AUCKLAND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.

Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 54, 5 March 1888, Page 2

AUCKLAND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.

OPENING CEREMONIES,

At 3 p.m. on Saturday the second exhibition of the above Association was formally opened by the Attorney-General, Sir F. Whitaker. Amongst those present were the following members of the House of Representatives :—Messrs E. Withy, D. Goldie, T. Thompson, F. Lawry, and F. Moss. On the platform were, Messrs A. Bell, T. Gee, J. Lamb and T. Lodder. On the motion of Mr Lodder, the Vicc-Preei. denb of the Association, Mr Brown, was voted to the chair. He said that before introducing Sir P. Whitaker, who had kindly consented to open the exhibition, he would read two letters which had been received by the Secretary. The first was from Sir G. M. O'Rorke apologising for non-attendance. The writer stated that ho was compelled to attend a meetirfg of the One Tree Hill Domain Board that afternoon, and was therefore unable to be present. He had the warmest sympathy with the objects of the exhibition, and he hoped that it might lead to the fostering, the encouragement and protection of local industries,, and thus tend to prevent the depopulation of New Zealand which was at present going on. Protection had been introduced into Victoria with satisfactory results, and he should like to see a deputation of skilled artisans appointed to visit that colony and report upon its condition, so that at the next meeting of the Parliament they might have something to act; upon. (Applause.) The Chairman next read a letter received from the Commander of H.M.s. Nelson, regretting -that previous engagements precluded the attendange of either bis officers or himself at the exhibition. Mr Brown then said that before he introduced the speaker lie would merely state the objects of the exhibition. They would most of them remember that about two months a^o their first exhibition had closed, and it had been a great success. It was then suggested that it would be for the interest of manufacturers as well as that of the community at large if they had a sample room in which the local production could be always on exhibition. The exhibition that day was the result of that suggestion. He must admit that itlooked poor when placed in comparison with the previous one. That was explainable in two ways : in the first place, as that was to be a permanent exhibition there were many of the exhibitors who had not sent their articles as they knew that they would be taken in at any later time. Others had held off in order that they might make still better articles to forward for exhibition. It had been decided by the committee that that day they were to avoid politics. Their idea was to encourage local industries and to consider how best it might be done. They thought that by attracting attention to their colonial industries they would bo able toshow what they were especially well upin. They believed that with care and fostering their industries should become very, much larger than they were now. There was not the slightest doubb that they had both business men and artisans not inferior to any in the world, and it only wanted more care and the true appreciation of intelligent men to help them along. While they might admit that their manufactories might be extended, and employment given to thousands, still in the face of the prison labour of America and the sweating shops of London it was impossible for them to contend successfully without protection. That of course was a matter which rested with their legislators. They hoped that all intelligent men would render every assistance in their power to forward their objects and make their industries worthy of the colony. (Applause.) It was hoped if possible to make the exhibition self-supporting and permanent, but that rested in the future to see whether it could be done. But for the very great kindness of Mr Belt in allowing them the use of the building, it would have been a matter of impossibility for them to have held that exhibition, and he felfc that their best thanks were due to that gentleman. Although at present the number of exhibits was not as great as they could have wished, still they had received sufficient promises to fill up all the vacant fjpace in the future, and they would be of a quality that would enlighten the people in local industry. He would not detain them longer, but call upon Sir Frederick Whitaker to address them, and formally declare the exhibition open to the public. Sir Frederick Whitaker came forward amidst applause. He said that there were occasions when persons, whatever might be their politics, or whatever might be their creeds, might meet together for a common object. It was well that it should be so. The present was such an occasion, and, what was more, polities were forbidden. Controversies were not to be introduced, so their chairman had told them, and he thought that it was a very wise thing otherwise it might tend to prevent many persons from coming who might hold different opinions ; therefore they would gain by making the affair cosmopolitan. For himself he was a great admirer, and believed thoroughly in controversies. He believed that every subject was capable of having two sides, and by getting together and discussing the question they might learn the truth about ib. But on the present occasion that was not to be done ; they had met tnat day for the purpose of opening an Industrial Exhibition. There could be no doubt but that such exhibitions were of very great importance, in that they acted as an advertisement for their products. With air due .deference to the press, h3 must say that he considered such an exhibition as the present one a much better advertisement than half ;:i dozen columns in the newspapers would be. People could come there and see for themselves what could be produced and also what they wanted. That exhibition was now upon its trial to see alter the nexo few months whether or not ifc could be permanently maintained. He hoped that it could be so kept open, for he was sure,that it was a very Useful institution. He felt that the pro(skicliious of fciie country did not receive the consideration that they deserved. He must confess that until ho had looked around fcbab day, he was nob aware that 60 much cauld be made in the town. Perhaps ths products of the country were not really neglected, bub rather overlooked.^ He could give an instance of that himself. He was at a tablo a short time ago and was going to help himself to some salmon. A gentleman who was opposite him said, *'Here, try this; it is better." He asked what kind of li-h it was, when the gentleman replied, " Why, ib is some of your mullet from Auckland." He tried it and liked it so well that it had since supplanted the salmon in his house. He should have used it before had he known about ib. That showed the need of advertising such things. He certainly had been aware that some such thing existed, bub had he seen ib at an exhibition like the present one he would have noticed it and have tried it. No doubt it was of very great- importance that they should make every effort to bring forward the different industries of the country. They had been passing through a great depression, but he hoped, and there were indications, that they had turned the corner of depression, and were now on the road to prosperity. (Applause.) There was no doubfc that a good deal of what had taken place was due to the large Government expenditure in the pa?t, with its inevitable result of paying away large sums for interest annually. Probably a good deal was

aseribable to that cause, but still they should romember that the depression had spread over a large portion of the globe, in fact it had been almost world-wide. Therefore, it wag not very clear whence the depression arose. Now, he thought that they were suffering from the previous good times. As a matter of fact they were really suffering from over-production. That could be seen in their own country. Farmers were already complaining about the difficulty experienced in finding a I market for their produce. That was undoubtedly one cause, and they were also, of course, suffering from the previous lavish expenditure. Their business was to see that they used every means to assist in removing 'the depression. Therefore it was that he felfc that an exhibition of this kind should be provided, and that it should be assisted by all. They should always bear in mind one thing, which was that although numbers of people suffered from the depression, still the country progressed. Year by year they were increasing thenproductions. It was well to know that, but still it was no satisfaction to those who had succumbed to the hard times. Yeb it was satisfactory to know that even it the present population were swept away, the country would still progress a" tne same. Their chairman had indicated that if this movement was taken up in the proper spirit the exhibition would become permanent, and thus strangers would be able to come and see for themselves what they were capable of producing, and.also get what they wanted. An exhibition like that was a very convenient initiation to tho one which Was shortly to take place at Melbourne. They should show there what were their national productions. That could also be done with beneficial effects at the exhibition of the Imperial Association in England. He thought that it would be well to have such an institution in England, where people could go and see what each colony produced, and then consider which it would be the best for them to go to, as the most suitable to their occupation. He had no doubt bub that the very best results would arise from ib in the future. These exhibitions were the gain not only of the manufacturers, but also of the community at large : in fact, ho thought that the community were often very much more benefited than the exhibitors. (Applause.) Therefore they must all wish every success for that exhibition. He hoped that the New Zealand manufacturers would show both at Melbourne and in the Imperial Institute what they could do. When asked to open the exhibition, he had been told that they wanted him to speak for only about live minutes. (Laughter— A voice: "Go on.") Well, he had availed himself of the opportunity to give them his views about exhibitions, for that was an occasion on which they could meet and interchange opinions. They all wished to arrive at the same end, but some of them wanted to get there by different roads. Still, for all that, they wished to got there and do away with the widespread depression which at present existed. He felt that all present had but one wish, which was that the hopes of the promoters of the exhibition should be fully realised, that they should bo successful in their undertaking (applause), and he hoped that in the future they should meet again on some anniversary and congratulate them upon having succeeded in their object. (Applause. ) The Chairman said that there were several members in the room, and he felt sure that they would like to hear a few words from each of them. He would like to hear Mr Moss, or Mr Withy, say a few words to the meeting. Mr Moss here rose and said that he fully agreed with the remarks of Sir Frederick. Whitaker, who had said all that could be paid, and he hoped that he for one would be excused, as ho had done his share on a previous occasion. Mr "Withy was then called to the front. Ho remarked that ib was impossible for him to add anything to what had already been said. He considered that the smallness of the population of the colony was the principal cause which ' prevented New Zealand from becoming a manufacturing community. It was well known that he was on the opposite side to most of them as to how this depression was to be remedied, bub at the same time they should remember that he, tin an old manufacturer, must be in sympathy with them. Besides, he had brought a large family to the colony because ho thought that it was the best place for them to get on, and he naturally wished as much as anyone to see the place go ahead. He wished the Exhibition every success, and he, for one, would always be glad to bring his friends with him to look at the products of their local 1 Industries.

Mr Thompson also expressed a wish to see the exhibition a success. In the past the Association harl. been against him; still, he had done what he could' while at Wellington to assist them. He hfid neb come to address them, but to listen and get information with the view of further action in another place. He must .say that he" was very much disappointed at the absence of the operatives of Auckland from the opening of the Exhibition (hear, hear), for they were the men who were closely connected with the industries, and ib showed a want of interest and genuineness in the affair. It took away from the power of bhe members when they wanted to do anything to further the interests of the Association. It waa true that he had not been one of their favourites on a late occasion ; but still, he must repeat that he was thoroughly disgusted at the absence of the operatives and other persons who ought to have been there that day. (A voice: " And well you might be !") What had they there that clay ? A few ladies, some children, and gentlemen who were nearly all over 50. Why, ib was the strongest argument that could be used against them when they went to Wellington. (Applause.) Mr Goldie abo referred to the want of operatives at the meeting, while at Wellington they had worked hard, for them, ...... were blamed for not having done more. When he came back he had offered to go throufh the tariff with them, and go every nightlf they wished it, in order to gain information, and so far he-had not been called upon to do anything. He had also gone round the various manufacturers in order to get information, and the only one who had replied was an umbrella-maker. That room should have been filled that day. Sir Frederick Whitaker had mentioned the fish canning industry ; well, he noticed that last year £25,000 worth of preserved fish had been imported into the colony, and the trouble was that now-a-days too many people ran upon the same line. £65,000 worth of grass'seed was also imported, and surely that could be raised here. Another evil had been that much money had been swallowed up in starting industries upon a large scale, instead of going more humbly at first and launching out when it was seen that the things would pay. They wanted to learn to live within their means, and not as in the past, to live beyond them. The country was a good one for produeino1; all that was wanted was more judicious management. £45,000 worth of bark had also been imported last year, and yet that could be raised here within 8 years and the timber was first class for making .staves for beef casks. (Mr Thompson, "Did you say beer casks?") Mr Goldie; "No, I said beef. I suppose you_ thought that I was inconsistent in talking about something that should have been lefu to you." -(Laughter.) Mr Goldie further said that they could make good leather, and yet £49,000 worth had been imported while £157,000 worth had been sent out for boots of various descriptions which most of them could have been made in the colony. Over £6,000,000 had been sent out for goods, and all that was wanted .was judicious management to keep mostijfof that money in the country.

Mr Frank Lawry expressed pleasure at being present with them that afternoon. He was glad that politics had been prohibited, for he believed that it had little to do with fostering local industries. A little patriotism would do more for them than either politics or protection. Why, there was nob a gentleman in the country who would five sixpence more to get a suit of New Zealand tweed and thus assist a local industry. If they would all of them patronise local industries themselves, there would soon be an improvement m the state of tilings. Mr John Lamb also made a few remarks. He supported Mr Lawry in his statement about) people buying the cheapest, article, and shutting out local goods.. He had found that out himself. Had the working men shown much interest than day ? Why, there were only one or two present. He was a producer, and he had to say now that he had lost so much in companies that he would nob put another pound if he had ib, in any of them. It was true that they were suffering from over-production. This year there would be 2,000,000 more quarters of wheat than last. Victoria had 149,000 tons of breadstuff? to export, and that told against them. The year before last a large proportion of their goods had gone to Australia, and the result was that they must export to Great Britain, where the prices were .so low that the margin was very little. Then they had also to consider the low rate of agricultural labour in England and America in comparison to what was paid here for it. If the working classes of Auckland would patronise local goods things would be better. What they wanted was more patriotism. Mr H. M. Shepherd moved a vote of thanks to Sir Frederick Whitaker, and in doing so referred to tho services that gentleman had rendered to the colony. Ho thought that what they wanted was more patriotism in their families in _ the direction of encouraging local industries. Mr Bell seconded the vote of thanks, and also made a few remarks about tho necessity for promoting local industry. The motion was adopted by the meeting with applause, and tho Exhibition was formally declared open to the public.