Trade Token Belonged To Early Music Shop

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30959, 15 January 1966, Page 19

Trade Token Belonged To Early Music Shop

A trade token issued by an early Christchurch music shop was found recently in a collection of coins owned by Mr F. J. West, of Rees street. The token was issued in 1881 by Milner and Thompson’s Canterbury Music Depot, which began in Market place, now Victoria square, in 1863. Later the shop was in High street.

The token is the same size and colour as a penny and is in good condition. On the obverse side is the bust of a Maori chief and the words “Advance New Zealand.” On the reverse are musical instruments with a cherub above and the words “Milner and Thompson's Canterbury Music Depot and Pianoforte Warehouse.”

“They Made Their Own Money.” a history of early Canterbury traders and their tokens published by the Canterbury branch of the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand, says that Mr R. Thompson bought the business in 1874 and was in partnership with Mr J. J. Milner until 1895.

Mr Thompson was sole proprietor until 1907 and his sons continued the business until 1920, when it Was sold to Charles Begg and Company.

The firm was well known for its “Phantom” piano—an upright piano which could be viewed from the street, but had its controls carried down to the basement. Above, the piano notes appeared to be playing by themselves. Police were needed to clear the pavement of mvstified crowds. In 1900 Mr Thompson paint-

ed an advertisement for pianos on Shag Rock. Although the City Council ordered its removal, traces of it remain today as a reminder of what may have been the first roadside advertising in Christchurch.

In another shop in Manchester street the firm’s novel advertising methods caused anxiety. On Saturday, then late closing night, a pianist was stationed at the front door of the shop. Police had to clear the crowds who gathered on the footpath to hear the free music.