REPRESENTATIVES DISCUSS RUATOKI CLOTHING FACTORY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 15, Issue 6, 6 March 1950, Page 5

REPRESENTATIVES DISCUSS RUATOKI CLOTHING FACTORY

Representatives of an Auckland clothing firm who met Maori leaders at Ruatok on Friday were impressed with the possibility of establishing a clothing factory in that area, staffed by Maori labour. A full discussion was held and it is expected that further details will be released on the proposed factory later this year.

• The meeting was attended by the general manager of Calafornia Products, Auckland, Mr Wallace, the company’s technical advisor Mr Churton and Judge Harvey, of the Maori Land Court, who met members of the Tuhoe Tribal Executive and residents of the Ruatoki district.

A short welcome was extended by Rev. W. Rangi, Chairman of the Tribal executive.

Mr Harvey replied and introduced members of the Company.

Mr. Wallace in putting the facts to the people in reference to Calafornia Products said that with such a vast number of men and women in the district the setting up of a factory of this type was essential, in that it helped to keep people near their own homes. From the business point of view he felt that starting in a small way was- a step in the right direction. The idea was to start with 12 employees and increase as time goes on until the staff reached the 50 to 60 mark. The' idea was to manufacture children’s and women’s shoes in one department and women’s apparel in the other. *

v It was stated by the general manager that materials could be cut in .Auckland, sewed at the factory, and sent to Auckland to be pressed before being sent to the warehouses. z Mr S. Mead, instructor in Maori .Arts and Crafts under the education department, was also present, and exhibited materials with Maori design, and it is likely that cloth with such designs will be used for much of the clothing made in the factory.