CRAWFORD’S BREWERY.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume IX, Issue 984, 5 October 1881, Page 3

CRAWFORD’S BREWERY.

Saturday, the Ist of October, 1881 — the date on which the Yeoman farmers of dear old England begin their autumn nut-brown brew—will be remembered in Poverty Bay, as the day on which our respected fellow citizen — Mr- W. F. Crawford —started on his No. 2 voyage as a brewer. We prefer this figure of speech, although Mr. Crawford told bis hearers at the festive board, tJiat he had once more come to an ancbor. At the hour mentioned, 2 p.m., a large gathering of settlers took place, and, as punctuality is to be something more than a name in his establishment, Mr. Crawford proceeded, sans cere- \ monte, to introduce as many as the large table would afford accommodation for at a time, to the good things provided. We need not say that the spread was got up with Mr. Craw-ord’-s known liberality ; and he proved Hfeifcnself an able and courteous entertainer. About 3.30 Mr. Crawford issued the first word of command, which was that all present were to “charge” their glasses, a movement which was obeyed with astonishing alacrity. The host then addressed a few words of welcome to his numerous friends, all of whom he was glad to see once more around him. He said he had been knocking about in the Bay for seven years, and although he had been cast upon a lee shore, he was not only safely afloat again, but his anchor was down, as might be seed by looking outside. He had now got a new hull to his ship, and was good for another seven years’ run, which he hoped would terminate more successfully than the last. This expression was echoed by long-continued plaudits, after the subsidence of which Mr. Crawford said he thought the first of the new brew could not be dedicated to a better cause than in drinking towards the health of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen —God bless her. After the usual loyal demonstrations, Captain Porter proposed the health of Mr. Crawford, an announcement which was received in terms

most flattering to that gentleman. The proposer alluded to the many good qualities Mr. Crawford possessed Sboth socially and as a business man, and it gave him (Captain Porter) sincere pleasure to find that he was once more on his legs. The toast was drunk with vocal honors, and much enthusiasm, and “ three times.three.’’ Mr. Crawford returned thanks, and briefly alluded to the want of enterprise displayed by the settlers in Poverty Bay, in not growing sufficient barley and hops to keep the local breweries going. The sample of beer on the table was brewed entirely from hops produced by Mr. Gillies of Ormond, who took especial care of his crop, and was, this year extending his plantations. After the luncheon the company inspected the building, machinery &c., all of which reflect great credit on all concerned. Mr. Crawford took occasion to compliment Mr. John Somervell on the faithfulness with which he had completed his contract. The engine w as put in motion, aijd the running gear adjusted, in its several pafts in order that the whole of it should be witnessed. The engine worked remarkably smooth, not the slightest vibration being observable. Amongst other things Mr. Crawford has added the manufacture of aerated waters, and syrups to his establishment, and exhibited the process of making some of the former. The plant is entirely new ; and, taking it all round, we should, say that Mr. Crawford’s large connection, ought to secure for him a fair share of public support. W e forgot to mention that the beer furnished to the guests, was of a superior strength to that generally retailed, and, although just a wee bit “ heady,” it was fully appreciated.