MOTOR TYRES

Grey River Argus, 20 May 1938, Page 7

MOTOR TYRES

N.Z. MANUFACTURE OPPOSED. [Per Press Association.! AUCKLAND, May 19. “I have learned that several applications at present are being considered by the Department of Industries and Commerce, for the manufacture of motor tyres in the Dominion,” said Mr. J. H. Furniss, at the provincial conference of the Farmers’ Union. "If a license is granted, it must be on a monopoly basis, owing to the restricted nature of the New Zealand market. Our annual requirements could be met by a few days’ output from an English factory. The result of such monopoly would be a considerable increase in tyre costs, and almost inevitably a decline in quality. “Unless we, as consumers, demand the right to be heard, the matter will apparently be decided without reference to our wishes. Importers have obtained permission to give evidence, and motoring interests, who are gravely perturbed, are relying on us to give a lead to consumers for securing a thorough investigation.” He said that he regarded the failure of the Department to inform the public of the proposals, with the gravest apprehension as it indicated the possibility of the establishment of other economic industries. The conference passed a resolution unanimously that the Union ask to be allowed to give evidence before the Department.