Arnold, Cheney & Co. Albumen cabinet card company photograph

Auckland, 1885. A large oblong albumen image of an early American importer of kerosene oil, which was not readily available at the time, to New Zealand. The image depicts 2 large buildings fronting a major street corner. The two story building at the left advertises kerosene oil on the front facade, and the one story warehouse building at the right, which encompasses the entire corner, advertises kauri gum. Three horse drawn carts laden with large boxes are waiting in the street. A further shop sign, Robt. Furness & Co is visible in the distance.

Arnold, Cheney and Co was the agent for New Zealand of the Colonial Oil Co, formed in New York to supply New Zealand and Australian markets with oil.

John Robert Hanna was born ca 1850 in Ireland and sailed on the clipper ship 'Ganges' arriving in Auckland in 1865. Hanna was first employed by Bartlett's studio, followed by Hemus and Hanna (until 1885); at this time he purchased, renovated and renamed Clarke Bros. studio. This is how the image is dated ca. 1885.

Hanna blind stamp in the image, lower right corner. Hanna printed photographer's stamp at the lower left corner of the card, 196 Queen Street Auckland N. Z. printed at the lower right corner. 8 1/4 x 5", laid down on card 9 x 6"