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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
Tonks, Enoch
Tonks, Enoch, Brick Manufacturer, Webb Street Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Webb Street. This business was founded just fifty years ago by the father of the present proprietor, the late Mr. William Tonks The brickyards and factory occupy about two acres of land, which is freehold, and a very large amount of excavating has already been done for the purposes of the works. A considerable portion of the frontage is occupied by substantial wooden houses, which Mr. Tonks has erected on the land levelled in the course of his business. The brick-making machine, which was made in the Colony, is driven by a horizontal steam-engine of eight-horse-power, manufactured by Messrs. Luke and Son, of the well-known Te Aro Foundry. Mr. Tonks is the possessor of the latest machine for the manufacture of pressed bricks; he has a splendid Hoffman kiln, which is always working, and a down draught kiln for the purpose of burning the pressed bricks; A large supply of clay is on the ground, but in addition Mr. Tonks has made arrangements for obtaining a supply elsewhere. He does a very extensive trade in Wellington and the surrounding districts, and about twelve or thirteen hands are kept in constant employment. Mr. Tonks is a native of Staffordshire, England, and came out to the Colony with his parents per ship “Birman,” arriving in Wellington in 1842.