WOOLLEN GOODS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22777, 10 July 1937, Page 18

WOOLLEN GOODS

AUSTRALIAN IMPORTS

' CRITICISM OF QUALITY SUSPICION OF DUMPING MANUFACTURERS' COMPLAINT Statements that many classes of woollen goods now being imported from Australia into tho Dominion are of definitely inferior quality, in no way being comparable with the Now Zea-land-made products, were made yesterday by manufacturers in discussing an announcement by tho Minister of Industries and Commerce, tho Hon. D. G. Sullivan, that while ho agreed it was right and proper that preference should bo given to Great Britain over Australia, in the importation of woollens, because Britain was tho Dominion's best customer, he did not favour an extra tariff barrier against Australia. Manufacturers pointed out that the Australian competition with Dominion goods was becoming serious, but that if the public could bo mado to realise tho higher quality, price for price, of the Dominion manufactures of woollen goods, there should bo no need for raising tho tariff further against Australia. Quotation for Ready-made Suits At th'o samo time there was tho suspicion that Australian manufacturers in some instances were dumping surplus stocks in tho Dominion at prices below those ruling in Australia. If that were so. there was overy reason for tho imposition of a flumping duty. As an instance of what was happening, wholesale houses had been quoted three-piece ready-made worsted suits at 27s Gd bach, f.0.b., Melbourne. To make such a suit in Now Zealand, it was stated, would cost 255, whilo a further 25s would have to bo allowed to cover the cost of material. Tho total cost would, therefore, ho 50s, compared with tho f.o.b. price of 27s 6d for the Australian suit. Tho 'difference was so groat as to suggest dumping. Preference by Retailers Wholesalers interested in both imported and locallv-made woollen goods said they were compelled to buy Australian woollens in order to protect their businesses. Retailers often showed a preference for overseas goods, not because the quality was better, or there was a great advantage in price, but because tho public was apparently often prepared to givo preference to the overseas goods. While the Minister's reference quoted was to woollens, manufacturers generally are becoming alarmed at the great increase in importations of Australian goods. In 11 classifications of goods to which attention was drawn, figures show that for tho first four months of this year there was an increase in tho value of Australian importations of £892,041, compared with tho first four months of last year, which was a heavy year for Australian imports. The percentage increaso was 46.90 in the period. Details of Values The figures wore as follows: — 1030 1037 Per--4 months 4 months centago Commodity .c £ increase Hats, caiH, iiiiiJincry •• 51,829 08,131 31.45 Hosiery .. G7.1T0 115,087 72.21 Apparel and ready * made clothing . • 505,380 810,579 59.44 Boots, shoes, slippers ■ • 144,140 210,411 00.79 Tinware and tin mfrs. - - 127,221 130,191 0.40 Rubber bicyclo tyres • • 15,539 13,329 15.84 Table cloths, towels, sheets, etc. 45,890 81,356 83.82 Drapery . . D 0,320 115,4#0 07.54 Woollen piece goods .. 294,621 401,115 57.»>3 Cotton piece goods .. 537,193 710,508 33.38 Soap .. 11,900 10,701 32.56 Totals .. £1,597.530 2.787.571 40.90 •Dccreaso. One factor mentioned by a wholesale merchant that has contributed to the growth of tho volume of Australian imports was that for certain classes of goods, more especially in tho clothjng and woollen manufacturing trade, New Zealand manufacturers were so busy with orders that they were not always able to guarantee deliveries at periods desired. With a rush of business they were sometimes inclined to adopt an independent attitude with customers.