Read Bros Hardware Ltd - Read Bros Hardware Ltd 308 Pollen Street
About Read Bros Hardware Ltd
On the death of John Read, his two sons, Charles and Arthur continued John’s business at Shortland. On 22 July 1934 Charles Read passed away at the age of 55 years leaving Arthur as the sole operator. Arthur, like John, ensured the business was renowned for stocking hardware of every conceivable kind.
Arthur was also a contractor and as such constructed many utilities throughout the town. Contracts such as the original Hape Creek Bridge on Jellicoe Crescent and associated drainage in the Parawai area. Arthur also constructed a building adjacent to the Exchange Hotel in Pollen Street, and in 1935 this building became the premises for the present day business.
Read Bros (as the business was then called) had no verandah or street front windows, the frontage being of flat iron and painted a dull red. The side walls being corrugated iron and unpainted.
By now hardware had started to expand in range and Read Bros’ stock could best be described as a conglomeration of everything imaginable. Arthur was by now being ably assisted by his only son Alan, however he was soon to leave the business and go to war.
As well as serving customers, Arthur maintained a workshop at the rear of the premises that enabled him to replace saucepan handles, sharpen saws and other tools, mend primus stoves, solder up leaking pots and kettles, repair windows, fix doors, mix paint in preparation for contract jobs and tend to the needs of the local fishing fleet. Name it, he did it.
Arthur always rode a bike to and from the shop daily and did so until well into his eighties, making him a well-known identity.
Arthur died in 1970 leaving Alan to continue the business.
Contact Read Bros Hardware Ltd
Address : | Read Bros Hardware Ltd 308 Pollen Street, Thames 3500, New Zealand |
Phone : | 📞 +7888 |
Postal code : | 3500 |
Website : | http://www.readbros.co.nz/ |
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Bart Voskuilen on Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ This is a classic hardware they do everything you expect from a good hardware. Know exactly what you talking about. If they dont have , very unlikely, they have it in for you very quicly because they know so many suppliers.
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Noeleen Kuypers on Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ If they haven't got what you want, they are always helpful, on where else to try. Nice bunch Mostly a one stop shop
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Paulette Tainsh on Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Always great service and you can find what you need
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Paulous hawkless on Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Friendly staff... very helpful , everything you need
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SteveandKaye Robinson on Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Excellent hardware shop with such a range of products from scuba gear. Hardware requirements, tools, and you can get just 1 or two screw, and not have to purchase a whole packet. Staff are very friendly and helpful and knowledgeable. If they dont have it in the shop the will endeavour to get it.
The best hardware store I have ever visited
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Ken Brown on Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Ask for something really obscure just for fun. If they don't have it they'll probably find it. A good crew with smiles and jovial small-town familiarity.
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Jack Moana Piere Hawaikirangi-Pere on Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ excellant service as usual,love the old hardware feel only missing the old ancient owner who knows and can name every nail screw n washer in the place
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Beverley Groves on Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ The best hardware store anywhere! Over 150 yrs old in the Read Family ownership. Superb knowledgeable service.
Read Bros Hardware store is a MUST SEE when you visit Thames whether you want something for the kitchen, gumboots, garden or marine equipment
locks, or just one small item that usually has to be bought in a pack from other retailers!
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