WOOLLEN GOODS

Southland Times, Issue 21897, 24 December 1932, Page 6

WOOLLEN GOODS

PRICE CONTROVERSY MANUFACTURERS REPLY ; TO MR COATES FARMERS ASSISTED (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, December 23. In reference to the reply by the Hon. J. G. Coates to a statement by the Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association; a further statement has been prepared by the association. This states: “At the recent wool sales held in Christchurch the high prices paid by New Zealand mills provided the Canterbury Manufacturers’ Association with a valuable argument in showing how the farmers were assisted by the woollen manufacturers. This aspect has been overlooked in the criticism to which the woollen industry is subject.” After other observations the statement continues: “The influence of t.-.riffs on unemployment must also be taken into consideration. If it ( could be shown that a 20 per cent, tariff increase on certain classes of woollen goods would increase employment in that industry by 1000 workers, increase the local purchases of the better wool, and decrease the price to the consumer on account of the greater turnover, would Mr Coates be prepared to vote for such a 20 per cent, increase? In conclusion, we repeat that no member of Parliament is entitled to make such damaging statements as Mr Coates made in the House. on November 8 without complete and accurate information on the subject under discussion.”