MISCELLANEOUS OCCUPATIONS

MANUFACTURE OF AERATED WATERS.

There are very few establishments of the kind in the district. Most of them are located in big towns. They undertake the manufacture of soda water, lemon and other cold drinks. A very small number of persons is engaged in this occupation.

Equipment.

The equipment of the shop consists of sodamaking machines, gas cylinders, boxes and furniture. The cost of equipment varied with the size of the shop and ranged from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 1,500, from Rs, 2,400 to Rs. 3,000 and from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 9,000 in case of small, medium and big shops, respectively.

Income and Expenditure.

Generally, the work is done by the owner himself with the assistance of his family members. Sometimes, however, the owner employs one or two workers during summer when the business is brisk. Wages to outside labour when employed are paid in cash ranging from Rs. 15 to Rs. 45 per month.

The daily turnover in full season ranges between Rs. 75 and Rs. 100. Some of the establishments undertake the production of ice-candy sticks.

The materials required for the manufacture of aerated waters are: lemon, essence, sugar, syrups, fruit, juice, colour, ice, gas (in cylinder), milk. etc. Most of them are bought in local markets except gas, colour and essence which are purchased from Bombay or Poona.

The major items of expenditure are rent, wages, and raw materials. Rent depends on the location of the shop, nearness to a bazar place, etc.

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