N.Z. MANUFACTURERS

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12251, 24 September 1925, Page 8

N.Z. MANUFACTURERS

“MORE CONSIDERATION” THE GOVERNMENT’S ATTITUDE WHAT is wante: Complaint that New Zealand manufacturers were not receiving sufficient consideration from the Government was made in the report of the president at the annual conference of New Zealand manufacturers which opened in Wellington yesterday. Amongst other matters dealt with were the following:— NUMBER-PLATES FOR MOTORCARS "The contract for the supply of this year’s number plates for motors is another case in which the New Zealand manufacturers received little consideration. Representations to the Government resulted in tenders for next year’s plates being called in New Zealand, but the delay in inviting tenders was a serious handicap to New Zealand manufacturers, as it does not allow time to obtain andi install the latest machinery which would probably have enabled them to submit prices that would have proved more satisfactory. ARTIFICIAL LIMBS FOR SOLDIERS

"It has been reported that the Government has entered into an agreement with the McKay Artificial Limb Company for the supply of all artificial limbs for disabled soldiers, and also that the agreement provides for all repairs being done by the McKay Company. We are advised that no tenders were called, nor was any opportunity given to local manufacturers, although there is at least one firm capable of carrying out the work. The Minister for Industries and Commerce has been asked for the reason of the Government’s action.

DUTY ON MOTOR BODIES “It has been reported tnat, tne motor-car importers are proposing to make representations to the Government with a view to having the small duty on motor bodies reduced or removed. As motor body-building is an industry which is rapidly increasing in volume, and in which a considerable number of workers are engaged, it is essential that action should be taken to counteract any proposals that will militate against the success of this industry. Further, 1 think it would’be desirable to draw the Government’s attention to the policy of Australia, where every motor vehicle imported has to be accompanied by three chassis. The adoption of this policy would enable our manufacturers to install the most up-to-date machinery, and the increased output would result in ' decreased overhead charges and a consequent reduction in prices, while, at the same time, it would provide more work for our people. BRITISH PREFERENTIAL TARIFF “The question of the proportion of British value that is necessary for goods to qualify for the preferential tariff on British importations has not yet been definitely settled. Under the present tariff only 25 per cent, of British labour or value is necessary to qualify for- admission under tbs preferential tariff. In response to our representations, the Government decided to alter the British proportion from 23 to 75 per cent, of the total value, and a definite date was fixed for bringing the new regulations into force. Adverse influences were, however, brought to hear, with the result that the Government has deferred the date on which the amended conditions are to operate until January Ist next, and it is quite possible that the proportion arranged may he subject*”to further revision.”