wellington. His father, also Mr. Timothy O'Loughlin, was drowned in Wellington Harbour some forty years ago, and his mother is still living in the enjoyment of fairly good health at the age of eighty years. Mr. O'Loughlin was married to a daughter of Mr. Jackson, who arrived in Auckland with the first detachment of the 65th Regiment; his mother-in-law landed in Wellington from the second ship that arrived in Port Nicholson. Mrs. O'Loughlin, junr., remembers the time when the water went up as far as the old Evening Post, corner. Among the treasures that she prizes are photographs of the first Government House erected in Wellington (vide page 21), and a pretty view of the Hutt Road from Lambton Quay, then known as “The Beach,” a designation which is still applied to it by many old hands (vide page 558). Mr. O'Loughlin's son, Mr. George O'Loughlin, was for some time the proprietor of the Central Hotel, Otaki, and is at the time of writing (March, 1897) enjoying a trip to the Old Country.
(vide page 644) was appointed Controller and Auditor-General on the 1st of September, 1896, Mr. J. C. Martin taking up the duties of Public Trustee.
who is referred to on page 470 as Stipendiary Magistrate, succeeded Mr. J. K. Warburton as Public Trustee, on the 1st of September, 1896.
who is referred to on page 646 as secretary of the Metropolitan Building Society, is succeeded by Mr. C. A. Ewen.
Secretary of the Metropolitan Permanent Building and Investment Society, succeeded Mr. J. C. Hanna in the management of that institution, and as Manager of the New Zealand Insurance Company at Wellington (vide page 523).
Limited, Engineers, Shipbuilders, and Boilermakers, Manners Street, Wellington. Reference is already made to this progressive company on page 681 of this volume, and a personal notice of Mr. C. M. Luke, one of the directors, appears under the heading of “Ex-Mayors,” together with an engraving, on page 290. Pictures of the works (with a group of workmen), and of the interior of the blacksmiths' and boiler makers' shop, and portraits of Mr. Samuel Luke and Mr. John P. Luke, the other two directors, are given herewith.
(George John Lethaby), Umbrella Manufacturers, 26 Willis Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Branch at Greymouth. This is the original umbrella-manufacturing and repairing, china and glass-mending and rivetting, razor and scissor-grinding business established in New Zealand—the name Lethaby and the word “umbrellas” being almost synonyms in the Colony. Mr. Lethaby was born in 1851 in South Morton, Devonshire, England, his father being in the business under review. The subject of this notice came to Dunedin by the ship “Crystal McCausland” in 1872, and after working at his business for eight years he opened branches successively in Invercargill, Napier, Nelson, Greymouth and Wellington. Mr. Lethaby was married in 1868, and has three children and many near relatives in the same business in New Zealand. He had ten years' experience with Mr. H. W. Emeny, well known in this line in Exeter, England. In his shop in Willis Street, Mr. Lethaby has 250 different samples of umbrella sticks, and keeps a well-assorted stock of all requisites in his trade. The reputation the name enjoys in New Zealand is a guarantee of the quality of the work executed.
Settler, 129 Upper Willis Street. A native of Suffolk, England, where he was born in 1835, Mr. Downes was educated in Hertfordshire. After a short time in a lawyer's office, he learned farming, and came to Wellington in 1852 per ship “Slains Castle.” About 1863 Mr. Downes took the old Crown and Anchor Hotel on Lambton Quay, where he remained for three years. Afterwards, in conjunction with the late Mr. G. Martin, he built the Pier Hotel, which he helped to conduct for about twenty years, retiring in 1886. Mr. Downes, who is a member of the Masonic fraternity, has a daughter and three sons, the eldest of whom is a partner in the firm of Bulkley, Downes and Eames, dentists, Wellington.
who is referred to on page 798 as Mayor of Melrose, retired from that position at the end of 1896.
was elected to the Mayoral Chair on the retirement of Mr. John Collins, in November, 1896.
This old colonist, who died in Featherston in 1878, was born in 1815 at Swansea, Wales, and was a very prominent figure in the very early days of colonisation in New Zealand. Arriving in New South Wales as first officer of a convict ship, he afterwards commanded a revenue cutter, and landed in the Colony as an officer of the Customs Service in 1840. Under, instructions from Governor Hobson, he had command of the Government brig, and took the survey party from the Bay of Islands to jay off the site of the city of Auckland. In 1841 he established the Customs in Nelson, erecting the first wooden building, which he took with him from Russell. Remaining in Nelson till 1849, Mr. Carkeek was then transferred to Wellington as Collector of Customs, and became one of the members of Sir George Grey's first Legislative Council. In 1865 he established the Customs at the Chatham Islands, and in 1858 became the first Inspector and Commissioner of Customs for New Zealand. The first time-ball, to give nautical time to the shipping, was established by Mr. Carkeek, who was an enthusiastic astronomer. Retiring from the service in 1867, he settled in Featherston, where he constructed a private observatory. His widow (née Piotti) died in 1893 in Wellington. Of the surviving children, two of the sons are land surveyors in New Zealand, and a daughter is married to Mr. J. T. Stewart, of Aramoho, Wanganui.
who is mentioned on page
was again elected to this position in November, 1896. (Vide page 940).
Farmers, Okau, near Masterton. The sons of Mr. Alexander Cameron, who arrived with his parents at Wellington on the last day of 1840, Messrs. H. and A Cameron were born at Kaiwarra. Both partners were educated in Wellington, and, having gained experience of a country life, they acquired the estate they now work in 1888. It consists of 1100 acres—originally part of the Blairlogie and Langdale stations—which is fully laid down in good grasses and sustains a healthy flock of sheep, besides some cattle. Messrs. Cameron's homestead, which is given in the illustration, is beautifully situated 'midst tastefully laid out grounds.
Sheepfarmer, “Pahana,” Masterton. One of the oldest settlers in Wellington, who arrived with his parents in Port Nicholson by the ship “Blenheim” on the last day of 1840, Mr. Cameron was born eight years previously in Ardn-Murchain, Argyllshire, Scotland. He in a descendant of the Camerons of Erecht and Litterfinally, tracing his ancestors back to Sir R. Cameron, who fell at the Battle of Durham in 1336. From a tender age he gained experience of country pursuits, being employed among others by Sir Frederick Wells. With his brother Mr. Cameron subsequently took up the Pahana Run of 25,000 acres, where he has a large flock of Lincoln sheep and a herd of shorthorn cattle. After many years in New Zealand, Mr. Cameron started on a sea voyage, intending to visit the Torres Straits and the Pearl Sea fisheries. The vessel, being badly fitted and provisioned, had to put back to the coast of Victoria, where he landed and soon after returned to the Colony. Although repeatedly solicited, the subject of this sketch has declined public life; he is, however, a member of the Masonic fraternity, and has ever taken active interest in church life. In 1873 Mr. Cameron was married to Miss Stewart, of Wairarapa, and has six sons and four daughters.
the property of Messrs. Williams and Beetham, contains something like 50,000 acres. The late Mr. William Beethan, of the Hutt father of Messrs. H. H. and W. H. Beetham, two of the partners in the firm, purchased the first portion of this estate, 21,000 acres, in 1856. Mr. T. C. Williams, the senior partner, having a large holding adjoining, joined forces, thus founding the well-known firm of Williams and Beetham. Operations were begun in earnest, as many as 500 men being employed in bushfelling, fencing, building, etc., for several years. Until 1870, the firm stocked the station with merino sheep. Finding, however, that the country would carry longwools, they bought a large number of Lincolns from leading colonial breeders for the purpose of crossing. Three years later they imported some of the best English strains, to which they have subsequently added other importations, besides purchasing large numbers of the best-selected New Zealand flocks; hence the splendid flock of Lincolns for which Brancepeth has long been famous. In addition to this strain, Messrs. Williams and Beetham have a fine flock of South Downs, which has been in existence for nine years, and, like the Lincolns, was formed from imported sheep together with purchases from well-known colonial breeders. Their flocks of Shropshire Downs and Romney Marsh sheep are descended from animals gathered from British and New Zealand flocks with the greatest care, and regardless of cost. Small wonder, then, that the firm has been noted for prize-winning animals. At the Masterton and Carterton shows in 1896, the Brancepeth flocks and herds gained six gold medals and one silver medal, besides thirty-six first and twenty-nine second prizes; at Wellington, the winners numbered one champion prize, eight first, nine second prises, and one third prize.
J.P., one of the partners in the Brancepeth Station, was born in Horncastle, Lincolnshire, England, and came to New Zealand with his parents in the ship “William and Jane” in 1855. For a number of years he served in the Militia as captain. In agricultural and pastoral matters Mr. Beetham has long been prominent, and he has held office as president of the Wairarapa and East Coast Pastoral and Agricultural Association. In 1879 Mr. Beetham was married to the fourth daughter of the late Mr. C. R. Bidwill, of Pihautea, Wairarapa, and has two sons and two daughters. He lives in a beautifully-situated homestead on the banks of the Wainuioru river, the house being surrounded by a well-grown plantation of useful and ornamental trees. Of Mr. Beetham's partners, Mr. T. C. Williams is referred to on page 773, and Mr. W. H. Beetham, as a member of the Wairarapa North County Council, on page 943.
Settler, Taueru. A native of Newbury, Berkshire, England, where he was born in 1850, Mr. Garratt was brought up to farming pursuits, and came to Wellington in 1872 per ship “Jessie Redman.” Settling in Taueru, he had charge of a road north of the township, and afterwards managed Mr. O'Malley's farm at Te Ore Ore. Subsequently he was engaged in various occupations till 1880, when he became a contractor for fencing on the Brancepeth Estate, being appointed overseer in 1891. Since his promotion Mr. Garratt has had the supervision of large bodies of men, in some instances as many as 170 being employed on the station. Always ready to advance the district, he has acted as a member of the local school commmittee. His farm of 150 acres is pleasantly situated in the district. In 1869 Mr. Garratt was married to Miss Highed, of Buckinghamshire, England, and has four sons and three daughters.
which was established in 1876, is conducted in a building of the ordinary style, to which is attached about ten acres of land, used as a playground and paddock. It has fortyseven scholars on the roll, the average attendance being thirty-six.
the Master in charge of the Tinui School, who holds a C1 certificate, came to the Colony in the ship “Tinui” in 1886. He is assisted by one pupil teacher.
Pupil Teacher at the Tinui Public School, was born in 1877 at Palmerston North, and was educated in the Colony. In 1894, after an experience in the office of the Wairarapa Daily Times, Mr. Owen was appointed to the position he now holds. He has ever taken lively interest in athletic sports generally, and is fond of literary pursuits, having acted as local correspondent for several papers. Mr. Owen is fond of poetry, and gives promise of considerable talent as a writer of verse.
Pianist and Music Teacher, Tinui. A son of General Cobbe, R.A., the subject of this notice was a pupil of Professor Sutton, Doctor of Music, and of the Abbe Lizt. Mr. Cobbe lived for many years in the Wanganui District, and was organist at Marton, as well as being bandmaster to the Volunteers. Mr. Cobbe has gained a wide reputation on the West Coast for his abilities as a pianist.
(John L. Engel, proprietor), junction of Tinui, Castlepoint, and East Coast roads. At this well-known stopping place for the mail coaches, which pass ten times a week, and change horses at this junction, the above hotel has been conducted since 1886. The building—a wood and iron structure— contains twenty rooms, half of which are comfortably furnished bedrooms, besides four good parlours, a large dining-room (seated for thirty), and other apartments. Situated sixteen miles from Masterton, it is well patronised by all classes of the general public. Good stables and well-watered paddocks are available for the use of those who are travelling with cattle and sheep. Mr. Engel, the proprietor, who was born in London in 1863, and passed his early years on the Continent, has had good experience in hotel management, having been for eight years manager of the Occidental Hotel, Masterton. He married Miss Mahony, sister of Father Mahony, of Wellington, and has one son.
(Kenneth McIntosh; proprietor), Grassendale Road, Tinui. Established in 1872, this commodious hostelry, which is used alike by tourists, commercial travellers, and settlers, is a wood and iron building containing thirty-one rooms. There are twenty well-furnished bedrooms, a large, well-ventilated dining-room, (capable of seating thirty persons), several comfortable sitting-rooms, and a fine billiard-room, fitted with one of Alcock's match-tables. The hotel, which is thirty miles from Masterton and twelve from Castlepoint, is the stopping-place for the mail coach, which changes horses daily at this place, an hour being allowed for dinner. The stabling attached to the Tinui Hotel, and the secure paddocks adjoining, are most attractive to those who have to take long journeys with stock. The popular host has had a lengthy experience in hotel management in the district, and formerly on the Otago goldfields. In 1880 Mr. McIntosh was married to Miss Hudson, of Oamaru, and has a son and two daughters.
, Blacksmith, Tinui. Having learned his trade in Featherston and at Martinborough, Mr. Fellingham conducts a good business, his premises being well situated and fitted with all needful appliances. A grandson of Mr. George Fellingham, of Kent, he was born in 1873 in Wellington, and came with his parents to the Wairarapa when but a child. Mr. Fellingham has ever taken a lively interest in field sports, and has played in several football matches; he is also a member of the local athletic club and of the Lower Valley Jockey Club. He is a member of the orders of Foresters and Oddfellows.
, Saddler and Harness Maker, Tinui. Established in 1888, a good business, which extends over a radius of thirty miles of Tinui, is being conducted by the proprietor. Mr. Hancock was born in Gloucestershire in 1865, and came with his parents to Christchurch, where he learned his trade. He has ever taken an interest in field sports and in the Volunteer movement. In Tinui, he is a member of the Foresters' Order, for which he acts as treasurer: for four years he was chairman of the local school committee. He is agent for the Mutual Life Association of Australasia. Mr. Hancock married a daughter of Mr. R. P. Johnson, J.P., and has a son and a daughter.
J.P., Sheepfarmer, “Ica,” Tinui. The son of the rector of Whitney, Yorkshire, England, where the subject of this sketch was born in 1822, Mr. Andrew obtained high honours at Oxford, and and was for many years a fellow and tutor of Lincoln College. Landing at Lyttelton per ship “Westminster” in 1856, he made some explorations in the Southern Alps, towards the McKenzie Country, and settled on a sheep-run on one of the tributaries of the Waitaki River for nine years. In 1866, having disposed of his interest in Canterbury, Mr. Andrew came to the North Island—then in an unsettled state—and purchased a freehold on the banks of the Whareama River, at Tinui, which he named “Ica,” from his own initials. This property, which now consists of 19,000 acres, is bounded by the sea-board and the winding river. From a state of nature the wilderness has been subdued, and now carries a grand flock of 20,000 Romney sheep and a herd of 450 polled-angus cattle. Mr. Andrew has acted for many years as Minister of the district, his services having been greatly appreciated. In public life he has been well known, having been twice returned to Parliament, from which he retired owing to family considerations. He was chairman of the first road board on the East Coast, member of the Castlepoint Road Board, and of the county council for many years. In educational affairs the reverend gentleman has ever taken the keenest interest. He is vice-chairman of the New Zealand University, and took a prominent part in its establishment, and was also a member of the Wellington Education Board at its inception.
Farmer, “The Falls,” Tinui. This enterprising pioneer, who arrived in Wellington per ship “Oliver Laing” in 1858, has had a varied experience. After a short time at the Hutt, he carried his swag over the Rimutaka and engaged in station work at Captain Smith's station, Wairarapa; he subsequently worked as a carpenter—and claims to have erected the first house built of sawn timber in Tinui—and afterwards as a contractor and carrier. In 1871 Mr. Belliss took the first bullock teams from Tinui to Alfredton. Mr. Belliss claims to have cut the first timber in the district, with which he erected the first swim sheep-dip. He was sheepfarming at Fly Creek before taking up his present holding, where he has encountered the difficulties arising from scab, and also from the rabbit pest. In local polities, Mr. Belliss served two terms in the Wairarapa North County Council, was for six years a member of the Castlepoint Road Board, and for some years acted as chairman of the licensing committee and as chairman and member of the school committee. He likewise served as a Volunteer in the Castlepoint Cavalry. Mr. Belliss was married in 1871 to Miss Groves, of Tinui, and has three sons and three daughters.
Sheepfarmer, “Glenside,” Tinui. Born in 1853 in Wellington, where he was educated, Mr. Cross passed his early years on a sheep-station on the East Coast. Subsequently he took up land in the Alfredton District, in partnership with Mr. Cooper. Afterwards he acquired the property which he now works. In 1880 Mr. Cross was married to Miss Wilkinson, and has two sons and two daughters.
F. W., Sheepfarmer, “The Terrace,” Tinui. The compact farm of 450 acres held by Mr. Groves has been greatly improved since 1892, when it was purchased by its present owner, and it is now in a good state of cultivation, carrying a valuable flock of Lincoln sheep and a good herd of cattle. Mr. Groves, who was born in 1866 at Castlepoint, where he was educated and brought up to farming pursuits, has always taken an interest in field sports, having played in several football matches. He has long been connected with the Foresters' Order and has passed most of the chairs. In 1892 Mr. Groves was married to Miss Brading, of Tinui, and has one son and one daughter.
the property of the executors of the late Mr. Elder, which consists of 14,000 acres on the Whareama River, and carries a flock of crossbred sheep and a herd of Aberdeen-Angus cattle, is managed by Mr. Austin. The homestead—a two-story house—is surrounded by a plantation of useful and ornamental trees.
Head Shepherd on the Langdale Estate, is the youngest son of the late Canon Awdry, of Bristol. A native of Wiltshire, England, where he was born in 1860, Mr. Awdry came to Wellington in 1876 in the ship “Northampton.” After nineteen years in the Rangitikei District, where he followed pastoral pursuits, he was appointed to the position he now fills. In lawn tennis he has won a reputation as a first-class player. Mr. Awdry was married in 1890 to the fourth daughter of Mr. C. Bray, C.E., one of the earliest settlers in Feilding, and has two daughters.
Farmer, “Penrose,” Tinui. This old settler, who has spent the best of his life in the district, was born in Cornwall, England, in 1831. At the age of thirteen he went to America, and after four years removed to California, the overland journey occupying eight months. After exciting experiences in the early days of goldmining, Mr. Nicholls came to Auckland in 1850, and two years later settled in Tinui, building the first house in the Whareama District. As he built the first house in the township, and in 1872 the first hotel, and a few years later the first store, he may justly be regarded as the father of Tinui. He was the original grantee of the section of 105 acres which is now the site of Tinui, and presented the allotment on which the town hall stands. In all movements calculated to advance the district, Mr. Nicholls has ever been amongst the foremost, and has never grudged his time to the public, having served as a member of the road board, of the Castlepoint School Committee for eleven years, and of the library committee, acting also as librarian for many years. His farm of 1000 acres is on the opposite bank of the Tinui River. In 1853 Mr. Nicholls was married to Miss Clout, of Wellington, and has had thirteen children, of whom three sons and six daughters survive. Twelve out of the thirteen children were born in the Tinui District.
Sheepfarmer, “Glentanner,” Tinui. In 1892 Mr. Savage acquired his holding of 500 acres of excellent bush-land, then in its virgin state. With commendable diligence he has already succeeded in felling 400 acres, which has been laid down in good English grasses, and now carries a nice flock of Lincoln sheep and a small herd of shorthorn cattle. Mr. Savage, who is unmarried, is not an old colonist. A native of County Kerry, Ireland, he accompanied his parents to Port Chalmers per s.s. “Rimutaka” in 1886, settling as above after several years' experience as a stockman and shepherd.
Sheepfarmer, “Triangle Farm,” Tinui. A Tasmanian by birth, Mr. Schofield came over to New Zealand in the ship “Daniel Watson” in 1867, landing at Lyttelton. After ten years on the Canterbury Plains he removed to the Wairarapa, entering into business as a carrier and shipping agent at Whakataki, where he continued for sixteen years. In 1893 Mr. Schofield purchased 715 acres, which he still farms, the land having a carrying capacity of two sheep to the acre. As a practical farmer, Mr. Schofield has been most successful in growing winter-turnips for his sheep, which are well looked after, healthy, and robust. In 1878 Mr. Schofield was married to Miss Robinson, of Makara, near Wellington, and has six sons and two daughters.
Farmer, Blackhills Junction, Tinui. A Devonshire man by birth, who came to Wellington in 1871, Mr. Smith went to Marlborough, and, and travelling southwards, obtained employment at Montrose Station, Amuri. Subsequently he worked at harvesting, shepherding, shearing, and at other similar laborious callings. Recrossing Cook's Strait, Mr. Smith settled in the Tinui District, becoming at one time the proprietor of the Whakataki Hotel, and afterwards entering into business as a carrier and shipping agent, besides speculating in land. In 1893 he acquired his holding of eighty-seven acres, which by hard work and a careful selection of grasses he has brought into a high state of cultivation, eight sheep to the acre being depastured during nine months of the year. Mr. Smith was married in 1884 to Miss Cooper, of Kaikoura, and has two sons and two daughters.
which was established in 1887, is conducted in a wooden building having accommodation for fifty children. There are twenty-three pupils on the roll, the average attendance being twenty-one.
the Master in charge of the Whakataki Public School, was born in Wellington, where he was educated. After a period in one of the Government offices, he spent some years in the wholesale drapery trade, but subsequently joined the Education Department; he was appointed to his present charge about ten years ago. As a member of the Order of Foresters Mr. Mangnuson is attached to the local lodge. In 1891 Mr. Mangnuson was married to Miss Fisher, and has two sons and a daughter.
(J. O'Neill, proprietor), Whakataki. The building, which is of wood and iron, contains nineteen rooms, twelve being bedrooms; there are several sitting-rooms and a good dining-room, having chairs for fourteen persons. The hotel, which was established in 1872, is within a few minutes' walk of the local post-office, and the mail coach passes the property daily. The house is well supported by travellers and settlers, Mr. O'Neill being recognised as an experienced host. Stabling and paddocks for travelling stock are attached to the hotel, and prove a great convenience to the public.
Settler, Whakataki. A native of Caithness, Scotland, Mr. Harvey came to Wellington in 1854 with his parents, in the ship “Ashburton.” After a few years in South Wairarapa he settled in Opaki in 1864, remaining eighteen years, and was subsequently in other parts of the Wellington Provincial District. He was chiefly engaged in farming pursuits till 1893, when, in company with his brother, Mr. R. W. Harvey, he purchased the business of carrying and shipping agents now conducted by the firm of Harvey Bros. at Castlepoint. Mr. W. Harvey is ever ready to assist in all public matters in the district: as a member of the Whakataki School Committee and of the local Oddfellows' court—in which he has passed all the chairs— he has rendered yeoman service in athletics he represented Wellington at football against New South Wales; in racing he is one of the stewards of the Whakataki and Castlepoint Club, and acts as clerk of scales; he is also handicapper of the local sports committee, and has won several hurdle races. In 1880 Mr. Harvey was married to Miss McKenzie, of Opaki, and has three sons and four daughters.
, Farmer, Okau, Whakataki. This settler is the eldest surviving son of the late Mr. Peter Holes—a passenger in the ship “Oriental” to Port Nicholson in 1840—who worked as a bricklayer in Wellington, as a sawyer at the Hutt, and became a settler in the Okau District in 1857, meeting his death by drowning in 1871 at the mouth of the Whareama River, in the presence of his wife and son. Mr. John Holes was born in Wellington in 1849, and with his parents settled in Okau in 1862. He was engaged as a shepherd at Flat Point for fifteen years before settling at Okau. In 1882 Mr. Holes was married to Miss Pickett, of Whakataki, and has three sons and a daughter.
Sheepfarmer, Whakataki. Hailing from Ayrshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1840, Mr. McHutchon was educated and apprenticed to the grocery trade in his native town. In 1859 he came to Wellington by the ship “Hastings,” and after a few years' colonial experience he became a storekeeper at Castlepoint, subsequently purchasing his estate at Whakataki, where he built a store, which was unfortunately burnt down before being occupied. Mr. McHutchon prides himself in his fine flock of Cotswold sheep, which is descended from some of the best imported strains. In public matters he has long been prominent, as a Government land valuer, as secretary to the Castlepoint and Akitio road boards, and in other important positions. In 1866 Mr. McHutchon was married to Miss Grover, of Castlepoint.
Settler,Whakataki. Mr. Mason was born in 1862 at Karori, near Wellington, where he was educated. He lived for ten years at Flat Point, on the East Coast, and after a period in Hawkes Bay he settled in the Whakataki District. In all kinds of sport Mr. Mason has ever taken a lively interest, having acted as handicapper for the Castlepoint races and for the local Caledonian Society. He is a member of the Whakataki School Committee. Mr. Mason was married in 1887 to Miss Simmonds, of Hawkes Bay, and has a son and three daughters.
, Farmer, Whakataki. Born in 1824 in Herefordshire, where he gained his earliest experience of farming pursuits, Mr. Pickett landed in Wellington from the ship “Simla” in 1854. He obtained employment as a shepherd with Mr. Meredith, of Riversdale, and after three years' service joined Mr. Guthrie, of Castlepoint, serving on that gentleman's vast run for many years. Mr. Pickett farms a snug little property, which is in an advanced state of cultivation, on the banks of the Whakataki River. During the native troubles he joined the Castlepoint Militia, with whom he served till the troop was disbanded. Mr. Pickett was married in 1847, and has three sons and five daughters.
Sheepfarmer, “Glenroy,” Whakataki. A native of India, where he was born in 1863, Mr. Sinclair was educated at Wellington College, Berkshire, and came to Melbourne in 1879. After a short stay he crossed to Wellington, and was for many years engaged in school teaching in various parts of the Colony. In 1896 he acquired his property of 400 acres on the banks of the Matiakuna River, and has already effected considerable improvements. His stock comprises a flock of crossbred sheep and some shorthorn cattle. In 1895 Mr. Sinclair was married to Miss Smithson, of Leeston. and has one son.
(Sydney Arthur Pull, proprietor), Castlepoint. This convenient hostelry, which was established in 1880 and is built of wood and iron, contains twenty-two rooms, including thirteen well-furnished bedrooms, four parlours, and a dining-room, seated for forty guests. The situation is lovely—but a stone's throw from the sea—and it is not surprising that tourists and those requiring chance of air and scene should make the spot a pleasure and health-resort. The locality, which affords good sea-fishing, has a tri-weekly coach service with Masterton, and Mr. Pull's house has the telephone laid on. The proprietor, who hails from Hampstead, England, where he was born in 1856, came to New Zealand per ship “Hindostan” in 1875. After five years' experience in the Capital he came to the East Coast, and subsequently settled at Castlepoint. In 1889 Mr. Pull was married to Miss Bittles, and has a son and two daughters.
Cadet, Castlepoint, Tinui. Born in 1873 in Boston, United States of America, and educated at the famous school at Harrow in England, Mr. Bradlee gained his first experience of a country life with his cousins on a cattle-ranche in America. In 1896 he came to New Zealand with the intention of learning sheepfarming. Settling at first at Matakunu, he remained on Mr. Johnston's run until it was disposed of, when he removed to Castlepoint. Though but a young man Mr. Bradlee has travelled a good deal: he is charmed with the Colony, and delighted with the free life of the settlers on the station.
(John S. George, proprietor), Alfredton. This hostelry, which was established in 1887, is built of wood and iron, and contains eighteen rooms, eleven of which are bedrooms. There are three sitting-rooms, and the dining-room, which is well furnished, is capable of seating twenty persons. The hotel is twelve miles from Eketahuna, which is the nearest railway station, and from which a coach runs daily carrying mails and passengers. The post and telegraph office at the junction of the Tiraumea and Tinui roads is only about two minutes' walk from the house, which is patronised by settlers, commercial travellers, and tourists, on account of whom special provision has been made.
Sheepfarmer, “Pah Flat,” Alfredton. Mr. Boustead was born in 1850 at Newcastle-on-Tyne, England, where he was also educated. He was brought up to farming pursuits, and left Home for Wellington in 1878 per ship “Pleione,” spending the first ten years of colonial life in the Wairarapa. The farm of 800 acres which he now occupies was acquired in 1888, when it was mostly in a state of nature; now it supports about 2000 Romney sheep and a good herd of shorthorn cattle. Mr. Boustead takes an interest in the welfare of the district as a member of the Alfredton Domain Board. In 1884 he was married to a daughter of the late Mr. Samuel Oates, referred to on page 893 of this volume in the notice of Mr. Joseph Oates, and has one daughter.
Sheepfarmer, “Waterfalls,” Alfredton. Born in London in 1883, Mr. Burling accompanied his parents to Wellington by the ship “London,” arriving on the 22nd of March, 1840. After three years near Wadestown, the family located on the site of Featherston, being the first white settlers in those parts. With some other relations, Mr. Burling was camped on the top of the Rimutaka Range at the time of the great earthquake, which damaged the road so much that they had to leave their bullock team and walk into Wellington. In 1861 Mr. Burling began sheepfarming, which occupation he has followed up to the time of writing, with the exception of some years during which he was engaged in contracting at Greytown. He purchased the property he now farms—2500 acres — in 1892. Mr. Burling was married in 1861 to Miss Gooding, and has six sons and six daughters, and nineteen grandchildren.
Farmer, “Rangedale,” Pori, Alfredton. Mr. Clulow was born in 1854 at “Park House Farm,” Leek, Staffordshire, where he was educated, and worked on his father's farm. Coming to the Colony in 1887 in the s.s. “Ruapehu,” he was for over two years on his brother's farm, near Eketahuna. He took up his present holding in 1890, being the first settler on Mt. Merchant, and had to cut his own track to his land. Mr. Clulow, in conjunction with his brother, took up 600 acres of bush-land, a large portion of which is improved and sown with the finest grasses, and now carries a flock of Lincoln-Romney sheep and some shorthorn cattle.
Settler, “Waihoki,” Alfredton. Born in 1869 in Wellington, where he was educated, Mr. Gillespie has had a good deal of experience of country life, and has travelled through most of the Auckland Provincial District. He was in the neighbourhood of Mt. Tarawera on the 10th of June, 1886, and will never forget the eruption of that night. In 1892 Mr. Gillespie took up his holding of 334 acres in the Waihoki Valley, then all in dense bush. A great portion of this property is now in good grass.
Farmers, Mt. Marchant, Pori, Alfredton. This property, which is 773 acres in extent, was purchased in 1891 by the present holders, who have 400 acres grassed and fenced, with a carrying capacity of over two sheep to the acre, in addition to a large number of shorthorn cattle. Mr. Morris was born in 1870 in Shropshire, England, and was educated in Heraford, coming to New Zealand via Melbourne in 1889. Mr. Ford was born in Hereford, where he was educated, and came to the Colony in 1887 in the s.s. “Ruapehu.”
Sheepfarmer, “Momona,” Alfredton. A native of Dumfriesshire, Scotland, where he was born in 1856, Mr. Murray was brought up to pastoral pursuits. Arriving in South Australia in 1875 per ship “Glamorganshire,” he commenced his colonial life with his uncles, the celebrated breeders of the Murray type of merino sheep—the Hon. A. B. Murray and Mr. John Murray—with whom he remained eight years. Crossing the Tasman Sea in 1883, Mr. Murray commenced business as a wool buyer, and for some years afterwards he was manager of station properties. In 1892 he purchased 692 acres, which was all dense bush, and of which 530 acres is now highly improved, and carries a good flock of Cotswold sheep. In public life Mr. Murray has taken an active part, as a member of the county council, the Akitio Road Board, the Castlepoint Licensing Committee, the North Wairarapa Rabbit Board, and the Whakataki School Committee. In 1886 Mr. Murray was married to Miss Harvey, of Masterton, and has a son and two daughters.
“Ruatea,” Pori, Alfredton. Born in 1867 in Suffolk, where he was educated Mr. Nelson followed farming pursuits from his early years, and came to Lyttelton in 1886 in the ship Stapinui.” After about three years in Australia, he returned to New Zealand, and took up his holding of 1750 acres in 1891. The holding wasdense bush at that time, but now, with the exception of 250 acres, it is highly improved, and carries three sheep to the acre, besides some cattle. Mr. Nelson has served the public as member of the Alfredton Road and Domain boards, and as vice-president of the local athletic sports club.
Sheepfarmer, “Kaitawa,” Alfredton. The estate known as “Kaitawa” consists of 2500 acres, and, with the exception of timber reserves for shelter and other purposes, is covered with a thick sward of nutritious verdure, on which, a large flock of sheep and a splendid herd of shorthorn cattle thrive. For thirty years Mr. Saunders has paid special attention to the breeding and rearing of his stock, hence it is not surprising that they are of exceptional quality. Born in 1842 in Wellington, where his parents had arrived in the ship “London” during the same year, Mr. Saunders was educated in the Colony, being brought up to a country life. After sundry experiences on the West Coast goldfields, be took up the first 100 acres of his grand property, the comfortable homestead of which overlooks the Tiraumea River and Valley Road. For many years he was a member of the Alfredton Road Boar, and had a seat on the Licensing Bench; in the early days he served in the Cavalry Volunteers, and also in the Militia. In 1886 Mr Saunders was married to a daughter of Mr. R. Bould, of Wellington, and has two sons and six daughters.
Sheepfarmer, “Forest Flat,” Alfredton. One of the earliest settlers in the Tiraumea Valley, the subject of this sketch was born in 1844 in Wellington, where he was educated, his parents having arrived in the ship “Lady Nugent.” All stores and produce had to be conveyed to and from Castlepoint by packhorses or bullock teams for many years after Mr. Smith settled in the district, and the first wool shipped cost twenty-five shillings per bale for haulage to the port. “Forest Flat” is a farm of 500 acres, which carries over three sheep to the acre, besides cattle and horses. Mr. Smith is an enthusiastic horse-breeder, and has frequently taken first prizes. His sheep are Romney Lincolns, the cattle being shorthorns. In public matters, Mr. Smith acted as a member of the Alfredton Road Board for many years, and when the Maori troubles existed he served in the Volunteer Cavalry and in the Militia. In 1875 he was married to Miss McDonald, and has a son and a daughter.
Sheepfarmer, Tiraumea, Alfredton. Mr. Warren was born in 1863 at St. Kilda, Victoria, and was educated at Christchurch Grammar School and College, passing some years on stations belonging to his grandfather, the Hon. M. Holmes, with whom he gained valuable knowledge of the various breeds of sheep. In 1884 he purchased his property of 10,300 acres, which carries a large flock of sheep of the Cheviot, Romney, and Lincoln strains, which have been judiciously crossed. Mr. Warren has also a herd of 370 grand shorthorn cattle. For several years he has been a member of the Castlepoint Road Board, and also of the Alfredton Road Board, which he used his influence to have merged in the Wairarapa North County Council. Mr. Warren was married in 1890 to Miss Bidwill, and has a son and a daughter.
(Robert McCullagh, proprietor), Aohanga. A wood and iron building of fifteen rooms, including all reasonable conveniences for the public, this house is sixty miles from Masterton. The local post and telephone office is under the charge of Mr. McCullagh in a detached building, where he also conducts the local store. Born in 1814 in County Down, Ireland, he came to the
Colony via Melbourne, and engaged in goldmining in Otago and on the West Coast of the South Island, also entering into the hotel business. Mr. McCullagh came to the North Island to settle in 1883; three years later he married, and now has three sons and a daughter.
Settler, “Charnwood,” Aohanga. This property consists of 827 acres, which was acquired by the present owner, in conjunction with Mr. F. L. Lorden, in 1895; 250 acres have been laid down in English grasses. There is a choice flock of crossbred sheep on the farm. Mr. Atkins, who was born in 1866 at Fenny Drayton, and educated at Atherston Grammar School, came to Wellington per s.s. “Rimutaka” in 1894. In all local matters that tend to the promotion of the best interests of the district, Mr. Atkins is ever ready to lend his assistance.
Sheepfarmer, “Dalmeny Park,” Aohanga. Born at Rosebery, Scotland, in 1870, Mr. Grossett was educated and passed his early years in his native town. Before coming to the Colony in 1891 per s.s. “Arawa,” he was for several years gamekeeper to Lord Rosebery at “Rosebery.” Mr. Grossett has acquired a fine estate of 1200 acres, which he has greatly improved by clearing, grassing, and fencing.
Sheepfarmer, “Glenora Estate,” Akitio. This fine run of 34,000 acres, which has a large frontage to the seaboard and the Akitio River, was originally taken up by the late Sir Donald McLean. The station was purchased in 1876 by the late Mr. James Armstrong, father of the present owner, and great improvements have been effected, including the erection of a splendid homestead and substantial out-buildings. A large flock of crossbred sheep depastures on the property, as well as a fine herd of some 1300 shorthorn cattle. Mr. Armstrong pays great attention to stock breeding, and has some very fine stud animals on the property. He is the eldest son of the late proprietor, and was born at Fowler's Bay, South Australia, in 1870. At the age of six years he arrived in New Zealand with his parents, and was educated at Nelson College. After two years on Bollands Station he came to Glenora, where he grew with the place which is now so ably managed by him. He is chairman of the Akitio Road Board, and takes great interest in sport, being vice-president of the Herbertville Racing Club. In 1894 Mr. Armstrong was married to Miss Speedy, and has two daughters.
Farmer, “Woodlands,” Pongaroa. The nucleus of this fine estate, which now contains 6000 acres of land, was acquired by Mr. Burling in 1877. From its virgin state it has been transformed, in the twenty years of occupation, into a splendid grazing farm, with a carrying capacity of three sheep to the acre. Besides a large flock of well-bred sheep, there are 500 head of cattle on the property. The estate is
Sheepfarmer, “Springlands,” Pongaroa. The fourth son of the late Mr. Henry Meech, who is referred to on page 769 of this volume, the subject of this notice was born in 1845 at Pipitea, Wellington. Brought up to farming pursuits, he became manager of the Springvale Estate in 1870. After three years in this position he was for some time engaged in contracting, subsequently buying his farm of 1100 acres. The entire property has been brought from a state of nature into a fine pastoral holding, beautiful patches of native bush having been preserved to provide shelter and timber. Mr. Meech has long bred Cotswold sheep, which have proved to be a hardy and robust variety, yielding as much as Lincolns on the same pasture. In 1878 Mr. Meech was married to the second daughter of Mr. H. Burling, and has five sons and six daughters.
who is mentioned as Mayor of Pahiatua on page 1019, retired from that position in December, 1896.
who was for the third time elected to this position at the mayoral election of 1896, is referred to at length on pages 1021-2.
which was opened on the 23rd of October, 1896, has twenty-one children on the roll, the average attendance being sixteen. The building is surrounded by a playground some two-and-a-half acres in extent.
the Teacher in charge of the Rakaunui Aided School, is an Englishman by birth, claiming Liverpool as his native place. He was educated at the Liverpool College, and has had good experience as a teacher.
Settler, Main Street, Johnsonville. The son of the late Mr. Thomas Moore—a retired military man—the subject of this sketch was born in 1841 in County Dublin, Ireland. At the age of sixteen, after his father's death, Mr. Moore came to the Colony, accompanied by his mother, sister, and brother-in-law. Landing in Wellington in May, 1857, from the ship “Alma,” Mr. Moore obtained employment under the Wellington Provincial Government, in whose service he remained till the abolition of the Provinces, having been promoted to the position of overseer and inspector of public road works and deputy-paymaster in 1864. When the county councils were established he remained in the same employment, completing altogether twenty-six years of service. Mr. Moore has had experience in goldmining, having visited Otago in 1862, working at the noted Gabriel's Gully, though without success, for four months, during which time he had leave of absence. Quite recently he spent six months on the Mahakipawa fields, where he was again unlucky. In the Volunteer movement he served as a member of the Porirua Rifles, and has ever taken a keen interest in all social and political matters. Mr. Moore was married in 1866 to Jane, daughter of the late Captain Halliday, of Yorkshire, England. The ceremony took place at St. Mary's Cathedral, Wellington, and was performed by the late Bishop Viard, the late Captain Sharp giving the bride away. Mr. Moore has been blessed with a large family—eleven in all—the eldest son being manager of the Wellington Meat Export Company's fine freezing-works at Ngahauranga. Mr. Moore is further referred to on page 1068 of this volume, as a member of the Johnsonville Town Board.
(P. L. Harnett, proprietor), Main Street, Foxton. Situated opposite the post-office, and the nearest hotel to the railway station and wharves, this hostel contains excellent accommodation for travellers, and private rooms for families. Since Mr. Harnett took over the house it has undergone improvement in every department. The cuisine is first-class. The proprietor was born in 1856 in County Limerick, Ireland, and came to New Zealand in 1880 from Victoria, where he had resided for a year. He joined the Armed Constabulary in Wellington, served from Waingongoro to Stoney River, and afterwards gravitated into the regular
police force. He was stationed at Wellington, Johnsonville, Lower Hutt, Masterton, and Patea, and on leaving the latter place (where he was Public Trust Agent, Clerk to the Court for Patea and Waverley, and representative of Labour and other departments), he was the recipient of two illuminated addresses, accompanied by a purse of sovereigns from the public and some valuable jewellery from the local magistracy. He retired from the force with the rank of first-class constable. Mr. Harnett is married and has six children.
—formed and accepted in January, 1877, under Captain Snelson—volunteered for service at the time of the Parihaka disturbance, and were led to the scene by Sergeant J. Carroll, who became captain of the troop in 1884. Captain J. E. Hall, the present commander, who succeeded to the position in 1891, joined the Wanganui Cadets under Major Neill in 1876. He was transferred to the Wanganui Naval Brigade in 1882, and six years later became sub-lieutenant in the Palmerston North Rifles. The badge of the company is Lord Palmerston's—a rampant hound, with the motto Frangi Non Flecti.
(Percy A. Herman, proprietor), The Square, Palmerston North. This hotel—a wooden building containing forty rooms—is one of the best hostelries in the North Island. Since it was taken over by the present proprietor many improvements have been made, and it is now replete with almost every modern convenience—electric bells, the most approved fire-escapes, hot, cold, shower, and plunge baths, with well-fitted lavatories. The various drawing, reading, sitting, and commercial-rooms are nicely furnished, and the walls hung with valuable oil-paintings and otherwise appropriately adorned, suitable apartments being provided for bridal parties and ladies. The house is the appointed headquarters in Palmerston for the New Zealand Cyclists' Touring Club, and various cricket, polo, and football clubs. The meetings of the Trotting Association are also held at the hotel. Tourists and commercial travellers find there the mostsuperior accommodation and the best attention. The cuisine is in charge of a first-class French cook, there is a very efficient staff of waiters, porters, and house-attendants, and all the comforts
, Storekeeper, Ashurst. Mr. Nelson has had considerable hotel experience in different parts of the Colony. The “Commercial,” Ashurst, was built by him a few years ago, and sold some eighteen months later. He is a native of Schleswig-Holstein, and left his native land when a lad of fourteen for a seafaring life in the Baltic. In this position he saw a good deal of the Crimean war, and traded with the French and English soldiers, both of the army and navy. He then became a sealer, and was in that capacity as far north as Greenland, where he had most exciting experiences. For about four months he was so far north as to lose sight of the sun for only a few minutes each day. From that cold region he went by way of Copenhagen to Batavia, in Java, where he remained for a short time. In 1857 Mr. Nelson found himself in Victoria, and went digging in the north of that colony, where he remained until 1861, when he joined the Gabriel's Gully rush. After a time he returned to Dunedin, and, finding that fruit and vegetables were in such demand that the prices were ridiculously high, he established himself as a fruiterer, greengrocer, and provision dealer. By visiting the cultivators of the district he was fortunate in securing whole gardens of vegetables at low rates, and, pouring them into the Dunedin market, he there disposed of them at almost fabulous prices. It was no uncommon thing for him to get three shillings for a cabbage and half-a-crown for a pound of onions. At one venture he bought a two-acre field of turnips for £20 and disposed of the crop retail for fully ten times that sum. After this he was engaged in mining on the Hokitika diggings. There are few colonists who have had a more varied career than the subject of this sketch.
M.A., Farmer, Feilding. This gentleman, who is a resident of Greymouth, where he holds the office of inspector of schools, is interested with his father-in-law —Dr. Monckton—in a farm of 470 acres in the Feilding District. Mr. Fetch was born in 1860 in Buckinghamshire, and was educated at Abbingdon House School, Northamptonshire, and at Cavendish College, Cambridge, gaining his B.A. degree in January, 1881, and his M. A. three years later. During his career at Cambridge he was an ardent supporter of athletics, always took a seat in the “varsity” boat, and was a member of the first eleven at cricket. Arriving in Dunedin in 1886 per s.s. “Rimutaka,” intent on farming, he came to Feilding and joined Dr. Monckton in pastoral pursuits. When a vacancy occurred through the death of a previous inspector, Mr. Fetch was temporarily engaged by the Greymouth Education Board, and on the completion of the examinations he was permanently appointed to the office.
, Settler, Feilding. This lady is well known as the late proprietress of the Empire Hotel, near the railway station at Feilding. She has had considerable experience in hotel management, and for upwards of seven years presided as hostess of the “Empire.” Mrs. Oliver hails from Leamington, England, where she was born. She became a colonist of New Zealand in 1873, having arrived per ship “Duke of Edinburgh” during that year.
Sheepfarmer, Mangahoe, Hunterville. A native of Argyllshire, Scotland, Mr. Cameron landed in Wellington on the last day of 1840, under the care of his parents, from the ship “Blenheim.” His ancestors as far back as 1745 were prominent soldiers, and many of them fell at the post of duty in various battles. In his early days Mr. Cameron was engaged in pastoral pursuits: subsequently he became a contractor for the supply of stores to the troops, and the proprietor of a canteen. Afterwards he embarked in shipbuilding, and at a later period he settled at Turakina as a general contractor, also engaging in the cattle trade. Mr. Cameron has had an extensive experience in the Colony as a proprietor of public houses, and also as a speculator in land, in which he was successful. At the time of writing he holds about 3400 acres, which carry over 6000 sheep. During the Maori war he served with his fellow-settlers in protecting the young colony from outrage and disorder. Mr. Cameron married Miss Laird, of Wanganui, and has four sons and four daughters.
Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Hairdressing and Billiard Saloon. Ohingaiti. Mr. Duley, who was formerly in business in Ashurst, takes a leading position in his line in this township. His shop is fairly large and most centrally situated, and his hairdressing saloon is fairly with all necessary appliances, including, of course, the latest machine-clippers. The billiard saloon is fitted with one of Alcock's tables, and all appointments. It is a good table and carefully kept, and the young men of the district find it a convenience to have the use of a good billiard-table, free from all the customary allurements of the saloons of the older towns.
Illustrations of the Athletic, Poneke, and Wellington Football Clubs, and of the Wellington Cycling Club, appearing on pages 425, 426, 427, and 429, were presented by Mr. R. P. Hood, the Hon. J. Carroll, and Messrs. N. W. Werry and W. F. Christie, respectively, and should have been acknowledged accordingly.
991.—Schou, C. The surname is misspelt with a terminal
1097.—Family Hotel. Read Mr. McDermott's initials G. E., vice J. E.
1002.—Pelling, F. D. The initials F. L., under the engraving, are incorrect.
1105.—Bevan, T. The date of birth should be 1836, not 1840.
1127.—Rowland D. This notice should have appeared as at Jackeytown, Longburn, instead of at Oroua Downs.
1154.—Feasey, R. Read, sailed from Chatham to Portsmouth in H.M.S. “Dragon,” joining “Iris” as one of the smith's crew, and sailed for Australian station.
1175.—Edwards, R. After Mayoral Chair, in line 9, it should have been stated that Mr. Edwards claims to have left the finances of the Borough in a satisfactory condition, at the conclusion of his term of office.
1176.—Wylde, H. J. The Institute of Civil Engineers mentioned in the last three lines is in London, and Sir C. D. Fox should not have been represented as being well known in the colonies.
1201.—Waldegrave, H. E. The engraving of this gentleman has his father's initials.
1247.—Taylor, T. R. This gentleman is wrongly stated as having been engaged in business as a general storekeeper, read in the cattle trade in lieu thereof, and for Verry, in the last line, Perry.
1261.—Murray, J. H. Delete the reference to the secretaryship of President Garfield Lodge, Wanganui. And it is some years since Mr. Murray ceased his membership in the Hunt Club.
1295.—Stokes' Hall is wrongly given as at Mangaweka. It should have been included under Ohingaiti.
1301.—Batley, R. T. The second Christian name should be spelled Thompson.
1325.—Snellgrove, W. R. The date of birth is wrongly stated to be 1858, read 1851.
1330.—Galpin, W. T. The engraving should have these initials instead of the latter only.
1373.—Gower, H. C. This gentleman's mother is wrongly stated as being deceased, Mrs. Gower being alive at the time of writing.