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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Taranaki, Hawke's Bay & Wellington Provincial Districts]

Waitara

Waitara.

Waitara is a small seaport town about eleven miles to the north of New Plymouth, and three miles from Sentry Hill, where the Waitara branch railway joins the main line. The township is a little to the east of north from Taranaki's great landmark, Mount Egmont, and the local railway station stands at an altitude of fourteen feet above sea level. Waitara is historically remarkable for being the site of W1 Kingi's pa, and the spot where the purchase of 600 acres of land made from Teira led to the protracted and costly war in Taranaki. The district is wonderfully rich in grazing land, and cattle are exported in large numbers, both live and frozen. The port of Waitara is at the mouth of the Waitara river; there is regular steam communication with various New Zealand ports, and the harbour is under the control of a Board. The settlement is in the Waitara survey district of the Taranaki land district, and in the Waitara riding of the county of Taranaki. The principal local industry consists in freezing works, which are very extensive, and give employment to a large number of men; and there are brick works and a fellmongery. The noteworthy buildings include the Bank of New Zealand, three hotels, two churches, a public school, the post office, etc. Waitara was constituted a borough in 1904, and clergymen of the Anglican and Methodist bodies have their homes in the town. There is a police station, with a resident constable, who also acts as Clerk of the Court, of which monthly sittings are held by the Stipendiary Magistrate stationed at New Plymouth. The town will (July, 1906) ere long be lighted by electricity, produced by a suction gas plant and engine; and the promoters of the scheme claimed that they would thus produce the light cheaper than by water power. The scheme was undertaken by private enterprise, and the cost of installation was estimated to be about £2500.

The Waitara Borough Council dates from September, 1904, previous to which the local body was the Raleigh Town Board. The borough comprises an area of 2080 acres, the rateable value of which is £130,287. page 133
Murgatroyd, photo.Waitara.

Murgatroyd, photo.
Waitara.

On this a general rate of ¾d in the pound is levied, and a library rate of ⅛d. There are no loans, and the annual revenue is about £1400. Electric light has been installed in Waitara. The Council Chambers stand in Queen Street, and the Public Library is adjacent. Members of the Council in 1908: Messrs T. S. Drynan (Mayor), A. Klenner, J. Lindsay, E. A. Dugdale, G. V. Tate, A. Tatton, W. R. Wilson, and F. J. Brabant. Mr. T. Buchanan is Town Clerk, Treasurer and Collector.
Councillor Einnim Ashburnham Dugdale was elected to the Waitara Borough Council in April, 1905. He was born in the year 1856, at Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia, where he was educated and brought up to farming. His father, Captain Dugdale, of the ship “Duke of Bedford,” surveyed Sandridge, Melbourne, in the year 1852, and took his ship in and worked her there, against the
Collis, photo.Councillor E. A. Dugdale.

Collis, photo.
Councillor E. A. Dugdale.

pilot's orders. It was he who thus opened Port Melbourne, which has long received all the largest vessels that trade to Australasia. In 1874 Mr. Dugdale came to New Zealand, and was for some time engaged in farming at Otueoro. Mr. Dugdale then went to sea. and made four trips to England. Later, he again settled in New Zealand, and started in business as a shipwright, boat builder, and carpenter in Waitara. After a period spent in marine surveys with Mr. Perham, he acquired a small coasting craft, the “Nora Bradshaw,” trading to Mokau, Awakino and Tongaporutu. This vessel he owned and commanded up to the year 1903. Mr. Dugdale holds the medal and certificate of the Royal Humane Society of Australasia for saving the life of a man at the mouth of the Mokau river. He is a member of the Waitara Harbour Board, and of the Library and Recreation Ground Committee; was for some time a member page 134 of the Waitara school committee: was captain, instructor, and trainer of the Clifton Rowing Club, and one of the successful coxswains of their champion whaleboat crews; competed with success in all obstacle swimming races; was for some time a vestryman in the Anglican church; and has gone through the chairs in Lodge Loyal Waitara, Manchester Unity, Independent Order of Oddfellows. Mr. Dugdale was also one of the New Zealand Shipping Company's volunteer boat's crew that left Wellington by the “Hinmoa,” to take passengers from the wreck of the “City of Auckland,” on Otaki beach.
Councillor Aloys Klenner was one of the first members of the Waitara Borough Council. He was born in the year 1866, in Vienna,
Councillor A. Klenner.

Councillor A. Klenner.

where he was educated and brought up to the butchering trade. In 1885 he came to New Zealand, and settled at Lepperton, where he took up farming. In 1890 he went to Melbourne, Australia, where he remained until 1893. He then returned to New Zealand, and started in business on his own account on the West Quay, Waitara. Mr. Klenner has been a member of the Waitara school committee since 1899, is a member of Court Raleigh, Ancient Order of Foresters, and has twice gone through the chairs. He was for three years a member of the Regatta Committee, is a member of the committees of the Clifton Football Club, the Caledonian Society, the Waitara Band and the Waitara Rowing Club, and is a sergeant of the Waitara Rifle Volunteers. Mr. Klenner is married, and has five children. He is further referred to as a butcher in Waitara.
Councillor Arthur George Tatton was one of the first members of the Waitara Borough Council. He was born in the year 1870, in New Plymouth, where he was educated, and was for four years employed at coopering. At eighteen years of age he entered the Waitara Freezing
Councillor A. G. Tatton.

Councillor A. G. Tatton.

Works, and in 1902 was appointed fourth engineer. He has been a member and captain of the Waitara Rowing Club for several years, and has always taken a keen interest in football. Mr. Tatton is a widower, and has two sons.

Mr. Thomas Buchanan, Town Clerk of the Borough of Waitara, was born in Christchurch. After various experiences in newspaper work and commission agency, he became clerk of the Raleigh Town Board in 1898, and on the constitution of the borough, was appointed to his present position. Mr. Buchanan also acts as Registrar of Electors and Returning Officer for the Egmont electorate.

Mr. Thomas Elliot, who was a member of the Raleigh Town Board for many years, is a son of the late Mr. Peter Elliot, one of the early Taranaki settlers. He was born in Taranaki, and served through the Maori war with the volunteers, and was several times under fire. At the conclusion of hostilities, he was for some time on his father's farm, and afterwards purchased 250 acres of land at Waitara, where he commenced farming on his own account. In 1875 he entered into partnership with Mr. James Bayley, and successfully carried on business as a cattle grazier and dealer. The firm's run at Awakino consists of 9000 acres, and is stocked with about 5000 sheep and 700 head of cattle. They also have a property of 270 acres at Mokau, and a farm at Waitara containing 128 acres; all well stocked. Mr. Elliot was one of the first settlers in Waitara, and is active in public matters. He has been a member of the Waitara Harbour Board, and of the Clifton County Council. He has represented the district on the Taranaki Hospital and Charitable Aid Board, and for several years was on the local school committee. He is a member of the Order of Oddfellows. Mr. Elliot is married, and has children.

Mr. Burton Charles Lawrence, who was a member of the Raleigh Town Board, is a son of the late Mr. B. C. Lawrence. He was born in London, England, in the year 1851, and came to New Zealand with his parents in 1853, in the ship “Joseph Fletcher.” He was educated in New Plymouth, and learned the trade of a baker. Subsequently, in conjunction with his brother, he took over his father's business. Mr. Lawrence has been a member of the Waitara school committee, and a trustee of the Wesleyan church.

page 135
Mr. B. C. Lawrence's Premises.

Mr. B. C. Lawrence's Premises.

The Waitara Harbour Board is an old constituted body, but has no rating power. A fair amount of trade is done, chiefly by small coastal steamers, some of which are locally owned. Large ocean liners, however, anchor off the mouth of the Waitara river, and are loaded with produce from the Waitara Freezing Works, by tenders. The office and sheds of the board are situated on West Quay, Waitara. Of the seven members of the Board, three are nominated by the Government, two are elected by the Waitara Borough Council, and the Mayor of Waitara and chairman of the Clifton County Council are both, ex-officio, members. Members, in 1906: Messrs H. H. Stubbs (chairman) W. T. Jennings, M.H.R., H. Chappell (Government nominees): J. Lindsay and E. A. Dugdale (Waitara borough representatives); J. W. Foreman (chairman Clifton County Council); T. S. Drynan (Mayor of Waitara).

Mr. George Herbert Stubbs, J.P., was appointed Chairman of the Waitara Harbour Board in the year 1905, and re-elected in 1906. He was born in the year 1874, at Redhill, Surrey, England, where he was educated, and brought up to commercial life; and in 1892 he came to New Zealand and settled in Taranaki. Mr. Stubbs became interested in the Mokau coal mines, and about 1898 acquired the Mangapapa mines. In 1899 he was elected a member of the Waitara Harbour Board, as Government nominee. He is also a member of the Egmont Licensing Committee. He was made a Justice of the Peace in 1899. Mr. Stubbs is married, and is further referred to as a coal merchant and coal mine owner.

Collis, photo.Mr. G. H. Stubbs.

Collis, photo.
Mr. G. H. Stubbs.

Mr. John Cameron, J.P. Secretary of the Harbour Board, Harbourmaster, Pilot, Wharfinger and Custom House Officer at Waitara, was born in Glasgow, Scotland. He was educated in his native town and in Lancashire; then went to sea and traded to the Crimea during the Crimean war. In the year 1857 he went to India and joined the Honourable East India Company's Navy, in which he volunteered for shore service; and for a considerable time he served in various parts of Bengal during the Mutiny; he was also for some time at the Andaman Islands. At the expiration of his term of service Mr. Cameron went to Australia, and came to New Zealand in 1861. During the Tarauaki war he was engaged in harbour service under the old Provincial Government, for which he landed stores, etc., at New Plymouth, and up and down the coast. In 1871 he received the appointment of harbour master and pilot, and was Customs officer at Waitara for many years until the railway was opened. He also held the position of postmaster. Mr. Cameron is held in high esteem throughout the community.
Mr. Arthur [unclear: W]Ogle, J.P., who was a member of the Waitara Harbour Board for several years, was first nominated by the Government in the year 1893. He was born in Lancashire, England, where he was educated, and was afterwards apprenticed to Dr. Scowcroft, surgeon, of Bolton, with whom he remained four years. Mr. Ogle [gap — reason: illegible] to New Zealand in the ship “[gap — reason: illegible] Lassie,” in 1879, landed in [gap — reason: illegible] and shortly afterwards [gap — reason: illegible] business at the North Sho[gap — reason: illegible] chemist. He then removed to New Plymouth as manager for Mr. J. Williamson, chemist, in 1881, and opened his present business at Waitara two page 136
Waitara Breakwater, South Side Of River.F. W. Furkert, photo.

Waitara Breakwater, South Side Of River.
F. W. Furkert, photo.

years later. Mr. Ogle is owner and manager of the s.s. “Manakau” trading to Mokau, and in public matters has worked hard for the welfare of the district.

The Clifton County has an area of 1518 square miles. In the year 1906 the capital value of all rateable property in the district was £794,235, and the county revenue amounted to £4,429. Meetings of the Council are held at the council chambers in Waitara, on the first Friday in each month. Members in 1906: Messrs J. W. Foreman (chairman), F. McKenzie, W. A. Wright, C. O'sullivan, H. T. Joll, C. Gaustad and T. E. Bishell. Mr. H. E. Vaughan is County Clerk, and Mr. C. H. Dowsett, County Engineer.

Mr. John White Foreman, Chairman of the Clifton County Council, was born in New Plymouth, in 1846. His parents were among the pioneers of the province, and he was brought up to farm life. During the Maori war, he joined No. 2 Company of the Taranaki Volunteers and saw a good deal of active service, including the fights at Manutahi and Kaitake. On the conclusion of the war, Mr. Foreman received a Government grant of land at Tikorangi, on which he settled. His farm at Tikorangi consists of about 300 acres of fertile soil; it yields good crops, and he depastures a large number of cows, the milk of which he sends to the local dairy factory. Mr. Foreman has a bush property of about 700 acres further up the country, which is worked by his sons. In public life he has taken a fairly active part for many years, and has been connected with the Waitara East and Tikorangi Road Boards and school committee. He has been chairman of directors of the Tikorangi Cooperative Dairy Factory Company, a flourishing local institution. In 1906 he was re-elected chairman of the North Island Branch of the National Dairy Association. He is married, and has eleven children.
Mr. Robert Henry Pigott, formerly Chairman of the Clifton County Council, was born at Gibraltar, in the year 1866, and is the son of a noncommissioned officer of the 15th Regiment. He was educated in England and India, and came to New Zealand in 1877, by the Peninsula and Oriental line. He subsequently acquired a farm at Urenui. Mr. Pigott has been chairman of the Clifton Domain Board, a member of the Waitara Harbour Board, and a trustee of several other institutions.

Mr. Frederick Furze, formerly Clerk and Treasurer to the Clifton County Council, was born in London, England, in the year 1855, and is a son of Mr. John Noakes Furze, a Whitechapel brewer. He was educated at Broadstaff, Brighton, and Hursly Point, and was engaged in commercial life in London for several years. At eighteen years of age he came to New Zealand in the ship “Lactura,” and for eight years was a shipping clerk at Lyttelton. He was next a schoolmaster at Urenui for about two years, and in 1894 was appointed clerk and treasurer of the Clifton County Council. He has a comfortable farm situated in the Tikorangi district, and does a good deal in stock-dealing and commission agency business. As county clerk Mr. Furze was energetic and courteous, and took an active interest in all matters conducive to the welfare of the district.

The Waitara Post Office stands at the corner of Queen and Whitaker Streets, and contains a public page 137 office, a store, a mail room, an operating room, and the postmaster's room. All the usual postal and telegraph facilities are afforded, and the officer in charge is assisted by an operator, a letter carrier, and two messengers.

Mr. Henry Ernest Gilbert, Postmaster at Waitara, also acts as Registrar of Births, Deaths, and Marriages. He was born at Omata in 1855, has served about thirty-three years, and was appointed to Waitara in November, 1903.

The Waitara Police Station is an old building, and contains an office and two cells. There is also a residence for the constable. Sittings of the Court are held monthly by the Stipendiary Magistrate from New Plymouth, and by the local Justices of the Peace at other times.

Mr. Thomas Henry Price, Constable in Charge of the Waitara Police Station and Clerk of Court, Bailiff, Inspector of Factories, etc., was born in the year 1867, in London, England, where he was educated, and came to New Zealand with the household of Lord Glasgow in 1891. About 1892 he joined the Permanent Artillery, and in 1894 was drafted to the Police Force, and received his training in Wellington. For six years Mr. Price served in Blenheim as mounted constable and was afterwards for three years constable in charge of Havelock. In February, 1905, he was appointed to Waitara, after being nine months in charge at Moawhango. As a Freemason, he was Junior Warden in Lodge No. 106, Unanimity, Blenheim. Mr. Price is married, and has three children.

Taylor, Herbert, Veterinary Surgeon, Waitara. Mr. Taylor was born at Ecclestow, near St. Helen's, Lancashire, England, in the year 1866, and was educated at the Shrewsbury College. He subsequently studied veterinary surgery, went to South Africa, and from 1891 to 1893 practised in Johannesburg. Mr. Taylor then came to New Zealand, and in 1896 settled in the Marlborough district, where he took up a small grazing run in the Pelorus Sound. He remained there for about eight years, practising his profession most of the time, and in 1904 removed to Waitara. Mr. Taylor is married.

Collis, photo.Mr. H. Taylor.

Collis, photo.
Mr. H. Taylor.

The Waitara Public School Contains Three Class Rooms, and Is Well Equipped In Every Respect. The Play-Ground Has An Asphalt Cricket Pitch, and Is Surrounded By A Ring Of Sheltering Trees. A Seven-Roomed Residence For The Teacher Adjoins The School. There Are 220 Names On The Roll, and The Average Attendance Is 187. The Headmaster, Mr. Samuel Wylie, Is Supported By Two Assistants, and Two Pupil Teachers. He Holds A D certificate.

The Waitara Parish Of The Anglican Church extends from New Plymouth to Inglewood, and stretches from Waitara, its centre, to a point four miles north of the settlement of Urenui. St. John Baptist church in Waitara has accommodation for 225 persons, and services are held four times every Sunday. There is a parish hall, and the vicar occupies a ten-roomed residence about three-quarters of a mile from the church. There are churches at Lepperton, Tikorangi, and Urenui. The vicar is assisted by seven lay readers in various parts of the district.

The Rev. William George Dent has been Vicar of Waitara since 1902. He is a native of London, England. Mr. Dent, landed in Wellington in 1891, and was vicar of Paparoa for some time before his appointment to Waitara.

The Waitara Circuit Of The Methodist Church Of Australasia embraces Inglewood, Midhurst, Uruti, and other settlements between these places and Waitara. Waitara church will accommodate 200 persons, and other churches are located in various parts of the circuit. The local church stands on four acres of land, and there is a parsonage with seven rooms.

The Rev. John Jeffree Pendray, Minister in charge of the Waitara circuit, was born in Cornwall, England, in 1845. After studying for the ministry, he came to New Zealand in 1870, and had circuits in various parts of the colony, before he was stationed at Waitara.

The Waitara Institute and Library ; Mr. H. Spurdle, Secretary and Librarian.

Mr. Henry Spurdle, Secretary and Librarian of the Waitara Institute and Library, was born in Waitara, and is the son of Mr. O. C. Spurdle, a well known settler. He was educated in Waitara, and afterwards entered the Post and Telegraph service, but finding too much indoor work unsuitable, he decided to learn the wheelwrights' trade and was with his father and brothers for some years. Mr. Spurdle then managed Mr. J. R. Clarke's wheelwright works for some time, and subsequently entered the employment of Mr. G. Pearce. In all sporting and athletic matters Mr. Spurdle takes a lively interest, and renders valuable assistance in promoting the success of local pastimes. He is secretary of the Waitara Jockey Club, the Clifton Rowing Club, the Waitara Football and Athletic Club, and the Taranaki Annual Regatta Club.

The Waitara Municipal Brass Band was established many years ago. The instruments and properties are vested in the Borough Council, and concerts are given periodically. Officers for the year 1906: Mr. H. Spurdle, secretary; Mr. George William Hughes, bandmaster; and Mr. C. Sampson, sergeant.

Mr. George William Hughes was appointed Bandmaster of the Waitara Municipal Brass Band in the year 1904. He was born in 1877, in New Plymouth, where he was educated and learned his trade. He then went to Stratford, where he remained for seven years with one firm, and afterwards removed to Hawera, where he was foreman for J. P. Keen and Company for three years and a-half. In March, 1904, he returned to Waitara and started business on his own account. Mr. Hughes' father was for many years bandmaster at Stratford, and on his resignation was succeeded by his son. Subsequently, for three years, Mr. Hughes was deputy bandmaster at Hawera. He holds various medals and trophies gained in connection with music. Mr. Hughes is choirmaster of the Waitara Anglican church, and is a member of Court Stratford. Ancient Order of Foresters, in connection with which he has been through all the chairs. He is married, and has two children. Mr. Hughes is further referred to as a baker in Whitaker Street, Waitara.

The Waitara Evening Mail and Clifton County Chronicle was established in the year 1898 by page 138 Mr. J. H. Clayton, and taken over by Messrs Nosworthy Brothers shortly afterwards. It is a double-demy four-page tri-weekly, published on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It has a wide circulation over northern Taranaki, and is a good advertising medium for that district. The paper is independent in politics. The offices are situated in West Quay, and there is a complete jobbing plant. The staff includes five—the editor and four other persons.

Mr. William Henry Nosworthy, Senior Partner in the firm of Messrs Nosworthy Brothers, is editor and business manager of the Waitara Evening Mail and Clifton County Chronicle. Mr. Nosworthy was born in the year 1869, in Blenheim, where he was educated, and was in a bank for five years. He was then for three years on the staff of the Marlborough Daily Times, and afterwards entered the service of Mr. J. H. Clayton, a well known journalist, first in the commercial department, later as a reporter, and finally as sub-editor. In 1895 Mr. Nosworthy became editor of the Thames Advertiser, and held the position for two years, and, in conjunction with his brother, he took over the Waitara Evening Mail in 1898. Mr. Nosworthy is a member of various athletic clubs, and takes a general interest in the progress of the district. He is married.

Mr. George Ernest Nosworty. Junior Partner in the firm of Messrs Nosworthy Brothers, is in charge of the composing room and mechanical department. He was born in the year 1875, in Blenheim, where he was educated, and served an apprenticeship of five years to printing on the Marlborough Daily Times. On leaving that paper in 1895, he went to the Thames district, where he was on the staff of the Thames Star. After a short period spent in Wanganui, he joined his brother in taking over the Waitara Evening Mail. Mr. Nosworthy is married.

Townsend, Cecil Moore, B.A., L.L.B., Barrister and Solicitor, Waitara. Mr. Townsend was educated at Timaru Main School and Timaru High School, and after spending some years in the service of the Railway Department he became a student at Canterbury College. Subsequently, he joined the staff of Mr. J. B. Roy, and then that of Messrs Govett and Quilliam, both firms of solicitors practising in New Plymouth. Having spent five years in acquiring a practical knowledge of his profession, he was admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of New Zealand by Chief Justice Sir Robert Stout, in the early part of the year 1906; and immediately afterwards he entered on the practice of his profession, at Waitara.

The Bank Of New Zealand has been represented at Waitara since the 12th of September, 1876, when the branch was opened for business. The premises are situated in Queen Street, and consist of a one-storied wood and iron building, which was erected in 1877, and has since been enlarged. It contains a banking chamber, a manager's room, and a residence. The staff consists of a manager and two officers. The branch is the most northerly in Taranaki.

Mr. Robert James Matthews has been Manager of the Bank of New Zealand at Waitara since the opening of the branch in 1876. He is the sixth son of the late Dr. Matthews, and was born in Auckland on the 3rd of August, 1851. Mr Matthews was educated in Auckland and Invercargill, and joined the bank in Auckland on the 1st of February, 1869. He was transferred to Wellington in 1872, and in the following year to New Plymouth as teller; a position which he held until he was appointed to Waitara. Mr. Matthews married a daughter of Mr. Marshall, of New Plymouth, in the year 1878, and has six sons and three daughters.

Wilson, John, General, Land, House and Commission Agent, McLean Street, Waitara. Private residence, Queen Street. Agent for the Temperance and General Life Insurance Association. Mr. Wilson was born in the year 1844, at Berwick-on-Tweed. Scotland, where he was educated. He afterwards entered the ironmongery business of his father and grandfather—a very old established business—and remained in it for eight years. In 1871 he came to New Zealand, and entered the service of a wholesale general merchant in Wanganui. Later, in conjunction with Mr. Burns, he started on his own account as an auctioneer and general produce merchant. Five years later the partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Wilson carried it on alone for about four years. He then removed to Taranaki, in order to manage the Waitara branch of the Taranaki Farmers' Co-operative Association, and established his present business in the year 1900. Mr Wilson was for some years a member of the Waitara school committee, and for a time secretary of the Anglican church. He is married, and has nine children.

Mr. J. Wilson. Collis, photo.

Mr. J. Wilson. Collis, photo.

Walker, John Henry, Licensed Interpreter, Waitara. Mr Walker was born in Lincolnshire. England, in the year 1843. He was eduacted a the Blue Coat School, Spalding, and was brought up to the trade of a bootmaker. In the year 1860, he came to New Zealand, and three years later returned to England. He came back to the colony in 1865, and during the Maori war served with the colonial forces throughout the Taranaki campaign under Colonel Me Donnell. Mr. Walker was geverals wounded at Te Ngutu-o-te-Man, but subsequently rejoined his corps, and served till its disbandment. Mr. Walker then carried on farming at the Hutt Valley, and, later on, was farming and horsebreaking at Waikanae. He was afterwards in business as a bootmaker for some years. Mr. Walker learned the Maori language, in the early days, and first acted as an interpreter in the year 1869. In 1899 he gave up his trade, and settled in Taranaki as a Licensed Native Interpreter. Mr. Walker is a widower, and has three sons and ten daughters.

Hughes, George William, Baker and Confectioner, Whitaker Street, Waitara. This business was established in the year 1994. Orders are promptly attended to, and goods are delivered throughout the district. Mr. Hughes is further referred to as bandmaster of the Waitara Municipal Brass Band.

Pearce, George, Coachbuilder, Waitara. Mr. Pearce was born in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, England, where he was educated. He afterwards learned the coachbuilding trade at Cardiff, Wales, where he remained six page 139 years. In 1875 he came to New Zealand by the ship “Mataura,” and after a short stay at Nelson proceeded to Taranaki, where he commenced business in Waitara as a coachbuilder. Mr. Pearce has been chairman of the Waitara Harbour Board; was for several years connected with the Town Board, of which he was chairman; was a member of the school committee for eighteen years, and for several years its chairman. As a Freemason, Mr. Pearce is a member of Lodge Sir Donald McLean, and has held various offices. He has taken a great interest in the affairs of the Wesleyan church for over thirty years, and has held office as circuit steward. Mr. Pearce is married, and has four sons and three daughters.

Mr. G. Pearce.

Mr. G. Pearce.

Lonergan, William, Tailor, MeLean Street, Waitara, and Jackson Street, Petone. This business was established in January, 1904, by Mr. Lonergan. It is one of the largest in Taranaki, and ten persons are employed in the Waitara establishment. Mr. Lonergan was born in the year 1863, in Auckland, where he was educated and learned his trade. He then went to Australia, and worked successively with Schofield and Coultas, in Melbourne, and Holle, Limited, Sydney, and was manager of the woollen department and cutter to Overell and Sons, of Brisbane. For some time subsequently Mr. Lonergan was manager and cutter for J. A. Clark, of Too-woomba, and, later, was manager and cutter for the L.X.L. Company, Bingara, New South Wales. He accompanied the First New Zealand Contingent to South Africa as master tailor. On his return to Australia he was employed by Mr. Hayward, the well known ladies' tailor in Sydney. He then came to New Zealand, and settled in Waitara in 1904. Mr. Lonergan is a steward of the Waihi Jockey Club, and vice-president of the Caledonian Society, and of the Waitara Rowing Club, etc. He has competed with success at pedestrian events. Mr. Lonergan is married, and has one daughter.

Newbery, William Field, Tailor and General Outfitter, McLean Street, Waitara. This business was established in the year 1893, by Mr. W. F, Newbery, who carries on a considerable trade in his commodious premises. There is a boot, shoe, and saddlery department, which is under the management of a son-in-law of the proprietor. Six persons are employed. Mr. Newbery was born in the year 1843, at Thorncombe, Dorsetshire, England, where he was educated and learned the tailoring trade. Subsequently, he was in business on his own account for six years in Richmond, London. He came to New Zealand in 1874, and conducted a large business in Timaru for five years. Mr. Newbery then went to Auckland, where he was for many years manager for other firms. Later on, he was for a time manager for Blyth and Co., Napier, and in 1893 settled at Waitara, where he established his present business. Mr. Newbery was for about six years chairman of the Waitara school committee, was vicar's warden and churchwarden in St. John's Anglican church, and had charge of the church at a time when there was no resident clergyman. He was also chairman of directors of the Waitara Road Dairy Company, Limited, and is a member of the Waitara Harbour Board, and of the Harbour Board Works Committee. He was elected Mayor of Waitara in April, 1905, and held office for a year. Mr. Newbery takes a keen interest in all matters connected with the progress of the district. He joined the Caledonian Masonic Lodge in Timaru in 1879, and, later on, Lodge St. George, Dargaville. Mr. Newbery is married, and has two daughters, both of whom are married.

Mr. W. F. Newberry. Murgatroyed, photo

Mr. W. F. Newberry. Murgatroyed, photo

Stubbs, George Herbert, Coal Merchant, and Colliery Proprietor, Waitara. Mr. Stubbs carries an a successful business as a coal merchant, and handles a large quantity of coal from his own mines, as well as acting as a general agent for coal. He acquired the Mangapapa coal mines, situated on the Mokau river, some years ago. These mines are an increasingly valuable property, and contain an almost inexhaustible supply of coal. Mr. Stubbs is further referred to as chairman of the Waitara Harbour Board.

Dugdale, Cara Pacey, Cabinetmaker and Piano Agent, West Quay, Waitara. This business was established by Mr. Dugdale, in October, 1905, and is conducted in a commodious shop on West Quay. There is also a large workshop, in which all general page 140 lines of furniture are made. Two persons are employed. Mr. Dugdale was born at sea between Australia and New Zealand in the year 1875. In 1888 he took a trip to England, and returned to New Zealand in 1892. He then went to Taranaki, and settled in Waitara. Mr. Dugdale is a member of the Clifton Rowing Club, and was a member of the Waitara Rifle Volunteers. He also takes a keen interest in Association football. He married a daughter of Mr. J. Wilson, land agent, of Waitara, and has one child.

Interior Of Engine Room, Waitara Freezing Works. Murgatroyd, photo.

Interior Of Engine Room, Waitara Freezing Works. Murgatroyd, photo.

Masonic Hotel (John Andrew Smyth, proprietor), McLean Street, Waitara. This hotel has been established for many years, and was acquired by the present proprietor in the year 1901. It is a two-storied building, and contains twenty-six rooms, including three sitting rooms, and a billiars room. The best brands of liquors are kept, and there is a good table and accommodation.

Mr. John Andrew Smyth, Proprietor of the Masonic Hotel, was born in New York, United States of America, in the year 1869. He was educated in Ireland, and after some general experience came to New Zealand in 1888. For ten years he was in various Government offices, including the Audit Department. He subsequently took up hotelkeeping, and in 1901 took over the Masonic Hotel. Mr. Smyth is vice-president and chairman of the committee of the Caledonian Society, president of the Waitara Football Club, a steward of the Waitara Racing Club, and, as a Freemason, is a member of Lodge Ngamotu, New Zealand Constitution, No. 48, and also Companion of the Royal Arch. Mr. Smyth is married.

Mr. J. A. Smyth. Collis, photo.

Mr. J. A. Smyth. Collis, photo.

Klenner, Aloys, Butcher, McLean Street, Waitara. Private residence, Grey Street. This business has been established for some years, and is conducted in commodious premises. Three persons are employed, and delivery is made throughout the district. Mr. Klenner also holds a farm of 100 acres. He is further referred to as a member of the Waitara Borough Council.

The Waitara Freezing Works are now owned and worked by Messrs Thomas Borthwick and Sons (Australasia), Limited, whose head office for New Zealand is at Christchurch. The works were opened in the early eighties, as a branch of the Auckland Freezing Company. Subsequently they went through several hands and various vicissitudes until acquired by the present firm. They are situated on the banks of the Waitara river, and are connected with the railway system by sidings. The extensive buildings, which cover an area of about two acres, are two stories in height, and fittings and equipments are up-to-date in every respect. The motive power and electric lighting is supplied by a 41 R.W. direct-coupled generating set, and a sixty-ton Hercules freezing machine steam driver. The firm recognises the importance of fully utilising all byproducts, and tallow, manure, small goods, etc., all receive their due share of attention. A new feature of the works is the production of oleo, of a fine edible quality, which is sent Home for consumption, after going through a final process of manufacture there. There is a fellmongery, as well as a cooperage, on the premises. A very large number of animals are put through the works in a year; about one hundred persons are employed, and the industry is a most important factor in the life of Waitara; indeed, of Taranaki.

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Mr. Joseph Finnerty, formerly Manager and Buyer at the Waitara Freezing Works, was born in Auckland, educated there, and afterwards brought up to farming on his father's farm at Panmure. For many years he was with Messrs Banks and Fisher, of the Auckland Freezing Company, and was appointed manager and buyer at the Waitara branch, when it was opened in the year 1883. Mr. Finnerty held the joint positions for many years.

Mr. J. Finnerty.

Mr. J. Finnerty.

Mr. Walter Stoddart, formerly Chief Engineer to the Waitara Freezing Works, is a native of Glasgow, Scotland, and received his education at the High School of his native city. On leaving school he was apprenticed for five years to the St. Rollox Foundry Company at Town Head, Glasgow, and afterwards had considerable experience with the Palmer Shipbuilding Company, and Messrs Blair and Co., of Stockton-on-Tees. Mr. Stoddart then went to sea, and was engineer on boats trading between London and the Mediterranean for some years. He came to New Zealand as chief engineer of the Union Company's s.s. “Southern Cross,” in 1874, and for eight years was engaged on various coastal boats in the North Island. In the year 1882 he became chief engineer to the Auckland Freezing Works, and took up the same position at Waitara in 1890. Mr. Stoddart is married, and has sons and daughters.

Fraser, Simeon Grey, General Merchant, Queen Street, Waitara. Private residence, East Waitara. Agent for the Royal Insurance Company, Yates' Seeds, Welshbach Light Company, L. D. Nathan's Teas, Gregg and Co., Dunedin, etc. This business is conducted in freehold premises by Mr. S. G. Fraser. Full stocks of groceries, ironmongery, crockery, etc., are carried. Mr. Fraser also deals in grain and wool. Delivery is made throughout the district. Mr. Fraser was born in Greymouth in the year 1868, and was educated in Hokitika. In 1882 he went to Taranaki, and started in a general store as a boy. He subsequently started in business on his own account, and was for about eleven years in partnership with Mr. Beckbessinger. On the dissolution of the partnership he took over his present business. Mr. Fraser is a member of Court Raleigh, Ancient Order of Foresters, and was secretary for fourteen years. For some years he was secretary of the Waitara Rowing Club, and of the Waitara Tennis Club, and was for about six years a member of the Waitara Town Board. Mr. Fraser is married, and has one son and one daughter.

Collis, photo.Mr. S. G. Fraser.

Collis, photo.
Mr. S. G. Fraser.

Beckbessinger, Ernest, General Storekeeper, Waitara. Mr. Beckbessinger, who was for some years secretary to the Raleigh Town Board, was born in the year 1871 at Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, England, where he was educated. In 1891 he came to New Zealand and established himself in business with Mr. Fraser at general storekeeping in Waitara. He was subsequently secretary to the Raleigh Town Board, which was superseded by the Waitara Borough Council, in the year 1904.

Joll, Herbert, Storekeeper and General Merchant, Waitara. This business was established originally in the year 1879, and was for many years carried on in partnership by the present owner and his brother, Mr. Harry Joll, who is now (1906) farming in the district. The firm imported the first goods shipped direct from London to Waitara. Mr. Herbert Joll is agent for the Commercial Insurance
Mr. H. Joli.

Mr. H. Joli.

page 142 Company. A large stock of general groceries, ironmongery, and other merchandise is kept in hand. Mr. Joll was born in Taranaki, and takes an active interest in outdoor sports.

Williamson, James, General Storekeeper, McLean Street and Warre Street, Waitara. Mr. Williamson carries a general stock of stores, groceries, fruit, etc., and has his own delivery carts. He has been contractor with the Waitara Freezing Works for the loading of vessels since about the year 1890. Mr. Williamson owns the yacht “Queen of Beauty,” and the small steamer “Kotahi,” trading on the coast. He was born in the Shetland Isles in 1860, and went to sea at an early age. In 1875 he came to New Zealand, and for a short time settled at Inglewood. He went to sea again in the New Zealand coastal trade, and has commanded various steam and sailing vessels, chiefly in the Taranaki coastal trade. For some years Mr. Williamson rowed in the Waitara champion crew. He is married.

Collis, photo.Mr. J. Williamson.

Collis, photo.
Mr. J. Williamson.

Waitara Brick Works (Johnston Brothers; Charles Herbert Johnston and Arthur William Johnston), Waitara. These works were established in the year 1903 by Messrs Johnston Brothers, and are situated about three-quarters of a mile from the township. The firm owns eighteen acres and a quarter, on which there is a good supply of clay for ordinary bricks. There is an up-to-date plant, which includes an eight horse-power engine, and a wire-cutting machine. The kila has a capacity of 35,000 bricks, and is on the Hoffman principle. Carting is done by the firm's own teams or traction engines.

Mr. Charles Herbert Johnston, Senior Partner in the firm of Johnston Brothers, carries on a large business as proprietor of threshing machines, chaff-cutters, traction engines, and a straw-pressing plant. The plant includes two traction engines, two threshers, two chaff-cutters, and a straw-presser. Mr. Johnston works over a wide district in north Taranaki, and gives employment to a considerable number of men. He was born in Rangiora, Canterbury, in the year 1868, and at an early age went to Taranaki, and was educated at Bell Block. He afterwards returned to Canterbury, where he was engaged in farm work, and gained a knowledge of traction engines and threshing machinery. In 1897 Mr. Johnston bought a plant, and has since added to it. In 1903, in conjunction with his brother, he started the Waitara brick works. He was a member of the Waitara Town Board, and one of the first members of the Borough Council; is a member of the Waitara Rifle Volunteers, the Waitara Lodge of Oddfellows, and the Clifton Rowing Club. Mr. Johnston is married, and has one daughter.

Collis, photo.Mr. C. H. Johnston.

Collis, photo.
Mr. C. H. Johnston.

Mr. Arthur William Johnston, Junior Partner in the firm of Johnston Brothers, was born in the year 1878, at Bell Block, where he was educated and brought up to farm work. In partnership with his brother he started the Waitara brick works in 1903. Mr Johnston holds a first class competency certificate as a driver of traction engines. He went to South Africa as a member of the Fifth New Zealand Contingent, and saw a good deal of service.

Ayton, Christopher George, General Carrier, Waitara. This business was established in the year 1904 by Mr. Ayton. Two vehicles and three
Murgatroyd photo.Opening of the Waitara Road Dairy Factory.

Murgatroyd photo.
Opening of the Waitara Road Dairy Factory.

page 143 horses are employed. Mr. Ayton is also a contractor for the borough district. He was born in Oxford, Canterbury, in 1878, and learned bootmaking and saddlery. In 1900 he removed to Waitara, where he was employed for some time before establishing his present business. Mr. Ayton is a member of the local Court of Foresters, and is married.

Coulter, Edward, Coach Proprietor, New Plymouth and Waitara. Mr. Coulter runs a line of coaches between Waitara and New Plymouth, connecting with the Mokau and Urenui coaches. His private residence and stables are situated on freehold property in Waitara. Mr. Coulter was born in London, England, in the year 1862. He afterwards came to New Zealand, and landed in New Plymouth in 1873. He was for some time employed in the Taranaki Ironsand Works, and was then engaged in farming in the Urenui district. Mr. Coulter was subsequently eleven years coachdriving for Mr. C. N. Rowe, of Urenui, and in 1901 became the proprietor of the present line of couches. Mr. Coulter has been a member of the Lepperton Rifle Volunteers, and the Hawera Rifle Volunteers. He is married, and has fourteen children.

Bayly, James, Farmer, Waitara. Mr. Bayly was born in Taranaki, and is a son of the late Mr. William Bayly, one of the old colonists who came to Taranaki in the year 1811. He served as a volunteer during the Maori war, and afterwards leased a farm at Waitara. He then joined Mr. T. Elliot in partnership in 1875, as a runholder and breeder of fat stock for shipment. Mr. Bayly has been a member of the Clifton County Council, and was a member of the Waitara Town Board and various road boards for several years. He is married, and has two daughters and one son.

Mr. Samuel Joll was an old settler who served in the volunteers against the Maoris in the sixties. He took a trip to Australia when Ballarat, Bendigo, and Fryer's Creek were household words, met with fair luck, returned and settled in Taranaki, and reared a family of thirteen. His second son has the largest private butter factory in New Zealand, at Okaiawa; and represented his province in the football field against the Englishmen, when Taranaki defeated them. Another of his sons. Mr. Harry Joll, is a farmer in the Waitara district, and Mr. Herbert Joll is a storekeeper and general merchant in the town of Waitara. Mr. Samuel Joll died on the 13th of September, in the year 1899.

The Late Mr. S. Joll.

The Late Mr. S. Joll.