DOMINION-MADE GOODS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20929, 20 July 1931, Page 5

DOMINION-MADE GOODS.

INCREASING THE SALE. CO-OPERATION BY RETAILERS., Further co-operation between manufacturers and retailers in offering New Zea-land-made goods to the public, and pr • ference by retailers for the locally-mftdtj article' as far as possible, were advo cated by speakers at a conference of manufacturers and retailers held in Christchurch a few days ago. Various measures to stimulate local industries were discussed, and ifc was decided to urge local manufacturers to co-operate with retailers by advertising thejr products, by offering to employ an extra number of people, and by reducing the price of the goods in ratio to the im crease-in saJes. Mr. G. Lawn, who presided, said that the achievement of a successful campaign was dependent on a high degree of cooperation, which involved a'willingness to help and a recognition of community of interest. It was possible to lay down the principles of a general policy. Mr. W. Machra said that as a retailer of goods made in New Zealand as well as overseas, he knew there was a great deal less money circulating than a,, few years ago. This provided the manufacturer here with an opportunity for expanding his business. If the difficulty of importing goods was increased it gave the local manufacturer a chance to meet the home demand. Some of the large imports should be examined, with a view to seeing whether a proportion of the trade could nob be captured. If there was a larger oulpufc here costs could be reduced. If the manufacturers pledged themselves to employ more people and reduce prices for every increase in the use of New Zealand-made goods, a great general benefit should follow. Mr. A. M. Hollander said the manufacturing industries had shown an ability to challenge goods made overseas, but. a little more emphasis should be laid on the nart the retailers could play. Tha retailers should consider changing their policy a little, in view of the existing unemployment. The greater stocking of New Zealand-made goods and an encouragement. to customers to buy them would assist.

"If we are not profoundly concerned about unemployment, we ought to be," said Mr. Hay. Ho added that the issue was essentially one for the retailer, the link between the manufacturer and the public. Tin© manufacturer had- a great deal to learn about the marketing _ of goods. Much could be done to alleviata unemployment by wholehearted support of local industry. Preference to local products should be given wherever possible. and propaganda along those lmes should be pursued at every opportunity. It was decided to sot up a general committee, consisting of the seven representatives of the Manufacturers ?'• sociation, seven representatives of tha. retail trades, and three members of th<3\ executive, for'the purpose of promoting reciprocity between the manufacturers and retailers;.