A MODEL FACTORY ADJUNCT.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 136, 8 June 1907, Page 6

A MODEL FACTORY ADJUNCT.

• lit striking' contrast to the object lesson, as taught by the " sweated industries" exhibit, regarding the conditions I under which Labour may be subjected jin the OKI Country, was a little eerejmonial that took place last evening at I Messrs. Arch. Clark and Sons' Zealandia I shirt factory iv Grey Lyun. This was 1 the opening of a splendid new luncheon hall for the use of the three hundred odd hands employed at the factory. The building is upwards of eighty feet in length by half that in breadth, and has been erected with every regard for the comfort of those who are to use it— well-lighted, lofty, and thoroughly equipped with ventilating louvres. It reflects, in its neatly finished interior, a regard on the side of employer for employee that is a flattering proof of what is possible under ideal factory conditions. At one end are cloak rooms, while at the other a number of gas rings in a tiled ingle provides for brewing the prandial tea. The bulk cf those employed at the factory are girls, so the firm has supplied a piano to help! bewhile the luncheon hour after its more serious business has been settled. The function last night took the form of a dance, in which some 200 couples took part, the evening passing under the happiest auspices. In the course of it an address was preseuted to Mr. Arch. Clark by Mr. Collins (the factory manager) on behalf of the employees, in which was expressed their appreciation of the firni'a kindly regard for their comfort and general well being. Mr. Clark, in replying, referred to the happy relations that had always existed between the firm aud its employees, and in briefly comparing the industrial conditions in this colony and at Home, expressed the belief that there were few, if any. employers in New Zealand who. even on sound economic grounds, would not rather pay good wages, and so asrist in the general prosperity, than be party- to such conditions as were possible nudcr the legislation of the Old Country. A presentation was also made to Mr. I Collins by the laundry staff as a mark lof appreciation for his efforts on their behalf. Tho hall itself was attractively i decorated with bunting for the occasj sion. Supper was served in the old luncheon room in the main building, dancing being kept up into the small hours.