AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24150, 8 January 1944, Page 4

AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY

EXPORTS FROM NEW ZEALAND

REQUEST BY BRITAIN FOR INFORMATION Tire Press ” Special Service AUCKLAND. January 7. A request has been received from the British Government for particulars of the manufacturing capacity of New Zealand for agricultural machinery surplus to the production programme for the Dominion’s domestic requirements for 1944. It is understood that this machinery is required for use in Great Britain, the Continent, and North Africa in the post-war period. Although it is not generally known, New Zealand has been producing fair quantities of agricultural machinery for export in recent years and this official request from Britain is viewed as highly important by members of the metal industry. ' The information was contained in a letter from the Director of Production (Mr W. Colquhoun) received by the Auckland Manufacturers’ Association. The association has acted promptly in circularising its members asking for information about the potential capacity of the industry. Members have been asked to state what increase over the present production required for domestic use in 1944 could be planned and the problems which would arise in effecting this. Details of the material required and the probable source of supply also are asked for, together with an indication of additional manpower required, with details of the type and locality in which it would be required. Many Problems Involved

It is pointed out that, while the potential capacity of the industry is being asked for, it should be realised that in view of the many difficult problems involved it might not be possible to offer the maximum production. It was desirable, however, to have a complete picture of the capacity available, so that full consideration could be given to its effect in relation with other essential work. There was no indication that any capacity that might be available would necessarily be utilised. With the object of discussing this request from Britain, together with other important future proposals affecting the industry, a meeting of representatives of the metal, agricultural machinery, and plastics trades will be held on Wednesday, when representatives are expected to attend from various parts of the Auckland province. The meeting will be presided over by Mr R. -C. Porter, chairman of the metal trade group of the association. Other items to be considered by the meeting are rehabilitation, particularly as it concerns the farming industry, the future import policy of the Government, the housing scheme, the post-war raw material requirements, manpower problems, including trade training, and taxation relief for the replacement of machinery. Following a discussion on these points remits will be forwarded for consideration at a conference in Wellington on January 19 and 20, when representatives of the metal industry throughout New Zealand will meet.