TARIFF PROTECTION DRAWS CRITICISM

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30477, 26 June 1964, Page 7

TARIFF PROTECTION DRAWS CRITICISM

Tariff protection for locallymanufactured electrical insulators, which allegedly had not been tested before being put on the market, was strongly condemned by some members of the North Canterbury provincial executive of Federated Farmers. A power board was opposed to the tariff protection of these articles and a section of the meeting sought the executive’s support of this protest.-

However, because there had been no official request for support, it -was finally decided to take no action in the matter until a formal request was made to the executive.

Specific details of the allegations were made in committee by Mr A. C. R. Robinson, who then successfully sought to have the. discussion continued in open meeting because he thought farmers should take the opportunity to “air their views” on the matter. Several motions and amendments came forward aimed at offering support to the power board. These contained objections to tariff protection for unproven articles and also said that because of the “sure market” the articles would find in New Zealand, they should be able to compete with overseas manufacturers Without such protection.

“This protection business has been carried too far,” said Mr S. A. Uren, referring also to the glass and woolpack industries.

Several members thought the discussion was out of order because there had been no official request for support of the board’s opposition to the tariff protection. The only knowledge the executive had on the matter was the letter held by Mr Robinson. Finally, Mr W. A. Johnston succeeded in having the matter postponed, pending official information and. requests for support.