Effect Of Import Ban On Manufacturers

Northern Advocate, 28 November 1939, Page 6

Effect Of Import Ban On Manufacturers

[Special to “Northern Advocate ”] AUCKLAND, This Day.

Advantages given to some industries by the greater share of the market had been discounted somewhat by the problems of obtaining raw materials and machinery, said the retiring president (Mr H. W. Shove) at the annual meeting of the Auckland Manufacturers’ Association.

Mr Shove said that it was a new experience to manufacturers to have any doubt of the possibility, of securing materials to keep their factories open. One of the results of ’the Government’s ' financial policy had been a demand from English and foreign houses that funds held by them in New Zealand should be repatriated.

Different Effects

> The import restrictions had had different effects on different factories. Some factories relied upon a greater proportion of locally-produced materials than others, and some were able, because of their size, to effect economies which were not possible with the smaller ones. The following motion was carried: That this meeting of manufacturers, while admitting the advantages which have been gained by some members through the import regulations, wishes to stress the urgent necessity for preserving the volume of imports of raw materials, in order to maintain constant employment. Must Get Requirements “It also desires to stress the need to place manufacturers in a position to obtain 'their requirements, without the delay and loss involved in the present complicated system. “As a means of securing more purchasing power overseas it recommends: “(1) That the Government should make it possible for manufacturers to make use of the overseas commercial credit that has been available to them in the past and which would still be available if conditions were such as to engender greater confidence. It would point out that in some cases long term credits were available if the Government would permit of their use. Review Capital Expenditure (2) “That the Government should review: its expenditure on capital equipment, which requires the use of sterling funds. . (3) “That, as the main source of credit comes from the export of the Dominion’s primary products, the Government should help by the removal of any clogs on production.”