The Future For N.Z. Industry

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28481, 10 January 1958, Page 14

The Future For N.Z. Industry

By

F. C. PENFOLD

PAST PRESIDENT, N.Z. AND CANTERBURY MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATIONS.

AS a past president of the ’ Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association and of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation, I will be expected to say that there are wonderful prospects for everyone in our industries. I hasten to say that I believe there are. There are certain factors however, that must be taken into consideration if we are to get a true picture of the years that lie ahead for. our manufacturing industries.

If New Zealand is to maintain 'and increase the high standard of ; living e she now enjoys, the Government of the day must give to i our manufacturing industries a very much higher degree of recognition than it has done in the past; by that I mean that besides the purely negative regulations of tariffs and import controls, a positive and realistic policy of help in the development and expansion of our industries must be embarked upon—a policy similar to that obtaining in the farming industry. I believe there are signs that the leaders of our country are becoming increasingly aware that such a policy is necessary for the economic stability of New Zealand. Rapid Increase A study of the rapid increase in our population growth is convincing evidence of the need to And avenues of productive employment, and there is no doubt at all that the manufacturing industries will be called upon to provide employment for the bulk of this labour force.

I would say to everyone starting out that there can be a great deal of satisfaction in producing something; and the degree of satisfaction depends on the attitude of mind towards the job. In all industries there is a growing demand for highly skilled men and women and for specially trained technicians and research

workers. With our liberal educational facilities in New Zealand, there is opportunity for everyone to become qualified in whatever industry he selects to reach the top of that industry. Every year, more and more of the findings of research are being applied to every type of industry. The D.S.I.R. is increasingly, active in forming new research organisations for particular industries, and is very much aware of the national importance of manufacturing industries in this country. For quite a long time, New Zealanders have, I feel, been lulled into a false sense of security owing to the volume of production, and the high prices for farm products. Enteritis? New Era

I feel we are entering a new era in New Zealand, where we will have to depend to a much greater extent on the brains and skill and invention of our people in making the things we use. I am convinced from what I have seen abroad that we have in New Zealand, in the men and women in our factories and' workshops, a degree of intelligence and skill equal to that of any country in the world. Given the right climate in which to develop and expand, I am certain there must be a bright future for our manufacturing industries; and for all those who are contemplating taking up an apprenticeship in an industry with the purpose of growing tip in that industry and making it a career, a satisfying and prosperous future should be assured.

I know there are very many attractive inducements to young people starting out to earn their living; and I know that it is only natural to be attracted by a high initial wage; but I would urge everyone to take a longterm look at the prospects of any position that is offered, and not get into a position which may peter out into a dead end. The taking up of an apprenticeship in one of the skilled trades demands study and perseverance for a number of years which may to some seem irksome, but the eventual rewards are very real.