THE HARVESTER TRUST.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8086, 8 September 1905, Page 4

THE HARVESTER TRUST.

Sooner than was expected have the operations of the American Harvester Trust made themselves1 felt in New Zealand. Our implement manufacturers have already had to bestir themselves and seek Government aid to checkmate the Trust. They point out that if unrestricted competition is allowed the colonial manufactures will be driven out of the business in four or five years, and ask for- legislation prohibiting the Trust from operating in this country. • The Premier adopted a wavering attitude towards the matter, not at all in keeping with what we should expect from the head of a Government which poses as the working man's friend, for it is the working man who • will feel the effects of the competition first, and heaviest. The Premier said " he was aware of the approaching danger, but he did nob think a prohibitive duty could be imposed. He advised the implement manufacturers to take steps to place the position before the farmers.. If the farmers recognised that the crushing of local manufactures would be followed by a great increase m prices as the Trust proceeded to exploit the country, they would he willing to assist the New Zealand firms to maintain their business. He would refer the matter to Cabinet."

Tlie occasion was surely one on which, a vigorous line of action, consonant with the policy of developing local industries, ought to be followed. The Premier is no doubt aware of the-evi-dence given before the Commonwealth Tariff Commission, when the trade methods of this grasping American concern were exposed, and in addition he has the statements of the New Zealand manufacturers. Yet he talks vaguely about " taking steps " and " putting the position before the farmers," which are promises on a par with| the stereotyped Governmental reply to every matter of urgency—that "it will be kept steadily in view." Something must be done and that at' once. ■ New Zealand workshops are being closed up and workmen turned out into the streets, while -the money that formerly went in wages is going to America. ...

, Nor is this all; the worst is to come. The Premier himself can see this clearly. When local competition is crushed,,the colonial farmer will be bled financially as the Argentine agriculturalist is being bled at the present time. After the producer every consumer will feel tlie pinch of exorbitant prices, and for' this reason the matter demands immediate and close attention.