MAKING MUNITIONS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 8 November 1940, Page 2

MAKING MUNITIONS

MINISTER CLAIMS GOOD PROGRESS. LARGE AND EXPANDING OUTPUT. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, November 7. Appreciation of New Zealand’s war effort and the splendid spirit of cooperative response from all sections of the community was expressed in an address by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, Mr. Sullivan, at this morning’s conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, after a welcome by the president, Mr. W. A. MacGibbon, who emphasised that, while retaining the privilege of criticism of the Government, the chamber’s desire was to be constructive and helpful and to co-operate to the fullest extent. They looked to the Government, said Mr. Mac Gibbon, to give some guidance in carrying on their work. In his reply, the Minister said he felt that in the last few years there had been a change in the attitude of the business community to the Government, as constituted today, and a more ready spirit to co-operate. That made the Government more sensible of any criticism against its proposals.

In the course of further remarks, the Minister said the Government could offer them nothing at present in the way of business relief from taxation and restriction, because all the energies of the country had to bend to the task of achieving victory. With his knowledge of workers and his meetings with them. Mr. Sullivan said, in spite of some minor signs that they, or some of them, were not doing all they might in the great effort of the country, in the main the workers were just as concerned and loyal as other sections of the community. He referred also to the development in New Zealand of the munitions industry and the wonderful way in which men and women workers had increased the small arms and ammunition output. "Very few people in New Zealand have any idea of the extent of the work being done in the production of munitions in this country.” said the Minister. “For obvious reasons it is not possible to go into details, to refer to localities, or to indicate quantities, but a very great amount of work is being done and done well.

“For instance a new explosive filling factory has been established. Production of small arms, ammunition for rifles, machine-guns and aeroplanes has been increased to a tremendous extent. This has necessitated new plant and machinery, much of which had to be made here. Bren gun carriers, light tanks with a high rate of speed, are being made, and the first completed unit has already had its official test. This is a particularly big job. “High-explosive bombs, trench mortars, hand grenades, steel helmets, and innumerable items • required by the army, navy and air force are being made in large quantities by private firms, as well as by the Government itself.”