The Equitable Building and Investment Company of Wellington, Limited. Directors, Messrs. G. M. Kebbell (chairman and managing director), D. Anderson, W. R. E. Brown, J.P., R. Miller J. O'Meara, J. E. Smith, J.P., and W. F. Wheeler; secretary, Mr. J. H. Otto Schwartz. Offices, Equitable Buildings, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 30. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. The Company's capital is £100,000, in 10,000 shares of £10 each, fully subscribed, the paid-up capital being £50,000. Established in 1877, the “Equitable” has been a dividend-paying company since the first year. For the first twelve years the dividends were at the rate of rate of ten per cent. per annum, and for the last few years nine per cent. The handsome two-stoty building, valued at £5000, erected on freehold land, the property of the Company, is creditable alike to the City and its enterprising owner. The front portion of the ground floor is occupied as public and private offices by the Company, the second floor and the rest of the lower flat are well 1st. A substantial reserve fund amounting to £17,000 has been accumulated. The Company's business, as indicated by the title, lies chiefly in the investment of funds on the security of real estate. Deposits are received, and on these a fair amount of interest is given, the present rate (1895) allowed being four and a half per cent. At the end of 1894 little less than £150,000 was held by the Company in this way.

Mr. G. M. Kebbell, Chairman and Managing Director of the Equitable Building and Investment Company of Wellington, Limited, was born in Somersetshire, England, where he was educated. He came to the Colony in 1856 with his parents, per ship “Philip Laing,” landing in Wellington. For ten years he was employed in the flour mills of Messrs. J. and T. Kebbell, his father and uncle respectively. After this Mr. Kebbell took a position of purser on a coastal steamer. In 1868 he entered into the shipping business, and became part owner of steamers which were engaged is the local trade. Mr. Kebbell retired from this business in 1879, and has since been largely interested in many Wellington industries. Having a considerable interest in the Equitable Building Company, he was elected to the position of chairman and managing director in 1883. Mr. Kebbell is married, and has a family of three sons and four daughters, of whom two are married, one being Mrs. Dr. Evans, of Christchurch, and the other Mrs. Vining, of Nelson. Another daughter, Miss May Kebbell, has graduated B.A. in the New Zealand University, and is engaged in educational pursuits in Taranaki.

Mr. John Otto Henry Schwartz, Secretary of the Equitable Building and Investment Company of Wellington, Limited, who has held the position for seventeen years, was born in Hamburg. He was educated in his native land, and left for the colonies in 1870, per barque “San Francisco,” for Adelaide. After a short time in South Australia, he proceeded to Wellington in 1871, became accountant to Messrs. A. P. Stuart and Co., and subsequently joined the New Zealand Steam Shipping Company in the same capacity. Mr. Schwartz was appointed to the position he now holds in 1878. For many years past he has taken a great interest in music matters. He was one of the principal founders of the Wellington Orchestral Society, and has taken a leading part in bringing it to its present successful condition. Mr. Schwartz has been the chairman of committees of this society for many years past.

The Metropolitan Permanent Building and Investment Society. Directors, Messrs. A. J. Littlejohn (chairman), J. G. W. Aitken, H. Hume, W. Mackay, A. Scoullar; auditors, Messrs. G. Allport and H. Kember; secretary, Mr. J. C. Hanna. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Office, New Zealand Insurance Buildings, Lambton Quay, Wellington. This Society was incorporated under the Building Societies' Act in 1891, it having been started by Messrs. Haselden and Thompson. The capital of the Association is by investment shares contributed by subscriptions of five shillings per annum, and repayable whenever they reach the sum of £25 each. In March, 1894, there were eighty-nine members, holding in all 518 shares. Such has been the progress of the Society since this time that at the time of writing—November, 1895—the members have increased respectively to 149 and 833. At the former period the total assets were £4416 3s. 2d.; twelve months later the amount had increased to £7010 1s. 5d.; and at the present time it stands at over £12,000. The Society affords splendid facilities to those who desire to acquire their own freehold. Money is loaned at 6 and 7 per cent. subject to monthly instalments in reductions of principal and interest, the whole indebtedness being extinguished in a given period. Borrowers can secure loans without having to pay commissions or procuration fees. The legal costs are very low, and concessions are made in cases of sickness by partial suspension of redemption payments. Money is also advanced on flat mortgage for fixed terms.

Mr. J. C. Hanna, Secretary of the Metropolitan Permanent Building and Investment Society, succeeded to the position at the end of 1895, when Mr. W. I. Bolam was transferred to Tasmania as manager of the New Zealand Insurance Company Branch in that Colony. Mr. Hanna is referred to under “Insurance,” as manager of the New Zealand Insurance Company in Wellington.

Mr. William Isaac Bolam, late Secretary of the Metropolitan Permanent Building and Investment Society, is a son of Mr. J. Bolam, Bilton House, Northumberland. In 1883 he came to New Zealand—by Orient steamer to Sydney, and by the ill-fated Wairarapa to Auckland. Having come to the Colony with the idea of settling on the land, Mr. Bolam travelled over New Zealand, but page 647 finally abandoned the idea. Joining the staff of the New Zealand Insurance Company in February, 1884, as a clerk in the accountant's Department at the head office in Auckland, he rapidly worked his way upwards. Two years later he was appointed chief clerk in the Company's Napier office, a position which he filled for five years. In June, 1891, Mr. Bolam was transferred to Wellington as accountant, and shortly afterwards he had to fill the office of branch manager for a period of seven months. On the death of Mr. Lawson in June, 1893, he was appointed acting-manager, which position he held till July, 1895, when Mr. Hanna became manager of the branch, Mr. Bolam taking the position of assistant-manager pending an appointment elsewhere. The subject of this notice was appointed secretary to the Metropolitan Permanent Building and Investment Society in December, 1893, and took up his duties in the month of March following. Under his energetic management the business has rapidly progressed, and there is every prospect of a prosperous future before the Society.

Mr. W. I. Bolam.

National Mortgage and Agency Company of New Zealand, Limited. Head Office, Dunedin. Agents for Wellington District, Messrs. Levin and Co., Limited. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Fuller information will be given in the Otago volume of the Cyclopedia.

Petone and Hutt Building and Investment Company, Limited. Directors, Sir James Hector, K.C.M.G. (Chairman), Messrs. S. R. Johnson, R. C. Kirk, and C. W. Benbow (Managing Director and Secretary). Office, South British Insurance Company's Buildings, Lambton Quay, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This Company, which it was originally intended should confine its operations to Petone and the Hutt districts, was established on the 12th of May, 1886. The Company now undertakes general business and is making good progress, dividends at the rate of eight per centum per annum having been regularly declared.

Wellington Building and Investment Company, Limited. Directors, Messrs. J, R. Blair (Chairman), James McKerrow, James Barry, J. M. Richardson, Paul Coffey, F. H. Fraser, and R. M. Simpson (Managing Director and Secretary). Phœnix Assurance Company's Offices, Customhouse Quay, Wellington. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia, Ltd. Capital, £100,000, in 10,000 shares of £10 each, of which 4000 shares are allotted, £5 per share being paid up. This Company was incorporated under The Companies Act, 1882, in 1886. The business, which consists of investments on mortgage of real estate in town and country, has been successfully conducted, and a reserve fund of £6500 accumulated.

The Wellington Trust, Loan, and Investment Co., Ltd. Directors, Messrs. E. Pearce (Chairman), G. Allen, J. Lockie, J. P. Maxwell, C. Tringham, J. Wallace, and C. T. Richardson (Managing Director). Secretary, Mr. R. E. Rawnsley. Offices, Lambton Quay, Wellington, Telephone, 41. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand and National Bank of New Zealand. Capital, £200,000, in 20,000 shares of £10 each, which is fully subscribed, £101,250 being paid up. The Company, which was incorporated in 1873, makes advances on freehold and leasehold properties, shares, and other tangible securities. For many years, dividends at the rate of 9 per cent. were paid by the Company. The dividend for the year ending December, 1895, was at the rate of 8 per cent. From its foundation, and for a period of 21 years, Mr. William Boyd acted as Secretary for the Company, but retired in 1894, much to the regret of the Directors, who fully recognised his devotion to the welfare of the Company during his long period of office. Mr. George Allen was Managing Director for some years, and on his retirement, in 1894, Mr. C. T. Richardson was appointed to that important position.

Mr. R. E. Rawnsley, Secretary of the Trust, Loan and Investment Company, was born in India. Educated at North Hill Grammar School in Plymouth, he entered Sir Henry Waring's shipping office, and after twelve months, went to sea. In 1874, Mr. Rawnsley came to New Zealand, and accepted the post of purser in one of the coastal steamers of the New Zealand Shipping Company. He afterwards became manager for the Wellington and Wanganui line of steamers, holding the position for two years, till the sale of the Company's vessels. Mr. Rawnsley was appointed to the Wellington Trust, Loan, and Investment Company, as accountant, in 1888, and on Mr. Boyd's retirement became acting-Secretary, in August, 1894.

Mr. James Jamieson, who is one of the Directors and the Manager of the Company, was born and educated in the Shetland Isles. Coming to the Colony per ship “Rodney,” which arrived in Wellington in 1875, he had a general experience in various occupations for a year or two. Mr. Jamieson subsequently entered the ironmongery establishment of Mr. Matthew McCready in Lambton Quay, with whom he remained for five years, receiving a very flattering reference on leaving. It was not in the hardware trade, however, that he was destined to spend his energies. Mr. Jamieson always had a penchant for finance. He assisted in the formation of the South Pacific Loan and Investment Company, Limited, and occupied the position of Secretary far a period of six years, during which highly satisfactory results were realised. In 1887 he severed his connection with this Company and started the Company of which he is now the manager and one of the directors. The capital of £10,000 was at once subscribed, and the Company has done a profitable business since its inception. Mr. Jamieson is a member of the firm of Jamieson Brothers, Financial and Commission Agents, with whom the Company shares its offices. In aquatics he is a member of the Port Ncholson Yacht Club and part owner of the yacht Waitangi, which was built by Mr. Logan, of Auckland, and which now holds the championship of New Zealand. In 1883 he was married to Miss C. A. Wilton, of Wellington, and has one daughter.

Empire Loan and Discount Company, Limited. Messrs. E. Jones, J.P. (Chairman) and W. McLean, J.P., Secretary. Messrs. Bell, Gully, and Izard, Solicitors. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Office, 10 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Capital, £10,000, in 500 shares of £20 each, which are all allotted, and on which £7 10s. per share is paid up, representing £3750. The Company lends on freehold, leasehold, and personal security, the leading line being the discounting of bills, and has been successful in paying dividends at the rate of ten per cent. on the average.

The London Loan and Discount Bank (L. L. Harris, proprietor), 7 Panama Street, Wellington. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residence, Occidental Hotel. The London Loan and Discount Company was established in 1875.

South Pacific Loan and Investment Company, Limited. Directors Messrs. E. W. Petherick, (Chairman), J. Ranson, J. W. Evans, M. Tabuteau, and W. H. Williams. Secretary, Mr. W. H. Cook, 25 Manners Street, Wellington. Telephone 534. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This successful Company was incorporated on the 15th of May, 1878. It was established to undertake the granting of loans repayable by monthly instalments, the discounting of bills, and other financial operations, as well as the acceptance of deposits upon which the best market rates of interest are allowed—the present rate being 5 per cent. The Company's page 649 capital is £10,000, in 1000 shares of £10 each, of which £4756 has been paid up. A highly lucrative business has been built up, and the Company has been paying dividends from the beginning. For years, the rate paid to the shareholders has been from twelve and a hall to fifteen per cent. A fine two-story brick building has been erected on the Company's freehold section in Manners Street, where the business is conducted.

Mr. William Henry Cook, the Secretary, who lives at Nelson Street, Petone, was born and educated at Bristol. He came to New Zealand in 1872, via Melbourne, and settled at Wellington. A sailmaker by trade, he entered into business in that line in 1876, and conducted a good business solely till 1882, when Mr. R. G. Knight joined the firm, under the style of Cook and Knight. Five years later, Mr. Cook retired from the business, and has acted as Secretary of the South Pacific Loan and Investment Company since that time. In 1860, he was married to Miss Davis, of Tewkesbury, who died in 1869, leaving four children—three sons and one daughter.

Mr. W. H. Cook.

Te Aro Loan, Discount and Investment Company, Limited, 16 Cuba Street, Wellington. Directors, Messrs. Alexander Murray (Chairman), George Poynter, W. E. Woods, R. E. Bannister. Manager, Mr. Thomas Whitehouse. Telephone 742. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This Company was founded in the month of April, 1886. The principal business undertaken is the discount of bills.

Mr. Thomas Whitehouse, the Manager, is an old colonist. Born in Birmingham, England, he eame to New Zealand with his parents in 1841, per ship “Lord William Bentinck,” landing in Wellington. In 1848, he entered the grocery establishment of Mr. G. P. Wallace, who was drowned at Terewhiti when the barque “Maria” was wrecked, some years afterwards. Mr. James Wallace, brother of the deceased, succeeded to the business, Mr. Whitchouse remaining altogether for sixteen years at this shop. In 1865, having gained a large experience, he built the premises at the corner of Dixon and Cuba Streets, now occupied by Mrs. Herrman photographer. Here he conducted a large business for many till the accommodation became too small for the trade, Mr. Whitehouse then purchased the fine section on the corner of Dixon Street opposite Te Aro House, and on that site he erected the two shops now in the occupation of Messrs. Pettie and Cochrane. He continued in business till about the end of 1835, when he sold his stock and goodwill to Messrs. Barr and Co., who still conduct, although in other premises. Mr. Whitehouse is an enthusiastic bowler, attached to the Wellington Bowling Club.

Mr. T. Whitehouse.

Wellington Loan Company, Ltd. Directors, Messrs. W. G. Tustin (Chairman and Managing Director), F. Wills, and W. E. Hall; Secretary, Mr. I. Graves. Office, 6 Grey Street Wellington. Telephone, 462. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Incorporated on the 25th February, 1884, this Company has proved a successful undertaking. Its capital is £12,000, in 240 shares of £50 each, of which the sum of £4500 is paid up. The principal business undertaken is the discounting of bills. For the last eleven years, the dividends have averaged 17 per cent. per annum.

Mr. William George Tustin, J.P., Chairman and Managing Director of the Wellington Loan Co., Ltd., was born in Sheffield. He came to Wellington with his parents, per ship “Matoaka,” in 1859. Educated at the Wellington College, he afterwards learnt his trade as decorator and oil and colour merchant, and at the age of nineteen was in charge of a business. Mr. Tustin has been in business on his own account for the past ten years. He was one of the founders of the Wellington Loan Company, of which he has been a Director since its inception; he was appointed Managing Director about two years ago. Mr. Tustin has been prominent in connection with the Wellington Debating Society, of which he was President for some time. He gained the gold medal of the Society in 1890. In bowling he takes great interest, being a member of the Wellington Bowling Club, and the originator of the successful Club at Newtown. Mr. Tustin held a championship for single bowling in the Wellington Club in 1892. He was for some years President of the old Star Cricket Club. In 1879, the subject of this sketch was married to the daughter of Mr. H. J. Pilcher, of the Queen's Bond. His family numbers seven; three sons and four daughters. The eldest son, William Henry, was the first son of an “Old Roy” to attend Wellington College.

Mr. Ivatt Graves, Secretary of the Wellington Loan Company, was born in Cambridgeshire, England. Educated at private schools in Cambridge, he was apprenticed to the general storekeeping, serving two years on the grocery and a like period on the drapery side. After further experience in Brighton and London, he came to Dunedin, per ship “Seoresby,” in 1862. After a short goldfields' experience, he spent about two years in Dunedin, and was afterwards successively in business as a storekeeper in Naseby, Hokitika, and Westport. For ten years prior to 1889, Mr. Graves conducted a large drapery business in Wellington. He was appointed to the position he now holds in March, 1893. In 1875 he was married to the second daughter of Mr. James Bentley, of Wellington, and has two daughters and one son.