WEBLEY'S WOOLLEN CLOTH MANUFACTORY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume VII, Issue 1873, 17 January 1870, Page 5

WEBLEY'S WOOLLEN CLOTH MANUFACTORY.

Ik our last number a paragraph appeared from u Wellington paper, which stated that Government had advertised for tenders for large quantities of woollen goods, to be manufactured in New Zealand, for tho use of tho Constabulary. As the only manufacturer in the colony of woollen goods is Mr. Wcbley, of Nelson, who has been engaged here in milking excellent tweed cloth for the last fifteen years, we naturally expected to leai'n from Mr. Webb, who hns tho sale of all the Nelson-made c-lo'li, some particulars of this indention of Ih<; Government, to encourage native industry, but Mr. Webb was unable to niford any information, and, for the present, all' that" is known in Nelson of the Government's intention is the paragraph referred to.

But this will be no unfit occasion to say a few words concerning Mr. Webley's manufactory, which was begun on a very limited scale indeed—progressed slowly, it is true, but not the less certainly —as the quality of his cloth became known, until it is extensively worn in ail parts of the colony, its lightness, softness of texture, and withal warmth, causing it to be admirably suited for our climate. As little or so capital has been sunk in machinery beyond what has been realized out of profits, the concern is still on a small scale, speaking comparatively, tho proprietor having always been one of the working hands; but the quantity of cloth manufactured last year reached the respectable quautity of 6000 yards ; and we are glad to see the " mill" now undergoing considerable enlargement, to accommodate improved machinery for spinning the yarn, now on its way from England in charge of an experienced workman, and which is of tho very best character. In a few weeks this machinery will be at work, when the capacity of the mill for manufacturing cloth will be greatly enlarged, and the quality of the article improved.

Mr. Wcbley has received no bonus or assistance from the Government of any kind, although a bonus lias been offered for the establishment of a cloth manufactory in some of the other provinces; and yet by industry and perseverance he has succeeded in establishing a manufactory which gives promise of taking root here, and will in all probability be tho precursor of others of a similar character.

By a notice in the Gazelle, received yesterday, wo perceive the Government order is to consist of 10,000 yards of blue sorgo 2000 of while llanuel, and 2000 blankets —:ir!iclcs for which there is nt present »o manufactory in the colony.— lVelsou llxamina-, January S.