MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19550, 5 August 1925, Page 8

MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION.

AOTHJAL MEETING. nrtm nnrmfll meeting of the Dunedin Manufacturers’ Association was held in _ the Somerset Lounge last night. The president (Mr Forsyth Johnston) occupied the chair, and there was a largo number of representative citizens. ANNUAL REPORT. The following is the major portion of the eighth annual report of the president and executive:— “Although no matters of outstanding importance have called for attention during the year, much solid work has been accomplished. The cumulative effect of these activities has been to strengthen and consolidate the interests of the secondary industries of Otago, and to expand the usefulness and influence of tho association as a factor in the industrial life of the dominion. , '“The organisation of the Court ot Secondary Industries at the forthcoming New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition has absorbed the closest attention of your executive, even to the extent of somewhat overshadowing tho ordinary activities during the year. 4 , -The association accepted no mean task in agreeing to relieve the Exhibition Company. of the direct organisation of the court; and the effort now being put forth will long stand as a landmark in the history of the association. When the great Exhibition project was first definitely launched, the programme did not include the setting up of a Secondary Industries Court. Your executive decided to take the initiative, and in March, 1924, made a strong recommendation to the directors ox the Exhibition Company that a Court ot Secondary Industries be established. It was not until September that circumstances enabled the directors to finally decide in favour of the court, and at the same time the association was asked to undertake the organisation for the whole dominion Your executive accepted this responsibility, anci a Committee of Control was set up comprising Messrs Jas. Hogg (chairman), VV. R. Hayward, B. H. Nees, C. Speight, IT. E. Skinner, H. F. Sincock, J. H. Stewart, T Somerville, and A. E. Usherwood. Mr G. W. Reid was appointed general secretary of the court, while Mr Forsyth Johnston accepted the position o{6 P n T;\ organiser for the South Island. The Exhibition' directors proved their desire to provide for the requirements of manufacturers in no mean way, for the largest of all the Exhibition buildings (No 6) was made available for the purpose. After the Committee of Control had obtained some idea of the probable requirements of manutaoturers, an area embracing 77,345 square feet of floor space was reserved for the industries Court proper, the remaining smaller portion of the building to be available for mOTe general purposes. Up to the present approximately three-fourths of f actual letting space hi the industries section has been lisposed oi. The response manufacturers das been well up to experts, tidns, and beyond all doubt their disp ay will be impressive and convincing. Good support has also come from Canterbury though not quite what was hoped for. So far tie response from the North Islaivcl Laa been disappointing. . H only a amount of support is ultimately forthcom ing from the north, the disposal of the SSwS space should present, no serious difficulty. It is almost inconceivable - that prominent manufacturers in the north wd T ail to grasp the opportunity thus presented to them, and it would be a matter for lasting regret if the Industries Court is not fully representative of the who!* dominion It has long been recognised by the Manu facturers’ Association throughout the dominion that the most pressing need of. °wr Sdurtries to-day is publicity and persistent prSaganda m the 'direction of educating the Sral public to buy New Zealandmade g gdods. The Industries Court presents the most unique opportunity that liasov« offered for publicity and propaganda of tms sort The attendances for the toe months or more during which the Exhibition will bo open should approach the two million £fark P from the length and breadth of the whole dominion as well as from overseas. It is for the manufacturers | to seize this golden opportunity and oxplod it to the utmost degree. Thenccessityoi doing so is emphasised by tho fact that other courts will contain comprehensive displays by British, Canadian, Australian, and other overseas manufacturers. J places our own manufacturers on their £tle and through the medium of the Secondary Industries Court they can sho conclusively and effectively that New Zea-?and-made goods need fear no comparison with the imported article. . . “In past years the question of organising window displays of locally-manufactured goods during Winter Show W eek was under comideration. The -home can.c to nnt.on this vear, when this method of pnmici y was inaugurated on a comprehensive scale The sincere thanks of tho association must bo recorded to those grocers, drapers, boot rtores furniture houses, chemists, confectioners and others- who placed such excellent facilities at the disposal, of timers In all upwards of one him to-cl Sows were .utilised, and the displays made were uniformly good and attracted widespread notice. For a first etont tLc result' was unquestionably good, and hopes are entertained that future displays will.be <«. p.. f upon record their keen appreciation <> f «« aide services rendered throughout the year bv Mr James Hogg. He was largely responsible for the successful organisation of the “Made in Otago Week just referred to, while as chairman of the Specia. Exhibition Committee he has brought an inexhaustible fund of energy and enthusiasm to bear upon the work. In other directions also he has been indefatigable in his efforts to advance the interests of the manufacturers of Otago. . “Ou more than one occasion during the year complaints have been received from members of unfair treatment in connection with tenders called for by Government departments for the supply of goods or for constructional work. The question is no new one, and the association has been unremitting in its efforts to secure fair treatment for members as well as to place the whole matter on a better footing. There are good grounds for believing that much good has been accomplished by the association s repeated representations to the Government but the fact that complaints still recur shows that things are not yet as they should be. Tour executive realise that a vital principle is at stake. The association has had before it instances where the New Zealand manufacturer has been handicapped by a distinct paucuy of detail in the specifications submitted by departmental experts when tenders are called for. In some such cases, the explanation subsequently offered in justification of the acceptance of an overseas tender, often at a price even higher than that tendered by a local firm, is that the imported article embodies desirable features not contained in the local article. This might be fair enough if the features in question had been called for in the specifications issued. But where that is not the case, and where departmental officers seem reluctant to go into greater detail at the request of local manufacturers in cases where there are obvious deficiencies in the specifications, it can only be presumed that any real desire to encourage local industry is conspicuous by its absence. It seems incredible that the Government should show the slightest hesitancy in absolutely forcing upon its officers in no uncertain manner the acceptance of the policy of preference for New Zealand-made goods. The urgent need of keeping imports well within our exports in itself demands such a course, to say nothing of the necessity of providing regular employment for our own workers. The latest case of the kind investigated and dealt with by your executive was where tenders were accepted for imported gramophones for use in our primary schools, when it seems certain that out of the many New Zealand-made gramophones available there are some that would adequately fill the department’s requirements at a reasonable price. The Minister has now given an assurance that when tenders are again called in about a year’s time, the local manufacturer will be given every consideration. Belated repentance is perhaps n little better than none, but your executive will continue to use every endeavour to bring about the day when the Govern meat will fully exploit the possibilities of the local market for its numerous requirements before it even thinks of looking abroad. “Many of our members have long realised the advantages that might be expected to accrue from having available in Dunedin the services of an experienced and highly-qualified industrial research chemist and analyst. During the past year definite efforts were made by members of our association to reduce theory to practice by bringing about the appointment of a suitable man on terms that would justify him in devoting his undivided time to the interests of manufacturers. The latest development Is that a suggestion has come from the Imperial Government that an organisation of industrial research be setup in New Zealand to co-operate with what is being done in the various parts of the Empire. As a result, a Ctovemment Co ra-

mlttec of Inquiry has had the matter under consideration. It now remains to be scon what developments will follow.

“From time to time the possibilities of developing an import and export trade with Java and the East have been stressed by the Department of Industries and Commerce, and much consideration has been given to the question by the Industrial Corporation of New Zealand and the separate manufacturers’ associations. Here again the stumbling block seems to have been tlie ■difficulty of evolving a concrete scheme based on sound commercial principles. As indicated in our last annual report a serious drawback so far as Dunedin is concerned has been the impossibility of securing a through bill of lading from southern ports. The handicap of heavy coastal freights and transhipment charges has been an effective bar to the chances of competing successfully with Australia or even with the North Island for any Eastern trade. The latest development is that a company is in process of formation in the north, the nature of which may be gathered from the name adopted “The New 2lealand East Indies Company, Limited.” The venture seems to be conceived on sound commercial lines, and is stated to have the approval of the Department of Industries and Commerce and of the Northern Industrial Associations, hence the future operations of the company may prove of interest. Members will readily recall the protests that were made by the association against the action of the Government in closing the Dunedin office of the Department of Industries and Commerce. Similar views were held by the other manufacturers organisations, and it is satisfactory to record that as the result of the combined pressure brought to bear upon the Government the Dunedin office was recently reopened. The officer in charge, M r Johnson, has already shown his willingness to devote his energies whole-heartedly to the industrial and commercial interests of Otago. Reference to the Department of Industries and Commerce would be incomplete without expressing the pleasure of the association at the safe return to the dominion of the Minister in charge, the Hon. W. Downie Stewart. Members will join in the earnest hope that as a result of his visit abroad he will be quickly restored to better health and be- able to discharge his onerous duties with greater physical comfort to himself. “In addition to the matters specifically mentioned in this report, your executhe have been called upon to deal with a large amount of other business of a general nature. The membership of the association has remained stable throughout the year, and the finances are shown by, the balance sheet to be sound.” BALANCE SHEET. The annual statement of receipts and expenditure showed an income totalling £365 3s od and an expenditure of £264 7s sd, making an excess of income over expenditure of £IOO 15s lOd for the year. CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS. The Chairman, in moving the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, referred to the great help given by Mr Hogg as chairman of the Exhibition Industrial Court Oommittee.—( Applause.) He said he also desired to thank their secretary, Mr G. W; Reid, for the work he had done in connection with the “Made m Otago*’ campaign.—(Applause.) He did not know whether they would think the executive had said too much in connection with Government tenders. Voices: No, no. Well, continued the speaker, he was glad to hear that, because they wore fighting for a principle, and they wanted to arrive somewhere uniil they got a fair deal. (Applause.) He would now like to refer to the TRADE OUTLOOK. The Dunedin Chamber of Commerce was to be congratulated on the report recently circulated which dealt with this subject. It has pointed out that although the figures to March 31 last showed a balance of trade in favour of exports as against imports of just on £5,000,000, when their bill for interest payable overseas amounting to close on £6,000,000 was taken into account they had failed to make ends meet. This, too, in spite of the extreme prices obtained for their exports. They would hardlv hope for a continuance of these high prices, and importers in particular should give serious consideration to restricting their buying from overseas, more especially luxury goods. A favourable balance increased the buying power of the public, and business improved, but an unfavourable balance worked exactly the reverse way, and if they were not careful there might be a great falling off in business. USE NEW ZEALAND MANUFACTURES. It seemed strange that none of those bodies and individuals who had been issuing a note of warning had advanced a suggestion that the increased use of their own manufactures would help materially m enabling their dominion to secure a better trade balance. They, as manufacturers, now advanced the suggestion. Increased workers meant an increased population, and this in itself meant increased business, not only for manufacturers, but for every class. Greater production tended towards decreasing overhead charges, and incidentally helped to reduce the cast of living. An increase in importation of raw material (from Britain for preference) as against importing the finished articles would help enormously—keeping the wages payments in circulation in their own dominion, and so relieving the strain and improving business all roud. To help towards this end,, they endorsed the opinion of the president of the Auckland Provincial Industrial Association that the establishment of a “Made in New Zealand” League would be a move in the right direction. Their Industries Week was developing on the right lines, and incidentally let them thank the retailers for the wav they had assisted them this year during their Winter Show Week. They did. not have one refusal, and they had not only lout their windows, but they had ungrudgingly given their time to making the “Made in Otago” Week a great success.

The prejudice against local made goods was rather astonishing in view of the fact that the goods turned out compared more than favourably with the best from anywhere. This prejudice could be removed, as had been proved in Australia, and he passed it on as a recommendation to the incoming executive to continue an active propaganda campaign. It was gratifying to note that latest figures showed a considerable increase in the number of factories, the number of employees, and the value of manufactured products. Wages paid last year amounted to the large sum of £14,575,141, spread over a total of 77,651 employee?, and tho products wore valued at £76, C 96, 397. It required more than what was termed primary products to keep the wheels of trade moving smoothly and on the upward grade, and more encouragement and support to their secondary industries would assist all classes. THE APPRENTICES ACT.

He had been much struck with the recent comments of the Principal of the Dolworth Institute touching on the above subject. He had stated that “democratic legislation has been put through sometimes without a full realisation of the results.” The point was that their young people left school at about the age of 15. Many of thorn had not definitely decided what trade or business they would like to go into and very often started out at some trade they were not fitted for. If they desired to make a change and start to look round they found that the avenue was closed to the particular work they were most fitted for. This was brought about by that undesirable clause where age, and not experience or adaptability, decided the wages rate. —(“Hear, hear.”) The result was that instead of getting rid of square pegs in round holes the number of misfits increased.

Many empoyers would be willing to take boys on for, a year’s probation, but the law precluded this, and again the result was that employers fought shy of trying boys out, and, indeed, in many instances refrained from engaging apprentices _ because of the danger of striking misfits who as time went on became in a measure a charge on the business without doing any good for themselves. Amongst their warehouses and even their banking institutions, the position was. if anything, worse. Employers preferred the hoy with a good secondary education, but were practically barred from engaging boys with a better education because the law bad definitely laid clown a scale of wages according to age. In cases of_ this sort it was worse than a drawback —it became a real menace. It w,as not only an injustice to the boys coming on. but where were these big institutions to look for their future executive beads? A bov of 18 to-day bad great difficulty in getting into anything worth while, because after two years’ service employer? had to pay far more than he could possibly be worth to them. The whole position was serious, in fact, a real problem, and serious consideration should be given to altering matters. —(“Hear, hear”) He thought the incoming executive should endeavour’ to got the age and wage clause altered. COASTAL SHIPPING. It was to be regretted that very little if anv improvement bad taken place in this direction, and manufacturers in Dunedin wore still badly handicapped in getting

th eir goods awny.—(“Hear, hear.”) The West Coast trade was, it' anything, worse, but they were mote concerned at the lack of facilities for getting- regular shipment to Auckland, Napier, and Gisborne. It did not give their manufacturers a proper chance to get their goods through to time. There seemed nothing to do but keep pegging away, and back up the efforts of the Otago importers and Shippers’ Association and live in hopes. NUMBER PLATES FOR. -MOTORS. They were pleased to report that the Government was sympathetic to the suggestion that number plates for motors should in future years bo bought in Now Zealand. A new manufacturing concern was shortly to be launched in Wellington, and it should be able to turn-these out at a'price and of a quality that would leave no excuse for importing them. A branch of this concern might be started in Dunedin, or failing that permission might be granted for the nee of its patent machines in one of their own factories. INDUSTRIAL EXHIBITIONS. Undoubtedly a good method of advertising New Zealand-made goods was by industrial exhibitions, but the executive thought a yearly exhibition was rather too frequent to be effective. They suggested to the other industrial associations (hat every second year would result in better support being given by centres outside of the city where the exhibition actually took place. Manufacturers in the South Island hod given splendid support to the Now Zealand and South Seas International Exhibition, and they were confident that the Industries Court would be a big success. TRADE WITH JAVA. Latest reports indicate that this matter had moved on a step towards becoming an established fact. A company with a capital of about £50,000 was being formed, with headquarters in Auckland, and advising boards in Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, to develop tho business. The company was to be called ‘The New Zealand East Indies Co. (Ltd.),” and thev wished it every success. Support was asked from ail interested or likely (o be interested, and they commended the project to their notice. In conclusion, his executive desired to congratulate their City Council on attaining its sixtieth birthday. They had something to be proud of in their beautiful city, and he thought they should look with pride to the work their early pioneers had done.—-(“Hear, hear.”) Ho referred to the excellent assistance given (bo association by the Chamber of Commerce, the Expansion League, and tho Importers and Shippers’ Association. He also desired to thank the Department of Industries and Commerce and its secretary (Mr ,J. W. Collins), who was with them that night, for assistance always willingly given to their association. The speaker paid a high tribute to the work done by their secretary (Mr G. W. Reid). Ho was always most energetic in his endeavour to help on tho work of the association, and nothing was too much trouble for him.— (Loud applause.) _ Mr R. Cuddie seconded the motion for the adoption of the annual report and balance sheet, and said they would agree that the report had been a most interesting and informative one to listen to. Mr Johnston had followed it with most interesting remark^. The motion was carried, without discussion. ELECTION OF OFFICERS. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—President, Mr James Hogg; vice-president, Mr T. Somerville: treasurer, Mr R. J. Hudson; auditor, Mr J. H. Stewart: committee -Messrs Forsyth Johnston, W. C. Burt, E. FT. Lough. IT. E. Skinner, A. F. Usherwood, W, IT. Shepherd, C. Raker, R. Cuddie, J. S. Faulkner. W. MTCinkiv, A. Smellie, C. Wilson, B, IT. Noes. C. Speight, W. R. Hayward, J. G. Noil. T, Tomkins, J. E Wheeler, and A. H. Templeton. SCIENTIFIC INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH. Professor J. K. Inglis said ho had gladly accepted the invitation to speak to them on tho subject of “Scientific Industrial Research,” as there seemed to bo a certain amount of niisconecpi ion on it. ITis illustrations would naturally be taken chiefly from chemistry because that happened to bo his subject, but tho same principles applied to all the chief sciences. The student in his first year in New Zealand learned fundamental principle.-: and facts. In chemistry he learned methods of expermienting,' manual dexterity, and to cultivate independent observation and originality. At the end of four years, if the student continued so far, came a year devoted to scientific research. There was a new attitude now towards research, and inquiry was not considered unscientific merely because it led to practical result?. He proceeded to illustrate how researches undertaken purely with a view to adding to abstract knowledge often led to practical results for industry, making special reference to 'the discover?' of synthetic “turkey red’’ dye, of indigo blue, and of synthetic rubber. The difficulty in the last research was to find materials cheap enough to Compete with plantation rubber. Promising investigations in this direction had been diverted to serve (he necessities of war, but now that rubber prices had risen so much the processes learned might yet be employed for the production of rubber. He proceeded to draw the distinction between industrial research and analysis. What tho association needed to meet its requirements was not one man, but a whole board of investigators. He warned them that there w«-o distinct limitations to tho work of the analyst. It was not possible to take along “any old. mixture” to tho analyst and for him to say exactly what it contained. Certain substances' were chemically very much alike. The chief uses of research were the improvement of existing processes, the discovery of new processes, new uses for existing materia! and the utilisation of waste. Ho briefly outlined the establishment and activities of the Imperial Department of Scientific and Industrial Research set up in the Old Country during the war. A groat deal of scientific research had been carried on so that the best students had no longer to go over to Germany for advanced studios. A number of advisory boards had been set up to assist different branches of manufacture. Cotton industries, for example, had set up their own research association. After starting with Government help they largely provided their own funds the research work carried on in Australia gave some indication of the possibilities in Now Zealand. The research there had dealt with such matters as the shoe- blow fly pest, the prickly pear pest, cattle tick the white ant pest, paper pulp, and tanning. He touched finally on what was being clone in No.w Zcajand. A movement started in 1916, and the Industries Commission recommended that a lot of money be provided by the Government That however, came to nothing. Th e dump came, and no money was available. Now however, there was a fresh move and a conference was probable with a representative official of the Imperial department, Fundamentally, the university was not concerned with research, but with'train mg students fitted to carry it on In the last seven years he ‘had had 16 students engaged in research and the number was growing rapidly. They had dealt with waste products of New Zealand industries, concern mg themselves,•• for example, with mutton birds, manuka coal gum, and flax. In addition they had a certain amount of facilities for carrying on independent research through the Edmond Fellowship for industrial research, the Smeatcn Scholarship, and the National Research Scholarship. If students took up research and got results by moans of public funds the results had to be partly at the disposal of the public; but, if a particular industry put up the money then it was entitled to the results. Analysis was a special typo of work, and was often very tedious. If made all tho difference whether the manufacturer required 1 per cent, of accuracy or a tenth per cent., or a hundredth, per cent., but sometimes they omitted to make that dear. The university was onlyloo ready to help where possible in regard to this analytical work, but it would be better if the manufacturers had their own analyst. The university was still more ready to help in research problems. They need not be afraid that any of their secrets would be given away, or that their interests would be damaged in any way. Ho hoped he had given them a clearer idea, of the value of both analysis and research in industry, that he had shown the need for an efficient organisation, and had given some idea of the part that the university had already played, and would continue to play.—(Applause.) Mr J. Noil moved a vote of thanks to Dr Inglis for bis lecture. The matter of scientific research had been before their association, but the trouble with ihe associations of New Zealand was that they wanted a chemist who could do everything. Their association was, maybe, too small to carry out efficiently scientific research, because in some parts of Germany they had as many people working on research as were in the city of Dunedin. Ho realised that the Otago University was quite willing to help them in every way. Continuing. the sneaker said they knew that England had just a« brilliant scientists as (knnany and France. (“Hear, hear.") He thought they should do their utmost to assist the man who was coming out from England to report cn research work. —(Applausej

Mr C. Wilson seconded t.ho motion. He thought the time had conic when manufacturers all over the world were beginning to realL=e the value of scientific advice on their particular industries. The speaker gave his experience of the value of export advice in his business. The motion was carried by acclamation. EXHIBITION MATTERS. Mr J. Sutherland Ross chairman of directors of the New Zealand and South Seas Exhibition Company, said that had it not been for the Manufacturers Association a grear part of their Exhibition would have been shorn of its usefulness and its glory. —(“Hear, hear.’’) The secondary side of their Exhibition was really the apple of his eye. He wanted to show what the industries of New Zealand had done in the past, and what they wore capable of doing in the future. He urged them to_ take advantage of the opportunity of exhibiting in their industries court. They had half a million feet of space to let, and there was only 25,0G0ft still available, so they could see that the success of their Exhibition was fully assured.' Their own manufacturers had come forward and helped them to the best of their ability, but he was disappointed that some of the northern parts of the dominion had not realised the magnificent opportunity that was being afforded to exhibit their manufactures. An exhibition was like sowing the seed. They could not as manufacturers expect to see the full results of their Exhibition in the space of five or six months during which their Exhibition was to bo open. It would be their own fault, however, if they did not show what they wore capable of doing in New Zealand, and thus ensure a considerable amount of prosperity during the next five or six years.—(“Hoar, hear.”) He was quite sure that they could show the people of New Zealand that their industries were worthy of a great deal more attention than they were receiving. —(Applause.) ADDRESS BY MR GOLDINS.

Mr W. J. Collins, secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce, said that he bad had the pleasure, and privilege of attending an annual meeting of this kind five or six years ago. He offered his congratulations to the executive on the very fine report it had presented to its members. In regard to the court of secondary industries ho wished it every success. He understood the difficulties the Exhibition directors had mot with in trying to induce the manufacturers to take their full share in the project. The reason why the manufacturers of the north had not come into the Exhibition enterprise to the extent contemplated was, he thought, because ihoy were having exhibitions in Wellington arid in Auckland of a similar nature; and they were putting all their efforts into lotting space for their exhibits. On Friday he had been present at' the Dominion Industrial Exhibition and Winter Show in Wellington, and it was a credit to the manufacturers who were making displays. He was hopeful that the visit of Mr Forsyth Johnston to Wellington would result in some of the best exhibits being brought to their Exhibition. Similarly he felt sure that the Exhibition, which was to be opened in Auckland on the 20th inst. would meet with full success, especially as it had .ho co-operation of the manufacturing associations. The subject of Government tenders had received rather full treatment in their annual report. He regretted that he must confess that ho die! not understand their difficulties in this connection, except in two partkaiJars—the number plates for motor oars and the acceptance of English gramophones as against New Zealand-made gramophones. Apparently the Now Zealand manufacturers had suffered in some particular direction, and he must blame the associations if they had not placed the matter before his department, because lie was sure they would have received the department’s full assistance and that It would see that justice was done. So far as the gramophone matter was concerned they had taken the initiative immediately the position had been reported to them, and he thought (ho result would prove quite satisfactory to manufacturers, ns preference would ho given to the Now Zea-land-made article when tenders wore being called. Ho might state that the reason why preference was not given in the first place was because the Now Zealand manufacturers did not take the fullest opportunity of bringing their wares under the notice of the Government—they did not canvass in the same way as their competitors. What had happened in the past, however, might help them in the future in this connection. Both the Minister of Commerce and the Minister of Education realised the fine quality and tone of the New Zealand-made instrument, and they could count on the goodwill of both Ministers to support and improve their industries. A particularly fine show of gramophones had been rnaefe in Wellington, and the 'Governor-General had complimented one of the manufacturers on the beautiful workmanship displayed. He fully realised the value of industrial research, and he, had had to lender his thanks to Dr Inglis for liis address on the subject. Ho would like tb mention (hat the Government hail invited Sir Frank Heath, Hscretary to the British Department of Scientific Research, to visit (ho dominion to consult as to the organisation necessary to be set up in Now Zealand and as to the need for cooperation in research work of the Empire. Sir Frank Heath would come to the dominion a-s the guest of the Government, following a visit, he proposed to make to the Commonwealth of Australia, Ho would leave London about the end of the present month, and he should reach New Zealand towards the end of the year. Ample opportunity would be afforded their distinguished visitor to meet industrialists of the dominion ami he was personally hopeful that he would make recommendations for the setting up of a New Zealand organisation dealing with industrial research and the interchange of publications dealing with the subject from all parts of the Empire. Almost as important a matter as industrial research was the subject, of propaganda. That was a matter that he was pleased to see had received proper emphasis in the report submitted that night. • Everyone there, ho thought, would agree that the ’ slogan “Buy Now Zea-land-made goods” should be broadcasted throughout the land. It would have a great effect in the welfare of Now Zealand manufactures. He believed the adoption of such a slogan was as much a defensive as an offensive action designed to encourage loyal New Zealanders to spend loss on imported goods. The propaganda should make it clear that the slogan ”N.Z. made” was a certificate of excellence and that the goods not only compared favourably as to price, but that the quality also left nothing to be desired. Ho desired to convey a personal message from the Hon. Downie Stewart, expressing his full sympathy with the movement for scientific research, hut stating that the manufacturers must first of all show that they were willing to help themselves. He did not make particular reference to the Dunedin Association, as it had helped so far as to offer to obtain a scientific man to assist it in its work. Tho initial expense would be very great, and therefore they asked the. associations to come forward and offer to subsidise the offer by the Government, In conclusion ho would like to congratulate Mr Hogg on his election to the position of president. He felt sure ho would keep up tho good name of the association.—(Applause). CON GBAT DLATORY.

Mr S. E. M'Donald, president of tho Expansion League, said that tho Manufacturers’ Association was working on similar lines to his league. Ho thought they could claim some success for the league. Speaking of the Exhibition, he said the Otago Provincial Court would be the biggest of the provinces, and it would also bo a credit to Otago. Tho league would have a publicity man at Aucldand, and his work would be to induce visitors to New Zealand to come to the south to sec their wonderful scenic beauties.

Mr Hogg proposed a very cordial vote of thanks to Dr Inglis, to Mr Collins, to Mr Sutherland Ross, and to others who had accepted the invitation to bo present. He looked on this address of Dr Inglis as the beginning of closer co-operation between the university and the manufacturers. He believed that Dr Inglis was right in saying that they needed to help themselves more and they would then got the help of the university. Last year the committee did all it_ possibly could to engage a Cambridge man, but unfortunately arrangements fell through after the salary had been guaranteed [or a couple of years. At their last annual meeting they had been honoured by the presence of the Right Hon. Mr Massey and the Hon. W. Downio Stewart. They would all like it to go out to Mr Stewart from that meeting _ that their heartiest good wishes were with him for his speedy recovery. Their thanks were due to Mr Ross and all the directors of the Exhibition for the vision (hey had shown in making such splendid provision In the Exhibition for the secondary industries of the dominion. Ho could not believe that that opportunity would he neglected, for he heleved ihat there had never been such an opportunity for publicity and propaganda afforded to (he manufacturers of New Zealand. Touching on the question of re-amalgamation with tho Industrial Association of New Zealand, he. said (hat if tho northern manufacturers wished to prove In them that amalgamation and co-operation was a good thing, now was their opportunity to come along and fill itho industries

court with their exhibits. The statistics for 1914 showed that in the last 14 years there had been an increase of £18,600,000 in the value of the land, buildings, and plant of New Zealand industries. That was a remarkable record. There was at least one matter in the Budget of which they should take notice, and they should congratulate the Minister of Finance on his efforts to reduce taxation and so relieve industry from the heavy burden that had been pressing upon it.—(Applause.) During the evening Mr Ernest Drake contributed a number of excellent songs, and Mr C. A. Martin, who provided the accompaniments, also rendered a piano solo.