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Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2297, 16 September 1908, Page 1

It lias been estimated t'bat from the New Zealand boot factories at least 30 tons of leather arc wasted every month. Heretofore this had been burnt, or manufacturers have paid carters to take it away and destroy it. Old rubber, such as bicycle tyres, and old boots and saddlery can now all be reclaimed, and these articles form the chief materials from which “leatherubber” is made. The inventor is Hr H, Lewis, of Melbourne, and the largo factory which he has had erected was officially opened at the beginning of last month. The machinery was started by the Premier of Victoria, Sir Thomas Bent, and congratulatory speeches ivei'o made by the Minister of Education (Mr Saclisc), the Minister oi Agriculture (Mr Swinburne), the president of the Chamber of Manufactures (Mr. Joshua), and the agricultural expert (Or Brown). In commenting on the success of the opening ceremony and the great importance of the discovery, the “Australian Leather Journal’” says it is probable that the most sanguine expectations of the promoters will be completely realised.