PREMIER’S ADDRESS

Hokitika Guardian, 15 November 1933, Page 5

PREMIER’S ADDRESS

TO N.Z. MANUFACTURERS

MUCH BRIGHTER OUTLOOK

{Per press Association Copyright.}

"WELLINGTON, Nov. 14

Addressing the N.Z. Manufacturers* Conference to-dav, tile Premier, Mr Forbes, said that there was now a brighter outlook than for several years past, and throughout the country there was a greater feeling of confidence. He did not think that there was anything conflicting in the interests of the primary industries and those of the secondary industries. What was required was that all should run on efficient lines, and should improve the quality of their goods.

It behoved the manufacturers so to conduct their businesses that they would not require the assistance' of tariffs to a degree which could he criticised. The object should be to seek to remove undersirable tariffs, but no one wanted to reduce the tariffs so as to put industries out of operatiqn. Britain did not desire "that. Britain’s objection, said Mr Forbes, was to uneconomic industries that required unduly high protection. There was ample scope for local industries to do a very large business in the Dominion. Mr Forbes said that it would be; futile to talk about the Government not interfering in business. In many cases the, Government was asked ,by industries to interfere to the. extent of making some alterations in the tariffs. Yet, that was not looked upon as an interference in business. Bequests were also made to the Government in regard to unfair’ 'cbmpetititin:There' was no doubt that to-day the trend was more and more to call upon the Government to regulate and control business.

Ho could iisswi'o them that the Gov'eminent did nut wish to interfere, or to do anything restrictive, if it: could be avoided ; but where it was a clear case of the Government’s duty it had to follow the course that was in the best interests of the whole community. I!o added- “I think we can claim the Government lias endeavoured to carry out what it i'elt to he in the best interests of the country as a whole.”