The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]
Coachbuilders, Wheelwrights, Etc
Coachbuilders, Wheelwrights, Etc.
Including—Coachbuilders, Coachpainters and Wheelwrights.
Cousins And Cousins (W. J. Cousins and J. F. Cousins), Coach and Carriage Builders, Lorne Street, Auckland. This business was established in 1890 by Mr. W. J. Cousins, who was joined two years later by his brother, Mr. J. F. Cousins. When Mr. W. J. Cousins started the business, after he had personally gained valuable experience in England and elsewhere, his sole assistant was a boy, but now the firm constantly employs forty persons, many of whom are expert scientifically trained workmen, with the highest qualifications in their line of business. Thousands of pounds have been spent on machinery in the factory, which is one of the best of its kind in New Zealand.
Flynn, D. and Co. (Daniel Flynn and Michael Flynn), Coach and Carriage Builders, Elliot Street, Auckland. This flourishing business was founded by Mr. D. Flynn in 1895. The firm occupies extensive premises fronting on Elliot Street, and covering the block right through to Albert Street. All classes of vehicles are manufactured on the premises, from the luxurious landau to the ordinary two-wheeled cart, and only the best of seasoned woods are used in their manufacture. The firm imports large quantities of hickory from America, as that is the best wood for shafts and rims, and from Australia ironbark and red gum for the manufacture of spokes and felloes. The axles, springs and general ironwork are imported from England. On account of its hardness and durableness pohutakawa, a New Zealand timber, is largely used as hubs, and kauri and mangoia are also used for panelling. At the present time (January, 1901) fifteen hands are constantly employed by the firm, which, although young, has progressed with very marked success.
Mr. Daniel Flynn, Senior Partner of the firm, was born in Ireland, and came to Auckland with his parents when twelve years of age. Two years after his arrival he was apprenticed to the firm of Messrs Gee and Potter, the well-known coachbuilders, and remained seventeen years in their employment, where he obtained a thorough knowledge of the trade. In 1895 Mr. Flynn severed his connection with the firm, and started business on his own account in the present premises, where he commenced with a man and a boy. His sterling personal character and genial manner, together with the superiority of his work, soon increased his connection, and he took his brother, Mr. Michael Flynn, a very skilful blacksmith, into partnership. The firm is making many alterations in its premises to meet the growing requirements of its trade. Mr. Flynn takes an active part in matters connected with Friendly Societies, and is a member of the Friendly Societies' Conference. He also takes a keen interest in the politics of the day, and is against New Zealand joining the Australian Commonwealth, as he believes a better future and greater prosperity await the country as an independent friendly state.
Hanna, photo. Mr. D. Flynn.
Mr. Michael Flynn, the Junior Partner, learned the business of a general smith, and was engaged as principal blacksmith at the
Hanna, photo. Mr. M. Flynn.
Tramway Sheds for several years. He left the Tramway Company's service in 1898 to join his brother as partner, and he superintends the blacksmithing department of the business. He takes a lively interest in athletics, and played with the crack Ponsonby Football Club for several years.
Patterson, John, J.P., Coachbuilder, Wheelwright, Farrier, and General Blacksmith, Corner of Upper Queen Street and Cross Street, Auckland. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, England Street, Ponsonby. This business was established by the present proprietor in 1879 on a small scale as compared with its present dimensions. The building, which is freehold, has a floorage space of 7000 square feet. Mr. Patterson's trade is for the greater part confined to coachbuilding and wheelwrighting. The machinery on the premises is of the most modern type, and includes lathes, drills, benders, and all the necessary appliances for carrying on the business on a most complete scale. Nothing but the best timber is used in the coachbuilding and wheelwrighting, and it is obtained locally for the greater part. Mr Patterson is kept regularly supplied with all the latest trade journals, and is in a position to turn out any novelties in any branch of his business, from wheelbarrows to hansom cabs, fitted up in the latest and most improved style, according to designs patented by Mr Patterson himself. The cabs thus made are second to none of their kind in Auckland. A hansom made by Mr. Patterson weighs only seven hundredweight and a half. Mr. Patterson has a good shoeing trade; and he supplies a large number of Auckland builders with all the necessary ironwork used in their business. Mr. Patterson was born in Auckland in 1855, and is a son of the late Mr. John Patterson, who arrived by the ship “Duchess of Argyle,” in 1840, and died at the advanced age of eighty-seven. Mr. Patterson was educated at St. Peter's School, and was apprenticed to the Leahy Dock Ironworks, where he remained for about thirteen years. He first entered into business on his own account in Karangahape Road, but eventually purchased the present site. Mr. Patterson was appointed a Justice of the Peace in 1894, and he has been for many years a member of the Auckland Licensing Committee. He was elected the first and only president of the Auckland Coachbuilders' and Farriers' Association, and was chairman of the Pon-sonby school committee for two years. During the existence of the Royal Irish Volunteers he was a lieutenant in the corps. Mr. Patterson was for twenty years connected with the Auckland Amateur Sports Association, of which he was vice-president and a handicap-per. In politics, Mr. Patterson is a staunch supporter of Liberalism. He is married to a daughter of the late Sergeant James Clarke. Mr. Patterson is referred to in another article as a member of the Auckland City Council.