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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
Routh, Frederick George
Routh, Frederick George, General Printer, Account-Book Manufacturer, Paper Ruler, and Gold Blocker, Featherston and Johnston Streets, Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Routh, Wellington.” Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Constable Street, South Wellington. Mr. Routh came to New Zealand about twenty years ago from London, his business experience having been gained in the world's metropolis. He arrived in Wellington in 1875, and established himself in business as a printer, bookbinder, etc., in 1877. The present premises, however, have only been in his occupation for some three or four years, since which time his business has developed rapidly. The building occupies a prominent position, being situated at the corner of Featherston and Johnston Streets, and was many years ago known as the Polytechnic Hall. It has a large frontage to Featherston Street, and also to Johnston Street, and contains about 4000 square feet of floorage space. It is a one-story building, but it is exceedingly lofty and well lighted, while the ventilation is perfect. The machinery includes a double demy Wharfedale (by Payne and Co., of Otley, Yorkshire), and a demy Wharfedale (by Harrild and Sons of London), three platen machines, three ruling machines, two perforating machines, three numbering machines, an endless wire stitching machine, wire stapling machine, power cutting machine (by Payne and Sons), and one of the finest gold blocking machines in the Colony. The power is derived from a seven-horse-power Otto silent gas-engine, and a two-horse-power water engine (by Ramsbottom), Mr. Routh employs a good many hands in his printing and binding departments, and his trade extends throughout Wellington city and suburbs; besides which, he does a fair amount of business all over the Colony. He is a large importer of all the requirements of his business, which includes machinery and printers' and binders' requisites, the best English hand-made papers, etc. This direct important of machinery and materials enables Mr. Routh to compete successfully with any firm in the Colony in printing and in the manufacture of account-books and other clases of work.