Thomas Blair

THOMAS BLAIR, Cab and Carriage Hirer, Omnibus Proprietor, Job and Post Master, and Funeral Undertaker, Eglinton Livery Stables, 9, Nelson Street, Glasgow, S.S.

    Few names are better known in Glasgow than that of Mr. Thomas Blair. Mr. Thomas Blair, over twenty-five years ago, was employed in business with his father, the late Mr. John Blair, of Paisley, a man well known and highly respected in the district, a fact which tended in no small degree to obtain the patronage which the public bestowed upon his son Thomas, who, soon after the death of his father, commenced business as omnibus proprietor in the Hutchesontown district of Glasgow. Business grew apace, and five years ago he acquired his present premises and added another department to his already extensive business, namely, that of funeral undertaking.

    The large livery stables and hiring establishment occupy a long line of lofty railway arches between Eglinton Street and Commerce Street, which have been specially fitted up for their accommodation, and form about the most commodious locale for a large business of this description that can be desired. Stabling is provided for some ninety horses and ample space for the innumerable cabs, ’buses, brakes, carriages, traps, and the great funeral undertaking equipment. The last department has attained notable dimensions, and Mr. Blair has spared neither trouble nor expense to provide the finest hearses, carriages, and Belgian horses procurable. The horses make a fine stud of twenty pairs, and will compare very favourably with any in the City. These have been specially obtained from Belgium for the purpose. All the other funeral paraphernalia are also provided in this department. The business in this line alone is increasing with great rapidity — a sure sign of the public appreciation of Mr. Blair’s efforts.

    Mr. Blair has created several important subsidiary departments in the immense space at his disposal, including a smithy for shoeing horses, repairs, etc, and carriage works, where he builds his own vehicles. The harness room contains a great display of every variety of harness, forming a reserve stock sufficient to meet any eventuality. The whole establishment is maintained in absolute order and cleanliness, and is, beyond doubt, a model in its way for comfort, airiness, and arrangement. The total stud at present numbers 120 horses, including superior post horses.

    To the front, facing Nelson Street, are the head offices, conveniently fitted up and provided with telephonic communication with the branch offices in London Road, Paisley Road, Abbotsford Place, East Pollokshields Station, and Crosshill ; The telephone number of the head office, we may mention, is 1449 ; and that of Albert Road, Crosshill, is 967. The position of the establishment is a very central one on the South Side and within easy reach of all parts of the City. Mr. Blair runs a service of well-appointed ’buses to Cathcart, Tollcross, Rutherglen, and other suburban places, which has long been recognised as one of the City institution. The brake and private carriage department is always largely drawn upon by excursionists, picnic parties, and tourists, particularly in the summer, while the cab-hiring section is always fully engaged.

    Such, in brief detail, is this large enterprise, whose development and perfect organisation reflect so much credit on its founder, and whose existence is of such public interest. Even in its youngest department — that devoted to funeral undertaking — this well-managed enterprise will undoubtedly challenge in an increasing degree the well-merited support of the community. Mr. Blair is yet a young man — frank, courteous, and universally popular ; a good judge of horses, and evidently born for the business. He has a splendid field before him, and will, no doubt, give a good account of himself in the future stages of his enterprising career.

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