Brighter Dunedin

Evening Star, Issue 23725, 5 November 1940, Page 3

Brighter Dunedin

LOCAL FIRMS EXPAND DECADE OF STEADY DEVELOPMENT All public-minded citizens must be unanimous in looking forward to a brighter Dunedin, but no amount of campaigning to that end will do one-tenth as much as will the success of local enterprises; hence the visible expansion of companies such as those whose renovated premises are pictured on this page is a matter for public congratulation. Both of these —Messrs Brookes and Co. and Messrs MTver and Veitch —had their inception at the beginning of the depression, or immediately previous to that time, and their success is a tribute to the solidity with which they were founded. 1 The business of Brookes and Co. is one that is unique in the South Island, They specialise in repair and alteration of all types of musical instruments, and such jobs as suiting a clarinet to a deformed hand or converting, e banjo to a mandolin offer them no difficulties. The making of special keys is only an incidental to the many intricate jobs possible in the wide range of instruments that exist. Another specialty consists in the handling and repair of that popular instrument, the piano-accordion, and they have sponsored a band which is becoming well known in this city.' Playerpiano work is yet another specialised branch. Eepair work is undertaken for other shops throughout Otago and Southland. To be expert in this work means more than the mere training of an apprenticeship. Both members of the company had to be able to play any instrument, to' be good judges of tone, and to understand the acoustic properties of everything they handled. This alone would take years of experience. The trade needs also a knowledge of cabinetraaking, engineering, and even needle-and-thread work. Both men obtained their experience in manufacturing, and with an adequate supply of the highly specialised gear necessary are able to undertake any musical problem.

The other company which shared in the renovations, Messrs MTver and Veitch, is engaged in the motor cycle business. Beginning in 1930, when most small firms were already feeling the pinch of the hard times, they managed to establish their business on a sound footing that saw them through the worst period in New Zealand history. This is the first sign of their successful progression. Mr MTver is shortly going over-

seas—in khaki, of course —but the business will be carried on under the same footing. MTver and Veitch are agents for the James and the B.S.A. motor cycles, both well-known English makes, 1 and they specialise in car and motor cycle reboring. These days of petrol restrictions do not worry them overmuch —many are the wise motorists who have invested in motor cycles that they can use in the fine weather to eke

out the coupons. This company, like Messrs Brookes and Co., has enlarged its premises during the alteration. Just another Dunedin enterprise that has proved its worth and its stability over the years. The building, which was entrusted- to Messrs J. O’Driscoll and Sons, Highgate, is a decided improvement in the area. The plastering work was undertaken by Messrs Ashton and Sons.