AN ENTERPRISING FIRM.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 8879, 13 November 1907, Page 6

AN ENTERPRISING FIRM.

THE BRITISH AND CONTINENTAL PIANO COMPANY. Some ten months ago the above firm opened a branch office in Masterton in premises situated in Bannister Street, and opposite the Club Hotel. At the invitation of Mr J. L. Lowndes, the local manager, a representative of the Wairarapa Age paid a visit of inspection of their stock of instruments for which the British and Continental Piano Company are sole agents. Various handsome models were on view, and the brilliancy of tone, recision and delicacy of touch of the instruments was highly creditable. They ranged in price from £37 10s to £llO, and included pianos by the following well-known makers: — C. Beckstein, who has supplied many of the royal families of Europe with pianos; Karl Haake, who was awarded a gold medal and diploma of honour at the Chicago World's Fair, one of the latter make being selected by his Excellency Lord Ranfurly for the Veteran's Home, Auckland; J. Ramsperger, a very strong built instrument, a favourite with teachers. One of these latter instruments was lent for the late Trinity College examinations, and concerning it the examining officer, Mr Edwards, spoke very highly. There were also displayed instruments manufactured by J. and J. Hopkinson (London), which are well known throughout the musical world, and which were awarded the gold medal at the International Exhibition at Christchurch. These instruments in massive and artistic cases, have powerful steel frames, the scale is full tricord on the renowned "system' Hopkinson," and all the details combine to ensure these instruments giving entire satisfaction. For over seventy years Eavestaff and Sons have been before the English-speaking public, and have acquired during that time the reputation of supplying a first-class dependable article. The perfection of these instruments in regard to finish, quality of tone and touch, is at once apparent. The British and Continental Piano Company are, also, sole agents for the Aeolian pianolas and Malcolm American organs, all of which can be had on their very easy time-payment system. They claim the title of the "leading house" in the dominion, having been commanded to supply H.R.H. the Princess of Wales with a pianoforte for her use during her visit to the colonies. They have, also, pupplied his Excellency Lord Ranfurly with pianos for the periodical visits of his Excellency an.l family to Government House, Auckland, and have further had conferred on them the honour of "By special appointment to his Excellency Lord Ranfurly, K.C.M.G." Mr Lowndes reports that a very satisfactory business has been done since their opening in Masterton. Anyone requiring a good piano would do well to visit the British and Continental Piano Company's showroom.