“NEW ZEALAND MADE”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22268, 22 May 1934, Page 4

“NEW ZEALAND MADE”

A SUCCESSFUL CAMPAIGN Mr L. H. Frude, who is associated with the organisation work of the "Made in New Zealand " Week, interviewed regarding the results of the compaign says:— V iewed from every angle the " week," which will be officially closed to-morrow, has been a success, and well worth the time and money expended. The majority of the window displays will remain on exhibition until the end of the present week. Excellent team work by manufacturers and retailers has been, a definite feature of this year's campaign, and the willing support given by retailers in giving up their window space for a period is worthy of special mention. Poster showcards, with the appeal " Buy New Zealandmade " have been prominently featured all over the city and suburbs; the daily press co-of>erated splendidly by giving publicity to the movement by issuing _' New Zealand-made " supplements, and editorial support has been given in addition throughout the past week. Street illuminations were arranged 'for by the City Council, and added to the attractiveness in no small degree. Since the greatness of New Zealand rests upon its trade, it is fitting that the effort has taken the forth" of encouraging trade within New Zealand. The object is to foster a sense of loyalty, in every citizen, and to stress to the public the importance of supporting our manufacturing industries. The appeal to buy " New Zealand-made" is not only a matter of sentiment; it is also a matter of cold common sense.

Our manufacturing industries have made tremendous progress, but there is. still a great volume of foreign manufactured articles being imported into this country. The objective of the "Made in New Zealand Week " has been to encourage the preference for a New Zea-land-made article. Much good has been done, even in this short period; people have a keen appreciation of the vast resources of New Zealand. Yet, the movement calls for more than a preference for one week only. Not only during one particular week, but throughout every week of the year should the practice of buying " New Zealand-made " be followed. OUR SECONDARY INDUSTRIES SIGNS OF PROGRESS. When asked yesterday for his comments on "Made in New Zealand" week Mr W. H. Brent, president of the Dunedin Chamber of Commerce, said that the display in the shop windows of the city were a splendid indication of the progress that is being made in our secondary industries. Behind it all were the thought and the time of those engaged in research to develop to an even great degree the various articles' that were manufactured .locally. With the unsatisfactory position of many of our primary industries it was gratifying to know that our secondary industries employed so many thousands and thus provided- spending power for the community. '-"' Mr Brent added: "The present extensive and comprehensive displays m nearly half a, hundred shop windows are certainly an eye-opener to many of. us. Although we may be in the habit of using the excellent manufactures now being exhibited, it takes an ocular demonstration to bring home to us, that such variety is actually being made in our own country and of such a high standard. The large number of workers engaged if of great importance in many ways, especially in finding employment to a considerable portion of our population. Farmers will, I feel sure, be the first to appreciate an increasing number of customers for their products at better prices than can often be obtained in the world's market. A certain local demand niußt be of great benefit in helping' to some extent to even up the hardship of being compelled to sell (often at a loss) in the world's uncertain and unstable markets. It is to be hoped that manufacturers will increase and employ more hands who in their turn will will be welcome consumers of our primary products. Would it not be a good idea to have our school children taught the importance of supporting Dominion industry and of always asking for New Zealandmade goods if available. They, could, be shown that every article so made provides employment in our -own country and that every worker in industry is a valuable sumer of the produce of our land." .