NEW ZEALAND INDUSTRY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21356, 9 June 1931, Page 3

NEW ZEALAND INDUSTRY

SPONTANEOUS TRIBUTE OF THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION. ~t It has been said that we in New Zealand have no national consciousness. That, indeed, we have an inferiority complex regarding our own capabilities and the goods that this country can produce. This notwithstanding the # fact that we make goods here the quality and style of which are not duplicated in any other country in the world. New Zealand rugs, for instance, are coveted by Americans, and bought by them when they happen to be passing through this country. In sharp contrast to the reputed attitude of the average New Zealander to New Zealand made goods, is the spontaneous tribute of the National Rifle Association made to the Colonial Ammunition Company, Ltd. The secretary writes:—< Further to my letter of 23rd ultimo with reference to the ammunition sup- , plied to my association, I have much pleasure in submitting the following resolution .which was passed unanimously at 'the annual general meeting: “That this annual general meeting of riflemen, held at Trentham, heartily congratulates the Colonial Ammunition ■ Company on the excellence of the ammunition supplied for the 1931 meeting.” He says elsewhere:— 'The scores obtained speak volumes for the quality of the ammunition, which has given universal satisfaction. Complaints have been conspicuous by their absence, and the excellent results obtained have been the subject of very favourable comment by marksmen in 'general. It is more than 40 years ago, during the Russian War scare, that ammuni-tion-making first commenced in New Zealand. Primarily, the Colonial Ammunition Company was established to manufacture Martini-Henry, Snider and Lee-Enfield .303 ammunition for the New Zealand* Government. Production was at its height during the World War when, by dint of working day and night shifts, and with 250 of a staff, the plant was producing nearly 1,250,000 rounds of ammunition each month. The manufacture of shotgun ammunition was commenced at a considerably later date than that of service ammunition, but it has been a consistent winner of shooting championships for many years.—9o3l.