INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2336, 28 September 1881, Page 3

INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.

A committee meeting of the above was held on Tuesday at the Chambers of the Association, Present —Mr J. P. Jameson (chairman), Messrs H. B. Kirk, It. Allan, F. Jenkins, T. G. ' Pascoo, W. R. Mitchell, R. W. England. W. G. Howland, E. H. Banks, A. R. Kirk, J. Waller. Dr. Von Haast, P, Duncan, R. H, Wood, E Toomer, J. Glanville and J. L. Scott. A letter was road from Messrs Jonbert and Twopenny announcing their intention of holding an International Exhibition at Christchurch, and asking for the support and encouragement of the association.—The Chairman said it was a question whether the proposed exhibition woald clash with the efforts of the association in the encouragement of local industries. Ilia opinion was that the opportunity offered by Messrs Jonbert and Twopenny should be taken advantage of, and the cooperation of the association be heartily given. At any rate, whether they agreed or not to assist in the proposed enterprise, the exhibition would he held, and it remained for them to decide whether they would this opportunity for the furtherance, in conjunction with the writers of the letter, of the proper objects of the association or hold aloof. —Mr Allan, to bring the matter nnder discussion, moved a resolution te the effect that a telegraphic reply bo sent to Messrs Jonbert and Twopenny, assuring them of the support and cooperation of the association. Ho said he believed there could be no two opinions as to the benefit the undertaking of the gentlemen named would confer on the manufacturers and business men of New Zealand, and of Christchurch in particular, and he felt sure that no feeling of jealousy would be allowed to prejudice its success, —Professor Von Haast seconded the resolution. —Mr Banks said he thought that it was now proposed to depart from the original intentions of the association. He understood that Messrs Jonbert and Twopenny intended to carry out their idea as a mere commercial speculation. They proposed to offer prizes for manufactures from all parts of the world, and it would be absurd to suppose-that locil manufacturers could compote against all the world. He was against identifying the committee with the speculation of Messrs Jonbert and Twopenny.— Mr Howland acknowledged that an international exhibition would be a grand thing if too much had not to be paid for it. He could see, however, that they would have to pay a good deal for it in a good many ways. The place would be flooded with foreign goods which, once here, would have to be quitted somehow, and that of course would be driving home made goods out of the market which, without disparagement, could not hold their own with the pick of the world’s productions, and the natural result would be that a large amount of money would leave the country, which could ill be spared.—Mr Mitchell did not agree with the last speaker at all. He thought incalculable good would accrue to manufacturers and artisans, especially the young men of the country. Lessons would be taught, which could not be obtained in any other way. It certainly would take a good deal of money out of the country, but it would be money well spent, and afterwards be repaid fifty-fold. He thought they should do their utmost to further the proposed exhibition, at the same time their best efforts should be put out to see their own products fully and properly shown. In answer to a question, the Chairman said the committee had communicated with tie Government as to themselves holding an exhibition, and they had not received any encouragement or promise of assistance. —Mr A. E. Kirk wanted to know whether the proposal of Messrs Jonbert would prevent their own proposed exhibition, and what would happen after? —Mr Allan said no doubt their own contemplated exhibition would be shelved, but surely they did not intend to stop at one exhibition ? In the future there would be plenty of opportunity of occupying the field by themselves. In the meantime they should combine with Messrs Jonbert and take advantage of the chance they would have of showing to the numerous strangers who no doubt would be attracted to Curistohurch what they could do. There was no fear of being eclipsed in everything. He believed there were certain lines in which they could compete with any country. [Hear, hear.] Mr Mitchell apologised to Mr Howland for using his name, but he appealed to any one who had visited the exhibitions in Australia to say whether or not that gentleman’s manufactures in coachbuilding were not fit to compete with anything that was shown there. That was only one line. There were others that could be named which would do them credit anywhere —Mr Allan reminded the committee that in the Melbourne Exhibition New Zealand had taken more first and second class prizes than New South Wales.—Dr. Von Haast suggested that Messrs Jonbert should bo communicated with by letter as to the granting of certain privileges to the association conditionally on receiving its support.—Mr England said any stipulation they might wish to make should be mentioned in their first correspondence with Messrs Joubert and Twopenny. After some further discussion the resolution was carried ns follows “ That a telegraphic reply be sent to Messrs Jonbert and Twopenny, assuring them of the hearty support of this association in assisting them to carry out their enterprise, conditionally that every facility will be given for the display of local productions.” A resolution was then passed adding the name of Mr Mitchell to the Exhibition sub committee, and instructing them to take immediate steps to give effect to the foregoing resolution, principally in the direction of pushing forward the preparation of local exhibits. The Chairman called attention to a specimen of twine manufactured here from locally grown flax, and exhibited by T. S. Payton and Co. Dr. Haast took the opportunity of explaining the objects of the Technological department of the Museum, which, he said, would bo open about Christmas ; he hoped that local producers would assist by showing anything that might bo of use to the department. After adopting a form of circular to gentlemen likely to become members of the Association, the com mittoe adjourned till October 4th