EXPORT OF PRODUCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 January 1922, Page 4

EXPORT OF PRODUCE.

ITS HANDLING IN BRITAIN. NEED FOR BETTER CONTROL. SIR THOMAS MACKENZIE’S VIEWS. The proposal to pool New Zealand for marketing purposes was discussed by Sir Thomas Mackenzie, formerly High Commissioner for New Zealand, in the course of an interview’ with a Daily News reporter last night. Sir Thomas w r as not prepared to offer a definite opinion on the merits of the scheme pending further details. “I think,” he said, “that Mr. Massey should have full opportunity for developing the scheme. He is still inviting producers to meet for the purpose oi securing their opinions.” Touching on the general question of marketing meat, he recalled that he had made four trips to the Old Country since he became a member of Parliament, and each trip had been more or less concerned with the marketing of New Zealand produce.' The first occasion was in 1899. “I 'thought I learned something of markets then, and gave the usual interview on my return,” said Sir Thomas, in referring to the first trip. “Later, however, I accepted an appointment to represent several large farmers’ co-operative concerns, where I had the actual handling of the meat on the market, and then I discovered that on my first trip I had learned nothing. I spent three years in the position, and on my return to New Zealand I submitted a plan which I thought would meet the situation. At that time there were great abuses in connection with claims for damaged meat and produce not up to quality. The system then existing gave rise to many, false claims. I ran that systeni to earth and discovered the effect that it had both on the trade and on the shipping. I then suggested the acquisition of a site in London and had one under option. I also had plans for the building and a proposal for developing a new market'. “That scheme required two factors; firstly that the New Zealand meat should be largely controlled through that organisation, and secondly a Government guarantee in respect to the cost of the site and building, so it would enable us to obtain the money at 3A per cent. I estimated half a million would be required. That plan fell through, having not been taken up at the time by those in authority, and conditions have very much altered since that time.”

Speaking of his term as High Commissioner. commencing in 1912, Sir Thomas said that the handling of produce was part of his work. He was again at home in April of 1921, and attended some important conferences in London. On his return to New Zealand he suggested the separation of the produce department from the High Commissioner’s Office, and that it should be placed under a man who was familiar with both ends and had practical experience in the handling of produce in the Old Country. He had also proposed that the means o’f handling the situation could be secured by using part of the High Commissioner’s Office at present devoted to trade and commerce, and that reports should be sent to n body to be comprised of representatives of pastoral, farming, and commercial interests, and on which a Minister should have a seat.

The reason for attaching the Government to that scheme was in order to have the influence of New Zealand behind any matter that it might be necessary to take up, and the idea of reporting to a committee in New Zealand was that the reports sent from time to time would be carefully considered and not pigeon-holed. “I was rather surprised that no effect was given to these suggestions,” said Sir Thomas. “Probably what Mr. Massey has in mind may in part embody those views, together with other views which he may have obtained from various sources. However, nothing short of representation by competent and experienced men will have the effect that is desired'by the producers of this country. Nearly all our present trouble arises out of control by incompetent officials on the other side.”