Visitors See Infinite Future Possibilities In Great Primary Industry

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 11, Issue 91, 21 October 1947, Page 5

Visitors See Infinite Future Possibilities In Great Primary Industry

Both the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Holland, and Mr G. H. Mackley, chief director of Whakatane Paper Mills Ltd., at a dinner for visiting Parliamentarians and local Body representatives at the Commercial Hotel on Saturday night, referred to the pulping industry as a great primary industry, second only to food production. Mr. Mackley added that exotic trees would always be a useful “backlog” should the farming industry ever suffer a serious recession. He drew a picture of Whakatane growing into a much bigger and altogether more’ important borough as a result of the industry established here by his ■company. . The utilisation of N.Z.’s exotic forest resources loomed large in the future as a political matter, and all knew what the Government's intentions were, he said. In concluding his response to the toast to the Company moved by Mr Sullivan, district M.P., Mr Mackley expressed the directors’ appreciation of the work of the general manager, Mr Ernest Brown, his executive officers and his staff. Export Possibilities Mr Holland described the Paper Mills operations as a great primary industry, based on the natural resources of the soil. Kte paid a compliment to the efficient running of the plant, which the party had inspected earlier that day, and said he looked forward to the day when it would expand to the point where it could even export its products. In proposing the toast to the hosts of the evening, Whakatane Paper Mills Ltd., Mr Sullivan traced the early struggle of the company under the late Mr Henry Horrocks. It was his faith and vision, Mr Sullivan said, that had carried the venture through to success in the face of all adversity and with very little encouragement. 'The foundation had been laid soundly and well, and Mr Sullivan said he was sure the company would . ultimately become a service to countries overseas. Asset In War And Peace Had it not been for the fact that the Whakatane board mill was operating, he stated that New Zealand would have been without cardboard of any kind throughout the war and since. Despite splendid development so far, the industry was as yet only in its infancy, and was handling only one-third of the plantation growth. There was no end to the scope of future developments. , A weekly wage payout of £2,000 to 280 'people had done much to build and stabilise the business of Whakatane and the district around it. The mill was destined to become of greater service still to the country districts and even to countries ■ overseas. It had already assisted the east coast railway to an extent little realised.

Apart from the official party already mentioned, the guests at the dinner included Mr B. S. Barry, Mayor of Whakatane, who proposed the toast to the visitors, Mr J. L. Burnett, chairman of the County ' Council, Mr H. Mullins, chairman of

the Hospital Board, Mr R. T. Morpeth, president of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr D. C. Butler, of the local National Party branch, Mr W. R. Boon, resident director of the company, Mr Brown and executive officers of the mills.