Edward Metcalf Smith
Date of birth / Date established
10 Jan 1839?
Date of death / Date closed
19 Apr 1907
Place of birth / Place established
Place of death / Place closed
Person/Corporate type
Individual
Biography
Edward Metcalf Smith, pioneer of early industrial development in Taranaki was born in South Staffordshire, England in 1839. His early years were spent in the iron and steel trade during which time he qualified as an armourer. As a consequence, he took an appointment as Garrison Armourer to the New Zealand Field Forces in Auckland. After moving to Taranaki, he became involved in local industrial development. Smith was interested in exploiting mineral deposits, including limestone deposits in Mokau, coal on the Mokau River and iron sand on local beaches. He made several attempts to locate financial backing to develop an iron smelter and while he didn't succeed, Smith laid the foundation for later development. E M Smith served on the New Plymouth Harbour Board and was also a Member of Parliament. He died in 1907, as a result of a railway accident.
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/biographies/2s31/1
URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/biographies/2s31/1
