“Automation Will Be Part Of Our Ordered Existence”

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28981, 24 August 1959, Page 13

“Automation Will Be Part Of Our Ordered Existence”

Automation, which was around the corner, was not an enemy to be feared, but would be part of the pattern of our ordered existence, the Bishop of Christchurch (the Right Rev. A. K. Warren) told the 150 members of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce and their wives when they gathered in the Cathedral yesterday morning for a service to conclude the chamber’s centennial celebrations. “We are fortunate in our circumstances which enable us to be more adaptable than people can be in older countries; but the Christian must bear witness that men are more important than machines, and the welfare of our people must be studied,** he said. “Industry cannot thrive unless it be founded on sound human relationships. Here in New Zealand the cry is likely to be: ’Give us automation, not too quickly lest .we be unable to adjust ourselves. but not too slowly lest our economy be unable to compete with others Overseas.* Behind The Seene “We are told that 'there may be no workers on the production floor of tomorrow’s push-button factory; there are practically none in many modern power generating stations or oil refineries. But each automatic installation will require incredibly large numbers of men behind the scene in highly-skilled work as designers, builders, installers, repairers and controllers’.” Bishop Warren said. Where is this leading us? he asked. “Undoubtedly into a climate of mechanised materialism; and some are wondering whether we shall become its slaves. A foreman in a huge automatic factory in the United States describes his new conditions: *ln the old mill you controlled the machines, now they control you*. “It is when we realise how our climate is changing into this new one of mechanised materialism that we can see how important is the task of the Christian in the coming age. In our country our materialism may not be Marxist, but it will certain!) derive from our mechanisation. If we are unprepared automation will present a most acute threat to our Christian faith. On the other hand it will bring leisure, with time for culture and religion. and how we use our leisure will show the kind ol people we wish to become. If we take charge of the situation in a Christian spirit all will be well,” said Bishop Warren.

Bishop Warren said that in the name of the congregation and of the Church as a whole he could congratulate the chamber on its fine record. A century ago businesses were small—they were still in their infancy. “You have shown leadership in commerce. You have watched the growth of Christchurch International airport, and now the Lyttelton road tunnel. You are watching over Christchurch as it grows to become the great industrial city of the south," he said.

Before the service, the members of the chamber and their wives gathered outside the Chamber of Commerce building and watched the Mayor of Christchurch (Mr G. Manning), and president of the chamber (Mi J. Roy Smith) lower the centennial flag which had been flying over the building.