THE FUTURE

Evening Post, Volume CXIV, Issue 91, 14 October 1932, Page 4

THE FUTURE

OPTIMISTIC NOTE

RETURNING CONFIDENCE

An optimistic note as to the. result of Ottawa was struck by Mr. Coates in concluding his statement.

"I have given, reasons for believing that the results .of the Ottawa Conference will be an. important factor in providing a very substantial help in restoring equilibrium and a return to prosperity," said Mr. Coates. "Already a marked improvement in confidence is evident. • And apart. from immediate benefits, the success of the Conference lays a foundation for the future. But while we note with satisfaction the success achieved, we will recognise that tasks of real difficulty still lie ahead. "Foremost amongst our economic problems is that of marketing our products. Ido not belittle the importance1 of giving constant attention to production when I say that to-day the emphasis, has moved from production to the effective marketing of our produce. "New Zealand will long look to the United Kingdom to absorb the bulk of her exports—indeed, Great Britain's market is vital to our very, economic existence; and for this reason we must be prepared:to play our part in assistingher industries. At the same time, it is incumbent upon our producers and manufacturers to search out and create new markets and new outlets for their products.

Already useful assistance is being given by the Trada Commissioner service, and it is evident that in default of such service our exports will suffor. There are many activities in trade promotion which individual manufacturers and exporters cannot be expected to undertake, services which are essential in. the general interest. This is a fact which is frequently overlooked when criticism is levelled against Government expen- > diture on Trade Commissioner '"serr -vices. It would: be -false economy to ;''curtail these, particularly at a time " when wider markets are' our pressing need. It is now most urgent that our ■ producers, manufacturers, and the Government should pool their efforts in establishing much-needed new outlets. ; . • . VALUE OF BOARDS. "la the sphere of marketing, New Zealand primary producers are singularly fortunate in the fact that already their export interests are assisted by their o-iyn responsible boards'. The value of these "bodies was clearly shown at the-Ottawa Conference. Their representatives were.able to speak with authority for the" inlp'ottant primary industries;'wo were able to turn to them for information and consultation. No other part of the Empire was so fortunately placed as Now Zealand in this respect, and it would bo reasonable to say that the definite tendency is for other countries to work along somewhat the same lines as New Zealand in setting up producers' direct organisations. I cannot too strongly emphasise, in the light of the Ottawa Conference, the value of our primary producers' export boards, to farmers and to the Dominion as a whole. "One returns from the Conference impressed' with the new importance attached by the United Kingdom to her own farming industry. Its encouragement, is accepted .as a first object of State policy. Agriculture is not beinoleft to take care of itself. It is being advanced by keen, competent officials and leaders both in the farming' industry and in political life. More than once in the course of this statement I have noted how directly the" attitude of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom was influenced by the determination to assist the Home agricultural producer. This changed outlook in the United Kingdom is of much concern to us in New Zealand. MEETING COMPETITION. "In meeting competition and in finding new. markets, the keynote to success for New Zealand producers will, be attention to quality. At our instigation a sub-committee of the Conference was set up" for the purpose of examining grading standards in relation to agricultural products. The suggestion was that action should be taken toward the adoption of uniform standards of grading, at least as far as minimum grades are concerned. This is now being followed up by all Governments interested. Though I have thus referred briefly to some of the problems that still face us, I think I can conclude my statement by claiming that the result of Ottawa represents a valuable achievement. , Our exports are to be favoured, in part by increased preferences, guaranteed for a term of years, and in part by the regulation of foreign imports. The urgent need for raising and stabilising the general price level has been brought homelto everyone. Appropriate action along sound lines is being taken and will be continued to effect an adjustment, and already signs of improvement are evident. PERPLEXING PROBLEMS. "The mere fact that agreement has been reached is itself a considerable achievement. 'It is seen to be an x achievement when ono calls to mind the great diversity and range of problems and conflicting interests that faced the Conference. Kepresenting onefourth of the world's population, with different interests and races and creeds, the delegates were confronted by problems not less perplexing than those that confront, so many independent nations. "The Ottawa Conference, as honourable memUers are aware, was preceded by the Lausanne Conference, where European nations were successful in removing at least some of their outstanding differences and difficulties. It is to. be followed by a world conference. Nothing was done at Ottawa by representatives of the British Commonwealth j

of Nations which will prejudice the success of that world conference.

We were mindful, as I emphasised, of the urgent need for promoting world recovery. Ottawa was a step in that direction.

"Finally, Mr, Speaker, I should like to add a personal note of sincere appreciation of the services rendered to New Zealand and the Empire by Mr. Downie Stewart. His judgment and capacity were valued by all who took part in the Conference. If he were here he would join with me in thanking our colleagues who carried on short-banded in our absence and gave us loyal support and encouragement."