PROPOSED WOOLLEN MILLS.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 August 1920, Page 4

PROPOSED WOOLLEN MILLS.

The resolution passed at the meeting of the Taranaki Farmers' Meat Co, on Saturday, favoring the erection of woollen mills as part of the operations of the Company, is the first step towards -establishing an industry that cannot fail to be of immense importance to Tara : naki. It is a Bound, progressive and economic project that can be worked to great advantage in connection with the meat killing and freezing industry. The utilisation of raw material and byproducts by converting them into manufactured goods not only establishes industries that mean further prosperity to tlie producers, but supply the needs of the community, save a number of profits and the wastage consequent on the raw material being shipped overseas and through so many hands, all of which take toll on the goods and increase the cost to the consumer. If the price of wool is compared with the cost of manufactured woollen goods it will at once be seen how large is the margin of profit, after allowing liberally for the expense of manufacture. Moreover, in these times of reconstruction the only means for restoring normality to the cost of living is by way of greater production, and new industries of this nature are a potent means to that end. The establishment of woollen mills in Taranaki is dependent on the necessary capital of £40,000 being subscribed by the public. That amount, and more, should be readily forthcoming if the proposition is properly put before the public. New. Plymouth is, as we have said on previous "occasions, very favorably situated for the establishment of'the woollen industry. It has the raw material at hand, plenty of fresh water, cheap electric power, and a deep sea port. We know of no other place that has so many natural advantages. Now that the meat company has expressed its willingness to enibatk on the enterprise, it remains for the townspeople to make the next move by setting about raising the necessary capital in town and country. The town has benefited greatly by the freezing works—over £40,000 is being spent annually in wages—but it will benefit more if woollen mills are started. For this reason, if for no other, the proposition should commend itself favorably to townspeople.