Woollen Industry

Hokitika Guardian, 14 July 1922, Page 4

Woollen Industry

MILLS RUSHED WITH ORDERS. DUNEDIN. July 12

It is years since tin* woollen mills ol New Zealand bail to allure customers. Buyers are rushing them with orders. Their warehouses a-iv empty. Every piece of tweed or worsted is bespoken. Regular purchasers are jealous of eaeli other, watching that no favouritism is shown by the management. That is t-be position of affairs in Otago and probably in other places where the industry lias a footing. Before- the war there wa.s not the same eagerness for New Zealand woollens. Tn the sultsoquont readjustment of trade and manners, the Dominion-made article has c-ome into its own place on merit. The output is measured not by the demand but by the quantity of labour available Women workers are wanted. Afore of them arc now employed at the mills than at any previous period, and there is some sort of occupation awaiting further recruits, be they beginners .or young persons with more or less experienc. The pay is good, and the conditions are quite in conformity with the latest teaching as to sanitation and comfort, but the preference seems to be for shop or office work, lienee a shortage of labour which, if forthcoming, would bo speedily followed by increases in the plant. As it is extra hours have to be worked.

The large consumption of wool lias its effect upon the local market. About •100 bales a year are made up in one mill alone. Practically all the wool used is of New Zealand growth, though occasionally a little of the superfine grades from Australia lias to be brought in'. The managers do not vet nolo any dintige of fashion in the demand. Tbo people everywhere are still calling for the fine worsted weavings.