Hornby’s First Department Store

Although served by a post office from the 1870s, business in Hornby did not develop until the end of the century and even then it seems that one name was to dominate the scene.

In 1897 Alfred Manhire opened his general store on the site now occupied by Woolworths. His brother William took over the business in 1898. It served as the modern day department store; as well as the departments which faced on to the street - groceries, drapery and boots - other goods were sold at the rear of the shop - animal foods, wood and coal. In addition the store acted as agent for the Liverpool, London and Globe Insurance Company, plus other agencies.

In 1908 when the post office was moved from the railway station a small addition was made to Manhire’s store to accommodate it.

In 1920 the store was bought by Archibald Still and he and his family maintained the business until 1964. Woolworths then bought the site for £35,000 and demolished the original buildings to make way for their supermarket.

A plaque in the car park marks the site of the original store.

Sources

• The Christchurch Press (no date)
• McBride, I. The Paparua County. Canterbury Public Library 1990.
• Cyclopedia of New Zealand