Flint Street, Singapore
James Motion, born, 1845, died 1893.
James Motion & Co. - Singapore - 1906
JAMES MOTION and Co., Watchmakers, Jewellers and Opticians, Flint Street.
Gold, silver, and precious stones seem to have been specially created for the many purposes to which they are devoted. Apart from their unexcelled materialistic qualities, it is difficult to conceive what could take their place in the innumerable ornamental uses they serve. It might be argued that ornamentation is an unnecessary item in our environments; but, as a matter of fact, civilisation is based on ornamentation. It first manifested itself in decoration with shells, feathers, and human scalps; and when gold, silver, and precious stones took their place, the race had made great advance from the sloughs of its pristine animalism. Modern jewellery is eloquent of the progress that has been attained not only in aesthetic ornamentation, but in mechanical and scientific achievements, and the glittering stock in the premises of Messrs. James Motion and Co. illustrates the ingenuity, the art, and the skill exercised in their manufacture. Very few of the many persons who pass the somewhat prosaic exterior of this firm's establishment realise the variety of its stock–a stock that represents some of the cleverest attainments of the leading manufacturers of such goods throughout the world. Of articles for personal adornment and utility, such as rings, brooches, chains, studs, links, etc., the assortments are particularly commendable, and folks who may have sought in vain elsewhere for specially uncommon designs and novelties in this direction are sure to find in Messrs. James Motion and Co,'s establishment specimens that will at once appeal. As a matter of fact, considerable difficulty must be experienced in making a choice, and when one has settled on any particular sample, another look round invariably reveals something much better and more suited to the nature of the gift or its circumstance. The way in which gold is worked into combination with precious stones of all kinds could keep one inspecting them indefinitely. There arcarticles here that the richest millionaires might present to their wives, fianeces, or sisters with pride and satisfaction. There are jewels of the first water that scintillate like living fires in all colours of the rainbow.
The display of watches is an exhibition full of interest as showing the numerous varieties on the market, ranging from strong serviceable kinds, within the reach of the most straitened exchequers, to specimens that only the wealthy can buy. People contemplating the purchase of a clock that can be depended on–not a trashyarticle, fit only for the scrap heap, or a mere ornament that will lose its utility in a short period–will do well to call upon the firm and see the variety they keep. The stock of cunning gold and silver work in the form of table utensils and presentation plate of every description shows what can be accomplished by careful selection and a knowledge of the best sources of supply.
Probably the most noteworthy section of the stock is the fine assortment of chronometers, ships' compass adjusters, spectacles, sextants, binoculars, telescopes, patent logs, drawing instruments, thermometers, etc., which would be difficult to improve upon for variety and quality. Nautical goods are the firm's leading speciality, and, needless to say, their resources in this direction are well taken advantage of.
In the operative departments work of the most delicate and difficult character is performed by specialists conversant with every operation which they may be called upon to undertake. Briefly, the firm is one in which the utmost confidence may be placed for their beautiful and serviceable goods and their unexcelled workmanship.
The business is the oldest of its kind in Singapore, and has been established about half a century. The firm's name is, it will be noticed, extremely appropriate. The proprietor is Mr. D. Maw.
Source: Seaports of the Far East - Historical and Descriptive, Commercial and Industrial Facts, Figures & Resources - A.Macmillan - 1907
JAMES MOTION & Co.
Fifty years ago, when the trade in Singapore was in its infancy, there were only two, or three watchmakers in the town, and there was naturally ample scope for Mr. Motion, who at that time started in business as watchmaker, jeweller, and nautical instument maker. Upon his death in 1893, Mr. Lawson took over the business, and he was succeeded four years later by Mr. Maw, the present proprietor. This gentleman hails fra' Scotland, and before joining Messrs. Motion, he was for fifteen years with Messr. John Little & Co., Ltd. The original building occupied by the firm was pulled down and re-errected in 1880, in Flint Street, opposite the Post Office. The firm are makers of Chronometers, clocks, and watches, and all kinds of nautical instruments, as well as being jewellers. Mr. Maw is a certificated compass adjuster, and is recognised by the Board of Trade. Consequently compass-adjusting forms a special feature of the firm's business. They are also agents for Lord Kelvin and Heath's nautical instruments. A large and valuable stock is always kept on hand. Mr Maw is a noted sportsman. He was the first European to shoot tigers in Singapore by driving them out of the jungle into the open and shooting them on foot. Seven of these beasts of prey have fallen to his gun. Years ago the island of Singapore was a big-game hunter's paradise, and, as recently as ten years ago, Mr. Maw often saw on the island samburs, wild pigs, tigers, porcupines, plandoh, and kerjangs (barking deer). He is as keen as ever on his favourite pastime.
Source: Twentieth Century Impressions of British Malaya - Arnold Wright - 1908
Daniel Maw was listed as a qualified Juror at Singapore in 1904, he was described as a partner in the firm of James Motion & Co., his private address was recorded as 4, Dublin Road, Singapore.
Source: Straits Settlements Government Gazette - 21st October 1904
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