IMPORT CONTROL

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVI, Issue 21360, 1 June 1939, Page 8

IMPORT CONTROL

Not a 1 emporary Measure Assurance by Mr Savage By Telegraph—Press Association CHRISTCHURCH, May 31. Assurances by the Prime Minister that import control was no temporary measure and pledges by manufacturers, including the president of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Association, that they were definitely behind the Government were features of Mr Savage’s inspection of Christchurch factories to-day. “People say that capital is leaving the country,” said Mr Savage in his first address. “Some capital is and some is coming here and digging itself in, and we are helping to dig it in. We are making more secure. We are not asking them to take unnecessary risks. We are pledged to it that they are not subject to unfair competition from overseas. These people are quite satisfied with themselves and I am satisfied, too, although like most human beings I have my share of worries.”

The fear of manufacturers that they might be “torpedoed,” in 12 months was referred to by Mr Savage half an hour later at another factory. “We cannot afford to let that happen again.” he said. “They have taken the plunge and you with them and it is up to the Government to see that you are not drowned in the process.” Government’s Plans An elaboration of the Government’s plans was advanced a further stage by Mr Savage late in the afternoon. “In spite of the sneers of some of our opponents we are trying to build a nation, and we are going to succeed,” he said. “Men are asked to risk everything they have accumulated in a lifetime in building industries. If they are torpedoed after 12 months, two years or five years in operation they have lost a lifetime. We cannot afford to let that happen. We have to give greater assistance than ever to those who are assisting the Government to build this country. Although I appreciate the social legislation we have passed from time to time, unless the foundation is well and truly laid any social legislation in this country or any other cannot continue to live." The stake involved in the Government’s decision to restrict imports was explained by Mr Savage when he said to the workers at Scott Bros.’ foundry, “You fill the gap and that will be the best reply to those who condemn us because we have set out to stake cur reputation on the building of a nation in New Zealand. The people have said in no uncertain terms ‘Go on’. We are going on and we expect you to stand by us and we do not expect to ask in vain. I want you to go along on this victory with us.” Altitude of Manufacturers The attitude of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Association was clearly defined by its president, Mr H. B. Duckworth. “Mr Savage and Mr Sullivan know perfectly well that the manufacturers of New Zealand and the manufacturers’ organisations are behind them co-operating and helping them to the fullest extent of our ability,” said Mr Duckworth. “I made a remark to the Ministers that oui' organisations have been fighting for 20 years and asking the Government to give us bread. We have a baker’s cart full and we do not know exactly how to handle it. However, that job will be tackled and the Government of this country can be sure that the job will be done—that the gap will be filled and filled as quickly as human power can do it. Every manufacturer in New Zealand is behind this Government and will see that it is not let down."