J. & T. Sawers

J. & T. Sawers, Fish Merchants, 16 and 18, Howard Street.—

    Fish, it is well known, forms an important item in the food supply of great cities, and no populous place in the United Kingdom (London excepted) is better supplied than Glasgow with the much valued “denizens of the deep”, as will soon become obvious to all who choose to make themselves acquainted with the facts and figures of this branch of the local commissariat. Glasgow, which has been designated “the second city of the empire”, embraces a population of over three-quarters of a million, and these persons necessarily require a small army of bakers, butchers, fishmongers, brewers, dairymen, and other tradesmen or dealers in food to minister to their daily wants.

    Among the great body of Glasgow purveyors,. Messrs. J. & T. Sawers, the extensive fish merchants, whose chief place of business is situated in Howard Street, may be singled out as being undoubtedly foremost in their own line of business, not only in consequence of the magnitude which their trade has now assumed, but because of the intelligent and energetic manner in which, in all departments, it is conducted. Twelve years have elapsed since the business of the Messrs. Sawers was organised in its present shape, and during that period it has gone on increasing till it has assumed dimensions not anticipated when it was begun, and which has necessitated the opening of two commodious and handsomely fitted up branch establishments.

    That the Messrs. Sawers possess a commanding knowledge of their trade throughout its varied development may be at once seen from even the most cursory examination of their business arrangements, their facilities of purchase being almost unexampled in the trade, and their modes and means of daily distribution well adapted to the perishable commodity in which they deal ; whilst a study of the various publications bearing on the natural and economic history of the food fishes of the United Kingdom, prepared by the head of the firm, affords additional evidence of the intelligence which has been brought to bear on the organisation of the business.

    The latest of the works issued by the Messrs. Sawers has attracted wide attention and has been asked for by various members of Parliament and other gentlemen interested in the natural fish supply, which, at the present time, is the subject of much controversy. The work in question is entitled “Our Table Fishes: their Natural and Economic History”, and may be had on application at their counting-room in Howard Street. The pamphlet, it may be stated, is well printed and crowded with practical and useful information. It is of great interest to know that Messrs. Sawers make a “speciality” of certain branches of their business in which many of the public are interested, namely the sale of genuine “Finnan haddocks” and “Loch-Fyne herrings”, fish which are largely imitated by unprincipled dealers all over the kingdom. From their knowledge of the trade and the fishing resources of the various Scottish ports, the firm under notice is at all times able to command unlimited supplies of newly caught deep-sea and other fish of every kind.

    During the season Messrs. Sawers receive large quantities of game from the noblemen and gentry owning the various sporting estates throughout the country, and also many kinds of game not common to this country, from Norway, Canada, and America.

    As we have already remarked, Messrs. Sawers have a very extensive and high-class connection in the city and suburbs, supplying the principal hotels, restaurants, clubs, and private families. Messrs. J. & T. Sawers occupy a very influential position in business circles, and by their integrity, sound judgment, and courtesy, have gained the confidence and support of all classes of the community.

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