DUNEDIN MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21671, 15 June 1932, Page 5

DUNEDIN MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION

MEETING OF EXECUTIVE The monthly meeting of the executive of the Dunedin Manufacturers’ Association was held in the University Club rooms last night, Mr J. 6. Jeffery (president) in the chair. There was a large attendance of members. POSTAL RATES. The president referred with satisfaction to the action of the Postal Department in reverting to the old postal rates, and said that the circular issued by the department on the matter showed that a number of innovations were being mtioduced. Generally he thought the changes that were being brought ih would be welcomed by the commercial community, ine executive had forwarded a telegram to the Postmaster-general (Mr Adam Hamilton) congratulating him on the matter and asking for information as follows. “Delighted to note your pronouncement advising return to universal penny postage and congratulates yon on move. Trust reversion to Jd postage on unsealed addressed Ictters w-ill be included. This is keenly awaited by advertisers and"commercial interests geneian • The rcplv from the Minister was as folPlease accept my thanks for your congratulatory message, which I nPPie ciate. Your association will bo pleased to know that the amended reguktions operating from June 1 provide for postal rates on inland packets, containing com mercial and printed papers, being minced to id for each 2oz or fraction theicol up to The‘ action of the executive was approved, and the Postmaster-general was thanked for his telegram. TRADE WITH FIJI, ! The Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr R. Masters) wrote forwarding a circular respecting the holding of an agricultural, pastoral, and industrial exhibition in Fiji in October next, and enclosing copies of- a return showing imports of goods into Fiji, a proportion of which had been supplied from New Zealand sources. It was suggested that members of the association might take the steps necessary to secure a greater percentage of the trade. The total imports from all countries' in 1930 were valued at £1 219,000, of which New Zealand obtained £102,000, while the exports were valued at £1.484,000, of which New Zealand took £193,000 worth. The exhibition would give members of the association an opportunity of bringing their goods under the notice of prospective buyers. The suggestion was made that the Department of Industries and Commerce might take in hand to arrange a mass exhibit for the exhibition. . The president expressed the view that the trade between New Zealand and lM,]i might be increased. A member said there was a market in the Islands for New Zealand tinned butter. At present most of the trade in that article was with Australia.

It was resolved to request the Minister to arrange, through his local officers, for an exhibit. A TRADE WITH THE EAST. Mr C. W. Clinkard, secretary of the Department of Industries and Commerce, forwarded a circular on the matter of trade with, the East, pointing out that the department had recently been in communication with the New Zealand agents of Osaka Shosen Kaisba, with a view to inducing the company to extend its services so as to afford New Zealand exporters direct shipment to ■ China. The company was willing to consider a call at Hongkong and (or) Shanghai, which would leave Wellington at <in early date, provided sufficient cargo was offering. It was resolved to forward a reply to the effect that the matter was one for individual firms and exporters to take up. GENERAL. A welcome was extended to Mr E. G. Lane, of Oavnaru. The president introduced to the meeting Mr 0. W. Penman, who will act_ as secretary of the association during Mr Reid’s visit to Ottawa’. In reference to the visit to Dunedin of Miss Esther James, .the president said that Miss James was welcomed to the city by himself and other members. She addressed several meetings in Dunedin on the advisability of supporting New Zealand-made goods, her views being well expressed and well received by.the public.