INDUSTRY IN OTAGO

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26078, 15 February 1946, Page 6

INDUSTRY IN OTAGO

DECENTRALISATION PROPOSAL INVITATION FROM LAWRENCE As a means of relieving the labour supply position and with a view to some decentralisation of industry, the claims of country towns have recently been submitted to manufacturers in Dunedin, in common with other parts of the Dominion. One such invitation was given at a meeting of the OtagoSouthland Manufacturers’ Association for manufacturers in Dunedin to extend the scope of their activities to Lawrence. The Mayor of Lawrence (Mr W. J. Suters) attended the meeting, and informed members that there was a number of girls in Lawrence who were filling to take up industrial occupations. These girls, however, were not willing to leave their home toivn because of the accommodation problem in Dunedin. The deputation pointed out that Lawrence could offer suitable business premises at a nominal rental and all facilities, such .as power, heat and transport, which were already more than adequate for manufacturing purposes. In view of the fact that'female labour was regarded as one of the greatest assets in industry to-day, it was felt that a Dunedin manufacturing Arm might be interested in starting a branch factory in Lawrence. Since the meeting several Dunedin manufacturers have given the proposal careful consideration, and in one case representatives of a city examined sites at Lawrence and went as far as to interview prospective employees. Unfortunately the number of girls available, including those from a nearby town, did not justify the venture, and the matter is in abeyance at the present time. One of the difficulties with' which the manufacturers would have had to contend in this instance was the problem of transport Some of the employees would require to be transported to and from their homes, with the subsequent loss of one hour a day in travelling time.