This Japanese Competition

Horowhenua Chronicle, 14 July 1933, Page 3

This Japanese Competition

“A TERRIBLE BUSINESS.” BUT HOW CAN WE '' STOP IT? WELLINGTON, Last Night. “It is a terrible business, this Japanese competition,” said Mr D. F. Moncur, New Zealand manager of the Canada Tire and Rubber Co., giving evidence before the Tariff Commission to-day. Mention was made of the operations of Japanese factories in British ■Malaya, and in cross-examination witness admitted that he appreciated the difficulty of imposing a prohibitive tariff to meet the position. Mr Moncur urged that British rubber goods be retained on the free list but that increased ad valorem duties or specific duties, whichever was t he greater, be imposed on foreign articles. He stressed the serious menace of Japanese competition and said that on account of the low standard of living in that country, combined with other factors, the British manufacturer was placed in an extremely disadvantageous position. Professor Murphy: Is there anything to prevent Japanese capital from transferring to our Eastern possessions and operating there? Witness said he realised the problem was a difficult one. Mr. Gow: It looks as if it is a matter of negotiation between the Governments concerned. Professor Murphy: Assuming we put a duty against Japan thaf-would act as an effective protection, would that not greatly strengthen the transfer of Japanese-owned industry into these British possessions. When they got 'there they might still be a British industry technically, but in fact an extension of Japanese capitalism.

. Witness: That is quite true. Professor Murphy:'That is a probRup, and it is a thing that will exercise the minds of this commission not a little.