The Hawaiian gazette., 1868-09-16
SUGAR.
Dissolution of the Firm of y.
Robinson 81 Co.

The Oldest firm in Honolulu, that of James
Robinson & Co., was last Saturday dissolved
by the death of Robert G. Lawrence, one OF
its two original members. 1t was COM
menced in 1922, and the shipyard located on
the point (Pakaka) in 1927, where by patient
industry, close application to business, and
prudent management OF their affairs, the firm
has accumulated wealth and grown aged with
the flight of years. Mr. R. W. Holt was for
many years partner. He died in 1861, leav-
ing large estate to his family.
The commencement of this firm was
through a common friendship and common
misfortune-the result of one of those acct
dents which give turn to human life, and
wholly divert it from its former course In
1921, Mr.. Robinson and Mr.. Lawrence, both
young men, left England to seek their for
tunes in the distan: and then imperfectly
known Pacific Ocean. They sailed in the
He,zheS, reaching Honolulu in the spring of
1922 The Japan whaling-ground having
heen jnst brought into notice, the HerneS
together with the British ship Rdrl, started
the same day from this port to cruise there.
Twenty days out, on the same night, both
vessels ran upon an unknown reef and were
totally lost. More than sixty persons were
thus thrown upon desolate, barren lagoon
island, in an unfrequented part of the ocean,
with no prospect of succor except through
their own management and skill.
Mr.. Robinson commenced to build a
schooner from the wreck of the ships. in
which, with eleven others, he subsequently
reached these islands in October, 1922. Be-
fore the completion of the schooner, an Eng
fish whaler made the reef, and took away all
the men except Mr. Robinson's party of six,
and six sailors, who would neither go away
nor work for their own deliverance.
-Four months were spent upon the reef
now known as the Pearl and Hermes Reef
and the schooner, short of water and provis-
ions, started for Honolulu. A long passage
OF ten weeks, with no other nautical instru-
ment than an old quadrant and pinchbeck
watch TO determine their position, brought
them in sight of Hawaii with scarcely any
provisions left, and only three gallons of
fresh water on board.
Mr.. Robinson and Mr. Lawrence, thus
thrown upon this island as waits from the
original plans entirely broken up,
lad really, by their indomitable energy and
thrift, made the wreck on the Pearl and |
Hermes Reef the foundation of their subse-
Iuent business and financial success. Their |
schooner was sold here for two thousand dol |
airs, and Mr.. Robinson found immediate en-
,agement to put up Others, imported about
hat time from the East. They found that a
hipyard was already necessity of the port,
nd they entered upon the business. In 1927
hey obtained from Kalaimoku, Pakaka-the
nothing more than coral reef,
N which they established their shipyard and
'uilt the first wharyes able to take alongside
casters and ships.
Through the long period of forty-sfx years
his firm has identified itself with the bust
ess interests of the islands, and its name
nd financial resources have become familiar
zed to all our residents. The partnership
nat existed was not one founded on legal
1rms or written conditions. 1t was COM
fenced and has been carried on these long
ears through the simple force of individual
haracter and confidence in personal integ-
ty. That either member of the firm insisted
pom business transaction or an investment
Dntrary to the opinion of the others, was an
d
Unknown fact The firm has always been an
nit in its plans and transactions, keeping
leir affairs to themselves a1d continuing
eadily prosperous.
Mr.. Lawrence was born at Bermondsey,
ngland, January 9th, 1873, and was conse-
lently, at the time of his death in his 10th
AR. Three sisters and brother are yet Hy-
g, in England, all in advanced years. He .
ayes no children. q
For some years past, on account Of his
owing infrmities, he has seldom left the
-emises on the Point, and latterly was con-
red to his house. Since his arrival in 1872 :
has left this island but once-on business n
lp to Maui-and has never been off the
CUP. Such another instance of adherence
one locality, We think, can hardly be point P
out I,
His large estate has been devised by will,
e items of which are not yet made public
le funeral will be attended from the house q
the Point, where he has so long resided b