JAPANESE GOODS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22319, 17 January 1936, Page 11

JAPANESE GOODS

SEEIOUS COMPETITION government urged to act ANXIETY OF MANUFACTURERS [n\ telegraph—OWN correspondent] WELLINGTON, Thursday The statement that imports of Japanese goods, particularly clothing lines, had reached a proportion which constituted a threat to the industry in New Zealand, was made by a deputation representing the New Zealand Manufacturers' Federation, headed by | the president, Mr. D. Henry, of Auck- | land, and the secretary, Mr. A. E. j Marnier, which waited to-day on the i Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, tho | Minister of Finance and Customs, Hon. j W. Nash, and the Minister of Indusj tries and Commerce, Hon. D. G. Sulli- , van. Mr. J. Huberts, secretary of the I New Zealand Clothing Trade Workers' | Association, accompanied the deputaj tion. Immediate intervention by the Government was urged in connection with the importation of Japanese cloths for soft goods manufacture. It was stated that in spite of every desire to purchase cloths from Great Britain, competition from Japanese materials was forcing New Zealand manufacturers into a position where, in self-defence, they could not continue to use the British cloth. In view of the fact that manufacturing concerns would be compelled shortly to place their overseas orders for tho year's manufacturing requirements, the Government was urged to act as speedily as possible. Substantial Duty Sought It was suggested by the deputation that a substantial duty should be imposed forthwith on Japanese cloths. Mr. Marnier quoted statistical returns showing the trend of trade between New Zealand and Japan. New Zealand exports in 19132 were £236,800 and imports totalled £509,700. In 1933 the respective figures were £354,400 and £634,300; in 1934, £856,000 and £(381,200; and in 1935, £417,000 and £984,700. While stressing the need for action to safeguard New Zealand manufacturers, Mr. Mander said the federation recognised that the question of any possible restriction of Japanese trade was complicated by Imperial and international considerations. Speaking for 3000 female employees in the New Zealand clothing factories, Mr. Roberts said he viewed the situation with alrrm. Japanese competition was jeopardising their wages and working conditions. "It is easy to get lost in a fog of detail unless guiding principles are laid down on questions of this kind," said Mr. Sullivan, in replying to the deputation. "The general attitude of the Government is that we want to build up industry in New Zealand. The policy of the Government is New Zealand industries first, the British Commonwealth of Nations second, and other countries next." Definite Trade Agreements Mr. Sullivan commented that, so far as he was able to see, facts relating to Japanese competition as presented by the deputation were correct. As to the method of handling the problem the Minister expressed the opinion that the solution lay in definite trading agreements with Japan and other countries. The Government would refuse to takci commodities it did not want. Mr. Nash said he did not think the object of the Government should be to assist traders to lift commodity prices to the consuming public. Its duty was ranher to make conditions to which traders and everyone engaged in manufacturing industries would share. It was the general masses they were thinking about and the extent to which manufacturers would give employment to the masses. If the Dominion was to keep the Japanese shipping lines going it would have to take goods from Japan in return for goods sent. Controlled trade agreements should be on the basis that foreign countries trading with the Dominion would determine what they would tako from New Zealand by negotiation, and the Dominion would determine what it would take in return.