Untitled

Evening Star, Issue 14513, 3 November 1910, Page 4

It was proposed in clause 4 of Mr Millar’s

Factories Amendment “ Made in N.Z.” Hill, as originally intro

duood, that it should be unlawful for any o cupier of a factory to manufacture any of the classes of goods mentioned in the schedule unless each article were branded or labelled “Made in N.Z.” The classes specified were clothing and textile goods, leather goods, furniture goods, and canned an 1 preserved goods for human consumption; and the Governor was to be empowered to add other classes to the list, as occasion might arise. The Labor Hills Committee have struck out the clause; and wo are bound to admit, some what reluctantly, that the evidence appears to justify their action. It might perhaps be wished that more witnesses had been forthcoming, and especially that some arguments in favor of the proposal had been put before the Committee; but the Wellington Trades and Labor Council, in notifying their general approval of the Bill, informed the chairman that they did not deem it necessary to give evidence. It is easy to appreciate the motive which actuated the Minister of Labor in inserting the provision which lias now been deleted, and it is rather disheartening to be forced to the conclusion that the proposal is impracticable, owing to the stubborn prejudice of a section—and apparently, for the most part, not the least cultivated section —of the population of the Dominion. It is a proved fact that the Now Zealand manufacturers, in most branches, can turn out as good an article as that which is imported; but the majority of the public, particularly in the well-to-do classes, cannot be disabused of the notion that there is a superior value—somo precious indefinable virtue, as it would almost seem—in the stuff that comes from abroad. The following extracts from the evidence of Mr Robert Hannah, the well-known Wellington boot manufacturer, may be taken as typical Is it because you have not been making as good articles that the people ask to have imported? —No; it is because the general public have a tendency to appreciate the imported article. Is it the want of loyalty to one’s country?—l can only speak for myself. Is it your opinion that the manufacturers in New Zealand have been making as good boots as the imported ?—They have, and to-day there is stuff here equally as good as there is to be found in any part of the world. . . . There is nothing for a Now Zealand manufacture? to be ashamed fif in pllojg-

ing tho brand “New Zealand” to be placed upon tho Dominion’s goods?—l am very sorry to say I do not think so. Of course, one has to speak from experience, and if it were known that one did not import I have no hesitation in saying that" one’s business would fall oft very considerably, with a particular falllng-off in the number of lady customers.

And Mr Hannah told tho Committee a pleasant little story anent a Premier and an Attorney-General—both conspicuously patriotic—who visited his establishment one day (it was evidently before the time of Sir Joseph Ward and Dr Findlay) and asked to be supplied with “ colonial"’ bools. Mr Hannah showed them a thoroughly good article of local manufacture, but (perhaps rather thoughtlessly) lie als> displayed some imported goods; and alas ! the patriotism of tho distinguished customer-. promptly evaporated, and “tho “ Premier took three pairs of the imported, “and the Attorney-General two—so there “is your loyalty.” Tho prejudice against local manufacture is not quite so strong in regard to clothing and textile goods, New Zealand wool having made a name for itself; nevertheless tho Committee wore told of a man, “ holding a very good position,” who withdrew his custom when ho found that his tailor had had tho audacity to supply him with a suit of excellent —but colonial—material. Mr Pryor, secretary of the Employers’ Federation, stated that there were many men wearing suits of New Zealand stuff which they imagine to be imported material, “ and if “ they wore to be told that definitely when “ buying their clothing they would want “ tho imported goods." Mr Hannah virtually admitted that the public prejudice against the local article had the effect of inducing New Zealand manufacturers to conceal the origin of their own products. Ho was questioned concerning the “ brand ” of his firm:

Is it a brand that is intended to disguise the fact that it is made in New Zealand, or is it plainly your own brand —your own name? —No, our brand is “ G ” And what is the reason for your branding your best goods with “G ” instead of with the name which is so honored in New Zealand?— Well, I am glad to hear you say that, but wo do not brand tbo best goods “ G.” In fact, we found that affected tho sale, and we have had to leave that off.

What do you brand them, as English or American? —No, wo give them different names, keeping as near as possible with tho imported brand You do not intend to deceive the public in any way, do yon?—No, wc aro not deceiving tho public. But you axe surely not ashamed of yoar own good name?—-No, not personally Would it not advertise your goods if you put your own good name on them ? No.

It would not advertise your goods?— No; it might advertise tho name, but it would not increase tho sale of the goods. That is our weak point.

It is a humiliating necessity, especially when the local manufacturer knows that his own goods are every whit as good as the imported art ,Ic. “W r e are not yet sufficiently educated,” observed Mr Pryor, and Ibis is so obviously true that wo should be glad to bear of some influential people starting a propagandist enterprise in the interests of commercial and industrial patriotism. Meanwhile, Parliament will probably adopt tho recommendation of the Labor Bills Committee; and, having regard to tho published evidence, we could not advocate the retention of the clause. By tho way, there may be a slight measure of consolation in the knowledge that most of the imported boots come nowadays from England, instead of (as formerly) from America. This change is due to the Preferential Tariff, which has been more effective than some people suppose. Wo quote again from Mr Hannah’s evidence:

Are there as many American hoots imported as there were?—No, they are a dead-letter.

Tho English boots have largely supplanted them?— Yes, more than supplanted them. Is it in consequence of the Preferential Tariff?— Yes; there is no doubt about that.

The 11 per cent, made all the difference?— The per cent. And that has put tho American goods out of the market? —Yes.

So far so good; but tho importation, even from England, of goods whicli can be just as well manufactured in the Dominion should be firmly discouraged ; and an educative campaign against perverse prejudice is greatly needed.

A special and fully-attended meeting of tho Drainage Board was held this morning in connection with the serious difference now existing between the Board and tho Harbor Board. The proceedings were in committee, but tho following resolution was confirmed in open board:—'‘That the verbal report of Messrs Marlow and Christie, tho Board’s delegates to Wellington, be received and approved; that this Board unanimously agree that the Hon. J. A. Millar, Minister of Marine, act as solo arbitrator between the Harbor Board and tho Drainage Board on tho question of storm water provision; and that Messrs Gluistie, Marlow, ami Small bo appointed as delegates from the Board to proceed to Wellington to lay tho facts from the Board’s point of view before tho Hon, Mr Millar.”

“ Country Resident ” voices a very general complaint against the closing during tho summer months of the winter garden in ihe forenoon. He says: ’‘Yesterday, along with somo friends from tho North, I went down to tho Botanical Gardens in the hope of being able to inspect tho beautiful gift made to the City by one of its merchant princes, and judge our amazement when wo were informed that the building is only available to the public from Ito 5 p.m. Now, neither my friends nor myself were able to go to tho north end, by reason of other engagements, except in tho forenoon, and we had to return to our homes by the afternoon train. Is there any valid reason why the building cannot bo opened from, say, 10 a.m. to noon, for tho convenience of country folk, who, from what I heard from other people in the Gardens yesterday, just revel in the beautiful things Mr Tannock has gathered together in this lovely place.” Perhaps the chairman of the Reserves Committee will take tho matter into avizandum, and see whether our correspondent’s suggestion can be acted on.

During the month ended October 12 last the revenue of the city tramways was £5,156 17a Bd, and the working expenses £2,726 19s 6tb After allocating sums to the interest and sinking fund, the renewal and amortisation fund, and the accident insurance fund, there was a net profit of £662 16e. The number of passengers carried was 883,880, Four of the Anglican missioners arrived in Dunedin yesterday from Christchurch, and wont on to Queenstown this morning in order to obtain a brief rest before the Otago campaign commences.. They are the Revs. Canon Stuart, G. S. De Carteret, A. B. Lillingston, and C. Hephcr. The latter said the results of the mission in New Zealand so far had been extraordinary, surpassing anything that had ever come within his experience. Mr R. R. Douglas, a member of the City Council, who unsuccessfully contested Dunedin South at the last General Election, will definitely stand for Dunedin North at the next election.

A supplementary report of the City Council's Works Committee recommended that authority be granted to proceed with works in the Valley Ward, totalling over £350. This was carried at the City Council’s meeting last night..

• The mail despatched from Dunedin via Brindisi on the 22nd September arrived in London on the night of the 28th October.

Work in connection with the extension of the water reticulation in the Borough of Roalyn was commenced yesterday. The Mayor (Mr Hamel) states that the contractors have shown commendable expedition in tho matter, as the tenders wore only accepted in August, and the pipes had to be ordered from Home.

Considerable diversity of opinion was expressed by-members of the City Council last night over a recommendation that no action he taken in tho meantime against any parties for causing temporary obstruction of footways by loading and unloading goods within cart docks at their respective premises, the Police Department to bo asked to submit breaches to the mayor and town clerk before instituting proceedings. Cr Taplcy expressed the ‘hope that the recommendation would lie carried, eineo the Council did not wish to harass the commerce of tho City. Cr Dougins pointed out that it was not, fail- U> put- the police in the position of having to submit cases under tho by-laws to anyone but the magistrate. He moved that the clause be deleted. Tho discuosion did not progress very far, for it was pointed out through tho town clerk that the by-law either stood to bo administered in the usual way, or would have to bo deleted. In these circumstances no serious objection was made to Cr Douglas’s motion for the deletion of the clause.

The publicity given to tho fact that the auction of the lease of the Auckland Islands had failed to elicit a bid has resulted in a syndicate taking up the lease. The syndicate include Moffett Bros., of Invercargill. The area comprises 116,000 acres.

Rumor (“ the lying jade ”) has spread it abroad that, the Dr amigo Board pumping plant is seriously overtaxed to get rid of the sewage, and that the Board’s proposed scheme, which has created a difference between them and tho Harbor Board, is designed partially to obviate this strain. Tho rumor is even more baseless than usual, and statistics show it. The Drainage Board's log reveals the fact that the average tunc per day worked by both pumps during the year ended on October 1 was 4 3-ltlth hours, or less than one-fifth of their capacity; while the maximum time worked by both pumps over any fortnight of that period was ninety-three hours each, or just over one-quarter of their capacity. Cr Rhodes wanted to know last night if tho Tramways Committee had any proposition to make in regard to tho North-east Valley being given the same concession as that allowed on the St. Clair route. The .Major replied that nothing could be done in this matter until such time as notice of motion was given proposing that a similar concession should be allowed North-east Valley. Cr Keast- (chairman of the Tramways Committee) added that the matter of concessions was now before tho Committee.

The once much-di£ciis.sed question of the gasholder was again mentioned at last night’s meeting of tho City Council, when Or Tapley asked how they had got on with the' holder since temporary repairs had been made, and what was to bo dona now to carry out permanent repairs. Cr White (chairman of the Gas Committee) explained that the holder during the winter months had stood tho test romarlrably well, and the engineer felt that it should remain as it was at present for next winter. In the meantime the Committee were getting a report from Messrs Westwood and Wright, tho contractors for tho holder, in regard to building an annular tank, which seemed to be the only tiring to bo done if tho foundations wero still sinking, liecently, when the tank was lowered no effect from sink-age was noticeable. The Committee did not intend to do anything until they felt that ihey could bring twine scheme lie-fore tho Council that would bo absolutely workable and satisfactory. Our Parliamentary Reporter wires:—ln tlve matter of the Foxton Harbor Board’s petition, tho Railways Committee recommend that as tho Railway Department is willing to sell its wharf and all rights thereto, and as tho Foxton Harbor Board are willing and anxious to purchase, the whole matter bo referred to arbitration for settlement.

A special meeting of the City Council well be held next week to consider the question of making grants to the Technical Classes Association and the University Council for the Museum and Hockon fund. The- new Church of Chiist which has recently been erected in Filleul street under the supervision of Mr E. W. Walden, architect, is of a neat and pleasing desgin. The fronts are carried up in double-pressed bricks, with facings of moulded Domain (done, the windows being Gothic headed. Internally the walk are finished with a dado of Xeen’s cement, and finished above with white piaster. The pulpit is of figured rod pine, the seating being made of the same material. At the bade of the pulpit is the Iraptistry. the. vestry and deacons' room being at the rear. The ceilings are all in ornamental stamped steel, with gas fittings of oxidised copper. The windows in front arc glazed with leadlighlo. Mr G. Lawrence was the contractor lor the building, and is to be complimented on the way Ihe work has been finished. 11. Atkin, a fireman on tho steamer Kaikoura, was brought before Mr D. A. De Mans, J.P., at the Port Chalmers Court to-day charged with absenting himself from his work without leave. He. was convicted and sentenced to five hours’ imprisonment, this term of imprisonment being calculated to expire in time for accused to reach Ids ship before she sailed for Tim am.

The Trades and Labor Councils of the Dominion have endorsed a proposal 1o present a testimonial to Mr Edward TVogear, Secretary lo the Labor Department, who hue uaiiuninotd his intention of ictiring. At last night’s meeting of the Dunedin and Suburban General Laborers’ Union it was decided to volo £3 lo the fund

In respect to the motion carried in the House making Government buildings amenable to municipal regulations in relation lo sanitation, etc., tho Mayor (Mr T. Cole) considers that Government buildings, in common with others, should bo subjected to municipal regulations. The Government, he says, should adopt by-laws to govern tho whole of the Dominion, The annual Sounds excursion, which has been ran for many years by the Union Steam Ship Company, is lo be abandoned this year, it is understood, owing to insufficient patronage of lato yenrs. Two of the company’s steamers and the Hu:l--dart-Parker Company’s Ulimaioa will, however, make calls at Milford Sound in January, en route from the Bluff to Melbourne. The last steamer to make tho excursion, it will no remembered, was tho Waikare, now a wreck at Dusky.

A Wellington wire states Lliai a robbery was committed aboard the .Manuka, lying at the Queen’s wharf, this morning. Shortly before five o’clock tbo cabin of a young* lady passenger from Sydney to the Soulli Island was entered, and her handtag, containing £3C worth of jewellery and some money, taken from tinder her pillow. On the passage of the same steamer from Sydney to Wellington a male passenger reported that his purse, containing £ll, which ho had placed on the top of his washing basin, in the lavatory, was not there when ho returned to that part of the fillip. Mr George Tiiomeon, of Thomson and Co., has added to his early history collection a largo oil painting of Dunedin. Only seventeen houses arc in sight, and Princes street straggles over Bell Hill, so that the picture must have been sketched at a-very early date, and probably it is one of the first of the whole lot. The picture is of uneven merit from tbo art point of view. The water of the bay is well painted, also the hills ; whilst the foreground seams to be haety work. But it is quite a curiosity, and oven, as it is, badly needing a clean up, it is of value. Mr Thomson found it in a hut at Naseby. Constable Sweeney loft for Sydney this morning to bring back R. B. Coghill, late of Dunedin, who has been arrested there on a warrant charging him with wifedesertion at Dunedin.

A short sitting of the Police Court this morning was presided over by Mr H. Y. Widdowson, S.M. Two men were dealt with for drunkenness. William John was fined 20s, or foity-eight hours, and Joseph Leonard Waite, who did not appear, was similarly treated. William Charnley’s offence was a more serious matter, he being charged with disorderly behaviour while drunk in Hanover street. Sub-inspector Phair explained that Charuley had to he ejected from the Savoy Restaurant by Constable Bandy, whom ho followed down the street, insulting him. His Worship remarked that such interference was a serious matter. Charnley was fined 40s, or in default fourteen days’ imprisonment. A maintenance case, in which William Tiros. Lewis (for whom -Mr Scurr appeared) sought remission of arrears and a variation of an order, was adjourned until the 16th lust, to enable Mrs Lewis to be represented by counsel. She said that she was having a bit-tor struggle. The acting city engineer has been instructed to experiment in King street with a view to ascertaining tiro Irest means of abating the dust nuisance and report. Or Wilson last night explained that if tar sprinkling was utilised it was not anticipated that it would do any good to the streets, but it would keep down the dustin the summer. Or Tapper expresesd himself as pleased to see that something was being done to abate the dust nuisance outside tho Hospital.

A concert in aid of the new organ fund will be given itt Trinity Church Hall, Moray place, this evening. Jlr Frank Drake is included in the programme, which comprises items by many of our most acceptable vocalists.

The newest styles in summer shoes, black, grey, and tan suede, and patent, are shown at Simon’s Continental Boot Depot, Princes street (opposite Post Office). —[Advt.]

The annual meeting of the Patients and Prisoners’ Aid Society will be held in the Town Hall at 4 p.m. to-morrow. Mr Justice Williams will preside and addresses will be given by the Mayor, Dr Colquhoun, the Revs. E. A. Axelscn and Knowles Smith, Messrs Callaway and Walker. A fine photograph of the late Mr J. A. Torrance is to be presented to the Early Settlers’ Association. The attention of passengers to Macandrews, Broad Bay, and Portobello is drawn to the Peninsula Ferry Company’s altered timetable, which comes into force on Saturday, 6th inst., and is published on page 1 of this issue. Special trips on Saturdays, 1.15 p.m., 10 p.m.—[Advt.]

The Maheno is advertised to nm to the Maori Kaik and North Spit on Sunday. Speight's ale and stout are acknowledged by the Dominion public to bo tho beat on the market. —[Advt.] Thomas Fogg, dental surgeon, has removed to his new premises at the comer of George and Park streets.—[Advt.] At the request of a large number of the public, an opportunity will be given on Sunday next, at St. Kilda rotunda, to hear the Momiugton Band in tho two test selections of tho late contest. This band’s interpretations of the works of Wagner and Meyerbeer are highly spoken of by leading musical criilcs who attended the contest, and they can be depended upon to give a faithful rendering. A collection will be taken up in aid of band fund.

Conscientious and faithful effort is what vou receive at the Acmo Photo. Company, George ctrcet. You certainly obtain the most beautiful portraits at moderate charges. Telephone 965.—[Advt.] No lady should be without Martin’s Apiol and Steel Pills. Sold by all chemists and stores throughout Australasia.—[Advt.]