WHEAT INDUSTRY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 237, 6 October 1932, Page 21

WHEAT INDUSTRY.

\ MANUFACTURERS , SUPPORT.

i u ADEQUATE PROTECTION." i AUCKLAND PROPOSAL ADOPTED. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday. '. Although last year the conference of Hew Zealand manufacturers refused to pass a remit on the subject of the wheat ' duties, to-day it took a different attitude, and passed an amended remit, "That the Manufacturers' Federation expresses the opinion that the wheatindustry is essential to New Zealand, and accordingly merits an adequate measure of protection." t A Christchurch remit was to the effect ■ that it was not desirable to abolish the ; duties on wheat. ; Mr. S. Takle (Auckland) questioned I whether such a remit was a matter for i the conference. ■\ Mr. J. G. Jeffery (Dunedin) said last ','year the conference thought it would be I treading on dangerous ground, but, having regard to the industries interested "in the subject, and the number of men engaged in wheat, he considered the conference might discuss it. Mr. Archibald (Christchurch) said — the Canterbury farmers had given a considerable help to local industries, and I the manufacturers should help them, if ' possible. Mr. Takle replied that in Auckland it was only owing to their leaving the ' wheat question alone that the manufacturers had a measure of support from the Chamber of Commerce. That sup- • port would turn to hostility if the Auckland delegates supported the Canterbury I remit. Mr. F. L. Hiitchinson contended that^ the wheat industry should be supported' on principle, as all industries should be ; maintained for the sake of the people, as : calculated to Increase spending power. It was, proposed to destroy an agricul- : tural industry, which was paying, and although it provided work for a number of people, directly and indirectly. No I industry which gave work and wages to I a number of men should be abandoned i until something better could be found to : : tal?e its place. Mr. A. M. Hollander seconded the remit,' aiid urged that the protection of 'industries applied to the protection of I the wheat industry. The same argu- • ments used against wheat would-be used I against other industries. ■ Mr. Takle submitted an amendment . in the form of the remit finally adopted. , The Christchurch delegates withdrew ■ their remit in favour of it, and it was arried unanimously.