LT Watkins letter 24 June 1942 acknowledging earthquake.

Like many edifices in Wellington, L.T. Watkins' purpose-built printing and stationery business was damaged in the 24 June 1942 earthquake. The existing parapets were considered dangerous, and horizontal as well as vertical cracks in the building meant the firm had to undertake significant structural upgrading. The parapets were removed and replaced with reinforced concrete; steel frames had to be inserted into the showroom windows. This correspondence, acknowledging the City Engineer's report, is written on one version of Watkins's printed letterhead. Such letterheads are a fascinating way of tracking a firm's response to technological change and how they market their skills in the public, and for Wellington, the increasingly competitive print arena.