LOCAL PREJUDICES.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 211, 7 September 1927, Page 19

LOCAL PREJUDICES.

MANUFACTURERS' HANDICAP.

Z.ISCXOST7BBS Ut OFFICIAL REPORT. TEADE WITH CANADA. (By Telegraph. — Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. The manufacturing industries of the Dominion in general continue to show steady and healthy growth, according to the annual report of the Department of Industries and Commerce tabled in the House of Representatives. As the internal demand increases with increasing population, states the report* new industries become possible of establish-' ment, and the manufacture of other 1 goods increases. Much has been done in recent years by manufacturers' associations and others to bring before the public notice the variety and good quality of New Zealand made goods. It is stiH very evident, however, that in some lines local manufacturers are labouring under the handicap of public prejudice. In a number of instances manufacturers are forced to brand their goods in such manner as to conceal the fact that they are New Zealand made. It is freely stated by retailers that any other course would militate seriously against the sale of the local article, even though quality and price were fully satisfactory. In some instances retailers demand price concessions from manufacturers on the ground that they must have a higher selling margin on local than upon imported goods. Manufacturers jointly and collectively are accordingly giving continuous effort to the overcoming of these prejudices and difficulties, realising, too, that they can succeed only if satisfactory standards of quality are maintained. Manufacturers of number of lines of goods in the Dominion are at present feeling very keenly the free competition of imported goods of relatively low quality. The present slow demand in certain trades and industries, by reducing the output, is having the effect of increasing costs of' production in many of our factories, and is consequently still further accentuating the difficulties of New Zealand manu° facturers.

Canadian Possibilities. The question of trade between New Zealand and Canada is briefly discussed in the report. It is stated that the Department is of opinion that trade with Canada can be increased, provided reliable information as to market quotations and transport charges could be readily given. Already a good deal had been done in extending markets • in New Zealand products in thickly populated areas of Eastern Canada. It is considered that an increased demand can be created for wool, casein, rabbit skins, flax, fruit, dried fruits, and certain manufactured woollens, such as rugs and blankets. Samples of casein, toheroa soup, and 1000 cases of apples (five varieties) have been sent forward to test the markets of Eastern Canada, whilst some of the New Zealand woollen companies have appointed representatives to negotiate for the sales of several lines. With the excellent regular snipping facilities provided to both the Pacific coast and two eastern seaports, this valuable potential market for New Zealand products: should be fostered. The seasons being opposite was also an important advantage to New Zealand. This Dominion had earned valuable goodwill in the past, trading with Canada, but unfortunately our capacity to cater for. some of Canada's needs at present imported from .foreign countries was not widely known in the northern Dominion.