HOKIANGA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume VII, Issue 1839, 6 December 1869, Page 5

HOKIANGA.

MESSRS. REID A~SD WALKER'S FLAX MILL. The starting of Messrs. Ecid and Walker's flax mill, at Hokianga, on Tuesday, the 23rd ultimo, was an event which had been looked forward to with considerable interest by tub settlers of that district, and is one that will ever uO remembered with pleasure by those who were present on the occasion. The day was as delightful as could possibly be desired, and nearly every European settler residing in the district, together with about five hundred natives, assembled to witness the ceremony. Amongst those who took a more active part in the proceedings were the following ladies and gentlemen: —Mrs. Webster, Mrs. Bennett, Mrs. Yon Sturmor, Mrs. Wells, Mrs. Bryors, Miss Webster. Miss Kussell, Miss Manning, Captain Wells, Captain McKenzie, Messrs. George Webster, J. Webster, A T on Sturmer, Ninimo, liexi, Walker, Clarke, Horusby, also five hundred natives, including the following chiefs : — Hangatira, Tahana, Tio, Will Turner. It had been the intention of Judge Manning to have given his presence, but unfortunately he was unavoidably detained. At about twelve o'clock, the hour appointed for starting the machine, the whole of the company had assemblod, and everything being in readiness, tho machine was at once started, Miss Webster christening the wheel by breaking a bottle of wine over it, at the samo time wishing success to the Hokianga Flax Mill. The first few leaves were put through by Miss Webster, Miss Uussell, and the Misses Manning, and everything connected with the machine was found to work remarkably easy. Tho building in which the machines have been placed is perhaps one of the most extensive that has been erected for the purpose in this province. Mr. Hogg was the engineer engaged, and he has performed his part of the work in a most creditable manner, and to the entire satisfaction of the proprietors. The building is weatherboarded, shingled, and well lighted from the roof, and is divided into three compartments. The first of these is set apart for the machinery; the second for the purpose of scutching the material after it has passed through j the machine ; and the third, for pressing it. Four of Price's machines are already in working order, and it is contemplated shortly to make the number up to 15 or 20, so that in a very few months we may look forward to large and regular returns from this important district. Messrs. Eeid and Walker have already about SOO acres of land closely covered with flax, within an easy distance of the mill, and the whole country for miles is covered with the raw material. At about one o'clock the company adjourned to the upper end of the building, where an excellent luncheon had been prepared. This portion of the building was decorated with flags of all nations, together with flax and evergreens, and presented a very pleasing and imposing sight. The natives were also woli prepared for, the spirited proprietors having supplied them abundantly with flour, potatoes, pork, &e. Ample justice having been done to the good things provided, the cloth was removed, and Mr. G. S. Webster being called upon to preside, with Mr. in the vice, the health of the Queen and Uoyal Family was drunk. Several other toasts having been proposed, the Chairman rose to propose the toast of the day, viz., " Success to the Flax Mill," coupling the name of ilr. Keid. The toast was most enthusiastically received, and Mr. Keid responded in an able manner, thanking all his friends for their presence on the occasion. Amongst other toasts proposed was " The Ladies," by Mr. Eeid, which was responded to by Captain McKenzie in a {ew and numerous remarks. By the invitation of Mr. Geo. Webster, the evening was wound up with a dance at his residence, which, was kept up with unflagging spirit till the early hours, when all retired to their homes, having enjoyed a most agreeable day. The thanks of all are due to Mr. J. Webster, who rendered every assistance and encouragement towards promoting the success of the gathering.