THE TARIF REVISION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16542, 28 September 1921, Page 10

THE TARIF REVISION.

MANUFACTURERS' DISCUSSION.

Tariff revision from the mnntifaciaiwrsf point of view was discussed by the executive of the Canterbury Industrial Association last night.

Mr W. J- Jenkin (president) opened the discussion by a report on visits conducted by him during the past few weeks to local factories and works. He said that a visit by members of Parliament to the freezing works had shown that the canning industry could do ah the canning of tinned meat 3 required in Now Zealand. The members were more than surprised at what they saw. The canning processes hftre were absolutely hygienic. fie was pleased to note that New Zealand canned meat was largely on the local market. The canning part of the meat industry obviously should be protected. Ho had conducted the editors of the local newspapers over other industries. Three l leasant afternoons were spent- The editors were very much impressed with and surprised at what they saw. They pointed out that in many cases the

manufacturers did not show the brand *• Made in New Zealand.” He agreed with them. Manufacturers should join together in order to chow the public what they were doing. The editors, in several cases, asked for an explanation of the differences between the wholesale prices and the prices charged to the public. In all cases their inquiries were replied to. He thought that manufacturers could look forward to more assistance from the editors than they had had in the past. It would, be the last report ho would submit to the association on the tariff question, and he would like to supply figures showing the position of manufactures and works in Canterbury. There were 633 establishments, whose employees numbered :

Total . . £2,041,788 The total horse-power' used was 32,617, and other items were : £ Cost of materials . . 9,015,685 Value of manufactured products .... 13,245,284 Total value of land, plant and buildings for the 633 establishments . . 5,704,656 “ These figures/' the president continued, “ show the magnitude of industries in Canterbury, industries that we are trying to protect. What shall we do in Canterbury if the tariff is so levised sm to cripple industries already established here? We’ve seen enough ol the unemployed, and we want to stop it coming along in the future. Our association is doing valuable work in xespect to the province’s industries.” Mr H. R. Best said that in some cases retailers insisted that goods should not be branded as New. Zealand goods. Efforts had been made by wholesalers to put on the brands, but retailers said, ft Well if you put them oil, you won’t get the business.” Mr W. Black 3aid that the brands should be put on by law. Mr Jenkin said that the time was coming when everything sold in the Dominion must be branded. Mr H. Willis said that there was such a strong prejudice against some New Zealand goods that if they were branded they would not be bought. He referred particularly to boots, clothing and some food articles. New Zealand woodwork, on the other hand, was leadilv bought if it was known to he New Zealand. Mr Jenkin said that the greatest opposition came, not from the public, but from the retailer. Children in the schools should be educated up to the position in order that when they grow up they would demand Now Zealand goods. Mr E. p. Marriner said that Mr Jenkin had ji-ut a great deal of work into the propaganda movement. He moved that a special vote of thanks should be passed to Mr Jenkin for his efforts. Mr I. Wolfe seconded the motion, which w r as carried with applause.

Males . . 9,086 Females • . . 3,755 Total . . 13,741 The following sums aries and wages : — were paid in sal- £ Males . 1,744,136 Females • . 297,652