SHUTTING OUT N.Z. BUTTER

Shannon News, 10 January 1928, Page 4

SHUTTING OUT N.Z. BUTTER

COMMUNIS BY AUSTRALIAN PAPER.

The Melbourncr Argus comments as follows on the recent cable advice to the effect that representations have been made by Canadian dairying interests for a dumping duty on New Zealand butter:—"Although it was previously indicated that Canada would need to import butter heavily this season, the competition will affect the returns obtained by farmers and, whether the butter is required or not. importations are certain to cause resentment. In appealing to Parliament to impose a check upon the entry of butter into the Dominion, Canadian farmers are only following the example of Australia. With the expansion of the dairying industry- in New Zealand, Canada and the Commonwealth, the trend of export trade in butter, apart from Eastern demands, which are practically met by Victoria, lies in one direction, and that is the United Kingdom. "All the Dominions are advocating Empire trade, but when it means competition in their internal markets., efforts are immediately made to bring about legislation designed to restrict imports. As Australia has increased the duty on butter to Gd. a lb. under th e preferential rate, • New Zealand will be penalised when the increased import applies to its produce. Should any action of a similar nature be taken by Canada, New Zealand will thus be deprived of two useful outlets which are open to it at times. In such circumstances no exception could justifiably be taken if New Zealand adopted retaliatory measures, particularly against the Commonwealth. Unfortunately any step in this direction might inflict hardship on ""another section of Australian producers whose products at present, find their way to New Zealand markets.