“EASE UP ON IMPORTS"

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 296, 6 March 1928, Page 8

“EASE UP ON IMPORTS"

PLEA FOR SECONDARY INDUSTRIES

LABOUR CAN BE ABSORBED

In order to protect New land secondary industries and en* sure a greater distribution money within the Dominion it»*|f a proposal is being made to tl* conference of ironmasters at ent being held at Auckland to the Government to impose an ax tra ten per cent, on the tariff to assist the manufacturing ind Us * tries of the country. Although this remit has not yet W reached on the order paper of th e c ference, those who spoke at the ing of the conference this indicated their sympathy for a mo? ment toward protection for New tJ' land manufactures. The president, Mr. H. M. Warnsaid it was unfortunate that the <2*?' neering industries had been tnsatiS* tory during the year, and that mTfl lines which could and should be factured within the Dominion were bel ing imported at prices at which it impossible for the New Zealander hope to compete. “However,” the president added os. timistically, “the good prices that now being secured for our exports J butter and wool give promise of Jjj. proved trade as the money comes inu circulation.” Mr. Albert Spencer, president of th. Auckland Employers' Association, saii the difficult period through which trade was passing was not improved by th* fact that large quantities of goods that could be manufactured here were being imported. “I believe that we could employ many more men, and ensure

greater circulation of money, if V|| ease up a little on some of our in. ports of goods that could as wel 1* made here,” he said.

Mr. J. B. Shacklock. Dunedin, firesaw the settlement of -the unempioy. ment problem if greater scope no* given to New Zealand manufactures. “The time might come when in * elfprotection we will be forced to yqj our own goods,” he said, 44 and I tttnfc the sooner that time comes the sotcer will we realise our responsibilitie*"