Messrs. Herbert Thompson & Co.'s New Warehouse, Auckland.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXV, Issue IX, 1 September 1900, Page 407

Messrs. Herbert Thompson & Co.'s New Warehouse, Auckland.

With this issue we present to our readers a picture of the handsome premises recently erected for Messrs Herbert Thompson and Co., indentors. importers ami warehousemen of this city, together with several views of the interior. The building' occupies a commanding position at the corner of Darby and Elliott streets, and has a. frontage of 100 feet to the former and 45 feet to the latter. It consists of three storeys and a basement, the latter being so exceptionally well provided with light as to be practically an additional floor. The front facade is of white facing bricks, with red brick arches and strings, cement dressings and entablature. All the floors are lofty, and while a very large area of the elevations has been given to light, ample space has been reserved for wall fittings and other conveniences. There are two entrances for the offices, ami also two large double doorways for receiving and delivering goods. In addition to the staircases the warehouse is provided with two quick running “Waygoods” lifts of the most recent construction. The interior is tastefully finished and decorated, and the building throughout is provided with all the most modern appliances. The architect is Mr Arthur I*. Wilson. who also designed the Strand Arcade adjoining, and he is to be congratulated on having produced one of the most effective business blocks in the city. The contractors are Messrs Ferguson and Malcolm, of Auckland, who have carried out their work in a most faithful ami satisfactory manner. Mr Herbert Thompson, who, about five years ago, established the business, the rapid growth of which has necessitated the building and occupation of these commodious premises, was previously the managing partner in New Zealand, of the firm of Wm. McArthur and Co., ami is a familiar name throughout Australia and New Zealand, having been connected with the soft goods trade in these colonies since the year 1857. His partner is Mr A. .1. Denniston, who is well known in Auckland and elsewhere in New Zealand as formerly manager of the Colonial Bank until the absorption of that institution by the Bank of New Zealand. I n addition to their business as importers ami warehousemen, the firm do a large indent trade, the whole of the top floor of their premises, as partly shown in one of our illustrations, being devoted to sample rooms in this connect ion. Their chief English agency is that of Messrs Bradbury, Greatorex and Co. (Ltd.), of Alderman bury, London, a house which, established over threequarters of a century ago, and during that period steadily progressing, has of late years very Largely expanded and developed both its Home and colonial trade, and now holds a leading position .among the exporting firms of England, occupying magnificent premises, covering nearly threequarters of an acre, in the heart of the city of London. The other agencies held by Messrs Herbert Thompson and Co. comprise Messrs 11. J. Gardiner and Co., ami Glyn and Co., of London, and Fisher and Co., of Huddersfield, all leading people in their respective lines, with an extensive colonial connection.

The firm are represented by travellers throughout New Zealand, and are in a position to execute indents and commissions for every description of merchandise from any part of the world. In addition to the head office in Auckland the firm have branches in Wellington and Christchurch, and we give an illustration of the handsome premises in which they are established in 1 he former city.

The manager at Wellington is Mr Frank Marsden, whose portrait we gave, and who is well known as an old traveller on both coasts of the North Island. As a result of Mr Marsden’s energy and popularity we understand the business of his firm in the district of which he has charge is steadily in-

The headquarters of the firm in the South Island art* in Christchurch, and the management is in the capable hands of Mr W. .1. Dillon, whose poitrait we also give, ami whose name is a household word in the trade, both in this colony and Australia, his business carter h iving commenced in Melbourne in ISG.3, since when, with tin exception of a short retirement, he has been actively engaged in business on his own account and as representative of several of the leading' houses in Australia. He came to New Zealand about eight years ago as representative in Hit* North Island of tin well known firm of Hing, Harris and Co., ami three years later resigned that position to take up his present out*, and to Mr Dillon's business ability ami genial disposition his present employers art* largely indebted for their considerable and stentlily increasing con neet ion in the South. The enterprise shown by such firms as Messrs Herbert Thompson and Co. is a pleasing and noted feature in the commercial prosperity of Auckland, in the advaiicement of which every citizen is interested. We heartily congratulate the firm and wish it continued success.