INDUSTRIES WEEK.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVII, Issue 111, 12 May 1909, Page 8

INDUSTRIES WEEK.

A FAIR BEGINNING. SOME SHOPKEEPERS STILL WAITING. Passing through the streets in the principal parts of Wellington to-day, the citizen gets two distinct impressions. He sees that much is made in New Zealand and much is not. To-day the displays of "made in New Zealand" goods were rather oases in the desert of importations, but some of the oases are extensive and very good to see. In some parts of the town the exhibits of local manufacturers catch even the busy pedestrian and hold him for a space, but it is possible to walk a fair number of yards in nearly all the streets without being polled up, all standing, by a challenging array ot homemade wares. There was enough in the exhibitions to-day tc encourage the promoters to feel repaid, in some measure, for their efforts, but there was not enough to warrant -any sensation of jubilation. Some of the shopkeepers are still coyly lingering in the background, but they may help to brighten up the streets with the products of New Zealand skill before the week is out. The spirit of competition and emulation is sure to have some effect on the procrastinators. Indeed, some came with a late run this morning. The telephone bell in Mr. H. F. Allen's office scarcely ceased tinkling, and when he had not his ear to the receiver, he was handing "made in New Zealand" cards across the counter, and his stock was almost wiped out. Woollen goods are well distributed through the city. Everywhere choice New Zealand blankets unfold their se- . ductive charms, and cosy-looking rugs, in all shades and patterns, arouse a feeling of covetousnoss in the onlooker. Leather, in the nicely-finished form of boots, bags, saddles, and other chattels, is conspicuously in evidence. Furniture, for which New Zealand timber is the staple, is plentifully and prettily set out in several windows. The Gear Company has an impressive tower ot tinned meats, of various kinds, brightly labelled. Some grocers have attractive assortments of local commodities, ranging from candles to prime ham, and soap to cheese. The most eye-ai resting "turn" of today were the s-culls made by Norton for the river champions, Arnst, Webb, and Whelch. These neatly-curved implements caused the footpath by Armit's to be blocked incessantly. Ibe range of manufactures, from pills and powders to fenders and cooking ranges, is variad enough, but one looks for a little more "snap" in the set-off of the treasures The observer somehow feels that many of the showmen are rather erring on the side of modesty than blatancy. A representative of The Post passed through the chief streets today, but saw only one striking appeal, per placard, to the public at large. The legend, in bold type, ran thus : — "Why buy foreign shoddy when splendid goods like these are made at Petone mills, by your own people, of best New Zealand' wool?" Probably -some novelties will be visible soon. Some ingenious manufacturers or artisans, who have no shops, are looking for space to enable the public to see their handiwork. Mr. Allen has found room for some of these unending exhibitors, and the others may be accommodated soon. Troops of school children and adults nad an enjoyable hour this afternoon in the plumbing establishment of T. Ballinger, where various processes, chiefly in brass-work, were carried on for the instruction of visitors. The managers of the Atlas Confectionery Company, Aulsebrook and Company, and Bouse and Hurreil have informed Mr. Allen that the doors of their premises will be opened to the public for the week. Those desirous of visiting the City Corporation powerhouse and electric lighting station are requested to make application to Mr. H. V. Allen, 8 and 9, Norwich Chambers, Customhouse-(juay.