NATIONAL GOODWILL

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 690, 15 June 1929, Page 7

NATIONAL GOODWILL

NEW ZEALAND MAY PROFIT FROM CANADA’S EXAMPLE /Contributed to THE *S l\\ by J. >l' Collins, Secretary, Depart menc o) Jnduntries and Commerce). The invitation to me, from The Sun, to contribute an article in furtherance of the campaign to assist the industries of New Zealand, gives me the opportunity of again commending the work The Sun has undertaken on behalf of the manufacturers of the Dominion. The policy adopted by The Sun in Auckland, of fostering goodwill toward New' Zealand-made goods has proved a strong influence throughout a province which holds the premier position so far as the manufacturing industries are concerned. After 35 years of close contact with our industries I feel that the greatest need today is to bring about national goodwill toward the productions of our own country. It is generally agreed that while some progress has been made it is not yet substantial or deep-rooted. There has not been inculcated in the minds of our people the undoubted advantages—economic and social —that would follow if preference is given for our own goods. Australia’s position in this regard is fairly well-know n. By means of sustained propaganda, by the establishment of well-organised manufacturers’ associations, and preference leagues, and the holding of regular exhibitions of manufactured articles in the main centres the public has responded by first asking for “Austra-lian-made.” Other factors, perhaps equally important, are responsible for the creation of this goodwill which has permeated right through the channels of distribution down to the general public. Our sister Dominion of Canada, however, affords us an outstanding example in the attitude of its nationals toward its own productions. I was privileged to visit Canada on an official mission in the summer of 1926 and I came back with the conviction that much of Canada’s wonderful industrial progress was due to two main factors —(a) the widespread goodwill and preference given for her manufactures, and (b) her extension of her markets to many countries overseas. This result was accomplished after years of solid work; the manufacturers suffered many setbacks, but their organisation today is both influential and effective. It commands the respect of both the Parliament of the country and the people. The association, with headquarters at Toronto, coordinates and directs the work of its branches in every province of Canada. It is well managed and has several branches, with expert executives, devoted to legal, transport, tariff and marketing problems affecting manufacturers. One of its most valued members, the Hon. das. Malcolm, M.P., occupies the important position of Federal Minister of Trade and Customs. Mr. Malcolm’s department is also an important factor in the development' of industry in Canada. Its close contact with manufacturers at home, combined with its ramifications overseas (through its trade commissioners) has seen responsible to a large extent (or the remarkable growth of Canada as an industrial nation. It was a revelation to me to note the patriotism of the Canadian for the trade mark. “Produced in Canada.” "Made in Canada” has been superseded; the watchword has been given a broader basis and the word “made” was therefore changed to “produced.” The significance of this change is that it connotes the co-operation of the man on the land with the man in the factory.

Due credit must also be given to the splendid service rendered to the creation of goodwill by the excellent publication, “Industrial Canada,” which is the official organ of the Canadian Manufacturers' Association. It is, in my view, a most creditable magazine—indeed, its conduct, its articles, its illustrations, its general tone and scope marks it as one of the best of its kind produced in the Empire. I have dealt thus fully with Canada but by no means exhaustively, in order to draw attention to the fact that in New Zealand if goodwill to Ward our goods is to be gained, we could not do better than follow Canada’s lead. (To be concluded next Saturday.)