ADVANCE INDUSTRY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 298, 17 December 1930, Page 8

ADVANCE INDUSTRY.

CLOSE OF QUIET YEAR.

'LOOKING FOR BETTER TIMES" NEW DEVELOPMENTS.

. Not long ago a high-placed technical publication, in a review of world conditions, found but seven countries in any sort of satiefactory condition. These were France, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Chile and the Irish Free State. France's prosperity is known to ih:; peoples of most nations; but New Zealand's to comparatively few. The high standing of this country in thy world is reassuring at the clc-e cf a somewhat difficult year. "There has bean vtry little activity during the year in tie of new industries," said an Auckland manufacturer to-day jn reference to local conditions. In one of the most important branches, the clothing industries, the swing of public opinion in favour of New Zealand goods has. been a valuable aid to the factories. Mr. Thomas Macky said in an interview, there had been less employment for factory hands than for a number of years, and the unfavourable weather conditions towards the end of the year had an adverse effect, particularly in the mantle trades, engaged in the 'manufacture of coats, costumes and dresses, and among milliners. Vice-Regal Support. A great encouragement has been given to manufacturers by the attitude of the Governor-General and Lady Bledisloe since their arrival. This has been a stimulus to local and national enterprise, and the support of their Excellencies has been appreciated by representatives of industry throughout New Zealand. This influence, it is considered, has been far more valuable than any kind of fiscal measure. The fertiliser, building and engineering industries have all experienced a quiet time. In the fertiliser industry the main factor is the economic position of the farmer, and, to a lesser _ extent, the weather conditions, which interfered in the spring with farming operations. Reduced Buying by Farmers. "The prospects depend largely upon the returns from primary producte," states ( Mr. Malcolm Stewart. Earlier in the . year there was a feelrg that in- , creased business , might be looked for after the winter, but, instead, there has been reduced buying of fertilisers. New works erected at Ravensbourne, near Dunedin, will be in operation early in the new year and the Dominion will then be amply provided with fertiliser V.IOTI + Q

"Looking for better times," reflects the attitude of the engineering industry. Mr. George Fraser, who hae over half a century of practical experience, says the present conditions remind him of the Auckland engineering trade just before the Thames gold rush, and again in the early 'eighties. The turning-point that marked the beginning of' a long period of prosperity came in 1895. Hydro-elec-tric developments have seriously affected 1 the trade in recent years, and have helped to bring the industry to a low ebb • There have been no large new works during the year and it has been necessary to rely mainly on repair con- ' tracts. A Flourishing Industry. • An industry that is in a cheerful state ; is fruit-preserving, canning and jammaking. Mr. F. M. Hills reports that ■ sales have been quite equal to those ol ! last year, and the total output has been increased by the manufacture _ of several new Hne3. For the first time this year the local citrus orchards were able to supply the factory demand. Over a number of years, said Mr. Hills, there had been declining importations from Italy, and these had • now ceased. The interests of orchardists and strawberry growers were closely bound up with the 5 industry, and this indicated the value of " the increasing factory demand for pears, peaches and other fruits. Among the many branches of industry that have relied upon the support of the public for their expansion is the manufacture of boote and shoes. An Australian visitor, with a wide experience of the trade, recently expressed surprise at the high grade and variety of styles manufactured in Auckland for eo small a market. Over two hundred leathers and designs are in use and the local firms claim that their equipment ie equal to three-quarters of the plants in England. One of the problems is to keep abreast of fashion with such a restricted demand. Prices have been reduced by 25 per cent in the past two years but obstacles have been met with through the reluctance of some retailers to bring the goods under the notice of the public.

Energy and Enterprise. New industries established in Auckland recently include the manufacture of lawnmowers by a firm at Parncll, Mason and Porter, Ltd., and the manufacture of talkie equipment by Cuff and Thompson, of Ep&om. These enterprises have challenged the idea that New Zealand manufacturers, particularly in the various branches of the engineering trade, have been slow to move in the production of articles which are at present being imported in considerable quantities. The New Zealand Pump Equipment .Company has also made rapid strides during the year. , Men of ability and enthusiasm are doing their part to bring about a revival of industry and commerce in Auckland, and there" is a full realisation of the fact that the methods of i\e untrained and the amateur can no longer succeed. Where there is enthusiasm there is evidence of progress, and there are not wanting instances in this city of men. who have the adventurous spirit. By their methods they are determined to win a place for the New Zealand product, and to relieve the economic eituation by achievii - substantial economies in the cost of production.