STRONG PROTEST TO BE ENTERED.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19238, 27 November 1930, Page 16

STRONG PROTEST TO BE ENTERED.

INCREASING RAILWAY FREIGHTS ON N.Z. GOODS. The proposal to increase railway freights on New Zealand-made goods met • with strong opposition at last night’s meeting of the Canterburv Manufaeturers’ Association. “ Under the new regulations which are being issued in connection with the increase on freights throughout New Zealand,” sairl Mr E. IT. Marriner, the organiser, in his report. “ we are sorrv to find that the locally manufactured goods, which have had preference over the imported ones, are now to have the freight raised to the level v of the imported ones, which will mean another big handicap to the manufacturers of our Dominion, and a committee should be set up to investigate this matter and take whatever action the association thinks fit. The manufacturers at the present time are under quite enough restrictions and hardships, and this matter of increased freight will only be placing another burden in the way of the progress of New Zealand industries.” Serious Position. “ This is a most unusual and most serious position,” said Mr I. Woolf, the chairman. “It seems we are asked to submit to a rise in freights that will offset our tariff protection. It seems to me that we should send a strong deputation to the Acting-Prime Minister and the Minister of Railways.” A letter from the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation also called attention to tile proposed increase in railway freights on New Zealand manufactures. The matter was referred to the Parliamentary Committee for immediate action, and also to make a strong protest to the Government.