The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
Watch And Jewellery Trade
Watch And Jewellery Trade.
Beaver, A.N and Co. , Wholesale Jewellers, Indenters and Importers, 89 Princes Street, Dunedin; Telephone, 382; P.O. Box, 253; Bankers; Bank of Australasia. This business was established in 1892 by the present firm, and is conducted in a three storey brick building formerly occupied by Messrs. W. McArthur and Co. The ground floor is used as offices and show-room for jewellery, plate, clocks, and optical goods, the first floor being devoted to fancy goods of all descriptions, and the upper floor to glass and crockery-ware. Messrs. A. Beaver and Co.'s trade extends throughout the colony; three or four travellers are employed, and Mr. Beaver personally makes periodical trips. The firm imports from Great Britain, Europe, and America, and acts as sole agents in the South Island for Meyer's Liquid Putz Cream.
Hislop, John , Watchmaker and Jeweller, Princes Street, Dunedin. This is one of the finest businesses of its kind in New Zealand, and the shop is one of the sights of Princes Street. The founder of the business, the late Mr. John Hislop, is referred to amongst Old Colonists.
Hogg, Edwin , Manufacturing Jeweller, 19 Princes Street, Dunedin; Private residence: prietor, and is chiefly confined to the trade, Helena Street, South Dunedin. This business was established in 1889 by the present pro-although there are a good many private customers. Mr. Hogg has a complete manufacturing plant on a small scale, and undertakes all kinds of jewellery and repairing work.
Mr. A. W. Macarthur
Neill, Henry , Importer, Watchmaker and Jeweller, 22 Rattray Street, Dunedin; P.O. Box, 188; Bankers: National Bank of New Zealand. Private residence, Elm Row. This is an old established business, having been originally founded in 1868; Mr. Neill was interested in it from the beginning and has been sole proprietor since 1878. A considerable manufacturing trade is carried on, the special line being masonic jewellery; and the business is conducted in premises on the ground floor of a brick building, in a large workshop and show room. Mr. Neill is a large importer, and has connections throughout the entire Colony, through which he makes periodical trips to interview his customers, from Auckland to the Bluff. He was born in 1843, in Leith, Scotland, where he was educated, and subsequently apprenticed to the business in Edinburgh. After seven and a half years' experience, he removed to Dundee, where he remained for three years and a half before coming to Port Chalmers in 1867 by the ship “Resolute.” Mr. Neill arrived under engagement as watch-maker to Mr. George Young, but at the end of twelve months commenced business on his own account. He is a member of the Masonic Order, attached to Lodge Kilwinning, S.C., of which he was secretary for about five years; on resigning that position in 1886, he became district grand secretary. He is also grand superintendent of the Scottish royal arch chapter. Mr. Neill was a member of the Scottish volunteer corps until its disbandment. He is a widower, and has three daughters and one son.
Mr. A. J. Shaw.
Stewart Dawson and Co. , Watch-makers and Jewellers, Corner of Dowling and Princes Street, Dunedin. This business was founded in 1872, by Mr. Stewart Dawson, at 20 Hatton Garden, London, E.C. Since then branches have been established in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. The Dunedin branch was opened in December, 1902. The building is of brick, three stories in height, and faced with cement. It has a total front-age of 67 feet, 25 feet on Princes Street, and 42 feet on Dowling Street. A large display of jewellery, gold and silver ware, makes the premises most attractive, especially at night, when they are not only lit up most brilliantly within, but are lighted outside by eight of the finest type of lamps to be seen in the city. The interior of the building has the appearance of a fairy palace: harmony of colour, design, and arrangement is combined in a most pleasing manner, and all the jewellery is of the very latest type, being specially sent out from the London office. It comprises the latest designs in rings, diamond jewellery, brooches, pendants, bracelets, and an array of gold watches of different makes and values. Choice articles in solid silver, and silver-plated ware, handsome clocks, and costly jewels in morocco cases are also kept in stock; and the whole is offered at prices that must give Messrs Stewart Dawson and Co.'s establishment a powerful influence in trade in the city and surrounding districts. Mr. Stewart Dawson, the head of the firm, is a man of many qualifications, and may be said to be the embodiment of the business man, his practical knowledge, energy and experience having built up all the houses which bear his name.
Stoneham, Arthur , Jeweller, and Diamond Setter, Dowling Street, Dunedin. Mr. Stoneham was born in Dunedin, where he learned the business of a manufacturing jeweller, and in 1898 established his present prosperous business, in which he employs a staff of skilled workmen. Mr. Stoneham is further referred to in the military section of this volume.