MANUFACTURERS

Evening Star, Issue 19318, 3 August 1926, Page 11

MANUFACTURERS

ANNUAL MEETING OF ASSOCIATION KR J. HOGG RE-ELECTED PRESIDENT The annual meeting of the Dunedin Manufacturers’ Association was held in the Somerset Lounge last evening, Mr Janies Hogg (president) presiding over a large attendance. APOLOGIES. Among those who sent apologies for absence were the following:—Sir Chas. Stntham, Hon. W.' Downie Stewart, M.P., Hon. A. D. M’Leorl, Mr T. K. Sidey, M.P., Mr Marrincr (president' Industrial Corporation of New Zealand), and the president and secretary of the Auckland and Wellington associations. GUESTS WELCOMED. The ‘ Chairman welcomed the following guests Messrs W. 13. Taverner ((deputy-mayor), H. C. Campbell (Chamber of Commerce), Geo. Black (Otago A. and P. Society), S. 13. Macdonald (Otago Expansion League), J. Sutherland Ross, C. Speight, W. R. Hayward, H. F. Sincock. A. Barnett, and H. R. Spence ; (Exhibition Company). ANNUAL REPORT. The annual report mentioned the questions of membership and finance as follows—The membership roll of the association has been augmented during the year by the election of seven now members. This welcome increase in membership is regarded as of groat importance, since it brings within our ranks some who had previously felt that their own trade associations demanded their undivided support. . . . The position disclosed .by the balancesheet shows that tho association now rests on a sound financial basis. In the years that have passed there have been many evidences of steady growth in the prestige and sphere of influence of the association, but the absence of any substantial financial reserve in tho earlier jvears had the inevitable effect of restricting the field of activities. It may be now, anticipated that the future operations will be correspondingly wider and more vigorous. MR HOGG’S ADDRESS. Mr Hogg, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, said that tho year just completed had been a memorable one from a manufacturer’s point of vieij, and, as a result of efforts made, they had been able to put the finances upon a sound footing, and to provide a fund that would prove of great assistance to them in tho future in carrying out essential and more extensive propaganda for New Zealandmade goods. Tho balance-sheet showed the finances to bo in a healthy condition. Despite increased expenditure incurred chiefly in propaganda week effort, the accumulated fund now stood at £1,440 7s 2d. Of this amount £I,OOO had been invested in gilt-edge securities, and would provide for all time a regular income for publicity purposes. EXHIBITION. "The outstanding feature of the year’s work,” ho said, “was undoubtedly our participation in the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition. As you are aware, the committee for the New Zealand Secondary Industries Court was drawn from our members, and, at the request of the directors, the committee accepted full responsibility for the filling of No. 6 building, the largest pavilion in the Exhibition. From all that has oeen said and written about the excellence of. tho displays and the standard of tho goods shown, we may conclude that tho effort in No. 6 Court was one worthy of the dominion’s industries. It showed tho people of New Zealand what could be accomplished within our own dominion, and mostly £forn our own materials. It served, I believe, as the greatest advertisement New Zealand industries has ever had in the dominion’s history, and the public have been educated to the importance of supporting the industries which provide, not only the quality of goods, but also steady employment for a very large proportion of our growing population.

“.During the whole Exhibition, provincialism was strictly kept in the background, and only the slogan of ‘ Now Zealand-made Goods ’ w r a.s used at all times. Now that the Exhibition has closed, however, it would not lie invidious to mention that out of ‘2Ol exhibitors 306 were from the manufacturers in Otago. As this finally closes reference to our Exhibition work, I wish to thank all the Otago members who exhibited, the committee who carried out the big undertaking, and the directors, Messrs C. Speight’ W. R. Hayward, and T. Somerville, who wore associated with us. Both Mr Forsyth Johnston and Mr George Reid carried out their duties in an excellent manner. The greatest credit is due to Air G. W. Reid for the thorough and painstaking manner in which ho managed the whole organisation, and brought it to a successful conclusion.” The speaker also referred to the efforts of Mr J. Sutherland Ross, who had always kept New Zealand industries in the forefront. Among their activities had been participation in the Otago A. and IV Show, the carrying out of industries shop week display, industrial research, and Sir Frank Heath’s visit; the endeavor to secure direct shipping facilities to the islands from Dunedin, Lyttleton, and Bluff, and (many other matters of lesser importance. He explained that the Winter Show, following so quickly on our big effort at the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition, prevented manufacturers from making an adequate display, notwithstanding the generous arrangements afforded to us by the A. and P. Society. Closer relations had, however, been established with the A. and P. Society, and it was hoped that, provided space can bo made available, that we would join in an arrangement with the society for a combined Winter Show, in which their members would exhibit in a larger way in a show,which might possibly be run for a period of two weeks. As an association they bad not only advocated the claims of New Zealand-made goods, but wo have also stressed the necessity of buying Empire goods where Now Zealand goods were not available. The executive had actively associated itself with the movement for an Empire shopping week, which it was anticipated would he held about November. Ho thanked the Industries and Commerce Department for the manner in which Air J, W. Collins, the secretary, and all bis officers throughout the dominion helped them in the early days of the Exhibition. Air Collins was untiring in his efforts to interest manufacturers of the North Island in the project. They also placed on record their appreciation of the Hon. W. Downic Stewart’s very live interest in industries during the years he held the portfolio of Industries and Commerce, ami they trusted to have the hearty support and co-operation of the new Alblister, the Hon. Mr M'Leod. Being a representative of the primary interests and also Minister of Industries ami Commerce, Mr M'Leod had a opportunity to cordinato the interests of farmer and industrialist, to remove present misunderstandings, and to bring into operation a truly national policy. They wore now in the ninth

year of their existence as an association. While it was thought in some quarters nine years ago that the inauguration of the association was a mistake, they could Live no hesitation in saying that the effort had been more than justified,- and that the last nine years had been full of welldirected effort and considerable accomplishment for our various industries. The existence of the association had consolidated their efforts, and led those efforts to a co-operation and unity of action which far outweighed individual effort. Their concern was not only the welfare of tlieir own particular industry or business, but the welfare and progress of the whole dominion, and the welfare and development of their province and their city, to which every man owed a civic duty.

ADEQUATE TARIFFS WANTED. Mr T. Somerville, who seconded the motion, stressed the need for adequate tariffs in order to develop their secondary industries, and also pointed out that the manufacturer himself should do everything he could to push New Zealand-made goods, and inculcate a desire amongst the citizens of the dominion to use them wherever possible. The primary industries wanted developing, in the interests of closer settlement. Better methods of farming were needed, and ways might be found of improving the stock. Sir Joseph Ward pointed out recently in the House of Representatives that it required more fleeces of wool to make up a bale than formerly, and this indicated that science should be brought in to discover the reason for this. Sir Frank Heath, during his visit to the dominion, had referred to the necessity of closer co-operation between science and industry. He gave one instance of how a scientist, who found himself out of a job after the war had developed the sandal wood oil industry in West Australia into a position of immense importance. The speaker considered that the New Zealand manufacturer should take the lead himself in popularising dominion-made goods. Mr Somerville paid a tribute to the president and secretary for presenting such a magnificent annual report. T'ho motion was carried without discussion. OFFICE-BEARERS. The following officers were elected : President, Mr Jamas Hogg (re-elected) ; vire-president. Mr T. Somerville (reelected) ; committee —Messrs J. Sutherland Ross, W. C. Burt, J. S. Faulkner, E. H. Ixiugh, B. H. Ness. W. H. Shepherd. A. Sraellie, A. H. Templeton, A. K. Usher wood, 0. Wilson, C. Baker, R. Cuddie. W. R. Havward, W. M‘Kinfay, J. (i. Jeffery, H. E. Skinner, C. Speight, T. Tomkins, J. E. Wheeler, J. Stark; treasurer, Mr R. J. Hudson; auditor, Mr J. H. Stewart. PRESENTATION TO PRESIDENT. Mr T. Somerville, on behalf of the committee, made a presentation of a canteen of cutlery and a case of fish knives to the president (Mr James Hogg). The speaker eulogised Mr Hogg’s services in connection with the Secondary Industries Court, stating that their president, along with Mr G. W. Reid and Mr Forsyth Johnston, had let three acres of space of a capital value of £120.000 —no mean fe-at,. It was the vigor and foresight that Mr Hogg had displayed that had made the Secondary Industries Court such a success. In making the choice of the gifts they had recognised the sacrifice made by Mrs Hogg. Mr G. W. Reid said that as secretary of the Secondary Industrtos Court he had a good opportunity of appreciating the efforts of Mr Hogg. He was no mere figurehead, and had the happy knack of coming to life when help was needed most. Without Mr Hogg he doubted whether the court would havo been so successful. He did not think there had over been a president who had such remarkable enthusiasm for New Zealand-made goods as Mr Flogg. Mr Flogg, in reply, said that ho would bo a very proud man if ho could believe only half the things that had been said about him that evening, but he would be wanting in gratitude If ho did not say that he would always remember those kind words. It had been a great pleasure to work on the Secondary Industries Committee, and ho would never forget his association with Air G. W. Reid and .Mr Forsyth Johnston. Ho considered that Mr Reid had done more than ho had done iu making the venture a success. EXHIBITION DIRECTORS The President said they were taking the opportunity of paying the final tribute to the Exhibition directors’ work. Mr R. Cuddie said they wore particularly glad to know they were now to have the very able assistance of Air Sutherland Roes on the executive. All present would agree that the Exhibition shareholders were particularly fortunate in the choice of a board,' and the success of the undertaking was due to the team work of the board, coupled ■with the appointment of a very competent executive. The directors could retire on their laurels, with the thanks ol the shareholders, the manufacturers, and the general public. (Applause.) Mr J. Sutherland Ross congratulated the association on obtaining Air Hogg’s services as president for another year. The speaker returned thanks on bchalt of the directors and the executive for inviting them there in a body that evening. The secondary industries had really been the apple of his eye, and he never went through the court, without feeling prouder of what New Zealand produced. It had been a revelation of him. His Excellency the Governor-General had greatly appreciated the court after he had seen it, though he pointed out that he had expressed very different opinions before he had been through it. There was one very disappointing feature, and that was the fact that only 207 manufacturers had been represented out of a total of 4.o()0. He wished to associate himself with what had been said about the services of Air Hogg, Mr Johnston, and Air Reid. They seemed to live on the job all the time, and manufacturers were greatly indebted to them. They were specially indebted to Mr Reid—in fact, the Exhibition had been connected with the name of Reid. Mr W. E. C. Reid and Mr Spence had laid the foundations of the Exhibition. Air Ha uisworth’s services had been invaluable, but ho wanted to,stress the fact that the spade work had been done before Mr Hainsworth had set foot in the country. The Government had given magnificent assistance, and he paid a tribute to what the Hon. Mr M'Leod had done. Fie had been a good friend to the local manufacturers. Having the secondary industries all together had destroyed the provincial feeling, the existence of which, he thought, had kept the country hack. It behoved manufacturers to follow up the wonderful trading possibilities that had been opened up by the Exhibition. They could not expect to see much result yc|, but lie believed they would benefit in the near future. It was surprising the number of English manufacturers who considered it worth while to push their goods hero. He stressed the necessity lor keeping up the quality of their goods, stating that many articles produced were not a credit to i the country. This was due to the j fact that some manufacturers had been producing inferior articles in order to meet competition. The man they had to get in touch with was the man hcI hind the counter. Another point he emphasised was that in buying goods from Homo they had to place their j orders a long time ahead, whilst if they I gave it to a New Zealand firm they

would get their goods much sooner. Ho was greatly concerned with the young men. The- speaker referred to the cash-on-dolivory system for goods from England. He considered this was detrimental to them. It was a matter that snonld he taken up by the association, aa it was a great and growing menace. In 1923 1,278 parcels, of a total value of £4,200, had come into the country by this moans. The figures tor lit:-! were 3,062, valued at £11,618; and for 192.5 9,125, of a value of £31.952. The matter had been raised before the Minister, hut Mr Noswnrthy said that it could not be altered, as it was the result of an international agreement. However, they should do something to bring about concerted action by the chambers of commerce and other bodies. Mr Arthur Barnett replied in a humorous vein MUSICAL PROGRAMME. The musical programme, which was arranged hv Mr E. Brake, was contributed to' by Messrs A. J. Lmigloy and I;. Halley (songs), and Mr it. Rohilliard (’cello solni. Mr Chas. A. .Martin was accompanist. ■ VOTE OF THANKS. On the motion of Air R. Hudson, n hearty vote of thanks was accorded Proa,