AUSTRALIAN GOODS

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 192, 11 May 1937, Page 8

AUSTRALIAN GOODS

Increased Imports to New Zealand Likely MANUFACTURER’S VIEW Dominion Special Service. Auckland, May 10. “There is no doubt that the Dominion will be faced witli greater imports of Australian goods this coming year, ami pui’licnlarly woollen goods,” said Mr. F. N. Ambler, president of Hie Auckland Manufacturers’ Association, who returned from Sydney by tlie Awntea after a business visit to Australia.

Mr. Ambler said he had seen several woollen mills in Sydney, and there was no doubt that imports would increase. Australian manufacturers had had one season in the Dominion .since tlie new legislation had been introduced and they had done very well, as was evidenced by import .statistics. They had realised the possibilities of the New Zealand market, and from what they had learnt wore making special preparations. “This can only affect local and British manufacturers,” said Mr. Ambler. "Australian manufacturers have a bigger market than Now Zealand, and, although there is no suggestion of dumping, they can produce a wider range of goods, which makes their products attractive.”

Mr. Ambler said that all Australian factories seemed to be busy. There was a definite shortage of female labour and there were notices outside most of the factories. A number of overseas companies seemed to have started branches in Australia on account of the high protection, and several modern factories had been built outside Sydney. “AU manufacturers are interested in our social legislation, although they do not seem to be particularly well informed, a.s there is a lack of New Zealand nows,” said Mr, Ambler. “They aro particularly interested in the 40hour week, ns several unions are making application for it and higher wages. Factory wages for women workers range from 8/- for apprentices to 43/for jotirneywomen, although apprentices usually start at 12/-, compared with 15/- to 45/- and a 40-liour week here. Employers seem to realise that they will be called on to pay slightly higher wages and they are interested to know how the system is working here.”