1920.] 



Han d Loom Wea vino . 



563 



in many communities; and also instal in the most suitable and 

 central position its own " dyeing and finishing" plant. 



For the successful commencement and maintenance of a 

 scheme such as is outlined above, each worker should be made 

 to feel that he or she is a factor in an interesting and growing 

 industry. 



The following requirements ' are essential in hand loom 

 weaving : — 



1. The possession of a really efficient hand loom. A loom 

 well suited for the purpose has already been designed in the 

 University of Leeds, and patterns would be at the disposal of a 

 Home Industries Association. 



2. The provision of yarns suitable in quality, thickness and 

 colour. Temporary arrangements for securing this have 

 already been made by the University of Leeds, which might 

 also render valuable aid to associations to make permanent 

 provision. 



3. The assistance of intelligent organisers is very necessary. 

 Even more skilful organisation is required for hand loom 

 weaving than for power industries. 



The "finishing" operations might well be arrange^ 

 temporarily in conjunction with the Leeds University, or 

 permanently with certain recognised dyers and finishers. 



The necessity for the satisfactory disposal of the goods has 

 already been referred to. The organisers of the several weaving 

 centres should be kept informed as to which goods obtain a 

 ready sale, so that such goods may be produced. 



In conclusion, the writer would urge that unless such an 

 organised scheme as that outlined is taken in hand, the question 

 of hand loom weaving in rural districts is not likely to succeed. 

 Even the smallest scheme would necessitate considerable capital 

 expenditure, but the provision of the requisite capital might be 

 made the test for sincerity and earnestness of purpose. It appears 

 to the writer that the scheme would need to be stimulated by 

 generous grants in the first place, but that the Association should 

 ultimately be entirely in the hands of the workers. Some such 

 scheme as that evolved for the Scientific Research Associations 

 might well be adopted. The stimulus such a scheme might be 

 to the worker can well be imagined. To control his own 

 activities, to feel himself part of a growing, prosperous organisa- 

 tion, and to revel in " Threads of Thought and Colours of 

 Fancy " — what possibilities there may still be of a happy, 

 contented life in Rural England ! 



