MR. J JOLL LOOKS BACK

Taranaki Daily News, 29 September 1933, Page 11

MR. J JOLL LOOKS BACK

OPENING FIRST CREAMERIES AIDS BROTHER IN DAIRYING. MILK BOUGHT AT 3d A GALLON. Fifty-two years ago Mr. J. Joll, brother of the late Mr. Tom Joll, arrived at Okaiawa and took part in the pioneering work of the district. He found a ready occupation in the construction of ditch and bank fences which were being used to sub-divide the plains. He afterwards went to Hawke’s Bay and on his return joined his brother in the dairy industry and helped to lay the foundation of the prosperity Which followed in later years as the result of Mr. Tom Joll’s enterprise. For many years Mr. J. Joll was associated with his brother driving produce lorries. He is now living at Hawera. He recalled a few incidents for the Daily News. The Jolls’ house was the biggest in the district and when Maori troubles threatened Mr. Brightwell, who was in charge of the Volunteers, wanted to dig trenches around the place and make it into stockade and blockhouse. However, Mr. Tom Joll demurred believing that such precautions were unnecessary, and the plan

v/as not carried into effect. Mr. Joll was very friendly with the Natives and formed many lasting friendships. His death was greatly regretted by the Native race.’ Every Sunday two or three old Maoris’ used to come over to the Jolls’ “bach” for dinner, one being old Katene, who was rather a wild rebel in his younger days. / The Jolls originally came from Waitara, and when Mr. J. Joll first came down with a dray and team of horses it took three days to reach Normanby. After living in (Hawke’s Bay for several years he returned to Taranaki and assisted his brother in the growing dairying business. He did all the carting of the produce and drove a large waggon and seven horses.

When Mr. Tom Joll started buying milk he gave 3d a gallon for it, but he was often “taken in” with watered milk until the Babcock test was introduced and payment made on butter-fat. The first factory was started about 1891 or 1892 on the banks of the Inaha, there being one separator in use. A skimming station was next started at .Te Ngutu, and in 1896 Mr. Hutchinson was bought out at Kapuni. This plant was operated by a water-wheel. Operations were extended by. the opening of branches at Aurda and then at Otakeho. The Manga,tdki factory had planned a branch at the corner of Skeet and Palmer roads, but Mr. Joll entered into an agreement with the company and started his Palmer Road factory. The Mangatoki people did not proceed with their, project. Before his fatal accident in 1908 Mr. Tom Joll had built- up a large “one man” business and had a big connection all over the district, financing many settlers in their dairy enterprises. He carried all the particulars of each transaction in his head and had no elaborate system of book-keeping. He received some help in his books from Mr. Harry Chadwick, and Mr. Buehler, the schoolmaster, also gave him assistance. Eventually he employed a secretary, Mr. V. H. Hobday, and between the two all the book work of the large concern was carried out. The first factory manager was Mr. Tom Lloyd. Mr. Fryer-Raisher was the next manager to, be associated with the business and later Mr. Walter Wright (afterwards a Government grader), Mr. H. Black, Mr. A. Lees and Mr. Lawrence occupied prominent positions. On the death of Mr.- Joll the loss of the head of the business was seriously felt and Mr. Jacob Marx was called in to advise on matters of management.