A NATIONAL SERVICE RENDERED POSSIBLE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21647, 18 May 1932, Page 15

A NATIONAL SERVICE RENDERED POSSIBLE

THE ONUS ON THE INDIVIDUAL SHOPPER By MR G. W. CLINKARD, Secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce, Tourist and Publicity. As secretary of Industries and Commerce it is a pleasing duty to commend to the thoughtful attention of the citizens of Dunedin the window displays of New Zealand-made goods. I am aware of the splendid results that have followed similar efforts of past years and feel confident that the displays this year will be no less comprehensive and educational than those of previous years. The main objective is, of course, to secure a greater public support of the principle of buying, wherever possible, goods made in New Zealand. In giving this support the buyer is performing a national service by providing work for the replacement of the goods he or she purchases. It is estimated that approximately 85 per cent, of our household and personal requirements is purchased by our womenfolk. On this basis it naturally follows that the success of the present movement is 'dependent to a large extent on their co-operation and support. It is difficult to impress adequately on the buying public the important position they occupy in our economic structure and the influence they can bring to bear to ensure a greater use and consumption of Dominion products. While the public no doubt as a whole agrees with the sentiment of supporting first our own products and secondly the products of Great Britain, it remains for the individual buyer to put into practical and daily application the sentiments to which he subscribes as a member of the public. The individual shopper fails very often to appreciate his response bility in this connection, the failure in most cases arising from his modesty in thinking that his individual and perhaps small purchases have little bearing on the problems of the Dominion. Consequently he fails to establish a direct connection between his individual shopping habits and the maintenance of employment in New Zealand factories. New Zealand manufacturers are confident that they can fulfil the buyer’s requirements at reasonable prices, but it remains for the purchaser to request the retailer to produce for his inspection the New Zealand article in order that he may exercise a voluntary preference in favour of New Zealand made goods. I wish the present effort unqualified success.