A lot of Election speaker held evenings at Welch”s Hall saw up to 1919

Wellington Independent 20 February 1866
ANNUAL SOIREE.
THE TAITA FOURTH ANNUAL SOIREE will take place in Mr. WELCH”S Paddocks, Taita, on
WEDNESDAY NEXT, FEBRUARY 21.
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Tea and other Refreshments will be provided.
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Cricketing and various Rural Sports during the day.
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Admission, including tea, 1s. 6d.

Evening Post 25 June 1896
The annual dinner given by the United Hunt Club to the farmers of the Hutt was held in Welch”s Hall at the Taita last night. The master of the Hunt (Mr. D. G. A. Cooper) was in the chair, Mr. A. Wylie being vice-chairman. The catering arrangements were in the hands of Mr. T. Oxenham, of Petone. The toast of “The Farmers of the Hutt” was proposed by the Master, and responded to by Messrs. Milne and King. Mr. Milne gave the toast of “The United Hunt Club,” and it was acknowledged by the Master. Songs, recitations, &c., were contributed by Messrs. T. M. Wilford, F. W. Haybittle, E. T. Sayers, and others. A dance followed.

Evening Post 21 December 1896
TAITA.
An excellent entertainment, held in Welch”s Hall, was given by the Taita School in connection with the breaking up for the holidays. The most notable event was a debate by some of the scholars, on the question, “Are School Excursions Beneficial ?” which, of course, ended in a decided victory for the affirmative side. The action songs by the children were much appreciated, as also was a trio by Misses and Master Williamson. The Rev. Andrew Gray presided, and presented prizes to all who had passed their examinations. Special prizes were awarded to Emily Colson for greatest improvement, to Edith White and Amy Williamson (equal) for neatest set of exercise books, to Hilda Hudson and Sam Campbell for rapid arithmetic. The other performers at the concert were Misses Ross, Drummond, Gray, Garwood, and McGurk, Messrs. Jones, Feist, Pringle, Kirk, Drummond, and Gillet, with Misses Williamson and Brown as pianistes. The whole entertainment reflected much credit on Mr. Williamson and his staff.

Evening Post 11 July 1898
A social gathering in aid of the Hutt Valley Amateur Swimming Club will be held at Welch”s Hall, Taita, on Wednesday evening. A bus will run out from Lower Hutt.

Evening Post 8 November 1900
PROPOSED LOAN TO PURCHASE THE COUNTY OFFICES AND SITE.
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PUBLIC NOTICE is hereby given that Meetings of Ratepayers who are affected by the above-mentioned Proposed Loan will be held at such time and place as herinunder mentioned, for the purpose of considering and discussing the said proposal:-
Epuni Riding – Mr. Welch”s Hall, Taita, at 7.30 o”clock p.m. on Saturday, 10th November proximo.
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Wairarapa Daily Times 5 July 1906
A representative of a well-known firm of auctioneers and estate agents in the Wellington province was on a visit to the Hutt and Taita, last week, inspecting properties with a view to purchase on behalf of a syndicate, for the purpose of subdividing for suburban homes. Amongst those considered very suitable for the purpose is the well-known Laurel Hall estate, Taita, now in the occupation of Mr M. W. Welch, whose lease from the trustees of the late Mrs T. A. (sic) Welch will soon expire. The estate comprises about sixty acres, and is only a few minutes walk from the hotel and coach stage, and it is probable that the syndicate will make an effort to secure same at an early date.

Evening Post 1 December 1909
FOR SALE BY TENDER.
TENDERS are invited for the purchase of 60 Acres (more or less), with large residence of 13 rooms, known as Laurel Hall, situate at Taita, 12 miles from Wellington. This fine property has been in the possession of the late Mr. W. R. Welch and family for over 50 years, and is only now being offered for Sale for the purpose of winding up the estate. No tender necessarily accepted. Full information can be obtained from Mr. M. W. Welch, on the property, or from the undersigned.- F. P. WELCH, Estate Agent, Masterton

Evening Post 8 February 1919
GREAT OPPORTUNITY.
FARM PROPERTY, LOWER HUTT.
To be Sold at PUBLIC AUCTION
AT OUR ROOMS,
105, CUSTOMHOUSE-QUAY,
On TUESDAY, 11th FEBRUARY, 1919,
At 2.30 p.m.
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MESSRS. S. GEORGE NATHAN AND CO. are instructed by the Trustees in the Estate of the late William Welch to sell by Public Auction, as above —
ALL that parcel of land contained in Part Section 9, Block 9, Belmont S.D., comprising 57 1/4 acres (about).
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This splendid property, known as Laurel Hall, is situate at Taita, under 12 miles from Wellington by main through road to Wairarapa. Taken up when in its native state about 1850 by the late Mr. W. R. Welch, and has been in the possession of the family ever since.
Ten acres of this land would keep a family in affluence. A very big revenue is taken off the property from the sale of green feed (cowgrass, red clover, etc.) sold to city customers — about £10 per week from this source alone. Magnificent growth now to be seen on the farm. Potatoes and vegetables do remarkably well, as can be seen by present corps. To a dairyman there is a fortune awaiting here. City Council”s motor milk lorries pass daily, so no expense need be incurred in delivery.
A large 13-roomed House, well appointed, and outbuildings, barn, cowshed, etc., are situated on the farm. This has in the past been one of the model homes in the district, and with a little attention could be brought back to its former beauty. A native bush gully, with creek, on the eastern boundary would stock a nursery with ferns and native shrubs.
Anglican Church close by, School 3/4 (?) mile, Store, Post Office, and Telephone 1 mile.
DAIRYMEN, RETIRING CITY MEN, NURSERYMEN,
Do not let your chance slip by. Here”s a clean run for you. Further particulars and card to view from the Auctioneers,
S. GEORGE NATHAN AND CO., 105, Customhouse-quay.

Evening Post 8 February 1919
GREAT OPPORTUNITY.
FARM PROPERTY, LOWER HUTT.
To be Sold at PUBLIC AUCTION
AT OUR ROOMS,
105, CUSTOMHOUSE-QUAY,
On TUESDAY, 11th FEBRUARY, 1919,
At 2.30 p.m.
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MESSRS. S. GEORGE NATHAN AND CO. are instructed by the Trustees in the Estate of the late William Welch to sell by Public Auction, as above —
ALL that parcel of land contained in Part Section 9, Block 9, Belmont S.D., comprising 57 1/4 acres (about).
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This splendid property, known as Laurel Hall, is situate at Taita, under 12 miles from Wellington by main through road to Wairarapa. Taken up when in its native state about 1850 by the late Mr. W. R. Welch, and has been in the possession of the family ever since.
Ten acres of this land would keep a family in affluence. A very big revenue is taken off the property from the sale of green feed (cowgrass, red clover, etc.) sold to city customers — about £10 per week from this source alone. Magnificent growth now to be seen on the farm. Potatoes and vegetables do remarkably well, as can be seen by present corps. To a dairyman there is a fortune awaiting here. City Council”s motor milk lorries pass daily, so no expense need be incurred in delivery.
A large 13-roomed House, well appointed, and outbuildings, barn, cowshed, etc., are situated on the farm. This has in the past been one of the model homes in the district, and with a little attention could be brought back to its former beauty. A native bush gully, with creek, on the eastern boundary would stock a nursery with ferns and native shrubs.
Anglican Church close by, School 3/4 (?) mile, Store, Post Office, and Telephone 1 mile.
DAIRYMEN, RETIRING CITY MEN, NURSERYMEN,
Do not let your chance slip by. Here”s a clean run for you. Further particulars and card to view from the Auctioneers,
S. GEORGE NATHAN AND CO., 105, Customhouse-quay.

Evening Post 17 June 1919
Mr. F. P. Welch, Masterton, advertises for sale the Laurel Hall estate, at Taita.

Evening Post 18 June 1919
SUBURBAN FARM.
57 ACRES Freehold. This is the well-known Welch Family Estate, known as LAUREL HALL, situate Taita. An exceedingly fine property of great prospective value. Fortunes have been made off areas not half the extent in the Hutt Valley. See the fine crops now growing for winter feed. Large house with 11 (sic) good rooms, hall, wardrobes, anteroom, scullery, etc. Large granary, 4-stall stable, concreted cowshed, fowlhouse, etc.; city milk lorries pass daily. Mr. M. W. Welch, who is on the property, will show intending buyers over same. Price only £5150, Terms. Apply
F. P. WELCH, Estate Agent, Masterton.

Evening Post 26 September 1919
SUBURBAN FARM.
LAUREL HALL, TAITA.
57 1/4 ACRES. This splendid property, which has been in possession of present owners since the first settlers landed in Wellington and took up bush sections in the Hutt Valley, is being offered for sale to wind up the estate. There is a large 11-roomed Residence, large granary, stables, concreted 6-bail cowshed, and other buildings on the property. This is one of the few remaining farms in the Valley off which a splendid living can be made. For dairying, cropping, fruit, vegetables, and poultry farming this is an ideal property. Worth £7000 Will sell for £1500 below value, mentioned. Mr. M. W. Welch, on the farm, will show purchasers over. Apply F. P. WELCH, Land Agent, Masterton.

Evening Post 8 March 1920
A GREAT BARGAIN AT TAITA.
£6150 WILL Buy that splendid property situate Taita, and known as Laurel Hall, and now in the occupation of M. W. Welch. Esq., one of the estate beneficiaries. This, property has been in the family”s possession since the early fifties, never having changed hands since it was in bush. Main Wellington- Wairarapa road passes this property, 11 miles from Wellington. City Council”s milk lorries pass the property daily. Large 11-roomed house, large granary, cowshed, stable, etc Get in early before the rise. Property selling about one mile distant at over £500 per acre. Good cutting up proposition. Apply F. P. WELCH, Land Agent, Masterton, or Wellington Agents.

Evening Post 18 March 1921
THURSDAY, 24th MARCH, 1921,
At 12.30 p.m.
IMPORTANT CLEARING SALE OF FARM IMPLEMENTS, SEPARATOR AND DAIRY UTENSILS, HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, PIANO, ORGAN, AND TELESCOPE.
AT LAUREL HALL, TAITA.
MESSRS. J. H. BETHUNE AND CO. (in conjunction with Mr. F. P. WELCH) will sell by auction at Laurel Hall, Taita, on behalf of M. W. Welch, Esq., as above—
TINE HARROWS (3-leaf), combined banker and scarifier, Hornsby plough, Planet Junior cultivator with set of blades and seed-box, tip-dray, 2 sledges, sundries, Domo separator, and dairy utensils
HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, piano, organ, large telescope, drawing room suite, bookcase, mirrors, carpets, linoleums, lamps, blankets, bedsteads, chairs, dining, kitchen, and occasional tables.
0n View on Morning of Sale.
J. H. BETHUNE AND CO., Auctioneers.

Evening Post 19 February 1923
TAITA LANDMARK DESTROYED
The old Welch homestead, a large two-storied dwelling — an old and familiar landmark to Hutt Valley residents — situated on the main Hutt Road, Taita, opposite the Anglican Church, was totally destroyed by fire between 4.30 and 5 a.m. on Sunday morning. The property was sold by Mr. M. W. Welch some time ago to Mr. David Dickie, of Wellington, and it was in the occupation of Mr. A. C. Clegg.
About 4 a.m., two men who work on the place went through the kitchen on their way to work and noticed no sign of fire. About 4.20 one of them returned to call Mr. Clegg, and still noticed nothing amiss; but when Mr. Clegg came down at 4.30 the fire had reached the ceiling near the fireplace.
Mr. Clegg”s two children were hurriedly removed, and Mrs. Clegg want upstairs to rouse her father, Mr. Win. Taylor; and by the time this was accomplished the only exit was through an upstairs window and on to a lean to roof.
In jumping down to the ground, about twelve feet, Mrs. Clegg fell and injured her face. She was removed to the Wellington Hospital. Mr. Taylor escaped without injury. The children got out in their night-clothes, and the others with very scanty clothing. The house and contents were totally destroyed.
The dairy, which stood some distance away, was also destroyed.
No fire had been lit in the range from the previous day.

Hawera & Normanby Star 19 February 1923
TWO WELLINGTON FIRES.
WOMAN INJURED
BRIGADE”S LONG FIGHT
(BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATIONS WELLINGTON, Feb. 19.)
An exciting incident occurred at Taita at 4.30 on Sunday morning, when a two-storied residence, occupied by Arthur Charles Clegg, was destroyed by fire. The building, which was nearly 50 years old, was discovered to be on fire by Mrs Clegg, who rushed up the stairs to warn her father. She succeeded in getting him down and then found her own escape cut off. She got through a window on to a shed and fell to the ground, striking her head and face as she came down. She was brought to the Wellington Hospital, where she was found to be suffering from severe cuts and shock, but she is now progressing fairly well.