PLEDGES GIVEN

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20819, 1 June 1939, Page 6

PLEDGES GIVEN

SECONDARY INDUSTRY MANUFACTURERS ASSURED FULL SUPPORT PROMISED (By Telegraph.—Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH, Wednesday Assurances by the Prime Minister, Mr Savage, that import control was no temporary measure and pledges by manufacturers that they were definitely behind the Government, were features of Mr Savage's inspection of Christchurch factories to-day. “People say capital is leaving the country,” said Mr Savage in his first address. “Some capital is, and some is coming here and digging itself in, and we are helping to dig it in. We are making conditions more secure. We are not asking them to take unnecessary risks. We are pledged to it that they are not subject to unfair competition from overseas. The fear of manufacturers that they might be “torpedoed” in 12 months was referred to by Mr Savage at another factory. “We cannot afford to let that happen again,” he said. “They have taken the plunge, and you with them, and it is up to the Government to see that you are not drowned in the process.” Manufacturers’ Attitude The attitude of the New Zealand Manufacturers’ Association was defined by its president, Mr 11. B. Duckworth. “Mr Savage and Mr Sullivan know perfectly well that the manufacturers of New' Zealand and the manufacturers’ organisations are behind them, co-operating and helping them to the fullest extent of our ability,” said Mr Duckworth. The job will be tackled and the Government of tnis country can be quite sure that the job will be done, that the gap will be filled, and filled as quickly as human powers can do it. Every manufacturer in New Zealand is behind this Government and will see that it is not let down.” The Minister of Industries and Commerce, the Hon. I). G. Sullivan, said his talk with a firm of manufacturers had been an inspiration. The director had told him that the import restriction legislation was the best thing that had been done in the industrial history of New Zealand and had given him and other manufacturers life, hope and confidence in the future. Evidence of the full support of manufacturers was gi\en the Prime Minister when he was entertained by another firm. “As manufacturers we have nothing to condemn the present Government on,” said the secretary. “Certainly you gave us a few headaches from time to time with the 40-hour week and rising wages, but we got down to it and met conditions, and I am satisfied everything is gqing to come o-ut all right.”