THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL

Evening Star, Issue 20686, 8 January 1931, Page 8

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL

INTEREST SHOWN IN LOCAL INDUSTRY VISIT TO RGSLYH WOOLLEN MILLS Through the medium of a visit this morning to Messrs Boss and Glcndining’s lioslyn Woollen Mills the Gov-ernor-General (Lord BJcdisloe) and Lady Bledisloe were given an insight into a local secondary industry that is closely associated with primary production—the type of production in which His Excellency is most keenly interested.

All through the vjsit of inspection their Excellencies’ attention was completely absorbed by the scientific and mechanical wonders they were shown, and when they wished to learn anything further about a machine or process which at first glance defied understanding they did not hesitate to put questions to the foreman of the particular department being visited or to any of the other employees. Their quest for knowledge led them into innumerable conversations of a chatty nature, and it is certain that long after their Excellencies leave Dunedin they will bo remembered by the Hoslyn Mill workers as representatives of the King who have succeeded with admirable naturalness in conveying the sincere human characteristics which are well known to be features of the Loyal household.

Included in the parly were Sir John Hanham, the mayoress (Mrs R, S Black), Messrs T. C. Ross, J. B. ForIcons (mill manager), E. C. IJazlett, and Cr F. W. Mitchell. Immediately after the vice-regal car had drawn up at the door of the main office Lady Bledisloc was presented with a beautiful bouquet, the gift of the female employees of the mill. At a later stage Her Excellency accepted a rug of the pattern which has made the New Zealand article famous. In the wool-sort-ing department the visitors met Mr T. Belworthy, a prominent member ot the St. John Ambulance Association, who gives his services ,on behalf of any mill employees who happen to be in need of them.

From the place where tho raw’ wool was being bandied the visitors were taken to view the scouring, dyeing, and drying processes. Followed then an especially interesting walk through the carding room, where the machines can do almost anything but talk. Tho work of spinning also attracted much attention, and from then on then Excellencies were able to examine various kinds of articles in the making, such as blankets and rugs. Here mention may be made of a comparatively new product that the mill is turning out in large quantities—a thick, strong upholstery cloth for motor cars These trimmings, as they are called, are being women in many different shades and patterns, and there are indications that their manufacture will become a very important feature of the mill industry in Roslyn. The finishing department, the warehouse, and the showroom were found to be packed with goods of the highest quality, a warm, comfortable _ atmosphere being created by the piles of clothing, blankets, and uncut material. The hosiery department and the worked Combins and spinning rooms were also visiteo. Before the Worsted machinery was reached, however, Lady Bledislcv and the mayoress left ta keep an appointment made for Her Excellency at the Karitaiie Hospital for babies. , , Yesterday afternoon the Vice-Regal visitors were taken for a comprehensive motor drive around the city, this tup being followed by afternoon tea at the Savoy with representatives of local bodies. At the official table were the mayor and mayoress. Sir Liildo and Laclv Ferguson. Sir Charles and Lady Statham. Si- John Roberts, the Hon. G M. Thomson, Bishop Whyte, Bishop Richards, CT and Mrs Wilson, Cr and Mrs Marlow, Cr and Mrs Begg, and Mr S. G. M'Donald, representing the town clerk (Mr G. A. Lewm). . This afternoon their Excellencies wont through the Otago University Museum, and Lady Bledisloe attended a reception given in her honour at the Women’s Club.