Title: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Author: Cyclopedia Company Limited

Publication details: The Cyclopedia Company, Limited, 1897, Wellington

Part of: The Cyclopedia of New Zealand

License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 New Zealand Licence

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Freeman, J. S., Land, Insurance, and Commission Agent, Bookseller, and Stationer, etc., Main Street, Ashurst. Telegraphic address, “Freeman, Ashurst.” P.O. Box 6. Bankers, [gap — reason: illegible] Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, adjoining business premises. Agents: Wellington, Messrs. Harcourt and Co. and Mr. A. T. Bate; Wanganui, Messrs. H. I. Jenes and Sons. Mr. James Spiers Freeman, whose picture accompanies this article, was born in Maidstone, Kent, but early left his native place for Seven Oaks, in the same county, where for many years he was engaged in agriculture In 1884 he left the Old Land per “Rimutaka,” and arrived in Willlington during the same year. He come to Ashurst at once, and has since that time been settled in the district. For the first seven years he applied himself steadily to bush and farm work, and made very creditable progress. In 1880, however, he decided to try the lighter work of business life, and established himself as above. As a land agent, Mr. Freeman has been even more successful than in the other branches of his business. His list, published monthly, 2000 copies of which are circulated throughout the district, contains ten pages of closely-printed matter, setting forth the various properties in his hands for sale, and the variations of this list from month to month show that an extensive business is being done. Being so thoroughly acquainted with the vendors and purchasers, as well as with the properties themselves, Mr. Freeman is highly respected, and the greatest confidence is placed in him. All his transactions are business-like and prompt, and his reputation as a land and commission agent is widespread. In the bookselling and stationery business he is well established. His premises are of wood and iron, and freehold. The shop is a very good one, presenting a fine appearance. It was built by Messrs. Rimmer and Craven, whose business premises are on the opposite corner, from plans by Mr. E. Larcomb, architect, of Palmerston North. The stock is good, and wall kept, and the dressing of the window and shop throughout is in excellent taste. One wall of the shop is occupied by the shelves of the circulating library, which contain a splendid variety of good and new books. The subscription to the library is five shillings per quarter. Mr. Freeman's agencies include the Colonial Mutual Life Assurance Association, North German Fire Insurance Company, and the Dresden Piano Company, besides reciprocal agencies for Messrs. Harcourt and Co, and Mr. A. T. Bate, of Wellington, and Messrs. H. I. Jones and Sons, of Wanganui. Of course all the latest Home and colonial periodicals, including the weekly newspapers published throughout the Colony, are to be had at this establishment. Mr. Freeman is secretary to the Masonic Lodge, Otangaki, No. 70, N.Z.C., and occupies the same office in connection with the Ashurst-Pohangina Hack Racing Club.

Vincent, John Howard, Commission Agent, Ashurst. Established 1892,