IN ONE BASKET

Auckland Star, Volume LXXV, Issue 153, 30 June 1944, Page 3

IN ONE BASKET

DOMINION'S EXPORTS

OPPORTUNITIES IN PACIFIC Under existing conditions all the Dominion's goods were in one basket so far as the export trade was concerned, said Sir Ernest Davis, chairman of the Northern Steamship Company, at the annual meeting of shareholders to-day. He did not doubt that Britain would continue to be New Zealand's first customer, but it was not in accordance with the Dominion's traditions of enterprise and self help that her people should look forever to one big market only. He felt that Great Britain herself would not have it so. Great Britain would rejoice with New Zealand in the development of a healthy Pacific trade. "It is obvious, however, that the full» potentialities of this trade will not be realised and brought to fruition without leadership and encouragement," continued „Sir Ernest. "Now, if ever, there is opportunity for the exercise of genuine statesmanship. Let this be a question above and beyond all party considerations. It is too big to become—or to be left—a political matter. At the same time, the State must come into this to straighten out the difficulties, and to assist generously those who are ready and willing to put their shoulders to the wheel. As things are to-day. our shipping will tend to a state of stalemate. So we see that this is a truly national matter. I repeat that we look to the State to act wisely and fairly, in giving practical encouragement to the industry, if our shipping is going to survive and progress. Let me say, however, in justice to the Government. that, outside the ruthless competition of the railways, the State has, in several ways, given us fair consideration and assistance. Auckland's Vital Interest "Auckland, it is true, is the centre most vitally concerned in the revival of Pacific trade, but the beneficial results of its re-establishment on sound lines would be felt from end to end of the country. Much is heard to-day of our duty to the thousands of men who have served New Zealand and the Empire so well. We are beginning to hear a deal concerning the necessity to populate or perish. Everywhere there is talk of this and that avenue of employment for those who may come to us as immigrants. Yet this all-impor-tant question of expanded trade in the Pacific, which would revivify almost every industry one could mention, is scarcely given consideration. "To-day, as I see it, the business community, and the great mass of the people, should interest themselves in this question. A great potential market awaits New Zealand in the Pacific. If our secondary industries are to prosper they must have a market outside the limits of this country. Here it is not for me to suggest details, but I believe the majoritv of our people would support the Government in the setting up of a Parliamentary Committee to examine potentialities of the shipping industry in the Pacific."