“SUICIDAL!”

Hokitika Guardian, 24 August 1929, Page 2

“SUICIDAL!”

POLICY OF FREE. TRADE,

-LABOUR MEMBER’S VIEWS. “A reactionary policy, honeycombed with danger,”, .was . how , the Labour member tot Wellington East (Mr R. Semple) descri bed the frpe-trade policy advocated, by the member . for, Ray-.of Islands (Mr .H. M. RusJjiworth), when speaking.' on the, Financial Statement in the House of Representatives, earlier in the week.

Mr Semple said that one of the great responsibilities 'of the House—indeed, it was. the greatest—was to find employment tor the unemployed and those leaving school every year. He had spent spme time going into New Zealand’s imports. from America. There was, he contended, no need to import one single motor body, for there was the timber in the Dominion and the skill to do the job, “Why do we, commit industrial suicide by. importing goods»when we can make then in our own country?” asked Mr Semple, "it might.be said that the labour in New Zealand can be employed on the land. , That is true,' but we have go; to turn' attention to other avenues of employment. It is a mistaken policy, to allow America to dump the. goods she- is doing in New Zealand.” ; . . • •• ' .

Mr. Semple added the . every year '£1,500,000 was sent ahroad-for tobacco, most of which, he believed, could be grown in -$ew Zealand. The Dominion could manufacture .tne best rugs in the world—there was no doubt about that. The duty on New Zealand rugs going into America was 60 per cent., whereas New Zealand imposed a duty of 40 per cent, on similar good from America. He-contended.that New Zealand should treat America as America treated her. There was no need to import one single ton of coal. He would undertake to prove that when the mining report came before tbe House. Mr Semple was also satisfied that if the Government had the. courage to tackle the paper pulping question, there would be no need for New Zealand to send £1,000,000 overseas every year for printing paper. In tbe light of modern development he believed that a policy of free trade would be very dangerous. He thought that the only way was a reciprocal agreement with the- countries making up the BritisiT Commonwealth. He believed in the great principal of free trade within the Empire.