INDUSTRIAL INTERESTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18649, 4 March 1924, Page 9

INDUSTRIAL INTERESTS.

AUCKLAND ASSOCIATION. TRADE WITH THE EAST. The committee of the Auckland Provincial Industrial Association met yesterday, Mr. J. A. C. Allum presiding over a good attendance. Reference was made to the new shipping service that is . being inaugurated between New Zealand, Java and Singapore. It was decided to co-operate with kindred associations and chambers of commerce in an endeavour to make the venture a complete success. The question of the importation 'by the Defence Department of artificial limbs for ex-service men was discussed at some length. Mr. C. I* Nugent, who had been invited to address the association, stated that artificial limbs were being satisfactorily made not only locally but also in other parts of the Dominion. The Government proposed to import standardised parts and bring an expert fitter from Britain to "work in Wellington. This decision had been made without any reference to New Zealand manufacturers. The metal limbs which the Government proposed to import could .also be made locally, but the metal was hard to work and hard to fit, and it yet remained to be proved if it was more satisfactory than the materials at present used, if the department insisted on carrying out its proposals the local firms would have to. go out of business. The speaker did not consider the proposals in the best interests of the amputees, who would hav»» to go to Wellington to be fitted. "It is not right," said Mr. Allum, "that local manuafcturers should be pUt out of business by any arbitrary action on the part of any officer of the Government." He considered that there should be facilities for fitting in each of the main centres, for it was unreasonable to expect everyone concerned to go to Wellington: He moved that the Minister tor Industries be asked for the reason for the new policy and be requested to see that the local manufacturer is protected. This was carried. On behalf of the association Mr. Allum bade farewell to Messrs. H. Dearsly and F. W. Jones. who are going to the British Empire Exhibition.