TARIFF PROBLEMS.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20454, 6 November 1934, Page 9

TARIFF PROBLEMS.

Development of Secondary Industries. Mr E. W. ITolden, chairman of directors of General Motors (Holden’s), Ltd., speaking at the annual conference of the Associated Chambers of Manufacturers of Australia in Melbourne, said it should be a matter of great concern that the question of tariff in Australia caused so much party strife and controversy. The primary producers were protected quite heavily in many of their industries, he added. When one considered such things as sugar, butter, dried fruits, wine and maize, one found that the primary producers were helped, if not directly, at any rate by the local consumer who paid much more for his requirements than world parity. About 60 per cent of the primary products of Australia were consumed in Australia, Mr Holden said. Apparently that fact was not given serious consideration by the Country Party, which seemed to blame the tariff for all Australia’s ills. For some time it would be impossible to develop the primary industries, owing to lack of markets. The saner policy of development of secondary industries should, therefore, be adopted. That would have the effect of developing the home market for primary products. If full effect were given to Article 10 of the Ottawa Agreement, which provided that protective duties should not exceed a level that would allow British producers full opportunity for reasonable competition, the motor bodybuilding section of General Motors (Holden’s), Ltd., would be forced to close. The manufacture of many other goods, including batteries, springs, spare parts, sparking plugs and tyres, would have to be suspended. DEPOSITS INCREASE. Savings Banks in Australia. United Press Assn.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. (Received November 6, noon.) CANBERRA, Tlii« Day. An increase in deposits aggregating nearly £10,000,000 for the year ended September 30 is indicated for all Savings Banks in Australia by figures issued by the Commonwealth Statistician. Deposits in savings banks reached £212,556.000. of whiejh the Commonwealth Bank holds £125,066.000, and State savings banks £87,490,000. REAL ESTATE. Messrs “Baker Bros, report that lettings for the month of October have again been brisk, they having let during that period 27 houses, 3 city shops, a warehouse in Richfield Street, and a suite of offices. 6 Messrs C E. Jones. Rtd.. estate agents 17 4, Manchester Street, report having sold, in M. A. Gummell's estate, the property situate 269, Milton Street, just off Colombo Street, comprising residence of 4 rooms and conveniences, together with 21 3-5 perches of land. 6 A company known as V. P. Produce has been formed in London “to • deal in, market, and pack perishable commodities capable of being preserved, either as principals or agents for Vacuum Products (N.Z.b Ltd., and to manufacture containers, etc.” Sir ; Thomas Wilford is chairman of directors. and Mr 11. W. Castle managing director. The sales of butter and cheese packed by Vacuum Products i (N.Z.). Ltd . have been proceeding for • a considerable time and with marked success. The new company has taken offices in the new building iust south qf Southwark Bridge and will continue the marketing of vacuum packed butter and cheese.