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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]

Harris. William

Harris. William, Boot Importer and Manufacturer, Imperial Boot Depôt, 207 Cashel Street, Christchurch. Telephone 880. P.O. Box 189. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Private residence, 49 Worcester Street, Christchurch. Branch, Princes Street, Dunedin. Mr. Harris' old-established and flourishing business dates back to 1866, when it was originally established, by the proprietor in Colombo Street. Nine years later it was transferred, to Cashel Street, to the premises now occupied by Mr. H. J. Hobden, chemist, from which it was again removed later to Anderson's Buildings, in the same street. The large, handsome double-fronted shop, known as the Imperial Boot Depôt, has two elegant plate-glass show windows, in which is displayed a tastefully-arranged assortment, representative of the immense stock contained within the premises. The shop is splendidly fitted with numerous show-cases and shelving, and the departments possess both ladies' and gentlemen's fitting and show-rooms, the offices of the firm being at the back. In the basement a very large and valuable stock of bulk goods is kept. There is also a workshop on this flat, and another in a separate building on the ground floor. The manufacturing department is divided into two sections, one for repairing, which is kept busily occupied, and the other for manufacturing purposes proper, where all work is done by hand. A very considerable bespoke trade is carried on, especially since 1895, when Mr. Harris purchased the goodwill and business of Messrs. E. Nichols and Co., who had for many years made a specialty of bespoke work. The firm's trade in this department extends to various parts of the Colony, between Auckland and Invercargill, the connection being very considerable, special experts being employed in the manufacture of the very highest class of goods. As a direct importer of boots a and shoes, Mr. Harris deals with the best manufacturing houses of the old world. He is the agent for some of the best-known makers in the world, including the celebrated “K” boots, Bostock's “Queen,” Bective, and a great number of the best American houses have placed their goods under the firm's direct control. Under his complete system of buying. Mr. Harris is in a position to supply ladies', gentlemen's, and children's foot-wear of the best and latest styles, and at the most moderate prices. The Christchurch establishment is under the management of Mr. John Harris, a son of the founder, and the Dunedin branch under Mr. William Harris, junior, another son. This latter branch was opened in 1884. Born in Bristol in 1838, and
Standish and Preece, photo. Mr. W. Harris.

Standish and Preece, photo.
Mr. W. Harris.

page 318 educated at a private school, the subject of this sketch was apprenticed to the retail branch of the boot and shoe trade in his father's firm in London, where he continued until leaving for Lyttelton by the ship “Zealandia” in 1858. On arrival in the Colony. Mr. Harris deferred starting business on his own account in consequence of the state of trade in Canterbury at that time. He entered the employ of Messrs. E. Reece and Co., with whom he remained for several years. Apart from business, Mr. Harris was connected with the local fire brigades for many years. He joined the Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1861 as a private, and was elected treasurer in the following year. In 1865, he was elected as superintendent of the brigade, from which position he resigned two years later, when control of the service was taken over by the City Council, and Captain G. H. Wilson was appointed superintendent. Two years later Mr. Harris was requested by the City Council to accept the position, and from that time till 1882, on the occasion of his visiting England, he held that appointment, and directed his great energy and ability to the task he had in hand. During his period of service, he was the recipient of several presentations. In 1870 the Fire Insurance Association presented him with a cheque for 100 guineas and a silver casket, and the members of the brigade presented their chief with a silver tea and coffee service and an illuminated address. This was immediately after the memorable fire in Lyttelton, in commemoration of which the Lyttelton Borough Council presented him with a gold medal and each member of the brigade with a silver one. On his resignation in 1882, the Fire Insurance Association presented him with a silver cake-basket and 100 guineas, and the citizens of Christchurch gave him a silver enp with a like substantial donation. Mr. Harris holds a silver medal and long service badges from the united Fire Brigades Association, marking in all nineteen years' service. The efficient plant and appliances for suppressing fire possessed by the city of Christchurch today, are largely due to the energy of Mr. Harris, who was the means of introducing the strain and chemical fire-engines and the electric fire alarm, as well as several of the large water tanks. His shrewdness and ability have been largely availed of in connection with public bodies in Christchurch. He was one of the founders of the Mutual Benefit Building and Investment Association of Canterbury, and has held the office of chairman since 1880. On the board of directors of the Kaiapol Woollen Manufacturing Company, he has held a seat since 1892, and on that of the Canterbury Tramway Company since 1893. He is a director of the Westport Cardiff Coal Company, and is chairman of directors of the “Cyclopedia” Company, Limited. He is also one of the two city commissioners for the Municipal Sinking Fund. In church matters, Mr. Harris is a Wesleyan Methodist, and has been a trustee of the Durham Street and East Belt churches for many years, and several times circuit steward of the Durham Street circuit. On several occasions, he was appointed delegate to the general conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church in Australasia, and attended the conferences held at Adelaide, Auckland, and Christchurch. As treasurer of the Contingent Fund, he is ex officio a representative at each annual conference in New Zealand. At the general conference in 1898, he was elected treasurer of the Children's Fund, by virtue of which he will attend future conferences. He was married in London, in 1858, a week before leaving England for New Zealand, to a daughter of Mr. Samuel Goodman, of Lyttelton, and has three sons and two daughters. Two of his sons have been already mentioned in connection with his business in Christchurch and Dunedin; the third is a resident of Sydney. Mr. Harris's daughters are married respectively to the Rev. J. N. Buttle, Wesleyan minister, of Timaru, and to Mr. A. W. Blanchard, manager of Messrs. Buttler Bros.' business in Wellington.
Mr. Harris' Premises.

Mr. Harris' Premises.