MADE IN NEW ZEALAND.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2452, 17 March 1909, Page 2

MADE IN NEW ZEALAND.

Another attack on the old-established fetish of the “imported article” is planned by the Wellington Industrial Association. The worshippers of the fetish have been slowly dwindling, but the cult has yet too many devotees. From 12tli to 19th May the shops are to proclaim to the passer-by that New Zealand is able to produce more than butter and cheese, wool and hemp. It is reported that some New Zealanders have such reverence for the virtues of British manufactures that they orcler even their socks from Bond-street-; but these persons, whose faith in their own country is so “low down, should

soon he converted. Some tradesmen, replying to circulars sent out by the association's'secretary, have given “dulness of trade”; as a reason why they do not care to make a display of only certain articles (the ones made in New Zealand) for one week, and that objection is typical of the individual who cannot even see as far ahead ais the clay after to-morrow. Dulness in trade can easily become Tory much duller unless reasonable home industries are decently encouraged. Circulars see in to-he figuring conspicuously in the arrangement for this year’s exhibition, -and the leaflets may do some good, hut personal visits will he needed to make the shopkeepers bestir themselves for their own profit. AVe also believe that the show should have been arranged for dates earlier than the middle of May, which is a time when the weather may be troublesome; hut it is too late now for a change.. The* association seems to have dallied a little, and should make amends now by working tho tradesmen up into an enthusiasm that cannot miss infecting the public.—The “Evening Post.”