1930-1940
The Elders centenary in 1939 coincided with the start of World War II when the highly competitive wool-selling business was put into government control.
Elders now had principal offices in Adelaide, Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Geelong and London.
It had 38 country branches in SA, 25 in WA and two in NSW at Broken Hill and Wentworth; was agent for a dozen shipping companies, including P&O and a ship charterer in its own right. It was the agent for six airlines, establishing Elders Travel and was either Australian or SA agent for more than 80 manufacturers, most of whom made products for the company’s farmer and pastoralist clients.
Elders took over wool firm George Hague and Co in 1937, Victoria’s second auction centre after Melbourne. This allowed Elders to enter the major wool centre of Geelong, making a significant impact on Elders market share in the wool industry.
Its banking business for rural clients was significant, lending more than the equivalent of $400 million in the form of seasonal finance, working capital, machinery purchases, stock and crop liens or property loans.
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