SHODDY IMPORTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 252, 23 October 1924, Page 8

SHODDY IMPORTS.

WOOLLEN MILLS PREJUDICED. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.'') WELLINGTON, Thursday. At least three southern woollen mills are working only four days weekly, according to the Hon. D. Buddo, who asked a question of the Minister of Customs in the House of Representatives with a view to securing more effective protection for this New Zealand industry against heavy importation's of shoddy which have depressed the market. He added that the manager of a large North Island works had stated it was only consideration for their employees that prevented them from taking a similar course. He asked if the Minister would see if assistance could be rendered by a tariff amendment or strict application of the dumping regulations.

The Hon. W. D. Stewart, the Minister of Customs, replied that his attention had .been drawn to the position of tbe New Zealand mills some -weeks ago, when a deputation, mostly woollen mill employees, interviewed him. Their chief grievance seemed to be that there was a good deal of shoddy material being imported, which they wished to have excluded. He bad some difficulty in ascertaining what was shoddy, as the dividing line was not well marked. His departmental officers were investigating this point and conferring with experts in different parts of the Dominion as to whether it was advisable to draw up a definition of shoddy capable of being applied to assist New Zealand mills, which had to compete with material likely to impose on the public. He understood another deputation would see him this week. Meanwhile he was getting all the information possible with a view to helping the mills, and if a solution was possible, he would be glad to recommend it to the Cabinet. The tariff question was more difficult. "There are pretty high duties now on clothing," added the Minister, "and I do not think Parliament would sanction further increase in dnties on clothing."