N.Z. MANUFACTURES.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXXII, Issue 2767, 26 August 1931, Page 2

N.Z. MANUFACTURES.

_— DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRIES BOARD. ECONOMIC FACTOR. Possibly because manufacture is \ designated as “secondary” industry, New Zealand does not generally rea- . lise the important status that manufactures have achieved in our economic system. Worth repeating, therefore, are some of the figures quoted by the President in his address at the opening of the Dominion Conference of the Manufacturers’ Federation. * The number engaged in factories and allied industries on March 31st, 1930, was, he said, 85,797, with an annual salaries and wages bill of £ £17,621,464. Capital invested amount- .. ed to £71,655,154. These returns, and others that could be quoted, are an impressive reminder of how greatly our manufactures have advanced and how much in oar do- ' mestic economy is now dependent on them. Recognition of their status is implied in the Government’s decision to set up a Development of Industries Board. ■ . ■ When the number of official organisations founded to assist agricultural and pastoral industry is remembered, it will be readily admitted that such a board is justified by long precedent. It may be hoped that it will serve a useful purpose by helping the manufacture1 ’ with technical problems, ■ while we can all assist him (at the same time contributing to the solution of the unemployment problem) by giving preference in our buying to New Zealand-made goods. '