DOMINION’S NEED

Hokitika Guardian, 8 November 1932, Page 5

DOMINION’S NEED

OF NEW MARKETS GREAT PROGRESS IN INQUIRIES, (Per Press Association — Copyright.) STRATFORD, November 7. A statement that considerable- . progress had been made with .inquiries as to an extension of Niew Zealand’s oversea markets was made by Hon. IR. Masters at a banquet in Stratford to-nighf, when referring to a recent decision of the producers’ boards to appoint V a special committee to report to tile Government on the best method of procedure. • > The ‘Minister said that, in addition, his Department-wqs, co-operating with the Boards and endeavouring to ascertain to what extent exporters are, interested in the Eastern 'markets, ■ and possibilities of increased trade if direct shipping were arranged. “The results of these investigations,” he added, “will give us something definite with which to go to the shipping companies, and I trust that business firms and others will co-operate with the Government and the Boards in these inquiries.” Stressing the necessity for opening up fresh channel* the Minister said that production was increasing, not only in New Zealand, but in other parts of the world, and it wa* folly: to think that all countries could continue to pour steadily increasing-quantities of primary produce into the United Kingdom market and expect a payable return. Other places -for the absorption of som e of New Zealand’s produce had therefore to be sought, and it r was equally essential that the Dominion should have an efficient selling organisation. While his ■ department had done a lot of preliminary work, the actual development of tradp must be; left to private enterprise! There were difficulties to face, and while it would not be easy to gain a 'footing, it was. easier to-day than it would be in ten years’ %ime. "Some risks must be taken and. this is another instance where confidence js necessary,” continued the Minister. "Unfortunately we are looking at matters generally with a good deal of pe'eimisfn, and it is, necessary that w©, shake off that attitude.” '/ '

Replying to the. National Expenditure Commission’s recommendation for a reduction of the country’s oversea representation, tile Minister said; the value of those offices could. 1 not be gauged in pounds, shillings and pence. It was in the b’me of depression that the country should strive to \ the utmost to help itself back to prosperity, by extending it s present markets, and in developing new opes. Surely withdrawal of New Zealand’s, representatives overseas would be a drastic step an the wrong direction at n tim© like the present, and particularly after the Ottawa agreements, which were based on extension of Empire trade, In add], tion markets which had, meant much in the past, would be lost touch with New Zealand ■ would be taking an unwise step -if -she acted in the direction suggested by the Commission. , \