INDUSTRY IN N.Z.

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30072, 5 March 1963, Page 15

INDUSTRY IN N.Z.

Retailers Give Support (N.Z. Press Association) WAERAKEI. Mar. 4 Trade depended for its prosperity upon full employment and the New Zealand Retailers’ Federation could not help but subscribe to the policy of maximum manufacturing in New Zealand, said Mr A. L George on behalf of the imports committee at the federation’s conference. The report was tabled at this afternoon’s session. Mr George also said that no retailer would dispute that control over spending of overseas funds was an absolute necessity. “But,” he said, “there is every reason to question the necessity and efficiency ot a system of priority allocation determined by public servants. Although acting in good faith and with the highest degree of integrity, they are endeavouring to do a thing which even the most efficient importer finds extremely difficult—to maintain balanced stock between one commodity and another.” “Consequent upon the introduction of the new Customs tariff and its associated import licensing schedule the federation can see no reason why it should be necessary to retain collective control. “If selective control is maintained it makes a farce of the tariff which becomes simply an instrument of revenue, rather than a protective mechanism for local industry,” said Mr George.