“TOO OPTIMISTIC.”

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 218, 13 August 1940, Page 8

“TOO OPTIMISTIC.”

MANUFACTURERS’ INDICTMENT. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, Aug. 13. The New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation issued to-day a statement on the 5 per cent, wage increase. It holds that the Court took an overoptimistic view of the prospects of the coming export season and the expansion of factory production, also that the Court dismissed lightly overseas shipping difficulties, though it must be aware that Britain was having such a difficulty in storing her own food’ that rationing might be diminished. “Since she no longer has need to worry about France’s food, she probably will obtain supplies from countries nearer her than New Zealand,” it is stated.. “As for increased factory production, the Court must be aware of the very great difficulties experienced in procuring licenses to import sufficient raw materials to carry on, even on the present basis, apart altogether from securing goods from overseas after the license is granted.” The statement concludes with the expression of the belief that the step will cause embarrassment to those responsible for the country’s finance. “If the increase will guarantee increased production, the usual cost of living spiral might not eventuate, but the Court order carried no such guarantee. The federation only hopes working people will voluntarily respond to the Government and Court appeal for increased production.”