N.Z. WOOL WEEK

Hokitika Guardian, 25 September 1931, Page 2

N.Z. WOOL WEEK

millers confer. (By Telegraph —Per Press Association) WELLINGTON, September 24. With the object of fully discussing meains of developing the Dominion’s woollen industries, a conference between the woollen mill owners and the Federation of Drapers, Clothiers, and Boot Retailers, which was convened by the Department of Industries and Commerce, was opened to-day by Hon. R. Masters. Air Masters said the Government and the Department were extremely anxious to make every efloit to encourage the manufacture or iNew Zealand goods. Unfortunately, the public were too apathetic in the- matter of purchasing New Zealand goods. Possible reasons for this might he insufficient advertising and the lack or co-ordination between the nnuiuia.,turer and the retailer. The manner in which the stimulation oi the industry would assist in reducing unemployment was a most important factor. The Government hoped that every business man in the Dominion would give this aspect consideration. He hoped the conference would bring . forth a free and frank discussion of all the difficulties of both sides, and that as a result, there would he a better understanding and a desire to assist the Dominion in the development of manufacturing industries and of the retail trade.

Constructive proposals were placed before the Conference, and there was a unanimous desire to support the principle of buying the products of New Zealand woollen mills. As an outcome of the conference, a Committee was set up to investigate the possibilities of conducting a Dom-inion-wide “Wool Week,”

The conference passed a resolution congratulating Air Masters on his appointment as a Alinistor in the new Cabinet, and also pledging assistance to the Government in meeting and overcoming the difficulties confronting the Dominion.