199
Reid's Progressive Saddlery
To be up-to-date 60 years ago you rode from Wellington to the Hutt Valley on a Reid's saddle; to-day you cover your motor-car with a Reid car cover and your trucks with Reid's tarpaulins.
Over 60 years ago, in 1879, the business of Reid and Pringle was established in Petone opposite what is now Todd's motor factory, but then the site of the Petone Railway workshops. The firm rapidly established business connections in all parts of New Zealand, and gained a reputation for all classes of saddlery.
In 1901, Mr. Pringle retired and Mr. Frank Reid became the sole owner. At the close of the South African war, business increased to such an extent that Mr. Reid sought more extensive premises, purchasing the present site near the corner of the Hutt Road and Jackson Street from Mr. W. L. Morrison, on which the present commodious brick premises were built by Messrs. Bull and Melhuish.
In the old days, the firms of Gaynor and Brockelhurst were names of familiar carrying firms (the firm of Gaynor still exists) and the whole of the harness and cover requirements of these thriving firms were made in Reid's factory.
The march of progress witnessed the gradual elimination of horse carriages, but this made little difference to the firm, for with characteristic foresight, Mr. Reid changed over to cater for the new trade in tarpaulins and other accessories of the new method, which is now a flourishing department in the business.
Mr. Frank Reid died in 1925 and since then, Mrs. Reid has carried on with the assistance of an efficient foreman.
Mrs. Reid has brought the business through the depression period, and there is now every prospect of a prosperous future.
Quality and service are still the watchwords of the firm.
