Development of Industry Board

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 287, 31 August 1931, Page 11

Development of Industry Board

Sir, —I should like to comment Upon a certain constructive proposal made by the Government regarding a Development of Industry Board, which is reported in this morning’s issue of “The Dominion.” The state of our industries to-day warrants this move, for we stand in greater peril that at first appears, for those primary industries’ upon which we are dependent are gravely threatened by inefficiency and our geographical isolation. Mr. Lysnar evidently recognises the Argentine menace to the meat industry, for he has been incessantly battling for the improvement of meat exportation. Similarly, we find that our dairy produce is being seriously menacel by the dumping system of the Five-year Plan. Common sense tells us that the Five-year Plan must fail to bring about the Russian hopes, but we can see from present indications that this plan will upset the entire scheme of competitive trading, forcing us to organise some measure of co-operation into our system.

These are points which an Industrial Development Board should consider; while on the constructive side we can observe opportunities in two more or less neglected .industries. The Empire Marketing Board has recently made a scientific discovery regarding apnle storage, known as “gas storage.” This experiment. carried further, should revolutionise the storage system, making it possible to store all fruits in their original freshness for long periods., As we are able to grow fruits fairly extensively in this country, the modern developments of the scientists should be a guide to our future energies as a nation. The only serious menace to the fruit is the heavy winds, and this can be met quite easily if we protect fruit-growing areas with timberraising belts. Timber raising is also an industry we are fitted for, and as it is estimated that the present supply of timber will be exhausted within a comparatively few years, nature seems to have fitted us to supply a necessary want to civilisation. With these facts before us, I should like to suggest that with the formation of this industrial board the following points be given due consideration: (a) That the board shall endeavour to co-ordinate the expert system into a more regulated and efficient method of distribution. \ (b) That the board shall work in conjunction with the Empire Marketing Board and endeavour to organise an efficient system of distribution in Great Britain for Empire produce similar to that of the Argentine. (c) That some incorporate scheme be introduced whereby experimental fruit and timber areas be cultivated under the relief work system, thus absorbing unemployment Into constructive activity.—l am. etc.. TOM NAYLOR. Wellington. August 21.