“NEW ZEALAND MADE"

Evening Star, Issue 19805, 2 March 1928, Page 4

“NEW ZEALAND MADE"

IS THE PUBLIC PREJUDICED? DISCUSSION BY MANUFACTURERS A nice point was involved in a matter that was discussed at the meeting of the Dunedin Manufacturers’ Association last night. Mr J Sutherland Ross set the ball rolling by stating that some New Zealand manufacturers were branding their goods “ British made,” and it appeared to him, as president of the Federation, that it was a point that might be referred to the various associations. He had therefore written Die presidents of the northern associations stating that in his opinion any part of the British Empire should be entitled to us© the brand “ British made,” but that it was no doubt commonly regarded as applicable only to goods man ufactured in Great Britain. Conversely, “Empire produce” was regarded as referring to goods which were not .made in the British Isles. Therefore in branding New Zealand goods as “ British made” one was telling the truth and inferring the opposite. He was not overlooking the point that their main obpect was to push the interests covered by the words “ New Zealand made,” but he submitted that the phrase corresponded to “ Made in England,” whereas “ British made ” was, or should be, common property to all parts of tho Empire. There was no doubt that there was a strong prejudice on the part of many retailers against using the brand “New Zealand made.” The Chairman said it was a regrettable fact that there existed in the community a strong prejudice against the use of New Zealand made goods. The association had advocated, and endeavored to carry out. educative measures to prove that New Zealand goods wore worthy of support, yet it was common knowledge that a trader could often obtain a better price for certain lines because they were not made in the dominion, when such lines wore not as good r|iia.lit.y as those made in New Zealand. He understood that Canadian manufacturers were using the brand, “British made.” This being so, New Zealand, which could claim to lie-just as British as Canada, was entitled to do the same.

Mr Stark (Messrs Iveinpthorne, Prosser, and Co.) thought that the brand, “Made in New Zealand” was necessary under the regulations. It might bo permissible to brand certain lines differently, but in the case ■of others it would be misleading. If it was desirable to get away from “ New Zealand made,” why not use “ Empire made”? The Chairman said they, knew that uppers of boots wore being imported to England from the Continent, and the boots were then stamped “ British made.” Mr Skinner (Messrs Sargood, Son, and Ewon) said that there was ono boot firm in Wellington which was branding its boots “ British made.” The only reason why it was not universally was because this firm got in first. (Laughter.) Mr R. Cuddic said it was misleading if New Zealand goods were branded “ British made.” He thought the difficulty lay with the retailers. y

Mr .1. H. Stewart said that Buick and Ford cars were made in Canada, and were said to be British made, and came out here under a preferential duty. They know, however, that most of the capital in the concerns was American capital. Mr Hogg said that the majority of the New Zealand manufacturers were following the ideal aimed at hy the associations and branding their goods with the place of manufacture. He believed that if most of them continued to do this they would win out. On the other hand, they had been advocating the use of Empire made goods, and hy using the brand, “ British made” they would ho maintaining the Imperial aspect.

Mr J. Hogg thought. rho mnjni-ily of the manufacturers in New Zenl-ml were branding their goods “ New Zealand made.” The public should know that, and they should support the goods made in New Zealand. Mr Skinner said ihero was no doubt that (ho brand in many eases did not convoy the actual position.

Mr W, M'Kinlay said lie had no fault to find with the Wellington boot firm referred to. It might be importing the major part of the articles required to make up the boots. Tho discussion then ended, Mr Ross stating that Ids object in giving publicity to the matter had been achieved.