MANUFACTURERS' COMPLAINT

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24676, 20 September 1945, Page 4

MANUFACTURERS' COMPLAINT

—♦ — STOCKS HELD BY WAR ASSETS BOARD Notice of motion that the Government be asked to place stocks of goods held by the War Assets Realisation Board at the disposal of manufacturers direct through the various trade groups or through the Manufacturers Federation was given by Mr H. C. Urlwin at the meeting of the Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association s council last evening. Mr Urlwin said that certain firms already on the “direct buying list” would perhaps not be interested, but those firms not on the list were told to buy from others who were on it or through merchants. The buying lists, he thought, had been created, fairly enough, by the various controllers, but some smaller firms had been omitted. It was an anomaly he thought manufacturers should remedy. In a brief discussion it was stated that the metal trades federation had discussed the question in Wellington and had received satisfaction. Other members, however, stated that the textile, clothing, and other industries were affected.

Mr D. S. Dott said that his firm, for instance, wholesalers, manufacturers, and retailers, were not given the opportunity of buying the blankets they made themselves. His company had not been offered one blanket by the Ministry of Supply, the War Assets Realisation Board, or the Wholesalers’ Association, and was unable to supply a blanket to its own customers.

available for disposal. However, it was essential, in order that the interests of New Zealand industry could be best served, to secure further information regarding these patents processes. It was doubtful if the information disclosed to the New Zealand patent office was of practical value to the New Zealand industry. Mr Fraser said arrangements were being made for an officer of the New Zealand scientific liaison staff, London, to acquire full information, either in Germany or Britain. It was hoped that arrangements could also be made to collect information concerning other German patents processes or industrial techniques which might assist New Zealand industries.

New Zealand-made Tyres.—The Minister of Supply (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan), replying to Mr E. B. Corbett (Opposition, Egmont), said motor tyres manufactured in New Zealand under licence would be subject to testing for quality standards. The formulation of New Zealand specifications for locally made tyres and tubes, based on overseas standards, was under action by the Standards Institute. Each firm which had been granted a licence had stated that locally manufactured tyres would be sold at prices either lower than, or equal to. those of imported tyres of similar grade and quality. The prices of tyres would be subject to investigation by the Price Tribunal.