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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]

Leather Trade

Leather Trade.

Harrison, Joseph Henry, Bootmaker, Stafford Street, Timaru Mr Harrison is a son of Mr. Joseph Harrison, an early colonist of South Canterbury. He was born in Timaru in 1870, and was brought up in his native town. After an experience in a bookseller's shop he served an apprenticeship to his present trade, and then went to Melbourne, where he remained about four years. He then returned to Timaru, where he was in business on his own account for about eighteen months. Then he joined the police force in Auckland, but after a short experience there he resigned and returned to Timaru in 1897, when he established his present business. Mr. Harrison was a member of the Timaru Port Guards, and belongs to the Druids' Lodge. In 1899, he married a daughter of Mr. Thomas Gunter, mill owner, Birmingham, England.

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Mair, James, Bootmaker, Timaru. Mr. Mair was born in 1843, in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where he was educated and apprenticed to the boot trade. Coming to Lyttelton in 1861 by the ship “Chrysolite,” he worked for one year at his trade in Christchurch, and for two years at Lyttelton. He removed to Timaru in 1864, and after working at his trade for some years, took to farming. Afterwards he joined Mr. S. Anderson in a boot and shoe business, and ten years later purchased the retail part of the establishment. Mr. Mair was elected to the borough council in 1891, and was a town councillor for many years. He is a trustee of the Timaru Druids lodge, and was treasurer for seven years. As a member of the Masonic order, he is treasurer of Caledonian Lodge. He is also a member of the Caledonian Society. Mr. Mair was married in New Zealand, and has two children.

Mr. J. Mair.

Mr. J. Mair.

Penrose Bros, (Richard John Penrose and Edward James Penrose), Bootmakers end Importers, Stafford Street, Timaru. This business was founded in 1880 by the late Mr. William Penrose. At that time, so unpretentious was the establishment, that the proprietor and a boy could easily manage all there was to be done. But Mr. Penrose soon proved that he possessed keen business capacity, and in a very short time trade showed a marked increase. After a few years the old premises in Stafford Street North were found inadequate, and Mr. Penrose decided to remove to more capacious quarters. As the result, a two-storey brick building was erected, and there the business was conducted for some years. The turnover continued steadily to increase until, in 1896, Mr. Penrose, through indifferent health, was compelled to give up an active part in the management. It was then that his two sons, Mr. R. J. Penrose and Mr. W. J. Penrose, took over the business. Both partners were young men with a thorough knowledge of the trade, having gone through the usual apprenticeship. Being good workmen, energetic and well known throughout the district, the increase in their trade turned their thoughts in the direction of securing premises in the centre of the town. It happened that about that time Mr. Durand was making extensive alterations in his row of shops, known as Durand's Buildings. The firm decided to secure premises in these desirable buildings, which are situated right in the busiest thoroughfare, and a seven years' lease was signed. This was a bold step to take, but time has fully justfied it. The wisdom of the venture is proved by the way in which the business is extending. The amount of trade is now very considerable. Some idea of the advance made in the last twenty years may be formed from the fact that in 1881 the stock was valued at £130, and its present value is over £2000.

Ferrier, photo.Messrs Penrose Bros.

Ferrier, photo.
Messrs Penrose Bros.