Industries Week

Southland Times, Issue 21178, 3 September 1930, Page 14

Industries Week

Interest Maintained MONSTER PROCESSIONS TO-DAY Attractions for the IF eek Interest in the New Zealand Industries Week in Invercargill is developing and the effort appears to be assured of success. The streets were thronged yesterday afternoon and evening with people from both town and country inspecting the shop window displays and the keenest interest in the exhibitions of New Zealand-made goods was displayed. The presence of the Civic Band at the rotunda last night drew the attendance of a large crowd to the Post Office square and the programme of music was much enjoyed. It can be confidently stated that never before in the history of the city has there been seen such a striking exhibition of “goods made in New Zealand” as is in the show windows of the principal streets. Anyone having doubts regarding the ability of New Zealand manufacturers to produce goods of equal value price and pleasing design and finish has only to inspect the present display to completely cast away their doubts. All of the various displays are goods—some perhaps more “showy” than others, but all display the artist’s touch in arranging the display in an effort to catch the public eye. The committee that has been responsible for the organization of the New Zealand Industries Week is to be commended for its effort in bringing before the public, in a pleasing manner and artistic display a section of New Zealand industry which is always regarded as being a sort of sick baby that requires expert and careful nursing. The attractive display in Invercargill at present, however, indicates that the secondary industries can stand in the fierce light of public criticism and prove themselves worthy of public support. The New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation offers beautifully designed certificates to the best shop window displays and the official judges commenced yesterday their arduous duties of inspecting nearly '3OO windows before making their award, which will be handed to the secretary in a sealed envelope and which will not be opened until next week. The judging competition by the public will be completed on Saturday and all coupons should be in the hands of the secretary by Monday next. In this connection the public are invited to participate by filling up and returning the coupons which appear in the Times and News during the week. The grand trades processions this afternoon and evening are expected to be exceedingly well patronized by progressive manufacturers and retailers and will in vivid fashion demonstrate the manufacturers’ art. The local bands and Fire Brigade will join in and enliven the processions by music and colour. His Worship the Mayor (Mr J. D. Campbell) and the Mayoress have consented to judge the entries in the procession and award certificates donated by the Manufacturers’ Federation. This evening the young people will have an opportunity to join in the fun at the poster balls. All the leading manufacturers will be represented and the costumes, it is understood, will be original and artistic. The week’s effort is “educational” and the message to each is “Buy New Zealand made goods. If they are not available buy British.”