Caines Photofast Services opened a new colour laboratory in Lautoka.
This was published in The Fiji Times on February 3, 1982. According to the article, the $100,000 laboratory would be able to develop, print and enlarge colour photographs.
It would also be able to make slides and would offer general photographic services.
The third branch of Caines Photofast Services was opened by the president of the Lautoka Chamber of Commerce, Natwarlal Vagh.
“These colour laboratories, with modern machines and techniques, have revolutionised the processing of colour films in Fiji, and for the first time a speedy and reliable colour developing and printing service was made possible,” he said.
“The third laboratory being opened today will provide a similar fast service for customers in Lautoka, Ba, Tavua, Rakiraki and island tourist resorts situated around Lautoka.”
Mr Vagh added that the Lautoka branch of Caines Photofast Services was another extension of the operations of the company.
“It was in 1904 when the late Mr Fredrick Caine, an Englishman, bought out an existing studio in Suva owned by a Frenchman, a Mr Le Faivre and called it Caines Studio.
“Mr Ben Jannif joined Mr Caine in 1926 and has been connected with the company ever since.”
During a hurricane in Fiji in 1952, the company’s Suva studio on Victoria Arcade was demolished – like many other premises along the waterfront.
The partnership between the Caine family and the Jannif family was dissolved and the business was bought out by Mr Jannif.
The company had since diversified into the tyre business and was the sole distributor of Bridgestone tyres with a retreading factory in Lautoka.
