COLONIAL INDUSTRIES.

Mr. John Summers' Pioneer Carriage Works

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Successful colonization depends in a great measure upon the energy and perseverance of the early settler. A colony in its younger days is in a state of disorder; everything is primitive, unarranged, and immethodical; out of chaos the pioneer settler must bring forth order and symmetry, until step by step, from the day he has first broken ground, he finds as the reward of his toil his efforts have been crowned with success. In whatever direction we may point we find evidence of bold adventure and indomitable perseverance, and he who has successfully battled through life, after years of toil and overcome all difficulties, makes a good colonist and deserves to stand on a pinnacle and have his deeds recorded. It is our purpose to mark the era and progress of our principal colonial industries by publishing from time to time a description of the principal factories and businesses in the city and towns, and the circumstances under which, from small beginnings, they have arrived at such a state of perfection as to enable the proprietors to compete with productions which formerly had to be imported from England the Colonies. As a first effort we think we cannot do better than direct the reader's attention to the establishment of Mr. John Summers, where the business of a wheelwright and carriage factor is largely carried on, and to ask him to accompany us through his works to mark the progress he has made in this branch of trade.

We can call to mind twenty years ago, when carriages were an unknown luxury, and the owner of a spring cart was considered on the highway to fortune. The general mode of conveyance in those days was a bullock team, and the roads were ankle deep in sand. To-day we have macadmised roads equal to any in the world, and equipages and vehicles of every description dash through the streets at a pace betokening ease and comfort contrasted with bustle and activity. . The main entrance to Mr. Summers' establishment is in Hay Street, facing which a new carriage repository, with a good frontage tastefully designed, contains a number of new carriages and carriages for hire. Among the carriages we observed a new jump-seat buggy, a double-seated buggy, and an American express waggon, and these we were informed were all ordered and waiting delivery. The carriages made at this establishment combine all the requisites— elegance of design, excellence of workmanship, strength and lightness, and reasonable cheapness — and we cannot help recognising the use of superior woods, leather and other materials in their construction, and a nice attention to details. The "Pioneer" omnibus is stationed here, and during the intervals between the running of the trains rests awhile. This bus is a great convenience to the public, calling when ordered at the residence of intending, passengers by railway, and conveying arrivals and their luggage to their destination.

Passing through to the factory we enter the wheelwright's shop, replete with labour saving machinery requisite for every description of wheelwright work; here are some fifty bodies and parts of vehicles waiting to be put together; besides these, in the repairing sheds and numerous vehicles, from a Cobb's coach to an infant's perambulator waiting to be doctored. The engine room contains a new ten-horse engine, which drives the machinery in the various workshops. In the blacksmith's shop are five forges, the men at which are busily employed, while an immense tire of a jenker wheel is being got ready to be popped into the firing furnace. Circular saws, lathes, and all the adjuncts of a large engineering establishment are at work. Of course a carriage builders' department requires trimmings and furnishings; these we were shown in a large store, admirably arranged on shelves, adjoining which is the harness department, containing a stock of imported and colonial-made harness, second to none that may be found in the colony.

The saddlers' shop, which adjoins, is devoted to the manufacture and repairing of every description of saddlery on the premises by experienced men. Besides these branches of industry Mr. Summers, who is the city undertaker, employs a number of men in cutting monumental tablets and inscriptions, and is a large importer of iron castings and railings suitable for tombs, and panelling for buildings. His livery stables and carriages for hire are largely patronised, and in this he does a large business, as he can turn out as spanking a carriage and pair as may be seen in the city. Altogether Mr. Summers employs from forty to fifty hands, thirty four of whom work on the premises. His works are most extensive, and orders ranging from Albany to Kimberley, and comprising wool wagons, drays, American wagonettes, jenker wheels for log hauling, and every description of light and heavy work, are continually carried out on his premises. Mr. Summers has now been in business twenty years. He arrived in this colony in 1859, under the Geraldine Mining Company, as machinist, on an engagement for two years, but before the expiration of the term he came to Perth, where after a short residence he started in business. Labour being scarce he first of all had to teach his employees, and strange as it may appear, nearly the whole of the men employed by him commenced as his apprentices, and consequently work with a regularity seldom attainable in establishments where constant change is going on. As a wheelwright, carriage builder, and engineer, Mr. Summers enjoys a reputation throughout the colony second to none.

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Unfortunately, Mr Summers died of a heart attack in 1885 and the business was closed. Mr Robert Smith was employed in the saddlery section from 1880 until Mr Summers' demise in 1885, then started his own shop.