Aluminium Demand Doubled

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31000, 4 March 1966, Page 1

Aluminium Demand Doubled

CN.Z. Press Association) NEW PLYMOUTH, March 3.

The market for aluminium in New Zealand was expanding faster than in any other country in the world, the general manager of Comalco, Mr E. A. Holbrook, said in New Plymouth today. Mr Holbrook visited New Plymouth today for the official opening of McKechnie

I Brothers (N.Z.), Ltd.’s new ■factory at Bell Block. In 1959 New Zealand’s per capita usage of aluminium was 51b. Last year this had increased to 111 b and by 1970 the usage was expected to be about 17 to 181 b. Comalco's proposal to build a smelter plant in the South Island must be related to other locations in the world, Mr Holbrook said. ‘lt will be for an international mar-ket-exports will form the basic market.” Commenting on the high price of copper Mr Holbrook said more and more users were converting to aluminium. The future of the metal

was bright. Plastics had made a few inroads but aluminium had regained its place. Industrialists and heads of government departments met for the opening. Six aircraft brought guests from all over New Zealand. Use of Kapuni natural gas could be of great assistance as New Zealand’s industrial revolution gained impetus, said the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake). “Who knows—this might be just the beginning of a very considerable industrial development for Taranaki,” he said. The province could become

a big manufacturing area in addition to being one of New Zealand’s main farming districts, “It is imperative that we produce more goods within the country to replace the imports we can no longer afford to bring in,” said the Prime Minister. The continued expansion of the country’s manufacturing industries was essential for the development of the economy, raising living standards and maintaining full employment for the growing population. “New Zealand stands on the threshold of great industrial development,” he said.