SHANNON CLOTHING PLANT

Chronicle (Levin), 14 May 1946, Page 3

SHANNON CLOTHING PLANT

GIRL MACHINISTS KEPT BUSY In an endeavour to decentralise a portio'n of their Wellington factory, a firm of suit manufacturers have installed a bench of power machines • in the premises above Mr. V. E. Tippler's shops in Ballance Stfeet. On April 29 flve Shannon girls commenced work, and when Mr. Wright, a principal of the firm, was interviewed just a few hours after work had started, he said that he was sure the girls would make ideal power machinists. When a further visit was made to the factory yesterday afternoon, Mr. Wright's words had come true. It was foimd that the girls were full of confidence, and with complete control over their machines. T'hey were all happy in their work and by the quantity of material coming and going from the factory it was not hard to see that they had fully mastered the art of power machining. As most of the girls have been used to an outdoor life, the manner in which they have settled down to their new environment must be very heartening to their employers. Mrs. Webster, the manageress, stated that she was very satisfied with the work the girls were turning out. She stated that two new girls would be starting this week, and more would join the staff as required.' At present only portion of the garments are being made in Shannon and the work is going to the Wellington factory for completion, although the principals hope that in the near future it will be possible to instal finishing machines and have the complete article locally made. The manageress at Shannon, Mrs. Webster, is by no means an amateur in the handling of power machines. She received her training in England, and has been in the clothing manufacturing business for over twenty years. During the war Mrs. Webster was employed in the making of soldiers' greatcoats. Although ^he had hoped to retire after the war, she has consented to ;come to Shannon to train the local girls. Although just in its infancy, this little factory is doing a great deal for: 'the town, and. the girls are being trained in a trade in which they can obtain employment in any town or city: throughout the country. However, it is hoped that the young ladies will not leave Shannon, and the time will not be far distant when all Shannon's young people will" be employed in similar usfeful work in the town. This firm is just one of many factories which, through the staff shortage, have found it neeessary to decentralise part of their plant from the city factories, and they are to be congratulated in their foresight in bringing it to the towns in which local Iabour is offering. It is hoped that other factories will follow the lead given, and that Shannon, with its possibilities as a factory site, will receive its share o.f industr.y.