James, Walter Abraham, Coachbuilder and Wheelwright, 134 St. Asaph Street, Christchurch. This business was originally established in 1875 by Messrs Langdown and Co., who were succeeded by the present proprietor in 1696. Although the business is not one of the largest in Christchurch, Mr. James does an extensive trade in the building of drags, lorries, expresses, gigs, and dogcarts, with a connection which extends through the whole of the provincial district. Mr James' work is recognised for its great superiority, and has gained, several awards at the various shows. Mr. W. A. James is a native of Devonshire, England, and learned his business with Messrs Joe Ward and Co., a leading West of England coachbuilding firm. He came to Canterbury in 1878, and was employed successively by the late Mr. James Robertson, coachbuilder, of Tuam Street, and by Messrs Elmsley and Curlett, Oxford Terrace. Mr. James was also for about one year and ten months in the railway workshops, and was for five years with Messrs P. and D. Duncan in doing their Exhibition work. He joined the service of Mr. Langdown in 1888, and on the retirement of that gentleman in 1896, succeeded to the business.