NEW ZEALAND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIII, Issue 7760, 5 October 1886, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION.

Last night a meeting of the New Zealand Industrial Association was held at Robson'a Commercial Rooms, to promote the objects of the association, which are to promote and foster local industries by such means as the collection and distribution of information that may in any way assist in production ; to endeavour to bring New Zealand manufactures and produce as much as possible into public favour by holding exhibitions independently or in conjunction with other kindred associations; and to devise measures for the adjusting of the tariff, and to use every legij timate means to elect Municipal and Parlia- [ mentary Representatives pledged to support | the objects of the association. The chair j was occupied by Mr Andrew Bell, I and there were from 80 to 90 members I present. The secretary (Mr. J. Robs) | read the minutes of the last meeting, and the proposed rules after some consideration and alteration were adopted. Mr. J. Eraser was then proposed as president in accordance with the recommendation of the committee, and was unanimously elected. He expressed his sense of the honour conferred upon him, and intimated his intention to do his utmost, both for his own interests and those of others in the colony. Mr. Brame expressed his opinion that to prevent the disappointment which most had felt who came to New Zealand at the state of commerce here, t}iey must check the free trade "run riot" which had prevailed hitherto. The United States had taken that course, which had ended in their great success and prosperity. Mr. Fraser, in taking the chair, expressed his opinion that this movement was one which would do a great deal of good to the country, and would spread in other counties. He would do his utmost to forward the objects of the association. Messrs. Bell and Atkin were then proposed as vice-presidents of the association. Mr. Bell declined to accept the office, and proposed Mr. Boardman in his place. Mr. Boardman declined to accept the position on the ground that he wa~. not a practical man. Mr.Brown proposed Mr. Lamb, which was seconded by Mr. Lodder. Mr. Lamb, in reply to a question, said he thought the free trade of England was simply ruining it. He wanted to see things going the other way now. Messrs. Atkin and Lamb were then elected ▼ice-presidents. Mr. John Keid, proposed by Mr. Lamb and seconded by Mr. Bell, was elected treasurer of the association. Mr. J. M. Rosa was elected secretary pro tern., and the following gentlemen were elected members of the committee, with power to add to their number :—A. Bell, Lodder, Brown, Keid, J. H. Mackenzie, Cranwell, Bell, Wayte, Mason, Masefield, Stenhouse, Pye, Gouk, Brame, Gee, Mo* Coskrie, Rev. D. Bruce, Boardman, Jones, Trenwith, Galbraith, and Chamberlain. Mr. Boardman, in expressing hie doubt as to his suitability for the office of committeeman, gave his opinion that they should take a broad view of (the subjects, and not bring up the shibboleths of free trade and protection. The people of New Zealand should buy furniture and other articles of colonial make, and not go for the cheapest things, however " slop" they were. That would be the best way of helping colonial manufactures. Mr. Chamberlain, M.L.C., who had been proposed as a member of the committee, said he had not time to attend to these duties, but in the sphere he already* held should do his best to uphold protection. Both gentlemen, however, agreed to accept office on the committee. A number of members joined the association at the close of the meeting. j