DOMINION FACTORIES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20054, 28 September 1939, Page 4

DOMINION FACTORIES

ASSOCIATION'S SCOPE TOUCH WITH DEPARTMENTS N.Z. SECRETARY’S VISIT The possibility of forming a branch of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Association in Gisborne was discussed at a meeting held last evening under the auspices of the Gisborne Chamber of Commerce, when Mr. A. W. Nisbet, secretary of the association, gave an address upon the activities and scope of that organisation. Briefly introduced by the president of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. H. H. De Costa, who expressed surprise that the attendance was not larger, considering the importance of the subject to be discussed, Mr. Nisbet stated that he had not come to Gisborne prepared to speak at a public meeting. The Wellington Manufacturers’ Association comprised 450 to 500 members, with branches in three centres, and worked in harmony with three other provincial associations in matters affecting manufacturers of New Zealand as a whole. The splitting of membership into trade groups had increased efficiency greatly, and particularly so s:nce the import control restrictions came into force. These groups could handle problems especially affecting their own lines of industry; they could also work more effectively in industrial disputes, while the association was able to give legal advice to all its members. So far as was possible, each group an.d centre was represented on the executive.

Protecting Secondary Industries

i The main functions were to protect secondary industries, to keep the interests of associated members before the public, to assist in industrial problems, and to take up every question that might affect injuriously the interests of members. As an illustration of the latter function, Mr. Nisbet stated that the association had recently had much success in securing modification of a bill before the House to control pharmacists’ businesses. Another function of great interest at present was to act as a go-between for manufacturers who had to approach the Government department responsible for their operations. The exchange allocation scheme had also given scope for valuable work on the part of the association. The speaker further referred to the offer of the fullest co-operation by the manufacturers with the Government in matters of defence. It was unfortunate, he considered, that up to the outbreak of war there had been too little advantage taken of that offer. Gisborne’s Creditable Start Touching on the question of manufactures in Gisborne. Mr. Nisbet remarked that it was surprising how much actual manufacturing went on here. For a district not yet in close touch with the rest of New Zealand, the number of' people employed in manufacture was very creditable, he considered. There was scope for the formation of an association branch here, he said, and he further outlined the general methods by which the branch would work. Mr. Nisbet-roused the interest of his audience by a statement that a bootmanufacturer with headquarters elsewhere was considering the possibility of opening a branch factory here, in order to tap the local supply of female labour, which was one of the supply problems of all manufacturers in his line.

He closed his address amidst applause, and offered to answer questions relating to the association’s activities and scope.

Replying to Mr. P. Fischbaeh, the visiting speaker stated that there was no relaxation as yet of the provisions of the price control and stabilisation regulations to permit of the new war taxation to be spread on the goods manufactured. He did not know of anything not covered by the regulations. with the sole exception of wages, he added. He considered that the intention to stop war profiteering was an excellent one. but he thought that the regulations framed to achieve that end were cumbersome, and must eventually break down under their own weight. Restriction on Auction Prices Mr. F. Tolerton pointed out that at Stortford Lodge that day fat' steers had sold to £l7 and heifers to £l2. Those prices were far in advance of those ruling at September 1. He asked if Mr. Nisbet could give any guide to local producers as to how the regulations would affect the sale of their stock? Mr. Nisbet replied that he did not know how to answer that question. He failed to see how the regulations could apply to sale's by auction. Replying again to Mr. Fischbaeh, the visitor said that there was no guarantee available for any businessman who proposed extending his plant to meet the increased demand for Do-minion-made goods. He did not know what the future held, and every man must take his own trading risk. However, there were a great many new factories being started in the country, and these included two or three dozen factories opened by firms with headquarters overseas. Railway Connection Essential Mr. W. E. Mcllwaine pointed out that lie had brought before the Chamber of Commerce the possibility of securing some of the new factories for Gisborne. There must be some possibilities here for expansion, he said, and Gisborne might benefit if those proposing to establish new industries could be interested in local possibilities Mr. F. Tolerton, while disclaiming any idea of being a pessimist, reminded the meeting that two firms had started here to produce canned meat. Both had been unable to show satisfactory returns, owing to the freight costs on necessary raw v materials which had to be imported, and on the products of their manufacture. That was the sort of thing manufacturing was up against in Gisborne, at least until railway communication was made available. After further discussion, the chairV man expressed the thanks of the meeting to Mr. Nisbet for his instructive address, and recommended all interested to discuss the project further,