INDUSTRIAL BILL

Hokitika Guardian, 12 November 1936, Page 1

INDUSTRIAL BILL

MINISTER’S REASSURANCE

(Per Press Association. —Copyright)

DUNEDIN, November 10.

The Minister for Industries aiid Gommerce (the Hon D. G. Sullivan), attended a meeting of the Dunedin Manufacturers’ Association, when he made reference to anxiety indicated in their annual report regarding increased costs and in Industrial Efficience Act. The Minister said that they had already examined many reports, from industries fearful of losing business to overseas competitors, ■ He was bound to say that the investigation had not disclosed the reason for so much fear. One of the encouraging factors had been .the general stimulation of industry and the increased turn-over through increased wages Another was the improvement in the overseas trade position, these factors providing some compensation for increased costs. In addition, manufacturers had reorganised their industries to meet the new situation, arid some of the results achieved have astounded him. As to the tendency for overseas prices to rise, the Minister detailed the measures taken to meet a difficult situation, admitting, however, that .there still remained some industries where apparently our manufacturers would be at some disadvantage. Nego-. tiations had 'been opened up with' the various countries competing with New Zealand.

“We are making substantial progress towards the end I have in view,’.’ Mr Sullivan said. “Knowing the Prime Minister as I do, and knowing his determination to make good his word, 1 think that in the long riin you will have no reason to be disappointed and that you will feel that the Prime Minister has made good his word, and is as determined as, J am to see that industry receives the assistance to which it is entitled.