Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, MAY 8, 1920. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 2125, 8 May 1920, Page 2

Manawatu Herald SATURDAY, MAY 8, 1920. NOTES AND COMMENTS.

“THERE must assuredly be something in soap besides its cleansing properties,” remarks a contemporary, and the .statement is borne out by the figures of a prospectus issued by Lever Bros., and appearing in London files recently to hand. From this prospectus it seems that the “authorised” capital, in shares of various characters and dimensions, is 100 millions. Of this, however, the presently “paid-lip” amount is just under 26 millions. The prospectus mentioned invites subscriptions for another 1 millions of 7 per cent, preference shares to be fully paid it]) forthwith. This sum is wanted to make up about "8 millions required for buying out the Niger Company, Ltd., thus “'safeguarding the supplies of West African oils and oleaginous seeds ami nuts used in the manufacture of soap and margarine.” The vendor company scorns also to have been’ a highly profitable concern, as its £l,shares are being taken over on the basis of £6 10s per share, and its last two yearly dividends have been at the rate of 171 per cent., while the “carry-over*' to reserve from lasi year’s profits alone is said to he “sufficient to pay (he annual dividends on -the shares now offered more than four times over." It will be readily understood that, with attractive established commercial propositions Mich as this offering; a fairly certain 7 per cent., the chance of getting cheap money is not likely to come for some time. The •virtual amalgamation that is also to he effected is only another''among the many instances of capitalistic concentrations that are going on—tor o - good or,for evil, according to the prospectus the Lever concern holds interests generally, no doubt.

“controlling” ini crests —“in 90 Associated Companies with numerous brunches or selling agencies throughout the world."