MESSRS DALGETY AND COMPANY.

Manawatu Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 105, 7 May 1907, Page 5

MESSRS DALGETY AND COMPANY.

New Premises.

It is a pleasant duty to be in a position to devote a portion of our space to give prominence to one of the most popular firms now doing business in the colony, namely, Messrs Dalgety and Company, and particularly to the Palmerston branch, which, under the control of an excellent manager like Mr Moodie, has made such marked progress. The company, in extending their business to New Zealand, first commenced operations in the South Island. It is now some four and a half years ago since operations were started in Wellington, this being the only place in the North Island, with the exception of Napier and Gisborne, where the firm was represented. Since then the growth of .business has been phenomenal, not the least being that of Palmerston North branch. In 1904 an agent was sent up to Palmerston, the business being then confined to selling privately. Eighteen months after this the agency was opened in Marton under the able control of Mr Evans The next forward movement in Palmerston was to erect the present yards, which were opened on October 11th last year, and have been growing more popular every week. It was then considered necessary to have yards in Marton, and theso were opened in December of the same year. Mr Johnston was then sent up to represent the company in Feilding, where he has acquitted himself far beyond the most sanguine expectations, and he is now responsible for a large number of stock being exchanged. The company joined with the other auctioneers in taking over Feilding yards at the beginning of the present year, and immediately erected offices and a small store in the town, which will meet all requirements. In 1904 Mr F. H. Wood's business in Wairarapa was acquired, and yards and agencies were established all through Wairarapa up as far Pahiatua. About the same time an agent was sent to Wanganui, and now a suitable site has been secured, and a handsome two-storey brick building is about to be erected. Agents have also been sent to Blenheim and down the coast as far as Seddon, where sales are held. Levin has also received attention, while in Dannevirke a nice building has just been completed to the order of the Company. The agency at Mangaweka is controlled from Palmerston. Early this year an agent was despatched to Opotiki, which is under the Napier branch.

A short description of the handsome new building which is to do duty as an office and store, in Queen street, Palmerston, may be opportune. The structure, which is brick, has been so designed as to permit being converted into a two-storey building, and judging by the prospepts this will not be very long. The dimensions are 66ft by 95ft, and standing out prominently the structure has quite an imposing appearance. The front door leads into the vestibule, on the right being the maih office, 40ft by 20it, fitted up with all the latest office requisites; in fact this applies to all the offices on the coast. The manager's room is 14ft by 16ft, and adjacent to this is the auctioneer's room, 19ft by 10ft. At the rear are two large rooms, 32ft by 71ft, which are to be utilised as grain, produce, hide and skin stores. A vacant section at the rear allows plenty of space to add to these when necessary. Attached to the main office is a large strongroom. Two large lavatories have been fitted up with every convenience. The finishing of the offices leaves nothing to be desired, the most exquisite taste having been used in the designing and decorating, and the contraction having been carried out in a thorough tradesmanlike manner. The counters are the best picked rimu and kauri. The lighting is also a speciality and should meet with the appreciation of the clercial staff. A neat corner has been set apart for displaying samples of gram which should catch the keen eye of the farmer. We congratulate Mr Moodie "on the progress of the branch under bis careful supervision.