Other formats

    TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

The Wood Trade. — Including—Coopers, Sash and Door Manufacturers, Sawmillers, Timber Merchants, Venetian Blind Makers, and Wood Turners

page break

The Wood Trade.
Including—Coopers, Sash and Door Manufacturers, Sawmillers, Timber Merchants, Venetian Blind Makers, and Wood Turners.

Andrews, J. and D. (Joseph and David Andrews) Timber Merchants, Venetian Blind Butter Box, Sash, and Door Manu facturers, Cabinetmakers, Coopers, Wellington Steam Revolving Shutter, Venetian and Wire Blind Packing-Case, and Cardboard Box Factory, 205 Upper Willis Street, Wellington. Telephone 794. Bankers, National Bank of New Zaland, Te Aro. Private residences: Mr. J. Andrews, 205 Upper Willis Street; Mr. D. Andrews, Tory Street. Both partners are natives of Bromley, arriving in the Colony per ship “Edwin Fox” in 1871. Mr. J. Andrews was Lrought up specially to the venetian blind manufacturing with Mr. S. P. Clements, whom he was with for thirteen years. The present large business was established in 1882 by Mr. E. W. Petherick, Mr. J. Andrews acting as manager in the blind department. The business at its inception was very small, and did not employ many hands. It has since rapidly developed and become a large and important industry. The original premises have long been too small for the expanding manufacturing trade. The allotment is leasenold, but an opportunity presented itself of acquiring a large section at the back, having an entrance from Abel Smith Street. As this is freehold and most suitable for the purposes of the factory and timber yards, Messrs. J. and D. Andrews have purchased the site, and find it very convenient for the extension of their buildings, which consist of two mills, besides engine house, office, cooperage, stable, two dwellings, and sundry sheds. The total floorage space afforded by the various buildings, together with the large new section, is about 45,000 square feet. The steam engine heretofore used has proved too weak, and Messrs. Andrews have had to purchase a new fourteen-horse-power vertical engine and boiler by Robertson and Co., of Wellington. In the venetian blind making department of the works Mr. Andrews has every convenience necessary to the work of rapidly and accurately making the same. All materials used in this department are imported direct by the firm, including Californian timber for the lathes, boxwood bobbins, hurdles, and wheels for adjusting the cords, as well as the tape cords, and paint needed. After the laths are cut to size they are thoroughly dried and seasoned so as to avoid all twisting and shrinking. They then pass through the lath morticing machines, of which there are two, and which are both true and speedy in their action. The paint is specially mixed and prepared by the paint mixer used for the purpose. A beautiful machine is used for painting the laths, which turns them out with the paint evenly spread on all parts. The laths are then hung up to dry, and subsequently receive two additional coatings of paint. The rails are morticed likewise by a special machine. When all the parts are ready for putting together a beautiful adjustment is used for the purpose. It consists of a movable frame, which can be raised or lowered at will on the principle of the blind. Messrs. J. and D. Andrews have turned out a vast number of blinds since 1886, when they took over the factory from their predecessor. They use the very best material for the work, and expert hands are regularly employed in the factory. The butter box department is in the near future destined to become a large industry. The dairy industry of New Zealand, which is likely to rival the frozen meat trade at no distant date, is of great importance
Interior View of Messrs. J. and D. Andrews' Factory

Interior View of Messrs. J. and D. Andrews' Factory

page 763
Mr D. Andrews.   Mr. A. N. McLeod.(Clerk and Foreman).   Mr J. Andrews. Messrs. J. and D. Andrews and their Employees.

Mr D. Andrews.   Mr. A. N. McLeod.(Clerk and Foreman).   Mr J. Andrews.
Messrs. J. and D. Andrews and their Employees.

to the Colony. It is imperative in the interests of the producers that the packages which are to contain this highly perishable product, butter, should be made of the most suitable timber. It is also necessary that they should be of uniform size so as to contain a maximum quantity each. Messrs. Andrews have arranged for a large supply of New Zealand timber for the purposes of this trade. Their latest contract is for four hundred thousand feet of timber, of which one half is ordered from the Manawatu district, and one half from the Wairarapa district. This huge order is only likely to supply the factory for five months, as the firm are using eighty thousand feet per month. For the purposes of this trade and other lines Mr. Andrews has a most complete plant, comprising two circular saw benches where the timber is cut to requisite size for the work. There is a splendid three-sided planing machine, which turns the boards out beautifully finished. Besides these machines the firm have band saws, morticing, and slot-boring machines, and shaping machines. They turn out a large number of butter boxes in an incredibly short space of time. They have already supplied a considerable number of the packages to the New Zealand Farmers' Dairy Union, Limited. Messrs. J. and D. Andrews have the agency for the “Reliance” export package, which is duly patented. This package is universally acknowledged to be one of the best commercial cases in the market, combining strength and light weight, which is said never before to have been attained. All timber used in the manufacture of the “Reliance” export package, as well as the ordinary butter box, is thoroughly seasoned before being used. And as the firm have largely improved their machinery they are now enabled to produce really first-class. and cheap packing cases, which are specially adapted for the use of all dairy factories. The firm have already supplied large numbers of these packages throughout the Colony, as well as to Australia, Messrs. J. and D. Andrews have also a complete cooper's plant, whereby they manufacture large casks for tallow, and small kegs for butter, or any other purposes. The staves are cut and shaped on the premises by special machinery, and a very simple arrangement is used for fitting the whole together securely. A considerable trade is likewise done in the manufacture of sashes and doors, for which suitable machinery is available. In addition to the manufacturing trade the firm does a considerable trade in the timber line. They have a very large stock in she yards and can supply any kind that may be needed. They have three horses and drays continually engaged in carting and delivering timber, or the products of the factory. Eighteen hands are employed, the wages being £100 per month. This unique factory will well repay a visit, and the Messrs. Andrews will always be ready to explain their methods to intending customers. The above illustrations show the interior of the factory in operation and an excellent group of the employees of the firm, the partners occupying the outside seats in the front row.

Beck, John, Kent Terrace. Telephone 217. Bankers. Bank of Australasia. Foreign agent, H. W. Peabody and Co., New York and Boston, United States to America. Mr. Beck is a native of Liverpool, where he was apprenticed to Mr. Boumphrey tc learn the joinery trade. In 1852, having finished his term, he continued for a year or two working at his trade in Liverpool. Meantime the idea of emigrating to the colonies began to work upon his minel. In 1853 visions became realities, and Mr. Beck found himself. along with many other emigrants, on board the good ship “Marco Polo,” bound for Melbourne, Victoria, where he landed in January, 1854. Before the end of the latter year the subject of this sketch was basking under the sunny southern skies, and striving to do what he could towards making the proverbial fortune. For eight years he remained in the colony of Victoria, where he found employment in the building trade in the neighbourhood of the capital. In 1860 the goldfields., rush to Otago caused a good many to try their luck in New Zealand. Among these was Mr. Beck, who, however, soon found that it was more profitable to work at his own trade, of which he was master, than to depend on the uncertainties of a digger's life. He therefore went to Dunedin and engaged in the building trade till the year 1865, when he elected to settle in Wellington. Almost immediately on his arrival he was fortunate in securing from the Provincial Government the right for seven years to supply water to the shipping at Queen's Wharf. In order to carry out the terms of his lease he had to construct waterworks at his own expense. This involved a large outlay of capital (fully £1000), in addition to his own time and labour. The results, however, proved highly satisfactory to Mr. Beck, who derived a handsome annual profit as the reward of his enterprise and forethought. In the year 1870 the present business was founded. At first his operations were on a comparatively small scale, and few hands were needed, but as time went on the demand gradually increased, necessitating additional assistance and extra appliances for producing the goods required. For some years Mr. Beck conducted his growing trade in Dixon Street, where he supplied, in the aggregate, an enormous quantity of timber for building purposes in the city and suburbs. Of late years the works at the latter place have been much too small, and it was therefore imperative that more commodious premises should be previded. In order to make provision for the needs of his trade. he purchased a town acre in Kent Terrace, where he has crected the present large mill, with offices attached. The building, which is three stories in height, is built of wood and iron upon a substantial foundation of brick. The size of the mill may be estimated from the fact that the total floor space is equal to 15,000 square feet. A steam engine of fifteen horse power is used to drive the machinery; five tons of con' monthly a used in connection with the works. The plant includes planing and sawing machines of the latest and most approved description. About eighteen hands find regular employment in connection with the mill and yards. Mr. Beck makes a specialty of preparing and supplying materials for coachbuilders and wheelrights, and also laths for page 764 venetian blinds. He is a direct importer of timber from England, America, Australia, and Tasmania, and keeps large stocks of timber from each of these countries, in addition to a considerable s ock of New Zealand timber of all kinds. In addition to supplying timber and materials for building purposes, Mr. Beck is a builder himself. He has for many years continued to build dwellings, which he has for the most part designed and superintended himself. He now owns no less than twenty-three houses, which he succeeds in keeping well let to good tenants. Mr. Beck is of a somewhat retiring disposition, being indisposed to seek the prominent positions in local politics. He is content to make haste slowly, and must be classed among the successful colonists of Wellington.

Bird and Co. (Charles Henry Bird), Turners, Te Aro Steam Wood-Turning Works, Ebor Street, off Tory Street, Wellington. The proprietor of these works, who was born in the Empire City, served his apprenticeship in Wellington, and after completing his term went to Palmerston North. Here he had charge of the turnery department of the Palmerston North Sash and Door Factory, which position he held for two years. Returning to Wellington, Mr. Bird started the present business. Every branch of wood-turning, band-sawing, and cabinet-making is undertaken on the premises, the plant being up-to-date in every respect. Messrs. Bird and Co. execute a large quantity of work for the local builders and contractors, and are at all times ready to undertake country and city orders.

Booth, W. and Co. (>William Booth, J.P.), Saw Millers and Timber Merehants. Office and yards, Waterloo Quay, Wellington. Telephone 171. P.O. Box 205. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Branch at Christchurch. Sawmills, Carterton. Private residence, Carterton. Mr. William Booth, the founder of this large business, is a most enterprising colonist. Some particulars of his career as a member of the Wellington Harbour Board are given on page 317, and as a director of the Bank of New Zealand under the heading “Banking.” Mr. Booth first entered into business as a sawmiller in 1873, in Ohariu Valley, subsequently transferring his plant to the Upper Hutt. In 1874, he commenced cutting in Carterton, Wairarapa, where he has several thousand acres of bush. The mill is replete with the most modern conveniences for sawing, planing, and producing mouldings and other manufactured goods, about thirty to forty hands being employed The Wellington yards of the firm, which are about one third of an acre in extent, contain a large stock of timber, both plain and manufactured. The business of the firm extends throughout the Colony, a large trade being likewise done in the Christchrch yards.

Halley and Ewing (John Halley and Robert Ewing), Sash and Door Manufacturers and Timber Merchants, 9 Courtenay Place, Wellington. Telephone 236. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residences; Mr. Halley. 44 Cambridge Terrace; Mr. Ewing, Island Bay. This large business was established about the year 1874, by the present proprietors, who have conducted a growing trade up to the time of writing. Messrs. Halley and Ewing's premises comprise several convenient buildings used for offices, warehouse, and factory. The main factory, which is built of brick, iron, and wood, and is two stories in height, affords a very extensive floorage space. The machinery is worked by means of a fine steam engine of twenty-horse-power. The plant includes all the most modern British and American appliances for a woodware factory, and twenty hands are regularly employed in the works. The business extends throughout the Wellington Provincial District. As direct importers of glass, American timber, and other lines used in the trade, Messrs. Halley and Ewing are in a position to supply large or small purchasers with whatever may be required, at the lowest possible rates. The firm have been exhibitors at various industrial, intercolonial. and international exhibitions. For hall and other doors, artistically made from the beautifully-marked woods of the Colony, as well as for sashes and joinery work, they have gained many prizes and certificates of merit in connection with these exhibitions. On the last occasion of the Colonial and Indian Exhibition, the hall doors shown by the firm found eager purchasers. Messrs. Halley and Ewing always keep a large stock of timber of all size seasoned, and are thus ready to supply any quantity that may be required, even at short notice. They undertake to supply all kinds of joinery work needed for public, private, or business premises, and transact a large business with the principal builders and contractors.

McCarrison, J. and Sons (James McCarrison, John McCarrison, James McCarrison, Junr., George McCarrison, and Henry McCarrison), Wood Turners and Carvers, Band and Fret Sawyers, Lorne Street, Wellington. The founder of this firm — Mr. James McCarrison—was born in Scotland, and came to the Colony per ship “Invercargill,” in 1879, establishing the present business in 1888. Black and white illustration of turned wood work produced by J. McCarrison and Sons Black and white illustration of turned wood work produced by J. McCarrison and Sons The premises, which are admirably adapted for the conduct of a large business, consist of wood and iron buildings, affording a floorage space of 1500 square feet. A ten-horse-power steam-engine drives the plant, which is up to date in every respect, including circular, band, and fret-saws, shaping machines, and several lathes, one of which has an ingenious automatic action. The firm undertakes all classes of carving, turning, and sawing work required by cabinetmakers and builders. They are at all times ready to furnish estimates of cost for stair newels and balusters, circular mouldings or architraves. The latter they make any size up to twelve feet in diameter.

Prouse Bros. (James Prouse, Richard Prouse, John Prouse, and John Wright), Timber Merchants, Dixon Street, Wellington. Mill, Levin. Telephone, 907. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in 1874 by the late Mr. Richard Prouse, father of three of the partners. Fuller information will appear under the heading “Levin.”

Stewart and Co. (James Stewart, Charles Stewart, and James Hutchen), Timber, Glass, and Iron Merchants, Courtenay Place and Victoria Street, Wellington. Telephones: office, 119; iron warehouse, 229. P.O. Box 365. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Cable address, Ralentirez. Code, ABC. Private residences: Messrs. J. and C. Stewart, Majoribanks Street; Mr. Hutchen, Ghuznee Street. This large concern was started by Messrs. Greenfield and Stewart in 1865, and has been conducted by the present firm since 1877. The extensive premises of the firm, which cover several acres of ground, include a two-story brick building, in which the hardware department is conducted; an iron store, used for the wholesale and glass departments; and a two story sawmill and factory. A sixty-horse-power horizontal steam engine drives the machinery, which produces all kinds of mouldings, architraves, and planed boards. About seventy or eighty hands are employed in all page 765 departments by the firm, sashes and doors being among the goods manufactured. Messrs. Stewart and Co., who are large importers of hardware, glassware, etc., keep an extensive and valuable stock, including plate, figued, eathedral, and enamelled glass. Three travellers represent the firm throughout the Colony, and a resident agent is stationed in Canterbury. All the partners hail from Scotland, but are now old colonists, having been associated with this business for over thirty years. Mr. James Stewart, with the late Mr. R. M. Greenfield, founded the firm, Mr. C. Stewart joining shortly after. Mr. Hutchen was for many years manager of the joinery department, becoming a partner in 1877.

Waddell, McLeod and Weir (Willian Arthur Waddell, Archibald McLeod, and William Weir), Timber Mer chants City Planing and Moulding Mills: Office, Waring Taylor Street; Mill, Johnston, Featherston, and Waring Taylor Streets. Telephone 83; Bankers, Bank of Australasia. This large business was established in 1873, and has been conducted by the proprietors ever since that date. The site occupied by the mill is central and within one hundred and fifty to two hundred yards of the Post-office and Queen's Wharf. The sections, of which there are a good many, have large frontages to the three streets named above, and, together with the buildings, give a total floorage space, including yards, of about 50,000 superficial feet. The mill building is a substantial structure of wood, two stories in height. The engine-house, which contains a steam-engine of twenty-five horse-power, is built of brick. The mill is supplied with all the latest styles of machincry for sawing, planing, and moulding as required. The firm manufacture sashes, doors, and all kinds of joinery work for builders. They import some kinds of timber and a good deal of glass in connection with their trade. They employ on the average from 25 to 30 hands. Their trade is shiefly local, but they export to supply orders from other ports. There is always a very large stock of thoroughly seasoned timber on hand.

Wellington Woodware Factory (L. J. Holroyd, Manager), 134, Willis Street, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, “The Cottage,” Buller Street. This factory was established in November, 1894. The premises are large, having over 2000 square feet of floorage space. There is a complete plant, which consists of band, fret, and circular saws, and planing, boring, shaping and turning apparatus, the driving power being a horizontal steam engine. The specialties of the business are all kinds of turned and carved woodware, go-carts and children's large toys, billiard ball turning and staining, and chair and couch frame manufactories. Mr. Holroyd, who was born in Taranaki, served an apprenticeship with Mr. Swinnerton, in Auckland, remaining ten years as a journeyman. He afterwards worked for over six years at chair-frame making in Melboarne, and, before starting the factory, was over a year with Mr. Compton, in Wellington.

Others In The Wood Trade.

Chalmers, William, Wellington Steam Cooperage, Waterloo Quay. Private residence, Parliament Street.

Clements, Samuel Perry, Venetian Blind Maker, 111A Cuba Street. Private residence, Roseneath.

Compton Bros. (Charles Henry Compton and Arthur Alfred Compton). General Sawmilers, Bouleott Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1890.

Compton. Andrew, Sash and Door Manufacturer, Manners Street. Private residence, Bouleott Street.

Falkner, Alfred (J. B. Topp, agent), Sawmiller and Timber Merchant, corner of Taranaki and Victoria Streets. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Estab. 1895.

Harrison, George, Venetian Blindmaker, Cambridge Terrace.

Hendricksen, John E., Wood Carver, Willis Street. Private residence, Happy Valley, Ohiro. Established 1889.

Jupp, William, Wood and Ivory Turner, 132 Willis Street. Established 1882.