THE ADVENT OF LAGER BEER.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Volume X, Issue 499, 15 February 1900, Page 14

THE ADVENT OF LAGER BEER.

OPENING CEREMONY AT THE BREWERY. On Tuesday afternoon Messrs Hancock invited a number of gentlemen to be present at the opening ceremony of their new lager-beer brewery—the first to be established in New Zealand. Over three hundred gentlemen were present, the assemblage including doctors, lawyers, members of Parliament, merchants, publicans, sinners, and other prominent individuals. The guests were received by Mr Moss Davis and his sons, and after a preliminary explanatory address by Mr Metzler (the expert who superintended the erection of the plant) a general inspection was made by all present. We shall be able to give a full description of the plant in a future issue, but lack of space and the lateness of the hour confines us in this number to the particulars of the opening ceremony. We may incidentally remark that the prevalent atmosphere in the vicinity of the plant was of a distinctly Arctic character, and the guests on emerging from the vacuum room welcomed the sunshine, not only for its genial warmth, but as ah incentive to that tbirst which was so quickly and satisfactorily allayed by sampling the delightful beer, which was lavishly placed at their disposal. . A little desultory conversation, and then we all adjourned to the main cellar, which was gaily decorated with bunting. There were long tables spread with various dainties and enticing looking long-necked bottles, while attendants pressed upon each visitor foaming beakers of sparkling amber-hued lager, and while the inner man was refreshed and enlivened the pleasurable excitement was enhanced by strains of appropriate music. Suddenly a muffled report was heart, succeeded by a flash of light, and a general impression gained ground that the Boers had somehow got wind of the opening of the brewery and had come in force to commandeer all the beer. Apprehensions were dissipated, however, when we found that it was only the photographer taking a flashlight photo, of those present. When quiet had been restored, the Hon. E. Mitchelson declared the brewery open and proposed “Success to Messes Handcock and Company’s Lager Beer Factory, coupled with the name of Mr Moss Davis,” which was drunk with musical honors In responding, Mr Davis said that he had travelled all over the world, and had studied the different processes of lager-beer making. He was satisfied that he had got the best process, and, further, he wished his hearers to know that the beer would be made from local products and by local labor. He hoped that the New Zealand public would appreciate the inauguration of a new industry under such circumstances and accord him a. generous patronage for his endeavors. It meant keeping the money in the country and finding employment for a great number of people. Although philanthropically inclined he was not altogether a philanthropist in starting the new brewery, as he hoped to personally. profit after the great outlay of capital which had been entailed upon him. He thanked those present for their cordial wishes and the way they had drunk his health. “ God Save the Queen” was then, sung, and cheers given for Her Majesty and Lord Roberts. After which Dr Laishley; wHo couldn’t resist the opportunity of giving abrief resume of his experiences m Germany and the taste he acquired for lager beer while there, proposed “ Commerce of Auckland,” with which he felt compelled to couple the name of Mr Moss Davis. The last-named gentleman responded to the toast in fitting terms, and, referring to the growth of commerce in New Zealand, expressed his pleasure at seeing Mr J. Mills, of the Union S.B. Company, present. Mr Mills bad been one of the most prominent factors ip the advance of commerce in New Zealand, and wished all present to drink his health. Mr Infills briefly acknowledged the toast. He said that during the last few years his company had spent over £500,000, and although at times they had been misjudged they always had at heart the progress of New Zealand. He thanked Mr Davis for his kind > remarks. Mr Gerald Peacocke, in a somewhat humorous speech, then proposed the health of the “New Zealand Legislature,” coupled with the names of Messrs Kelly, Palmer, and Lawry. He claimed that England’s power had to a large extent - been built up on beer, and although he was not quite sure what analogy there was between beer and Parliament, still Mr Lawry was an authority on the subject and could make all necessary explanations. Referring to the name “ Bismarck,” which had been chosen as the brand of the new manufacture, although he had rather something more English had been chosen, still he was satisfied that any beer that Bismarck regularly drank must be good. Mr Peacocke is evidently not aware of the fact that Bismarck died some time ago and is still dead. Mr Eelly replied first, and was followed by Mr Lawry, who was received with cheers. He made an excellent speech, during the course of which he referred to the disabilities under which the publicans suffered. . He said that it seemed at though the whole police force of the colony were devoting their attention to persecuting the licensed victuallers. He claimed that although he had always been looked upon as the champion of the Trade in the House he had never been asked a political favor by any one, directly or indirectly, connected with the Trade. Mr Jackson Palmer, who spoke after Mr Lawry, said that although he appeared before them as a moderate he was strongly in favor of amending certain clauses in the existing Liquor Act, which were really an insult to humanity. Under the law, as it stood at present, a publican was obliged to clear an intoxicated • man out of his house, for if he attempted to put him to bed or look after him a policeman was liable to bring a charge against him, and hp would run the risk of losing his license. He spoke of lager beer as a temperance drink;, and complimented Mr Lavis on introducing ; a beverage that would tend to promote sobriety. The ” Health of the Licensed Vied tuallers” was . proposed by Mr J. M. Shera and responded to by Mr J. McLeod, the chairman of he Auckland Licensed Victuallers’ Association.

Mr McLeod went into the detail of the difficulties a publican had to combat, and put the position of the average licensed victualler very lucidly before his listeners, referring particularly to the system of granting and distributing prohibition orders. A few other speeches were made, and the gathering broke up, after a very enjcyable afternoon, with hearty wishes tor the success of the venture.

The Flemington correspondent of the Leader writes: — “Everything is in readiness for the reception of the intercolonial contingent, the several tracks being in ihe best of order. The arrival of the visitors will necessarily cause things to assume a lively attitude next week, Walter Hickenbotham has been moving Finland and Kenley along in anticipation of determining the two-year-old championship with Haut Boy and any other ambitious youngsters who may come along. Finland is showing to advantage. The same trainer has not been hard on Fleet Admiral, who varies a long, slow exercise with an occasional sprint, which suggests that the Richmond horse is to be tried over short distances during the autumn meetings. Blunderer continues to do all that is being asked of him, and does it with characteristic freedom, while his stable companion, Strath joy, is also on the improve; Carrara and Model have been eased since their recent victories, but both can be again got ready for action at short notice. Olaf is doing well, albeit he is never asked to do anything good against the watch. They are such a bad lot in the Futurity Stakes that there are more unlikely things than for him to capture the big prize. He is certainly going to have a try for it. Cripps has taken up Scotchman again, and Beau Brummell has also resumed acquaintanceship with the tracks. Burrabari tried his hand over the hurdles for the first time, and shaped well for a beginner.” The Premier Picnic will be held at Home Bay, Motutapu on Saturday, February 17. Steamers from Auckland, 'lhames, Coromandel, Paeroa, Warkworth, Puhoi, Turanga Creek, Howick Wharf, Panmure Bridge, Waipu, Wade, and everywhere. All profits go to the Patriotic Fund.