THE "FLEXILE" BRAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 300, 17 December 1923, Page 9

THE "FLEXILE" BRAND.

OF BOOTS AND SHOES

A SUBSTANTIAL CONCERN

Convincing evidence of the progress De ing made in the boot industry is afforded by a visit to tiie new factory of Messrs. Dearsley. Limited, in Nugent Street, off the top of Khyber Puss. The •writer is not unacquainted with the trade in question, but confesses to receiving more than a mild surprise, both at the magnitude of the Dearsley works, and warehouses, and at the wonderful efficiency of the equipment and sound materials utilised in the production of the "Flexile"' brand of boots and shoes which have a distinct and increasing demand throughout the Dominion. If the general public could be daily accommodated on visits of inspection to the Dearsley manufacturing house, a bold, but nevertheless sincere opinion can be ventured, that such seekers of quality footwear would, with reason, eschew the imported article, and there would he little need to drive home the industrial adjuration, "support your own industries." To support that contention the building and the general activities of the firm under inspection hears tribute. A HAPPY FACTORY. It is testimony to healthy competition in this country that Dearsley's retain the services of a keen stuff of travelling representatives, whose closest attention to selling agents in all parts of New Zealand is demanded because the people have come to recognise the reliability of the boots and shoes that are issued under the 'Flexile" name. This expressed market has its reflex in the works themselves, where considerable skilled labour is employed to use the wide range of modern machinery and co-ordinate efforts in production. The firm takes a real pride in its staff and this is exemplified in the refreshment periods permitted daily and in the rest and meal rooms provided. A library is another facility for the benefit of the workers. These things illustrate that Dearsley adopt the scientific and humane attitude, that, like bread cast upon the waters, comes back a thousandfold in loyalty, and purposeful efficiency. The all-round bright, airy and pleasant appointments of the commodious factory bespeak this happy consummation. The staff's social proclivities cenrre arouna what is known as the ''Flexile Guild,"' of which all employees are members. The annual social, picnic and schemes having for their object the development of the organisation, publicity and suchlike, are exceedingly popular. Whilst working under an award, the employees share in the annual profit, and this willing spirit of co-operation has, in striking fashion, engendered a pride in the institution and everything associated with it. During the "Boy's Week" recently held by the Rotary Club, parties of schoolboys went through the works and subsequently described their impressions in essays, the firm giving a prize. Some of the juvenile critics showed much appreciation of the visit and its educational value, the comprehensive descriptions of the manufacturing methods, being exceptionally well thought out. EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL. It may be stated emphatically that "Flexile" footwear is made of the world's finest Isather procurable, and a long experience by Mr. Dearsiey, senior, has proved that New Zealand leather is as durable and well tanned as that from any other part of this planet. In any ease Mr. Dearsley believes, as his public activities have demonstrated, that our secondary Industries deserve support and encouragement. A tour through the factory denotes that the making of boots and shoes is conducted under the most sanitary conditions, no leather that is not entirely free from hide disease, dry and otherwise fault-proof being used. Keeping in touch with the leading last-makers of the day the firm is able to guarantee the fitness of its output for the well-shaped feet of New Zealanders. A large sample and packing room on the first floor of the warehouse contains a varied array of "Flexile" brands and upstairs is the department where the young women are engaged in the designing and preparation of "uppers." Unlike most boot-making establishments the "Home of Flexile" is not cramped for space and visitors are enabled in the good light and fresh atmosphere, to follow the various processes with ease. Right through from where the leather is pressed, the upper soles tacked to the lasts, ready for the machine that sews and welts the fust sole, to the yielded product, there is system and finish. The firm specialises in men's boots and shoes and in this respect any man who sees the quality put into the "Flexile" need have no fear about the duality or style. Before the sole is completed one notes a laying on of a thickness of rublierised cork which gives flexibility and lightness. After treatment and other skilled "doctorine." the heel is fixed and examination shows that the "Flexile" is notably free from protruding nails in the sole which, inside feels like a glove. Having seen the wide range of laboursaving machines all round the spacious floor, yon come to the department where the finishing touches are applied. A PROVED PRODUCT. Shelves of this completed Auckland article, ready for boxing and dispatch to the shops, reveal that the "Flexile" is a proved product. At tbe present time the works are going night and day to fulfil Christmas orders. The Dearsley factory, in brick, is situated upon a high and healthy elevation and the firm is at present having the adjoining grounds laid out in rockeries, lawns, and garden plots. The management has asked that it be made known of its pleasure to show groups' of primary or secondary school pupils through the establishment, if sufficient notice is given, so that arrangements can be made to prevent interference with routine operations. The invitation of the Government to send Home a special exhibit of "Flexile" hoots and shoes for the Empire Exhibition has been acceded to by the firm.