INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION

Hokitika Guardian, 14 March 1923, Page 2

INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION

VISIT OF MR JEXKIN. ADDRESS ON ITS AIMS. The meeting at the County Chamhors, convened for Inst evening for the purpose of hearing an address by Mr , .Tonkin (President of the Canterbury Industrial Association) suffered in at- , tendance owing to the very inclement weather. The County Chairman (Mr j W. Jeffries) presided and briefly intro- ; duced Mr .Tonkin. I

Mr .Tonkin (President of the Canter- : bury Industrial Association) expressed liis pleasure at the opportunity of addressing those present on the linking up of the East and West Coasts of the Association and its aims. The near approach of the opening of the tunnel was due to a great extent to the West Coast and Canterbury Progress Leagues. The aims of the Association was to encourage local and dominion secondary and manufacturing industries; to assist those already developed ; to establish closer relations between primary producers and manufacturers and all other persons engaged in developing the resources, trade and commerce of the Dominion, lie took it that those aims were in the minds of the manufacturers of the West Coast. He hoped to extend their spheres to include the West Coast, Nelson and -Marlborough. They desired to extend their powers and tiring in all the outlying centres. It would shortly bo possible for delegates from Hokitika to leave in the morning, and attend the meeting of the Association in the evening at Christchurch. At present 80,000 ■ persons were engaged in the secondary 1 industries ol New Zealand. \\ hen the ! war broke out the whole of the hundred | thousand men who were sent away ' were equipped by the industries ol the | Dominion, and the quality thereof was | tlie subject of milch comment by other 1 soldiers overseas.

One of the objects of tin' 1924 exhibition in London was to show what New Zealand can manufacture. When the hydro-electric power was invoked throughout New Zealand they would find a very great advance of their secondary industries. As an instance Oi the growth ol secondary industries the following figures were interesting:— 189(5 1921 Factories 2,459 4,804

Employers ...... 27,389 70,255 Wages paid .... 1,907.592 11.(545,(501 Cost of material 3,201,019 •>•>,oil, 1(53 Output 7,934,111 82,473,509 This district was going to help to materially increase these very large figures. They were trying to do this, mid for that they wanted assistance to help in the consumption of New Zealand made goods. A trade mark was in view for the purpose oi letting all know it was New Zealand made and thus ensure constant employment for the people of the Dominion. The question was bigger and deeper than appeared on the surface. V\ hen they had an imported article that was destroyed or worn out, they only had left what was profit, but when it was New Zealand made, they -till had all the cost left here. The aim of Hie manufa'-t urci - was ro rope every one, to make a unit'd font. The la Lent natural wealth at ■ jur fm door? was receiving the consideration of the people of the Dominion. They had almost every class ol minerals in the hills at our doors, and only the ingenuity of man was required to bring forth their value. At no distant date this Dominion was designed to be a great manufacturing place. There was urgent need for more population. There would be a big opening in the East for our primary products and our manufactured goods. The need lor increased population was one of the urgent needs of the Dominion. We

wanted skilled men in the various in

dust-rios. far more than that of laborers. There vas not sufficient skilled workers for woollens, and leather goods. Our manufactures would stand comparison with the world,. in tlieii woollen goods and hoots. There wore :i(i million pounds worth of goods imported into New Zealand, each year. One of the latest moves of the Association was the setting up of a scientific research committee, to help solve the problems that come before Ihe producer. The manufacturers who lorm half of the population of New Zealand, arc entitled to the same privileges that are given to tho primary producers. 1) b, two reasons for ruining to the Coast uas to help to advance the best interests of the Exhibitiunn and to meet and help the manufacturers of the West f'oast, and to help them to link up with the Canterbury Association, which would prove of mutual advantage. He asked them to make some effort to link up with the Canterbury people, to combine in the great effort !h,-s were making for units in the aim r ) advance the best interests ol New Zealand ns a whole. Mr Jenkin stated in reply to questions that the subscription was £1 Is nor -.-car per member. The Cantor- .• "Association at present had a credit ’balance of CWOO. They were at present preparing oil a wide propaganda work lo urge on a wide seal--, me using of New Zealand goods. An inton-siing round the lable discussion followed on. various matters, Mr .lonisin'.' replies and statements being of a very informative nature. At the conclusion, Mr Evans moved that the meeting having heard Mr Jcu kin’s dear exposition appreciates the verv generous oiler of affiliation hv the Cai’.i.’-rburv Industrial Association, and promises to give every possible assistance wills a. view to obtaining membership for the Association. —seconded by Mr Davidson am! carried. 1 1 v. as s’ated that a number of applications for membership would he made. Mr .k-nkiii promising to send (ie'er application forms for signature, the intention being to form a \\est-

laud branch of the Association. On the motion of the Chairman a verv heartv vote of thanks was passed to Mr Jenkin for his able and instructive address. This was earned by acclamation. Mr Jenkin acknowledging the vote expressed his keen nppieruum, of the very warm welcome am hospitality extended to him throughout hi' visit, 'which had been a i cry pleasant one. . ~, , \ complimentary vote t;> me tn- n man for presiding terminated the meeting. _ Schroder and Co., are now fully prepared with winter Furs, in Stoles and Wraps at exceptional value. ’1 he beautiful Furs include, skunk, silver fox, mole coney, black coney, kit fox. white thibet, imitation ermine. kolinsky wraps, imitation squirrel, bear, skunk goat, stranded goat, marabout wraps, natural budgets, jackal, seal. and (leaver. These have all been secured on favourable terms by Schroder and Co. Inspection invited.—Advt.