OPENING OF "THE SPINNERY"

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3108, 12 June 1917, Page 3

OPENING OF "THE SPINNERY"

AX OLD INDUSTRY KEVIVED. Jb'or toino tinio past the Ladies' Auxiliary of tho Kavy League, at the instigation i*f Mrs. Hall-Thompson, assisted by Mrs. Draduey Williams, have been workins to establish, the very ancient and liu.-turcsu.uo industry of spinning in Wellington, and as a result of their efforts in this direction "The Spinnory" was formally opened yesterday afternoon by Her Excellency the Countess of Liverpool. Much iissifltancq has been received in regard to tho industry from various sources, not tho least of them being tho presentation of a balo cd wool from Mr. (joorgo Mooro, of tho Wairarapa, and tho offer by Mrs. Hughes Steele of a room in her 'house to bo used as a epinnery. It was there that yesterday's opening ceremony took place. After her formal welcome by Mrs. Hall-Thompson, Her Excellency expressed her pleasure at being present at such, an occasion, and wishing the Spinnery all success, briefly declared it open. After thanking Her Excellency for her presence there that afternoon, and for her good wishes regarding the succesa of the undertaking, Mrs. Hall-Thompson explained that the objects of the Spinnery were two-fold. In the first place, tho idea was to work for the benefit of naval charities, etc., and secondly they hoped to revive the old industry of spinning. Spinning wheels had .been inado by Messrs. Chapman-Taylor, and Mace nnd Nicholson, and now that tho Spinnery had begun its work sho very much hoped that a successful time lay before it. Miss Green' was next asked to give a demonstration of spinning, and the differ - ent processes—the combiftg of tho wool on the hand carders, rolling it gently round till it looked in shape like a long pat of butter, and then finally tho actual spinning of it into yarn were followed with tko keenest interest. Like most things, there is decidedly a knack about it all, and tho beginner is apt to mako the yarn very uneven in thickness, and to break it as well. When it is carded the wool is tho softest and lightest thing imaginable, and it is rather fascinating watching it gradually being transformed into the long, slender strands that are atferwavds combined to secure wool of different plys according to whatis needed. Undoubtedly tho occupation is a most becoming one, and the hearts of these people who so greatly fear that women in these strenuous days are becoming uni'eminised would be greatly comforted to see them at tho spinning-wheel, which, after all, was so great, a friend to the

. women of this country in the early days of its whito occupancy. Tko wool which is used at tho Spmnery is chicily undyotl lialf-bred of lino quality, unscoured, aud it is hoped later on to arrange for the sale of handspun wool to peojilo who ieouire it for patriotic purposes. Her Bxcellency the Countess of Liverpool, as announced by Mrs. Hall-Thonip-son, is tho vice-president of tho Spinnery; Mrs. Hall-Thoinnson (founder) is the president, Mrs. C. E. Richardson tho hou. treasurer, Mrs. Bradney AVilliaius honorary secretary. Hiss Lsuirensoii and Miss Edwin arc also official members. following Hiss Green's very interesting demonstration camo afternoon tea, which was served in an adjoining room, the yellow and Wjliito imrcissi with which the lablo was 'arranged being very cheerful ]uirten(s of spring on such a doleful day as that of yesterday. "I would not have parted with Baby for .£IO,OOO, but diphthorisv took her from me." Lndies, instal a "Daisy" Vacuum Cleaner in your house, it is tho best germ catcher known; it picks them up out of carpet?, upholstered furniture, etc. Tt simply loves dust and germs, 'and tho SOW odd users in Now Zealand cannot speak too highly of the "Daisy." Cull at our depot and see one. nr 'phono 580 and arrange for a demonstration in your own house. Oscar Hcwetfc and Co., 56 Cuba Street (just below bank of N.Z.). -Advt.