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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
Hume, William, and Son
Hume, William, and Son (William Hame Christopher Hume, and Annie Hume), Wholesale and Retail Wine, Spirit, and General Merchants, 63 and 65 Willis Street, Wellington Telegraphic address, “William Hume, Wellington,” Telephone 225: P.O. Box 165. Bankers, Bank of Australasia, Private residence, attached to business premises. Mr. William Hume is a native of Glasgow, in which city he was educated. He left Scotland in 1879, and took passage per ship “City of Pennsylvania,” for Philadelphia, completing his journey from San Francisco to this Colony per ship “City of New York.” In 1880 Mr. Hume established the above business, though on a much smaller scale, but it has grown each year until it has now become one of the largest of its kind in the Colony. As bacon-vendors, the firm claim to do the finest business in New Zealand. They are direct importers of groceries, oilman's stores, cheese, hams and bacon, wines and spirits, Italian warehouseman's goods, etc. Before coming for New Zealand, Mr. Hume was well known in business in Glasgow, where he helped his mother, she afterwards taking him into partnership, and trading under the name of “Hume and Son.” His father had died when Mr. Hume was an infant, and on the death of his mother, in 1879. he disposed of the Glasgow business, and came to the colonies. The premises which he now occupies are very extensive, and possess a frontage to one of the most important business streets in the city of no less than sixty feet. Four large windows face Willis Street, which are dressed in splendid style. During the last few years Messrs. Hume and Son have made extensive alterations to the building, and it presents a very flourishing appearance. A splendid glass verandah extends throughout the frontage quite in keeping with the best in the town. The alterations were made by the late Mr. Eades, when the first enlargement took place; the latter improvements having been effected by Messrs. J. and A. Wilson, under the direction of Mr. J. D. Baird, architect, of Wellington. Mr. Christopher Hume was born and educated in Glasgow, and was admitted a partner in the business of his father and mother, about three years ago. Messrs. Hume and Son devote all their time and energy to the conduct of their business, which increases year by year, and they count among their customers many of the best families in the city and suburbs. page 742 Their splendid property is entirely freehold, and its situation in the busiest part of Willis Street renders it exceptionally valuable. Messrs. Hume and Son buy in the best markets, and are in a position to command many advantages and allowances. They believe in selling everything of the best quality, and in the matters of hams, bacon, and cheese have certainly made an excellent name for themselves. Goods are delivered in town and country, and every department of the business is thoroughly well looked after by the several partners. This is one of unfortunately a very small number of really flourishing retail businesses in Wellington. Messrs. Hume and Son so manage their concern that their expanses bear the smallest possible comparison with their turnover. They are certainly to be congratulated on having scored a commercial success. Mr. Hume is a member of the Independent Ordar of Oddfellows, and also belongs to the Masonle Fraternity.