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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Robertson and Co

Robertson and Co. (David Robertson), Ship and General Smiths, Phœnix Iron and Brass Foundry, Old Custom House page 682 Street, Wellington. Telephone 514. P.O. Box 102. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Roxburgh Street. British agents, Messrs. Goodwin and Co., Birmingham. This foundry, which is reputed to be the first established in Wellington, was founded by Mr. Charles Seagar, the present proprietor taking over the business in 1875. The buildings are of wood and iron, twostories in height, and cover nearly half an acre of ground. The business is divided into engineering, turning and fitting, pattern making, moulding, and blacksmithing departments, the works being driven by a sixteen-horse-power horizontal steam engine, made by the firm. The machinery consists of six lathes, the largest of which will turn a piece of work sixteen feet long by four feet in diameter, and a steam hammer capable of striking a blow equal to five tons weight,—besides drilling, planing, shaping, screwing, and other appliances. Messrs. Robertson and Co., who are importers of pig iron, undertake all kinds of engineering and repairing work, but especially the fitting of sawmilling and other works. They have made and fitted a good many plants in the Wellington Provincial District, including Messrs. Allender and Co.'s soap works, the engine at Mr. W. Tonks' flourmill, the boiler and gear of the Wellington Biscuit Company, and also the engines and boilers of the s.s. “Huia,” “Stormbird,” and “Grafton” Mr. Robertson was born in Scotland, where he was apprenticed, completing his term in 1860. After working two years at his trade, he came to New Zealand per ship “Sarah M,” arriving in Dunedin on the last day of 1862. For some time, Mr. Robertson was chief engineer on local steamers, afterwards becoming foreman at the Lion foundry, till entering into business on his own account. In church matters, Mr. Robertson is a Presbyterian, having been connected with St. John's Church for some years, but presently occupying a seat on the Management Committee of the Kent Terrace Church. He has shown considerable interest in education, having been a member, since its formation, of the Clyde Quay School Committee, of which he has become chairman.