CLOTHING THE SOLDIERS

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 75, 26 September 1917, Page 8

CLOTHING THE SOLDIERS

HEAVY STRAIN ON WOOLLEN MILLS.

The equipment of the Expeditionary Forces has meant a severe strain on the woollen mille of the Dominion. The an»nual report of the Kaiapoi Woollen Manufacturing Company, Lid., a copy of which has been received by the Hon. Sir James Allen (Minister of Defence) states that the great demand on the mill production was due largely to. military requirements. "It will be readily understood,'.' says the report, "that, at the present time, it is almost impossible to make any large addition to machinery or to obtain expert labour, but all possible preparation, must be made so that this company shall not only do its full share to meet the public demand, but make preparation for the employment of returned soldiers, so that after the war it shall never be said that .the people of this country who did not go to the war made no preparation for the employment of those men who fought our battles and helped to win freedom for the Empire." The report adds :—"lt may be New Zealand may have to pass through difficulties' with regard to the labour problem, but I (Mr. J. A. Frostick, chairman) have no fear for the ultimate result. The standard of intelligence of the masses in this country is not surpassed anywhere; it is well balanced, and probably there is no other country under the! British Crown where the population is so extensively British."