The opening of Preface
When this work was commenced, there were ominous signs that the low price Directories published for this district had not answered the expectations of their proprietors, nor given satisfaction to the public. These and other reasons were indicative of there being a good opening in this important and rising locality for a first-class Directory for 1867. The compilers made a calculation of the probable cost of 5,000 copies, which caused them to come to the conclusion that to publish a book worthy of the name of a Directory, and creditable to themselves, at the charge of One Shilling, would involve a loss of £150.
Now, as they had no desire to injure themselves or their creditors, they resolved to charge 2s. 6d. for each copy; and, with many thanks to the several thousand persons who have subscribed to their work and to advertizing firms—