OTTAWA CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21168, 28 April 1932, Page 16

OTTAWA CONFERENCE.

REPRESENTATION ISSUE. CONCERN OF MANUFACTURERS. OTHER INTERESTS PREPARED. The question of adequate representation nt the approaching Imperial Conference at Ottawa is still receiving consideration from manufacturers in New Zealand, although expressions of opinion have recently I'een made against having delegates appearing for sectional interests. The subject was raised some weeks ago, owing to information that the meat industry would be represented at the conference, by Mr. David Jones and dairying interests by Mr. William Goodfellow. Some manufacturers associations, in declaring against delegates on behalf of specified divisions of industry, felt that they were giving a lead to other branches of production. Since their decision not to have a i representative at, Ottawa, the associations 'concerned, including the Auckland Manufacturers' Association, which has taken .a leading part in the discussions, have j been disappointed to find that their atilitude has not been reciprocated in other ! industries. The consequence has been thai the matter of having'a delegation representing 'New Zealand secondary industries has again been raised by a section of manu- , facturers. The subject is now before the ' Auckland association, but no decision has been reached, although consistent efforts to obtain accurate views front other interests in New Zealand have been sought. It is felt by a section of manufacturers .that the question is extremely vital, taking into consideration the increasingly great part played by secondary industries in New Zealand production. These manufacturers, apparently adhere to their original statement that they are opposed to representation on behalf of certain specified interests, but. the opinion is still held that, it is important for manufacturers to safeguard their interests it" other industries are to be represented. In spite of extensive inquiries, the manufacturers concerned have not yet obtained an indication from other industries that sectional interests are not .to have a delegation. The official viewen the point is that the delegation sent to Ottawa by the New Zealand Government should sufficiently represent all 'tranches of industry and be in the position to present, correct arguments on behalf of any division of production. Thoso manufacturers who are now pressing the question hold the belief that the Government has not yet given a satisfying reassurance regarding this aspect of representation, and they are apparently intent on advancing the claims of manufacturers if other interests are to lie in a position to present arguments for their own purposes. Manufacturers generally are awaiting a definite pronouncement from the Government regarding the question. Iho topic will probably be reopened among manufacturers' associations should the policy in this respect not be enunciated.