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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Watch and Jewellery Trade

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Watch and Jewellery Trade.

Including—Chronometer Makers, Diamond Cutters, Mounters and Setters, Opticians, and Watchmakers and Jewellers.

Bartlett, Alfred G., Chronometer Maker, Watchmaker and Jeweller, 222 Queen Street, Auckland. Mr. Bartlett is a native of Dulwich, England, and was apprenticed to Mr. W. Connell, chronometer maker, of Clerkenwell, London, in 1833. At the expiration of his term of indenture he obtained employment with Messrs Brockbank and Atkins, and later with Messrs Dent and Co., and spent nearly twenty years in the service of these firms. For the last three years of his London life Mr. Bartlett was occupied as chronometer examiner to Messrs John Fletcher and Sons, and during that period a very large number of instruments passed through his hands. A serious illness, culminating in brain fever, compelled him to relinquish business, and while convalescent, his attention was directed to New Zealand, to which the Kaipara special settlers were then making preparations to sail. He decided to throw in his lot with them, and accordingly departed from London in the ship “William Miles,” which arrived at Auckland in November, 1862. Circumstances deterred him from going on to the land, and he, therefore, commenced the business which he has since carried on with marked successs. Shortly after his arrival in Auckland he erected an observatory, and supplied the city with correct time through the medium of a time-ball and clock. He has erected public clocks in various parts of the district, as well as at Tonga and elsewhere. His establishment is one of the most complete in the Colony, being provided with every appliance requisite to the requirements of a large and progressive business, and his reputation, particularly in relation to chronometer and fine watch work, is more than local. The shop is artistically fitted, and contains, in addition to the regular lines of watches and clocks, a bewildering assortment of articles of the jeweller's and silversmith's craft, the extent and variety of which cannot be described in a brief article.

Howden, James, Watchmaker, Jeweller, and Optician, 92 Queen Street, Auckland. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Howden is a native of Climber Park, Sherwood Forest, Nottinghamshire, England. He learned his business with Messrs Simmons, Bunyan, and Gardner, of Manchester, completed his term in 1857, and subsequently worked in the same city till 1861, when he came to New Zealand by the ship “Black Eagle,” from London. Mr. Howden was all through the New Zealand war; he was on active service for about two years, and served as a volunteer for about five. He established the present business in 1862, and his plant comprises lathes and the latest and best machines and appliances for manufacturing jewellery of all descriptions, and for such delicate work as diamond-setting and engraving. There is also everything that is needful for the watch cleaning and repairing department. Mr. Howden is a direct importer of watches, clocks, jewellery, precious stones, optical goods, and pianos and organs. The shop, which is centrally situated in Queen Street, is built of brick, is one storey in height, and has a floorage space of 900 square feet. One of the largest mirrors in the Colony is fixed behind the counter, and reflects all the beautiful show cases from the other side of the shop, creating a pleasingly interesting illusion as to size. Mr. Howden's business connection extends throughout the whole of the North Island.

Larsen, N. F. B., Lapidist and Jeweller, Albert Street, Auckland. Mr. Larsen was born in Denmark in 1852, and arrived in New Zealand in 1874. His present business was established in 1879, and has been steadily growing ever since. Mr. Larsen is noticed as a Past Master Mason at page 244 of this work.

Maud, William, Watchmaker and Jeweller, Karangahape Road, Auckland. This business was established in 1883, by the present proprietor, who was born at Chagford, Devonshire, England. Mr. Maud was educated at his native village, and apprenticed at Bristol. He commenced business at Ryde, in the Isle of Wight, and was there for ten years. In 1883 he came to Auckland on account of illhealth, by the s.s. “British King.” After his arrival in Auckland he began business in Karangahape Road, and removed to his present handsome premises in 1890. Mr. Maud keeps a first-class stock of watches and jewellery. He makes specialties of watch repairing and manufacturing various kinds of jewellery.

Hanna, photo.Mr. W. Maud.

Hanna, photo.
Mr. W. Maud.

Slaney, Walter, Manufacturing Jeweller, corner of Queen Street and Vulcan Lane, Auckland. P.O. Box 128. Bankers, Union Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Vincent Street. Mr. Slaney, who is a native of Birmingham, England, founded his present business in 1881, since which it has pursued a steady course, and is now (1901) one of the best known and most thriving of its class in Auckland. All kinds of jewellery of the most up-to-date description are kept in stock. Diamond-mounting is a specialty of Mr. Slaney's business.

Proclaiming The King, January 28th, 1901. Members of The Sixth Contingent in The Foreground.

Proclaiming The King, January 28th, 1901. Members of The Sixth Contingent in The Foreground.