Business 1908
During December of 1908, the Great Southern Herald ran a series of local business reviews as a lead-up to Christmas. Those reviews are reproduced below:
CHRISTMASTIDE AT KATANNING.
A Business Review.
Great Southern Herald
16 December 1908 – P3
F. & C. PIESSE.
Pioneering, or foundation-laying, means hard work, but there’s a distinction in it which the best men may covet. What the States of Australia owe to their early volunteer settlers can never be adequately told. The men who do things best worth telling are just the men who care the least about a record.
As far as Katanning is concerned the chief pioneering honors fall to the firm of F. & C. Piesse. To-day the firm’s business as merchants, millers, agriculturists, graziers, vignerons, etc., fills a large piece in the life and activities of the district, but there was a time when it stood practically alone. A higher testimony to the soundness of the pioneering work of the firm could hardly be desired than that which is to be read in the general character of the population gathered around them.
Like gravitates to like. Robustness and self-reliance characterise the four thousand people now establishing prosperous homes where a comparatively few years ago Mr. Piesse stood almost alone.
KATANNING STOCK AND TRADING COMPANY, LTD.
This energetic company is just completing the first year of its incorporation. It started, however, from the vantage ground of Messrs. Arnold Piesse & Co’s. well established business, and it is no light thing to be able to say of its management that it has gone right on from that excellent start with ever advancing strength and popularity.
The producers and business people generally welcomed it as their own company, whose interests are all bound up in the welfare and advancement of the Great Southern districts. The company’s stock sales have made the First Thursday cf the month the great business day of the district, whilst its numerous agencies for the leading manufacturers of agricultural and pastoralists requisites keep it in touch with producers generally.
The Katanning Stock and Trading Company does not undertake to make a market, but by virtue of its complete facilities for bringing buyers and sellers together, and its established reputation for fair dealing and business sagacity, it is now recognised as the best market medium of the Great Southern districts.
SCOTT AND SCOTT.
Messrs. Scott and Scott are more active than ever in their general agency business. The Deering binders, harvesters, ploughs and drills are now household words throughout the district.
They stock as heretofore Buffalo Pitts Engines, the Globe brand of superphosphate and Thomas’ phosphate, wire, corn sacks, and all farmers’ requisites. They are also now doing a large business in Andrews and Beaven’s chaff-cutters, with or without baggers, and in the International Harvester Company’s engines.
Having supplied the producer with up-to-date requisites Messrs. Scott and Scott, as agents for the Palatine Company, insure both plant and products on most favourable terms.
AUSTRAL CAFE.
Mrs. Edwards is transforming her end of the Austral Buildings (right opposite the railway station) into a busy, as well as an attractive place. Fashions come and go, but eating and drinking go on for ever, and the caterer who can always ensure good things to eat and drink, at reasonable rates, and under pleasant surroundings, is sure to make a business. Mrs. Edwards does all this, and more.
Whatever your wants, from the best fruits in season to purest confectionery and Christmas cakes, from a quiet cup of tea or chop by yourself, up to a wedding breakfast for a score – or a hundred – you may rely on Mrs. Edwards.
MR. W. HUTCHINGS.
During the year, Mr. Hutchings has been driven in by fire, from the rural surroundings of his old place of business, to the heart of the town at the Mechanics’ Buildings. His friends and customers regret the cause, but philosophically reflect that it is a bad fire that leaves no compensation.
In this case it has meant new and attractive stock displayed where his numerous friends in town and country can easily find him and inspect his goods. As heretofore, the best work of all is carried out on the premises.
RAILWAY BOARDING HOUSE.
The Railway Boarding House (right at the railway gates) is a model of good management under Mrs. Dewar’s tactful supervision. As a natural result it is a busy place.
Here, too, special arrangements are being made for Christmas, so that the boarders farthest from home may be reminded of the things that are best in life. It speaks well for both boarders and the management when the longest there are the most pronounced in commendation, and when returning visitors ask again for their old rooms. This is true of the Railway Boarding House.
KATANNING CASH BAKERY.
Mr. Pinkerton, who has been so long and favorably known in Katanning’s bakery and confectionery trade, has taken a partner during the year, and the name is now Pinkerton & Cameron.
Though the new display window of the firm is as yet only in contemplation the bakery is so full of Christmas cakes and other delicious things that parents and guardians who are not rolling in wealth might well rejoice that so potent a temptation is not in the main street.
W. GOULD.
The Mechanics’ Buildings make a convenient rendezvous for the people of town and district, and Mr. W. Gould, assuming that playgoers will need sweets and summer drinks, has made provision for all such wants at his attractive little store in front of the main hall. In addition he stocks the best fruits in season.
CHRISTMASTIDE AT KATANNING.
A Business Review.
Great Southern Herald
19 December 1908 – P2
RICHARDSON & CO.
Christmas keeping at Katanning is closely associated in the public mind with the old established house of Richardson & Co. If that firm’s heads of departments did not know by this the things that attract and gratify all ages and tastes in Katanning town and district – well, they would certainly not be heads at all.
Drawn in irresistibly by the splendidly dressed windows, one is almost bewildered by the competing attractions of the various departments inside. However, whether the visitor be a lady or gentleman, in nine cases out of ten the first orders will be placed in the show room where, marvellous as are the beautiful creations in millinery, there are greater attractions still.
On the way out from the show room the visitor will find suitable presents for any friend amongst the leather ware, perfumes, and E.P. ware which are all attractively displayed. The children of one’s party will, of course, have stayed behind at the toy stands where wise guardians are glad to let them spend most of their money before the less resistible lolly display comes in sight.
Space will not admit of any adequate description of the Christmas groceries, the beautiful things in glassware, and lamps, and tea and dinner sets. The decorated windows, and crowded stands and shelves inside combine to offer all the requisites of Christmas cheer.
THE MIDGET STORE.
Dave Gould’s Midget Store in Clive Street is said to be the smallest in Katanning, but if so it is the biggest for its size. It is the place where all summer drinks are as cold as ice, and fruits are so fresh you can well imagine it is only the smallness of the shop that shuts out the trees they grew on. If you want to study child life of all ages and stations, just watch the groups flattening their faces against his windows where the toys and free guessing competition treasures are displayed.
BRUNTON & CO.
Brunton & Co., seedsmen, stationers, and commission agents, of Clive Street, Katanning, are to be complimented on having issued two of the prettiest calendars for the new year. During the year Mr. Brunton found that the division of interest between Katanning and Pingelly was a heavy undertaking. He has accordingly sold his Pingelly branch and will in future concentrate all interest and energy on Katanning where there is an ever widening field of enterprise.
The lighter side of his business is to supply the people with stationery, school requisites, &c. But his main concern is the importation and distribution of flower, vegetable, and grass seeds. He also holds the district agency for Messrs. Throssell & Co.
KATANNING COFFEE PALACE.
This firmly established house of accommodation is steadily advancing in public estimation. As a result of constant attention to business on the part of Mr. and Mrs. Beeck and their assistants, the house becomes more popular week by week.
The boarders and other customers have the advantage of poultry, milk, cream, eggs, fresh pork, mutton, and fruit, from the proprietor’s farm and orchard; and, as important adjuncts, there are livery and letting stables. All trains are met, and Christmas and new year visitors are assured of every attention.
F. L. KLEEMAN.
Mr. Kleeman’s business as builder and contractor has grown steadily during the year which is just closing, and he has had more to do in his other line, as under-taker, than his best friends could wish him.
But in all lines Mr. Kleeman has the reputation of doing his work well. Amongst his contracts at present in hand is the Methodist Manse, which seems a marvel of value for the contract price. Mr. Kleeman stocks building material, supplies estimates, lets out horses and sulkies, and, in short, never misses business.
KATANNING HOTEL.
The commendation of Katanning Hotel by the chairman of the Licensing Court on Wednesday was amply borne out by the Licensing Inspector’s report. It is also endorsed by both residents and visitors who have had business with the house and its landlord.
Mr. McLeod takes no stock in fuss or pretension. His house is substantial. Its menus are liberal. Its business is run on the lines of fair and square dealing. Calmly, unobtrusively, the management ensures a strategic base for the traveller on business., Yet the repose desired by visitors in search of rest and health, whilst for ladies and children there are the comforts and security of home.
A visitor, who has seen a great deal of the hotels of the Eastern States, and the best that is offered in country parts of England and the Continent, has pronounced Katanning Hotel the nearest approach to his ideal of a first-class country house of accommodation
THE FEDERAL HOTEL.
Twelve months ago Mr. and Mrs. Fairclough came from the Goldfields to take charge of the Federal Hotel, and they certainly have wrought many welcome transformations. The spacious billiard room is in hands which command public confidence.
Stabling accommodation has been extended, and farmers have the option of the ordinary bait arrangements or bringing their own fodder and getting free accommodation for their horses. The spacious balconies, and balcony rooms, offer to visitors and boarders all the repose of a country retreat.
Mr. Fairclough is following Mr. McLeod’s example in taking an interest in the affairs of the town and district, and was on Wednesday evening elected to succeed Mr. McLeod as president of the Athletic Club.
Of this hotel, as indeed of the other two in Katanning, it is gratifying to be able to say, that whilst its rooms are free for meetings of clubs or societies, there is neither inducement, nor sense of obligation, to drink in acknowledgement of such accommodation.
KATANNING BOOT PALACE.
Boots and shoes are not usually included in Christmas fare. For all that, Mr. Skinner has been stocking very largely, and his window has one of the most attractive displays in town. He has had the advantage of some years farming life, and out of the wisdom of experience, has had made to his own order just the kinds of heavy wear that will delight the settlers’ feet.
In lighter makes, and ladies boots and shoes, he is equally successful in suiting all customers. Two things may be relied upon by every purchaser – the best makes in every line, and reasonable prices. The repairing room is a veritable curiosity shop. Countless pairs are carried in weekly, and rapidly come out again transformed.
CHRISTMASTIDE AT KATANNING.
A Business Review.
Great Southern Herald
23 December 1908 – P2
A. THOMSON, CONTRACTOR.
The old saying that “God made the country and man made the town” will soon have to be altered as far as this district is concerned. If things go on as they have for the last few years, it will be “God made the country, but Alex Thomson built the town of Katanning.”
He has some half dozen cottages on hand at the present moment, and announces his readiness to build any number more on terms to suit all clients.
For all that, Katanning cannot hold him. He seems to regard the whole of the Southern Districts as his to exploit. His handiwork is scattered from Albany to Narrogin, and from The Blackwood to Katanning’s Far East. And the all-round testimony about his work is that he builds so as to come again, not to repair, but to carry out fresh contracts along side.
H. W. AND J. MOURITZ.
Very general sympathy throughout town and district is felt for the brothers Mouritz, over the interruption of their business by the fire of last Friday evening. However, with commendable pluck they have re-started their business at the old site without waiting for the ashes to cool and, in a very short time, will be in full swing again.
The owner of the site they occupied, Hon. F. H. Piesse, will cause the forge to be speedily re-built. The necessary plant is already on order and, as will be seen by the advertising columns, orders are again invited for all kinds of coach-builders’, blacksmiths’ said general machinists’ work. The thousands. of visitors who saw samples of their work at Katanning Show will need no further testimonial.
OLD AND SON.
One hesitates to style this firm as Old, senior and junior, for strictly speaking neither of the Olds is old. The elder Old is one of the youngest men of his age in Katanning, especially when driving a high-flyer. But what is more to the purpose, the members of this firm are doing a live business with their complete chaff-cutting plant.
The best of Katanning bricks of their own making are supplied in any quality at shortest notice; and firewood is supplied in any lengths. Besides all this, they are almost ubiquitous as carters and general carriers.
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Fire in Argent Street.
MOURITZ BROS. FOUNDRY AND SMITHY DESTROYED.
Great Southern Herald
19 December 1908 – P3
Yesterday evening, a few minutes after the workmen had left Mouritz Brothers blacksmithing and wheelwrighting establishment in Argent Street at half past five, an alarm of fire was raised and within a short time the whole place was ablaze. By 6 o’clock the roof was falling in and shortly afterwards the fire was chiefly on the ground, but fierce enough to render useless all the plant and machinery.
The premises belonged to Messrs. F. & C. Piesse and were insured with the Commercial Union Company. Messrs. Mouritz Bros, plant was insured in the same office. The workmen have lost all their tools which to them is no light matter. The cause of the fire is unknown.
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