P.M. Opens Aluminium Rolling Mill At Wiri

Press, Volume C, Issue 29671, 15 November 1961, Page 22

P.M. Opens Aluminium Rolling Mill At Wiri

(New Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, Nov. 14. Industries which could compete with imports would get “reasonable” Government assistance, the Prime Minister (Mr Holoake) said at Wiri today in opening the £2j million aluminium rolling mill of Alcan Industries, Ltd. Mr Holyoake moved a lever and started a hot ingot on its journey through the mill, which is expected to save New Zealand £lm a year in overseas exchange. Prodution began at the mill in September. “The Government recognises that new industries require encouragement over the establishment years to place them on a sound economic footing,” said the Prime Minister. While the Government welcomed investment from all sources, Commonwealth investment was specially welcome. “The Commonwealth has had a rough passage over the last few years and with Britain’s move towards the European Economic Community it is now faced with the greatest challenge that has ever confronted it,” he said.

Mr Holyoake said New Zealand could strengthen its mutual relationship with Commonwealth countries by creating strong ties of investment and trade. The mill was a first-class example of what Commonwealth cooperative enterprise could mean.

He said he hoped to see the trend accelerated in the years ahead. The mill can produce each year 5000 tons of mixed, semi-fabricated products which can be used for building, pots and pans, milk bottle tops, toothpaste tubes, and containers. Next spring aluminium foil will be manufactured also. Co-operation between Commonwealth countries was a worth-while ideal, the chairman of Alcan Industries, Field Marshal Earl Alexander of Tunis, said, “My company knows that in investing in New Zealand we will not only gain benefits for ourselves but extend great benefits to your own economy,” said Earl Alexander.