THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 1882. THE INDUSTRIAL PRIZE.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2529, 17 May 1882, Page 3

THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, MAY 17, 1882. THE INDUSTRIAL PRIZE.

It is very satisfactory to notice that the jurors in the respective classes of the Exhibition recommend no less than three of our local industries for the blue ribbon of the Exhibition —the Industrial prize. This evidences the great strides made in the matter of local industries amongst us during the past few years. We have seen them from comparatively -small beginnings grow up till now they are such as we have reasonable cause to be proud of. The fact that three of our staple industries, viz., boot manufacturing, that of clothing, tweeds, Ac., and last, but by no means least, pottery, drain pipes, &c., have been selected each by a separate jury as deserving the highest honour at the International Exhibition, whore the industries of the world meet in competition, is also a thing not to bo overlooked. This proves that our local manufacturers have not been idle, but have made the most of the opportunities afforded to them. Further than this, again, it is cause for congratulation that the magnitude of these industries is such as to enable permanent and remunerative employment to be afforded to a large number of persons, thus planting in our midst the very class of people likely to conduce most to the steady progress of any community. In this respect, therefore, as well as in the development of our local resources, the utilisation of our natural products, and the general advancement of the district, the three representative firms of the different branches to which we have alluded, viz , the Kaiapoi Woollen Company, Messrs Austin and Kirk and Messrs Lightband, Allan and Co., have done well, deserving the commendation of their fellow-colonists. The only regret is, that whore merit is so evenly balanced, not alone in the quality of the articles produced, but also in the assistance given to advance the true interests of local industries, there are not three prizes to award. Each one of the competitors selected by the jurors for the prize seems to us to bo well worthy an award, and as each represents a separate branch of industry, the prize might with great propriety be multiplied by three. We would, therefore, suggest that steps be taken to raise sufficient money by public subscription, which we have no doubt could easily be done to supplement Messrs. .Toubert and Twopeny’s handsome gift by two similar trophies. If this were taken in hand energetically and at once, wo feel sure that a successful issue would be reached. The community at largo aro deeply indebted to the perseverance, enterprise, and indomitable pluck of these gentlemen. In two cases especially the industry has been built up by the almost unaided exertions of the proprietors. This is especially applicable to the industry established by Messrs. Austin and Kirk. Starting from the work-bench themselves, with but small capital, and working under what appeared almost insurmountable difficulties, they have succeeded iu raising up in our midst an industry of which Canterbury baa just reason to bo proud. The same, in a modified degree, may bo said of Messrs. Lightband, Allan and Co. Of the Kaiapoi Woollen Factory, it is impossible to speak too highly, but it must bo remembered that it has now come out as a wealthy and powerful company, with a largo body of influential shareholders, and though we are prepared to accord the highest possible praise to tho company for what it has done, and is still doing, in tho cause of local industries, wo cannot but think that Messrs, Austin and Kirk, should our suggestion not be entertained of making

the prize threefold, are beat entitled to receive it. They are not, it is true, the largest, nor do they employ the greates number of hands, but, considering that the business is the result, not of the united capital of a large number of shareholders, but of the pluck, energy, perseverance and prudence of two workingmen, we cannot but consider that the result fully entitles them to bo considered as the firm which has done most to advance local industries in their truest and fullest sense. The great principle taught by the development of local industries of any kind in a community is self-reliance and selfhelp. This principle Messrs A.ustin and Kirk have to the fullest degree illustrated in the history of their works, and if only one prize is awarded, we should say, most unhesitatingly, and without in any way disparaging the efforts of the other two competitors, that they are fully entitled to the honour of the Industrial prize. Wo trust, however, that the awards committee will be spared a most difficult task by the adoption of the course we propose. In the course of a few hours wo would undertake to say a hundred pounds could be obtained towards the cost, either of two similar trophies such as that offered Iby Messrs. Joubert and Twopeny, or I others as may be decided. Each of the competitors, in their respsctive lines, which differ widely, has done such service as fully to entitle them to recognition; and the plan we propose, whilst giving honor only where it is justly due, will also obviate any feeling of annoyance or dissatisfaction. We commend the suggestion we have thrown out to the consideration of his Worship the Mayor, whose patriotism and public spiritedness are well known. If the difference between the three recommended for the prize was so marked as to put one far ahead of the rest, wo should not deem it right to make any remarks. But it is not so. The three are so equal on nearly all points as to make it a matter of groat difficulty for any person to give the palm to a particular one. Therefore it is that we suggest the presentation to each as a fit and worthy representative of the particular branch of industry.