SATURDAY. JUNE 28, 1884. Local Industries

Feilding Star, Volume VI, Issue 8, 28 June 1884, Page 2

SATURDAY. JUNE 28, 1884. Local Industries

A splendid example, which it would be well for many others to follow, lias been shown by a number of influential Wanganui business men. On Wednesday last a meeting was held, over which the Mayor presided. The object of the meeting was to consider the best means of fostering local industries. On the proposition of Mr James Laird, the following resolution was passed : — " That an association be formed to be called the Wanganui Progress and Industrial Association, having for its object the promotion, and encouragement of local industries, and the discussion of all questions calculated to advance the material interests of the Wanganui district." A second resolution was passed to the effect that the business of the association be carried on by a president, two vice-presidents, and a council of 20, five to form a quorum, secretary and treasurer to be appointed by the members. Five shillings per annum was fixed for members' subscription. Our reason for drawing attention to the formation of the above association is that we are convinced that a similar one could with great advantage be formed in Feilding. The nucleus of such a body is already to be found in the Manchester Horticultural and Pastoral Society, the success of whose operations has been most creditable, and we believe that every settler who is a member of that society would lend a willing hand to forward any movement towards the formation of such an association, especially when it is obvious what a great factor it could.be made towards the general prosperity of the Manchester Block. Among the many industries which could be fostered profitably, we may mention cheese and butter, potash, honey, iruit, hops, fungus, and silk worms. With the exception of the manufacture of potash, every one of these are at present being worked to a limited extent, but we are convinced that with the assistance and support of the association, what is now, in nearly every instance, cultivated and produced as a means of recreation during leisure hours, would become a permanent source of revenue. In the item of fruit cultivation, every man in the district is fully aware of the remarkable fertility of the soil, and the suitableness of the climate, for the production of all English fruits, such as apples, &c. The thousands of fruit trees imported and planted every spring are a convincing proof of this knowledge. Yet annually we send away quite a thousand pounds in payment of fruit grown in other parts. In one year 50 tons of apples alone were imported into Feilding. If we had had such an association as we now advocate, the Government would have found it difficult or dangerous to have refused, as it did a few weeks ago, permission to Mr Fedebu to lecture on Sub-Tropical Industries. We would suggest thai! the Mayor and Borough Councillors take the matter in hand, call a public meeting to discuss the subject, and endeavor to form a similar body to that of Wanganui. By so ' doing they will earn the gratitude of every, person who is desirous of witnessing and assisting in the progress of the town. and dis-