There is a superb web page about Begg's in Dunedin, New Zealand, even
describing how they had a good business selling player pianos and
rolls. It was written by Clare Gleeson, the great-great-granddaughter
of Charles Begg, the firm's founder. She also produced a book,
"Meet Me at Begg's," in 2012.
https://www.audioculture.co.nz/scenes/begg-s-the-musical-and-electrical-centre
It's a great description of what was clearly an impressive operation,
having at one time more than 800 staff! It survived for 110 years,
the music shops being sold off in 1970 after poor direction of the
business. However, its importing-business offshoot, the Musical Import
Company Ltd., survives.
Julian Dyer
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