THOMSONS, LTD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21019, 7 May 1930, Page 20

THOMSONS, LTD.

The history of the firm of Thomsons. Ltd., whose name has for so long been a household word in relation to the manufacture of pure carbonated waters md cordials, is very similar to that of the city of Dunedin, having been established by worthy pioneers in a modest way, and developing on sound, progressive, and scientific lines under competent and farseeing management in a way that assured an ever-increasing demand foi the products, with a corresponding measure of success to the proprietors. The business was established in 1860, and is the only one of its kind that has been carried on continuously ever since. There were originally three partners, but for many years the business has been known in association with the name of only one of them—the late Mr Alexander Thomson. The drst factory was situated in Stafford street, opposite the premises now occupied by the New Zealand Drug Company, bijt since about 1875 business has been carried on in the present works, which cover a very extensive area-in Bond. Crawford and Police streets. The word “ Purity" was not adopted as a trade mark until the firm had been in existence for a good many years, but purjty was the foundatiou on which the business was built up so successfully the proprietors realising at the outset that there would always be a ready market for high-class pure products. The firm has kept fully abreast of the times, and no expense has been spared in the adoption of the most up-to-date machinery and the most approved methods of manufacture. All the materials used are thoroughly analysed chemically and bacteriologically by experts, so as to ensure that the quality and purity are of the very best. One feature of the firm’s operations is the thorough sterilisation of the bottles before they are used, another is the fact that the firm .has its own artesian sterile water supply, which analysis has proved to be of the very best quality, and still another is that all the_ employees are medically examined 1 periodically, so as to prevent the possibility of contamination by human agency. The factory is constructed so as to ensure an abundance of sunlight and fresh air, which play such an important part in the_ prevention of the development of injurious spores and germs. A specialty of the business is the wellknown Wai-rongoa mineral water, which has a large sale in the Dominion, and is also exported to Australia. Since the death of Mr Alexander Thomson the management of the firm has been undertaken by his three sons, under whose guidance operations are still carried on. The development of motor traffic has deprived the public of one of the prettiest sights of bygone, days—the beautiful grey horses owned by Thomsons; but the equine attraction provided by the firm has ,not altogether died out, for many people are still delighted to catch a glimpse of -the pretty little Shetland ponies owned by Thomsons as they , prance gaily along the streets.