Page 37 - WW1 - 1914

Redditch Local History Society Remembering Redditch Residents & WW1

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Birmingham Daily Post – Saturday 17 October 1914

Redditch Needle and Cycle Trades – Redditch, Friday – in the case of two of the
three principal local industries – needles and cycles – the conditions are, in the circumstances
satisfactory; while in regard to fishing tackle, the outlook is improving. In addition to the
increased business due to the diversion to Redditch of orders from America and other
markets formerly partly served by Germany, the activity in the needle industry is in some
measure due to lard Government orders for the forces. The fear as to the season’s trade in
furnished needle-cases and fancy goods being spoilt by the war appears likely to be only
partially realised as there are now evidences of a revival in that branch. Business is, on the
whole, fairly brisk, and full time is generally being made. Makers of machine, surgical and
other large and fancy needles are fairly busy. In most branches of the fishing tackle industry
short time is being made, but already there are indications of an improvement due in some
measure to a firmer demand from the American market. Fish-hook makers are the heaviest
sufferers, most ot them being only partially employed. Business is very brisk with cycle
manufacturers, largely owing to Government orders for motor and ordinary bicycles.
Overtime is being worked in nearly all branches and the activity bids fair to continue for
many months.

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