FAREWELL TO WORKERS

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 278, 23 August 1945, Page 4

FAREWELL TO WORKERS

Ceremony At Ford Factory On yj-day most munition workers iu New Zealand downed tools for good, and tn accordance with the direction given by the Controller of Munitions, work stopped immediately at the New Zea? land Ford factory on three types' of munitions previously produced in big Quantities—hand grenades, mortar bombs and artillery fuses. Hundreds of women. many of whom have been working at the plant for three years or mope, have been affected by this. The majority were directed to the factory by the manpower department but many, including elderly women, were volunteers. They came from all parts of New Zealand and while mauy have elected to return to their homes, others, in response Io an appeal, have offered their services to other industries. Following the victory holidays the Ford company farewelled its munition workers at a ceremony in the factory’s lunchroom. Among those who attended were Mr. W. Cf. M. Colquliouu, controller of munitions, Colonel WithelL Army inspection department, Mr. If. parsonage, National Service Department, and other officials representing the Government departments associated with munitions production, A telegrqru was received from the Minister of Munitions, Mr. Sullivan, who was unqble to be present, tjud an apology was also received from Mr. HL. Boekett, Controller of Manpower. Mr. T. P- Ospaghau, secretary of the company, presided. Tributes were paid to the rptiuitionp staff and the spleudjd work they lpid done, Reference was made, ip particular to the team spirit which had prevailed. It wag Stated that tjie Ford factory had produced more than 6,000,000 hand grenades, more than 1,000,000 artillery fuses and 1,000,000 mortar bombs. Iu addition, the company had built nearly 6000 military vehicles and bad rebuilt otev 1000 salvaged jeeps ami more than 130 marine engines for invasion craft and submarine destroyers.