HIDES FOR AMERICA.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1671, 11 February 1913, Page 10

HIDES FOR AMERICA.

"CORNER" ALLEGED. At yesterday's meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, the following circular letter was received from Mr. William M'Knight, .the secretary of tho Auckland Fellmongers', Tanners', Chromeworkers', Soap, and Candle Workers and General Tannery Employees' Union:—

"Auckland, January 0, 1913. "Sir,—l am directed to bring under your notice the matters contained . herewith, and look for your support and influence in preventing any further operation of a similar nature. A copy of this circular is being sent to members of both Houses, presidents of chambers of commerce, etc. Trusting this will receive your favourable consideration and active co-operation. "At a very largely-attended meeting of tannery employees, held 'in the Trades Hall last night, a lengthy discussion took place on the question of the exportation of the best hides from New Zealand to the American mar-' kets. It was alleged that American buyers were systematically cornering the hides in New Zealand, and that ' unless elfcctive steps wero taken to ■ prevent this, the industry in New Zea- ' land must suffer. Eventually tlio following motion was carried unanimously:—"That we, the members-of. the " Auckland Fellmongers',.,' Tanners', Chromeworkers', Scap, and Car.dlo-workers'-'and General .Tannery' Employees' Industrial Union of Workers, : respectfully' desire to draw the attentionof tho Minister for Labour to tho /■'■ ill-effects that'tlio tanning industry is : experiencing owing to'.tho systematic.', cornering of the raw hides markets of the Dominion, and trust that lie will make an inquiry into - tho'.'methods that havo been adopted to,crush one of New Zealand's staplo industries." , Mr. A. E. Mabin (president) said that as ono concerned in the trade he knew a good , deal about the matter, and', couldassure the council that .there'was nothing in: it. It was simply, tho law of supply and'demand. ; Growers of hides had a porfect right to sell their goods in tho best market, and if it happened to be the American buyers who offered ■•tho highest prices it was no one else s concern. There had been a good run on hides, and Canadian.buyers had operated freely,, but' tho grower 'immediately benefited. The local tanner was . • doubtless concerned about tho rise until he could bring the salo of liis leather up to the price which/ would ounblo him to compete. One might, as well say that wool, or flax, or butter should .not-be sold-to tho best advantage. Several members pointed out that the higher prices did not affect the worker in leather industries. On tho motion of tho chairman, it was decidod that the union concerned had not made, out a case in support of its allegations. -i