PRESS COMMENTS.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 October 1927, Page 3

PRESS COMMENTS.

There is little doubt that many of the articles New' Zealand purchased from America, could have 'been equally -well supplied by the manufacturers of Great Britain Further, it is also necessary' for Dominion traders to recognise not only that it is always wise to study a good customer, and to give him whatever reciprocal trade is possible, but, in the case of Great Britain, there is a distinct value to New Zealand in doing what it can to ensure prosperity there. From every point of view, therefore, closer intimacy between the principals of British manufaotur ing firms and the potential customers in the Dominions is desirable. —“Taranaki News.” The Tariff Commission most minutely analysed the trade position in New j Zealand, and it will probably be found when items are analysed that the Minister of Customs will be able to justify his action. New Zealand manufacturers desire secondary industries fostered, but the Minister of Customs must keep one eye on the cost of living and also see that the cost of production must not be increased against primary producers. It is not so much the Customs tariff that affects secondary industries in New Zealand as the labour conditions that are imposed on manufacturers. The development of secondary industries depends on the goodwill of labour more than on artificial barriers against British goods. The world over there is a revulsion against high tariff walls, which have a way of reacting particularly upon the P - mary producer, who is uo party to them The policy of the Government has always been one of moderate protection for secondary industries, with one or two adjustments the piesent tariff should fulfil that policy— Dannevirke “News.”