TARIFF AND LABOUR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20171, 4 February 1929, Page 12

TARIFF AND LABOUR.

NEEDS OF INDUSTRIES.

MINISTER STATES ATTITUDE.

PRAISE FOR MANUFACTURERS.

The opinion that the question of the establishment of a tariff board should bo thoroughly C\cussed before anything was dono was expressed by the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. J. G. Cobbe, when the subject was raised at a welcome accorded to him by tho Auckland Manufacturers' Association. The Ministei said ho thought tho question could be threshed out by tho manufacturers at their Dominion conferenco in Wellington this month, and he could then placo the matter before tho Cabinet. The Government was anxious to help the manufacturers, but it must hold tho balance evenly. Discussing a suggestion by Mr. G. Finn, president of the association, that the embargo on immigration should be lifted in order to givo a stimulus to primary and secondary production, tho Minister said the question had been brought under his notice by different interests on soveral occasions. Most people inclined to the belief that tho embargo should not be lifted for soino time yet.

As for what Mr. Finn had said about tho farming community being able to absorb more labour than was being done at tho moment the Minister said he could only say, as a country man, that there never was a timo when farmers could afford to employ so few men. At present rates of pay it was impossible for them to do more than they were doing. He had land which he was endeavouring to break in. and ho would like to put more men on it, but at present rates that was impossible. No doubt tho increased prosperity which would follow in the wake of enhanced prices for produce would enable farmers to employ moro labour. The Government was fully alive to the question of unemployment, and in a short time an announcement would be mado concerning the Prime Minister's proposals. The Minister said he would be pleased to attend the manufacturers' conference in Wellington, if only for a short time. He was strongly in favour of encouraging local industries, in which excellent work was being done. One of tho things he had made up his mind to do was to impress upon Cabinet the desirability of purchasing Government requirements within New Zealand whenever that was possible, and he felt sure that this would be the Government's policy. Tenders had been called in London for goods not easily procurable in New Zealand. The Minister added that, .as a farmer, lie was afraid he had not in past years fully recognised the fine work that was being done by New Zealand manufacturers. However, in his recent travels he had found the manufacturers were providing an excellent service. Good value was offered for tho prices asked, and t\'ere was every inducement to the public to keep money in the country. Secondary industries provided much employment, and they should bo supported and assisted as much as possible.