GROWTH OF AUCKLAND TRADE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17125, 2 April 1919, Page 6

GROWTH OF AUCKLAND TRADE.

SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS FIRMS.

SOME UP-TO-DATE ENTERPRISES.

ATTRACTIVE GOODS FOR ALL. Now that the strain of war is over Auckland manufacturers and tradesmen are looking forward to a period of prosperity and an increased demand for goods from nil classes of the buying public. With the return of a large number of members of the Expeditionary Forces from service overseas many requirements for home, farm, and business will have to be met, while all commercial and private undertakings will now see their way clear to make purchases for development work, which has in many instances been postponed owing to uncertainty as to the future. As New Zealand's busiest and most important trade centre Auckland has made vast strides in recent years, and a continuance of this progress being assured the business people of the community are arranging to meet the demands which will certainly be made upon them. The excellence of all goods manufactured locally or imported by local enterprises is well known, and in tho following columns, descriptive of a variety of businesses, will be found details of the work of establishments that will play their respective part in the future of the city and the province. A study of the articles below should be profitable to the citizen who is intent on keeping abreast of the times.

STRIKING SUCCESS OF FARMERS' CO-OPERATION.

(THE FARMERS' UNION TRADING CO. (AUCKLAND) LTD. RAPID PROGRESS AND BIG DEVELOPMENTS. EVERY FARMER SHOULD TAKE SHARES. New Zealand owes her present prosperous position largely to the fact that her farmers, in great numbers, early learned to appreciate the value of co-operation. " Thirty or forty years ago," as someone has said, "the surplus wealth in the hands of our farmers was not very large; in fact with wool at 6d per lb and butter about 4d, it seems marvellous how they managed to get along at all. Yet by combining and forming co-operative companies they were able to secure the necessary capital to avail themselves of the help science could give, and to-day New Zealand is in the front rank as a producing country," and holds the enviable position of being the richest country in the world per unit of population. In co-operative dairying and in other enterprises, including co-operative merchandising, our farmers have shown that they are capable of achieving solid and substantial successes that are going to be increasingly repeated in the future. A striking example of what can be accomplished by farmers who co-operate in importing ■ and distributing merchandise is furnished by the Farmers' Union Trading Company (Auckland), Ltd., who purchased about nine months ago the wellknown business of Laidlaw Leeds. This big forward movement has brought substantial benefits to the farming community and wonderful prosperity to the company itself. In growth of business and subscribed capital, and in increase of membership, the Farmers' Union Trading Company has a record of progress that mjkeu cheerful reading for its shareholders. ' * , ■ Volume of Trade. Daring one month the Company sold 16,165 shares, and made 558 new shareholders—an avurage of over 28.9 shares per new member. The volume of trade in March, which is usually a quiet month, was far greater than the record business done last December, when buying for Christmas was exceptionally heavy. This rate of progress, which is greater than that of any other Co-operative Concern in New Zealand, is proof of the 'determinatiomot the Farmers to own and control the' importation and distribution of all their supplies, and thus retain the whole of the profits for themselves. As numbers of shareholders constitute the strength of any Co-operative Company, a great future is now absolutely assured to the Farmers' Union Trading Company. As evidence of the foresight of the Board which is guiding this great movement, it may be mentioned that the whole of the freehold land extending from the Company's Hobson Street warehouse down Wyndham Street and round into Nelson Street was secured by options before the purchase of Laidlaw Leeds was made public, thus saving many thousands of pounds for shareholders. The directors realise that in the near future it will be necessary to enlarge the company's warehouse accommodation in order to take care of the rapidly increasing business. When the whole of the acquired land has been built upon the new premises will be six times the size of the present big warehouse, and will have eighteen acres of floor space, and thus be by far the largest warehouse in the Dominion.

A Well-organised Business. A walk through the six floors of the great building in Hobson Street is an interesting experienceone that no visitor to Auckland should miss. The vast stocks of merchandise comprise everything the farmer needsgroceries, drapery, clothing, hardware, implements, engines, crockery, boots and shoes, saddlery, harness, furniture, and a multitude of other good?. Every department is splendidly organised for the prompt and accurate handling of the immense amount of business daily put through. Labour-saving appliances are everywhere—from the dictaphones in the correspondence department, to the machine that measures and rolls linoleum in the furniture department. One passenger and two goods lifts, all electrically operated, run right through the building. The latter are capable of elevating one and a-haJf tonn of goods from the basement to the top floor in 25 seconds. The grocery department is equipped with patent automatic scales, capahlo of weighing 20 bags of cereals, such as rice, sago, etc., per minute. In the office 38 typewriters are steadily clicking out the day's business, while four adding machines, three electrically operated, are used in totalling the immense number of invoices daily handled. Twenty-four automatic telephones, each connected by a trunk line to the Government exchange, keep the departments in closest touch with one another, and with the many factories throughout the city which are kept busy supplying the Farmers' Union Trading Company's requirements. A noticeable feature is the splendid dining-room, in the building, one for the men and another for the girl employees. JEha rooms are in charge of capable cooks, and mgajfl m supplied, to the staff &

midday at cost price. The staff are a | cheerful, capable company, working ii ! aright surroundings, under good conditions. No Travellers Employed. No travellers are employed by the Farmers' Union Trading Co. The* whole of their huge business is transacted by means of their 500-page catalogue, which conveys the benefits of co-operative trading to the remotest farm and country homo at a mere fraction of the cost of travelling salesmen. Once this Company's cata logue enters a homestead the huge warehouse in Hobson Street, Auckland, becomes the nearest store to the farmer's door and without stirring from his armchair he can select all his requirements from large stocks of high-grade goods, and knows that when he gets his rebate, he will in reality have bought them at cost price. This direct method of selling enables the Farmers' Union Trading Co. to serve every farmer in the most satisfactory way, and to rapidly increase the volume of its business. As time goes on the money value of its operations is certain to grow to enormous figures, with a proportionate advance in the profits available for distribution among the company's shareholders. It would certainly seem to be a wise thing to take shares in this progressive concern. Some farmers can take only 10 or 20 shares—but their support is welcomed by this Co-operative. Others who possess larger means, and who recognise that this Company's shares are a splendid investment, are subscribing for very substantial amounts. One farmer recently took up 5000 shares; another applied for 1000, two for 500 each, and many others for lots of 50 to 300 each.

Ordinary shares are offered for subscription on the most liberal terms. There is but 2s to pay on each share to be o in with—that is, with one's application, and 2s per share when the shares are allotted, which is usually about one month later. After this, no further payment can be asked for three months, and then only 2s per share can be called, and so on, at least three months elapsing between each call of 2s, so that if the directors called up the balances as fast as possible it would take two years before the final payment would be due. Everyone interested should write to the Farmers' Union Trading Company, Auckland for a free copy of "The Benefits of Co-operation" a profusely illustrated book giving full particulars of the organisation, policies, and shares of this great Farmers' Co-operative.

A KEY INDUSTRY. The greatest factory development in the Dominion is undoubtedly the freezing industry, and in relation to the welfare of the country and town alike, it is the pivot around which hangs our present and future prosperity. In spite of the war and it« complications, the various freezing works of this and other districts have succeeded in building and equipping new and up-to-date extensions to meet the splendid response of our farmlands to the call for meat and dairy produce for the Homeland and the Empire's fighting forces. Our Troubles Not Yet Over. When the fighting ceased, all expected the shipping troubles would quickly vanish, but this is not to be the case. It will be many months before our own liners all return to the refrigerated trade, and meantime all the new cold storage space will be again full to overflowing. Messrs. W. and R. Fletcher (N.Z.), Ltd., at the Westfield Freezing Works, and the Whangarei Freezing Works, led the way in adding new cold storage to meet the war conditions, and have again added this season a timely and capacious cold store to take care of the district's growing needs. Meat Preserving. This subsidiary of the freezing industry has been well provided for, and by new machinery and improved facilities generally the supplies of canning stock are readily dealt with. The British Army and Navy not being in need of such supplies as in the past year or two, quantities of palatable preserved meats are now freed to supply the local demand and reduce prices in the Dominion. Bacon and Hams. The growing demand of our city and district has made necessary the remodelling and extension of the bacon factory which produces the now well-known West- < field bacon and hams. Model methods, extreme thoroughness, and the addition of a unique singeing process have enabled us to supply a product never equalled in flavour and economy. A Pa-mer's Organisation, All these fine operating industries are dependent upon the farmlands of the Auckland district, and are striking evidence of confidence in its growth and future, a guarantee of good service and good prices. Messrs. Fletchers are killing fat stock for farmers from the length and breadth of the province, and their buyers are at the service of the producers for pricing and drafting stock on short notice whenever wanted.

The London House of Fletchers is the oldest in the retail frozen meat trade in Great Britain, and in the interests of economy and efficiency it has been found desirabie to be in touch with the producer direct, The selling of New Zealand meat has undoubtedly been well done in the past, keeping our produce in the premier position in the Home markets, and with the return of normal conditions, such a service as is provided by the VVhangarei and Westfield Works, bringing the producer so close to the consumer, must mean a great advantage to the district in again lifting our lamb and mutton to its i old proper place and value in the Home flarlete.

A PROGRESSIVE BUSINESS.

MACKY, LOGAN, CALDWELL, LTD.

GREAT MANUFACTURING ? SYSTEM

MODERN INDUSTRIAL METHODS.

A striking example of the manner in . which the industrial uctivities of Auckland haTe expanded during recent years' is afforded by the great development of I the various branches of 'manufacture' undertaken by the firm of Macky, Logan, I Caldwell, Ltd. The firm has long been known as one of the leading wholesale | soft-goods houses of the Dominion, but the average citizen not connected with the soft-goods interests can have- no conception of the enormous manufacturing business now being carried on by tho film. No less than 600 factory-workers are eir ployed at tho numerous industrial 'establishments with which Messrs. Macky, Logan, Caldwell, Ltd., have engirdled the city, and some idea of the manner in which the manufacturing branch of tho business has expanded during the past 16 or 17 years is indicated by tho fact that in 1902 tho factory workers of the firm numbered only 150, all of whom were employed in one building. Striking as are these figures as marking a great record in development, it requires a visit of inspection to the various factories to reveal the true nature and extent of the progress indicated. As the details of the company's activities are disclosed to the visitor it requires no flight of imagination to grasp the fact that during the period mentioned the output of the factories has increased altogether out of proportion to the increase in working hands.

" Progress" the Firm's Motto.

This apparently remarkable fact is the result of the decidedly progressive policy adopted by the firm in relation to every feature of its business. To a stronglymarked degree is this policy reflected in the equipment of the various factories. In each of the five establishments devoted to garment-making all tho latest and most approved machinery known to the world for the manufacture of piece goods into garments has been installed, while at the Lome Street factory, where the manufacture of beds and bedding is exclusively undertaken, the equipment is also equal to that of any similar establishment in the world. It is altogether in keeping with the progressive spirit of the firm to learn that the company has a contract with one of the world's leading machine and engineering firms to acquire every mechanical improvement that may be made from time to time in any of the plant used in the various branches of their industrial activities. The motto of the firm is progress, and even the uninitiated visitor cannot fad to be immensely impressed with the fact that the steps taken by the firm to combine in the production of their factories the maximum quantity with tho highest possible quality could only have been dictated by the most strongly progressive spirit allied with the judicious expenditure of much capital. The firm's factories now number six, while another large

factory building is in course of erection, and sites have been secured in various localities for further contemplated extensions.

The Factories. Described.

At Lome Street is the bed and mattress I, factory of the firm. The building, which! is of firro-concrete, consists of three floors and a basement designed in such a manner as to be completely proof against fire, the only timber to be discerned being the ; specially-selected and seasoned material , used in bed manufacture on the bottom floor. Here one gets one's first glimpse of the organised efficiency of the firm's factory system. Special machines handled by a staff of experts produce weekly 200 wire-woven mattresses, while on the upper floors mattresses of even- size and variety are made ready for the markets of tho North Island, which aro supplied at the rate of 300 a week. As a side line the Salvus life jacket, which has been accepted by the Admiralty, is also manufactured. "A short distance away in Wakefield Street is the firm's denim workroom, from which the average output is 130 dozen of men's denim overalls every week. The work is all done by electricallydriven machines from the cutting of the material to the sewing on of the buttons. A feature of the firm's methods in the interests of the public is the manner in which the garments are finally prepared for wear. Every attention is paid to hygiene, each garment being pressed by a special steam machine, which sterilises it in the pressing process. In the populous western portion of the city are two of the firm's factories, one being situated in Brown Street, Ponsonby, and the other in Mackelvie Street, Grey Lynn. The | Brown Street establishment is devoted to the making of ladies' costumes, frocks, and blouses, and men's shirts and pyjamas. It is indeed a revelation to the uninitiated to inspect the high-class garments of every description that are turned out by the machinery installed in the factory. The garments are, of course, designed by specialists, and eac machine is controlled and worked by an expert in order to obtain the fine results that are represented by the well-known brands, Classic and Maclogn, which are so greatly in demand throughout the Dominion. The weekly output of the factory alone is 100 costumes and 180 frocks, all of the highest grade. One section of the factory is set aside specially for the manufacture of silk goods, and in this department there are engaged over 100 girls making silk blouses of all grades and qualities. Even the masculine eye can discern that the work is of a particularly delicate nature, and it is no surprise to learn that in this room there is installed more special machinery than in any other similar workroom in New Zealand. The output from this section of the factory alone is approximately 200 dozen blouses a week, and the demand for the garments iB so great that the firm is now having erected another factory at Newmarket in order to fill the rapidly-increasing weekly orders for Classic and Maclogn blouses. In addition to the output of the garments already mentioned there are 350 dozen men's shirts and pyjamas turned out each week from the factory, the output comprising all grades of garments, from the ordinary working shirt to the most expensive silk shirts and pyjamas. The Mackelvie Street factory is specially designed for the production of ladies' underwear, and more than 1000 dozen garments of the Classic brand are produced at the factory every month. In addition, the factory also produced 800 dozen aprons, glory gowns, and other Classic brand garments during the same period. These high-grade articles of ladies wear aro sold over the whole Dominion, and are equal in quality to any similar goods in tho world.

The Maclogn Overcoat. The firm's Newmarket factory is at present used for the manufacture of the Maclogn oily canvas coal of which over 1000 are produced monthly. This overcoat is in such demand that notwithstanding the huge monthly production every coat is sold before it is made. Directly the garment was placed on the market the public evidently realised it was the proper coat for wear in rough weather, and the factory has never teen able to overtake the orders for it, which come from all quarters of the Dominion. It may be mentioned that the coat is patented, and the material with which the canvas is treated possesses the unusual and valuable property of preserving the material, while rendering it as impervious to rain as the best rubber goods. It is claimed that the world knows nothing better for oil coats than this dressing, and judging from the manner in which orders for the coats are being received, the claim appears to be well grounded. Here again in this factory all the work is performed by specially designed machinery, under the supervision of experts. The well-known digger tent is also manufactured at this establishment, adjacent to which is being erected a new brick three-storey building, rendered necessary by the great expansion of the firm's business. In the new establishment will be undertaken the manufacture of exceptionally high-grade ladies' wear, and judging from the preparations being made on the premises it is no idle boast on the part of the management to state that they intend to place before the Eublic a class of goods that has never yet sea offered in New Zealand^

One of the largest and most important of the firm's manufacturing establishments is situated in Eden Terrace. . It is chiefly devoted to the making of mens and "boys' clothing, though one of the floors is utilised for the making of ladies cditumes and overcoats. The output of the establishment is enormous in comparison with other similar factories in the Dominion, the weekly average reaching the total of 350 men's and boys suits, oUU pairs of trousers, and 150 boys' knickers, while in the season 100 men's and 150 ladies' overcoats are also made at the factory. Like the famous Maclogn oil coat, the demand for the firm's clothing appears 1 to be insatiable, all the goods manutacI tured in the factory being sold before they are cut. Remarkable Industrial Achievement. The objective of the firm in regard to clothing is to produce as high-grade an article by machinery as can be made in the best hand-tailoring establishment. It is claimed that tho ability to do this is now long past the experimental stage, and tho firm are actually now producing ready-to-wear suits that are equal to the best tailored goods at prices that defy competition by hand-made clothing. In the selection of the material the utmost care is taken that nothing but the highest quality obtainable from the best looms of the world is considered, and the manufacture of the garments is entrusted to only the best and most expert craftsmen. In the past it was claimed that the- lowerpriced ready-to-wear clothing could only bo produced by female labour, and that the workmanship of the garments was of a lower standard than that of tailored goods produced by male workers. This opinion has already been practically dissipated, and the steady drift of trained male labour from the hand-working establishments to the factories is eloquently indicative of the spirit of the times. In the modern clothing factories of Messrs. Mackv, Logan, Caldwell, Ltd., the proportion of mon workers is steadily increasing, and in the near future all the men's garments produced by the firm will represent the labour of only highly-trained male specialists. Indeed this objective has been practically reached already, and a system of organised efficiency planned, ■ with the object of supplying the public with the highest grade goods at the minimum price, and carried out on the ' most progressive lines is evident in all tho establishments of the company down to the most minute detail. As comprehen- ' sion dawns upon one of the system under 1 which the manifold undertakings are ' carried out. one ceases to wonder at the 1 extent of development manifested by the ' firm during recent years, and begins, to ! speculate upon the immense possibilities which the future holds for such a highly--1 organised scheme of progressive industrial i | activity.

THE NORTHERN BOOT AND SHOE MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.

The motto of this company is "Good right through," and this old-established firm continues itfl traditions of sound manufacturing. The trade-mark, a lighthouse, bearing the words " The Northern Light," registered, invariably carries with it a certain guarantee of flawlessncss in material, style, and workmanship. In patronising the company the people of this Dominion may truly say they are supporting a home indust)7. Tho firm manufactures a large variety of superior footwear that compares favourably with any imported line. Their commodious warehouse is well stocked with autumn and winter goods; every variety showing thoughtful care in providing for the various requirements of the people; stout waterproof boots for those whose occupation is on the land, and convenient footwear for those whoso lives are spent in tho centres of population. Those who so desire may purchase boots, and shoes made from : French Calf Box Calf, Willow Calf, Glace Kid, and many other varieties of leather. The company caters largely for the ladies, and shows a large range of samples made from materials, and on lasts, that appeals to their refined tastes. In lists, the company claims its stock ii large, and varied, and no customer need fear that his or her footwear will lose shape provided they are given a fair chance.

Quite a feature of the large premises in which the various workrooms are situated is the expanse of windows in each room. • The footwear bearing the " Northern Light " brand is made in bright sunny rooms, well ventilated, and of approved hvgenic conditions. 'Modern machinery is used in this factoy by skilled operatives who take pride in skilfully manipulating, and keeping tho delicate mechanisicm of each machine in first class working order. The company does not claim to produce marvellous footwear, but it claims to give satisfaction to all its customers. To be oomfortablo at work, cosy, well-fitting shoes are essential, and a boon to all.

The importing department al6o at once attracts attention. There are row upon row of shelves replete with the best imported goods from England and America. This department carries a large assortment of rubber goods for the farmers, and seamen, rubber thigh, and knee boots. For the city dweller, goloshes, yachting and tennis and sandshoes.

In addition to footwear, accessories for the boot industry are stocked. Customers may also buy polishes, dry cleaners, boot creams, many styles of rubber heels, laces, cork socks, etc-

Travellers call at the various centres of population in the North Island, and the satisfaction of its many clients is shown by the large share of patronage given to the company by a critical, and discerning public.

AN IMPORTANT INDUSTRY. THE AUCKLAND MEAT COMPANY. Founded a little over twelve years ago, the "A.M.C.," as it is popularly known, has made amazing progress. To-day, in addition to the company's works at Westfield, and the factory and depot in Wakefield Street, there are some twenty retail branches all over the city and suburbs. In fact, wherever the population of a suburb warrants it there will i assuredly be found an off-shoot of this immense business. The company's slogan is " ' A.M.C for quality," and the fact that its shops are so largely patronised shows that the public fully appreciates the excellence of the meat supplied, and also the efficient service. Doing business on such an extensive scale, the company is naturally in a position at all times to make the best terms, and is thus able to supply the choicest of prime meats at the lowest I prices. Tho company's supplies of cattle and sheep are drawn from practically all over the North Island, and as every buyer employed is an expert, the splendid quality characterioing the company's meat is evenly maintained. It must not be thought that after being bought the animals are hurried to tho slaughterhouse, and condition sacrificed. Instead, the animals are taken to tho company's fine grazing paddocks at Pupatoetoo and Otahuhu, nearly 200 acres in extent, and are there rested until they are in perfect condition fur killing. After the killing, which is excuted at the municipal abattoirs, where all the latest appliances are provided, a i New Zealand Government veterinarian j subjects each carcase to a rigid examin- j ation, rejecting any meat exhibiting tho slightest trace of disease. Then the carcases are hung for about 12 nours to cool, after which they are railed to Mount Kden station, where they go straight into the carts and vans of the company for distribution to the numerous branch shops. Scrupulous care and cleanliness are observed at every stage, bo that the consumers of " A.M.C.' goods may be absolutely sure they are setting the finest meat supplied under the very best , auditions,

MANUFACTURE OF CLOTHING.

INDUSTRY IN AUCKLAND.

MODERN FACTORIES VISITED.

ARCH. CLARK AND SONS. A position unique in the clothing industry of New Zealand is held by the influential firm of Messrs. Archibald Clark and Sons, Ltd., whose headquarters are in Auckland. The firm is a. pioneer of its industry in the Dominion, yet to-day is eclipsed by none. Efficient methods of manufacture and business have provided tho impetus which has led to pre-eminence in their varied manufactures. Ideal Factory Conditions. Messrs. Archibald Clark and Sons' factories are placed in pleasant surroundings. The largest factory is at Grey Lynn, off Williamson Avenue. It is just a convenient distance away from the main road, and in an open, sunny situation. The factory itself is largo and airy. Conditions for the worker are ideal. Every need is carefully studied. Many electric fans dispel the oppressive heat of summer. On radiant autumn mornings, such as experienced lately, the windows are flung wide and the glow of sunshine and tho crisp, pure air make the factory a placo far removed from the ordinary conception. t The coldest, most cheerless days of winter hold no terror for the workers in this factory. Electric radiators throw out comforting warmth, and the lighting arrangements are excellent. An illustration of the care exercised by the firm for its employees is found in a laree building close to the factory. This is a luncheon and rest-room for the girls. Small tables and seats are provided, and the girls who live too far away to go homo have lunch here. Attendants have the water boiling, and tea is made immediately the workers appear. There is a piano in the room, also a gramaphone. Famous Zealandia Brand. The distinctive Zealandia brand of apparel is a household word, and a household necessity. Who is there who has not heard of Zealandia shirts ? Even the mere man has come to know that shirts of the 1 Zealandia brand can be depended upon to givo satisfaction. And his wifo is thankful, for they are tastefully made and of reliable quality. Zealandia shirts are made at this Grev Lynn factory, and so are Zealandia collars, Zealandia pyjamas and other articles of men's wear. Ladies' mantles, dresses and lingerie also are made here.

Modern Methods of Manufacture. The output of the factory is larj,e, yet increasing inquiries arrive from the ware- : house continuously for quick deliveries. The first process of manufacturing is seen in the cutting-room, where matorials are, cut according to pattern. I Hore one sees a striking example of the' up-to-date methods of manufacture. The man in the street probably cares little about how his shirt is made, provided it j fits well and wears well—and the Zea-! landia shirt does both. However, to the housewife whose experiments in making male garments are not always successful, the means employed in this modern fac-, tory would come as a revelation. Labori- , ous hand methods of cutting have long since been abandoned. In their place has come the electric knife. The name conveys little idea of what a wonderful instrument it is. I Long strips of material are placed on the benches—not merely one strip, but many strips, one on top of the other—as many as 120 thicknesses. The pattern is traced on the topmost one, and the electric knife, guided by a skilled operator, cuts through the many thicknesses cleanly, quickly, and true to pattern. The Finished Article. The machinists upstairs then take them in hand and put them through the next processes. Tho starching is an important matter, then the shirts are " dressed'' by the laundry, and finally polished and | glazed. . . . j The work of collar manufacture is intricate. The collars are cut by hand machine stitched, pressed, turned and stitched again. The tabs are put on, and the collars are then ready for button- 1 holing. They aro washed and starched -.-.ice, and the blocking, starching, and ending follow. Then the collars are boxed. Each collar thus goes through about a dozen different processes from start to finish. , The rates of pay in all factories offer a rare inducement to gMs on the look out for work. Good wages aro given at the start, and substantial increases are made as the worker gains experi?nce. A separate factory is devoted to the manufacture of ladies' and children's underclothing, ladies' costumes, skirts and coats, and juvenile clothing. The work covers a wide diversity of styles. The latest plant has been installed for novelty work in the different sections. There are embroidery machines, spoke-stitching machines, and all modern improvements. The cutting is done in a soparate room, ar. electric knife boing used. The Clothing Factory. Next comes the clothing factory. Men's suits, overcoats of all kinds, boys' suits, and juvenile clothing are made in the firm's factory in Exmouth Street, off Eden Terrace. The materials, on being received from the warehouse, are checked and given to the cutters. The cutting completed, the garments go to tho trimmers, and linings, fittings, and trimmings are put in. Upstairs the work is distributed by a foreman in charge of the coat hands and a forewoman in charge of the trouser hands. The stitchine up is done, and the coats and trousers aro handed over to the finishers, who do the buttonholing and pressing. Evcrv garment is minutely examined before being packed and despatched to the warehouse. This factory is the home of the celebrated Huntsman breeches, which tire manufactured only by Messrs. Archibald Clark and Sons. The elothintr from this factory bears the same distinctive hall mark, " Zealandia" Many other lines are produced in quantities in these factories, including tents, verandah blinds, rick covers, horse and cow covers, bird seed bags, Denim and drill trousers and coats, canvas overcoats,

ladies' vanity bags, and ladies' neckwear.

ALEXANDER HARVEY AND SONS, LTD. ' The well-known firm of Alexander Harvey and Sons, Ltd., has been in exis- j tence for over thirty-three years, and is the leading manufacturer of dairy utensils, seamless milk and cream cans, milk and cheese vats, cheese presses, cheese hoops, etc., in New Zealand. The firm has grown up with the dairy industry, and fully understands the hygienic requirements of this trade. This firm sends goods all over New Zealand, and has the largest factory solely engaged in the manufacture of dairy supplies in Australasia. The management are always pleased to welcome country customers and show them over their works, an inspection of which will prove most interesting. There visitors will see large drawing presses stamping articles out of one piece of metal; spinning lathes shaping metal to all kinds of design; electric welding machines; o:iy-acetylene welding; forging presses doing the work usually done by blacksmiths; large annealing furnaces, and other labour-saving machines too numerous to mention. The. tinning department is equipped with all the latest labour-saving devices, and special attention is devoted to this important work. Large quantities of molten metal, shining like silver, are seen ir the numerous tinning pots, nothing but the purest tin being used, and all the work is tinned three times before being finished. Farmera having broken parts of machinery, : motorcars, etc., whether cast-iron, wrought-iron, aluminium, or any other metal, can have them quickly and successfully welded in the oxy-acelylene department, and made equal to new. The firm J of Alexander Harvey and Sons was the , first in Australasia to manufacture seamless milk and cream cans, and successfully competed against the German and other foreign cans that were coming into New Zealand. Owing to war conditions, Messrs. Harvey and Sons have beeen con- ! siderably handicapped through shortage of material, bnt are now in a position to lof material, are business. a position to cater for unlimited business.

PULLAN, ARMITAGE, AND CO., LTD.

PROGRESSIVE AUCKLAND FIRM.

Among the many cEanges which our modern civilisation has witnessed by no , means the least is that of vehicular trac* 1 tion. The name of Pullan, Armitage, 1 and Co. was for many years a household name in the world of livery and bait i stables, anil for the excellent and efficient manner in which the business was carried on under the personal supervision of the late Mr. Ben Armitage the reputation enjoyed was richly deserved. But with the passing of the years came also the passing of the horse-drawn vehicle as the popular method of travel. The motor came, and came to stay, and, like a wise man, the late Mr. Armitage, although in his heart retaining a strong affection for horses, recognised that the day of the horse was passing, and gradually commenced to substitute motors for carriages. The death of Mr. Armitage was followed by a period during which progress was, by force of circumstances, rendered difficult. Eighteen months ago, however, the trustees felt that if the company were turned into a limited liability concern a definite and progressive policy might, with the influx of fresh capital, bo embarked on. This was, therefore, done, and now the company in trading under the name of Pullan, Armitage and Co., Ltd., occupying the same premises and developing the policy of ;he old firm. Alterations have been m.ide to the premises, including the erection of a car showroom in the garage, lockers, ladies waiting-room, free air plant, and the Bowser petrol installation. Thus the garage, commodious and offers exceptional facilities for the business man, being situated within 200 yards of the centre of the city and OPEN DAY AND NIGHT all the year round. Visitors from the provinces will find "P. and A.'s" Garage extremely convenient, their cars can be washed, new tyres or tubes or any accessories supplied from an excellent stock, and will find the service throughout of the best. This is under the supervision of Mr. L. Hamrnond, who also controls the taxi and lively business. The firm have retained a portion of their old lively plant to cater for what demand there is still for_ there vehicles. But the main portion is the taxi fleet, which consists of Limousines and seven and five-seater cars of such well-known and reliable makes as Wolseley, Daimler, Minerva, Cadillac, and Studebaker, for which last the company are the Auckland agents. The taxi fleet has this year been augmented for funeral work by two motor* 1 hearses, which also are rapidly supplanting the horse-drawn vehicles. For this purpose two 38 horse-power Daimler ! chassis were used, and the factory is to ! he complimented on tho beautiful design and finish of these hearses. We believe there is a great future for both garage ; and taxi departments. I Above the garage is the extensive ! factory, which is in charge of Mr. C. Cavanagh. This consists of engineering, painting, body-building, upholstering, and smith departments, all of which are ex- , ceedingly well equipped, both as to staffs and machinery. Thus it will be readily seen that two or more departments can be working on the same car at once, which naturally results in quicker delivery. Incorporated in the factory is the i nale'and fitting of North British solid band tyres, which agency the firm holds, together with the famous Tuthill springs, in which two lines considerable business is done. The sales department includes North British Pneumatic Tyres and accessories, of which the firm holds a good range, and also iruck extensions, new and second-hand motor-cars. In this laiit an auction sale is conducted monthly, the ■ idea being to bring br/er and seller to--1 gether at a convenient time and place. • The are held on the premises, and notice of them is given in the daily 1 papers. Tho department is in the charge I of Mr. F. A. Faulks, who is also secre--1 tary to the company, and the whole or* , ganisation is supervised and controlled by ! Mr. Stanley G. Chambers, managing I director. . . • 1 We have no hesitation in saving that I Messrs. Pullan, Armitage, and Co., Ltd., [ are to be heartily congratulated on their > finely-equipped premises and the guiding i personnel, and we anticipate lor them a i very successful future. i PROGRESSIVE ENGINEERING » FIRM.

MESSRS. WARREN AND CO.

Among tho mechanical engineering firms in Auckland, Messrs. Warren and Co., of Customs Street East, occupy probably the leading position, and it says much for the progressive methods of the firm that the business has been established for a period of only six yearn. In 1913 the business was opened in Vulcan Lane with a staff of two. To-day the firm has a staff of 50 and occupies premises at the | corner of Customs Street East and Break- ' water Road, and also a foundry building in Federal Street. The machine shop in Customs Street is equipped with all the most modern appliances for both the manufacture and repair of machinery of every description, and a glimpse into the shop during working hours reveals a veritable hive of industry. The stoppage of the importation of machinery to the Dominion during the war provided the opportunity for local engineering firms to undertake all kinds of special manufacturing work that had previously been entrusted *o the great engineering establishments of Britain, and Messrs. Warren and Co. rose to the occasion and extended their efforts in all directions to meet the unusual demands. Among a number of high-grade articles manufactured by the firm was a graining machino for Messrs. Clark and Matheson, of this city. This machine was the first of its kind to bo made in the Dominion, and is giving entire satisfaction. The firm specialises in castings of all kinds and also manufactures a special phosphor bronze which is unsurpassable, and is much sought after by people requiring high-grade metal. In addition to manufacturing, the firm are specialists in tho erection of all classes of machinery. Just recently they have completed the installation and erection of the entire plant of Messrs. Whitcombe and Tombs, Ltd., of i this city, comprising the latest and most ! complicated machinery known in the j printing world, and running into some tens of thousands of pounds in cost. In view of the fact that the particulars for erection supplied by the makers were very incomplete, it speaks well as to the firm's mechanical ability that the whole plant ' is now running to the satisfaction of all i concerned. Mesr.rs. Warren and Co.'s i iron foundry in Federal Street is kept constantly busy, and last year the output from it aggregated several hundred tons of iron castings. The management emphasise the fact that despite tho magni. tude of the firms undertakings no job is too small for it to handle, ana the advice of a staff of experts and ako the head of the firm is always at the service of clients. A feature of the business is that it is

self-contained, all parts of a machine being produced in the works from the raw material. Some idea of the wide range of the firm's activities may be obtained from the | fact that recently there was manufactured • at the works a cylinder and eteam chest to , replace a damaged one on an ocean-going vessel. Tho additional fact that the ma- ! chine was made without the assistance of j any pattern but the damaged machine is ' a feat of which the firm are justly proud. ' There are now being constructed at the works three radial chutes for the expeditious handling and storing of wool. The chutes are to be installed in the Shaw i Savill and Albion Co.'s new wool stores j and are designed to meet the company's j special requirements. In pursuance of its progressive policy the him recently added to its activities an electrical engineering branch, and this department is replete with everything known to electrical engineering. Messrs. Warren and Co., are at present carrying out lighting and power contracts of considerable magnitude. The firm specialises in electric elevators, motors and) dynamos, and is in, a position to ' supply electrical equipment of all, grinds 4 reasonable prices. '

IRONWORK IN AUCKLAND.

A PROGRESSIVE FIRM.

To bo successful in these days ironworkers must progress with the times or, if possible, be slightly ahead with new ideas. It is this capacity for being up-to-date, combined with thoroughly efficient work, that in the 17 years it has been ustablished has brought the firm of Messrs. Stones and White, ironworkers, to the forefront in the industry. Practically nothing in the form of structural work is now beyond the scope of the iron-working industry, and it is upon its operations in this direction, in addition to its well-known range making, that the firm has built up its name. Many large bridge and other structural contracts have been carried out by the firm, among the latter in Auckland, lor instance, being the structural work in Helhby's Buildings, Short's Buildings, and the Tramway Company's works at Epsom. The firm has large premises in Wakefield Street in which is installed the most modern plant driven by electricity. Here there is turned out a most wonderful variety of smaller metal work. Collapsible gates and lift cages are among the film's specialties, and most of t*>a prominent public buildings in the city have the Stones and White gates at their entrances. Kitchen ranges of many sizes and vaneties, colonial ovens, boiler stands and frames, together with every description of iron and steel fittings for the home are also manufactured by the firm while repair work of every conceivable kind is also undertaken and completed in the shortest possible time. A large staff of skilled workmen is engaged in the workshops, and the many jobs entrusted to the firm are all given the most careful attention. The firm has thus a deservedly high business reputation, the high quality of its work and the promptness with which even the smallest job is completed giving the best possible proof of efficiency* Messrs.' Stones and White have just been appointed sole agents for the Champion gas cookers, grills, toasters and other labour-saving devices. these are manufacteured in the Dominion and compare more than favouiably with the imported articles. The firm also are the distributing agents throughout Auckland Province for the Champion fuel range, and a variety of new ideas in grates. One of the latter, the Cottage grate, is among the neatest grates for open fire places produced and can be had in sizes from 30 inches to 3 feet 6 inches. Anyone building should certainly inspect these new ideas.

LIMBS FOR THE MAIMED.

J. WISEMAN AND SONS.

One of tie principal features of Messrs. J. Wiseman and Sons business during the war has been the extension of their surgical appliances department to meet the needs of civilians and of soldiers maimed in the war, by the establishment df an artificial limb factory in Albert Street. The return of many limbless soldiers soon after the outbreak of war indicated that an extension of the surgical appliance work would be of great advantage. The premises and planl were enlarged accordingly, and the services of four returned soldiers, who had received special train* ing in artificial limb-making in England, Prance and Belgium were secured. The results have more than demonstrated the wisdom of such an enterprise. The factory now contains the largest plant of its kind in New Zealand, and the limbs manufactured have enabled many a man, woman, and child who, a decade ago, would have had little but the cripple's chair to look forward to for the rest, of their lives, to take his or her place among their fellow-men arid women, and still carry out their ordinary vocations. The artificial legs manufactured by Wisemans have proved most successful. They combino strength and durability with lightness and simplicity of mechanism in a remarkable degree. There are two kinds of limb, to suit below and above knee amputations. The strongest and lights* willow is used, the New Zealand

willow being the equal of any grown in England or America. The legs are made with or without movable ankle joint to suit the need of the wearer. There are rubber cushions in the foot, which give a (natural spring to the step, and save fatigue from the jai of impact with hard pavements. Every limb is manufactured with special regard to the need of the individual wearer, and many returned soldiers, some- of whom have lost both limbs, have been successfully fitted. The Mackay arm in another wonderful invention by which maimed men have J been enabled to resume their ordinary • work. It is essentially a working arm, . and is the invention of Mr. P. M. ' Mackay, of Nelson. Below elbow ampu- ' tations only are fitted with this arm. ; Messrs. Wiseman and Sons have acquired , the manufacturing rights of the patent, which is adaptable to the requirements of almost any kind of work. i i i i 1 > 1 I r t f f t 3 8 11 r 1 s t 1 s t i t '.. s 3 f 3

FOR EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL

NATIONAL ELECTRICAL AND ENGINEERING CO. Now that the war is over many large electrical and engineering schemes temporarily delayed are expected to be nushed ahead and the services of a firm' such as the National Electrical and Engineering Company, for which no work is too great or too small, will be in great demand. The company has largo offices, showrooms, and repair-shops in Malcolm Buildings, at the comer of Wellesley Street West and Albert Street, Auckland, and has other large offices at Whangarei, Wellington, Christchuhch, and Dunedin. Its largest business is done in supplying and installing electrical machinery of any description, and among its big undertakings in the past has been the electrification of Wilsons (N.Z.) Portland Cement Mills, at Portland. For that work the company supplied and installed the generators, transformers, and all the control gear at the Wairua Falls and also the gear at the sub-station at Whangarei for both the Cement Company and the Borough Council. At the Cement works the firm supplied and installed all the motors, ranging from 200 h.p. to 3 h.p., and also put in the sub-station at Portland.

The National Electrical and Engineering Company caters particularly for the needs of freezing works, and has supplied the | | necessary plant for the principal works h the North Island. The _ company I represents two of the world's largest manufacturers of electrical machinery ! —the British Thomson Houston Cum- | pany, Rugby, England, and tho General 1 Electrical Company of U.S.A.—and now ' that the war is over, is prepared to quote for, and deliver, almost anything electrical. The firm specialises, too, in the rewinding of motors of any description ; in fact, half a dozen men are kept busily | engaged solely on this work. Recently I the firm has' taken up tho agency for Columbia storage batteries and intends to arrange for service stations for motorists at various points in the Dominion where the battery needs of the driver of any make of car will be able to be met. Modern office and house lighting is another specialty. Put briefly, this firm is able to supply and instal any electrical need, be it the latest and smallest contrivance for saving a hard-worked houseI wife or a maiisivo piece of machinery, needed, in a great electrical schema '

-. i ii —■——~— ~~———w $m KAURI TIMBER CO., LTD, ' f • %

MODERN WOOD-WORKING PLANT.

In common with many other industrial concerns, the Kauri Timber Company has passed through a period of considerable stress during the past, four years. The effect of the war was foon felt in the reduction of operations resulting from lack of shipping, which had the effect of so curtailing the export of limber, that several of the Company':, expert mills had to ba closed down. Then came further reduction, of activity resulting from the voluntary enlistment of large numbers of employees, who received most generous treatment from the firm in regard to payment of salaries. It became difficult to meet even the curtailed demand of the trade, for the bushmen enlisted almont to a man, and it was very difficult to maintain sufficient log supplies for the mills. There has l*en an impression abroad in some quarters that the price of timber has been unduly increased since the war, but with the increased cost of supplies, higher wages, and -ess efficient workers, I a considerable rise in price was inevitable. Wire rope, of which the company has about 35 miles in constant use, went up to over 900 per cent, of its pre-war cost. Rails and all other material increased enormously iu cost, and was very difficult to obtain at that! The company has recently completed 12 miles of railway in the Kauaeranga Bush, near Thames, but this, at the present time, is rendered practically ineffective through lack of labour to work the bush, which contains about I 20 million feet of timber. Realising that economy in production was the great factor by which increased cost of material, taxation, and higher wages could he met, the company has tely installed a completely new and modern plant in its joinery factory, and is also preparing for the installation of the most up-to-date milling and box-making plant, the machinery for which has recently come to hand, after being on order for over two years. Tha milling plant includes the very latest bandsaws which will take the largest logs and produce timber with a minimum of waste. An electric plant for drivirg the machinery is also being installed. With the return of efficient men from the front, the reinstatement of shipping facilities and the re-opening of the world's ■ markets—in which it is to be hoped tha 1 Empire's share will be maintained or increased— may be confidently anticipated! that the enterprise of the company in tha direction of bringing its equipment up-to-date will meet its merited reward, nob only to the advantage of the company itself but of the community at large.

DUNLOP RUBBER COMPANY. The Dunlop Rubber Company, of Australasia, Ltd., which has its Auckland Branch at 62, Fort Street, can be cited aa a good example of progress and enterprise. The name " Drolop" is, of courts, a household word. When anyone hears it, sees it, or thinks it, there appears a mental picture of the tyre which not only made the bicycle a practicable, inexpensive, and pleasurable means of locomotion, but! which, in its later developments, rendered possible the motor-car also. Yet there may still be somo who are not yet fully apprised of the fact that for the last) eighteen years the Dunlop Rubber Company, of Australasia, Ltd., besides tha manufacture of their celebrated cycle tyres (first in 1888—foremost ever since) and tyres for any carriage you can travel in from the cradle to the motor-cars, motor lorries, motor cycles, cabs, buggies, coaches, perambulators, trucks and acre-" planes—-tarn out vast quantities of all and every kind of rubber goods now demanded by advancing civilisation. This company, which holds fill the! parent, the English concern's patents, trado marks, and trading rights for the whole of) Australasia., now uses capital in tha business amounting to over £1,250,0, all of Australian and New Zealand investment. With this amount, and the goodwill involved in the name " Dunlop" at stake, operating in a market wholly confined to the Australian States and New Zealand, this company must make quality their first aim. Ite goods cannot be sold elsewhere. If they are not " up to the mark" thjay) cannot be shipped 13,000 miles away to " Foreign" or " Colonial" markets. They are, so to speak, mads on the buyer's doorstep. Great Mill at Melbourne.

The Dunlop Rubber Company has builfi up a great industry in these Southern lands,. At its mills at Montague, Melbourne, which cover a ground arcs, of ov.jt six acres, over 1800 workpeople are employed under condition! whioli cannot ba bettered in any particular in any part of the world. Yet, although the rates of wages paid the operatives are higher than elsewhere, so high in the standard of education, intelligence and adaptability in these young Dominions, that the efficiency of their labour is high also. And they are operating a plant which comprises the newest and mcst per'ect machines ior the manufacture of rubber goods which human ingenuity has yet produced: and which is capable of turning out as much as two hundred tons of rubber ware per week, and every ounce of it up to the value which the name " Dunlop" calls for. Wonderfully fine and varied are the Dunlop Manufacturers— of all kinds, rubber sheets, rubDer in coils of cord and] j tubing, rubber in rolls; hose of all kinds, boot heels and soles; hot-water bags, football bladders, tennis balls, jar and bottle rings, engine packing, belting of all kinds, mats and matting, waterproofs, tobacco pouches, wringer rollers, milking machine requisites, gloves, corks, bandages, studs, springs, buffers, bands, plugs, valves washers, ebonite goods, etc., etc. These axe some of the articles for the use o£ Australasians made at the company's cehv brated factory.

Small Brochure Distributed. We hare just perused a small brochure " All about Rubber," being a short des« cription of its production and manufacture, a very compendious and mos„ interesting little 'souvenir, which the company will be liappv to post to any of our readers on application. A tour through the great mill all Montague, Melbourne, is a liberal education in the science of economical production. No New Zealander visiting Melbourne should fail to pay a visit to this mill, which is only a short distance from the city, being right alongside the Montague Railway Station, the first on the Port Melbourne line. There all visitors are welcome, and a competent* cicerone is always ready to conduct them through its well-ordered mazes. All the stages of rubber-manufacture are laid down before them, from the washing of the crude rubber to where the pint presses and vulcanizes give forth their products steaming hot. The whole makes a journey both interesting and instructive, and not a little I astonishing

The Dunlop Rubber Company, of Australasia, Ltd., have, as we have stated above, theii Auckland Warehouse fit 62, Fort Street, their Wellington Warehouse at 95, Courtenay Face, and their Christ-church Warehouse at 116, Worcester Street, while in Australia they have branches in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, j Perth and Launceston, and, as before mentioned, the mills are at : Melbourne. The new Dunlop white tread groove! and red tread railroad motor and motor cycle tyres, are giving New Zealand motorists fine service and cheap milage. Get a, price list from the company, it will pay yon,