MARKETS FOR N.Z. PRODUCE

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24913, 28 June 1946, Page 5

MARKETS FOR N.Z. PRODUCE

INVESTIGATION IN COST SUGGESTED

IMPORTANCE OF SECURITY EMPHASISED

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, June 27. Discussing bulk purchasing negotiations in the British market, Mr F. P. Walsh, representative of the Federation of Labour on the Economic Stabilisation Commission, said in an address to the National Dairy Association conference to-day, that New Zealand trade negotiations with the United Kingdom should not be based on inflated costs of production, but on the relationship between price levels affecting trade between the two countries. He suggested that New Zealand should look for alternative markets.

“Britain has been, and may remain, our best customer,” he said, “but it is good business and in no way unpatriotic to suggest that we should now look towards our nearer neighbours in the East for the expansion of our trade. Australia is already active in this field, particularly in the direction of marketing manufactured goods. New Zealand should be there, too, promoting marketing opportunities for our primary produce.” The stabilisation policy, allied in the case of the dairy industry with the guaranteed price procedure, had given primary producers security in marketing for a number of years. The meat industry had built up reserves which would ensure that security was maintained for a further long period. Mr Walsh quoted figures showing the estimated balances in the meat and dairy accounts as at July 31 this year: dairy industry stabilisation account, £4,000,000; meat industry stabilisation account, £3,500,000; meat pool account, £8.500,000; meat stabilisation, plus meat pool account, £12,000,000. “The meat industry has thus a reserve of £12.000,000 set aside. In the case of the dairy industry, the figure is £4,000.000, but I would remind you that at the beginning of the war the dairy industry account was in debit to the extent of about £2,000.000. The present improved position is the result of security in marketing.”