SALE OF WOMEN’S GARMENTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 197, 21 August 1931, Page 8

SALE OF WOMEN’S GARMENTS

MANUFACTURERS’ DISCUSSION. JOB PRICE LINES. [ Per Pres? Association. J WELLINGTON, Aug. 20. During a discussion by the Alanufacturers’ Federation to-day of a proposal to amend the Customs Act it was stated that 75 per cent, of the women’s garments which came into New Zealand were dumped, bought at a jobbing price, and sold at prices with which New Zealand manufacturers could not possibly compete. The debate arose on the Wellington remit, “That the Government be requested to so amend the Customs Act that it would be obligatory on the part of every exporter of apparel to indicate in each invoice the ordinary or original selling price of the goods; further, that the Government be requested that a duty be levied on the purchase price plus a dumping duty of two-thirds of the difference between the price actually charged and the original price indicated.”

Air J. Lewis said that in regard to women’s garments 85 per cent, of the spending power was spent on dumped goods and New Zealand manufacturers could not produce garments to compete with them. Retailers had been making 200 to 300 per cent, profit and even at the end of the season were able almost to give thing away and still make a profit. Air Lewis suggested that a price should be placed on each garment and then a duty ad valorem. In Australia that system had been very effective. New Zealand manufacturers wont to the trouble of getting new models, new machinery and designers but received little encouragement. The orly way was to put; a duty on each garment. The clothing industry employed about 8000 people in the Dominion but the total could be largely increased if action along the lines suggested was taken. It was decided to refer the remit back to the Wellington Association for revision.