COACHBUILDING TRADE.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 91, 4 June 1912, Page 6

COACHBUILDING TRADE.

A SERIOUS DECLINE. CHRISTCHUROH, May 30. A deputation of four journeymen coachbuilders waited on the Hon. 6. Laurenson (Minister for Labor) to discuss the condition of the coachbuilding industry. The deputation stated that the coachbuilding trade had drifted down, and was in danger that in a few years it would be extinct. Its place would be taken by the motor-building trade The wages paid in this trade were not responsible for the decline. Journeymen only got Is 3d, compared with Is in the cabinetmaking trade. In 1910 only 6 per cent, of motor car bodies were made in New Zealand. One of the biggest establishments had closed down, and the journeymen drifted away to Australia or elsewhere. It appeared as though the shops would have to cease building and become mere repairbig shops. Motor car bodies were even coming in in sections. They had only to be put together before being sent out. The deputation submitted the following rough tariff:—(l) That all chassis with body attached be taxed 25 per cent, on the total value, including chassis; (2) that all chassis • without bodies be admitted free, as at present; (3) that all motor bodies without chassis be taxed at the following rates: Singleseaters £25, double-seaters and taxis £&5; (4) that a tax of 30 per cent, be placed on all material pertaining to motor bodies otherwise than in the raw. It was contended that frequently the invoice price was faked, and that the body usually cost more than was shown. The last proposal was devised to prevent foreign makers sending parts into New Zealand, where they could be "slapped up" by anyone.. The Minister, in reply, said he hoped to, be able to do something to assist the industry either by increasing the entry on the bodies or by putting a duty on motor cars. He believed the industry could be establiehfld in this country.