THE MATAMATA RECORD. THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 1930. THE SECONDARY INDUSTRIES.

Matamata Record, Volume XIII, Issue 1109, 27 March 1930, Page 4

THE MATAMATA RECORD. THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 1930. THE SECONDARY INDUSTRIES.

THE proposed, investigation into the manufacturing industries of the Dominion is not to be abandoned as at one time appeared likely, owing to the defection of Mr. Jenkins, member for Parnell, and the absence of the Hon. J. G. Cobbe in Samoa. Instead of the original Parliamentary Select Committee conducting the investigation the work will now be carried out by a special committee of three, the names of the members of which are yet to be announced. The order of reference is very wide, and should result in much useful data being obtained, but from the published statement of the Minister it does not appear that the activities of the committee are likely to have a big enough scope to arrive at a correct solution. If manufacturers only arc o be asked to submit evidence on the difficulties with which their industries are faced, the , answer is bound to be prejudiced, or at best a partial one. It is only a few months ago since these same manufacturers put forward the ludicrous plea for a permanent board, consisting of a majority of their representatives to advise governments in regard to tariff charges. No enquiry into our secondary industries which does not take evidence from those interested in our primary industries can be worth serious consideration;. This is a point which should be cleared up. Further, the whole success of the enquiry depends to a great extent on the members appointed to the committee of inquiry, for, if the report is to be a sound one, a huge mass of complicated evidence will have to be sifted, and this in itself is a factor requiring special capabilities. Our secondary industries must be fostered in eveiy legitimate manner, but in carrying this out it is of the utmost importance that the effect of any assistance given on the primary industries should be first considered from every angle.