White, H. J., and Son (Henry James White and Stephen James White), Undertakers, Builders, Joiners, House Decorators, and Licensed Drain Contractors, Brougham and Levy Streets. Telephone 775. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This business was established by Mr. White in 1881; but it was not until 1894 that his son, Mr. S J. White entered as a partner. Before coming to the Colony Mr. White was in business for a few years in London, his native place. He was apprenticed to Messrs. Jackson and Shaw, of the world's metropolis, and afterwards worked for many of the largest films there. In 1877 he arrived in Wellington per ship “Gainsborough” Ever since then Mr. White has been a willing worker in public matters. For a considerable time he held a seat in the City Council, where his practical ability and undoubted honesty of purpose gave him a good position and powerful influence. At the time of writing he is chairman of the Clyde Quay School page 606 Committee, of which he has been an active and valued member ever since the school was opened in 1888. In the Ancient Order of foresters, and in the Shepherds, a second degree of that society, he has held all the important offices, including that of provincial district chief ranger. He is also a member of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, and of the Independent Order of Good Templars. For some eleven years he was a member of the Volunteer Fire Brigade—a position for which his experience as a builder eminently fits him. During the time Mr. White has been in Wellington he has been a hard worker in connection with the Baptist Church and Sunday School, being ever ready to give to both these organizations his very best abilities. In business circles Messrs. White and Son are making a name for themselves and reaping the just reward of honest workmanship and straightforward dealing. They very rarely, if ever, tender for contracts advertised, as they are kept busy in satisfying the demands of their numerous patrons, who have from experience every confidence in entrusting them with their orders. In some cases Messrs. White and Son have built houses on quite a large scale without being called upon to sign any contract or pay any deposit, both plans and specifications being prepared by themselves. One of these was for the late Mr. Chantrey Harris, then well-known as the proprietor of the New Zealand Times, and on its completion Mr. Harris expressed himself thoroughly satisfied in every way. The size and style of the house and the price Mr. White was to have for it were mutually understood; but there was nothing binding as to quality of either material or workmanship. When it is considered how necessary it is supposed to be that builders should be hemmed round with all kinds of conditions and restriction, and then closely watched by an architect, Mr. Harris' confidence in Mr. White would seem rather rash; and yet he had no cause to regret it, so faithfully was the work carried out. It was principally with a view to this kind of work that Messrs. White and Son extended their business to include the house-decorating and drain-laying branches, well knowing the difficulties of guaranteeing the best work in cases where it has to be done by Sub-contractors. Asphalting has lately been added to the list of branches. Messrs. White and Son have so many friends and are generally so well-known that recommendation would seem superfluous. The undertaking branch has been added quite recently. It is only reasonable that the relatives of the dead should very much prefer that everything connected with the burial of their dead ones should be done by those whom they know to be sympathetic and trustworthy. That these qualities are possessed by Messrs. White and Son to a high degree is a matter of common knowledge. With a view to the gaining of experience, the junior partner recently paid a visit to England and spent some months in London, where his earliest years of childhood were passed. Mr. White has done well in Wellington, his success being another example of what may be attained by steady perseverance and honest work. From an intimate acquaintance of this firm, and from enquiries carefully made, the writer has every confidence in recommending Messrs. H. J. White and Son to whomsoever may be in need of their manifold services.