OPENING OF MR. HURREY’S MILLS, TE ARAL

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume I, Issue 65, 13 February 1884, Page 2

OPENING OF MR. HURREY’S MILLS, TE ARAL

A number of gentlemen interested in the building trade met nt Te Arai yesterday, to celebrate the opening of Mr. Hurrey’s mills. The wood, which consisted of white pine and matai, was taken up eight months ago by Mr. Hurrey, during which time he has been engaged in the erection of the mill for propagating this new local industry. After inspecting the workings, the company sat down to a cold collation, prepared by Mr. S. Stevenson, the chair being taken by Mr. W. F. Crawford, and the vice chair by Mr. C. Evuns. A review of Mr. Hurrey as an old settler, and Lie inc, entries he has been engaged in, will be given in “ Our District and our Settlers.” After the luncheon the following speeches were made :— The first toast proposed was by the Chairman, Mr. W. F. Crawford, who said that this was one of the toasts in which all would find sincere sympathy. It was the name of Mr, Hurrey, who had put a forty horse-power machine in the paddock they now stood in. He felt that in putting the flour-mill machinery in operation at Gisborne, that all would sympathise with him that it had not been a success, but the machinery he had now put in motion would be much more successful than that for grinding wheat, The present machinery had been erected at great expense, both of actual and personal experience—for if he was not at work by day he labored at night by working out his inventions. Mr. Hurrey said he had always contemplated having to encounter some difficulty. He did not expect to run the present mills without some difficulties. The little mishap that had occurred was only trifling. The bench he had erected was a new one, but it was capable of doing much more work than any other benches in this or the Australian Colony. He hoped yet to show how easily it was to out out of the crude block timber into all sorts of shapes for the use of all the workers in timber. Mr. Hurrey, in the most complimentary terms, proposed the health of Mr. J. Clark, who had on all occasions shown him the greatest courtesy and consideration in the enterprise he had engaged in. Mr, J. Clark said he only felt it a pleasure to assist in every way all local industries in the district, If we had more of such men, the better would it be for the general prosperity of the district. Mr. D. Murchie said he had a most important toast to propose—“ The building trade of Gisborne,” which had been steadily progressing. The import of timber had recently been very large, but he did not see why it should be imported when such timber could be largely produced as they had at their command, and produced by Mr, Hurrey. He coupled the toast with the names of Mr, Townley and Mr. Quigley. Mr. Townley said ho was pleased to be present to welcome the advent of Mr. Hurrey’s opening of the mill. Mr. Hurrey had displayed much energy in opening up the present indury. He wished Mr. Hurrey success in every respect. Mr, Quigley said the architect and the builder must go hand in hand. He was sorry Mr. Finneran was not present as a leading architect of Gisborne. He hoped white pine would come in greater favor in the future. Mr. Hurrey said he had hoped to see Mr. Finneran present, but unfortunately Mrs. Finneran was ill, which was the reason of his absence.

Mr. Dufaur proposed “The agricultural and pastoral interests.” Mr. Evans, whose name had been coupled with the toast, said he never saw a finer district than that of Poverty Bay* He had travelled much of the world, but had never met with a finer district than this was. As we made more capital they would be enabled to do much more. He believed the country would grow anything. Mr. Hurrey proposed “ The mercantile interest,” coupled with the name of Mr. Large, who was engaged in the mercantile interests of Hawke’s Bay and also this district. Mr, Large said there was no doubt that every district advanced by the enterprise of pioneers. He was sure that there was no timber more serviceable than white pine. He had a workshop of white pine at Napier that had been erected twenty*seven years ago, and it btood well at the present day. People had not yet learnt the advantages and utility of white pine as against the importation of kauri and other timbers. Mr. Cohen gave “ The ladies,” coupled with the name of Mr. J. T. Morgan, also Mr. Morrice. Mr. Morrice responded. He said he did not like to take Mr. Morgan’s place, who should first respond. Not a word could be got from Mr. Morgan. Mr. Evans gave the toast of “ The Press.” If it was for the Press the public would not know the advantages of the present gather, ing. Captain Chrisp and Mr. Morgan Morris responded. Mr, D. Murchieproposed" The health of the chairman*” He was peculiarly interested in tne local industries of Poverty Bay. Mr. Cxawford said he always found a jovial temperament among the people of Poverty Bay—whether on the Coast or elsewhere. He intended to live in Poverty Bay, and should always feel an interest in the people, Mr. Townley gave the toast of “Mr. Evans, the Vice-Chairman,” who was one of the oldest settlers in Poverty Bay. Mr, Evans duly responded. He felt a great interest in the general development of the district. Mr, Quigley gave, " Mr, Hurrey’s workmen.” Mr. Pelham E. Richardson said he was sure Mr. Hurrey’s workmen would fully appreciate the toast. They showed themselves capable of carrying out the work tney had undertaken, The proceedings then terminatedi