QUALITY FIRST.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 August 1925, Page 4

QUALITY FIRST.

DOMINION’S GOOD NAME

AUCKLAND, August 10. Some interesting remarks in corroboration of opinions of experts In New Zealand were made by Mr A\ alter Darhv, in relation to primary products of ihe Dominion in the world markets. Mr Darby, who recently returned to Auckland after a three years’ tour of the United Kingdom, the Continent, and America, said that New Zealand and New Zealand products were held in the highest esteem in all countries he had visited. It was quite remarkable, said Mr Darby to realise what a. complete knowledge of New Zealand was possessed by the French people, who were somewhat lavish in their praises of New Zealand. Df other Continental nations the Danes manifested a particularly keen interest in the Dominion, and in Italy this country was becoming recognised as rather a wonderful outpost of the British Empire. With the French there still lingered an historical knowledge of a country that so nearly became a French colony. This knowledge has been quickened to a tremendous degree by the presence of New Zealand soldiers in France during the Great War, and later by the famous All Black football team. France was ready and eager to trade with New Zealand, if the market could he served direct, and no doubt developments would he made in this direction before long. WORTHY FOEMF.N. The Danes regarded New Zealand from a different stand paint. Mr Darby said. They considered us a wonderful people, although their enemies in the dairying markets of the world. I here were no illusions in Denmark in regard to New Zealand as a dairying country. This was evidenced in a striking manner by the remarks of a Danish dairying expert, who expressed the opion that the Dominion in time would probably dominate the dairy markets. This opinion was based on the fact that New Zealand had won her ulace in the world markets against all competition. She had come into the field after other countries had become established, and she now ranked with the host. It wa s convincing evidence to Denmark that a country

so remote from the heart ol the Empire. and able to accomplish such a feat would never be ousted trom the position she had won. ECONOMIC LIMIT TO BRICES. "This asneet of the matter was further impressed noon me,” said Mr Darby, "by experts m Britain. The jibing that New Zealand producers must concentrate on is quality, allied with increased production, and economical marketing. These matters should take precedence over any desire lor iTniluly high prices in the world markets.”

There was an economic limit to prices for anv commodity. The aim of producers should he to cheapen the cost of production, and maintain a market that could lie established at a, price within the means of the masses. The world was prepared to accept New Zealand’s dairy produce as the host, hut the Dominion must he prepared to supply the markets at a reasonable price.

The same tone predominated in regard to New Zealand lamb and millton, said Mr Darby. The meat was considered to lie the best on the market, and the standard only had to he maintained to keen the New Zealand innduci in the premier position. BUYKI’S FOB BEEF.

In regard to licet, he said it was interesting to note that markets were I eilig found for our second-grade beef in Italy and Germany. These could he regarded as capable of considerable development. Italy had expanded indusiriallv to a remarkable extent during recent years, and as a potential market for New Zealand foodstuffs was worthy ot consideration. The necessity for extending our markets was obvious, said Mr Darby, and pioperly accredited representatives in the different Continental countries could do much in this direction. Our primary products were so good in fact; that they were thorough' worth advertising m the broadest manner possible. This was the feeling he had had forced upon him after close contact with 1 1,0 people ol' the Continent iluiTng the last ihreo years.