COLONIAL INDUSTRIES.

Manawatu Times, Volume V, Issue 140, 14 May 1881, Page 2

COLONIAL INDUSTRIES.

Lsr these times of pecuniary depression, it becomes us to cast around, and do something to bring us out of our troubles. From our late Wairarapa exchanges, we learn that the question of starting a Woollen Factory is again engaging the attention of the more serious portion of the population of that district. The matter was discussed and planned to a full extent some twelve months since, but through apathy, or the fear of not being able to raise the required capital with which to procure the necessary machinery, and other requisites, the project fell through. This time we notice, a provisional committee has been formed, and at a mooting held m Masterton rocently on the question, i* was resolved to make the attempt on a capital of ' abont £10,000. , "With this amount a fair start might be made, but we question if it would be found sufficient. In a very short time, however, to remedy this evil an additional number of shares could at any time be" issued, or an increased capital raised m various ways. But we would ask the question, why should we not make a start here ? Truly there is no finer or better adapted country m the world for such an industry. In the Manawatu district we have . every facility needful :to the' undertaking. It may at once asked, " "where is your capital to come from; you need induce English capitalists to come out, and take so gigantic a matter m hand "? It is true, we could do with more capitalists m our midst, but it time we began to manage for ourselves, and not be for ever dependent on the mother country for our support. We must become exporters, instead of exporters, to a large extent. We grow our own wool, ..send it to the English factories, then import it again m the manufactured article. This^n such, a co.untry as ours should not be. It might be asked,-" but how, or 'where would you raise the capital, you need extensive and expensive machinery, purchase of .properties, and a thousand other requisites." True, but be it remembered, the Government are offering a bonus for the establishment of such an industry, and could we not at once enlist its sympathies m the formation of a company." Suppose we needed a capital of £10,000 or £20,000, m our opinion the money would be raised Without any difficulty. There are few, if any, bona fide settlers m the country who would not readily take up shares m such a company. Such an industry once floated, we would have no reason to invoke the aid of English capitalists. Companies formed on such a basis m other countries have worked miracles, and we see no legitimate reason why we should lag behind all others. There is every reason to believe that Government would take such companies by the hand, and extend all assistance m their power. Such industries must of necessity, be entered into at no very distant date, and doubtless it will be on the principle spoken of. All that is required, difficult as the question may appear, is for a few willing, interested, and energetic men to put their shoulder to the wheel, and a crowning success would, we venture to assert, be theirs. The day is at hand, when instead of relying upon other States for our prosperity and well-doing, we must, and will become a self-supporting country. Could we but realise our condition a few years hence with no such industries at hand, we should cast off all despondence or lethargy.