AMERICAN METHODS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19906, 28 September 1926, Page 9

AMERICAN METHODS

INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION. AUSTRALIAN MISSION. EVERY FACILITY PROMISED, (Pre.i Association —By Telegraph—Copyright.) WASHINGTON, September 26. The American Government has received the report of the projected _ Australian Industrial Mission to the United States, accompanied by the text of Mr Bruce s address. Both document* Lave been very favourably commented upon. Representatives of the Department of Commerce have already assured the Australian Government of the keen interest in the matter taken bore, and when the details of the date of arrival and the personnel of the delegation are obtained instructions will be given to district offices of the department in the various parts of the United States to arrange for the visitors to inspect any factories and institutions in which they may be interested. The international experts here are cognisant of industrial conditions both in Australia and the United States, and have given some study to the particular phases of American industrial activity, which may be of'general interest to the mission. It is understood that the general methods of mass production used >n the United States may not be applicable to Australia, which lacks the tremendous consuming population existing in America. It is consequently supposed that the Australian study will be along different lines from those of British, German, and other foreign observers who have studied American industrial organisation during the past summer. , The experts here point out the following subjects which may be observed by the Australian visitors with great advantages: —First, plant management, which has been developed to a state of high efficiency, particularly the relations between the foreman and the workmen. Secondly, the system of employee ownership. There is a growing tendency m the United States for employees to purchase stock and share the profits in the concerns in which they are employed. Thirdly, American marketing methods, especially the extension of the deferred payments plan of sale to retail consumers. Fourthly, the American railway system, with its unusual facilities for inter-State distribution of products.—A. and N.Z. Cable.