Department of Industries and Commerce Urges Support of N.Z. Industries

Evening Star, Issue 21720, 15 May 1934, Page 12 (Supplement)

Department of Industries and Commerce Urges Support of N.Z. Industries

“I am of the opinion that our manufacturing industries are destined to play a considerably greater part in our economic development in the not distant future than has been the case in the past” says Mr G. W. Clinkard, Secretary of the Department.

It gives me pleasure to comply with, your request for a message for publication in the special supplement of the ‘ Evening Star ’ which is being issued in connection with “Made in New Zealand Week.” I am fully aware of the success which has attended similar efforts made by the Manufacturers’ Association in Dunedin in the past, and of the excellent results that have been achieved by the propaganda work so made on behalf of New Zealand manufacturing industries.

I am sure that this year’s “Made in New Zealand Week ” will be even more successful than in previous years, and I would like to take this opportunity of urging the people of Dunedin and the surrounding district to support the efforts of the organisers as far as possible, .both by making a special point of. viewing the displays and also by exercising a definite preference in favour of New Zealandmade goods whenever possible. The importance of our manufacturing industries in the economic life of the country is readily seen when I mention that 68,921 persons wore employed in what is termed “factory” production during the year ended March 31, 19331 In the same year salaries and wages paid to these persons totalled £12,048,148. The inclusion of figures relating to the semi-primary industries, such as meat-freezing and butter and cheese, etc., somewhat obscures the position in so far as the real manufacturing industries are concerned. When such figures arc omitted the position is that 46,330 persons were engaged during the year ended March 31, 1933, in what may more strictly be regarded as manufacturing industries, and that salaries and wages paid to them aggregated £7,310,245. I am of the opinion that our manufacturing industries are destined to play a considerably greater

part in our economic development in the not distant future than has been the case in the past. This is borne out by the history of many countries in which increasing population has necessitated greater dependence upon the manufacturing industries, particularly in so far as the provision of employment is concerned .

procurable in any country. It will be readily understood that it is possible for a New Zealander to be clothed from head to foot in New Zealand-made goods. If the average New Zealander would make up his or her mind to demand, wear, and advocate dominion manufactures, the task of reducing unemployment would bo made much easier. Although the primary industries of the country are the chief factors which make for prosperity, it has to be remembered that prosperous secondary industries in the cities provide a big market for our primary products.