P.M. OPENS CABLE FACTORY

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31923, 26 February 1969, Page 16

P.M. OPENS CABLE FACTORY

The Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake) yesterday opened a new $1,600,000 power cable factory at Sockburn before an audience of 250 manufacturers and businessmen.

Mr Holyoake described the new factory of Associated British Cables as an impressive addition to the growing industrial complex of Christchurch and New Zealand. The plant was an equally impressive combination of overseas know-how and New Zealand capital—to the advantage of all, he said. Industries such as this one were two-pronged in their benefit to the economy. On the one hand they provided employment for our expanding labour force; on the other hand they saved overseas funds for further capital development in this country. Mr Holyoake said that it was obvious that devaluation had most certainly increased the confidence and ability of our manufacturers in competing in overseas markets. Much of this growth could not have been achieved without the very real export incentives provided by the Government.

Mr Holyoake said that our textile and ceramics industries had been notably successful and new records had also been set by engineering industries particularly in the electrical and transport field. Increased sales overseas must increase the size of production runs and in consequence the ability to compete.

Mr Holyoake said that New Zealand must continue to rely heavily on the sale of farm products for the earning of overseas funds but it was equally true that the role of manufactured goods in our export economy was going to assume greater and still greater importance and significance in the immediate future.

The old days when the expression “well made New Zealand” had a derisive ring about it had gone for ever.

“Other countries obviously recognise this but at times I wonder if New Zealand fully recognises it,” said Mr Holyoake. “There are . still some pockets of resistance which give automatic preference to whatever is made overseas. “By all means let people prefer imported goods if they are better,” said Mr Holyoake. “But for goodness sake let us be fair enough to give our industries credit when they’ve earned it.”