Manamatu Herald. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1881. LOCAL INHIBITIONS A MEANS OF PROMOTING INDUSTRIES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue 51, 25 February 1881, Page 2

Manamatu Herald. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1881. LOCAL INHIBITIONS A MEANS OF PROMOTING INDUSTRIES.

In last issue we dwelt upon the paramount importance of industries as a means of affording profitable employment in the colony, and expressed an opinion that a multiplicity of small industries, calculated to produce articles of every-day use but which are now imported, would be oi greater advantage to the colony as a whole than the creation of a few large factories; and that there ore the bonuses now offered by the Government for sugar, starch and other such products would be likely to do more good if offered for the production of jams, cured and potted fish, pickles, &c, the bonus only to be payable when a certain quantity of each article had been sold in the colony at fairlyremunerative prices. We now propose to point out the means by which industries might be promoted in this county. The means referred to is indicated in the heading to this article, as we regard exhibitions as probably the very best means of promoting the growth of industries. We refer not so much to the great ones held from time to time in Europe or America, nor even to those of Sydney and Melbourne, as to the comparatively small ones which are generally desciibed as " local exhibitions." It is doubtful whether the benefits derived by either New South Wales or "Victoria from their respective exhibitions will be commensurate with the vast outlay they have been put to. On the other hand, we think that if one half the amount spent on the " big " show had been appropriated to say half a dozen smaller ones in different parts of either colony, the real and permanent good effected by the creation and development of industries would be greater than will result from the large exhibitions. Last year a local exhibition was held at Chrigtchurch, and the success

whicb .-^tended it exceeded all expectation -. Its chief advantage was that it brought into notice many small and yet important industries the existence of which was previously unknown to the masses of the people. At the time we read several instances of the good the Ohristchnrch exhibition effected. In one case, a man had be-n working on quietly by himself makiu«* some small article of domestic uge) '•.;.. skcts, or mats, or something of that kind. His appearance in the exhibition carrying ou his work brought in so many orders, that he was at once able to employ several hands. Other instances of a similar character were published at the time. In fact, the advantages of the exhibition were so apparent, and so fully recognised, that our Wanganui fel-low-colonists soon afterwards took up the idea and are preparing for one, whilst we now learn from Wellingtou that it is intended to hold there " an exhibition of the manufactures and products (strictly so called) of the local district of Wellington " in the Athenaeum, uuder the direction of Committee of that institution, ou the 25th of April next, and following days. These facts prove that the beneficial tendency such exhibitions as that held at Christchurch is recognised. To bring our remarks to a practical end, we would ask, why should not ftianawatn County hold an Industrial Exhibition ? We would not pei haps have a display of articles equal to what Christchurch am furnish, nor even Wanganui ; nevertheless, we believe that an industrial exhibition held in our own county would result in great good. The exhibition would not need to be confirned to the products of JManawatu, but could embrace those from Wanganui, Eangitikei, Paten, and Wellington. If every industry carried on even in this county were represented we believe the exhibition would be a respectable one. Different tradesmen in various districts would doubtless send their products. Dozens of trades and industries constantly carried on come to our memory, and will doubtless occur to our readers. The exhibition should if possible be made to display every industry earned on in the district, especially those which will prevent money being sent away to other places or countries. Special stress should be laid on such articles as jam, boots, leather, lime, snddlery, draining pipes, horse shoes, pickles, sauces, furniture, cordials, rope, doormats (of flax), brooms, casks, churns, butter (fresh aud salt), pieserved fruits, cured fish, twine, honey, cheese, bricks, vehicles, baskets, wine, ale and porter, confectionery, biscuits, ham and bacon, dried apples or peaches, preserved meat, wool, timner,&c. Even including only the above articles, a very fan* exhibition could be arranged, and we believe nearly the whole of them are produced in Manawatu. As to the place where such an exhibition should be held, we think that Palnierston is the most suitable. Ifc is the centre town of the district, and having a Borough Council composed of energetic and enterprising settlors, who would, we are sure, take a deep interest in carrying out such an affair to a successful issue, we trust they will fall in with our suggestion and take the initiatory steps. If they do so, the matter should be niado a district affair. All the local bodies should be asked to contribute to the cost, as the whole county would be benefitted, and in every centre of population local committes to secure exhibits should be appointed. Perhaps some of onr readers may be disposed to think that both Foxtou and Feildiug have equal claims with Palmerston to bo the exhibition town. We have simply expressed our own opinion thwt the Borough is most suitable. In conclusion we would add that it might be desirable to arrange that the exhibition (if held) should take place immediately after the Wanganni one, always supposing there is sufficient time. Doubtless there will be a 1 n-ge number of exhibits at that from Pat" -a and other places, and as the Government would doubtless carry all exhibits along the railway free, it would be most desirable to try and arrange for a Manawatu exhibition to follow a few weeks after that at Wanganui.