WANGANUI: AS IT WAS AND IS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1640, 5 August 1903, Page 18

WANGANUI: AS IT WAS AND IS.

(From Our Travelling Representative). IDYLLIC—DECIDEDLY. It had been a day of God, but now tho lights had mellowed and as tn© calm still evening fell those gave •place to twilight ones. Bike and 1 had spun all day over the mam road and, the looplines bordering the liands ox ■fcho milking ironies* of t-lio catfc.c ranches and those broader acres of the more fortunate farmers whose luck and labours had given them well-earned competency and rest, when suddenly wheeling into a fir-tree bend of the road a herd of kine, a coilie, and a winsome maid awoke the echoes of that solemn stillness, and ever mindful not to mar the rural picture, we drew aside behind a friendly fir and waited unseen. The cows all seemed pets and as they ambled by they “chewed the cud” contentedly enough. The collie was frisky and divided his attention between his mistress and one refractory milker. The maid he.d m a well-shaped not unlovely hand a stockwhip applied at intervals, by no means unskilfully, upon the refractory milker until, ’t becoming irritated by so much attention, fairly broke from tho home-com-ing mob and made a hoe-line backwards upon the road travelled. .Then Die pretty mistress, tucking u.p her “tupermies” and cracking that whip like pistol-snots, went after like educated lightening, and when she overhauled and turned about that cow, all the romance died out of the picture. She opened her pretty mouth and talked in an unknown tongue; the cow understood it; I did not, for in the Church service or the Book of Common Prayer it is not. Bike was struck dumb; I felt sorry for him because lie newer once sa'd, on the homeward! journey, “It was all your fault, you would stop.” MR McKENNA, V.C., Ex STATION MASTER, Mr McKenna, whose photo I send you, after a lengthy service in the Railway Department of thirty years, many of which, lie served as stationmaster, retired from the service last Monday. He held the post of stationmaster at Wanganui for upwards of eight years, during which while he gained in popularity he lacked not n general good management. He retires upon honourable well-earned pens'on to Palmerston North, in which p.ace lie lias purchased a home. Mr McKenna holds that coveted medal, the victoria Cross, he having earned that distinction as soldier of tb& 65th regiment for a brave deed done during the Maori war, particulars of which he, however, modestly withholds. He fiiac; worn the uniform for thirty-six years with honour, during which lie endured without a murmur, all the hardships-—and they were hardships in those days—of a British “sodger.” “You talk about hardships,” cries McKenna to me, reminisoensing of the old days. “Why, I and my comrades have frequently, awoke to morning and turned over on our sides to wash our faces in pools of water in which we had been lying all night; we’d light all day and night on a crust and get forty dozen if we didn’t like it. And the men were hardy too. I’ve seen a fellow take his fortv dozen unflinchingly, and immediately the castigation was over turn and ask the officer “if that was all” ; and add “well, I’ll take another forty for a glass of grog.” Although the subject of my sketch is bordering upon the extreme line, yet he is tall, straight and sinewy, and every inch, a soldier. In fact he let fall to me: “If I got the opportunity yet I’d draw for the love of it.” Of such men is our Empire built- God bless him, say I.

INDIGNATION OF WANGANUI. Ever since the return of Wanganui's deputation to the Premier on the question of opening up by new road the fine country' lying up the Wanganui river to the northward of the town, the people have been m a perfect ferment over the fruit lessness of the visit, and pretty tali talk is being freely indulged in all round. The answer to the deputation as vouchsafed by Mr Seddon is voted here most unsatisfactory, inasmuch as the' people! aver they have good cause, prospects and sound argument in favour of this line of road, chief of which is the large and valuable area of first-class farming and agricultural land would bo settled upon by that industrious class of settlors who have been mainly instrumental in making the whole of the west coast of this island such a huge success. Wanganui has been settled ever since 1841, and yet it is worse off for roads j&ny length from town than any other town of simala,r dimension's iln New Zealand. As I have already said, the block sought to be opened by means of the proposed road, is- largo and the land rich, and as it would settle large numbers, the Government-, by giving money for this line, would not only be rewarding a most deserving people, but be-only continuing its own avowed policy of settling people on, the land, therefore it is to be hoped Mr Seddon will think again and place a suitable sum for the work on the estimates this session. BUSINESS MEN OF WANGANUI. On Taupo' Quay, almost opposite the railway station, on one of the best sites in the town of Wanganui, the

very popular Alf Smith is most successfully carrying on a lucrative business of wood, coal and produce merchant, with which is combined general carrier and forwarding agent. He lias the largest plant- in Wanganui, and a peep at our illustrations of this issue may serve to give a faint idea, in the trollies, waggons and carts, of its extent. Alf Smith, who is as well known in Wanganui as is Dick Seddon an New Zealand, started busines _ here some thirty years ago in a small way, but by dint of “hard graft,” straight-forward dealing, keen foresight and punctuality, he has built up his business to its present importance. His store room, which accommodates over 1000 tons, is to-day chock full of grain, and his many carts and trollies are daily in evidence all over the town. Everybody employs Smith’s carts, for everybody gets full satisfaction in doing so. His section, which occupies about- seventy feet frontage to the Quay has also a great depth, and while the frontage is used by the storo and office the back yards are utilised for coal and firewood, the former being shipped from New castle and from Westport so that consumers can rely on getting the very best black diamonds from the CoalhrooKdale mine, or from those of Newcastle or Grey mouth, Brunner nuts being also in evidence here. Another portion of the yard is taken up with a four-horse power engine, which is utilised for cutting firewood into sizeable billets ready for the stove or fireplace. Mr Smith has so far earned wel.-deserved — success, because it lias all come about by his own unaided industry. In the obliging and courteous managing clerk (Mr Gifford Moor/e) the firm possesses a most capable man of business, and what is more our friend A,lf-Smith is fully aware of the fact, and knows how to appreciate a good man when Im has got one. At the Taupo Quay -numbing and Tinsmitiiing Yv orks, 1 found the proprietor, Mr W. Beaumont, and men up to tlieir eyes in the midst of the establishments works in-piumbing, gasfitting, galvanised iron, zme and t ui-piats. He was genial and told mo that- his firm manufactures all kinds of baths, .amps, portable wash boilers, chimney pots, tanks, factory and delivery milk-cans, coolers, milk and cheese vats, weighing cans and electric bel.s, and that in also fitted up-to-date hot water apparatuses. Bug the chief article which interested me most, was Mr Beaumont s new invention just patented by him. it is The Beaumont Milk Strainer and Air at or, which is a most invaluable machine, not only for dairy factories, bui also for small milkmen, one which when it becomes known will be eagerly sought far and wide. I saw it operate, and out of the myriads of smaller articles i have seem in my somewiiat extensive inspections of dairy farms, factories and creameries—and 1 have not only seen them all in the provinces of 'Wellington, Taranaki, Nelson and Mariborougm.. but have reported on each —i have no hesitation in saying that the patent of Mr B-eauinoim is, without doubt, the very best. Although but a simple, inexpensive .contrivance, within the ream of ail, it will net only reatli.y cleanse tho milk from all impurities, but wimst undergoing this necessary “searching’ process this patent a,lso cools or aerates the flowing profit. Mr Beaumont is exhibiting liis capital machine at the impending 0 Palmerston North Agricultural Show, when I predict a very big thing for the patent in the way of huge sales. Mr C. E. Mill ward, land and estate agent, shipping, Customs ana”general shipping merchant, has nice offices on Taupo Quay, in which lie conducts successfully Ins many lucrative agencies, which, being enumerated, are: The Oceanic Steamship Company, American and Australian line, San Francisco ; the North British Mercantile Eire insurance Coy.; the Natonal Mortgage and Ageuc-y Co. of New Zealand; James Morrison aud Co., Ltd., London; Gear Company’s celebrated manures ; “The Perfect Sheep Dip ; Occam Accident and Guarantee Corporation, Ltd.; Employers Liability, Plate- Glass Insurance, New Zealand and African line of -steamers, etc. Besides attending to all of these somewhat mu-tifarious duties tho eminent head of the firm executes for clients many sound investments in land estate, scrupling not to drive .clients to all parts of tho district. Mr Miilward is one of Wanganui’s most successful business men.

Opposite tine railway station and close to the wharves is the Coifee Palace, which has just been leased and thoroughly renovated by the popular and energetic Mrs K. F. Loc-kyer, who has seen -a deal of the world and knows ‘‘who’s who.” Already is her well-known good taste in strong evidence in the vast improvements made in the interior arrangements -and homely comforts of this fine establishment, for as a private board and lodging house the Coffee Palace is second to none in Wanganui. The Palace is crowded by a well-to-do, desirable class of visitors and boarders, and t-ho cheerful proprietress, who is enterprising to a degree, is bound to do well. There are thirty bed-rooms, all of which are most comfortably furnished and well aired, while the parlours have such a homely appearance as to soon dispel to the visitor that certain loneliness which follows the traveller to “foreign parts.” _ Method and despatch are watchwords in this establishment, and if you he a man of letters your correspondence, he it postal or telegraphic, will be promptly attended! to. Our illustrations have a, fine re-

presentation of the Coffee Palace, aud I am not alono in wishing Mrs Lockyex bumper success in her new venture. THE SILVER GRID (WANGANUI). On one of the very best business sites of Victoria Avenue, Mi* James Hodson. a pleasant business man of keen acumen, inis established himself in that most attractive of all re-staurants in the town of Wanganui—tho Si-ver Grid —- nearly opposite the Fountain Square and the chief post office. Since assuming the control of this popular establishment, the enterprising proprietor lias made many .costly and extensive improvements both as regards external adornment, the show windows having been most tastefully decorated by that well-known artist Mr Tingey, of the firm of Tingey and Co. -and the interior of the commodious and well-lighted supper and luncheon room on the ground floor, wh.cli has also been renovated and made up-to-date, hut winch, is yet to be further improved ; in the upper portion of the building, which consists of another supper room used extensively by private supper parties, and the football and cricket clubs for smoke concerts and other pleasant gatherings, everything has been made new and bright, and supplied witn every convenience: then there is the commercial room for gentlemen, which has been made very inviting, and has been liberally supplied with a.l the best newspapers and periodicals of the day, and from the front windows of which capital views of the town are afforded. Under the best management and one of the finest of cooks, the fare, he it for luncheon, dinner or supper, which may he partaken between midday and midnight, i-s recherche. Of fine -aftei*noons, too, the ladies repair hither for tho refreshing afternoon cup of tea and cakes not to be surpassed .in the town, and while they enjoy harmless scandal, if they be so minded they may order wedding or birthday cakes, well assured of promptness in the despatch and delivery of tlieir orders and also of the good quality and exquisite tasteand design of these finely flavoured eatables so necessary at those highly interesting ceremonials. Our photograph of the Silver Grid further informs tho reader of the first-class nature of Wanganui’s up-to-date restaurant, and Mr Hodson is to be complimented upon his enterprise, which is certain to handsome i.y remunerate him.

Frequently the cry is heard of Wanganui’s inadequate accommodation for travellers and visitors, especially during race or holiday times, and while it is certain that at such intervals all the hotels are taxed to the utmost to cope with the increased demands on tlieir -accommodation, yet there are sometimes rooms empty at some of the private boarding-houses, and therefore it may riot be amiss to point out this to strangers visiting Wanganui for the first time. One of the most cosy private hoarding houses is that of the Roof ton hoarding house, situated in the Avenue, which, by the way, however, is nearly always fully occupied 1 , giving general satisfaction to its numerous patrons. At the A 1 Bakery, m the Victoria Avenue, Mr M. Ansley, baker and confectioner, has succeeded in establishing a real good connection in tlie town and in tho country, liis bread being made from the finest procurable brands of flour, gives general satisfaction, while his confectionery is irreproachable. Like oilier advanced thinkers, Mr ■Ansley, having also come to the conclusion’ that for producer and consumer cash is points ahead of credit, oilers over tv elvc per cent, ‘discount on the trade prices for the former commodity. Another illustration of this issue represents the I,a.Li Dairy Depot, aud some of the staff, as run by Mr Hoyle, who, coming to New Zealand some twelve mouths ago with over twenty years experience as a forward hand at those extensive works known as the Fresh Food and ice Company, Sydney, knows intimately Every ii.no of this highly interesting and lucrative industry, is thus an expert. Having oceans of* energy, and the will and knowledge of how " best to apply it, Mr Hoyle, although starting in business for himself in a "very small way, nevertheless went in undaunted, with the creditable result of achieving in a short space of time, the present prosperous and extensive trade in supply and delivery, the milk averaging 160 gallons per clay and the butter over 3501 b per week. This is daily increasing, but not too fast for the' proprietor of the “T.X.L.,” who is ready to meet and answer successfully any expansion even were it, as it is sure to be ere long, ten times its present proportions. The dairy is situated in Bell street, not far from the Court Hoiise. In commodious premises Mr N. Meuli, builder and contractor, established himself in Taupo Quay, over seventeen years ago. His plant is extensive and up-to-date, and his name as a first-class builder lias long passed into a household word in the homes of Wanganui. In his cheerful office I saw a testimonial to Mr Meuli, signed by the Mayor of Wanganui on behalf of the Council, etc., testifying to the excellence of the work he put into the Municipal Opera House, which he had the honour of erecting and completing, a relic Mr Meuli naturally prizes highly. Mr John Mao Lean, <a most ingenious mechanic, while working assiduously at his trade as shoemaker, has just perfected two most useful inventions, one

of which he has patented and is the MacLeau Latent Horse Cover, deserves more than mere passing mention, and therefore I feel much pleasure in directing the attention of the “Mail” readers to his advertisement elsewhere, which contains a full and clear description of the patent and how it is to be used. Farmers and cattle-owners fortunate enough to possess one, are high, in praise thereof. Another invaluable invention, which will he shortly heard of is in the shape of a boat-lowering apparatus, while distressed %*essels in a storm a-ro required to lower its lifeboat®. Mr McLean, who has been a deep sea sailor for upwards of fourteen years, and during which he has traded ■in the China Seas, the American and other placets too numerous to mention, frequently in straits himself, observed the useless waste of .;fe which might have been obviated had an effectual boat-launching apparatus been available, in consequence of which he pondered deeply and out of that deep study has come liis invention, which ho lias tried privately with signal success, and will shortly be patented and offered shipping circ.es, with, as the inventor assures me, most beneficial results. Mercantile people doing business on the high seas, as indeed all others upon the treacherous main, will doubtless look with longing for the ear.y appearance of Mr MacL-ean’s new invention.

THE WANGANUI SOAP WORKS. Messrs Gilberd and Sons, who have established themselves as soap manufacturers in Wanganui for many years, are making a huge, success of their increasing and extensive business. They have taken several first-prize certificates as awards for the excellence of tlieir manufactures, ami a first-crass depioma at tfie recent Fielding exnib.bum. To onumeraio the d'.nerent c.asses of soap manufactured by tins emin-mt firm would be too lengthy for tiio space at my disposal, but as the firm meditate having a moro extensive report, illustrated, let mo content me by quoting some of • the principal soaps made—the waxine, the Stag brand pum.ee sand soap, the Extract, the pure soft soap, tho dairy sand, the carbolic, the cold water soap, and other brands so well known in the market and so highly appreciated in tho home, are all worthy of recommendation. The Stag Brand pumico sand soap manufactured from ths finest pumice deposits in New Zealand, and its chemical properties, lias established itself as - one of the best cleansing and ’ disinfecting agents known. Whil© it may be used in water as ordinary soap, it is also unsurpassed for polishing silver ware burnishing brass, or .copper, or brightening tinware. Another virtue e.aimed for it is that it will remove from the human skin, woodwork, or iron, grease inkstains, oil, paint, or tar, while ut will soften the hands. Messrs Gilberd and Sons have their up-to-date manufacturing works at Castiecliff, and are making a huge success cf their important inuustry. A capital ii.ustration of their Waxine soap app ea rs eis evil ere.