WRIGHT, RANISH, AND CO., WELLINGTON.

Gisborne Times, Volume V, Issue 98, 4 May 1901, Page 3

WRIGHT, RANISH, AND CO., WELLINGTON.

MANUFACTURERS OF BILLIARD TABLES;'

Thk above firm have established (or themselves a colonial ■Reputation as the makers of billiard-tables., At_ one time, New Zealand imported all its billiardtables, but in recent years Messrs Wright, Ranish, and Co., of Wellington, have proved that they can make [them as well as the best foreign manufacturer. Five years ago, the firm supplied fifty per cent, of the new tables set up In the colony, while to-day, comparing the Customs returns with their output, it is estimated that they supply ninety per cent. Such a statement pre-supposes that they are strong in competition, and most capable in manufacture. The founder of this important industry was Mr Ranish, in his capaoitvof manager of the firm of Wright, Ranish; and Co. In 1880, Mr Ranish was brought from the Old Country by the well-known Alcock’s firm in Melbourne, of whom he retains pleasant recollections, and he was engaged in billiard-table manufacture in Melbourne for five years. About eleven years ago, he went to Wellington, and began to apply his expert knowledge on his own behalf by establishin it the firm of Wright, Ranish, and Co, in Cuba street. For the first three years, the firm struggled manfully, but, when the excellence of their manufactures began to be recognised, their trade grew rapidly. ; Their original premises were small, indeed ; but, eighteen months after opening, they removed to Lambton quay, where they are at present to be found. Messrs Wright, Ranish and Co. are to be credited with the honor of being the first to make low cushions, which have been adopted all over 'Australasia. These cushions are known as the low “ Excelsior,” patented by Mr Ranish, and have won him a reputation. They have several qualifications, and are considered to be a erreat improvement on the old style of cushion. Wherever Wright, Ranish and Co. have exhibited they have always taken the highest awards for excellence of workmanship and finish, first-class awards comin<r to them at exhibitions in Auckland and Wellington. When playing at the Wellington Opera House on September 20,1900, John Roberts, the champion of the world, used one of these tables — Tnaking a break of 502 in about 85 minutes—and be spoke in no measured terms of its great qualifications. Messrs Wright, Ranish and Co. hold all the Government contracts, for Government House and other institutions, in billiard supplies, and their tables are in use from the Bluff to the North Cape. Their name is a household word throughout the colony, and there is hardly a billiard-room in New Zealand that has not cither a table or the “ Excelsior ” cushion manufactured by them.