The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
Sundry Manufacturers. — Including—Asbestos Goods; Basket, Brush and Broom, Coffee and Spice, Gas and Electric Light Manufacturers; Glass Bevellers and Silverers; Rope and Twine, Sausage Skins, Soap and Candle, Spring and Wire Mattress, if aterproof Clothing and Wax Vesta Manufacturers; Wire Workers; Boatbuilders; Tent and Oilskin Manufacturers; Umbrella Makers
Sundry Manufacturers.
Including—Asbestos Goods; Basket, Brush and Broom, Coffee and Spice, Gas and Electric Light Manufacturers; Glass Bevellers and Silverers; Rope and Twine, Sausage Skins, Soap and Candle, Spring and Wire Mattress, if aterproof Clothing and Wax Vesta Manufacturers; Wire Workers; Boatbuilders; Tent and Oilskin Manufacturers; Umbrella Makers.
Allender and Co. (Robert Davies and J. A. Allender), Soap and Soda Crystal Manufacturers, Hunter Street, Wellington Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Works, Petone. This business was established in 1893 by the late Mr. John Allender, and has been conducted by the present firm since 1894. The factory buildings, which stand on a freehold of half an acre in extent, are of one story and three atones in height, affording over 10,000 square feet of floorage space. The three soap pans are arranged on a gravitation principle, and are capable of producing about one hundred tons a month, but at present are not being worked up to half their capacity. The manufacture is accomplished by steam generated by a large multitubular boiler, which also supplies the boiling down plant situated in a separate building. Measrs. Allender and Co. have secured a plentiful supply of artesian water for their works, which are replete with all necessary appliances for the trade. All alkalies and chemicals used at the works are imported direct, but the fat and other material are local products. The leading brands of soap are “Satinet,” “Imperial,” “Silver Queen,” “Starlight,” “Blue Mottled,” and “Carbolic,” and these are sold together with the other manufactures of the firm throughout the entire Colony, fire representatives being employed on commission in the various centres to push the firm's business. Mr. John Aitken Allender, who resides at Sydney Street, Petone, is the eldest son of the founder of the business. He had a considerable experience in the trade during his father's lifetime, and now manages the works. Mr. Davies, who was for many years connected with Messrs. J. Kitchen and Son and the Apollo Co., has gained large knowledge of he business, and undertakes the commercial management of this growing concern.
Bell, R. and Co., Limited. Managing Directors, C. R. E. Bell and W. Tarr. Attorneys for New Zealand, Philips and Pike. Head office, London. New Zealand factory, Newtown, Wellington. Telephone, 908. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This firm was established in 1832, and their claim to be the oldest wax vesta manufacturers in the world is universally acknowledged. Their London factories at Bromley-by-Bow and Wandsworth find employment for six hundred work-people. At the Melbourne works, near Richmond, one hundred hands are engaged, and a similar number at Wellington. In July, 1894, Mr. C. R. E. Bell arrived in the Colony, accompanied by a manager and some experienced hands from England. The Empire City, as the natural distributing port of the Colony, was at once selected, and temporary premises secured in Cornhill Street. From the first, it was decided to erect a suitable building to carry on this important industry. Mr. Chatfield, the well-known architect, was instructed to prepare plans, and the substantial, well-lighted, and well-ventilated building now erected was formally opened by the Premier on the 15th of July, 1895. The excellent arrangements for the comfort and health of the employees are a leading feature of the building.
Birnbaum, B., and Son, Limited. Head office, 33 London Wall, London. Factory, Wick Lane. Rubber works, Bow. Branches, New York and at Melbourne. Wellington branch, Victoria Street. This large concern was established many years ago by Mr. B. Birnbaum, the Wellington branch dating from 1892. The building—a substantial four-story brick structure—is very complete, and furnishes full accommodation for the various branches of the trade, being fitted with a large lift, and brilliantly lighted throughout by electric light. The offices are on the ground floor, the stock and show-rooms being on the first flat. On the second floor is the cutting department, while the factory proper is found on the top floor, about forty hands finding permanent employment. The motive power is a gas engine, supplemented by a water motor in case of a breakdown. Every description of waterproof garment is made on the premises. The Company have been large prize-winners at the various British and intercolonial exhibitions.
Cadbury Brothers, Cocoa and Chocolate Manufacturers. Wellington branch, Farish Street. Mr. Fra[gap — reason: illegible] Meadowcroft is the Manager for New Zealand. This well-known British firm, who have long done a large trade in the Colony, established a branch in Wellington in 1890. This serves as the central depôt from which the popular manufactures of the firm are distributed.
Crease, E. H., and Son (Frederick Charles Crease), Importers, Manufacturers, Packers and Bottlers of Coffees, Peppers, Spices, Essences, Peels, Oils, Sauces, Jellies, Indian Condiments and Baking Powder. Office and Warehouse, Old Custom-house Street. Factory, Victoria Street, Wellington. Telephone 146; P.O. Box 23. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Cable address: “Crease, Wellington.” Code, A, B.C. London agent, Mr. Joseph Corpe, Ealing, W.C. Private residence, Boulcott Street. This extensive business was founded in 1867 by the late Mr. E. H Crease necessarily in a comparatively small way. The business thus begun, has grown and developed until it has attained very large proportions. For over twenty years the late Mr. Crease took an active share in the management of this colonial industry, and from time to time the manufacture of additional lines was being added to the expanding concern. Since that gentleman's death in 1890, Mr. F. C. Crease who was for some time in mercantile life in Sydney, but gained his experience mostly in his father's business, has been the sole proprietor. The office and warehouse in Old Customhouse Street is in a two-story wooden building containing over seven thousand square feet of floor space. The sample-room contains a truly wonderful display of the immense variety of goods manufactured or imported by the firm. The get-up of the packages, which vary from a quarter of a pound to any size required, is in every respect admirable, a good variety of designs being included. The factory is a two-story wooden building containing a slightly larger superficial area than the warehouse. A water-motor of eight horse power drives the machinery, which includes the latest appliances for roasting, grinding, mixing, sifting and preparing the numerous articles turned out of this establishment. Messrs. Crease and Son employ about twenty skilled hands in connection with the manufacturing, packing, labelling, receiving and delivery departments of their large trade, about £100 per month being paid away by the firm in wages. As importers Messrs. Crease and Son have regular shipments of all goods in which they deal, and their supplies are drawn from the best markets of the world, business connections having been established by the firm for this purpose in many lands. At an early stage in the history of the business, Mr. Crease realized the necessity of securing regular supplies of the raw materials used at his works, of the purest and best qualities in each variety, and in such quantities as should place the firm in a position to command the New Zealand market. For many years past the coffees, spices, baking powders and other goods have enjoyed a first-class reputation, the name of the firm being a sufficient guarantee for the purity of the articles. Messrs. Crease and Son's trade mark is the letter C in a diamond; they have many brands for their commodities, the leading ones being the Duke of Wellington and Al Brands. The business of the firm is co-extensive with the Colony—three travellers being engaged in interviewing the customers, among whom are included the leading merchants, storekeepers and grocers in the cities and towns of New Zealand. Messrs. Crease and Son are patentees for milk and meat preservatives, including an excellent powder which has proved effective in keeping butter.
Irvine and Stevenson (James Irvine and William Stevenson), Manufacturers, St.George Preserving Works, Dunedin. Office and Warehouse, Brandon Street, Wellington. Telephone 68; P.O. Box 226. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Messrs. E. H. Radbone and J. Patterson, joint managers. This old established firm are manufacturers of jams, jellies, marmalade, candied peel, soda chrystals, starch, sauces, etc. Their trade mark is St. George. The Wellington Branch was opened in February, 1896, and up to the present there is every indication of this movement proving a great success. Fuller information concerning Messrs. Irvine and Stevenson and their important colonial industry will appear in the Otago volume.
Newberry, John, and Co., Manufacturers of Baking, Egg, Custard, and Currie Powders, Cordials, Vinegar, etc., 105 Willis Street, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This business is under the immediate supervision of Mr. John Newberry, who has had a long and varied experience in this class of industry. Mr. Newberry is a native of England, and was from his early youth engaged in the provision trade. He came out to New Zealand some twenty-three years ago, and located at Nelson, where he engaged in grocery and general store business. In September, 1887, he started the manufacture of currie, baking, and other powders, and wishing to enlarge his trade, removed to Wellington two years later. He first opened business on Lambton Quay, but shortly afterwards removed to his present premises. The firm have built up a large trade throughout the district of Wellington. Their goods are well known to consumers, and they use the best materials in the manufacture of their wares that the market affords. They secured two first and two second awards at the Dunedin and South Seas Exhibition of 1889–90 for Worcester Sauce, Southern Relish, Baking and Custard Powders. “Osborne House” is their well-known trade mark. This firm also do a large business in ginger, essences, potted meat, etc. A special feature which they have lately introduced is “Linolac” a very superior polish for furniture and linoleum.
The New Zealand Candle Company, Limited (Directors: Messrs. H. Beauchamp (chairman), M. Kennedy, N. Reid, D. J. Nathan, and E. Seagar; Secretary, Mr. A. S. Biss; Manager, Mr. J. B. Mack). Candle manufacturers' Office, Customhouse Quay, Wellington; Works, Kaiwarra. Telephone 816. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. This Company was established in 1893. The factory consists of buildings of wood and iron, erected from plans by Mr. T. Turnbull, on a freehold section of about three quarters of an acre in extent. The plant is complete, and includes two boilers and a powerful engine made by Mr. E. Seagar. The Company imports chemicals, wicks, machinery, and paraffin wax, the latter in large quantities. The registered brands are “Venus,” “French Sperm,” “Osborne,” and “Premier” By-products, such as oleine and crude glycerine, are exported by the Company. The output of candles is disposed of within the Colony through the various merchants.
North, Henry, Upholsterers' Spring and Wire Mattress Manufacturer, Victoria Street, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Ingestre Street. Mr. North hails from London, where he was born in 1868. He was brought up to the furniture trade, and had good experience in the Metropolis before sailing for the colonies in the s.s. “Ormuz,” in 1893.* On arrival in Wellington, he became foreman in the upholstering department of Messrs. Scoullar and Chisholm, which position he left about the end of the year to establish a new industry. page 752 Mr. North at once imported special machinery for the manufacture of chair and other springs, and his trade, which is entirely with the wholesale, is developing so rapidly that he has had to employ labour to assist in the manufacture. He imports all kinds of materials used by upholsterers, and is working up a considerable trade throughout the entire Colony. The manufacture of wire-wove mattresses, under an English patent, is a specialty of the business, the frames for institution and other bedsteads being imported for the purpose. In addition to convenient workrooms, Mr. North has a large store, where he stocks materials for his own requirements and for sale to his customers in various parts of New Zealand.
North, Henry Charles, Corn Broom Manufacturer, 14 Featherston Street. Telephone 577. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Mr. North is a native of Dunedin, New Zealand, where he learned his business. Determining to master the details of the whole process of manufacture, Mr. H. C. North gave his earnest attention to the work, and duly completed his term in 1893. He left Dunedin, having gained a thorough knowledge of the business during the years in which he was apprenticed. Being a young man of great energy and push, he decided to establish a factory on his own account, and, not wishing to enter into competition with his late employers in Dunedin, he made a trip round the Colony. He noticed that in the Empire City there was no corn broom manufacturer, and therefore he wisely decided to start the industry in that city. The present business was founded in 1893, and has been steadily progressing since the commencement. Mr. North has all needful machinery for making carpet brooms, of which he makes four different kinds. He has agents through the North Island, where his customers principally are found.
Oppenheimer, S., and Co., Manufacturers of Sausage Skins and Butcher's Requisites. Head office, New York. Branches: Chicago, San Francisco, London, and Hamburg. Colonial office, Talavera Terrace, Wellington. Representative for the Colonies, Mr. Max Eichelbaum, Telephone 730; P.O. Box 350. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. The business of this large firm became so extensive in the Southern Hemisphere that it was decided to establish a colonial branch in Wellington with a permanent representative. Mr. Eichelbaum, who has had a large experience in the colonies during the past eight years, was appointed to the position he now holds in 1894. Messrs. Oppenheimer and Co. have no less than nine manufactories in New Zealand engaged in the production of sheep casings. It has been found convenient to establish factories in the vicinity of the establishments of the various large meat freezing and preserving companies, works having been founded at Ngahauranga, Whakatu (Hawkes Bay). Gisborne, Wanganui, Waipukurau, Woodville, Blenheim, Waitara, and Belfast. About one hundred hands are employed during the season at these factories, and a very large quantity of sheep casings is produced. Almost the whole of the produce of these works is exported to America. The Company import from their own American factories large shipments of pork casings, which are sold throughout Australia and New Zealand wholesale to the merchants.
Read and Fenwick, Glass Bevellers and Silverers, New Zealand Glass Bevelling and Silvering Works, Taranaki Street, Wellington. Established 1892. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. These enterprising gentlemen have the honour of introducing a new industry in this Colony. They are both from the old country, where they thoroughly learned their trade. Mr. George Fenwick was born in Dundee, and served apprenticeship with Mr. Cottrill, of Glasgow, from whence he sailed for Melbourne, and during several years there was employed at different periods with Messrs. Cottrill, Meadows, Wooseman, and Carter and Son. Mr. Herbert Read was born in England, and served his time with Mr. Clark, of London, after which he also sailed for Melbourne, but not being so fortunate in securing work at his own trade, readily went into the country, where he experienced some of the usual rough colonial life, and took various kinds of employment. In 1892 they came to Wellington, joined partnership, and established the above business in a commodious wooden building, in which they have fitted up an eight-horse-power engine and full set of bevelling and polishing mills, also a water distiller used in silvering process, and are consequently prepared to execute all kinds of work in connection with the trade, which they are steadily working up. They are already doing business with all parts of the Colony.
United Asbestos Company, Limited (Charles Arnold Graham, Manager for New Zealand), Manufacturers of all classes of Asbestos goods, India Rubber goods, Fire-Proof Paints and Oils, 37 Featherston Street. Cable address, “Asbestos, Wellington,” code Al. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Agency at Gisborne. Head office, Dock House, Billiter Street, E.C Mr. Graham's residence, Normanby Terrace. The Company have patents for their fire-proof paint and most of the asbestos goods. They have held the English Admiralty contract for the supply of all asbestos goods for nine years past. They also supply the principal English railways. The Company was founded in London in the year 1879, and such has been the growth of the industry that it was found advisable to open a branch as above in 1894. Asbestos is largely used for packing in connection with machinery, and is invaluable for its fire resisting qualities. The Company's trade mark is the word “Salamander” They hold agencies in New Zealand for Fred Braby and Co., corrugated iron manufacturers, of London and Glasgow, and D. New and Co., machinery merchants, of London and Melbourne. Their business extends throughout the entire Colony The building occupied in Wellington is of wood and iron, two stories in height affording 900 square feet of floorage space. Since the above article was written, the firm, through their increasing business, have been obliged to change their premises, and now occupy the large brick and stone building at the corner of Victoria and Harris Streets. Their number on the telephone is 994.
Webb, George, Coffee and Spice Manufacturer, Globe Coffee and Spice Works, 63 Tory Street, corner of Vivian Street, Wellington. Telephone 286. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Full information respecting this business will be found under the heading “Grocers, Provision Merchants, Storekeepers, Tea Dealers, etc.”
Wellington Gas Company, Limited, Directors: Messrs. Edward Pearce (chairman), G. M. Kebbell, David Anderson, D. J. Nathan, and the Rev. C. S. Ogg. Offices and works, Courtenay Place, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Engineer and manager, Mr. H. P. Higginson, M.Inst.C.E. The Wellington Gas Company was established in 1870. The plant was imported from the Old Country, and Mr. Samuel Brown had the contract for its erection and completion. The first gas was manufactured in Wellington in 1871, the price at which it was sold to the public being then 20s. per thousand feet. The first contract entered into with the Wellington City Council was for twenty-four street lamps, at the modest charge of £200 per annum. The Company have nearly two acres of land at page 753 Courtenay Place, and one-and-a-half acres at Tory Street, all freehold. They possesss four gas holders, the larger one in Tory Street holding, when full, 400,000 cubic feet of gas. The Telescopic Holder in Courtenay Place holds 180,000 cubic feet. These two large holders, with the two smaller ones, have a total capacity of 650,000 cubic feet, equal to from one-and-a-half to two days supply for the city. Thirty-six miles of street mains, in addition to the smaller pipes, are in use, the total number of consumers at the present time being 3,500. The company employ from thirty to forty men, many of whom have been engaged at the gas works for many years past, and are included among the well-to-do citizens of the Empire City. The Gas Company are importers of gas fires and other appliances, also of cooking stoves of the special pattern which they have proved to be the best and most serviceable for general use. In 1894, no less than 8100 tons of coal, chiefly from the Grey and Westport mines, was consumed at the works, producing over 88,000,000 cubic feet of gas, and 4000 tons of coke. The tar, ashes, and waste products are all sold, and are largely used in the manufacture of asphalt for garden paths, etc. The price now charged for gas amounts to only 6s. 3d. per thousand cubic feet, net. no meter rents being charged.
Mr. H. P. Higginson, M.Inst.C.E., is the Engineer and Manager of the Wellington Gas Company, Limited, Courtenay Place, Wellington. Mr. Higginson is a native of Yorkshire. He was educated at the Collegiate School, Leicester, and was articled as engineer to Sir W. Fairbairn, of Manchester. He was elected member of the Institution of Civil Engineers, London, in 1867. Before coming to the Colony, Mr. Higginson spent three years on railway construction in Russia, five years on hydraulic works in India, and five years as Government railway engineer in Mauritius. He came to New Zealand in 1872 via America, and was shipwrecked on the way, completing the journey from Honolulu to Auckland per R.M.S. “Nebraska.” Mr. Higginson came to New Zealand to accept the position of superintending engineer to the Public Works Department, taking up this appointment in May, 1872, and holding it for five years. He subsequently went into private practice in Dunedin, and this Colony possesses many large works which have been carried out under his designs and superintendence. The Waimea Plains Railway was built by him. The Balcluth[unclear: a] Traffic Bridge, and the Kaiwarra Suspension Bridge, near Queenstown, the Lyttelton Water Works, Waimakariri Gorge Bridge, in Canterbury, were all designed and constructed under his able direction. When the Manawatu Railway was started Mr. Higginson returned to Wellington, and was appointed chief engineer to design and superintend its construction. The work was started in 1882, and was successfully completed in four years, the last spike being driven on the 3rd of November, 1886. He joined the Gas Company in June, 1889, on the death of Mr. J. R. George, and has held the position of engineer and manager ever since.
Bedford, George, Umbrella Maker, Working Cutler, Glass, and China Rivetter, 181 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Mr. Bedford is a native of Ramsay, Huntingdonshire, and arrived in Dunedin in 1874, per ship “Tweed” He at once established himself in business and continued in the southern city till 1879, when he removed to Wellington, where he has conducted a snug little trade for fifteen years. He is a direct importer of materials for the manufacture of umbrellas, which are his specialty. making the same to order, both wholesale and retail. Mr. Bedford holds a special appointment to His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow. Scissors knives, and razors are ground on the premises, chairs are recaned and repairing work undertaken. The shop is central, and possesses a reputation for thoroughness.
Knuckey, Hugh, Umbrella-maker, 20 Cuba Street (opposite Te Aro House) Wellington. Private residence, Tory Street. Mr. Knuckey was born in Lyttelton, and learned his business in New Zealand. In 1892 he opened a small shop in Tory Street, and the business then established has rapidly developed. Early in 1895 larger premises became a necessity, and the commodious establishment now occupied was secured. The total floorage is about 1250 square feet. Mr. Knuckey has a good general stock of handles, cloth, silks, etc., which he imports, together with all fittings required in his business. He has had a large experience, and makes umbrellas of first-rate strength and quality to order. In repairs and re-covering he does a large and steadily-increasing trade. Mr. Knuckey undertakes the grinding and setting of razors, knives, and scissors. He is an expert glass and china rivetter, and re-seats cane chairs.
Knight, Richard Giles, Tent and Oilskin Manufacturer, Custom-house Quay, Wellington. Branch at New Plymouth, Established 1867. Mr. Knight, who for some time shared an interest in the business with Mr. Cook, carries on a varied industry in the spacious premises above mentioned, which comprise an area of 1800 feet of floorage space. He employs on an average [unclear: n]ine hands with the manufacture of tents and tarpaulins, which are in great demand all over New Zealand. Mr. Knight understands the manufacture of these articles in every detail, and imports materials direct from the makers in England and the Continent. On the premises are also turned out sails of any shape and size made to order and constructed in accordance with the requirements of customers, together with flags and other nautical appliances and necessaries as may be ordered. Mr. Knight is a native of Bristol, and worked his passage across to Melbourne in 1867, in the ship “True Britain,” He came across to Wellington in the s.s. “Rangitoto,” and has succeeded in making for himself an excellent business.
Other Manufacturers.
Arthur, Thomas, Sailmaker, etc., 13 Lambton Quay.
Arnold, Edwin, Basket Furniture Manufacturer, Willis Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Pirie Street. Established 1882.
Bender, Harry, Boatbuilder, Jervois Quay.
Bringins and Hogg (James Bringins and George Hogg), Boatbuilders and Shipwrights, Clyde Quay. Established 1881.
Davis Richard Robert, Wire Worker, 158 Willis Street. Established 1884.
Foster, James, Umbrella Maker, Manners Street. Established 1895.
Gurney Bros. (Richard Gurney, manager), Basket Manufacturers, 97 Willis Street and 26 Manners Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1890.
Hodder, Thomas, Boatbuilder, Clyde Quay. Private residence, Mitchelltown. Established 1891.
Hutcheson, John, Ship and Engineers' Rigger, Victoria Street. Established 1894
Paull and Roberts (James Samuel Paull and Charles Thomas Roberts), Shipwrights and Boatbuilders, Clyde Quay. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residences: Mr. Paull, Owen Street; Mr. Roberts, Vogel Street. Established 1878.
Ryder, E., and Son, Practical Cordwainers, 99 Willis Street.
Williams, William Henry, Sail and Tent Maker, Johnston Street. Estab. 1875.
Wood, Samuel, Shipwright, Grainger Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Brittomart Street. Established 1867.
Weine, F. and A. (Frank Weine and Alfred Weine), Cane Furniture Manufacturers, 92 Tory Street.