THE INDUSTRIES COMMITTEE

Otago Witness, Issue 3397, 23 April 1919, Page 20

THE INDUSTRIES COMMITTEE

EVIDENCE IN TARANAKI

(Per United Press Association.)

NEW PLYMOUTH, April 14

The Parliamentary Industries Committee opened its sittings here to-day, when the members were welcomed by the Mayor and chairman of the Chamber of Commerce. The first matter introduced was the iron ore and iron sand industry. Evidence was given by the chairman of the New Zealand Iron" Ore Smelting Company (Mr Penn), who related what had been done by the company. He alluded to the difficulty with regard to the price and supply of labour and capital, also to the need of reliable expert opinion. There was a reasonable prospect of the project developing into a payable concern. Tests showed that the iron "was far above the Govern ment standard requirements. The company was handicapped by want of a cooking apparatus. He hoped the Government would get a report on the prospects and methods of working. He thought the company was entitled to some assistance from the Government, but its main_ desire was to obtain the opinion of a satisfactory expert. Mr J. G. Smith, on behalf of another syndicate for producing pig iron, asked for Government aid. He suggested the Government taking over his patents. Mr C. D. Lightband gave evidence regarding the making of fancy leather from the paunches of sheep and cattle. He had produced from 15 to 20 feet of leather from one cattle paunch. The difficulty was in dyeing and finishing. He desired to secure this industry for the dominion, and pointed out that it was a good policy to utilise waste material. He asked for expert assistance. Large supplies of glue and glycerine could also be extracted from the residue now going into manures. With regard to the oil industry, Mr E. Griffiths, chairman of the Blenheim Oil Company, stated that the well was now 5300 ft deep, and the plant was capable of drilling to 6000 ft. He believed they were approaching the main source of supply. The company spent £20,000, and received a £6OOO loan from the Government out of the £9OOO authorised. There were no foreign shareholders. The general manager gave lengthy evidence of the methods of working, and was confident that there were good prospects of oil in good quantities.

Mr Carter, managing director, thought the Government should take the matter U P- . .

With regard to hydro-electric development, Mr Bartley, borough electrical engineer, detailed borough proposals for developing 6000 to 8000 horse-power. About half would be ( required by the borough, and the remainder would be available for the district. The scheme, a standard one, could be linked with the Government F/sheme. No other source in Taranaki could be developed as economically as Waiwakaiho.

April 16. The Industries Committee has commenced its Auckland sittings to-day. Mr A. J. Kemp, representative of the Auto Machine Manufacturing Company, advocated protection of the nail-making industry by anincrease of the duty on imported nails. He stated that in 1917 2000 tons of nails were imported, of the value of £51,406. The Taumarunui Roofing Tile and Brick Company suggested a duty of 2s per cwt on tiles..

April 17. The Parliamentary Industries" Committee heard evidence put forward by the Goods Roads Association, and in regard to the protection of the printing industry. Mr M'Robie, representing the Master Printers' Association, suggested that the duty on imported printed matter be raised from 3d to lOd per lb, as in Australia, with a concession of 2d within the Empire! He urged that New Zeaand was able to do the highest class of work and fulfil all local needs. Mr W. F. Jones spoke in similar terms with reference to lithographic work. Mr R. L. Stewart, representing the manufacturing stationers, urged that the import duty required revision to meet increased wages. The question of a general improvement of arterial roads was introduced by Mr M. H. Wynyard, representing the Good Roads Association, who urged the adoption of the Victorian system of constructing main roads under which the. cost of construction is borne by local bodies in proportion to the benefits received, and the maintenance shared equally by the Government and local bodies, general supervision being- undertaken by a country roads board. Mr Wynyard said he was sure motorists would bo willing to pay any reasonable licensing fee. Mr G. W. Hutchison, secretary of the Automobile Association, said the association was not advocating improvement for the benefit of motorists only, but for all traffic.

Mr J. Blair, representing the Rodney County Chamber of Commerce, advocated the Government taking over the main roads, and putting them in order. _ The need for State encouragement and assistance of the engineering- industry was emphasised by Mr J. S. Dales of the'-Twigg Engineering Company. A conference should be held at which the Government, workers, and employers should be represented, to consider trade conditions.

Mr T. T. Jenkins drew attention to the importance of securing supplies of basic 6lag, and advocated the extension of the hydro-electric scheme to the north, also the development of agricultural research work.

Mr Thomas Dawson Smith, .representing the Vinegrowers' Association, urged the removal of the wine industry from the sphere of the prohibitionist. The industry had been established and fostered by tho Government 20 years ago, and the intention was then to make it a national industry irrespective of prohibition. The Government should facilitate the making of New Zealand wines, and ensure that wine was kept three years before sale in order to attain high grade.