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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Nathan, L. D. and Co

Nathan, L. D. and Co. (Lawrence David Nathan and Nathan Alfred Nathan). Shortland Street, Auckland. This mercantile house was founded by the late Mr. David Nathan in January, 1840, simultaneously with the proclamation of New Zealand as a British possession. Mr. Nathan purchased the site of the present warehouse in Shortland Street as a quarter-acre section at one of the first Government land sales, and it has been the headquarters of the business ever since. Besides these rine premises, the firm had magnificent five-storey kauri gum and produce stores in Customs and Commerce Streets, and a commodious tea warehouse in Customs Street, fitted up with the latest machinery for tea blending and packing, but this block was recently destroyed by one of the most disastrous fires ever known in Auckland. The present members of the firm are the two sons of the founder, and they carry on the business of wine and spirit and general merchants, shipping, fire and marine insurance agents, and general produce brokers. As shipping and page 399 marine insurance agents, they represent the Shaw, Savill, and Albion Company, Limited, and have also acted as local agents for the Messrs Huddart, Parker and Co. Proprietary, Limited, since this firm took up its running in the New Zealand trade, and for the China Traders' Insurance Co., Limited, a well-known and old-established company. As brokers, they are the largest handlers of kauri gum, for more than half the gum which reaches Auckland goes through their hands. They are also large traders in flax, maize, and all other classes of produce. They do a large trade in groceries of every kind, and in fancy goods, and are agents for, or importers of, the best wines and spirits the world produces. Their “Standard” brands of teas and coffees are popular in the market, and command a great sale. The ostrich farm at Whitford Park, which is about twenty miles from town, in the direction of Howick, is also owned by the Messrs Nathan, who, in their private capacity, are enthusiastic sportsmen, and notable breeders of thoroughbreds. They are the owners of a first-class farm at Sylvia Park, made famous as the home of Musket, and the birthplace of such celebrities of the turf as Carbine, Trenton, Nordenfeldt, Cuirassier, Hotchkiss, and Carnage.