PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 27 July 1929, Page 7

PRIMARY INDUSTRIES

IMPORTANCE STRESSED

HON. H. ATMORE’S VIEWS ENDORSED

At the annual dinner of the Commercial Travellers’ and Warehousemen’s Association at Auckland, the Hon. H. Atmoro represented the Government in the unavoidable absence of the Prime Minister. Air Atmoro, in replying to the toast of the Government, spoke at considerable length oil tho general outlook and more particularly on the means to he. adopted to bring about a better state, of affairs in New Zealand with a view to eliminating tho evil of unemployment and working towards permanent prosperity for the people of tho Dominion. The Alinister contended that this could be done by raising the status of the farmer and by-imbuing all New Zealanders with the right perspective as to the relative importance of various industries. He strongly emphasised that secondary industries could only he stimulated per medium of the primary industries.

The chairman of the Auckland Hospital Board (Mr William Wallace) in responding to the toast- of local bodies, said that he had been intensely interested in Air Atmore’s statement and was sure that the Alinister was on the right lines. He added that the views expressed had brought to his mind the saying tlialt although there were many politicians there were few statesmen in the country, but the clear-cut expression of opinion and the sound views held by Mr At more justified him in saying that Air Atrnore is certainly among the statesmen.

Confirmation of Air Wallace's views was expressed by Air Wynvard (chairman ot the Auckland Harbour Board gnd a member of the Highways Board), who said he certainly thought that Air Atmorc’s views were on the lines necessary for the development of New Zealand.

Air Carter (representing the U.S.S. Company) said lie had been thrilled with the speech delivered by the Minister of Education and he agreed with every word of his remarks.

Air 11. H. Sterling (General AL-mager of New Zealand Railways) in replying to the toast- of that department, said he knew that public servants were not supposed to criticise the utterances of Ministers, hut he had been so impressed by Air Atmore’s speech that he proposed . to suggest that he be considered as still in the butter business. Alluding'to the position !i P bad hold as manager of the New Zealand Dairy Association during tho short period he had left the railway service he said, speaking freely from that position. he .might sav that , when the Prime AFinister was selecting his Cabinet and had selected Mr At more for the important portfolio of Education, arid when the. Minister had stated that we must pay more attention to the agricultural industry of New Zealand and liad suggested that an agricultural bias should be given to our education system instead of educating hoys and girls away from the land, the words “agricultural bias” caught his imagination and lie said “at last we have th G right man for tho job.” The complimentary remarks of tbe speakers referred to were greeted with applause by those present, and at the conclusion of .Mr Atniores address, which In- gave as the guest of the evening, he was enthusiastically applauded.