INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

Evening Star, Issue 23130, 2 December 1938, Page 14

INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT

MANUFACTURERS AWAIT GOVERNMENT PLAN [Peb United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, December 1. Following the conclusion of the annual conference of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation, a meeting of the New Zealand Council, which directs the activities of the federation, was held when, among other matters referred to it by the conference, the question of excessive importation from overseas was given full consideration. “ it seems desirable, in view of the importance of this subject, and also in view of the publicity given to the rejection by the conference of a motion dealing with it, which seemed to indicate that the manufacturers’ organisation is opposed to any interference with the present dangerous level which importations have reached, that a considered statement of the policy of the Manufacturers’ Federation should be made,” says a statement issued by the council. ‘‘ The council desires to state in the dearest terms that it has always been of the opinion that there should be a definite policy of regulating the importation of any goods from overseas which can be economically made in New Zealand. This is a fundamental part of the federation’s policy, and always has been, and for that reason the conference which has just ended unanimously adopted ~t the commencement of its meeting a remit from the Auckland Association urging the Government to give all the necessary protection to manufacturers from overseas imports. ‘‘ The Manufacturers’ Federation throughout its history has constantly advocated a policy of the full development of the manufacturing industries in New Zealand on the grounds that the adoption of such a policy is the only one which will provide a balanced economy for the country, and biing in its train the well-being of every section of the community. The major portion of the federation’s activities has always been directed to the attainment’of his ideal for the reasons indicated, ami it was because of that basic principle that the conference rejected the motion. The conference approved of the sentiments implied on the proposal, but not with its limited implications. “ The council is perfectly clear that manufacturing can only be developed if the funds are available and therefore is seriously concerned over their withdrawal at the present time, and it urges the Government to bring forward without delay the proposals to develop manufacturing which Mr Savage and Mr Sullivan have indicated. If this is done quickly we believe the funds will readily flow back for investment in industry, and we will witness a very substantial improvement in the position, while at the same time the unemployment position will be progressively improved. “ The Manufacturers’ Federation has promised the Government its co-opera-tion, and now awaits the proposals which have been promised with the keenest interest and with the expressed, determination to play its part to the full in furthering the Government’s intention to develop ouf industries to the utmost extent.”