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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 23

Matches

Matches.

The enormous quantity of matches imported last year—8,301 packages, valued at £24,635—suggests the idea that something might be done to promote their manufacture within the colony. In England, Sweden, and Germany the industry gives employment to thousands of young and old, though—in London, at any rate—under conditions of low wages and factory life which it might not be possible or desirable to imitate in the colony. The industry is, however, worthy of consideration, especially as sulphur, the groundwork of non-poisonous matches, exists in great quantities; and phosphorus, the groundwork of the poisonous wax matches, could be extracted in sufficient quantities from the bones which form such an extensive article of commerce in a pastoral country. The glue which forms part of matches of all kinds already comes in free of duty, as also do the chemicals used in the manufacture. If, as has been contemplated, the sale of poisonous matches be prohibited, there might, at any rate, be a fair chance of establishing the wood safety-match industry, provided the present import duty were maintained.