GENERAL ENDORSEMENT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26096, 8 March 1946, Page 6

GENERAL ENDORSEMENT

STATEMENT COMMENDED OPINIONS OF ECONOMIC LEADERS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Mar. 7. Instant support and commendation has been forthcoming from the president of the New Zealand Employers’ Federation, the president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, and the president of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union for the statement by Mr F. P. Walsh appealing for greater production and opposing any further reduction in the hours of work. Mr Walsh has also been warmly commended by the Minister of Finance, Mr W. Nash, who says that the thanks of the Government are due to Mr Walsh for having stated its policy in such clear language and in such short compass. Mr Walsh’s statement was made to the National Council of the New Zealand Federation of Labour. It drew attention to the elements of danger which he sees in the condition of New Zealand’s economy. He was reporting to the federation as its representative on the Economic Stabilisation Commission. When Mr Walsh's report was read in Wellington to-dav comment on the appeal be made was given as follows: 1 Frankness Commended The president of the New Zealand Employers' Federation. Mr Percy Coyle, said: “Mr Walsh’s statement is to be commended. He has dealt with the dangerous elements in New Zealand’s economy very frankly, and I cannot see how anybody can disagree with his philosophy regarding the maximum production as being the most essential factor in the present situation. ... “Mr Walsh wisely points out that if primary production for export is 10 per cent, down this season, our sterling receipts must be down, which in turn reduces our sterling available to purchase imports to the same extent. A further factor would be cooperation between private enterprise and the State, so that the former could bfe placed in a position to purchase more of the goods that are required. “ Down to the Job ” The president of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union. Mr W. W. Mulholland. said: “If we are going to continue the standard of living we believe we’ve had, then we’ve just got to get down to the job and produce the goods I quite agree with Mr Walsh that in the present state of a short supply of all consumer goods, working on only five days a week is simply ridiculous. Production in primary industry must follow the shortening of effort in secondary industry, and if we continue on that line of a shortening of effort, it must inevitably lead to a condition of famine, even in this favoured land of ours. „ ~ “If all sections of the community will realise this and join with Mr Walsh in his determination to produce more by increased effort, such a disastrous state can be avoided.” The president of the Federation of Labour, Mr A. McLagan, said: “I may be making a statement in due course. Support of Business Men “ The statement to the Federation of Labour by Mr F. P. Walsh advocating the increased production of consumer goods and opposing a further reduction in the hours of work, has the full support of the business community, said Mr W. H. Hindle. president of the Associated Chambers of Commerce, to-day. “It will be subscribed to by all moderate sections.” Mr Hindle said the Federation of Labour was particularly concerned with safeguarding and improving the position of the labouring section of the community, while the Chambers of Commerce acted in a similar capacity regarding the. commercial section. Neither organisation could achieve its objective if the larger interests of the people were overlooked. “It is most encouraging to see the leaders of the Labour movement alive to the fact that our economic system can be maintained only provided adequate production is obtained,” Mr Hindle added. “ The Chambers of Commerce also agree that our overseas funds should be utilised to increase the maximum importation of goods from Great Britain, rather than that immediate repayment of our overseas debt should be made. Uneconomic industries have undoubtedly been fostered under import control, resulting in shortages of staffs in economic industries and reducing the quantity of goods we can import from Britain. “ One point overlooked by Mr Walsh,” Mr Hindle added, “is the heavy burden of taxation at present carried by industry. If reasonable relief in this direction is granted it would provide an added incentive to increased effort and production.” Mr Nash’s Approval “ The Government’s thanks are due to Mr Walsh for having stated the Government’s policy in such clear language and in such short compass.” said the Minister of Finance, Mr W. Nash, commenting on the statement by Mr F. P. Walsh (representative of the Federation of Labour on the Stabilisation Commission), in which ne stressed the importance of production and services in the maintenance of economic equilibrium in New Zealand. “Mr Walsh . has reiterated with great clarity what has been set forth by myself on behalf of the Government for a long time,” said Mr Nash, “that is. that our financial position is good and our financial foundations are sound, but they can remain so only on Ihe basis of production. It is the production of goods and services that makes the foundations of our economic and social life. There is nothing else in the long run to live on. It is in accord with the Government’s policy as so ably set out by Mr Walsh that production under good conditions alone can ensure the future worthy of what we have done during the war years.’