Talbot, Albert F., builder, Contractor, and Joiner, 308 Colmobo Street, Christchurch. Mr. Talbot is a native of Reading, England, where he served an apprenticeship. He afterwards worked at his trade for six years in London, and arrived in Canterbury in 1878. Mr. Talbot worked for four years in Christchurch, and went to Melbourne in 1882, where he followed his trade until 1887, when he began business as a contractor. While in Victoria Mr. Talbot made a large number of special air-tight show cases for the Victorian Government, to be sent with exhibits for permanent exhibition at the Imperial Institute in London. He also fitted up a number of banks, offices, and public buildings, including the Hawthorn Town Hall, and also the Temperance and General insurance Company's artistically-designed offices in Swanston Street, Melbourne. Mr. Talbot returned to Christchurch in 1893, and later on started in business at his present address. Since then he has filled up some of the largest business places in Christchurch with counter cases and other fittings. At the present time (1902) Mr. Talbot is engaged in building villa residences. Shortly after his return to Christchurch he was appointed Secretary of the Canterbury Carpenters' Union and conducted the first local dispute that was heard before the Canterbury Conciliation Board. In recognition of his services on this occasion the members of the union presented him with a handsome marble clock, suitably inscribed; he was later on elected to the Canterbury Conciliation Board on the first opportunity, and he held the position for eighteen months. As a Druid Mr. Talbot is a member of Lodge Melbourne.