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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Wade

Wade

Wade, situated on the Weita river, lies twenty-four miles to the north of Auckland, in a district which grows yearly in importance. Although in the immediate vicinity the ground is unsuitable for pastoral purposes, it is well adapted for vine and fruit growing, and the surrounding districts are rapidly becoming a large pastoral area, through the introduction of the danthonia grass, which thrives wonderfully well in the neighbourhood. Gum digging, fruit growing, dairying and wool growing are the chief industries. Two rival steamers ply between Auckland and the town, one twice and the other thrice weekly. They offer excellent accommodation, and every opportunity for communication with the leading centre, for the small charge of one shilling and sixpence return. A large hall belonging to Messrs Thomas Lees and Sons is used for entertainments, dancing, skating, etc. There is also an agricultural hall, which is used for floral and agricultural shows, which are of annual occurrence, and are largely patronised and are improving considerably every year. Wade has a post office and telephone bureau, and a tri-weekly mail service; and the Waiwera district registry office for births, deaths and marriages is attached to the post office. There are three churches—Church of England, Presbyterian and Wesleyan—in the immediate neighbourhood.

Lees, Thomas, and Sons, General Storekeepers, Gum and Produce Merchants, Family Butchers and Bakers, Wade. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand, Auckland. Telegraphic address, “Lees, Wade.” This firm was established in 1883 by Mr. Thomas Lees, the senior partner, and the business assumed such proportions that they found it necessary to extend their operations as universal providers and caterers. Each department is under separate management and contains complete stocks of every class of merchandise procurable in the Colony, at prices which compare favourably with those ruling in larger cities. A reading-room is attached to the premises for the use of the surrounding settlers, and is furnished with a good supply of English and Colonial periodicals. The Wade Accommodation House, also the property of Messrs. Lees and Sons, is fitted up with all the comforts of a home and has an excellent table. Mr. Thomas Lees, the senior partner of the firm, was born in Worcestershire in 1839. and brought up to the gunsmiths' trade in Birmingham. After a few months' experience in Canada, he arrived in Auckland per ship “John Duncan” in 1865. Mr. Lees was engaged in store-keeping in Auckland for a time and in Waikato for two years. In 1870, he took up his residence in the Wade district, where he has a farm of 200 acres, a few miles from the township, and has cultivated it for the last eighteen years, giving special attention to fruitgrowing, the soil being found very suitable.

Mr. T. Lees.

Mr. T. Lees.