The Press THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1959. The Industries Fair

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28888, 7 May 1959, Page 14

The Press THURSDAY, MAY 7, 1959. The Industries Fair

Two events, perhaps more than any others, each year symbolise the progress of industry in Canterbury. One is the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s Metropolitan Show; the other, the New Zealand Industries Fair, sponsored by the Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association. The two are complementary because, by its agricultural exports, the Dominion pays for many industrial raw materials and capital equipment. This evening the 1959 Industries Fair will be opened in Christchurch. Since it was first held in 1880, the fair has attained national as well as provincial importance: and its growth has reflected the remarkable development of the Dominion’s manufacturing industries during the last 20 years. Because New Zealand is so poor in known mineral resources, its secondary industries have been handicapped; and the extent to which local manufacturing can profitably be expanded and diversified remains debatable. Nevertheless the way in which manufacturers, assisted by scientists, technologists, and other experts, have overcome handicaps in one of the world’s most isolated countries is testimony to New Zealand enterprise, initiative, and perseverance. Economic, social, and political trends have combined to emphasise increasingly the value to New Zealand of efficient secondaiy industries, both as employers of labour and as sources of goods essential to maintaining a high standard of living. They have also emphasised the dangers of protectionism, monopolies, and rigidity in financial policy. Besides providing varied entertainment, the Industries Fair gives the public an unrivalled opportunity to study the workings of manufacturing industry, to assess the worth of its products, and to share the pride of New Zealand workers in their craftsmanship. The model consumer, according to Mr Peter Thorneycroft when he was President of the British Board of Trade, is the one who

will be content only with the best goods obtainable at the price he can afford. “ The “ more discriminating and “ capricious the public are", said Mr Thorneycroft, “ the “ better for us, because unless “we can meet the demands of “ that kind at home, we shall “ never hold on to export “ markets abroad ”. Unlike Britain, New Zealand has yet to develop large overseas markets for its manufactures; but New Zealand’s need to set high production standards is no less than Britain’s. Import restrictions only recently began, to show their full effects in New Zealand shops. The public, after a few years’ choice of imported and locally-made goods, have fresh criteria by which to judge the quality and prices of New Zealand manufactures. By a critical, inquisitive appraisal of the substitutes offered for imports, they will advance not only their own interests but also those of their country and of the manufacturers themselves. Everywhere in the world today there is talk of economic expansion and increased trading opportunities. The wider the market that New Zealand manufacturers serve, the more economic should be their businesses and the greater the range of products available to New Zealand consumers. The establishment of a steel mill, the possibility of starting an aluminium plant, and similar plans to exploit the country’s potentialities may mark a new era for New Zealand industry. Already more than 210,000 persons are employed in manufacturing. In the year 1957-58, manufacturers’ total contribution to the Dominion’s production increased by nearly 10 per cent, compared with the previous year. With judicious management, secondary industry seems assured of prosperity. Displays such as the Industries Fair are probably the best means of acquainting the public with progress. Everyone hopes they will long continue to epitomise the industrial vitality of Canterbury and of New Zealand.