MASS PRODUCTION

Hokitika Guardian, 23 February 1933, Page 2

MASS PRODUCTION

NOT ALWAYS THE BEST

LONDON, February 20.

“British industry has been severely blamed, especially by theoretical critics who do not appreciate its difficulties, for slowness in rationalising itself by me arts of combines and amalgamations,” says the writer of a circular issued by a leading firm of London Stock Exchange dealer. “But in those countries, especially America and Germany, where the rationalising process has established mass production on the largest scale, the present crisis has i shown how vulnerable this sytsem is when any setback to trade makes it necessary to curtail operations. .Running far short of capacity not only raises the weight of overhead charges but deprecates machinery to an extent that will, take years to repair. At a time> like the present the smaller and more elastic unit is better able to cope with the reduced demand; and it may prove that the tardiness of British industry in organising itself in huge battalions may find it in better shape than its rivals for dealing with varied conditions. The admitted superiority of 'British workmanship is an important advantage on its side.” A similar opinion was expressed by Mr H. Ramsbotham, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education. “The present depression will help to make a virtue of necessity,” he remarked.. “People will become content to do with less. We shall become more discriminating and selective. The demand will grow .for higher grade articles rather than the cheap, outpourings of mass production. . . Industry in our country will cater for higher standards. It will he known for its quality. T 1 rose who wi-sh to shop in Bond Street will come to Great Britain, and those who must he s''tisfmd with cheaper goods will look to Russia and the East.”