OPUNAKE TIMES Speaks for the District. TUESDAY, FEB. 21, 1933. MASS PRODUCTION

Opunake Times, 21 February 1933, Page 2

OPUNAKE TIMES Speaks for the District. TUESDAY, FEB. 21, 1933. MASS PRODUCTION

“British industry has been severely blamed, especially by theoretical critics who do not appreciate its difficulties, for slowness in rationalising itself by means of combines and amalgamations,” says the writer of a circular issued by a leading firm of London Stock Exchange dealers. “But in those countries, especially America and Germany, where the rationalising process has established mass production oti the largest scale, the present crisis has shown how vulnerable this system is when any setback to trade makes it necessary to curtail operations, Running far short of capacity not only raises the weight of overhead charges but depreciates machinery to an extent that will take years to repair. At a time like the present the smaller and more elastic unit is better able to cope with the reduced demand; and it may prove that the tardiness of British industry in organising itself in huge battalions may find it in better shape than its rivals for dealing with varied conditions. The admitted superiority of'British workmanship is an important advantage on its side.” A similar opinion was expressed by Mr. 11. Bamsbotham, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education. “The present depression will help to make a virtue of necessity,” he remarked. “People will become content to do with less. We shall become more discriminating and selective. The demand will grow for higher grade articles rather thav the cheap outpourings of mass production. . Industry in our country will cater for higher standards. It will be known for its quality. Those who wish to shop in Bond Street will come to Great Britain, and those who must be satisfied with cheaper goods will look to Russia and the East.”