SHELL-MAKING IN NEW ZEALAND.

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2452, 4 May 1915, Page 15

SHELL-MAKING IN NEW ZEALAND.

Sir, —I notice suggestions to send men Home.to help with the work of making munitions. Now, Sir, I consider .it would be unwise from at least two points. First, it would probably only annoy the Home workman to useimported labour, and secondly, why not give our New Zealand workmen a chance to provo what they can do in the Dominion and have the shell cases, etc., manufactured here? I personally know of one workshop which, if fitted up, could turn out 500 shells per week, or in smaller diameter, of course, greater quantities, that is working three shifts iji the # 24 hours. The man who runs this particular shop has, he states, made thousands of shot and shell, having started tho shop for tho manufacture of these lines in what is now one of the largest works of this kind in the world- In talking this matter over with the individual referred to, in reply to my question as to why lie did not go Home and help in this work, his answer was: AVliv. when wo can do our share here and thousands of shot and shell can be made in the Dominion if given tho chance. Plenty of lathes, etc., are available and should tho owners hold out the slightest objection it would be easy for iho authorities to commandeer the mnchinory. At tho outside, every-1 thing could be ill full working order in j

a month. No doubt the bogy of difficulty of labour would be raised, but this need not be reckoned on. It should not be a question at a time like this as to labour or money, for labour when the Empire is engaged in what may bo termed a life-and-death struggle. My informant has sufficient faith in the New Zealand workman to say that he is certain, given the chance, ho will see it through. The owner of the factory is prepared to make and submit to the Hon. the Minister of Defohce samples of shells, etc., required, as a proof of his bona fides.—l am, etc. „ , . HECLA. Blenheim, April 29.