QUOTAS OPPOSED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 184, 6 August 1934, Page 9

QUOTAS OPPOSED.

POLICY OF DESPAIR.

QUEENSLAND PREMIER'S VIEW

RETURNING FROM LONDON.

"I am definitely against quotas and restrictions, and any move to restrict a country's right to sell should bo strongly opposed. A policy of restrictions and quotas leads to despair," said the Hon. W. Forgan Smith, Premier of Queensland, who arrived-on the Aorangi this morning. He is returning home after spending eight weeks in England on a trade mission. Although looking after the interests, of his own State first, Mr. Smith, when 'in England, worked in conjunction with representatives of other States, the common object being to oppose the mooted import restrictions.

"Britain purchases more food and raw materials from foreign countries than she does from the whole of her Dominions," said Mr. Smith, "and while this continues she can have no case for putting restrictions upon our exports. Australia has always paid her debts in full, and if she is. to continue to do so, then we must continue selling our produce. If we don't, then we cannot go on paying in full.

"Of the dairy produce exported from Australia, Queensland contributes 33 per cent, and of the meat export trade 83 per cent. I was assured in London there would be no arbitrary restrictions imposed,

"The position of the meat market is a very complicated one. The principle of the Ottawa, agreement was that the Dominions should increase their exports, but now several markets have been practically closed to us, and we must look in tiie main to Britain to take our surplus." The subsidising of the English farmer, Mr. Smith admitted, would not bo to the benefit of the Dominions, and the problem to the fanners of the Dominions was becoming more serious. However, all (sections of the people in England showed a preference for Dominion goods over those from foreign countries, "Restrictions and quotas are wrong, both ethically and economically," Mr. Smith concluded.

MR. J. B. WRIGHT ARRIVES

Mr. J. B. Wright, of London, European manager for Amalgamated Dairies, Ltd., arrived by the Aorangi to-day. After a fortnight in Auckland he will go to Australia. He is accompanied by Mrs. Wright and two daughters. Mr. Wright refused to discuss the dairy' marketing position.