The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
Leather Trade. — Including—Boot and Shoe Manufacturers, Importers, and Dealers; Boot Upper Manufacturers; Fellmongers; Leather and Grindery Merchants, Portmanteau, Leather Bag, and Trunk Makers; Saddlery and Harness Makers and Importers; Whip Thong Makers; and Tanners
Leather Trade.
Including—Boot and Shoe Manufacturers, Importers, and Dealers; Boot Upper Manufacturers; Fellmongers; Leather and Grindery Merchants, Portmanteau, Leather Bag, and Trunk Makers; Saddlery and Harness Makers and Importers; Whip Thong Makers; and Tanners.
Austin, N. B., Boot and Shoemaker, Plimmer's Steps, Wellington. Private residence, Willow Bank House. Mr. Austin was born in Geelong, Victoria, and came over to New Zealand in 1862, arriving at Dunedin with his father's family when he was quite a boy. Mr. Austin, senior, was attracted to Otago by the gold rush, which had just begun, and at once made for the Gabriel's Gully field. His son was educated at Lawrence, Otago, and was apprenticed to Mr. Monaghan, boot and shoemaker, at Lawrence, completing his term of apprenticeship in 1880. Subsequently Mr. Austin was in Oamaru for twelve years in business on his own account, and established himself in Wellington in 1892. He is a professional athlete, and has at various times won a great number of prizes, many of them very valuable, ranging, indeed, as high as £50 He won the [unclear: high] jump in Waimate for nine years consecutively. Mr. Austin was captain of the At[unclear: leti]c Football Ciub.
Barnes, William Frederick, Boot Manufacturer, 136 Willis Street, Wellington. This business was established in 1894, by the present proprietor, who arrived from England in 1874. Every class of boots and shoes is made on the p emises, and the work turned out is considered equal to imported goods. Several hands are constantly employed in the business. Mr. Bar es served his apprenticeship to the trade in London, where he was Lord in 1852. His wife is also an expert in the closing of uppers, &c., having been in the trade ever since she was six years of age. Mr. Barnes has a family of eleven, four of whom are engaged in the business. A great deal of work is done at this establishment for the wholesale houses. Mr. Barnes also spends a little time in mining pursuits, and is one of the five owners of the new goldmine at Karori.
Belcher, William, Boot Upper and Clog Manufacturer, Leather and Grindery Merchant, Manners Street, opposite Fire Brigade Station. Cable address, “Belcher, Wellington.” Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Mr. Belcher is a native of Northampton-shire, and learned his trade with L. Watkin and Sons, of Wellingboro', remaining as a journeyman for two or three years thereafter. He came to New Zealand per ship “Cardigan Castle,” from London, in 1876, and took a situation with Toomer Brothers, in Christchurch. He remained in the employ of the latter firm for seven years, the last four of which he was foreman of the clicking department. He left this employment to join Mr. H. Duckworth in business, and was a member of the firm of Duckworth and Belcher for about five years. The present business was established in 1892 as above. Mr. Belcher is a direct importer of English sole, French and German calf and kid skins, elastic linings, grindery, etc. His plant consists of sewing, closing, blocking and eyeletting machinery for the boot upper manufacture, in which he does a considerable trade. He is also making clogs, which are very suitable for wear in dairy factories, on farms, or in tan yards, and for all who have to work in wet places. Mr. Belcher keeps a considerable stock of colonial leather in addition to the imported varieties. His business extends throughout the Southern and middle part of the North Island, and Northern portions of the South Islaud. The premises are of brick and two stories in height, affording a total floorage space equal to 1500 square feet. His business has steadily increased since its foundation.
Butler Bros. (John Edward Butler), Wholesale Saddlers and Leather Merchants, Brandon Street, Wellington. Mr. Arthur William Blanchard, Manager, Wellington Branch. Telephone 511; P.O. Box 210. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Manager's residence, 33 Ellice S[unclear: tree]t. The head office of Messrs. Butler Bros, being situated in Dunedin, fuller information will appear in the Otago volume.
Clifford, Charles Ernest, Portmanteau and Bag Maker, 4 Johnston Street, Wellington. This business was established in 1895, by Mr. J. B. Finnigan, son of Mr. B. Finnigan, the well-known bag manufacturer, of Deansgate, Manchester, England. Mr. Clifford took the business over in March, 1896. Born in London, the present proprietor served his time in Oxford Street, afterwards working for Mr. Founds, of Leadenhall Street, and subsequently for Mr. Finnigan, in Manchester. Coming to Port Chalmers, in 1873, Mr. Clifford settled in Dunedin, from whence he same to Wellington as foreman for Messrs. Hoverd, Raits and Co. He remained with Mr. H. M. Stephen, who succeeded to the business, in the same capacity, till taking over from Mr. J. B. Finnigan. Mr. Clifford is a practical man, and undertakes every branch of the trade. Having arranged to import fittings of all kinds, he will be able to supply the latest designs—either wholesale or retail.
Dempsey, Joseph, Saddler and Harnessmaker, 45 Vivian Street, Wellington. Mr. Dempsey is a native of Liverpool, England, where he served his apprenticeship to the trade. In 1854 he sailed for the Australian colonies, where for some years he worked on the goldfields, with varying success. In 1860 he arrived in New Zealand, and started in business in Blenheim, remaining for some years. In 1884 Mr. Dempsey opened the present premises, which are built of wood. A large quantity of saddlery, harness, etc., is turned out on the premises. The goods are hand-made. A large variety of English imported harness and saddlery furniture is kept in stock. Mr. Dempsey has been successful in establishing a large local and country trade.
Farquhar, J. H., Boot and Shoe Importer and Manufacturer, 48 Cuba Street, Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Farquhar, Wellington.” Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Ellice Avenue. Mr. Farquhar established his present business in Cuba Street in 1894, but his experience of the Wellington page 698 boot trade is of much longer date. For the previous five years he had been a partner with Mr. Potter in the well-known firm of Messrs. Potter and Farquhar, boot and shoe importers, of Lambton Quay, and for many years prior to that partnership he was connected with various prominent boot firms as traveller. Mr. Farquhar has a good shop in the centre of the business part of Cuba Street, and it is exceedingly well stocked and well managed. The ladies' department is superintended by Mrs. Farquhar, who, like her husband, is both experienced and popular. The English and Continental goods are imported direct, and include the finest qualities of the varieties known as Flateau's, Apfel's, Howlett and White's, Pollard's, the Portland, and many others. The colonial-made lines are all carefully selected, and from the best factories. The tastes of every class of customers may be suited in this establishment, as no line is neglected, from the lightest dress shoes for ladies and girls to the heaviest watertights for men. Mr. Farquhar was born in the Colony, and claims the beautiful little town of Nelson as the home of his youth. His experience, however, has not been confined to any part, but rather to the whole of New Zealand. Mr. and Mrs. Farquhar deserve to succeed, for they both throw energy and skill into their work, and take unlimited pains to give satisfaction to all customers. Their friends in the various parts of the Colony will be glad to know that their efforts are being well rewarded, and that Mr. and Mrs. Farquhar are working into a big share of the Cuba Street trade. Their private house was the first erected on the lately surveyed Victoria block, and is a credit to the locality.
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.
Lindsay, Alfred, Boot and Shoe Manufacturer and Importer, 127 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 85. Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. Branches at Cuba Street, Petone, and Palmerston North. Private residence, Bowen Street. Mr. Lindsay is a native of Edinburgh, where he was brought up and apprenticed to the trade. He completed his apprenticeship in 1859, and having become an expert clicker, he secured an appointment in that capacity with Messrs. James Allan and Sons, of Edinburgh, retaining the same for nine years. Giving up this situation to come out to the Colony, Mr. Lindsay embarked on the good ship “Coleroon,” in 1867. On arrival in Wellington the same year, he at once established the present business, which he has successfully conducted ever since. Mr. Lindsay claims to have been the first in Wellington to import a complete plant for the manufacture of boots and shoes by machinery. This was in the year 1878 or 1879, and for some years thereafter Mr. Lindsay continued the manufacturing business on an extensive scale. Eventually he sold out of the factory and has since confined his attentions chiefly to the retail and importing business. Mr. Lindsay is a direct importer of most makes of English and Continental boots and shoes. Besides these he keeps large stocks of the best brands of colonial manufactured goods at his central premises in Lambton Quay, and at his three branch establishments. Mr. Lindsay manufactures the well-known “Thole” brand of boots, which are justly celebrated for good wearing qualities. He does not make any specialty in his business except good values in style, quality, and finish. All classes of goods, both heavy and light, are regularly stocked, and mending and making to order receive prompt attention. Mr. Lindsay holds a special appointment to His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, and has held similar appointments to Sir James Fergusson and the Marquis of Normanby. Mr. Lindsay's premises in Lambton Quay were built to his order by Barry and McDowall. The building is of brick, two stories in height, the floorage space being over 2400 square feet. The branch establishments at Petone, Palmerston North, and Cuba Street, are all two-story buildings, and aggregate about 8000 square feet. Mr. Lindsay employs about seventeen hands in connection with his business. He has customers throughout the Wellington provincial district. He has declined public life, preferring to confine his attentions and energies to the conduct of his own business. It is not surprising, therefore, that Mr. Lindsay has been successful.
Ramsay, Walter, Saddler, Harnessmaker, and Travelling Bag Manufacturer, Manners Street, Wellington. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private Residence, Finlay Terrace. Mr. Ramsay bails from Glasgow, where he was apprenticed to the business. Arriving in the Colony in 1862 per ship “Cheviot,” he gravitated to the West Coast of the South Island; and established himself in business in Hokitika about two years after. He continued there till 1886, when he removed to Wellington. The premises occupied—a wooden building of two stories—afford nearly 4000 feet of floorage space. Mr. Ramsay is an importer of saddlery, harness, and saddlers' honmongery from Messrs. C. Greatrex and Son, of Wallsall, and other leading manufacturers. His connection extends to both town and country. While living in Hokitika, Mr. Ramsay was for nine years a member of the Borough Council, for six years a member of the Licensing Bench, and was also a member of the Hospital Board.
Slinn, Thomas Partridge, Boot and Shoe Manufacturer and Importer, Warehouse and offices, Lambton Quay. Factory and Retail Shop, 83 Cuba Street. Shop, “The Multiform,” Cuba Street, Wellington. Cable address, “Slinn, Wellington.” Code, A B C, Fourth Edition. Telephones, warehouse 976, factory 975. P.O. Box, 315. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Wordsworth Street. Established in 1893, this business has rapidly developed, and now consists of a factory, warehouse, and two retail shops. The total floorage space used in the business exceeds 5000 square feet, and is still too small, about twenty-five hands being employed. Mr. Slinn's three sons take an active part in the management of the various departments of the business. The plant includes the most modern appliances for the work. Mr. Slinn is the patentee of the “Huna” enamel, a labour-saving composition which is used to place a waterproof coat on the soles of boots and shoes, thus dispensing with the cost of finishing. He is also the manufacturer of the Boston Dressing, and Kanapa Dressing, useful for glossing the uppers with bright glaze, transforming rough leather in a wonderful fashion. This is said to be superior to any imported article, and is largely in demand. Mr. Slinn holds a number of English agencies, and his business extends to the whole Colony.
Stephen, H. M., Wholesale and Retail Travelling Bag and Portmanteau Manufacturer, 14 and 16 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone, 416. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Austin Street. This business was established by Mr. H. Osborne, the present proprietor succeeding in November, 1894. The trade extends to the East and West Coasts of both North and South Islands. Mr. Stephens intends to establish agencies in the various towns of the Colony. He is a direct importer of fittings and all classes of material required in the manufacture of bags and portmanteaux. The stock is large and varied, and includes fancy leather goods, straps, body belts, and ladies' bags of all kinds, solid leather, Saratoga, and steel trunks. The building occupied a two-story wooden structure, is well situated, and contains over two hundred square feet of floorage space. Mr. Stephens was born at Kuri Bush, near the mouth of the Taieri River. Educated at the Oamaru Grammar School, he has since had good business experience, having held several responsible appointments in connection with the manufacturing trades.
Wiggins, William, Importer and Manufacturer of Saddlery, Harness, etc. (wholesale and retail), 77 Lambton Quay, page 702 Wellington. Telephone 87. P.O. Box 262. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Featherston Terrace. House telephone 298. Mr. Wiggins has been well known as a prominen business man in Wellington for about thirty-five years past. In 1866 he landed in Wellington, with the intention of settling in Canterbury, but an opportunity occurred which resulted in the establishment of the present business, in November of the same year. The business then founded has developed amazingly, and about three years ago the handsome three story shop and factory, of which an engraving is given herewith, was erected in Lambton Quay, to the order of Mr. Wiggins, to accommodate his growing trade. The ground floor front—used as a shop and show room—has large plate glass windows, and contains a heavy stock of saddlery and harness, mountings, and other goods; the two floors above serving for storage and warehouse purposes for manufactured goods. The factory is situated at the back, separated from the shop by fireproof floors, which are also used to divide the various rooms from each other. The plant consists of the latest machinery required in the trade. Mr. Wiggins finds the locally-manufactured leather the best for the purposes of his trade; but he imports special varieties, and other materials that are needed.
Others In The Leather Trade.
Anslow, Henry, Bootmaker, 105 Cuba Street. Private residence, 6 Queen Street
Antico, Carlo, Bootmaker, Riddiford Street.
Banks, Edward, Bootmaker, 178 Taranaki Street.
Boocock, George William, Bootmaker, 71 Vivian Street. Private residence, Lloyd Street.
Boocock, William, Boot Manufacturer, 57A Courtenay Place.
Campbell, Archibald, Bootmaker, 30 Thorndon Quay.
Clark, J. C. R., Boot and Shoe Manufacturer, 17 Molesworth Street.
Crimmins, John, Bootmaker, Manners Street. Established 1894.
Dodds, William Alfred, Bootmaker, Riddiford Street. Established 1892.
Duff, Charles, Bootmaker, 113A Cuba Street. Private residence, 31 Arthur Street. Established 1895.
Edwards and Embury (Henry Dodsworth Edwards and James Embury), Boot makers, Manners Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1874.
Erickson, B., Bootmaker, Manners Street.
Evans, John Edward, Saddler, 145 Lambton Quay. Private residence, Boulcott Street.
Faulkner, Joseph John, Bootmaker, 122 Taranaki Street.
Goss, Richard, Bootmaker, 3 Courtenay Place. Established 1893.
Hansen, Peter, Bootmaker, 160 Willis Street.
Hawthorne, Mark, Bootmaker, Molesworth Street.
Heighton and Co. (Allan Heighton), Leather and Grindery Merchants, 80 Manners Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1891. Conducted by Mr. Heighton since November, 1895.
Hill, G., and Co., Saddlers, 66A Cuba Street.
Hoare, J. W., and Co. (John Werring Hoare,) Boot Importers, Farish Street, Private residence. Wright Street.
Ibbotson, B., Bootmaker, 53 Cuba Street.
Jones, H. F., Bootmaker, 67 Taranaki Street.
Leighton, Thomas John, Bootmaker, Molesworth Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1881.
Liddy, William, Bootmaker, 83 Tory Street.
Lightfoot, William George, Bootmaker, Hopper Street. Private residence, Broadway Terrace. Established 1895.
Loasby and Isaac, Boot Importers, 69 Adelaide Road and 49 Courtenay Place.
McCleland, Thomas, Bootmaker, 86 Manners Street. Established 1886.
McDonald, Robert John, Bootmaker, 5 Ingestre Street. Private residence, Rhodes Street.
McIntosh, William, Bootmaker, 37 Abel Smith Street.
McPhun, William Henry, Bootmaker, 134 Taranaki Street.
Morris, Joshua, Bootmaker, 91 Taranaki Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1891.
O'Brien, Thomas, Bootmaker, 97 Tory Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1893.
O'Connor, John, Bootmaker, 35 Willis Street.
Pearce, Edward, Bootmaker, 1 Lambton Quay and 33 Cuba Street.
Petherick, George, Bootmaker, 38 Taranaki Street.
Poynter, George Hutton, Bootmaker, 152 Tinakori Road.
Poynter, Thomas, Bootmaker, Tinakori Road.
Taylor, Joseph, Bootmaker, 8 Tory Street. Established 1893.
Tracey, Michael, Bootmaker, 61 Willis Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1879.
Warcup, Henry Edward, Bootmaker, 165 Lambton Quay. Private residence' 32 Hopper Street. Established 1880.
Watts, William, Bootmaker, 20 Wordsworth Street. Private residence, Mitchelltown. Established 1890.
Wycherley, Charles Whiltingham, Saddler, 62 Willis Street. Private residence, 210 Willis Street. Established 1886.