Page 25 - WW1 - 1915

Redditch Local History Society Remembering Redditch Residents & WW1

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Birmingham Daily Post – Saturday 27 February 1915

Redditch Industries – Redditch, Friday – Business continues to be, on the whole, very
brisk, although the conditions affecting the chief industries vary considerably. There are
signs of improvement in fishing tackle, due to a firmer demand from America, neutral
Continental markets, and the home market; but in most departments business is quiet, and
particularly so the fish-hook and fishing rod branches. As to needles, the activity noticeable
for some months past is fully maintained. At Astwood Bank there is threat of trouble among
the operatives in certain branches, who have recently joined the National Union of
Brassworkers and Metal Mechanics, and who have formulated a demand for higher wage
rates and ore favourable conditions in other respects. Makers of knitting pins and of
machine, surgical, and other large and fancy needles are very busy. There is a continued
activity in the cycle industry, attributable in some measure to Government demands for
motor and ordinary cycles. Overtime is being worked in most branches.

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