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Hartley's Joinery Works
This progressive business, employing three generations, was established in 1900 by Mr. Wm. Hartley, who commenced the business at 115 Richmond Street, employing the present owner, Mr. Hartley, his son as an apprentice.
Like many other Petone family businesses, Hartley's grew from the smallest beginning. In comparatively small premises with a small gas engine for power, the management set out to manufacture sashes, doors, staircases, and general joinery.
In 1903, business had progressed and one joiner was employed, also Mr. G. Hartley, a younger son, was taken on as an apprentice.
In 1916, the elder son, Mr. E. Hartley, married the daughter of the late Mr. J. Edmonds, who was well known at the time in the Petone Navals, and about this time, owing to his father's ill-health, Mr. E. Hartley, the present owner, took over the business, increased the employees in the factory, and installed a far more powerful and extensive plant.
In 1918, Mr. Hartley joined the army and served as physical instructor.
In 1934, the third generation of the Hartley family entered the business. Mr. Lewis Hartley started as apprentice in the business, and after five years service, and several terms at the Wellington Technical College, was capable of taking the position of foreman in the factory.
The firm of Hartley has, by strict attention to detail and workmanship, built up to the largest business of its kind in the Valley.
Some of its notable jobs were the joinery work of the Petone Fire Station, the Hutt Valley High School, Sir Harold Beauchamp's residence, and the house at Orongorongo, owned by Mr. Riddiford.
This factory holds a record for joinery pioneering that is unexcelled in the province.
