AUSTRALIAN FIRMS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 December 1943, Page 2

AUSTRALIAN FIRMS

MAY OPEN FACTORIES , IN NEW ZEALAND BUT NERVOUS OVER CONDITIONS HERE. MR HOLLAND ON TRADE PROSPECTS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, December 2. “Were it not for nervousness over the conditions here a number of large industrial firms in Australia would be prepared to establish manufacturing branches in New Zealand,” said the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Holland, today. There had been amazing developments in industry in the Commonwealth, and he knew of at least five majoi- firms desirous of opening up factories in New Zealand, he said. They embraced chemical, iron and steel, and light aircraft industries. Australian industrialists were willing to establish works here provided the conditions were attractive enough, but at present they were nervous that their freedom and liberty might be unduly restricted. Mr Holland said the belief was held by many people in New Zealand that the Dominion was going to be busy and prosperous providing foodstuffs for Europe after the war, but the prospect was not'attractive if it became necessary to produce the goods for exp«; at low prices. He pointed out its trade with Australia, New had an adverse balance. He felt dent that the difficulties at sociated with exports of Australia could be overcome. trade could also be developed in the export of forest products and another field was the export of small seeds.