SECONDARY INDUSTRIES

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 899, 17 February 1930, Page 8

SECONDARY INDUSTRIES

THE order of reference adopted for the Parliamentary Committee on secondary industries makes it clear that the committee’s task is no sinecure. Headed by the Minister, the Hon. J. B. Donald, the committee consists, in addition, of Messrs. 11. R. Jenkins, A. Harris and D. G. Sullivan, a sufficiently competent group of men to give a sound report upon their comprehensive subject. It may be regretted that Mr. Cobbe, who during his term as Minister showed so much practical sympathy with the aspirations of New Zealand manufacturers, has not been retained in his portfolio in order to conduct this examination. In his stead, however, Mr. Donald, a business man himself, should be able to direct the committee’s work along sound and useful lines. Of the members of the committee, Mr. Sullivan, who has been a trade union representative of industrial unions, will be able to look after employees’ interests, and Mr. Jenkins, who has made a success of the manufacture of milking machines, will represent the practical executive side. Mr. Jenkins has in the past rather committed himself to the principle that it is quite impossible for New Zealand industries to flourish, but the reasons he advanced were not very convincing, and possibly a close acquaintance with other manufacturing businesses than his own will convince him that there is solid ground for optimism concerning the future of New Zealand industry, so long as it is given reasonable assistance and encouragement. The labour aspect alone should quickly impress itself on the committee. There are factories throughout the country which in the past year or two have had to work short time, or curtail their staffs, on account of competition from outside goods of no greater merit. The effect of this on the economic security of New Zealand is very severe, and even if the present committee finds itself unable to offer any immediate remedies, it will at least be able to educate some of its Parliamentary colleagues, and through them stir the Government to a well-thought-out course of action. That, after all, is the best featurg of this inquiry. Results will come indirectly, rather than directly. There has been evidence in recent months that even the most conservative elements in politics and in the general community are beginning to realise the essential justice of the aspirations of manufacturers. The appointment of this committee is evidence that the Government, as well as the public, is being influenced hv the appeal. There are three Auckland representatives on the committee, and the people of the leading manufacturing centre of the Dominion will expect them to do full justice to one of the most important themes with which any recent Parliamentary committee has been entrusted.**