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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Hannah, R., and Co

Hannah, R., and Co. (Robert Hannah), Wholesale and Retail Boot and Shoe Importers and Manufacturers. Head office and show rooms, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Warehouse and factory, Lambton Quay. Branches, Cuba Street, Wellington; and at Wanganui, Napier, Hastings, Auckland, Greymouth, Palmerston North, Masterton, Danevirke, Stratford, and New Plymouth. Telephones: Cuba Street, 322; Lambton Quay (shop), 46; Lambton Quay (warehouse), 396; private residence, 847. P.O. Box, 134, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Khandallah. The enterprising proprietor of this large business was born in Ireland on the 10th of September, 1846. Educated in his native land, Mr. Hannah served an apprenticeship to the trade at Kilrea, a place about thirty miles from the thriving town of Belfast. At the age of eighteen, he decided to seek new fields for the exercise of his energy and ability. The colony of Queensland was selected, and there he remained some two or three years. Crossing the Tasman Sea by the steamship “Claude Hamilton,” he landed in Hokitika in 1866. Four years later, Mr. Hannah founded the firm of B. Hannah and Co., at Charleston, on the West Coast. In 1874 it was deemed wise to transfer the head office to Wellington, a proceeding which has been followed by very many of the prominent firms of the Colony since that time—and Mr. Martin Lightband, of Nelson, then joined the firm. The business has continued to expand and develop to such an extent that it now stands in the front rank as an importing and manufacturing concern. Mr. Lightband continued a member of the firm till 1889, since which time Mr. Hannah has been sole proprietor. The three story brick building in Lambton Quay, now used as head quarters of the firm, served for many years as factory, warehouse, and principal retail depôt. For some time before the erection of the new factory, the accommodation was much too small for the requirements of the trade. Mr. Hannah therefore instructed Mr. T. Turnbull, the well-known architect, to prepare plans for a five story brick building, to measure fifty by one hundred feet. On tenders being called, it was found that no offer was forthcoming, local contractors having determined to boycott the work, in consequence of the insertion of a maintenance clause of which they did not approve. Mr. Hannah therefore resolved, with Mr. Turnbull's assistance, to erect the building by sub-contracts and day labour. Needless to say, the building was successfully and substantially built, it having been completed in 1894. The firm have imported a magnificent plant, which comprises all the most modern machinery, with which this fine factory is fitted. The motive power is generated by a six-horse-power “Otto” gas engine. Two hundred and fifty hands find regular employment in Messrs. Hannah and Co.'s factory. Including the retail staff at the head office and eleven branches, the total number of hands employed by the firm exceeds three hundred. Messrs. Hannah and Co.'s trade mark “Palace G” boot is well-known throughout the Colony. Every description of boots and shoes, from the commonest slipper to the finest polo boot is manufactured by this large firm. There can be no doubt that Messrs. Hannah and Co. occupy a leading position in the Colony as boot and shoe manufacturers, and importers of British and Continental boots and shoes; and in each of the cities and towns where they have opened branches they have gained a prominent place among the retail traders.