IN THE SERVICE OF OTHERS

Celebrating
123 Years

Black and white photograph of a vintage two-story building decorated with string lights and holiday ornaments, with signs reading "H&J Smith" and "Welcome."

Design celebrating 123 years from 1900 to 2023 with stylized text and decorative elements.

A CENTURY AT THE HEART OF SOUTHLAND

For more than a century, H&J Smith has stood at the heart of Southland life – a place where generations of families worked, shopped, and connected. From its early beginnings to its role as a cornerstone of regional retail, H&J Smith’s story is one of service, community, and enduring pride.

A TRIBUTE IN WORDS AND MEMORIES

In the Service of Others is a beautifully crafted commemorative book that captures 123 years of H&J Smith through the words and memories of the people who built it. Inside its pages are heartfelt stories, rare photographs, and personal reflections from staff, customers, and families whose lives were touched by this beloved institution.

A CELEBRATION OF SOUTHLAND’S SPIRIT

More than a history, this book is a tribute to Southland itself – to the people whose spirit, loyalty, and hard work shaped H&J Smith into something far greater than a store. It is a celebration of legacy, connection, and the shared values that have bound our community together for generations.

Book titled 'In the Service of Others: The History of H. G. Smith' with a cover image of a historic boardwalk scene.

Available now exclusively at Paper Plus

In the Service of Others is a timeless keepsake for anyone who calls Southland home. Purchase your copy online or find it at select South Island stores:

Invercargill, Gore, Winton, Alexandra, Cromwell, Wanaka, Mosgiel, Te Anau, Dunedin