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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Black, John

Black, John, General Storekeeper and Gum Buyer, Kerikeri. It was in 1888 that Mr. Black took over his present business (originally established in 1840 by his predecessor) which is conducted in a massive three-storey stone building erected in 1833 by the Church Missionary Society, and was used by the Rev. Mr. Marsden and the early missionaries. It is said to be the oldest stone building in New Zealand, and there is an interesting association attached to it in the room occupied by Bishop Selwyn as a study and library, the book shelves being still in an excellent state of preservation. The building was constructed to withstand a siege, the massive rafters, 14 x 6 feet, page 579 heart of kauri, together with the rest of the woodwork being even now quite sound. Mr. Black uses part of the basement for storage purposes, the other half forming his general store, and is completely stocked with merchandise. Gum sorting operations are conducted on the upper floor. Mr. Black does a good steady business and has an extensive connection throughout the district. He was born in Louisiana, United States, in 1851. In his early life he engaged in various occupations such as gold-mining, sugar-planting, pearl-fishing, etc., and came to New Zealand per “Meg Merrilies,” landing at Auckland in 1878. Proceeding later to the Bay of Islands, Mr. Black commenced storekeeping in Towai, but sold out his interest there to Mr. R. Marshall in 1890 and removed to Kerikeri, where he had already established his business two years previously.