THOMAS BALLINGER AND CO.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XLII, Issue 20, 19 May 1909, Page 16

THOMAS BALLINGER AND CO.

(See pages IS and 19.) Messrs. Thomas Ballinger and Co., Ltd., of Victoria Street, Wellington, are among the most progressive plumbing supply merchants in the Dominion. They have during the last year added to their already large premises by purchasing over half-an-acre of land fronting Dixon Street, upon which there is a large building which they are fitting up for their manufacturing department. This business was started originally by Mr. Thomas Ballinger in 1876. In 1894 it was formed into a limited liability company, and the progress since then has been very substantial. In 1904 they erected the fine fireproof building in Victoria Street of five stories and basement, and now only five years later they require more room for the growing business.

The articles mann&ctured include every description of plumbers’, gasfitters’, and electricians’ brasswork, and at the time of our visit some very fine brass catsings in connection with a counter screen for one of the new banks in Wellington were being made. Last year they held the contract for Ihe supply of all the brasswork for the Wellington City Council, which included the tramway supplies, and previous to that they secured the contract for the brasswork for the overhead equipment; of the Karori extension of the tramway system. In each case satisfaction was expressed at the prompt way the work

was turned out; and it is chiefly through this feature of their business that the success lies, for “prompt delivery” is one of the mottoes of the firm. Messrs. Thomas Ballinger and Co., Ltd., hold several patents which have been very successful, prominent among which is the “Empire” Patent Ventilating Skylight. This invention has caught on and in spite of all opposition is gaining in favour with architects and builders. Another invention is tha “Empire” Patent Clip Spouting Bracket, the sales of which totalled up to April 30th last no fewer than 1,110,360. The latest invention tliey have placed on the market is a Cinder Sifter, which should be in every home, as it is ■ wonderful fuel saver, and gives no trouble to work. Another patent owned by the firm is the “Excelsior” Acetylene Gas Generator, and these generators are finding their way into all parts of the country. The firm hold the agency for the “ Douglas ” Patent Bath Heater, which is used largely all over the Dominion, owing to its economy of gas consumption, and the latest agency in this line they have is for Fischer’s Hot Water Heaters both for fuel and gas. and a good trade is expected when this article gets going. A local agency is held for the Rider Ericsson Hot Air Pumping Engine, a machine invaluable to farmers and others for lifting water. Still another agency is for Lumby’s “ Solar ” Hot- Water Boilers and Radiators. Although a new agency several buildings both for Government and private bodies have been fitted up, and every satisfaction is expressed with the working. The firm are also the erecting agents for the Grinnell Sprinkler and Fire Alarm, a world-famous fire-fighting appliance. At present a contract is in hand for the installation in Messrs. Kirkcaldis and Stains’ drapery establishment; this is the largest of the many Grinnell installations in the Dominion. Messrs. Thomas Ballinger and Co., Ltd., have the best and most up-to-date machinery for the manufacture of O.G. spouting, ridging, and kindred lines, and the quantity turned out during the year runs into miles in length. They also make what is known as small corrugated iron. This is used for lining ceilings of buildings, such as hospitals, and walls of bath rooms, and hoods for baths are made from zinc corrugated in the same dies. Copper Corrugated Cylinders and Copper Washing Boilers are manufactured and this is another growing branch of the firm. Lead head nails is a side line, and a good steady trade is done in this. The" whole of the machinery used in these manufactures is driven by a 40 h.p. suction gas producer engine—in itself a wonder of economy and efficiency. Messrs. Thomas Ballinger and Co., Ltd., are direct importers of every description of plumbers’ supplies, and a very active and extensive business is done both in town and country amongst plumbers and. kindred trades. A large and varied stock is held of cast iron enamelled baths, also cast iron enamelled and stamped steel enamelled, sinks, cast iron soil and. rain-water pipes and fittings. Of sanitary earthenware they hold a big stock, and the latest novelty is the “Medicos” wash basin, which should have a big run. AH styles of gasoliers are imported for ordinary and acetylene gas, and several special lines of gas fittings are manufactured by the company. A number of our public buildings have the firm’s gas-fittings installed. Electric fittings are also stocked, both for lighting and bell work. AU classes of plumbers’ brass work is imported, both in nickel and polished brass, and a good trade is done. We saw several novelties nt these, such as soap and sponge baskets, towel racks, bath seats, and shower rings. On the last visit of the managing director to England, he secured the agency for Medway’s Patent Safety Lifts and Elevators, and one has been installed for passengers in the Victoria-street

building. This elevator is the first of its kind in the Dominion, and its special feature is that no attendant is required. Th* lift is very simply operated by a system of push buttons, which are fixed on each landing. All that is necessary is to push the button at the landing, and the lift will automatically come to a stop at tliat landing, simultaneously unlocking the door, an d throwing all the other switches out of action, thus ensuring perfect safety in working. The passenger then enters the car, and after shutting the door pushes the button inside the lift corresponding to the floor he wishes to go to. The lift then moves to that floor, and stops and unlocks the door at that landing; the whole action being automatic. From the foregoing it will readily be admitted that Messrs. Thomas Ballinger and Co., Ltd., may fairly claim to have illustrated that “ Progress ” which is the aim of every up-to-date firm. A business of such an extent and influence, embracing as it does such a multiplicity of operations and interests, is a credit not only to the founder of the firm and his codirectors, but also to the Dominion and to Wellington in particular.