HE NEW CORDAGE WORKS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1424, 26 April 1912, Page 7

HE NEW CORDAGE WORKS.

OPENING CEREMONY. The new factory which has •recently been erected for. the Wellington Cordage Company in Plunket Avenue, was opened on Wednesday. Despite the weather there was a lair gathering of business men. The company will at the outset employ about 20 men and hoys, who will be "engaged in the manufacture of twine. Later heavier cordage, such as ship's ropes and appliances, will be turned out. The site was purchased from .Messrs. Dwau Bros., and the building (110 ft. x 00ft.) were designed and erected under the. supervision of Mr. J. S. Swan, architect, the contractor being Mr. Browinan. The Wilder twine machinery was imported by the Stewart Timber Company. All the machinery i» driven by a 55 b.li.p. suction gas plant, supplied by .)..). Nivcn and Co. The works are well lighted by electricity, which was installed by Messrs. Turnbulf and Jones, 'while the shafting, pulleys, fittings, etc., were attended to by Messrs. D. Robertson and Sou, of the Phoenix Foundry.

The chairman (Mr. Dwan), in the course of a speech traversing the history and prospects of the company, said: "Gentlemen,—lt is just ten months since I was approached by Mr. E. M. Boulton and Messrs. Passni'oro Bros, re starting a company to manufacture binder twine in Wellington. After goins into details, I was quite satisfied that'there was room for such an industry, and a few of us had no trouble in'raising sufficient capital to warrant us in registering the. Wellington Cordage Company, buying a site, erecting buildings, and importing' machinery. The present plant, although small, lias been very carefully selected from the stocks of the best English and American machinery manufacturers. Messrs. Passmorcs have had many years practical experience in the manufacture of cordage, and are cmito satisfied that the plant of the Wellington Cordage Company will enable them to supply farmers with a binder twine superior to much that is, at present on the market, and at a less cost per ton. The hemp preparing and spinning machines are specially adapted for spinning a ievel and smooth twine, apd, therefore, farmers buying "Kiwi" brand may rely on getting a twine that will do its work we'll. AVellington's position makes it an ideal one for manufacturing. Beini; central, a great saving is made in distributing the manufactured article, and the raw material is at our door. The directors recognise that the port of AVellington is # steadily going ahead. It is our intention to immediately increase our capital, and instal an up-to-date rope plant, capable of turning out anything from a clothes-line to a hawser.

"I think," continued the speaker, "that a concern like this should secure some consideration from the Government in regard to duty. At present binder-twine, manufactured from low-grade Manila hemp by yellow labour, is admitted duty I'reo to compete against the local article, made by whito labour, from New Zealand fibre. Some time ago, when wages in New Zealand were 20 per cent, lower than now, and twine had a protection of 15 per cent., rope grease—which is largely used in the manufacture of binder-twine— was duty free. Through some mistake or oversight things are now reversed, twine, being duty free, while rope grease is charged duty at the rate of 6d. per gallon. I feel sure that, if New Zealand twine manufacturers would combine and approach the Government, matters would soon be righted. Through the excellent system of Government grading our NewZealand fibre is now in great demand in Australia for binder-twine making. In that country the manufacturers are protected against the cheap yellow labour bv nn import duty of M per ton. Thanks to this substantial duty our flaxmillers have- iu Australia an ever-increasing market." Mr. David Robertson, a director, also spoke, endorsing the chairman's remarks. Mr. L. R. Partridge and Mr. H. P. Allan both spoke on behalf of the Industrial Association. They agreed that the venture would do much to further the growth of local industry. Mr. Ferris, chief flaxeradcr, in a few words pointed out the. importance of the industry, and was sure that the company would be successful. In conclusion, Hje toast of "The directors" was proposed and honoured, midst Piinlause.