THE LATE A. HATRICK.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 August 1918, Page 6

THE LATE A. HATRICK.

• A STRENUOUS CAREER. *' Tlic late Alexander Hatriek, who died at Wanganui on Tuesday,, had been identified with tin; business life of Wangiinui for tiic forty years. Coining from Australia when little more than a lad, he was employed iri engineering work until ISSO, when lie entered into partnership with liis brother-in-law, the late Mr. Walker, and they carried on business for about four years as grain, ; ;oiluee and provisions merchcits, in premises in Ridgway St., now ou-upied !>y the Parkville Hotel. Mr. Hatriek bought out Mr. Walker four years later, and removed to Taupo uay, and until a few years ago, when he erected the present extensjve warehouse on the (forner of the Quay and St. Hill Street, he occupied premises on the site of Messrs M. Russell and Co.'s establishment. The late Mr. Hatriek was a man of great energy and foresight, and being also gifted with keen business acumen, he gradually developed his business until he became in every sense of the word one of the captains of commerce. While the Wanganui business grew in strength, so ist branches spread, until, at the present time, in. addition to being established in Auckland, Wellington, Waitara and Pipiriki, there -are large branches in Sydney and Melbourne; The business was very comprehensive in its | operations, a great feature during late years being the motor department, the firm handling a huge number of machines. Mr. Hatriek wait also' the developer of the Wangaimi River service, and his enterprise and zeal made tfur river's scenic attractions known ' throughout tho whole world. The Wairere was brought out from England. in sections in 1891, and put together on the riverfront, where the railway yards now are. The launching of the steamer Was the occasion for many predictions of disaster. but Mr. Hatrick's faith in. himself and his project proved well founded, as the large fleet now on the river testifies. Early in his business career Mr. Hatriek established an overseas trade, purchasing the St. Kilda in 1837, and running her between Australia and New Zealand until 1904, when he purchased the Alexa, which was subsequently replaced by the Wanganui. In addition to the purely commercial sphere, Mf. Hatrick's activities extended in several directions, and ho was prominently associated with many ventures, among which may be mentioned the Spiral Pipe Company, while his interests in other businesses were extensive.

The late Jlr. Hatriek was stricken by a serious illness about 18 months ago, and last week suffered another seizure, which unfortunately proved fatal. He leaves a widow and family of four daughters and two sons (the latter being still at school).