John and Ann Mollison arrived in the colonial outpost of Dunedin not long after the town was established. Their daughter Elizabeth arrived in the world at about the same time. John set up to make footwear, as he had done back in Montrose, Scotland. In the town of "Mudedin," good footwear was a useful thing indeed.
BOOTS AND SHOES
JOHN MOLLISON begs respectfully to intimate to the Inhabitants of Dunedin and its neighbourhood, that he has commenced business as Boot & Shoe Maker in that House lately occupied by Mr. Mills, Cabinet Maker, Rattray Street; and, as he carried on for some years in Scotland the business of Boot-tree and Last Maker, and having a practical knowledge of both trades, he is convinced he can supply those who may order from him with a very superior fitting article.
NB — J. M. can at present supply a few pairs with Gutta Percha mid-soles, which is a thorough preventive of damp. Rattray Street, Dunedin, 8th February, 1851. -Otago Witness, 8/2/1851.
John entered the lists for the Provincial Council in 1853 but was not elected, coming last in a field of 5, with 18 votes out of 78. "Addresses by both the successful and unsuccessful candidates were afterwards delivered from the portico of the Mechanics' Institution, and the day's proceedings closed with a bonfire and other rejoicings," according to the Otago Witness of 24/9/1853.
Early the following year, their second child, a son, was born.
JOHN MOLLISON has for Sale at his Store, Princes Street, an Assortment of Men's and Boys' Strong Boots, which he can recommend as of first-rate quality and workmanship.
Also About 50 pairs of Ladies' Slippers and Children's Boots.
An assortment of Reaping Hooks, four different sizes.
J. M. begs to inform the Public, that in the course of a few days he will open a General Store, and hopes by strict attention to business, and charging moderate profits, to merit a share of public patronage. -Otago Witness, 25/2/1854.
As seen in the above, John Mollison's prospects were looking healthier as the 1850s progressed and Dunedin began to reap the benefits of the settlers' hard work. John was happy to take a share in the prosperity by importing the things the people needed.
JOHN MOLLISON,
PRINCES STREET,
BEGS to intimate that he has received for Sale per "Stately" —
CHINA TEA SETS.
STONEWARE — including a Large Assortment of Milk Basins, Bowls, Pudding Dishes, Breakfast and Dinner-Plates of all kinds, in different patterns, Tureens, Cover Dishes, Mustards, &c, Cups and Saucers in variety, Cream Pots and Jugs, large and small. A few Bed-room Sets, &c.
DRAPERY. Welsh Flannels, Scotch Blankets, Blue Serge, Blue Flannels
Linen and Cotton Sheeting and Shirting
Bleached and Unbleached Calicoes — Prints and Ginghams
Furniture Prints and Stripes
Perth Winseys, plain and striped
Shawls — Gala Tartan — Shepherds' Plaids
Fingering and Wheeling Worsted
Tweeds and Cloths — Waterproof Coats
Ready-made Vests and Trowsers
Riding Boas
A Case of Ironmongery will be opened for Sale in a few days. -Otago Witness, 25/2/1854.
THE SUBSCRIBER would take this opportunity of returning thanks to the Public for the liberal Patronage he has received since he commenced business, and hopes in future to merit a continuance of that support.
He would beg to intimate that in futuie he in tends to adopt the system of Small Profits and Quick Returns. (He will render Accounts every three months.) To carry out this system, he has made a reduction on nearly every Article on hand. Should he meet with due encouragement, be will add to his Present Stock a general assortment of everything required by the Public, and Sell in Retail almost at Wholesale Prices.
On hand at present, a General Assortment of Provisions — Confectionery — About 700 Pairs of Boots and Shoes of different kinds — Blue Serge Shirts — Striped ditto. — Men's and Boys' Trowsers — Plaiding Drawers — Vests — Sheeting — Ladies' Filled Shawls and Dresses. Brandy — Rum — Gin — Sherry Wine — Fine Scotch Whisky, &c.
JOHN MOLLISON, Princes Street.
Shop open from 8 Morning to 7 at Night, Saturdays excepted. -Otago Witness, 5/8/1854.
CHEAP BOOTS AND SHOES.
JOHN MOLLISON
BEGS to intimate that he expects direct from home next month a quantity of Goods consisting of Alloa Worsted, Welsh Flannel, Blue Serge and Flannel, Scotch and English Plaiding, Shepherds' Plaids, Scotch Blankets, Drugget, Balmoral Winsies, Linen and Cotton Sheeting, Calicoes, Hoyle's Prints, &c, &c.
J. M. having purchased during the last fortnight nearly 300 pairs of Boots and Shoes, which he has marked off at extremely low prices to insure a quick return. He would recommend an early call, as they are selling off quick.
J. M. has on hand a General Assortment of Groceries, Crockery, Blue Serge Shirts, Regatta and Striped ditto., Men's and Youths' Black and Fancy Cloth Caps, Boys' Balmoral Glengarry Bonnets, Men's and Boys' Cord and Moleskin Trowsers, Oilskin Coats and Leggings, Linen and Cotton Sheeting, Neck Ties and Mufflers. A few Ladies' Shawls.
A Beautiful Piece of Black Satinette
A Splendid Kitchen Grate, with Boiler and Oven
Campbelltown Whisky, Wine, Rum, and Gin
Raspberry and Black Currant Jam and Jelly, &c, &c.
Princes Street, March 9. -Otago Witness, 10/3/1855.
Lists of things for sale are not usually the most interesting things in the world, but Mollison's imports are to this writer, as it shows what people were buying and shows a certain prosperity in those days before - and we all know it's coming - the shock of the Otago Gold Rush.
JOHN MOLLISON, PRINCES STREET,
HAS ON HAND
100 Pairs of Girls' Patent Calf and Cordovan Slippers
50 Pairs of Girls' Cashmere Boots, which he will Sell at decided Bargains
50 Pairs of Ladies' Cashmere Boots, superior quality
100 Pairs Ladies' Patent Calf and Cordovan Slippers, which he can recommend.
The above being only suitable for Summer, he has made a Reduction in Price so as to insure a quick Sale.
Gentlemen's Riding and Wellington Boots
Men's and Boys' Watertight ditto
Ladies' Leather and Boys' Cloth ditto
LIKEWISE Ladies' and Gentlemen's Plaids, a few Pieces of Tartan for Ladies' and Boys' Dresses, Winseys, Printed Muslin de Lame, Orleans, Black Coburg Prints, Superior Cord, Men's and Boys' Trowsers, Black Cloth Caps, Neck Ties, Oilskin Coats, &c.
SUNDRIES. Collins's Axes, Trays, Waiters, Tea Kettles, Brooms, Shoe Brushes, Curry and Mane Combs, Pocket Combs, Castor Oil, Salad Oil, Sugars, Teas, Chocolate, Sardines, Pickles, Mustard, Currants, Raisins, Sago, Arrowroot, Carbonate Soda, Yellow Soap, Candle, Confectionery, Spices, &c, &c.
Fresh Butter every Saturday morning. -Otago Witness, 15/12/1855.
Trade, and presumably life went on in a fairly reguar pattern for the Mollinsons through the rest of the 1850s, with a notable exception - a son was born on February 15, 1857. He lived for two days.
JOHN MOLLISON, PRINCES STREET,
HAS JUST RECEIVED A SPLENDID ASSORTMENT OF—
Ladies Circassian and Crape Dresses
Lustre and Alpaca Robes
Muslins and Prints
Wool, Cashmere, Barege, and Paisley Long Shawls
Persian and Brocaded Silk do.
Toilet Covers, Hosiery, and Haberdashery
ALSO, Gentlemen's and Boy's Circular Coats, suitable for the present season. -Otago Witness, 28/3/1857.
In the late 1850s John, who had arrived to ply his trade as a bootmaker, added another string to his bow, becoming a registered auctioneer. Possibly this was done so that he could rid his shop of unsold stock to make room for new arrivals, but he was soon selling on behalf. His advertising now referred to him as an "Auctioneer and General Merchant," and he was selling gold and silver watches.
The discovery of gold inland from Dunedin and the overwhelming invasion of diggers from over the seas was a heaven sent opportunity for all of the town's businesses. John Mollison wasted no time in catering for the new population of customers.
GOLD! GOLD!! GOLD!!!
WHO WON'T GO TO THE TUPEKA GOLD DIGGINGS?
Hurrah for the lads that are digging for the gold,
About the Tupeka the truth is really told;
Hurrah for the merry lads, that joined in the rush,
It will learn them the hardships of living in the bush.
Hurrah my merry diggers, before you make a start,
I would recommend you all to call at the "Diggers' Mart;"
There you'll get your Blankets, your Shovel, Pick, and Spade:
You're sure to make the Colony, and give a start to trade.
Should you give me but a call, I will suit you with the best —
With every sort of Clothing, from a Stocking to a Vest;
The Proprietor of the Mart will fit you out so nice:
"READY CASH" will be his motto, and the "VERY LOWEST PRICE."
ON HAND: GOLD DIGGERS' SHOVELS, PICKS, AND PROSPECTING PANS; 6 and 8 oz. Gold Scales; Scarlet, Blue, and White Blankets; 72-inch Calico (for Tents); Jumpers; Crimean, Blue, and Striped Shirts; Under-Clothing in great variety; Welsh Flannels; Wire; knitted Lambswool and Shetland Hosiery; Pilot Jackets; Tweed, Pilot, Cord, and Mole Trowsers - Belts; Watertight and Thigh Boots.
THE PROPRIETOR OF THE DIGGERS' MART,
Being creditably informed that a number of LADIES are to start (early) for the Diggings, to add to the comfort of their husbands;
IF SO, He would recommend them to give him a call before leaving, and inspect a splendid lot of WINCEYS (just arrived), suitable for the winter.
THE PROPRIETOR OF THE MART Will endeavour always to have on hand a select stock of Goods for the successful Digger, suitable for PRESENTS either for Wives or Sweethearts.
DIGGERS' MART, PRINCES-STREET. JOHN MOLLISON, PROPRIETOR. -Otago Witness, 6/7/1861.
But the good times did not last for the Mollison family. Typhoid struck Dunedin. The overwhelming of what little sanitary arrangements the town had by the camping - although brief - of thousands of miners newly arrived by sea meant the transmission of diseases by the "befouling" of the natural waterways.
DIED
On the 10th April, of gastric fever, after a short illness, Mr. John Mollison, Merchant. Dunedin late of Montrose, Forfarshire, Scotland. Lamented by the widow and family, and a large circle of friends and acquaintances. -Otago Daily Times, 14/3/1862.
GREAT CLEARING SALE OF DRAPERY, BOOTS AND SHOES, &c, &c.
THE whole of the valuable stock of the late Mr. John Mollison, Draper, &c, Princes-street, Dunedin, will be offered for sale at Prime Cost.
The stock consists of every article in drapery and men's clothing, and a great variety of boots, shoes, diggers' tools, &c.
The Shop will be open for business on Saturday, April 19th, when persons looking out for cheap bargains will do well to attend early, as this is a bona fide sale. The whole of the stock must be cleared out in three weeks. Note the Address.
Late JOHN MOLLISON, Princes-street, 3 doors from the Queen's Arms. -Otago Witness, 19/4/1862.
The precise locations of businesses in the old town of Dunedin are usually very difficult to pin down, and in this case the demise of the owner allows us to pinpoint the "Diggers' Mart." The Queen's Arms Hotel was on the site of the Empire Tavern, now remodelled as living accomodation. The mart having an entrance from Stafford Street places it three doors to the north of the Empire.
NOTICE.
ALL claims against the late John Mollinson, Princes-street, to be rendered immediately; and all outstanding debts to be paid without delay to the undersigned, at the store, in Princes-street.
ANNE MOLLISON. Dunedin, 23rd April, 1862. -Otago Daily Times, 5/5/1862.
DIED.
On the 5th instant, of gastric fever, Elizabeth Wallace Mollison, only daughter of the late John Mollison, merchant, Dunedin. The funeral will take place this day, at two o'clock p.m. Friends will please accept of this intimation. -Otago Daily Times, 7/5/1862.
FUNERAL NOTICE.
THE Friends of the late Mrs John Mollison are respectfully informed that her Funeral will move from Inverness Cottage, Filleul street, on Tuesday, 4th October, at 2.30 o'clock p.m., for the place of interment at the Southern Cemetery.
JOHN GILLIES. Undertaker, 18 George street and 11 Great King street. -Evening Star, 1/10/1887.
OTAGO EARLY SETTLERS' ASSOCIATION. (excerpt)
Votes of thanks were passed to Mr James S. Mollison, C.E., engineer in charge of Government public works, Orange, New South, Wales (son of the Mr John Mollison, Dunedin), for the presentation through Mr Peter Duncan, of two volumes of the Otago Witness, ranging from November, 1852, to June, l860. This gift is enhanced by the fact that Mr Mollison refused several offers by collectors and others, but sent the volumes over on hearing the association was about to erect an early settlers hall. -Otago Daily Times, 9/2/1904.
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