The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Taranaki, Hawke's Bay & Wellington Provincial Districts]
Watchmakers and Jewellers
Watchmakers and Jewellers.
Cooke, Alexander Laird, Watchmaker and Jeweller, Devon Street, New Plymouth. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residence, Courtenay Street. The fine premises in which Mr. Cooke conducts his business possess handsome plate glass windows, with gold and silver watches, chains, bracelets, broaches, rings, etc., in all their glittering attractiveness. Goods of the latest designs are constantly imported to Mr. Cooke's order from the British and European markets. The workroom is fitted with the latest machinery for the manufacture of various articles of the trade, and it contains also a complete electro-plating battery. Mr. Cooke was born in Dunedin, and educated at the Normal School in that city. He afterwards served his apprenticeship with Mr. Albert Bergen, the well known jeweller and watchmaker, removed with him to Auckland, and remained in his employment for about two years. He was next in the service of Mr. Hawden, of Auckland, for two years. Then he decided to start on his own account, and bought his present business from Mr. Bartlett in 1895. Mr. Cooke is very musical, and a good performer on the violin. He was for nine years a prominent member of the Auckland Orchestral Society. He is also an artist, and many of his oil paintings exhibit considerable merit. Mr. Cooke is a Freemason.
Mr. J. H. Parker's Premises.
Mr. J. H. Parker.