SUPPORT IS GIVEN TO N.Z. PREFERENCE

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 144, 19 June 1931, Page 11

SUPPORT IS GIVEN TO N.Z. PREFERENCE

SUBJECT DISCUSSED BY N.Z. BEEKEEPERS Opposition to the purchase of New Zealand goods, when foreign goods could be procured at a cheaper rate, was expressed by two members of the National Beekeepers’ Association of New Zealand at the annual conference held yesterday morning. The subject arose when Mr A. R. Bates (Taranaki) moved that the Government should be asked to impose a duty on bee apparatus, veils, smokers and similar goods, which could be manufactured in New Zealand. A duty should be imposed, particularly on nonEmpire goods. Mr W. Nelson (South Auckland) said that he was hostile to the proposal. “We are facing world competition,” said Mr Nelson, “ and it is essential that we cut down costs to the lowest limit. If the United States can provide a cheaper article, then I am going to purchase it. If I want any appliance I want it cheap. We are producers, and we must have supplies at the least limit.”

Mr R. Gibb said that he did not agree with Mr Nelson. America did not buy anything from New Zealand, and he thought that New Zealand should build up a high tariff wall. Mr W. J. C. Ashcroft (Hawke’s Bay) supported Mr Nelson, stating that it was good business to buy in the cheapest market. A member said that the association had to be consistent. They had passed a resolution asking for duty on imported beeswax and foundations, and, if the views of Mr Nelson were endorsed, they would not be consistent. Another delegate said that members should study the Dominion first, then British goods, and only when these sources failed resort to foreign goods. The motion was carried by a majority of thirty to eight.