M O'BRIEN AND CO., LTD,

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16519, 10 May 1919, Page 12

M O'BRIEN AND CO., LTD,

MANUFACTURERS OF THE

FAMOUS "PREMIER" FOOTWEAR

Environment is always reflected in human effort—the better the environment, the better the product of human effort. Machines do much to speed-up production and facilitate work, but the paramount factor in all manufacturing is the brain that guides tho tool or manipulates tho machine. In turn, it is the mental outlook of tho worker — the surroundings in which the work is done—which govern the worker's brain and win or lose whole-hearted co-opera-tion in any large business. And this co-operation is tco great to be measured by mere figures or valued by mere money. One has only io visit the "0.8.' Boot Faclon.*, ,31 Dundas street, Christchurch. to realise the primary foundation of their reputation for the best workmanship in Dominion-made footwear—"Premier" in every sense of the word. One has only to inspect the fine "O'B.'' factory—tho most up-to-date and best laid-out one in the Dominion —and note the airy workrooms where tho operatives 'enjoy sunshine tho whole day lonir. To see how tho comfort, oi all" employees is considered —tennis court provided for recreation, and hot. and cold shower baths for all who desire them. Tho girls are provided witn morning and afternoon tea, and t-io men-folk enjoy a half-hour smoke morning and afternoon. Then there are tno happy relations existing between ' the Heads" and the operatives. All these factors develop pride—pride in self, pride in won-:, with the result tha* O'Brien's Premier Footwear is recognised all over the Dominion for the excellence of workmanship and fiuisii. Messrs M. O'Brien and Co., Ltd., were first established in Greymouth m 1566, but moved to Christehurch during the year 1884, and from then on their lx>ots and shoes have occupied first place ill public estimation. While this manufacture every class of boot and shoo lor man, woman, maid, and boy, it is to "common sense" lines —'lines that give long .wear and greatcomfort—that they devote most- of their energies. For the mannfacturc of men's heavy working boots they are famous throughout New Zealand, and letters of commendation _ on the splendid wear and comfort given by their products are continually* _ reaching them. They were the original contractors for Armv boots, arid so thorough was the workmanship they put into these, that many soldiers wrote from France, ordering new boots that they could rely on to render them the service they required. All products of the O'Brien factory bear the brand "Premier,'' but there art* .three special brands in addition that arc used for the best men's boots.

THE "O.B." BOOTS. This is easily tho finest men's boot made in New Zealand.. No effort is spared to make it eo, and maintain the high standard of quality. Designed with due regard to tho anatomy of the foot it gives exceptional comfort. Long-wearing qualities are scoured by only using the very best leathers procurable. The uppers are "viscolised," and this adds to their life and at tho same time waterproofs them. The soles are welted and nothing skimped, either in material or workmanship, to proluce tho highest grade boot a man can wish for. Kverv man, when next purchasing a nair of boots, who asks ■r and insists on getting the "O.B." boot, will derive many months of comfort and good wear from his purchase. THE "LONG LIFE" BOOT, A superb boot simitar to. but re shade lighter, than the "O.B." For winter wear in the city it is in every way excellent, and reflects the same line qualities of material and workmanship which characterises the "O.B." boot. THE "EZYWAUKR" BOOT.

This is a finely finished city boot of a glace kid. Very similar in design to the two above, it is a boot calculated to give great comfort, and it is no exaggeration to say that if the "Ezywaukr" was more universally worn fewer city men would know what it is to have.any discomfort wit-K their feet. Every pair of "Ezywaukr" boots arc fitted with O'Sullivan's Rubber Heels—the first and still the best rubber heel to come to New Zealand. • In connexion with O'Sullivan's Rubber Heels, it is interesting to note that Mr O'Brien's first order was for six dozen—tho first lot qf rubber heels to reach the Dominion—to-day this firm imports twenty-five thousand pairs every month—ample testimony of their popularity.

Needless to say, the most modern machinery is used by this firm in their factory, and every care is exercised to see that all their products are flawless in material, style, and workmanship. Look for the "Premier" Brand when next selecting footwear and enjoy the largest measure of satisfaction from .your purchase that it is possible to obtain.