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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Mr. Martin Kennedy

Mr. Martin Kennedy, one of the directors of the Bank of New Zealand, has long been a prominent colonist. Attracted by the Australian gold rush Mr. Kennedy left the Old Land, and in January, 1860, arrived in Victoria, where for some twelve months he took an active part on the diggings. The news of the rich discoveries in Otago, which was carried by every vessel across the Tasman Sea, induced the subject of this notice to cross over to New Zealand in company with many others equally enterprising and sanguine. Otago generally, and the city of Dunedin particalarly, are indebted for the progress since made, to the push, ability and determination of those who arrived and took their share in the events of the stirring times that followed their advent. Until 1865 Mr. Kennedy and his brother carried on business as merchants at Queenstown, on Lake Wakatipu. At the beginning of the West Coast rush Mr. Kennedy removed to Greymouth, where over twenty years he occupied a leading position as a merchant. While resident on the Coast he was always forward to assist any legitimate enterprise that had for its object the development of the resources of the country. He was largely interested in gold mining in all parts of the West Coast, giving his time and experience cheerfully to further the interests of the ventures with which he was connected. Mr. Kennedy acquired in 1874 a considerable share in the coal mines at Brunnerton, to which he began to devote a large share of his time. His duties in connection with the mine became so onerous that in 1880 he discontinued the mercantile business and devoted himself entirely to them. It was not long before Mr. Kennedy became sole proprietor of the Brunner Colliery and the steam colliers employed in the trade. For years he conducted a large business as a coal-mine proprietor, but in 1888 he amalgamated his colliery with the Westport Company's interest at Brunnerton. The amalgamated company is well known as the Grey Valley Coal Company, Mr. Kennedy having at the same
Mr. M. Kennedy.

Mr. M. Kennedy.

page 509 time sold half his coal interest as well as all his steamboat interest to the Union Steamship Company. He became managing director of the Grey Valley Coal Company, and took up his abode in the Empire City in the following year. At this time he also took the managing directorship of the company which purchased Messrs. Staples and Co.'s brewery at Thorndon. Mr. Kennedy is the proprietor of a sheep-run in the Wairarapa, besides which he is interested in other local undertakings, and acts as a director of several companies. In 1876 he was returned as a member of the House of Representatives for the Grey Electorate District. Finding after serving for two sessions that he could not give the time required, he resigned his seat, and has not since entered the political arena.