Allen, John Dean, General Storekeeper, Hampden Street, Hokitika. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This business was originally founded in 1868, and was taken over by Mr. Allen in 1880. The premises are freehold, with a frontage of about sixty feet. Although Mr. Allen does not keep a very extensive stock, he has a good variety of general merchandise. He is assisted by Mrs Allen, and by strict attention to business has obtained a fair share of trade. Mr. Allen was born in Gloucestershire, England, in 1831, and on leaving school followed a seafaring life, trading to Africa and South America. In 1849, he landed in Victoria from the barque “Essex,” and found his way to the Ballarat gold fields. In 1862, Mr. Allen crossed over to the Otago goldfields, and a short time after removed to Napier, where he joined the Defence Force, and saw active service during the Waikato war of 1865. About 1867, he removed to Hokitika, and obtained employment with Messrs J. Chesney and Co, and a few months later with Mr. J. Churches, with whom he remained nine years. He received the appointment of watchman to the Hokitika Fire Brigade, faithfully filled the position for fourteen years, and then resigned through old age and infirmity.