MEMORANDUM TO PRIME MINISTER.

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17316, 30 November 1921, Page 8

MEMORANDUM TO PRIME MINISTER.

INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION'S VIEWS. A memorandum to the Prime Minister on the Customs tariff has been drawn up by the Canterbury Industrial Association, and a copy, signed by the members of the executive of the Association, will bo sent to Wellington tonight. Tho text of the memorandum, which is dated November 25th, is as follows: We, the undersigned representatives of New Zealand industries, met in Wellington yesteiday in tho hope that it v;ould be possible to discuss with you certain features of the tariff. As you were unable yesteiday to receive a deputation, the delegates from the districts outside of Wellington decided to remain until to-day, but it was evident this morning that you would not be able to grant time for an interview. This is a severe disappointment to the delegates, who- were Tioping for a comprehensive discussion, in tho confidence that certain misunderstandings should be cleared away. This memorandum is therefore prepared for the purpose of bringing some of the important matters unaer your notice. The First Schedule.—We are pleased that the Government has acceded to the request of the Industrial Corporation of New Zealand that Australia should be removed from the first to the third 'schedule of the tariff, and we are thankful for this measure ofi, justice. We respectfully submit, however, that this action does not go sufficiently far. Manufacturers are practically unanimously of opinion that the first schedule should be restricted to the United Kingdom. The manufacturers, therefore, request that steps should be taken as soon as possible to clear the way for the removal of Canada and other British Dominions into the third until fresh arrangements can he made in regard to the intermediate schedules.

Prevention of Dumping.—We aire of opinion that every practicable measure should be taken in the schedules as a preventive .of dumping. In addition, we are of opinion thai the basis, of ■ levy of. Customs duty should be a fair valuation of the goods ;fn the countrj of import. We wish to draw your attention, to the fact that as Australia has a higher tariff than New Zealand against other countries, there is tUwnvs -the danger that such countries will prefer to send their goods to New ra.th«!-,thap; to Australia. Thus, the. New Zealand markets could be overstocked to the detriment of Dominion .'manufacturers. Tariff Revision. —We have adopted at resolution urging that a Tariff Revision Committee, should be anointed consisting ;of • the Comptroller., of. Customs, the chief executive officer of tlio. De>Tjartmeiit' of Industries and Commerce, and tli® president of iflie Industrial .Corporation of-New Zealand. The revision l ' of the tariff <is a whole ha/v- occurred, only at. intervals of years. Before suchi a complete revision is undertaken, by a> Government, an industry may be urgently in need of reasonable protection. A competent Revision Committee could make tha necessary . and submit equitable recommendations. It has been objected that the existence or such a committee might cause 'a. tug-of-war" between different interests, but we feel that the mere, possibility of such differences of opinion''is not a 1 yalidl reason' for the infliction and perpetuation of injustice to an industry. ; ticalfy the function of such a cinnmitteo woulid be to make .adjustments according to circumstances. Various Anomalies. —Many, manufacturers nave : drawn attention 'to anomalies which remain in the tariff. Information covering these matters in detail has been given to members of Parliament. We thank you for your promise that members ,of Parliament will have ample opportunity to discuss. tJie various items of the tariff- We are hopeful that von, as head of the Government, will -grant every facility to assure fair treatment for those manufacturers who ; have reasons to be dissatisfied with the tariff in its present form. Department of Industries and Commerce.—lt wna reported recently in the Press that ttfie functions of the Board of Tralde would soon come to an end. In thc Press reports of your statements in the House it was mentioned that the staff of she Board of Trade would not be required. Wo are hopeful that your arrangements for retrenchment do.not include the Department of Industries and Commerce. The Minister of this Department and fhis- staff have taken a helpful interest in New Zealand industries, and we. are grateful for this assistance. As thfere is much scope for valuable service by. this Department, we believe that its capacity for. such service should not be reduced kut increased.

Notional Outlook.—ln• conclusion, Sir, we wish to give your onv a&siirance that in stating this-.case we have no merely selfisfh motive. As manufacturers, we are naturally concerned with the prospect of our extensive enterprise in Neve Zealand," but in looking at the case from' the viewpoint of manufacturers,- ire have also in mind the welfare of New Zealand as a whole. We believe, that the first line of. national defence must be in strong industries. A proper'development of manufacturing is essential to a proper development of New Zealand. .Some.of your statt menta have recognised the truth of our argument, .fund we are confident that a national policy based on your promise for .the encouragement of manufacturing industries would be strongly approved by the. great majority of Sw . Zear landers. „