Dixon, John Joseph , Coachbuilder, 238 Great King Street, Dunedin. This business was founded in 1861, by the late Mr. John Mathews, who was succeeded by the present proprietor in 1895. The premises and workshops are stocked with a fine assortment of light and heavy vehicles, comprising grocers' and bakers' carts, buggies and farmers' market traps. The proprietor imports the numerous requirements of his trade from America and England. Six men are kept constantly employed; and the vehicles manufactured bear a high reputation for durability and finish.

Mr. J. J. Dixon , the Proprietor, was born in Dunedin, and brought up to a commercial life. He spent some time in a merchant's office, and was subsequently in an accident insurance company and broker's office. Having a natural mechanical bent, however, he determined to learn a trade, and was for eleven years in the workshop of Mr. Mathews, coachbuilder, whose business he acquired in 1895. Mr. Dixon has always taken a great interest in athletics, and was a member of the Alhambra football club, and one of the founders of the North End rowing club. He is a writer of ability, and is a well-known contributor to the “Australasian Coach Builder.”

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.
Mr. J. J. Dixon.

Hordern And White (John Hordern and John C. White), Coachbuilders to his late Excellency Lord Onslow, the Dunedin

Messrs Hordern And White's Premises.

Carriage Factory, Market Street, Dunedin. This business was founded in 1883, by Messrs Hordern, Bradshaw and White, Mr. Bradshaw retired in 1890, and since then the business has been conducted by the present partners. The premises occupy a quarter of an acre in Market Street, and, owing to the increasing business, the owners contemplate large extensions and improvements. The factory, which is entered through a large show room stocked with a fine display of carriages and other vehicles, is a hive of industry. It is supplied with all the latest and most improved machinery necessary, including planing, sawing, and drilling machines, and four forges, driven by a five horse-power gas engine. There are also two boxing wheel machines, and a most up-to-date plant for rubber trying. A fine dust-proof painting room adjoins the workshop. Every style of vehicle is manfactured, and over thirty men are employed in the various departments. The firm built to order a most stylish phaeton for presentation to Dr. Brown on his leaving for Tauranga, after his long residence in Dunedin. Naves, made-up wheels, shafts, seasoned woods, axle springs, silver-plated lamps, and other requisites for the trade, not procurable in New Zealand, are constantly imported from America and England. The reputation of the firm for high class and faithful workmanship is well known throughout the colony, so that orders are constantly arriving from places remote from Dunedin. Messrs Hordern and White are at present (March. 1904) busy with the electric cars for the Dunedin Corporation.

Mr. John Horder , one of the Proprietors of the Dunedin Carriage Factory, was born in Manchester, England, and came to New Zealand when two years of age. He learned his trade in Dunedin, and now superintends the general working of the mechanical part of the business he helped to found.

Mr. John Ormiston White was born in Tasmania, and came to New Zealand in 1874. He served his apprenticeship in the colonies. In order to get a more complete knowledge of carriage building he visited England, Scotland, Paris and America, and worked in some of the leading carriage factories there, and the experience thus gained by him has been an important factor in the success of the firm, which on his return he helped to found in conjunction with Messrs Hordern and Bradshaw. Mr. White, who is a good draughtsman, designs the plans for the various vehicles, and attends to the general management of the business. He is an Oddfellow, and was a member of the volunteers for many years.

Roberts, Arthur, And Sons (A. Roberts, F. A. Roberts, G. H. Roberts. J. G. Roberts), Coachbuilders and General Smiths, 290 Great King Street, Dunedin. This prosperous business was founded by the senior partner in 1870, on the present site, but owing to the great extension of the business, a large brick building has recently been erected. All classes of vehicles, including light traps and expresses, are manufactured; and a large stock of seasoned woods, spokes, fillaives, shafts, and all the numerous incidental requirements of the coachbuilders' trade, are kept on the premises. In addition to coachbuilding, a large business is carried on in horse-shoeing, in connection with which the, firm has a first class reputation.

Mr. Arthur Roberts , Senior Member of the firm, was born in Halstead, Essex, England, where he was brought up to the trade of a general smith. He arrived in Dunedin by the ship “Chili” in 1867, and worked with Mr. Carver before starting his present prosperous business in 1870. Mr. Roberts has been a member of the Order of Foresters for many years. He married Miss Tolmie, who arrived in New Zealand in 1867 by the ship “Elizabeth Fleming,” and there is a family of seven children.

Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.
Mr. And Mrs A. Roberts.

Robin James, and Co. , Coachbuilders, Octagon and Stuart Street, Dunedin. This business was established in 1865, and since then its history has been one of progress and prosperity; it is, in fact, now one of the largest and best known businesses of its kind in New Zealand. The principal, Mr. James Robin, is referred to in another article as a member of the Otago Harbour Board.

Sinclair, Mark , Carriage Builder, Corner of St. Andrew and King Streets, Dunedin; Telephone 122; Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand; Private residence, St. Andrew Street. Founded in 1873 by Mr. Sinclair, who occupies large brick and wood premises, this business has long been prominent in its particular line in Dunedin. All classes of work are undertaken at the establishment, which gives employment to some sixteen skilled workmen. The excellence of the workmanship may best be illustrated by a reference to the exhibits which have been conspicuous at many local shows, and at the leading New Zealand exhibitions. From seventy to eighty first prizes have been gained by Mr. Sinclair, besides five special prizes as the largest prizetaker. At the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition of 1889–90 he took three first prizes, and a special medal at the Wellington Exhibition of 1896. Mr. Sinclair is further referred to as a former member of the Dunedin City Council.