THE WOOLLEN INDUSTRY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7504, 6 July 1903, Page 2

THE WOOLLEN INDUSTRY.

Proposed Establishment of Mills

in Masterton.

Public Meeting at Town Hall.

Consideration of Matter Relegated to the Chamber of Commerce.

The meeting convened on Saturday afternoon, at the Town Hall, Masterton, by Mr W. L. Falconer, for the purpose of considering the feasibility of establishing woollen mills in this district, was but poorly attended, only some fifteen persons being present. The project was formally discussed before the chair was taken, and the general opinion prevailing appeared to be in the direction of the Chamber of Commerce taking the initiative in the matter. The establishment of the mills was for the benefit of the town, and it was the business people who should move in the matter, instead of letting tho | settlers, who were not so largely interested as the townspeople, do all the work.

Subsequently Mr D. J. Cameron was voted to tho chair, and in taking it expressed regret at the very small attendance and the apparent apathy of the townspeople in the project. He thought the lukewarmness exhibited was sufficient to damp the ardor of even the most sanguine enthusiast. He felt that, as the meeting was not a large one, it was not advisable to take, any further steps, but he would ask Mr Falconer, convenor of the meeting, to address them.

Mr Falconer also deprecated the very small attendance. However, he said he had been promised large support amongst the townspeople, and he thought there would be no difficulty experienced in raising the requisite capital. A committee of seven members could be appointed, but he would leave it to the meeting to say whether or not they should proceed with the business or adjourn it to a future meeting. Mr J. Colway thought that the matter should be relegated to a body like the Chamber of Commerce, which it was expected would take an interest in such an important scheme. It meant the development of tho town, and the Chamber of Commerce was certainly the right body to take a leading part in it. Mr Falconer had mentioned that townspeople had promised their co-operation, but he considered their absence from the meeting indicated that they were (to use a vulgarism) " pulling his (Mr Falconer's) leg." He moved that the matter be referred to tho Chamber of Commerce.

Mr G. H. Goodall challenged Mr Colway's statement, and said he had authority for stating that many were heartily in sympathy with Mr Falconer's scheme, but were unable to be present, owing to their business keeping them away. Saturday afternoon was an inconvenient time for business people to attend meetings,

Mr G. R. Sykes seconded Mr Colway's proposition.

Mr Goodall moved an amendment that a further meeting be held on a Wednesday afternoon or evening, in order to give the business people an opportunity of attonding. Mr Bennett seconded.

The Chairman remarked that the tradespeople could not be very much interested in the success of the movement, if they could not leave they businesses even for an hour to attend a meeting to discuss a question which was of Bueh vital importance to them.

In the discussion that followed it was pointed out that it was just now midwinter, and that the tradespeople could not leave their premises.

Eventually the amendment was put to the meeting and negatived, the motion being put and carried.