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Star (Christchurch), Issue 12636, 22 May 1919, Page 4

It seems to be morally and physically impossible for tho Tramway Board and the Tramway Union to agree, or even to agree to differ without getting warm under the collar about it. The Wellington bodies have come to an arrangement acceptable to both parties in regard to pay for the work done during the peace celebrations, and there is no reason why a similar result should not be achieved in Christchurch. If tho Christchurch Union really wants precisely the same terms as those agreed to in the northern city it does not need to demand them with the threat of a hold-up if they are not granted. By taking up that attitude the union is adopting a course of conduct which it would most bitterly resent on the .part of the board. Tho Wellington terms are not unreasonable, but neither the Christchurch board nor union is bound to .slavishly follow the lead of any other system. The hoard, having made an offer, should not therefore assume that it has spoken its final word. The parties should get together and discuss the matter as amicably and practically as they are able. If they cannot then arrive at an agreement they should both hand their jobs over to someone else. The interview with a Chnstchnroh manufacturer of agricultural implements winch we published in Monday’s '* Star •’ gave .-nmo exceedingly interesting. i{ not exactly comforting, infor-

mation. In tho opinion of iho manufacturer concerned, tho industry is in danger of extinction unless tho Government does something to relievo tho position. Almost alone among local industries, the implement trade is without protection through tho Customs, and it is handicapped by having to pay duty on imported raw materials. Tho situation is one which might well receive tho attention of the Government and of other bodies interested in tho development of Now Zealand enterprises. It is generally recognised that production in New Zealand will liavo to bo increased if tho Dominion is to meet the obligations imposed on it by the war- An Industries Commission ia already tonring the country collecting information and ideas, and it may bo presumed that tho ultimate object is to give assistance to local industries either by way of State subsidies or Customs protection. Christchurch lias a. peculiar interest in the iron trade. Some of its Largest manufactories are concerned with that branch of industry, and it is a matter of great concern that they should continue to manufacture rather than recede into the position of importing agencies and repair shops. Tho principal objection to at tariff on imported implements has been that the fanner must bo assured of tho cheapest meami of planting, cultivating and garnering his produce. It is a question, however, whether this end will bo secured if the local product ig wiped out, and reliance placed solely on outside sources. There should be no delay on the' part of Parliament in taking tho encouragement of local industries into consideration. If production is to he increased work must bo found, and there will be any number of willing hands to take it up.