LOCAL INDUSTRIES.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1160, 13 October 1883, Page 3

LOCAL INDUSTRIES.

TO THE EDITOR,

Sir,— During a short visit to Dunedin a few days ago I was greatly surprised to

see that city so much increased and the general importance of the place. The streets are well laid out, and are, in some instances, some miles in length. The doe buildings on either side of them, gave me—coming from the country —a most favorable impression. The city is brilliantly lighted with gas, and the water supply is the beat in the colonies. Its people, though some have considered them generally as a cold community, for my own part. I found many I came in connection with, quite the reverse, and experienced not only great hospitality but a genuine warmth of feeling. I saw some of the principal factories in the place, all of which are worthy of inspection. Notably amongst these is factory of Messrs Sargood and Sons. Their genial manager, Mr Bridge, gave me a hearty welcome, and spent considerable time showing me over the factory. I was greatly astonished and amazed at the machinery used, and the apparent ease with which the whole of the work was accomplished. The firm employ 100 persons of both sexes, and each department, from the rough dressing of the cow hide to the finishing off of the finest ladies kid boots, is carried on. To give a detailed account of each room and department wou’d, I am sure, occupy too much of your valuable space. Suffice it to say that any one visiting Dunedin 1 would recommend them to interview the manager and see for themselves, and I guarantee they will leave the premises much wiser than when they entered. I left impressed with the idea Why canid not a boot factory be established in this town on a small scale ? You, sir, have always been a staunch advocate of local industries, and here is one which I feel confident might safely be brought under the notice of your numerous readers. It might be the means of doing a vast amount of good in giving employment to many girls and boys as well as men and women, and now that we have the Dairy and Bacon Factory in hand, I hope for the benefit of all concerned, an effort will be put forth to initiate a movement in this direction amongst us.—l am, etc., Progress.