TRADE REVIEW

Hokitika Guardian, 8 January 1929, Page 8

TRADE REVIEW

EMPLO VERS’ PRES! DENT OPTIMISTIC. AUCKLAND, Jan. 4. from an industrial and manuiacturing point of view last year’s business was good, with the possible exception of one or two trades that have been handicapped. Tlic engineerng trade, for instance, suffered as far as manufacturers were concerned by foreign competition. This is the opinion of Mr Albert Spencer, president of the Auckland Provincial Employers’ Association. “While labour and working conditions have been so much hotter in other countries.” said Mr Spencer, “goods have been turned out cheaper and have been imported into tiie Dominion at a cost much below that at which they can be manufactured here, and as a consequence some firms have found if necessary to shorten hands considerably. I know of one concern which a year ago employed forty hands now down to a basis of twelve. It .must be remembered that employers have had much to put up with, ami if in any industry the workers demand more than the industry can pay then disaster must follow. However, the year as a whole* was not had. There will always lie complaints and they come as a rule from those who should put their own houses in order. What is needed everywhere, is improved methods. Far too many houses are working on obsolete lines, and re-or-ganisation is necessary i! they arc to keep abreast of the times. “As to the year we are just entering.'’ said Mr Spencer, "the prospects ire wonderful. Our primary produce is bringing great prices, markets are icing developed or (levied up. and the nitlook is most promising lor the ut me.”