Manufacturers’ Leader’s Views On Control Of N.Z. Imports

Wanganui Chronicle, 7 September 1950, Page 8

Manufacturers’ Leader’s Views On Control Of N.Z. Imports

DUNEDIN, Yesterday (PA). —The appointment of a new import advisory committee might be described as the first plank of the scaffolding from which industry would be built or from which it would be hanged, said the president of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Federation, Mr S. Howard Hunter. The appointment was a matter of major importance to the commercial history of New Zealand. It brought to fruition recommendations made by the federation in 1943. Addressing the annual meeting of the Otago-Souihland Manufacturers’ Association, Mr Hunter said: “In releasing the 1951 import schedule the committee has given an indication of its attitude towards New Zealand industry. It has provided much relief from previous restrictions and yet at the same time has retained a measure of control for the sake of reminding some who apparently think that import control was introduced solely to protect New Zealand industry. Let me say that the objectives of import control are, first, for the conservation of sterling funds to ensure the payment of debt services and other commitments overseas; secondly, for the purchase of sufficient raw materials to enable New Zealand industries, both primary and manufacturing, to provide employment for all our people; and, thirdly, for the importation of commodities that cannot be economically produced in New Zealand but which are essential for the maintenance of our standard of living and the welfare of our people. “It would, I think, be fair to say Ihal there are manufacturers who, because of import control, established businesses which otherwise would not hav e found a place in our industrial structure, but that, should not ,;)e ac_ cepted as proof that manufacturers generally owe their progress to protection. Industry was established long before import control and won its way in face of strenuous and at times grossly unfair competition. The , task which lies ahead of those whose ' responsibility it will he to determine New Zealand's future pattern of trade is indeed no small one, and in particular much of this work will fali upon the Import. Advisory Committee or its permanent successor, the proposed Board of Trade. Its work has but begun, and I think it is reasonable to expect that all sections of industry will come under review to a lesser or greater degree.’’