W. G. Livermore

During his time as a local businessman, W.G. Livermore operated at different premises around Ipswich. In November 1894, he commenced a business in Bremer Street with E. Whiffin called Aerated Waters and Cordial Manufacturers, but by July of the following year the relationship had soured. 

By August 1896, Mr Livermore had acquired the business in Brisbane Street formerly known as John Ferguson’s (cordial manufacturer). During 1897 W.G. Livermore removed this business from the Brisbane Street premises to East Street, towards the Bremer River, and next to Mr J.J.  Johnston’s Brewery. His intention was to continue the manufacture of aerated waters, cordials, vinegar, hop beer and horehound, under the supervision of Mr Ferguson. Ferguson was still working for Livermore in 1922. 

On 3 December 1903 Mr Livermore recommenced business as an aerated water manufacturer in the former premises of the West Moreton Brewery in Booval.  He now claimed that he had no connection with the East Street factory. His trademark was 'LAVOOB"; that is, Booval spelled backwards.

The Ipswich Aerated Water Co. (proprietors Thomas Barnes & George Pitman), established their business in Livermore’s factory in East Street after Livermore removed to Booval. However, Livermore returned to East Street about 1907, trading as W.G. Livermore & Co. 

Livermore was successful, acquiring a good deal of property in the Ipswich area including H.F. Eggert's cordial factory in Rosewood in 1913, and another in Redbank. 

Early in 1914, Thomas Barnes, John Henry Hooper and William George Livermore issued a prospectus for a new entity to be known as Ipswich Aerated Water Company Ltd. The object of the exercise was to acquire and amalgamate the established drink companies of the 3 men including property, equipment and horses:  Hooper's business in South Street, Livermore's in East Street, and Ipswich Aerated Water Co. Ltd.   Interest of 12.5% was projected for investors. Livermore was to be the new company's Managing Director. Both Hooper and Livermore were long-established aerated water manufacturers in Ipswich. However, nothing seems to have come of this proposal.

Livermore's son G.A. Livermore (likely George Albert) assumed management of the business by 1920. Then W.G. Livermore died in 1923 after 30 years in the soft drink trade in Ipswich. His sons carried on the firm. The factory in East Street and Livermore's dwelling at the corner of East & Bremer Streets were offered for sale in 1927 to settle the deceased estate. The outcome of this auction is not clear however Livermores remained a presence in the town for at least another thirty years after W.G. Livermore's death. In 1952 the sole proprietor of this old established cordial firm was Reginald George Livermore. 

Some aerated waters produced by Livermores were: Clarade (new in 1904), Sarsparilla, Kola Champagne, ginger beer, hop and horehound beers, creaming soda, clinker squash, stone ginger beer and Ora. They were also agents for Helidon Spa water and tonic.