N.Z. Industries Will Be Protected

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 58, 1 December 1937, Page 5

N.Z. Industries Will Be Protected

-Px«> Aiaociation.)

DEFINIXE PROMISE GoYernment is Negotiating Overseas MINISTERS STATEMENT

(B* Telegrapl-

CHRISTCHL,1CH, jjast Night, A definite promise of Governmeiit action to proteet New Zealand secoadary industries was made by the Hon._ D, G. Sullivan, Minister of Industries and Commerce, at the annual meeting of the Canterbury Manufacturers' Association to-night, The Minister said that the Government had been in close contact with other Empire countries, and he had hoped to make an announcement at this meeting, Unfortunately he could not do so, but he promised action within a yery short timo. "I had believed," said Mr, Sullivan, "that the negotiations in progress would have reached a atage by this evening at which I would have been able to speak authoritatively of where we stood. I am sorry to say that te some degree I have to disappoint ye u, because we have not yet reached the final stage. - "I am able to say this though— that every step it has been possible for the Government to take by way of negotiation with overseas countries to give effect to the Government'a promisea of protection has been taken. We have communicated with the TJnited Klngdom, Australia and Canada, as it was necessary that we should get into touch. before the final steps were taken in the matter of protection." Mr. Sullivan ?ead a statement from the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nasb, in which Mr. Nash said . the Government was negotiating with three major countries who exported large quantities of manuf acture* te New Zealand, and that it was hoped to reach finality early. ' ' Every step necessary for the preteetion and promotion of New. Zealand seeondary industries was being and would be taken. ' 'Before many days I hope to have further inf ormation on the footwear trade," Mr. Sullivan said., "In other industries, as well as in this, the fullfit possible investigation will be made. The Government has " got down to a figure which expresses its conception of the amount of protection required. It has now been decided that steps in the matter of footwear will be taken in reviewing the other industrie» affected. "It has now beefl agreed that ew; officers shall meet' in conference with the manufacturers to discuss the position. By that means we shall get » trne pieture of the position of New, Zealand industries and consider them with fairness to the Motherland. We are hopeful that the steps we are taking will contribute to two ebjeqtives— to give the industries the pre» tection they require and at the aame timo give fair play to the Motherland and not shut her ont of the maTkeC