“WATCH YOUR IMPORTS”

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12507, 24 July 1926, Page 5

“WATCH YOUR IMPORTS”

NEED FOR CAUTION MINISTER FOR INDUSTRIES’ WARNING KEEP UP EXPORTS There was a large gathering of exhibitors at the Winter Show last night, when the exhibitors were entertained by the executive committee, Mr George Mitchell presiding. A lengthy toast list was proposed and appreciation was expressed of the excellent arrangements made by the executive. Responding to the toast of the Minister for Industries and Commerce, the Kon. A. D. McLeod said the idea had long existed in New Zealand that the interests of the land and of the manufacturers were directly opposed to each other. He did not believe anything of the sort. For thirty years past among&t farmers’ unions, agricultural shows and in his annual addresses, he had not missed an occasion to point out that this country could never become great, would never become truly great on primary production alone (applause). It was those feelings which prompted him to accept the important portfolio of Minister for industries and Commerce. He could claim to have done something for the primary industries of Now Zealand, and he did not open his mouth unless he had something to say, for it was not wise to do as some public men did, say things which they had to retract. He was not in the habit of retracting things h<o said, whether right or wrong, he continued amidst laughter Immediately after the session it was his intention to go round and make himself thoroughly conversant with tho industries, for he liked to find out things for himself, not accepting everything that lie was told. He hoped tffew Zealand, would not establish industries to bo played with, lor they must be run in a business manner and not be continually running to the Government for protection. He agreed with Sir Frank Heath that research was just as necessary in the secondary industries as the primary industries. They had tho raw material in the Dominion to support in any secondary industries, and they in turn would absorb labour. Witn the best use_ of labour and material and determination to make the industries succeed he had no fear as to tho future of the Dominion. (Applause.) WORDS OF CAUTION There had been a lot of talk, said the Minister, about being a shortage in exnorfcs this last year, but for 1.300.000 people to export fifteen millions of produce was an extraordinary thing. What had happened was that they had imported too much, and exporter! too little, hut if the exports could he maintained for the next, ten years the Dominion would do well. •‘But wo must watch our imnorts or we shall get into trouble. We must watch that,” ho concluded.