A Visit to the Gisborne Brewery.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume III, Issue 395, 24 December 1889, Page 2

A Visit to the Gisborne Brewery.

It is essential to the prosperity of a place like Gisborne that its exports should be as great as circumstances will permit, and its imports reduced to the lowest possible degree, It is not creditable to tbe place that there should be any importation of articles which oan be locally produced,' and our local industries should be given every reasonable support. The production ot beer is one wbloh many people will say oould well be done without altogether, but while we may to an extent agree with such well-intentioned people that will not do away with the appetite for a refreshing glass of beer. Still Mr Crawford does not oonflne hit attention to ths brewing of beer, for the cordials manufactured on his premises are of wide celebrity. TBS BZIWSBY is situated in a lovely and romantio spot. Not so loog ago ths site was covered with fern and scrub, but years of work and attention have converted the grounds into a delightful place. On tbe town tide there ia a good toad, and on the other side the river Taruheru, from whioh, even on the warmest and moat serene daye, there is a 000 l zephyr, which plays through the trees, and moders the spot a charming ons, even when the dusty townsman may be awel. tering in perspiration and at tbe same time thinking longingly how delightful it would be to make a trip in the direction of the south pole. The brewery is almost bidden by the foliage surrounding it, and Mr Crawford's house a abort distanoe away is obscured by the trees. The whole place has been very prettily laid out, and to our mind ths eurroundings of the place are of much importance' giving as they do an indication ot the interior. The first thing perhaps that should be noticed is what may be termed a° endowment ot nature—that ie, the BXjkUTtrUL wain SUSVDY.

It is from a spring whioh was struck in 1881, and which has never failed tinoe, not excepting the dryeat seasons. Indeed during the summer time numbers ot townspeople are supplied from Mr Crawford's spring. The water was analysed in 1881 by Dr Hedor, who pronounced it to be excellent for brewing purposes. Tbe constant pumping since 1881 has thoroughly cleared the passages leading to the well, and the supply at present is not only abundant, but pure, naturally filtered as it is through pumice, sand, and shells. The source of the water most be a natural artesian arising through a flaw in the papa rook, and flowing on top of the blue o'ay whioh ie the foundation ot the township. TgX ptUTT USED is, for its size, one ot the most perfect in New Zealand. It is worked by a ten-horse engine and in each brew twenty hogsheads of ale are manufactured. Of course the whois process requires the greatest watohtulnoss, the most scrupulous oleanliness, and untiring oars, and there is ample evidence to show that such requirements are closely etudied and acted upon at the Gisborne Brewery. Mr Crawford's greatest ambition has been to perfect tbe machinery, and turn out a sound, healthy and pure article. Ho hae had to contend agaiust many adverse influences, but feels assured that the oitiaene are now awake to the fact that they have one of themwdeM who has worked himself to the proud polllion of being able to make the purest and best ales and aerated beverages in New Zealand. Mt Crawford has lately mado| an addditldn

to the steam boiling capacity ot the brewing plant, by which, it is hoped, the ale wiU be much improved. An experienced lemonade and cordial maker from the South bee been engaged, and Mr Crawford says that be hae materially altered and vary muoh improved the soda water, aerated drinks, and cordials. During the winter a large extra filter wee erected, containing six chambers, through whioh, when filled with charcoal and aand, all the brewing water passes before being thoroughly boiled. A visit to the brewery, and a elose inspection of tbe apparatus and works, give one a highly favorable impression of the way in which things are managed, and enable one.. with confidence, to recommend the loonl production.