INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8481, 12 May 1893, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.

The quarterly meeting of tho Canterbury Industrial Association was held laat night in Hobba , Buildings. Mr H. B. Kirk (President) occupied the chair. Thero was v good attendance, among those present b'uc, imu Hone. W. U. Walker and J. E. Jenkmeuu, Sir John Hall aud Messrs J. Joy A. W. Tanuer, R. M. Taylor unci K. ,s ..n.lioi'!, M.H.Rs.

The Chairman said tho mooting *>■-•<■' i called to discuss the report of ihc Sjic.cial Committee appointed l»y Parliami nr h-.et eoasiou to consider the question of \\\ ,x . industries of tho colony. The memVra of that Committee included Sir J ohu iiwl ami Mr W. W. Tanner, who had collected v deal of information, which was included in the report that he would usk the Secretary to read. He observed that tho colony ought to be self-supporting, and would bo if it* people were a. little more patriotic, making more use than thoy did of colonial-made articles aud produce. The Secretary (Mr Bclihoueo) read several apologies for absence and tho report of the Parliamentary Select Committee on colonial industries.

Mr Howland then moved—"lt is the opinion of this meeting that the recommendations of tho Manufactures and Industries Committee should bo adopted by the Government and become law r especially so far as colonial ammunition, iron, machinery, and knuri timber industries are concerned; and further that such Committee should bo continued from year to year, commencing their enquiries at tho beqinniug of caoh session to enable the report to be laid before Parliament in time to be discussed by members." Tho Association had decided to support tho Committee on the four items named in tho resolution. He looked upon it that tho question was one the Industrial Association should take up aud bring before the public. Ho spoke upou the several industries enumerated in tuo resolution, each of which ho supported being protocted in such a way tie to en* courage their development and progress. He also remarked upon tho very oareful v way in whicu the Committeo made their recommendations.

Mr G. W. Russei.l seconded tho motion, and approved of tho wisdom of tho step in calliug the meetiug together to discuss the report. Alluding to the industries of tho colony ho asserted that the railways did not, though they ought to, assist in their development. Rather had the railways been a means of drawing the last sixpence from the pockets of those who had to use them. He spoke in support of the State supplying mouoy to solve tho question of whether certain .industries could be made reproductive, and ho expressed hii surprise that so little had been done in the successful development of the fish, fruit and flax industries.

Sir John Haix supported the resolution, and remarked that tho Association should not look at these matters from too exclusive a town point of view. Thoy shonld remember how the country was affected. Bearing in mind that protective duties should be put on the finished article and on luxuries, he agreed with the first part of the resolution, and said ho thought the Government had treated tho enterprising proprietor of the local powder manufactory rather scurvily. Respecting iron, lie had grave doubt about the wisdom of supporting that industry by puttiug a heavy protective duty on the raw* material. It would rather raise tho cost to the consumer than otherwise. He referred to many Committees which had been set up to inquire into local industries of various kinds and ho presented to the Association A record of the work of several of these Committees. Ho also spoko upon tho encouragement givon to industries by the granting of bonuses, and said lie hoped that as soon ac the House met it would bo put in possession of what has been dono ia respoct of the Committees' reports. He concluded by ro« couimonding the Association to do nothing which was calculated to increase the burdens of the farmers, who had now quite enough to bear.

Mr Taylor epoke upon his favourite beet sugar scheme. Mr Izett referred to what had been done for the development of the iron industry in New South Wales, and the collapse of the efforts on account, of labour strikes, and supported a country as A country undertaking the work of establish* ing industries which were likely to bo reproductive. In his opinion, the country which was first in the field in this respect would reap a big advantage. Mr Danks remarked that the amount of iron required in New Zealand would nob provide a decent-sized forge enough work for one month in a year, and the iron used here was of so varied a character, that to properly equip one establishment nearly aa much money would be required as the amount of New Zealand's national debt. New Zealand must look to other industries for wealth, for he saw no hope of the iron industry being for the present successfully established hero or in the Australian coldniea. . , Mr J. L. Scott could not agree with the pessimistic views expressed by Mr Danka, und asserted that tliore was room for an iron industry provided always that only such things wero manufactured as would find a ready market. It was no uso trying to compote against Homo and Europeau firms in the manufacture of single articles. Ho considered that 20s per ton would be insufficient, and that tho Government ought to do a great deal more. lie supported the resolution.

Mr J. M. Douglas spoke upon the necessity of full protection to local industries to induce the investment of capital. Ho approved of the motion as fur aa it had gone. The Hon. J. E. Jenkinboh said, in respect of iron, that it would be a mistake to tax tho raw material. Then, as mild steel was taking the place of iron, it would be folly to boleter up an iron industry. The whole thing lay in a nutshell. Tho , popular cion was Dot large enough to warrant tho putting on of a tariff to boleter up fcuoh an industry. He felt that the Association was doing wrong in eupportiug a tariff on raw material.

Mr Scott, in reply, eald he conaidered there wae enough demand for iron bare to warrant a forge, and that by the time steel superseded iron the population here would be sufficient to successfully support the manufacture of steel bars.

Mr Buchanan supported tho motion and Mr Scott'a remarks.

Mr Howland having replied, tho motion was put and carried unanimously. The Chairman thanked those who were present for their attendauce and Sir John Hall f6V his presentation of the- record of "Committee Work on Colonial Industries," and stated that at a future meeting Mr Scott would read a paper on " Technical Education."

Votes of thanks to Sir John Hall and the Chairman closed tho meeting.