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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Crespin, E. B. and Co

Crespin, E. B. and Co. (Ernest Bellew Crespin), Co-operative Stores, Cuba Street, Wellington, Telephone 524. Black and white photograph of the premises of E. B. Crespin and Co.
Mr. E. B. Crespin.

Mr. E. B. Crespin.

Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Hankey Street. Mr. E. B. Crespin began business in Wellington as a grocer and provision merchant in 1884, having arrived in New Zealand about two years earlier. He is a clever business man, of good standing, and a short account of his carcer in the Colony should not only be interesting, but of real benefit to many who imagine their chances of success are hopeless, when employment to which they have been accustomed is not obtainable. Mr. Crespin, who is the second son of Mr. G. G. Crespin, of Manor House, Modbury, Devon, was educated at the Foundation School, Bridgewater, Somersetshire, England. Entering the employ of the Bristol Wagon Works Company in Bristol in the engineering department, he served there six years. This line of life proving unhealthy, Mr. Crespin was advised to try New Zealand, and arrived in Auckland per ship “Wellington” in 1881. Endeavouring to obtain employment at his own trade, he was unsuccessful, and therefore tried the West Coast of the North Island, where he succeeded in finding temporary employment in a store. This was of course a great change to him, but he retained the situation a year and then came on to Wellington, where he secured three months work at his own trade. Again, finding himself out of employment, he accepted the position of assistant bailiff of the Resident Magistrate's Court, a change, if anything greater than the first and by no means quite congenial. Shortly afterwards Mr. Crespin saw an advertisement in the Evening Post offering constant employment to a practical grocer's assistant. Mr. Crespin was a practical engineer, but he was in the humour by this time to offer himself as a practical “anything” if only constant employment might be secured. His application, however, was successful and within the year Mr. Crespin bought out his employers, Messrs. Treasher, Bowden and Co. To enable him to do this he arranged a partnership, which, however, did not long continue, and he was soon in full swing on his own account in Cuba Street in the premises now occupied by his Co-operative Stores. page 741 Here a good town trade is done, and the country business, which is an important feature of the Co-operative Stores, extends to New Plymouth and Napier in the North Island, and to Picton and Blenheim in the South. The imports of the firm consist mainly of teas, sugars, Italian goods, general provisions, and all classes of boots and shoes. The premises are extensive, and present a fine appearance. The building is of two lofty stories, with splendid windows and a handsome tiled entrance. The grocery and provision department occupies one half of the shop, and the other half is set apart for the display and sale of boots and shoes. Behind is a large brick warehouse, partitioned off into three compartments for kerosene, flour and other produce, and general stock. Access to this part of the premises is gained by a convenient cart entrance from Dixon Street. The stables and cart sheds of the firm are still further to the rear. The upper story is occupied by the packing department. “Here,” says the Modern Times of February 29, 1896, “is situated special machinery capable of blending two tons per day, and preparing it for the market. Mr. Crespin, who has had large experience in this department, personally supervises the mixing and blending. Then a word must be said about the Champion Brand of tea sold by the firm. This tea is imported direct from the finest plantations in India, China, and Ceylon, and is packed on the premises. Thus the public receive tea, free, not only from all adulteration, but also from the middleman's profits. This is a manifest advantage, and the fact that large quantities are sold by the firm shows that the tea is highly appreciated by the public. Another important branch of Messrs. Crespin and Co.'s business is the manufacture of coffee. In this the latest appliances are used, and the full flavour and aroma of the coffee is retained.” Speaking of the boot and shoe department, the same authority says:—“This is divided into two rooms, the one for the use of gentlemen, and the other for ladies. The rooms are comfortably furnished with chairs, sofas, etc., and a large plate-glass mirror stands at the upper end. The ladies' department is under the management of Miss Crespin (a sister of the proprietor), who is always attentive and courteous to customers. The goods sold here are made by the best English, Continental, and Colonial manufacturers, so that the public may rely upon getting no inferior article. Boots and shoes of every kind are made to order on the premises, and repairing is also undertaken. The best evidence of the success of the boot branch is that although it was only added to the business about eighteen months ago, it has already assumed large proportions, and is now in a most flourishing condition.” The store is lighted throughout by electricity. Each department is particularly neat, and very conveniently arranged. Mr. Crespin is certainly an enterprising tradesman, and thoroughly deserving of encouragement. Though he employs many hands, he is always hard at work himself. He is a great favourite with the public, having an exceedingly pleasant manner. His success hitherto is creditable both to himself and the City. It shows what may be done by energy and good judgment. That a young man can come to New Zealand with little capital and succeed as Mr. Crespin has succeeded in two occupations, each different from the other, and both unlike the trade to which he was accustomed, shows that, with moderate health and good business habits, no young man need fear to cast his net on this side of the world. Mr. Crespin has done well by taking his opportunities, and scores have done the same, while thousands in the same time have gone to the wall through letting the chances escape their grasp.