Industrial Progress.

Hutt News, Volume 1, Issue 14, 7 October 1927, Page 6

Industrial Progress.

Forty-five years ago, there was established near Cudby's livery stables a forge. The owner of this was one Collett, son of a farrier of that name in Petone, who realised the possibilities of a smithy near Cudby's, the largest place of its kind in the Valley. It was not long before Mr. Collett found it convenient to take one of his brothers into partnership and the firm for many years was known as "Collett Bros." The business was then purchased by Mr. Mcllvride, owner of another blacksmiths shop in the Main Road. From Mr. Mcllvride, the shop was taken over by the present owners, Messrs. Stiles and Deans, who have been in possession some 14 years. During that time the Hutt has seen many changes, and trade has altered to a considerable extent. How true this is of the coachbuilding and allied trades can be realised by a visit to the modern works that this firm has erected on the old site in railway avenue. A striking contrast is provided by a comparison of the old smithy with the present brick and steel structure, a building worthy of one of the leading towns of the Dominion. On entering the front door which is large enough to admit the highest lorries, one is in a commodious room where in perfect security many cars could be attended to, for the original blacksmith shop has grown into a large and well-equipped

motor body works. All classes, of„ painting and Duco work can be han-1 died in the paint rooms which have ?. been rendered as dust-proof as pos- .; sible, being match-lined. The design- \. ing is done on the spot, by a man with r years of experience. A small mill \- cuts all the timber required on the I site of the owners who are thus as- } sured of accuracy in their work, while j another- important department—the ; trimming and renovating side —is well [ catered for. 1 Repair work is a specialty of this f. firm, who are in a position to attend jeven to the worst smashes, their oxo- i welding plant standing them in par- l ticularly good stead. In addition to these many activities, they are con- ' verting a number of open cars into \ closed models, a branch of work some- } what new to the trade in New Zea- I land but resulting in all the advan- :• tages of the closed car without the additional expense. A visit paid by us to the works disclosed the number of bodies in process of manufacture, and several j valuable cars being painted, two of j Mr. Riddiford's being in evidence. We j cannot help feeling that the new ! works are a credit to the Hutt, being ] especially interesting in view of their • position, for they are typical of the | way in which the old established j firms by good workmanship and fair [ dealing are reaping the benefit" of the I progress that is taking place^ here, \ and indeed leading in that progress. ]