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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Nelson, Marlborough & Westland Provincial Districts]

Engineers, etc

Engineers, etc.

Birch, Frederick, Turner, Machinist, Engineer, and Cycle Expert, Wilson and Hutcheson Streets, Blenheim. This business was established in the year 1874 by its present proprietor, originally as a patternmaking and turning establishment. In 1881 a small engineering plant was installed, and since the introduction of bicycles a large amount of attention has been devoted to repairing and adjusting these machines. Mr. Birch receives a considerable share of the local trade in the four departments of his business, and keeps several persons steadily employed. The product of his workshop does credit to his excellent training and extensive experience. Mr. Birch is further referred to as a member of the Blenheim Borough Council.

page 347
The Cycle Depot and Music Warehouse (Edward S. Parker, proprietor), Market Street, Blenheim. This business house occupies one of the most commanding sites in Blenheim. It takes up the whole of the corner of Market Street North and Alfred Street, two of the busiest thoroughfares, and the premises consist partly of one storey and partly of two stories. As the whole property belongs to Mr. Parker, no expense has been spared in adapting it to his particular purpose, and all the arrangements indicate thoroughness in every detail of the business. The premises have a frontage of over seventy feet to Market Street and Alfred Street, and the extensive glass windows, which face both thoroughfares, give ample room for a fine display of the stock; indeed, the whole of the interior of the premises, with the exception of the workshop, store room, and yard, can be seen by passers-by. The buildings are divided into several separate apartments; namely, the bicycle and music show rooms, and the bicycle workshop. The bicycle show room is the largest in the building, and occupies the whole of the corner of the premises that faces both thoroughfares, and has a double entrance door. The department carries a heavy stock of the very best bicycles and fittings, as in addition to his manufacturing trade, Mr. Parker holds some of the best English agencies. The proprietor has made a thorough study of motorcars and their accessories, and has imported machines to special order. To the left of the bicycle department is the music show room, which extends from the rear of the building to Alfred Street, and has a fine show window facing the thoroughfare. It is reached by two doorways leading from the bicycle department—one direct, and the other by way of a store room, and carries a valuable stock of the best pianos, as well as a large variety of other musical instruments, and the most up-to-date publications in musical literature. The workshop occupies the first floor of a large wooden building, separated by a narrow passage from the one storey section. It is a commodious, convenient, and well appointed apartment, and has, with other necessary appliances, a complete enamelling and vulcanising plant. From morning till night, throughout the week, it is a scene of brazing, enamelling, and other repairing operations, and is in charge of skilful and experienced mechanics At present (November, 1905) plans for a new and
Parker's Cycle Depot and Music Warehouse. Macey, photo.

Parker's Cycle Depot and Music Warehouse. Macey, photo.

page 348 convenient workshop in brick are in course of preparation. This shop will have motor-car entrances, and all conveniences for that branch of the work. It is to be built immediately to the rear of the present workshop, which has become too small for the growing requirements of the business. When finished, the new workshop will be one of the largest and most convenient in New Zealand. As Mr. Parker conducts his whole business on principles of fairness, equity, and liberality, the people of Marlborough give him a very large share of their patronage. The fact that he deals direct with the best houses in the Old World enables him to supply goods of the very best kind and quality at the most reasonable prices. Although the business is largely a cash one, Mr. Parker has a large turnover on the time payment system; and terms are made exceptionally accommodating to all bona fide customers. No shoddy or defective machines or instruments are kept, and everything is carefully examined and tested before leaving the warehouse; in the workshop, too, all repairs are executed with despatch, and in the style of the best workmanship. Altogether, Mr. Parker's Cycle Depot and Music Warehouse is one of the most deservedly popular places of business in the province of Marlborough.