OUTSPOKEN VIEWS OF N.Z. PRIME MINISTER.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 140, 15 June 1937, Page 7

OUTSPOKEN VIEWS OF N.Z. PRIME MINISTER.

U.S. TRADE PACT.

Oppose Any Move That May Injure Workers.

ADMIRES MR. ROOSEVELT. United Press Association.—Copyright. (Received 12 noon.) LONDON, June 14. Mr. M. J. Savage made an outspoken statement to the Australian Associated Press regarding the NewZealand Government's attitude towards a trade agreement between Britain and the United States of America. He declared he would not be a party to any negotiations likely to increase unemployment in New Zealand or adversely to affect the income of workers and producers. The discussion about altering the trend of world trade was futile and would not strike at the roots of the problem, the solution of which lay in increasing; trade by increasing wages, and therefore the purchasing power of the workers. This would have to be taken into considerat : on in any negotiations with America.

The Xew Zealand Government had remained loyal to the policy of Imperial preferences. If it had not much faith in achieving prosperity by means of juggling with tariffs it would, nevertheless, welcome an agreement between the Kmpire and America based on the ideals for which both America and New Zealand stood.

Mr. Savage added: "Fresident Roosevelt, like my Government, aims at raising wages and realises that the only advantage from increasing efficiency of machines lies in giving workers more leisure.

"He has already succeeded to a considerable extent and can be forgiven for his failures for the sake of his aims and what he has already accomplished. I personally admire President Roosevelt as much as I detest men who wait for something to turn up.

"There is the greatest sympathy in New Zealand for the American experiment for the sake of our common ideals on which it is based. If other countries followed similar objectives they would go far to solve the world's problems.

"Therein lies the solid foundation of any agreement between America and the Empire. Meanwhile, the Xew Zealand Government will wait until detailed proposals are submitted."