Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Johnston and Co

Johnston and Co. (the Hons. Walter Woods Johnston and Charles John Johnston, M.L.C.), General Merchant, Shipping and Insurance Agents, office and warehouse, corner of Featherston and Panama Streets, Wellington. Cable address, “Johnston,” Wellington. Codes, Leviathan. Cable Code, A.1. Code and A.B.C. Code, 4th edition. Telephones: Shipping office, 44; Goods Department, 383. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Branch at Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Private residences: Hon. W. W. Johnston, Tinakori Road; Hon. C. J. Johnston, Hobson Street. This large business was founded by the late Hon. John Johnston, M.L.C., the father of the present proprietors, soon after his arrival in Port Nicholson in 1840. The business then established—necessarily in a small way—has developed into a large concern, the firm ranking with the most important of colonial mercantile houses. The Hon. John Johnston took an active interest in the management of this large business till 1878, when he retired, leaving the present partners sole proprietors. The office and warehouse occupied by Messrs. Johnston and Co. as above, consists of three-story wood and three story brick buildings erected by the firm on corporation leasehold land, the whole of the ground floor being used for the various departments of the business. Messrs. Johnston and Co. are large importers of wines and spirits and general merchandise. Their business extends over the greater part of New Zealand, the representatives of the firm page 712 visiting the most important centres periodically. As exporters, Messrs. Johnston and Co. are likewise prominent, the leading lines being wool, flax, frozen and preserved meat, and produce. The firm does a large business as shipping agents, representing the following companies:—Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company, China Navigation Company, Limited, The Tyser Line, Limited, Gracie, Beazley and Company's Liverpool line, Wellington Steam Packet Company, and the s.s. Kahu, in addition to which the Wanganui house acts for the New Zealand Shipping Company, the Union Steam Shipping, Company of New Zealand, Limited, and the Northern Steamship Company, Limited. In insurance matters Messrs. Johnston and Co. represent the London and Lancashire Fire Office as agents and attorneys for the Wellington district, and their Wanganui house acts for the National Fire and Marine Insurance Company of New Zealand. The firm undertakes the realization of consignments of merchandise, and acts as purchasing agents for New Zealand products of all kinds. They also receive money for investment on freehold security in the Colony. The Hon. Walter Johnston is referred to as an ex-minister of the Colony on page 81, and under the heading “Banking,” as a director of the Bank of New Zealand, to which position he was appointed by the Government. Some particulars of the career of the Hon. Charles J. Johnston, M.L.C., will be found under “Wellington members of the Legislative Council.” He is also mentioned on page 268 as consul for Belgium and the Netherlands, and as an ex-mayor of the City of Wellington on page 289.

Messrs. Johnston and Co.'s Buildings.

Messrs. Johnston and Co.'s Buildings.