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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]
Zealandia Waterproof Company
Zealandia Waterproof Company (Richard Radcliffe Taylor, manager), Water-proof Clothing Manufacturers, etc., Stafford Street, Dunedin; Bankers; Bank of New Zealand; Private residence, High Street, Roslyn. This company was established in premises in High Street, in November, 1889, but, as the business and the demand for its manufactures rapidly increased throughout the Colony, the proprietor was in 1893 compelled to add considerably to his plant, and removed to new and more commodious brick premises in Stafford Street. These premises afford upwards of 6,000 square feet of floor space, and contain all the necessary plant for turning out large quantities of ladies' and gentlemen's waterproof garments, and other rubber articles. The company has a business extending throughout the Colony, and has made a reputation for high class goods. It may be mentioned here that at the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, held in Dunedin in 1889–90, the company exhibited waterproof in the piece, and garments made up in various styles, such as “Universal,” “Stanley,” “Onslow,” “Hussar,” and “Chesterfield;” and these exhibits gained the first and only awards, with special notice in the “Otago Daily Times” of February, 1890, and in the press of the Colony generally. Mr. R. R. Taylor justly claims to have been the founder of this industry in New Zealand.