Brown, Gordon and Co. , (Gordon Brown), Booksellers, Stationers, and Fancy Goods Dealers, Corner of Tay and Kelvin Streets. Invercargill. This business, which was established by the present proprietor in 1900, occupies a two-storey brick building containing a large corner shop with handsome show windows, and storerooms above. Stationery, fancy goods and crockery are regularly imported, and a well assorted stock is maintained.

Mr. Gordon Brown was born in 1882, at Invercargill, where he was educated, and learned his business with Messrs Wesney Brothers. He continued in the service of that firm until founding his present business. Mr. Brown takes an interest in Young Men's Christian Association work, and is a member of the local Association's committee, and also a local preacher.

Gerstenkorn, Photo
Mr. G. Brown.

Keane, Norbert John, Bookseller, Stationer, Tobacconist, and Hairdresser, Dee Street, Invercargill. This business was founded in 1884, and has been conducted by the present proprietor since June, 1903. An up-to-date stock of all lines is maintained, and there is a well appointed saloon with two chairs behind the shop.

Mr. Norbert John Keane was born in 1872, at Hawthorn, Victoria, educated at the Christian Brothers' College at East Melbourne, and brought up to a mercantile life in that city. He came to Invercargill at the end of 1902, and acquired his present business at the beginning of the following year. Mr. Keane is well-known as a crickter, and was connected with several Melbourne clubs. He was also a member of the Fitzroy Eleven in Melbourne, and played in many important matches. He came over to New Zealand as coach for the Southland Cricket Association, and in 1903 was a member of the Southland Star Club's First Eleven. Mr. Keane was married, in 1903, to a daughter of Mr. A. Young, of Brighton, Victoria.

Gerstenkorn, photo
Mr. N. J. Keane.

Smith, William , General Printer, Temple Buildings, Esk Street, Invercargill. Without serving any apprenticeship to this trade Mr. Smith appeared to drift into it, and founded his present business in 1885. He Has displayed much facility in picking up the points of the trade, and his business has developed satisfactorily from its inception, notwithstanding the serious fire in which he practically lost the whole of his plant in 1896. During his time Mr. Smith has trained many well-known printers, who have page 855 since been successful. His eldest son is foreman in connection with his business, his second son performs the duty of machinist, and his eldest daughter is shorthand typist. Mr. Smith is further referred to in connection with the Southland Masonic district.