EXPANSION OF INDUSTRY

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23964, 3 June 1943, Page 6

EXPANSION OF INDUSTRY

REPORTS TO PROGRESS LEAGUE SPECIAL CLAIMS BY CANTERBURY A preliminary report on industrial expansion in Canterbury was given to the Progress League last evening by Mr J. E. Strachan. He reviewed deliberations of the special committee investigating the subject at its first meeting. Relative development was important where one area progressed at the expense of another, or where disparities were not in the best interests of the country as a whole, he said. He mentioned the drift caused by central political administration with the departments and public services necessary in consequence. There was also the inducement to businessmen to establish themselves where “things were done,” Economies claimed for this centralisation were in many cases fictitious, as had been proved by investigations overseas. The reserves of natural resources in Canterbury and the South Island as a whole was one of the chief merits in the move for regional development. Mr Straehan said. The new demands for small seeds, processed farm products, and electro-chemically treated mineral deposits were just some of the avenues in which the South Island might make striking advances and contributions to the national benefit. The movements of great concourses of people after the war should be anticipated and some encouragement given to ‘‘brains and skill” to settle in New Zealand. Along with town planning and transport control on a national basis should be considered cultural developments. Surveys of projects suitable, for development were being prepared, and manufacturers and business houses were being asked to report their disabilities for the benefit of future discussions.