PAINT MAKING

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 163, 13 July 1933, Page 5

PAINT MAKING

EVIDENCE BEFORE COMMISSION [ Per Press Association. 1 WELLINGTON, July 12. The joint case on behalf of the New Zealand paint and colour-making industry was presented to tho Tariff Commission to-day. Mr Mandi’i. secretary of tho New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation, said that in a general way they were not asking for an increase in duties, but for certain minimums in some eases. They sought a reclassification of tho present tariff with duties submitted in tho schedule. The industry had grown up in New Zealand under a very moderate degree of protection, and taking into account tho relative •costs, especially wages of Britain and New Zealand, it would be impossible for the Now Zealand industry to continue if the present degree of protection was reduced. The value of the plant was £152,233 and the. output last vear was valued at. £156,969. Wages were 50 per cent, higher than in Britain. In Britain female workers were employed in tho grinding mills. This was forbidden in New Zealand H was submitted that tho Now Zealand industry did not, at present enjoy that measure of protection stipulated in the Ottawa agreement. Tho industry was well organised ami efficient. They did not ask for any increase of protective duty under tho principles of the Ottawa agreement, but only for the imposition of a spocifi'u minimum in two instances in order to prevent tho New Zealand market, from being flooded bv a lowgrade imported product.