IMPORT TRADE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 45, 2 December 1938, Page 3

IMPORT TRADE

NEED FOR REGULATION URGED.

VIEWS OF MANUFACTURERS. (Per Press Association 1 WELLINGTON, December 1. After the conclusion of the annual conference of the Ncav Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation, a meeting of the Nbav Zealand council, Avliicli directs the activities of the Federation, Avas held. Among other matters referred to it by the conference the question of excessive importation from overseas was given full consideration. “It seems desirable, in view of the importance of this subject, and also in A T iew of the publicity given to the rejection by the conference of a motion dealing with it, Avhich seemed to indicate that the manufacturers’ organisation is opposed to any interference Avith the present dangerous level which importations have reached, that a. considered statement of the policy of the Manufacturers’ Federation should be made,” says a statement issued by the council.

“The council desires to state,'in the clearest terms, that it has always been of opinion that there should be a definite policy of regulating the importation of any goods from overseas Avhich can be economically made in New Zealand. This is a. fundamental part of the Federation’s policy anl ahvavs has been, and for that reason the conference just ended adopted unanimously, at the commencement of its meeting, a remit from the Auckland Association urging the Government to give all necessary protection to manufacturers from -overseas imports.

Providing a Balanced Economy. “The Manufacturers’ Federation, throughout its history, has constantly advocated a policy of full development of manufacturing industries in New Zealand on the grounds that such a policy is the only one which will proA'ide a balanced economy for the country and bring in its train the av ell-being of every section of the community. The major portion of the Federation’s activities has always been directed to the attainment of this ideal for the reasons indicated, and it was because of that basic principle that the conference rejected the motion. The conference approved of the sentiments implied in the proposal; but not with its limited implications.

“The council is perfectly clear that manufacturing can only ho developed if funds arc available, and therefore is seriously concerned over their withdrawal at the present time, and it urges the Government to bring forward without delay the proposals to develop manufacturing which Mr Savage and Mr Sullivan have indicated. If this is done quickly we believe that funds will readily flow back for investment in industry, and we will witness a very substantial improvement in the position. At the same time, the unemployment position will be progressively improved. “The Federation has promised the Government its co-operation, and now awaits the proposals which have been promised with the keen interest, and with the expressed determination to play its part to the full in furthering the Government’s intention to develop our industries to the utmost extent.”