DEFERRED CREDIT

Evening Star, Issue 23438, 1 December 1939, Page 13

DEFERRED CREDIT

SYSTEM RUINING THE COUNTRY VIEWS OF MR H. B. DUCKWORTH The troubles of the manufacturers and the business section of the community generally were referred to by Mr H. B. Duckworth, Dominion president of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation, who was a guest at the annual meeting of the Dunedin Manufacturers’ Association last night. Their troubles were not yet finished, he stated. He also expressed the opinion that the deferred credit plan of payment for imports was ruining the country, a belief, he thought, which the Government realised. “We find ourselves as a nation without cash or credit,” lie remarked. As individuals, they could imagine that position. It was only by standing together and using the associations and co-ordinating the whole in the federation in Wellington that they would get out of their difficulties with the least possible inconvenience.

Dealing with business problems, Mr Duckworth stated that ho believed the Government realised the delayed credjt plan was ruining the credit of this country and that it would have to go. To bring this about it would be necessary to pay for the 1939 deferred credit period, together with the third period exports, by the end of August, 1940. “ This is going to be a task of tremendous magnitude and can only be done by importing the barest minimum for the first six months of next year.” he added. ADVANCE, DUNEDINI The mayor (Mr A, H. Allen) raised a laugh during the course of his remark. He belonged to that unfortunate class—the importers. If the manufacturers felt they had had great difficulties, he could assure them his had been greater. “ 1 can assure you we, as importers, have had it in the neck and in the pants,” he said. Personally, he had faith in our great national industry— the primary productions. These must be as broad as possible and built up as greatly as possible. Then, the secondary industries, in turn, would flourish. Mr Allen then went on to make a strong appeal for the further ment of Dunedin. A Development Council had been formed, and its duty would be to encourage manufacturers from abroad to commence in Dunedin. It was essential also for local business men to push ahead and to show some of the spirit of old that helped to make Dunedin the commercial and industrial centre of New Zealand by establishing industries in our midst. Dunedin could offer many advantages to the prospective manufacturer. It could offer cheap land, cheap power and boat, and excellent water. The climate, too. was second to none. “Mo can cat, sleep, and enjoy our work in Dunedin,” he said. “ Take Auckland, for instance. Would anyone care to show so much energy in that enervating climate? ” Wellington had its winds. (Laughter.) During his recent visits to that city it blew so hard one needed almost to have one’s boots tied on. and yet because Dunedin had a blow ’ of three or four hours _ during that period, it was featured in the northern papers. Christchurch had its cold, bitter winters and hot nor’-west weather in summer. He was glad the president had referred to Dunedin’s excellent climate. There were many things favouring the manufacturer here. There were low corporation charges, and if these were more extensively used they could be reduced to the user. It was said that Dunedin was not making progress, but this was not true. Statistics showed that its population was increasing, although sloivly. Mr Allen went on to refer to the state of some of the city’s buildings. Some were in a poor condition, and had been built in the late 60’s. Iho owners were not doing justice to the city by leaving them in their present condition. The creation of further secondary industries would considerably aid the Harbour Board, which had any amount of empty land. Shipping dues were high, but these could not be reduced until there was a greater revenue, and the rentals from tnis idle land would assist in this direction. The Development Council ifas going to tackle the problem sincerely and enthusiastically, and it hoped to be able to show Dunedin had the facilities and to induce manufacturers to commence in the city. Guests who were welcomed by the president (Mr C. V. Smith) w'oro the mayor. Dominion president of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Association (Mr H. B. Duckworth, of Christchurch). president of iho Dunedin Chamber of Commerce (Mr C< L. Cal-

vert), president, Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association (Mr S. L. Wright), president of Otago Importers and Shippers’ Association (Mr S. F. Aburn), president of the Commercial Travellers’ Association (Mr Gordon Hewitt), and Mr H. F. Larsen (of the Department of Industries and Commerce). ELECTION OF OFFICERS. Officers elected for the ensuing year were:— President, Mr C. V. Smith (reelected). Vice-presidents, Messrs J. C. 11. Somerville and H. Smellio (reelected). Treasurer, Mr B. U. Noes. Auditor, Mr W. G. Kiudley (both re-elected). Committee—Messrs A. W. Joavous, J. G. Jeffery, G. W. Lane, W. IT. Shepherd, William Stevenson. On the motion of Mr H. L. Longbottom, a vote of thanlis to the outgoing committee was carried. The annual report and balance sheet, on the motion of the president, seconded by Mr A. Smellie, was adopted. Other speakers during the evening were Mr 0. L. Calvert and Mr S. L. Wright. Interspersed between addresses songs wore rendered by Mr R. J. Laurcnson, while Mr P. W. Walker, conjurer, demonstrated some clever sleight-of-hand work with cards, and Mr H. M‘L. Eggors. ventriloquist, gave some amusing turns with his “ Little Sir Echo.”