MADE AT KAIWARRA

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 195, 15 May 1936, Page 7

MADE AT KAIWARRA

New Type of Electric Cooker DESIGNED FOR N.Z. NEEDS Householders are not the only persons in New Zealand becoming electricity-minded; firms dealing in electrical goods are beginning to realise the possibilities of making some of the articles in New Zealand. For instance, at Kaiwarra, the National Electrical and Engineering Company started tins year to make electric ranges which have already established themselves in the housekeeper's favour. Indeed, the factory, which began assembling only at Easter, lias been working overtime to keep abreast of the orders that are being received. The range incorporates the best features of a number of other types, aud has been constructed to suit the New Zealand housewife, who lias no maid to help her and who needs, among other things, quick heating ability and a range that will fit comforta.iily and unobtrusively into her generally-small kitchen. The porcelain enamelling is one of the decorative and utility features of the range, which readily proves the quality of the workmanship of the New Zealanders engaged at the company's factory. Though the enamelling has to be done in three stages, beginning with the "grip” coat, it finishes as a much thinner and more durable layer than most of the overseas-made enamelling. From tlie porcelain enamelling work being done at the factory for other articles than ranges, it would seem that the quality of the work is becoming widely recognised. Beginning about IS months ago in an experimental workshop at its Wakefield Street, office, tlie company began making ranges at the factory after its opening in March. Already about 30 men are employed at Kaiwarra, and there seems ample room yet. for development. The organisation at the factory is first-rate, a visitor being able to watch the manufacture of the range's from the point the sheet-steel is taken out of the racks for shaping until they come to the final assembly line, where the wiring is done and tlie door and cooking top put in position. Tlie materials used produce a much lighter range than usual.

The wiring is one of the features of which the company is most proud. There is no chance of the housewife, while cleaning the range, receiving a shock.