"Mr. Leslie N. Murdoch, Cider and Soap and
Candle Manufacturer, Fruitgrower and Exporter, "Murrayfield" Glenorchy, This
business, which has now attained such large dimensions, was established
fifty years ago by the late Mr. William Murray. He was in partnership with
the late Mr. William Murdoch, as grocers, etc., in Hobart at the time; but
this business was established and carried on solely by himself. He first
opened a soap, candle, and starch factory. From the outset the public
appreciated the manufactures of the firm, and they continued to grow in
favour ever since.
At the great International Exhibition held in
London in 1851, the soap, candles and starch of the firm were awarded
honorary mention by the jurors, and since that time they have been exhibited
at Calcutta, Melbourne, and other cities with marked success, prizes being
invariably awarded them, showing that the patronage bestowed by the public
in using these products so largely, was fortified by the favourable opinion
of the very best experts. The factory premises are extensive and well
arranged, occupying several acres, and the utmost care is taken to produce
only the highest class of goods in each department. In 1887 the late Mr.
William Murray was approached by the leading merchants of the city as to the
manufacture of another quality soap to that made up till that time. The
application was agreed to; and acting upon Mr. Leslie Murdoch's suggestion,
it was decided to call it "Jubilee" soap, after the Queen's Jubilee. This
soap has a larger sale in the southern part of the island than any other.
Over a decade has passed since then, and the venture has turned out a
pronounced success. There are three special kinds of soap turned out at this
establishment "Jubilee," "Murray's No 1," and "Carbolic", besides "Murray's
No T and "Household".
For several years the Government has accepted
the tender of Mr. Leslie Murdoch for the supply of soap to all the public
institutions, and, as the soap has to undergo the ordeal of being tested,
the quality has to be up to standard. The pots where the tallow is boiled
are of unusual size, each holding eighteen tons. The fat is still converted
into a liquid in the old fashioned style, viz., by fire and not by steam,
and Mr. Murdoch asserts without fear of successful contradiction, that there
are no pots of the character in the colonies, and perhaps in the world; and
speaking as an expert, claims that they turn out the very best soap.
The cider manufactured by Mr. Murdoch is of
such a high quality that the consumption has increased by leaps and bounds,
so that now it commands a market not only throughout Tasmania, but in most
of the leading centres of the mainland, especially in New South Wales and
Queensland.
Experience in the apples to be used is the
keystone to Mr. Murdoch's success in this direction. With a patience,
energy, and perseverance worthy of him, the proprietor has gained a
knowledge of his calling that places him well in the van of all competitors,
as is proved by the rapid progress he has made in the sale of his cider,
both here and in the other colonies. Its close imitation to champagne, both
in taste and appearance, has earned for it a reputation envied by others
less skilful, and it is unequalled as an appetising thirst-quencher.
Although there is an orchard some ten acres in extent, all in full bearing,
Mr. Murdoch has not nearly sufficient apples to convert into this elixir of
his, consequently he has to purchase from outsiders; some 1500 extra bushels
being bought last year (1898) and 4000 gallons of cider passing through his
hands - the largest cider factory in the colonies. At the Queensland
Exhibition held in 1897, Mr. Murdoch succeeded in taking the first award and
gold medal for his exhibit of cider against all comers; firms being
represented from all over the Australian colonies. In fact the cider
manufacture has increased to such dimensions that Mr. Murdoch is making
extensive alterations and additions to the premises in order to cope with
it; he is also erecting an entirely new plant which he has just imported
from England at great expense. The admirably-kept orchard and hop grounds,
and the beautiful flower garden at "Murrayfield", form a picture that no
visitor can fail to be delighted with; while an extensive piggery, in which
a large number of Berkshires figure prominently, may be regarded as a model,
every detail being studied with a care which the visitor is not surprised to
learn meets with its due reward; several prizes having been taken at the
Agricultural Society's shows held at New Town. Some 300 swine are raised
yearly, and they always command the highest prices".
