MESSRS W. WILLIAMS AND SONS’ COACH FACTORY.

Patea Mail, Volume IV, Issue 400, 15 February 1879, Page 2

MESSRS W. WILLIAMS AND SONS’ COACH FACTORY.

It is always a pleasant 'duty to have to chronicle a new local industry in the Patea district, and in giving afew words of praise to the enterprise of the above firm, we think it nothing more than their just due. For many years settlers in this district have been dependent on Wanganui and other places for most of their supplies in the agricultural line, and in consequence often put to great inconvenience and expense, as frequently they would .not be supplied according to order. For this reason alone local industry ought to be supported, and

we hope the stop taken by Messrs Williams and Sons, in supplying a long-felt want, will not go unrewarded. They have gone to considerable expense in procuring the best workmen and materials, and from the samples of work now on view at the factory, we feel assured they can compete with any part of the colony. People have got into the way of sending to other places for what they require, no doubt thinking that such work cannot be turned out in Patea ; but settlers will do well to visit Messrs Williams & Sons’ coach factory before ordering from other places. It is a mistaken idea to suppose that because a buggy or other articles can be procured a trifle cheaper elsewhere, it is better to support that market ; whereas, when freight, &c., is taken into consideration, the article is realty more expensive than if locally manufactured, and in many cases not‘so good. Orders given in tire place can always be superintended as the work is being proceeded with—this advantage alone being great. With these few remarks we shall pass on to notice the works in progress.

In the painting room is an exceedingly handsome buggy, "just completed to the order of H. F. Christie, Esq. An opportunity is here ofllorded of comparing the style, material, and workmanship of vehicles made in other places, several of which are being renovated at the factory. After a careful comparison, it will be plainly evident that the local work is by far the best in every respect ; and there can be but little doubt as to where the prize would go in a competition. This is the first buggy completed at the new factory. It is made of hickory, with kauri pannels, and is of the description known as the “ Hampshire.” It is well and faithfully finished, the painting and varnishing being exceptionally good, and is highly creditable to the firm and those who have been engaged in its construction. The following are the names of vehicles now more or loss in an advanced stage of completion : —One “ Eureka,” very neat and substantial ; a sociable or waggonette, to seat six persons ; two scroll roundcornered buggies—double and single ; one piano-box single seat buggy ; and one light stand-up gig. These are all being completed to order, and will be rapidly turned out. In addition to these, there are several others ordered. A small store-room at the back of the painting room is well supplied with all kinds of materials, the carriage mountings and lamps* being •specially worthy of inspection.

In the factory a self-acting scrcw-cutting lathe has -just been erected, and is now being utilised in the construction of a large elevator for Messrs Hearn and Kennedy. There is also an hydraulic punching machine and a tyre-bender, in full working order. 'Altogether the factory reflects the greatest credit on Messrs Williams & Sons, who now cmploy fourteen hands. In conclusion, we wish Messrs Williams & Sons success in their new undertaking, and trust that the excellence of the first buggy turned out of the factory will be an inducement for others to support local industiy.