Mr Marshall Opens Industries Fair

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30212, 17 August 1963, Page 15

Mr Marshall Opens Industries Fair

“ ‘Made in New Zealand’ is a badge we must become proud to display,” the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr Marshall) said when he officially opened the New Zealand Industries Fair in Christchurch last evening. Most persons would be surprised at the number and quality of New Zealand-made goods which were competing successfully in overseas markets, he said.

“If you suggested to anyone hat New Zealand shirts v old sell in Hong Kong, they would laugh—but a Christ church firm is doing exactly ttoait,” he said. Many wo a Id laugh at the bought of New Zealand b scuits selling in Aus’.raliia—but this is also being done by a Christchurch company. I quslly surprising to many would be the fact that another city concern is making radiograms for tihe United States.” There were many other examples, he said. Althcuzh these beginnings were small. ■ y should develop to magnificent proportions and further the wealth and prosperity of the country. New Zealand manufacturer, management, and w .rkmen are as good as any in the world, and better than m st,” Mr Marshall said. Manufacturing had gained much impetus in the last few years and the number of persons employed by manufac•o'.ng organisations greatly exceeded those in primary industries. East year more t . ’n £800.000.000 worth of 1 oods was made in the coun-

try’, and although there was an obvious need to increase overseas earnings from this production, the current earnings did much to sustain the country's high standard of living. An important problem, the provision of work for the rapidly increasing numbers of persons joining New Zealand’s labour force each year from its schools and from other countries, was being teirgely solved by the expansion of manufacturing industry. The New Zealand people must give whole-hearted support to local manufacturing —it was doing excellent work. Most clothes were made here, and an increasing amount of cloth. Indicative of toe rncreaaing recognition being accorded industry by tihe people generally was the growing importance of the Industries Fair. The fair was a window for the public. It gave them an insight into New Zealand manufacturing. ”1 hope you will look with critical eyes at what you see here. The goods are of a quality, in manufactue and design, that will easily stand the most critical examination.” Mr Marshall said.