N.Z. DIFFICULTIES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20106, 28 November 1939, Page 7

N.Z. DIFFICULTIES

HOPES OF HEUEF CO-OPERATION CALL MANUFACTURERS’ PART PLEA BY MINISTER (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day. A pica that manufacturers should co-operate with the Government in the difficulties that have arisen through inadequate overseas funds was made by the Minister of Labour, the Hon. P. C. Webb, at the annual meeting of the Auckland Manufacturers’ Association.

Before he arrived at the meeting, there was some frank criticism of the Government’s policy by members, concern being expressed at the reduced quantities of imported raw materials that would be available on present indications to industry generally in the first half of next year.

“I - know that some importers are suffering, but we cannot build industries without shutting out certain classes of goods that we consider can be made in the Dominion,” said Mr. Webb. “We are endeavouring to meet the position of the manufacturers, but we are unable to import more materials than we can pay for with the goods that wc sell to Britain.

Buying from Britain

“We want to buy from Britain which purchases our goods.”

A member: You can't do anything else you know. We would sink without her.

The Minister: I don’t want you to .ell me that, my friend.

Mr. Webb continued that he knew the manufacturers were perhaps facing a hard time for six months, but he was assured by the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, that financial daylight would be seen at the end of that period and that, within a year, he hoped manufacturers would be able to purchase all the raw materials that were needed for industries that justified their existence.

The aim of the import controi scheme was an ordered economy, but the Government had no designs against business. It was out to assist private business. Should Be Socialised

There were certain services such as railways, and industries that were out of joint,- that should be socialised, but the Government was resolved to do all in its power to assist legitimate private business. Nor was there any intention to use the war to bring in control schemes aimed at socialisation.

If the regulations brought in to assist under thej war conditions proved impracticable in the light of experience, they would be dropped.

The schemes for the control ol produce brought in through the British Government's bulk purchases would be considered at the end of the period fixed by the British Government in the light of the circumstances then ruling. Men From Public Works

Mr. Webb explained that efforts were being made to transfer men from public works to improving farm lands or bringing them into production.

“We will find the money all right,” he said. “We are not bothered about finding money within the country. If is the obtaining of sufficient sterling overseas that is the only problem.”

The Minister added that every effort was being made to increase primary production. The aim was to develop industries, bring land into cultivation and be prepared to absorb immigrants from Britain after he war.