If you had shopping to do, then Hetherington's was the place to go. At Christmas time you would have gone to see the xmas displays in the large windows. Hetherington's was a large department store that had everything in stock! Or you could get their dressmakers to make you something.
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| Store of Hetheringtons Ltd, Direct Importers, Thames Photograph of the shop front of Hetherington's Ltd in Thames, direct importers of fabrics, haberdashery, clothing etc., taken circa 1910s by Frederick J Causley. Ref: PAColl-0327-08. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. http://natlib.govt.nz/records/22762347 |
A description of the shop was in the Cyclopedia Auckland 1902:
Hetherington, Samuel, Draper, Pollen Street, Thames. This extensive business was established by Mr. Hetherington in 1874, in a very small way as compared with its present dimensions. For fully a quarter of a century the business has been steadily growing. The premises are of two stories, the frontage being 60 feet and the depth 120 feet. All departments of the drapery trade are represented, inclusive of millinery and furnishing. Mr. Hetherington, who was born in the North of Ireland, came to this Colony in the early days. Settling in Auckland, he found employment in the line of business which he has followed up to the present. He went to the Thames in 1868, and gained further experience before establishing himself on his own account. Mr. Hetherington occasionally visits England to buy for his business, and during his absence his eldest son, Mr. Samuel A. Hetherington, has entire charge—a responsibility for which he is well fitted,
The store will be remembered by many people still in the town today as it didn't close until 1971. It had served the people of Thames for nearly one hundred years, having opened in 1874. Today there is a new building on the site, occupied by Farmers (536 Pollen street, Thames).
Available at The Treasury: Family history book, Pre 1930 Business register and Oral History recordings
