My name is Allan Stratton.

Today I would like to share with you an important part of my history and a person I loved.

MY GRANDFATHER

This article was published in the February 1965 The New Zealand JEWELLER & WATCHMAKER and now to the world after he retired.

Fred Stratton was a chain smoker who went through three heart bypasses and had his voice box cut out and spoke in later life by whispering. I do not like smoking and it is about time people woke up to the fact that it injures people. I was only a child at that time but I knew when I had done something wrong. He was a Gentleman but suffered because of the habit.

This is his story.

VETERAN OF THE TRADE

One of the senior men in the jewellery trade in Auckland, now in retirement but still as actively interested in the trade as ever, is Mr F.N.Stratton, the well-known manufacturer.

Born in Melbourne in the year 1900, Frederick Norton Stratton on leaving school was apprenticed to the jewellery trade with Harrad Brothers, Melbourne, who at the time had 150 people on their staff. His recollections of his apprenticeship in those days are still vivid. They were tough, the hours were long, and the pay a mere pittance in today’s conditions. He left for New Zealand in 1923.

For the next six years he was associated with and managed the firm of manufacturing jewellers known as Kattefelt, Auckland.

In 1929 he left to begin business on his own account and established the firm of F.N.Stratton.

At the latter end of the war, 1944, he built the factory on its present site in New North Road, Morningside, Auckland.

After the war he was responsible for training a number of ex-servicemen under the rehabilitation scheme and was commended publicly for his efforts.

Another point worthy of note is that Mr Stratton was the only jeweller who gave goods and services to the country jewellers during the war, and hired a taxi to do it.

He is a foundation member of the Jewellers Association and was an active member of the Apprenticeship Committee with the late Mr P.C.Coltman.

Fred Stratton in 1960 retired due to ill health. His 64 years seem to rest lightly on his shoulders and his interest in the jewellery trade is as keen as ever.

The business is now run by his son, who in turn has apprenticed his son—truly a family business. We wish Fred Stratton a long and happy retirement and along with the many jewellers who have had business with him over the years we would like to say

“It has been a pleasure to know you.”

I hope you like the history.

Now I am a Grandfather.

Cheers

Allan