MANUFACTURING INTERESTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3912, 5 March 1929, Page 75

MANUFACTURING INTERESTS.

ANNUAL DOMINION CONFERENCE WELLINGTON, February 27. The conference of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation was opened today by the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr J. G. Cobbe). Mr J. Sutherland Ross (Dunedin) presided. The Minister of Health (Mr A. J. Stallworthy), Mr J. W. Collins, and Dr Marsden were also present. Mr Cobbe said that he had recently visited works in Auckland, Christchurch, and Nanier, and had been greatly impressed—even surprised—at the finish and quality of their products, and also by the favourable conditions under which the work was carried on. He was specially interested in what seemed now the chief industry in Napier—the manufacture of tobacco—which provided Nelson with a lucrative new branch of farming. The Minister said he approved of the association’s proposals regarding the advertising of New Zealand-made goods. He assured the conference of the Government’s desire to do all that it reasonably could to foster New Zealand industries. Referring to a remit regarding the tariff board, he asked the conference to give a definite ide.. of its desires as to' the personnel of such board, and what its duties should be.

The following officers were elected:— President, Mr F. Campbell (Welllington); vice-presiderft, Mr G. Finn (Auckland); secretary, Mr Edmonds (Wellington) ; treasurer, Mr Rendei’ (Wellington) . A hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Mr Sutherland Ross for his able services as president during the past two years.