Sladen, F., Manufacturers' Agent and Importer, Bowron's Buildings, Christchurch. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Telegraphic address, “Sladen, Christchurch.” Mr. Sladen is the sole representative in New Zealand for several English and foreign watch manufacturers, including the well-known Lancashire Watch Company, Limited, England, the largest firm of its kind in the British Empire, with an output of 3000 watches per week. This firm supports a high class examiner, who was recently sent out to New Zealand for the purpose of examining and overhauling all the firm's watches, ordered through Mr Sladen, prior to their consignment to its numerous customers. Mr. Sladen also carries one of the largest varieties, if not the largest variety of gold silver, and nickel watches in the colony, and their sterling qualities bear a high record. He represents Messrs J. and H. Taylor, manufacturing opticians of Birmingham—gold spectacles a specialty; also Messrs Hirst Bros. and Company, Limited, Lancashire, noted for their watchmakers' and jewellers' tools and materials; and Messrs M. Hunter and Son, Sheffield, one of the leading cutlery manufacturers. Mr. Sladen does a large and extensive business throughout New Zealand in fitting up jewellers' shops and supplying for all trades, all kinds of fittings, including gold and embossed, as well as printed tickets for drapers and bootmakers, and has undoubtedly the finest show of tickets in New Zealand, as the representative of Messrs Potter and Sons, Limited, London. In 1897 Mr Sladen commenced his present business, which grew to such dimensions that he has twice been compelled to move to more extensive premises. His present offices are situated in Bowron's Buildings, at the corner of Hereford and Manchester Streets. His business is strictly wholesale, and he supplies the trade only. Mr. Sladen is a native of Yorkshire, England, and was brought up to business as a watchmaker and jeweller, but owing to delicate health he was recommended to try the mild climate of New Zealand, and settled in Christchurch. He is now one of the leading watch importers, with a splendid connection throughout the colony.