Nylon Industry Fears “Unfounded”

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30153, 10 June 1963, Page 8

Nylon Industry Fears “Unfounded”

(New Zealand Prese Aaroeiation) HAMILTON, June 9

Fears of farmers that a New Zealand nvlon industry would harm the economy of the country were unfounded, said Mr J. S. Meadowcroft, Dominion president of the New Zealand National Party, in an address to the party’s South Auckland division in Hamilton yesterday.

“The new nylon industry will in no way compete with wool. The nylon being produced is a long fibre and wool is a short fibre. The two cannot be combined and. one cannot replace the other,” he said.

'This company. Von Kohorn. New Zealand, Ltd., will be producing continuous filament nylon yarn for hosiery, lingerie, fishing lines, tennis racquet gut and tyre cord.” Mr Meadowcroft said. “I doubt whether your wives would approve the use of wool in their stockings and lingerie. “I think the marlin and the mako sharks would be fairly Safe if I tried to chase them with woollen lines.

“I wouldn't like to judge the flight of a tennis ball from a woollen racquet, nor count on getting my car back to Wellington on woollen tyre cord. No Protection “Let's look at a few other facts." Mr Meadowcroft continued. “The company will have no tariff or import licence protection, and it is anxious to produce in a competitive atmosphere. “It will manufacture about a quarter of the country's

needs, so we'll still have to import nylon filament. "Tlie company was established after full discussions be. ween its representatives and the New Zealand Knitwear Federation and the Manufacturers' Federation "It was approved by the Tariff and Development Board and ultimately, of course, by Cabinet. “Sixty per cent, of the shareholding will be in New Zealand hands, and the balance in American. “In short.” said Mr Meadowcroft, “this is an outstanding example of the establishment of a thoroughly economic industry that will give the consumer and the country first rate service and save £700,000 in overseas exchange."

Vichy Minister.— Mr Raphael Alibert, who was Justice Minister under the Vichy regime of Marshal Petain during World War 11. died in Paris today, aged 77. He fled abroad when the regime collapsed at the en.i of the war, was sentenced to death in his absence, and was later pardoned.—Paris, June 6.