WORKS VISITED.

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18924, 12 February 1927, Page 17

WORKS VISITED.

ft HON. MR M'LEOD'S INSPECTION. ANOTHER BUSY DAY. Continuing his tour ol inspection of Cliristchurch factories yesterday. the lion. Mr AleLeod, Mini.-ter for Industries anil Commerce, had another bu-y day. 'lhe party accompanying him included the 1 luii. .Ml \\iu\. M.L.L., .Ul-m, 11. Ilollaud, J. Akvoiubs, It-i-s. c. i\i if, .w.i'.s. ,1. \\ ■ Collins. 11. L<J|i|iliiou!i (Hepailliieiilal oW-.jrtJ, A. tt ticau-u, fc. il. .Mamiiu- (Mantifac Hirers' A.-suclatluliJ, ana A. Vt. Mulllgin (private secrciaiy). .Motor body which has Itten ol a measure ol prulccuon, was seen at Hr.-t lian.l in tin: workshop ot .UcsMs Johnson and .Mnitli, Minim; slrcel, v.livit- lii.il an hour was spent, 'lhe .MiniMei was incl by the puneipals. wiio explained lim complete opeiation. A special icalure ul the manufacture ol nintor bodies is that tor limousines .New Zealand beech ami cedar are used.

At the Dominion Compressed Vcasi Company's -.vorks, Mr S. 11. Cowley (manager) cuudm led the party througn the various departments. ('articular iitteiiiiou appc.us to have been given to elcaiilni'ss 111 this taeloiy.

At Hie Kampoi Y\ool!cn Mauiifactuvin- <''.>mp-ui\'s laetorv, (be party was joined 1..' ' Messrs .). H. Klaekwell director), .1. Tait, A. F. Carey, C. K. Howie (manager), and il. I'oi ier (secretary;. Alt"; morning tea had been served, ...i- liliiekwell said the last few years had been a strenuous time in tho industry. The directors of the company appreciated the attention to, and insight into, the work evinced by Mr 51 *> Leod's Department. The main troubles wero caused by the aftermath of the war. The imports competing with the industry had shown an increase by millions annually over the pre-war period.

Too Many Imports. The hijjh rate, with some slight diniimitioii. had been maintained. Many goods were being dumped below the cost of manufacture here, and a great development had taken place in the manufacture of shoddy from old wool and substitutes. Another development had been the making of artificial silk. A huge quantity of woollen manufactures had been displaced, and the Industry was in a bad way. A decline in production had taken place to the extent of £300.000, and staffs had been reduced by 350, as compared with two years previously. The woollen manufacturers were taking steps to lay the facts before the Tariff Commission, and hoped and believed that they would show solid grounds fo r asking for protection for the industry, which was a natural one for this country. Wages were at least 60 per cent, higher her* than In the competing factories in England. There was a strong possibility that the formation of a Continental steel trust would be followed by one in clothing, resulting in an influx of Continental goods at prices which would not allow New Zealand factories to compete. As far as making up was concerned, the Kaiapoi Company's staff could be increased by 100 per cent, and in the manufacturing department by 60 per cent New Zealand was the only country which had not increased its tariff on manufactured clothing to cope with the difficulties of the industry. Mr Mcleod said that it was well known that the secondary part of the woollen industry was not in a flourishing condition. A fact which tho grower of wool could not understand, and one on which ho was always seeking enlightenment, was that if he gave t':ie raw material to the industry, tor nothing when he bought a suit of clothes he would still be paying too much. A point bad been reached 1* several industries when the raw material did not seem to count in final costs. Mnnv men felt that tailors' discounts were often more than the value of the raw material.

A Clothing Factory. Alter an interesting hour among tho machines, many of which are idle, the Minister went to Lane, Walker ami ltudkin's hosiery factory in Montrealstreet, where ahout (500 different varieties of articles of clothing are being made. The present steff is Ho but reductions are contemplated, and tna places of employees who have left lately have not been-'filled. Mr T. Rudkm led the way through the departments. Ripening crops have produced a good demand for binder, twine, and a spirit of optimism was found to exist in the ropeworks of Messrs Maddreu Bros. Mr McLeod was very interested in this industry, and Mr O. Maddren conducted the Ministerial party through the factory. After luncheon at Ballantyne's, the Woolston Tanneries were inspected, various processes were explained by Mr C. M. Ollivier (chairman of directors), Mr R. 0. Tait (manager), and Mr J. W. Garton (sales superintendent). The average staff at this time of year is between 160 and 170, but at present the employees number only about 135, through the effects of the slump in the boot industry. The pelts department has not been affected. Mr D. G. Sullivan, M.P., joined the party here.

Gelatine and Glue. The Davis Gelatine Works, which were also visited, employ an average number, of from BO to 70, tho present employees numbering about ten less than this number. AH tho processes in tho manufacture of gelatine and glue were closely studied. One of the principals said that about a third of the annual output was exported. Approximately £SO tons of gelatine were produced annually, or about 40 tons more than the Dominion's requirements, which were exported New Zealand imported a similar quantity from Europe. The trade depression had affected the output. This company also had works in Australia, but the factory at Woolston was the only one of its kind in this country. The inspection of the factory of Aulsebrook's, Ltd., was the most comprehensive undertaken. The staff .numbers 600, but trade has not been very bright since Christmas. Afternoon tea was served after the party had gone through most of the departments, and Mr It. E. McDougall, proprietor, who hnd acted as guide, ganre some information about the output. He said that the factory paia the Railway Department ahout £7OOO annually for railage, and electric power cost about £2OOO. Mr Marriner thanked the manufacturers who had thrown open their works. They had been welcomed everywhere, and from an educational point of view the tour was invaluable. He hoped Mr McLeod would go away knowing that - Christchurch was a manufacturing centre and was on the eve of something greater. "My visit has been an informative one," said the Minister. In some of the places visited efficiency was at a high pitch, while in others" it was not so nigh, and improvements in the machinery could be effected. There was a general trend in that direction.

MINISTER'S IMPRESSIONS. "EFFICIENCY ON EVERY SIDE." Asked as to whether he had any comment to make concerning his inspection of City factories, Mr McLeod stated that he would like to tribute to the Manufacturers' Association for the excellent organisation of the itinerary which enabled him to see so

much during his short stay, and to thank it for the many courtesies extended. To the individual manufacturers called upon, Mr McLeod also expressed his sincere thanks for the trouble taken to show him round their establishments and in affording him so much useful information. The South Island visit of one week (to Dunedin and Christchurch) had enabled him to see no fewer than thirtytwo factories and personally he felt that there was much to commend and little to criticise. Undoubtedly there was efficiency displayed on every side, but what struck him strongly, both in Christchurch and in Dunedin, was the desire on the part of manufacturers to produce quality goods, and to give their customers good service. Mr McLeod stated that he had greatly appreciated the Association's action in tendering him a social function because of the opportunity it afforded him to meet the manufacturers of Christchurch. The big attendance was significant as showing the Btrong interest taken in industrial matters. Generally, he felt he would return to his duties as' Minister for Industries and Commerce greatly benefited by all that he had seen and learned in the Sooth Island. _^