CANADA'S FAULT

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 1, Issue 16, 10 September 1931, Page 2

CANADA'S FAULT

► A certain section of the Press and of the public has been taking the Prime Minister to task for the breakdown of trade between New Zealand and Canada. Whatever else Mr. Forbes may be blamed for, he, at least, is not responsible for this, and to publicly pillory him. with an utter disregard for the facts of the case is decidedly unfair.. The breakdown of , trading relations between New; Zealand and Canada is the direct result of Canada's provocative action in slamming the door gainst New Zealand butter, which formed the main export to Canada, and in return for whieh she accepted motor cars, timber and other merchandise. The Canadian farmer felt the New Zealand competition very keenly and the Conservative Party, led by Mr. Bennet, made New Zealand butter a first rank election issue and won out on it. He had no other recourse than to put his pledges into action, and this he proceeded to do. One duty after another was heaped on to New Zealand butter until the impost^ became prohibitive. At the same time the *Prime Minister of Canada was making pious declarations that he was anxious to arrive at a trade agreement with this country, but his . affirriiations obviously lacked . sincerity, and the very day the Prime Minister of New Zealand set foot in Canada he was affronted with yet another addition to the tariff against New Zealand butter. No attempt was made- by the Canadian Goverment to enter into negotions ; . in fact, our representative was treated with scant courtesy indeed. The retaliatory action taken by New Zealand was the direct outcome of Canada's attitude and- we think it the correct policy. Why should we accept goods from a Dominion who steadfastly refuses to take ours in return when we can obtain the same goods from the Mother Country and thus assist .to keep her industries in. action and provide her workers with the wherewithal to purchase our I produce. It is an old adage that, reciprdcity is the : soul of _ business. Canada, has not apparently any desire to reciprocate. Until she does, we are most certainly justified in refusing to "l buy her . goods, and any other attitnde' pn the part of the Go- ~ | verihent would be insuffer ably stupid.