Mill’s closing ‘a tragedy’

Press, 20 August 1986, Page 4

Mill’s closing ‘a tragedy’

The closing of the U.E.B. yarn mill was a tragedy for Christchurch, said the Opposition spokesman on trade and industry, Mr Philip Burdon, last evening. “The actual jobs lost are not merely the 240 at the factory but about another 100 jobs downstream,” he said.

Mr Burdon said the mill’s closing was a reflection of Government policy which had “created

the most hostile environment for manufacturing that this country has seen in post-war years.” "Unless the Government is prepared to encourage and promote the manufacturing sector it will turn this country into a large farm, forest and tourist centre — in social terms, a scenic slum.” The Labour Party had been a disaster for Christchurch, Mr Burdon said. “Far from creating a

new foundation, it is destroying the very foundation on which this city’s prosperity has been built.” The Opposition spokesman on employment, Mr Bill Birch, said the forced redundancy of the 248 staff at the mill would be a serious setback to the Canterbury region. “It must now be obvious to the Labour Government that it can no longer continue to ignore the plight of manufacturing

exporters. It must start to recognise the impact of its economic policies on the productive and export sector.” Mr Larry Sutherland, Labour’s candidate for the Avon electorate where the U.E.B. mill is situated, said he would check with unions concerned to see what assistance he could give. Mr Sutherland said.he was amazed at the lack of warning given to staff.