The rise of factory industries in New Zealand: 1840-1880

Abstract

With this Dominion's centenary year, 1940, drawing near, the time is not inopportune to look back upon some of the past history of New Zealand. To outline this country's advance in all its spheres would present a far too great a work; and, moreover, as many excellent histories have already been published, no purpose would be served in reiterating already well-known facts. However, though many writings on political history have been contributed, there is a scarcity on economic matters. Writings on the industrial side of these economic matters in particular are few and far between. Booklets, essays and pamphlets have been published, but these, unfortunately, have been very limited in their scope; they have referred to a very short period or to the development of one particular Industry. This work, then, will be devoted to tracing the birth and the growth of New Zealand's factory industries as a whole. Delivering an address at the inaugural meeting of the New Zealand Manufacturers' Association on 12th February, 1884, W.N. Blair said: