Secondary Industry Grows In Whangarei

Northern Advocate, 8 March 1947, Page 8

Secondary Industry Grows In Whangarei

FULLY aware of the potentialities of Whangarei as a centre of production, the principals of many secondary industries intend to extend their premises or to rebuild. Some new businesses are being introduced from outside centres

' The progress of a town n and wealth of its industrial as?

ay bo measured by the growth :ets.

In the past 10 years Wha surface of its capacity and, al made, the future promises an a

ngarei has only scratched the Ithough rapid strides have been idvance unparalleled.

Pioneers of industry have laid firm foundations for their successors. A diversity of businesses have already been established, but there is still room for further expansion. Many have been quick to recognise this. Their plans have been delayed, however, Ly shortages caused by the war and its aftermath.

"Whangarei has served us well during the 10 years we have been in business,” stated a manufacturer, who is having larger and more modern premises erected.

" Our products are sent all over the Dominion and the service we got from this end makes us realise that it would be foolish to build elsewhere.” It was also found, he said, that, compared with city standards, labour was easier to secure and a better type of employee was available. PIONEER RUSH REPEATED

Restrictions are still severe. Tradesmen are hampered by shortages of men and materials. But the erection of many fine buildings continues. As each material —it may be timber, steel or concrete —comes to hand, the superstructure of some construction alters. BETTER PROSPECTS

Without detracting from Whangarei's natural attractions, it is reasonable to assume that the keynote of much of its success is attributable to the common outcry of secondary industry—decentralisation.

For some, the present building activity marks the culmination of several years of planning, drafting and representations to the Government for permission to construct their factories. For others, it is the harbinger of better prospects.

Just as dairy farmers, timber merchants and others once streamed to the borough, others are today repeating the pioneer rush, but for a different reason. They desire to add further impetus to the wheels of industry. By bringing more timber, to the town and stepping up production with modern methods, a new mill which it is hoped to have in operation shortly will greatly assist in the building programme. Further details about tne project are not yet available. Although not yet working at full capacity because certain machines have not arrived from England, the headquarters of H. V. Kerr and Co. has been established on the Onerahi Road They are housed in a modern structure with a floor space of 4000 sq ft Originally controlled from Auckland, the firm is a valuable addition to borough and province. Not only does it undertake contracts for bridges, but it is also engaged in the erection of reinforced concrete buildings. Among the principal buildings under construction is the Hawthorn Glass Company’s factory which is rapidly nearing completion. Compared with the 2000 sq. ft floor space of the present premises, this modern structure will have a floor space of 9000 sq. ft. At present occupying temporary premises, Calder Brothers, panel beaters and body builders hope to have a new building completed within a few months. Part of the superstructure has already been erected on a section in Water Street. The proprietors have been waiting for more than two years for permits and materials for this 1575 sq. ft structure. EXPERIMENT SUCCEEDS It has been announced that Joy Toys, Ltd. has found its experimental factory such a success that it plans to make large extensions to accommodate its soft toy production. The Borough Council granted the firm permission to erect two former army buildings each of which has a floor space of 5000 sq. ft. The completion of the new factory of Gardner and Burke, fibrous plaster manufacturers, is held up by a lack of the material which they produce. When finished, however, and when gypsum is in better supply, production will show a manifold increase in the 2500 sq. ft factory. Measuring 33ft and 85ft an up-to-date motor garage is being constructed in Hannah Street. As all the materials required are now available, it is hoped to have the building completed shortly. Although they have not yet secured the necessary permits, many businessmen and manufacturers contemplate building anew or extending their present premises. Included in this group are Grey and Menzies, manufacturers of soft drinks, Allied Industrial Products, makers of a variety of cosmetics and essences, an electrical firm and an engineering company.

Existing facilities are overcrowded, and, if it were possible, many more would be increasing their floor space. Land agents are besieged with/requests for suitable premises. Frequently, businessmen from Auckland visit the town to seek openings for new branches.

Reaching out like the tentacles of an octopus, Whangarei is spreading in all directions. The manufacturer realises that few towns offer better prospects. The public is firm in its resolve that local industry must be supported.

Already working in comparatively new and recently enlarged premises, the Avon Plate Works, a subsidiary factory of Fisher and Son, jewellers, intends to add another 2000 sq. ft to the buildiing which at present occupies a floor space of 6000 sq. ft. The permit has not yet been granted, however.

An indication of how this business alone has grown, may be gained from the fact that eight years ago it had a staff of four. About 60 persons are now in the employ of the firm, FIRST CONSIDERATION Primary consideration of all employers who have built, are building or planning to build, has, in each case, been the staff. ' Accent has been laid on modern, well-ventilated structures, heat-resistant in the summer and coldrepellant in, the winter. In many instances large windows will obviate the necessity to use artificial light. Much valuable floor space is lost to industry because offices occupy premises which would otherwise provide excellent accommodation for manufacturers and other businessmen. At least a dozen shops fronting main thoroughfares are tenanted by people who would be just as well served in offices elsewhere. Alternative accommodation cannot be found, however, and the position remains a deadlock. Additional to bringing new and larger industries to Whangarei, building activity indicates that unemployment might well be a thing of the past. Youth need no longer migrate to the city for training in a trade or selection of employment.