| Description | [3 pcs.] Propositions for the extension of the Trade of M.B. & Plate with various suggestions relative thereto.
[Lengthy analysis of the plate company’s business, suggesting that the market throughout the country has been neglected in favour of London business, and that there is much opportunity for expansion if more attention is paid to provincial areas.]
P. 9 ……. [Para 2]. I fear I have already trespassed too long on your time and patience, but I cannot conclude without making a few remarks on the subject of the reflectors. You will perceive that I have distinguished them from our other sales and for this reason. I do not consider that they can with propriety be classed with goods – being totally different in their nature and do not form any part of our regular trade, as Manufacturers of Plated and Silver Goods. They, however, form a very profitable part of the business done during the last five years and therefore it is a matter of no small importance that the connection in that branch of our business should be kept up, and if possible extended.
I believe that Mr. Stevenson is very well disposed towards our house – and so long as reflectors are used, and so long as regard to the interests of the Northern Lthouse Commission will justify him in giving us the orders to execute, I have no doubt, we shall have them. But looking at the contingency of Mr. Stevenson’s removal from the situation he now fills, by Death, or other causes; he may be succeeded by a man who may not be quite so well disposed towards us; or who might endeavour to find out a cheaper market, and besides, there is a chance of reflectors being entirely superseded by some other scientific apparatus; and that at no very distance period; fir, about 9 months ago, Mr. Stevenson informed us that Dr. Brewster was decidedly hostile to the use of reflectors – and had obtained permission from the Lighthouse Board to construct a lens upon an improved principle – and that it was actually being made by a mathematical instrument maker in Leadenhall Street, under Dr. Brewster’s direction and in a letter received from Mr. Stevenson more recently, he says that one ring of it was completed.
Thise, Sir, are matters, which appear to me deserving of serious consideration and as there is a chance of losing so profitable a part of our business, it is time that some steps were taken, to keep up, or extend it, while we have it in our power. Or to make up in some degree for the loss of it by increasing our Country Trade. In a conversation I had with Mr. Stevenson in 1824, he seemed to think that it would not be difficult with his recommendation – and your personal interest with some of the Brethren of the Trinity House, to obtain from the Trinity Lighthouse Board part of their orders for reflectors. On this subject more frequent personal intercourse with Mr. Stevenson might be found extremely useful. By seeing him, as well as all our other Country customers a little oftener much valuable information might from time to time be collected and brought to bear with advantage on the Trade.
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