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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
Gannaway, John
Gannaway, John, Office 13 Queen's Chambers. Private residence, 60 Thorndon Quay, P.O. Box 245. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Gannaway is a native of Southampton, England. He came in 1866 via Panama, and after crossing the Isthmus by rail, embarked in the “Kaikoura” steamer, reaching New Zealand in fifty-one days from Southampton. He was under a three years engagement to the Panama Company to look after their steamers, of which they had twenty-two trading in these ports. On the dissolution of the company, the vessels were disposed of, and a portion of them served to form the nucleus of the splendid Union Company of to-day. In 1870 Mr. Gannaway established himself in business as stevedore, and has conducted the same ever since. He has always taken a great interest in the development of the shipping accommodation on the Wellington wharves. He was among the first to insist upon the erection of suitable sheds for the protection of cargo in transit, and has done as much as anyone to facilitate such matters. He has lived to see the machinery and appliances for loading and unloading ships brought to a high [gap — reason: illegible]ate of efficiency. He has contracts with the Shaw, Savill and the Tyser companies for stevedoring their splendid liners, and does a considerable business generally.