It’s been a long time coming but here are the first few pages of the history of Bestoys Pty Limited of Botany, New South Wales, Australia, not to be confused with the several other ‘Bestoys’ that preceded it or those that have since popped up around the world.
This Bestoys had its origins at the beginning of the Space Age!
So, how to start? Difficult to know exactly the best way so here are random thoughts and recollections.
First, how the name “Bestoys” came to belong to the Bonaretti family and how the trade mark came to be.
Nazzareno Bonaretti was 26 years of age when he came to Australia in 1951. He chose Australia instead of the alternative, the United States, because it was the country furthest from his own – Italy – and as far away from his family as he could get.
This Bestoys had its origins at the beginning of the Space Age!
So, how to start? Difficult to know exactly the best way so here are random thoughts and recollections.
First, how the name “Bestoys” came to belong to the Bonaretti family and how the trade mark came to be.
Nazzareno Bonaretti was 26 years of age when he came to Australia in 1951. He chose Australia instead of the alternative, the United States, because it was the country furthest from his own – Italy – and as far away from his family as he could get.
Nazzareno Bonaretti at his market stall in Novellara with an unknown boy - 4th May 1946.
The sign reads: Giocattoli
Lavorazione Propria
Si ricevono ordinazioni su misura
(Roughly translated:
Toys
own workmanship
We accept tailor-made orders)
He left his wife of two years and a one-year-old daughter bringing with him a large trunk (baule) filled with his pattern-making tools (he worked making wooden molds for Slanzi in Novellara, Italy – more on that "In the Beginning...", too) and his woodworking skills in cabinet-making, toymaking and carpentry. From his teenage years, and with his older brother Giovanni, he made bedroom and dining suites to specification and supplemented this income with handmade wooden toys and nursery furniture which Nazzareno sold at local country markets.
Landing in Australia with no knowledge of the English language and thrust into a British society which had not yet forgiven Italians, young Nazzareno was found work by his sponsor, Padre Paolo (Father Paul), in a smallgoods factory in Leichhardt, and accommodation with other young Italian immigrants. Working in the smallgoods factory put him off sausages for life. He found work more suited to his skills in a small cabinetmaking concern also in Leichhardt but was not impressed by the low standard of craftsmanship.
At the same time there were two manufacturers of wooden toys and nursery furniture in Sydney: R Waddell and Lovelock both of whom made products similar to each other’s and very like those which Nazzareno made in Italy.
In 1952, his wife, Ebe, and daughter arrived to join him and took up residency in one room on the upper floor of a terrace house in Terry Street, St Peters (now listed as Tempe). There, in 1955, another daughter was born.
There is scant information on how he came to know Roy Waddell, but Nazzareno, now known as “Jim” because the Aussies could get their tongue around his given name, soon began working with him making the range of rockaways, tables and chairs, doll’s houses and cots and cradles among other wooden products for children, and, undoubtedly, raising the quality of the product range. (A price list dated 21st February, 1983 and issued by Alltoys International Pty Ltd states that Bestoys were "Professional Toymakers for 32 years" indicating the Nazzareno may have begun working with or for Roy Waddell almost as soon as he arrived in Australia.)
This entry in the Sydney Telephone Directory of November, 1954 indicates that R. Waddell was no small player on the Sydney toy scene. His advertisement below is among the largest on the page along with AL Lindsay & Co Pty Ltd and Boomaroo Products Pty Ltd.
Landing in Australia with no knowledge of the English language and thrust into a British society which had not yet forgiven Italians, young Nazzareno was found work by his sponsor, Padre Paolo (Father Paul), in a smallgoods factory in Leichhardt, and accommodation with other young Italian immigrants. Working in the smallgoods factory put him off sausages for life. He found work more suited to his skills in a small cabinetmaking concern also in Leichhardt but was not impressed by the low standard of craftsmanship.
At the same time there were two manufacturers of wooden toys and nursery furniture in Sydney: R Waddell and Lovelock both of whom made products similar to each other’s and very like those which Nazzareno made in Italy.
In 1952, his wife, Ebe, and daughter arrived to join him and took up residency in one room on the upper floor of a terrace house in Terry Street, St Peters (now listed as Tempe). There, in 1955, another daughter was born.
There is scant information on how he came to know Roy Waddell, but Nazzareno, now known as “Jim” because the Aussies could get their tongue around his given name, soon began working with him making the range of rockaways, tables and chairs, doll’s houses and cots and cradles among other wooden products for children, and, undoubtedly, raising the quality of the product range. (A price list dated 21st February, 1983 and issued by Alltoys International Pty Ltd states that Bestoys were "Professional Toymakers for 32 years" indicating the Nazzareno may have begun working with or for Roy Waddell almost as soon as he arrived in Australia.)
This entry in the Sydney Telephone Directory of November, 1954 indicates that R. Waddell was no small player on the Sydney toy scene. His advertisement below is among the largest on the page along with AL Lindsay & Co Pty Ltd and Boomaroo Products Pty Ltd.
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Cyclops had one line in ordinary font and Bestoys did not exist in Sydney. E Lovelock was now operating out of Marrickville and apparently no longer used the trade name of 'Bestoys' as listed in 1937.
Around 1956-1957, the young Bonaretti family was able to secure a bank loan and purchased a two-storey terraced house at 26 Hutchinson Street, St Peters and, with that, a very important piece of apparatus for an emerging business: a telephone, subscriber number LA 7650.
On 12th March, 1957, Nazzareno and Ebe Bonaretti purchased Roy Waddell’s toy making business. A notice of this was listed in the Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney), Issue No. 40 dated Friday, 29th March, 1957:
On 12th March, 1957, Nazzareno and Ebe Bonaretti purchased Roy Waddell’s toy making business. A notice of this was listed in the Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney), Issue No. 40 dated Friday, 29th March, 1957:
The deal was that they made the toys and Roy sold them.
(By the way, the witness, Frank C. Kirkpatrick, jnr. was to become a lifelong friend of the Bonaretti family and attended the wedding of Jim's second daughter in 1980. Frank's offices were at 16 O’Connell Street, Sydney – BL 1718 - and he lived at 5 Lynwood Avenue, Killara – JX 3331.)
Not through lack of trying, things did not go as well as expected and Roy suggested a ‘fire sale’. When Jim came to understand that Roy meant that they should burn the premises and claim the insurance, Jim rescinded the agreement and returned the business of R Waddell to Roy Waddell.
This action took place on 14th March, 1958 - barely one year later - and was listed in the Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney), Issue No. 31 on Friday, 21st March, 1958:
(By the way, the witness, Frank C. Kirkpatrick, jnr. was to become a lifelong friend of the Bonaretti family and attended the wedding of Jim's second daughter in 1980. Frank's offices were at 16 O’Connell Street, Sydney – BL 1718 - and he lived at 5 Lynwood Avenue, Killara – JX 3331.)
Not through lack of trying, things did not go as well as expected and Roy suggested a ‘fire sale’. When Jim came to understand that Roy meant that they should burn the premises and claim the insurance, Jim rescinded the agreement and returned the business of R Waddell to Roy Waddell.
This action took place on 14th March, 1958 - barely one year later - and was listed in the Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney), Issue No. 31 on Friday, 21st March, 1958:
Following quickly after, on 14th April, 1958, application was made to the Department of Labour and Industry to register the name of Bestoys and to change the address from 26/28 Hutchinson Street, St Peters to 26 Hutchinson Street, St Peters, effective 1st April, 1958.
Carbon copy of the letter from Nazzareno and Ebe Bonaretti to the Department of Labour and Industry advising of partnership dissolution and change of name and ownership.
In April, 1958, the Bonaretti Family comprised father and mother – Nazzareno (Jim) and Ebe – an eight-year-old daughter (born in Italy), a three-year-old daughter born in Terry Street, St Peters and a new-born son born in Hutchinson Street, St Peters.
The two-storey terraced house in Hutchinson Street was large with a tiny front yard hemmed by a wrought iron fence. The side driveway was overgrown with a luscious border of white oxeye daisies that led to the considerable backyard and shed. This is where Jim set up his workshop to make the toys – with his eldest daughter assisting, of course. There she did odd jobs one of which was to “start” nails on certain wooden parts of the toys. This was done by tapping the nails into the piece of timber so that all her father needed to do was line up the pieces and hammer the "started” nails home, thus streamlining and expediting the manufacturing process. This technique was employed over the decades throughout the factory when quantities increased to thousands of units each.
The ground floor of the house was where the family lived and the upstairs was used to assemble, finish and pack small toys. Mother and daughter, and sometimes hired labour, would make and pack skipping ropes, tie ribbon bows around the necks of soft toys, apply labels and decals, and other assembly and packing tasks.
The backyard was used for spray painting parts of toys and other job lots Jim took on. In particular, loads of Kodak camera bodies were sprayed black; that was a time when Australia made almost everything it needed and very little was imported. What was imported, was very expensive due to the cost of shipping to an island so far away from everything and the protectionist government of the time that levied high import duty on foreign-made products. Australia then made everything it needed, unlike today where Australian manufacturers are almost non-existent.
The two-storey terraced house in Hutchinson Street was large with a tiny front yard hemmed by a wrought iron fence. The side driveway was overgrown with a luscious border of white oxeye daisies that led to the considerable backyard and shed. This is where Jim set up his workshop to make the toys – with his eldest daughter assisting, of course. There she did odd jobs one of which was to “start” nails on certain wooden parts of the toys. This was done by tapping the nails into the piece of timber so that all her father needed to do was line up the pieces and hammer the "started” nails home, thus streamlining and expediting the manufacturing process. This technique was employed over the decades throughout the factory when quantities increased to thousands of units each.
The ground floor of the house was where the family lived and the upstairs was used to assemble, finish and pack small toys. Mother and daughter, and sometimes hired labour, would make and pack skipping ropes, tie ribbon bows around the necks of soft toys, apply labels and decals, and other assembly and packing tasks.
The backyard was used for spray painting parts of toys and other job lots Jim took on. In particular, loads of Kodak camera bodies were sprayed black; that was a time when Australia made almost everything it needed and very little was imported. What was imported, was very expensive due to the cost of shipping to an island so far away from everything and the protectionist government of the time that levied high import duty on foreign-made products. Australia then made everything it needed, unlike today where Australian manufacturers are almost non-existent.
Spray painting was carried out in the spacious backyard along rows of trestle tables. Small parts were laid on boards placed end-to-end and Nazzareno walked along the rows spraying evenly as he went. His daughters helped by laying out the parts and while it may have been seen by onlookers as child labour, this was a family business and everyone was expected to do their bit. Besides, it instilled a work ethic that would last their lifetime. Nazzareno was normally a patient young man but, when things went awry, he was prone to outbursts of impeaching God and the Heavens with frustrated cries of "Dio bon!".
It was one blustery day in 1957 that saw Nazzareno rushing to finish spray painting a job lot of camera cases for Kodak. Normally, he would never have undertaken such an important task on such a windy day, but this job was urgent. A sudden gust picked up a number of freshly painted cases and tossed them on the ground. Without missing a beat, the younger of the girls looked skyward and intoned in all earnestness, "Dio bon!".
The reprimand by the almost-three-year-old was all it took to break the young dad's angst and laugh at how his little girl voiced how he felt.
It was one blustery day in 1957 that saw Nazzareno rushing to finish spray painting a job lot of camera cases for Kodak. Normally, he would never have undertaken such an important task on such a windy day, but this job was urgent. A sudden gust picked up a number of freshly painted cases and tossed them on the ground. Without missing a beat, the younger of the girls looked skyward and intoned in all earnestness, "Dio bon!".
The reprimand by the almost-three-year-old was all it took to break the young dad's angst and laugh at how his little girl voiced how he felt.
Next door, several terraced houses continued up the road. At 12-14 Hutchinson Street was a wire worker, H Pettiford and Co who, according to records uncovered, probably purchased the Bonaretti property in 1958 and leased it back to them while their new factory in Botany was being prepared for occupation. Pettiford had worked closely with the Australian Government during the Second World War; on 13th May, 1943, under the National Security (Man Power) Regulations, the company was declared to be a Protected Undertaking. (Read more on this here: https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-and-missions/world-war-ii-1939-1945/resources/all-australian-homefront-1939-1945/living-war)
That was then.
Across the road from them at 35 Hutchinson Street, was an upholsterer - Mr. Fox - and down the road was a manufacturer of pressed-metal and tin products. St Peters had many manufacturers that are now lost to history.
That was then.
Across the road from them at 35 Hutchinson Street, was an upholsterer - Mr. Fox - and down the road was a manufacturer of pressed-metal and tin products. St Peters had many manufacturers that are now lost to history.
I digress…
Back to how the name “Bestoys” came to belong to the Bonaretti family and how the trade mark came to be.
Back to how the name “Bestoys” came to belong to the Bonaretti family and how the trade mark came to be.
Nazzareno Bonaretti's 'Bestoys'
On 1st April, 1958, the name "Bestoys" was officially registered as belonging to "Messrs N. & E. Bonaretti" operating out of "26 Hutchison [not Hutchinson] Street, St Peters". A few months before that, on 4th October, 1957 the USSR launched Sputnik, the first ever artificial Earth satellite. What better icon of modernity for a new company than the spaceship? And so, the logo of the rocket and the moon was launched and the trademark registered on 14th September, 1960.
This trade mark was registered 14th September, 1960 – 162422 – and removed from register 17th October, 1996
(https://search.ipaustralia.gov.au/trademarks/search/view/162422?q=bestoys)
With all connection with his former mentor, Roy Waddell, severed, Jim Bonaretti did his own marketing, visiting all the major retailers of the time: Grace Bros, Bebarfalds, Waltons, David Jones, Beard Watson & Co., Anthony Hordern's, Mark Foy's, Marcus Clark and, even with his broken English, managed to get his range of superior wooden toys and nursery furniture into these upmarket stores and in front of quality-hungry consumers.
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At that time...
Bestoys letterhead, St Peters, NSW - Notice the incorrect spelling of "Hutchinson"
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Anthony Hordern & Sons department store, Sydney, at the time Nazzareno Bonaretti would have approached the toy department
Skipping rope from 1956-1957 Playthings catalogue from Walther & Stevenson - of the type that may have been made by Bestoys
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Mark Foy's department store, Liverpool Street, Sydney, 1953
Quoits from 1956-1957 Playthings catalogue from Walther & Stevenson - of the type that may have been made by Bestoys
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The Hutchinson Street terraced house, shed and yard were proving way too small for the huge increase in demand for the nascent Bestoys range so the search began to find a new, more spacious location for the growing business.
Relocation to Byrnes Street, Botany, New South Wales
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On 27th October, 1958 Nazzareno and Ebe Bonaretti purchased two lots of land at 19 and 21 Byrnes Street, each lot having a weatherboard and fibro (yes, fibro!) cottage on it and a large backyard. These three-bedroom cottages with corrugated iron roofs may have been constructed during the interwar years – possibly for returned officers and their families (to be confirmed). The total land size was (average lateral) 61'6" x 132' (sixty-one feet six inches x 132 feet) or about 8,118 square feet or 755 square metres - 29¾ perches as stated on the Certificate of Title.
The Income Tax Return of 30th June, 1959 lists the "Land and Building - Botany" as a Fixed Asset of ₤5,204. 4. 6. ($10,408 in 1959 is worth $191,546.58 in 2023) |
Extract from Certificate of Title Volume 7791 Folio 67 showing land size
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Certificates of Title 19-21 Byrnes Street Botany
Certificate of Title Volume 2321 Folio 27 Page 1 - dated 1912
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Certificate of Title Volume 2321 Folio 27 Page 2 - Changes made to May 1959
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New Certificate of Title Volume 7791 Folio 67 Page 1 - dated 3rd November, 1959
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New Certificate of Title Volume 7791 Folio 67 Page 2 - dated 3rd November, 1959 to 1989
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Transcription of original Certificate of Title above:
Certificate of title
Application No 594
Reference to Last certificate
Volume 2259 Folio 29
Register Book
Volume 2321 Folio 27
Harry Little of Alexandria, night porter, Transferee under Instrument of Transfer from Charles William Westall, No 690, 153 is now the proprietor of an Estate in Fee Simple, subject nevertheless to the reservations and conditions, if any, contained in the Grant hereafter referred to, and also subject to such encumbrances, liens, and interests as notified hereon in That piece of land situated in the Municipality of Botany, Parish of Botany, and County of Cumberland containing Twenty-nine and one-quarter perches, or thereabouts as shown on the Plan hereon and therein edged in red, being part of Lot 13 of Simeon Lord’s subdivision and also part of [6] hundred [acres] (Portion 153 of Parish) delineated in the public map of said Parish deposited in the Department of Lands originally granted to Simeon Lord by Crown Grant dated the twenty seventh day of May one thousand eight hundred and twenty three.
In witness thereof, I have herinto signed my name and affixed my seal, this sixth day of December one thousand nine hundred and twelve.
Signed 6th Day of December, 1912
In the presence of [Signature]
Ooo...
From there, the title went to Jessie Agnes Little widow and Herbert Graham Brown of Botany […] on 30th January, 1924
Jesse Agnes Little died and on 22nd August, 1945, the title passed to Herbert Graham Brown
On 13th August, 1945 (?) the title transferred from Herbert Graham Brown to John Sidney McLeay
On 8th October 1954 a Mortgage was raised from John Sidney McLeay to The Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Limited and
On 12th May, 1959, the Mortgage was discharged.
Meanwhile…
On 27th October, 1958, Nazzareno Bonaretti of Botany, Toy Manufacturers and Ebe Bonaretti his wife are now the registered proprietors of the land within described as joint tenants.
See Transfer No H78026, dated 27th October, 1958
Entered 12th May, 1959
From the New Certificate of Title:
No H78026, Mortgage dated 27th October, 1958
From the said Nazzareno Bonaretti and Ebe Bonaretti to Mutual Credits Limited
Entered 12th May, 1959
Following entries on the Certificate of Title detail the various other transactions until the property was sold to Paul Kelly in April, 1997.
Certificate of title
Application No 594
Reference to Last certificate
Volume 2259 Folio 29
Register Book
Volume 2321 Folio 27
Harry Little of Alexandria, night porter, Transferee under Instrument of Transfer from Charles William Westall, No 690, 153 is now the proprietor of an Estate in Fee Simple, subject nevertheless to the reservations and conditions, if any, contained in the Grant hereafter referred to, and also subject to such encumbrances, liens, and interests as notified hereon in That piece of land situated in the Municipality of Botany, Parish of Botany, and County of Cumberland containing Twenty-nine and one-quarter perches, or thereabouts as shown on the Plan hereon and therein edged in red, being part of Lot 13 of Simeon Lord’s subdivision and also part of [6] hundred [acres] (Portion 153 of Parish) delineated in the public map of said Parish deposited in the Department of Lands originally granted to Simeon Lord by Crown Grant dated the twenty seventh day of May one thousand eight hundred and twenty three.
In witness thereof, I have herinto signed my name and affixed my seal, this sixth day of December one thousand nine hundred and twelve.
Signed 6th Day of December, 1912
In the presence of [Signature]
Ooo...
From there, the title went to Jessie Agnes Little widow and Herbert Graham Brown of Botany […] on 30th January, 1924
Jesse Agnes Little died and on 22nd August, 1945, the title passed to Herbert Graham Brown
On 13th August, 1945 (?) the title transferred from Herbert Graham Brown to John Sidney McLeay
On 8th October 1954 a Mortgage was raised from John Sidney McLeay to The Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Limited and
On 12th May, 1959, the Mortgage was discharged.
Meanwhile…
On 27th October, 1958, Nazzareno Bonaretti of Botany, Toy Manufacturers and Ebe Bonaretti his wife are now the registered proprietors of the land within described as joint tenants.
See Transfer No H78026, dated 27th October, 1958
Entered 12th May, 1959
From the New Certificate of Title:
No H78026, Mortgage dated 27th October, 1958
From the said Nazzareno Bonaretti and Ebe Bonaretti to Mutual Credits Limited
Entered 12th May, 1959
Following entries on the Certificate of Title detail the various other transactions until the property was sold to Paul Kelly in April, 1997.
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Jim immediately set to work with an architect and drew up plans for a single-storey gable-roofed brick building to serve as his new, toy-making factory. They obtained permission from Botany Council and demolished the cottage at number 21. The factory was to occupy the entire block of land - about 15,000 square feet plus a small apron to the footpath. The façade of the building was of cement-rendered double-wall brick with a steel B & D Roller Shutter door and windows on either side of it. On the right side (facing) he built a small office that accommodated a desk, shelves and an old Bundy clock.
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Screen grab from November 1976 Super 8 film taken just before the factory was demolished
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According to 30th June, 1959 tax return lodged by Nazzareno and Ebe Bonaretti Trading as "Bestoys" of 19-21 Byrnes Street, Botany, the Taxpayers "built a factory...The materials used have been debited to the building account and the wages paid to employees during the course of construction have been credited on the Profit and Loss Account."
The wages being "Wages Paid - Erection of Factory - ₤272. 2. 7". (approximately $10,011 in 2023)
The land and building at Botany were declared as a fixed asset valued at ₤5,204. 4. 6.
The St Peters property was declared to have a capital appreciated value of ₤3,884. 7.10. (approximately $142,960 in 2023)
Rent of ₤9. 5. 0 was paid to H Pettiford and Co (during the building at Botany and subsequent translocation)
The wages being "Wages Paid - Erection of Factory - ₤272. 2. 7". (approximately $10,011 in 2023)
The land and building at Botany were declared as a fixed asset valued at ₤5,204. 4. 6.
The St Peters property was declared to have a capital appreciated value of ₤3,884. 7.10. (approximately $142,960 in 2023)
Rent of ₤9. 5. 0 was paid to H Pettiford and Co (during the building at Botany and subsequent translocation)
As well as the main building on the number 21 lot, Jim also built a timber-framed connecting building at the back of the number 19 block, giving an extra 500 square feet (approx.) of floor space. The L-shaped building was now ready. The front was the receiving and despatch area, through the machinery hall and into the closed-off spray-painting area at the back of the building. Leading off to the side was the assembly and packing area in the added wing. The now much-reduced backyard of number 19 was used, when required, as a 'dipping' area. Whereas all other products were spray-painted, the tubular steel frames of the tables and chairs - and later desks and stools - were dipped in a deep vat of black polymer paint. The family rotary clothesline was used as a drip turntable, the legs and chairs being hooked onto it and rotated once around. Workers then unhooked them and carefully stacked the partially dried pieces inside the assembly room to dry completely before being assembled, wrapped and packed.
The machinery hall accommodated woodworking machinery that would have made any cabinet-maker envious: crosscut and table saws, a band saw, belt- and disc-sanders, single- and multiple-bit drills and, on 23rd January, 1964, a new Watkin overhead router from England. This was only the second such machine to be imported to Australia and it complemented an older, smaller router already in use. The Watkin was purchased for ₤725. 0. 0 (approximately $24,380 in 2023 - the price of a small car). All these machines - of course - were electric powered, either one-phase, two-phase or three-phase.
The family moved from Hutchinson Street into the spruced-up cottage at number 19 in early 1959.
The front room of the cottage was converted to a spacious and modern office, complete with a custom-made desk made by Nazzareno, abandoning the original office at the front of the factory to storing boxes of screws, nails and all manner of miscellaneous small parts. The back room of the cottage was soon refurbished and used as a showroom during the yearly Sydney Toy Fairs usually held in February. Homey Italian hospitality was conferred on the visiting buyers from the wholesalers, distributors and agents, in the office, or the showroom or, indeed, around the family dining table in the kitchen-dining room.
The Balance Sheet as at 20th June, 1960 declared the "Fixed Asset" of the land and building - Botany, at a value of ₤5,474.14. 8 ($193,634.57 in 2023). The new Ford truck had depreciated to ₤494. 0. 0 ($17,474.51 in 2023).
1962 Factories Shops and Industries Act
In 1962, the New South Wales government passed the Factories Shops and Industries Act which was “An Act to make provisions with respect to the supervision and regulation of factories, shops, and certain other industries; and to the health, safety and welfare of persons employed therein; to restrict the hours on week days and Sundays during which shops may be opened and certain trades may be carried on; to control the advertising and description of goods; to regulate outdoor work in the clothing trades; to repeal the Factories and Shops Act 1912 and certain other enactments; and for purposes connected therewith.”
These new rules meant significant changes for the factory. The machinery hall was fitted throughout with extractor fans that collected airborne dust particles and the heavier saw-dust into large forty-four-gallon drums, which periodically would be taken to the tip at Tempe and emptied.
(Tempe was the site of several large clay quarries used from the late 1800s to supply the large brick kilns located on the Princes Highway at St Peters. These kilns are still there and heritage-listed. In 1948, the deep, exhausted clay brick-pits became a major municipal waste depot for Sydney until 1976. The pits became known colloquially as 'Tempe Tip'. It is now the site of a large Salvation Army-run charity store, which has acquired the nickname of ‘Tempe Tip’ but despite the suggestion, this Salvos store is not a rubbish dump.)
The machinery hall accommodated woodworking machinery that would have made any cabinet-maker envious: crosscut and table saws, a band saw, belt- and disc-sanders, single- and multiple-bit drills and, on 23rd January, 1964, a new Watkin overhead router from England. This was only the second such machine to be imported to Australia and it complemented an older, smaller router already in use. The Watkin was purchased for ₤725. 0. 0 (approximately $24,380 in 2023 - the price of a small car). All these machines - of course - were electric powered, either one-phase, two-phase or three-phase.
The family moved from Hutchinson Street into the spruced-up cottage at number 19 in early 1959.
The front room of the cottage was converted to a spacious and modern office, complete with a custom-made desk made by Nazzareno, abandoning the original office at the front of the factory to storing boxes of screws, nails and all manner of miscellaneous small parts. The back room of the cottage was soon refurbished and used as a showroom during the yearly Sydney Toy Fairs usually held in February. Homey Italian hospitality was conferred on the visiting buyers from the wholesalers, distributors and agents, in the office, or the showroom or, indeed, around the family dining table in the kitchen-dining room.
The Balance Sheet as at 20th June, 1960 declared the "Fixed Asset" of the land and building - Botany, at a value of ₤5,474.14. 8 ($193,634.57 in 2023). The new Ford truck had depreciated to ₤494. 0. 0 ($17,474.51 in 2023).
1962 Factories Shops and Industries Act
In 1962, the New South Wales government passed the Factories Shops and Industries Act which was “An Act to make provisions with respect to the supervision and regulation of factories, shops, and certain other industries; and to the health, safety and welfare of persons employed therein; to restrict the hours on week days and Sundays during which shops may be opened and certain trades may be carried on; to control the advertising and description of goods; to regulate outdoor work in the clothing trades; to repeal the Factories and Shops Act 1912 and certain other enactments; and for purposes connected therewith.”
These new rules meant significant changes for the factory. The machinery hall was fitted throughout with extractor fans that collected airborne dust particles and the heavier saw-dust into large forty-four-gallon drums, which periodically would be taken to the tip at Tempe and emptied.
(Tempe was the site of several large clay quarries used from the late 1800s to supply the large brick kilns located on the Princes Highway at St Peters. These kilns are still there and heritage-listed. In 1948, the deep, exhausted clay brick-pits became a major municipal waste depot for Sydney until 1976. The pits became known colloquially as 'Tempe Tip'. It is now the site of a large Salvation Army-run charity store, which has acquired the nickname of ‘Tempe Tip’ but despite the suggestion, this Salvos store is not a rubbish dump.)
Bestoys letterhead, Botany, NSW - "Byrne" as it was known but is now "Byrnes"
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S. Hoffnung & Co at 155 Clarence Street, Sydney, occupying the building until 1973
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Purchase c1962
New Land Acquired and New Building
Around 1962, the (Sydney) Metropolitan Water Sewerage and Drainage Board released some small parcels of land adjoining the two above-ground sewer systems along Hale Street it had built in the 1920s and 1930s. One triangular lot was situated behind the Bonaretti’s two lots at 19 and 21 Byrnes Street and was ideally suited to augment their growing business and resulting shrinking premises.
Around 1962, the (Sydney) Metropolitan Water Sewerage and Drainage Board released some small parcels of land adjoining the two above-ground sewer systems along Hale Street it had built in the 1920s and 1930s. One triangular lot was situated behind the Bonaretti’s two lots at 19 and 21 Byrnes Street and was ideally suited to augment their growing business and resulting shrinking premises.
As with most property owned by various government and semi-government bodies, the triangle of land was overgrown with lantana, weeds and other bushes but was a playground to a number of native fauna: fairy wrens, finches, skinks and, of course, the ubiquitous trapdoor and redback spiders as witnessed by the adventurous Bonaretti children. The house sparrow, an introduced species, was also common but now its numbers appear to be declining due, in part, to the surge of native noisy miners.
Lantana is a noxious weed in NSW, pretty as it may be...
Skinks are small lizards and can be found in every garden
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Male and female Fairy Wrens (AKA Superb Blue Wren), tiny and shy bush inhabitants
These tiny finches come in a variety of colours - these are Zebra Finches
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The trapdoor spidera are non-venomous to humans but are bl**dy big and resemble the notorious Funnel Web which is deadly to humans
Redback spiders are amongst the most venomous in Australia and are common to gardens and lurking under dunny seats in outside loos
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Male house sparrow once common in the Botany Bay area
Noisy miner - the bully bird of Australian natives
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Jim purchased the lot and built a double-brick, single-storey extension to the original factory, creating a new and spacious spray-room and silk-screening area. He invested a further ₤180. 0. 0. in January and February 1964 ($6,052.80 in 2023)
to upgrade spray-painting equipment. The furthest corner was segregated, and a large (and noisy) air compressor was installed within. This supplied air under pressure for the spray guns and, further along the air-line, for hoses and nozzles to clean off dust in the machinery hall, assembly and packing rooms. It also supplied air under pressure for the staple- and nail-guns. The spraying annex was fitted with a fire-proof room to hold all the flammable paints and thinners, in line with the New South Wales’ government’s Inflammable Liquid Act 1915, later repealed by the Dangerous Goods Act, 1975 (https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/2000-12-08/act-1975-068). Two metal extractor booths were also installed to remove vapours from spray painting.
The company's balance sheet at 31st December, 1963 declared fixed assets of
Land and Buildings - Botany - ₤5,474.14. 8 ($188,732 in 2023) - a small appreciation on the June 59 value of ₤5,204. 4. 6.
Plus Land and Building - New Factory at cost to date - ₤3908. 4. 3 ($134,740 in 2023). This indicated that, at 31st December, 1963, the new building at the back of the block had not yet been completed.
At 30th June, 1964, the total land and buildings at Botany were valued at ₤11,589. 8. 1 ($389,699 in 2023) against the previous year's value of ₤5,204. 4. 6.
During the course of 1965, many more pieces of equipment were purchased totalling ₤379.15.10 ($12,289 in 2023) being a cutter, conveyor belt, saw, a silk-screening plant and further additions to the spraying plant.
A new office was built in the centre of the complex with windows that filled half the walls on three sides. A new electric Bundy clock was rented and placed on the front wall of the new office. The interior of the office was furnished with office desks, a draftsman's desk, drawers and cupboards designed and built by Jim to accommodate two: himself and, eventually, his eldest daughter who would join the Bestoys workforce in that year.
Values are calculated using CPI Inflation Calculator - https://www.in2013dollars.com/australia/inflation/1964?amount=23178
to upgrade spray-painting equipment. The furthest corner was segregated, and a large (and noisy) air compressor was installed within. This supplied air under pressure for the spray guns and, further along the air-line, for hoses and nozzles to clean off dust in the machinery hall, assembly and packing rooms. It also supplied air under pressure for the staple- and nail-guns. The spraying annex was fitted with a fire-proof room to hold all the flammable paints and thinners, in line with the New South Wales’ government’s Inflammable Liquid Act 1915, later repealed by the Dangerous Goods Act, 1975 (https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/2000-12-08/act-1975-068). Two metal extractor booths were also installed to remove vapours from spray painting.
The company's balance sheet at 31st December, 1963 declared fixed assets of
Land and Buildings - Botany - ₤5,474.14. 8 ($188,732 in 2023) - a small appreciation on the June 59 value of ₤5,204. 4. 6.
Plus Land and Building - New Factory at cost to date - ₤3908. 4. 3 ($134,740 in 2023). This indicated that, at 31st December, 1963, the new building at the back of the block had not yet been completed.
At 30th June, 1964, the total land and buildings at Botany were valued at ₤11,589. 8. 1 ($389,699 in 2023) against the previous year's value of ₤5,204. 4. 6.
During the course of 1965, many more pieces of equipment were purchased totalling ₤379.15.10 ($12,289 in 2023) being a cutter, conveyor belt, saw, a silk-screening plant and further additions to the spraying plant.
A new office was built in the centre of the complex with windows that filled half the walls on three sides. A new electric Bundy clock was rented and placed on the front wall of the new office. The interior of the office was furnished with office desks, a draftsman's desk, drawers and cupboards designed and built by Jim to accommodate two: himself and, eventually, his eldest daughter who would join the Bestoys workforce in that year.
Values are calculated using CPI Inflation Calculator - https://www.in2013dollars.com/australia/inflation/1964?amount=23178
Certificate of Registration issued to Bestoys Pty Limited received 30th March, 1984, expiring March, 1985
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Licence for the Keeping of Dangerous Goods issued to Bestoys Pty Limited received 2nd April, 1984, expiring April, 1985
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Incorporation as a Proprietary Company
With the business growing at an accelerated rate, Jim saw the need to protect his young family and personal assets and was advised by his accountant and solicitor to set up a proprietary limited company. As directors of this company he and Ebe could keep control over the company’s ownership and limit their financial exposure to the nominal value of their shares.
On 29th November, 1967, Bestoys Pty. Limited was incorporated with Nazzareno Bonaretti and Ebe Bonaretti as Directors and shareholders.
On 29th November, 1967, Bestoys Pty. Limited was incorporated with Nazzareno Bonaretti and Ebe Bonaretti as Directors and shareholders.
Bestoys Pty Limited Certificate of Incorporation of Proprietary Company, 29th November, 1967
1976 saw the next major change in the fate of the three conjoined properties belonging to the Bonaretti family: the demolition of the cottage and factory at 19 and 21 Byrnes Street, Botany…
…but that’s another story told further down...
…but that’s another story told further down...
In the ’50s, business boomed.
Late 1950 through to the mid-1970s were the golden years of Australian manufacturing – toys and nursery furniture in particular. Australian manufacturers were protected by the high cost of freight to import goods and equally high protectionist tariffs on any goods that were imported. This saved the local makers from the flood of cheap plastic and tin products from Japan recovering from the Second World War, and products from China. Importation of Chinese products, in particular, was strictly controlled with limited licences issued by the Australian government.
With the successful marketing of his range direct to retailers, several established general wholesalers saw potential in offering the Bestoys range to a wider clientele across Australia.
In 1959, and possibly as early as 1958, S. Hoffnung and Co. became a distributor of the entire Bestoys range and the first Bestoys catalogue was produced and integrated in Hoffnung’s hefty tome of homewares, giftware and toys.
(Established in 1851, S. Hoffnung and Co. was one of the oldest importing companies in Australia and operated as a major distributor of practically everything until its takeover by Burns Philp in 1980. [Read more about Sigmond Hoffnung here: https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/hoffnung-sigmond-3779] The building the company occupied is now heritage listed and is located at 153-159 Clarence Street, Sydney, then one of the great warehousing streets of the city. The building was designed by architect Samuel Lipson in conjunction with Robertson and Marks and McCredie and built from 1937 to 1938 by Kell & Rigby.)
It didn't take long for Jim to see the potential in having distributors to do the selling. This would leave him with the job he loved most: designing and manufacturing innovative quality wooden toys and nursery furniture.
Late 1950 through to the mid-1970s were the golden years of Australian manufacturing – toys and nursery furniture in particular. Australian manufacturers were protected by the high cost of freight to import goods and equally high protectionist tariffs on any goods that were imported. This saved the local makers from the flood of cheap plastic and tin products from Japan recovering from the Second World War, and products from China. Importation of Chinese products, in particular, was strictly controlled with limited licences issued by the Australian government.
With the successful marketing of his range direct to retailers, several established general wholesalers saw potential in offering the Bestoys range to a wider clientele across Australia.
In 1959, and possibly as early as 1958, S. Hoffnung and Co. became a distributor of the entire Bestoys range and the first Bestoys catalogue was produced and integrated in Hoffnung’s hefty tome of homewares, giftware and toys.
(Established in 1851, S. Hoffnung and Co. was one of the oldest importing companies in Australia and operated as a major distributor of practically everything until its takeover by Burns Philp in 1980. [Read more about Sigmond Hoffnung here: https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/hoffnung-sigmond-3779] The building the company occupied is now heritage listed and is located at 153-159 Clarence Street, Sydney, then one of the great warehousing streets of the city. The building was designed by architect Samuel Lipson in conjunction with Robertson and Marks and McCredie and built from 1937 to 1938 by Kell & Rigby.)
It didn't take long for Jim to see the potential in having distributors to do the selling. This would leave him with the job he loved most: designing and manufacturing innovative quality wooden toys and nursery furniture.
The 1959 Bestoys Catalogue
Onward and Upward
The Bestoys range of products in 1959 included
A few years earlier - 1953 - in Sweden, a small mail-order company that had started up a decade before began offering products in “flat packs”. This company was IKEA.
Jim, always looking to save wherever there were savings to be made, understood how reducing the bulkiness of products in shipping would save costs, so found ways to supply as many of his range as possible in flat packs. He made them easy to assemble and supplied all the screws, washers, nuts and bolts required. He did not initially provide instructions because assembly was simple and logical.
The 1958-9 range included many flat-packed items: Doll’s Wardrobe, Doll’s Cot and Cradle combination, Doll’s House and Rockaway, while most of the others were partially assembled with only the legs to bolt on (desks and bureaux) or wheels to attach (hobby horses).
Jim also kept up with contemporary trends in materials. Plywood was exchanged for hardboard or Masonite, and pine timber with Pyneboard or Corinite. Methods of decoration, too, kept up with the times. Wet-application Decals and manually spray-painted motifs applied with stencils, were replaced by multi-pass silk-screening, sometimes in as many as three colours, applied on a large manually-operated table.
- “Space Line” Bureau (that space age theme, again!)
- “Imperial” Desk (paying homage to British Royalty) available with or without a full-colour map of Australia
- “Imperial” Stool to match the desk and offered separately
- “School Mate” Desk and Stool offered with or without a hinged blackboard beneath the lid and with or without a full-colour map of Australia
- “Victory” Desk and Stool with a drawer (this was later changed to a lift-up lid)
- “Australia Victory” Desk and Stool – same as the “Victory” but with a full-colour map of Australia on the top
- Desk and Stool No 3 – all varnished pine timber with attached stool – later to be discontinued
- Desk and Blackboard
- Children’s (Tubular) Table and Chairs
- “Fantasy” Dresser
- Doll’s Wardrobe
- Doll’s Cot and Cradle combination
- Children’s (Wooden) Table and Chairs
- Children’s (Wooden Folding) Table and Chairs
- “Vanity” Dressing Table
- Dresser
- Doll’s House
- “Large” Service Station
- “Normal” Service Station
- “Two-way” Rocking Horse
- Rockaway
- “Medium” Service Station
- Blackboard No 2
- Large Blackboard
- Blackboard No 3
- Hobby Horse
- “De-luxe” Bureau
- “Gi-Gi” Hobby Horse
A few years earlier - 1953 - in Sweden, a small mail-order company that had started up a decade before began offering products in “flat packs”. This company was IKEA.
Jim, always looking to save wherever there were savings to be made, understood how reducing the bulkiness of products in shipping would save costs, so found ways to supply as many of his range as possible in flat packs. He made them easy to assemble and supplied all the screws, washers, nuts and bolts required. He did not initially provide instructions because assembly was simple and logical.
The 1958-9 range included many flat-packed items: Doll’s Wardrobe, Doll’s Cot and Cradle combination, Doll’s House and Rockaway, while most of the others were partially assembled with only the legs to bolt on (desks and bureaux) or wheels to attach (hobby horses).
Jim also kept up with contemporary trends in materials. Plywood was exchanged for hardboard or Masonite, and pine timber with Pyneboard or Corinite. Methods of decoration, too, kept up with the times. Wet-application Decals and manually spray-painted motifs applied with stencils, were replaced by multi-pass silk-screening, sometimes in as many as three colours, applied on a large manually-operated table.
Vintage Bestoys and N.E.S.Toy Finds
New Materials, New Methods - Bestoys becomes the Leader
Hardboard and Masonite-v-Plywood
Wikipedia defines Masonite as a type of hardboard, a kind of engineered wood, which is made of steam-cooked and pressure-moulded wood fibres in a process patented by William H. Mason in 1924 in Laurel, Mississippi, USA.
In Australia, according to Ms. Dorothy Harrison, student of the University of Newcastle in a report dated 1988, the first Masonite factory was set up in 1937 at Raymond Terrace, NSW by the Masonite Corporation (Aust) Limited. Twenty-nine percent of this company was owned by Masonite USA. Rapid expansion followed and, by 1956, an additional plant was built at Ipswich, Queensland. Competition grew: in 1948, CSR (Colonial Sugar Refinery) built a plant in Pyrmont, NSW and, in 1951, Burnie Board and Timber Pty Ltd was established in Burnie, Tasmania. Masonite eventually merged with CSR in 1959, just at the time Bestoys was looking to improve its products. Both CSR and Burnie Board were major suppliers to Bestoys.
Plywood is a material manufactured from thin layers or "plies" of wood veneer that are glued together with adjacent layers having their wood grain rotated up to 90 degrees to one another. Using veneers of actual timber and gluing them together was costly and time-consuming and it became evident to Jim quite early on that, wherever possible, Masonite was the better and more efficient alternative. Added to this, Masonite would not de-layer.
By 1958, Bestoys was using ⅛” and 3⁄16” Masonite on table-top frames and the bodies of dressers, wardrobes and service stations over a frame of ¾” dressed radiata pine. Blackboards, too, were made of Masonite and spray-painted in a specially-formulated matt black lacquer. All paints used by Bestoys were guaranteed lead-free. Paints, in the main and over the decades, were supplied by Phoenix Lacquers, Mirotone Pty Ltd, St Marys Thinners, Pylon Chemicals, Pajor Paints, Feast Watson & Co Pty Ltd and Ascot Chemicals among others.
The Masonite panels and timber lengths were cut to size using a large industrial radial arm circular saw and an industrial table saw and the edges and corners smoothed off using the disc- and belt-sanders.
Desks and bureaux were made of dressed ¾” solid radiata pine and given two coats of maple-tinted clear lacquer.
In the beginning, the sides of the rockaways were made of ½” (approx.) plywood. Timber veneer was glued together to the required thickness and stacked 6 feet high in a giant manual screw press. Once dry, the panels were cut to shape using the bandsaw. A model was used to trace the outline onto the plywood panel and the machinist carefully followed the traced line. No matter how careful or smooth was the machinist’s technique, the cut edges always needed to be sanded to remove saw striations and the corners bevelled to remove splinters or jaggedness.
When hardboard became available, it was the perfect time-saving substitute but the thickness required – 5⁄16” – caused a problem. It was so dense that cutting the shape by bandsaw broke many ribbon saws in the process.
Jim modified a large hand-held router by fitting it to a specially made table and used this machine and jigs (or templates) to cut the more-intricate profiles of the panels. By 1966, Jim found a better and perfect solution: a new Watkin 3-phase overhead router. It was only the second such machine to be imported into Australia from England. This machine proved very successful as it not only cut those intricate shapes from hardboard, but it also finished the edges cleanly with no further need for sanding. Various bits could be used for slotting, chamfering and, in particular for rockaway sides, by using a double-roundover bit, completely eliminating the need for the sanding and bevelling of edges.
Wikipedia defines Masonite as a type of hardboard, a kind of engineered wood, which is made of steam-cooked and pressure-moulded wood fibres in a process patented by William H. Mason in 1924 in Laurel, Mississippi, USA.
In Australia, according to Ms. Dorothy Harrison, student of the University of Newcastle in a report dated 1988, the first Masonite factory was set up in 1937 at Raymond Terrace, NSW by the Masonite Corporation (Aust) Limited. Twenty-nine percent of this company was owned by Masonite USA. Rapid expansion followed and, by 1956, an additional plant was built at Ipswich, Queensland. Competition grew: in 1948, CSR (Colonial Sugar Refinery) built a plant in Pyrmont, NSW and, in 1951, Burnie Board and Timber Pty Ltd was established in Burnie, Tasmania. Masonite eventually merged with CSR in 1959, just at the time Bestoys was looking to improve its products. Both CSR and Burnie Board were major suppliers to Bestoys.
Plywood is a material manufactured from thin layers or "plies" of wood veneer that are glued together with adjacent layers having their wood grain rotated up to 90 degrees to one another. Using veneers of actual timber and gluing them together was costly and time-consuming and it became evident to Jim quite early on that, wherever possible, Masonite was the better and more efficient alternative. Added to this, Masonite would not de-layer.
By 1958, Bestoys was using ⅛” and 3⁄16” Masonite on table-top frames and the bodies of dressers, wardrobes and service stations over a frame of ¾” dressed radiata pine. Blackboards, too, were made of Masonite and spray-painted in a specially-formulated matt black lacquer. All paints used by Bestoys were guaranteed lead-free. Paints, in the main and over the decades, were supplied by Phoenix Lacquers, Mirotone Pty Ltd, St Marys Thinners, Pylon Chemicals, Pajor Paints, Feast Watson & Co Pty Ltd and Ascot Chemicals among others.
The Masonite panels and timber lengths were cut to size using a large industrial radial arm circular saw and an industrial table saw and the edges and corners smoothed off using the disc- and belt-sanders.
Desks and bureaux were made of dressed ¾” solid radiata pine and given two coats of maple-tinted clear lacquer.
In the beginning, the sides of the rockaways were made of ½” (approx.) plywood. Timber veneer was glued together to the required thickness and stacked 6 feet high in a giant manual screw press. Once dry, the panels were cut to shape using the bandsaw. A model was used to trace the outline onto the plywood panel and the machinist carefully followed the traced line. No matter how careful or smooth was the machinist’s technique, the cut edges always needed to be sanded to remove saw striations and the corners bevelled to remove splinters or jaggedness.
When hardboard became available, it was the perfect time-saving substitute but the thickness required – 5⁄16” – caused a problem. It was so dense that cutting the shape by bandsaw broke many ribbon saws in the process.
Jim modified a large hand-held router by fitting it to a specially made table and used this machine and jigs (or templates) to cut the more-intricate profiles of the panels. By 1966, Jim found a better and perfect solution: a new Watkin 3-phase overhead router. It was only the second such machine to be imported into Australia from England. This machine proved very successful as it not only cut those intricate shapes from hardboard, but it also finished the edges cleanly with no further need for sanding. Various bits could be used for slotting, chamfering and, in particular for rockaway sides, by using a double-roundover bit, completely eliminating the need for the sanding and bevelling of edges.
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Laminated boards
Laminex…
Laminex plastic laminate sheeting had been in production in Australia for over 13 years when Bestoys used it in 1959 on the table tops of its children’s tables and chairs. It was hard-wearing and easy to keep clean but, being only 1⁄16” thick meant it had to be applied to hardboard or Masonite using Laminex Contact Adhesive or Bostik. The process was more involved than spray-painting, and more costly, but the end result was that the kiddies would have a little table that matched the big table in Mum’s kitchen. Colours used by Bestoys varied but they were usually the brighter tones of yellow, red and blue in the basket weave or pearl patterns.
This is an excellent site to know all there is to know about the history of Laminex: https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/articles/2633
Laminex…
Laminex plastic laminate sheeting had been in production in Australia for over 13 years when Bestoys used it in 1959 on the table tops of its children’s tables and chairs. It was hard-wearing and easy to keep clean but, being only 1⁄16” thick meant it had to be applied to hardboard or Masonite using Laminex Contact Adhesive or Bostik. The process was more involved than spray-painting, and more costly, but the end result was that the kiddies would have a little table that matched the big table in Mum’s kitchen. Colours used by Bestoys varied but they were usually the brighter tones of yellow, red and blue in the basket weave or pearl patterns.
This is an excellent site to know all there is to know about the history of Laminex: https://collections.museumsvictoria.com.au/articles/2633
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Formica…
Before Laminex, there was Formica, a laminated composite material invented at the Westinghouse Electric Corporation in the United States in 1912. Originally used to replace mica in electrical appliances, it has since been manufactured for multiple applications. Today, the product is produced by New Zealand–based Formica Group and has been since 2007. The word Formica refers to the company's classic product: a heat-resistant, wipe-clean laminate of paper or textile with melamine resin and, because the new product acted as a substitute "for mica", Faber used the name "Formica".
Before Laminex, there was Formica, a laminated composite material invented at the Westinghouse Electric Corporation in the United States in 1912. Originally used to replace mica in electrical appliances, it has since been manufactured for multiple applications. Today, the product is produced by New Zealand–based Formica Group and has been since 2007. The word Formica refers to the company's classic product: a heat-resistant, wipe-clean laminate of paper or textile with melamine resin and, because the new product acted as a substitute "for mica", Faber used the name "Formica".
1960s laminate swatches by Formica
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With thanks to Jet Age Design, Fyshwick, ACT - http://jetage.com.au/
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…and Corinite
By the early 60s, an exciting new building material was being used everywhere – on walls, in kitchens and caravans, and in manufacturing upmarket furniture: Corinite®.
Originally, Corinite was manufactured as impregnated paper pressed onto three-ply timber – and later hardboard – as a low-pressure laminate. The woodgrain patterns were created in Japan by photographing real timbers with huge cameras. A ‘grain’ was pressed into the paper to make it look and feel like real timber veneer.
(With thanks to https://ditzygypsy.proboards.com/thread/4429/day-14-viscount?page=2 for this information).
Corinthian Joinery, the innovator, continued development and soon produced a high-pressure plastic laminate fusing it to plywood, hardboard or top-grade particle board. This Corinite® was tough, as tough as Laminex. It wouldn’t melt or tear and was fade-, heat- and steam-resistant and virtually maintenance-free, and easily cleaned with a damp cloth, liquid detergent or methylated spirits. And was available in a wide range of colours, both plain and timber grain, with or without their ‘woodgrain’ feel – and it was already fused to hardboard or particle board; no further processing was required as it had been with Formica and Laminex.
This was the perfect material for use in children’s nursery furniture. But it had one draw-back: the coating that was applied to make it all those wonderful things also meant that applying decorative motifs was almost impossible: spray-painting lacquers and normal screen-printing inks would not adhere to it and there was some issue with the long-term adhesion of wet-application transfers.
Jim worked closely with his ink manufacturers and Pylon Chemicals came up with a product that filled all the necessary criteria: scratch-resistant, easy to work, did not damage the silk screens and was non-toxic. Now Jim could use this modern Corinite laminated material. It was easy to cut and decorate, and needed minimal finishing and decoration.
By 1966, Jim began using this extraordinary material and offered the Bestoys range of desks in either white or woodgrain Corinite. This was followed very quickly by almost all of the Bestoys range being available in either painted finish or Corinite.
(Corinthian Joinery, aka Corinthian Industries, sold the process to Formica around 1973 and Formica is now owned by Laminex... how the wheel turns…)
By the early 60s, an exciting new building material was being used everywhere – on walls, in kitchens and caravans, and in manufacturing upmarket furniture: Corinite®.
Originally, Corinite was manufactured as impregnated paper pressed onto three-ply timber – and later hardboard – as a low-pressure laminate. The woodgrain patterns were created in Japan by photographing real timbers with huge cameras. A ‘grain’ was pressed into the paper to make it look and feel like real timber veneer.
(With thanks to https://ditzygypsy.proboards.com/thread/4429/day-14-viscount?page=2 for this information).
Corinthian Joinery, the innovator, continued development and soon produced a high-pressure plastic laminate fusing it to plywood, hardboard or top-grade particle board. This Corinite® was tough, as tough as Laminex. It wouldn’t melt or tear and was fade-, heat- and steam-resistant and virtually maintenance-free, and easily cleaned with a damp cloth, liquid detergent or methylated spirits. And was available in a wide range of colours, both plain and timber grain, with or without their ‘woodgrain’ feel – and it was already fused to hardboard or particle board; no further processing was required as it had been with Formica and Laminex.
This was the perfect material for use in children’s nursery furniture. But it had one draw-back: the coating that was applied to make it all those wonderful things also meant that applying decorative motifs was almost impossible: spray-painting lacquers and normal screen-printing inks would not adhere to it and there was some issue with the long-term adhesion of wet-application transfers.
Jim worked closely with his ink manufacturers and Pylon Chemicals came up with a product that filled all the necessary criteria: scratch-resistant, easy to work, did not damage the silk screens and was non-toxic. Now Jim could use this modern Corinite laminated material. It was easy to cut and decorate, and needed minimal finishing and decoration.
By 1966, Jim began using this extraordinary material and offered the Bestoys range of desks in either white or woodgrain Corinite. This was followed very quickly by almost all of the Bestoys range being available in either painted finish or Corinite.
(Corinthian Joinery, aka Corinthian Industries, sold the process to Formica around 1973 and Formica is now owned by Laminex... how the wheel turns…)
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Wholesalers, Distributors and Agents
The Sydney Telephone Directory of November 1954 listed a number of toy wholesalers and manufacturers among whom the following would become distributors of Bestoys products by 1960:
(See above ads: E Lovelock was at 31 Edinburgh Road, Marrickville – LA 2175 and R Waddell at 72b Johnston Street, Annandale – LM 3438.)
Not until the November, 1960 edition of the Sydney Pink Pages telephone directory were N. Bonaretti and Bestoys listed:
- S. Hoffnung & Co Pty Limited
- 153-157 Clarence Street, Sydney – telephone BX 2921
- Jewellery department – telephone BX 3365
- Tobacco department – telephone BX 3033
- Household Kitchenware department – telephone BX 4640
- Builders’ & Agricultural Hardware – telephone BX 2997
- Heavy Hardware department – telephone BX 3366
- Electrical department – telephone BX 5620
- Paints, Brushware & Polishes department – telephone BX 5489
- Garage at Rose & Johnston Streets, Annandale – telephone MU 3949
- 153-157 Clarence Street, Sydney – telephone BX 2921
- Farleigh Nettheim Pty Limited
- 1-15 Foveaux Street, Sydney – telephone BA 2111
- Rodger and Lloyd Pty Limited
- 56 Clarence Street, Sydney – telephone BX 2995
- HW Rice Pty Limited – General Merchants
- 333 George Street, Sydney – telephone BX 1504
- 128 Rothschild Avenue, Rosebery – telephone MU 3957
(See above ads: E Lovelock was at 31 Edinburgh Road, Marrickville – LA 2175 and R Waddell at 72b Johnston Street, Annandale – LM 3438.)
Not until the November, 1960 edition of the Sydney Pink Pages telephone directory were N. Bonaretti and Bestoys listed:
- N. Bonaretti – still at 26 Hutchinson Street, St Peters (even though the family had moved to Botany) – LA 7650, and
- Bestoys at the new Byrnes Street address – 666 8193.
In 1960, R Waddell was still trading out of 72b Johnston Street, Annandale – 56 3438 and E Lovelock still at Marrickville – LA 2175. There appeared another Lovelock under the Toys heading: RH Lovelock at 48 Edward Street, Chippendale – 69 6376.
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To explain why telephone numbers have been included, it is to accurately pinpoint what was happening in the world as Bestoys was evolving. In 1959 Sydney prepared to swap out their old-style, letter-and-number telephones for the new model of numbers only, and the change of 6 numbers to 7 and, ultimately, to 9 with the introduction of STD (Subscriber Trunk Dialling). Click here to read the PDF article written in 1959:
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Throughout the 60s’ decade, more distributors were appointed:
- Trans World Agency and Importing Pty Ltd of 65-67 Campbell Street, Sydney - telephone 61 8961 (later to relocate to Bay Street, Haymarket, Sydney)
- Michaelis, Hallenstein & Co, Melbourne
- John Lewis, Adelaide
- G.P. Fitzgerald & Co, Launceston
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This extract of the financial report of 31st March 1964 shows the Sundry Debtors, many of them well overdue the 30-day credit limit.
"A.P.D." is Australian Playage Distributors (see below) "Panda" is Panda Products of 15 Factory Street, Parramatta North - telephone YY 1480 - a small toys and gifts distributor. Transworld (Agency) is about the only distributor that was not overdue. Even Farleigh, as big as it was, was well overdue. |
Extract from the financial report of 31st March, 1964
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The "Gentlemen's" Agreement of the Time
There was a hierarchy that was understood and mostly adhered to by all players:
1962 Australian Playage Distributors
Jim Bonaretti understood this ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ but wanted to be able to sell to the retailers whom he thought were being overlooked by the wholesalers. He also wanted to have all his products available to all retailers. He did not want to upset the status quo so he and Ebe set up their own wholesale distribution company: Australian Playage Distributors. This company would carry the entire Bestoys range of toys and nursery furniture, unlike all of the other wholesalers who carried a selected range and without undercutting them.
Jim asked around his contacts in the toy business and found a partner, Alan Norman Drydle, and the new business was set up 18th December, 1962.
In the Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Issue No 78 dated Friday 23rd August 1963, this notice was published:
There was a hierarchy that was understood and mostly adhered to by all players:
- Manufacturers and Importers sold to Wholesalers;
- Wholesalers bought from Manufacturers and Importers and sold to Retailers;
- Retailers bought from Wholesalers and sold to the Consumers and
- Consumers bought only from Retailers
- Wholesalers did not sell directly to the Consumer, bypassing the Retailer and
- Manufacturers and Importers did not sell directly to the Retailer, bypassing the Wholesaler
1962 Australian Playage Distributors
Jim Bonaretti understood this ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ but wanted to be able to sell to the retailers whom he thought were being overlooked by the wholesalers. He also wanted to have all his products available to all retailers. He did not want to upset the status quo so he and Ebe set up their own wholesale distribution company: Australian Playage Distributors. This company would carry the entire Bestoys range of toys and nursery furniture, unlike all of the other wholesalers who carried a selected range and without undercutting them.
Jim asked around his contacts in the toy business and found a partner, Alan Norman Drydle, and the new business was set up 18th December, 1962.
In the Government Gazette of the State of New South Wales (Sydney, NSW : 1901 – 2001), Issue No 78 dated Friday 23rd August 1963, this notice was published:
The business did not achieve its aims and, before long, the partnership was dissolved and the business and its name sold to Mr. and Mrs. Tony Russo of Annandale. The business relationship between the Bonarettis and the Russos lasted many more years.
Bestoys was expanding and was now the biggest manufacturer of wooden toys and nursery furniture in Australia.
Bestoys was expanding and was now the biggest manufacturer of wooden toys and nursery furniture in Australia.
Television 1966
First recorded around 1907, the word ‘television’ described "...a theoretical system to transmit moving images over telegraph or telephone wires".
Experimental forms of television were developed in the late 1920s but it would still be several years before the new medium could be marketed to consumers. After World War II, an improved form of black-and-white television broadcasting became popular in the United Kingdom and United States, and television sets became commonplace in homes, businesses and institutions. During the 1950s, television was the primary medium for influencing public opinion. In Australia, television was launched on 16th September, 1956, just in time for the Melbourne Olympic Games – the 1956 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad.
Experimental forms of television were developed in the late 1920s but it would still be several years before the new medium could be marketed to consumers. After World War II, an improved form of black-and-white television broadcasting became popular in the United Kingdom and United States, and television sets became commonplace in homes, businesses and institutions. During the 1950s, television was the primary medium for influencing public opinion. In Australia, television was launched on 16th September, 1956, just in time for the Melbourne Olympic Games – the 1956 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XVI Olympiad.
The A.B.C. WEEKLY was a well-established Radio and TV Programme guide. The following editions covered the Games of the XVI Olympiad - very interesting reading. Click on each and scroll through 40-odd pages of Australian TV history:
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The A.B.C. WEEKLY was produced as a "Journal of the Australian Broadcasting Commission" initially as a detailed programme guide of radio broadcasts. Publications from 1939 to 1959 can be found here: https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-890736639. Click on “Browse this collection” for the full list of publications in sets from 1939 to 1959. With thanks to the National Library of Australia.
When Australian broadcasting hours were extended in 1957 to include the 4-11 p.m. timeslot, broadcasters and advertisers both saw a commercial opportunity and the sponsored afternoon children’s commercial TV show was born. Early shows included The Tarax Show (1957) with Ron Blaskett, Peter’s Fun Fair (1956) with Zig and Zag, The Happy Show (1957) with Happy Hammond and Princess Panda, Captain Fortune (1957) and Channel Ninepins (1957-1962) with Desmond Tester (until 1961). These shows were hosted by an adult, often in a crazy hat and costume, and filmed in front of an audience of excited children. They included a mix of fun and games, puppets and cartoons; all, of course, laced with advertisements from their sponsors. (With thanks to Helen Tully and https://www.nfsa.gov.au/latest/actf-30-still-child-heart)
Sometime between 1957 and 1961 - more likely between 1959 and 1961 - Desmond Tester hosted an outside broadcast of the Channel Nine Pins from the Sydney Toy Fair held at the Trocadero on George Street or the Sydney Town Hall (still to be ascertained...). It caused great excitement and drew a very large crowd to the exhibition as hoped.
Sometime between 1957 and 1961 - more likely between 1959 and 1961 - Desmond Tester hosted an outside broadcast of the Channel Nine Pins from the Sydney Toy Fair held at the Trocadero on George Street or the Sydney Town Hall (still to be ascertained...). It caused great excitement and drew a very large crowd to the exhibition as hoped.
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Appearing for the first time in the A.B.C. WEEKLY programme on Monday, 29th April, 1957, was Desmond Tester's children's show, "Desmond and the Channel Ninepins" a "live, all-Australian children's session featuring Desmond Tester" in the 6 p.m. time slot just before the "Mickey Mouse Club" at 6.15 p.m. That programme can be found here: https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-1499738026/view?partId=nla.obj-1499903050#page/n33/mode/1up
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Or download here:
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(“The Troc” as the Trocadero was known colloquially, was Sydney’s most glamorous dance hall and hosted awards nights, trade exhibitions, fashion shows and even the early Miss Australia finals. The Troc closed its doors on 5th February, 1971 and was demolished to make way for the new Hoyts theatre complex, now Event Cinemas. In the 35 years it operated, it is estimated over a million people danced at the Troc. – with thanks to Nicole Cama and https://home.dictionaryofsydney.org/the-trocadero-sydneys-most-glamorous-dance-hall/)
Another prominent children’s programme was Video Village, produced in Melbourne by HSV7 between 1962 and 1966. The programme was hosted by Danny Webb and co-hosted by Liz (Elizabeth) Harris, Chris Christensen and Vic Gordon. Video Village was based on the American format of the same name and was a life-size board game on which children were the ‘tokens’ and hopped from one square to the next.
Jim saw the potential in exposing the Bestoys range of toys and nursery furniture to the viewing public through this very popular game show. Arrangements were made and packages of doll’s houses, tables and chairs, desks and stools were supplied to the show’s producers. Some 1966 video footage still exists of Video Village with glimpses the Bestoys Laura Doll’s House on the set.
Another prominent children’s programme was Video Village, produced in Melbourne by HSV7 between 1962 and 1966. The programme was hosted by Danny Webb and co-hosted by Liz (Elizabeth) Harris, Chris Christensen and Vic Gordon. Video Village was based on the American format of the same name and was a life-size board game on which children were the ‘tokens’ and hopped from one square to the next.
Jim saw the potential in exposing the Bestoys range of toys and nursery furniture to the viewing public through this very popular game show. Arrangements were made and packages of doll’s houses, tables and chairs, desks and stools were supplied to the show’s producers. Some 1966 video footage still exists of Video Village with glimpses the Bestoys Laura Doll’s House on the set.
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Thanks to HSV7 and YouTube for these clips and screen grabs - HSV7 Melbourne TV 1966
It was after school, after homework that the two youngest Bonaretti kids sat themselves down in front of their newly acquired television set when what should appear but their parents' products being spruiked as fabulous prizes on the game show! With an excitement matched only by her wonderment, the younger daughter raced to tell her parents in the factory of this marvellous event, turning off the TV before leaving so to capture the moment!
While in itself this seemed a logical thing to do, this was well before commercial videotape recorders were universally available. Turning off the TV would not hold the image as she had hoped. In fact, it made turning the TV back on again take longer until the valves warmed up again.
How young minds work...
While in itself this seemed a logical thing to do, this was well before commercial videotape recorders were universally available. Turning off the TV would not hold the image as she had hoped. In fact, it made turning the TV back on again take longer until the valves warmed up again.
How young minds work...
Alltoys International Pty Limited - 1970-1985
Determined once again to expand into the wholesale and distribution field – and still maintain good relations with his established agents and wholesalers – in 1969 Jim sought interstate reciprocal representation and, in Dcember, 1969, placed this ad in the trade magazine, the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer - known as "The Retailer" - and published by Yaffa Publishing of Surry Hills, NSW.
Now he needed a partner in this new venture.
Fibre Containers Limited was a major supplier of cardboard boxes to Bestoys, and had a manager who wished to retire from that business, Mr. Bob Cartmer, who saw the potential in starting a partnership with an established and well-respected toy manufacturer. This business was to supply toys, gifts and nursery furniture to retailers. He and Jim had enjoyed a very personable business relationship and the contract was drawn up. Alltoys International was registered as a proprietary limited company on 24th February, 1970.
Fibre Containers Limited was a major supplier of cardboard boxes to Bestoys, and had a manager who wished to retire from that business, Mr. Bob Cartmer, who saw the potential in starting a partnership with an established and well-respected toy manufacturer. This business was to supply toys, gifts and nursery furniture to retailers. He and Jim had enjoyed a very personable business relationship and the contract was drawn up. Alltoys International was registered as a proprietary limited company on 24th February, 1970.
Incorporation Certificate of Alltoys International Pty Ltd 1970
Suitable premises were found in Stanmore at 80-84 Parramatta Road, on the first floor. The total floorspace was approx. 8,475 square feet including a mezzanine over the showroom of 2,000 ft2 (787 square metres including 200 m2). There was a covered loading dock at the rear off Corunna Lane and stairs leading up from the entrance on Parramatta Road. At the time, no clearways were in force along the very busy arterial road and circumventing freeways were still a nightmare away.
Jim set about with his factory workers to convert the old butchers’ supply company into a modern showroom for the entire Bestoys range. Adjustable shelving made of Corinite was installed and the walls lined with pegboard. The floor was fitted with pre-owned, green commercial-quality Heuga carpet tiles. Jim made new desks for the two offices. Mr. Cartmer was installed in the larger, more private one and Mrs. Cartmer, Emily, in the smaller as receptionist and secretary.
Part of the old warehouse was fitted with rows Pyneboard shelving eight-feet high and three varied-height packing benches along the windowed wall. The rest of the space was left open to accommodate the stacks of cartoned Bestoys products.
Jim set about with his factory workers to convert the old butchers’ supply company into a modern showroom for the entire Bestoys range. Adjustable shelving made of Corinite was installed and the walls lined with pegboard. The floor was fitted with pre-owned, green commercial-quality Heuga carpet tiles. Jim made new desks for the two offices. Mr. Cartmer was installed in the larger, more private one and Mrs. Cartmer, Emily, in the smaller as receptionist and secretary.
Part of the old warehouse was fitted with rows Pyneboard shelving eight-feet high and three varied-height packing benches along the windowed wall. The rest of the space was left open to accommodate the stacks of cartoned Bestoys products.
First floor floor plan of 80-84 Parramatta Road, Stanmore
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First floor floor plan of 80-84 Parramatta Road, Stanmore, business layout
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The building that Alltoys International occupied between 1970 and 1977
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The building that Alltoys International Pty Ltd occupied for only a few years was more than 100 years old when it was demolished in 2016 to make way for apartments.
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This time around, to complement the Bestoys range and to offer retailers a broad assortment of product, he and Mr. Cartmer approached a number of toy and gift importers with a view to distributing their products alongside Bestoys.
The warehouse was soon filled with product and, by early 1970, Alltoys International Pty Limited was ready to trade. The Cartmers - Bob and his wife, Emily - worked diligently from inception but it soon became obvious that the business was too much for them to handle; they had been on the cusp of retirement before this venture and now found themselves working harder than anticipated. Jim assisted where he could, sending some of his factory workers to assist with packing and delivering orders. Bestoys, too, was experiencing a huge increase in business and was finding it difficult to meet demand.
After the Christmas madness of that first year 1970, business calmed down but by August, 1971, the partnership with Mr. and Mrs. Cartmer was dissolved. This time, unlike Australian Playage Distributors, Jim didn't sell the company but took control of Alltoys International and, with his second daughter, carried on. 1971 saw Alltoys International flourish and it soon became a major distributor of Bestoys products alongside its long-time wholesalers and agents. Jim transferred his first daughter, who was now 21, from the production of Bestoys at Botany to work alongside her younger sister in the wholesale enterprise in Stanmore. In another two years, the youngest of the three Bonaretti siblings would join his two sisters at Alltoys International.
Bestoys and Alltoys International advertised regularly in the trade magazine, "The Retailer". Jim became friendly with its editor, Mr. T.G. (Ted) Elliget and was given many editorial inches.
The warehouse was soon filled with product and, by early 1970, Alltoys International Pty Limited was ready to trade. The Cartmers - Bob and his wife, Emily - worked diligently from inception but it soon became obvious that the business was too much for them to handle; they had been on the cusp of retirement before this venture and now found themselves working harder than anticipated. Jim assisted where he could, sending some of his factory workers to assist with packing and delivering orders. Bestoys, too, was experiencing a huge increase in business and was finding it difficult to meet demand.
After the Christmas madness of that first year 1970, business calmed down but by August, 1971, the partnership with Mr. and Mrs. Cartmer was dissolved. This time, unlike Australian Playage Distributors, Jim didn't sell the company but took control of Alltoys International and, with his second daughter, carried on. 1971 saw Alltoys International flourish and it soon became a major distributor of Bestoys products alongside its long-time wholesalers and agents. Jim transferred his first daughter, who was now 21, from the production of Bestoys at Botany to work alongside her younger sister in the wholesale enterprise in Stanmore. In another two years, the youngest of the three Bonaretti siblings would join his two sisters at Alltoys International.
Bestoys and Alltoys International advertised regularly in the trade magazine, "The Retailer". Jim became friendly with its editor, Mr. T.G. (Ted) Elliget and was given many editorial inches.
Advertisement in the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer of January, 1973
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Editorial in the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer of January, 1973
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By 1973, Alltoys International was out to gain as much business as possible and, in the June edition of "The Retailer" announced 7-day trading for the remaining 6 trading months of the year.
Combined Bestoys and Alltoys International advertisement in the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer edition of June, 1973, promoting 7-day trading.
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Combined Christmas greetings from Bestoys and Alltoys International in the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer edition of December, 1973
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Labour was not the only shortage in 1973, material was scarce as well due to the conflicts in the Middle East...
Publication: The Sun Herald
Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Issue Date: Sunday, November 18, 1973
Page: 218
Excerpt:
Christmas shortage of top toys likely
Children who have their hearts set on a particular toy this Christmas might be in for a big disappointment, manufacturers warn. Supplies of many favourite toys, particularly those heavily advertised, have all but dried up, they say. And relief supplies are unlikely to arrive in time to fill Christmas stockings.
David Jones' buyer, Mr. David Ryan, said: "Lots of toys will still be available, but children may not be able to get the exact toys they want." Manufacturers and wholesalers blame worldwide industrial problems and shortages of labour and raw materials especially plastics since the Middle East war restricted its major component, oil for the shortages.
One of the local firms badly hit is the family business of Bestoys Pty Ltd at Botany where production is down by 90 per cent. The managing director, Mr. Nazzareno Bonaretti, said shortages of everything but glue had reduced the normal Christmas period workforce from 100 men to 11, including himself. "In 22 years in the toy industry this is the worst period I've ever struck. One more year like this and we'll go crazy. Normally when we order goods they are delivered within a week. Now we may have to wait from three to six months."
Shortages have affected prices, but it's a subject retailers and wholesalers are reluctant to talk about. The general verdict is that long-term buying and the revaluation of the Australian dollar have saved Christmas shoppers from the worst of inevitable price rises.
Mr. Ben Lickley, general manager of Trans World Agency and Importing Pty Ltd, said these would come into effect in the new year. "All the reports we have had from overseas tell us that prices are going up considerably," he said.
Meanwhile increases in the prices of cardboard, steel, plastics, fur fabric and labour have added up to 15 per cent, sometimes more, to the cost of toys. Paradoxically, despite the industry's problems most manufacturers agree that 1973 has been a very good year for toys because there's a market for almost everything they produce.
Said Mrs June Pearson, manager of Wrightoys: "Profit-margins may be down but we've done better because we've sold more." Mr. John Leeman, a director of Lesney Products Pty Ltd, manufacturers and importers, said buyers were still taking orders for Christmas. "Normally their books are closed by mid-November." One of the effects of shortages, he warned, was an increase in the amount of "shoddy" toys. "On a recent visit to Hong Kong I noticed a lot of manufacturers were buying used plastic, melting it and remoudling it. The result is pretty inferior plastic with a streaky appearance." But only quality, not safety, was threatened by manufacturers who used this plastic. "Australia still has the safest toy regulations in the world," he said.
Buyers at big city retail stores anticipated shortage and countered by placing orders earlier than normal.
Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Issue Date: Sunday, November 18, 1973
Page: 218
Excerpt:
Christmas shortage of top toys likely
Children who have their hearts set on a particular toy this Christmas might be in for a big disappointment, manufacturers warn. Supplies of many favourite toys, particularly those heavily advertised, have all but dried up, they say. And relief supplies are unlikely to arrive in time to fill Christmas stockings.
David Jones' buyer, Mr. David Ryan, said: "Lots of toys will still be available, but children may not be able to get the exact toys they want." Manufacturers and wholesalers blame worldwide industrial problems and shortages of labour and raw materials especially plastics since the Middle East war restricted its major component, oil for the shortages.
One of the local firms badly hit is the family business of Bestoys Pty Ltd at Botany where production is down by 90 per cent. The managing director, Mr. Nazzareno Bonaretti, said shortages of everything but glue had reduced the normal Christmas period workforce from 100 men to 11, including himself. "In 22 years in the toy industry this is the worst period I've ever struck. One more year like this and we'll go crazy. Normally when we order goods they are delivered within a week. Now we may have to wait from three to six months."
Shortages have affected prices, but it's a subject retailers and wholesalers are reluctant to talk about. The general verdict is that long-term buying and the revaluation of the Australian dollar have saved Christmas shoppers from the worst of inevitable price rises.
Mr. Ben Lickley, general manager of Trans World Agency and Importing Pty Ltd, said these would come into effect in the new year. "All the reports we have had from overseas tell us that prices are going up considerably," he said.
Meanwhile increases in the prices of cardboard, steel, plastics, fur fabric and labour have added up to 15 per cent, sometimes more, to the cost of toys. Paradoxically, despite the industry's problems most manufacturers agree that 1973 has been a very good year for toys because there's a market for almost everything they produce.
Said Mrs June Pearson, manager of Wrightoys: "Profit-margins may be down but we've done better because we've sold more." Mr. John Leeman, a director of Lesney Products Pty Ltd, manufacturers and importers, said buyers were still taking orders for Christmas. "Normally their books are closed by mid-November." One of the effects of shortages, he warned, was an increase in the amount of "shoddy" toys. "On a recent visit to Hong Kong I noticed a lot of manufacturers were buying used plastic, melting it and remoudling it. The result is pretty inferior plastic with a streaky appearance." But only quality, not safety, was threatened by manufacturers who used this plastic. "Australia still has the safest toy regulations in the world," he said.
Buyers at big city retail stores anticipated shortage and countered by placing orders earlier than normal.
But business was changing…
Trade Practices Act, 1974
In 1974, the Trade Practices Act came into being changing the whole way of doing business.(http://www5.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/num_act/tpa1974149/index.html)
Before 1974, it was common practice for manufacturers and importers, through their wholesalers and distributors, to set retail prices so that every retailer was obliged to sell a particular item at the same price. This practice was to ensure that there was no price cutting or price gouging and, if there was, supply to that retailer could be discontinued immediately. This practice, however, also created a kind of dictatorship that could force retailers to sell at very low margins, particularly when items were heavily – and expensively – promoted on television or in print.
After the Trade Practices Act, this practice, along with monopolies and exclusive-supply contracts were illegal. Any retail prices that were listed by manufacturers or importers were to be designated as “suggested” resale prices (SRP) or, more commonly, “recommended” retail prices (RRP) and unenforceable.
Engaging in exclusive dealings was no longer allowed but the manufacturer or importer did have the right to decide who they did do business with. This decision may have been swayed by the reliability of the customer, the cost of delivery, the agreed representation/presentation of goods and services, and the performance and maintenance of standards. In effect, if a large retailer with the buying capacity of a small wholesaler approached the manufacturer or importer directly, his being a retailer was no longer a valid reason to not supply him.
This is where Toyworld became a force majeure. As a brand, Toyworld’s history dates back to 1976 (now is under the wing of Associated Retailers Limited, a Melbourne company established in 1956 as a co-operative buying group). But then, in 1976, Toyworld was an independent retail co-operative with the combined buying power of a medium-sized wholesaler/distributor. With this potential, Toyworld buyers approached manufacturers and importers directly. This effectively cut out the ‘middle man’ – the wholesaler – and offered goods to the consumer at prices that were unmatchable by regular, ‘old-school’ retailers.
Traditional business was changing and rapidly so.
Before 1974, it was common practice for manufacturers and importers, through their wholesalers and distributors, to set retail prices so that every retailer was obliged to sell a particular item at the same price. This practice was to ensure that there was no price cutting or price gouging and, if there was, supply to that retailer could be discontinued immediately. This practice, however, also created a kind of dictatorship that could force retailers to sell at very low margins, particularly when items were heavily – and expensively – promoted on television or in print.
After the Trade Practices Act, this practice, along with monopolies and exclusive-supply contracts were illegal. Any retail prices that were listed by manufacturers or importers were to be designated as “suggested” resale prices (SRP) or, more commonly, “recommended” retail prices (RRP) and unenforceable.
Engaging in exclusive dealings was no longer allowed but the manufacturer or importer did have the right to decide who they did do business with. This decision may have been swayed by the reliability of the customer, the cost of delivery, the agreed representation/presentation of goods and services, and the performance and maintenance of standards. In effect, if a large retailer with the buying capacity of a small wholesaler approached the manufacturer or importer directly, his being a retailer was no longer a valid reason to not supply him.
This is where Toyworld became a force majeure. As a brand, Toyworld’s history dates back to 1976 (now is under the wing of Associated Retailers Limited, a Melbourne company established in 1956 as a co-operative buying group). But then, in 1976, Toyworld was an independent retail co-operative with the combined buying power of a medium-sized wholesaler/distributor. With this potential, Toyworld buyers approached manufacturers and importers directly. This effectively cut out the ‘middle man’ – the wholesaler – and offered goods to the consumer at prices that were unmatchable by regular, ‘old-school’ retailers.
Traditional business was changing and rapidly so.
Return to the "Old Country" 1974
It had been a long 23 years for Nazzareno and what seemed to be an even longer 22 years for Ebe since they last saw their families in Novellara, Italy. The only contact they had had over those two decades were correspondence written on space-limited aerogrammes or tissue-thin airmail paper. Long distance telephone calls were very expensive and were made very rarely and on very special occasions. There was no Facebook, WhatsApp, Zoom or Skype; no emails or internet and while communications satellites had improved vastly since the first radio transmissions from Sputnik 1 on 4th October 1957, an international telephone call was still a very expensive commodity.
Those same 23 long years had seen their toy-making business flourish and Nazzareno and Ebe prosper. Now, on 26th December, 1974, it was time to return to Italy, not only to show their three children (now 24, 19 and 16 years of age) their heritage, but also to show the families they left behind the success they achieved in Australia.
Another, more practical – and, hopefully, more profitable – reason to return to Italy was to establish business relationships with comparable and compatible manufacturers of toys and nursery furniture and to import and distribute their products exclusively in Australia through Alltoys International Pty Ltd.
Those same 23 long years had seen their toy-making business flourish and Nazzareno and Ebe prosper. Now, on 26th December, 1974, it was time to return to Italy, not only to show their three children (now 24, 19 and 16 years of age) their heritage, but also to show the families they left behind the success they achieved in Australia.
Another, more practical – and, hopefully, more profitable – reason to return to Italy was to establish business relationships with comparable and compatible manufacturers of toys and nursery furniture and to import and distribute their products exclusively in Australia through Alltoys International Pty Ltd.
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Milano Salone Internazionale del Giocattolo - 1975
Between 25th and 27th January, 1975, the five Bonaretti from Australia, accompanied by their driver, Geminiano (Nazzareno and Ebe’s brother-in-law), attended the Milano Salone Internazionale del Giocattolo (the Milan Toy Fair) and made many valuable contacts and contracts. Among the many were
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The 12th Milan Toy Fair held between 24th and 31st January, 1974. The Bonarettis attended the following year
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The ranges were chosen for their uniqueness – products that had never been on the Australian market before. Sample ranges from each were ordered and forwarded by air freight to arrive for the 1975 Sydney TAGMA and International Toy Fairs that were to be held in February. Indeed, the limited sampling of these excellent lines certainly did stir the interest of toy retailers and distributors alike and the first container shipments were very quickly on their way from the other side of the world to the awaiting Australian public.
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SECOND TRIP TO ITALY AND MILAN TOY FAIR January 1976 |
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Alltoys International was not a novice to importing, it had already been importing a general range of toys and gifts from Hong Kong and Taiwan but the success of this first foray into importing exclusive lines from Italy spurred the Bonaretti on. Another buying trip was made to visit their now-established suppliers and to discover new ones at the 1976 Milano Salone Internazionale del Giocattolo.
In Stanmore, however, the 800 square metres of showroom and warehouse Alltoys International leased was proving far too small to accommodate this added volume of product so Nazzareno and Ebe looked to the future and to the bank. Soon a large loan was arranged and an architect, Mr. Garlato, engaged. Bold plans were drawn to erect a two-storey building to occupy the entire three lots of land they owned in Botany. They would combine manufacturing, warehousing, showrooms and distribution of all three Bonaretti ventures into one location: 19-21 Byrnes Street, Botany.
During 1976, production of Bestoys and N.E.S.Toy items was increased so that stock would be available while construction took place. With a collective deep breath, the final plunge was taken and, in November, 1976 demolition of the Bonaretti weatherboard home of more than 16 years and the original 1959 factory next door began. The contents of both buildings, including the Bonaretti family, were removed to number 3 Byrnes Street while this massive undertaking progressed.
In Stanmore, however, the 800 square metres of showroom and warehouse Alltoys International leased was proving far too small to accommodate this added volume of product so Nazzareno and Ebe looked to the future and to the bank. Soon a large loan was arranged and an architect, Mr. Garlato, engaged. Bold plans were drawn to erect a two-storey building to occupy the entire three lots of land they owned in Botany. They would combine manufacturing, warehousing, showrooms and distribution of all three Bonaretti ventures into one location: 19-21 Byrnes Street, Botany.
During 1976, production of Bestoys and N.E.S.Toy items was increased so that stock would be available while construction took place. With a collective deep breath, the final plunge was taken and, in November, 1976 demolition of the Bonaretti weatherboard home of more than 16 years and the original 1959 factory next door began. The contents of both buildings, including the Bonaretti family, were removed to number 3 Byrnes Street while this massive undertaking progressed.
3 Byrnes Street, Botany showing the weatherboard cottage as it was in 2020. Behind the cottage is a large two-storey warehouse where raw materials were stored during construction at 19-21 Byrnes Street
THIRD TRIP TO ITALY AND MILAN TOY FAIR - January 1977
Leaving builders to their tasks, the five Bonaretti went for the third time on a buying expedition to Italy, attending the 1977 Milan Toy Fair in January and visiting the factories of their major suppliers, Canova and Ellegi. Further negotiations with Canova led to the development and introduction of an exciting new range for Bestoys.
Returning from Italy in early February 1977, business carried on as usual at Alltoys International in Stanmore while the new premises were being built. Jim continued to develop new items for his Bestoys range.
“Roebuck” was the name immediately associated with rocking horses in Australia, their tenure of the title spanning 140 years and through four generation but, in 1972, Roebuck closed its doors for the last time.
Sensing an opportunity to fill this gap, Jim had negotiated to import the bodies only of four of the most popular rocking horses Canova manufactured, leaving the chrome-plated steel rocking frames behind. By mounting each on a sturdy wooden swing-stand, Jim produced four new impressive rocking horses, each of which had a distinctive style, which was further enhanced by its very competitive price. These four went on to be produced until 1985.
Returning from Italy in early February 1977, business carried on as usual at Alltoys International in Stanmore while the new premises were being built. Jim continued to develop new items for his Bestoys range.
“Roebuck” was the name immediately associated with rocking horses in Australia, their tenure of the title spanning 140 years and through four generation but, in 1972, Roebuck closed its doors for the last time.
Sensing an opportunity to fill this gap, Jim had negotiated to import the bodies only of four of the most popular rocking horses Canova manufactured, leaving the chrome-plated steel rocking frames behind. By mounting each on a sturdy wooden swing-stand, Jim produced four new impressive rocking horses, each of which had a distinctive style, which was further enhanced by its very competitive price. These four went on to be produced until 1985.
1977 - The BIG Move and Consolidation
Well before Christmas, 1977, construction of the new premises was complete and Bestoys, N.E.S.Toy and Alltoys International were housed in the same capacious building.
Original layout of the new building occupying 3 lots at 19-21 Byrnes Street, Botany
Every aspect of manufacturing work-flow, from receiving raw materials to storing finished goods; from receiving containerloads of imported product to despatching of orders was considered and catered to.
The ground floor comprised a large undercover car park and receiving/despatching dock. Through the roller shutter to the left was the raw materials store and machinery hall; through the roller shutter to the right was the conveyor belt to the upper level, and the assembly and packing hall; to the back of these and the only part of the building retained from the 1963 acquisition and construction was the spray-room and screen-printing areas, ending in the compressor room.
The first floor had a 5-bedroom apartment wrapping around the front of the building. The apartment included 2 bathrooms, large kitchen-dining room and comfortable lounge room with abundant storage throughout for personal items, hobbies and sports paraphernalia. The east-facing balcony followed the apartment on three sides.
Beyond the apartment on the same floor was the huge Alltoys International showroom, laid out in bays with sections dedicated to the various suppliers and exclusive ranges. Two large offices accommodated the Olivetti accounting machine and an NEC computer with a whopping 486 mb RAM! The showroom floors were covered in highly polished vinyl floor tiles and the offices with the rescued green Heuga carpet tiles from the Stanmore showroom (they were, indeed, hardy floor tiles!) The larger office featured a drinks bar, Café Bar machine and fridge to entertain those more important buyers and agents.
Leading from the showroom, double doors opened into the large, high-roofed warehouse. As with the layout in Stanmore, part of this space was arranged in shelved bays and the rest left open for stacks of bulkier product. A conveyor belt ferried goods from the ground floor into and out of the warehouse, trucks backing up through the car park. Containers, pallets and cartons quickly and easily loaded and unloaded. Above the showroom was a mezzanine floor where more stock was stored.
The apartment had a flat concrete roof and was accessed by stairs that led onto the large open-air terrace overlooking the rooftops of the industrial Botany area. Not the most gobsmacking of views but quiet and calming on week-ends.
The ground floor comprised a large undercover car park and receiving/despatching dock. Through the roller shutter to the left was the raw materials store and machinery hall; through the roller shutter to the right was the conveyor belt to the upper level, and the assembly and packing hall; to the back of these and the only part of the building retained from the 1963 acquisition and construction was the spray-room and screen-printing areas, ending in the compressor room.
The first floor had a 5-bedroom apartment wrapping around the front of the building. The apartment included 2 bathrooms, large kitchen-dining room and comfortable lounge room with abundant storage throughout for personal items, hobbies and sports paraphernalia. The east-facing balcony followed the apartment on three sides.
Beyond the apartment on the same floor was the huge Alltoys International showroom, laid out in bays with sections dedicated to the various suppliers and exclusive ranges. Two large offices accommodated the Olivetti accounting machine and an NEC computer with a whopping 486 mb RAM! The showroom floors were covered in highly polished vinyl floor tiles and the offices with the rescued green Heuga carpet tiles from the Stanmore showroom (they were, indeed, hardy floor tiles!) The larger office featured a drinks bar, Café Bar machine and fridge to entertain those more important buyers and agents.
Leading from the showroom, double doors opened into the large, high-roofed warehouse. As with the layout in Stanmore, part of this space was arranged in shelved bays and the rest left open for stacks of bulkier product. A conveyor belt ferried goods from the ground floor into and out of the warehouse, trucks backing up through the car park. Containers, pallets and cartons quickly and easily loaded and unloaded. Above the showroom was a mezzanine floor where more stock was stored.
The apartment had a flat concrete roof and was accessed by stairs that led onto the large open-air terrace overlooking the rooftops of the industrial Botany area. Not the most gobsmacking of views but quiet and calming on week-ends.
Photos of the new building and showroom taken in 1977
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Images of 19-21 Byrnes Street, Botany - much has changed since 1977...
These are of the building before 2020...
These are of the building before 2020...
Frontage of 19-21 Byrnes Street, Botany. Not much has changed since 1977 except the trees which have grown and grown...
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The Terrace. Once was a concreted area with a rotary clothes line and not much else.
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The undercover car park now used for storage. The left roller shutter led to the machinery hall and the roller shutter to the right to the conveyor belt and assembly/packing hall
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These are of the building in 2023...
19-21 Byrnes Street, Botany made over by Gillie and Marc. Photo taken 19th March, 2023
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The plaque on the front wall
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Logo belongs to Gillie and Marc - no infringement of copyright intended
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This building is now the home of famous British and Australian artists, Gillie and Marc whose works can be seen in Sydney and all around the world.
The building has had a complete makeover and facelift.
Finished in the stylish greys of today, the red brick façade of 1977 has been cement-rendered, the decorative concrete block that once ventilated the carpark replaced by a large shop-front window, the concrete block inserts in the fencing filled in and the terrace fitted with a fixed awning.
Gone are the flower beds in the front. These were a mandatory requirement of the Botany Municipal Council of the time meant to green the industrial-zone area.
Also gone is the undercover car park that occupied half of the ground floor. Again, another mandatory requirement of the time meant to keep parked vehicles from clogging the narrow street.
At the time, these conditions were not negotiable—don’t comply and your DA would not be approved.
All-in-all, Jim and Ebe would have approved of their building being occupied by such creative artisans and would have been most grateful for the mention of their toy factory in the plaque on the front wall.
This is a link to the Gillie and Marc website where you can see how the inside of the building has been transformed: https://gillieandmarc.com/
The building has had a complete makeover and facelift.
Finished in the stylish greys of today, the red brick façade of 1977 has been cement-rendered, the decorative concrete block that once ventilated the carpark replaced by a large shop-front window, the concrete block inserts in the fencing filled in and the terrace fitted with a fixed awning.
Gone are the flower beds in the front. These were a mandatory requirement of the Botany Municipal Council of the time meant to green the industrial-zone area.
Also gone is the undercover car park that occupied half of the ground floor. Again, another mandatory requirement of the time meant to keep parked vehicles from clogging the narrow street.
At the time, these conditions were not negotiable—don’t comply and your DA would not be approved.
All-in-all, Jim and Ebe would have approved of their building being occupied by such creative artisans and would have been most grateful for the mention of their toy factory in the plaque on the front wall.
This is a link to the Gillie and Marc website where you can see how the inside of the building has been transformed: https://gillieandmarc.com/
Alltoys International Pty Ltd Sales Tax Registration Certificate of 8th March 1978
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Alltoys International Pty Ltd letterhead with Botany address
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Bestoys Pty Ltd indent order form
1978 - a new venture
Jim Bonaretti wanted to expand the distribution of the Bestoys and N.E.S.Toy ranges beyond the capabilities of Alltoys International and the selective efforts of his numerous wholesalers and agents. To do this, apart from setting up in each state himself, he sought a single established representative who had a showroom and warehouse in every state of Australia.
After protracted negotiation, on 1st September, 1978, contracts were signed with George Wills & Co Limited N.S.W. for the exclusive rights to distribute the Bestoys ranges Australia-wide except in Tasmania where Sportsmaster Distributors were appointed. The negotiations were handled by Mr. Graeme Crowe for George Wills who, with their solicitor, drew up and worded the 'exclusive' contract.
George Wills, through its Sales Manager, Mr. Graeme Crowe and its sales representative, Mr. Bill Parrish, had been a supplier of their exclusive “Hi-Speed” wheeled toy range to Alltoys International from about 1971. The business rapport was well established and good when this exclusive deal came to be.
A new full-colour catalogue was produced, incorporating for the first time both Bestoys and N.E.S.Toy ranges, and George Wills & Co Limited N.S.W., together with Sportsmaster Distributors, were listed as exclusive distributors.
After protracted negotiation, on 1st September, 1978, contracts were signed with George Wills & Co Limited N.S.W. for the exclusive rights to distribute the Bestoys ranges Australia-wide except in Tasmania where Sportsmaster Distributors were appointed. The negotiations were handled by Mr. Graeme Crowe for George Wills who, with their solicitor, drew up and worded the 'exclusive' contract.
George Wills, through its Sales Manager, Mr. Graeme Crowe and its sales representative, Mr. Bill Parrish, had been a supplier of their exclusive “Hi-Speed” wheeled toy range to Alltoys International from about 1971. The business rapport was well established and good when this exclusive deal came to be.
A new full-colour catalogue was produced, incorporating for the first time both Bestoys and N.E.S.Toy ranges, and George Wills & Co Limited N.S.W., together with Sportsmaster Distributors, were listed as exclusive distributors.
Two-page spread advertisement by George Wills & Co Limited in the February 1976 edition of the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer.
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c1978 ad by George Wills in the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer proclaiming their national distributionship.
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Bestoys and Alltoys International both had settled into the large new premises, as had the Bonaretti family into the apartment. Living at the same premises in which business was carried out was an Italian tradition tracing back to Roman days when families lived behind or on top of their ‘officinas’. In fact, this had been the situation in Novellara, Italy, when Nazzareno and Giovanni’s cabinetmaking workshop was within the family home.
The new and spacious Alltoys International Pty Ltd showroom at 21 Byrnes Street, Botany. From the Australasian Sportsgoods and Toy Retailer August, 1979 edition
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Meanwhile, business in the toy industry was continuing to evolve…
NOVEMBER ACCOUNTS Bankcard, Australia’s first credit card facility, was introduced to a cash-carrying public in 1974. Until then only store cards, Diners Club and American Express, were available in Australia and these were either restrictive or only accessible to the wealthy. Certainly, no debit card, Afterpay, Zip, PayPal or the like was available. If Bankcard was not taken up, the only way for ‘ordinary’ Australians to manage their funds and provide a generous array of toys from Santa at Christmas was to lay-by. By using this option, a customer could buy a product and pay for it in two or more instalments before taking it home. This was problematic for the retailer – toy or otherwise. It meant that the product put on lay-by may have to be stored for months before it was finally paid off and removed. This put a strain on the toy retailer’s finances and storage capabilities approaching the crazy, high-volume Christmas season. Most toy and gift wholesalers at the time offered their retail customers a 30-day credit account allowing for goods purchased during one month to be paid by the end of the following month. One of the largest – if not the largest – of Sydney’s toys and fancy goods importers and wholesalers at the time was Trans World Agency and Importing Pty. Ltd., situated on the corner of Bay and Kelly Streets, Broadway. Being so large, it could offer selected retailers a “November account”. This enabled the retailer to purchase and receive large orders from July onward and have them charged as 1st November with payment due by 31st December – after the Christmas rush and boom. This system was offered to retailers by almost all contemporary wholesalers and worked well as long as the selected retailer had a good credit rating and was not experiencing any financial difficulty…and paid his account in full by 31st December. The gamble by wholesalers and importers if too many retailers defaulted was huge. |
The LAY-BY SALES ACT, 1943 
Ther Lay-By Sales Act, 1943 - page 1
Ther Lay-By Sales Act, 1943 - page 2
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Alltoys International had steadfastly refused to offer November accounts without personal guarantees. One retailer, Stewart’s Toys and Gifts of Warilla, NSW, was a personal friend of Jim’s so did not go through the hoops before being given a November account. Needless to say, David Stewart defaulted and the $18,000+ he owed (about $80,000 in 2021) was finally written off after two years of failed attempts to recover the debt.
Alltoys was luckier than some and survived this financial blow. Trans World Agency, however, even in being, possibly, the industry leader in importing, wholesaling and financial matters, succumbed to its own internal problems and entered into a Scheme of Arrangement, publishing this notice in the Government Gazette of New South Wales – on 25th March, 1983, page 1442. It was not to survive. |
Extract from the Government Gazette of NSW 25th March, 1983 Trans World Agency & Importing Pty Ltd
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The following photographs are of Stewart's Toys and Gifts of Warilla, taken by Jim during a Sunday drive several months after David Stewart defaulted on paying his November account. They show that there were still some Bestoys products left on the overstocked shelves - an obvious attempt by David to trade his way out of financial difficulty.
Stewart's Toys and Gifts of Warilla
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Stewart's Toys and Gifts of Warilla
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Stewart's Toys and Gifts of Warilla
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Stewart's Toys and Gifts of Warilla
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Stewart's Toys and Gifts of Warilla
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…and evolve…
CASH & CARRY
Another evolution in the toy trade was the adoption by some wholesalers of the successful cash-and-carry co-operatives in the grocery industry – no accounts, pick your own products, pay for them by cheque or cash – or credit card if you had one, pack them in your van or station wagon and off you go. This system offered a huge saving to both retailers and wholesalers alike.
Alltoys did not have the appropriate facilities to allow their customers access to the warehouse area but offered a comprise service as an alternative. Customers would place their order in the usual way in the showroom and it would be picked and packed immediately by warehouse staff, sent to the ground floor via the conveyor belt while the customer paid for the goods upstairs. This worked well, increasing cash flow and reducing shipping costs but it did put extra pressure on warehouse staff especially during the months leading up to the Christmas frenzy.
Meanwhile, Toyworld was going from strength to strength with their toy-buying co-operative, gathering smaller toy shops into its embrace like a snowball in an avalanche, offering them all the benefits the largest toy shops enjoyed.
Jim Bonaretti still held on firmly to the 'gentlemen's agreement' and refused to supply Toyworld directly offering, instead, substantial discounts through Alltoys International but only if the criteria were met. These were usually bulk-buying or cash and carry, cash on delivery or approved 7-day accounts:
CASH & CARRY
Another evolution in the toy trade was the adoption by some wholesalers of the successful cash-and-carry co-operatives in the grocery industry – no accounts, pick your own products, pay for them by cheque or cash – or credit card if you had one, pack them in your van or station wagon and off you go. This system offered a huge saving to both retailers and wholesalers alike.
Alltoys did not have the appropriate facilities to allow their customers access to the warehouse area but offered a comprise service as an alternative. Customers would place their order in the usual way in the showroom and it would be picked and packed immediately by warehouse staff, sent to the ground floor via the conveyor belt while the customer paid for the goods upstairs. This worked well, increasing cash flow and reducing shipping costs but it did put extra pressure on warehouse staff especially during the months leading up to the Christmas frenzy.
Meanwhile, Toyworld was going from strength to strength with their toy-buying co-operative, gathering smaller toy shops into its embrace like a snowball in an avalanche, offering them all the benefits the largest toy shops enjoyed.
Jim Bonaretti still held on firmly to the 'gentlemen's agreement' and refused to supply Toyworld directly offering, instead, substantial discounts through Alltoys International but only if the criteria were met. These were usually bulk-buying or cash and carry, cash on delivery or approved 7-day accounts:
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The 1978 deal
In 1978, Alltoys International offered "Bulk Buying" discounts based on wholesale prices. The more expensive the item, the fewer in the "Bulk Buying" pack. While all lines listed in the ATI (Alltoys International) price lists were excluded, it was not all bad as all those excluded lines had their own "Bulk Buying" packs allocated. |
The 1983 deal
The 1983 "Discounts" list from ATI, gave generous discounts to retailers, starting with 10% on list for orders over $100, or 20% on any item purchased in "Discount Packs" (this was the new name for "Bulk Buying Packs") or a full wholesale discount of 30% for any item purchased in full carton packs - but all were for C.O.D. (cash on delivery) or a prompt 7 days account for approved customers. |
Alltoys International 1978 "Bulk Buying Packs" deal
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Alltoys International 1983 "Discounts" deal
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Alltoys International 1983 Bestoys and N.E.S.Toy wholesale price list to retailers details applicable Sales Tax and Discount Pack quantities to benefit from a 20% discount. This allowed even smaller toy retailers to compete with large co-operatives, such as Toyworld, at Christmas.
Alltoys International 1983 Bestoys and N.E.S.Toy wholesale price list - page 1
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Alltoys International 1983 Bestoys and N.E.S.Toy wholesale price list - page 2
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1981 - another shift
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While the business in the toy industry in Australia was rapidly changing, the exclusive partnership with George Wills & Co Limited N.S.W. was fracturing and by 27th July, 1981, Bestoys brought legal action against George Wills for their failure to keep their side of the agreement. Part of the original agreement, which ironically was drawn up by George Wills’ own solicitors, stipulated that George Wills would not acquire any products that competed with any of the Bestoys or N.E.S.Toy ranges. Reciprocally, Bestoys and N.E.S.Toy would not sell any of their products directly to any wholesaler or distributor, except to Alltoys International.
The breach, as perceived by Nazzareno, was brought to light when Mr. Bill Parrish (sales representative for George Wills) offered Alltoys International a wooden rockaway/shoofly they were importing from Czechoslovakia. |
The Czechoslovakian rockaway/shoofly that was imported by George Wills in direct competition with the Bestoys rockaways
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Bestoys Pty Limited sued George Wills & Co Limited but lawyers for George Wills argued that exclusive dealing was in contravention of the 1974 Trade Practices Act, which outlawed this sort of trading agreement. The matter was brought before the Supreme Court of NSW but was to be referred to the High Court of Australia.
Not wanting to pursue the matter, and greatly disheartened by what he saw as an act of double-dealing, Nazzareno Bonaretti withdrew the suit, and the contract, such as it was, was terminated.
It was an upsetting disappointment to Jim that, once again, a partnership with persons outside of the family had failed: first with Allan Drydle and Australian Playage Distributors; then with Bob Cartmer and Alltoys International Pty Limited and now with George Wills & Co. Limited and their exclusive Australia-wide distributorship.
By the time the legal imbroglio was sorted, Nazzareno was nearing 60 years of age and Ebe two years his junior. They had worked extremely hard over more than thirty years and had built a successful business based on quality, reliability and most importantly honesty. These were the attributes they instilled in their children. The family had met gruelling workloads head-on and laboured longer and harder when the business demanded, at times seven days a week and sometimes twelve hours a day.
Hard work did bring success and success brought modest wealth and it should have continued except that Nazzareno and Ebe’s children were now grown up and needed to move away from the family business.
Not wanting to pursue the matter, and greatly disheartened by what he saw as an act of double-dealing, Nazzareno Bonaretti withdrew the suit, and the contract, such as it was, was terminated.
It was an upsetting disappointment to Jim that, once again, a partnership with persons outside of the family had failed: first with Allan Drydle and Australian Playage Distributors; then with Bob Cartmer and Alltoys International Pty Limited and now with George Wills & Co. Limited and their exclusive Australia-wide distributorship.
By the time the legal imbroglio was sorted, Nazzareno was nearing 60 years of age and Ebe two years his junior. They had worked extremely hard over more than thirty years and had built a successful business based on quality, reliability and most importantly honesty. These were the attributes they instilled in their children. The family had met gruelling workloads head-on and laboured longer and harder when the business demanded, at times seven days a week and sometimes twelve hours a day.
Hard work did bring success and success brought modest wealth and it should have continued except that Nazzareno and Ebe’s children were now grown up and needed to move away from the family business.
1985 - the final chapter
After a long and sometimes trying journey that saw Nazzareno and Ebe Bonaretti arrive in Australia virtually penniless and, through hard work and obstinate determination, become leaders in wooden toy and nursery furniture manufacturing in Australia, they finally decided to retire and sell Bestoys, N.E.S.Toy and Alltoys International. Partnerships with ‘outsiders’ simply didn’t work for them and their children’s interests were not to carry the business on. It was financially very viable to live off their considerable two-storey investment property at Byrnes Street, Botany.
Early in 1985 a buyer was found for the Bestoys name, equipment and stock and another for the importing and distributing wholesaler Alltoys International and its stock holding. Both new business owners, for a while, rented the ground and first floors of the premises while Jim and Ebe remained in their apartment as landlords and caretakers. They were now debt-free and worry-free and free to travel. Italy was their first stop.
Early in 1985 a buyer was found for the Bestoys name, equipment and stock and another for the importing and distributing wholesaler Alltoys International and its stock holding. Both new business owners, for a while, rented the ground and first floors of the premises while Jim and Ebe remained in their apartment as landlords and caretakers. They were now debt-free and worry-free and free to travel. Italy was their first stop.
Legacy
Over time, both Bestoys and Alltoys moved away from Botany and the premises were leased to various other businesses but the property itself was known as the “Toy Factory” even though toys were no longer made in or distributed from it. This in itself was both testament and tribute to Jim and Ebe Bonaretti.
Perhaps caused in part by smoking or by sawdust of Masonite and Corinite, Nazzareno Bonaretti succumbed to the long debilitating illness emphysema on 29th June, 1996. Ebe passed away from other causes on 9th August 2005. Both left an undeniable legacy to the toy making industry in Australia.
Perhaps caused in part by smoking or by sawdust of Masonite and Corinite, Nazzareno Bonaretti succumbed to the long debilitating illness emphysema on 29th June, 1996. Ebe passed away from other causes on 9th August 2005. Both left an undeniable legacy to the toy making industry in Australia.
Ebe and Nazzareno "Jim" Bonaretti at Darling Harbour c1988
Ebe and Nazzareno on their wedding day in Novellara, Reggio Emilia, Italy 31st July 1949
"I'm a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it." - Thomas Jefferson
"There is only one rule for the industrialist and that is: make the best quality goods possible at the lowest cost possible, paying the highest wages possible." - Henry Ford
"Quality means doing it right when no one is looking." - Henry Ford
"Often imitated, never equalled" - Bestoys tag
"There is only one rule for the industrialist and that is: make the best quality goods possible at the lowest cost possible, paying the highest wages possible." - Henry Ford
"Quality means doing it right when no one is looking." - Henry Ford
"Often imitated, never equalled" - Bestoys tag
