“A CRUSHING REPLY.”

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 247, 30 July 1937, Page 3

“A CRUSHING REPLY.”

MINISTER AND MANUFACTURERS (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, July 29. “I want" publicity to congratulate the Minister of Industries and Commerce upon his crushing reply to the manufacturers’ statement which was issued in such bad taste yesterday morning,” said the Minister of Health (the Hon. P. Fraser), speaking at the Labour Party’s reception to the Prime Minister to-day. “I cannot think it was simply coincidence that on the morning of the Prime Minister’s return * there should appear in the newspapers statements, unsupported by facts and published under double-column headings which were obviously carefully arranged and in some instances appearing on newspaper placards. The reply of the Minister of Industries and Commerce issued with, commendable speed and efficiency was adequate, complete and crushing.” VIEWPOINT OF FARMERS. WELLINGTON, This Day. “The Farmers’ Union has considerable sympathy with the plight in which the Manufacturers’ Federation finds itself, as the same conditions which are causing its difficulties also are causing difficulties to primary producers,” said Mr W. W. Mulholland (Dominion president of the Farmers’ Union), referring; to the manufacturers’ statement concerning the position of industry. “It is obvious, liovtever, that an attempt is being made to create an atmosphere favourable to increased tariff protection. Any increased tariffs cannot shut out imports which we receive in payment for our exports, but will increase the internal prices of these goods at the expense of the exporting industries.” Mr Mulholland suggested that the Manufacturers’ Association should seek a remedy which would not conflict with other important sections of the community. Any scheme for decreasing imports must result in unemployment in the Dominion, and lie reminded the Manufacturers’ Association that when New Zealand’s imports went down to £23,000,000 the Dominion’s , unemployment was at its peak.