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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Ironmongers And Hardware Merchants. — Including—Cycle Importers and Manufacturers; Galvanized and Corrugated Iron Manufacturers; Ironmongers and Hardware Merchants; Sewing and other Machine Importers

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Ironmongers And Hardware Merchants.
Including—Cycle Importers and Manufacturers; Galvanized and Corrugated Iron Manufacturers; Ironmongers and Hardware Merchants; Sewing and other Machine Importers.

Briscoe, MacNeil and Co., Wholesale Ironmongers, Iron and Metal Merchants, Victoria and Harris Streets. Cable address, “Briscoe, Wellington.” Code ABC, 4th edition. Telephone 792; P.O. Box 378. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia, Limited. This large firm is a branch of the business which was founded in 1862 in Dunedin by Mr. Hugh MacNeil, and of the Australian houses of Briscoe and Co., Melbourne, and Briscoe. Drysdale and Co., Sydney, the London and Wolverhampton firm being William Briscoe and Son, who have been established for over a century. The splendid premises occupied by the Wellington house are erected in brick, on concrete foundations, on the reclaimed land at the corner of Victoria and Harris Streets, from designs furnished by Mr. W. C. Chatfield, architect. The main building has a frontage of 110 feet to Harris Street, and 145 feet to Victoria Street, where the principal entrance is situated. There are three floors, each 17 feet in the clear, and affording, with the covered iron yard adjoining, a total floorage space of over 30,000 square feet. Entering the premises, the left hand front is occupied by Mr. A. W. Gellatly, who represents the firm in Wellington, while the rest of the front portion is used as a show-room, and for stock of builders' ironmongery. In the back portion of the ground floor the bulk store is situated. Here a large stock of the heavier goods is to be seen, the whole space being fitted up for the purpose of storing large quantities, but so arranged as to be easily accessible when required. The first floor is reached by Black and white drawing of the premises of Briscoe, MacNeil and Co. means of a spacious staircase with handsome iron balustrades. Here the general offices of the firm are situated, Mr. W. Morley, manager, occupying the room on the right. The rest of the large space is utilised for displaying the extensive stock of general ironmongery. A smaller staircase leads to the top floor, which is used as a bulk store, and is fitted up with long rows of counters for the purposes of the trade. A magnificent hydraulic lift, capable of raising two tons, communicates with each floor. The iron yard adjoining is supplied with two powerful travelling cranes, specially imported, and able to lift and transport heavy weights to any desired position. From twentyfive to thirty hands are employed by the firm, and in addition they have competent travellers, who wait upon their numerous customers in the various towns of the North Island, as well as on the West Coast of the South Island. Messrs. B.iscoe, MacNeil and Co. are direct importers, while their regular shipments of up-to-date goods come to hand regularly. They have the advantage of the immense stocks held in their Sydney and Melbourne houses, and can obtain any special line at short notice by cabling. With a full stock in every department, the firm are fully prepared to meet any calls, however great, that may be made upon them. It would be quite superfluous to particularise the vast and diverse stock. Suffice it to say that they keep everything in the hardware and general ironmongery trade. The Wellington branch, the portrait of which appears above, was established in 1893.

Brown, Walter, Engineer, Dairy Engineer, and Importer of Machinery, Featherston Street, Wellington. Telephone 253. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Oriental Bay. Mr. Walter Brown established his business as an importer of all kinds of machinery in 1884. For a good part of that time his premises were in Farish Street, but for the last few years he has been more centrally situated as above. The building is of wood and iron and is very suitable for the style of business carried on. The floor space is 2400 square feet. Mr. Brown is a direct importer of all kinds of machinery, light and heavy, his special lines being engines, boilers, engineers' lathes, and similar tools and appliances, mill gearing, flax milling machinery, and dairy machinery. The agencies held by Mr. Brown include wrought iron pulleys and Egan's woodworking machinery. Mr. Brown is a native of Lancashire, and was apprenticed to Messrs. Platt Bros, of Oldham. He was subsequent'y in business on his own account in Manchester. In 1884 he came to New Zealand, per ship “Lady Jocelyn” from London, and entered into business in Wellington immediately on arrival. The wrought iron pulleys for which he is agent are of course very much safer than pulleys of cast iron, and it is therefore satisfactory to know that the latter are being rapidly replaced by the former. In flax milling and dairying machinery Mr. Brown has had much experience, and anyone about to embark in either of these industries would do well to give him a call. (N.B.—Mr. Brown died suddenly on June 17, 1896).

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Cameron and Christie (Maurice P. Cameron and William F. Christie), Ironmongers, 93 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 61; P.O. Box 33. Cable address, “Throb;” code A.B.C. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. This English and American hardware house was established in the sixties by Messrs. Robert Gardner and Co., Limited, and has been conducted by the present proprietors for the past seven years. The situation is one of the best in the City, being right in the centre of Lambton Quay, and the building is large and handsome. The entire floor space occupied is nearly 10,000 square feet. The retail shop is well arranged, and well lighted with electric light; and from the centre customers ascend by a wide and easy flight of stairs to the showrooms, where handsome house furnishings, etc., are temptingly displayed. A thoroughly experienced and attentive staff is employed, some of the hands having been with the firm since its inception. A short time ago Mr. Cameron took a trip Home on business, with very satisfactory results. He made negotiations for Black and white drawing of the premises of Cameron and Christie the sale of butter and cheese in the Home markets, and so successful was the firm in this line of business that in the following year they headed the list of Wellington cheese exporters, having bought up the total output of the three Wairarapa factories. The agency for Symes' patent butter box and that of the Alexandra cream separator are also in the hands of this firm. Messrs. Cameron and Christie are in addition sole agents for Enfield bicycles, and for the manufactures of the Quinton and Rover Cycle Companies. In their own special lines, those of hardware and general ironmongery. Messrs. Cameron and Christie are large importers from America, as well as England. Their English buyer is Mr. E. J. Stout, of Birmingham, and their American buyers are Arkell and Douglas and Strong and Treubridge, of New York. Mr. Cameron, who is a Justice of the Peace for the Colony of New Zealand, is a native of Glasgow. He was apprenticed in the Old Country to the well-known firm of Messrs. A. and J. Nisbet, West of Scotland Ironmongery Establishment, Glasgow, and came here via Melbourne in 1884. In 1894, Mr. Cameron married Miss Nellie McKenzie, third daughter of the Hon. John McKenzie, Minister of Lands, and has one son. Mr. Christie is a Wellingtonian, though, on completion of his apprenticeship with Messrs. John Duthie and Co., he sought and gained experience in the sister colony of New South Wales. In 1896 Mr. Christie married Miss Crease, eldest daughter of the late Mr. E. H. Crease, of Wellington. Both the partners are popular in the City, and there is an air of brisk business about the establishment which in these hard times is very cheering. The firm's motto is “To buy well is to sell well”; and in advertising their cutlery lines they remind their customers that “a bad knife spoils a good dinner.”

The Collier Two Speed Cycle Company of New Zealand, Limited. Directors: Messrs. J. P. Maxwell, M.I.C.E. (Chairman), E. W. Mills, Henry Collier, W. L. Meek, W. F. Barraud and Herbert Collier. Secretary, Mr. S. Robinson, 38 Lambton Quay, Wellington.

Denton, George, Ironmonger, Watchmaker, and Jeweller, 33 Willis Street. Warehouse, Upper Willis Street, Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Denton, Wellington.” Telephone 135. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, “Femhill,” Woolcombe Street. Mr. Denton established the present business as early as 1863. The building is of iron, with a wooden front, and is two stories high. The plans were drawn by the late Mr. Toxward, and the building erected by Messrs. Whiting and Jauncey. The total floorage space of the shop and warehouse is about 4000 square feet. Corrugated iron was used in the building, and of so good a quality was it that though erected nearly thirty years ago, it bids fair to stand a great deal longer, every sheet being in splendid condition. Mr. Denton's stock includes curios, Maori rugs, mats, and beautifully carved articles of wood and kauri gum, the handwork of the natives. Tourists and curio-hunters would do well to call on Mr. Denton on passing through Wellington, for they will find in his establishment many rarities. He is a large importer of hardware, jewellery, watches, and many other lines, especially all things pertaining to tennis and fishing. In the matter of Maori goods in stock, it might be said that Mr. Denton has some beautiful greenstone “meres,” to the value of £30 or £40; but these weapons, it might be mentioned, are of no value apart from that of a relic, as it is not now customary to cleave a man's skull at a blow, which the formidable mere can do if properly handled. Mr. Denton is himself a collector of these things on his own account, and the duplicates he is always willing to sell. Mr. Denton came to New Zealand in 1856, arriving in Nelson per ship “China,” but Wellington was his destination, and to this port he came by schooner, there being at that time no steamer. During the many years spent in Wellington, Mr. Denton has studiously avoided all public offices, and resisted the persuasions of his friends to take part in civic and other affairs. He did, however, interest himself deeply in the formation of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society, in conjunction with Mr. W. T. L. Travers, and to these gentlemen the disciples of Isaak Walton are indebted for some of the pleasures they enjoy to-day. Mr. Denton was for ten years treasurer of the society, and only retired from the position on the amalgamation of the Masterton society with that of Wellington. He had the first trout hatchery in his own grounds at Fern Hill, and used to hatch out and distribute from 5000 to 6000 fish annually. At the time of writing the subject of this notice is on his way to England for a second visit, this time accompanied by Mrs. Denton.

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Duthie, John, and Co., Limited (Mr. John Duthie, M.H.R., managing director), General Hardware Merchants, Wholesale and Retail Ironmongers, Willis, Victoria, and Mercer Streets, Wellington Cable address, “Duthie, Wellington.” Code ABO. Telephones: Wholesale, 156; retail, 573; private, 259. P.O. Box 93. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private address of managing director, Percival Street. The wholesale and retail ironmongery business of Messrs. John Duthie and Co. ranks with the largest in the Colony, and have grown with a rapidity seldom seen even in this land of quick development. It was established in the year 1880, by Mr. John Duthie (who at that time owned the large business in Wanganui now conducted by Messrs. James Thain and Co.), and in 1890 it was incorporated as a limited liability company. The premises cover quite a large area, and have splendid frontages to no less than three streets, two of which are among the most important in the city. The retail shop is a large three-story building, and the wholesale warehouses are two stories high. The iron store, of which an illustration is given wherewith, is a recent addition, and is in itself a much larger place than many of the business premises in the Empire City. All the buildings are of brick, and were built from plans drawn by Mr. Turnbull, the popular architect. The carrying out of the plans was entrusted to Mr. Murdoch, the well known contractor, who did his work well. Though exceedingly compact and well-arranged, the premises cover nearly an acre or ground. The trade of the firm extends over a wide area of the Colony. Four travellers are constantly on the road, and their efforts are augmented by the frequent distribution of trade circulars through the post. The imports are most extensive, and embrace everything in the hardware line of business. Messrs. Duthie and Co. are agents for the paints of Messrs. Alexander Fergusson and Co., of Glasgow, and for the incandescent gas-burners. In both of these lines a good business is done, but the gas-burnersare quite new, and are a wonderful improvement on anything of the kind previously invented. The incandescent burner produces a beautifully white light, and its inventor claims for it the quality of economy to a degree quite extraordinary. Gas consumers should certainly test these burners for themselves. The retail trade is confined entirely to Wellington City, the firm being very careful not to enter into competition with their customers in the country and in the other centres of the colony. A sketch of the life of the managing director will be found under the heading of the Wellington City members. Mr. Duthie has worked hard and brought a great deal of business ability and acumen to bear on his commercial transactions. Though he has given much time and thought to the furtherance of the interests of Wellington generally, he has never neglected in any way the vast private concerns with which he has been connected. He and his firm are alike held in the very highest estimation. Not only are they accredited with the possession of wealth; but it is everywhere acknowledged that their gains have been earned and accumulated only by means which would bear the strictest scrutiny. During the session Mr. Duthie is able to give the greater part of his time to parliamentary work, and in January last he took advantage of the recess for a trip to the Old Country. The business is manned by a competent staff, the majority of whom have been with the firm for many years, and not a few of them have attained to positions of great trust and responsibility. As a wholesale house, that of Messrs. John Duthie and Co., Limited, stands well to the fore. Their importing and indenting operations are so extensive and so varied that the value of their purchasing power is enormous. They are thus able to land goods of all kinds in Wellington at the very lowest cost; and the internal management of their business at this end is so complete and systematic that they enjoy a well-earned reputation throughout the country for their prompt and accurate attention to all orders entrusted to their care. Under these circumstances it is not surprising that the business, both wholesale and retail, of Messrs. John Duthie and Co., Limited, is one of which Wellington may well be proud. The pictures give no adequate impression of the premises, as the Mercer Street frontage and half that to Victoria Street are excluded.

Willis Street Shop.

Willis Street Shop.

The Iron Store, Victoria Street.

The Iron Store, Victoria Street.

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Grace, Clarke and Co. (James Grace, Alfred Clarke, Oscar Hewett, and others), Sewing. Knitting, and other Machine Importers, 13 Manners Street, Wellington, with depôts at Palmerston North, Napier, Auckland, New Plymouth, Hawera, Danevirke, Pahiatua, Masterton, Carterton, Greytown, etc. Cable address, “Triplex, Wellington.” Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This firm was established in 1889, and does the entire trade in the famed “Wertheim” sewing machines throughout the North Island, and likewise in the “Harrison” knitting machines throughout the Colony. They are also vendors of the “Jones” and “Pearson” sewing, and the “Griswold” and “Chemnitz” knitting machines, while a splendid English-made wringer and mangle sold by this firm has become very popular of late. All their importations are direct from the manufacturers in England and the Continent of Europe, their business enabling them to procure machines of the best and latest construction with despatch, while at the same time the volume of business being done ensures the keeping of large stocks from which purchasers may select their requirements. The members of the firm firm all well known as men of experience and business ability, always up-to-date with their class of goods, while ready attention is ever given to the needs of the public.

Inglis Brothers (Thomas and Hugh Inglis), Cycle Importers and Manufacturers, Office and Showrooms, Trocadero Buildings, Willis Street, Wellington. Work, Fitting and Repairing Shop, Victoria Street. Telephone, 1019; P.O. Box 68. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This business was established by the present partners in June, 1895. The premises occupy a central position in Willis Street. On a platform extending from the handsome plate glass show windows fronting Willis Street for a considerable distance back, there is a large assortment of the splendid machines in which Messrs. Inglis Bros. deal. Contracts have been entered into with the manufacturers of the celebrated Coventry, Wolverhampton and Beeston Humber cycles for a supply of these unrivalled machines direct from the factories where they are made. Large shipments come to hand periodically, and these are carefully fitted up and put in thorough going order before being supplied to the public. In the season 1895–6 Messrs. Inglis Bros. disposed of a large number of these well-known cycles, many leading citizens being
Messrs. Thos. And Hugh Inglis.

Messrs. Thos. And Hugh Inglis.

No. 6 Humber Road Racer.

No. 6 Humber Road Racer.

numbered among the purchasers. The Humber Cycle has achieved a world-wide reputation which it is said has not been eclipsed by any other machine. In the Sydney Bulletin for 21st of March, 1896, appears an article on “Famous Cyclists and a famous Cycle,” from which the following extracts are culled:—“The Prince of Wales, the Princess Maud of Wales, and other members of the Royal Family; the Empress of Germany, the Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia, and others of the Russian Royalty; the Dukes of Portland, Sutherland, Abercorn and Athol and their respective duchesses are prominent among those who patronize the paragon of wheels. Truly the ‘Humber Steed of Steel’ can be said to have no rivals. The Viceroy of India and the Governor-General of Canada love their faithful Humber.” His Excellency Lord Hampden recently said to the Sydney Morning Herald and Daily Telegraph interviewers, “I ride the Humber because I think it is the best.” “The mighty Zimmerman, America's Speed King, came all the way from America to advertise and place on the Australian market his own particular brand of cycle. He came with a great flourish of trumpets and a triplet ‘to break Australian records.’ He came—he saw—he was conquered—by the Humber. Zimmerman was beaten by Parsons, Walker and Pither. Can it be said that the machine played no part in these historic victories? Compare the three riders—Parsons rather short, compact, quiet, muscular; Walker, tall and sinewy; Pither, long-legged and gaunt. When three such different types of men peddle home on the one brand of machine ahead of Zimmerman, it is only logical to conclude that the excellence of the machine is largely responsible. This is certain, at any rate. No other machine except that of the Austral Cycle Company showed Zimmerman the way home in Australia, although every cyclist here would have given two years of his life, perhaps, to down the world-famous American.” Three of the prominent New South Wales riders –Martin, the great American champion; Harris, England's champion; and Porta, the conqueror of Italy, all ride the Humber, Harris remarking,” I ride the Humber because it is the best machine built.” The Humber indeed has records of perfection, beside which those of its would-be rivals sink into insignificance, and while the Humber is the “racer of racers,” it is the “roadster of roadsters” and the “pleasure cycle of pleasure cycles.” It may be remarked that the Austral Cycle Agency supplies only the Humber machines. Messrs. Inglis Bros.' workshop fronts Victoria Street, immediately behind the showroom. page 690 It is a substantial brick building with concrete floor, containing about 2000 square feet of floorage space. Here there are two lathes—one large and one small one—a smith's forge and other needful appliances for the manufacturing, fitting and repairing of these useful machines. There is also an enamelling stove—heated by gas—large enough to include several frames at once for the purpose of hardening and finishing the machine with the beautiful enamel, for which they are well known. It may be interesting to note that in a period not exceeding ten months Messrs. Inglis Bros. passed 600 machines through their repairing shop. Five skilled hands are already employed by Messrs. Inglis Bros. in connection with their growing business. Messrs. Thomas and Hugh Inglis are sons of Mr. Thomas Inglis, of the well-known drapery house of Messrs. A. and T. Inglis, George Street, Dunedin. The illustrations show Messrs. Thomas and Hugh Inglis on their tandem machine, and one of the latest Humber cycles. The machine shown is the No. 6 Humber Road Racer, which replaces the No. 8 1895 pattern, and bids fair to be even more popular than the machine of last season.

Lysaght, John, Limited, of Bristol, London, and Wolverhampton, Galvanised, Corrugated Iron, and Wire Netting Manufacturers. New Zealand head office, Ballance Street, Wellington; branches, Auckland, Christchurch, and Dunedin. Manager for New Black and white advertisement for “Orb” Iron Zealand, Mr. James McLellan. The company have established branches in every quarter of the globe. In the Australian Colonies they have offices and stores in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide. Launceston and Freemantle. The well-known brand of John Lysaght, Limited, is “Orb” Iron, of which a block appears herewith. The sheets are galvanized and corrugated, or flat. “Orb” iron is the covering of the major portion of the country, this brand having, it is claimed double the sale of all the other brands put together. The company have established a factory in Sydney to produce wire netting, and turn out 600 miles of the netting monthly; while the British works turn out about 1000 miles weekly. The works of the company are as large as those of the four next largest manufacturers combined. Many thousands of hands are employed by the firm at their various works. Mr. McLellan, the New Zealand manager, has occupied the position of president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce.

Mills, E. W., and Co., Limited (Directors: Messrs. E. W. Mills (chairman and managing director), Edward Seagar and Martin Kennedy), Iron Merchants and Ship Chandlers, Jervois Quay, Hunter, and Victoria Streets, Wellington. Cable
Messrs. E. W. Mills and Co's Premises—Victoria Street Frontage. (From a photo taken before completion).

Messrs. E. W. Mills and Co's Premises—Victoria Street Frontage. (From a photo taken before completion).

page 691 address, “Ranhadura”; code A.B.C., 4th edition and private codes. Black and white photograph of, probably, Mr. E. W. Mills Telephone 35; P.O. Box 274. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence of managing director, “Sayes Court,” The Terrace. This extensive business is the oldest established ironmongery concern in Wellington. It was founded in 1854 by Mr. E. W. Mills, then a young man. The trade extended and developed to such an extent that larger premises were from time to time required. For many years the offices and retail establishment of the Company were situated in Lambton Quay, the wholesale stocks being in Featherston Street and Lambton Quay. The disadvantages of three separate premises for one business have long been very apparent, and the directors have been on the lookout for a suitable site where the operations of the firm could be concentrated. Five large allotments have been leased from the Wellington City Council in a most suitable position, having the advantage of close proximity to the wharves and shipping, and being very near the Post and Telegraph and Customs offices, as well as very convenient for business people. The new building, which is from plans prepared by Mr. W. C. Chatfield, who supervised the erection, is built of brick and cement, and occupies a commanding site facing Queen's Wharf approach, at the angle of three streets—Hunter and Victoria Streets, and Jervois Quay—the frontages being respectively 54, 147, and 179 feet. The front portion, which is three stories in height, has its main entrance at the corner of Hunter Street and Jervois Quay. The ground floor is used as a showroom, the offices of the firm, including those of the managing director and the secretary, being located on the left hand side of the entrance. The first and second floors, which are on powerful steel girders supported by iron pillars, are connected by a handsome staircase. The stock shown on the ground floor embraces ranges and stoves, register grates, mantelpieces, Milner's safes, pumps, lawn mowers, plated ware, bedsteads, chaff cutters, oat bruisers, hydraulic, logging and screw jacks, and many other useful machines. The shelving round the walls of this flat is filled with stocks of builders' hardware. The first floor contains, among other goods, varnishes, lampware, brushware, artificers' tools, builders' hardware, brass cocks and steam fittings, carriage and buggy lamps, guns and sporting material, filters, bedsteads, lawn mowers, and weighing machines; and on the upper floor are stored tinware, enamelled ware, spades, shovels, forks, rakes, churns, hay tools, fenders, lamp chimneys and globes, brooms, doormats, basketware, and milk dishes, these being a few of the many lines that go to make up the large hardware stock held by the firm. The two-story building at the back is connected on the basement and first floors by fireproof iron doors, an hydraulic jigger, capable of lifting half-a-ton, being used for raising packages, while travelling cranes for moving heavy goods run along the whole length of the buildings, and also transversely. A waggon way runs right through the centre of this building from Victoria Street to Jervois Quay, an asphalt floor being on one
Jervois Quay Frontage. (Since enlarged and completed.)

Jervois Quay Frontage. (Since enlarged and completed.)

page 692 side, and a raised platform on the other about the level of a waggon. Beneath this staging are stored bulk-oils, naves, and such goods as it is necessary to stow in a dark place. The heavier and more massive goods which are kept by the Company, such as plain and corrugated galvanised iron, fencing wires, staples, nails, paint oils, castor and other lubricating oils, cement, Milner's safes, and strong-room doors are kept on this floor. On the floor above is the packing room, and stocks are stored of stoves, ranges, bedsteads, saws, axes, handles, belting, bolts and nuts, and general engineers' and wheelwrights' material. Two of the sections fronting Jervois Quay are not yet built on. The iron-yard, agricultural implement, machinery, and ship chandlery departments will not be moved into the new premises until the extension is completed. After conducting a large business for thirty years, Mr. Mills decided on the formation of the present Company, which was incorporated in 1884. Few hardware concerns have been able to present such favourable balance-sheets or pay the dividends which have been regularly forthcoming by Messrs. E. W. Mills and Co. (Limited). The Company imports large quantities of general hardware, metals, machinery, ship chandlery, paints, oils, etc., from the best markets of Britain, America, and the Continent of Europe. The stocks are as heavy and valuable as they are varied, comprising as they do everything required to till the land or fit up a house, warehouse, or mill. The customers of the firm are to be found in most of the towns of the Colony, but most of the special area covered by the travellers of the Company extends from Gisborne on the East and New Plymouth of the West Coast, southwards to Wellington, and in the South Island to Marlborough, Nelson, and Westta id Provincial Districts. Three commercials are constantly employed, and occasionally two others. One traveller, Mr. Gibbs, has been in the firms employ for thirty-four years. Mr. C. A. Briggs, secretary and accountant, and several other employees have been in the service of the Company for about twenty years. Messrs. E. W. Mills and Co. (Limited) have a large number of special agencies from British, American, and Continental manufacturers. A few of the leading houses may be named, such as Milner's Safe Company, Felten and Guilleamme, of Mulheim-on-Rhine (wires and wire ropes), Valentine and Co., of New York (varnish and coach colours), Allen Everitt and Sons, of Birmingham (special locomotive and condenser tubes), Leonard and Ellis, of New York (Valvoline oils), T. and W. Smith of Newcastle-on-Tyne (wire ropes), Fairbanks and Co., of New York (weighing machine and weigh bridges), The Planet Junior Company (farm and garden implements). The Company's trade mark is the erect figure of a Maori chief, which has been duly registered in England. Mr. E. W. Mills, the founder and managing director, established one of the earliest foundries in Wellington in 1856. The business then inaugurated has been the leading foundry and engine works in the Empire City for many years. It was commenced on the present site of Mr. Mills' private house known as “Save Court,” and was named the Lion Foundry, a name which it retains to the present time. Until 1871 this business was conducted at the same place, a large number of hands—about one hundred and twenty in number—being employed. New and more commodious premises became a necessity, and in March, 1871, the new foundry on the foreshore was opened. A handsome piece of silver plate, suitably engraved, was presented to Mr. Mills to commemorate the opening. It was accompanied by a letter referring in kindly terms to the good understanding that had ever existed between that gentleman and his employees. The site occupied by the Lion Foundry was surrounded by water on three sides, and here steamers were built and launched in the early days. For many years Mr. Cable, the present owner, was foreman of works; he was subsequently admitted a partner, and eventually purchased the good will and business. Mr. Edward William Mills is the third son of the late Mr. Charles Mills, builder, who died in Wellington in 1862. Mr. Mills' ancestors settled in Winchester Hants during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, and had an estate there till about 1838. His grandmother Elizabeth Sophia was a daughter of the renowned Dr. Edward Shorter, a civil engineer and machinist, who patented several useful inventions—notably the screw propeller—in 1802. Born on the 19th of August, 1829, at Kensington, England, Mr. E. W. Mills accompanied his father to New Zealand per ship “Birman,” arriving in Wellington on the 1st of March, 1812, in his twelfth year. The fire fiend played havoc in the early days sometimes. On the 9th of November, 1842, the house of Mr. Mills' father was totally destroyed, and great loss was the result, as a valuable cargo had just previously been received. In consequence of this conflagration Mr. E. W. Mills had to go to work. He found employment with Mr. McLeod, a brother of Dr. Normau McLeod. In 1846 he assisted his father in carrying out his first contract at building for the Imperial Government. For about two years subsequently he had the usual experience on the goldfields, visiting Ballarat, Forest Creek, and other places in Australia. Returning to the Colony in 1854, Mr. Mills founded the large hardware trade which has borne his name for over forty years. Mr. Mills has carried through many large contracts for the construction of important works, including the building of, alterations and repairs to steamers, building locomotives, constructing railway plant, sawmills, etc., since establishing himself in business. He has ever taken a keen interest in the prosperity and progress of the Colony, and has always been ready to subscribe and help forward any scheme that was inaugurated to develop the resources of the country. As a director and promoter of several well-known companies—notably the Wellington Tramway Company and the Wellington Patent Slip Company—Mr. Mills has rendered yeoman service to New Zealand in general and Wellington in particular. Though he has steadily declined to be a candidate for the more prominent positions, such as the Mayoralty of the City and a place in the House of Representatives, he was a member of the old Town Board, and subsequently sat as a councillor for the City. In 1876 Mr. Mills was appointed a Justice of the Peace. For ten years he has been one of the directors of the Colonial Insurance Company, and of the Commercial Insurance Company, which purchased the former company's business. He has been interested in yachting matters since the earliest days of the Colony. Mr. Mills is now the commodore of the Port Nicholson Yacht Club. As a volunteer he has done his full service, joining in 1846 as one of a small company under Mr. George Allen, which patrolled the outskirts of the young settlement; after this Mr. Mills joined No. 1 Company Royal Rifle Volunteers, and subsequently rose to the position of captain, which he held till the troop was disbanded. He was afterwards appointed to No. 1 Company of the Militia, as captain, and his name is now on the retired list. In musical matters Mr. Mills is a flutist, and was a member of the first choir of St. Paul's pro-cathedral Church, and still retains his connection with this church. In the masonic fraternity Mr. Mills belongs to the Pacific Lodge 517, E.C., and is a master of the order. He has long been a member of the Chamber of Commerce, of which he was president in 1889. Mr. Mills is a member of the Wellington Club. He was married on the 28th of December, 1854, to Louisa Felicite Prideaux Evelyn, eldest daughter of Captain John Faithful Fortescue Wright, of the Royal Marines, and has four sons and five daughters. Mr. E. C. E. Mills, the eldest son, who had taken a prominent part in the hardware business of Messrs. E. W. Mills and Co. (Limited) for many years, was married on the 22nd of May, 1891, to Mrs. Masters, relict of the late page 693 Mr. Edward Masters, late M.H.R. for the Grey electorate. All Mr. Mills's daughters are married—the eldest to Mr. B. Holmwood, of Lee, Kent, the second to Mr. G. C. Russell, the third to Mr. A. Anderson, C.E., of Christchurch, the fourth to Mr. W. G. Grey, and the youngest to Mr. W. J. Napier, barrister and solicitor, of Auckland.

Stewart and Co. (late Greenfield and Stewart) (James Stewart, Charles Stewart, and James Hutchen), Iron, Glass, and Timber Merchants, Courtenay Place and Victoria Street, Wellington. This large and extensive business was founded by the late Mr. R. M. Greenfield and Mr. James Stewart, the present senior partner, in 1865. Mr. Greenfield, who is referred to at length as an ex-councillor for Wellington City on pp. 292–3 of this volume of the Cyclopedia, retained his connection with the firm for many years, but retired in 1877. Messrs. J. and C. Stewart were both born and brought up in Kirkcaldie, Fifeshire, Scotland. Mr. James Stewart arrived in the colonies in 1854, and, after “trying his luck” for some time on the Australian diggings, crossed the Tasman Sea, and founded the business in Wellington, as above described, in 1865. Mr. Charles Stewart came to New Zealand in 1862, landing at Port Chalmers. After spending two years in Otago, he proceeded to Wellington, and in 1865, joined the firm, with which he has ever since been connected. Mr. James Hutchen was born at Forfarshire, Scotland, and left his native land for New Zealand in 1862, per ship “Sir William Eyre,” landing in Wellington in 1864. Full particulars of the business of the firm will be found under “The Wood Trade” on pp. 764-5.

Thompson, Thomas John, Retail Ironmonger and Hardware Merchant, 60 Cuba Street, corner of Ghuznee Street. Telephone 285. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Wallace Street. Mr. Thompson is a native of the Colony; he was brought up to the trade in Cuba Street with Mr. John Young, and subsequently with Mr. Geo. Winder. The present business was established by Mr. A. J. Bennett in 1877, and conducted by that gentleman till September 1893, when Mr. Thompson became the proprietor. One particularly prominent feature of the business was its name for good quality, and this is what the present proprietor will maintain, making that his first aim, at the same time marking the goods at lowest prices. He has imported considerable stock from the very best makers in England, America, and the Continent of Europe since taking over the business, and the shop now contains a truly up-to-date stock, which is all marked at most reasonable figures. Mr. Thompson's trade extends through the provincial districts of Wellington, Taranaki, and Hawkes Bay in the North Island, and on the West Coast of the South Island The stock includes all kinds of furnishing ironmongery and house hold requisites. The premises consist of an imposing corner shop It has roomy show windows on two sides, which Mr. Thompson knows how to utilize to best advantage by a display of his well assorted goods. Cuba Street is well known as one of the best retail business thorough fares in the Empire City. It is not, therefore, to be wondered at that with such a position, and the large connection that appertains to this old established house, together with Mr. Thompson's thorough grasp of the details of his trade, the business should steadily increase.

Wilkins and Field (Thomas Field, Thomas A. H. Field, and Henry Montague Field), Hardware Merchants, Wholesale and Retail Ironmongers, Manners Street, Wellington. Retail department and offices, Manners Street; wholesale department, Farish, St. Hill, and Old Customhouse Streets. Branch establishment, Nelson. Telephone: Retail 642; wholesale 218. Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. This large business was established nearly thirty years ago in Westport by Mr. Thomas Field, but about the year 1880 Mr. Field entered into partnership with Mr. W. C. Wilkins, in Nelson, when the style of this old-established business was changed to Wilkins and Field, in which name it is still carried on, although Mr. W. C. Wilkins retired from the firm after a few years through ill health. The head office was established in Wellington in 1889. The splendid premises, of which an interior view appears in the illustration, were originally erected for an arcade, and having been purchased, were altered to suit the business by Messrs. Wilkins and Field. The showrooms are said to be the largest and finest in the Colony. The total floorage space of the retail department amounts to little less than 20,000 square feet. Behind the retail shop is situated the large wholesale premises and factory. The whole of these extensive buildings comprise nearly the entire block formed by Manners, Farish, St. Hill, and Customhouse Streets. The wholesale promises include about 15,000 square feet additional floorage space. The firm are large manufacturers of spouting, ridging, wire mattresses, perambulators, and everything in their line that can be made in the Colony to compete with imported goods. For the purpose of this manufacturing trade, the firm possess a full plant of machinery of the latest and most approved description, and a large staff of competent workmen are regularly employed. There are no less than from fifty to sixty hands engaged in the different departments. Messrs. Wilkins and Field are large importers from the best markets of the Old World, but they do all they can to encourage colonia industry, and anything that can be manufactured in the Colony to advantage has the preference. Their trade extends throughout the greater portion of New Zealand, their travellers paying regular visits to customers in Nelson, Marlborough, Westland, Taranaki, Hawkes Bay, every part of the Wellington province, and other districts. The firm are patentees of Yarrall's patent spray pump for spraying fruit trees, patent kerosene lamps, milk-strainers, and a host of other specialties. The Nelson firm are local agents for the Royal Insurance Company for the provincial districts of Nelson and Westland. Messrs. Wilkins and Field are a progressive firm, and may be relied upon at all times to supply goods of the best value at the lowest possible prices.

Winder, George, Ironmonger and Importer, the Corner Shor, Cuba and Manners Street, Wellington. Telegraphic and cable address, “Winder, Wellington.” Code, private, through Reuter. Telephone 474. Banlers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Pirie Street. Mr. Winder established himself as above in 1890, and his efforts to work up a large trade have met with abundant success. He imports largely, and deals with both town and country, his principal departments being ironmongery, electroplate goods, iron, and wire of all kinds. He has always an attractive display in each of his six large show windows, and in the fine showroom. Mr. Winder claims to have a larger frontage than any other retail ironmonger in the city. The premises are of wood and iron, and leasehold; but Mr. Winder is the owner of the splendid brick building situated a few doors further along Manners Street, and occupied as a carpet warehouse by Mr. H. J. Rodgers. In tiled grates and kitchen ranges, Mr. Winder does a steady and increasing trade, and he is a large manufacturer of wire mattresses. Though Mr. Winder employs competent hands in all his departments, his wonderful success is probably mainly due to the fact that his business has the undivided page 694
Wilkins and Field — Interior view of Premises.

Wilkins and Field — Interior view of Premises.

page 695 attention of its proprietor. Early and late Mr. Winder is to be found at his post, and rich and poor meet with the same prompt courtesy and attention, no matter whether the article required be a shilling sauuepan or a five guinea brass bedstead. The proprietor of this establishment was born in County Clare, Ireland, and was educated and apprenticed in Dublin, after which he had experience in the North of Ireland. In 1879 he came to the Colony per ship “Zealandia,” and settled in Wellington. During the eleven years preceding his establishment in business on his own account, he occupied a position of trust and responsibility in the employ of Mr. John Young, and by his courtesy and attention to customers, he made many of the friends who have supported him so liberally for the last five years. Mr. Winder is a member of the Wellington Bowling Club, but his close attention to business prohibits his becoming a player. He is a Master Mason, and belongs to the New Zealand Pacific Lodge, No. 2, N.Z.C. As a man of business and as a friend Mr. Winder is widely respected, and there is every reason for believing that the prosperity which has so liberally attended him during the five years he has been established will be continued in increased proportion.

Other Ironmongers, Etc.

Cerchi, Lugi, Dealer in Cycles, 57 Willis Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, 23 Kent Terrace. Established 1895.

Duff, Arthur H., trading as the Zealandia Hire Trading Company, Victoria Street. Established 1895.

Grove, Jas. Bond, Cycle Engineer, 27 Ghuznee Street. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Established 1892.

Higginbottom and Co. (Wilfred Higginbottom), Cutler and Ironmonger, 21A Willis Street. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Brougham Street.

Jenkinson and Co. (Hon. J. E. Jenkinson, Manager), Bicycle Manufacturers and Importers, 15 Willis Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Tinakori Road. Established 1896.

McLean, J., Junr., General Ironmonger, 28 Willis Street. Bankers National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Hanson Street. Established 1891.

Singer Sewing Machine Depôt (W. Forsyth Geddes, Manager), Willis Street.