THE -ENGINEERING INDUSTRY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3327, 19 December 1917, Page 23

THE -ENGINEERING INDUSTRY.

WHERE ARE OUR WORKERS TO-DAY?

An enjoyablo social gathering was held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Stuart street, on the _l3th by 'the Dunedin Ironmasters! Association. The chair was occupied by Mr J.. B. Shaddock (president), and there wer% about 40 gentlemen present. Mr J. A. Brown, in responding to tho toast of the "Engineering Industry," said the* association aimed at four things—promoting a greater d-cgreo of co-operation among ironmasters, avoiding industrial strife, enabling tho industry to present a united front to foreign competition, and demanding acknowledgment by the Government of tne industry, with a minimum of interference. These were the intentions and aims which actuated tho ironmasters, and 'two years of work had resulted in much good being done. Much yet remained to be done, and, although there had not been much encouragement given, it was hoped, by prosecuting tho policy outlined., to bring about the desired results. Speaking at Whakatane, Mr Massey was reported to have said: "If tho British people had done their duty during this last 50 years, Great Britain would not have required to go outside for her army supplies." Equally true, he might sav to Mr Massey, that if the legislators of 5\ T ew Zealand had- done their duty to New Zealand manufacturers 'there would have been no necessity to-day for the Minister of Finance to say, " Unless we export we cannot live." No one denied to the farming community the privilege they enjoyed. Their powerful associations and companies commanded the attention of the Government of the day, but unless New Zealand factories were established on a sound footing, and internal trade was developed, New Zealand could not possibly become a prosperous country. Twenty years_ ago the iron industries of this city were in a flourishing condition. Thousands of mechanics were employed in the local foundries. Where_ were they to-day? What had become of industry? It had simply been neglected by apathetic legislators. Tho dredging boom was then at its height. The ironmasters saw the finish coming, and approached the Government for protection; and, notwithstanding the advocacy from master and man ana press and platform, the Government turned a deaf ear to all entreaty, and actually assisted foreign competition to crush industries. At that time Japan was looked upon as tho baby of the Pacific.' However, Japan did net allow foreign competition to crush her industry and beggar her labour. She developed her internal trade, and today ranked as a firstr-class Power, and had been charged by 'the British Empire to control the Pacific. How nobly had the Government's cue been handled by tho local bodies. Every time one stepped on a tramcar ho saw the brand —"Made in America." Previous to the war the duplicate wheels were imported. . Now they were made in New Zealand, and the 'tramcars should have been turned out here too. Again, tho gas-holder. Why was it not tho product of local industry? There was absolutely no reason why it should have geen imported. Tho ironmasters wanted the opportunity of catering for their own market Every article that could bo suecessfullv produced 'in -this country should be prohibited from import. Prosperous factories meant busy ironmasters, and before New Zealand could be called prosperous sh-3 must develop her internal trade by providing full and profitable employment of the land, establishing flourishing factories in her midst, and enabling one's industry to knit in and assist tho industry of everybody else, towards the goal of national greatness which was universally desired.— (Applause.)

Tho Hon. T. M. Wilford, Minister of Justice, states that he intends taking over the YVanganui Gaol and converting it ii.to a prison to bo used exclusively for mil:- ! tary offenders. I

A committco of the Otago Expension League 13 trying to make arrangements for a class orinstruction in orchard work in Dunedin, taking advantage of tho expert knowledge of the Government instructors.