LOCAL INDUSTRY.

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 20351, 25 September 1931, Page 12

LOCAL INDUSTRY.

THE OVERHEAD HANDICAP. ADDRESS BY HON. R. MASTERS. [Fkom Oca Parliamentary Rei-oiiier.] WELLINGTON, September 24. The handicap encountered by some New Zealand industries through overcapitalisation was emphasised by the Hon. 11. Masters in opening a conference to-day between woollen mill owners and the Federation of Drapers, Clothiers, and .Boob Retailers, which was convened by the Department of Industries and Commerce so that there might be a full discussion by the parties concerned as to tho stops to bo taken to develop tho woollen industry of the Dominion. Mr Masters said ono big.difficulty to bo overcome was tho over-capitalisa-tion of some of our industries. This must necessarily mean a higher charge to the purchaser of goods. Ho considered it would be in the best interests of the country if greater business efficiency was brought to bear in reducing overhead expenses rather than in looking for greater, protection. Stimulation of Industry. The manner in which tho stimulation of industry would assist in reducing the number of unemployed was a most important factor, and tho Government hoped that every business man in the Dominion would givo this aspect consideration. Great Britain, which was our greatest customer of primary products, was also suffering as a result of the unemployment problem, and the position in tho Old Land was reflecting itself in tho progress of New Zealand. The Government and his Department wero extremely anxious to mako every effort to encourage the manufacture of New Zealand goods. 'Unfortunately, however, tho public had for some time been too apathetic in tho matter of purchasing New Zealandmade goods. Possible reasons for this might be insufficient advertising or lack of co-ordination between manufacturers and retailers. The quality of New Zcaland-mado goods left nothing to be desired, und he felt confident that tho sales of the locally manufactured article would increase if the public realised that their requirements could be met by goods made in the Dominion.

Mr Masters said ho welcomed the conferences of business men with n view to reaching a common ground for the advancement of Dominion goods. The confcrcnco passed a resolution congratulating Mr Masters and assuring him that everything would bo done by the respective organisations represented to assist the Coalition Government to meet nnd overcome the difficulties confronting the Dominion.