Family firm for 100 years

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32701, 2 September 1971, Page 17

Family firm for 100 years

A century of trading as a family business was celebrated by Blackwells, Ltd, Kaiapoi, at a banquet held on Saturday evening at the Island Motel.

The firm’s founder, G. H. Blackwell, opened a general business in High Street, named Railway Store, in August, 1871, when the railway line was being constructed from Christchurch to Kaiapoi. Three years later, he bought one of the town’s earliest businesses, owned by Mr A. Weston, on the Hilton-Black Streets corner, where it remained for 47 years.

In 1888, 17-year-old J. H. Blackwell joined the firm and contributed to its development for over 77 years. H. H. Blackwell of the third generation, and D. H. Blackwell of the fourth, joined the business in 1914 and 1947 respectively. A two-storey brick addition to the Hilton Street store ih 1902 allowed the development of drapery, dressmaking and millinery departments. Fifty years after the firm’s establishment, it was moved to the present twostorey building at the HighRaven Streets comer and in 1954. ground floor space was enlarged by more than 2000 square feet.

In 1966, an adjoining property in High Street, destroyed by fire, was bought and during recent weeks, a reinforced concrete addition has been opened on this site, adding a further 2500 square feet of ground floor space, plus 1000 square feet of mezzanine floor and a new entrance to all departments.

The contractor was Cook Construction Company, Ltd, and the architects, Paul, Pascoe and Linton. Present staff attended the banquet and Mr G. Hirst and Mrs E. Evans were guest ! representatives of former (staff. In congratulating the: firm and family, the Mayor (Mr H. O. Hills) said its history had run parallel with Kaiapoi itself and confidence in tiie community in the early days was shown by the founder. Successive heads had maintained interest in the town’s affairs and the firm showed confidence in the future by its latest extensions.

The chairman of directors, Mr H. Blackwell, replied that he hoped the example of the founders would be the guide for future generations. Mr I. Wilson, auditor for 45 years, said it was unusual for a firm to reach its centenary still as a family business. This had been done by devotion and honest trading of the four generations. Mr D. Blackwell paid tribute to neighbouring business companies, associate staff members, and staff. Mr Hirst replied on behalf of former employees and Mr G. D. McDougall for present staff.

Mrs H. Blackwell • and her grandson, Andrew Blackwell of the fifth generation are shown cutting the centennial cake. On the left is the chairman of directors, Mr H. H. Blackwell and on the right, Mr D. H. Blackwell, managing director.