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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Wellington Provincial District]

Storekeepers, Grocers, Etc. — Including—Grain Merchants, Grain and Produce Brokers, Grocers, Millers, Provision Merchants, Tea Dealers, Storekeepers, Etc

page 739

Storekeepers, Grocers, Etc.
Including—Grain Merchants, Grain and Produce Brokers, Grocers, Millers, Provision Merchants, Tea Dealers, Storekeepers, Etc.

Anderson, David, Grocer and General Merchant, 40 Molesworth Street, Wellington. Telephone 331. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, 2 Hankey Street. This business is the oldest of its kind in Wellington, having been established in 1849, when the present proprietor came to the Colony with his parents in the barque Pilgrim.” Mr. Anderson's father, the late Mr. David Anderson, had intended to go on to Auckland and settle there. Coming ashore at Wellington, however, he saw a shop for sale, with dwelling attached, at the low figure of £140, and he ultimately bought it. The building was a wooden one with a shingle roof, and stood on the site in Willis Street now occupied by Mr. Edward Anderson's china warehouse. Founding a business, and becoming possessed of a suitable site in those early days of settlement was not the simple, easy thing many imagine it was. After Mr. Anderson senr. had carried on his business for some years, he was called upon to pay ground rent for the time he had occupied the site, and informed that if he desired the freehold of the section, which he imagined he had got in the purchase of the business, he would have to pay for it in accordance with its increased value. Mr. Anderson ultimately secured the freehold, which has now become one of the most valuable sites in the City. On taking possession of the place, he at once commenced to build up a business, not only of a local nature, but having extensive dealings with the other settled parts of the Colony. A considerable trade was also done with the natives and military. Very little money was passed, a system of barter being carried on. In exchange for their butter, eggs, etc., the settlers got what groceries and clothing they required. The few people who were in Wellington at the time were principally engaged in growing wool, in dairying, and in cutting timber. In those days, the ships lay in the harbour and discharged their cargoes into lighters and surf boats. Prices for the leading lines in a grocer's store were somewhat as follows:—Flour, £15 a ton; potatoes, £5 per ton; tobacco, 1s. 6d. per lb.; and sugar now sold at 21/2., was 6d. a lb. During the rush to California in the fifties these prices were doubled. In 1862 Mr. Anderson senr. opened a branch store in Molesworth Street, close to the present site, Mr. David Anderson, the present proprietor, being placed in charge. In the course of time the grocery business was entirely transferred to Molesworth Street, and eventually the present commodious freehold premises were purchased. The building is of wood and iron, two stories high, with a frontage of about 80 feet to Molesworth Street. The larger part of the ground floor is used for the purposes of the grocery business. On entering the shop one is struck with the extensive display of goods, arranged attractively on successive tiers of shelves, on all sides. The counters run down each side, with one across the lower end of the shop. This arrangement leaves ample room in the shop for the numerous customers to move about freely. The establishment carries a very heavy stock. Behind and above the front shop are the storerooms. Oats, chaff, bran, pollard, and other such kinds of produce are kept in a store in the yard behind. Upstairs, immediately over the shop, is the machinery, which consists of a water-motor, coffee-roaster, and fruit-cleaning appliances. The office occupies the front right hand corner upstairs. Other parts of the building are used for the storage of farm and dairy produce, and wine and spirits in bulk, Mr. Anderson having a wholesale license to sell spirituous liquors. Mr. Anderson blends his own teas, for which he finds a large sale. Nine men and a boy, besides the proprietor and his son, who manages, are engaged in the business; and two carts are employed for the outdoor work. A great deal of the stock is imported direct, which enables Mr. Anderson to give his customers the benefit of what would otherwise be the middlemen's profits. The establishment has for over forty years enjoyed extensive patronage, and despite the great number of rival businesses springing up in later years, has more than held its own.

Anderson, R. and Co., Millers. Office and Warehouse, Brandon Street, Wellington. Telephone 68; P.O. Box 226. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Messrs. E. H. Radbone and J. Patterson, joint managers. Head office and Mills, Dunedin. Further reference to this large Company will appear in the volume for Otago.

Cook, William, General Storekeeper, 38 Molesworth Street, Wellington. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Johnsonville. Branches at Johnsonville and Kaiwarra, with postal and telephone bureaus at both these places. Mr. Cook was born in London, and served an apprenticeship to the drapery business in King's Lynn, where he gained a valuable experience in that trade generally. In 1866 Mr. Cook's attention was attracted to New Zealand, with the result that very soon he had left the land of his birth to cozen fortune in the Britain of the South. At that time the numerous goldfields that were being discovered in the Colony were the means of alluring to its shores the enterprising spirits of all nations; some to reap a golden harvest and then return to their homeland to enjoy during the rest of their lives the fruit of their enterprise, others to be disappointed and forced to continue labouring in the pursuit of the success and wealth which are the incentive to many a long journey and hard task; others still, to remain to minister to the requirements of their kindred spirits, to make the land of their good fortune their home for the remainder of their days, to take a hand in guiding its affairs and moulding its destiny, and to give to its people the benefit of knowledge acquired and means accumulated in the early days of its development. To the latter class the subject of this paragraph undoubtedly belongs. Soon after his arrival in New Zealand in 1866, Mr. Cook turned his attention to storekeeping. “With Mr. James Riddock he opened a general store in Molesworth Street under the style of Cook and Co. This partnership continued till 1881, when Mr. Riddock retired, and thenceforward the business was conducted by Mr. Cook, who has put so much energy into it that besides page 740 the Wellington business, he has now flourishing branches at Johnsonville and Kaiwarra. The branch at the former place is managed by Mr. W. Bowden, and at the latter place by Mr. J. E. Cunliffe, both of these gentlemen having considerable experience in a general store. At these places Mr. Cook has the agency for the Commercial Union Fire Assurance Co. Some twelve hands are employed by Mr. Cook; of these, six are in the Wellington business, four at Johnsonville, and two at Kaiwarra. In addition to grocery and drapery, a bakery business is conducted at the branches, and in all three places a considerable business is carried on in farm and dairy produce. Three carts are employed for the purposes of the trade, and these constantly call upon settlers in the country and supply their needs. The store in Molesworth Street, Wellington, which is freehold, is a two-story building of wood and iron, having a frontage of about 30 feet, with two large show windows to the street. There is a floor space downstairs of about 1000 square feet. The shop is arranged so that one side, the right as you enter, is devoted to grocery, and the other, the left, to drapery. Behind the shop the farm and dairy produce is stored, and ample accommodation is provided for a large quantity of grain, potatoes, chaff, bran, pollard, etc., access to which is obtained from the yard behind. The upstairs portion of the building is used chiefly as a stock and storeroom. Mr. Cook is invariably in attendance himself in the Wellington establishment, and actively supervises the whole of the business In 1886 Mr. Cook was appointed to be one of Her Majesty's Justices of the Peace. He has always been prominently identified with the public life of the district in which he resides. For six years he has been a member of the Johnsonville Town Board, and he has been a member of the school committee there, for a number of years. A total abstainer himself, he has been a keen fighter in the prohibition crusade, and he has made the traffic in strong drink his pet antipathy. He is a member of the Wellington Suburbs Licensing Committee. Besides being treasurer of the Hope of Johnsonville Rechabite Lodge, he is their district representative. In the sphere of outdoor recreations Mr. Cook is regarded as a “jolly good fellow,” and as president of the Johnsonville Cricket Club he assists to provide suitable amusements for the youth of that community.

Crespin, E. B. and Co. (Ernest Bellew Crespin), Co-operative Stores, Cuba Street, Wellington, Telephone 524. Black and white photograph of the premises of E. B. Crespin and Co.
Mr. E. B. Crespin.

Mr. E. B. Crespin.

Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Hankey Street. Mr. E. B. Crespin began business in Wellington as a grocer and provision merchant in 1884, having arrived in New Zealand about two years earlier. He is a clever business man, of good standing, and a short account of his carcer in the Colony should not only be interesting, but of real benefit to many who imagine their chances of success are hopeless, when employment to which they have been accustomed is not obtainable. Mr. Crespin, who is the second son of Mr. G. G. Crespin, of Manor House, Modbury, Devon, was educated at the Foundation School, Bridgewater, Somersetshire, England. Entering the employ of the Bristol Wagon Works Company in Bristol in the engineering department, he served there six years. This line of life proving unhealthy, Mr. Crespin was advised to try New Zealand, and arrived in Auckland per ship “Wellington” in 1881. Endeavouring to obtain employment at his own trade, he was unsuccessful, and therefore tried the West Coast of the North Island, where he succeeded in finding temporary employment in a store. This was of course a great change to him, but he retained the situation a year and then came on to Wellington, where he secured three months work at his own trade. Again, finding himself out of employment, he accepted the position of assistant bailiff of the Resident Magistrate's Court, a change, if anything greater than the first and by no means quite congenial. Shortly afterwards Mr. Crespin saw an advertisement in the Evening Post offering constant employment to a practical grocer's assistant. Mr. Crespin was a practical engineer, but he was in the humour by this time to offer himself as a practical “anything” if only constant employment might be secured. His application, however, was successful and within the year Mr. Crespin bought out his employers, Messrs. Treasher, Bowden and Co. To enable him to do this he arranged a partnership, which, however, did not long continue, and he was soon in full swing on his own account in Cuba Street in the premises now occupied by his Co-operative Stores. page 741 Here a good town trade is done, and the country business, which is an important feature of the Co-operative Stores, extends to New Plymouth and Napier in the North Island, and to Picton and Blenheim in the South. The imports of the firm consist mainly of teas, sugars, Italian goods, general provisions, and all classes of boots and shoes. The premises are extensive, and present a fine appearance. The building is of two lofty stories, with splendid windows and a handsome tiled entrance. The grocery and provision department occupies one half of the shop, and the other half is set apart for the display and sale of boots and shoes. Behind is a large brick warehouse, partitioned off into three compartments for kerosene, flour and other produce, and general stock. Access to this part of the premises is gained by a convenient cart entrance from Dixon Street. The stables and cart sheds of the firm are still further to the rear. The upper story is occupied by the packing department. “Here,” says the Modern Times of February 29, 1896, “is situated special machinery capable of blending two tons per day, and preparing it for the market. Mr. Crespin, who has had large experience in this department, personally supervises the mixing and blending. Then a word must be said about the Champion Brand of tea sold by the firm. This tea is imported direct from the finest plantations in India, China, and Ceylon, and is packed on the premises. Thus the public receive tea, free, not only from all adulteration, but also from the middleman's profits. This is a manifest advantage, and the fact that large quantities are sold by the firm shows that the tea is highly appreciated by the public. Another important branch of Messrs. Crespin and Co.'s business is the manufacture of coffee. In this the latest appliances are used, and the full flavour and aroma of the coffee is retained.” Speaking of the boot and shoe department, the same authority says:—“This is divided into two rooms, the one for the use of gentlemen, and the other for ladies. The rooms are comfortably furnished with chairs, sofas, etc., and a large plate-glass mirror stands at the upper end. The ladies' department is under the management of Miss Crespin (a sister of the proprietor), who is always attentive and courteous to customers. The goods sold here are made by the best English, Continental, and Colonial manufacturers, so that the public may rely upon getting no inferior article. Boots and shoes of every kind are made to order on the premises, and repairing is also undertaken. The best evidence of the success of the boot branch is that although it was only added to the business about eighteen months ago, it has already assumed large proportions, and is now in a most flourishing condition.” The store is lighted throughout by electricity. Each department is particularly neat, and very conveniently arranged. Mr. Crespin is certainly an enterprising tradesman, and thoroughly deserving of encouragement. Though he employs many hands, he is always hard at work himself. He is a great favourite with the public, having an exceedingly pleasant manner. His success hitherto is creditable both to himself and the City. It shows what may be done by energy and good judgment. That a young man can come to New Zealand with little capital and succeed as Mr. Crespin has succeeded in two occupations, each different from the other, and both unlike the trade to which he was accustomed, shows that, with moderate health and good business habits, no young man need fear to cast his net on this side of the world. Mr. Crespin has done well by taking his opportunities, and scores have done the same, while thousands in the same time have gone to the wall through letting the chances escape their grasp.

Ferguson, John, Grocer, 71 Taranaki Street, Wellington. The premises occupied comprise shop and dwelling, two stories high, affording about three thousand square feet of floor space. Born in Perth, Scotland, in 1849, Mr. Ferguson landed in the Empire City in 1877, and has been, in business in Wellington for many years.

Gaudin, William John, Produce Dealer, Wood and Coal Merchant, 26 Ghuznee Street, Wellington. Mr. Gaudin will be found more fully referred to under the “Fuel Trade,”

Hall, James Thomas, Grocer, 11 Riddiford Street (corner of Green Street), Wellington. Telephone 497. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in 1895. Mr. Hall got his experience with Mr. C. Hudson, of Port Chalmers, Messrs. Eather and Lows, Dunedin, the Co-Operative Society, Cuba Street, Mr. G. E. Jansen, and Mr. A. Smith, of Wellington. His premises are large and convenient, and afford about 200 feet floorage space. Mr. Hall has several specialties —Hall's beef ham, cured by himself, and Hall's butter, which is packed up to his order in Palmerston, and gives general satisfaction. H s regular shipments of Invercargill cured hams and bacon find a ready sale. Hall's lifeboat teas are much appreciated. The business is steadily increasing in volume as customers and their wants are well and promptly supplied.

Hume, William, and Son (William Hame Christopher Hume, and Annie Hume), Wholesale and Retail Wine, Spirit, and General Merchants, 63 and 65 Willis Street, Wellington Telegraphic address, “William Hume, Wellington,” Telephone 225: P.O. Box 165. Bankers, Bank of Australasia, Private residence, attached to business premises. Mr. William Hume is a native of Glasgow, in which city he was educated. He left Scotland in 1879, and took passage per ship “City of Pennsylvania,” for Philadelphia, completing his journey from San Francisco to this Colony per ship “City of New York.” In 1880 Mr. Hume established the above business, though on a much smaller scale, but it has grown each year until it has now become one of the largest of its kind in the Colony. As bacon-vendors, the firm claim to do the finest business in New Zealand. They are direct importers of groceries, oilman's stores, cheese, hams and bacon, wines and spirits, Italian warehouseman's goods, etc. Before coming for New Zealand, Mr. Hume was well known in business in Glasgow, where he helped his mother, she afterwards taking him into partnership, and trading under the name of “Hume and Son.” His father had died when Mr. Hume was an infant, and on the death of his mother, in 1879. he disposed of the Glasgow business, and came to the colonies. The premises which he now occupies are very extensive, and possess a frontage to one of the most important business streets in the city of no less than sixty feet. Four large windows face Willis Street, which are dressed in splendid style. During the last few years Messrs. Hume and Son have made extensive alterations to the building, and it presents a very flourishing appearance. A splendid glass verandah extends throughout the frontage quite in keeping with the best in the town. The alterations were made by the late Mr. Eades, when the first enlargement took place; the latter improvements having been effected by Messrs. J. and A. Wilson, under the direction of Mr. J. D. Baird, architect, of Wellington. Mr. Christopher Hume was born and educated in Glasgow, and was admitted a partner in the business of his father and mother, about three years ago. Messrs. Hume and Son devote all their time and energy to the conduct of their business, which increases year by year, and they count among their customers many of the best families in the city and suburbs. page 742 Their splendid property is entirely freehold, and its situation in the busiest part of Willis Street renders it exceptionally valuable. Messrs. Hume and Son buy in the best markets, and are in a position to command many advantages and allowances. They believe in selling everything of the best quality, and in the matters of hams, bacon, and cheese have certainly made an excellent name for themselves. Goods are delivered in town and country, and every department of the business is thoroughly well looked after by the several partners. This is one of unfortunately a very small number of really flourishing retail businesses in Wellington. Messrs. Hume and Son so manage their concern that their expanses bear the smallest possible comparison with their turnover. They are certainly to be congratulated on having scored a commercial success. Mr. Hume is a member of the Independent Ordar of Oddfellows, and also belongs to the Masonle Fraternity.

Jameson Bros. and Co. (Joseph Jameson), Grocers, Wine and Spirit Merchants, and Coffee and Spice Manufacturers. Co-operative Stores, corner of Dixon and Willis Streets; Co-operative Stores and Atlas Coffee and Spice Works, corner of Buckle and Tory Streets, Wellington. Telephone 589. P.O. Box 255. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. This large business was established in 1872, by Mr. William Jameson, brother of the present proprietor. Mr. Joseph Jameson, who was “born in Essex, had some six or seven years experience as a counter hand, in some of the best shops in the West End of London, and there he became thoroughly proficient in his knowledge of the grocery trade. Coming to Wellington in 1871, per ship “Wild Duck,” he joined his brother, three years later, in the present firm, which has from that time tanked as a prominent house in the trade in Wellington. The premises owned and occupied by Messrs. Jameson Bros. are located in important positions in the city, both being valuable corner sites. The Co-operative Stores at the corner of Upper Willis Street and Dixon Street are in a handsome two-storied wooden building, having a verandah on two sides extended across the footpath. Two spacious shop window fronts display samples of the large and attractive stock held by the firm. At the corner of Tory and Buckle Streets, the Atlas Coffee and Spice Works and Co-operative Stores are situated. These are also constructed of wood, being two stories in height, and having convenient verandahs on two sides. The total floorage space of the whole buildings need by the firm is about 25,000 square feet. Several years ago, Mr. Jameson imported from the well-known makers—Savage and Co., of London—a plant for coffee roasting and coffee and spice grinding, which is said to be one of the largest and most complete of its kind in the Colony. It has been erected at the Tory Street establishment, and includes one of the latest patterns of coffee roasters, capable of putting through a large quantity every hour, a fine steel coffee mill, a Chili mill, two vertical mills, a horizontal mill with French burr stones, for grinding spices, an edge runner mill with granite stones, and others. The motive power consists of two separate water engines which give seven-horse-power combined. The firm's trade mark, “Atlas Cofee and Spice Works,” is well known throughout the colony, as Messrs. Jameson Bros, and Co. dispose of large quantities of the produce of their work chiefly wholesale, through the merchants. The firm are direct importers of oils, general groceries, wines and spirits, etc., from the best markets of the world, and are in a position to supply goods of the first quality at the lowest possible figure.

Janson, G. K., Grocer, Cuba Street, Wellington. Telephone 284. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand Mr. Janson, who is a native of Sweden, and came to the Colony per ship “Equator,” purchased this business, which had then been established twelve years, in 1867. The premises are of wood, and afford 3500 square feet of floorage space, the shop being lighted by electricity.

Kearney, Mrs., Grocer and Provision Dealer, Tinakori Road, opposite Botanical Gardens, Wellington. Mrs. Kearney has been in business since 1885. Her trade is merely local, especially since the death of Mr. Kearney, the means of delivery being curtailed. Mrs. Kearney is a native of county Cork, Ireland, but went early to London, and on Anniversary Day, 1875, arrived in Wellington per ship “Berar” Mrs. Kearney is respected by all who know her, is doing fairly well, and is in every way deserving of encouragement.

McKenzie, Richard James, Grocer and General Produce Dealer, Riddiford Street, Wellington. Mr. McKenzie was for years in the employment of Messrs. Levin and Co., of Wellington; and eventually commenced business in Wanganui, from which place he came to Wellington and started as above. Mr. McKenzie holds an agency for Mr. G. W. Wilton, Chemist, for the sale of his various specialties, for which there is a large local demand.

Munro, Alexander, Grocer and Provision Merchant, 115 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Telephone 194. This business is conducted in the name of the late Mr. Alexander Munro by Mr. D. Munro, his son. The shop, which is lighted by electricity, has a frontage of about 40 feet to Lambton Quay. Mr. Munro acts as agen for Messrs. Oakes and Co., of Madras, in whose special lines he deals. His late father was previously in business in Rangitikel and Wanganui, in which places he was a settler of over thirty years standin.

Nelson, Moate and CO. (Horatio Nelson), Wholesale Tea Importers, Blenders, and Packers, Customhouse Quay, Wellington. Manager, George Henry Colegrove. Telephone 19; P.O. Box 270. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Head office, corner of Tuam and Colombo Streets, Christchurch. Further particulars will be given in the volume for Canterbury.

Powell, Justinian John Kivern, Grain, Produce, Coal and Stone Merchant; coal yard, 6 Ingestre Street; grain and produce store, Taranaki Street, Wellington. Telephone 692. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, Ingestre Street. Mr. Powell was born at Truro, Cornwall, in 1852. His father was a contractor, and with him he learned that business. In 1871 he came to the Colony, and commenced in business as a railway contractor in the following year. In 1888 Mr. Powell established the nucleus of his present large trade in Ingestre Street, where he opened a coal and firewood depot. The premises, which are freehold, consist of ample shed and yard accommodation, and a dwelling. A Pelton water motor is used to drive the circular saw for cutting firewood. The business developed so rapidly that in 1893 larger premises were needed. A two-story concrete building was therefore erected on a freehold section in Taranaki Street as a grain and produce store. The total floorage space used in this building is about 2000 square feet. The first floor is used as a public hall; it is well furnished, and has seating room for about 250 people. It has proved a great convenience for both social and religious gatherings. Mr. Powell imports coal direct from Newcastle, and Westport Coalbrookdale, and supplies at the lowest quotation. Large shipments of grain and produce art regularly received from southern ports. Behind the store a large eight stall stable has been built, and some cottages for page 743 Justinian John Kivern Powell his workmen. The whole of the buildings are substantially completed in concrete. Mr. Powell employs about fifteen men, of whom from four to ten are working at his large quarry at Paikakariki; from which he delivers dressed building stone of splendid quality, road metal, and chips for foundation and concrete work. The output of this quarty is some eight thousand yards per annum. A large deposit of white shell, said to be the best available, is on the spot, and in great demand for garden walks, for which purpose it is, preferable to asphalt, as that cannot be readily seen at night. The quarry also yields good sand and gravel in any quantity. Mr. Powell was one of the founders of the Commercial Trust and Loan Company, Manners Street, of which he has been a director since its inception. While resident in Johnsonville he sat as a member of the Town Board and eventually became chairman, a position which he held for three years As a forrester he was initiated in New Plymouth, and was a member of the order for twelve years. Mr. Powell, like his father before him, has been a life-long total abstainer. He was for three years a member of the order of Rechabites.

Sinclair, R., Grocer, Tea-dealer, and Provision Merchant, 40 Majoribanks Street, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. Robert Sinelair began business as above in 1888, during which time he has made rapid progress. His shop is very conveniently situated for a good local trade, being at the corner of Brougham and Majoribanks Streets. This is a good district, and a growing one, and Mr. Sinclair is well prepared to extend as increase of business may demand. Already he has more than doubled the size of his premises, which have a good business-like appearance, being roomy and well-stocked. For a while Mr. Sinclair's trade was purely local, but through the moving about of his customer, and by means of recommendation, he has a really good general trade. Careful attention to business on the part of Mr. and Mrs. Sinclair has popularised both their establishment and themselves, and an increasing trade is the natural consequence. To give an idea of the business done, it may be mentioned that the turnover of one article alone—that of butter—is upwards of five hundred pounds weight per week. For a shop comparatively on the outskirts of the city, this is a very large turnover indeed, and shows the importance of supplying a first-class article. In this particular line of butter, Mr. Sinclair defies the world. It is from the creamery of Mr. James Donald, and the brand is “Tarureka” Mr. Sinclair is a native of the Shetland Islands, and arrived in New Zealand per ship “Rodney,” from London, in 1876.

Snoad and Co. (Malcolm B. Snoad), Ceylon Tea Merchants, 24 Lambton Quay, Wellington. Bankers, Colonial Bauk of New Zealand, Private residence, Oriental Bay. Mr. Snoad is a native of Kent, and was brought up to mercantile life in London, arriving in the Colony per ship “Merope” in 1884. The present business was established in 1888, Mr. Snoad is a direct importer of tea from the gardens of Ceylon. All teas are pure and unblended, and are supplied in small packets, larger packages, boxes or cases as may be required. Mr. Snoad also imports patent infusor teapots, the Duchess of York being the inventor. The patent consists in a perforated cup which holds the tea, and can be removed easily, leaving the tea free from all deleterious qualities. The writer having sampled the tea can speak from experience as to flavour and quality.

Southee, W., Grocer and Provision Dealer, 150 Tinakori Road, Wellington. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Mr. William Southee has been in business as a grocer, tea dealer, and general provision vendor since 1883, but for the first six years he was in Molesworth Street. He does a steady trade, and there is an air of prosperity about his establishment. His business operations extend beyond the surrounding neighbourhood to Karori and Makara, and in many cases even further into the country. This country connection has been mainly secured through the influence of local customers, who have moved up the line, and have continued to deal where they were well served. Mr. Southee's specialty is Suratura tea, for which he finds an increasing demand, and in the superiority of which he is a thorough believer. It is a Ceylon tea, and is held to be of exceptional flavour. Nelson Moste and Co.'s packet teas are also largely sold. Mr. Southee is a native of Kent, and learned his business with Mr. B. N. Rayner, of Sittingbourne, completing his apprenticeship in the year 1876. In 1880 he came to this Colony per ship “Pleiades”

Tippler, Mrs. H. H., 169 Lambton Quay; Telephone 104; P.O. Box 367. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This well-known grocery and Italian warehouse was established in 1834, by the late Mr. H. H. Tippler. It is claimed to be the only real Italian warehouse in the city, and especial care is take by constant direct importations to keep up the wonderful variety of special delicacies for which the establishment has been famous. After nine years of hard work the founder's health became affected and he was laid up for several month. When at length he was able to return to his business, and was believed by his friends to be permanently recovering, he had the misfortune to lose both premises and stock by fire. This was on the 4th November, 1893, and on the 7th Mr. Tippler succumbed to
By Appointment to His Excellency, Earl of Glasgw.

By Appointment to His Excellency, Earl of Glasgw.

page 744 the shock, leaving a wife and six children to battle against the worries and anxieties which had so sadly proved too much for himself. Securing temporary premises, Mrs. Tippler faced her troubles with a stout heart, and determined to retain the business her husband had striven so hard to build up. Nearness to the old spot was the only advantage the new quarters had, for they were much too small to be permanently useful. A few months later Mrs. Tippler was fortunate in securing really splendid premises, a little nearer the centre of the town, but still within a good stone's throw of the old site. The shop is roomy, well ventilated and well lighted. The door is in the centre, with a splendid window on each side, in one of which may be seen a Gruyére cheese as big as a waggon wheel. The display generally is effective and enticing. At the rear of the shop are the offices and store-room, the light here being obtained from an extensive sky-light and then through a well on the first floor, where there is a splendid show-room about 35 by 70 feet. Off this show-room are seven or eight other rooms of varying sizes, and over these latter rooms is a third story not at present needed for the business. The premises are large enough for a still greatly increased trade, and for the few months during which they have been tried most gratifying results in this respect have well justified the enterprise. The list of special imports contains about twenty varieties of fancy fish, a dozen or so of fancy cheese, and about the same number of varieties of tinned sausages and tinned game. Indian condiments have a conspicuous place assigned them, followed by a long catalogue of tempting delicacies under the heading of “sundries,” There seems to be nothing wanting in this well-appointed store, Lucullus him off would have been well content to limit his choice to so remarkable a list. The principal firms from whom these goods are imported are—Crosse and Blackwell, J. T. Morton, Lazenby, Maconochie Bros, Vencataehellum, and Swallow and Ariel. Both Mrs. Tippler and her, late husband were born at Roxwell, Essex, where they lived up to the time of leaving for this Colony. Having left many relatives and friends behind them, it was for many years their dearest wish to get their affairs here into such condition that they might run Home to visit the scenes of their youth where all conditions had been bright and circumstances affuent. Mr. Tippler especially was reared in the lap of luxury at “The Dukes,” his mother's estate, and this and the changes which followed made his many troubles in New Zealand all the harder to bear. On their way to this Colony Mr. and Mrs. Tippler came as far as Melbourne in the “Lusitania” at the same time that Sir Wm. Jervois with Lady Jervois and the whole gubernatorial party came out to Adelaide to the Governorship of South Australia. Being first-class passengers, they of course saw a good deal of Sir William and his interesting party, and Mrs. Tippler, who was at death's door for a part of the time, speaks gratefully of the kindly treatment she received at their hands during the whole journey. A few weeks after the death of her husband Mrs. Tippler lost her second son, a bright lad of thirteen, by drowning. The circumstances attending this bereavement were peculiarly painful, as the widowed mother was herself so dangerously ill at the time that it was considered unsafe to acquaint her with this sad addition to her many crushing blows. Mrs. Tippler has now, however, fully recovered, and the knowledge that there are still five little ones left, to be trained, educated, and fitted to take their places in the world, keeps her in the path of duty. She is an excellent business woman, attentive in all the little matters which make so greatly for success. A great deal of her work is made light by the faithfulness and energy of her managing men, Mr. E. V. Mecch in the sales department, and Mr. P. W Inge (a nephew of Mr. Tippler) in the office. Mrs. Tippler certainly deserves to be successful, and, as far as an outsider can judge by appearances, her plucky efforts on behalf of herself and family are not likely to go unrewarded. The public may rely on being thoroughly well served, and the high-class quality of the goods is sufficiently attested by the names of their manufacturers. The house has been favoured with the vice-regal patronage since its establishment—first by Sir William Jervois, then by Lord Onslow, and now by the Earl of Glasgow. Sir James Prendergast, as acting Governor, and a large number of the elite of Wellington have for many years patronized this well-stocked and well-kept house.

Wallace and Mackie (James Wilson Wallace and James Lyall Mackie), Grain and Produce Brokers, and General Commission Agents, 11 Brandon Street, Wellington. Cable address, ”Salvo.” Code ABC, fourth edition. Telephone 807; P.O. Box 293. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. This business was established in 1893, and during the short time intervening it has been very greatly extended. Both partners are well and favourably known throughout the Colony, and are prompt, energetic, and thoroughly reliable business men. In addition to their grain and produce business. Messrs. Wallace and Mackie act as agents for manufacturers and merchants in Great Britain, Australia, etc., no agencies being undertaken which they cannot handle to the satisfaction of their principals. The more important of those held by them are as follow: The National Mortgage and Agency Company, Limited, imported and colonial seeds, etc.; Messrs. M. Donaghy and Co., Limited, Dunedin, ropes, seaming and binder twines, etc.; Messrs. D. Nicolson and Co., Dunedin. wire mattresses, sofa springs. etc.; Messrs. Thomson, Bridger and Co., Dunedin, wheelwright's material, etc.; Messrs. B. Edwards and Co., Limited, Invercargill, slashers, bush hooks, etc. Messrs. Gray Bros., Tasmania, Tasmanian timbers; Messrs. J. Windross and Co., New South Wales, ironbark and other timbers, and wheelwright's materials; The Lilleshall Iron and Steel Company, Limited, England; Messrs. Patrick Gardiner and Co., London, Commission merchants, Calcutta goods of every description; Messrs. J. Vavasseur and Co., Ceylon, desiccated [unclear: c]ocoanut, etc. Messrs. Wallace and Mackie have also made arrangements with firstclass firms in Great Britain and elsewhere for the sale of any goods from the Colony consigned to their care; and also for the execution of inden s of any description of goods. Their latest agency is that of Messrs. James Storer and Co., Glasgow, oils, paints, varnishes, etc.

Wardell Bros. and CO. (John Wardell, William Wardell, Thomas Wardell and Henry Wardell), Grocers and Provision Merchants, 51 Willis Street, Wellington. Telephone 783 P.O. Box 17. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Head office, Christchurch; branch at Dunedin, This business was established in 1887 in Christchurch, the Wellington branch being opened in April 1893. Further information will appear in the volume of the Cyclopedia for Canterbury.

Webb, George, Grocer and Provision Merchant, Baker and Confectioner, Coffee and Spice Manufacturer, Globe Coffee and Spice Works, 63 Tory Street, corner of Vivian Street, Wellington. Mr. Webb was born in Hampshire, England, where he was brought up. He served his apprenticeship as a grocer in Guildford, Surrey, and came to New Zealand in 1876, per ship “St. Leonard's.” Since his arrival Mr. Webb has been closely associated with the mercantile life of the Colony, The present large business was founded in the same year at the corner of Buckle and Tory Streets. The developmental of the trade was such that it became necessary to provide increased accommodation for the various branches of the business. The fine two-story block of buildings now occupied by Mr. Webb (an engraving of which appears herein), at the corner of Vivian and Tory Streets page 745 was designed by the proprietor to meet the requirements of a growing trade, and was erected in 1888. It stands on freehold land, having a frontage to both streets, and behind the buildings there is a pretty lawn and a large garden. The main building, which measures sixty feet on the Vivian Street and fifty feet on the Tory Street sides, contains fully, 6000 square feet of floorage space. The entrance to the retail branch of the business is at the corner, large show windows facing each street. Mr. Webb keeps a large stock of groceries and provisions, and is assisted by a good staff of assistants. The cart entrance to the wholesale manufacturing and delivery departments is by large double doors from Tory Street, the paved waggon way passing right through the building. A cheese floor for ripening these goods has been put up over one end of this spot, it being the coolest place. Iron doors separate other parts of the premises from the manufacturing, wholesale, and storage departments. In the factory, which occupies the back portion of the ground floor, there is a complete plant for making the tins required in the trade for the pepper, spices, etc. One of the largest steel wire coffee roasters in the Colony, heated by gas supplied through thirty-five Bunsen burners, can be seen here. This fine machine, which was made by Savage and Co., of London, will roast from one hundred weight to one hundred weight and a quarter in thirty minutes. The pepper and spice grinder contains a pair of French burr stones, and is fed through a wooden shoot from the upper floor. The front apartment of this floor is devoted to the storage of general and reserve stock. The first floor being reached through this room, a splendid self-regulating lift by Savage and Co., of London, capable of hoisting five hundredweight, communicates with this part of the building. There is a fine screw press for packing hops, and a large tea-cutter used in connection with the tea blending and packing trade. For coffee, spices, etc., Mr. Webb's brand is the Spider in Webb, which is well known. The baking and confectionery department is conducted in a large two-story wooden building on the opposite corner. The bakehouse is replete with all modern appliances for the work, and under the management and control of competent experts, there is no wonder that the bread is appreciated, and secures a large sale. Mr. Webb has large brick stables behind the main building, six horses, three carts, and a van being employed in the delivery. The private residence of the proprietor is situated above and behind the shop. Mr. Webb finds some time to assist in the management of public
Mr. Webb's Premises.

Mr. Webb's Premises.

Mr. G. Webb.

Mr. G. Webb.

bodies, and for several years past he has served as a councillor of the Borough of Melrose.

Other Storekeepers, Etc.

Anderson, Allan, Storekeeper, 60 Adelaide Road, Established 1886.

Banks, Bridget, General Storekeeper, corner of Riddiford and Hall Streets.

Barr and Co. (David Burr), Wholesale and Retail Grocers, Manners Street.

Bardsley, Mrs., Grocer, 44 Thorndon Quay. Established 1895.

Barrow, Mrs. R., Storekeeper, 142 Taranaki Street.

Bethel, William F., Grower, 57 Courtenay Place. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1895.

Booker, G. H., Grocer, 61 Taranaki Street, Established 1895.

Bryne, Edward, Grocer, 151 Tinakori Road. Bankers, National Bank of New Zealand. Established 1875.

Byng and Co., Grocers, etc., 138 Cuba Street.

Campbell, Wm., Grocer and Provision Merchant, Oriental Tea Mart, 21 Manners Street.

Campion, Arthur W., Tea Merchant, 12 Cuba Street. Private residence, Ghuznee Street. Established 1888.

Compton, Thomas, Storekeeper, Owen Street. Established 1891.

Couch, Mrs., Grocer, Mulgrave Street. Established 1885.

Coveney, Thomas Palmer, Grocer and Provision Merchant, 103 Cuba Street.

Craig, Wm., Grocer, Aro Street.

Crawford, Mrs. C, Grocer, 20 Cambridge Terrace. Established 1880.

Creighton, John, Grocer, 6 Tinakori Road. Established 1893.

Dean, Mrs. L., Grocer, Roxburgh Street. Established 892.

Devine, James, Grocer, 2 Argyle Street, Established 1889.

Devine, William, Storekeeper, 158 Cuba Street.

Devlin, Joseph, Grocer and Provision Dealer, 30 Cuba Street. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Established 1889.

Dickson, Thomas, Grocer and Provision Dealer, 225 Lambton Quay.

Dobson, Henry, Storekeeper, Riddiford Street. Established 1875.

Donaldson, J. A., Grocer, 34 Hopper Street. Established 1881.

Dudgeon, John James, Grain and Produce Dealer, Manners Street.

Langdon, Hart, Storekeeper, 49 Brougham Street. Established 1893.

Lawless, Mrs., Grocer, 9 Nairn Street. Established 1892.

Lawrence, Mrs. J., Grocer, Ellice Street. Established 1891.

Lennie, M. A., General Storekeeper, 40 Queen Street. Established 1889.

McAlpine, Wm., Grocer, 183 Tinakori Road. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1872, and taken over by the present proprietor in 1890.

page 746

Duignan, Richard, Grocer and Wood and Coal Merchant, Molesworth Street.

Duncan, Donald, Grocer, 149 Taranaki Street. Established 1894.

Eden, Thos. Edward, Grocer, 113 Cuba, Street. Established 1891.

Firth, J. H., General Grocer, 45 Courtenay Place. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Established 1890.

Flockton, Mrs. Henry, Grocer, 64 Tory Street.

Foster, James Rodgers, Produce Dealer, 106 Adelaide Road.

Freethy, Mrs., Grocer, Mulgrave Street. Established 1886.

Grant and Richards, Storekeepers, 181 Cuba Street.

Haines, Mrs. Alfred George, Storekeeper, 18 Aro Street.

Headland, Charles, Family Grocer, 90 Tory Street. Established 1894.

Hebbend, Mrs. Jane, Grocer, Murphy Street. Established 1888.

Holmes, Robert Henry, Grocer, Riddiford Street.

Howell, Thomas, Grocer, Revans Street. Established 1860.

Hulse and Stockbridge (Richard Hulse and Stephen Stockbridge), Grocers, 99 Tory Street. Established 1805.

Humphries, William, Grocer, Riddiford Street.

Kilpatrick, R., Grocer, Manners Street. Established 1896.

Killery, Mrs., Grocer, 32 Courtenay Place. Established 1896

King, Robert, Grocer and Baker, 87 Tory Street.

Lambert, Edward, Tea Dealer, 100 Tatanaki Street. Private residence, Vogeltown.

Laney, W. E., Grocer. Wallace Street. Bankers, National Bank of New Newland. Established 1893.

Marshall, Wm., Grocer, corner of Ingestre and Willis Streets. Established 1886.

Meagher, John and Co., Grain and Produce Merchants, Panama Street. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Established 1894.

Meston Bros. (John and James Meston), Grocers, 12 Wordsworth Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand Established 1880.

Murphy, Richard, Grocer, 36 Tory Street. Established 1881.

Murray, John, Produce and Coal and Wood Dealer, 65 Adelaide Road.

Nannestad, Anton, Grocer, Jubilee House, Kent Terrace. Established 1888.

Olsen, Mrs. H. J., Storekeeper, Oriental Terrace

Overend, Mrs. J., Grocer, Tasman Street, Established 1894.

Pritchard, Miss E., Grocer, 111 Adelaide Road. Established 1886.

Pritchard, Henry, Grocer, etc., Courtenay Place. Established 1888.

Rabe, Mrs., Grocer, Ingestre Street. Established 1878.

Raine, J., G., Grocer, Courtenay Place.

Reece, Mrs. M., Grocer, 52 Elizabeth Street. Established 1893.

Relton, W., Storekeeper, 78 Riddiford Street. Established 1898.

Riddick Bros. (James R. Riddick and Robert R. Riddick), General Storekeepers, Riddiford Street. Established 1888.

Ridge, John, Family Grocer, 9 Manners Street, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Riddiford Street, Newtown. Established December, 1894.

Rowe and Sons (Sampson Rowe, Frederick Rowe, and Wallace Rowe), Produce Merchants, Manners Street, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand.

Ryan, John, Grocer, 12 Tory Street. Established 1801.

Smith, Lawrence, Storekeeper, Tory Street.

Spierling, Mrs., General Storekeeper, 89 Adelaide Road. Established 1800.

Terreni, Fabio, Grocer, Mansfield Street, Wellington South, Bankers, Bank of New Zealand, Established 1885.

Thawley Bros., Grocers, 53 Tory Street.

Thew and Luke, Storekeepers, 161 Cuba Street. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residences: Mr Thew, Nairn Street; Mr. Luke, Martin Square. Established 1894.

Thomas, Joseph, Grocer and Provision Merchant, 29 Molesworth Street. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Privateresidence, Khandallah. Established 1897

Thompson, Miss, Grocer, 58 Daniel Street. Established 1895.

Tonks, William, Miller, Herbert Street. Private residence, 9 Dixon Street.

Twomey. P. M. Grocer, Sussex Square. Established 1888.

Vallance, Hugh, Grocer and Provision Merchant, 87 Willis Street.

Virtue, D. W., and Co. (David Wilson Virtue), Flour, Grain, and Produce Merchants, Victoria Street. Private residence, 30 Ellice Street.

Watkins, Mrs. E., Grocer, Tainui Terrace. Established 1895.

Watson, Mrs., General Storekeeper, 9 Adelaide Road.

Williams, H. C., Grocer, 57 Ghuznee Street. Established 1885.

Williamson, Robert, Storekeeper, Pirie Street. Established 1890.

Willis, Edward, Storekeeper, 13 Aro Street, Established 1893.

Wilson, Alexander, Storekeeper, Riddiford Street. Established 1873.

Wise, Edward Thomas, Grocer, 2 Crawford Street. Established 1890.

Wyatt, Inge and Gould (Herbert Wyatt, Peter Inge, and William G. Gould) Grocers and Italian Warchousemen, 185 Lambton Quay. Established 1895

Young, Mrs. M., and Sons, Grocers and General Dealers, 123 Tinakori Road-Established 1893.

Basin Reserve.

Basin Reserve.