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The Gisborne Photo News

 

9

Pictures From The Past

With the purchase of James Brown Ltd, the old-established firm of Jas. J. Niven commenced business in Gisborne in 1902 on the corner where the N.Z. Insurance building now stands. In 1904 the firm moved to its present site in Kaiti.

In this picture, taken in front of the fitting shop in the era of the "tin liz", are some of the firm's and employees' cars, while at the right is a portable steam engine awaiting repair.

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In the firm's yard, at the back of which was a foundry, store and moulding shop, steel work is being undertaken.
This was used for the additions to the Masonic Hotel immediately after World War I.

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On the Waikanae beach, before the days of the Gisborne aerodrome, is Kingford Smith's 'Southern Cross'. It was a real novelty in those days and many people took the opportunity for a dare-devil joy-ride over the city.