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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Ross And Glendining, Limited

Ross And Glendining, Limited. Warehousemen and Manufacturers; Head Office, High Street, Dunedin. Telephone 1302. P.O Box. 306. Bankers, Bank of New South Wales. Branches: Lichfield Street, Christ-church; Tay Street, Invercargill; Emerson Street, Napier; Victoria Street, Wellington; Hardy Street, Nelson; Elliott Street, Auckland; and Taupo Quay, Wanganui. Worsted and woollen mills, Roslyn. London house, 63 Finsbury Pavement. E.O. Sheep stations in Otago; Lauder, Blackstone Hill, and Barewood.

A capital example of the enterprise and industry of Otago's early settlers is to be obtained in the well and widely-known business conducted by Messrs Ross and Glendining (Limited), warehousemen and manufacturers, at their mills in the Kaikorai Valley, and their factories and warehouses in Dunedin and other centres. Mr John Ross and Mr. Robert Glendining came to the colony over forty years ago, and in 1862 they agreed upon the partnership that has been in existence ever since, and that has worked so prosperously with resulting good not only to the principals, but to the many thousands of persons who have been industrially connected with them during that period, or who are in their employment at the present time. A visit to the mill at the Kaikorai enables one to realise to some extent the great volume of business carried on, and at the same time gives a striking idea of the magnificent industrial resources of the colony. Under the company's control one finds every branch of a most important industry. Part of the wool used at the mill is grown upon the company's Lauder, Blackstone Hill, Home Hills, and Barewood sheep stations, and large quantities are bought from other New Zealand growers. This is carted to the storerooms in the Kaikorai Valley, where there is accommodation for storing something like 5500 bales, or to the town stores, where 2000 additional bales may be kept. At the mill the wool is sorted out by experts, and passed on to the different departments to be made into cloth, yarns, blankets, flannels, dress goods, rugs, hosiery, etc. Then a great quantity of the yarn is converted into hosiery of all descriptions, while a large proportion of the cloth is sent to the factory in Dunedin to be made into clothing; and thus the process is complete—the growing of the raw material in the shape of wool and the production of the finished article for local sale or for distribution to other centres of the colony. The various processes of manufacture at the mill necessitate the employment of machinery covering a floor space of over 75,000 square feet, and to this enormous area the company has lately added a space of 46,000 square feet. This in itself is an indication of the tremendous growth of the company's business, the capacity of its works, and the confidence the principals have in the future of this important and far-reaching industry. The works call for the employment of some hundreds of hands, and the extension means that additional labour will be required; all of which points to the distribution of a very considerable sum in weekly wages, and as there is every prospect of the work extending over many years, the benefit to the community is almost incalculable.

The large and progressive firm of Ross and Glendining was founded by the present proprietors in 1862, when they carried on business as retail drapers, and their premises were in Princes Street. Four years afterwards they forsook the retail business, and, removing to Stafford Street, entered into possession of what at that time was the finest ware-house in Dunedin. Additions became necessary
Messrs Ross And Glendining's Roslyn Worsted And Woollen Mills.

Messrs Ross And Glendining's Roslyn Worsted And Woollen Mills.

page 337
Back View Of The Roslyn Mills.Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.

Back View Of The Roslyn Mills.
Wrigglesworth and Binns, photo.

with the growth of trade from time to time, but the firm remained in the Stafford Street establishment until 1892, when, finding that in those premises it was greatly circumscribed in respect to space, it secured a convenient site in High Street, upon which to erect buildings of such dimensions as would enable it to advantageously carry on its business. In 1893 the business was removed into an exceedingly handsome warehouse of three stories and a basement, constructed in accordance with designs by the principals themselves. In 1902 the warehouse was doubled in size, the new part being devoted solely to the display of the company's own manufactures. The extensive pile of buildings forms a conspicuous and massive structure. It is very substantially built, which may be taken as a symbol of the solid business conducted. The frontage to High Street is 133 feet, and the depth 100 feet. The offices of the company are in this building, and on the four floors which comprise the warehouse there is just sufficient room for the company's enormous stock of locally-manufactured and imported goods. The despatching room is on the basement floor. It is at all times a scene of the greatest activity. the company's output to all parts of the colony being large and steady—a sure indication of the public's appreciation of the goods supplied. The building is supported throughout by massive steel columns and stanchions, resting on independent foundations, and connected with girders of the same material.

The clothing factory is also situated in High Street, just above the Princess Theatre. It has a frontage of 66 feet to High Street, with a depth of 115 feet, with a cart entrance to the rear for taking away loads of finished goods. There are three floors and a basement in the building, the total floor space being 30,000 square feet. Every corner is bright and clean, and the rooms are well ventilated and well lighted, while the workers of whom there are several hundreds, appear cheerful and contented with their lot. Machines that at once attract attention are those for cutting cloth. One piece is marked and laid on top of a thickness of perhaps 100 pieces, and an endless knife, running at high speed, makes a clean cut through the whole thickness as it is guided round the pattern by the expert. Machines that make button-holes are common now a days, and the company has a full supply, as well as other up-to-date appliances for the speedy turning out of large orders. Something in the way of a novelty is the machine for sewing on buttons. Machines for pressing buttons into a catch have been in use for a long time, but this machine is a comparatively new invention, which does its work speedily and faultlessly; one worker can sew five buttons on a vest within a minute.

In addition to the manufacture of suits the company makes waterproof clothing for ladies and gentlemen, and produces felt, fur, and straw hats. This branch of the business is conducted in a separate warehouse in Stafford Street, built in 1866, but extensively enlarged, in 1902, and now consisting of two stories and a basement. This separate establishment houses a busy crowd of workers, about fifty in number, who are experts in the hat industry, which the firm of Ross and Glendining carries on under all the advantages of modern skill and science. Rabbit fur may be said to be the sheet-anchor of the hat industry of the world. From the rabbit-skin all the hair has to be extracted by hand, hair being a material that will not felt. The substance that is used is the fur that is nearer the skin. This is chemically treated, and put on a cutting machine, when the fur is shaved from the skin. The skin is used for the manufacture of glue, and the fur is passed through various machines to thoroughly mix and clean it for the first formation of a fur hat. This is done by the page 338
Dunedin Warehouse.

Dunedin Warehouse.

fur being blown on to a large perforated copper cone, revolving. When a sufficient quantity of fur is on this cone, it is sprayed with boiling water, then taken off the cone, rolled in flannel, and wrung. It is next passed on to female workers, and the process of hardening takes place. It is then felted down to the required size by various machines. From this process it is sandpapered, and then stiffened by being soaked in a solution of methylated spirits and shellac, placed in a drying room, and put into a steam chest, the object being to drive the composition into the felt. It is next dyed to the required shade. Up to this stage the hat is still in the cone shape. It is now placed in boiling water and the necessary size and shape of the hat are made by the article being drawn over a wooden block; a string is tied at the end of the block, and the overlapping part forms the brim. After being thoroughly dried it is placed in a hydraulic press and subjected to considerable pressure, after which it is sand-papered with specially prepared paper. Next it is shaped to the required style. The next scene of operation is the trimming room, where workers sew in the leather and the necessary ribbons round and on the edge of the hat. Ventilation is then provided for and the customer's stamp placed in the centre. The hat then passes on to a revolving lathe and is polished by heat, after which it is boxed and ready for delivery. This is the complete process of making a fur hat. The manufacture of a wool hat is totally different, up to a certain stage, from that of a fur hat. Whereas a fur hat is made by the fur being blown on to a revolving cone, one hat being made at a time, the wool hat is made by being carded, and two hats are made at the one operation. The wool hats are made from noils received from the company's Roslyn Worsted and Woollen Mills, so well known for the unimpeachable quality of their goods. Messrs Ross and Glendining manufacture also all classes of straw hats, from the costly Panama to the choicest quality required for a child to wear. The straw plait, which is imported from China, Japan, and other markets, passes through various processes in the company's works. It is rolled, passed on to one machine after another, and made into any conceivable shape that may be required to meet the demands of the market. Having wood-turning and shape-making appliances connected with the works, presided over by English experts, the company is in a position to turn out any style that may be asked for. The company imports the white and other coloured plaits, but if necessary, should a particular fashion arise—should any colour become popular,—it is in a position to dye to the very shade required no matter how delicate the tint. The machinery used in the factory, both for the manufacture of the furs and wools, is of the very latest and most approved pattern. Early in the year 1903 Mr. J. C. Ross, the manager, was despatched to the Old Country, by way of America, to visit the leading hat industries of the world, and on his tour he inspected and carefully noted the best points of the principal felt and straw hat industries of America, England, Germany and Italy, and before leaving for the colony again he had ordered the very best appliances that were to be obtained. This machinery is now (1904) running at the company's hat factory which, throughout its two stories and basement, is lit with the electric light, supplied by the company's own dynamo, which also drives upwards of 200 sewing machines in the clothing factory, almost adjoining the hat works. The machines in the hat factory are supplied with power from the steam engine that works the dynamo. The water necessary for dyeing purposes and for the works generally is obtained from a spring at the rear of the warehouse in High Street. It is pumped through pipes which run under the Mornington tram line and enter high-pressure tanks in the hat works, and a never-failing supply of good, clean water is thus secured for the works.
Messrs Ross and Glendining have gradually added branches in other distributing centres
Wellington Warehouse.

Wellington Warehouse.

page 339 in the colony, and their warehouses in Wellington, Napier, Auckland, Nelson, Wanganui, Christchurch and Invercargill are well known to local residents, and to the travelling public. Indeed the history of the firm enters very considerably into the industrial history of the whole of New Zealand. It was, therefore, well said by the writer of a pamphlet published about the year 1894: “History in the past has enrolled the names of warriors. History in the future will perpetuate the names of the great leaders of industry and of social harmony. The benefactors of New Zealand have, in a great degree, been gifted with that strange combination of qualities that enables men to take the lead in industrial affairs. In this respect Messrs Ross and Glendining occupy a distinguished position. Their names have been associated in business since 1862, which, from a colonial point of view, goes back to the early age. Their present position as manufacturers of woollens and worsteds dates from 1879. During the former period of their history they were engaged in the soft goods trade, which they conducted with an enterprise that eventually opened the way to manufacturing. The firm had acted as agents for the distribution of the goods produced at the old Kaikorai Woollen Factory. But the processes of that factory were somewhat antiquated; and, indeed, in these modern times, during which the improvements in machinery have followed one another so rapidly, it does not take long for certain methods of manufacture to become practically useless. Business genius is needed to know when this time has arrived, and business courage, to act upon that knowledge. Those acquainted with the industries of the Old Country will perfectly understand this. The owner of a plant may shrink from the excessive cost of renewing it, but he has to face the alternative of doing that or being left behind. Some have done it and prospered, others have refrained from doing it and have failed. Messrs Ross and Glendining soon realised what was needed. With machinery up to date, and with a modern building offering the best facilities, the cost of manufacturing might be reduced, the production greatly increased, and their returns augmented; with them, to see was to act. A suitable site, comprising sixteen acres, was secured in the suburban borough of Roslyn. The erection of a substantial factory for the manufacture of woollen goods was proceeded with under the direction of Mr. Glendining. At the same time the senior partner, Mr. Ross, was in England, selecting a complete plant of the most recent design. The Roslyn Woollen Mills started work in 1879. The wisdom of the bold step the firm took was speedily and abundantly demonstrated. The goods produced were so favourably received and so largely demanded, that, at frequent intervals, the firm was obliged to make additions to the buildings and plant. In the short space of six years it was led to consider the problem of introducing the worsted manufactures. At that time this branch of business was not conducted south of the Line. Messrs Ross and Glendining were the first to establish it, and until quite recently theirs was the only firm in New Zealand engaged in the industry. This involved a further outlay of capital in the erection of suitable buildings, and in the purchase of complicated and expensive machinery. Hopefully they embarked upon this new enterprise, and very soon the mill was built and furnished, while expert workmen had been secured from the Old Country. These mills and their surroundings are now a treat to behold. They are placed in the Kaikorai Valley, the view of which, as one descends the Roslyn Hill, is charming. To one accustomed to the great manufacturing towns of the North of England there is nothing to suggest that the dwellers in this spacious valley are factory workers. Cosy looking cottages are dotted all about, and it looks as though life in the place ought to be ideal. Here you have no long rows of monotonously ugly, small brick houses, but dwellings looking clean and comfortable, each standing within its own little plot. Here you have no great crowds of sickly-looking children trying to be happy in their play in narrow, paved streets, but almost boundless space of hill and vale, where the young ones can hardly fail to be healthy and happy. Probably the whole of the dwellers in this charming valley are not employed in the Roslyn Mills, but, seeing that the work-people number 500, there cannot be many homes which are not in some way connected with the celebrated industry carried on in the place. This fact reminds one of the noblest employers in the Home land; Saltaire is an instance in point—a town created by the enterprise of one man, who gathered about him hundreds of helpers, and built for them the finest dwellings to be found in the whole of the West Riding of Yorkshire. He also provided for his helpers many means of refinement and comfort—reading rooms and libraries, and generous accommodation for the aged and infirm. Not all of these have yet made their appearance at Kaikorai, but there are indications that, consciously or unconsciously, the proprietors of the Roslyn Mills have caught the spirit of Robert Owen, who infused into the minds and hearts of many employers, a new and more humane regard for those who are sometimes merely called hands.'”
Amongst the institutions thus brought into existence at the Roslyn Mills, there are a savings bank and a benefit society. The savings bank was established about 1891, with a view to encouraging thrift among the workers, and that end has been largely attained. The affairs of the bank are managed by a committee of the employees, but
Christchurch Warehouse.

Christchurch Warehouse.

page 340
Hat Factory.

Hat Factory.

the heads of the firm bear all the expense connected with it, and, in addition to granting an annual bonus of £100, guarantee over 7 per cent, of interest upon all deposits. The object of the benefit society is to afford relief to its members during sickness or in case of accident. Payment is arranged according to the payment received, and the benefits during sickness are distributed in proportion to the scale of payment. To this institution also the firm gives an annual bonus of £30; but, beyond the financial assistance it gives, the firm takes no part in the management of the bank or the society. These are only two of the many advantages enjoyed by employees of the company. Others of a minor, though important, nature might be mentioned; such as the comfortable dining-rooms and the well-appointed cloak-rooms and lavatories fitted up in the mill and also in the factories.

The mills have the same characteristics that are noticeable in the houses of the workers—cleanliness, comfort, and beauty. The factories in the Old Land, as a rule, are depressing spectacles of ugliness, even the noted exceptions being expressive of the vigorous spirit of utility. In Roslyn there is something more. The channel of the Kaikorai stream, which flows through the property of the firm, has been strengthened by paving the bed and the sides. The banks have been planted with English trees, so that the mills stand in a framework of foliage. On passing through the gates in the mill yard, one is delightfully impressed with the order and cleanliness of everything and this is only an indication of the conditions that fortunately prevail throughout every department of the manufactory.

Clothing Factory.

Clothing Factory.

The manufactures of the firm's worsted factory embrace worsted coatings and trouserings, worsted and silk-mixed tweeds, dress and costume cloths, serges, and three-ply, four-ply, and five-ply fingering yarns. The products of the woollen mills are all-wool tweeds, dress tweeds, uniform tweeds, Crimean shirtings, tennis cloths, plaidings, white and coloured flannels, blankets, shawls, travelling rugs, and wheeling yarns. The process of manufacturing is as varied as it is interesting. After leaving the hands of the experts the wool is taken to the scouring room and passed through a “teaser,” which removes the greater part of the impurities; it is next delivered to a “multiple scourer”, in which it is thoroughly rinsed, after which it is caught between a pair of squeezing rollers, which so reduce it that a revolving fan is able to blow it off in very fine flakes. The fleeces are then removed to the drying room, where they are laid upon large wire-covered frames. The under parts of the frames are covered in, and form chambers, the only outward opening of which is a circular aperture in the outer wall. Here a 50in Blackman air propeller, swiftly revolving, draws the warm, dry air of the room through the wool on the wire, into the chamber below, and expels it from the building, thus a constant circulation of dry air through the wool is maintained. This process is so efficacious that two and a-half hours will suffice to dry the wettest wool. The bulk of the wool then finds its way into the dye-house, in which are placed iron, copper, and wooden vats of all sizes, and in an adjoining room are the dye stuffs. The indigo vat, with its special engine and apparatus, has a room to itself, and the appliances have been perfected according to the latest and most improved methods for securing the fastest indigo dyes in woollens and worsteds. The “teasing” process which follows is car- page 341 ried on in two rooms, one of which is set apart for white goods and the other for the coloured, and in both there is first-class machinery for opening out and oiling the wool. A large room, covering more than half an acre of floor space, contains the carding, spinning, twisting, and weaving machinery. The machinery comprises six sets of carding machines, ten self-acting mules (each running 300 spindles), and from fifty to sixty looms, besides several twisting and winding frames. The worsted mills adjoining contain machines for all the processes of carding, combing, drawing, spinning, and warping. Or worsted carding engines there are six sets, from which the wool passes to the combing machines. There are five of these, and most intricate and cleverly-constructed machines they are. The essential diference between woollen and worsted fabrics commences at this stage. In the case of woollens, the wool is in the carding process merely teased out thoroughly, and this teased or carded material is then spun up; whereas in the case of worsteds the wool fibres are carefully combed out their full length, and laid regularly in one direction before being spun—the short wool being separated from the long, with the result that in the latter case a much finer, stronger, and more regular yarn is produced. These machines take in the carded wool and deliver it in a roll, with the fibre all in one direction, and free from the smallest knot or twist. The processes of drawing and roving are next undergone by the material, to reduce it to the necessary degree of fineness, after which it is transferred to the spinning frames, from which it is produced as yarn, in any variety of thickness. The finer yarns are indispensable to the manufacture of the fine worsted coatings, costume cloths, and finer dress stuffs, which could not be made with even the finest woollen yarns. The milling, yarn scouring, tentering, and other finishing processes are carried on in rooms on the ground floor of the main building. In the hosiery factory many girls are employed, making every description or knitted goods, from the finer makes of ladies' and children's hosiery to men's heavy pants and cardigans. Trade is very brisk, and every day hundreds of dozens of hosiery goods are turned out by the special spinning and knitting machinery, all of which is up to date, possessing the latest and most approved appliances. An altogether new department has been added in a room for rendering goods unshrinkable—a quality that every wearer of woollen goods will appreciate and enjoy. Patent machinery is at work in this department, the company having secured its sole rights for New Zealand.

The new portion of the mill, completed in 1902, is 210 feet long, with a width of 160 feet. Its two stories will be devoted to the manufacture of worsted and hosiery. In the hosiery department there are 180 machines for making and finishing hosiery. They are of the very latest pattern, with every up-to-date improvement, and some of them will be used for working the finest of goods, such as silk and silk mixture, for which there is a large demand from the North Island and other places of warmer climate than Otago. Special attention is being paid to Viyella goods, comprising all sorts of ladies' and gentlemen's underwear in various weights. The Viyella is a patent yarn, the feature of which is that it is absolutely unshrinkable. The company possesses the sole right to manufacture Viyella goods in New Zealand. The preparation of fingering yarns or worsted for knitting purposes will also be carried on in this building. The foundations are of concrete, and most substantial, due regard having been paid to the fact that some heavy machinery has to be placed in the building. This portion of the works, like the remainder of the mill, is well lighted and ventilated. No fewer than 200 cast-iron columns are used in the structure. On the lower floor these are 12 feet apart, and on the upper floor, where they support the roof, there are two rows of columns twelve feet apart. The
Napier Warehouse.

Napier Warehouse.

columns were manufactured by Messrs A. and T. Burt (Limited), Dunedin. It is the first time the company has placed a large order of the kind in the hands of a local firm. Formerly the columns were imported, but the company is as well satisfied with the manner in which the local firm has completed the work as it could have been with the work of any firms at Home. The electric light is used throughout, and provision has been made for supplying 600 16-candle power lights.

Every wheel in the new building is driven by new machinery. First to claim attention is a horizontal compound condensing steam engine, with positive Corliss gear, made by Messrs E. R. and F. [gap — reason: illegible] (Limited), Ipswich, England. The fly-wheel (9 feet 6 inches in diameter), which has seven grooves for 1 1/2 inch ropes, connects with the main driving wheel on the first floor. In addition page 342 to this driving wheel there is another grooved wheel, 4 feet 6 inches in diameter, which transmits the power to a shaft 3 1/2 inches in diameter, running the whole length of the building. The following figures in connection with the engine will prove interesting: Economical horsepower, 145; maximum horse-power, 200; diameter, high pressure cylinder, 11 inches; diameter, low pressure cylinder, 19 inches; stroke of engine, 28 inches; working pressure of steam, 120. The engine has a shaft governor for regulating the speed. The weight of the engine is 13 1/2 tons. A Hornsby water-tube boiler has been placed in position. It has eighty tubes, each 17 feet long. The “Sentinel” feed-water filter in connection with the boiler serves a useful purpose—namely, to filter the oil from the feed-water that goes into the boilers, otherwise if the oil entered with the water it would damage the boilers. One of Green's economisers for utilising the waste heat from the boilers has also been installed. From what has been said regarding the engine and its adjuncts anyone may judge that the company has secured the best that can be obtained for its requirements, and Mr. James Strachan, the engineer, not only thoroughly understands every branch of it, but takes the greatest pride in the machinery under his charge. If a new part is wanted for anything, it is made at the workshop on the premises. A friction crane for delivering and taking in goods is another useful appliance. It is on the second floor, and, in addition to the lifts, it runs into the building with its load. A prominent feature of the new premises is the high chimney, which is 10 feet square at the base, and rises to a height of 130 feet. In the older building there is also a compound condensing engine at work, supplying power to machines of various kinds, and electrical apparatus provides for 450 lights. On account of the great increase in the output of recent years it has been found necessary to remove some of the machines into new quarters, where there is more scope for the employees to work, and to make other arrangements for the better carrying on of the various branches of manufacture. Mention must also be made of the reservoirs. These are four in number with a capacity of several million gallons, the water being derived from a stream close by. The water necessary for manufacturing purposes is drawn from these reservoirs. The company possesses forty acres of ground in the Kaikorai Valley, fifteen acres of which are taken up by the mill premises and the reservoirs.

A quarter of a century ago, in 1878, this great industry was still within the region of vision and hope, but reasoned resolve and intelligent action, have made it a matter of veritable fact. From 1878 to 1903–4 is, comparatively, not a long period, and yet how much has been achieved in that time by Messrs Ross and Glendining. Under the old Home conditions of forty or fifty years ago, the history of the Roslyn Mills would have been as the history of Saltaire and similar places. To have accomplished what has been done under the prevailing conditions is wonderful. The colony is young and sparsely populated. Nothing like monopoly has been enjoyed. The great nations of the world have not been available as customers, as was the case with England long ago. The wise maxims of the firm, in addition to the foresight and boldness that has been shown, explain the growth. These maxims are: ‘To produce only first-class goods,’ and ‘To produce as large a range as possible.’ If these are adhered to, the growth of the firm will continue, and deservedly so. All honour to men like Messrs Ross and Glendining. May New Zealand never lack such men to take the lead in developing the varied and endless resources of the land. However conditions may change, captains of industry will always be essential. It will always be the duty of the many to follow, the function of the few to lead. If the leaders be wise and the followers faithful, the problems of New Zealand, as they arise one after another, will be solved, and its course will be upward and onward.

Messrs Ross and Glendining are large importers as well as extensive manufacturers; the markets of the world are laid under contribution to supply the wants of the people of New Zealand. Through their London
Invercargill Warehouse.

Invercargill Warehouse.

page 343 house regular shipments are sent forward by steamers and sailing vessels, and goods come to hand at the various ports of the colony at every opportunity. Immense stocks are maintained at the principal warehouse in Dunedin, and at all the branches of the firm. The travelling representatives of the house are constantly on the move, visiting business firms in all parts of the colony. Apart altogether from the 1000 persons engaged in the various industries conducted by the firm, some 100 managers, heads of departments, warehousemen, and clerks are employed in the chief establishment and its branches. Although Messrs Ross and Glendining are among the largest buyers at the Dunedin wool sales, they are by no means dependent on this source of supply, as they are large station holders. Their Lauder and Black-stone Hill stations contain about 120,000 acres, of which 3000 are freehold, and the Barewood station comprises 30,000 acres of leasehold land. On these runs there are from 80,000 to 90,000 sheep, and the firm is thus enabled to grow its own wool, manufacture its own cloth, and make it into garments ready for wear.

To the well-directed efforts of the two principals in the firm—Mr. John Ross and Mr. Robert Glendining—is entirely due the great success of this magnificent industrial establishment. Both gentlemen possess energy and judgment, and, in addition to building up a fine business for themselves—a business that is a credit to the colony,—they have given their time and their purses also to useful objects, as well as valuable assistance in charitable and other works. Since the business was floated into a company the affairs are managed by a board of directors, consisting of Mr. John Ross, Mr. Robert Glendining, Mr. Thomas Glendining, and Mr G. R. Hercus. The administration of all the heads is marked by scrupulous care and attention to the minutest details.