FLOOD OF IMPORTS

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20346, 10 November 1937, Page 2

FLOOD OF IMPORTS

RESTRICTION URGED MANUFACTURERS' MOVE (By Telegraph.— press Association.) DUNEDIN, Tuesday With the objeot of overcoming the burden on manufacturers as a result of legislation and the effeots of Increased manufactured imports, Mr J. Evans, president of the Dunedin Manufacturers’ Association, has made the following proposals:— “(1) An approaoh to the British Government with a suggestion that New Zealand, in view of recent legislation, should be at liberty to adjust tariffs on oertain items where the New Zealand manufacturer Is not on a parity with the British manufacturer as far as manufacturing costs are concerned. ■‘(2) That Australia and Canada should be approached in a friendly way and informed that certain classes of goods whioh they are at present pouring into New Zealand cannot in future be accepted, as these Imports are proving very detrimental to similar industries in this country. “(3) That the Government should consider an alteration in the incidence of taxation whereby manufacturing concerns and businesses should be taxed on a reasonable flat rate on their total profits. Relief of Unemployment “ In my opinion,” Mr Evans continued, “this would do more toward industrial expansion and the relief of unemployment than is generally realised, even by those who are closely connected with the business and industrial life of the Dominion. “We are all prepared, I think, to give the Government credit for its i humanitarian objectives,” said Mr (Evans, “but unfortunately the whole of the legislation and regulations has not made for flexibility and freedom, which are essential to enable industry to adjust itself to changing conditions, to progress and expand, and thus absorb m employment the youth of the Dominion. Harassing Regulations “ Many of the regulations and activities of Government departments are very harassing to men controlling manufacturing and other businesses. It is very doubtful whether Ministers of the Crown are aware of the lack of flexibility in a great number of the regulations which are in existence, and accordingly I appeal to the Government to allow initiative and enterprise to have full sway and to rely for thefr guidance on the regular returns supplied to the Government Statistician.”