Wellington Woollen Company's Buildings.

Wairarapa Standard, Volume XVIII, Issue 1765, 30 November 1885, Page 2

Wellington Woollen Company's Buildings.

laying the foundation stone. The ceremony of laying the foundation atone of the Wellington Woollen Company’s building at Petone took place on Saturday and was a brilliant affair. About 300 invitations had been issued and responded to, the ladies being in strong force, and the train conveying the visitors was kindly placed at the disposal of the Government by the Wellington • Manawatu Hallway Company. The grounds at Petone were decorated with flags, and when the visitors stood around the foundation stone the scene was an imposing one. Mr T. K. McDonald, the chairman of the directors of the Woollen Company, in a short speech, asked the Hon B. Stout, the Premier, to lay the foundation stone of the first woollen mill in the North Island. Mr Stout having been presented with a mallet made of N. Z. wood and a silver trowel, laid the stone in the usual formal manner and addressed the assemblage upon the importance of cultivating and supporting local industries. The ceremony over cheers were given and a photograph of the scene taken, and then the company repaired to the large woolehed to lunch. This being over the usual toasts and speeches were indulged ia 'and the company dispersed about 4 o'clock.