BUSINESS ENTERPRISE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7536, 12 August 1903, Page 3

BUSINESS ENTERPRISE.

Extension of Premises

In common with other towns in New Zealand, Mastorton has of late years ex- | pcriouced a mild vvavo of prosperity, aud vacant sections, which a few years ago I went begging for purchasers, have been bought up at high prices, and now have handsome residences built upon them. Many new places of business have arisen, and in most instances the older establishments have been enlarged and improved upon to meet the increased trade that has consequently ensued. A striking illustration of business enterprise, and one which shows a strong confidence in tho future of the Wairarapa, is the very substantial additions just completed to the Masterton Coach Factory. When Mr Thomas Wagg purchased the freehold, and took over control of this establishment in August, 1891, tho building where operations were conducted consisted of a showroom 18 x 30, and a couple of detached sheds, but orders in those days were limited, and tho wages cheque, which paid the workmen, represented the modest sum of £9 per week. Realising that the foundation of what must prove a growing business should bo laid on fair and upright dealing, combined with a class of workmanship reliable and lasting in everything turned out, Mr Wagg personally supervised everything done. The pioneer farmer wanted a dray or trap that would stand rough usage, and something substantial was required underneath the paint. As each year rolled by the list of patrons to the Masterton Coach Factory increased; several additions were made to the premises, which, were, however, of a limited character, and allowed of very little room for tho storage of new vehicles or those brought in for repair.

In February of this year, Mr Wagg decided to erect a factory that would meet the requirements of Masterton and district for some years to come. He accordingly instructed Messrs Varnham and Rose to prepare plans for a building on the most modern designs, one that would not only provide spacious rooms for the workmen, but which would allow of the storage overhead of wheels, gears, and bodies, and a great quautity of timber for seasoning purposes. Tenders were called for the work, and Mr R. Rigg secured the contract at something like £800. The building ho has erected reflects tho utmost credit upon himself and workmen.

Facing Queen-street, is the spacious and well-lighted show-room 50 x 40, capable of holding twenty-five vehicles, and containing at the present time fifteen vehicles of various designs, awaiting to be delivered to customers, who hail from Pahiatua, Featherston, Greytown Alfredton and the East Coast. Immediately behind tho showroom is the workroom, 100 feet loug by 48 feet wide. This room has been so constructed that tho maximum of light is secured to each workman. The benches are arranged beneath the largo windows which run along both sides. Over-head is the provision for storage above mentioned. There are three, forges going constantly, and an up-to-date tyreing appliance has been installed. As showing the quick work that can be done in tyreing, it is only necessary to mention that recently eighteen tyres of various sizes wore fitted in an hour and a half. The trimming and store rooms arc compact, being 24 x 16, whilst the paint and varnish rooms are 28 x 40. Detached from the main building is a large wood-drying shed, where the rough timber is allowed to season. Taken altogether the factory is undoubtedly as completo and well-equipped as any in tho Colony.

The present staff maintained by Mr Wagg is twenty strong, with a wages cheque averaging five times what it totalled twelve years ago. His mechanics and wheelwrights are all men of proved ability, only two lads (who act as strikers) being engaged in the premises. Every vehicle leaving the factory is guaranteed by the proprietor, for he always endeavours to make his work its own advertisement. During tbe past winter Mr Wagg has had his hands full in getting out the orders coming in from all parts of the Wairarapa and Forty-mile Bush, and eighteen new vehicles of different designs await completion, besides a great number brought in for repass. Tho work can now be got through expeditiously, for bodies and gears can be made up in quantity instead of singly, and everything is at hand when required for any class of work in connection with the wheelwright's trade,

The enterprise shown by Mr Wagg in spending practically over a thousand pounds in improvements is sure to bo rewarded by a still further increaso in trade.