Important Local Industry.

Southland Times, Issue 19003, 24 March 1903, Page 2

Important Local Industry.

The proposal to form a company to take over the woollen mill owned by .Mr L'ruick.shank, North Invercargili, mentioned in our columns a low days ago, has attracted considerable attention, and a lew particulars of what has been and is being done at tho mill may be oi 1 interest. The woollen industry is generally recognised as one of the most prominent factors in colonial industrial life, and consequently to have an up-to-date establishment in : Invercargili would be a. considerable benefit to the town, as it would give employment to many, nnd assist in keeping the young population from seeking work further alield. Mr Cruiekshank, about J8 months ago, opened the woollen mill, working in a small way with yarn, etc., but the wholesale houses made demands for other materials, and it became evident that to keep pace with the times general manufacturing would have to be taken up. With this end in view "a large quanItity of modern machinery has been imported and is now being fitted up. The space available was found to be : ra.ther .small, and an addition is in ! course of erection, which will give j the necessary room for a complete manufacturing plant. The section on which the mill is built is a large one and leaves plenty of ground for any extensions which may be required. The present addition will be used as a sorting room, and the benches arc all ready for erection. It is not proposed at present to introduce a scouring machine, ho this work will be done in vats worked by hand labour. The drying apparatus is an ingenious arrangement of steam pipes and fnns, the wool being spread out on wire netting over the pipes, and the fans below throw up the hot air, which passes through and removes all moisture. The " woolying " machines (for teasing or opening up the I wool) are the, very latest pattern, and are being used with success in the best factories. One set of carding machines (self-weighing and feeding) hns been erected, and should be equal to requirements for some time. The spinner (mule) is directly alongside, running parallel with the cards. Four looms, with all the necessary gear for turning- out blankets or cloth are rapidly being placed in position. The manufacture of hosiery and yarn will be continued, and new machines are ready to carry on the work. The finishing department is already well stocked with presses, cleaners and other machines, and when the remainder are opened out there should" be no difficulty in presenting the public with a first-class article. The engine at present in-

stalled is 35 h.p. Tho whole place is lighted by electricity, supplied from the binder twine mill adjoining, this province tho least expensive as -well as the most favourable illuminant. At present there is some confusion in the premises owing to the large consignments of machinery which, have come to hand, but in about six weeks Mr Cruiekshank hopes to have all in proper order, and to place the venture before the public.