Christchurch Industries

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29139, 26 February 1960, Page 3

Christchurch Industries

Sir, —I would like to ask the Christchurch Public Relations Officer through the columns of “The Press” why such manufacturers as Stewarts and Lloyds. Paton and Baldwins, as well as a large cotton industry which at one time proposed to erect factories in this city, did not proceed with their plans. Also, what overseas concerns are envisaged to build in the Christchurch area in the next year or on, excluding the carpet factory at present under instruction? Recent largescale industrial developments in the North Island, particularly in the Auckland province, exceed by far. the rate of expansion in Canterbury and it would appear that until we can encourage large heavy industries to establish here, we will continue to lag behind. In my opinion, if the Cook Strait power cable is proceeded with, the disparity of industrial expansion between the two islands will be more' marked than it is today. —Yours, etc., P. J, PARKER. February 19, 1960. [The Public Relations Officer (Mr E. G. Beckett) replies: “Several overseas industrial concerns have expressed interest in the establishment of factories in New Zealand but have deferred establishment on the grounds tjiat the country is not politically stable and I understand that this applies in the case of one of the firms mentioned by your correspondent. Several overseas concerns are interested in building in the Christchurch area but their names and their products are at present confidential. I would be pleased to discuss future developments with Mr Parker if he contacts me. Although Auckland expansion is high proportionally our rate of expansion is as great and here again I would be only too pleased to give Mr Parker further details.”]