HELP BY ULSTER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20208, 29 March 1940, Page 6

HELP BY ULSTER

BRITISH WAR EFFORT MATERIALS FOR FORCES GUNS AND VEHICLES PRAISE BY MINISTER (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.)

Reed. 2 p.m. RUGBY, March 28. j The Minister of Supply, Dr. E. L. j Burgin. speaking at Belfast, paid a tribute to Northern Ireland's part in j the tolal war effort. Referring to the importance of the, linen manufacturing industry, Dr.; Burgin said that orders totalling over 30.000,000 yards of material had ■ already been placed with northern j Irish firms by the Minister. He said that in the Great Warj Ulster had met. in a very great measure the total need of linen for aircraft wings. In the present war the industry was directed to other needs such as canvas for waterproof coverings. material for lighter pattern uniforms, and manufacturers had given the Ministry great help in turning over the heavy power looms to the making of cotton goods where the shortage of flax demanded the use of substitute materials.

Dr. Burgin detailed other phases of Northern Ireland’s war contribution in the way of materials, and drew special attention to the increased activity in shipbuilding and also to the manufacture of guns, mountings and armoured fighting vehicles. One firm, he said, employed 20,000 in aircraft manufacture for the Air Ministry, whose large orders already placed would be substantially increased when developments at present in hand were completed.