POST-WAR ACTIVITIES

Evening Star, Issue 24324, 13 October 1942, Page 2

POST-WAR ACTIVITIES

PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS MANUFACTURERS ANNUAL MEETING In the course of his address to th* twenty-fifth annual meeting' of the Dunedin Manufacturers’ Association last night, the president (Mr J. C. H. Somerville), after reviewing the activities for the year, touched upon what he considered were some of the vital problems concerning the development of Otago. A tunnel between Sawyers Bay and Waitali was one. Such a project, he said, would cut out the tedious grade round Mihiwaka and shorten the time of travel to Christchurch. Dealing with rehabilitation plans, Mr Somerville considered that afforestation should play a big part. Around Dunedin there was considerable scope for a major afforestation scheme, which would not only afford congenial work for matt in this area, but in the industries that would result. Representations had already been made to the City Council by all the local organisations, and he strongly stressed the necessity for an early decision because, otherwise, it would be found that money for rehabilitation purposes would bo spent on similar schemes in other areas. The expansion of air travel after the war and the possibilty of creating a new airport in the upper harbour were also referred to by the speaker. Sounding a note of warning regarding the population problem, Mr Somerville quoted figures which showed that the number of children attending primary schools in Otago at present was 4,750 fewer than was the case in 1886. This reduction in the size of families was due either to physical degeneracy, to selfishness, or to economic conditions, and if economic conditions were the main cause, they could be, and must be, overcome. The Government, by the introduction of advanced social legislation, had done much to alleviate the position, but unless the country had a young, virile, and rising population, more and more people would be recaiving benefits and fewer and fewer contributing to the scheme. A general raising of the national income and the standard of living was no solution, he stated, and what, was required was a distribution-of the national income which would be more in proportion to family responsibilities. Speaking of the production of munitions and supplies, Mr Somerville said that wherever possible manufacturers had done their utmost to get into production without delay. The only hold-up was in the matter of raw materials from overseas. The Chairman paid a tribute to the members of the mercantile marine, and said that in fulfilling the requirements of New Zealandmade goods when hospitals and military camps were established the New Zealand manufacturer had done his job. If the public had to do without certain articles or commodities, he added, it was because the fighting forces needed them, and their needs came first. ■ The motion for the adoption of the report was seconded by Mr G. W. Lane, who stressed the need for every effort being made for the launching of an afforestation scheme in Dunedin without delay. There were 20,000 acres between Waitati and Taieri Mouth which were suitable for afforestation. •

The following office-bearers were electedPresident, Mr J. C. H. Somerville; vice-pre-sidents, Messrs G, W. Lane and D. H. Blackie; committee (two vacancies to be filled), Messrs 6. G. Austin and K. W, Brown; treasurer, Mr G. W. Reid; auditor* Mr W. G. Kindley.