MEYERS AND CO.

Otago Witness, Issue 2360, 18 May 1899, Page 21

MEYERS AND CO.

When entering the extensive premises of Messrs Judah Meyers and Co., which form an important part of^the architectural grandeur of Hunter and Victoria streets, Mr John Meyers, the very popular West Coast and Nelson traveller of the firm, not only cordially welcomed me, but readily introduced me to the firm's respected founder, Mr Judah Meyers, who afforded me a friedly chat inside his handsome office, during which I gleaned from the kindly old gentleman some* particulars of his career. Mr Meyers was born in London, and, camt. to the colonies when but nine years of age. After acquiring an excellent commercial education and also useful experience upon the goldfields, he started ill business for himself in New Zealand jiorae 30 years ago, first at Westport and afterwards at Hokitika, but finding these towns much too small, he came to Wellington in 1879 and founded the present business, which by dint of energy and good judgment has blossomed into its present extensive proportions, where success appears to be stamped upon every line. The ground floor has an area of 103 ft x 63ft and is occupied as handsome offices fitted up with all the up-to-date conveniences each having a strong-room for the use of the firm and also for tenants, the rear of the building being used for a. bulk store. From the centre of thp floor is a hydraulic lift for hoisting goods -to the .upper floors. The second floor is used as a packing room for^ china and earthenware, the same being capable of storing 250 tons. XJpon .the third floor we find general bulk stuff, and upon the fourth, or highest, storey glassware, clocks, pianos, etc. Descending to th<» second floor we enter the front portion facing Hunter street, where rare fancy goods blaze and emit rainbow*.' hues. The show room, which is 100 ft by 40ft, is the largest and most brilliant private exhibit I have yet witnessed. Along the whole leng-tlv-of the room-centre from floor to oeiling an obelisk, so to speak, of glass, crystal, and mounted wares dazzle the vision, whilst standing out from the wall between the intersections of the large plate-glass windows are six elegant bays full of beautiful j goods, ornamental and useful. This unique j and tasteful idea was the happy design of Mr Judah Meyers, who indeed defigned the whole of this very up-to-date establishment. Tastefully arranged upon shelves inside se-curely-locked cabinets upon other walls of this room is valuable plated ware of chaste design and rare workmanship. The interior of the building is electric-lit, and the whole is a credit to its founder.