HOME AGAIN

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 383, 18 June 1928, Page 1

HOME AGAIN

Sir James Gunson has Studied Affairs Abroad N.Z. MARKETS IN ENGLAND Auckland, to Sir James Gunson, was practically a new city when he returned from abroad by the Niagara to-day. Since he left in January, 1927, he has not opened a New Zealand newspaper, though he has had quantities sent to him. “I wanted to do this to keep my mind clear. I purposely gave up my thought and actions in other countries to the study of business and public affairs,” said Sir James. “It has-been real rest and refreshment to me.” Sir James is looking remarkably well. He spent six months in Europe and a considerable time in England. He has been out of touch with Auckland affairs for so long that he did not wish to make any comment on public or political affairs. Sir James has returned with the most wonderful admiration for England and the English business man. “There is nothing more efficient in the world than the English business man,” he said to-day, with conviction. “Nothing can beat him, and he is a man of whom New Zealand can be proud. “I saw much of interest to New Zealand while I was in London,” continued Sir James. “I found the High Commisioner's office active. Sir James Parr is doing good work, not only in dispensing the usual courtesies, but in the development and cultivation of trade interests. “When I left he was particularly active with the apple campaign, which has brought the New Zealand product much more prominently before the English merchant?, and will provide a most useful outlet.” Sir James said that he spent a good deal of time • in Tooley Street, where he studied' the handling of New Zealand produce and the method of receipt. Speaking of the Dominion’s butter, lie said that it was being well looked after, and the position which New Zealand had lost recently to some degree on the London market had been recovered. There was no doubt that New Zealand could depend on the United Kingdom, despite the threatening competition, for a steady output for her produce. Sir James considers that a great "deal more might be done in the United Kingdom regarding advertising New Zealand, but he says that it should be done thoroughly and by people thoroughly conversant with the subject. “What we want,” he said, “is advertising which will assist New Zealand, and which will help in the acquisition of new markets, and which will extend our hold on the existing centres. New Zealand cannot live on her present output. She must hold her old markets and find new ones. “The Dominion advertising is not sufficient in the English provinces, but New Zealand has a wonderful name everywhere, and is regarded as a country whose administration and progress has been sound and progressive. We hold confidence where it is most necessary that it should be secured, and nothing must be done to shake it.” Regarding the Argentine, Sir James says that as far as the beef market is concerned, it is a serious factor and has come to stay on the London markets. The Argentine has a big advantage because of the short sea journey to England. As far as mutton is concerned New Zealand has a wonderful reputation which nothing can touch. The meat is well handled, and well cared for. Canterbury mutton, under which practically all the New Zealand product is classed, is very much in demand at Home. During his stay on the Continent Sir James made a careful study of business and public affairs. He noticed an enormous development and intensity. He does not consider that there is a great market on the Continent for New Zealand produce, because of the hold Denmark has on the markets there. However, New Zealand, with her wonderful climate, will always hold her own. Sir James will speak at several public funVions shortly and will retail many of his impressions from abroad. The information which he has gathered should be of great use to Auckland.