NEW LOCAL INDUSTRY ATONE HUNG A.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXVII, Issue 8284, 17 June 1890, Page 5

NEW LOCAL INDUSTRY ATONE HUNG A.

The interesting ceremony of laying the foundation stoneof Messrs. George Gettings and Co's new Galvanised Tub and Bucket Factory took place at Onehunga yesterday at noon, before fully 400 people. Sir G. M. O'Rorko was selected to perform the ceremony of laying the stone, and was presented with a silver trowel by Mr. Miller. Sir G. Maurice O'Rorke said the fact of industries being started in their midst i was a sign that Onehunga was awakening, and that the gentlemen who had the capital had confidence in the place. He understood that it was the intention of the promoters to work the iron sand, and as they had already tried the experiment success was assured, and he felt that these works would be a credit to the colony. Ho had not yet asked the promoters to what extent the industry would be carried, but he presumed they would be extensive iron works, but he hoped not in opposition to the iron works a hundred yards away. Touchingon protection he thought that such works should nob only be protected bub that Government should give a substantial bonus for a certain quantity of iron turned out. It was offered some time ago, but he was not sure whether it was on offer still, bub he should .make it a duty to enquire. At the present time only 20 per cent, was pub on imported iron, bub the duty should be raised. In America as much as 70 per cent, was put on iron, with the result being that they were able to compete against all markets. Ho had been assured that there was room and scope enough for two ironworks to carry on, and when they remembered that one million of money had been sent out of the colony for iron it could readily be believed- Sir Maurice concluded by wishing success to the new enterprise, expressing a hope that the promotors would be amply repaid for their energy and outlay. The stone, which bore the following inscription, was then lowered into its place, when Sir Maurice declared it to be placed square and plumb—"This stone was laid by Sir G. M. O'Rorke, Kb., M.H.R. loth June, 1890."—The ceremony of christening by breaking a bottlo of champagne on the stone was then performed by Mr. Miller, after which he said it was his pleasing duty to present to His Worship the Mayor (Captain Yates) and Mr. 1). Neilson a set of horse shoes (which were mounted in handsome frames) made from the iron sand. His Worship in responding said on behalf of the Corporation he wished success to the undertaking. For many years it had been their desire to see such industries launched, and now he thought they were on a fair way to have that desire gratified. A few years ago in Onehunga only two factories existed ; now the one started that day made the eleventh. Onehunga had been dubbed " Sleepy Hollow," bub he thought she had risen from that sleep, and that this new work was only the forerunner of something greater. Mr. Neilson also suitably replied, remarking that the set of shoes made from the Onehunga ironsand would be handed down from generation to generation. Cheers were then given for Sir G. M. O'Rorke, His Worship the Mayor, and Messrs Gettings and Miller. At the invitation of Mr. Gettings, a large number of gentlemen, including Sir G. M. O'Rorke, the Mayor and Borough Councillors, and others, adjourned to the company's offices, where they were entertained at a champagne luncheon provided by Mrs. Waterman, of the Manukau Hotel. After luncheon Sir G. M. O'Rorke, who occupied the chair, proposed the health of " Her Majesty." The Mayor proposed the health of " Sir G. M. O'Rorke." Dr. Erson proposed "Success to Onohunga," Mr. Lyell, " The Health of His Worship the Mayor," Mr. Jackson, "The Health of Gettings and Co." Mr. Gettings in responding said, the shoes which were presented to His Worship the Mayor, and Mr. Neilson, wore made from the iron sand. In less than one hour from the time the sand was taken in hand it was rolled a bar by Mr. Miller, and he was sure ib could be done quicker. They had made a bar of iron from the sand, and at no distant date boiler platesaye, even ship plates would be manufactured. The next work to be started, after the completion of the tub factory, would be the laying down of a sheet mill, and there could be no reason why they should not supply ship plates, even though they could not build them. They would be enabled to roll iron from two inches to eight inches, either round or square, and plates up to twelve inches by eight inches. Mr. Miller also returned thanks for the good wishes expressed, and assured them that the works started that day would be a great success.