MANUFACTURERS' AFFAIRS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19947, 16 May 1928, Page 14

MANUFACTURERS' AFFAIRS.

AUCKLAND ASSOCIATION. ACTIVITIES OF PAST YEAR. The 41st annual meeting of members of tho Auckland Manufacturers' Association will be held in tho Chamber of Commerce, Swanson Street, on May 24. The report states there are 192 members. The membership includes seven affiliated sub-associations. Consideration of the customs tariff was the most important matter that received the attention of tho committee and full advantage was taken of making representation to tho Tariff Commission.

" Our expectations, however, were not realised," tho report states. " Only a very limited number of the industries received any encouragement, while in one or two instances the duty was eliminated, with tho result that these industries will be compelled to close down. The main feature of the tariff was the encouragement accorded to the old-established British industries by generally increasing the British preferential tariff. Had tho same treatment been granted to our New Zealand manufacturers, much would have been done to assist in building up our young industries and providing work for the increased population which is so necessary for the prosperity of our Dominion." Considerable attention was given to the work of creating a demand for New Zea-land-made goods and the New ZealandMade Preference League gave great assistance in this matter. In view of tho desirability of securing a site and erecting a suitable building in which to hold the annual winter exhibition, a draft constitution, providing for the establishment of an exhibition trust, was prepared and submitted to the. Auckland Agricultural and Pastoral Association for consideration. A tribute is paid to the valuable services rendered to the association by Mr. J. W. Collins, secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce, and his staff.

Tho balance-sheet shows an improvement in the association's financial position. The receipts, including the balance of £lO9 brought forward from the previous year, amounted to £2039. Tho ordinary expenditure totalled £956, and the sum of £IOOO was invested, leaving a balance of £B3 to carry forward. The funds now invested in Government and local body debentures amount to £4500.