Newspaper Article 1996 – 65-year era ends

65-year era nears end

Hastings shop Sutcliffes Music Centre is for sale, marking the end of a 65 year era.

Sutcliffe manager of 40 years and one of five shareholders, Owen Knight, is retiring at the end of the month, leaving the shop without a working shareholder.

“It’s the fact I’m retiring and that all the shareholders are retired that we’re selling. We’re in no hurry to sell, though,” Mr Knight said.

Michael Deslandes is the new manager and a takeover by long serving staff is possible, Mr Knight said.

The shareholding in Sutcliffes has barely changed since the 1940s.

James Edmund Sutcliffe established the shop in 1931. He had worked for music shop owner, Archie Don, in the Albert Hotel block.

Mr Don’s music will be heard again when the Hastings Operatic Society put on Syd Ribbands’ operetta Marama next month.

Mr Sutcliffe, whose daughter-in-law Gladys Morrison is one of the shareholders along with John Mullany, was a city councillor.

Mr Sutcliffe sought out Mr Knight in 1954 for his musical knowledge to work in the store. He became manager after Mr Sutcliffe died in 1960.

Turnover is up on last year and already there is interest from buyers. A price has not been set, Mr Knight said.

“The business is in very good hands and heart. The beauty of the store is its location and specialised staff. We’re holding our own against strong opposition because of the service we give.”

Mr Knight has been active in the Chamber of Commerce and Hastings Rotary. He will continue duty as a justice of the peace from his Havelock North home. He also wants spend more time playing the instruments he once entertained with at the former Mayfair Hotel and other functions.

Photo caption – Mr Knight… sought for his musical knowledge.