FILLING A WANT.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 365, 5 March 1932, Page 15

FILLING A WANT.

Wonderful Efficiency in City Business. WORK AT MILLERS, LTD. Millers Ltd. commenced manufacturing in Christchurch in May, 1930, with this objective— to supply the essential needs of the general buying public in apparel at the lowest possible price commensurate with good quality, style and workmanship. The public response was immediate, and so constant has been the ever-increasing demand that the initial factory staff of six hands has grown to 117 in a period of 21 months. Buying materials in bulk, manufacturing on mass production principles, and selling direct to the consumer—these are the fundamentals upon which this success is built. The workrooms in Lichfield Street are a veritable hive of industry. A “ Star ” representative yesterday visitet!l the factory, and was shown over the various departments by Mr Miller. In the cutting room, tables 120 feet long carry the “ lays ” of fabric for a miniI mum of 120 dozen garments. These are cut by experts with an electric knife, and absolute uniformity of results is assured. Minimum Cost. The ready-cut material is handed on to the machinists, each of whom completes one process only, with the efficiency that comes from constant practice. Only the latest and best machines are used, each designed for a special operation. This combination of efficient operation and modern machinery gives a smooth and constant flow of finished garments at a minimum cost. Millers Ltd. enjoy the fullest cooperation of some of New Zealand’s leading mills for the supply of their material, and always give New Zealand woollen and worsted fabrics the first preference. There are many essential fabrics not manufactured in New Zealand, and these are imported from the Old Country. Here again their “ quantity orders ” have secured for them special mill co-operation for qualities and designs—and exceptionally keen prices.

Many garments made from English cloths are sold by Millers Ltd. at prices that are actually less than the English retail prices for the same goods. Some visitors, recently returned to New Zealand, have expressed the opinion that, speaking generally, English retail prices are considerably less than New Zealand retail prices. To these statements, Millers claim to be the exception, and can offer substantial proofs. More especially is this the case where English materials, not kindred to New Zealand manufactures, are landed duty free.

Imported v. New Zealand Equipment

In furtherance of Millers Ltd.’s established policy to support New Zealand industry, they have sponsored the development of a “ steam electric ” iron, patented and manufactured by a Christchurch engineer. This iron is a great improvement on the imported iron. Several of varying sizes are in use at Millers Ltd. and are a complete success, giving splendid results, and reducing pressing and finishing costs by at least 50 per cent. Moreover, the local iron costs less than half the price of the foreign iron.

One could not fail to notice the apparent contentment of the workers and the spirit of happiness that pervades the workrooms. Each section is supervised by an expert, and some, who have had considerable overseas e^P® rience> ex .press amazement at the efficiency attained. Such a satisfactory state of affairs could only give one result —success.