COMPETITION RESULT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 55, 7 March 1946, Page 4

COMPETITION RESULT

WANGANUI FACTORY WAGES "The total amount paid out annually in wages by Wanganui factories and manufacturers is £358,006, and the total paid by those displaying goods during the Industrial Fair is £334,762. It was on the latter sum that the recent competition was based,” said Mr. S. R. McCallum, secretary of the Wanganui branch of the Wellington Manufacturers’ Association, last night. The nearest estimate submitted, added Mr. McCallum, was that put in by E. Couchman, 10 Fromont Street, Wanganui East, who was less than £2OOO out with £333,000 13s 4d and therefore was awarded first prize, £lO. The second prize of £5 goes to M. W. Allom, 7 Sarjeant Street, with an estimate of £342,758.

“Guesses ranged from £35,000 to millions,” said Mr. McCallum. “Peraps it is that we speak so glibly of millions that we have lost our true perspective, for several persons submitted estimates running into seven figures, the three largest being respectively four, six and seven millions.”

Giving an indication of what industry meant to Wanganui, it was stated that factories and manufacturers provided employment for over 1400 people and paid out wages averaging approximately £6OOO a week. A survey of local factories showed that over 300 more were required to staff fully the existing factories. Most of these were females. Given the necessary female staff to increase production, one factory alone would be in a position to offer employment to 25 men. "The response to the competition was very gratifying,” concluded Mr. McCallum, “and the committee responsible has expressed keen appreciation of the support accorded.”