WELLINGTON INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

Evening Star, Issue 14574, 24 May 1911, Page 6

WELLINGTON INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITION.

OFFICIALLY OPENED. [lcr. United Phess Association.] WELLINGTON, May 24. The Industrial Exhibition promoted bl the Wellington Industrial Association was opened this afternoon in beautiful weather and in the presence of a large number of people. The display is being held in two of the Harbor Board's brick stores, and these contain a very complete collection of the products of the principal industries of the country. The object of the Association is to foster a spirit of self-reliance, so as to make New Zealand as self-contained as possible. Some of the leading firms and manufacturing houses throughout the country have made striking displays. The huge space on the top floor of one building has been set aside as a stadium for athletic games. The first sports meeting will bo held 10-night, and boxing and other tourneys will be arranged for at later dates.

M>' Ballinger, the president, in his opening address, said it was the largest industrial exhibition yet held in the Dominion. Manufacturers from all parts of New Zealand were exhibiting, and practically every industry of any importance was represented. New Zealand was one of the finest countries in the world, and one of the most richly endowed in mineral wealth, yet she could not claim to be anything like self-supporting. Importations' occupied by far too great a part in New Zealand trade. There was something wrong with a young country like this when a falling away in its industrial life was shown. Last year the increase in the number of factories was only 262, whereas for the preceding nine years the average increase of factories was 622. He hoped that legislators visiting the Exhibition would realise the necessity and great importance of doing all in their power to promote, foster, and encourage productive industries. As the Association preaches self-reliance, it also practised it. No Government subsidy had been ajjked for. the undertaking being entirely guaranteed by the local citizens. Speeches are also to be delivered bv tire Hon. J. Carroll and the Mayor of Wellington. 'llie Exhibition will be open for ter weeks.