HIGH-CLASS CONFECTIONERY.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 142, 17 June 1926, Page 11

HIGH-CLASS CONFECTIONERY.

BROWNE BROS. AND GEDDES, LTD. The exhibit of Messrs. Browne Bros, and Geddes, Ltd., chocolate and confectionery manufacturers, of Newmarket, is one of the most interesting and attractive displays at the Winter Exhibition. All classes of goods manufactured by this well-known firm are displayed, features of particular interest being two working models made entirely of silk dressed icing sugar as supplied by the firm to all the leading bakers in the city and suburbs. The models, which are the work of Mr. J. H. Arthur, factory superintendent, are a windmill, the wings of which turn unceasingly extolling the virtues of Browne Bros, and Geddes' buttered goods, and a lighthouse with a flashlight which draws the attention of visitors to the exhibit. Displayed on the benches are tastefully packed boxes of the various lines of chocolates. These are manufactured to the highest possible standard. In the centre of the exhibit is a display of fancy boxes which •is wonderfully attractive. These boxes, which are all manufactured in Auckland, are bo tasteful that visitors to the exhibition expressed surprise that these boxes are not given more prominence in our shop windows. Worthy of special mention is the display of jubes and crystallised jellies which sparkle attractively and, as the general public know, taste just as good as they look. Large fancy jars placed in the hollow pillars of the stand, contain specimen work of the boiled sugar, caramel and pan goods departments. In many of the giant jars are specimens of buttered goods which are undoubtedly better than the imported article. These goods are made from the finest nuts in the world and the rich butter coating is made from New Zealand's finest product. Chief amongst these buttered goods is a new and tastey sweet called "ButtaWundas." The name describes this confection perfectly, for there is no doubt whatever that it is a wonderful buttered sweet.

As well as the large packed boxes of chocolates there is a display of fancy boxes. "Fascinating,," "Distinctive," "Charming" and "Carlton"—and of these it can be said that both for quality and attractive packing they are unequalled in the Dominion. Two large Pansy boxes stand at the back of the exhibit, and this well-known line in all its sizes is displayed on the stand. The quality of the Pansy box never varies and it is favourably known from one end of the Dominion to the other. Rapid progress has been made by this enterprising firm during its 30 years existence. The first place of business was in the old Parnell Hall. Later, a move was made to better premises In Stanley Street. The business is now carried on in commodious and up-to-date premises in Manukau Road, Newmarket. Here the goods are manufactured under ideal conditions by a staff of skilled workers. The factory is a model of cleanliness throughout and its entire staff of 200 employees is uniformed. Goods are now turned out in the highest state of perfection and under the strictest supervision, which ensures that the public receive the manufactures in tip-top condition. An up-to-date motor truck service is maintained for the delivery of goods in Auckland. The company's wares enjoy more than a local popularity, however. In addition to being supplied to retailers in all parts of the Dominion, they are exported to Australia as well as Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Rarotonga, Tahiti and the Cook Islands and other British dependencies. Messrs. Browne Bros, and Geddes, Ltd., are showing by their activities that there is at least one firm in New Zealand which is worthy of the support of New Zealand consumers on account of the state of perfection reached in the manufacture of their chocolates and confectionery. They have lately installed a research laboratory equipped in the most up-to-date manner and under the control of a chemist, who has had special training in the appliance of science to the confectionery industry. All raw materials are tested in the laboratory, thus ensuring that only the finest of the world's products are used in the manufacture of Browne Bros, and Geddes' chocolates and confectionery. Parents can, therefore, rest assured that all sweets manufactured by this firm are absolutely pure and wholesome and can be given with the utmost confidence to their children.

A considerable amount of money is being spent this year in remodelling the whole factory with up-to-date plant and machinery, and the firm claim that this is the best-equipped confectionery factory south of the line. The capital invested in the company and its management are entirely local, and in view of this fact and the importance of this industry it is hoped that the Government will provide more adequate protection. The company's wares are recognised as equal, if not superior, to the very best imported lines, and although some varieties may cost a little more than other local manufactures their high standard must be taken into, consideration. The firm is actually supplying a product equal to imported chocolates and sweets at a price only slightly in advance of the average Dominion product. The employees of the firm receive splendid consideration, personal comfort and recreation beinsr the keynote of the I firm's regard for them. Messrs. Browne Bros, and Geddes. Ltd., recognise this I principle. Playing areas are provided I for the staff, and in winter socials and | dances, as well as skating, are induleed ! in. The old University building, which was, incidentally, the seat of the first Government of New Zealand, was purchased some years ago for this purpose. Inspection of the firm's premises by in- ; terested parties is welcomed.