IMPORTERS PROBLEMS

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 126, 24 November 1933, Page 8

IMPORTERS PROBLEMS

FEDERATION'S MEETING

TARIFFS AND FREIGHTS

The annual meeting of the New Zealand Importers' Federation was held on Tuesday last, Mr. E.1 Salmond presiding. Others present wero Mr. H. G. Thomson (vice-president), Auckland Importers' Association, Ltd.; Mr. V. Hamilton, Canterbury Importers' Association; Mr. A. D. Kerr, Mr. Stronacli Paterson, Otago Importers' Association; Mr. H. C. Murray, Wellington Importers' Association; Mr. G. W. Guthrie, Wellington Importers' Association;' Mr. W. E. Jackson, Wellington Importers' Association; Mr. C. S. McNulty, Wellington Importers' Association;' and Mr. J. Myers, Wellington Importers' Association. Apologies were received from Mr. H. C. Campbell, Otago Importers' and Shippers' Association; and~: •..; Mr. A. L. Wall, president Wellington Importers' Association. In opening the proceedings, the chairman pointed out that the events of tho year had fully justified the existence of such a body as the federation, whoso opposition to the Government's'exchange policy had been continued "with unabated 'zeal.. The Tariff Bqard was also touched upon by Mr. Salmond, who remarked that the federation was not out to destroy secondary industries. It believed that those worth while should enjoy some measure of protection. Mr. G. W. Guthrie read the report of the revision of freights committee, and a special committee was set up to go into the question. It was recommended:—(l) That representations be made by the federation to the Imperial Shipping Committee, with the co-operation of the Chambers of Commerce, United Kingdom Manufacturers' and New Zealand Eepresentatives' Association, Drapery Association, Hardware Association, and any other likely organisations; (2) '' ■ that the co-operation of the shippers in the United Kingdom be enlisted; (3) that, if representations can be preparod in time, they be submitted to Sir James Parr before he leaves New Zealand with a request for his help; and^ (4) that the co-operation of the National Union of Manufacturers and Federation of British Industries bo enlisted. ■ ■ ' TARIFFS OB FREE TRADE? Speaking on the question of, tariffSj Mr. Thomson said that although ha agreed it would have been better if tariff protection had never been given to industries, at tho same time it was necessary to take the position as it was toc'iay, as, undoubtedly, certain manufacturing interests had been built up under a protective tariff and he considered that it would not be in the best interests of the Dominion to wipe out tariffs and go straight out for Free Trade. On the other hand, there had been a lot of merit in the arguments which had been put before them for Free Trade and tho Auckland Association's policy \ was, therefore, that they should watch very carefully the interests which are being built up and see that they aro on an economic basis, and they considered that wherever it could the federation should go for a reduction in tariffs with the ultimate aim of Freo Trade for a good many industries and the moderation of tariffs for others. Mr. Thomson stated that the Auckland Association considered that the existence of the federation was a very.essential thing, and mentioned that; although tho federation could not show large profits and put forth such propaganda as Other associations, yet it was absolutely necessary .to protect importers' interests. He was pleased to note that the association was active in regard to freights and was glad that tho committee had been set up. _ The Auckland Association was very interested in the steps to bo taken in tha event of exchange being reduced. SUPPORT FOR CENTRAL BANK. The following' resolution in respect' to the Central Bank ' was passed:— "That this association approves of tho principle of a Central Eeservo Bank as an addition to the financial strength of the Dominion, but urges Parliament to amend the measure now before it to ensure that such an institution shall be absolutely free from political control from inception; further, that tha Government should seek tho decision of tho Supreme Court.on matters at issue regarding the valuation of gold reserves to be taken over from the banks." The question of the exchange rate was fully discussed, but it was decided to make no public pronouncement at present.

Mr. Salmon was re-elected president and Mr. Thomson vice-president.