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Extract taken from "The Cyclopedia of New Zealand" Vol 1 Wellington Provincial District, Published by the Cyclopedia Company in Wellington 1897.
Russell and Bignell (Robert Russell and Arthur Bignell) Builders and Contractors, Ridgeway Street, Wanganui. Telephone 98 and 106; P.O. Box 90. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Private residences: Mr Russell, St. John's Hill; Mr Bignell, "Balgownie," Heads Road.
This is the oldest established business of its kind in the district, was carried on for many years by Mr. James Tawse and during the four years the present proprietors have had it they have done record work. The offices and workshops have 132 feet frontage, by two and a half chains deep and in the workshop several hands are kept constantly going to supply material for outside jobs. The differnet saws anf machines which are all of the latest pattern are driven by water power. The drawing of plans and specifications is regularly undertaken and estimates are given for all descriptions of building. Anyone taking a stroll through Wanganui and looking at some of the more modern buildings may easily discern the handicraft of this well known firm, and in this connection may be mentioned the premises of Messrs. Sclanders and Co., Waters' Building, the Albion Hotel, Mr. W. Hogg's shop and the Education Board office, besides many others; while outside the town numerous residences testify to their skill such as those occupied by Messrs. Burnett, H. Hole, J. Duncan and H. Harper. Mr Russell was born in 1863 at Douglas, Lanarkshire, Scotland and was educated in his native place. After leaving school he went into his father's office, remaining for four years in the architect's and surveying departments. Leaving his father, he served four years at the carpentering trade, acquiring a through knowledge of the handicraft. In 1866 he came to New Zealand and worked at his trade for about nine months in Greymouth, when he went into partnership with Mr Hunter. Subsequently he brought out his partner and carried on the business for himself for about three years, but in 1891 Mr Bignell joined the firm. Removing to Wanganui in 1892, Messrs. Russell and Bignell soon gained the confidence of the public of the whole district. The splendid block of buildings lately erected for the Wanganui Hospital Board not only marked as a new erain the building trade in Wanganui, but stands as a monument of their skill. Mr Russell is married and has two children. Mr Bignell was born in 1861 at Essex and was educated at Richmond, Surrey. He came out to New Zealand when a lad of fifteen and learned the trade of carpenter in Dunedin. He worked at his trade for years, mostly in the South Island and previous to coming to Wanganui sepent a few years on the West Coast, being engaged in contracting for the building of stations and bridge-work on the Midland Railway. In 1891 he entered into partnership with Mr. Russell in Greymouth and twelve months later came to Wanganui. He is married and has three children. Mr Bignell is a member of the St. Andrew Kilwinning Lodge, the Wanganui Jockey Club, and is also a member of one of the local bowling clubs.
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