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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Briscoe and Co., Ltd.

Briscoe and Co., Ltd., Wholesale Ironmongers and Iron Merchants, Customs Street and Beach Road, Auckland. Telephone 636, Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. This firm, now occupying one of the most magnificent and spacious establishments which adorns the city of Auckland, was founded in Wolverhampton, England, over a century ago. There the well-conducted and healthy business rapidly grew, and, determining to apply the ability and the principles which had been so clearly maniteated in the prosperity of the parent firm, to new fields, the directors established a branch in Jamaica, in the West Indies. This remained the only offshoot till the fifties, when the finding of gold in the colony of Victoria, and the large immigration there, induced the firm to establish in Melbourne a branch, which is now the main centre of its colonial representative branches. In 1863 a branch was opened in Dunedin, under the management of the late Mr. Hugh Macneil, the firm there being known as Messrs Arthur Briscoe and Co. Soon after the opening of the Dunedin firm, a branch was established in Sydney, New South Wales, which of late years has been under the management of Mr. Hugh Macneil, junior. The Wellington branch was established in 1890, under Mr. Gellatly, who for some years had been assistant manager in Melbourne. In 1899 the Company opened its youngest branch in temporary premises in Commerce Street, Auckland, where its extensive business was carried on under considerable disadvantage till the erection of the huge four-storey brick building, which, commanding a well-chosen site, on the corner of Customs and Gore Streets, ranks amongst the best in the city. For the storage of the immense quantity of heavy goods always kept in stock, the Company erected a commodious brick building on Beach Road, about a mile from the main establishment. Taking into consideration the comparatively recent establishment of this branch, its present healthy condition certainly mdicates that the Auckland firm will enjoy the same marked success which has distinguished its ancient mother and older sisters.

Messrs Briscoe & Co.'s Premises. (Taken while in course of erection.)

Messrs Briscoe & Co.'s Premises. (Taken while in course of erection.)