NEW INDUSTRIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 March 1939, Page 4

NEW INDUSTRIES

FOR MASTERTON POSSIBILITY OF STARTING. FEMALE LABOUR REQUIRED. • < Has Masterton any possibilities of developing as a manufacturing centre? That is a question which should be considered by everyone interested in the progress of the town and district, admitted a number of business executives to a “Times-Age” representative today.

The mattei - arose on receipt by the “Times-Age” of an advertisement from Wellington, and which appears in our situation vacant column today. Applications are being called for female labour in a factory proposed to open in Masterton. A ’phone call to the advertising agency in Wellington inserting that advertisement elicited the information that manufacturers are experiencing considerable difficulty in securing female labour in the city. Palmerston North has in consequence received the attention of a number of manufacturers, and quite a few new factories are being established there. “But,” said the principal of the advertising agency representing the manufacturer with his eyes on Masterton, “if girls can be obtained in the Wairarapa, our principal is prepared to locate his plant in Masterton in preference to Palmerston.”

The position so far as that particular firm is concerned depends upon the supply of girl labour. If girls are available for light and congenial factory employment this firm will dennitely commence operations in Masterton. The advertisement is to test the local labour market. Interviewed this morning, Mr J. Hanagan, Masterton Placement Officer, said his office had so far had little to do with placing girls in employment although that was part of their functions. So far as he knew girls of average ability had little difficulty in finding employment at the moment. His Worship the Mayor (Mr Thos Jordan) told the “Times-Age” he was very interested in the enquiry, and it would be a fine thing if industries were developed here. To his mind the Wairarapa, once a speedy connection with Wellington was available was preferable in many respects as an industrial area to Wellington. The city and its environs would be highly vulnerable points in time of war. An aircraft factory for instance, such as is to be started in Wellington, was located directly at a most vulnerable point, and would always be in danger of attack. He would do all possible to “boost” the potential industrial development of Masterton and district, and hoped that the necessary labour being advertised fob would be secured.

Other leading business men who were interviewed, are all keenly interested in the proposition, and it is highly probable that efforts will shortly be made to publicise the attractions of the Wairarapa from an industrial viewpoint, and a survey made of the labour market.