The Coach House Museum
40 Bowen Street
Feilding
New Zealand
Feilding
New Zealand
The Williamson Gig
Messrs Rouse and Hurrell built this gig for Stephen Williamson of Waituna West. It was presented to the Society by Stephen's descendant, JJ Williamson of Waituna West in October 1965. Rouse and Hurrell, originally a Wellington business, operated a carriage-making factory in Feilding from 1897 - 1907. According to the Williamson family the brand new gig was returned to the maker for a special adaptation. Because Stephen Williamson's wife, Georgina, found it difficult to get into the gig hampered by the fashionable hobble skirts that she wore, she had another step added.
In New Zealand the gig was by far the most popular two wheeled passenger vehicle. it was a light carriage, drawn by one horse and able to carry two or three people and their parcels or luggage.
This vehicle is "well gig" which means the bottom of the deck is built to sit between and below the shafts which are 6' 4" (1.95m) long. The wheels are 4' 8" (1.42m) in diameter with "butterfly" style mudguards. Dennett springing is used in the suspension. A feature of this vehicle is the sliding seat which allowed adjustment of the balance of horse and gig to give a most comfortable ride.
In New Zealand the gig was by far the most popular two wheeled passenger vehicle. it was a light carriage, drawn by one horse and able to carry two or three people and their parcels or luggage.
This vehicle is "well gig" which means the bottom of the deck is built to sit between and below the shafts which are 6' 4" (1.95m) long. The wheels are 4' 8" (1.42m) in diameter with "butterfly" style mudguards. Dennett springing is used in the suspension. A feature of this vehicle is the sliding seat which allowed adjustment of the balance of horse and gig to give a most comfortable ride.
Boarding made Easier
This gig was built in Feilding for the Williamson family. According to the family, Georgina had a third step put into the more normal two step arrangment for gigs and this photo was taken at home, the first time she tried the addition.
This gig was built in Feilding for the Williamson family. According to the family, Georgina had a third step put into the more normal two step arrangment for gigs and this photo was taken at home, the first time she tried the addition.
The Feilding factory early 1900's
Here is an article taken from the 'Cyclopedia of New Zealand', Volume 1, Wellington Provincial District. Chapter on Coachbuilders and Wheelwrights. Published 1897.
The makers plate on the Williamson gig
(Henry Arthur Hurrell, Arthur William Petherick, Edward Young Crawley)
Coachbuilders and Wheelwrights,
Empire Steam Carriage Works
Courtenay Place
Wellington.
This large factory is the oldest in the line in Wellington, having been established in 1859 by Mr William Black. The premises, which have a large frontage, include a large building of wood and iron, containing no less than 12000 square feet of floorage space. The motive power is a steam engine with a nominal capacity of eight horse-power. The firm have a great deal of machinery of the best and most complete description, including a circular saw, planing machine, turning lathes and machinery for rounding felloes, and all kinds of wheel making machinery, also bandsaws and every other needful mechanism that is required for the trade. They employ about twenty-five hands in connection with the factory, and pay a large sum per month in wages. Messrs. Rouse and Hurrell are direct importers of iron and various kinds of appliances and other fittings for the purpose of the manufacture of vehicles of every description. Among the British firms with whom they deal may be mentioned Messrs. Berry and Son, Messrs. Butler Bros, and Greatrex and Son, of London. Messrs. Rouse and Hurrell have a reputation for turning out buggies, officers' dog carts, gigs, landau, and many other styles of vehicles in a thorough and workmanlike manner. The writer has had some personal experience of some of the work which they have turned out and can testify to the finish and durability of their manufacture. An engraving of one of the numerous specimens of their light carts appears herein.
Coachbuilders and Wheelwrights,
Empire Steam Carriage Works
Courtenay Place
Wellington.
This large factory is the oldest in the line in Wellington, having been established in 1859 by Mr William Black. The premises, which have a large frontage, include a large building of wood and iron, containing no less than 12000 square feet of floorage space. The motive power is a steam engine with a nominal capacity of eight horse-power. The firm have a great deal of machinery of the best and most complete description, including a circular saw, planing machine, turning lathes and machinery for rounding felloes, and all kinds of wheel making machinery, also bandsaws and every other needful mechanism that is required for the trade. They employ about twenty-five hands in connection with the factory, and pay a large sum per month in wages. Messrs. Rouse and Hurrell are direct importers of iron and various kinds of appliances and other fittings for the purpose of the manufacture of vehicles of every description. Among the British firms with whom they deal may be mentioned Messrs. Berry and Son, Messrs. Butler Bros, and Greatrex and Son, of London. Messrs. Rouse and Hurrell have a reputation for turning out buggies, officers' dog carts, gigs, landau, and many other styles of vehicles in a thorough and workmanlike manner. The writer has had some personal experience of some of the work which they have turned out and can testify to the finish and durability of their manufacture. An engraving of one of the numerous specimens of their light carts appears herein.
The firm have been exhibitors at several exhibitions and at the Wellington Exhibition of 1885 secured the silver medal for new Zealand against all competitors and two first prizes for their manufacture. It goes without saying that the success of this firm is entirely due to the energy, perserverance and ability of the principals and the workmen employed. Messrs. Rouse and Hurrell have connections extending throughout the central and southern portions of the North Island. They frequently get orders from Hawkes Bay and Taranaki, and their fame has extended to the South Island as far as the West Coast is concerned.
Mr Hurrell is a native of Norfolk and arrived in new Zealand in 1875 per ship 'Dallam Tower'. He learned his trade in Wellington and joined Mr Rouse, his late partner when they took over the business from Mr William Black. The original founder of the Empire Carriage factory. Mr Petherick is a native of this Colony, his parents being among the number of early settlers. He served his apprenticeship with Messrs Rouse and Hurrell and having become thoroughly proficient in his knowledge of the trade, has been admitted as a member of the firm. Mr Crawley is a native of London, and arrived in 1887 per s.s. 'Copic', joining the firm in 1891. Mr F.H. Wood of Greytown North, represents the firm in the Wairarapa District, from which considerable orders are received.