SUPPORT FOR MORE INDUSTRY IN S.I.

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

SUPPORT FOR MORE INDUSTRY IN S.I.

(From Our Own Reporter)

WELLINGTON, Aug. 15. A pledge to support any move by a responsible body to build up industry and population in the South Island was given today by the Timber Merchants' Federation. It was decided unanimously to seek the support of the South Island Publicity Association, chambers of commerce, and other bodies in formulating a helpful scheme. Mr E. W. D. Unwin (Timaru), immediate past president of the federation, said

it did not seem difficult for New Zealand to mount a special effort to encourage immigration to the South Island. The trend, he said, was for industry to go where population was. Quite obviously this was creating an imbalance which must be corrected.

“While in a free country such as ours the Government cannot direct new industries exactly where to go. surely it should be prepared to say ‘You will locate somewhere in the South Island,”’ Mr Unwin said. “After all. this is done in the United Kingdom, where a new industry is given a choice of, gay, three counties.”

Mr L. Hunter (Nelson) suggested that, through the South Island Publicity Association or some other body, a system of direct immigration into the South Island should be instituted. As the South Island was suffering from lack of population, it would not be difficult to encourage immigration, not to New Zealand as a whole, but to the South Island. Mr G. Kear (Manawatu) said that as a North Island member he realised that there was no parochialism Involved. The problem was far above the old “North versus South” argument. Its solution required a concerted effort from New Zealand as a whole.