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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]
Castendyk and Focke
Castendyk and Focke (Augustus Frederick Castendyk and Eberhard Focke), 3 and 5 Featherston Street, Wellington. Telephone 193; P.O. Box 189. Cable address, “Castendyk, Wellington.” Code ABC. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. London agents, Messrs. Hicks, Martin and Drysdale, Portland House, Basinghall Street, E.C. Both partners are natives of Bremen, Germany, where they were for four years in mercantile offices. Subsequently removing to London, they each had five years' experience in business life in the Metropolis. Mr. Castendyk came to the Colony in 1878, and obtained a position with Messrs. Joseph Nathan and Co. as bookkeeper. After three years he went as salesman to Messrs. Krull and Co., whose business had been established in 1864. He subsequently left to go to Coromandel, and Mr. Focke, who had arrived in New Zealand in 1879, took his place. In 1884 the present partnership was arranged, and a portion of Krull and Co.'s business was purchased, and this they have continued and developed considerably. They do a good business throughout the greater part of the North Island, particularly on the West Coast, Hawkes Bay, and the Wairarapa, in wines, spirits, and general merchandise. They are direct importers principally of wines and spirits, and hold the following special agencies, viz.—Buchanan's “House of Commons” whisky, Lamb's rum, Blankenheym and Nolet's “Key” Geneva, “V.D.” clarets, Ruinart's champagne, and “Benedictine” liqueurs. The firm are agents in Wellington for the North Queensland Insurance Company, and for the North German Lloyd line of steamers whose head office is in Bremen. Mr. Castendyk has for the last nine or ten years held the honourable position of Vice-Consul for Germany for Wellington, and still continues to hold the appointment. The firm are well known and deservedly popular in business circles. The premises are situated in a first-rate position, the buildings used as warehouse and offices are built of wood, and of three stories, the total floor space being upwards of 5000 square feet.