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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Mr. Alfred Spry Andrewes

Mr. Alfred Spry Andrewes, Proprietor of the Opononi Hotel and Sanatorium, was born in London in 1852, and is a son of the late Mr. Thomas Andrewes, barrister, of Lincoln's Inn. He received his education in London and came out to Auckland per ship “Queen Bee” in 1869, where he shortly afterwards entered upon a mercantile life. After twelve months' residence in Auckland, Mr. Andrewes went to Dargaville, and was an employee of the late Mr. J. M. Dargaville at the same time as the Hon. E. Mitchelson, late Minister of Public Works. A year later he proceeded to Hokianga and started business at the age of nineteen on his own account at the Hokianga Heads, and two years subsequently admitted Mr. A. C. Yarborough into partnership under the style of Andrewes and Yarborough. The business of the firm grew into a very extensive one with several branches. In 1874 page 616 it took over the business of Mr. John Webster at Kohukohu, where it established its head-quarters. Messrs. Andrewes and Yarborough also erected hotels at Kohukohu, Rawene, Omapere, and Horeke. The firm successfully carried on the Kohukohu sawmills and practically built the township. It was succeeded by the Kauri Timber Company in 1891, at which date the firm dissolved partnership, and brought to a close the largest trading concern in Hokianga County. Mr. Andrewes then began afresh as auctioneer, land agent, and Government valuer, and in 1894 took over the Opononi hotel and store, in conjunction with his land agency and general business. In local politics he has been a member of Hokianga County Council for many years and for a period chairman, and he generally interests himself in all matters tending to advance the locality.

Mr. A. S. Andrews.

Mr. A. S. Andrews.