NELSON WOOLLEN CLOTH FACTORT.

Southland Times, Issue 1202, 28 January 1870, Page 3

NELSON WOOLLEN CLOTH FACTORT.

♦ • A Nelson contemporary of a recent date has the following :— The only manufacturer in the colony of woollen goods is Mr Webley, of Nelson, who has been engaged here in making excellent tweed cloth for the last fifteen years. This will be no unfit occasion to say a few words concerning Mr Webley's manufactory, which was begun on a very limited scale indeed, progressed — slowly, it is true, but not the less certainly — as the quality of his cloth- became known, until it is extensively worn in all parts of the colony — its lightness, softness of texture, and withal warmth, causing it to be admirably suited for our climate. As little or no capital has been sunk in machinery beyond what has been realised out of profits, the concern is still on a small-scale, speaking comparatively, the proprietor having always been one of the working hands ; but the quantity of cloth manufactured last year reached the respectable quantity- of 6000 yards, and we are glad to see the "mill " now undergoing considerable enlargement, to accommodate improved machinery for spinning the'yairn, now on its way from England in charge of an experienced workman, and which is of the very best character. In a few weeks this machinery will be at work, when the capacity of the mill for manufacturing cloth will be greatly enlarged, and the quality of the article improved. Mr Webley has received no bonus, or assistance from the Government of any kind, although a bonus has been offered for the establishment of a cloth manufactory in some of the other provinces, and yet by industry and perseverance he has succeeded in establishing a manufactory which gives! promise of taking root here, and will in all probability be the precursor of others of a similar character.