The Wanganui Chronicle. "NULLA DIES SINE LINEA." SATURDAY, FEB. 20, 1915. INDUSTRIAL EXPANSION WITHIN THE EMPIRE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 20292, 20 February 1915, Page 4

The Wanganui Chronicle. "NULLA DIES SINE LINEA." SATURDAY, FEB. 20, 1915. INDUSTRIAL EXPANSION WITHIN THE EMPIRE.

If the war lias had no other effect, it has awakened British people to the necessity for more vigorous expansion of trade and industry within the Empire. Imperialists of vision have seen a great self-contained Empire, and though, like many visions, its materialisation is not to be expected in the immediate future, the ideal is one to be cherished and confidently, anticipated. The present moment, however, is not the time to discuss that matter a but it is the time to seriously consider every means by which New Zealand, as a Dominion, can best improve its industrial relations with ■the Empire. This is no selfish object, for the benefits must-be mutual. With this end in view there has been started a new national movement, which it :s suggested should be known as "The New Zealand Board of Trade and Industries." The movement was initiated in Christchurch, where much interest has been aroused. It has been proposed to form the Board we have mentioned, and the preliminary work ;s

being carried out by the Industrial Corporation of New Zealand (with Mr. .T. B. Laurenson. as president), until the election of such officers and committees as may be considered advisable, when arrangements will be made for public meetings throughout New Zealand. At such meetings local working committees !will .be elected, together with members of the general executive who will draft the constitution and rules to govern the operations of the organisation. The work of the organisation (to be absolutely nan-political) shall be primarily directed to increasing the prosperity of the Dominion; to promote the growth and development of pastoral, farming, dairying, horticultural land agricultural industries; to stimulate and encourage those manufacturing industries already established, and to create new trades, occupations and employment; to establish more friendly relations between merchants, traders, manufacturers and every section of the great primary producers of the Dominion; to establish direct relations with the Government of the day so Miat the best interests of all forms of enterprise and employment may be carefully safe-guarded, and the best and most economical methods provided for

growth and expansion; to establish and maintain a bureau of information which shall collect and distribute statistics relating to British, foreign and Home markets, the latest 'market rates, and prices ruling in various parts of the world, for all primary products; also other items of value to the producersmanufacturers and merchants in the Bominion ; to secure Government recognition and financial support to our organisation which shall entitle the Government to proper representation on the Executive Council. The value of such a movement is apparent, but if i^ is to be successful, it will need all the interest and assistance which the unted efforts of the people can give. In a matter of this kind, the Chamber of Commerce in each centre should be the moving Spirit; and we have no doubt the local Chamber will evince that interest it always takes in everything pertaining to the public weal.