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Clip description
This brief fragment with intertitles shows part of the process of manufacturing khaki cloth including sewing, cutting, folding and the finished rolls of khaki.
A woman works beside a large machine which produces large sheets of khaki cloth. She re-threads the machine with large spools. Intertitles indicate that ‘after washing and scouring, the cloth is put through a cutter’. The cutter is briefly shown before the folding machine which folds the sheets of khaki into layers. A man manually assists the machine to finish off folding the last part of the sheet. The fragment ends with the fastened rolls of khaki in a pile.
Curator’s notes
Australia Prepared was produced to demonstrate Australia’s commitment to fighting the First World War, through the provision of troops abroad but also by showcasing local industry. As well as the production of khaki uniforms, the film shows the manufacturing of arms and ammunition, and shipbuilding at naval dockyards in NSW and Victoria.
The presence of women workers symbolises a community united in the war effort and also shows women’s vital contributions on the home front.
