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The fine modern factory of
W. D. & H. O. Wills (New Zealand) Limited, Petone.
For over half a century the tobaccos and cigarettes of W. D. & H. O. Wills of Bristol, have been in the forefront of popularity with New Zealand smokers. Twenty-two years ago W. D. & H. O. Wills (New Zealand) Limited commenced manufacturing in Wellington and twelve years later, the growing need for larger and more adequate premises caused them to transfer the manufacturing business to Petone, where they have been established for over ten years in the commodious and up-to-date factory they now occupy.
The modern factory and surrounding buildings stand in five and a-half acres of spacious grounds. The main building is fronted by broad lawns, and elsewhere playing fields cater for many sports. Attractive gardens complete the pleasant surroundings.
Messrs. W. D. & H. O. Wills (New Zealand) Limited provide employment for over six hundred persons at Petone. All girls are engaged by the Staff Matron and their health and welfare are her special consideration. In addition a trained Sports Mistress looks after the playing and physical activities of the Staff. During the lunch hour, many of them practice the various games in which they take part, and many a fine team is out to represent "Wills" each Saturday.
From the flat roof of the factory, there is a magnificent view of the Hutt Valley and harbour, and here are several Deck Tennis Courts—crowded whenever the opportunity offers.
In addition, the management have built and equipped a large cafeteria and centrally heated lunch-room, from which a magnificent view adds to the cheerful lunch-hour atmosphere.
In surroundings and conditions such as these, the Staff of W. D. & H. O. Wills (New Zealand) Limited find pleasurable employment in carrying out the many and varied processes involved in the transformation of dried leaf into Cigarettes, Cigarette and Pipe Tobaccos—products ranking with the world's best.
W. D. & H. 0. Wills' factory is one of which Petone is justly proud.