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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Lindsay, Alfred

Lindsay, Alfred, Boot and Shoe Manufacturer and Importer, 127 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 85. Bankers, Colonial Bank of New Zealand. Branches at Cuba Street, Petone, and Palmerston North. Private residence, Bowen Street. Mr. Lindsay is a native of Edinburgh, where he was brought up and apprenticed to the trade. He completed his apprenticeship in 1859, and having become an expert clicker, he secured an appointment in that capacity with Messrs. James Allan and Sons, of Edinburgh, retaining the same for nine years. Giving up this situation to come out to the Colony, Mr. Lindsay embarked on the good ship “Coleroon,” in 1867. On arrival in Wellington the same year, he at once established the present business, which he has successfully conducted ever since. Mr. Lindsay claims to have been the first in Wellington to import a complete plant for the manufacture of boots and shoes by machinery. This was in the year 1878 or 1879, and for some years thereafter Mr. Lindsay continued the manufacturing business on an extensive scale. Eventually he sold out of the factory and has since confined his attentions chiefly to the retail and importing business. Mr. Lindsay is a direct importer of most makes of English and Continental boots and shoes. Besides these he keeps large stocks of the best brands of colonial manufactured goods at his central premises in Lambton Quay, and at his three branch establishments. Mr. Lindsay manufactures the well-known “Thole” brand of boots, which are justly celebrated for good wearing qualities. He does not make any specialty in his business except good values in style, quality, and finish. All classes of goods, both heavy and light, are regularly stocked, and mending and making to order receive prompt attention. Mr. Lindsay holds a special appointment to His Excellency the Earl of Glasgow, and has held similar appointments to Sir James Fergusson and the Marquis of Normanby. Mr. Lindsay's premises in Lambton Quay were built to his order by Barry and McDowall. The building is of brick, two stories in height, the floorage space being over 2400 square feet. The branch establishments at Petone, Palmerston North, and Cuba Street, are all two-story buildings, and aggregate about 8000 square feet. Mr. Lindsay employs about seventeen hands in connection with his business. He has customers throughout the Wellington provincial district. He has declined public life, preferring to confine his attentions and energies to the conduct of his own business. It is not surprising, therefore, that Mr. Lindsay has been successful.