The Blackwell Story

Chapters

1. The Blackwell Story 1840 to 1868
2. The Early Blackwell Store ~ 1871
3. The Hilton/Black Street Store ~ 1873
4. The Main Bridge Store ~ 1921
5. Blackwell’s Limited ~ 1924
6. The Seventies to the century end
7. The early 2000s
8. The Rebuild

Part I by J.H. Blackwell

The first part of the history of Blackwell’s is based on notes and personal memories written by J.H. Blackwell.

The Blackwell Story 1840 to 1868

1840

The founder of the business, Mr George Henry Blackwell, was born at Leamington, Warwickshire, England on 3rd September 1840. He was educated at the Leamington Primary School. At the age of 15 he enlisted in the Royal Navy on HMS Styx, a part sailing, part steam ship serving in the West Indies engaged in fighting against the slave trade.

1861

At the age of 21 he “bought out” of the Navy and was engaged in casual work in England for 18 months, including working on the railway then being completed from London to Oxford City. Late in 1862 he left Leamington, England for New Zealand, sailing on the emigrant ship Huntress and arriving in Lyttelton in March 1863.

Immediately, on the 18th April, at 20/- per week, he engaged himself with his cousin Henry Kite who was a carpenter and wheelwright at Raven Street, Kaiapoi, who also did work in Christchurch. George’s first job was to work on a house then being built in Black Street for Mr Michael Lynskey.

In early 1868 G.H. Blackwell’s fiannce Annie Shearsby arrived on the boat at Lyttelton from Leamington, England. They were married shortly thereafer and moved into their home at 85 Raven Street, Kaiapoi. The house was bought from Matthew Hall (who later became the first mayor of Kaiapoi) for £53 which was reduced to £51 because cash was paid.

The details of the above early record off my father’s life were mainly found in an old worn, leather-bound pocket diary of his, after his death. On the front cover of the little book appears G.H. Blackwell, Lyttelton, Canterbury. Then Lyttelton has been marked out and substituted with the word ‘Kaiapoi’. This was also repeated on the back cover.
The book is about six by four inches in size and fairly well preserved but the leaves show much usage and are worn and the writing indistinct. Some of the earlier pages are in pencil and are faint and rubbed. The ink writing is clearer, but both ink and pencil pages have, in places, been written over and partly erased. The little diary was started in 1863 and the last entry was made in 1869.
It has not been an easy task to decipher, but enough has emerged to make clear the salient points of the life story of a young man who faced life in a new country confidently and courageously. He had no financial resources to assist his start but achieved what he did by virtue of his own energy, industry and integrity of character.” – J.H. Blackwell

The Early Blackwell Store ~ 1871

1871/72

About 1871 the Christchurch railway was being extended, and reached Kaiapoi in 1872. Before that all road transport was by walking, horse, bullock dray and coach. The main northern route to Kaiapoi was via Peraki Street.

When the railway came, the station location caused the old North Road to be straightened and it became the more direct access to the bridge at Kaiapoi. That central portion of the North Road was, in later years, renamed High Street.

Mr G.H. Blackwell decided to enter business on his own account and in August 1871 opened a small general store naming it the “Railway Store”. It was on the North Road on the site now occupied by Wylie’s Drapery firm. So 1871 is the historical date of the commencement of trading of Blackwell’s Stores business. Fortunately we hold the stocktaking records of the first two years 1872 and 1873. The stocks in 1871 were listed at £325 including the horse cart and harness valued at £48. (Incidentally, one item is not listed – a son, Joseph Henry Blackwell, who had arrived in 1871!) In 1872 stocks were £547.

The business was growing. The total assets were £1,011 including book debts of £381. The total liabilities to wholesale merchants were £790 leaving a credit of £221 for his two years work!

The prices of food then include (per pound) butter 1/-, rice 4d., split peas 3d., sugar 5d., currants 6d., raisins 6d., hops 6d., coffee 1/4d. Eggs were 9d. dozen, candle cotton 1/9 per pound, starch 6d. and blacking 2/- dozen.

Among the names of the customers of 1873 appear some whose descendants still trade with Blackwell’s today, over 90 years later.

The majority of sales then were sold on credit necessitating financing credit to most customers by means of bank overdraft, and by himself receiving credit from wholesale merchants.

It was a tribute to the regard in which he was held in those early days that he was able to arrange business finances on very slender resources. In an early Canterbury Almanac published in 1874, among the list of Kaiapoi businesses appears“G.H. Blackwell, Grocer, North Road, Kaiapoi”.

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The Hilton/Black Street Store ~ 1873

1873

Late in 1873, after two years in the North Road, G.H. Blackwell bought the business of Mr Alfred Weston, situated on the corner of Hilton and Black Streets, Kaiapoi. It had been one of the early Kaiapoi stores. In addition to grocery and some drapery and clothing lines it had a bakery and produce store and stable.

There was a large two-storey building, the main wing for business and the other for house accommodation. The section was half acre with a roomy garden and trees. There he made his home and developed his growing business. He personally commenced regular rounds in the adjoining farming areas of Clarkeville, Eyreton, Ohoka and Woodend, thus starting the country connection which has always been an important feature in the Blackwell business.

Of those early days one incident remains. About forty years ago, the late Mr Gibbs Stanton of Woodend, told me that he remembered my father calling at his farm on his rounds about 1875, when a swarm of bees attacked the horse and father had difficulty in controlling it.
The business grew rapidly and additional staff was necessary. In my early boyhood recollections I can recall John Colman, baker, J.T. Burrows and John Wylie shop assistants and Mr H. A’Court, clerk. My Aunt, Fanny Blackwell, also helped on the drapery side, prior to her marriage to Mr Richard Evans.”

Those last decades of the 80’s were years of hard work and energy but Mr G.H. Blackwell built up the solid foundation on which his enterprise was established. He had his full share of business knocks and difficulties.

Being generous to a fault, book debts became onerous and there was no Social Security until many years later. He was always a kindly employer and grew in public esteem. As with his business activities, he was always keenly interested in Kaiapoi’s progress and in public matters and in 1879 became Mayor of the town, an office which he held until 1881.

1878

The Kaiapoi Woollen Company had been formed in 1878 and he was a member of its first directorate and became Chairman of Directors in 1881. He retained that position for 34 years until his death. A Press article of reminiscenses of those days states that “The first piece of tweed made by the Kaiapoi Mill was for sale in G.H. Blackwell’s Shop in 1878.”

1881

Expanding business and the needs of his growing young family necessitated additional space. He brought the house property in Charles Street, which became the home for many succeeding years of his family of ten.

At the shop, more room was made by replacing the part of the building formerly used by the family, and extending the drapery section.

In the latter periods of the 1880’s, New Zealand’s business conditions experienced the fluctuations of that time. Trade generally was not buoyant, farm prices were low. The Kaiapoi Woollen Company experienced many teething troubles in its first years. Kaiapoi’s population was static and business required vigilant maintenance.

I was then a schoolboy and was given odd jobs for the firm in my holidays. In 1886/7 I was twice sent to deliver supplies to Doubleday’s traction threshing mill at Bennett’s Junction. It was a long 40-mile trip with the old horse Taff, through country past Swannanoa, then still partly in tussock.
Also, I was thrilled to be entrusted on Good Friday with part of the early 6 a.m. delivery of “Hot Cross Buns.” At odd times I assisted our baker John Colman to mill dairy butter – of different colours – on a big circular rolling table, the butter then being packed in kegs.”

1888

In 1888, after three years at the Boy’s High School, Christchurch, as the second generation of the family, J.H. Blackwell started work at the shop at 10/- per week and board.

The staff then comprised T.B. Ward (grocery), F.W. Burrows (country rounds), John Colman (baker), J. Hayman (bread carter), Miss Edmonds (drapery) and myself (office). The hours of business were long, from 8 am to 6 pm with two late nights, Wednesday to 8.30 pm and Saturday to 10 pm and no half-holidays.

The sales were mainly on credit, farmer’s accounts usually being settled annually after harvest. The booking system was elaborate involving much writing. Order books for the rounds were posted to daybooks, then again to the big ledger – all in detail. Customer’s accounts were rendered monthly or quarterly, all fully itemised. The items were usually small and the amount of writing was terrific. Our little office was very cramped, but four years later my father built a lean-to addition giving more room and better lighting.

1890

A year or two later I got my first clerical help and office methods improved. By then a great boon was the Thursday half-holiday which father had persuaded all the shops to adopt in 1890. Also he had effected a further improvement by having the first well sunk by Job Osborne at a cost of £39. The depth was 315 feet which gave a steady flow of 16 gallons per minute to a 15-foot tank. This was later reticulated to several neighbours. Incidentally, it is in use today, over 60 years later.
At this period of the late 1890’s, the Kaiapoi Woollen Company was going through critical times and claiming more of my father’s time and in consequence, added responsibility for the direction of the shop fell to me. Under his supervision I took over the ordering of the wholesale purchases and developed new lines of business with special attention to enlarging the scope of the drapery and clothing section. With him at hand for reference, I had taken charge of the general direction of the business at the time of my marriage in 1895. General business conditions in New Zealand were beginning to improve and population was increasing. The great Refrigeration industry, which had started in the 1880’s grew steadily more successful, giving stability and progress to the farming community.”

In the two decades up to the First World War, the New Zealand economy quietly and steadily prospered. Kaiapoi shared in the improved general business conditions. At the Blackwell Stores these were years of growing activity.

1892

An old produce shed had been pulled down by father in 1892 and replaced by a large galvanised iron building giving adequate storage. Incidentally, this remained for thirty years until transferred in 1921 to our present site. In 1895 the old bakehouse and stable were dismantled. A large brick bakehouse was built. This was an important improvement. Under Mr H. Farrer’s direction, our bread, cake and small goods business rapidly built up. New stables were provided at the same time.
By this period our country rounds had increased and Coutt’s Island included. The heavy spring cart was replaced by a 2-horse wagonette. This was in the charge of Mr L. McVicar and later of Mr H. Cory. In later years, with the coming of the motor age, this was again superseded by a large motor truck in the charge of Mr E. Monk, who was our country salesman for over twenty years.”

1902

Early in 1902 Blackwell’s Stores installed improved shop lighting replacing kerosene lamps with acetylene gas. This proved very successful. It caused some anxious moments occasionally on late nights when flickering lights caused a rush to replenish carbide stock.
However, in 1909 the Kaiapoi Borough installed acetylene lighting for the town.

In 1898 my brother, Mr W.F. Blackwell, had started in our business, but left after eighteen months to go farming.
In 1902 my brother Fred, (Mr A.T. Blackwell) also joined the business, but after three  months got a position with Sargood, Son & Ewan, Christchurch. Some years later both joined in farming at Amberley.”

In those early years of the 1900’s our general departments grew steadily. Special attention was given to drapery and clothing developments. Buying facilities were improved and direct indenting was established with our London buyers John Foden & Co. More shop room became imperative. This was effected in 1902 by pulling down the smaller wing of the main shop building which had been partially used for housing the staff, and our replacing some of the large, brick, two-storey block. This housed the enlarged drapery and millinery sections on the ground floor and the dressmaking workroom upstairs.

This dressmaking business had been started a year or so earlier under Miss Hollway and proved successful and within a few years had a staff of twelve. By this new development sales of dress goods had been helped, particularly of Kaiapoi Woollen Company’s materials. Kaiapoi costumes became a special feature and drew clients from a wide area.

A millinery department was started under Miss Horsfall and quickly grew in turnover. Individually trimmed hats selected to personal taste were in vogue in those days and our section sold some hundreds annually.

The general drapery section was in the capable charge of Mrs C. Wright who remained with our firm for over twenty years.

The grocery section was mainly controlled by my uncle, Mr T.B. Ward of whose loyal service I cannot speak too highly.
For some years Mr C.H. Wright was a capable salesman in various sections. Then in about 1902 he developed a new branch of our general produce business – bacon curing. We bought annually from four to five hundred carcasses of pigs from our farmer customers. These were processed by Mr Wright and his assistant into hams and sides of bacon and salt-cured. This was done in the old butter store with the smokehouse adjoining.
We developed a substantial wholesale business in bacon and hams, especially with Auckland firms. The quality proved very satisfactory and we were urged to enlarge operations and install refrigeration to cater for regular trade all round the year, but too much finance would have been necessary and we needed all our capital to concentrate on our growing general business. Therefore we regretfully closed the bacon section after some years. Incidentally Mr C.H. Wright became town clerk of Kaiapoi later, and held that position for many years.”

In those first years of the decade of 1900’s New Zealand experienced growing prosperity. Especially important was the great development of the dairy industry and the establishment of Co-operative Manufacturing Companies. By new, improved methods the butter industry was revolutionised, materially raising the standard of the farming community. Prices of products were much improved and farmers received their monthly returns regularly. This was reflected in improved general business conditions. Blackwell’s Stores had become larger and shared in the general growth of New Zealand’s prosperity. Our main retail departments had steadily increased in turnover. The bakehouse was building up a wholesale trade. With the grocery section in full swing we had a staff of over thirty.

1912

In 1912 the name of the firm was altered from G.H. Blackwell to J.H. Blackwell.

“My father was in failing health and the transfer was made by mutual consent. This meant I became the proprietor and took over full responsibility for the business though my father retained financial interest in the firm and always maintained his keen, personal interest in the business he had founded forty years before in 1871. He was pleased to know that his grandson Mr H.H. Blackwell was to follow the family tradition.” – J.H. (Joseph Henry) Blackwell

1914

In 1914 George Henry Blackwell died, completing the story of a full life, the memory of which became a proud legacy for his family and all who knew him. Kaiapoi had never had a greater citizen. The public esteem in which he was held was summed up by Mr D.N. Hawkins in his book Beyond the Waimakariri, written in 1957 (page 211):

Mr G.H. Blackwell proved himself to be one of those rare enthusiastic and energetic people around whom townships revolve. Without listing his interests at length, it may be said that he helped to encourage and promote the existence of almost every business, industrial, social, educational and sporting organisations in the town of Kaiapoi until his death in 1914, and his popularity was rewarded with the office of Mayor, which he occupied from 1879 to 1881.”

WWI

In August 1914 the country was plunged into the First Great World War. Great Britain and the whole Commonwealth responded at once to the “Call to Arms”, and New Zealand was fully committed from the beginning. Kaiapoi took its full share of local responsibility and every section of its social and business economy was geared to that end. Business necessities had to be carried on but the overwhelming drive was for the War and its urgent needs, and everyone helped.

Mr J.H. Blackwell had had five years as Mayor from 1906 to 1911. He became Mayor again for eight years from 1915 to 1923, and with many others assisted in the numerous patriotic activities of those war years in the Kaiapoi district. The whole of New Zealand was involved in the many difficulties in the early war years and in the restrictions which followed. In Kaiapoi these were helped later to some extent by increased activities at the Woollen Mills for war demands.

In 1914 the third generation of the Blackwell family came into the business, Mr Henry Hugh Blackwell. In 1915 he was able to join Ballantyne of Christchurch for some months gaining useful, practical experience in departments that proved very useful on his return to Kaiapoi. In those two years when the whole business atmosphere was overshadowed by the demands of war, he had set his mind that when age permitted, he would join the Royal Flying Corps, then in its infancy as a fighting arm of the Services.

1916

After frustrating delays Hugh secured admission to Walsh Brothers Flying School at Auckland, the first air-training centre in New Zealand. He left Kaiapoi in February 1917 and after three months gained his wings. In May he went by boat to England for twelve months further training and was engaged in RFC activities over France and Belgium for the last six months of the war.

In 1916 the North Canterbury Freezing Company was established with works at Kaiapoi. The output from this venture was to help Kaiapoi in the following years.

The coming of Peace and the return of the Forces closed a great era in World history. In New Zealand, Kaiapoi shared in the general relief. The fine work of the women’s patriotic organisation was recognised by the award of the MBE decoration to the Mayoress, Mrs J.H. Blackwell.

1919

Mr H.H. Blackwell returned to Kaiapoi in June 1919 and resumed his position at Blackwell’s Stores. The next three years saw much business activity throughout the whole country. New Zealand and the rest of the Commonwealth shared in what was later called the “War-Boom Years”. The return of the men from overseas and the rush for civilian requirements created a tremendous, unsatisfied pressure on business. Demand was greater than stocks available. The prices of all primary products, wool, meat, butter and dairy supplies reached boom prices. Business turnovers swelled rapidly and prosperity seemed assured. The general happiness created by the coming of peace was real and universal. However, the prosperity created by the inflated economy of the world proved to be temporary. It lasted for some three years until 1922.

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The Main Bridge Store ~ 1921

Meanwhile, the return in 1919 of the junior partner of the firm encouraged optimism and serious consideration of its future growth. The old shop site on Hilton and Black Streets was not central and the growth of the town was towards the main bridge – High Street area. So in 1921 we decided on a forward move and bought the site at the junction of High Street and Raven Street from David Brown, then occupying it as a large boarding house and shops. These were pulled down and we erected the large brick two-storey premises which still remain our business centre. We built a large brick bake-house behind this block with access on Hilton Street. The large iron grocery bulk store was shifted from Hilton Street. The transfer of the whole business was a major transaction, giving us a position right in the centre of Kaiapoi.

The opening of the new store coincided with celebrations for Blackwell’s 50 years jubilee, and an article in the Press at the time provides some interesting details of the new store and how it was laid out.

The two-storey brick and plaster building, the erection of which has taken about a year, undoubtedly occupies one of the best sites in Kaiapoi, was designed by Messrs J. S. and M. J. Guthrie, the Christchurch architects, Mr W. Williamson, of Christchurch, being the contractor.
The building is situated in the heart of the town, at the corner of High and Raven streets, facing the main traffic budge, and has a frontage of 120 feet. The ground floor is divided into three main sections, the largest, with the main entrance, being devoted to the drapery section, which is sub-divided into the dress, silk, hosiery, Manchester, and fancy departments; also a ladies’ boot department. Directly behind these is a spacious and well-lighted showroom, in which is made a dainty display of spring millinery. In the centre of the front is an entrance leading to the men’s mercery department, at the back of which is situated the men’s and boys’ boot section. The third entrance leads to the grocery and provision, crockery, hardware, and seeds departments, the grocery counter running the full length of one side. The provision counter is equipped with a marble top and white tile surround. On the opposite side is a counter for pastry and confectionery, the quality of which is famed throughout North Canterbury. All departments are equipped with railway cash system, leading to a cash office at the rear of the building, where also the Telegraph Department have installed telephones to the various departments. Two stairways lead to the top floor, in which is situated the general office and the proprietor’s private office. Adjoining is a reserve store-room and a large and well-appointed dressmaking workroom, with two fitting-rooms and a comfortable rest room for the staff. The main floor is occupied by the furnishing showroom, wherein carpets, linoleums, and general furnishings are displayed. In the north end is situated an up-to-date and excellently appointed tea-room, the kitchen connected therewith containing the most up-to-date labour-saving devices. Special attention has been given to lighting throughout the building, electricity and a system of radiator heating having been installed (the latter by G. W, Davies and Co., Dunedin).
The section on which the building stands runs through to Hilton street, with grain, reserve stores, garage, and cart sheds, and on which a large two-storey bakehouse, with all the latest improvements, is to be erected.”
From the Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17240, 2 September 1921.
Read the full article online at Papers Past.

The old site at Hilton Street had a chequered career. Part was sold to Mr Tourell and still is his builder’s workshop. The shop building had been sold for a boarding house, but later came back on our hands. Some years afterwards the building was sold for housing flats and a shop which still remains.

1922

In 1922 the great after-the-war slump hit New Zealand with its catastrophic effects. The bubble of inflation burst with little warning. Prices of primary products slumped, some being temporarily unsaleable. But wholesale and retail imported and manufactured lines were especially hit and some prices fell by half overnight. Retail stocks and prices had to be drastically cut and the whole atmosphere of business became chaotic. The ensuing depression lasted for years and caused much unemployment with the consequent lack of purchasing powers in the whole business world, which suffered severely. Many losses were experienced and trade was carried out amid many difficulties and anxieties.

About 1922 Mr W.F. Blackwell founded Blackwell Motors, Christchurch and developed it into a most successful business during succeeding years. He was an original shareholder in our firm when Blackwell’s stores became a private Company and was always keenly interested in our welfare, and was a loyal supporter of the company and directors during the difficult periods of the 1920s. He died in 1969.

Though conditions slowly improved later, the effects of the slump were felt for many years. Our shop business at Kaiapoi had its full share of the difficulties of this period. The slump had come shortly after the erection of our new premises which had entailed more responsibilities and liabilities. Kaiapoi’s economic life was based on its industries and both the Kaiapoi Woollen Company and the Kaiapoi Freezing Works suffered very heavy losses. In both these companies Mr J.H. Blackwell was a director and these were very anxious years to maintain Kaiapoi’s stability.

In our own business, financial resources were strained to the limit to finance bank overdraft, to meet our requirements and to help customers during their own difficulties.
Into our departments, Mr H.H. Blackwell put all his energies and took over increasing responsibility to maintain business and build up turnover. The usual counter sales were depressed but up-country trade was stimulated by establishing area lists of customers who could order by phone and get delivery daily by mail or train or bus service. A travelling drapery salesman canvassed the country areas with a weekly motor service.
By these and other advertising methods he steadily built up the wider country connection which has always been a feature of our business. By personal canvass among our farmer customers he established a substantial indent business for horse and cow covers. Later, at his inception, our bakehouse section developed a wholesale trade in cake and small goods. We took a shop in Christchurch with a daily delivery van. This continued for some years until we sold the bakery business.”

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Blackwell’s Limited ~ 1924

1924

In 1924 a change was made to the business structure and the name of J.H. Blackwell became Blackwell’s Limited, a private firm, with J.H. Blackwell (seated in the photo at right) and H.H. Blackwell (standing) as managing directors, with seven shareholders in total.

In that year the Kaiapoi Shipping & Trading Company had gone into voluntary liquidation. Their timber business had been steady for years, with timber mills and yards at Kaiapoi and Rangiora. Blackwell’s Ltd, bought these and operated them for some years, with Mr Meyer as manager under supervising control of Mr J.H. Blackwell.

1927

In 1927 a fire in the upper storey broke out, caused by an iron being left on in the alterations room, and did serious damage to stock below. However, by H.H. Blackwell’s vigorous dealing with the disaster, when insurances were adjusted, a special “fire sale” drew large crowds of customers with record results.

1930

In 1930 a major change in departments was effected. Owing to staff difficulties we sold the grocery department to Eric Gray who carried on the business in the same location, as our tenant, covering the same country areas with his rounds. This change was mutually satisfactory and still continues, Gavin Gray having taken over the tenancy on the death of his father.

1934

In 1934, following on war slump losses, a serious attempt was made to close down the North Canterbury Freezing Works, a great threat to shareholders. This was averted by strenuous opposition and the industry was saved to Kaiapoi.

Mr J.H. Blackwell became Chairman of Directors, and subsequent reorganisation stabilised the company which has enjoyed growing prosperity ever since. Mr J.H. Blackwell retired in 1956 after forty years as Chairman. In 1939 he decided to make his home in Auckland, continuing his business contacts with the shop and Freezing Works by regular quarterly visits to Kaiapoi.

1935/36

Blackwell’s Limited decided to dispose of the bakery business, which was sold to Kennett and Son who took over the bakehouse as our tenants, later purchasing the property. Also we sold the timber business which had suffered in the building slump of 1935/36. We sold the mills and stocks at Rangiora and Kaiapoi to the Papanui Timber Company. Our firm was thus concentrating on its present retail departments under the direction of Mr H.H. Blackwell, principal managing director. Also we decided to complete re-organisation of our capital structure.
The disastrous effects of the World War slump descended on our firm shortly after the building of the new shop premises in 1921. These carried new mortgage and financial liabilities which had to be met regularly. While wages and staff needs were always priorities, the substantial trading losses on stocks and turnovers, with severe depreciation in property valuations in those difficult years fell on the proprietors and shareholders. The Directors had cut their salaries to the bone.”

1938

We decided to clear the decks of deadwood timber. We cleared the balance sheet of accumulated losses and wrote down properties to Government valuations. To effect this we reduced our share capital by half. This was done with the unanimous agreement of all shareholders.”

1939

Business was showing satisfactory signs of improvement, when in September, 1939 Hitler struck and the whole nation was at once plunged into the Second World War and New Zealand for the second time experienced disruption. Mr H.H. Blackwell immediately offered his services to the Air Force and was appointed to the administration Branch at Harewood, and later became CGI (Chief Ground Instructor), with the rank of Flight Lieutenant and was later promoted to Squadron Leader. These responsibilities he retained at Harewood and later at Ashburton for the whole period of the war – five years.

During this time the shop continued with a smaller, loyal staff and for a time under Mr Alex Proven (from Granity on the West Coast) as manager with oversight regularly by Mr J.H. Blackwell.

1945

When peace came in 1945, fortunately it was not followed by the after-war results of the First World War, but turnover had been slow with considerable restrictions and shortages of stock. When Mr H.H. Blackwell resumed his direction of business activities, he vigorously developed the opportunities offered by the general return to peace.

The Government relaxed restrictions on trading and granted special licenses for much needed merchandise from Great Britain to men of War Service to increase business. He was able to build up stocks for the various departments which speedily secured substantial increase in turnover.

The general purchasing power of the whole community was stimulated and our business shared in the growing prosperity. With the assistance of a loyal staff the enlarged facilities of the new shop building came into their own in the next few years. Then the upper storey was leased to Lichfield Shirts employing up to sixty machinists making shirts and blouses.

Mortgage liabilities were progressively eased and after some years entirely paid off.

1947

1947 opened another important chapter on the business story when in August that year David Hugh Blackwell, the fourth generation of the family, started with the firm. He had done two and half years of apprenticeship in five different departments at Beaths and Co. in Christchurch.

Early on he gave special attention to building up the furnishings and carpet departments, which soon progressed into becoming one of the main departments. He became a director and steadily assumed more responsibilities in management.

1956

In 1956 an important advance was registered by the enlargement of the shop by substantial additions to ground floor space. Large showrooms were built and new fixtures added and the whole shop modernised. But the story of this progressive step and those in the following years are better left to be recorded by the later Directors who effected them.

Since that time the following years for Blackwell’s Limited have shown steadily increasing prosperity which has been shared by directors, shareholders and staff. This satisfactory position has been secured by the resolute facing of the difficulties of the hard years with their anxieties and strains. Success has been secured by the efficient management and driving force of Mr H.H. Blackwell which has been, in later years so ably assisted by his son, Mr D.H. Blackwell.

1960

My last part of the story is to record the very pleasing occasion in 1960 when the Directors were able to recognise the strong position of our company by notifying shareholders of a bonus issue of shares doubling the total capital and restoring previous losses. Blackwell’s Limited still remains a private company, the shareholders all being connected with the family.
In finishing  my story of the Blackwell business, I have enjoyed refreshing my memories of days past. I have been part of the story and am proud to have been one of the four generations of Directors. I hope the third generation Directors will amplify and add to the story of his crucial period of responsibility.  I hope that the fourth generation Director will begin at his ‘stepping into the ring’ and fill out the story of what he has already done and the plans for the Centennial Celebrations in 1971.
I always enjoy contacts with the present staff members. I have many memories of earlier members among whom I especially regard Mr T.B. Ward, Mr Chas. Wright, Mr H.W. Farrer, Miss Hollway, Mrs Bruce Forrest (Miss Knight), Mr C.F. Meyer and (later) Mr A. Bell. All gave long, valued service and become personal friends. This applies also to our long business connection with Mr Eric Gray and Mr Gavin Gray.
I think all Directors can feel pride in this story.” – J.H.B. October 1962.

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Part II The Seventies to the century end

1971

To complete its first century as a family business, the firm built a modern reinforced concrete addition on its High Street property, adding a further 2,500 square feet of ground floor space, plus 1,000 square feet of mezzanine floor and giving direct access to all departments. The vacant property on High St was purchased from Algar Burgess after their fruit and vegetable shop completely burnt down (circa 1965). A Centennial banquet was held at the Island Tea Room on August 28^th.

1975

The Menswear Department moved into the 1200 square feet of grocery floor space previously occupied by Eric Gray & Co. The old Menswear was refurbished into a new sports, fishing and travel goods department. This was a time when large supermarkets were being established in Kaiapoi, and increased competition forced the four smaller grocers in town to go out of business. Hugh Blackwell died in July 1975 and his wife Mrs J.K. Blackwell was appointed a director. In 1979 Mrs. A. J. Blackwell also become director.

1980

Mr A.W. Blackwell, the 5^th Generation, joined the Firm.

1981

110^th Anniversary included repainting of the interior walls and ceilings and installing fluorescent lights to create one modern uniform store.

1988

Mr. M.H. Blackwell, the 5^th Generation, joined the firm after completing a BA Degree at University of Canterbury.

1993

David Blackwell retired after 46 years in the business in 1993, and Andrew Blackwell was appointed Managing Director and Michael Blackwell Company Secretary and Office Manager. The 5^th Generation is now actively involved in directing the business. Photo at right shows Andrew (left) and Michael Blackwell in 2011.

1989 to 1996

Extensive refurbishing and remodeling of the interior and exterior of the store was carried out.

This brought the store up to the fine modern department store it is today, ready for its 125^th Anniversary and the continuing rapid development of Kaiapoi and North Canterbury.

The pattern of the years is not complete without placing on record the wonderful support of our Customers and Staff – both past and present – who have so loyally supported the Firm throughout the years.

Part III The 2000s

2007

Michael and Andrew Blackwell, the fifth generation to hold the reins of the store, pictured above next to the old National till which was still operational in 2007. Tradition, service, quality and loyalty have kept the doors of one of New Zealand’s oldest family-owned department stores open, for 135 years.

2010

On 4 September 2010 a 7.1 earthquake struck the Canterbury region, causing a lot of damage in Kaiapoi. The front original part of the Blackwell’s store was damaged and part of the upstairs firewall fell into the shop. The biggest cause for concern was the facade facing the street and with the possibility that an aftershock would topple it into the street, possibly harming someone.

Later that day a digger was called into make the front of the building safe. A small crowd gathered to watch the demolition, along with friends and members of the Blackwell family. Within an hour the digger had demolished the front facade and pushed much of it into the shop front.

 

Unfortunately the iconic Blackwell’s logo on the front of the building had to be demolished also. There was a small cry from the crowd as it fell, and tears were seen on a few faces. It’s likely it was one of the first demolitions after the quake. You can watch a video of the demolition here.

 

 

 

It was a tough decision for the Blackwell family to demolish the facade. Although it was the oldest part of the building, it was also the face of the store from the street and bridge. At the time, it was thought the side facing the river would be ok, and wouldn’t need to be touched. The inside of the building was very sound, being supported with strong Oregan beams, but the concrete and brick shell was affected by the quake and everyone knew there would be a tough decision ahead on what to do with the building.

After September 2010, Blackwell’s setup in two temporary locations, while decisions about the building were made. The back part of the original building was still intact, but people were not allowed in the building, until it was made secure in late 2010.

2011

A lot of time spent moving stock, plant and fittings between the premises, and finding available local storage at a time when it was difficult to find. The store now operated from two locations, with flooring and carpet in a separate building. And then the February quake hit.

This second large earthquake dislodged a large slab of concrete masonry from the parapet, which crashed down on to the footpath below. This finally convinced the Waimakariri District Council, engineers, and our insurance company, that the badly cracked and twisted columns  for support to the top floor made the whole building dangerous and must come down. Thanks to Jed Pearce demolition started seven days later in late February.

The family were very grateful for the support and encouragement received from the many residents of Kaiapoi and North Canterbury and from the District Council  and the wider Kaiapoi community during this very difficult time.

The New Zealand Government subsidy support of weekly wages to staff for the six weeks after the February 22 earthquake was a big help in keeping the business running, as was the loyalty of staff working in difficult and sometimes dusty conditions.

The year continued with a lot of effort put into working through complex issues, reading geo-tech reports, talking with engineers, and working with the insurance company and local authorities, while trying to satisfy customer needs with a much reduced stock level and floor space.

A temporary wall was constructed between the old part of the original building and where the new building work would commence. As well as securing the building it meant we could get back into the two areas of the old building and continue trading.

Blackwells commissioned Christchurch architect Alun Wilkie of Wilkie + Bruce to design a new building. His sole brief was to take the graceful elements from the old building that we all new and loved, and translate those elements into a new building that would serve the family and community for the next hundred years. Structural engineer Warren Lewis from Lewis and Barrow helped to ensure that the new design take be incorporated with the remaining part of the structure and result in the whole building be over 100% of code.

The retail trade in Canterbury was low for most of 2011, but all staff were kept on during the year, and everyone tried to keep their chins up.

The Rebuild

2012

After a long period of waiting, plans for the building received resource consent and contract works insurance for the rebuild was finally secured. The early construction on the new section of the store started in November 2012 with piles driven down very deep to give the stability needed for a new two-storey building on the site.

Bushnell Builders started in the foundations, including the 6m screw piles and the massive amount of steel that went into the concrete footings and floors. The store remained trading in the remaining southern part of the building while construction of the new North-facing section continued.

2013

By March 2013 the upper floor was in and by June a nice new steel roof. The search for tenants began and the view from the first floor offices started to look great. By September the interiors were being finished and in November Ashton Wheelans, the first Blackwell’s tenant ever, moved in to their new offices on the first floor.

The new section of the store opened on 29 November 2013, with all the stock being moved around for the last time. The stock moved so many times over the last year it seriously needed wheels, but it was good to finally move into the new retail space and spread out again.

2014

The store traded well over Christmas and started to settle into the new environment. In June Coffee Culture opened in the north-west corner of the new ground floor space and a whole new era of retail and landlord-ship started for Blackwell’s.

On 7 December the store began trading regularly on a Sunday for the first time.

2016

This is an updated photo of the new building, in the same style as the nice twilight shot taken in 2001 (see above). This was taken in February 2016. The shop looks great at dusk with the lights on.

2017

The rebuilt Blackwell’s store provided the opportunity to share the space with local businesses for the first time in its history. From early 2017 the building is fully tenanted, with Coffee Culture and Absolute Beauty downstairs, and local accountants Ashton Wheelans, and Habitat Chiropractic inhabiting the upstairs floor.

2018

The history of Blackwell’s Department Store is published in November 2018 in the book Pattern of the years.

Compiled by award-wining Christchurch author Colin Amodeo, the book covers the history of Kaiapoi iconic department store, using material from the Blackwell Family Papers collected and preserved by David Blackwell and his children.

“Pattern of the years” weaves the lives of six generations of Kaiapoi residents into the fabric of our provincial story,” explains the author. “It is part biography and part history, as well as a tribute to their determination to succeed.”

Illustrated with photos and artworks, the book also captures Kaiapoi and Canterbury history and how the department store survived trade depressions, the effects of two World Wars, fire, flood, and earthquake.

Available instore at Blackwell’s for $39.90, $5 of which is donated to the Kaiapoi District Historical Society.

2019

Mr David Blackwell passed away on 15 September 2019. He was 93.

2021

To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Blackwell’s Department Store operating in Kaiapoi a sculpture by local artist Andrew Drummond was commissioned, with the support of the Waimakariri Public Arts Trust.

The sculpture Karo was unveiled on the river-side of Raven Quay, opposite the store, with a ceremony on 10 October 2021.

Waimakariri District Mayor Dan Gordon and the artist Andrew Drummond attended, along with members and descendants of the Blackwell family.

Photo at right shows Andrew and Michael Blackwell cutting the ribbon.

2023

Michael Blackwell passed away on 17 May 2023. He was 58.

On the 6th of September 2023 Blackwell’s celebrated 153 years of being in business in Kaiapoi. Staff and family gathered to mark the anniversary.

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Parts I and II of this page are based on an original history document prepared by Noeline Leslie in August 2001, using notes written by G.H. Blackwell with additional comments by J.H. Blackwell. 

All images and information on this site are copyright © to Blackwells Department Store, Kaiapoi, New Zealand