Traders’ Reply On Crockery Imports

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29829, 23 May 1962, Page 8

Traders’ Reply On Crockery Imports

(The Press Special Service]

AUCKLAND, May 22. The New Zealand crockery industry has created its own problems by over-production in a limited field, says Mr S. L. Stevens, president of the Crockery, Household Hardware and Glassware Traders’ Federation of New Zealand. In a statement, the federation replies to Mr T. I. Clark, general manager of Crown Lynn Potteries, Ltd., who said last week importers were pressing for a policy which would cause Crown Lynn to reduce its staff. “The fact is that Crown Lynn produces only earthenware in a range of decorated flat plates, sweet dishes, cups and saucers, some dinner set parts, jugs, and a limited range of other pieces.” said Mr Stevens. "Crown Lynn produces no bone china, no translucent china, and a mere fraction of the full range of tableware fancies and kitchen extras. “In effect Mr Clark now wishes to dictate to New Zealand housewives their ration of Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Carlton Ware, Royal Albert, and many other worldfamous makes. "Crown Lynn stocks grow’ daily, whilst goods not manufactured in New Zealand become more scarce. Had any sound market survey been carried out by Crown Lynn, the distributing trade would not now be in this unfortunate situation. “The federation thinks the public should now that the crockery allocation for 196263 is only 40 per cent of our 1958 imports—the lowest ever granted in one year, and that any special licences given would specifically exclude the importation of goods similar to those made by Crowm Lynn," Mr Stevens continued. “Mr Clark said that increased licences would jeopardise his new export trade; surely he is confused, because a decrease in local de-

mand would release more of his production for export. “Mr Clark said that shops and warehouses are oversupplied with crockery. This is known to be incorrect. "Mr Clafk said that because of over-importation the crockery industry had to reduce staff by 20 per cent in September last. Surely this is due not to over-importation, but to his own over-produc-tion. "Every endeavour has been made, personally and at meetings, to convince Mr Clark that the crux of the trouble is this excessive manufacture of unsaleable goods and he has been urged to reduce his production cycle to equate output with actual market “Mr Clark states that he will have to further reduce his staff if these extra importations are allowed. The federation states that these importations will make no difference to Crown Lynn sales, because the goods that are required on these special licences are not manufactured by Crown Lynn Potteries. “Facts and figures prove that Mr Clark’s type and range of goods can account for not more than 25 per cent, of the total New Zealand market, and when this fact is realised by the directors of Crown Lynn Potteries, they will reduce their production to a reasonable, responsible, confined and profitable limit. “Our group, which Mr Clark attacks, is a national federation comprising leading wholesalers and retailers throughout New Zealand," Mr Stevens said. “We have worked In complete accord with allied local industries making hardware and cutlery. Our members are among Crown Lynn's largest customers.”

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