THE WOLLEN INDUSTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 2690, 4 October 1905, Page 4

THE WOLLEN INDUSTRY.

CHRISTCHURCH, September 21. Mr P. Hercus, manager of the Kaiapoi Woollen Company, denies the statement published this moruing- that his company, is importing 50 men and women from Aushalia to work in the factory in Christchurch. He explains that his- company is suffering greatly from very keen competitino that comes from the import clothing - trade, and feels compelled to bestir itself to take prompt and active steps to meet that competition. It is doing that by endeavouring to improve its methods of manufacture. It is trying to obtain the services of six forewomen who will be able to initiate the company's present factory staff into the improved methods of clothing manufacture that are in vogue all over the world, with tho exception practically of New Zealand. The company has made an attempt, to obtain these forewomen in New Zealand, but has failed. It is therefore taking advantage of the presence of it 3 factory manager In Sydney to get the necessary instruction from that place. The company's only object is to maintain the output of the woollen mill and clothing factory, and it hopes soon to be able to largely increase the number of local hands employed in the industry. The matter came before the Christchurch Branch of the Independent Political and Labour. Leao-ue at its meeting to-night. Mr B. Gohns, secretary of the league, who is also secretary of the_ Tailoresses' Union, saicl that not long ago the company imported a number of girls from Australia, although* its staff of girls had been specially trained by an imported expert, and were well qualified to do tho. -work. It was nowrumoured that the company proposed to import 50 girls lo replace tliop.e employed at present. There was a move in the factory, but it was being kept back in order, so he assumed, to find employment for tho imported girls when they arrived, He moved that the league expressp* its sympathy with the workers of the Kaiapoi factory, and trusts that they may find funds to tide them over the difficulty and secure such conditions thatf would prevent its recurrence. The motionwas carried. se\eral speakers, however, maintaining that the matter was not ono for the league, and it was decidedto send a protest to the Premier, requesting thafi some action restrictive of the importation of labour under contract should be taken immediately.