INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 68, 18 September 1917, Page 5

INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL MEETING

A YEAE'S WORK AND THE

PROSPECTS.

The .twenty-second annual meeting of the Wellington Provincial' Industrial Association was held last evening. The president, Mr. F. J. Evans, occupied .the chair, and there was an attendance of 14 members.

In the annual report Tegret is expressed at the fact that the war has not yet been won by Great Britain and hen Allies, but the future is regarded with a full measure of confidence. The report states-■:—"We hear, in and out of Parliament, that our Dominion is absolutely determined to send, if necessary, the last man, and to give the last shilling. Iv other words, we are determined and are prepared to do our share in bringing the war to. a final, satisfactory close, with victory complete to our nation and freedom to our Allies. These correct and noble sentiments carry with them the knowledge that, if need be, • everything has got to'stand on one side, in order' that :the war may be won as soon as possible. It will not he long before the Second Division will need to be drawn upon, in order to; keep up our Dominion's reinforcements, and the Second Division men will be found ready to undertake their part; Our brave New Zealand soldiers set the standard in their first fight, and it was the highest standard possible. The standard has been maintained, and, without a shadow of doubt, will be upheld to the end. Regarding the calling up of the Second Division men, resolutions of a conference of our Association, the Chambers of Commerce, and the Second Division League were forwarded to the Hon. the Minister for Defence, Sir James Allen, X.C.8., The resolutions asked that medical examination might be made at as early a date as possible, in order that those called in the ballot might know whether they were likely to be accepted as medically fit or not. Naturally, the men desire as long a notice as possible in order that they can make the necessary arrangements for the carrying on of their professions or businesses while they arc away. The Minister has given his assurance that all that can be done in that direction will be done. Much has been argued on the matter of essential industries, .but the Minister has reminded members' of the deputation that the winning of the war is naturally the greatest essential, and everything else has rightly to be subservient thereto." *

Continuing, the report states that there has been keen interest taken in the affairs of the association by members of the general committee during the past; year. The war has proved that we are able to manufacture many articles which have hitherto been imported, and the following important matters have engaged : attention : —Scientific research, utilisation 'of waste products, hydroelectric power, and afforestation. A scientific research fund was opened early in the year, and though: the amount which it was hoped to receive by means of donations had not been,realised, still a commencement had been made, and a cum of £35 4s had been handed to the governors of Victoria College, to be used in the manner by them considered best in the direction of furthering scientific research. "It may be mentioned that the inauguration of the fund came about through Professor Easterfield kindly 'giving lectures- to members on scientific research. Mr. C. J. Ward, a member of the association's general committee, has followed on this matter by tm'ning his attention to the best usages of waste material in factories, and he has offered a monetary prize for the best adopted suggestion of .employees engaged in' factories. The amount offered by Mr. Ward has been supplemented by a manufacturer in the South. Island, who is much interested in the scheme."

In moving the adoption of the report, Mr. Evans asserted that there was a great future before the association, but the need for more funds was imperative. It was a matter for consideration whether the subscription—which was admittedly very low—should be raised or efforts made to at least double the membership. He suggested that the question should be referred to the incoming general committee. Mr. C. B. Norwood seconded the adoption of the report, and strongly suggested that the committee should be recommended to increase the subscription. They must have the money. The report and ' balance-sheet were unanimously adopted. The following officers were elected :—

President, Mr. F. J. Evans; vice-presi-dents, Messrs. L. T. Watkins and H. Mainland; hon. treasurer, Mr. Hardie Shaw; general committee, Messrs. T. Ballinger, E. Bull, T. Ross Burt, W. Cable F. C. Crease, R. G. Denton, J. P. Luke, C.M.G., W. M'Lay, C. B. Norwood, C. Palliser, L. R. Partridge, J. A. Palmer, H. A. Read, G. W. Slade, W. J. Thompson, F. W. Vickerman, O. J. Ward, and F. W. Vosseler, with power to add to their number; auditors (at the same fee as heretofore), Messrs. A. T. Clarke and A. S. Biss.

It was decided that the' committee should meet on the third Monday evening in each week.