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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Bennett, Matthew John

Bennett, Matthew John, Oil and Colourman, Signwriter and General Decorator, 191–193, Karangahape Road, Auckland. Telephone, 936. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand, Newton Branch. Mr Bennett was born in London in 1861, and come to New Zealand, with his parents in the ship “Ironsides,” which landed at Auckland on the 21st of August, 1864. After receiving his education under the late Mr W. J. Addey, he served an apprenticeship with his father, who was in business in Freeman's Bay. After the death of his father, in 1885, he removed the business to Ponsonby Road, where for ten years he carried on a large and steadily increasing trade. In 1896 he removed to his present warehouse in Karangahape Road, where he has two large two-storied brick shops. With energy and steady perseverance Mr. Bennett has succeeded in working up a flourishing business, and specimens of his workmanship may be seen throughout the city of Auckland and the Waikato. Nearly all the contracts for the Harbour Board, City Council, the Auckland Hospital, Prince Albert College, Great Northern Company, Messrs Hancock and Co., P. Hayman and Co., L. D. Nathan, and he has painted and decorated many buildings for all the leading architects and buildings of Auckland. He keeps a staff of thirteen men constantly employed, and has specialties in every branch of the trade. Mr. Bennett imports direct from the leading manufacturers, and keeps a very extensive stock of white lead, oils, scrims, varnishes, window glass, all trade requisites, and the latest designs in wall papers and picture-moundlings, which are sold at the lowest possible prices. Signwritingand picture-framing are leading branches of the business. Mr. Bennett is treasurer of the Auckland Guild of Master Painters, in the formation of which he took an active part. He is one of the oldest members of Lodge Ponsonby No. 708, S.C., of which he is a Past Master. He was also Provincial Grand Senior Warden of the Grand Ledge for the North Island of New Zealand, S.C., and is a Mark Master Mason, a Royal Arch Mason now holding the office of H., and a member of the Southern Cross Chapter of Sovereign Princes, Rose Croix of H.R.D.M., No. 88. Mr. Bennett is also a Past Grand of Star of Eden Lodge, No. 54, Independent Order of Oddfellows, American Constitution. He takes a great interest in outdoor sport, and has been an honorary member of the Auckland Cycling Club since its commencement, and is member of the Old Chums and School-fellows' Association. Mr. Bennett was married in 1884 to the second daughter of the late Mr. James Lipsett, of Donegal, Ireland, and Mrs Bennett takes an active part in the retail branch of her husband's extensive business.