Interesting Collectables of New Zealand
Souvenir China, Mineral Water Bottles & history, Antique Telephones.

 

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Dixons Ltd

Dixons Ltd of Palmerston North was established by Mr Deard in 1874. The January 1883 Evening Standard wrote that Mr Deard is about to open his factory in Fitzherbert St. He was previously located in Main St. Mr Deard advertised in the same issue and helpfully stated he had established his business in 1874. The same paper in May 1883 carried a news item that Mr Beck had purchased Mr Deards aerated water factory.

William Beck developed the business during the 1890's with A N Gibbons and E S Dixon successively taking over the ownershipin 1902. In 1920's Dixons Ltd was formed. (ABC, August 1977)

"In the old days. all bottles were corked & wired, with a maximum output of 20 dozen per man hour. With the advent of crown tops, the best machinery then available was procured, capable of handling 40 dozen per hour. Then, in 1930, the latest automatic hydraulic machine was installed with a capacity of 120 dozen per hour" ("From Swamp to City", Billens & Verry for the Diamond Jubille publication 1937)