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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Canterbury Provincial District]

O'Brien, M. and Co.

O'Brien, M. and Co., Boot Manufacturers and Bicycle Importers, Premier Boot Factory, Dundas Street, Christchurch. The large factory of this important business stands conspicuously on a well-chosen site close to the Christchurch railway station. The premises are of two stories solid y constructed of brick, and were recently erected by the proprietors on the most modern and up-to-date lines. In the words of the Government Factory Inspector, the factory is “one of the best model factories in the colony.” At the entrance of the building, on the left, are the business offices, and on the right is the bicycle department, where the well-known Remington bicycles, for which Messrs O'Brien and Co. are the New Zealand agents, are put together by expert mechanics. The entrance leads directly to the warehouse which is fitted up on all sides with tiers of large shelves, and stacked with an infinite number of boots and shoes of various makes bearing the firm's “Premier” brand. The indent department, on the floor directly above, is filled with manufactures of the best English and American firms. Adjoining the indent department is the leather room, which contains an unlimited stock of English, American, Russian, and colonial leathers, used in the manufacture of uppers. The “clicking” room is an exceedingly spacious and well-ventilated apartment, lighted with windows on all sides. Here the manufacturing process commences; a number of men being busily employed cutting out the uppers from a large array of pattern shapes. Thus cut, they are passed on to the machinists, a small army of women and girls, who deftly work the complicated machines with an aptitude and precision, born of much practice. The uppers are passed from one machine to another until they are entirely stitched, eyeletted, and tagged. Then the already half-made boot is taken downstairs to the benching and finishing room, in which none but skilled male operators are employed, and a large staff is kept constantly busy. New Zealand manufactured leather is used to a large extent for soles in the Premier boot factory, as it is found very suitable for that purpose. It is first heavily rolled by powerful machinery, and then the soles and heels are stamped out with dies. The entire process of completion is exceedingly interesting. The half-manufactured article passes from one operator to another, down the whole length of the building, and is then sent back again similarly on the other side. Only the most modern and up-to-date machinery is used, and a small portion of the work is done by each machine. The machines for welting and stitching are marvels of inventive genius. It is claimed that boots sewn by these machines are stronger than hand-sewn boots, inasmuch as the thread used passes through molten wax, with which it is thoroughly saturated. By means of an attached gas jet the thread and wax are kept hot while the machine is stitching. Everything appears to be done by machinery, worked and controlled by capable men. The pegs and nails are driven by a machine at a faster rate than anyone can count, while the cutters of the trimming machines revolve at a rate of 4000 per minute. Right down to the polishing machines, every device that human ingenuity can conceive is page 319 here utilised for the saving of labour and cheapening the cost of production. In connection with their work the Messrs O'Brien have an apparatus for rendering leather absolutely waterproof; in this process the leather passes through, and becomes thoroughly permeated with a patent fluid composition, known as “Viscol”. This is invaluable in the manufacture of boots for miners and others, who are constantly working in damp places. The whole of the machinery is driven by a gas engine of thirteen horse-power, but notwithstanding the fact that so much labour-saving machinery is used, Messrs O'Brien and Co. constantly employ about 140 hands in the factory. The output of the firm is about 2000 pairs per week, and, as an indication of the quality of the work produced, it may be stated that the New Zealand Government entrusted Messrs O'Brien and Co. with an order for 5500 pairs of boots for the use of the colony's contingents serving in the war in South Africa. Messrs O'Brien and Co.'s business now stands in the front rank of New Zealand industries; the “Premier” brand of boots is well known from Auckland to the Bluff, and a large and steady sale is maintained.