BASKET-MAKING.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1674, 26 June 1919, Page 5

BASKET-MAKING.

POSSIBILITIES OF INDUSTRY.

WOSK FOB, RETURNED MEN

In the search for industries capable of absorbing men who can do only light work, the Canterbury Hepatization Board has paid particular attention to tin- possibilities of basket-making. At last evening's, meeting of the board a somewhat adverse report on this trade was made by Mr \V. Goss, representing the Industries Committee, following on a conference with experts, but the board decided to make other inquiries.

Mr Goss stated that the committee hail met local basket-making employers. One man had stated that it was not the best trade for returned men as it employed'in the Dominion only about 100 men. With adequate protection, possibly double this number could be employed. In some lighter kinds of work in the trade a man could be taught in six or seven weeks, but competition could not be made with the imported article in light basket work without protection. In heavy forms of basket work, it was stated that it would take from five to seven years for a man to obtain the necessary skill and strength of fingers. Fit men were necessary in many branches of the trade. Possibly under present conditions half a down men could be absorbed locally. In the manufacture of fancy baskets about 50 men could be employed if protection were given. Mr Hewlett said it was no use extending one industry; they should start others. There were a good many things which could be made in the Dominion it' protection were given.

Mr E. J. Howard said that he had favoured a protective tariff on the basket trade, because it produced articles which were a luxury. The public, therefore, could say to outside competitors, "Hands off! This is our soldiers' trade." But in asking for protection for such an industry as the boot trade, the working man and his family would be penalised. He did not favour the protection of these large trades. He was disappointed with the report, buHie supposed they would have to be ruled by the experts.

Mr F. W. Hobbs asked whether any informatiou existed as to the number of men who would need to bo absorbed into new industries. He suggested that the Repatriation Officer should endeavour to obtain this.

Mr F. T. Eldridgfisaid he was certain, despite the opinion of experts, that in certain forms of seagrass work, light employment men could be utilised. After further discussion, it was decided to communicate wilh the Director of Repatriation, who will shortly visit Christchurch, asking whether lie could obtain any information ou the suitability of the basket and seagrass trade for returned men.