BUILDING PROGRESS IN HAWERA

Taranaki Daily News, 3 November 1926, Page 7

BUILDING PROGRESS IN HAWERA

NEWTON KING’S NEW PREMISES

SERVICE AND EFFICIENCY

Only twelve months ago Messrs. Newton King Ltd., added to their already large number of branches throughout Taranaki by taking over the oldestablished and favourably known seed and manure business of Air. F. Gillanders, yet within this comparatively short period the firm has secured the confidence of South Taranaki farmers and business men, and worked up a substantial and ever-growing business connection in the district. To cope with this increased trade the firm undertook the building of spacious and up-to-date business premises several months ago, and recently their enterpise has been materialised in the shape of one of the finest buildings in South Taranaki. It is a valuable addition to Hawera's business section, and, at the same time* marks an important forward step in building progress. The site of the premises, on the corner of Nelson and Union Streets is undoubtedly one of the best in Hawera, and lent ’ itself admirably to the incorporation in the building of every up-to-date facility and convenience. The buildings which is constructed of brick and concrete, has a pleasing design. It was erected by Mr. J. W. Aiderton, of Wanganui, to the plans of Messrs Duflill and Gibson, of Hawera, and both the contractor and the architects are to be congratulated upon the result of their work. An examination of the building reveals many novel features and modern provisions- The office portion is situated on the northern side, and comprises a suite of handsomely finished and fully equipped offices, access to which is gained from Union Street through two large showrooms, one for motor-ears and the other for machinery. Each showroom is provided with large windows, allowing of an unobstructed view from the street. The ceiling of the showrooms, and, in fact, throughout the office portion, is of steel, pleasingly finished in flat white, and the concrete flooring of each showroom is coloured a brick red, so that the whole presents a neat appearance. The effect is further enhanced by several ornamental trees placed at intervals in the showrooms. At the rear of the showrooms, entrance to the suite of offices is provided through double glass swing doors. The main office, occupied by the general staff, is equipped with all office conveniences, and is well lighted by windows and skylights. The office telephone exchange is situated in the main office, and connects with the various departments, so that an efficient service can be maintained. The office is also provided with a handsome rimu counter surmounted by an antique copper grill. On the right entering this portion of the building is tl>e manager's office, which is equipped with every modern facility. Just behind is the stock auctioneer’s office, while on the left of the general office is the accountant's office. A small room is also provided for the typistes, and there are a ledger operator’s room and up-to-date filing and stationery rooms. A communicating door provides access between the garage and the main office. CATERING FOR THE MOTORIST. The garage itself is one of the most spacious and up-to-date in Taranaki, and it is understood that the span, 82 feet, is the biggest in the province. Accommodation is provided for a large numbers of motor vehicles, and the many conveniences afford the motorist the means of speedy and efficient service. .The garage is provided with a through traffic system, entrance being gained through a door on Union Street, and the exit gives on to Nelson Street. Both the large garage doorways are provided with the latest steel roller shutters. In one corner of the garage special provision is made for washing down cars, a brick wall having been erected and adequate drainage provision made. At the left of the exit, opposite the garage office is a car service stand when free air, benzine and oil may be obtained, and for this purpose two bowsers have been installed, one within the garage, and one on the kerbside. Overlooking the garage proper are the garage offices, comprising the garage manager’s office and a well-lighted and roomy general office, which commands the building, and from which a view of the whole garage can be obtained, thus insuring quick and efficient service to motorists. Behind these offices is an accessory room for tyres, tubes and general motor fittings for the makes of cars which the firm handles. In the garage section accommodation is also provided for a motor salesman. Close to the garage exit is another large room which is used as an assembling room, where machinery and farm implements are opened from the case and assembled. The garage workshop is entirely separte from the garage, being in another building to the rear of the garage itself. Here again provision has been made to give the best possible service to car-owners. The latest machinery has been installed, and there are also a number of accessory rooms. The building is very well laid out and practically fireproof. A large and efficient permanent staff, expert in their respective departments, is stationed in Hawera, and otters a service guaranteeing complete satisfaction to clients. GOOD STREET FRONTAGE. The land purchases from Mr. F. Gillanders a..d Mr, John Kirk gave the firm control of an area a little more than one and a quarter acres in extent, and situated in the best business section of the town The sections vary in depth from Nelson Street from 120 feet to 243 feet. The frontage to Union Street is 126 feet, and the Nelson Street frontages aggregate 275 feet. The garage has splendid showroom

facilities and ample area for storage requirements and everyday service, having a frontage to Union Street of 126 feet. The garage itself has an area of 7500 square feet, with an" average width of 60 feet, and this, together with the provision for “one-way” traffic, enables the firm to cater in every way for motorists. Every department is so housed that it is easily accessible to both the public and the individual members of the stall. The manager’s office is so situated that it can be located by clients without delay, and the same may be said of all the offices of the managers of the various departments. The scale on which Messrs. Newton King Ltd. have proceeded to establish a branch in Hawera is evidence of their confidence in the district and in Hawera, and that their cofidence has not been misplaced is certain. A large store room has been included in the new premises for the display of farm machinery and efficient and prompt service may be relied upon. Tire

firm has been connected with this particular'line of business for many years and hold some valuable agencies, the principal being that of Messrs. P and D. Duncan Limited. Newton King Limited have held the sole agency for Taranaki for this firms line of agricul-, tural machinery for the past twenty years, and, as is well known, P. and D. Duncan Ltd, have built for themselves a reputation throughout the Dominion that cannot be beaten by any other manufacturers in their line of business. They have always paid particular attention to the requirements of Taranaki and have built many lines specially suited for this district. Their comprehensive list of machinery includes ploughs of all description, disc, tyne, chain and tripod harrows, drills, slagsowers, windmills, rakes, sweeps, stackers and many other smaller implements and pieces of machinery. The Hawera branch of Newton King Limited will from now on carry in stock a full range of their implements and also the necessary spares for all their lines, manufacturers in their line of business, the firm control the John Deere line for Taranaki, and after many years experience have found their machinery thoroughly satisfactory. A shipment of these machines has just been received for the coming seasons requirements, and intending purchasers will be well advised to inspect the John Deere mower, hayrakes, knife grinders, sweeps and stackers. Besides the lines mentioned above the firm always carry in stock chaffcutters, light plows, rams, woolpresses, saw benches and many other tools and implements for agricultural use. THE RIDD MILKING MACHINE. Another important agency held by the Company is that of the Ridd milking machine. During the last 15 to 2d years many machines been on the market, some have lasted only a short time. Others have stayed for a few years. The Ridd is, however, one of the few that has always been consistantiy in demand, and occupied a prominant position in the ranks of machines of this kind. To-day it is certainly the most popular machine ou the market. There are many Ridd users in the Hawera district and in efficient service from the Hawera Branch future they can be assured of receiving which all part required for replacement purposes will be kept in stock. MACHINERY Al*D SEEDS. The firm also represents Messrs p. and A. Lister, of Durlsy, England. Throughout Taranaki, as in most parts of New Zealand, the famous Lister engine is well and favourably known. Some hundreds have been installed in this district, chiefly for use with the milking machine and have always been found to be thoroughly reliable'. The Lister separator is also well known to the farming community, and has proved itself an excellent machine in every way. Among the sheep-farmers the Lister shearing machine is known as the best procurable, and parts for the whole range of the Lister line will be stocked at the Hawera branch. There will also be on hand a full range of Alfa-Laval separators as well as a full stock of replacement parts for the various machines. To supply the agricultural needs the company has selected its agencies with more than usual care. The seeds of Garton, Hurst and Sutton have been well and favourably known for a decade or more, and similarly in the selection of manures the standard adopted has been the highest possible obtainable. Indeed it is not too much to say that the succes. of scores of farmers in Taranaki has been largely contributed to by the constant use of sterling seeds and manures.

The firm also holds the sole Taranaki agency for The Phoenix Assurance Company Ltd., which is one of the leading English Companies dong business in the Dominon. All classes of fire, accident and marine insurances are catered for at current rates. The opening of the Hawera branch now completes the chain of branches linking up the whole of the province. It makes for better service facilities for those of the firms clients in the southern part of the district. With such quality lines to offer and with such a service rendering policy to pursue it may be safely forecasted that the people of Hawera and the surrounding districts will soon convince the firm of Newton King Limited that their recent enterprise is fully justified. v HISTORY OF THE COMPANY. The name of Newton King Ltd is a household word throughout Taranaki. Established at New Plymouth 48 years ago by Mr. Newton King, and formed by him into a limited liability company in 1920, it has for nearly half a century been a potent factor in the development and progress of Taranaki, and has built up an enviable reputation for service, and fair dealing such as is enjoyed by few other firms in the Dominion.

To-day its activities cover practically the whole of Taranaki, and many a ■prosperous farmer readily acknowledges that his position to-day is due in a great measure to the assistance received from the old established firm in earlier days. The extent and importance of the business of the Company is so well known that it is quite unnecessary to enlarge upon it here, and its decision to establish itself permanently in Hawera in the large and commodious premises just completed is I alike a tribute to the enterprise and progressive policy of the firm and at the same time ample evidence of its faith in the future of the town of Hawera and the South Taranaki District.

■I9HIIHHIIM ACTIVITIES OF THE COMPANY. WIDE RANGE OF AGENCIES. An interesting resume of the business agencies of the firm and the reputable firms in England and America, represented by the company, are given below. The agencies held by the company are perhaps the most valuable group enjoyed by any firm in the Dominion, and their selection l proves a measure of foresight distinctly out of the ordinary. Taken individually it will be at once apparent that the lines represented are the best possible procurable, and that behind these agencies are organisations

of undisputed commercial supremacy. And, after all, such a selection is but in keeping with the policy of Newton King Limited, whose extensive business connection has been built upon and is still maintained by the unvarying policy-, “Only the best is good enough.” First and perhaps foremost in the list of agencies is that of Dodge Brothers (Incorporated). Nearly twelve years ago, and after a thorough personal investigation in the States by Mr. Newton King , the first Dodge Brothers motor car was imported into Australasia. The Dodge Brothers organisawas then in its infancy. As motor car builders they- had no reputation behind BHllllffllllillllHllllllW

them, and only a definite policy- in front of them on which to build their business. Tins policy is, however, so unique that it invites repetition. “To build a good, sound, long lived product—to protect themselves by- avoiding the tremendous expense of frequently- changing dies and plant to provide yearly models; to protect the buyer from rapid depreciation which results from the output of yearly models; to make at once such improvements as are discovered perfected, tested and found good; to keep the ear always up-to-date: to pass on to the

buyer the full benefit of savings effected through greater and better facilities; to build for themselves an enviable reputation and above all “a good name.” This was the policy to which Hie. firm of Newton King pinned their faith some twelve years ago. How that faith has been justified is well known to everyone. Proof of the durability of Dodge Brothers product is shown in the fact that the original car imported twelve years ago is still in daily service. Its popularity- is evidenced by the fact that, according to the Government official figures there are in Taranaki (with the exception of the Ford car) nearly- twice as many Dodge Brothers motor cars as any other make. It is further evidenced in the latest figures which prove Dodge Brothers to be the third largest builders of motor cars in the world. Their vast plant covers 151) acres' of floor space, they employ over 30,000 craftsmen, and have produced over" 1,600,600 cars. And yet, throughout the twelve years of this remarkable progress they- claim to have never had an “off year or an off ear.” Closely associated with the Dodge Brothers’ product is the Graham Brothers truck, a light truck of 1 to IJ tons capacity. Formerly the engines only were produced by Dodge Brothers, but recently- they- acquired and now control the entire manufacture. The output of Graham Brothers trucks is almost as remarkable as that of Dodge Brothers .car. From a small beginning in 1921 production figures show tha*t they now hold world leadership in the light truck field. THE MORRIS CAR. The Morris car is another agency- in the representation of which any firm may- feel justly proud. With the usual foresight Messrs. Newton King Limited anticipated the demand for a light car, and after a thorough investigation in England, Mr. S. W. Shaw selected the Moms as the car of greatest value and most suited for colonial conditions. It must be remembered that at this time

llllSillllffiliUiiinilllllllllllllllllllillllllllllH the Morris was practically- unknown in this country. It was wondered if the car would stand up to colonial conditions, and in a practical manner Newton King Limited set themselves out to prove conclusively that the Morris had come to stay. Day in and day out they drove them over all roads under ail conditions, and the result of these severe tests were sufficient to prove that the Morris, though a light car, had most the advantages of a heavier car whilst being decidedly- economical in operation. Production figures show how popular the Morris has become in recent years. Th e output has jumped from 337 cars in 1919 to over 45,000 in 1925, whilst contracts have already been received for 1926 which win require over 80,000 cars to fulfil them. In Taranaki it is re-

corded that over OS per cent bf British cars on the toads are Morris cars—a truly- remarkable tribute to this sturdy British production. LEADING MOTOR CAR AGENCIES. In addition to the valuable Taranaki Agencies held, the firm has also a number of splendid Dominion a—eneies. Foremost among these is the famous White Truck, recognised as the world’s leader in the high grade field. The White has made history in New Zealand in every line of transportationroad building, passenger carrvin—, carriage of dairy produce, and our other lIHIIIHIIIIIIHM

primary products and general commercial haulage. The New Zealand agency for the great line, eight Jordan car, has been recently acquired. The Jordan is a straight eight-cylinder car of untold performing ability and comfort, and ranks right up among the best the world can produce. The Jordan Company- builds only eight cylinder cars, but in two series, a larger and a smaller car. .with a variety- of body- styles for both chassis, so that the varied tastes

of the distinctive high class purchaser are amply- catered for. Another valuable Dominion agency is the Alemite Zcrb High Pressure Lubricating system for all makes of cars and trucks, farm implements and general machinery. This system supercedes the old fashioned grease cup or oiler system, is much more positive and effective, and much quicker and cleaner in its application. The use of this product is fast becoming world wide. Other smaller but none the less important and first quality- representations handled | nationally are the Strom Ball Bearing Company (ball races for every requirement) Eisemann Magnetos (the standard used by many- of the leading truck and car manufacturers) and Cyclone Chain Hoists (for use in repair shops). A comprehensive range of accessories will be kept in stock at Hawera to cater for the needs of the motorist, and efficient and prompt service may- be assured. An agency- worthy of mention which comes under this department is that of the Vesta Battery-, which is well known as one of the leading batteries manufactured to-day. A full range of the well known makes of pneumatic and solid tyres will be kept on hand at all times.