PROTECTION NEEDED.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 246, 17 October 1929, Page 14

PROTECTION NEEDED.

NEW ZEALAND INDUSTRIES. SHARP REPLY TO MR. AGAR. HIGH TARIFF NOT DESIRED. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. A sharp reply to some statements made by Mr. C. P. Agar in t the presidential address to the conference of the Associated Chambers of Commerce was issued to-doy by the president of the New Zealand Manufacturers' Association, Mr. F. Campbell. "It is to be regretted," said Mr. Campbell, "that anyone taking the chair at an important conference such as that, of the Associated Chambers of Commerce should, by the repetition of wellworn platitudes, endeavour to widen the breach between our so-called secondary and primary industries. The statement of Mr. Agar, that the country could go along quite successfully if it confined itself to primary production and those industries which could be successfully established in this Dominion, without the necessity for high tariff protection, is one of those generalities that lead j nowhere.

"Could Mr. Agar mention the industry of any importance that could, be successfully established in New Zealand without some measure of protection T" asked Mr. Campbell. "Then, Mr. Agar says we see a growing tendency to establish secondary industries, and from time to time appeals are made to the Government for tariff protection. I can only remember two appeals to the Government since the last tariff revision for any increase in tariff in Xew Zealand. "The manufacturers have stated time and again that they are not seeking high tariffs, only a tariff that -will place them on an equal footing, as far as wages, hours and conditions are concerned, with the other countries where goods are manufactured which the Dominion has to compete against. This has been stated clearly many times. One would expect Mr. Agar to be acquainted with this. "It was good to read that Mr. Agar was so impressed with America's success that he sees the necessity of copying America and adopting her methods oi trade. America's method of trade is to conserve her own markets for her own people. That, too, is the Xew Zealand manufacturers' policy.

"In his address Mr. Agar deplored the necessity of so many organisations to further our development. Might I suggest that, if Mr. Agar's views are those of the chambers of commerce of New Zealand, manufacturers will, -with every satisfaction, be able to save one membership fee?"