THE WOOLLEN INDUSTRY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19277, 15 September 1924, Page 9

THE WOOLLEN INDUSTRY.

NEW, MILLS AT WANGANUI. OPENED BY GOVERNOR-GENERAL. (Fbom Our Own Correspondent.) WANGANUI, September 12. The Wanganui "Woollen Mills were opened to-day by bis Excellency the Gov-ernor-General, and the new industry promises to be a great factor in the future of Wanganui’s development. Mr W. J. Poison, dominion president of the Farmers’ Union, pointed out that the money required, £200,000, was -sub; scribed rapidly. They now had the mill paid for and only 10s per share had been called up. The company had had its troubles, but they were now surmounted, and to-day Wanganui had an up-to-date mill, one of the most up-to-date south of the line. They had Scottish operatives working Scottish machinery, under a Scottish manager, and they should be able to turn out Scottish tweeds of a high class. It cost a British manufacturer nearly 4d per lb to get his wool into the factory, and then he had to pay another 4d or 6d to send the manufactured goods out here again. This was an economic loss in this country. There should bo no difficulty in competing with British manufacturers. In fact the industry could be extended, for there were millions of pounds’ worth of woollen goods imported that could be manufactured in the dominion. Mr W. A. Veitch, M.P., and Mr W. S. Glenn, M.P., both spoke. The former said that there was no reason why this country should not export manufactured goods. Between £15,000,000 and £20,000,000 were to be spent on hydro-electric works, and this could only be profitably worked by its utilisation in the industrial world. Customs and general taxation should be so ordered as to encourage tire secondary industries. He believed that the future of the country for secondary industries was excellent. The conditions were good, and if the people sot themselves to this task and to the development of primary industries as well, there was no reason why this country should not becom one of the most important outposts of the Empire. Mr Glenn said that this event was his-tory-making as far as Wanganui was concerned. There were 12 woollen mills m the dominion. The first wag built in 1870. hive were built within the past decade, and the others were constructed later on, and there were two in contemplation. It could therefore be claimed that the industry had got over its infancy. His Excellency, who was presented with a golden key, gave one of his typical happy speeches. He expressed his pleasure at being present on such an important occasion. In this matter be felt he was between two stools, as he had an interest in Great Britain as well as in New Zealand. An increase in the secondary industries here might have an effect upon a similar industry in great Britain, _ hut as it would be possible for the displaced workers there to find employment out here he felt that he oould legitimately bless the new venture very heartily. Even if this were not so he was so much hi a New Zealander now that Ire felt he could not help it. There was > every prospect of everyone in Wanganui being clothed with locally-made suits, and he suggested that, a test question at next civic election.’ should be: “Have you got on Wanganui suiting.” He hoped that the tiki on the golden key would bring good luck to the Wanganui mills. Regarding their near departure His Excellency said that Her Excellency and himself would never forget the people of New Zealand, who had showered kindness after kindness and hospitality upon them. Since they had been in Wanganui they had received perhaps the warmest welcome that had ever been shown to them in New Zealand, and this was much appreciated by them. His Excellency added that the attractions and natural beauties of Wanganui had greatly appealed to there, the scenic aspects being most delightful.

The mills, winch are not the largest of their kind, are nevertheless very _ complete, with the most modern machinery, a feature being that they can turn opt material equal-to that produced in London.

The sum of £105,226 has been spent in the purchase of land, machinery and the erection of buildings, etc.