A New Field for Industrial Enterprise.
The Governor of a Gaol is not by any means a likely person to win credit for opening out a new field for local industry. Yet this is precisely what Mr P. S. Garvej, Governor of Wellington Gaol, has been instrumental in doing. While on a visit to tbe convict establishment. at Milford Sound some six months ago he shot some porpoises whose hides he preserved and brought back with him to Wellington. Some of these were allowed to remain steeped in brine for a period of four months, after which they were sent to Messrs Hirst and Go's fellmongery at Kaiwarra to be taniied. The result was the production of leather of most excellent quality. Mr Garvey took it to Mr Ha,nnah (the well-known boot and shoe manufacturer and importer), who was both surprised and delighted with it. In conversation with one of our reporters on Tuesday last, Mr Hannah said : 'In quality this porpoise leather is about the best of any sort I have ever handled in the colonies. It is admirably adapted for ladies' and gentlemen's boots or shoes, and I regard it as the best wearing material in existence. It is impossible to pull a strip of it asunder with the hands. At the same time it is light, smooth, and as pliant and yielding as kid. Bo pleased am I with it that I have offered the tanners a big price for a ton of it, and I am now awaiting their estimate to determine whether or not to go in largely for it. Up to the present, porpoise leather has not been tried losally in the making of boots and shoes I have imported it at various times, but it is very difficult to procure now. lam of opinion that as porpoises abound on our coast, this leather presents an opening for a flourishing industry.' Our reporter was shown a sample of the leather, and it certainly justifies Mr Hannah's opinion. It is of remarkable strength, and is, moreover, as light and elastic as the best kid. — Times.
[With reference to this we may mention that Mr S. Startup, of this town, has had some similar leather during the past month.]
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Manawatu Herald, 24 March 1892, Page 3
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373A New Field for Industrial Enterprise. Manawatu Herald, 24 March 1892, Page 3
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