It is believed that this firm was engaged in transport or heavy engineering, as well as other things, in Luxford Street, Wellington. We understand they were among the first to import and service Hiab Hoists to New Zealand.
One of the 'other things' that they did was to manufacture some of the pull-along toys that were so popular at the time. These consisted of sheet steel cabs and engine cowlings, fitted with turned wooden boilders, wheels, rollers, etc.
The fact that they were proud of their products is manifest because of an unusual rubber stamps used on their toys to advertise that they were...
"Entirely made in New Zealand by
ABINGDONS LTD ENGINEERING
WELLINGTON"
Only a couple of their toys are shown, simply because they are the only two known! They were finally taken over by Steel Bros. of Treffers Road, Christchurch, but although enquiries have been made, it appears there are no records concerning Abingdons toy making enterprises.
Needless to say, we would be delighted to hear from anyone who has any Abingdons toys.
- Barry Young, 2002
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