GARDINER William

Approx. 1921-1922, to Alma Leslie.

By approx. 1890: Commenced business at 40 St John Street, Launceston.
The Daily Telegraph of 3 December 1891 extensively praised William Gardiner’s watchmaking and jewellery establishment. After only 18 months in business, improvements to the premises included: angled mirrors in the shop window to maximise view; a large blackwood and plate glass cabinet (over 12ft in length and 8ft high) manufactured by local business, Messrs. J and T Gunn; chandelier lighting with silver plated albo-carbon lights; extensive plant and equipment including lathes, mills, vices, draw bench, stamping press, and furnace. A glass verandah, a feature new to Launceston, gave the premises more comfortable temperatures and improved lighting.

1895: William contributed to the loan collection in the Launceston Art Gallery. His painting was named ‘A Harvest Scene’ by Mr Gladstone Eyre, and the locality represented was Quamby Bluff near Hagley.

Approx. 1896: The Direct Importing Company purchased his business. William remained manager.
By 1897: Relocated to 74 Brisbane Street, Launceston.

August 1897: Requested permission from the Council to erect a new illuminated clock on the exterior of his premises, including free lighting.

From 1897: Foundation member of the Watchmakers and Jewellers’ Association, with clock and watchmakers Frederick Stewart, Foster Coulson, Frederick Vaughan, and James Kerr.

1899: Newspapers reported a human jawbone was found at the back of his premises.
1900: William pursued a suspected burglar through the streets, dressed in his pyjamas.

1913: William Gardiner, Brisbane Street, advertised he would not be responsible for any debts incurred in his name by his wife or other people. A court case followed where Winifred Gardiner claimed maintenance because her husband left her without any means of support. The verdict was in Winifred’s favour, and the court ordered William to pay his wife 30 shillings a week.

By 1916: Relocated the business to 45 George Street.
On retirement: Employer of about 38 years, William Beaumont, managed the business.

October 1939: A street clock, reported as the last in Brisbane Street, was removed when refurbishment occurred at the Princess Theatre. It was most likely the clock William Gardiner had installed on the exterior of his business premises.