IRONMONGER WAS FOUNDER

Press, Issue 30997, 1 March 1966, Page 7

IRONMONGER WAS FOUNDER

Although the business was founded in 1857, no-one of the name of the family it now bears was associated with it for nearly 30 years. Since 1892 when it was renamed Minson and Company it has remained in the hands of the Minson family.

The founder was William Neeve, an ironmonger, who on Januuary 1, 1857, took a lease for a shop in Colombo street, near Gloucester street, opposite the present premises. He owned it for 16 years, selling in 1873 to John Hallifield Spencer, who in turn sold it 11 years later, in 1884, to James Mortlock and Thomas Hudson. While it was held by Spencer the business was called J. H. Spencer and Company and it was called Mortlock and Hudson by the partners.

The partnership did not last long for James Mortlock died the year after entering the business and William Minson, of St. Ives, Huntingdon, England, an old friend and his executor thus became associated with it. Later he bought the Mortlock shares but remained in England, attending to the buying and shipping.

During the next few years the business had a difficult time and financial problems. In 1892 William Minson came to Christchurch, took over the business and renamed it Minson and Company.

Two years later William Minson’s elder son, Arthur came to New Zealand, joined his father and acquired a one-third share. The younger son Wilfred, did the same three years later. William Minson retired from

the business in 1916, selling his share to his sons. In the same year the business was incorporated as a limited liability company and renamed Minsons, Ltd. This partnership of the brothers continued 13 years, until 1929, when Wilfred sold his shares to Arthur and retired.

Mr Arthur Minson thus became the owner of the business and it has remained in his family since 1929. He had a large family, one daughter and eight sons who are all living in Christchurch and are shareholders in the company. When Mr Maxwell Minson, second son of Mr Arthur Minson, joined the business in 1924 a third generation link of active participants of the family in the business was made. He became a director in 1929, manager in 1940, and after

40 years with the firm, retired in 1964.

Several sons joined the ftfm at different Aimes. At one time Arthur Minson had four sons in the business with him. There is now only one actively engaged, Mr J. N. Minson, who is a director and joined it in 1936.

The manager is Mr Kenneth E. Knight, who after some years’ experience in England, came to New Zealand and joined the firm in 1959.

The present board of directors is Messrs Neville Vincent (chairman) , D. S. Minson, H. M, Minson, J. N. Minson and F. L. P. Sharp.