HELP TO INDUSTRY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 303, 20 November 1935, Page 10

HELP TO INDUSTRY

GOVERNMENT’S WILLINGNESS.

Per Press Association. BLENHEIM, Nov. 19

Tlie largest political gathering seen in Blenheim for many years greeted Mr Coates to-night, His Majesty’s Theatre being packed to overflowing. The Minister was accorded a quiet and attentive hearing with very few interjections. In fact the proceedings might almost be described as tame. Mr Coates, in the course of a speech here to-day, said important progressive moves have been made by the Government in the direction of facilitating private business expansion. Some nine months ago the Unemployment Board had arranged, in cooperation with the company, holding the options, for a comprehensive survey of the Onakaka iron deposits, and an examination of the prospects of successfully establishing the steel industry in New Zealand. A favourable report was receiver! from the consulting engineers, with the suggestion that some assistance be given by the Government in the early years of the undertaking. The report has now been presented, defining the terms under which assistance may be given from the unemployment funds for the erection of plant and providing assistance during the early years. A detailed pronouncement would be made as soon as negotiations -were completed, but there was every prospect of establishing an industry which would provide direct employment for 1700 men. The Government, through _ the Unemployment Board and in other ways, was prepared to investigate other specific projects in the same way, with a view to assisting developmental action through private enterprise. The unemployment figures have already been reduced to about 40.000. The Government intended to invito responsible and representative groups interested in industrial development to have associated members attached to the Unemployment Board. It was hoped, concluded Mr Coates, that local groups throughout New Zealand would provide, valuable assistance in drawing attention to the possibilities of development and advising on local conditions. At the conclusion a vote of thanks was carried on the voices. At Havelock this afternoon, Mr Coates addressed a large and enthusiastic gathering from the steps of the Town Hall and was accorded cheers.