SHOPPING SLOGAN

Evening Star, Issue 23136, 9 December 1938, Page 16

SHOPPING SLOGAN

BUY NEW ZEALAND GOODS MINISTER'S APPEAL ("Per United Press Assoct4Tio«.'J GR'EYMOUTH, December 8. The Minister of Industries and Commerce (Hon. D. G. Sullivan) made observations in an interview to-day on the duty of everyone in New Zealand to give greater preference to New Zea-land-made goods. After mentioning the campaign which was recently set going by the Government to stimulate increased buying of New Zealand-made goods, the Minister remarked that the success of the campaign could be , measured only by the readiness of the response by the general public to the appeal. The Minister said: “ The average man when he goes shopping is inclined to take the first thing that seems to be what he wants ; he is not like his wife who casts a very critical eye on the goods and makes shrewd comparisons with values obtainable in, other shops. lam not suggesting that our menfolk should try to develop all the arts of shopping to the same degree as tho womenfolk, but one thing they could all do quite, easily and ought to do—they should always ask if New Zea-land-made goods are available. Consider the woollen industry. New Zealand is one of the greatest wool-producing countries in the world, and, of necessity, the greater part of the wool is exported to be manufactured into clothing. In New Zealand, however,_ we have many factories making suitings, underwear, blankets, etc., and a large number of workers get their livelihood from these factories, and this livelihood depends to a great extent upon the support given by the people of New Zealand to the products of these workers. Wo all are aware that the average man purchases his woollen articles without giving any consideration whatsoever to the country where they were made, and, as a result, vast sums of money are sent overseas in payment for manufactured woollen goods, whereas this money could be kept in New Zealand to pay wages for the workers in this country. If our menfolk would give more thought to this matter and' insist that the woollen goods they buy have been made in New Zealand, not only would those workers already engaged in the woollen industry benefit hut the whole community would gain also. Furthermore, there would be greater opportunities for other workers to find employment in the industry. The Government warts to see production increased to the fullest extent possible, and every man in the country can lend his weighty in this particular direction by demanding New Zealand woollens the very next time and at all times when he is buying these goods.” SHOE TRADE INSTANCED. The Minister pointed out that there was in New Zealand a competent and highly organised boot and shoe trade, and on the other hand there was a tendency for people to consider that they could not get the best fitting or best looking shoes without going to overseas products. He did not hold that opinion, and was convinced that the New Zealand-made shoe was equaL in appearance and better in wearing quality than the average shoe imported. The industry had gone through some bad periods of depression, with consequent loss of wages to workers because of the reluctance, or, rather, refusal, of the workers of New Zealand to purchase hoots and shoos made by their own people. The Minister said that if everyone when purchasing n pair of boots or shoes were to say to the shopkeeper “ I want New Zealandmade shoes,” they would be doing an inestimable service, not merely to the manufacturers and the hide and skill merchants, but to all the workers engaged directly or indirectly m the manufacture of boots and shoes. Tlie Minister pointed out that the shop assistants of the Dominion were in an excellent (position to render a very great service to New Zealand. It was they who actually sold the great army of purchasers the goods bought in such great quantities every year. They often were very helpful to shoppers who were not quite sure in their own minds just what they wanted, and the advice given to buvers was usually appreciatively received. lh«' Minister suggested to the shop assistants that at all times they should show customers goods made m New Zealand factories. A word in season from the shop assistant very otten meant the sale of a New Zealand article instead, of an imported product. He frequently found that just by mentioning a particular commodity was made in New Zealand a purchaser could be reminded of his duty to his fellow workers and would need 11 persuasion to exercise the right ot choice for Dominion-made goods, bo to the shop assistants the Minister appealed to buy New Zealand-made goods themselves and to push the sale of the products of their fellow workers in preference to those of overseas countries. Thev would have the approval of the employers, the Government, and the consuming public. UNIONS MUST HELP. It would be- a great thing if every member of the New Zealand Workers Union carried out to the full the advice printed on the back of his membership ticket “ Buy New Zealand-made Goods’.” The responsible .officers of Hie union wj?re fully convinced that every worker should whole-heartedly support the campaign inaugurated by Urn Government to encourage the greater use of Dominion-made products The approach of Christmas was an excellent opportunity for everyone to show practical loyalty to the country Loyalty should not merely be a lib service, but should find'expression in practical efforts such as when buyhm presents for friends. Let all resolve that all presents we buy shall be products of our own factories he sakl “ Thus will the gifts bring happiness to a wider circle than those who receive them and extend back to the many people concerned with then manufacture.”