A NEW AND FLOURISHING INDUSTRY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4796, 10 August 1894, Page 3

A NEW AND FLOURISHING INDUSTRY.

Messrs Birnbam and Sons, Ltd,, Waterproof Manufactory, .

Messrs Birnbaum and Sons, Limited,thecclebratedEnglisli waterproof manufacturing house, who have fjeon established in Wellington for some time, have recently opened a -new establishment in Victoria Street, and as.tlie establishment of such an important industry as that carried on by the firm in question is of considerable moment to tlio community. We think a few words regarding tlic enterprise may bo of interest to our readers. Nearly half a century ago Messrs Birnbaiun and Son started in business as waterproof manufacturers in Wick Lane, Bow, Loudon, E.C., and ever sinco that time the firm has held the foremost place in its particular line of trade, from the fact that the proprietors recognised at once thatsomething bettor was required than the unhealthy and evil smelling articles which wero for years known by the name of macintoshes, SO named lifter the Scotchman who first patented the invention of making cloths impervious to moisture. Every year saw an improvement in tlio goods turned out by the firm until to-day Messrs Bimbaum's goods have no equal in the world. The firm in its London factory employs at tie present moment over 1000 hands, in Melbourne 150, and in Wellington 52, in addition to its other numerous branches and agencies. Gold medals have been taken for tliefirm's waterproofs in Vienna (1873), Santiago (1875), Paris (1878), Sydney (1879), Melbourne (1888), Paris (1889), and in JDunedin (1890). It will thus be seen that these goods havo obtained pride of place amongst all comers in every part of the world, About six months ago Mr W. R, C. Fox, agentleman of wide business experience, gained in every part of the globe, and an expert in the manufacture and sale of waterproof goods accepted the position of manager for New Zealand, The splendid prom ises now occupied by the firm were at once taken and the factory removed from the temporary building in Cornhill Street, off Manners Street, and at once he succeeded in putting tlio business on a solid foundation by his energy, tact, geniality and commercial acumen, Tbo output for New Zealand was very quickly doubled and the firm now sells a dozen waterproofs whom ono of another make is bought. The splendid quality of the goods offered admits of no comparison, and henco it is not surprising to learn of the success of the firm's New Zealand branch, Tlio firm manufactures almost entirely in the Colony for local consumption, thereby reducing the cost to tho buyer by the amount of duty payablo on tho articles imported, as the raw material comes in duty free, Our representative on being shown over tlio large and complete establishment by the courteous manager, was delighted at the price, quality and finish of tlio various goods, and therefore we can speak with no uncertain sound ps to tlio merits of Messrs Birnbaum's manufactures. The establishment. was recently honoured by ft long visit of inspection from His Excellency the Governor, and Lord Glasgow, expressed his surprise and pleasure <at the elaborate and substantial uatu'ro of the'work turned out from the 'factory.' The establishment of .euol*

an important industry in Wollington as the business of Messrs Birnbanm nnd,Son is a matter for hearty congratulation, and we hope tho firm will longfhid a resting place on these) shoves and tlmt tlio trade so auspiciously begun may develop year by year in raagnitudo as a fitting reward for the enterprise displayed; As it is an ill wind which blows no ono any good, wo may also congratulate tlio firm upon tlio inclemency of its opening season here, which lias given fresh impetus to tho sale throughout the Colony of the justly celobmtcd pear-tree brand,