NEW GARAGE PREMISES

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22243, 6 November 1937, Page 22

NEW GARAGE PREMISES

DAVID CROZIER, LTD.

OPENING BY THE MAYOR

The opening last evening by the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr J. W. Beanland) of the new garage premises of David Crozier. Ltd., in Worcester street, makes available to the motoring public a notable addition to the service facilities of the city. The new building will almost double the floor space of the firm, which is one of the oldest in the motor trade in New Zealand. The garage, though not among the largest in the country, is now one of the most modern and most completely equipped. The latest equipment for the testing and, servicing of motor-cars has been imported by the firm, and additional machinery is on order. ' Designed by Mr A. H. Manson, and built by B. Moore and Sons, Ltd., the building is also an architectural asset to the city. One of its outstanding features is the lighting equipment, which ensures for clients and staff at night lighting conditions practically as good as in the daytime. ■ The history of the firm goes back to 1896, when it was founded by Mr R. A. Dexter and Mr David Crozier, now chairman of directors of David Crozier Ltd. Originally its business was largely the importing of cycles. The firm moved from Manchester street to its present site in Worcester street in 1912. and it has grown steadily in the last 25 years. The recent extension _of the premises, which now gives a total floor space of 25,000 square feet, has been made necessary by the growing clientiele of the firm. Altogether 44 hands are now employed. Rapid Growth of Firm

The extension will allow of increased space in the showroom, better disposal of the new servicing equipment, and a lay-out which will enable vehicles to enter and leave the various departments of the garage with the minimum of delay. Cloakrooms for men and women are features that will be appreciated by country clients visiting the city. r . There was a large gathering of clients and others interested in the motor trade when the Mayor opened the new building last evening. Mr Beanland and the visitors were welcomed by Mr David Crozier, who briefly traced the history of, the firm. Mr Crozier said that the continued support of clients ■ over a long period had built the firm. The business had grown so rapidly in recent years that it had been found very difficult to give clients the service the firm, desired to give, and for this reason the large extension had been decided on. He hoped that the firm would be able to give its customers in the future the best possible service and that the goodwill and confidence they had shown in the firm would be retained, “I have not lately taken the same, active part in the control of the business that I used to take,” he concluded, “but I can assure our many friends that the principles that have guided this firm in the past will be followed in the future.” He expressed appreciation of the work of the architect and builders. Mayor’s Felicitations

“I trust that the enterprise of the firm will be rewarded with the success it deserves',” said the Mayor, who recalled his acquaintance with Mr David Crozier over a long period of years. Mr Crozier, although he had chosen not to take a prominent part in public life was none the less well known in the city, and as a former president of the provincial Automobile Association and of the motor traders’ organisation, he had earned a good name. A man of sterling character, persons to whom he sold an article came back to him. “In the city it is recognised that the agency you have is a very fine one. I believe that the resale value of these cars is the highest of any, and that it is possible to get back practically what was spent in the first place. I am very hopeful, therefore, that the present mayoral car will cost the council nothing,” he remarked amid laughter; adding that the mayoral car had been on the road for nine years, and had covered 100,000 miles. Mr David Crozier, he went on, had built up a fine business, and Mr Clive Crozier was carrying it on most capably. He. too, was a respected member of the community. and was known both as a former president of the trade organisation and as president of the Canterbury Aero Club. He concluded by wishing the firm every success.