A Brief History and Timeline of TAGMA and the Chamber of Manufacturers
There is very little available that details the development of any Australian toy makers’ association before the current ATA – Australian Toy Association.
(To visit the Australian Toy Association's website, click here: https://austoy.com.au/about/about-the-ata)
Before this there was TAGMA – the Toy and Games Manufacturers’ Association of Australia which appears to have been formed in 1959. Prior to that, it was the Toy Manufacturers’ Association of NSW, first mentioned in 1954 and, prior to that, Australian toy manufacturers’ interests were championed by the Associated Chamber of Manufacturers, from 1951 and possibly even earlier.
Tabled below are details of persons and organisations specifically mentioned as dealing with the toy industry, next to the year they were first mentioned in various discovered publications. Lots more research is needed to fill in the gaps but some very definite facts have shown up when finding these few morsels.
The first reference found (so far) to an association specific to the Australian toy industry was in 1954 – Toy Manufactures’ Association of New South Wales, listing Mr. J.S. Purnell as its secretary.
This was the same year, 1954, the very first Australian Toymakers’ Fair was held, in the Sydney Town Hall between 6th and 8th of April.
The first reference to TAGMA – the Toy and Games Manufacturers’ Association of Australia was in 1959, declaring Mr. David Grant as its President. That was the same year that the inaugural Toy of the Year was awarded.
In 1960, Mr. Alex Tonkin was the President of the NSW branch of TAGMA.
1962 saw the same Mr. Alex Tonkin instated as TAGMA’s Federal President.
Following the table below are transcripts of all the articles mentioned and their source. It makes for very interesting reading and gives an appreciation of the toy industry just following the Second World War and the rebuilding of the decimated war-torn Japan.
These details were found while searching through newspapers, journals, magazines and other articles:
(To visit the Australian Toy Association's website, click here: https://austoy.com.au/about/about-the-ata)
Before this there was TAGMA – the Toy and Games Manufacturers’ Association of Australia which appears to have been formed in 1959. Prior to that, it was the Toy Manufacturers’ Association of NSW, first mentioned in 1954 and, prior to that, Australian toy manufacturers’ interests were championed by the Associated Chamber of Manufacturers, from 1951 and possibly even earlier.
Tabled below are details of persons and organisations specifically mentioned as dealing with the toy industry, next to the year they were first mentioned in various discovered publications. Lots more research is needed to fill in the gaps but some very definite facts have shown up when finding these few morsels.
The first reference found (so far) to an association specific to the Australian toy industry was in 1954 – Toy Manufactures’ Association of New South Wales, listing Mr. J.S. Purnell as its secretary.
This was the same year, 1954, the very first Australian Toymakers’ Fair was held, in the Sydney Town Hall between 6th and 8th of April.
The first reference to TAGMA – the Toy and Games Manufacturers’ Association of Australia was in 1959, declaring Mr. David Grant as its President. That was the same year that the inaugural Toy of the Year was awarded.
In 1960, Mr. Alex Tonkin was the President of the NSW branch of TAGMA.
1962 saw the same Mr. Alex Tonkin instated as TAGMA’s Federal President.
Following the table below are transcripts of all the articles mentioned and their source. It makes for very interesting reading and gives an appreciation of the toy industry just following the Second World War and the rebuilding of the decimated war-torn Japan.
These details were found while searching through newspapers, journals, magazines and other articles:
1951-1954 Toy Fairs
The source and publication date of each article are listed above the line and the article itself, which may have some minor editing, is otherwise copied in its entirety. Highlights are to draw attention to the date of publication and information relevant to the table above.
"Spaceman" Leigh Drennan, of Castlecrag, celebrated his fourth birthday yesterday with a visit to the Australian Toymakers' Fair at the Sydney Town Hall. Wearing a plastic space helmet, he blasted visitors from outer space with a "disintegrator gun." (Story, Page 2.)
Sydney Morning Herald (NSW: 1842 - 1954), Wednesday 7 April 1954, page 2
Toy Trends: Plastic Models Are Out of This World...
By A STAFF CORRESPONDENT
THE first Australian Toymakers' Fair at the Town Hall demonstrates two current trends in toymaking.
First, more toys are being made from plastic, secondly more plastic toys are conforming to the lore of interstellar space.
The secretary of the Toy Manufacturers' Association of N.S.W., Mr. J S Purnell, says that one third of the Australian toy industry is now working in plastic. Smaller proportions of the industry's, 200 manufacturers are working in metal, wood and cloth.
The preponderance of plastic is immediately apparent at the Toymakers' Fair, which is being held this week, by the Toy Manufacturers' Association.
A brilliant red plastic "Space Helmet" was resting on a display counter near the entrance yesterday morning. On the floor, rolling backwards and forwards in the crowd, an automatic plastic steamroller strove to attract attention. Plastic ducks, bears, fishes, “Kiddies' Cutlery Sets” and telephones were on display, too; but most visitors had eyes only for the Space equipment.
Plastic "Space Cruisers," "Space Scouts," "Space Explorers," " Space Liners, " "Space Fighters" and even "Space Taxis” stood at rest on one counter.
Realistic Rocket
Another display counter offered a compressed air "Space Rocket” that flies to an altitude of 250 feet.
"Pump air into the rocket," state the directions. "Start with about six strokes for the first few flights. Gradually increase up to 16 strokes. Avoid overdoing it. Comet 1954 is only a toy!"
A woman attendant cautiously pumped three strokes of air and the rocket rose with a hiss to an altitude of about six feet.
Plastic model Spacemen, complete with transparent air helmets, now compete with lead soldiers; “Space Telephones" compete with terrestrial telephones, and Space suits and Space guns compete with the clothing and firearms of the American frontier.
One toy manufacturer covered the full range of juvenile demand by displaying "Space Cap Pistols," "Big Game Rifle-Realistic Smoking Rifle," and a "Robin Hood Crossbow Pistol." An attendant on this counter fired two caps in the "Big Game Rifle" and held up the barrel for inspection. No smoke.
"It comes in time," he said, smiling confidently. "You've got to fire a few caps first." He fired two more, held up the barrel, and out came the smoke. "See?"
One booth displayed the following statement by Miss Zoe Benjamin, Lecturer in Child Studies, at Sydney University: "The lack of play and playthings necessary for each child's particular stage of development is responsible for many behaviour problems."
The Toymakers' Fair offered toys to fill this lack at every stage of a child's development. There were dolls, wheelbarrows, rattles, scooters, building blocks and educational games. There were also plastic products called "Bleeding Tooth on Pick," "Goofy Teeth," "Squirting Cigarettes" an imitation plastic "Broken Egg," a Moving-head Beetle and a Waving-head Swan.
Toy Trends: Plastic Models Are Out of This World...
By A STAFF CORRESPONDENT
THE first Australian Toymakers' Fair at the Town Hall demonstrates two current trends in toymaking.
First, more toys are being made from plastic, secondly more plastic toys are conforming to the lore of interstellar space.
The secretary of the Toy Manufacturers' Association of N.S.W., Mr. J S Purnell, says that one third of the Australian toy industry is now working in plastic. Smaller proportions of the industry's, 200 manufacturers are working in metal, wood and cloth.
The preponderance of plastic is immediately apparent at the Toymakers' Fair, which is being held this week, by the Toy Manufacturers' Association.
A brilliant red plastic "Space Helmet" was resting on a display counter near the entrance yesterday morning. On the floor, rolling backwards and forwards in the crowd, an automatic plastic steamroller strove to attract attention. Plastic ducks, bears, fishes, “Kiddies' Cutlery Sets” and telephones were on display, too; but most visitors had eyes only for the Space equipment.
Plastic "Space Cruisers," "Space Scouts," "Space Explorers," " Space Liners, " "Space Fighters" and even "Space Taxis” stood at rest on one counter.
Realistic Rocket
Another display counter offered a compressed air "Space Rocket” that flies to an altitude of 250 feet.
"Pump air into the rocket," state the directions. "Start with about six strokes for the first few flights. Gradually increase up to 16 strokes. Avoid overdoing it. Comet 1954 is only a toy!"
A woman attendant cautiously pumped three strokes of air and the rocket rose with a hiss to an altitude of about six feet.
Plastic model Spacemen, complete with transparent air helmets, now compete with lead soldiers; “Space Telephones" compete with terrestrial telephones, and Space suits and Space guns compete with the clothing and firearms of the American frontier.
One toy manufacturer covered the full range of juvenile demand by displaying "Space Cap Pistols," "Big Game Rifle-Realistic Smoking Rifle," and a "Robin Hood Crossbow Pistol." An attendant on this counter fired two caps in the "Big Game Rifle" and held up the barrel for inspection. No smoke.
"It comes in time," he said, smiling confidently. "You've got to fire a few caps first." He fired two more, held up the barrel, and out came the smoke. "See?"
One booth displayed the following statement by Miss Zoe Benjamin, Lecturer in Child Studies, at Sydney University: "The lack of play and playthings necessary for each child's particular stage of development is responsible for many behaviour problems."
The Toymakers' Fair offered toys to fill this lack at every stage of a child's development. There were dolls, wheelbarrows, rattles, scooters, building blocks and educational games. There were also plastic products called "Bleeding Tooth on Pick," "Goofy Teeth," "Squirting Cigarettes" an imitation plastic "Broken Egg," a Moving-head Beetle and a Waving-head Swan.
Mail (Adelaide, SA: 1912 - 1954), Saturday 10 April 1954, page 46
Burp guns for child games
From ISLA BROOK
SYDNEY, Saturday: Space helmets and disintegrator guns — scarlet and yellow ones which burp menacingly when the trigger is pulled — came to Sydney this week.
But there's no cause for alarm among the Big Four. The guns and helmets are toys, part of the first Australian toymakers' fair, which is attracting 1,500 buyers from all States to see what's new in toys.
Tearing ourselves away from such delights, we had some discussion with Mr. A. S. Purnell, secretary of the Toymakers' Association of NSW.
Toy business, Mr. Purnell said, is good, with Australian parents spending £6 a year on toys. But despite this, he added, local toy manufacturers aren't altogether happy. They're fearful of the day when Japanese toys come back on the market here.
Molong Express and Western District Advertiser (NSW: 1887 - 1954), Friday 25 June 1954, page 8
TOYS ARE BIG BUSINESS
In Australia six million pounds worth of toys are sold each year, and of this amount half are made here.
The story of the Australian toy industry was a feature of a recent programme in the Rural Bank's session 'Country Magazine of the Air.'
An interesting part of the toy market is that 90 per cent of the toys are bought for Christmas so that most of the money changes hands in November and December.
In April this year the Toy Manufacturers' Association of NSW held the first Australian Toymakers’ Fair in the Sydney Town Hall and any Australian would have been proud to see the quality and variety of the toys we make here.
Different countries approach the matter of toy designing in various ways. For instance in the USA, it is a high-pressure business with toys, books and games frequently assisting to advertise products.
The English have applied science to the manufacture of toys. They certainly mass produce, but not at the expense of quality and realism. For instance, if Neville Duke hits the headlines by breaking a record in an amazing new plane, you may be sure that British children will have a scale model of it soon afterwards.
Particular mention was made in 'Country Magazine of the Air' of our Australian toys. Nearly a third of our manufactured toys are made of plastics. We produce high grade trains, wheel toys and other semi-mechanised models, in addition to dolls and the hundreds of other playthings so dear to children. One firm alone in Sydney turns out 96,000 small metal toys and 150,000 of the larger variety each year.
Toys, indeed, are big business.
Burp guns for child games
From ISLA BROOK
SYDNEY, Saturday: Space helmets and disintegrator guns — scarlet and yellow ones which burp menacingly when the trigger is pulled — came to Sydney this week.
But there's no cause for alarm among the Big Four. The guns and helmets are toys, part of the first Australian toymakers' fair, which is attracting 1,500 buyers from all States to see what's new in toys.
Tearing ourselves away from such delights, we had some discussion with Mr. A. S. Purnell, secretary of the Toymakers' Association of NSW.
Toy business, Mr. Purnell said, is good, with Australian parents spending £6 a year on toys. But despite this, he added, local toy manufacturers aren't altogether happy. They're fearful of the day when Japanese toys come back on the market here.
Molong Express and Western District Advertiser (NSW: 1887 - 1954), Friday 25 June 1954, page 8
TOYS ARE BIG BUSINESS
In Australia six million pounds worth of toys are sold each year, and of this amount half are made here.
The story of the Australian toy industry was a feature of a recent programme in the Rural Bank's session 'Country Magazine of the Air.'
An interesting part of the toy market is that 90 per cent of the toys are bought for Christmas so that most of the money changes hands in November and December.
In April this year the Toy Manufacturers' Association of NSW held the first Australian Toymakers’ Fair in the Sydney Town Hall and any Australian would have been proud to see the quality and variety of the toys we make here.
Different countries approach the matter of toy designing in various ways. For instance in the USA, it is a high-pressure business with toys, books and games frequently assisting to advertise products.
The English have applied science to the manufacture of toys. They certainly mass produce, but not at the expense of quality and realism. For instance, if Neville Duke hits the headlines by breaking a record in an amazing new plane, you may be sure that British children will have a scale model of it soon afterwards.
Particular mention was made in 'Country Magazine of the Air' of our Australian toys. Nearly a third of our manufactured toys are made of plastics. We produce high grade trains, wheel toys and other semi-mechanised models, in addition to dolls and the hundreds of other playthings so dear to children. One firm alone in Sydney turns out 96,000 small metal toys and 150,000 of the larger variety each year.
Toys, indeed, are big business.
TAGMA - 1959 and beyond
An early TAGMA logo
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An early T.A.G.M.A. logo (left)
included Papua-New Guinea AUSTRALIAN MADE LOGO (left) In 1961 (-1986), the Associated Chambers of Manufacturers of Australia launched a national campaign under the name 'Operation Boomerang' which encouraged companies and the public to buy locally made products. 1980 A.T.M.A Toys and Games logo (right) featured a kangaroo and boomerang and the official "Australian Made" logo. The acronym most likely stands for "Australian Toy(s) and Game(s) Manufacturers of Australia but the association seems to have been known as T.A.G.M.A. only. |
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Beverley Times (WA: 1905 - 1977), Thursday 21 May 1959, page 6
Australian Toy Makers Favour Safety Code
AUSTRALIAN toy manufacturers favour a rigid safety and health code in the manufacture of toys.
The recently-formed Toy and Games Manufacturers' Association of Australia is considering placing a stamp of approval on toys manufactured according to desired standards.
The president of the Association, Mr. David Grant, said this today when commenting on an overseas report that children had been injured or maimed by toxic or unsafe toys.
Mr. Grant said that the aim of the federal body was to maintain, and where possible, raise the high standard of Australian-made toys. He said Australian toy manufacturers were already maintaining high safety standards with their products.
The question was now being approached on a national basis.
Mr. Grant said purchasers of Australian toys could be absolutely confident that the paints used were completely lead free, although this tended to dull the gloss finish.
To his knowledge no lead toys were made Australia.
Even arrows made by Australian toy manufacturers were fitted with flat suction caps.
"But you can't stop a boy from fashioning his own bow and arrow from trees and producing quite a dangerous weapon," said Mr. Grant.
He said that to his knowledge Australian soft toy manufacturers used only new and hygienic fillings.
Over 90 per cent of the plastic toys made in Australia were soft and unbreakable.
These standards were the type sought by his association.
Mr. Grant said his association also stressed to members that quality finish and durability were vital in pleasing the public.
This was the continued aim of Australian toy manufacturers.
Australian Toy Makers Favour Safety Code
AUSTRALIAN toy manufacturers favour a rigid safety and health code in the manufacture of toys.
The recently-formed Toy and Games Manufacturers' Association of Australia is considering placing a stamp of approval on toys manufactured according to desired standards.
The president of the Association, Mr. David Grant, said this today when commenting on an overseas report that children had been injured or maimed by toxic or unsafe toys.
Mr. Grant said that the aim of the federal body was to maintain, and where possible, raise the high standard of Australian-made toys. He said Australian toy manufacturers were already maintaining high safety standards with their products.
The question was now being approached on a national basis.
Mr. Grant said purchasers of Australian toys could be absolutely confident that the paints used were completely lead free, although this tended to dull the gloss finish.
To his knowledge no lead toys were made Australia.
Even arrows made by Australian toy manufacturers were fitted with flat suction caps.
"But you can't stop a boy from fashioning his own bow and arrow from trees and producing quite a dangerous weapon," said Mr. Grant.
He said that to his knowledge Australian soft toy manufacturers used only new and hygienic fillings.
Over 90 per cent of the plastic toys made in Australia were soft and unbreakable.
These standards were the type sought by his association.
Mr. Grant said his association also stressed to members that quality finish and durability were vital in pleasing the public.
This was the continued aim of Australian toy manufacturers.
The Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), Wednesday 2 Dec 1959, Page 20
Japanese Toy Imports Cause Alarm
SYDNEY, Tuesday. —The record volume of cheap Japanese toys swamping the Australian market this Christmas has forced many Australian manufacturers to curtail production.
The president of the Australian Toy and Games Manufacturers' Association, Mr. David Grant, said this to-day.
He was replying to a statement by the president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, Mr. J. Connell, that the Government should lift remaining import licensing restrictions because Australia's international reserves would increase substantially in 1960.
Mr. Grant said the industry held the same fears as the president of the Australian Clothing Manufacturers' Council, Mr. J. D. Johnston that thousands of Australian workers in clothing factories would be thrown out of work if the Federal Government allowed merchants and retailers to import clothing without restriction.
Japanese Toy Imports Cause Alarm
SYDNEY, Tuesday. —The record volume of cheap Japanese toys swamping the Australian market this Christmas has forced many Australian manufacturers to curtail production.
The president of the Australian Toy and Games Manufacturers' Association, Mr. David Grant, said this to-day.
He was replying to a statement by the president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, Mr. J. Connell, that the Government should lift remaining import licensing restrictions because Australia's international reserves would increase substantially in 1960.
Mr. Grant said the industry held the same fears as the president of the Australian Clothing Manufacturers' Council, Mr. J. D. Johnston that thousands of Australian workers in clothing factories would be thrown out of work if the Federal Government allowed merchants and retailers to import clothing without restriction.
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Kids flock to 1960 International Toy Fair | RetroFocus An ABC News crew was at Melbourne's International Toy Fair to capture all the fun and excitement. The event was held on 18th May 1960. This short video was found on YouTube. With thanks to the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Commission) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jGCyLkwYClM |
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Cumberland Argus (Parramatta, NSW: 1950 - 1962), Wednesday 14 December 1960, page 8
AUSTRALIAN-MADE TOYS CHILDREN'S PARADISE
A record range and quantity of Australian-made toys were available in stores in Parramatta and districts, shopkeepers reported yesterday.
The wheel-toys, they said, were equal to and often better than some of the imported toys.
What was more, the prices were at least competitive with prices of toys from overseas.
Manufacturers say the western costume and fur soft goods sections are enjoying record business, while toy koala bears and kangaroos, made with real kangaroo fur, are being exported to more than 30 overseas countries.
President of the Toy and Games Manufacturers' Association of New South Wales, Mr. Alex Tonkin, said today that parents were once more returning to the notion that children should play with toys and not merely be entertained by them.
Most Australian toys, he said, required participation by the child and were therefore much more educational than many mechanical toys, which required no active play by the children.
Mr. Tonkin added that there had been a marked swing from the battery-operated toy, which wore out its novelty appeal almost as quickly as its batteries.
Advantages
Mr. Tonkin said the other advantages of Australian-made toys were: --
Beverley Times (WA: 1905 - 1977), Friday 16 December 1960, page 6
Record Range of Australian Toys
A record range and quantity of Australian-made toys will find their way into Australian homes this Christmas.
Retail value of local toy output is estimated at about £10 million for the year.
The most prosperous year in Australian history is drawing to a close with many manufacturers in the Australian toy industry busier than ever.
At some Australian toy factories trucks are queuing up for supplies.
The wheel toy section, which can out-trade overseas manufacturers in both price and quality is especially active.
Other sections of the Australian industry enjoying record business are western costumes, and fur soft toys.
Toy koala bears and kangaroos, made with real kangaroo fur, are being exported to more than 30 overseas countries.
Despite record imports of toys this year, especially from the East, Australian manufacturers can detect a swing against the novelty-type toy.
The President of the Toy & Games Manufacturers' Association of N.S.W., Mr. Alex Tonkin, said last week that parents were once more turning to the notion that children should play with toys and not merely be entertained by them.
Most Australian toys required participation by the child.
Cumberland Argus (Parramatta, NSW: 1950 - 1962), Wednesday 22 August 1962, page 8
Bigger toy range
The toy departments of Parramatta stores, this year are expected to display the greatest range of Christmas gifts on record.
An intensive campaign to ensure the availability of huge stocks of Australian-made toys for Christmas, moved into top gear this week with the opening of a 'Toy Market' in Sydney.
The Toy and Games Manufacturers' Association has organised the Market to give store buyers a preview of the range to be made available this year.
The Chamber of Manufactures and Australian toy wholesalers are cooperating in the Market project.
Federal President of the Toy and Games Manufacturers' Association, Mr. Alex Tonkin, said this week the Market had been specially organised to coincide with stores' plans for Christmas retailing. The Market opened in the State Ballroom on August 20, and will be conducted until August 23.
Western Herald (Bourke, NSW: 1887 - 1970), Friday 14 December 1962, page 13
Record Range of Australian-Made Toys
More locally produced toys than ever before will be bought from Australian shops this Christmas.
Record sales of thousands of different kinds of Australian-made toys, totalling well in excess of £10 million, will be sold this year, the President of the Toy and Games Manufacturers' Association of Australia (Mr. Alec Tonkin) said.
The variety of Australian-made toys will also create a new record he said.
The toys range from plastic scissors which can be bought for a few pence, to electric racing car circuits costing upwards of £30.
This year parents can buy for their children toy go-karts, floor polishers, washing machines which will wash stockings and handkerchiefs and wring them out, children's tea sets with pop-up toasters and candelabras, and hydraulically operated tip trucks.
Also on sale are the three prize winning toys in this year's Toy of the Year award competition — a Ride-em Pony with interchangeable wheels and rockers, a toy 10-Pin Bowling Set following the latest sporting craze in Australia, and Architex [sic], a toy building set with which children can fashion city blocks and skyscrapers to varying designs.
The Toy of the Year award competition is a central feature of the Australian toy industry's promotional efforts. It was introduced three years ago to encourage the introduction of new lines to compete with almost unrestricted toy imports which have been flowing into Australia since the Japanese Trade Agreement was first signed some years ago.
Local manufacturers' efforts have been most successful and today they are producing in value more than half the total toys sold in Australia.
AUSTRALIAN-MADE TOYS CHILDREN'S PARADISE
A record range and quantity of Australian-made toys were available in stores in Parramatta and districts, shopkeepers reported yesterday.
The wheel-toys, they said, were equal to and often better than some of the imported toys.
What was more, the prices were at least competitive with prices of toys from overseas.
Manufacturers say the western costume and fur soft goods sections are enjoying record business, while toy koala bears and kangaroos, made with real kangaroo fur, are being exported to more than 30 overseas countries.
President of the Toy and Games Manufacturers' Association of New South Wales, Mr. Alex Tonkin, said today that parents were once more returning to the notion that children should play with toys and not merely be entertained by them.
Most Australian toys, he said, required participation by the child and were therefore much more educational than many mechanical toys, which required no active play by the children.
Mr. Tonkin added that there had been a marked swing from the battery-operated toy, which wore out its novelty appeal almost as quickly as its batteries.
Advantages
Mr. Tonkin said the other advantages of Australian-made toys were: --
- The knowledge that they were built to certain safety standards such as lead-free paints, rounded edges and hygienic and non-toxic materials for fillings. (It had been reported recently that some imported soft toys were being filled with used hospital dressings).
- Australian manufacturers were in a position to know the right type of toy for the Australian child.
- Parents had easy recourse to manufacturers, should maintenance or spare parts be required.
- Because steel was relatively cheap in Australia, manufacturers had no reason to stint on raw materials. Even the small pressed steel toys were of the same gauge metal as real motor cars.
Beverley Times (WA: 1905 - 1977), Friday 16 December 1960, page 6
Record Range of Australian Toys
A record range and quantity of Australian-made toys will find their way into Australian homes this Christmas.
Retail value of local toy output is estimated at about £10 million for the year.
The most prosperous year in Australian history is drawing to a close with many manufacturers in the Australian toy industry busier than ever.
At some Australian toy factories trucks are queuing up for supplies.
The wheel toy section, which can out-trade overseas manufacturers in both price and quality is especially active.
Other sections of the Australian industry enjoying record business are western costumes, and fur soft toys.
Toy koala bears and kangaroos, made with real kangaroo fur, are being exported to more than 30 overseas countries.
Despite record imports of toys this year, especially from the East, Australian manufacturers can detect a swing against the novelty-type toy.
The President of the Toy & Games Manufacturers' Association of N.S.W., Mr. Alex Tonkin, said last week that parents were once more turning to the notion that children should play with toys and not merely be entertained by them.
Most Australian toys required participation by the child.
Cumberland Argus (Parramatta, NSW: 1950 - 1962), Wednesday 22 August 1962, page 8
Bigger toy range
The toy departments of Parramatta stores, this year are expected to display the greatest range of Christmas gifts on record.
An intensive campaign to ensure the availability of huge stocks of Australian-made toys for Christmas, moved into top gear this week with the opening of a 'Toy Market' in Sydney.
The Toy and Games Manufacturers' Association has organised the Market to give store buyers a preview of the range to be made available this year.
The Chamber of Manufactures and Australian toy wholesalers are cooperating in the Market project.
Federal President of the Toy and Games Manufacturers' Association, Mr. Alex Tonkin, said this week the Market had been specially organised to coincide with stores' plans for Christmas retailing. The Market opened in the State Ballroom on August 20, and will be conducted until August 23.
Western Herald (Bourke, NSW: 1887 - 1970), Friday 14 December 1962, page 13
Record Range of Australian-Made Toys
More locally produced toys than ever before will be bought from Australian shops this Christmas.
Record sales of thousands of different kinds of Australian-made toys, totalling well in excess of £10 million, will be sold this year, the President of the Toy and Games Manufacturers' Association of Australia (Mr. Alec Tonkin) said.
The variety of Australian-made toys will also create a new record he said.
The toys range from plastic scissors which can be bought for a few pence, to electric racing car circuits costing upwards of £30.
This year parents can buy for their children toy go-karts, floor polishers, washing machines which will wash stockings and handkerchiefs and wring them out, children's tea sets with pop-up toasters and candelabras, and hydraulically operated tip trucks.
Also on sale are the three prize winning toys in this year's Toy of the Year award competition — a Ride-em Pony with interchangeable wheels and rockers, a toy 10-Pin Bowling Set following the latest sporting craze in Australia, and Architex [sic], a toy building set with which children can fashion city blocks and skyscrapers to varying designs.
The Toy of the Year award competition is a central feature of the Australian toy industry's promotional efforts. It was introduced three years ago to encourage the introduction of new lines to compete with almost unrestricted toy imports which have been flowing into Australia since the Japanese Trade Agreement was first signed some years ago.
Local manufacturers' efforts have been most successful and today they are producing in value more than half the total toys sold in Australia.
Arkitex Tri-ang Spot-on Set 2 offered on Etsy, October 2021
Arkitex Tri-ang Spot-on Set 2 offered on Etsy, October 2021
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Arkitex Tri-ang Spot-on Set 2 offered on Etsy, October 2021
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Arkitex Tri-ang Spot-on Set 2 offered on Etsy, October 2021
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Arkitex Tri-ang Spot-on Set 2 offered on Etsy, October 2021
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Found on Etsy, this vintage Arkitex Tri-ang Spot-on Set 2 was offered in its original box with handbook. Scale is 00 or 1/42. The Tri-ang Architex model building construction system was produced by Lines Brothers between around 1959 and 1965. Its girder and panel construction was intended to mimic contemporary building methods. This set included 35 window panels, 17 window plastics, 35 windows, 3 doors, 2 door panels and 1 inner door panel, 70 metal inserts, 36 card floor/ceiling panels, 146 yellow beams, 24 plain panels, 94 connector blocks, 12 roof edges, 8 roof corners and 30 vertical corners, 2 9 hole bases and 2 3 hole bases. (https://www.etsy.com/listing/674859901/vintage-arkitex-tri-ang-spot-on)
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Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), Wednesday 15 December 1965, page 19 Wonderland comes to life for a little girl when you give her a Pedigree doll! Baby dolls, fairy tale dolls, teenage dolls, walking dolls, character dolls and many, many others - for the very young there are soft, cuddly "newborn" baby dolls with panties and booties - and "Pedigree" make them all. No wonder a "Pedigree" doll was chosen doll of the year at the Toy and Games Manufacturers' Association Exhibition. There are 18" "Pedigree" vinyl dolls, beautifully dressed, fully jointed, with sleeping eyes and lovely lashes, and hair that can be brushed, combed and shampooed. "Prestige" dolls by "Pedigree" are lavishly dressed; the teenage ones have long nylon stockings, high heeled shoes and jointed waists. For small babies there are "Pedigree" vinyl soft toys. Ask for "Pedigree" dolls and soft toys at your favourite store or toyshop – they’re priced to suit all budgets. SINDY and PAUL - "THE DOLLS YOU LOVE TO DRESS" "Sindy" has a boyfriend, "Paul". Just like Sindy he has a wonderful wardrobe of clothes, too! Sindy is 12" tall, Paul just the right amount taller. These dress-up dolls, both with moving arms and legs, will delight any girl. PEDIGREE BY CYCLOPS DISTRIBUTED BY: CYCLOPS & LINES BROS. (AUST.) LTD. . SYDNEY . MELBOURNE . BRISBANE . ADELAIDE . PERTH 
Australian Women's Weekly ad by Pedigree in the Wednesday 15 December 1965, edition - page 19. The following year, Bestoys produced the "Contessa" and "Vanity" Wardrobes in proportion to Sindy and Barbie
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Australian Women's Weekly ad by Pedigree in the Wednesday 15 December 1965, edition - page 19. The following year, Bestoys produced the "Contessa" and "Vanity" Wardrobes in proportion to Sindy and Barbie
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Beverley Times (WA: 1905 - 1977), Friday 17 December 1965, page 12
Little Australian Emphasis on War Toys
Of more than twelve million pounds worth of Australian-made toys on sale this Christmas only a small fraction could be classified as war toys the President of the Toys and Games Manufacturers' Association of N.S.W. (Mr. Doug Heighway) said last week. He said that despite the controversy about war toys in recent months, the overwhelming proportion of Australian-made toys in the shops had little to do with modern warfare.
There was no undue emphasis on the production of war toys by members of his association and the overwhelming proportion of Australian-made toys consisted of well-known favourites ranging from intricate electric racing cars and train circuits to teddy bears, dolls, push along trucks, cars etc.
"Manufacturers must take note of market demands or they would soon be out of business,"' said Mr. Heighway.
If Australian toy manufacturers withdrew altogether from making war toys, they would be merely leaving a pent-up demand which would be satisfied by imported toys at the cost of the toy industry and at the cost of Australia's overseas reserves.
The toys did not create this demand. It was created by television, radio, newspapers, comics, films and other media which brought the fact that war existed in this world to the attention of children. "Because of this, children play with sticks as 'make believe' guns and clods of dirt as bombs," said Mr. Heighway. "Children have done this and the fact that plastics give some toys a realistic appearance has little to do with the point," said Mr. Heighway. He added that his members did not agree that war toys made children war-like in their nature. Rather, a case could be made out that war toys acted as a safety valve to release any aggressive energy of children in the same way as a hard game of football or teaching a boy to box at school.
"The teaching to box incidentally, teaches the boy to defend himself,” said Mr. Heighway. "And it is well to note that less than two years after the stage that boys finish playing with war toys, they are given not toys, but real guns in which to train in their Cadet Corps to defend this country."
"The toy manufacturers feel it rather ludicrous that a suggestion should be made of a ban on war toys, when at the age of 13 or 14 a boy is taught how to kill with real weapons," said Mr. Heighway. "The Toy Manufacturers' Association has always had a very clear awareness of their responsibility. We can proudly claim that the quality of Australian-made toys is unsurpassed anywhere in the world. In fact, despite lower wage costs in many overseas countries, Australian-made toys are able to compete in many fields with overseas imports. Paint used on Australian-made toys is always lead-free, and fillings used in soft and other toys are always new and hygienic."
Mr. Heighway said the Toy Association had instituted some years ago a Toy of the Year Award to further promote the range and quality of Australian manufacture. "It is significant," said Mr. Heighway, "that over the years, 1 can't remember a war toy that has won the competition or any section of it." The emphasis on a few war toys this year would surely pass and the toys more than likely would fall into the same category as toy soldiers and cowboys and Indian sets which had been an accepted part of the toy scene for decades, added Mr. Heighway.
Canberra Times (ACT: 1926 - 1995), Wednesday 4 May 1966, page 3
War toys ban requested
MELBOURNE, Tuesday. — War toys were harmful and not wanted by children, a public meeting was told today.
The meeting, organised by the Boycott War Toys Committee, was attended by representatives of thousands of women through the Country Women's Association and kindergarten groups.
The National Safety Council was represented.
The meeting decided to petition the Minister for Trade, Mr. McEwen, to ban imports of war toys into Australia.
The petition quoted the United Nations resolution on the rights of the child, which says that children should be protected from practices that foster racial, religious or any form of discrimination.
Inborn need
Speakers said war toys were in conflict with this resolution.
A child psychiatrist, Dr. Irma Schnierer, told the meeting there was an inborn need for children to play, but not with war toys which were supplied by adults.
"The best proof is that they don't exist and aren't asked for in kindergartens," Dr. Schnierer said.
Putting the opposing case, the secretary of the Toy and Games Manufacturers' Association, Mr. B. J. Sorrell, said a real need existed for war toys, and while parents asked for them manufacturers would make them.
The Bulletin Vol. 88 No. 4509 (6 Aug 1966) 6th August, 1966, page 30 - Lifemanship
ONE MORE WEEK
Lifemanship
THE WAR BOOM is over in children’s toys, a fact reflected when the Toy and Games Manufacturers’ Association of Australia held their annual Toy Market last week. In fact, the latest game from the John Sands range is called Life. This saga is played with a plastic wheel of fortune, and has the old-fashioned Monopoly style but the player goes his way to success or failure with either a business or university education, ends as a millionaire or in the poor house. Unlike real life, everyone starts off with $2OOO and a car.
Instead of plastic hand-grenades and machine-guns, this year there are space shoes with heavy springs for jumping, while Batman and Catman [sic] suits are beginning to outsell the Samurai and the Phantom agents. Zorro, according to a leading wholesaler, is now zero. However, guerilla warfare is going on between the manufacturers of sturdy heavy-gauge pressed-steel pull-along toys in Australia and New Zealand. Mr. T. A. Tonkin, managing director for Wyn Products, said that Australia has been placed at a disadvantage because New Zealand can afford to import stampings from the United States. They add wheels, axles, and paint, then assemble and box the units. This provides the 50 percent local content, which makes the toy a product of New' Zealand. They can then be exported to Australia and in fact are British preferential imports.
The price is comparable with the Australian toys, but the range, based on the population of the United States, is five times as great. Wyn Products, for instance, have taken 15 years to build up a range of 35 wheeled toys and can only afford to add new designs occasionally. Now they, and other Australian firms, face strong competition.
Strong competition in a different way is also coming from the craze for slot cars, at the moment taking the largest bite of the toy dollar. These are being imported from England, America, and Japan, and every boy must have one.
The Australian manufacturers are optimistically waiting for the fad to pass. After all, does anyone still have a hula hoop?
Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), Wednesday 17 August 1966, page 13 - Toyland
ROCKING-HORSE IN THE LEAD
An important victory has been won by the Australian toy-maker. Last year half the toys and games sold in this country were labelled "Australian-made."
This was no small achievement. Since import restrictions were lifted ten years ago, overseas competition has increased by leaps and bounds.
All kinds of unusual and sales-appealing toys have flooded the market, and recently China swelled the ranks.
Carefully planned publicity in the shape of the Australian Toy Exhibition provided the victory weapon, toy traders believe.
Held annually in Sydney and Melbourne, it introduces new models and new processes in toy-making to retail buyers from all over Australia.
This year's Sydney exhibition, held in the ballroom of Menzies Hotel, was colourful and charged with new ideas.
More than 20 leading manufacturers exhibited the latest additions to their ranges, and the result was a children's wonderland including cuddly animals. They have synthetic fur this year and can be dunked in the washing-machine! Dolls that flop on the shoulder like real babies, and famous character costumes.
There was even a stand devoted to Space Age toys.
"The accent in toys today seems to be on the bizarre and old," TAGMA social secretary Mrs. Hilarie Lindsay said, holding up a baby doll named "Squinty" because of her endearing cross-eyed expression.
An authority on Australian toy-making, Mrs. Lindsay enthused over the durability of "Australian-made" toys.
"They're specially designed for all-year-round play, ' she said. "In one family we know of, a rocking horse is still in use after 37 years, and a donkey on wheels made 25 years ago has just got a new mane and
tail."
Still as popular as ever in the make-believe world of the young are Combat and Zorro.
But "the toy of 1966" in the world of big business is a simple little plastic rocking-horse called "Robbie."
Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), Wednesday 14 November 1979, page 190
The Echidna and the Marsupial Mole
Colouring-in competition in which the prize is the 1979 toy of the year TAGMA
Extract:
Win the "Toy of the Year” in our super colouring-in contest
Get your pencils ready - this latest contest is giving you the chance to win one of 150 Ministeck kits which have received the Toy of the Year award for 1979 from the Toy and Games Manufacturers’ Association of Australia.
These brilliant Ministeck kits are educational as well as fun. and we have 150 of them to give away in our super colouring-m contest. The Ministeck kits are a new concept in mosaic making, and teach you to be original and creative.
As well as the manufacturers' Toy of the Year award, Ministeck has also received a Craft Toy of the Year award - and you can get a Ministeck kit suitable for any age, even for grown-ups!
Beverley Times (WA: 1905 - 1977), Friday 17 December 1965, page 12
Little Australian Emphasis on War Toys
Of more than twelve million pounds worth of Australian-made toys on sale this Christmas only a small fraction could be classified as war toys the President of the Toys and Games Manufacturers' Association of N.S.W. (Mr. Doug Heighway) said last week. He said that despite the controversy about war toys in recent months, the overwhelming proportion of Australian-made toys in the shops had little to do with modern warfare.
There was no undue emphasis on the production of war toys by members of his association and the overwhelming proportion of Australian-made toys consisted of well-known favourites ranging from intricate electric racing cars and train circuits to teddy bears, dolls, push along trucks, cars etc.
"Manufacturers must take note of market demands or they would soon be out of business,"' said Mr. Heighway.
If Australian toy manufacturers withdrew altogether from making war toys, they would be merely leaving a pent-up demand which would be satisfied by imported toys at the cost of the toy industry and at the cost of Australia's overseas reserves.
The toys did not create this demand. It was created by television, radio, newspapers, comics, films and other media which brought the fact that war existed in this world to the attention of children. "Because of this, children play with sticks as 'make believe' guns and clods of dirt as bombs," said Mr. Heighway. "Children have done this and the fact that plastics give some toys a realistic appearance has little to do with the point," said Mr. Heighway. He added that his members did not agree that war toys made children war-like in their nature. Rather, a case could be made out that war toys acted as a safety valve to release any aggressive energy of children in the same way as a hard game of football or teaching a boy to box at school.
"The teaching to box incidentally, teaches the boy to defend himself,” said Mr. Heighway. "And it is well to note that less than two years after the stage that boys finish playing with war toys, they are given not toys, but real guns in which to train in their Cadet Corps to defend this country."
"The toy manufacturers feel it rather ludicrous that a suggestion should be made of a ban on war toys, when at the age of 13 or 14 a boy is taught how to kill with real weapons," said Mr. Heighway. "The Toy Manufacturers' Association has always had a very clear awareness of their responsibility. We can proudly claim that the quality of Australian-made toys is unsurpassed anywhere in the world. In fact, despite lower wage costs in many overseas countries, Australian-made toys are able to compete in many fields with overseas imports. Paint used on Australian-made toys is always lead-free, and fillings used in soft and other toys are always new and hygienic."
Mr. Heighway said the Toy Association had instituted some years ago a Toy of the Year Award to further promote the range and quality of Australian manufacture. "It is significant," said Mr. Heighway, "that over the years, 1 can't remember a war toy that has won the competition or any section of it." The emphasis on a few war toys this year would surely pass and the toys more than likely would fall into the same category as toy soldiers and cowboys and Indian sets which had been an accepted part of the toy scene for decades, added Mr. Heighway.
Canberra Times (ACT: 1926 - 1995), Wednesday 4 May 1966, page 3
War toys ban requested
MELBOURNE, Tuesday. — War toys were harmful and not wanted by children, a public meeting was told today.
The meeting, organised by the Boycott War Toys Committee, was attended by representatives of thousands of women through the Country Women's Association and kindergarten groups.
The National Safety Council was represented.
The meeting decided to petition the Minister for Trade, Mr. McEwen, to ban imports of war toys into Australia.
The petition quoted the United Nations resolution on the rights of the child, which says that children should be protected from practices that foster racial, religious or any form of discrimination.
Inborn need
Speakers said war toys were in conflict with this resolution.
A child psychiatrist, Dr. Irma Schnierer, told the meeting there was an inborn need for children to play, but not with war toys which were supplied by adults.
"The best proof is that they don't exist and aren't asked for in kindergartens," Dr. Schnierer said.
Putting the opposing case, the secretary of the Toy and Games Manufacturers' Association, Mr. B. J. Sorrell, said a real need existed for war toys, and while parents asked for them manufacturers would make them.
The Bulletin Vol. 88 No. 4509 (6 Aug 1966) 6th August, 1966, page 30 - Lifemanship
ONE MORE WEEK
Lifemanship
THE WAR BOOM is over in children’s toys, a fact reflected when the Toy and Games Manufacturers’ Association of Australia held their annual Toy Market last week. In fact, the latest game from the John Sands range is called Life. This saga is played with a plastic wheel of fortune, and has the old-fashioned Monopoly style but the player goes his way to success or failure with either a business or university education, ends as a millionaire or in the poor house. Unlike real life, everyone starts off with $2OOO and a car.
Instead of plastic hand-grenades and machine-guns, this year there are space shoes with heavy springs for jumping, while Batman and Catman [sic] suits are beginning to outsell the Samurai and the Phantom agents. Zorro, according to a leading wholesaler, is now zero. However, guerilla warfare is going on between the manufacturers of sturdy heavy-gauge pressed-steel pull-along toys in Australia and New Zealand. Mr. T. A. Tonkin, managing director for Wyn Products, said that Australia has been placed at a disadvantage because New Zealand can afford to import stampings from the United States. They add wheels, axles, and paint, then assemble and box the units. This provides the 50 percent local content, which makes the toy a product of New' Zealand. They can then be exported to Australia and in fact are British preferential imports.
The price is comparable with the Australian toys, but the range, based on the population of the United States, is five times as great. Wyn Products, for instance, have taken 15 years to build up a range of 35 wheeled toys and can only afford to add new designs occasionally. Now they, and other Australian firms, face strong competition.
Strong competition in a different way is also coming from the craze for slot cars, at the moment taking the largest bite of the toy dollar. These are being imported from England, America, and Japan, and every boy must have one.
The Australian manufacturers are optimistically waiting for the fad to pass. After all, does anyone still have a hula hoop?
Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), Wednesday 17 August 1966, page 13 - Toyland
ROCKING-HORSE IN THE LEAD
An important victory has been won by the Australian toy-maker. Last year half the toys and games sold in this country were labelled "Australian-made."
This was no small achievement. Since import restrictions were lifted ten years ago, overseas competition has increased by leaps and bounds.
All kinds of unusual and sales-appealing toys have flooded the market, and recently China swelled the ranks.
Carefully planned publicity in the shape of the Australian Toy Exhibition provided the victory weapon, toy traders believe.
Held annually in Sydney and Melbourne, it introduces new models and new processes in toy-making to retail buyers from all over Australia.
This year's Sydney exhibition, held in the ballroom of Menzies Hotel, was colourful and charged with new ideas.
More than 20 leading manufacturers exhibited the latest additions to their ranges, and the result was a children's wonderland including cuddly animals. They have synthetic fur this year and can be dunked in the washing-machine! Dolls that flop on the shoulder like real babies, and famous character costumes.
There was even a stand devoted to Space Age toys.
"The accent in toys today seems to be on the bizarre and old," TAGMA social secretary Mrs. Hilarie Lindsay said, holding up a baby doll named "Squinty" because of her endearing cross-eyed expression.
An authority on Australian toy-making, Mrs. Lindsay enthused over the durability of "Australian-made" toys.
"They're specially designed for all-year-round play, ' she said. "In one family we know of, a rocking horse is still in use after 37 years, and a donkey on wheels made 25 years ago has just got a new mane and
tail."
Still as popular as ever in the make-believe world of the young are Combat and Zorro.
But "the toy of 1966" in the world of big business is a simple little plastic rocking-horse called "Robbie."
Australian Women's Weekly (1933 - 1982), Wednesday 14 November 1979, page 190
The Echidna and the Marsupial Mole
Colouring-in competition in which the prize is the 1979 toy of the year TAGMA
Extract:
Win the "Toy of the Year” in our super colouring-in contest
Get your pencils ready - this latest contest is giving you the chance to win one of 150 Ministeck kits which have received the Toy of the Year award for 1979 from the Toy and Games Manufacturers’ Association of Australia.
These brilliant Ministeck kits are educational as well as fun. and we have 150 of them to give away in our super colouring-m contest. The Ministeck kits are a new concept in mosaic making, and teach you to be original and creative.
As well as the manufacturers' Toy of the Year award, Ministeck has also received a Craft Toy of the Year award - and you can get a Ministeck kit suitable for any age, even for grown-ups!
TAGMA Toy of the Year, Ministeck, competition prize in Australian Women's Weekly edition of Wednesday 14 November 1979.
From Wiki (https://second.wiki/wiki/ministeck):
ministeck was founded in 1965 by Helmut Gottwald's company. By 1997 he had acquired all the patents that guaranteed him a monopoly on this market. In 1998 he founded ministeck GmbH in Nuremberg. In February 2017, Feuchtmann took over the brand
ministeck was founded in 1965 by Helmut Gottwald's company. By 1997 he had acquired all the patents that guaranteed him a monopoly on this market. In 1998 he founded ministeck GmbH in Nuremberg. In February 2017, Feuchtmann took over the brand
1951-1980 - The Associated Chamber of Manufacturers and Toys from Japan
A BRIEF HISTORY OF...
Chamber of Manufacturers of New South Wales – 1885-1995
In 1885, the Chamber of Manufacturers of NSW was founded to lobby on behalf of its members, primarily for a better deal on tariff policies. It adopted a new constitution in 1895, maintaining a non-political stance to champion the broader interests of NSW businesses. In 1912, the Chamber of Manufacturers of NSW set up the Manufacturers Mutual Insurance Company (MMI). The insurance company arm was established primarily to indemnify employers against claims that might be made by their employees who were injured at work, and was in direct response to the new Workmen's Compensation Act of 1910. The Chamber continued to expand in NSW over the following years, opening offices in Newcastle, Lismore, Wollongong and Ballina.
In 1995, the Chamber of Manufactures of NSW broke its tie with MMI, selling its shares of the company and changing its name to Australian Business Limited.
In 2006, Australian Business Limited merged with the State Chamber of Commerce (NSW) to become Australian Business Limited (incorporating the State Chamber of Commerce) then later ABL/State Chamber.
In January 2007, ABL/State Chamber changed its name to the NSW Business Chamber.
Associated Chamber of Manufacturers – 1904-1978
The Associated Chamber of Manufacturers was formed in 1904 following debate over free trade versus protectionism. Established to promote protection for infant local industries the Chamber of Manufactures operated until 1920 when it amalgamated with the Australian Industries Protection League. Retaining the title Associated Chamber of Manufactures of Australia it continued to operate until a further amalgamation in 1978, this time with the Australian Council of Employers' Federations, created the Confederation of Australian Industry. In 1992 the Confederation of Australian Industry merged with the Australian Chamber of Commerce to form the Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Chamber of Manufacturers of New South Wales – 1885-1995
In 1885, the Chamber of Manufacturers of NSW was founded to lobby on behalf of its members, primarily for a better deal on tariff policies. It adopted a new constitution in 1895, maintaining a non-political stance to champion the broader interests of NSW businesses. In 1912, the Chamber of Manufacturers of NSW set up the Manufacturers Mutual Insurance Company (MMI). The insurance company arm was established primarily to indemnify employers against claims that might be made by their employees who were injured at work, and was in direct response to the new Workmen's Compensation Act of 1910. The Chamber continued to expand in NSW over the following years, opening offices in Newcastle, Lismore, Wollongong and Ballina.
In 1995, the Chamber of Manufactures of NSW broke its tie with MMI, selling its shares of the company and changing its name to Australian Business Limited.
In 2006, Australian Business Limited merged with the State Chamber of Commerce (NSW) to become Australian Business Limited (incorporating the State Chamber of Commerce) then later ABL/State Chamber.
In January 2007, ABL/State Chamber changed its name to the NSW Business Chamber.
Associated Chamber of Manufacturers – 1904-1978
The Associated Chamber of Manufacturers was formed in 1904 following debate over free trade versus protectionism. Established to promote protection for infant local industries the Chamber of Manufactures operated until 1920 when it amalgamated with the Australian Industries Protection League. Retaining the title Associated Chamber of Manufactures of Australia it continued to operate until a further amalgamation in 1978, this time with the Australian Council of Employers' Federations, created the Confederation of Australian Industry. In 1992 the Confederation of Australian Industry merged with the Australian Chamber of Commerce to form the Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
Below are found references to the Associated Chamber of Manufacturers in relation to the Australian toy manufacturing industry and the impact toys from Japan was having. The source and publication date of each article are listed above the article, which may have some minor editing; the article is otherwise copied in its entirety. Highlights are to draw attention to the date of publication and information relevant to the table above.
Sun (Sydney, NSW: 1910 - 1954), Thursday 9 August 1951, page 7
LUXURY TRADES INCREASE IS DENIED
CANBERRA, Thursday. — Figures for the past five years showed there had been little expansion of non-essential industries, Mr. Latham Withall said.
Mr. Withall, director of the Associated Chamber of Manufactures, said in some cases there had been a falling-off in the numbers employed.
"There had been a steady growth in numbers of basic industry workers," he said, adding that many politicians indulged in "heresy hunts on matters about which they knew little.
“It was regrettable the public did not trouble to check veracity of statements by political leaders and economists.
It had been claimed non-essential industries should be stripped of money, raw materials and manpower in the interests of defence and as a brake on inflation.
"No one with practical knowledge of industry will accept this argument," said Mr. Withall.
He quoted these industries in which there had been either a drop in employment in five years or an increase of less than 1000: Pharmaceutical and toilet preparations, millinery, silk, rayon and nylon fibres, aerated waters, tobacco, ice cream, surgical and optical goods, photographic goods, toys and games.
Kalgoorlie Miner (WA: 1895 - 1954), Saturday 2 February 1952, page 5
Japanese Goods for Australia
OFFERS POUR IN
Perth, Feb. 1. — Japanese manufacturers' agents and associations continue to pour offers of goods into Australia. The latest batch of sales letters from Japan offer collapsible cycles, non-ferrous products, pottery, electric lamps, car parts, textiles and chemicals, toys, games, plywood and carpenters' tools. Elaborately-printed Japanese catalogues offer a complete range of automobiles, including motor tricycles for public utilities, cars and heavy buses.
Kalgoorlie Miner (WA: 1895 - 1954), Monday 14 December 1953, page 2
TOYS FROM JAPAN
Source of Origin Concealed AUST. MANUFACTURERS SEEK INQUIRY
Canberra, Dec. 13. — The Federal director of the Associated Chamber of Manufacturers, Mr. Latham Withall, today alleged that Japanese manufacturers were concealing the source of origin of their goods. It was difficult to ascertain the source without close examination, he said. Mr. Withall was commenting on a report that manufacturers, mainly in Sydney, were seeking a Tariff Board inquiry into the influx of Christmas toys from Japan. The inquiry would probably be held early in the New Year, he said. Over the past five years a considerable amount of Australian and British capital had been invested in the Australian toy industry. Japanese exports to Australia included many types of mechanical toys, some of them fur-covered, and a wide range of dolls and games. Although the general appearance of the goods was attractive their quality did not seem comparable with that of toys from Australian and British factories. Mr. Withall said that very considerable shipments of Japanese toys had already arrived in some States.
Sunday Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1926 - 1954), Sunday 13 December 1953, page 8
AUST MANUFACTURERS FEAR JAP TOY IMPORTS
CANBERRA (by teleprinter)— Australian manufacturers of toys fear that the influx of Christmas toys from Japan may develop into large-scale competition next year.
Manufacturers, mainly in Sydney, have asked the Trade and Customs department for a Tariff Board inquiry with a view to obtaining protection. The move follows the arrival in Australia of large quantities of highly competitive Japanese goods since import licences were eased early in October.
Not comparable
Associated Chambers of Manufactures director (Mr. L. Withall) said the Tariff Board inquiry would be held probably early in the New Year.
'In the last five years considerable Australian and British capital has been invested in the Australian toy industry,' he said. 'Japanese exports to Australia include many types of mechanical toys, some of them fur-covered, a wide range of dolls and games, cotton piecegoods, dress fabrics, sheeting, cameras, and sewing machines and accessories.
‘The quality of Japanese goods does not seem comparable with that of Australian producers, or similar imports from Britain. But the general appearance of the goods is attractive.
'It is difficult to ascertain, without close examination, their source of origin.'
Mr. Withall said that import licences were being issued fairly frequently, and very considerable shipments of Japanese toys had already arrived in some States. Mr. Withall said that some Australian crockery manufacturers had also made representations to the Trade and Customs Minister over imports of Japanese crockery.'
(The following has more detail…)
Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Monday 14 December 1953, page 2
Appeal for tariff protection
JAP TOYS HIT LOCAL INDUSTRY
Canberra, Sunday
MELBOURNE and Sydney toy manufacturers have taken swift action to counter the influx of Japanese goods into Australia following the easing of import restrictions last October.
The Australian market has already been flooded with Japanese toys, games, cotton piecegoods, dress fabrics, sheeting, cameras, sewing machines and accessories.
Mr. Latham Withall, director of the Associated Chambers of Manufactures, said to-day that toy manufacturers had asked for a Tariff Board inquiry into the question of granting them protection against Japanese competition.
Action on the same lines had also bean taken by some Australian crockery manufacturers.
Mr. Withall said that a large amount of Australian and British capital had been invested in the Australian toy industry.
Australian manufacturers feared that if the present influx of Japanese goods continued, they would be faced with even more severe competition from Japan next year.
"Undersold"
The Tariff Board had already said that it was prepared to hear evidence from industries which were at present protected by import restrictions, but feared they would be undersold if restrictions were lifted, he said.
He believed the inquiry would probably be held early in the new year.
"The quality of Japanese goods does not seem comparable with that of Australian producers, or similar imports from Britain," Mr. Withall said. "But their general appearance is attractive and it is difficult to ascertain their source of origin without close examination."
Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), Saturday 20 November 1954, page 1
MORE JAP. GOODS FOR AUST.
Imports doubled
From Our Special Representative.
CANBERRA, Fri. — Japan can more than double her exports to Australia under new trade regulations.
The Acting-Minister for Trade and Customs (Senator Spooner) announced the Government's decision today.
The new system puts most Japanese goods into the same licensing class as goods from Britain and other non-dollar countries.
The new system will operate from Monday.
The Government made the change to help Japan earn more sterling so that she can continue to buy big quantities of Australian wool. The old licensing system pegged the value of goods Japan could sell to Australia at about £12,000,000 a year.
The new system will give Japan the chance to sell in Australia about £25,000,000 worth of goods a year.
Senator Spooner said that up to now the Government had controlled importation of specific goods through a separate Japanese import budget.
Under that system importers holding licences to import Japanese goods could not import the same goods from other countries.
Wider quotas
From Monday importers could use quotas for imports from non-dollar countries to import goods from Japan, he added.
The new arrangement for Japanese goods would not increase the value of total imports to Australia, Senator Spooner said.
But it would give Australian importers a wider field from which to buy.
It would also give Japanese exporters a chance to get a bigger share, of the Australian market.
A reserve list of goods not subject to the change would limit the extent to which Japanese goods could compete with imports from other countries and with Australian-made goods, he said.
For goods in the reserve list, importers would get licences to import only up to 25 per cent of the value of their quotas from non-dollar countries in 1953-54, Senator Spooner said.
A senior British trade official in Australia said last night that the change would not worry British exporters.
The director of the Associated Chambers of Manufactures (Mr. Latham Withall) said in Canberra last night the Government's decision would not worry Australian manufacturers.
He added: "I believe our manufacturers can hold their own against Japanese imports.”
Reserved goods
Reserved goods are: Cotton piece goods, furnishing and upholstery fabrics, cotton, flannelettes, artificial silk piece goods, velvets, velveteens, and plushes.
Waterproofed piece goods, trimmings and ornaments for attire, buttons, ribbons, artificial flowers and fruits, gloves, handkerchiefs, towels and towelling, flat-bed knitting-machines, domestic sewing machine heads.
Filament lamps (except motor vehicle types), cutlery, aluminium ware, tools of trade, Portland cement, clinker porcelain ware for electrical purposes, flooring and wall tiles, crockery and other chinaware and porcelain ware.
Glassware, sulphur, plywood articles for games (including sporting gear), toys, artificial jewellery, cinematographs, spectacles and sunglasses.
Elastic (up to six inches in width or diameter), pencils, pencil-cases, fountain pens, bags, baskets, cases, purses, cotton yarn, and artificial silk yarn.
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), Wednesday 2 December 1959, page 20
Japanese Toy Imports Cause Alarm
SYDNEY, Tuesday. — The record volume of cheap Japanese toys swamping the Australian market this Christmas has forced many Australian manufacturers to curtail production.
The president of the Australian Toy and Games Manufacturers' Association, Mr. David Grant, said this to-day.
He was replying to a statement by the president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, Mr. J. Connell, that the Government should lift remaining import licensing restrictions because Australia's international reserves would increase substantially in 1960.
Mr. Grant said the industry held the same fears as the president of the Australian Clothing Manufacturers' Council, Mr. J. D. Johnston, that thousands of Australian workers in clothing factories would be thrown out of work if the Federal Government allowed merchants and retailers to import clothing without restriction.
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), Tuesday 28 October 1980, page 13
Quotas on toy imports urged
Some form of quota system should be introduced to guarantee Australian toy manufacturers a bigger share of the Australian market, the president of the Australian Toy Manufacturers 'Association, Mrs Hilarie Lindsay, said yesterday.
Australian manufacturers had never recovered from the 25 per cent tariff cut of 1974 and were in a very depressed position because the market was 90 per cent dominated by imports, she said.
The Industries Assistance Commission is conducting an inquiry into the toy industry. Mrs Lindsay has appeared before the commission and at its request is ! gathering more information for an additional sub-mission.
She has appealed to toy manufacturers to supply her with information on employment changes in their firms over the past 10 years and details on products, machinery and skills. She would also like to hear from toy manufacturers who have gone out of business in the past 10 years.
Mrs Lindsay is a member of a family company, A. L. Lindsay and Co Pty Ltd, which makes play tents and children's dressing-up outfits.
She said that a lot of play clothes were coming into Australia from Taiwan.
"They are even copying our designs and sending them back in competition with our products", she said.
Her company, which is in its 50th year and which has a staff of about 30 (down from a peak of about 100 in 1970), is diversifying into modelling clays, crayons and poster paints.
Referring to the IAC inquiry, she said she was fighting as much as possible to preserve an Australian industry.
This was before the licensing quotas from China were lifted...
Sun (Sydney, NSW: 1910 - 1954), Thursday 9 August 1951, page 7
LUXURY TRADES INCREASE IS DENIED
CANBERRA, Thursday. — Figures for the past five years showed there had been little expansion of non-essential industries, Mr. Latham Withall said.
Mr. Withall, director of the Associated Chamber of Manufactures, said in some cases there had been a falling-off in the numbers employed.
"There had been a steady growth in numbers of basic industry workers," he said, adding that many politicians indulged in "heresy hunts on matters about which they knew little.
“It was regrettable the public did not trouble to check veracity of statements by political leaders and economists.
It had been claimed non-essential industries should be stripped of money, raw materials and manpower in the interests of defence and as a brake on inflation.
"No one with practical knowledge of industry will accept this argument," said Mr. Withall.
He quoted these industries in which there had been either a drop in employment in five years or an increase of less than 1000: Pharmaceutical and toilet preparations, millinery, silk, rayon and nylon fibres, aerated waters, tobacco, ice cream, surgical and optical goods, photographic goods, toys and games.
Kalgoorlie Miner (WA: 1895 - 1954), Saturday 2 February 1952, page 5
Japanese Goods for Australia
OFFERS POUR IN
Perth, Feb. 1. — Japanese manufacturers' agents and associations continue to pour offers of goods into Australia. The latest batch of sales letters from Japan offer collapsible cycles, non-ferrous products, pottery, electric lamps, car parts, textiles and chemicals, toys, games, plywood and carpenters' tools. Elaborately-printed Japanese catalogues offer a complete range of automobiles, including motor tricycles for public utilities, cars and heavy buses.
Kalgoorlie Miner (WA: 1895 - 1954), Monday 14 December 1953, page 2
TOYS FROM JAPAN
Source of Origin Concealed AUST. MANUFACTURERS SEEK INQUIRY
Canberra, Dec. 13. — The Federal director of the Associated Chamber of Manufacturers, Mr. Latham Withall, today alleged that Japanese manufacturers were concealing the source of origin of their goods. It was difficult to ascertain the source without close examination, he said. Mr. Withall was commenting on a report that manufacturers, mainly in Sydney, were seeking a Tariff Board inquiry into the influx of Christmas toys from Japan. The inquiry would probably be held early in the New Year, he said. Over the past five years a considerable amount of Australian and British capital had been invested in the Australian toy industry. Japanese exports to Australia included many types of mechanical toys, some of them fur-covered, and a wide range of dolls and games. Although the general appearance of the goods was attractive their quality did not seem comparable with that of toys from Australian and British factories. Mr. Withall said that very considerable shipments of Japanese toys had already arrived in some States.
Sunday Mail (Brisbane, Qld. : 1926 - 1954), Sunday 13 December 1953, page 8
AUST MANUFACTURERS FEAR JAP TOY IMPORTS
CANBERRA (by teleprinter)— Australian manufacturers of toys fear that the influx of Christmas toys from Japan may develop into large-scale competition next year.
Manufacturers, mainly in Sydney, have asked the Trade and Customs department for a Tariff Board inquiry with a view to obtaining protection. The move follows the arrival in Australia of large quantities of highly competitive Japanese goods since import licences were eased early in October.
Not comparable
Associated Chambers of Manufactures director (Mr. L. Withall) said the Tariff Board inquiry would be held probably early in the New Year.
'In the last five years considerable Australian and British capital has been invested in the Australian toy industry,' he said. 'Japanese exports to Australia include many types of mechanical toys, some of them fur-covered, a wide range of dolls and games, cotton piecegoods, dress fabrics, sheeting, cameras, and sewing machines and accessories.
‘The quality of Japanese goods does not seem comparable with that of Australian producers, or similar imports from Britain. But the general appearance of the goods is attractive.
'It is difficult to ascertain, without close examination, their source of origin.'
Mr. Withall said that import licences were being issued fairly frequently, and very considerable shipments of Japanese toys had already arrived in some States. Mr. Withall said that some Australian crockery manufacturers had also made representations to the Trade and Customs Minister over imports of Japanese crockery.'
(The following has more detail…)
Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), Monday 14 December 1953, page 2
Appeal for tariff protection
JAP TOYS HIT LOCAL INDUSTRY
Canberra, Sunday
MELBOURNE and Sydney toy manufacturers have taken swift action to counter the influx of Japanese goods into Australia following the easing of import restrictions last October.
The Australian market has already been flooded with Japanese toys, games, cotton piecegoods, dress fabrics, sheeting, cameras, sewing machines and accessories.
Mr. Latham Withall, director of the Associated Chambers of Manufactures, said to-day that toy manufacturers had asked for a Tariff Board inquiry into the question of granting them protection against Japanese competition.
Action on the same lines had also bean taken by some Australian crockery manufacturers.
Mr. Withall said that a large amount of Australian and British capital had been invested in the Australian toy industry.
Australian manufacturers feared that if the present influx of Japanese goods continued, they would be faced with even more severe competition from Japan next year.
"Undersold"
The Tariff Board had already said that it was prepared to hear evidence from industries which were at present protected by import restrictions, but feared they would be undersold if restrictions were lifted, he said.
He believed the inquiry would probably be held early in the new year.
"The quality of Japanese goods does not seem comparable with that of Australian producers, or similar imports from Britain," Mr. Withall said. "But their general appearance is attractive and it is difficult to ascertain their source of origin without close examination."
Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW : 1931 - 1954), Saturday 20 November 1954, page 1
MORE JAP. GOODS FOR AUST.
Imports doubled
From Our Special Representative.
CANBERRA, Fri. — Japan can more than double her exports to Australia under new trade regulations.
The Acting-Minister for Trade and Customs (Senator Spooner) announced the Government's decision today.
The new system puts most Japanese goods into the same licensing class as goods from Britain and other non-dollar countries.
The new system will operate from Monday.
The Government made the change to help Japan earn more sterling so that she can continue to buy big quantities of Australian wool. The old licensing system pegged the value of goods Japan could sell to Australia at about £12,000,000 a year.
The new system will give Japan the chance to sell in Australia about £25,000,000 worth of goods a year.
Senator Spooner said that up to now the Government had controlled importation of specific goods through a separate Japanese import budget.
Under that system importers holding licences to import Japanese goods could not import the same goods from other countries.
Wider quotas
From Monday importers could use quotas for imports from non-dollar countries to import goods from Japan, he added.
The new arrangement for Japanese goods would not increase the value of total imports to Australia, Senator Spooner said.
But it would give Australian importers a wider field from which to buy.
It would also give Japanese exporters a chance to get a bigger share, of the Australian market.
A reserve list of goods not subject to the change would limit the extent to which Japanese goods could compete with imports from other countries and with Australian-made goods, he said.
For goods in the reserve list, importers would get licences to import only up to 25 per cent of the value of their quotas from non-dollar countries in 1953-54, Senator Spooner said.
A senior British trade official in Australia said last night that the change would not worry British exporters.
The director of the Associated Chambers of Manufactures (Mr. Latham Withall) said in Canberra last night the Government's decision would not worry Australian manufacturers.
He added: "I believe our manufacturers can hold their own against Japanese imports.”
Reserved goods
Reserved goods are: Cotton piece goods, furnishing and upholstery fabrics, cotton, flannelettes, artificial silk piece goods, velvets, velveteens, and plushes.
Waterproofed piece goods, trimmings and ornaments for attire, buttons, ribbons, artificial flowers and fruits, gloves, handkerchiefs, towels and towelling, flat-bed knitting-machines, domestic sewing machine heads.
Filament lamps (except motor vehicle types), cutlery, aluminium ware, tools of trade, Portland cement, clinker porcelain ware for electrical purposes, flooring and wall tiles, crockery and other chinaware and porcelain ware.
Glassware, sulphur, plywood articles for games (including sporting gear), toys, artificial jewellery, cinematographs, spectacles and sunglasses.
Elastic (up to six inches in width or diameter), pencils, pencil-cases, fountain pens, bags, baskets, cases, purses, cotton yarn, and artificial silk yarn.
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), Wednesday 2 December 1959, page 20
Japanese Toy Imports Cause Alarm
SYDNEY, Tuesday. — The record volume of cheap Japanese toys swamping the Australian market this Christmas has forced many Australian manufacturers to curtail production.
The president of the Australian Toy and Games Manufacturers' Association, Mr. David Grant, said this to-day.
He was replying to a statement by the president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, Mr. J. Connell, that the Government should lift remaining import licensing restrictions because Australia's international reserves would increase substantially in 1960.
Mr. Grant said the industry held the same fears as the president of the Australian Clothing Manufacturers' Council, Mr. J. D. Johnston, that thousands of Australian workers in clothing factories would be thrown out of work if the Federal Government allowed merchants and retailers to import clothing without restriction.
Canberra Times (ACT : 1926 - 1995), Tuesday 28 October 1980, page 13
Quotas on toy imports urged
Some form of quota system should be introduced to guarantee Australian toy manufacturers a bigger share of the Australian market, the president of the Australian Toy Manufacturers 'Association, Mrs Hilarie Lindsay, said yesterday.
Australian manufacturers had never recovered from the 25 per cent tariff cut of 1974 and were in a very depressed position because the market was 90 per cent dominated by imports, she said.
The Industries Assistance Commission is conducting an inquiry into the toy industry. Mrs Lindsay has appeared before the commission and at its request is ! gathering more information for an additional sub-mission.
She has appealed to toy manufacturers to supply her with information on employment changes in their firms over the past 10 years and details on products, machinery and skills. She would also like to hear from toy manufacturers who have gone out of business in the past 10 years.
Mrs Lindsay is a member of a family company, A. L. Lindsay and Co Pty Ltd, which makes play tents and children's dressing-up outfits.
She said that a lot of play clothes were coming into Australia from Taiwan.
"They are even copying our designs and sending them back in competition with our products", she said.
Her company, which is in its 50th year and which has a staff of about 30 (down from a peak of about 100 in 1970), is diversifying into modelling clays, crayons and poster paints.
Referring to the IAC inquiry, she said she was fighting as much as possible to preserve an Australian industry.
This was before the licensing quotas from China were lifted...