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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
Banks, G. W.
Banks, G. W., Slaughterhouse and Boiling-down Works, Kaiwarra, Wellington. Established 1884, Telephone 417. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. The proprietor of the above establishment is a native of Huntingdonshire, England, where he gained his experience in business with his father. Being of an enterprising disposition, he embarked in the ship “Wanganui,” and arrived in New Zealand in 1882. He was at once favourably impressed with the Colony, and shortly after received the appointment of manager of one of the Gear Company's shops in Wellington, which position he held for fifteen months, and since then has found no difficulty in securing employment. However, he saw that a strong monopoly existed in the trade, and determined to launch out on his own account, and since starting the above has from time to time extended his plant and land, which latter now comprises a bullock pad lock of forty acres, a sheep paddock of 100 acres, and a pig paddock of five acres, Mr. Banks recognising the importance of keeping his pigs entirely separate from the other animals. The main building, the slaughterhouse, is of wood and iron, with its rows of fine fresh-killed beef, presents quite a business-like appearance. Towards the rear, at the side, is a complete boiling-down plant. The refuse, along with the drainage of the stalls and pens at the rear, is carried away by an underground channel that is flushed by a strong force of water from an adjacent dam. Mr Banks's trade extends as far as Christchurch. He employs seven hands at present and from the method and system he adopts, it is easy to predict a rapid growth for this establishment. The residence of the proprietor overlooks the works, and is beautifully situated, commanding a splendid view of the city and harbour. Mr. Banks's success is to be attributed to his own untiring energy and perseverance.