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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Bartlett, Alfred G.

Bartlett, Alfred G., Chronometer Maker, Watchmaker and Jeweller, 222 Queen Street, Auckland. Mr. Bartlett is a native of Dulwich, England, and was apprenticed to Mr. W. Connell, chronometer maker, of Clerkenwell, London, in 1833. At the expiration of his term of indenture he obtained employment with Messrs Brockbank and Atkins, and later with Messrs Dent and Co., and spent nearly twenty years in the service of these firms. For the last three years of his London life Mr. Bartlett was occupied as chronometer examiner to Messrs John Fletcher and Sons, and during that period a very large number of instruments passed through his hands. A serious illness, culminating in brain fever, compelled him to relinquish business, and while convalescent, his attention was directed to New Zealand, to which the Kaipara special settlers were then making preparations to sail. He decided to throw in his lot with them, and accordingly departed from London in the ship “William Miles,” which arrived at Auckland in November, 1862. Circumstances deterred him from going on to the land, and he, therefore, commenced the business which he has since carried on with marked successs. Shortly after his arrival in Auckland he erected an observatory, and supplied the city with correct time through the medium of a time-ball and clock. He has erected public clocks in various parts of the district, as well as at Tonga and elsewhere. His establishment is one of the most complete in the Colony, being provided with every appliance requisite to the requirements of a large and progressive business, and his reputation, particularly in relation to chronometer and fine watch work, is more than local. The shop is artistically fitted, and contains, in addition to the regular lines of watches and clocks, a bewildering assortment of articles of the jeweller's and silversmith's craft, the extent and variety of which cannot be described in a brief article.