SEEN AS CHALLENGE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 97, 27 April 1939, Page 11

SEEN AS CHALLENGE

IMPORT RESTRICTIONS POSITION OF N.Z. INDUSTRY [ Per Press Association ] CHRISTCHURCH, April 26. The restriction of imports for the second period constituted a challenge to New Zealand manufacturers, stated Mr. H. B. Duckworth, president of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation when he outlined in an interview the difficulties and the possibilities for increased domestic production brought about by the new situation. "The second period restrictions,” Mr. Duckworth said, "undoubtedly present a definite challenge to increase production to make those goods which the country needs. This responsibility does not rest with the manufacturers alone. The responsibility for increased production to fill the gap caused by reduced importation lies on every person engaged, from the employer, to the youngest lad. In fact, it reaches forward to the retailer for, if he buys in excess of his legitimate requirements he will secure more than a fair share of available supplies. Provided the Government speeds up the necessary permits for the importation of additional machinery and raw materials which will now be required for a still further increase in production, there still remains the question o£ finding and training skilled artisans. In my opinion, this is our greatest problem, and although the Government stated that provision will be made to enable men at present employed on scheme 13 with the Public Works to be absorbed into manufacturing industries, nothing at all practical has yet been evolved. "Even if a scheme was available immediately, there still remains the training period before practical results can be obtained in the way of increased production. In many industries which require the services of female labour, little progress can be made till more young women can be induced to find employment in manufacturing establishments. The Government can rest assured, however, that the fullest co-operation will be given by my federation in implementing its policy of increased manufacturing production. I am sure they can count on every unit producing to the limit of capacity, so that our people shall have available the products necessary to meet their everyday requirements. The task is difficult, but I am satisfied that if it is tackled earnestly and in a spirit of co-operation, it can be done.”