INDUSTRIAL PROBLEMS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LII, Issue 17157, 6 October 1926, Page 10

INDUSTRIAL PROBLEMS

MORE PROTECTION WANTED. MINISTER'S WARNINGS. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, last night. At the annual meeting of the Welling ton Manufacturers’ Association, the Hon. A. J.). McLeod, Minister of Industries and Commerce, Sir John Luke, M.P., and a large representative gathering were present. The chairman, Mi'. I*’. Campbell, said while the principle of purchase of New Zealand goods was gaining ground, the statistics showed a decrease in the output of woollen, bouts and shoes, and clothing factories. There were many causes to account for this. They trusted that tin? industries concerned would have a good hearing from the Government if extra protect ion were needed. Manufacturers had to meet competition, and at thei same time had to safeguard the public. He hoped protection would be granted. But tariffs were not the only solution. They must have up-to-date methods and machinery. The Hon. A. D. McLeod, Minister of Industries 'and Commerce, said there was no blinking the fact that there was trade depression in the country at the present time, although it was not serious, nor did he think it would be serious. He corrected the. erroneous report, of a statement by him when a deputation waited on tho Prime Minister on the question of the general uplifting of the tariff. What he did say was that any movement for the general uplifting of the tariff which did no take full cognisance of tlii, conditions of primary producers would be fraught with a certain amount- of danger. If higher tariff walls produced only greater profits, increased wages and shorter hours to workers, and not increased output, then any protection given would prove fallacious, not to say dangerous. He also impressed on manufacturers the need for improvement in the get up and the outside attractiveness of many articles, instancing the Californian tinned 'fruits as samples to follow.