196
COMMERCIAL
LUNHAM
CORK.
& CO., H a m a n d B a c o n
Curers, Kxporters, etc.,
3, L a v i t t ' s Q u a y , Cork.
THE curing of pork in t h e form of h a m s a n d bacon,
w i t h o r without t h e additional process of smoking, is
carried o n to a large extent in several p a r t s of t h e
country ; a n d t h e industry is a v e r y i m p o r t a n t one,
f r o m t h e fact t h a t so l a r g e a proportion of our preserved
food supply is t h u s produced.
Foremost a m o n g
chemical a g e n t s in food preservation common salt h a s
been used f r o m t h e earliest times, a n d t h e process of
smoking also d a t e s back a very considerable n u m b e r of
years. T h e system a d o p t e d b y Messrs. L U N H A M A N D
C O M P A N Y , B a c o n Curers, etc., of L a v i t t ' s a n d P o p e ' s
Quays, Cork, m a y b e said t o be exactly similar t o t h a t
obtaining in m a n y other establishments in t h e t r a d e .
.At t h e s a m e t i m e it m a y b e questioned if a n y o t h e r
Jipuse exercises m o r e care, or carries out every little
detail in t h e various operations in a m o r e thorough a n d
efficient m a n n e r , t h a n t h e establishment a t present u n d e r
notice. T h e business w a s established over fifty y e a r s
ago b y M r . Alexander L u n h a m , whose son, Mr. Alex.
William L u n h a m , is t h e present sole proprietor,
carrying on t h e business u n d e r t h e original style a n d
t i t l e — L U N H A M AND COMPANY.
H a v i n g t h u s -been established over half a century,
t h e house h a s seen m a n y changes in t h e t r a d e . I t s own
individual success, however, h a s never been in doubt
during t h e whole of t h a t period, a n d t h e still increasing
c h a r a c t e r of t h e connection a u g u r s well t h a t t h e h i g h
reputation a n d t h e volume of operations m u s t of
necessity b e f u r t h e r enhanced a n d extended respec­
tively in t h e f u t u r e . T h e business premises, s i t u a t e a t
L a v i t t ' s Q u a y , a r e admirably a d a p t e d for t h e work
carried on a n d a r e fitted w i t h every requirement.
Additional premises a r e occupied a t P o p e ' s Qua)', b u t
t h e whole process of curing a n d smoking is relegated
a n d confined t o t h e former buildings. A complete a n d
varied stock of all k i n d s of provision is k e p t on h a n d ,
b u t t h e speciality of t h e house is in connection with t h e
c u r i n g a n d smoking of h a m s a n d bacon, of which a n
i m m e n s e q u a n t i t y is produced. E v e r y t h i n g in connec­
tion w i t h t h e salting, curing, smoking, a n d drying is
d o n e o n t h e premises, a l a r g e n u m b e r of efficient h a n d s
being employed for t h i s purpose. A v e r y extensive
t r a d e is done, a n d t h e firm export largely of b o t h green a n d
smoked. T h e premises a r e v e r y conveniently a r r a n g e d ;
t h e smoke room with its n u m e r o u s stoves, t h e drying
house, salting house, a n d washing d e p a r t m e n t all being
in close proximity t o e a c h other, although q u i t e a
distinct a n d s e p a r a t e series of a p a r t m e n t s . T h e stores
a r e v e r y commodious a n d well fitted u p a n d contain a n
exceptionally large a n d choice selection of t h e goods for
which t h e firm h a v e so high a reputation. T h e private
a n d general offices a r e a t t h e e n t r a n c e of t h e L a v i t t ' s
Q u a y establishment a n d a r e occupied b y t h e necessarily
large clerical staff which t h e operations of t h e h o u s e
d e m a n d . I h e goods e m a n a t i n g f r o m Messrs. L U N H A M
A N D C O M P A N Y ' S works a r e exported t o all p a r t s of t h e
kingdom a n d a r e .all first class a s r e g a r d s quality.
A s carried on in this factory, t h e work of curing a n d
smoking is conducted in a fair a n d business-like m a n n e r ,
t h e various d e p a r t m e n t s being models a s r e g a r d s
cleanliness a n d order, light a n d ventilation ; a n d t h e
c a r e exercised affords a n opportunity for nothing b u t
praise. T h e success of a n i m p o r t a n t establishment of
t h i s kind m u s t in a g r e a t m e a s u r e d e p e n d on t h e
integrity of t h e house a n d t h e enterprise a n d t a c t
displayed in t h e administration of t h e n u m e r o u s details
involved in t h e m a n a g e m e n t . W h e n w e s a y t h e system
adopted b y Messrs. L U N H A M A N D C O . is admirable for
i t s completeness, a n d t h a t t h e quality of t h e i r goods i s
second t o none in t h e m a r k e t , it will b e plainly evident
t h a t , successful a s t h e house h a s been in t h e p a s t , t h e r e
is sound reason for believing its reputation a n d t r a d e
will b e still f u r t h e r e x t e n d e d a n d become more a n d m o r e
prosperous a s y e a r s roll on.
W A L T E R T . K I N G S N O R T H , Account Book and Letterpress Binder, Bookbinder
t o t h e Q u e e n ' s C o l l e g e , Cork, 31, F i s h S t r e e t , Cork.
FEW industries a r e more thoroughly characteristic
^)f Cork t h a n those which relate t o t h e artistic a r t of
bookbinding, a branch of work t h a t h a s been brought t o
a s t a n d a r d of considerable perfection in t h e City, where
binding in all its more attractive features must b e
expected t o g a i n intelligent appreciation. O n e of t h e
most noteworthy concerns a t present engaged in t h e
representation of this t r a d e is t h a t of M r . W A L T E R T .
K I N G S N O R T H , whose business, established only five y e a r s
ago, h a s r a p i d l y advanced t o a position of the" first
commercial importance. A s a n Account Book a n d
L e t t e r p r e s s B i n d e r a large proportion of t h e transactions
of this house is of a mercantile character, b u t t h e r e i s
scarcely a n y d e p a r t m e n t of high-class binding work in
.which M r . K I N G S N O R T H h a s not acquired considerable
distinction. H e excels i n all t h e m o r e a d v a n c e d p h a s e s
of t h e a r t , a n d t o t h e assiduous attention a n d s t u d y h e
devotes m a y b e a t t r i b u t e d his present appointment a s
Bookbinder t o t h e Q u e e n ' s College. S o rapidly, indeed,
h a s t h e business e x p a n d e d t h a t t h e extensive premises
recently acquired were rendered absolutely necessary in
order t o facilitate t h e whole operations of a growing
t r a d e . T h e proprietor h a s been f o r t u n a t e in securing a
situation which, f r o m a general commercial point of
view, a n d for his business especially, is one of g r e a t
suitability a n d convenience. T h e premises a r e only
t h r e e doors f r o m t h e b u s y t h o r o u g h f a r e of P a t r i c k Street
a n d a r e within t h e r a d i u s of a circle of constant daily
activity. T h r e e flats a r e fully occupied, t h e office,
showroom, a n d store being on t h e street level, while t h e
COMMERCIAL
w h o l e space of t h e t w o u p p e r flats is devoted t o t h e
practical operations of t h e business, a n d t h e establish­
m e n t is, from roof t o b a s e m e n t , fitted a n d a p p o i n t e d in
a m a n n e r befitting i t s i m p o r t a n c e a n d t h e m a g n i t u d e of
i t s work.
N o t h i n g seems w a n t i n g t o secure t h e
completeness a n d organisation of a n equipment into
w h i c h every improvement of t h e bookbinding industry
i s introduced. T h e technical qualifications of t h e p l a n t
i n d i c a t e t h e c a r e w i t h which only sound a n d ingenious
a p p l i a n c e s h a v e been brought t o b e a r upon t h e industry,
a n d its general excellence m a y b e partially understood
f r o m t h e f a c t t h a t M r . K I N G S N O R T H is t h e only practical
-tradesman in Cork carrying out t h e work of letterpress
"binding. T h i s exceptional position enables t h e house t o
r e p r e s e n t , without competition, a b r a n c h of work for
which t h e r e exists t h e most imperative d e m a n d in Cork.
T h e requirements of stationers, publishers, a n d families
a r e alike satisfactorily provided for, a n d , in whatever
•department of bookbinding a r t is t a k e n u p , M r .
K I N G S N O R T H manifests a commendable desire t o c a r r y
•out t h e work n o t onty tastefully b u t appropriately,
e n h a n c i n g t h e r e b y t h e attractiveness of t h e contents b y
t h e suitable elegance of t h e covers. M a n y examples of
t h e exquisite bookbinding work executed b y t h i s house
.are to b e found throughout Cork, a n d , notwithstanding
W . MARSH
CORK.
t h e recent establishment of t h e business, it h a s already
asserted its indispensable footing in t h e City's t r a d e .
T h e reconciliation of c h e a p a n d h a n d s o m e binding h a s
been fully considered b y M r . K I N G S N O R T H , a n d t h e
varied tariff observed b e a r s those m a r k s of liberality
which h a v e so quickly r e c o m m e n d e d t h e house t o its
already very large a n d influential clientele. T h e moder­
a t e t e r m s of t h e establishment a r e principally character­
ised in t h e re-covering a n d binding of complete libraries,
t h i s work being accomplished with precision a n d on a
v e r y inexpensive scale. W h e n necessary personal
a t t e n d a n c e is given b y t h e proprietor, a n d t h e express
wishes of p a t r o n s a r e a t t e n d e d t o with d u e exactitude.
T h e position of t h e firm naturally offers m a n y oppor­
tunities for t h e acquisition of secondhand books, a n d a
large t r a d e is effected in all classes of works, fictional a s
well a s educational. T h e entire establishment consti­
t u t e s a large book emporium available t o every section
of a t r a d i n g a n d residential community, a n d a s such is
a source of varied interest. T h e proprietor is invariably
equal t o t h e most exacting d e m a n d s upon his b y n o
m e a n s limited resources, a n d h i s very attentive, courte­
ous, a n d obliging m a n n e r s g o f a r t o sustain t h e confidence
a n d favour of t h e large circle of a d h e r e n t s in w h o s e
interests t h e business is so well directed.
& S O N S , Auctioneers, Valuers, etc.,
W H E N E l i h u Yale, a n American—who, b y t h e way,
w a s buried a t W r e x h a m , Denbighshire—brought such a
q u a n t i t y of goods from t h e E a s t Indies t h a t h e h a d n o t
r o o m enough for t h e m in h i s house, a n d held a public
s a l e in 1715, in order t o g e t rid of t h e m , b y conducting
t h i s t h e first sale b y auction (or at auction, a s our
f r i e n d s across t h e Atlantic t e r m it), t h e worthy E l i h u
o p e n e d u p a n entirely n e w profession in t h i s country.
T h e duties now devolving u p o n a n auctioneer are,
however, of a m o r e multifarious a n d comprehensive
•characlei' t h a n were carried out b y t h e enterprising
American, a n d to-day t h e m e m b e r s of t h e profession
a r e expected n o t only t o u n d e r s t a n d all t h e intricate
d e t a i l s a n d f o r m s connected with t h e sales of house a n d
l a n d e d property, f a r m s , assurance policies, cattle a n d
s h e e p , furniture, &c., b u t m u s t also b e capable of m a k i n g
v a l u a t i o n s for probate respecting those articles, in addi­
t i o n t o plate of all descriptions. As a n establishment
n o t a b l e for having been i n existence a considerable
n u m b e r of years, a s well a s for t h e t a c t a n d j u d g m e n t
w h i c h h a s always characterised their business trans­
a c t i o n s , t h e house of Messrs. W . M A R S H A N D S O N S ,
Auctioneers a n d Valuers, South Mall, Cork, is
especially deserving of mention in t h e s e notices.
E s t a b l i s h e d so long a g o a s 1835 b y t h e l a t e M r .
W i l l i a m Marsh, a n d n o w carried on b y his eldest son,
M r . W . J . Marsh—assisted b y his t w o sons, M r . R . H .
M a r s h a n d M r . J o s h u a H . M a r s h — t h e business h a s
achieved a n uninterrupted career of success extending
o v e r a period of half a century, a n d to-day t h e deve­
l o p m e n t a n d extension of t h e t r a d e is still going on.
T h e business premises of t h e firm a r e finely appointed,
197
70, S o u t h M a l l ,
Cork.
a n d comprise a h a n d s o m e suite of general a n d p r i v a t e
offices, i n t h e r e a r of which is a commodious a p a r t m e n t ,
measuring some 50ft. b y 20ft., used a s a general a n d
property saleroom. T h i s is well lighted a n d ventilated
a n d suitably furnished, t h e excellent a r r a n g e m e n t s
leaving nothing t o b e desired. Also adjoining t h e
offices is a n o t h e r room, over 60ft. square, used a s a
public saleroom. T h i s a p a r t m e n t is v e r y lofty, well lit
f r o m t h e roof, a n d balconies r u n along o n e a c h side t o
t h e full extent of t h e building. I n close proximity to,
a n d e n t e r e d therefrom, o n e of t h e n u m e r o u s extensive
f u r n i t u r e storerooms of t h e firm-is situated, a n d w h i c h
contains everv accommodation required in carryino- on
t h i s important business. T h e frequent periodical sales
conducted b y Messrs. M A R S H include freehold a n d
leasehold investments of every variety, stocks-of wines
a n d spirits, plate a n d jewellery of all descriptions,
paintings, old china, articles of vertu, books, horses,
cattle, sheep, household furniture, etc. W h e n w e
r e m e m b e r t h a t a n auctioneer m u s t n o t only b e fully
conversant w i t h quality a n d t h e nominal a n d selling
value for t h e s e various goods a n d other articles, a n d t h e
general d e m a n d for t h e m , b u t must, i n addition, h a v e a
knowledge more or less extensive of t h e inner workings
of t h e t r a d e s a n d callings which produce m a n y of t h e m ,
it will b e obvious t h a t his experience m u s t b e of a varied
a n d _ comprehensive character, f a r m o r e so t h a n i s
required in a n y other similar profession. Messrs.
M A R S H & S O N S enjoy a h i g h reputation, a s t h e y h a v e
always done, a n d t h e rapid extension of their business
h a s been phenomenal. I n 1866 t h e firm first s t a r t e d
their periodical cattle sales, a n d t h e development in t h i s
198
COMMERCIAL
h a s b e e n a s r e m a r k a b l e a s in t h e other b r a n c h e s .
E x t e n s i v e M a r t s h a v e been acquired—the Copley Street
Repository covering over a n a c r e of g r o u n d . T h i s
Repository is suitably appointed in every w a y , c a t t l e
p e n s running i n all directions. T h e s h e e p p e n s a r e
s i t u a t e u n d e r cover in t w o large brick-built a n d slated
sheds^ T h e r e a r e fine gallery arrangements, w i t h
rostrum a n d entrances direct f r o m t h e p e n s for cattle,
etc. T h e Repository is k e p t in admirable order, clean­
liness being everywhere a p p a r e n t . A t frequent intervals
t h e pens, etc., a r e thoroughly cleansed a n d lime-washed.
A t r a d e of a very i m p o r t a n t character is done b y t h e
firm i n t h i s connection, cattle being sent t o Messrs.
M A R S H f r o m m a n y p a r t s of t h e S o u t h of Ireland.
Periodical auctions of a character more extensive t h a n
generally conducted a r e a r r a n g e d a s f o l l o w s ; — I n
April, t h e a n n u a l Shorthorn Bull sales; during August,
LAWSON
& CO., G e n t l e m e n ' s
CORK.
a n n u a l sale of R a m s a n d E w e s ; d u r i n g S e p t e m b e r , a
supplementary auction of S h e e p a n d L a m b s ; a n d
d u r i n g October t h e a n n u a l sale of S t o r e H e i f e r s a n d
Bullocks. T h e ordinary sales of D a i r y a n d Store
Cattle a n d S h e e p t a k e place weekly, a n d a r e patronised
b y all t h e leading agriculturalists a n d buyers i n t h e
district.
Messrs. M A R S H a r e highly respected a n d
esteemed, a n d possess t h e most extensive business a s
auctioneers in t h e S o u t h of Ireland. U n d e r their ca­
p a b l e joint direction t h e administration of t h e affairs of
t h e house is, a n d always h a s been, n o t e d for energy,
sound j u d g m e n t , a n d honourable principle—qualities
guaranteeing t h e m a i n t e n a n c e of reputation, t h e wide
extension of t r a d e , a n d t h e f u t u r e a u g m e n t e d prosperity
of t h e firm. I n p r i v a t e life t h e p a r t n e r s a r e respected
a n d esteemed for t h e i r personal good qualities b y a
l a r g e circle of friends a n d p a t r o n s .
Outfitters, Shirt-makers, a n d H o s i e r s ,
33, G r a n d P a r a d e , Cork.
IT is a striking characteristic of t h e leading com­
mercial establishments in t h i s C i t y t h a t their records,
frequently d a t i n g b a c k t o t h e most r e m o t e periods,
afford v e r y convincing evidence of t h e mercantile a n d
industrial progress of t h i s metropolis of t h e S o u t h of
Ireland d u r i n g t h e p a s t century. Amongst t h e firms
entitled t o special distinction in t h i s direction, a
prominent position m u s t b e assigned t o Messrs. L A W S O N
A N D C O M P A N Y , t h e well-known gentlemen's outfitters,
shirtmakers, a n d hosiers, t o whose business history w e
h a v e pleasure in inviting t h e attention of our readers,
T h e house w a s founded i n 1795 b y Mr. J o s e p h L a w s o n .
t h e d a t e being satisfactorily authenticated b y a copy of
a newspaper of t h e period, entitled t h e New Cork Evening
Post, n o w in t h e possession of t h e present proprietor, in
which is contained t h e original advertisement formally
notifying t h e opening of t h e establishment a n d detailing
t h e goods offered for sale. A f t e r m a n y y e a r s ' successful
trading, t h e founder retired, a n d t h e business w a s
continued b y his descendants, of w h o m t h e present
representative is M r . H . R . Gorsuch, t r a d i n g u n d e r t h e
style w h i c h h a s b e e n for nearly a century p a s t identified
w i t h t h e establishment. T h e premises occupied b y t h e
firm a r e centrally s i t u a t e in t h a t fine thoroughfare t h e
G r a n d P a r a d e , a n d comprise a large a n d handsomely
appointed shop w i t h splendid plate-glass windows, oval
i n shape, which a r e attractively dressed w i t h a n elegant
assortment of t h e latest novelties in gentlemen's silk
scarfs, ties, collars, gloves, silk handkerchiefs, e t c . ;
tailor-made s u m m e r waistcoats in special new designs ;
a n d a g r e a t variety of outfitting goods of t h e highest
quality. T h e interior is of spacious dimensions a n d is
fitted throughout in t h e most recherche style, quite in
keeping w i t h t h e high-class c h a r a c t e r of t h e t r a d e a n d
equalling in every respect t h e a p p e a r a n c e presented b y
t h e leading L o n d o n houses. T h e stock h a s b e e n
admirably selected, a n d includes, in addition t o t h e goods
displayed in t h e window—gentlemen's sanitary n a t u r a l
g r e y fine woollen u n d e r v e s t s a n d p a n t s , for all seasons'
w e a r ; l a w n tennis, cricket, boating, a n d cycling outfits ;
a n d a g r e a t variety of p y j a m a s o r sleeping suits, fishing
a n d shooting stockings, etc., etc. T h e leading f e a t u r e
of t h e business is t h e s h i r t m a k i n g d e p a r t m e n t , for
which t h e firm e n j o y a world-wide f a m e , t h e i r perfectfitting w h i t e a n d coloured shirts having, for generations
p a s t , b e e n j u s t l y considered unequalled i n quality of
material, fit, a n d w o r k m a n s h i p in t h e kingdom.
N o t h i n g c a n show m o r e clearly t h e v a l u e a t t a c h e d t o
t h e finish of t h e s e shirts t h a n t h e f a c t t h a t t h e firm
constantly receive orders for t h e s e goods f r o m L o n d o n
a n d other p a r t s of E n g l a n d , I n d i a , a n d Australia.
O t h e r specialities of t h e firm include M a d r a s coloured
shirting ( I n d i a n gauze), a soft a n d absorbent material,
v e r y d u r a b l e a n d w a r r a n t e d n o t t o shrink ; a n d every
description of I n d i a n a n d colonial outfitting g o o d s ;
special t e r m s being offered t o gentlemen going a b r o a d
or joining t h e A r m y , N a v y , o r I n d i a n Civil Service.
Messrs. L A W S O N also show a beautiful selection of
gentlemen's silk umbrellas in all t h e newest p a t t e r n
handles, a n d it is w o r t h y of n o t e t h a t t h i s firm w e r e t h e
first t o i n t r o d u c e t h i s class of goods i n t o t h e S o u t h of
I r e l a n d , a n event which d a t e s a long w a y b a c k in t h e
history of t h e house. T h e establishment is widely
patronised b y a n extensive clientele of t h e leading nobility
a n d g e n t r y in t h e S o u t h of I r e l a n d , a n d , f r o m t h e
exceedingly m o d e r a t e charges a n d uniform s t a n d a r d of
quality m a i n t a i n e d b y t h e proprietors, t h e y h a v e secured
a n ever-increasing volume of t r a d e w i t h all classes of
t h e general public in t h e C i t y a n d surrounding districts.
T h e business, which is t h e oldest of t h i s t y p e i n Cork,
i s a d m i r a b l y organised in e a c h d e p a r t m e n t , u n d e r t h e
personal direction of t h e p r i n c i p a l ; a n d b y h i s unremit­
t i n g attention t o t h e r e q u i r e m e n t s of popular t a s t e h a s
secured a well-deserved continuance of t h e prosperity
w h i c h h a s for so m a n y generations p a s t a t t e n d e d t h e
commercial career of t h i s old-established a n d p o p u l a r
house.
COMMERCIAL
M A R T I N
M A H O N Y
CORK
&
199
B R O T H E R S ,
W o o l l e n M a n u f a c t u r e r s , B l a r n e y M i l l s ; a n d a t 3, C a m d e n Q u a y , Cork.
B L A R N E Y , t h a t most interesting centre of Irish
romance, with its magnificent groves a n d l a k e a n d castle
and Stone, unquestionably possesses associations of t h e
profoundest character—associations which for countless
generations h a v e afforded t h e m e s t o t h e poet, t h e a r t i s t ,
and t h e descriptive writer, a n d w h i c h even to-day com­
mand t h e notice of rich a n d poor, p e e r a n d peasant, t h e
most erudite, a s well a s h e w h o is most susceptible t o t h e
influence of superstition a n d romanticism. B u t t h e sylvan
glories of Blarney's c h a r m i n g groves a n d t h e r o m a n c e
of its castle. Stone, a n d lake would h a v e little or n o claim
to recognition in these historical a n n a l s of Industrial
Hibernia h a d t h e y not been in juxtaposition t o a mighty
factor in Irish commerce which, in its own unpreten­
tious way, is teaching t o Irishmen t h e magnificent
lesson t h a t " c a p i t a l "
can find—in c a p a b l e
hands — a profitable
employment within
the sea-walls of t h e
" Emerald Isle," a n d
that " labour need
not seek a n a d v a n ­
tageous m a r k e t on
foreign shores a n d
among alien peoples,
while industrial ac­
tivities a t h o m e claim
the enriching services
of t h e artizan a n d
labourer." T h i s line
of t h o u g h t w a s
strongly suggested t o
us on t h e occasion of
a recent visit of in­
spection t o t h e m a g ­
nificent woollen m a n ­
ufacturing mills of
Messrs. M A R T I N
M A H O N Y
B R O T H E R S , of
A N D
Blarney, a firm whose influence h a s been
a thousand t i m e s m o r e beneficial t o t h e district in
particular, a n d t h e kingdom a t large, t h a n t h e entire
accumulation of r o m a n c e a n d b e a u t y with which t h e
name of t h e locality is associated. T h e firm of Messrs.
M A R T I N M ' A H O N Y A N D B R O T H E R S is
of considerable
antiquity. I t d a t e s b a c k t o t h e year 1751, since
which date, in a n unbroken sequence, t h e concern
has passed down f r o m f a t h e r t o son t o t h e present
day. N o t t h a t Messrs. M A H O N Y ' S mills were always
located a t Blarney.
T h e y were originally founded
at Rochestown, a n d were f r o m t h a t place transferred
to Blackpool, t h e n c e t o Glanmire, a n d , in 1824, t o
Blarney. B y a n unfortunate accident t h e Blarney
Mills were, i n t h e year 1869, totally destroyed b y fire.
But, phoenix-like, t h e y speedily arose once more from
amid t h e a s h e s a grander, m o r e substantial, a n d more
thoroughly equipped establishment t h a n before. W e
are assured t h a t , t o rebuild t h e factory a n d t o fit u p all
the new a n d expensive machinery, were gigantic under­
t a k i n g s ; nevertheless t h e y were carried out w i t h conspi­
cuous success. I n 1862 t h e m a n u f a c t u r e of tweeds w a s
enterprised b y t h e firm, a n d t h e high a n d world-wide
reputation which t h e firm h a s e a r n e d is a sufficient
testimonial t o t h e value a n d excellence of t h e goods
m a n u f a c t u r e d . T h e Blarney tweeds a r e unsurpassed
b y t h e choicest productions of t h e W e s t e r n H i g h l a n d s
ol Scotland, a n d t h e y find equal acceptance in t h e
leading m a r k e t s of t h e world, including L o n d o n , Paris,
a n d N e w York.
brw -1
A peculiar f e a t u r e of t h e B l a r n e y Mills is'J t h e
complete c h a r a c t e r of i t s m a n u f a c t u r i n g operations. I n
t h e g r e a t woollen districts of Yorkshire it is almost, if
n o t quite, impossible t o find a firm t h a t m a n u f a c t u r e s
t h e cloth, through all its varied stages, f r o m t h e r a w
wool a s imported t o
t h e finished t w e e d a s
sold t o t h e tailor a n d
merchant. B u t that
is j u s t w h a t Messrs.
M A R T I N MAHONY AND
most suc­
cessfully accomplish.
T h e wool is received
from the home and
c o l o n i a l markets,
t h r e e large machines
are
employed
in
washing it, t w o large
s t e a m -h e a t e d
machines
d r y it,
twelve sets of carding
m a c h i n e s c o m b it,
twenty-six " m u l e s "
— t h a t is t o say,
nine thousand
s p i n d l e s—convert
t h e wool into yarn,
nineteen
twisting
f r a m e s twist
the
various colours of y a r n , a n d t w o h u n d r e d looms weave
t h e variegated t h r e a d s or y a r n i n t o t h e elegant fabrics
which subsequently g r a c e t h e window of t h e fashionable
sartorial establishments in N e w B o n d Street (London) or
B r o a d w a y ( N e w York). T h e weaving shed alone covers
half a n acre, a small portion, however, of t h e entire
space occupied b y t h e firm. I n continuation of t h e
weaving shed is a large w i n g k n o w n a s t h e " Aberdeen
S h e d , " it h a v i n g been opened w h e n L o r d a n d L a d y
Aberdeen paid t h e factory a visit during t h e ViceRoyalty of t h e former. H e r e t h e picking a n d darning
is done. H e r e also t h e t w e e d s a r e dried in a m a c h i n e
capable of holding 250 y a r d s of cloth a t a time, a n d a r e
p u t t h r o u g h t h e four finishing machines a n d pressed b y
hydraulic machinery.
BROTHERS
H a d space permitted, it would h a v e been interesting
t o offer a more detailed account of t h e processes of
dyeing, cleaning, a n d other essential operations; it m u s t
suffice, however, t o s t a t e t h a t every section of t h e
factory is equipped w i t h a view t o t h e most perfect
M
COMMERCIAL
results, a n d t h e v a s t organisation moves o n in a metho­
dical style t h a t even clockwork cannot excel. T h e firm
employs a b o u t 750 h a n d s (male a n d female), a n d a b o u t
^"20,000 p e r a n n u m is disbursed b y t h e Messrs. M A H O N Y
A N D B R O T H E R S i n w a g e s alone.
T h e factory is surrounded b y t h e n e a t h o m e s of t h e
workers, a n d , for t h e comfort a n d convenience of t h e
latter, a dining-hall, a reading-room, a n d a school h a v e
b e e n provided b y t h e generous b o u n t y a n d consideration
of t h e firm. T h e workers, too, h a v e established a
co-operative stores in their midst, t h e v e r y successful
operations of which a b u n d a n t l y demonstrate t h e intelli­
gence a n d administrative capacity of t h e Irish working
m a n . Of t h e splendid w a r e h o u s e a n d offices, s i t u a t e a t
N o . 3, C a m d e n Q u a y , Cork, little need b e s a i d ; t h e y a r e
i n every respect thoroughly a d a p t e d t o t h e requirements
of t h e business, a n d themselves constitute a n i m p o r t a n t
a n d valuable addition t o t h e commerce a n d industry of
Cork City. T h e showrooms a r e noble, t h e i r space excep­
tional, a n d their a r r a n g e m e n t remarkable for complete­
n e s s even in s u c h h e a d q u a r t e r s of order, system, a n d
organization. T h e stock i s large a n d comprehensive
a n d embraces t h e b e s t examples of t h e firm's m a n u f a c ­
B .
CORK.
t u r e . T h e foregoing enumeration, brief a s it obviously
a n d necessarily is, a n d q u i t e i n a d e q u a t e a s a resume of
o n e of t h e largest manufactories in t h i s portion of the
B r i t i s h E m p i r e , m a y nevertheless convey some slight
indication of t h e m a g n i t u d e a n d thoroughly representa­
t i v e c h a r a c t e r of t h e operations of t h e firm, whose market
e x t e n d s over t h e entire f a c e of t h e civilized world. T h e
directorate of t h i s private limited firm a t t h e present
t i m e i s composed of Nicholas M a h o n y , E s q . , Timothy
M a h o n y , E s q . , a n d E d m u n d R o n a y n e Mahony, Esq.
I n public a n d p r i v a t e life, a n d b o t h a s manufacturers
a n d I r i s h citizens, t h e s e gentlemen h a v e e a r n e d b y their
deeds t h e respect of t h e i r fellow-countrymen.
T h e s t a t u s of t h e h o u s a o f Messrs. M A R T I N M A H O N Y
A N D B R O T H E R S offers I r e l a n d ' s most striking illustration
of t h e good f r u i t borne b y n a t i v e enterprise a n d business
capacity t h a t can a n d ought t o flourish a s well in E r i n s
mercantile system a s in t h e s y s t e m s of neighbouring
n a t i o n s ; a n d t h e substantial success achieved b y the
firm i s creditable alike t o t h e honourable spirit governing
i t s operations a n d t o t h e g r e a t a r m of t h e national
commerce in which it i s unquestionably a most potent
a n d influential factor.
W A T S O N ,
Art Metal Worker, General W h i t e s m i t h , Locksmith and B e l l Hanger,
5 and
6, R o b e r t S t r e e t , Cork.
AN i m p o r t a n t b r a n c h of industry i s adequately
represented in t h i s City in t h e business conducted b y
M r . B . W A T S O N , t h e well-known a r t m e t a l worker,
whose extensive operations in t h e t r a d e will b e found
of interest b y our readers. M r . W A T S O N c a m e over
f r o m E n g l a n d in 1864 a n d commenced t h e business
w i t h which h e is successfully associated, a n d , b y t h e
exercise of those energetic a n d enterprising m e t h o d s
which form t h e essential qualifications of commercial
stability, h a s gained a reputation second t o none in t h e
S o u t h of Ireland.
T h e premises occupied b y M r . W A T S O N a r e
centrally situated a t 5 a n d 6, R o b e r t Street, off P a t r i c k
Street, a n d comprise spacious manufactory, w i t h large
workshop on t h e ground floor, devoted t o t h e a r t m e t a l
work d e p a r t m e n t . T h i s is replete w i t h t h e necessary
plant a n d appliances for facilitating t h e processes of
production i n t h e v a r i o u s forgings a n d m e t a l work for
w h i c h t h e proprietor is famous. T h e s e include every
description of ecclesiastical work in wrought iron
grilles a n d screens,- a l t a r - rails, s t a n d a r d s , pulpit
balustrades, ornamental crosses, v a n e s a n d roof
crestings, e n t r a n c e g a t e s a n d wickets, enclosure a n d
t o m b railings, hurdles, a v e n u e gates, a n d all k i n d s of
fence work. T h i s work is of t h e highest quality of
design a n d skilled workmanship, a n d is wrought w i t h
artistic finish i n every detail b y a staff of expert
a r t i z a n s employed in t h e works. T h e upper portion of
t h e building is utilized a s t h e fitting d e p a r t m e n t , in
which t h e wrought work is completed, a n d h e r e a r e
also convenient facilities for t h e whitesmiths', lock­
smiths', a n d bell-hangers' b r a n c h e s of t h e t r a d e .
A special f e a t u r e of t h e business i s t h e electric
bell-fitting, o r d e r s for w o r k of t h i s c h a r a c t e r receiving
M r . W A T S O N ' S p r o m p t e s t attention.
A substantial a n d
firmly-established connection
h a s b e e n secured b y t h i s gentleman in e a c h department
of t h e t r a d e , M r . W A T S O N h a v i n g b e e n commissioned
t o execute m a n y of t h e most i m p o r t a n t o r d e r s for art
metal work for t h e principal churches, chapels, public
buildings, a n d hotels in t h e S o u t h of Ireland, a n d was
successful in obtaining a First-class M e d a l for a splendid
display of h i s artistic p r o d u c t i o n s a t t h e Cork E x ­
hibition, 1883.
M r . W A T S O N w a s t h e only a r t m e t a l worker from
I r e l a n d represented a t t h e Jubilee Exhibition, t h e 1887
Manchester Exhibition, a n d t h e I r i s h Exhibition of
'1888 held a t O l y m p i a . H i s w o r k a t Manchester
a t t r a c t e d t h e special notice a n d w a r m p r a i s e of
H . R . H . t h e Princess of W a l e s . M r . W A T S O N is also
represented i n L o n d o n b y h i s eldest son, M r . J . W .
W a t s o n , t r a d i n g a s J . W . W a t s o n , Clark, & Co. at
23, Brooke Street, Holborn, E . C . ; while h i s second son,
M r . H . C . T . W a t s o n , w h o inherits h i s f a t h e r ' s talent,
assists i n - t h e w o r k ' a n d condxict o f - t h e Cork estab­
lishment.
M r . W A T S O N is also contractor t o t h e A r m y , N a v y ,
a n d t h e B o a r d of W o r k , a n d h a s , in addition, a n exten­
sive clientele of private customers. T h e services of a
staff of first-class workmen a r e employed in t h e several
d e p a r t m e n t s of t h e business u n d e r t h e direct personal
supervision of t h e principal, whose e x t e n d e d experience
(both practical a n d technical) i n t h e t r a d e , combined
w i t h sound a n d m a t u r e j u d g m e n t , h a v e secured for Mr.
W A T S O N t h e well-deserved eminence h e h a s a t t a i n e d in
t h i s b r a n c h of industrial a r t .