NEW INDUSTRIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 July 1939, Page 7

NEW INDUSTRIES

DECENTRALISATION ISSUE RAISED COMMENT BY MINISTER. MUCH TO BE SAID IN FAVOUR. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. From all parts of New Zealand came reports of increased demand and increased activity in factories, said the Minister of Industries and Commerce. Mr Sullivan, in a statement last night on industrial expansion. A matter of some importance had been raised in Dunedin, where a committee had been formed to advance the claims of the city to the establishment of new industries, the Minister . said. The issue raised concerned once more the problem of decentralisation and there was much to be said in favour of such a course. There were centres in New Zealand with available labour but no industry, and there were industries in the centres of population experiencing difficulty in securing labour“I am sure that there is full scope

for the work of the Dunedin committee and for similar committees in other centres,” Mr Sullivan said. ‘‘Already some concerns have taken the initial steps toward decentralisation with ben ■ eficial results, and "in the Wellington area factories arc being established in such places as Levin and Palmerston North. This is a move that has been created by many circumstances such as difficulty in securing operatives, housing and other things of a like nature. CONTINUING EXPANSION. “Remarkable progress is being made by many of our manufacturers and advices reaching me state that the demand for woven wire and other wire articles has increased to such an extent that the installation of additional modern machinery will be necessary to cope with it. Expansion has taken place in industries producing wooden boxes for manufacturers. The preparation of medicinal supplies and of toothpaste has gone ahead at a remarkable rate and expansion has been very satisfactory. , . ~ “Great activity is reported m the radio trade and the manufacture of sets in New Zealand is providing employment for an ever-increasing number of operatives. Another industry new to the Dominion has been started in Auckland, where one firm has commenced the manufacture of glass-top-ped trays and a variety of article hitherto imported.” The Minister said that from Auckland came reports also that a newlyformed company intended to commence the manufacture of dehydrated products and food concentrates. Already suitable premises had been secured. and the company intended starting production immediately. Then, too. the manufacture of men's hats was providing scope for enterprise in Auckland.

INQUIRIES FROM OVERSEAS. Several overseas concerns were investigating the position with a view to setting up factories in New Zealand, and among others was an Australian firm which contemplated the manufacture of enamel badges and electroplated coffee pots, tea pots, and sports cups and trophies. Women's handbags were to be manufactured by another firm, and the manufacture of tobacco pounches had been commenced already. The preparation of concentrated soups and of jellies had progressed at a most satisfactory rate, and one firm had increased its staff from 43 in February last to 60 today. “From Christchurch the story is the same—a steady advance,” the Minister said. “The machinery for the manufacture of rubber canvas shoes is now being installed, and the company has increased its capital from £15,000 to £lB,OOO. A factory is being erected in Sydenham for the manufacture of bitumen felt and insulated tape. A record year is reported by a manufacturer of galvanised ware. A firm of engineers has found it necessary, due to the increase of orders, to double its factory space and to double its capacity for production. The demand for caidboard boxes grows steadily, and extra machinery is being installed to meet the demand. In another month or two the manufacture of macaroni, spaghetti and vermicelli will be commenced by a recently-formed company. “Taken all through, the • position gives cause for satisfaction. Our manufacturers are readily adapting themselves to the new conditions, and are sparing no efforts to meet the many and varied demands of the people.”