CARPET MADE IN CHRISTCHURCH

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25806, 18 May 1949, Page 4

CARPET MADE IN CHRISTCHURCH

MODERN FACTORY IN RICCARTON N.Z. WORKERS TRAINED AS OPERATORS The manufacture of body carpet started in Christchurch last year, but the factory of the Carpet Manufacturing Company (New Zealand) Ltd., at Riccarton, is still quite a way off full production. Further Axminster looms and other machinery are still coming from Britain, and, like practically every New Zealand manufacturing industry, the factory is hampered by a staff shortage, especially among the women workers. Although actual production started last year it is only recently that the large modern factory has become fully appointed, and as recently as a fortnight ago a cafeteria was opened. Started as a subsidiary of Felt and Textiles of New Zealand, Ltd., the company brought out two British specialists and a designer, and the two experts have had to teach New Zealand workmen and women the special tasks involved. Nearly all the New Zealand staff have readily adapted themselves to the work,.“and many of the . girls now train new workers on'the looms. Some 140 men and women are employed at present, but if more staff could be obtained at'least three further Axminster looms could be swung into production. Men staff the Wilton looms and work a double shift, and women are employed on the Axminster looms. Because of the staff shortage girls have received considerably less training on looms before taking charge of one than is given in British factories—about one month compared with three—but most become interested in the work and soon become proficient operators. An indication of their proficiency is that some girls have received a bonus of as much as 25 per cent, under the production bonus system operated in the factory. Apart from cotton and -jute, which is imported already processed, the factory is self-contained ' and supplied from New Zealand. New Zealand wool, mostly crutchings or pieces, is scoured by a subsidiary company, and arrives at the factory for spinning and dying. Modern Machinery , All the looms are the most modern machinery used in English factories. Great precision has to be used in setting them up. as even a small fraction of an inch difference in th£ floor level will affect the caroet. The Wilton looms came from Wellington whin the Felt and Textiles factory there was switched to making felt< but all .the Axminster looms have come from Britain within the last 18 months. So far the factory has rrfhde only plain carpet and carpets using small overall designs, but production is just Starting bf leaf and floral patterned carpets incorporating 12 or more colours.

The carpet made in Christchurch is distributed throughout New Zealand and the factory is one of two In New Zealand. The other, an Auckland factory is-in opposition to the Christchurch company.