RESTRICTIONS ON IMPORTS FROM U.K.

Chronicle (Levin), 1 June 1946, Page 4

RESTRICTIONS ON IMPORTS FROM U.K.

FARMERS SEEK ACTION FOR REMOVAL Looking into the future and wliat it may liohl for farmers iu the matter ot tlve disposal of the surplus production, farmers at the inter-provincial conference at "Wanganui this week, expressed themselves as being concerned over the failure of the (toveriuneut to encourage reciprocal trade with the United Kingdom. A special remit on this subject was introdueed l>v klr. 11. Cr. Gordon (Taihape), who moved "That this conference represents to the Government ^he important Cjuestion of rentoving the import restrictions against tlie United Kingdom with the ob.jeet of improving the market for the absorption of our surplus primary production and assisting the Mother country's desire to build up her export. trade. JMoviiLg the remit, Mr. Gordon said that the hopes arising from tlie Atlauta Charta proposals had not l>een realised and tlie coudition of the trade between New Zealand and England was sucli asto give some cause for concern among primarv producers. He said that while last year England took some £(50, 000, 000 of our produce, New Zealand took in return goods to the value of £19,000,000 and when excliange was taken into aceount, tlie position was evert worse. Mr. Gordon considered that it was time the Government took a realistic view of the position to secure the free flow of trade with the Old Country and this could ! only be achieved if the import restric'tions against the United Kingdom were removed. M v. Llovd Hammondj seconding the remit-, said that unless some action was j taken to this end our exportable pro- ! duce may hnve to face up to quotas and ( this would prove disastrous to farmers Land in tuni to our internal economy. | He was satisfied that England could not I continue to pay the prices at present j being received for our produce unless 'her export trade could expand because | inability to export would tend to slow ' up production and such would have re.percussions on employment at Home. There should be no hindrance to free and reciprocal trade with the OJd ! Country and he considered the remir timely and hoped that the Government would lie moved to give immediate c'onsideration to this very vita'l matter. The mc.oting supported tlie remit unanimously after other speakers had enj dorsed the remarks of the mover and | seconder.