Call to back smelter

Press, 19 November 1981, Page 6

Call to back smelter

PA Wanganui The Prime Minister (Mr Muldoon) last evening reacted to reports of falling aluminium prices by urging New Zealanders to have faith in the future of the industry. [The price of aluminium fell to a record low yesterday, mainly because of the ‘ effects of recession in the United States car and construction industries, NZPAReuter reported. The cash price of aluminium dropped to £561 a tonne on the London Metal Exchange, compared with £635 a year ago and £586 when trading

in the metal began in 1978. J Putting up strong support for the proposed. Aramoana smelter, Mr Muldoon said that the farming industry had proved what could happen if people got behind a venture. New Zealand should turn energy into overseas funds. “We have got the guts to go ahead with it — .that’s the National Party way, Mr Muldoon met a sometimes noisy reception ■ in Wanganui’s Opera House and threatened to have hecklers thrown out. He tackled a “big play”

made in Dunedin by Mr Rowling. Mr Rowling had said that the Prime Minister was dodging the real issues, Mr Mulddon said. He had not dodged the issues, but dealt with them “night after night,” said Mr Muldoon. He listed Mr Rowling’s named issues as: How it is planned to finance “think big?” What steps are being taken to contain inflation? And what steps are being taken to reactivate domestic demand? On the reduction of inflation, Mr Muldoon said that a reduction in income tax would be taken as the equivalent of a wage increase. The Federation of Labour had agreed in principle to the formula but had reneged this year. “We are going to have another go after Christmas to see if we can get agreement,” he said. “I have to sayjiow that if we do not get agreement from them then we are going to legislate for it. “That would be a pity because that would mean we are legislating again to fix wages.”