OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 29, 28 October 1932, Page 12

OBITUARY

Prominent Business Man MR. JOHN MURPHY After over 50 years’ work in the iron foundry business in Wellington, Mr. John Murphy, of Ohiro Road, died yesterday morning. He was 77 years of age. He came to New Zealand on the maiden voyage of the Shaw, Savill vessel Dunedin, which arrived at Lyttelton on July 3, 1874. Born at Portrush, County Antrim, Ireland, he had worked in a colliery before coming to New Zealand, at the age of 19. Not long after arriving in this country he reached Wellington, where he became employed in the iron industry, and gained a foreman position in the foundry of Messrs. Smith Bros., which occupied a City Corporation leasehold site in the Royal Oak block, fronting on Manners Street. As last century drew to a close the growth of the city was tending to drive foundries out of main streets. In this way, Smith Bros.’ foundry, called the Vulcan Foundry, was destined for removal, and by 1901 the hammers of Vulcan had ceased to ring on the Manners Street site. Mr.. Murphy carried the name of Vulcan to Quin (now Sturdee) Street. He carried little else, the business itself having been sold to go elsewhere; but by infinite industry he won for the old name of Vulcan a new business and goodwill in its new home, which has persisted up to the present day. Mr. Murphy was a man of robust physique, and when nearly 70 years of age he climbed Kapakapanui (3616 ft. the mountain at tlie back of Waißnnae River, on the banks of which he owned a country residence. About the same time lie crossed the Tarnrua Range from Kaitoke to Otaki, in company with a small party. His wife, a native of Wellington, died some years ago. Mr. Murphy is survived by his son, Mr. James Murphy, who has assisted him in his business since 1905 and Mrs. J. Spencer.