The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Taranaki, Hawke's Bay & Wellington Provincial Districts]
Leather Trade
Leather Trade.
Henderson, photo.
Mr. A. Johnston.
Neagle, James, Saddler, Harness Maker and Cycle Dealer, High Street, Dannevirke. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in the year 1891. The shop is a large one, with two entrances and a fine window. A good stock of cycles is maintained, including Humbers and many other good makes. Mr. Neagle was born in Napier, and is the son of Mr. Richard Neagle, of Taradale. He was educated chiefly at Meanee College, and afterwards served an apprenticeship with Mr. John McVay, saddler, of Napier. On the conclusion of his apprenticeship, he took a trip round the Colony, but returned to Hawke's Bay, and started on his own account in Dannevirke. When in Taradale Mr. Neagle was a member of the representative football team, and holds the rank of Past Chief Ruler in the Ancient Order of Foresters.
Mr. J. Neagle.
Ransom, E. A., Importer and Manufacturer of Saddlery, Bicycles, Motor Cycles, and Motor Cars, High Street, Dannevirke. This large and prosperous business was founded by Mr. Wiggins, of Wellington, in the year 1888. In 1889, however, it was acquired by Mr. Ransom, who had previously conducted it as manager for Mr. Wiggins. The premises have been several times removed, and in 1902 Mr. Ransom bought a valuable site of an eighth of an acre in High Street, and erected the present commodious and handsome shop. The building is of brick, with a second storey extending back about forty feet, and measures thirty-one feet by 150 feet. The show-room, which has fine plate glass windows, is thirty-one feet by forty feet, and carries a splendid stock of general saddlery, bicycles and accessories. To the rear of this, divided from it by a glass partition, are the general office, the packing room, and the saddlery workshop, which are fitted up in the latest and most convenient manner. The first floor is used as the sail-making and horse-cover manufacturing department and bulk store room. The cycle and motor car building and repairing shop is a detached building, constructed on up-to-date lines, and replete with the most modern appliances. About fifteen persons are employed in the Dannevirke business. In 1902 Mr. Ransom opened a branch business in Norsewood, and in 1905 he also established a branch at Feilding. These branches have proved very successful, and a large trade is conducted.
Ries, H. M., and Sons, Vehicle and Harness Importers, High Street North, Dannevirke. This business was established in the year 1895, by the present proprietors, who have since conducted a successful and increasing trade. The premises consist of a commodious carriage house, showrooms, and offices. Frequent direct importations are made, and a fine stock of vehicles of every description is kept. The stock of harness, which is an extensive one, is imported direct from the manufacturers at Walsall, near Birmingham, England. Kaiapoi rugs are also kept in stock. Messrs Ries and Sons are also horse dealers, and usually have on hand a number of carriage horses and light hacks. Three saddlers and harness-makers are constantly employed on the premises.