PRICES OF N.Z. GOODS

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 24022, 10 August 1943, Page 6

PRICES OF N.Z. GOODS

* MANUFACTURERS’ REPLY TO COMPLAINTS COSTS OF OVERSEAS MATERIALS Complaints regarding the prices charged for goods manufactured* in New Zealand were discussed at a recent meeting of the New Ze&land Manufacturers’ Federation. A statement issded after the meeting says that in the case of goods manufactured mainly from New Zealand material, the increase has been very small, and in many cases prices have remained unaltered since 1939. The statement added that the high prices complained about mainly, arose where imported material wgs being used and the public,did not fully realise the amazing increase that had taken place in the price of most imported materials. These prices had increased up to as much as 200 per cent., and to these costs had to be added increased freight and war risk charges. In addition as duty in most cases was based on a percentage basis the higher the price overseas, the greater the amount of duty collected by the New Zealand Customs Department. The statement also emphasised that sales tax of 20 per cent, was responsible for a large proportion of the final retail price The Price Tribunal had been very severe in its' outlook and operations in connexion with manufacturers’ costs, as proved by the very small increases shown in the index of these costs.