H. N. Liardet.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 11828, 27 November 1901, Page 3 (Supplement)

H. N. Liardet.

WINE AND SPIRIT MERCHANT. DERATED WATERS MANUFACTURER, STRATFORD.

One could probably hardly find a page in the commercial, public, and sporting records of Stratford that did not contain the name of Mr H. N. Liardet. Among the earlieet residents, he has constantly and consistently associated himself with movements designed to secure its wellfare, and has assisted public-spiritedly in the development of local institutions. One of the pioneers of the centre, be is in other ways one of its most prominent figures. Mr Liardet began his career in Stratford as a farmer, arriving when the town comprised Curtis' store, one hotel, and a blacksmith's shop. He did not remain long as a farmer, but elected instead to become one of the earliest business men of the centre. He established himself as an auctioneer, and for ten years was so engaged, at the same time entering into local public affairs. Closing this business he made a trip to England, and upon his return opened as a wine and spirit morchant. Twelve months later he, in a casual way, purchased an aerated water factory that was for sale, which he has since made an important local institution. To-day, as a wine and spirit merchant and aerated waters manufacturer, Mr Liardet is engaged on a substantial scale. His stores and his factory are situated in Fen ton-street, the former having been lately erected. His record for two years' trading is remarkable, and would only be possible in a centre so progressive as Stratford, and where the commercial mai is intimately known. The wine and spirits store" has a considerable capacity, and contains a big stock in the cellar and store proper. Mr Liardrt set himself the task of procuring liquors of an excellent stamp, and his success in doing this is answerable for the connection which he has obtained. He deals with the lead- , ing hotels throughout the district, and has in addition an important private trade, a department which helps materially in the production of a big turnover. He has the best whiskies, brandies, gins, rums, etc., having «a large demand for D.C.L. draught whiskey, and Gil- 1 boy's bottled liquors. Then he is i sole bottler in Taranaki for Speight's ales and McGavin's stout, two Dunedin firms celebrated all over the colony. >' In addition he keeps Ward's draught ale and the noted English ales and stouts, besides well-known wines, particularly the Penfold and Yalumba brands of South 'Australia, two of the most successful manufacturers in that wine-making colony*, Mr Liardet has a full stock of specialities in this branch of his business, and has orders from all over Taranaki, The ajrated waters and cordial factory, under his management has made rapid strides. During the twelve months the output has been trebled, a circumstance that is due to the improved character of the article turned out and the up-to-date appliances that he has installed. But Mr. Liardet does nothing by halves, and believes in being thorough in everything.

Upon taking the factory over he studied every side of the business, and immediately replaced the old plant by new machinery. He now has one of Baruatfc & Fester's latest machines together with their Ideal Bottling Apparatus, while a new cork bottler is on its 'vay from iJonie. Barnatt & Foster are the most famous English manufacturers. The factory has a concrete floor, which drains naturally, and the bottle- washing department is supplied with revolving brushes and steam from the engine, which is 4) h.p. Not only getting the most valuable machinery, Mr Liardet also obtained the highest-class essences, etc., securing his stock from Messrs Stevenson & Howeil, the famous Londou manufacturer? He imports everything himself, so that he knows exactly what he is getting. In the storeroom one sees a diversified stock of n©n-intoxicating drinks, sodawater, ginger ale, lemonade, mineral waters, and various cordials. A specially good name has been obtained by the factory, which is known as the Egmont Springs Mineral Water Works, for appetising drinks such as Iron Brew, an aerated hop drink, Quinine Champagne, and a number of others. The two mentioned find graat favour and have a delightful flavour, and could not be improved upon as appetising summer drinks. This factory works in very happily with the. wines and spirits part of the business, and the two combine to make a big trade, which extends through Inglewood,' Eltham, Toko, Kaponga, and Hawera. In a public capacity Mr Liardet had the honour of being the first mayor of Stratford, a position which he well merited and filled with distinct success. He was a member of the Ngaire Road Board, the first local governing institution in the district, and :s Chairman of the School Committee and president of various cricketing, racing, and football clubs. He is also captain of the mounted corps of volunteers. All this is a worthy record and shows how intimately Mr Liardet has associated himself with the affairs of Stratford. He is one of her most valuable townsmen.