Walter Horne & Co. Suva, Fiji

[Baron Kurtz]

So, anyone know anything about this company? I have a news clipping from the Brisbane Courier mail of November 22nd 1933 saying the company was "In Liquidation" and tenders were invited for the stock. But it has a weird statement: "the liquidation has taken place for the purpose of the adjustment of the rights of the shareholders, who are all members of the family". So, is this just legal jargon, or can i assume that this business ceased to trade in 1933/34?

Of course, i have a good reason for seeking this information. I picked up a suit jacket for peanuts yesterday which was sold by this company. Although it is clearly golden era, it is a little strange in its styling, making it difficult to date. So if someone could give me more info on the company, i'd be much obliged.

bk

 

[jdmclean]

Hi Baron, just joined ----took some time ! Did you get my message about Walter Horme and Co?

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Hi jdm. Yes, now you point it out (haven't logged in for a couple days) I got your message. Very interesting story. I'll see what I can do. I can certainly get my hands on what you've asked for. If you message me an email address i'll drop a scan over to you. You might want to share your story here too as i'm sure the chaps would be interested.

bk

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Actually never mind, i found the scan. It's actually from November 25th, not 22nd as previously stated.

bk

 

[jdmclean]

Hi Baron, Hi have just found your replies and the very interesting newsclip. We know there was a major family dispute in the 1930,s , but this is the first time we have seen anything about how it might have been resolved. I am still learning how to operate on the Lounge, and now I am told I can not message . Also I cannot work out how to print out the clip. Could you email it to me? My email address is jdmclean@mcleanmanagement.com.au. I have to run now , but I have some very interesting stories about my Great Uncle, Tommy "Trader" Horne who always was dressed completely in white. Cheers, JDM

 

[jdmclean]

HI BK , I have worked out how to print the Add so no need to email it to me. I am trying to work out without success how to include an attachment in my reply to you as I have a short piece describing my Great Uncle Tommy "Trader" Horne who arrived with his family in Suva in 1883 aged 7. He mostly lived there until just before the 2nd world war, when he retired to Sydney. The piece describes him and his habit of always dressing completely in white. Also we have seen a Walter Horne and Co Add for White Tuxedos for formal wear , so white was the thing for the men! By the way do you still have the suit jacket which started this thread off and if so could you post a photo of it?JDM

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Yes, I still have the jacket. I may end up selling it, but for now, it remains in my collection.

The problem is that you can't attach anything to posts or messages at FLounge. All you can do is host an image/document at an image hosting site and either include it in a post or direct people to the address.

bk

 

[jdmclean]

Hi BK , I am learning something everyday. With all the pics etc I see attached to posts I assumed it would be easy. I am no Bill Gates, but I must say I find the Flounge a bit opaque! If you ever decide to sell the jacket , please let me know. Cheers, JDM

 

[dr greg]

I've got a fabulous old rayon shirt from Walter Horne & Co. Suva, Fiji, which I dated to 1958 at the latest, so perhaps it's older than I thought?

 

[jdmclean]

Dr Greg, we think Walter Horne was sold to Morris Hedstrom in the late 1930's but dont know when it stopped trading under the old name. In any event would the 1930's be too old for rayon? JDM

 

[dr greg]

Not at all, rayon was invented late 19th C I believe, and was in wide use by the 30's, Japanese mills produced the finest grade as used for many of the most sought-after Hawaiian shirts of that time.
However my research indicates that tourism as an industry only really began in the 50's when Nadi became a stopover for piston engined aircraft on the Pacific route, so that's what I used to date the shirt...

 

[jdmclean]

Hi Dr G and BK, we are slowly accumulating information about Walter Horne and Co. I have some extracts from the Fiji Times archives and other material which is interesting. I dont know whether I can attach a file to a thread, but if you would let me know how else to get it to you , I will oblige. Regards, JDM