This establishment was situated on the South bank of the River Yarra Yarra, about two miles from Melbourne. It was first planned and erected by G. S. Brodie and H. Burchett, Esqrs., at an outlay of about £10,000. These gentlemen forwarded extensive shipments of manufactured leather to the British market, and great expectations were formed as to the commercial importance of this new article of export. The result of the sales, however, did not fulfil their expectations; and the immense flood that took place in the Yarra, in November, 1849, having washed away a large quantity of goods, and seriously damaged the buildings, the proprietors determined to suspend operations.
The establishment subsequently passed into the hands of Messrs Smith and Kirk. A large Colonial trade sprung up, and the favourable accounts were heard of their manufactures, which lead to hope that they would eventually reap the reward of their spirited enterprise.
Source: The Victorian Tannery; Frontispiece - The Illustrated Australian Magazine; (month unknown) 1850; Courtesy State Library of New South Wales
No comments