The Hokitika Guardian TUESDAY. JULY 11th. 1922. TRADE RELATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 July 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian TUESDAY. JULY 11th. 1922. TRADE RELATIONS.

An interesting interview was (riven nl Auckland by Mr A. W. Jamieson, man Hirer of tlie New Zealand Farmers Cooperative Association of Canterbury, on arrival by the Makars last week. He said tile development of the primary industries in an increased ratio to the dominating secondary industries is the present objective of progressive American activity. It is everywhere a live subject, and it commands prominence and support in the active politics of the States. It is recognised clearly that the only direct way back to economic ‘normalcy’ is to put right first the man on the land, and, having accomplished that, deal with him, and his industry in a manner that will encourage liiifi as the Americans say, “to stay put”. The outstanding example of what cooperation can do lor the producers is the remarkable development of the fruit industry in California. The results have been so impressive that farmers in other parts of the United States are now endeavouring to organise, with a view to securing similar benefits. Tt is in California more than in any other State that the least effects of the universal economic crisis have been felt. Some years ago the Californian fruitgrowers realised that they were receiving the minimum prices for their products, while they had to pay the maximum prices for the supplies required for their industry. After investigation they kept in close touch with co-operative development in New Zealand and Denmark, and continued to urge their neighbours to join the Californian co-'opofrn.tive movement. A good deal of propaganda was required l>efore co-operation was established. There is no doubt now as to its strength. It is estimated that California now produces 95 per cent of the world’s supply of raisins. “Tile United States Government',” Hr Jamieson continued, “is now taking a very active interest in the welfare of tflio primary producers; in fact, the farmers’ Woe in the Senate is now wielding a good deal pf influence, fq jptpr, viaws on the rjnosfimi, J pointed fftUmr? In JN’sw

nut seek to establish class legislation, realising that it was their duty to organise themselves, find capital for development and place themselves in a position to render good service, only seeking Governmen support, when their interests were assailed by outside movements. It was mentioned that tile New Zealand Agricultural Bureau is now making thorough investigation of co-operative companies, and is doinir its utmost to urge farmers to get "together and create institutions similar to those that have been estahin other parts of the world. Ho W r.s satisfied that, within five years, there will he a tremendous impetus, ,riven to the co-operative movement. T t might be said, in short, that the slogan is self-reliance for the individual m the development of the primary industries. and co-operation in the mass for the satisfactory disposal of the preducts. Class legislation will not seen e the desired result; it merely brings about bad feeling and hinders progress. The general feeling throughout the United States towards New Zealand is most cordial. Tt appeared remarkable to Mr Jamieson to find that, wherever he went, ho enjoyed evidence of the fact that to he a New Zealander was m itself a passport to every facility for obtaining information! There is throughout America a Keen desire to promote relationship between the United States and this Dominion. Indeed, the desire embraces all the British Dominions, ft is acknowledged frankly, and with convincing sincerity by responsible Americans, that unity of the Anglo-Saxon race inessential to the solving of many of the world’s problems. The question of trade between the United States and New Zealand concluded Mr Jamieson, required a great deal of attention. It wa s of’ considerable interest to New Zealand producers. A high tariff wall wa s being set* up ill the United States, and that fact would undoubtedly retard progress for some time. He bail confidence, however that substantial business will yet be done reciprocally 1 yctwee lithe United States and the British Dominions.