A FORWARD STEP.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1628, 3 May 1919, Page 5 (Supplement)

A FORWARD STEP.

DEVELOPMENT OF NEW ZEALAND,

BRITISH DISTILLATE, LTD,

Gradually, as the years slip by, New Zealand is awakening to realisation of her immense latent possibilities—level-headed and enterprising business men are setting out to grasp more fully the treasures which Nature so abundantly offers. There are immense possibilities in the New Zealand coal industry. That was realised years ago, and to-day coalmines are dotted throughout New Zealand, from Waihi to Nightcaps. Tar can be made from coal. That was discovered many years ago, and the industrious, scientific Germany of pre-war days set out to absorb the possibilities of tar products, with the result that her manufactures in this line penetrated to the four corners ot the earth, and New Zealand found herself a free buyer of German tar products. There was a good demand in New Zealand, and the business was, of course, a lucrative one. But why, with a rich abundance of coal within her own shores, should New Zealand send to Germany for its products? Why not manufacture them on her own soil, and retain her capital for the development of her" own industries? AH'that was wanted was capital, enterprise, and skill. LAUNCHING OUT. Messrs Bettle Bros, looked down the bright vista which lay in this direction, and were satisfied that a sound investment was offered. A company of half-a-dozen well-known and keen business men saw eye to eye with them, and the result was the formation, two years ago, of the British Distillate Company, with the object of utilising the.full possibilities of coal tar. They decided that they would "cut out" the imported German article. They set up works at Sockburn, and proceeded to "work the claim." "Since then," to use the words of a principal of the firm, "things have been going on very nicely." He very moderately described the position. The firm has been highly successful, and now produced 30 or 40 articles made from tar which hitherto were imported from other countries—articles of a quality which has found ready appreciation on the New Zealand market. There are many products of tar of which the "man in the street" would not imagine the source. Naphthalene, for instance, is of a snowy-white colour, but it is produced solely from the raw tar. It spells death to moths, " BRITTOL."

Then there is "Brittol," a disinfectant unsurpassed as a germ-killer, and far more powerful and effective than many older disinfectants which have had time to sain a larger reputation. The possibility of a recrudescence of the influenza epidemic makes its use of very direct national importance, for it is recommended for the disinfection of organisms of tuberculosis, consumption, diphtheria, and other infectious diseases. Let it not be imagined, however, from a remark made above, that it is as yet practically unknown. For instance, "Brittol" was chosen, after severe tests, by the City Council some time ago, and a contract for a vear's supply was .Given to the British Distillate, Ltd. Large orders have now been filled by the company for hosnital boards throughout New Zealand. It can be used as a wash for the skin, for soiled linen, floors and utensils, a spray for walls, and for disinfectintr lavatories, sinks, schools, factories, shops, offices, and so on. "POMSOL." Another of the company's outstanding products is "Pomsol,". a splendid fungicide and insecticide, which has undergone comprehensive tests by orchardists. The superlative advantage of this sprav is that it is, at one and the same time, a fungicide and an insecticide. In this respect it is probably unique. Between it and

green and black aphis, red spider, scale, plant lice, aphides of all kinds, and lichens, fungus, moss, and the many other pests which fret the soul of the orchardists, horticulturists, and others, a state of perpetual war exists, with "no quarter.' At all seasons it is an invaluable garden spray for roses, shrubs, and small fruits, " INERTOL." Many a structure has been long denied a badly-needed coat of paint because of the prohibitive price of the article, and, perhaps, because the prospective purchaser of it could not be sure of its reliability when he did get it. "Inertol" Paint is daily being manufactured by the British Distillate Company to fill the bill. It is specially made for structural ironwork, iron fences, gates, tanks, farm buildings, roofing, etc. It has the virtue of being acid-proof, waterproof, and protective. Many of the principal city companies have discovered its value, and supply a constant demand for it. "CUBETTE BLOCK."

Another article manufactured by the company is that well-known and popular disinfectant, the "Cubette Block." This disinfectant is popular because it is handy and thoroughly efficient. Although so powerful a disinfectant, it is by no means unpleasant, and it is therefore specially suited for use in lavatories, sick rooms, offices, or even in the living rooms of private houses. It is put up in such a handy form that it can be hung in any odd corner. With the possibility of a recrudescence of the influenza epidemic, the "Cubette Block" should be specially welcome to householders and business people at the.present time. A FEW MORE. There are numerous other products sent out by the Distillate Company, of which the following few may be touched upon without unduly trespassing upon space and the reader's time. "Stiltar" will interest asphalters, for it dries hard in a few hours, in marked contrast to ordinary asphalting tar, and, again, reference may be made in regard to it to a well-known local body, for the Tramway Board has proved its value. Then comes hard pitch for buildings and electrical purposes. The big scheme for laying underground cables which is to be carried out in Christchurch will doubtless create a large demand for it, and, of course, it already is used in connection with the hydro-elec-trical scheme, of which Canterbury is so proud. In this connection it may be mentioned that "Inertol," the paint previously mentioned, is excellent for insulating purposes. The Brunswick black, a stove enamel, which has gained a favoured place in the esteem of busy housewives, is put up in all commercial sizes, and the company also manufactures an excel-

lent sheep dip, equal, and perhaps more than equal, in effectiveness, to imported lines. Other lines are stovepipe enamelj marine glue (indispensable for shipping), benzol, carbolic acid, anthracine oil, toluol, fuel naphtha, solvent naphtha, creosote oil, weed killer, varnishes, stains, lubricating grease, etc. It requires nothing more than ordinary perception to see that the British Distillate Company is a firm with a rosy future. .5