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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Denton, George

Denton, George, Ironmonger, Watchmaker, and Jeweller, 33 Willis Street. Warehouse, Upper Willis Street, Wellington. Telegraphic address, “Denton, Wellington.” Telephone 135. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, “Femhill,” Woolcombe Street. Mr. Denton established the present business as early as 1863. The building is of iron, with a wooden front, and is two stories high. The plans were drawn by the late Mr. Toxward, and the building erected by Messrs. Whiting and Jauncey. The total floorage space of the shop and warehouse is about 4000 square feet. Corrugated iron was used in the building, and of so good a quality was it that though erected nearly thirty years ago, it bids fair to stand a great deal longer, every sheet being in splendid condition. Mr. Denton's stock includes curios, Maori rugs, mats, and beautifully carved articles of wood and kauri gum, the handwork of the natives. Tourists and curio-hunters would do well to call on Mr. Denton on passing through Wellington, for they will find in his establishment many rarities. He is a large importer of hardware, jewellery, watches, and many other lines, especially all things pertaining to tennis and fishing. In the matter of Maori goods in stock, it might be said that Mr. Denton has some beautiful greenstone “meres,” to the value of £30 or £40; but these weapons, it might be mentioned, are of no value apart from that of a relic, as it is not now customary to cleave a man's skull at a blow, which the formidable mere can do if properly handled. Mr. Denton is himself a collector of these things on his own account, and the duplicates he is always willing to sell. Mr. Denton came to New Zealand in 1856, arriving in Nelson per ship “China,” but Wellington was his destination, and to this port he came by schooner, there being at that time no steamer. During the many years spent in Wellington, Mr. Denton has studiously avoided all public offices, and resisted the persuasions of his friends to take part in civic and other affairs. He did, however, interest himself deeply in the formation of the Wellington Acclimatisation Society, in conjunction with Mr. W. T. L. Travers, and to these gentlemen the disciples of Isaak Walton are indebted for some of the pleasures they enjoy to-day. Mr. Denton was for ten years treasurer of the society, and only retired from the position on the amalgamation of the Masterton society with that of Wellington. He had the first trout hatchery in his own grounds at Fern Hill, and used to hatch out and distribute from 5000 to 6000 fish annually. At the time of writing the subject of this notice is on his way to England for a second visit, this time accompanied by Mrs. Denton.