JAPANESE GOODS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 18918, 21 January 1936, Page 10

JAPANESE GOODS

SERIOUS COMPETITION

STATE UNO ED TO ACT

,\1 anufaotukers anxious

The statement that imports of Japanese goods, particularly clothing lines, had reached a proportion which constituted a threat to the industry in New Zealand, was made by a deputation representing the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation, headed by the president, Mr. D. Henry, of Auckland, and the secretary, Mr. A. K. Mander, which waited on the Prime Minister, the H.on. .\i. J. Savage, the Minister of Finance and Customs, the lion. \V. Nash, and the Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. 1). (!. Sullivan. Mr. J. Roberts, secretary of the New Zealand Clothing Trade Workers’ Association, accompanied the deputation. Immediate intervention by the Government was urged in connection with the importation of Japanese cloths for soft goods manufacture. It was stated that in spite of every desire to purchase

cloths from Great Britain, competition from Japanese" materials was forcing New Zealand manufacturers into a position where, in self-defence, they could not continue, to use the British cloth. In view of the fact that manufacturing concerns would he compelled shortly to place their overseas orders lor the year s manufacturing requirements, the Government was urged to act as speedily as possible.

.SUBSTANTIAL DITTY SOUGHT It was suggested by the deputation licit a substantial duty should be imposed forthwith on Japanese cloths. Mr. Mai.der quoted statistical returns showing (lie trend of trade between New Zealand and Japan. New Zealand exports in 1932 were £236,800 and imports totalled £509,700. In 1933 the respective figures were £354,400 and £634.300; in 1934, £856,000 and

£681,200; and in 1935, £417,000 and £984,700. While stressing the need for action to safeguard New Zealand manufacturers, Mr. Mander said the federation recognised-that the question of any possible restriction of Japanese trade was complicated by Imperial and international considerations.

Speaking for 3000 female employees in the New Zealand clothing factories, Mr. Roberts said lie viewed the situation with alarm. Japanese competition was jeopardising their wages and working conditions.

"It is easy to get lost in a fog of detail unless guiding principles are laid down on questions of this kind,” said Mr. Sullivan, in replying to the deputation. ‘‘The general attitude of the Government is that we want to build up industry in New Zealand. The policy of the Government is New Zealand industries first, the British Commonwealth of Nations second, and other countries next.”

DEFINITE TRADE AGREEMENTS Mr. Sullivan commented that, so far as he was able to see, facts relating to Japanese competition as presented by the deputation were correct. As to the method of handling- the problem, the Minister expressed the opinion that the solution lay in definite trading agreements with Japan and other countries. The Government would refuse to take commodities it did not want. Mr. Nash said, he did not think the object of ‘the Government should be to assist traders to lift commodity prices to tlie consuming public. Its duty was rather to make conditions in which traders and everyone engaged in manufacturing industries would share. It was the general masses they were thinking about and the extent to which manufacturers would give employment to the masses. If the Dominion was to keep the Japanese shipping lines going it would have to take goods irom Japan in return for goods sent. Controlled trade agreements should he on the basis that foreign countries trading with the Dominion would determine what they would take from New Zealand by negotiation, and the'Dnminion would determine what' it would -take in return.