In 1869, the Tasmanian Government had made an bonus offer of 1000 pounds for the first firm that was to make sales of 1000 pounds of woollen goods that were manufactured in Tasmania from Tasmanian grown wool.
The bonus appears to have been widely promoted and attracted Archibald & David Johnstone to head out to Hobart from Scotland in 1873. They became partners in a firm that was to establish the Waverley woollen mills at a premises on the outskirts of Launceston. They quickly went on to produce the required amount of woollen products and claim the bonus.
Archibald & David Johnstone moved to Hobart in 1883 and set up their first woollen mill in a factory in Gore St. By 1899, they had constructed an impressive new premises in Molle Street next to the Hobart Rivulet. The factory was powered by steam engines and it was said that the constant noise of the machines would fill the air with a deafening roar.
The building has survived and is preserved in fantastic condition to this day and is home to numerous small businesses and cafes and still is an impressive looking building.
Main Text & Information Source -
"The Story of Central Hobart - Street By Street" - Donald Howatson 2015
