MEAT AND DAIRY PRODUCE

Hokitika Guardian, 29 September 1931, Page 6

MEAT AND DAIRY PRODUCE

BETTER MARKETS. REVIVAL OF CONFIDENCE AT HOME. Wellington, September 26. The possibility of New Zealand strengthening 'its hold on British markets, in view of the latest financial developments in the Old Country- has aroused the interest of members of Cabinet. Yesterday’s cables from London -suggesting the prospect of a diminution in foreign imports following Britain’s departure from the gold standard have been studied closely. Mr Forbes said that one could not express a considered view 'yet, but there was every reason to believe that the Dominion’s primary producers could look to the future with a great deal more confidence, although' it might be some time before, it could be said that things had definitely taken a turn for the better. Messages . from England had revealed that there was a revival of confidence among the business community, and from the Dominion’s viewpoint this was a good thing. The Hon. D. Jones, Minister of Agriculture and chairman of the New Zealand Meat Board, said he foresaw that the Dominion’s meat and dairy produce exports to England would increase steadily for some years to come with a proportionate benefit to the market for Empire goods in the Old Country, “As far as the depreciated currency in England is concerned, I. think it. is ope of the best things that has happened for the 'Empire and New Zealand,’ Mr Jones acfded.

The Postmaster-General (the Hon. A. Hamilton), who is a member of the Meat Board, said that it would be unwise to express a definite opinion just yet, but the depredation of the pound sterling in Britain through the departure from the gold standard had ceitainly made the outlook for the New Zealand primary producer brighter.