TARIFF REVISION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21994, 1 July 1933, Page 12

TARIFF REVISION

THE UNDERCLOTHING TRADE UNFAIR JAPANESE COMPETITION (Pee United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, June 30. A joint case on behalf of New Zealand manufacturers of women’s underwear was presented to the Tariff Commission to-day by the representatives of three of the five major firms operating in the Dominion. The interests affected sought retention of the present duty of 271 per cent, on United Kingdom manufacturers. 40 per cent, on remaining parts of the Empire and 55 per cent, on foreign imports. It was said that the firms operating in New Zealand had a capital of £113,000, and were paving wages amounting to £595 a week. The wages of females in New Zealand were 34s lOd a week, compared with 25s 5d in England. Japanese competition was the subject of complaint, and it was stated that, in many instances, the price of the Japanese finished goods was lower than the cost the New Zealand manufacturer had to pay for his material. Quality for quality, the Japanese made a cheaper article, and the Japanese quality was good. Professor Murphy asked Mr Mander: Do you think you can cope with this by a tariff? Mr Mander: Not by a tariff alone, ihe standard of living in Japan is very much lower than in New Zealand, and the competition is unfair. Professor Murphy: If that is so, practically the whole of international trade is unfair. Further evidence was heard in camera.