COMMERCE AND CUSTOMS

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 46, 23 February 1923, Page 4

COMMERCE AND CUSTOMS

DISCUSSED BY INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION, (BI TBIEORAPH.—PJtESS ASSOCIATION.) CHRISTCHURCH, 22nd Feb. At the conference of the Industrial Corporation of New Zealand to-day, on behalf of the Dunedin Manufacturers' Association, Mr. W. C. Burt moved: "That in the opinion of this conference it is desirable, in the interests of economy, efficiency, and convenience, that the portfolios of Industries and Commerce, and of Customs, be held by one and the same Minister, and that this resolution, together with a summary of arguments advanced in support of it, be submitted for the consideration of the Government as the considered opinion of the Industrial Corporation of New Zealand." The remit was discussed in committee, and on resuming the chairman reported that it had been adopted. Tlie chairman, Mr. W. J. Jcnkin, referred in complimentary terms to the work of the officers of the Department of Industries and Commerce, and also to the active help and sympathy of the late Minister in Charge of the Department (Mr. Lee). He moved: "That this representative gathering of manufacturers and industrialists of New Zealand declare their appreciation of the great value and usefulness, of the Department of Industries and Commerce, and especially desire to tender their thanks to the chief executive officer for his enthusiasm and untiring energy in the interests of the industries of the Dominion." Mr. W. C. Burt (Dunedin), in seconding the resolution, said that he believed all manufacturers thoroughly appreciated what Mr. Lee had done for the industries of the Dominion, and regretted his defeat at the election. The resolution was carried unanimously. The following remit was carried:— "That the Government be urged to give special attention in their immigration scheme to skilled workers in all industries, many of which are handicapped by a shortage of labour." It was decided to endorse any scheme which bore the sanction of the Government in securing English capital for use in the Dominion.

Mr. J. A. C. Allum, of Auckland, was elected president of the corporation for the ensuing year, and it was decided that the executive of the corporation be located at Auckland.