Other formats

    Adobe Portable Document Format file (facsimile images)   TEI XML file   ePub eBook file  

Connect

    mail icontwitter iconBlogspot iconrss icon

The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 23

Woollen Manufactures

Woollen Manufactures.

This is at present probably the most important manufacture in our colony; but, as there has been comparatively no export of manufactured woollen material, it is difficult to arrive at a correct conclusion as to the actual state of the industry. In 1884 the export of woollens and blankets together only amounted to £1,610; the imports amounting to £75,151 for woollens and £25,370 for blankets, the duty charged being 15 per cent, ad valorem. In 1882 the amount for both was £155,314; but it page 60 must be remembered that the consumption in the colony of New Zealand woollens and blankets is very large, and is rapidly increasing as the superior quality of the fabrics is becoming known, and this seems proved by the above figures. The chief woollen mills are the Mosgiel, the Roslyn, and the Kaiapoi; and in 1882 (the last return available) they consumed between them 2,000,000lb. of wool. For some time after these mills were established the returns were not considered satisfactory by the proprietors; but excellent management and determined perseverance to produce really superior work has had a most beneficial effect: and these mills are now, it is believed, highly remunerative, though, from many inquiries made, it is found that there are many drawbacks to perfect success. In a joint letter from the above-mentioned companies to the Royal Commissioners on Colonial Industries, dated the 16th April, 1880, they say, "We do not advocate any addition to the existing rate of Customs duty, namely, 15 per cent. ad valorem upon woollen goods, as we consider this a fair enough set-off against (1) the high rate of colonial interest; (2) the high rate of colonial wages; (3) the cost of bringing out to the colony the necessary machinery, dye-stuffs, and other articles necessary in carrying on the business of a woollen factory. Secondly, we are of opinion that the direction in which your Commission might most materially assist us as woollen manufacturers is by recommending to the Legislature the relaxation of the Employment of Females Act, known as Bradshaw's Act; and we would urge this on your most favourable consideration." They then give reasons at length for being permitted to work their mills longer than eight hours out of the twenty-four. On the whole, it seems they must have been pretty well content then, if this is all they had to complain of. The Factories Act they refer to is still in force, and, while deeply sympathizing with all efforts to make manufactures a success, we can never be forgetful of the overwhelming evil attendant upon working women and children long hours, and the necessity of legislating in order to protect these helpless ones. Not even the establishment of gigantic factories would compensate for the introduction of evils which the English Factories Acts were designed to suppress. In another letter Messrs. Ross and Glendinning urge that coloured yarns used in weaving should be admitted free of duty, as they are a special page 61 line of manufacture, and would not pay to produce in the colony. But this view is opposed by the manager of the Mosgiel Company. On the whole the suggestion on which greatest stress is laid is, that the Employment of Females Act is unjust and needless.

It appears, then, that at present the mills in existence are having a speedy sale at profitable prices for all their manufactures; but no doubt their success will lead to the establishment of other mill?—indeed a woollen company has been started lately at Wellington; and that, when they have produced sufficient for home requirements, they will require a larger market; and I hope to show, in the section on trade, how that market is to be obtained. At present it is a matter of great congratulation that this manufacture has been so far a success, and that the goods are so generally admitted to be superior in quality to the imported article of equal price: a strict protective duty would rather tend to impede than assist its legitimate development, and it is not likely to be imposed. We must always bear in mind that to double the cost of necessaries is to perpetuate high wages, to the loss of the employer, without advantage to the labourer. The woollen manufacturers are now turning their attention to the making of clothing, and there cannot be a doubt as to the superiority of their make over ordinary imported goods. Great care is taken as to style, cut, and finish; and it is hard to distinguish some of their goods from tailor-made articles. In boys' suits especially their goods are infinitely superior to what can be ordinarily purchased; and, if the retail buyer could only purchase at a fair advance on factory prices, there would not be a suit of imported goods sold. In order to overcome the difficulty with retail dealers the New Zealand Clothing Factory have retail shops in most towns. But the woollen manufacturers could not do that well, and at the same time sell largely wholesale. Still, the retail dealers should learn, or be taught, that their real interest lies in promoting the sale of New-Zealand-made goods.

The woollen exhibits in the Exhibition command the admiration of all, and the writer's attention was at once taken by the beautiful softness of the material, the good taste displayed in colours and patterns, and the variety of articles manufactured by the New Zealand Clothing Factory. The same remarks apply to the Mosgiel Company's exhibit, where coloured yarns and page 62 tropical tweeds formed the specialities. For beauty, usefulness, and interest combined I think these exhibits take the premier position in the Exhibition. I was glad to notice quite lately the declaration of 10-per-cent. dividends by some of the woollen companies, which is the best practical proof of their success. The writer travelled a long distance to Wellington for the special purpose of obtaining the advantage of a visit to the Exhibition, in order to see the things about which this essay is written, and felt fully recompensed for his trouble in so doing.