MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3804, 8 February 1927, Page 6

MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION.

MONTHLY MEETING. > The monthly meeting of the executive of the Dunedin Manufacturers’ Association Was held on Wednesday evening, the president, Mr James Hogg, being in the chair. TARIFF ON FRUIT. Messrs Irvine and Stevenson wrote drawing attention to the fact that the Railways I Department was trying to differentiate / between fruit for private consumption and fruit for a factory. The writer said that ' one would think that so far from encour- <■ aging the New Zealand fruit industry that the department was trying to discourage it sending 10s worth of fruit found that the Railways Department had taken Jl5 per cent, or more of their returns. Mr F. Johnstone (Department of Industries and Commerce) forwarded the following report on the subject:—The maximum charges for fresh fruit, vegetables, mushrooms, and nuts, grown and packed in New Zealand (including the Cook Islands and Niue) will be as follows for any distance:— Not exceeding 561 b, 8d; over 561 b but not exceeding 1121 b, Is 4d; for every addtional 561 b or fraction thereof above 1121 b and not exceeding 2241 b, Bd. In addition to the foregoing charges, a charge of 6d for reach cwt, or part of a cwt, will be made for fresh fruit, vegetables, rriushrooms, and nuts charged at these maximum rates, consigned to Frankton Junction, Hamilton, (Wanganui, Christchurch/ Dunedin, or In-

vercargill, Palmerston North, New Plymouth, Hawera. The foregoing provision of this regulation, will be applicable only to fresh fruit, vegetables, mushrooms, and nuts forwarded for the domestic use of the consignee and will not apply to fresh fruit, vegetables, mushrooms, and nuts forwarded for sale or to be used or dealt with by the consignee for any other purpose than that mentioned. In every case the consignor shall endorse on the face of the consignment note “Certified for domestic use of consignee only.” The department reserves the right to decline to carry fresh fruit, vegetables, mushrooms, and nuts at schedule rates on any express, mail, or passenger train. Air Johnson said he had made out some comparisons which it might be advisable to send to Air Stevenson. Summing up the position, it might be said that consignors had been sending goods away by parcel rates instead of by schedule. The Chairman said he took it that the secretary would hand the report on to Alessrs Irvine and Stevenson. They were obliged to Air Johnson for the trouble he had taken. NEW ZEALAND-MADE GOODS. The Secretary of the Canterbury Alanufacturers’ Association wrote in regard to the subject of a New Zealand brand for New Zealand-made goods. A questionnaire was submitted as follows:—(1) We are in favour of a New Zealand brand for all New Zealand-made goods where possible. (2) We favour the branding of New Zealand manufactures with a New Zealand brand being made compulsory by Statute. (3) We do not favour the compulsory branding of New Zealandmade goods. „

The Chairman said that there were some goods that did not want a brand on them. In reply to the questions in the circular, he had asked Air Willianison to state that the association did not support compulsion, and that there was no chance of Alinisters supporting it. It was no use asking manufacturers to express an opinion on the matter. It was futile to put in the question asking whether it should be compulsory- or not. He asked if the meeting were in favour of the answer. ~ Air G. W. Reid (secretary) said that in Australia manufacturers had got things to such a stage that they could put a brand on their goods. The Chairman said that a number of people had seen manufactures in the Industries Court of the Exhibition, and it was desirable to have a trade-mark. Air T. Somerville said that at the conference it had been definitely stated that the branding should not be compulsory. He moved that the clause mentioning compulsion be deleted, and that the matter be circulated. This was agreed to. A reprint from the Auckland Star with reference to New Zealand-made goods, and the aims of the Preference League, which had been established in Auckland, was received. ISLAND TRADE. The President reported that he had attended a conference of fruit importers dealing, among other matters, with overseas shipping. Australian shipping, and the Island fruit trade. He said he pointed out that the matter was one which more directly concerned the Chamber of Commerce, a body which had really fathered the question. Air Coa.Ua had promised to

look into this matter when he was at Home. The idea was that a boat should call at Dunedin. He thought the best plan would be to bring the matter before the Hon. A. D. Al'Leod and the Hon. W. Downie Stewart, not by way of a deputation, but by a private chat. TARIFF COMAIISSIONS. The President reported that Mr W, R. Hayward had agreed to act as adviser to the association in connection with the Tariff Commission.—(Loud applause.) The association had had forms prepared which would bo of assistance to manufacturers when they were circulated. He noticed from a Christchurch newspaper that the farmers were _ realising that there were many lines which were now being brought in free of duty. They would have noticed from the newspapers that a Tariff Association had been formed in "Wellington, but Messrs Ross and Hudson were dealing with that aspect of the question. Mr J. Sutherland Ross said he had not had any opportunity of discussing the question with Mr _ Hudson. _ There were, doubtless, many points on which they were at ono with the Tariff Association. He thought they should aim. at keeping their factories working full time, and if that could bo accomplished there would be no fear of prices going up. Ho thought, also, that it was necessary for all manufacturers to present their case to the commission, even though it was intended that there should be no increase in duty. He knew there was strong propaganda at work in an opposite direction. He had taken the opportunity of seeing the Minister, of Customs in Wellington, also Air Craig, the head of the Tariff Commission, in Auckland, and he had brought certain matters under their notice. He understood that there would on this, occasion

be no publication of evidence as was thq case on previous occasions. Air W. R. Hayward said he questioned ths wisdom of every manufacturer nre* senting his case to the commission. The work of the commission would bo unduly prolonged if that were done. He thought the proper course to adopt would be to communicate with the secretary of thei commission and ask him to acquaint the association with any move that was made which was inimical to the association’s interests, and rebutting evidence could then be forthcoming.—The President said Mr Hayward’s suggestion was a good one,, and a motion to that effect was carried. ANNUAL DINNER. The President said arrangements for thei association’s annual dinner, to be held on. Monday evening next, were well under)' ''"ay. Replies had been received from tho Hen. A. D. M'Leod, the Hon. W. Downie Stewart, and Sir James Allen, accepting the association’s invitation to be present, and he had reason to believe that the function would be a success. Arrangements had also been made to take Mr MLeqd through some of the principal factories in the city, and for that reason the Minister purposed remaining here over Tuesday.