JAMS MADE IN NEW ZEALAND

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27404, 17 July 1954, Page 10

JAMS MADE IN NEW ZEALAND

AMOUNT OF TARIFF PROTECTION STATEMENT FOR BRITISH MANUFACTURERS “Surely the New Zealand manufacturers of jams want the best of both worlds,” said Mr G. E. Stock, president of the United Kingdom Manufacturers’ and New Zealand Representatives’ Association in a reply to complaints by manufacturers that 20 per cent protection against imported jams was inadequate.

“According to Mr H. E. Roberts. English jams can be produced far more cheaply than the New Zealand article and sold for far less than the local product,” said Mr Stock. Another representative of a jam-making firm said that though the Government had been provided with the facts they declined to give more than 20 per cent customs duty protection. “Surely the New Zealand manufacturers of jams want the best of. both worlds. On their own admission they are an old-established industry but by the same token they require moit than a 20 per cent, protection, in fact they state that it is not nearly enough. “Surely the jam industry can be accused of a selfish disregard for the housewife’s costs. Apparently it means nothing to them that she should be forced to pay more for this commodity to protect an old standing industry. Could there not be something wrong with this old standing industry ■which could be wiped out if the Government does not do something about it?” "At March 31 last, there were 12.257 jobs vacant in New Zealand. If the jam industry has not progressed beyond the state apparent by the statement in the press, then its operatives would be better off in other fields.

“The Prime Minister is extremely anxious about, and doing his best to reduce, the cost of living but this attitude of protection at all costs without any consideration for the general public will help nobody and at the least can be said to be an extremely selfish attitude.”