TARIFF AFFAIRS

Northern Advocate, 18 July 1933, Page 3

TARIFF AFFAIRS

MANUFACTURERS’ ACTION CONCERN IN AUCKLAND. MESSAGE TO MB COATES. (Special to “Northern Advocate.”) AUCKLAND, This Day. Two telegrams are to be sent to Wellington as a result of the meeting held yesterday afternoon by the Auckland Manufacturers’ Association .to consider the situation which led to the withdrawal of the Dominion body’s representative from the Tariff Commission.

To the aeting-Prime Minister, the Et. Hon. J. G. Coates, the following message is to be forwarded: — “My association is disturbed at the apparent endeavour of farming interests to stampede the Government into action in tariff matters, and respectfully suggests that all interests should be reminded that at present the proper place for representations in such matters is before the Eoyal Commission now sitting. I shall be glad of your assurance that the Government will take no action until it receives the report of the Commission.”

The following telegram is to be dispatched to the New Zealand Manufacturers ’ Federation :■ — “It appears to my association that as the question of tariff has been referred to the Royal Commission now sitting, outside criticism and comment may become a breach of privilege and show contempt of the Commission. Desire you submit this view to the Minister of Customs.’’

Statement by Mr Allum. The following statement was made by the chairman, Mr J, A, C. Allum: — “For years past primary producers have agitated for free trade except in products of the soil; importers have urged free trade except in foreign goods, while the local manufacturers have claimed protection, particularly against dumping by overseas manufacturers. These, conflicting ideas have resulted in a great amount of propaganda, each interest seeking to impress those in authority that its claims are paramount. To my, mind, the setting up of the present Royal Commission to inquire into tariff matters is one of the best moves made for a long time, and the representatives of the various interests have now the opportunity to place their views before an impartial tribunal. It is a good thing that the evidence is being taken in public, and it is fair to point out that the New Zealand manufacturers desired this procedure and urged its adoption. -

'.‘The Manufacturers’ Federation has placed its statement before the commission, individual manufacturers have give'n and will give evidence, and so far as I am concerned no outside comment will be made until the commission’s findings are published or until the matter is taken out of the hands of the commission. I believe that all manufacturers throughout the Dominion agree with this statement, and deplore the apparent unwillingness of other interests to accept the position. The attitude of the representatives of the farming and importing interests appears to indicate that they have little confidence in their eases. If this is not the correct interpretation of their attitude, why do they not confine their activities to placing their ideas and opinions before the commission, where they can be subjected to examination. Should Pull Together.

‘ ‘As the whole question of the tariff has been referred to the commission for investigation, it would seem that the matter is now sub judiee, and that outside comment may become a 'breach of privilege and show contempt of the commission. The Manufacturers’ Federation is being requested to place this view before the Minister of Customs. It appears clear that certain interests are seeking to stampede the Government into action before the commission presents its findings. While I am sure that there is not the slightest possibility of the Government giving heed to such unfair representathe matter is being referred to the acting-Prime Minister in order that the manufacturers may be reassured.

“It is clearly to be understood that the Ncav Zealand manufacturers are well able to deal ivith the various matters raised by the other interests, but they belie A re that in the present circumstances the proper place to deal with these matters is before the commission. The present is a time of extreme difficulty, and may I make the suggestion that although the various interests haA’e conflicting ideas it should bo possible to co-ordinate those ideas to the good of the general public, Surely it is better to pull together rather than to Avaste effort in useless strife and discord.” Mr Allum AA’as asked if he placed any credence in the statement that a British Minister had threatened trade action against New Zealand. “No,” replied Mr Allum. “I do not believe a British Minister made any such statement.” Mr C. W. Coles: “Does this mean the manufacturers will still go on with their case?” Mr Allum: “Of course they Avill. I have already made that clear.” It was decided to hold a meeting on July 31 to discuss representations with Mr Maader.