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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Wise, Frank William

Wise, Frank William, Hairdresser and Tobacconist, Willis Street, Wellington. Telephone 586. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. This splendid establishment is about the oldest in Wellington, dating as far back as 1869, its business being confined to hairdressing and tobacco selling, but it has undergone wonderful changes since then. In 1879 it was fitted up with hot and cold baths. These have been increased to ten in number, and other improvements have been made under the new proprietorship. The premises, a two-storied brick and wood building, containing about 3700 square feet of floorage space, are centrally situated in Willis Street, and the spacious and elegant saloon is fitted up in a most luxurious manner, including four comfortable plush seats and lounges. The mirrors are unequalled in the Colony, there being two in particular, twelve feet by eight feet, whilst others, extending from one end of the room to the other, form a complete crystal wall, in front of which are four of the latest American hairdressing chairs. In the centre of the saloon there is a most important feature, a very beautiful service-bowl washstand, marble throughout, costing, without fittings, over £150. Altogether, this saloon is admitted to be one of the best in the Colony. Hairwork is a specialty, and the quality of workmanship is recognised by the patronage of professional and amateur theatricals. There are seven hands employed in the various departments. The shop front always presents an attractive appearance, and the shop is supplied with a large and varied stock of the best brands of tobaccos, cigars, and other tobacconist goods, mostly imported direct from such well-known page 660 houses as Blake, Hovenden and Son, Osborne, Garrett and Co., and other leading London and Australian houses. A goodly quantity of tobacco is out on the premises by one of the largest machines in the Colony, this being driven by steam power. The present proprietor, Mr. F. W. Wise, is a native of New Zealand, his parents arriving in the early days, 1842. Mr. Wise's chief experience in this trade was with the late Mr. Aldous, with whom he was in partnership for several years. He next purchased one of his branch shops, and in 1890 took over the above business, upon the successful management of which he is to be congratulated. In sporting Mr. Wise has taken an active part. He was a member of the Wellingion Rowing Club, acting for two years on the management committee; for a like period he was on the sports committee of the Caledonian Society, and was associated with the early career of the Poneke Football Club.