N.Z. COMMERCIAL INTERESTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 31 August 1942, Page 4

N.Z. COMMERCIAL INTERESTS

YV ASf If NGTON REPRE SENT ATION The appointment of a non-Govern-ment representative of New Zealand commercial interests in Washington is suggested by the Bureau of Importers. The time is opportune for softie definite action to be taken by the business interests of New Zealand as a whole, towards obtaining first-hand representation in Washington, and to this end it has been suggested that a competent business man having the fullest confidence of the business people of New Zealand, should be appointed to Washington, the business community to select and pay the expenses of such person in Washington, says a letter sent by r the Bureau to Chambers of Commerce. It is our idea that he would act entirely apart from the Government, and although he would be under the control of a small committee of 51 business men in New Zealand (whose duty it would be to keep him fully posted with what is going on in this country), he, in turn, wouid have to keep a close watch on affairs in the United States. Additionally, to give him a proper status he would need to have admission to Government and commercial circles in Washington, but this, no doubt, could be arranged with the authorities both here and in U.S.A.

The Bureau is anxious that some consideration be given to this suggestion, because it is felt that such an appointment would go a long way towards ironing out the many difficulties which keep cropping up because inexperienced people are placed in the position of ordering and attending to New Zealand's requirements.