Admore, Archibald, Saddler and Harness-Maker, 214 Cashel Street. Private residence, Abberley Road, St. Albans. This business was established in 1881, and has been conducted by the present proprietor since that time. The premises are extensive, with a floor space of about 1000 square feet. Mr. Admore, who arrived from Guernsey in 1874, learned his trade in Christchurch. He is a direct importer of saddlery and harness materials, and undertakes the making of every description of goods. He uses Colonial as well as English leather, and has a large business connection in the city and suburbs.

Bowron Bros. (William and George Bowron), Tanners, Curriers, Wool Merchants, corner of Manchester and Hereford Streets, Christchurch. Tannery, Heathcote Street, Woolston. The large business conducted by Messrs. Bowron Bros, was founded in 1880, in which year the partners arrived from England. The Woolston tannery stands on an area of seven acres in extent, the works being complete with all the latest appliances and machinery. The firm makes every description of leather, which finds ready sale in local markets, and is also exported to London.

Butler Bros. , Wholesale Saddlers, Lichfield Street, Christchurch. Head office, Rattray Street, Dunedin. Telephone 273. Bankers, Bank of New Zealand. Manager, Mr. W. Broadhurst. Private residence, Opawa.

Mr. William Broadhurst, Manager of the Canterbury branch of Messrs Butler Bros., was born at Walsall, England, the centre of the saddlery and allied trades, with which he has been connected from his early days. Mr. Broadhurst was trained under Messrs. Brace and Co., Ltd., in his native town. After serving seven years in England, he came to Auckland in the ship “Sam Mendell” in 1877, and continued in the employment of that firm in New Zealand for six years after he arrived. Mr. Broadhurst was subsequently in the service of Messrs Mason, Struthers and Co., of Christchurch, as manager of the saddlery department for thirteen years, and was appointed to the position he now holds in 1897. In the Masonic Order he is attached to Lodge St. Augustine, of which he is past master. Mr. Broadhurst was married in 1887 to a daughter of Mr. George Fraser, of the firm of Messrs Fraser and Tinne, Auckland.

Mr. W. Broadhurst.

Maine Bros. (William Maine, Junr., and James Thomas Maine), Boot and Shoe Manufacturers; Factory and Retail Shop, corner of High and Tuam Streets. Messrs. Maine Bros, commenced business on their own account in 1891, and have developed a considerable trade. They have established a factory at the above address, where they have all the latest boot-making machinery, capable of turning out 2000 pairs per week and providing employment for over 100 hands. The entire floor space occupied by the business, including factory and shop, is about 12,800 square feet.

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.

Mr. Michael O'Brien, the Proprietor, is an Irishman by birth and ancestry. He learned his business in his native land, and came out to Australia in 1861. After a year in Melbourne he crossed over to New Zealand, where he has since resided. Mr. O'Brien established his business in 1884, and by his aptitude and perseverance he has increased it to its present extensive proportions. For some years he carried on operations in the premises known as the Skating Rink, but in January, 1902, he removed to his new establishment in Dundas Street.

Skelton, Frostick and Co., Limited, Boot and Shoe Manufacturers and Importers, Leather and Grindery Merchants, Hereford Street, Christchurch. Directors: Messrs T. Skelton, J. A. Frostick, and R. Allan. The large importing and manufacturing business which was conducted for many years under the name of Lightband, Allan and Co., was acquired by the present proprietors in 1889. The firm are manufacturers of the celebrated “Zealandia” brand of boots. In 1895 they erected in Hereford Street a four-storey brick building which is claimed to be the largest boot factory in the Colony, and equipped with a most modern plant with a thirty-two horse-power Otto gas-engine. The firm employs 280 hands, and their business extends from Whangarei in the North Island to Riverton in the South, four travellers being engaged in visiting the various localities.

Suckling Bros. (Nathaniel Joseph, and John Suckling), Wholesale Boot and Shoe Manufacturers and Importers, Dundas Street, Christchurch South. Telephone, 354; P.O. Box, 358. Bankers, Union Bank of Australia. Private residences: Mr N. J. Suckling, “Dearsleyhurst,” New Brighton; Mr. J. Suckling, Stanmore Road, Linwood. The large business conducted by this well-known firm was established in 1871; it has been carried on by the present proprietors for over thirty years, and the firm is the oldest in this trade in Christchurch. The premises, which were built especially in brick for the firm, have a floor space of over 12,000 feet. With the exception of the front part of the building, they are on the ground floor, but the front portion is of two stories. The factory contains a valuable plant, comprising the latest machinery invented for the trade, and is driven by a twenty-one horse-power Otto gas engine. Messrs Suckling Bros, were the first to introduce into the colony of New Zealand the “Goodyear” welting and stitching machinery for making facsimiles of hand-sewn boots. The firm makes it a rule, where practicable, to use colonia, manufactured leathers. However, it also imports all kinds of fancy leathers direct from Britain, France, Germany, Switzerland, and America. The firm's well-known brand of boots (S. B. in diamond) is a guarantee for the excellence of the quality and workmanship. About 150 hands are employed in connection with Messrs Suckling Bros.' works. Their business extends throughout the colony, and the partners periodically visit the firm's customers.

Messrs Suckling Bros.' Premises.

Toomer, Albert Frederick, Boot Manufacturer, Tuam Street East, Christchurch. Mr. Toomer started his prosperous business in 1895. The premises occupy a space of about 7,000 superficial feet; they are equipped with the most up-to-date machinery, and the owner employs about sixty hands. page 320 Mr. Toomer began his business in a very unpretentious way, and at first he only employee. about five hands; but with capable management, his success has been very great, and his property now stands as one of the leading factories of Christchurch. Mr. Albert Frederick Toomer is the fourth son of the late Mr. Henry Toomer, who founded the Excelsior Boot Factory, for many years a leading business in Christchurch. He was born in England, and accompanied his parents to New Zealand in 1869. Mr. Toomer learned his trade with his father, and for many years had charge of the making department in the Excelsior Boot Factory. Owing to changes in the original firm, Mr. Toomer started his present business in 1895, and is now assisted by his two sons. He is an Oddfellow of over twenty-eight years' standing, and has a ways taken a great interest in the Order.

Standish and Preece, photo
Mr. A. F. Toomer.

Travis, William Henry, Saddler and Harness Maker, 116 St. Asaph Street, Christchurch, with a branch at Lincoln. Mr. Travis is a native of Staffordshire, England. He arrived in New Zealand in 1857 by the ship “Joseph Fletcher,” and learned his trade in Christchurch, where he worked for some years as a journeyman before establishing himself in business on his own account in 1882. He is a direct importer of saddlery and special lines of leather not made in the Colony. Mr Travis has patented a trace in which he utilises wire to give extra strength and lightness.

Messrs Tyree and Co.

doors. The lift is worked by means of a six horse-power Otto gas-engine, placed in a new building alongside the back of the warehouse. At the rear of the main building are several sheds for the storage of rubber and bulk goods, and for general purposes, including the safe custody of bicycles used by the employees of the firm. Originally the firm was not a manufacturer; but relied for supplies of goods entirely on importations, to which the management confined its undivided energies. By degrees the attention of the firm was directed to the advisability of purchasing leathers produced within the Colony, and ultimately it commenced to deal in colonial made boots and shoes, as a great deal of the boot-making machinery now in use in the Colony was imported by the firm. Unequalled opportunities offered themselves in connection with the development of the industries in the Colony, and as the inventions of the master-minds of the Old World were, from time to time, received, the quality of the goods purchased in New Zealand improved considerably. Of late years, therefore, Messrs. Tyree and Co. have established themselves as manufacturers on the American system. About half a dozen factories, which are thoroughly equipped with the latest and most up-to-date machinery, are entirely employed in producing the well-known goods for which the firm has already made a name for itself. The work carried on at each factory is confined to the production of a few varieties only, and in consequence of this arrangement, goods are turned out more quickly and of a more uniform finish than would otherwise be the case. It may be stated that in all the factories of the firm none but union hands are employed, No pains or expense has been spared in equipping these factories with the most modern labour-saving appliances, and such has been the advance in the manufacture of boots and shoes in the Colony that it is now recognised that colonial made articles will compare favourably with those produced in other countries. Many hundreds of work people find employment in the various factories which are connected with this large business. It must be satisfactory to New Zealanders to know that the prejudices against locally manufactured boots have almost entirely disappeared, and that prices are lower owing to the high import duty. The trade mark of Messrs. Alfred Tyree and Co. is the word “Bhezt.” a new way of spelling “Best,” and its meaning is obvious. Messrs. Alfred Tyree and Co.'s business extends throughout the entire Colony including the Chatham Island's. There are eight travellers constantly moving among the firm's customers, who include not only boot and shoe vendors, but saddlers and harness-makers, coachbuilders, upholsterers, and other traders. Owing to the enormous extension of the business, which has more than doubled within the present decade, a branch warehouse has been established in Queen Street, Auckland, from which, as a centre, the Auckland provincial district is worked and is under the management of Mr. J. T. Norman. The imported stock kept by the firm, which is of the value of some £30,000, is drawn from the best markets of the Old World, and complete facilities exist for purchasing the latest styles and qualities of goods in every class through the expert buyers employed at the firm's London office. A very large business is done in indenting, whereby customers have the opportunity of becoming importers, the same opportunities enjoyed by the firm in the matter of buying being thus placed at their disposal. The firm is also an exporter of leathers.

Leather and Grindery Department.

Mr. Alfred Tyree, the enterprising proprietor, is the patentee of a very convenient pair of plyers, known as “The Patent Lasting Plyers,” which has been patented throughout the world. This very useful tool has already received considerable attention not only in the Colony, but from a prominent firm of Sheffield manufactured, besides American and Continental makers, who state that the essence of the improvement is a most valuable one. namely, a convenient and ready method of obtaining leverage, and it is anticipated, that a very large sale is in store for the invention. Mr. Tyree is a native of Kent, England, where he was born in 1836. Educated at public schools and brought up to mercantile life, he came to Dunedin in 1871 per ship “Otago.” After several years' experience in the boot trade in Dunedin, he removed to Christchurch in 1883, having accepted the position of manager of Messrs Heymanson, Low and Co.'s boot factory. In 1886, Mr. Tyree was appointed attorney in Christchurch for the late Mr. Gavin Gibson and after that gentleman's death, in June, 1888, became managing partner of the firm of Gavin Gibson and Co. There are few men in the trade who have a better knowledge of business generally than Mr. Tyree, who is always on the alert for a profitable investment for his surplus capital. An instance of his enterprise occurred in May, 1894, when he purchased page 323 for prompt cash the whole of the drapery stock of Messrs. Edwards, Bennett and Co., in Christchurch, including dress goods, blankets, sheeting, flannels, flannelettes, linens, hosiery, haberdashery, tweeds, and ladies' underwear. After completing the purchase, Mr. Tyree closed his warchouse for the purpose of arranging a gigantic sale, and such was the success of this venture, that at the monster clearing sale, the whole of the stock was sold, the sales on the first day reaching the large sum of £26,000. Mr. Tyree is chairman of the Excelsior Boot Manufacturing Company, and of the Canterbury Acetylene Gas Company, and is a director of several other local companies. He served for three years as a member of the St. Albans Borough Council, and has long been a member of the Christchurch Chamber of Commerce, and has served for some time on the committee of that body. Mr. Tyree was married in 1886 to a daughter of Mr. J. T. Norman, now of Auckland, and has two sons and one daughter.

Mr. A. Tyree.