A SHOPPING WEEK

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 43, 19 August 1930, Page 10

A SHOPPING WEEK

TO BOOST NEW ZEALAND

GOODS

PLANS WELL UNDER WAY

With the object of stimulating industry within New Zealand, Wellington is to have a Shopping Week for New Zealand-made goods, from 15th to 22nd September. Dunedin some time ago held a "New Zealand-made goods week," the retailers in that city realising the seriousness of the problem of unemployment, and recognising that if pressure could be brought to bear upon the public to buy goods made in the Dominion by New Zealand workers, unemployment would be eased to a certain extent, and industries stimulated.

The matter has been under consideration by the Wellington Manufacturers' Association for somo time. Yesterday, there was a meeting between the association and the executive of the Wellington Drapers' Association to arrange, a suitable date, when 15th22nd September was decided upon. Later in the day, a meeting was held of representatives of the Manufacturers' Association, retailers, advertising agents, and others concerned, for the purpose of launching the scheme in a definite manner.

Mr. J. Abel presided, and there were also present Messrs. J. T. Spears (president of the Manufacturers'. Association), G. H. Clinkard, and F. Johnson, of the Department of Industries and Commerce. Mr. Johnson played an important part in the ■ success of the Dunedin shopping week, and he stated lhat he would be able to assist in Wellington's venture. Mr. Spears explained the object of shopping week, and said it was hoped by the Manufacturers' Association that a New Zealand shopping week would enliven trade during what might lie a dull period. The making o£ a big display of New Zealand-mado goods would encourage the purchase of them, thereby helping to minimise further unemployment. It would stimulate manufacturing to an extent that the industries might be able to absorb some of the unemployed. Manufacturers had to rely upon the goodwill of the retailers and shopkeepers for the use of their windows, and already a gratifying promise of support had been received. There would be an appeal to working-people to support the movement in their own interests. Mr. Abel stated that the principal retailers had agreed to have their windows available on Saturday, 13th September, so that the week would open on the Monday. It was hoped that a good publicity campaign would bo arranged, and that assistance would be obtained from the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Loader of the Labour Party, with letters. Dunedin had had a shopping week annually for three years. It was stated that Miss Melville, former candidate for Parliamentary honours, who had been conducting lectures throughout Auckland for the Auckland Manufacturers' Association, would come to Wellington, and address women's gatherings and meetings at the Town Hall.

The consensus of opinion of the representatives was that the prospects for the success of the effort were bright. Messrs. C. F. Smith (president of the Wellington Drapers' Association), T. B. Ferguson, J. B. Salt, and R. Allender, were appointed to the Special Committee set up by the Manufacturers' Association.

Thanks were expressed to the Department of Industries and Commerce, whose representativs (Mr. Johnson) is to co-operate with the organiser and the committee generally. It was agreed to hold a further meeting shortly.