MANUFACTURE' ASSOCIATION

Evening Star, Issue 19951, 22 August 1928, Page 3

MANUFACTURE' ASSOCIATION

IN A SOW POSITION SUCCESSFUL YEAR REVIEWED The annual meeting of the Dunedin Manufacturers’ Association wasTield in the Somerset Lounge last .evening, Mr T. Somerville presiding over .au attendance of about seventy. Before proceeding with the business, the chairman extended a hearty welcome to a number of guests and representatives from kindred societies who were present. ANNUAL EE POUT. The annual report stated, inter alia: Summer Time.—At the request of the executive, the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation gave consideration to the question of Summer Time In relation to the manufacturing industries, and reached the conclusion that a further period of trial was der sirablo. Tho executive decided to ascertain tho opinions of members by means of a questionnaire, and the replies sent in confirmed in a most convincing way the desire for a further period of trial. The subsequent rejection bv Parliament of Mr T. K. Sidey’s Bill was undoubtedly regarded with, regret by the general body of manufacturers, and there can be little question that any workable proposals for the adoption of a local scheme will bo favourably received by the association. New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation.—ln November last the annual conference of manufacturers was held in Auckland, and the association was represented by - the president and secretary, while Mr- J. Sutherland Ross occupied the chair us dominion president. Tho constitution of tho federation was settled, and various remits were discussed. One, important decision reached by the conference was to urge upon the Government the desirability of creating a Tariff Board on similar Tines to the one operating in Australia.

Membership.—There has been little change in the number of members on the roll during the year. Three resignations were received—in each case duo to a discontinuance of manufacturingwhile two new members were elected. The organisation of the “ Made in New Zealand Week” drew attention to the fact that there are still some manufacturers, in the city who arc not linked up with the association. It is anticipated that one of the first activities of The new executive will bo an endeavour to add these to our membership and so strengthen the association still further. Finance.—The balance-sheet shows a satisfactory position, though the demands on the association’s funds have been somewhat heavier than usual. Each year makes it increasingly obvious that, given a sufficiency _of funds, there is wide scope for effective propaganda and concerted action in the interests of tho general body of manufacturers.

In moving the adoption of the annual report, Mr Somerville said that tho recent window displays were tho most successful yet undertaken, both as regards the number and tho quality of display, and they are greatly indebted to tbo retailers who placed their windows at tho disposal of the members. Manufacturers wore able to display in a very real way the many articles that are now being successfully.manufactured locally, and demonstrated that both quality and price were right. Notwithstanding the success achieved, be was confident that this annual display was capable of greater _ development, and tho incoming executive should, without delay, proceed to discuss avenues whereby this desirable improvement might be achieved. There could be no doubt that there was still need for a better understanding and co-opera-tion between manufacturers _ and distributors, if they, as a city, were to benefit _ from the fact that what Dunedin made mode Dijnedin. The aims of both were a better service to the consuming public, and the closer the manufacturer and the retailer could get together in a movement to this end the greater the service they would render. Those who were most closely connected with the organising of tho last display believed tiiab it w'ould amply repay members to take a keener and personal interest in future displays. _ By so doing, tho personal contact with its consequent discussion and reraovnl_ of misunderstandings would consolidate and develop trade to their mutual benefit, and improve their service to the community. The motion was seconded by the vice-president (Mr J. Sutherland Rossi,- who tho regret oi members that the president was suffering from illness. It was sporting of him to leave Ids home to deliver tho presidential address, which was marked with expressions to which tho manufacturers should give serious consideration. Mr Rosa'said tho'manufacturers’ viewpoint could now lie plac'd before the_ public -through the medium of the official organ. The executive was willing to help manufacturers to develop trade with Soinoa, but it could do nothing unless the individual members gave their assistance. Speaking of membership, Mr Ross said the association wanted members who' were not inarticulate. By co-opera-tion and expression of ■ opinions, good would bo achieved. The subject of marketing was deserving of the most serious consideration, hut- they could not expect tho 'Government to do much more than already outlined However, tho Government should give some greater financial 'assistance to the efforts of the manufacturers, who bad to “put up ibo money themselves.” The' motion was carried without discussion. ELECTION OF' OFFICERS.

Mr Somerville proposed Mr Suthcrlaml Ross as president for tho coming year. The president-elect mas recognised as a, nian of personality and ability as the head of a, largo manufacturing concern. Mr Ross was elected unopposed. Other officers elected were;—Vicepresident, Mr J. H. Stewart; committee—Messrs C. Baker, W. R. Brinsley. Alex. Burt, F. W. Cleavin, B. Cuddle. J. S. Fnulkiner, W. R. Havward, .T. Hogg, J. G. Jeffrev, J. Y. “Love. W. M’Kinlay, B. H. Nees, Norton Oram, D. Phillips, H. E. Skinner. A. Smellie, T- Somerville, J. Stark. A. H. Templeton, T. Tomkins, J E. Wheeler, and C. Wilson; treasurer. Mr R. J. Hudson; auditor, Mr W. G. M'Kindley. ' ’ GENERAL.

During the course of the evening motion sof sympathy with the relatives of tho late Mr Alexander Williamson and the Into ' Mr'J. Greenfield were passed.