COSTS AND TARIFFS.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20259, 30 July 1937, Page 2

COSTS AND TARIFFS.

MANUFACTURERS’ PLIGHT. FARMERS' LEADER'S VIEWS. (By TelPB-rapn—piprs Association.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. “The Farmers’ Union has considerable sympathy with the plight in which members of the' Manufacturers’ Association And themselves, as the same conditions which* are causing their difficulties also are causing difficulties to the primary producers,” said Mr W. W. Mulholland, Dominion president of the Farmers’ Union, referring to the manufacturers’ statement concerning the position of their industry.. “It is obvious, however, that an attempt is being made to create an atmosphere favourable to an attempt for an increase in tariff protection,” Mr Mulholland continued. “Any increased tariffs cannot shut out Imports which we receive in payment for our exports, but will increase the internal prices of these goods at the expense’ of the exporting industries." Mr Mulholland suggested that the Manufacturers’ Association should seek a remedy which would not conflict with other important sections of the community. Any scheme for decreasing imports must result in unemployment in the Dominion, and he reminded the Manufacturers’ Association that when New Zealand’s imports went down to £23,000,000 the Dominion’s unemployment was at its peak.