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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Tanner, H. C. N.

Tanner, H. C. N., Livery Stable Proprietor, Elliot Street, Auckland. Mr. Tanner's stables are the most centrally situated in Auckland. They have an approach from Queen Street, through Darby Street and Victoria Street, and were formerly occupied by Messrs Andrews and Son. The premises are large and most convenient, with stalls for about forty horses, and a number of loose boxes. Vehicles of all sorts can be supplied at a moment's notice, from the luxurious landau to the ordinary buggy. The building, which is of brick and iron, with about fifty four feet of frontage, faces Darby Street, and affords ample space for the accommodation of the vehicles of Mr. Tanner's customers. A groom sleeps on the premises to attend at night to the requirements of the public, and the stables are patronised by a very large section of the leading country settlers. All telegrams are immediately attended to and answered. Mr. Tanner, the proprietor, who is a son of the Rev. William William Newel Tanner, Rector of Antrabus, was born at Stow, Buckinghamshire, England. He left home in 1869 for New Zealand by the ship “Electra,” and landed at Wellington, where he joined the Armed Constabulary. He was transferred to Auckland in 1873, and remained in the force until 1888. On retiring Mr. Tanner became connected with large contracts on the Main Trunk Railway, and in road-making, and was most successful in his undertakings. He erected a large boarding-house at Otarotonga, and carried it on for four years. Seeing the increasing importance of Te Kuiti, Mr. Tanner opened a large general store there, and shortly afterwards established another at Mokau. This business increased so much that he took in a partner, and the firm traded under the name of Tanner and Johnstone. The firm opened two other branch stores in the King Country, and the business was carried on with the greatest success for over three years. Owing to the partial failure of his sight, Mr. Tanner visited England and successfully underwent an operation which was performed by the celebrated oculist, Dr. Nettleship. On his return to New Zealand he disposed of his large business concerns, and in 1896 leased the Avondale Hotel, in which he remained for two years. On disposing of that property, Mr. Tanner bought out the Onehunga-Auckland 'bus line, which he afterwards sold to the Auckland Tramway Co. He then purchased a farm at Otahuhu, and eighteen months later sold out and commenced his present business. During the Maori troubles in the Uriwera Country Mr. Tanner was stationed and saw service there for a considerable period. On the formation of the Seddon Horse, he, with his military inclinations, joined that body. Mr. Tanner married Miss Kate Stewart, of Cambridge, who was the first white lady to pass over the Waititi Viaduct, and the issue, of the marriage is one daughter. During his term in the Armed Constabulary Mr. Tanner was orderly to two Governors—Sir James Ferguson and the Marquis of Normanby. He drove the first ladies—Mrs and Miss Tanner were of the party—who travelled from Te Kuiti to Ruapehu and Te Kamo, and during six weeks of the journey none of the party slept in a house.