N.Z. INDUSTRIES.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 7 October 1926, Page 9

N.Z. INDUSTRIES.

FEELING TRADE DEPRESSION. Bjr- Tolecrnph-—Prpss Association WELLINGTON, October 6. At tho annual meeting of the Wellington Association, the Hon. A. D. McLeod, Minister of Industries and Commerce, Sir John Luke, M.P. and a largo and representative gathering were present. The chairman (Mr F. Campbell), said while the principle of “Purchnse New Zealand Goods” was gaining ground, statistics showed a decrease in the output of woollens, boots, shoes and clothing factories. There were many causes to account for this. They trusted file industries concerned would have a full hearing from tho Government if extra protection were needed to ensure that these manufacturers should have fair competition, and at the same time safeguard the public. The Hon. A. D. McLeod said there was no blinking the fact that' there was trade depression in the country at the present time, although not serious nor did ho think it would be serious. He covrected an erroneous report of a statement by him when a deputation waited on tli 0 Prime Minister on the question of a general uplifting of the tariff. What he did say was that any movement for a general uplifting of the tariff which did not take full cognisance of the conditions of the primary producers would be fraught with a certain amount of danger. If higher tariff walls produced only greater prolts, increased wages and shorter hours to the workers, and not increased output, then any protection given would prove fallacious, not to say dangerous. He also impressed on manufacturers tlio need for improvement in the get up and outside attractiveness of many articles, instancing Californian tinned fruits as an example to follow.