S. S. BANNISTER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 11714, 23 April 1900, Page 3 (Supplement)

S. S. BANNISTER.

CHEMIST AND DRUGGIST.

The sphere of medicine is one into which only the thoroughly competent should venture. This is an age in which there is more certitude %n the application oC medical knowledge and theories, and the status of tho chemist lias advanced therewith. Yet the work of dispensing continues to be one in which the greatest" care, t-kill and precision is necessary, and it is as a. dispenser known far and wide in Ota-go that we introduce Mr S. S. Bannister to the reader. For 19 years past he has been a well-known figure, among the citizens o[ Dnuedin. and his dispensing establishment has ever obtained the highest commendation, and o, more ihau usual share of patronage. He opened his establishment in 1882, and the reputation which he brought with him -from older countries was soon justified by the businesslikepromptitude of his dispensing and the high 'qualities of the drugs which he has ever kept in stock. Tho premises are admirably situated and suited for an active retail .business, occupying a part of the ground floor raid basement of the Grand Hotel Buildings in High street, and having a frontage of about 30ft to that thoroughfare, by a' considerable depth. The plateglass windows which face the street contain a tasteful display of. chemicals, toilet,requisites, etc., and are calculated to attract the attention of the passer-by, whilst the interior of the shop is well' stocked, and contains an elegant display upon shelves and in handsome glass show" cases <!f all the light, heavy, or ornamental goods which form the outfit of a first-class druggist's establishment. At the rear of the sliop is a large and well-fitted dispensary, and itis as a- dispenser that Mr Bannister has bocome celebrated in Dunedin. Confining himself to that department of his profession, he lias established the largest connection therein in Dunedin. He is an extensive importer of drugs, and probably carries tho largest stock of iine chemicals 'in the province of Otago. His reserve stock is stored in the basement underneath the shop. Mr Bannister came to Dunedin r about 19 years ago, equipped with, the Inchest credentials in his profession, and armed with the results of a valuable and varied experience. He is a native of Staffordshire, England, having been born at Linton in 1851 Ms was educated at the grammar schools o;' his native country, and after complptinu a sound course of instruction, commenced the study of the'medical profession'under Br Wluttivlvev. He continued with that gentleman in Staffordshire for a period of three years, after which he removed to London, where for a similar length of time he ongaged m the study of chemistry. Ho subsequently entered the employ' of M^srs Ro&erts-and Co., .in Paris. That firm held among other lei-ding establiskmants in th» Frenen capital, the post of chemists to the JMiglish Embassy, and in their service for a period of five years Mr Bannister obtained a wide knowledge of his profession, which has been of great advantage to him in lafr years. He extended his experience in France by serving for two and a-half years with Messrs Hogg and Co., also chemists to the Eng ish Embassy. He was still to widen ins knowledge, however, and on returning to England he was engas-cd in his profusion in the historic city "of Bath for two years In 1878 Mr Bannister sailed in the ship Wave Queen for Wellington. He remained m the New Zealand capital for some time, and then spent short periods in various p.aces (including Tasmania), until he settled m Dunedin. Mr Bannister's undoubted merits, lengthy and varied experience, and early grounding have given'him deserved pre-eminence amongst Dunedin chemists The demands of business have prevented his active participation in pubJic affairs, but he has ever been an eiill-;«<i-ast m yachting. Last, rear ho heM Yhe honoured post of commodore in the Olaim Yacht Club, and his wcH-^nown yacht rhelma, is considered tho finest boat in this moa 01"'' ,fVms IVOn tho championship in 1893, and having always been recognised ■** possessing superior qualities as a craft The popularity which" Im- Bannister has «aincd as a sportsman and a citizen is well aeserved, and the business connection which he has established is large, increasing, and permanent. fa