MOSGIEL WOOLLEN COMPANY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21019, 7 May 1930, Page 18

MOSGIEL WOOLLEN COMPANY

The Mosgiel Woollen Company must bo awarded ad honoured place amongst industries of its kind in New Zealand. It was one of the,first to commence operations in this country, and for about 60 years it has’ played a leading part in fostering local industry, besides proving tft the world in general what splendid articles can be manufactured from New Zealand wool.

' The foundations of the company were laid in 1870 by the late Mr A. J. Burns, who was then the owner of a flourmill on the Taieri Plain. At that time the' province was producing a large quantity of wool of excellent quality, and this was exported to the Home Country, only to be returned in the shape of manufactured goods. Mr Burns realised the potential benefits to be derived from the establishment of the woollen manufacturing industry here, and he lost little time in making a trip to the Old Country, whence he returned with a complete plant and a staff of skilled operatives from the famous Galashiels district in Scotland. The flourmill at Mosgiel was altered to enable the plant for the manufacture of woollen goods to be installed, and the making of the well-known goods which have since built up the company's reputation was commenced. At the- start blankets and rugs were the principal products, and their quality was such that a demand for other goods of a high quality sprang up; To meet this demand it was necessary to expand the operations, and the result was the formation of the Mosgiel Woollen .Factory Company in 1873. New buildings were erected, without delay, new plant, was installed, and everything possible was done to bring the wdrks right up to date —a policy which has been followed ever since.

From the very start the history of the company has been one of unqualified success. Bad times have been experienced in the commercial world occasionally, but the policy of the directors of the. company has stood it in Rood stead, and it has emerged from all the depressions full of vitality, always adding to its reputation for. the production of goods of the Highest quality. As far back as 1873 the company gained distinction at the Vienna Exhibition for an entry sent all the way from New Zealand. It repeated its success at St. Louis in 1904, and at the London Crystal Palace Exhibition in 1908, at both of which the grand prizes were bestowed on the company’s exhibits. The machinery and equipment of the' factory are of the most modern description. Some remarkable contrivances are employed in the making of fine underwear and hosiery Pre-eminent among the products of the Mosgiel Mills are the famous rugs. These possess a distinction, elegance, and durability all their own. Their fame has penetrated into many parts of the world, and their striking beauty, soft, luxurious texture and superb quality have established for them a very enviable position. Blankets, flannels, tweeds, underwear, and other lines are distinguished by their careful finish. 1 In 1882 a fresh departure was made, and a number of the buildings which had been erected 'from time to time were pulled down, an extensive structure in brick taking their place, the design of which admitted of almost unlimited extension. Continuous work in day and night shifts led to the instalment of a magnificent system of electric lighting in 1887. This was considered a great thing in those days; but it was only the prelude to many other innovations and improvements, which, with building extensions, have been going on ever since. During the last year additions have been made to the plant and buildings, which will enable the company to increase its output considerably. The demand for the goods is steadily increasing, and the company’s ■ problem is not to find an outlet for its manufactures, but to supply the needs of , its customers