ATTACK ON INDUSTRY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22960, 11 February 1938, Page 13

ATTACK ON INDUSTRY

REPLY BY MANUFACTURERS PRIMARY PRODUCERS' BENEFITS TbY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Thursday A reply to the attack on the manufacturing industries made by Mr. J. H. F urniss in the course of a debate with the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, at Hamilton was made to-day by Mr. M. It. O'Shea on behalf of the Now Zealand Manufacturers' Federation.

Mr. O'Shea said national interests would bo best served by the proper fostering of both farming and manufacturing interests. It was well known that the farmer had been the pampered child of the country, which everyone admitted had benefitted greatly from primary production. Primary industries, however, had had a great deal in return.

Mr. O'Shea quoted Sir Alfred Hansom's figures of a few years ago showing assistance totalling £14,383,000 from various sources including the raised rate of exchange, the reduction of land tax and interest on mortgages, road subsidies and assistance to local bodies, and freight concessions.

"In the face of this colossal amount the farmer cannot justify in the eyes of the public his attack upon manufacturing industries, which under a. heavy handicap are doing their share for national prosperity," said Mr. O'Shea.