M'MILLAN'S LEATHER.

Evening Post, Volume XCII, Issue 107, 2 November 1916, Page 20

M'MILLAN'S LEATHER.

• Another important industry Palmerston North can boast about is the manufacture of unbreakable leather. Who is there who has not heard of "M'Millan's halters, bridles, stockwhip thongs, etc., made from leather tanned by a special process at the factory in Hokowhitu, and guaranteed to be absolutely unbreakable. The retail shop is situated next to Abraham and William's offices, and there is always something there to interest visitors" to .< the town. Mr. M'Millan's business -hate been established for the past twenty-three years, and has from time to time been developed along progressive lines. M'Millan's boot and harness preservative is another fine thing made at the Hokowhitu factory, and as a protection to boots in wet and wintry weather, and a leather preservative generally, its equal has not yet' been found. The business is managed by Mr. M'Millan himself, and persons visiting the town during Show time are invited to call and see the many interesting lines at the retail shop.

Messrs P. Robert and Co.'s business as military outfitters, embroiderers, and manufacturers.of all goods appertaining to the requirements of the military and naval" authorities, has been established m Palmerston-North since 1882, and can claim the distinction of being the onlyone of its kind in the Dominion. The Robert family have been closely associated with class of business for many generations back, and the foundation of the embroiderers' art was first laid in ■France during the troublesome times of the religious wars in the sixteenth century by the precent principals' ancestors. In 1772 members of the family crossed over to England, and there commenced business also. The late Mr.- Robert, father of the present head of the firm, was an expert, tradesman, and after following this vocation for some time as a youth, sailed for New Zealand in 1872, and after visiting various parts selected a farm at Stoney Creek, just outside Palmerston. There was in those days, of course, no need for military embro.d-

erers, .but after a few years of farming, he established the business now owned, and .successfully carried on since his death, by Mr. P. Robert, his second son.,' Since the commencement of the' present war, the firm have had a.very busy time indeed, and to better cope with tha enormous increase in trade the above premises, which are situated on Main-street, just below the Palmerston North Post Office, have been secured, and have proved a very busy centre. The showroom and front "shop contain a very large stock of everything required by officers and men of our expeditionary contingents, and, indeed, all needs in the way of uniforms, caps, badges, regalia for Masonic orders, friendly societies, religious bodies, etc. At the rear of the premises there is an extensive factory, in which is installed a complete plant for the manufacture of buttons, badges, etc., besides the more elaborate details of the embroiderer's art. The principals are very hard workers themselves, and employ a staff of 50 in

the factory, and some'indication of the important bearing this business has a', the present time can best be" judged by personal inspection of ; the artistically dressed premises and windows. Here are to be seen complete, outfits for officers and other, soldiers. Elaborate gold and silver lace work and general equipment, besides beards, wigs, and all manner of fancy dresses for hire and.sale. Messrs. Robert and Co. have been particularly successful in the supply of these latter, and practically every carnival or fancy dress competition that takes place Robert and Co.'s clients score'the first prize.' Mr. Robert, besides giving general supervision ,to his trade, has given valuable service to the district in a commercial way. He is at the present time chairman of the Whakaronga Co-op. Cheese Factory, and in this alone has done excellent work for the settlers in the district. "Mr. Robert is a popular townsman, being highly esteemed for his general good nature and straightforwardness.