RUSSIAN GOODS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 30, 28 September 1931, Page 6

RUSSIAN GOODS

PLACING EMBARGO DANGEE OF MORE RIOTING. That the importation of Russian goods produced under the Five Year Plan would disorganise industry and create sufch widespread utiemployment that there would he danger of • rioting and unprecedented Industrial unrest, was the contention of Mr F. W. J. Belton at a meeting of the j Citizens' Unemployment Committee at Ghristchurph. A sharp exchange of opinlons resulted in a motlon moved by Mr Belton, that the Prime , Mlnister (Right Hon. G. W. Forbesl ; be urged to take immediate steps to, j stop the importation of "Russian ' slave-produced goods," being carriod. ; An amendment by Mr T. L.. Drumi mond, that the question be held over j till next meeting, was lost. "The position is rapidly becoming serious," said Mr Belton. "Referring to Russian matches, I believe that several of the leading grocery' stores are at present stoclced up at prices with which British matches cannot compete. We have factories in this country which will probably have ti? discharge workers if this goes on, and our unemployment problem will he increased." Canada Takes Stand. Only one country had so far taken a definite stand. Canada had placed an embargo on wood-plup and various other articles imported from Russia America was at present being eliminated as a factor in the manganese industry by Russia, and the country of the Five Year Plan was fast capturing the ashestos trade, which would causo further unemployment in British countries. "This is all the result of the Five Year Plan, the object of which is to ruin the rest of the world," Mr Relton declared. "It is setting out to make unemployment a terrible thing and may result in violence and social eruptions in tliis and other countries. We should take immediate steps to counler this move." He then moved that the Prime Minister should be urged to take immediate steps in connection with the e'xclusion of Russian goods. "They are slave-produced goods," he declared.

' Mr R. J. Ecroyd said there was no sentiment in business and the people who were importing the goods wero to blame. "I say go back to your various associations and get them to pledge tliemselves not to import these goods if you want to protect local industries," he said. Find Out Trade Balance. Mr Drummond said the motion was too hurried. He understood that Russia imported New Zealand wool. It was better to find how the trade balance sLood hefore taking any steps. He moved that the matter he held 1 over until the next meeting. ] "What use is a favourable trade balance if we are going to have another 100,000 unemployed?" Mr Belton asked. "We have an interest in ' and a responsibility toward the unem- I ployed of New Zealand and that Is our [ first dutyl" The amendment was' lost and the motion carried.