INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2614, 23 August 1882, Page 4

INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.

The annual meeting of the Canterbury Industrial Asscciation was held at the CornExchange last evening at eight o'clock. About fifty persons were present. Mr J. P. Jameson, president, ocoupied the chair. Tho Secretary then read the annual report as follows :

On the occasion of the termination of the year, when the officers and members of the committee retire from duty, it has been customary to fOrnish a resume of their operations, and the results accomplished during the expired term. In rendering this report your committee may at onej frankly admit that daring the early part of the year a question arose which elicited differing opinions of so important a nature that the personel of its members was considerably changed ; and on the resignation of those who retired on account of an adverse vote c rrie<3 at a meeting of the association, expressing disapproval of the pledge given .to support Messrs Joubert and Twopeny in their endeavors to establish an International Exhibition, their successors were appointed by the remaining members. Subsequently, at a second meeting of the association, the resolution referred to was rescinded.

It may be noted that the association desired at the commencement of the year to make preparation for holding an intercolonial exhibition, bnt while being discouraged by the anticipated expense, which the Government declined to participate in, Messrs Joubert and announced their determination to undertake one of an international character, and whioh, after a most successful career, has now just been brought to a close. The promoters, on their arrival in Christchurch, after considerable difficulty, succeeded in securing a most eligible Bite—a portion of the Park being leased to them for six months free of rent —and in an exceedingly short space of time a building was ereoted which proved to be well adapted for the purpose intended. The space covered amounted to 4i acres, aud was divided into bays, arranged in long corridors, connecting octagon-Bhaped towers at the corners. A lofty transept ran through the centre aud formed a grand entrance, together with a concert room and an apartment for the exhibition of pictures. The various courts were arranged for occupation by exhibitors from all parti of the world, including France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Turkey, Japan, India, China, Italy, Belgium, America, Australia, with an excellent display from England. The courts appropriated to Nesr Zealand productions were filled with goods which gave evidence of very great advancement in manufactures, amongst which may specially be named woollens of great variety.boots and shoes, leather, furniture, pottery, confectionery, wood carving, bookbinding, soaps, steam engines and agricultural machinery, ranges, carriages, cordage, perfumery, aud medioal preparations ; a large collection also of natural products, such as grain and wool, flax and minerals, including many samples of coal and iron, marble, and various building stones. An inspection of these local products was calculated to give a fresh impetus to industries already in existence, and to suggest the establishment of others from raw materials, which for quality and quantity adapts them for very extensive consumption. No doubt cau be entertained but that the committee ef the association, aided in the accumulation of the very interesting and extensive collection of local exhibits. In consideration of this aid, the promoters decided to present a prize to the person who was judged to have done most for the advancement of the industries of New Zealand. The following firms were recommended by the jurors in the various daises as being entitled to compete for this prize, viz , Messrs Lightband, Allan and Co., Austin, Kirk and Co., J. Piper, the Kaiapoi Woollen Manufacturing Company, and Messrs Beid and Gray. The committee of judging and awards, of which your president was a member, after full consideration, unanimously awarded it to the Kaiapoi Woollen Company. The trophy consists of a very elaborate silver jug and two goblets to match, valued at about £BO, manufactured,by Messrs, Petersen and Co., from New Zealand silver.

Amongst the various new industries in course ef introduction may be mentioned that of sericiculture, under the direction of Mr Federli, a very able and energetic promoter. The Government have provided funds to a limited extent, and a considerable number of mulberry trees have been distributed through the district. Grain has also been secured from Japan, and the hatching and rearing of the worms have been very successful. It is gratifying also to announce that companies are in course of formation for the encouragement of the growth of European flax, and subsequent preparation of the fibre; also the manufacture of linseed oil and cake. This branch of manufacture is a very important one, and will no doubt develop into a very large industry, giving occupation to a great number of hands.

The Government bonus for the production of sulphuric acid has been applied for by the New Zealand Drug Company, and it is reported that the article is of excellent quality. The newly oommencei export of meat and dairy produce under the refrigerating process will no doubt grow into great importance, and not only enhance the value of the artioles exported but the laud on which they are produced, and give the greatest hope for the future prosperity of the pastoral interests of the colony. Tour committee has given considerable attention to the railway tariff, many of the charges for the carriage of goods being considered excessive, and a memorial has been addressed to the Legislature mentioning many of the existing causes of complaint, and urging a general revision with a view to reductions, and expressive of the view that with a suitably adapted tariff the railway receipts would be largely increased, and much benefit be derived by the numerous producers whose goods have to be transmitted to the centres of consumption or to the port of shipment. A copy of the petition is attached hereto.

If a reference may be made to the direct steam service with Great Britain, your committee would desire to express the earnest hope that it may soon become an accomplished fact, not so much the result of a heavy subsidy, but through the enterprise of shipping firms, who would see it to be their interest to seek a New Zealand trade. Tour committee cannot conclude this report without recording their opinion of the great importance of establishing railway communication between Canterbury and the West Coast, and their desire that the subject may receive the early and serious consideration of the Government, such project giving infinitely more promise of payable returns than the _ line now suggested for oonnoctinsr with Picton via Cheviot. The large deposits of minerals acd extensive forests of useful timber would at once produce a considerable traffic, which would be furlher augmented by the carriage "of produce from the agricultural districts on this side the range. The treasurer's annual statement is appended hereto.

The balance sheet, duly audited by Messrs W. R. Mitohell and H. B. Webb, was also read, by which it was shown the receipts wore :—Balance brought forward, £341 3s lid; subscriptions, £sl lis; total, £392 143 lid. The expenditure was £77 2», a fixed deposit of £3OO having been made, leaving a balance of £ls 12s lid. The liabilities amounted to £BO 3s, against whioh was cash in hand £29 7s lid, leaving a debit balance of £SO 15s. There was also offiae fittings valued at £25. The Chairman said that, before moving the adoption of the report, he had to refer to the Technological Museum, as arranged by Dr. Haaat, which would assist artizans very muoh in their searoh for knowledge. He bad also to refer to tho late Exhibition, which he doubted not would boar good fruit in the future. He had great pleasure in proposing the adoption of the report and balance sheet.

Mr B. H. Banks seconded the proposition, which on being pnt was carried unanimously. The eleotion of officers resulted as follows : President, Mr A. G. Howland ; vice preaidents, Messrs W. 8. King and R. W. Eng. land ; treasurer, Mr E. H.Banks;committee, Messrs L. Bergh, B. Buohanan, E. Ourlett, E. Ford, B. J. Hale, F, Jenkins, E. Jones, T. O Kelsey, A. B. Kirk, H. B. Kirk, H. Milsom, W. Neighbours, D. Beese, H. J. Robs, M. Sandstein, J. L. Scott, E. Shanks, J. B. Sheath, B. Toomer, J. Waller. Messrs Howland, England, and King returned thanks for their eleotion. Votes of thanka were passed to the retiring officers and also to the auditors. This conoluded the bnsiness.